-Haruka-
'What is it with people always giving me the jobs which need bloody early-in-the-morning finishing?' she thought to herself as she crawled through the vents to the control room of the building in London at four o'clock in the morning, just as they had planned last week.
The flight to England was horribly boring and uneventful. Not even a cute stewardess was on board to kill time with and the food was worse than ever. At least the hotel she stayed in was decent with an acceptable variety of dishes on their menu, even for British standards.
Carefully she let herself down on steel cables onto the main server avoiding all the motion sensors of the place. Wondering what she might have later for breakfast, she attached her module to override the system to lead it into the illusion of total control and safety while she herself would be going to retrieve what she came for.
The patrol of the guards would not pass by for another 15 minutes, leaving her enough time to get herself to main office and to the safe.
With her torch between her teeth and hands equipped, she moved onto opening the safe. 'Smoked salmon on cream cheese or more a big fry up, for breakfast…?' the blonde thought to herself. 'For crying out loud ...Focus!' Haruka chided herself as her hands worked almost automatically.
It only took her 23 seconds to open the safe, while thinking if she should go to the gym before picking up the payment or rather have a little stroll in the streets of London instead.
Haruka took out the small black box which she came here for, tugged it carefully into her pocket and made sure not to leave any traces before heading back the way she came from.
After removing her module, she made her way out of there and headed back to the hotel. As she walked through the nearly empty streets of London, her phone vibrated in her pocket and she answered the call.
"Yep?" Haruka said curtly
"I take it you are already done." Taiki stated with his usual calm.
"Yep" Haruka confirmed.
"I will notify the client." Taiki continued.
"Yep" Haruka agreed.
"Everything went smoothly?" Taiki couldn't help himself but ask.
"Yep" Haruka chuckled.
A tense silence developed on the other side of the line.
"Are you actually listening Haruka or are you looking after some hot jogger right now?" the annoyance in Taiki's voice was unmissable.
"How could you accuse me of something so preposterous … or did Yaten-chan rat me out?" Haruka snickered as she winked at one of the many surveillance cameras in the area.
"No, he is still analysing the data you collected, but considering the time of day on your side, I would not be surprised if someone would be already jogging around." Taiki stated evenly.
"Oh yes, a very fine someone" Haruka added amused. "You'd like her, a slim red head with long legs, so long... they reach the ground." Haruka chuckled.
Taiki suppressed a sigh. "Ok, just get some rest, you sound overtired, and I will send you the delivery details as soon as I have them." Taiki tried to return to the sound of professionalism.
It was two p.m., after a long stunt in the gym and a well deserved fry up for breakfast, when Haruka sat peacefully in a small café in one of the small streets of London. The weather was fairly warm for a British spring and she enjoyed a good cup of tea while reading a tour-guide as the good and interested tourist, she was pretending to be. Suddenly a young woman with long blonde hair sat down opposite to her and she put away the tour guide.
"Long time no see Minako-chan," she greeted the newcomer with a bright smile while signalling to the waiter to come and to take her new companion's order.
After asking for a cappuccino, Minako smiled back saying: "You haven't changed much since the last time we met."
"It hasn't been that long that I had last the honour to see you in person and it is not really my fault that we don't see each other that much my kitten. If your boss would hire me more often, seeing me wouldn't be such a rarity." Haruka chuckled.
"Haruka, I hope you know that your fees are outrageously high." Minako responded defensively.
"But my work is also outrageously dependable isn't it?" Haruka smirked.
"It, sure, is." Minako agreed defeated.
Both of them went silent as the waiter came back with the cappuccino and Minako thanked him with a smile before he left again.
"So, what is the occasion that I get to meet the secretary of head of Security of the International Intelligence Agency in person? No other errand boy available, or couldn't you trust that Rei and I would get along just fine? Or…" Haruka leaned closer with a playful grin. "Did you really miss me that much?" Haruka picked up on the conversation again, allowing her sarcasm and playfulness a little leeway.
Minako leaned in just as playful and replied: "Kakashi-sama wanted to arrange a meeting with you, if possible, at the end of next week. He didn't give me specific details about what this meeting would be about; only that it is urgent." Minako winked.
"He knows that he can do such thing himself. He didn't need to send you for that, all the way to London nonetheless, to talk to me. He knows how and where to find me when I am available. This is not the only reason isn't it?" Haruka said while leaning back into her chair again and taking a sip of her tea.
"Haruka, you know how I feel about you. I really don't like you to be in the grey-zone like that. I know you don't want a boring desk job with paperwork or to have to report to anyone what you are up to, but I think this is simply too dangerous in the long run to be a freelance agent and to take so many odd jobs." Minako voiced her concern.
"You know I am really willing to help humanity, but especially those who pay me the right amount of money. I give my service to anyone who can afford it. Danger is here not of relevance unless it is a reason to raise fees. " Haruka said in a matter of fact tone that left no space for discussions.
"Is money really all that influences your decisions and actions?" Minako asked with a hint of plea in her voice.
"It is not all that can sway my decisions and actions, but it can greatly. Anyway, someone has to do the things you can't." Haruka answered with a finality in her tone, indicating Minako that, that topic was finished for her.
Minako sighed. "Well, you know where to find us when you change your mind."
"I do." Haruka replied solemnly.
They continued with pleasant small talk about the weather, food, recent movies they had or hadn't seen and Minako gave Haruka a new book, with the key to get her pay check and Haruka gave Minako her tour guide with the requested box embedded inside. After Haruka paid for the both of them, Minako took her hand into her own and asked concerned: "You'll be careful out there, right?"
"Of course, you won't get rid of me so easily." Haruka answered with a wink before each went their separate ways again.
-Michiru-
Meanwhile in the office of the International Intelligence Agency in the Japan division, the head of the Intelligence responsible for the happenings there and the Security Internationally, Takahashi, Kakashi, and one of their elite, Kaioh, Michiru, met.
"Michiru-san, as you might have heard, a couple of very important people are coming to visit soon. I have assigned you as the head of the security for this event since I know you will be able to handle this, but I would like you to take some assistance with it from someone from the outside with a high level of experience in a wider range of fields." Kakashi explained.
He handed over a couple of thick files with a very thin one on the very bottom.
"These are the people who will need the protection. To increase our efficiency, I would like you to analyse their friends and foes to make sure that you are prepared for the worst." He pointed out the files on the top.
Michiru flipped through the pages in the files, not saying anything because she knew that Kakashi would explain things in time for her to understand what was asked of her until she reached the last file, the thinnest of them all since it only contained one page.
Before she was able to open it Kakashi put a hand onto the file, stopping her from doing so and started to speak again. "This is the file of the person I want you to work with. I know it won't be easy, and I am really not questioning or want to insult your abilities in any kind of way by telling you to cooperate with an outsider. It is just very important that this goes with the least possible amount of problems." Kakashi emphasised the importance of her mission.
"I realize that Kakashi-sensei." With those words she opened the file only to be greeted by three lines of typed words neatly printed onto the page:
Name: Haruka Tenoh
Category: grey-zone
Specialties: Security, larceny, espionage, assassination.
Michiru raised one of her eyebrows. "Is that all you have as evidence for this person's degree of professionalism?" She asked sceptically
"As you can see yourself, Tenoh-san belongs to the 'grey-zone', more information about Tenoh-san has been either erased due to favours she did for us, or because it was impossible to find evidence. Tenoh-san's trade mark is to come and go as if she had never been there. The only assurance you can get is the level of customer satisfaction, and the word of mouth which goes around. Mine included." Kakashi explained evenly.
"So, this person is working neither for us nor the Yakuza or any of the other crooks exclusively. Is that the reason why Tenoh-san belongs to the grey-zone?" Michiru asked, still not fully convinced.
"There is more to that but I am not authorised to talk to you about it. I am sure you will figure it out yourself. I will arrange a meeting with Tenoh-san for as soon as possible so that you can make your own picture. Before that though, I've reviewed your vacation time taken in the past couple of years and you haven't had any significant vacation time since you have started here, therefore I am putting you on a kind of vacation for the next two weeks." Kakashi informed her matter-of-factly.
Michiru sat up straighter in her seat and was about to open her mouth in protest.
But Kakashi continued with an even tone. "I need you at peak performance levels, therefore you need to be well rested. I know you are a workaholic at heart and just letting your hair down is hard for you. So, I made arrangements for Mizuno-sensei, from the research labs to attend a conference in Paris, to which you will be accompanying her. She is a valued asset here just as much as you are and I know you get along with her well. While no intelligence has indicated any threats for her, I know you will rest better as her unofficial security detail than idling away on some island or beach with your mind just racing through all possible scenarios on how the world will meet its destruction." Kakashi explained.
"I understand." Michiru agreed.
"Good. Your flights are booked for the day after tomorrow. I have already informed Mizuno-san of her fortune and she should be eagerly awaiting your call to confirm with her the travel details. That is all." Kakashi dismissed her.
"Thank you, Kakashi-sensei." Michiru stood up and bowed to indicate her departure.
"Oh, and one more thing Michiru-san." Kakashi said while standing up to see her out. " Try to have some fun. I hear Paris is beautiful this time of the year."
