Here is Chapter Three of The Curse of the Frog. I hope you enjoy.
Author's Notes – Thanks to the people reviewing, you know who you are!
Standard Disclaimer – I don't own it, obviously only borrowing it!
The Curse of the Frog
Chapter Three – Clothes makeup and high heels, oh my!
Haruka angrily pushed clothes out of the way. What am I going to wear? I have no dresses. Damn that silver-haired monkey. She finally found a hanger with a dress protector hanging on it. What is this? Her eyes widened as she pulled the slipcover off revealing a little satin peach slip dress. What the…Michiru would never wear this?
She glanced idly at the tag. It is a size six and I know Michiru wears a four. Did she buy it for me? I wonder why? She spotted a shoe box below it in a size eight. Shoes too? What is she thinking?
Haruka pulled the dress out and leaned over and grabbed the box. She set the dress on the bed and gingerly lifted the lid of the shoe box. Inside nestled in tissue paper lie peach satin heels that exactly matched the dress. Her eyes widened in surprise. Hmm well he did say a dress and heels. She grinned tossing the shoebox on the bed and began pulling off all of the tags. Once that was done, she slid off her socks and shoes and stripped out of her jeans and t-shirt. She slid the dress over her head and tugged it down around her body.
The fit of the dress was amazing. How did she know? Suddenly an image of Michiru and her in bed the week before had her face flaming. Ah yes, there is that. She walked over to the mirror and did a double take. Wow the peach brings out my eyes and my skin looks like porcelain. She grinned, I must think of an interesting way to thank Michiru.
Haruka strolled back to the bed and grabbed the shoes slipping her feet into the heels. Strolling across the room she dared another look in the mirror. Damn I look good, this might just be interesting.
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Everyone had gathered around the table. Usagi sat next to Taiki with Yaten on his other side. Michiru sat at the head of the table with Setsuna between her and Usagi. A knock at the door signaled the girls' arrival. Setsuna slid her chair back and stood heading to the front door to let them in.
She came back into the room with four very curious girls following. When they spotted Usagi, Taiki and Yaten their eyes all widened. Setsuna pointed to the table and the four girls all sat across from Taiki Yaten and Usagi. They all glanced at Setsuna waiting for her to explain.
"We called you here because we have an interesting problem." Setsuna took a deep breath before going into detail. "It seems Seiya has somehow turned into a frog."
The four girls gasped in surprise at this unexpected news. Ami's head shot up and she spoke.
"Are you sure?" She glanced at Setsuna expectantly waiting for confirmation.
"Well as sure as we can be for the moment. That is why I called you here. I presume you brought your scanner." Setsuna sighed with relief when Ami nodded.
"But how would a person just turn into a frog? It really makes no sense." Rei glanced at Setsuna thoughtfully before lapsing into silence. Makoto and Minako both stayed silent pondering the news. The silence reigned supreme until a door in the hallway opened.
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Haruka walked into the dining area through the kitchen. When she entered the dining room everyone stared in shock. Nobody knew exactly what to say seeing the masculine Haruka dressed in a most becoming feminine fashion.
Michiru stood abruptly and grabbed Haruka's wrist. "If you guys don't mind I need to speak to Haruka alone…in the kitchen." She dragged Haruka into the kitchen and then turned towards her.
"What are you doing? You do know I bought that for Emiko's wedding?" Michiru looked perplexed by Haruka's odd behavior.
I'd love to tell you Koishii but I don't want you to be involved. I have to figure out how to save myself. "Eto…I…um…just wanted to look nice. Yeah you know I get tired of wearing slacks and shirts all the time."
Haruka prayed that Michiru believed her. "Besides aren't you always telling me to soften up?" Glancing at Michiru she could see her excuses weren't working. She changed tactics mid way hoping to confuse Michiru. "I see…I think I understand." She grinned wolfishly down at her aqua haired lover. "You are jealous because I look so good."
Michiru's face lightly colored. "Well there is that…" She let her words trail off not giving Haruka too much leeway. "But I still don't understand." She let a pout slip over her features.