"I will try my best." Michiru assured him with a small smile before she left his office.
-Haruka-
Haruka's luggage was packed and she was ready to go home. Just another four hours until her flight would leave London and bring her to her beloved warm bed. She carried her luggage down to the lobby and checked out.
The waiting taxi driver opened the door and she climbed in. A woman in her late-thirties was already sitting inside. Nonchalantly Haruka sat down next to her as she was greeted with a smile.
"Haruka-san, I have heard that you were in London, so I thought since you haven't paid our branch a visit that I would come to at least bring you to the airport." Kaori explained her presence.
"How very thoughtful of you, Kaori-san, may I ask what the reason for your kindness is?" Haruka enquired evenly.
Kaori handed her a small file.
"The usual. Just a quick job, since it is on your way. This is Mr. Miller. Currently he is in possession of some data we would like to have." Kaori said while pointing out the picture within the file.
"I see. It is not really on my way, but we can arrange that for the right price. Mr. Miller was not agreeing to share information with you for some profit and so you called me." Haruka responded unphased.
"Indeed, he wasn't" Kaori confirmed.
Haruka read the file with the profile of Mr. Miller and details about the data which needed to be extracted or at least copied from him.
"I see. So, tell me how much is it worth to you?" Haruka asked.
"Two million Euros worth in any currency you prefer. But besides that, why don't you join us? With us you wouldn't have to rely on all the work which comes from time to time." Kaori informed her.
"But I am happy like this and make that five million not including expenses as usual, since this came on such a short notice, plus you realise that you make so much more money out of this than I do?" Haruka said evenly.
"Sharp as usual, I haven't expected any less from you, Haruka-san. You know you could have much more than that, ten times more if not so much that you couldn't spend it in your whole life time, if you would just join us." Kaori tried to bait her.
"Yeah, but like it this way, because this way I do have actually some life time to spend the money I earn." Haruka ignored her offer.
They had nearly arrived at the airport.
"So, it is five million or not, Kaori-san?" Haruka asked the other passenger again.
"Ok, five million it is." Kaori agreed.
"You agreed so quickly Kaori, could it be that I could have gotten a little more?" Haruka tested the waters.
"Don't overdo it Tenoh-san, you know it is only a small job and you know that as long you are not with us you shouldn't be taking too much freedom for yourself." Kaori replied slightly irritated.
"Tsk, tsk Kaori-san if I wouldn't know better, I would think you are threatening me. Because if that were the case, it could happen that I would get irritated and we wouldn't want someone not waking up the next morning because of unfortunate circumstances, plus whatever people pass to me is definitely not small." Haruka said firmly.
Kaori sighed. "Fine, Tomoe-sama said that the maximum was seven million."
"I see, well tell him he can make six million ready and maybe some more because of unexpected expenses and we will discuss this matter then back at the usual spot. Oh, and before I forget, could I please have the deposit for this job now?" Haruka grinned flagrantly.
Kaori handed her, her phone and she entered an account number. Moments later her own indicated that the funds had been transferred.
"I see Tomoe-san then when I get back to Japan" were Haruka's last words before she climbed out of the taxi with her luggage.
In the airport, her phone rang.
"We just received three Million Euros, I take it you are taking a detour?" Taiki said dryly.
Haruka grinned: "Yes and while I have you here, would you mind booking me a flight to Paris and make hotel reservations? I'll forward you the detail as soon as I checked in on the flight. Tomoe-san is paying." She explained nonchalant.
"Can you please at least pretend to run jobs by me first before taking them so I can account for them?" Taiki sighed.
"I am right now, am I not?" Haruka chuckled.
"Right….So, what else do you need?" Taiki asked.
"Tell Yaten to prepare me a tech kit level two and Seiya should organise me an equipment kit level three and tell him no more of those cheap blades. The last knife broke mid combat." Haruka instructed him.
"So that is what it was that Red Dragon was complaining about….. Ok, anything else?" Taiki mumbled as he took notes.
"That would be it. Do you guys want anything from Paris?" Haruka asked cheerfully.
"No. Just you back in one piece and causing no troubles that I would have to clean up after you." Taiki said sternly.
"Relax Taiki. It's just a copy and paste job. What could possibly go wrong?" Haruka chuckled.
"Everything. Without thorough planning, everything." Taiki sighed.
"Relax, I already have something in mind." Haruka said assuringly.
"I can't read your mind though, Haruka." Taiki complained.
"Oh, that wouldn't suit you anyway Taiki." Haruka snickered. "I do have the number of a red head here in London though, whose mind you might like to read."
-Michiru-
Michiru and Ami had finally boarded their plane in Narita and were sitting comfortably tugged in in business class. Michiru watched her obviously nervous companion fidgeting in her seat.
"Ami-chan, you will be alright." Michiru said reassuringly while taking hold of the younger woman's hand.
"But Michiru, it is such an honour to talk in front of this collective of brilliant minds from all over the world. What if I disappoint them with my findings?" Ami asked with watering eyes.
"That is impossible Ami. You are one of the most brilliant minds I have ever encountered and you will do just brilliantly there. It is nothing life threatening to be talking to your peers." Michiru said calmly.
"You are right; I shouldn't be so nervous. Unlike your work, my work is rather tame. Have I told you how I am glad you weren't involved in the Red Dragon incident?" said Amy, holding Michiru's hand with both of hers.
"Red Dragon incident?" Michiru asked surprised.
"Yes, the day you returned from Kyoto there was a bunch of the Red Dragon men having an altercation at the main station. I remember hoping your train would have a delay. But since you don't know about it, seems that it was over before you came." Ami explained.
"So it seems, but what exactly happened?" Michiru asked her friend curiously.
"Oh, nothing has been confirmed, but from what I heard from Makoto-san is that, the Tigers were moving the daughter of the head of the house as a precaution and some red dragon men were out to capture her." Ami told her.
"Is there another power struggle going on?" Michiru continued to ask.
"It seems so, but I heard it has been handled." Ami said thoughtfully.
"I see." Michiru frowned
"You really didn't see anything that evening?" Amy asked cautiously.
"No, nothing at all." Michiru confirmed.
"I tried to call you that very night, but you didn't respond on your mobile phone nor on your home phone. When I saw you coming in the next morning, unharmed, I was just glad that you were alright. Did you take the morning train instead?" Ami asked her.
"No, I stayed the night over at the Peninsula." Michiru replied.
"Oh, that is a really nice hotel. You must have been exhausted that day then, if you couldn't even make it home." Ami nodded understandingly.
"You could say that." Michiru chuckled.
Just in that moment the stewardess came by to give them the hot towels and Michiru took that opportunity to think back as she cleaned her hands.
"Michiru, are you ok?" Ami asked concerned.
"Of course, I am. I am probably just a bit tired from packing so late last night." Michiru deflected with a smile. "I hope you packed good walking shoes, because there are so many museums that I want to take you to."
"Oh yes, I read all about them." And so, Ami kept going on and on about all she had read and looked forward to, while Michiru tried to hide her concerns with a smile and actively listening to her friend's excitement.
-Haruka-
"Oh Paris, the city of love," Haruka mumbled to herself, sarcasm ever present, as she stepped onto the balcony of her hotel room. This place was anything but romantic. People were buzzing around busily to get from one end to the other and cars were driving all over the place. The air was far from clean and every even remotely romantic spot was teeming with more or less successful couples proposing to each other and overly curious tourists. It was one big chaos and worst of all, this was worlds away from her comfortable bed at home.
Luckily, she was here only for a short stay, she thought to herself as she walked back inside.
There was a knock at her door, and she went to open it. The porter came in with two big boxes that had been sent to her and she thanked him for his services with a generous tip.
Opening them and spreading its contents on the luxurious king size bed she inspected every single item, with particular care with the body armour.
Knives, check.
Guns, check.
Ammunition, check.
Transfer modules, check.
Earbuds communicators, check.
Body armour: Double reinforced and triple strength, yet ultrathin for easy wear. A shirt, an additional vest and pants with reinforced shins and thighs, check.
A note stuck to the pants: 'tougher than any chastity belt. Seiya. :b'
'Tch, that moron…' Before Haruka could continue her inner monologue though, her phone rang.
Haruka picked up and asked: "Taiki, has Yaten already gotten into the surveillance system?"
"Of course. He has even already located Miller and changed his reservations." Taiki informed the blonde.
"Great." Haruka said approvingly.
"Is everything to your satisfaction?" Taiki asked with a slight hint of nervousness in his voice.
"Yes. Why shouldn't it be? Is there something I should know about?" Haruka asked him calmly in return.
"Seiya was just giggling suspiciously to himself as he sent off the packages and I hadn't had time to double check his handy work." The brunette explained his demeanour.
Haruka, picked up the note off the pants and crumpled it in her hand.
"Oh, that simpleton and his simple pleasures. Don't worry Taiki, it was nothing that I couldn't handle. Work time is work time and play time is play time. There won't be any mixing that here." Haruka assured him.
"Just wanted to make sure…." Taiki said absent minded.