Haruka never could stand to see that look on her face and caved immediately. "As soon as possible I will explain, but for now you are going to have to trust me." She leaned in close and gave Michiru a lingering kiss. Pulling back she stared into the eyes she loved, "trust me…it'll be all right."
Michiru distracted by Haruka's kiss could only nod in agreement. Haruka smiled and turned away strolling back to the party at the table. When Michiru finally realized what Haruka had done she growled in frustration before heading back to the group.
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Yaten sat smirking as Michiru dragged Haruka out of the room. That was fun, but not as fun as I thought it would be. She looked pretty good and didn't seem too embarrassed. I need to rethink my strategy. He glanced at all the surprised people and waited. Everyone watched the kitchen entrance waiting for the two girls to return.
Only a few moments of silence reigned and then Haruka came strolling into the dining room with a satisfied look. She walked to the other end of the table and sat at the end opposite Michiru, unfortunately this put her next to Yaten. She glanced his way to find him regarding her quizzically. She smiled and shrugged just enough to irritate him with out giving too much away.
Michiru walked back into the room her cheeks pink. She glanced at everyone and gracefully smiled. "Sorry for the interruption, please continue." She glanced at Setsuna waiting for the Plutonian Warrior to speak.
"Well now that everyone is here," Her tone was laced with amusement as she directed a glance at Michiru, before continuing. "The problem as I see it is we do not know what caused Seiya to change into a frog and we don't know what it will take to change him back into his human form." She glanced around the table at all of the familiar faces with a sense of camaraderie. "I think with all of us here, if this can be fixed we will manage it."
Setsuna could sense the worry rolling off of Usagi. Taiki and Yaten were also concerned just not at the level that Usagi seemed to be. "I think it's best if we all remain here for the time being. Does anyone have any idea how we can manage that?"
Minako smiled, "That's too easy we will all just call and say it's a slumber party at your place." She glanced at Michiru looking for agreement, "If that is all right?"
Michiru nodded smiling, "I think that is a great idea and if we need more time we can figure that out later on." She glanced at Haruka only to see a flash of irritation pass over her features. She briefly wondered at the look but decided for now it could wait. "You should all call now and get approval before we make any plans."
The five youngest girls all stood and made their way to the phone. Haruka leaned toward Yaten and spoke quietly. "I hope you got your kicks, just remember pound for pound I will pay you back. You can count on it." She grinned as Yaten eyed her warily.
After each of the younger girls had called and gotten the ok they wandered back into the dining room.
Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna were talking quietly while Taiki and Yaten sat silent.
"With that out of the way, I know that I probably won't be much help to solving your problem but I can keep everyone fed." Makoto smiled eagerly glancing towards the kitchen. They do have all the latest kitchen accessories. She nearly drooled, just thinking of all the things Michiru had invested in.
Usagi smiled, "Makoto-chan we know you just want to try out all of Michiru's gadgets."
Rei swatted Usagi on the head, "The utensils are not gadgets, Baka." She smiled as laughter broke out at their silly antics.
Setsuna cleared her throat and glanced at Ami. "If you are ready I would like for you to scan Seiya now." Ami nodded slipping the mini-computer from her purse. Setsuna stood from her seat and led the way towards the spare bedroom Ami in tow.
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Minako flopped down into her seat and smiled at Yaten. "Long time no see, trouble."
Yaten threw her an amused glance. "Who is trouble?"
"Don't play dumb with me I know how your scheming mind works. You are always up to something." She stuck out her tongue playfully. "Behind that quiet façade is an evil mind." She laughed when his eyes widened. "I never miss when it comes to reading people." She gave him an odd assessing glance that he didn't quite understand.
Haruka sat listening amazed at Minako's astute observation. Maybe I haven't given her enough credit as leader of the senshi?
Yaten watched Minako carefully. Why does she play at being a ditz? He looked at her in a new light and a small smile played at the corners of his mouth. "If I am trouble what does that make you?"
Minako gave him a thoughtful teasing glance, "Um cute?" She giggled and stuck her tongue out again. She smiled happily and turned away moving towards Usagi.
Haruka sat pondering what she had just seen and overheard. She is frightening really. She uses that act to fool people and boy does it work. Haruka smiled ruefully realizing how good Minako really had been. She glanced at Yaten to find him similarly lost in thought sitting idly staring after Minako. I bet he likes her, how can I use that as leverage?
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Rei watched everyone busy themselves with tasks. Ami had gone with Setsuna and
Taiki quickly followed. Michiru had led Makoto into the kitchen and was currently showing her the new investments. Rei glanced at Usagi who sat quietly beside her.
"Usagi-chan", she spoke quietly, "Try not to worry too much, it will be okay." Usagi glanced at her and nodded softly.
"I just…well…" She sighed unsure of what she was trying to say.
Rei mistook her words and tried to offer comfort. "I know you are missing Mamoru but he will come back at some point."
Usagi shook her head, "That is not what I meant. I think, well, I am just confused." Her eyes glanced towards the hallway leading towards the spare bedroom.
Rei's eyes widened in surprise as she contemplated what Usagi had just hinted at. "Don't stress over it, Usagi-chan, we are behind you no matter what." She smiled softly at her princess and tried to be reassuring.
Her eyes then moved down the table to see Minako talking to Yaten and Haruka just sitting quietly. She heard laughter and saw Minako heading towards Usagi.
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Yaten glanced over to see Haruka lost in thought. What can I do to torment her? He smiled just thinking about it. I really am evil, but if it helps….He shrugged absently as his mind wandered. I am not trying to hurt her, really, but hopefully she will soften up just a bit. He leaned towards her. "Haruka, you know you would look really good with some make-up on." He smirked as her eyes jumped to his.
What do I say, what do I do? If I stand up to him maybe he will give up? Be firm, I can do this. I have faced much worse than some silver haired twit. "Look buddy, I am wearing a dress and heels and that is as far as it goes." She glanced at him in triumph thinking she had a chance.
His smirk widened into a grin. "Okay I think I understand." He turned away.
She sighed in relief until his voice caught her attention.
"Hey guys, I have something…" He stopped when a hand grabbed his arm. He glanced at Haruka to see a panicked look on her features.
"Fine you…you silver haired twit…just don't tell everyone." Haruka pleaded as much as possible for the mighty Uranus.
"Now, now my dear watch your language, it is quite rude to call me names. I am after all the one who holds your darkest secret safe. You wouldn't want me to slip up and let it spill because my feelings are hurt." He gave her a mock hurt look to emphasize his point.
Haruka ground her teeth and tried to remain calm. "Fine, I am sorry I called you a twit." She spit the words out and glared at him.
"Now, about that makeup" He let his words trail off waiting for her to explode. He could feel the anger vibrating off of her. He was surprised when she nodded slightly.
"Whatever you wish, your highness…" She mumbled the words and shot him a repugnant look before standing and heading for the bathroom.
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Setsuna and Ami stood talking over the frog. Taiki leaned against the door silently watching the two women work. Seiya sat in the center of the room watching the girls with a pleading look. Ami glanced at Seiya again with a curious look.
"Well it is definitely Seiya but as for what caused it the computer isn't registering anything." She tapped her chin thoughtfully her mind racing. I don't know enough about Kinmoku and their biology. She glanced towards the door and her eyes widened with surprise before she smoothed out her features and smiled.
"Good you are already here, that saves me having to hunt you down." Her tone was light and playful and Taiki found himself smiling.
He straightened up and stepped forward. "Okay what do you need to know?"
Ami thought for a moment. "I need to know about your biology and what might cause your friend here to suddenly change." She glanced at Seiya idly waiting for Taiki to gather his thoughts.
"Hmm I studied biology on Kinmoku and I am not aware of anything that would just cause him to change. As a matter of fact, I honestly think if a Doctor didn't know any better we could probably pass as humans." He glanced at Setsuna to see if she was following along and then clarified what he was saying. "Our cell structure is almost identical to humans and our DNA strands are too for that matter." He glanced back at Ami to see if anything he said had been helpful.