"You worry too much." Haruka interrupted him. "It's past midnight in Tokyo, get some sleep. Just connect me to Yaten so that I can go over the details with him and he can tell you all about it in the morning before he goes to bed." Haruka instructed him.
"Ok. Don't forget to get adequate rest yourself." Taiki reminded her.
"Yes, mum. Now forward the call and go to bed." Haruka smirked.
"Ok." Taiki agreed and forwarded the call.
A couple of moments later Yaten was on the line.
"How is the weather over there Haruka-nee?" The smaller man asked her cheerfully.
"It is just as fine as you have seen yourself, Yaten-chan, on the surveillance cameras. Want something from Paris?" Haruka asked him in return.
"Taiki-nii will tell me off if I ask." Yaten admitted timidly.
"How about we just don't tell him about it?" Haruka suggested with her usual mischievous tone.
Suddenly the voice of an irritated Taiki echoed in the background "Don't hold Haruka up with useless errands!" Taiki warned the silver haired man.
Haruka burst out in laughter: "Just text me what you want. What he doesn't know he can't get mad about."
"Ok." Yaten just sighed on the other end of the line.
"So back to business before Taiki pops that pulsing vein in his forehead. Where is Miller and what do you think Tomoe really wants?" Haruka asked.
"Hard to tell without knowing all the data. Miller is not your run of the mill chemist." Yaten explained.
"Hmm, I want you to take all that is on his machine then." Haruka instructed him.
"All of it? That will take time if you want me to do it without him knowing that his security got breached." Yaten cautioned her.
"Well, most good things take time. Question is just, can you do it Yaten-chan." Haruka asked him sincerely.
"Of course, Haruka-nee." Yaten assured her.
"Great. Have you had a look at my mission plan?" Haruka asked.
"Yes. It looks good. With that I would say I need three days, four at most and we should be done." Yaten shared his assessment with the blonde.
"Good I plan for five days then, better safe than sorry. I prep his room as soon as he has arrived." Haruka informed him in return.
-Michiru-
Michiru made sure Ami was fast asleep next to herself before she sat up straight in her seat. She looked pass the smaller girl out of the window and watched the dark skies as her thoughts drifted to the happenings on the night she returned to Tokyo.
'Alex' drove her that one kilometre to the Peninsula hotel in a smooth manner and checked them in with suspicious ease.
"Do you take many girls here Alex-san?" She had asked the blonde suspiciously.
Alex laughed good-humouredly "Oh, you misunderstand Michelle-san, I just occasionally drop off and pick up clients here, so the concierge knows me." Alex explained with ease.
They rode the elevator in a comfortable silence and understanding between them, but Michiru noticed that Alex had made no move in which she needed to take her right hand out of the pocket of her pants since they had left the car. As soon as they stood in the well-lit hallway in front of the hotel room, Michiru noticed a damp and torn patch on the right sleeve of her companion's dark blue jacket.
"Alex-san, you are injured." Michiru stated, concern clearly notable in her voice.
"Hmm? Oh that? It's probably just a scratch from those drunks earlier" Alex smiled.
Michiru remembered how calm and collected Alex was as she said that and opened the door for the both of them.
"Here we are. I hope the room is to your liking. I wish the lady a pleasant stay." Alex said while standing in the hallway and about to turn around to leave.
"And where do you think you are going?" Michiru asked the blonde while standing next to her.
"Home?" Alex suggested surprised.
"With this arm?" Michiru grabbed for Alex's right arm so sudden that she couldn't hide a wince.
Alex's hand was blood stained and more seemed to be flowing down from the wound on the upper arm.
"It's barely a scratch." Alex said casually.
But Michiru didn't let go and had a closer look. "It doesn't look like a deep wound. But let me at least have a closer look at your wound and decide if you can even drive with that."
"So, Michelle-san, are you a doctor?" Alex asked playfully as she stepped into the room.
"Why didn't you go straight to the hospital with this?" Michiru asked back in a serious tone.
"And leave a beautiful young lady alone on the streets of Tokyo with no means to get home? Tokyo is safe, but beautiful ladies like yourself need to be careful nonetheless. You never know when you might bump into a shady character wanting to take advantage of you." Alex smiled wide.
"Doesn't that apply to you as well?" Michiru replied with a sceptically raised eyebrow.
"As you can see, I speak of experience." Alex grinned unapologetically.
"Get undressed and sit down on couch so that I can have a better look at it." Michiru instructed her blonde companion.
"Oooh, I always enjoy playing doctor and patient." Alex said with her usual teasing demeanour.
She walked over to the couch and took off her jacket followed by her graphite tie and black shirt. Now that she wasn't wearing anything but a white undershirt over her sports bra, Michiru couldn't help but let her eyes wander. She remembered those toned arms, that strong neck and back. Admittedly she had been thinking back at Alex's slender figure at more occasions than just now. Besides some budding bruises, she didn't remember any tattoos or other markings on that smooth looking skin. Alex's figure was burned into her mind and she remembered every inch of the other's body that was exposed with every layer that was removed. It was impossible that Alex was a member of the Red Dragon gang. It just was impossible. She must have been the one transporting the Tiger girl, but Alex didn't have any marking of the Tiger's either.
Michiru tried to remember if the other said anything that she might have missed that gave it away that she might be part of any gang in the area.
Indeed, the wound wasn't really deep, so after Michiru had taken out the first aid kit from her luggage, and was cleaning Alex's wound, Alex asked: "So Michelle-sensei, is that your idea of a good night? Picking up random delinquents and taking them to a hotel to dress their wounds?" the teasing tone never leaving her voice.
Michiru couldn't suppress a snicker: "Only when the delinquents foot the bill of a five-star hotel room, like you are"
"Aren't you selling yourself a bit short here? Shouldn't this be worth a lot more?" Alex teased.
"Well you still owe me a breakfast Alex-san, now hold still or the bandage will not be tight enough." Michiru noted.
"Understood." Alex responded with played obedience.
"Good girl." Michiru chuckled.
"And here I thought you preferred the bad ones" Alex smirked.
"Depends on the position they are in. Ok, all done now, finish that glass of water while I go and wash my hands." With that Michiru went to bathroom.
When she got back Alex was fast asleep with a half drunken glass of water still in her hand. Her whole body was slumped relaxed on the couch and Michiru had to muster all self-control not to run her hand through those inviting blonde strands.
After taking that glass of water out of her hands and putting Alex into more comfortable position with the spare pillows and blanket from the cupboard, Michiru went to bed herself and had an incredibly deep sleep.
The next morning Alex was gone. There was just the room service breakfast set with two eggs sunny side up and a note 'Thanks for last night, we should do it again ;)' with a phone number on the back of it.
Michiru pulled the note out from her inner jacket pocket and looked at it thoughtfully in the dim light of the plane.
-Haruka-
Haruka was laying on the couch in her hotel room and looked up at the ceiling, her head just resting on her left arm, her right stretched out towards the ceiling.
The pain was nearly gone, besides a small ache once in a while her arm was as good as new.
'Michelle' hadn't called her since that night in the Peninsula and as much as Haruka wanted to put it aside the memory of the beautiful siren and their uneventful encounter, it left a deep impression on her mind.
The way she carried herself, that intrinsic elegance combined with that seductive sway of her hips with every step she took, her melodic voice, her sweet fragrance and most of all those mesmerising blue eyes. Those deep blue eyes that catch your heart and grip your soul.
Haruka cringed at the memory of passing out on the couch that night after the adrenalin high from the fight with the Red Dragon rogues wore off.
Why couldn't she just have stayed up that bit more and listened to her siren that bit longer?
A sigh escaped her as she thought back when she saw that beautiful creature standing behind her after she had tossed the last of those idiots into the last taxi available that night. As tired as her body was and as much as it ached all over with exhaustion, it was all forgotten the moment she laid her eyes on her, the ultimate definition of beauty, grace and elegance.
She remembered, after she had woken up on the couch in the Peninsula, slightly disoriented but tugged in comfortably with a blanket and a pillow, seeing Michelle sleeping tight on the bed opposite of her. Her sleeping face had nothing of that ice cold demeanour that she had when she insinuated Haruka to be a cheating bastard. On the contrary, her relaxed face looked even more beautiful than it did the night before.
Serene, innocent and yet so irresistible.
Haruka had to cling onto her last vestiges of willpower not to climb into that comfortable looking bed with the sleeping beauty.
No, she did the right thing to follow her unwritten rules, Haruka told herself. She had left the room as quiet and clean as possible, though secretly regretting not having checked for the beauty's real name before leaving.
But rules are rules. The name that was given was the name that would be taken.
The siren didn't look like someone to trifle with and finding out her real name might have crossed a line that would break the spell they enjoyed that night.
She wondered if Michelle was sleeping right now, or maybe…
"Boss?" Seiya's voice in her left ear broke her train of thoughts.
"Yes, I can hear you loud and clear. Are Yaten and you ready?" Haruka responded.
"Yep" both guys answered in unison.
"Miller has finished his bug sweep and is leaving right now." Yaten informed her.
"Ok let's get this over and done with." Haruka sighed.
She got up and left the room.
-Taiki-
Taiki was sitting patiently in a private tea house in Tokyo, watching how the light shone through the leaves of the trees illuminating the small inner garden. It was still early in the day and the noises of the city had not reached this small oasis of tranquillity yet.
Quiet yet quick steps grew louder outside and the sliding doors opened.
"Kou-sama, Himura-sama will be joining you shortly. Please enjoy this tea in the meantime." A servant of the house informed him as she served him tea. A timid and shy looking girl, but Taiki knew better than to underestimate the employees of this establishment. He acknowledged the information given with a nod and watched her pouring him his tea.
"Thank you. Sasaki-san" Taiki said respectfully.
The girl bowed one more time before she left him to his thoughts again.
Taiki was about to lift the cup to his lips when the door opened again.
An older man with hair well greyed over the years entered the room, greeting Taiki: "Good morning, Taiki-san"
Taiki put his cup back down and returned the courtesy: "Good morning Kinryou-san."
The older man sat down opposite to him and Sasaki came back in to serve him tea as well. Kinryou Himura was a strict looking man, with deep frown embedded permanently on his forehead by his deep wrinkles there. He had a no nonsense air about him, that few men would dare to displease him.
After Sasaki left, Taiki started to speak again.
"Haruka-sama sends her apologies for her absence." Taiki informed his opposite evenly.
"Oh, it is me who needs to apologise for the unfortunate incident my men have caused you." Kinryou responded with a light bow. "My son hasn't managed to get a tight reign on the men yet." Kinryou explained.
"Retirement must cause you a headache." Taiki said empathetically.
"Indeed, but my son has to learn that he cannot rely on the fear that my name echoes in the men who are working for him." Kinryou responded thoughtfully before he lifted his cup to his lips to take a slow sip from the freshly brewed green tea in his cup.
Taiki looked into his own cup in his hands, with its vibrant green resonating with the green of the garden. 'Such a tranquillity amidst this storm' he thought to himself before he drank from it.
"Not everyone has such a natural ability to command loyalty from their subordinates like Haruka-san does." The old man said with a slight tone of resignation in his voice.
"Great loyalty demands great loyalty in return." Taiki responded in a serious manner.
"Indeed... The men will not be troubling you again. The responsible parties have been taken care of. Please accept this as my token of sincerity." Kinryou said humbly as he passed Taiki a small black box.
Taiki bowed as sign of gratitude before accepting it.
They finished their tea in silence. Then Taiki excused himself and left before Kinryou.
Outside of the tea house, Seiya was already waiting for him in the car.
"What took you so long?" Seiya complained.
"We were having a conversation over tea and not having a chat over burgers and fries, Seiya." Taiki tried to explain himself.
"Whatever… Did you get what we came here for?" Seiya asked him impatiently.
Taiki pulled out the small black box. Inside, were a couple of diamonds, and a newspaper article from a local newspaper from a town outside of Tokyo. It read 'Accidental fire in a storage hall, 6 deaths 8 critically injured'
"If they were going to do that… I don't know why Haruka bothered to just knock them out instead of making it a quick judgement call." Seiya wondered aloud.
"It wasn't for us to judge them." Taiki responded with a solemn tone.
"How many were actually following you to the airport that night" Taiki asked.
"Don't know. Easily more than eighty guys. I had over a dozen cars chasing me along with a couple of guys on motorbikes. It's not like I could have just stopped and ask them." Seiya responded defensively.
"Sacrifice the few to teach the many... Just be glad we aren't caught up in that anymore Seyia" Taiki said, while looking thoughtful out of the window.
-Michiru-
As soon as Michiru and Ami had landed in Paris, the day before, they had immediately embarked on exploring the immediate vicinity of the hotel and today they had a completely planned out schedule with all the worthwhile sightseeing spots.
Michiru and Ami had finally returned to the hotel after a long day of exploration, museum tours and a delicious dinner. It had long gone dark outside and Ami seemed to have reached her limit in matters of her stamina. Michiru was glad that her friend enjoyed herself in the outside world. Ami was usually so caught up in books and her research that Michiru had to wonder if she even remembered what reality looked and felt like.
Reaching their room Ami turned around facing Michiru.
"Thank you Michiru for taking me out with you the past two days." Ami smiled happily.
"What are you talking about? I should be thanking you, that you took me along with you to Paris." Michiru replied cheerfully.
"Michiru, you and I know you're here to protect me. But you don't have to worry about me and should relax more. I will be in a quite safe place when the conference starts tomorrow. Setsuna-san is holding it after all and I know that Makoto-san is here now, training under her." Ami told her happily.
"Are you sure Ami?" Michiru asked concerned.
"Yes, just go out and have some fun, or even just sleep in for a change Michiru. You have been working really hard, ever since I know you, you haven't given yourself any slack." Ami reminded her.
"Ok, ok, you have convinced me. You just want to flirt freely with Makoto-san don't you?" Michiru teased her companion.
Ami blushed deeply. "It's nothing like that Michiru. She is just really helpful and she offered to escort me there since she has to be there anyway. It is just since Rei, you and I came over from the Nagoya branch, that she has been helping me out a lot with passing all the physical training exams…." Ami tried to explain herself.
"It's ok Ami. As long as you are safe and happy, that is all that matters." Michiru said reassuringly. "Why don't you go and use the bathroom first. Your day starts apparently a lot earlier than mine tomorrow. We wouldn't want Makoto-san to think that you are too tired to attend the conference tomorrow." Michiru chuckled.
"Yes, of course." Ami said cheerfully before disappearing in the bathroom.
'Ah young love' Michiru thought to herself. 'It must be nice to be young and fall in love so easily'.
She stepped outside her balcony and looked out onto the well-lit streets. Cars were still busy rushing around and the occasional angry horn was blared at the many dangerous driving manoeuvres that the Parisians tended to make. She wondered what Alex was up to right now and scolded herself in the same moment to even think of the other person. This was no time to think of anything. She was on vacation. She was supposed to have fun and relax.
Suddenly the corner of her eye spotted a familiar silhouette with blonde hair crossing the streets and walking towards the hotel. Michiru shook her head and rubbed her eyes. 'That can't be…' she thought to herself but just as she wanted to have a closer look, the person had vanished. 'My mind must be playing tricks on me' she thought to herself. Sleeping in was a good idea, the chronic lack of sleep must have finally led her to see things that weren't there.
-Haruka-
It was around nine in the morning as Haruka exited Miller's room through the balcony, climbed onto the balustrade and secured herself with the safety line that hung down from her own room's balcony. With a solid jump she reached the rails of her own balcony and pulled herself up with ease.
It never stopped to amaze her that such actions in broad daylight were less likely to be detected by her surrounding than doing this later during the night. Most likely because all people were busy at this time, trying or failing at not running late for work, school or other engagements and no one had time to look up at buildings.
Brushing herself off and stowing her gear back into the flowerpot. She stood up straight and stretched herself one more time. Just one more time tomorrow morning and she would be done and ready to go home.
Just in that moment, the balcony door of the room adjacent to hers opened and her siren stepped out. Wearing nothing but a robe, her hair done up in a towel turban and water glistening off her creamy skin.
If there was ever a moment where Haruka was jealous of a drop of water, then this was it, she thought to herself as she watched that drop travelling down that smooth looking neck. For a moment she was caught dumbstruck. As if her neighbour noticed that she was being watched, the beauty turned to face her.
"Michelle?" Haruka asked astonished.
"Alex?" She looked surprised.
As soon as Haruka heard her melodic voice she pulled herself together. "Fancy meeting you here, ojou-sama. How are you this lovely morning?" Haruka greeted her acquaintance with a playful bow and trademark smirk.
"Well if this isn't my favourite delinquent. I am fine, and how are you?" She answered, a light laughter lacing her words.
"I am better, now that I see you." Haruka grinned.
"How is your arm?" the beauty enquired.
Haruka pretended to flex her biceps. "Less sore than when I last saw you." She answered with a wink. "Have you had breakfast yet?" Haruka asked her companion.
"Not yet. Are you asking me out?" Michelle asked with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Well I know this little café down the road. It doesn't have great eggs, but their croissants are one of the best in town and their selection of cheese is impressive, unless, of course, you have something else planned for today." Haruka suggested.
"You are of luck. I happen to be free today. Give me half an hour to get ready?" Michelle informed her.
"Sounds like a plan." Haruka grinned.
"I see you then rascal." Michelle said with a wink before heading back inside.
"Ojou-sama" Haruka smirked and playfully bowed.
As she watched her companion disappearing back in the room next door, her phone rang.
"Is everything ok over there?" Taiki's voice broke Haruka's daydreams.
"Yep. Everything is better than ok. I load up the data now." Haruka informed him as she went back into her room.
-Taiki-
Taiki was analysing the data that Yaten had downloaded from Haruka so far. It was one huge collection of chemical formulations and compounds. None of the combination making any particular sense. His head ached and his eyes were tired.
"You need a rest." Yaten told him while standing in the door frame to his office.
"There is no point in trying to decipher this mess until I have found the key for this." The silver haired man continued calmly while sipping his coffee.