She stared at him while her mind raced. There has to be something we are missing but what could it be?
Taiki broke into her thoughts. "We haven't missed anything that I am aware of." He gazed thoughtfully at his friend and pondered. "Is there anything that could change humans like that?"
Ami thought of all the biology classes she had sat through. She finally sighed and shook her head. "Not that I am aware of."
Seiya let out a raspy croak and they turned to look at him. He hopped up onto the bed and glanced at them. Taiki's eyes widened, "he is trying to tell us something." He stepped towards the bed. "What…?" He didn't know the question to ask the frog.
Ami glanced at the frog in disbelief. "You mean you can communicate with him?"
"Only yes or no questions," His head dropped. "I knew we were forgetting an important point." He glanced at the frog. "Seiya are we on the right track?" He watched as the frog let out two croaks. He glanced at Ami with a puzzled look. "That means no." He turned back to the frog. "Seiya are we missing something?" The frog let out a single croak.
Ami glanced at Setsuna for confirmation. The dark haired warrior merely nodded. The frog obviously understands but what are we missing? She eyed the frog thoughtfully and tried to puzzle it out.
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Michiru had just finished showing Makoto everything when she decided to check on Haruka. A glance in the dining room proved fruitless. She decided to check their bedroom. What is up with her today? She is acting really odd and I don't know what to make of it. She opened the door quietly and was surprised to see Haruka sitting in front of the vanity.
Cosmetics were splayed out all over the top and Haruka eyed them warily. Michiru smiled and strolled closer. Haruka had not noticed her presence yet in the mirror. She tiptoed right up behind Haruka and lovingly laid her hands on the blonde's shoulders.
"Is dress up really this much fun?" Michiru lightly teased the blonde. Startled teal eyes met her aqua eyes in the mirror. A slight blush stole over Haruka's face and her eyes jumped back to the cosmetics.
"I um just was…um curious." The blonde tried to lie but it came out sounding awkward.
"Would you like some help?" Michiru pulled up the other chair and sat beside the blonde.
Haruka glanced at her in surprise. She isn't questioning me? What do I do, play along? Not sure what to say, Haruka merely nodded.
Michiru turned Haruka's body towards her own away from the mirror.
Michiru picked up a sponge first and the bottle of foundation. She applied some to the sponge and slowly approached Haruka's face. Without a word, Michiru began silently applying the make up. She spread it evenly and used her other hand to angle Haruka's face to make sure. She then picked up the powder puff and powder and shook it. Michiru smiled as she began patting Haruka's face with the puff. When she covered every inch she grabbed the powder brush and began sweeping off the excess powder.
Haruka closed her eyes when Michiru began applying the powder and left them closed as she began to dust it off.
Glancing at all of the colors of the eye shadow, Michiru chose a soft brown and began sweeping it over Haruka's eye lids. Next she picked up an eyeliner pencil in a darker brown and carefully outlined both of Haruka's eyes.
Still no words were spoken, and Haruka wondered at it, but rather than break the soft silence she just watched her lover work. Michiru grabbed a soft rose color and applied blush to Haruka's cheeks, following the angle of her cheek bones. She then reached for the mascara and without a single mishap had Haruka's eye-lashes dark. Finally Michiru chose a coral pink lip gloss and applied it over her lover's lips. She leaned in close and kissed Haruka before turning her back toward the mirror.
Haruka stared in amazement. Wow there is something to this make up stuff? She smiled and watched as her beautiful reflection smiled back at her. "Wow…um amazing." Haruka didn't know exactly what to say she just sat staring in the mirror. Finally she found appropriate words. "Thanks, I think."
Michiru smiled at the blonde, "You look good." She stood slowly and waited for Haruka to follow suit. When Haruka finally stood she found herself engulfed in her lover's arms.
"I love you Koibito." Michiru whispered the words tickling Haruka's ear with her warm breath. A shiver found its way up her spine and she smiled wolfishly.
"I'll remember that…later." With a hot smile and a wink she turned and led the way out of their room.
Here is an end to Chapter 3, I hope you have enjoyed it.