"You are right." Taiki sounded defeated as he leaned back on his chair and took off his glasses to rub his sore eyes. Yaten stepped into his office and opened the black box Taiki picked up earlier. Upon seeing the diamonds, he let out a sharp whistle, picked one of them up and looked at it closer. "This must have cost an arm and two legs, judging from the clarity and impressive hue." Yaten noted with the diamond between his fingers.
"More like six lives and several limbs" Taiki muttered.
"No point in feeling guilty Taiki. Haruka will do that plenty later when she gets back and catches wind of this and then we have to be her voice of reason. There is nothing more we could have done. Two decoys, fourteen possible routes and four exits." Yaten recalled evenly. "You can't fix stupid"
Taiki nodded silently in agreement.
Yaten put the stone back into the box and continued: "At least they stopped giving us chopped off fingers."
"Right now, I would have preferred those." Taiki sighed.
Yaten looked at him sternly: "What would Haruka tell you now?"
"Chopped off fingers don't pay the bills." Taiki said with a sigh.
"Correct" with that Yaten left the office with his coffee and Taiki alone to his thoughts.
-Michiru-
Michiru just got back to the hotel from her day with Alex, more intrigued and with more questions than she started out with.
She was very surprised to have seen Alex this morning stretching on the balcony right next hers. So her eyes didn't deceive her yesterday after all.
'This is going to be interesting' she had thought to herself as she got ready to spend breakfast and possibly the rest of the day with this enigma that called herself Alex.
She had thought that she needed to find out what happened that night at the station and at the same time needed to make sure that her curiosity didn't get the best of her and would break this spell between 'Alex' and 'Michelle'. But now she was even more curious who this 'Alex' really was.
As Michiru changed and proceeded to remove her makeup, she thought back to the happenings of the day.
As soon as she had opened her door her companion had greeted her with that roguish trademark smile of hers while offering her the left arm and she took it willingly, letting herself being led through the streets of Paris at a leisurely pace by the enigmatic blonde. Before she knew it, they progressed from breakfast at the little café down the street to comfortable walk through Paris, stopping in a small bistro for lunch and ending up for dinner in a small restaurant with live jazz music.
On the way they talked about everything and nothing at the same time. She found out that Alex enjoyed salads and yet had quite the sweet tooth at the same time. Alex's work had flexible hours and that she was here for work. Apparently, Alex had "just barely" arrived in Paris before seeing Michiru and that she had been in Paris several times before. Michiru had to admit to herself she had really enjoyed her day with 'Alex' and that she was secretly hoping for the 'work matter' to take as long as she was staying in Paris herself. Of course, just for research purposes only.
Before Alex dropped her off at her room again, they arranged to meet up for brunch the following day again.
Michiru would never admit out loud but she was looking forward to meet Alex again and was wondering what she had planned for the two of them tomorrow.
She heard the door unlock and Ami returning from the conference.
"Well, aehm, you have a good night then Ami." Michiru heard a female voice mumble a little awkwardly. Probably Makoto.
"Aehm, yes you, too." The timid voice of Ami replied just as shy. An awkward silenced grew between them before Ami continued. "Will you pick me up tomorrow again?"
"Of course, I will. Would you like me to accompany you to the breakfast?" Makoto asked a bit hastily.
Michiru could just imagine it too well how Ami was going through all the shades of pink a human face was capable of and her voice leaving her. Feeling sorry for the two kids standing in the ever growing awkward silence, she stepped out of the bathroom and answered for Ami with a smile: "She would love that Makoto".
"Mi-Michiru…?" Ami said surprised as she turned around to face her.
"Am I wrong Ami?" Michiru asked innocently.
"No, no, of course not. I would love for you to pick me up for breakfast Makoto." Ami answered quickly not daring to look Makoto into the face.
"Well then, I pick you up at eight?" Makoto asked cheerfully.
"Eight sounds perfect." Ami answered finally able to look up.
"Aehm, would you like to join us, too, Michiru-senpai?" Makoto asked, suddenly realising how rude it must look to leave Michiru out of the conversation.
"Thank you Makoto-chan, but I already have plans. You two just enjoy breakfast together" Michiru answered with a wink at Makoto, making her blush compete with Ami's.
-Haruka-
It was only around six in the morning as Haruka was jogging along the river Seine. The city was still half asleep and hardly another soul was on the road. As she passed the quiet houses and parked cars, Haruka couldn't help but to think back to yesterday.
That was a wonderful day spent with a magnificent person.
'Focus Haruka! Don't think of her creamy skin. Don't think of her seductive voice and wonderful laugh, don't think of her pink lips and soft hair and for goodness sake do not try to recall how sweet she smelled.' she chided herself.
Her mantra didn't help.
She kicked it up a notch and sped up. Maybe the physical strain would distract her.
She was about to pass a fellow jogger who was resting on a bench as she suddenly realised who it was and slowed down.
"Makoto-chan?" Haruka called out surprised.
"Captain?" Makoto said matching her surprise.
Haruka laughed: "I am not your team captain anymore Makoto-chan. Just Haruka is fine. How are you and what are you doing here?" Haruka asked casually.
"I am dying. Setsuna has punished me and I am working off my punishment." Makoto explained, breathing hard.
Haruka sat down next to her resting her arms on the backrest and asked: "What could you have possibly done that merited her sending you out at this hour of the day for the punishment run?"
"I got distracted." The shorter brunette admitted with a slight blush.
"What could possibly be so important that a slight slip of attention would get you so deep into Setsuna's dog house?" Haruka enquired amused.
"I am here with her to supplement security measures and train counter intelligence measures for the science convention here. Someone reported that they suspect that maybe someone might interrupt it or steal research." Mokoto sighed.
"Is that, so? Any specific details on whom or what might be endangered?" Haruka continued casually.
"No…personally I think we are overreacting on this anonymous tip from London, but I don't particularly mind since I get to come here and see Ami." Makoto had a dreamy shine in her eyes.
"Ami? That is not a very manly name. Is that the name of the new guy who has your fancy?" Haruka chuckled.
"What? No, no, Ami is a researcher from the medical department. She is holding a presentation here." Makoto answered defensively.
"Does this Ami have a surname or are you already that close?" Haruka continued her teasing.
"What? No, no….Ami Mizuno. Her full name is Dr. Ami Mizuno. She is really smart and really hard working. She is also very caring and considerate. And she is also an amazing swimmer. And she loves my sandwiches and she always makes me tea when I visit her in her lab." Makoto fumbled for words.
"Uh huh. So, it must be the tea that you have your eyes on. I can nearly taste how sweet it must be from your description." Haruka concluded with a chuckle.
Makoto's blush turned a deep shade of red and she went silent.
"So, who is protecting Mizuno-sensei right now, now that you are out here working off your punishment?" Haruka asked.
"She came here with her friend Michiru Kaioh, she is an amazing agent, too. Top scores in all disciplines. She is also very smart and beautiful. I think you would really like her. She was called over to our branch with Ami shortly after you left…..." Makoto explained
Haruka smirked and turned to watch the river flowing peacefully in front of them.
"Ne, Makoto, how long has it been since our last mission?" Haruka asked her thoughtfully.
"Nearly three years." Makoto answered quietly.
"That long already huh? Have you been keeping up your training?" Haruka asked absent minded.
"Yes." Makoto confirmed.
"Good. Always stay vigilant, ok? If not for yourself then the ones you love." Haruka continued deep in thought more to herself than her companion but then she added cheerfully with a wink: "Oh and I do not mean one of your many crushes"
Makoto laughed: "I am not so bad anymore. How do you even know when you are in love anyway?"
"When the happiness of the one you love is paramount to you and you don't feel at a disadvantage even if you give up your own for it." Haruka said unwavering.
"Hmmm. Ne, Haruka, how do you know if you should aim for something more with the person you love?" Makoto asked shyly.
"Do you really think it is a good idea to ask me that?" Haruka chuckled.
"Well, you do have more experiences than I do." Makoto admitted
"Hmmm, before you start any relationship you need to figure out which of the five Cs you are getting involved with."
"Five Cs?" Makoto asked confused.
"Yep, the five Cs" Haruka explained counting them down on her left hand. "Is he or she: curious, confused, casual, clingy or committed. For the first four, you shouldn't get emotionally over-invested. Or at least limit your emotional attachment. Because those just drain you and just cause drama. But no harm in enjoying them as long as they are around. I mean in our line of work you never know when it is over. And if you ever find one who is as committed to you as you are to them, hold on to them. That's a relationship to cherish, no matter how long it lasts."
Makoto pondered Haruka's words silently. "And which of the five Cs are you Haruka in your relationships?"
"Me? The sixth one." Haruka chuckled.
"And that is?" Makoto asked with a raised eye brow.
"Chronically uncommitted" Haruka smirked.
Stretching her arms, Haruka leaned further back on the bench. "So…when do you meet Mizuno-sensei again?"
"I'm picking her up for breakfast at eight." Makoto told her.
"I don't know what your watch is saying…but mine is telling me it's seven o'clock."
"Oh, shoot. I need to run." Makoto stood up in an instant. "Was good seeing you again Haruka. Please do not ignore my messages. I know you do receive them."
"Yes, yes. Hurry…or you will be late for your Doctor's appointment." Haruka smirked.
As she watched Makoto growing smaller and smaller the further she got, Haruka pulled out her phone and dialled home.
"Is there a problem Haruka?" Takiki asked as soon as he picked up.
"Yea, find out who tipped off the IIA regarding any threats or harm for the convention and what they know." Haruka instructed him evenly.
"Ok." Taiki agreed.
"I want all players identified and a full report in one hour." Haruka said evenly.
"I go and wake up Yaten." Taiki said stoically.
"Thank you." Haruka said appreciatively before she hung up again.
-Taiki-
Yaten was sitting, slightly dazed, in front of his computers as Taiki came in with two mugs of coffee.
"Why did you drag me here?" he asked, sleep still evident in his voice.
"Haruka needs you to find out who tipped the IIA regarding us or any other player that is targeting the convention and she needs it all within the hour."
"What? Why didn't you say so earlier? I am on it." Yaten started to type at lighting speed ignoring the coffee Taiki had placed next to him.
Taiki watched him for a couple of more moments as he immersed himself in his element and pulled up all his resources to find what was asked of him.
Once he was sure the other man would not need anything further, he left to check up on Seiya.
Taiki found Seiya sitting in the armoury servicing a sniper rifle.
"Hey, do have you all the go bags ready?" Taiki asked.
"Always. Something wrong?" Seiya asked looking up from his task.
"Don't know yet. Just want to be sure." Taiki responded deep in thought.
"You worry too much. I just upgraded the defence installations. We virtually do not have any blind spots around here. We could take on a small army over and over again with just silver boy running his program while we enjoy a couple of drinks at the bar." With that Seiya resumed his work.
"I am not worried about the HQ. I am more worried that Haruka is over there alone." Taiki said worried.
"She is a big girl. If anyone can pull it off, then it's her. We would just be in her way and distract her." Seiya said evenly.
"Probably." Taiki nodded absent minded.
"Why don't you double check the clinic equipment and the supplies there?" Seiya suggested.
"I have already done that this morning." Taiki informed him.
"Well then, cut down on your coffee intake. Your pacing is unnerving." Seiya said slightly irritated.
"I just have this bad feeling I can't shake." Taiki told him in return.
"If I wouldn't know you better, I would say Haruka rubbed off on you. Because the old you would never have had a 'bad feeling' about anything. Because that is about as scientific as the theories that evolution deniers have." Seiya teased.
-Haruka-
Haruka sat on the couch deep in thought, looking at the last module, that she had removed from Miller's room.
She had just finished transferring all its contents to Yaten while listening to his report. Theoretically she could just pack up now and leave and realistically that would be the right thing to do, but deep down she knew she didn't want to. She wanted to stay and eat brunch with a certain aqua haired beauty. She wanted to watch her smile and laugh. She wanted to … yea what did she want? Where would she draw the line? And how much danger would she expose Michelle to by staying?
Haruka sighed. The heart wants what the heart wants.
She removed all the memory cards from all the modules and slipped them into the toy car that she had bought a couple of days ago. Packaged it up and slipped it into her jacket. It would probably be better to go out with all of her equipment and leave nothing behind. Just in case her room got searched in her absence.
She changed one more time and made sure she had all her weapons well concealed on her.
'Just one more day' she thought to herself. That should not do any harm.
She picked up her phone again.
"Taiki, change my return flight to tomorrow night." Haruka said evenly.
"Are you sure?" Taiki asked in return.
"Yea" Haruka confirmed.
"Ok" Taiki conceded.
"Thank you, Taiki." Haruka said appreciatively.
She hung up and got up. As she passed the mirror in the hallway, she looked at her reflection and herself deep into the eyes.
"JUST for today" Haruka said aloud to herself. "Let's make some memories you can cherish."
She stepped out, locked her door behind herself and knocked on the door next to it.
It opened and revealed the most gorgeous woman Haruka had ever seen, wearing a beautiful spring dress.
"Ready ojou-sama?" She offered her the left arm with a wide grin and her companion took with a graceful smile while replying cheerfully "Well, of course rascal-san."
-Michiru-
Michiru was sitting in comfortable silence next to Alex in the Metro. It was relatively full, considering the time of day, but only few looked like they were on their way to work. Many looked like housewives on the way to run errands for their households and tourists visiting the city.
"You seem distracted Alex." Michiru commented.
"Hmm? Impossible, how could I be distracted from such a beautiful person who is sitting right next to me?" Alex replied faking surprise and astonishment.
"Does this sweet talk ever get you into trouble?" Michiru asked with mirth.
"Am I in trouble?" Alex countered with smirk. "If yes, I am submitting to punishment willingly."
Michiru couldn't help but laugh. "You are really something. You still haven't told me where we are going." Michiru reminded her companion.
"Ah, patience is a virtue. You know, for someone who is on vacation, you need to learn to relax more and go with the flow." Alex said relaxed.
"I just like to know where I am flowing to." Michiru explained.
"You will find out when we get there…. Oh look, and here we are, come." Alex pulled her up from her seat and out of the Metro, just before the doors closed again.
They were at the Abesses station.
"Are you sure you know what you are doing?" Michiru asked sceptically.
"A bit more trust please." Alex grinned as she led Michiru to the narrow windy staircase.
"After you, ojou-sama" Alex bowed playfully.
"Too kind." Michiru snickered.
-Haruka-
As Haruka walked upstairs behind Michelle on the narrow staircase. She kept the two men who exited the train at the same time as them in the corner of her eye. She had to think of something to get rid of them.
"Oh, how beautiful" Michelle exclaimed as they reached the outside.
"Not as beautiful as you" Haruka responded a bit absent minded but trying her best to be as charming a possible nonetheless, as they stepped out into the sun. "I just remembered I need to buy my accounting department some tea. Do you mind if we just grab some now?" She asked innocently.
"Of course not." Michelle answered understandingly. "After all, they are working while you are just slacking off here." Michelle teased.
Haruka laughed and led Michelle to a tea store on the other side of the road before she tapped on her phone in her pocket twice, causing it to ring.
"Oh, shoot. Speaking of the devil. Would you mind doing me a favour? I am an absolute klutz in choosing teas, so would you mind going ahead and choosing one for me while I take this call?" Haruka asked apologetically.
"Of course not." Michelle responded with a gentle smile.
"Here, take my wallet, in case I get my ears chewed off and don't come in before you are done. I will make it short so that we can resume our day" Haruka flashed her most charming smile before she pulled out her phone from her pocket with an apologetic look. Haruka watched Michelle walk into the store with her phone pressed to her ear and waved to her as other turned around one more time before the door closed behind her.
"Ok better make this quick." Haruka sighed to herself.
-Michiru-
In the store Michiru was immediately attended to by a sales assistant and faced with a whole array of different smelling and tasting teas. Realising that she didn't actually know what kind of teas the accounting department would enjoy, she eventually settled for a small range of teas that ranged from sweet and fruity to soothingly herbal. As she paid for the tea she had eventually chosen, she realised she had a unique opportunity to go through Alex's wallet and learn more about the other. While the sales assistant was wrapping up the tea, she pondered what she was supposed to do.
'Just a little closer look' she told herself 'I mean, she did give me her wallet, what did she expect me to do…besides paying for the tea...' Michiru thought to herself as she held the simple yet elegant looking wallet in her hands.
Michiru opened it one more time and had a closer look and found a small photo sticker in a corner. In it was Alex with her charming trademark smile and a small dark haired child, smiling just as wide, looking over her shoulder.
'Who is this child? Hers? Is she maybe married? Or single mum? Or….?' Michiru groaned internally. The more she looked for answers, the more questions came up.
Maybe she should just stop looking for today, just see what comes and enjoy her day with Alex. She was on vacation after all.
As Michiru stepped out of the tea store again with the small containers of tea neatly wrapped in a paper bag, Alex was nowhere to be seen. Slightly worried she looked up and down the street, just to notice the blonde was back on the other side of the street again with two coffees in her hands, grinning wide and waving her over.
"Where have you been?" Michiru asked slightly upset.
"I thought, choosing tea might have been an arduous task so I thought we might have a short coffee break in the park here, therefore I got you a coffee to make sure you have the energy to keep up with me" Alex winked.
"Uh huh." Michiru looked at Alex sceptically.
Alex offered her a coffee as she returned her the wallet and gave her the tea.
"What did you get?" Alex asked, curiously looking into the bag.
"Well, patience is a virtue." Michiru answered cheekily as they walked towards the park.
"Hmm, I smell berries, citrus, mint ..… anise, fennel, liquorice root, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, a hint of pepper and…cloves" Alex concluded.
"I thought you had a hard time choosing teas." Michiru probed her.
"That is because I like them all" Alex grinned.
When they sat down on a bench opposite to the Wall of Love Michiru teased Alex saying: "Trying to say something? Technically it's only our third encounter, don't you think it's a bit of a bold move to take me here?"
Amused she watched Alex looking up, realising that the phrase 'I love you', written in several languages, was facing them.
"This is not exactly why I took you here. I remembered you saying that you find it very relaxing to drink tea in the bamboo gardens in Kyoto. I know this is not the same but the way the light filters through the foliage here comes pretty close." Alex tried to explain, as she failed to hide her light blush behind drinking some of her coffee.
Michiru looked around herself and up the trees. "Indeed, you are right. It's very peaceful here."
A young mother joined them in the tiny park pushing a pram and another small child beside her. The boy couldn't be older than three and the moment the mother had let go of his hand, he ran around unchecked, just to trip right in front of Alex.
Michiru watched Alex helping the child up and just seconds later the boy's face turned from nearly crying in pain to an amused one at all the faces that Alex was making. The mother caught up with them only moments later and apologised with gratitude towards Alex. Alex kept smiling and offered the child, with the consent of its mother, a piece of candy and all pain seemed to be forgotten as they moved to the playing section of the park.
"You are pretty good with children aren't you. Want any yourself one day?" Michiru asked, surprised at her own candour.
"WOW, now THIS is a pretty bold question for a third date." Alex deflected easily. "Don't you need to show me how to make them first?" Alex asked with pretend innocence.
Michiru laughed. "What makes you think that I am more experienced than you are in that area?" Michiru asked curiously.
"Want to compare notes?" Alex winked.
But before they could continue their playful banter, Alex's stomach growled loudly.
"I don't know about you, but my stomach is asking for food. Shall we continue our walk?" Alex suggested.
"Yes, please." Michiru agreed with a giggle.
-Haruka-
After a big brunch that turned into lunch in one of the restaurants, they walked leisurely through the streets of Montmatre, and Haruka was silently congratulating herself for the right choice of activities today. She watched Michelle adoring one arty thing after the other while she herself had no interest in them whatsoever, but seeing her beautiful companion enjoying herself was the only sight she was interested in to start of with. Sadly, this view didn't stay uninterrupted and she had to steer her companion several times into stores that didn't always make any sense of any kind while she got rid of the people tailing them, but there were only that many coffees and snacks she could excuse herself with needing to buy. As they finally walked into the Sacre Coer Basilica, Haruka welcomed the cool air that greeted them.
"Isn't it beautiful, all the things humans can create in order to glorify and worship something they love?" Michelle asked Haruka while they walked the through the Basilica.
"Indeed" Haruka said absent minded.
"Are you even seeing any of the beauty surrounding you?" Michelle questioned.
"Oh, I don't need to when I have it all concentrated right here." Haruka said cheekily as she put an arm around Michelle's waist and pulled her close.
Suddenly Haruka's phone vibrated in her pocket and she let go of Michelle's waist again to pull out her phone.
She got a message that read: 'Got what you asked for. Come out. We'll take care of the rest.'
'Finally.' Haruka thought to herself before addressing her company: "Hey Michelle, I got surprise for you."
"Oh?" Michelle looked puzzled.
"Just stay here, count to 30 and then come out, ok?" Haruka instructed her.
"Yea, ok" Michelle nodded.
-Michiru-
She watched Alex leaving through the main door of the Basilica and wrapped her arms around herself. Suddenly it was very cold here without the blonde beside her. She hadn't expected that the casual gesture of being pulled close by the blonde would have had such an effect on her. She could still feel the warm hand in her side and already missed the blonde's presence by her side. She wondered what was waiting for her outside, so she quickly counted to 30 to re-join her blonde enigma.
As she walked out, Alex was casually leaning against a Vespa with two helmets in her hands.
"Where did you get that from?" Michiru asked.
"A friend. You haven't seen Paris yet if you haven't been on one of these." Alex grinned. "Are you cold? Here, take my jacket." Alex must have noticed the Goosebumps on her skin as the blonde took off her jacket and put it on Michiru. It was a lot heavier than it looked and smelled deliciously of the Alex.
"Yes, thank you, the basilica was pretty cold." Michiru explained.
"Well we better make use of the sunlight as long as we have it." Alex said giving her one of the helmets.
And off they were. Where to, Michiru didn't know. And right now, holding onto her blonde driver, she didn't really care either.
-Haruka-
During the long ride through Paris where they passed all the sightseeing spots in the light of the afternoon sun in a comfortable speed, Haruka noticed Michelle holding her tighter and leaning her head against her shoulder.
"Tired?" she asked her companion who just shook her head.
"No, just enjoying the ride." Michelle's content voice came from behind her.
"Never thought I would ever hear that from you." Haruka chuckled.
"Are you suddenly doubting your driving skills?" Michelle teased.
"Never. They speak for themselves after all." Haruka smirked confidently as she pulled up in front of a small restaurant in one of the smaller streets of Paris.
They were greeted jovially by the proprietor hugging Haruka: "Alex, how long has it been my friend?"
"Too long, too long Louis." Haruka greeted him back.
"And who is this beautiful lady?" The short man with the round face asked her, eyeing her friend good naturedly.
"This is my precious friend Michelle." Haruka introduced her companion. "Michelle, this is Louis, the good soul of this place." Haruka explained
"Nice to meet you" Michelle greeted him with a light bow.
"No need to be so formal. Alex's friends are my friends, please come in into my humble establishment and give me these, Andre will take care of these." He took their helmets and passed them to a tall brunette man who stowed them away in a cupboard.
He led them through the full restaurant to the back where a small table overlooking the whole place was reserved for them.
"I hope I didn't cause you too much trouble by calling so late" Haruka sounded apologetic.
"Don't be silly, I always have a table for you and your brother ready when you call. Where is your other half anyway?" The owner enquired.
"Oh, he is busy, you know him." She said trying to keep up the wide smile.
"Oh, you young people with all your work. You need to eat and live, too. You know? Anyway, say hello to him when you see him. Your order will be out in ten minutes, so please relax and enjoy your evening." With that the round man left them to themselves.
"He seems very nice." Michelle giggled as Haruka took off her jacket from her and helped her with the chair.
Placing her jacket over the back of her own chair she sighed: "Yea, he's quite the character."
"So, you have ordered for us already?" Michelle asked.
"Yea, it's usually pretty busy here, so, I thought we safe some time and concentrate on the actual meal itself and what I ordered is not all on the regular menu anyway." Haruka said with a hint of pride.
"Pretty confident to assume to know what I like, huh? Well I am looking forward what you have chosen for us." Michelle winked.
Michelle's look in candle light was so soft and inviting, Haruka wanted to reach across and just claim her lips with her own. She was so radiant and her eyes sparkled mysteriously, Haruka had a hard time staying focused.
"Once you taste it you'll know you like it." Haruka smirked.
Andre came over with a bottle of red wine and a bottle of water.
Haruka had a taste and offered Michelle a glass of the wine before getting her own filled.
"So, you have a brother?" Michelle asked curiously.
"Yea, he's not around much anymore, but we used to come here a lot while we worked here. Back then, this place wasn't this well known yet. We hung out with Louis a lot more back then, but now that this place has really taken off, Louis is mainly in the kitchen. And you? Any siblings?" Haruka asked casually.
"I am an only child." Michelle took a sip of the wine.
"Oh, lucky you, you never had to fight who gets the top bunk." Haruka joked.
"Is being on top for you that important?" Michelle asked in return.
"Depends on, whom I am with." Haruka smirked.
-Kakashi-
Kakashi was standing at his office's window overlooking Tokyo's night skyline. There was a knock at the door, shortly followed by Minako entering the office.
"There has been no confirmation for your onsen visit yet." She told him.
"Just schedule it anyway. There is never harm in an onsen visit too many." Kakashi responded without turning around.
"With all the security parameters? "Minako asked.
"No, just incognito as usual." Kakashi continued.
"Would you like me to ask again?" Minako enquired.
"It's fine. I'll do that myself." Kakashi said evenly.
"Would you like the interim report on Paris now, or would you prefer to wait for the final report?" Minako continued.
Before Kakashi could respond, another knocking could be heard at the door.
"Come in" Kakashi said with a firm voice.
In stepped Rei Hino, secretary to Security Chief Setsuna Meioh.
"Takahashi-sama, I have an urgent report from Meioh-sama." She said with an even voice.
Minako watched her colleague silently from the side and let her eyes wander over the other's straight posture and luxuriously long and shiny dark hair.
"What happened?" Kakashi asked calmly.
"We have lost contact to four of our best surveillance assets and could confirm involvement by the Russian mafia and another Chinese splinter branch of the Jade dragons. There is suspicion that there is another party interested in the research collection in Paris. But no one in particular could be confirmed yet." Rei reported in her usual stoic manner.
"I see. Is that it?" Kakashi enquired, before turning around.
"Yes, sir." Rei confirmed.
"Good. You may leave." Kakashi dismissed her.
"Kakashi-sama, Haruka is in Paris…" Minako whispered as soon as Rei had closed the door on her way out.
"How do you know that?" Kakashi asked her calmly.
"Makoto told me." Minako admitted.
"That means, Setsuna knows that, too... Order some extra good Sake for the onsen."Kakashi instructed her.
"Understood. Is there anything else you would like me to do?" Minko asked before she turned to leave the office.
"No, that would be it for today." Kakashi dismissed her and went back to his desk.
"Well, this going to be interesting." He said to no one in particular as he leaned back in his chair.
-Haruka-
"I'll just be thanking Louis before we go. It might take a minute. Would you mind waiting?" Haruka asked Michelle before standing up.
"Of course not. Go and tell him the duck was particularly delicious." Michelle smiled gently.
"Will do." With that Haruka disappeared in the kitchen and walked further to the back of it and through another door and downstairs to the cellars. Louis was standing there watching twelve men tied up with their heads under hoods in a worse for wear condition.
"What do you want me to do with them?" He asked her.
She had a closer look at four of them and sighed.
"These four you can let go off in 48 hours. With the rest I don't care what you do, with these two you might be able to make money with, if their master wants to buy them back and the other six are dead no matter what you do." Haruka said indifferently and Louis nodded understandingly.
"What do I owe you for this?" she continued as they walked out of the cellar.
"Nothing. It's on the house. You helped me plenty when I needed you. See this as a small repayment of your favours." Louis sniggered.
"Thank you, Louis." Haruka smiled genuinely.
"Now take this and hurry back to your beautiful friend. She is quite the catch, isn't she?" Louis handed her a small white linen bag.
"You have no idea." Haruka grinned wide.
"Just drop me a line and I'll have Andre pick up the Vespa when you are done with it." Louis said as he sent her out of the kitchen.
"By the way she loved the duck." Haruka remarked.
"Of course, she did. It is your recipe after all." The round man laughed.
-Michiru-
Back outside, they drove through the streets of Paris to the setting sun and Michiru felt genuinely happy. Wrapped in Alex heavy but warm jacket watching the city of love, bathing in the last warm rays of sunlight, she finally understood what all the books and poets meant when they gave it its title.
"Where are we going?" She asked her blonde driver.
"Somewhere where we've been before." Her companion said cryptically.
Michiru smiled and held Alex tighter. She might not get any straight answers to any of her questions right now. But if she was honest to herself, right now it didn't matter. Right now, she was just rediscovering what it meant to be happy and its intoxicating effects, she just wanted to enjoy the rush as long as it lasted.
By the time they were back in front of the Sacre Coer Basilica, the sky was pitch black and the city lit up in all its glory.
"Here we are." Alex announced as she parked the Vespa.
"It's beautiful." Michiru said as she got off the Vespa and stepped closer towards the balustrade to take in the view. You could see the whole city sparkling warmly from below and the music from a distant café could be heard.
"Not as beautiful as you." Alex said as she wrapped her arms around Michiru's waist from behind, holding that small linen bag in her hands.
"Sweet talker." Michiru playfully chided the blonde.
"Speaking of sweet…" Alex opened the linen bag and pulled out two little glasses with crème Brule.
"And here I thought you forwent dessert at the restaurant." Michiru remarked.
"I'd never skip dessert if I can help it." Alex smirked and passed her one of the glasses and a small spoon. "I just thought you might appreciate a view just as sweet to go along with it."
Michiru found herself giggling, something she hardly, if not even never, had done before with any other person. At least not so much, as far as she could recall.
They ate their desserts sitting side by side on the bench next to the Vespa, enjoying each other's presence.
Michiru watched Alex licking clean her spoon as she had the last of her dessert.
"Woa, you are fast with desserts." Michiru teased as she had her last spoonful of the sweet pudding.
"Well, this one is particularly good." Alex grinned wide.
"Oh, you have some there." Michiru wiped the corner of Alex mouth with her thumb.
Alex took hold of her hand at her cheek sucked the thumb clean.
"True, wouldn't want to waste perfectly fine crème Brule." Alex winked.
Michiru didn't know what came over her. Maybe it was the soft skin of Alex's cheek with other's firm hand holding onto her own, or her thumb just being licked. They were just sitting so close and Michiru could feel Alex's warm sweet breath on her skin. Her heart beat so fast that it drowned out all other sounds around them and the world around both of them seemed to seize to exist.
She leaned in for the kiss and Alex obliged.
It started off slow before fast growing more passionate.
Alex wrapped her arms around Michiru's waist and pulled her onto her lap and Michiru seemed to be incapable of getting enough of this and deepened the kiss.
Suddenly her phone rang.
Internally groaning, Michiru got off Alex's lap to and pulled out her phone from a pocket in her dress. 'Mum' was flashing bright on the screen and Michiru was torn between needing to groan and to sigh. In the end she picked up the phone sighing.
"Hello mum" Michiru sighed.
"Oh, did I catch you at a bad time?" Her mother sounded mildly worried.
"Not at all mum. Is everything alright with you and dad?" Michiru asked while she watched Alex supressed to laugh while she cleaned up and packed the glasses and spoons back into the bag and those back into the stowing compartment of the Vespa.
"No, we are fine. I was just wondering how my girl is today." Her mum told her cheerfully.
"I am fine mum. Shouldn't you be sleeping?" Michiru asked.
"Oh, you know your dad and I are early risers. Anyway I was just wondering when you are coming by for a visit again because remember Motoki, the son of ….." Her mother went on and on.
Michiru stopped listening and just nodded habitually on the phone with a 'hmm' scattered here and there. If there was ever a bad timing for a call from her mother, this would be a prime example. Or was it really such a bad timing…
-Haruka-
Haruka watched Michelle discretely from the corner of her eyes, as she cleaned up. The beauty seemed mildly weary about the call, but then there was a shift in posture.
'Oh, oh, here it comes… Three …two…one…, yep there it is.' Haruka thought to herself with a smirk as she watched the emotional turmoil in the other's eyes turn distant.
'Well it was fun while it lasted, but for tonight this had to do. Eventually it had to strike midnight for Cinderella after all.' Haruka thought to herself wryly.
Haruka looked around and more people started to come up to this remote spot to admire the sparkling skyline. Resigned she sat back down on the bench again, looked up to the night sky and watched the stars mockingly sparkle in the distance.
There was no time for self-pity.
She stood up and grabbed the helmets.
-Michiru-
Never was Michiru so relieved to have forgotten to charge her phone and it running out of battery than right now. As she turned around she saw that Alex was standing there smiling and offering her a helmet.
"It's getting crowded." Was all that the blonde said when Michiru took the helmet and thanked her.
Michiru didn't know where this sudden onset of guilt came from when she sat down behind the Alex but she was glad that the other couldn't see her face.
"I am driving back to the hotel." Alex voice was calm and, in some way, very kind.
"Mmmh." was all that Michiru managed as she held onto her driver.
They had driven for a while before Michiru found the courage to speak again.
"You know … about before…." Michiru started hesitantly.
"The kiss?" Alex helped her along with an even tone.
"Yea…." Michiru said quietly
"It wasn't good?" Alex asked concerned.
"No, it was great." Michiru answered just that bit too quick and just that bit too loud.
Alex laughed.
Michiru could feel the other's stomach contract with amusement and pinched her side.
"HEY, I am driving. That could get dangerous if distract me like that." Alex's voice came from the front as she swerved lightly.
"I am sorry…." Michiru apologised ruefully.
"As long as you know… there is nothing to be sorry for…I, on my part don't regret it." Alex continued calm. "It was just a kiss in the heat of the moment. A holiday slip up. Nothing more… right?" The blonde's words were lighthearted, but sounded melancholic.
Michiru felt the light change in the heart beat of the other. She couldn't see her face. Couldn't see the emotions in those captivating teal eyes. But she could feel the hint of hope and agony that the blonde had and just held her tighter without responding.
Alex sighed. "We are both adults. You and I both have our secrets. Let's just leave it at that. You are on vacation to relax and unwind and I'm the last person to want to cause you stress." Alex explained.
"Hmmm" Michiru rested her head against Alex's shoulder.
The rest of the drive was spent in silence and as awkward as it was Michiru didn't really want it to stop.
At the traffic light across the hotel Alex suddenly stiffened for a second.
"Are you cold?" Michiru asked concerned.
Alex laughed: "No I just remembered that I need to return the Vespa."
"Oh, would you like me to accompany you for that?" Michiru asked earnestly.
"That's alright. It's already late and didn't you say that it is your turn to plan our day tomorrow?" Alex chuckled.
"That's true. It will be hard to top your day though." Michiru had to admit to herself that today was best date she had ever had, not that she would ever admit that aloud to the blonde though.
"I am sure you can find something that will make my day. You have my full confidence." Alex teased.
Even though Michiru couldn't see the blonde's face she could imagine Alex's confident smirk plastered all over it.
They arrived at the hotel and Michiru got off the Vespa. She took off her helmet and removed the jacket to return them. The moment Michiru slipped the jacket off her shoulders she missed its weight and warmth. As she returned the items, she noticed that Alex was looking a little pale and at something behind her. She turned around and saw that Ami was running towards them.
"I'll be off then." Alex said melancholically and drove off before Michiru could say anything further.
"Michiru!" Ami called as she came bursting out of the hotel and hugged her. "I'm so glad you are ok. I was so worried about you."
"Has something happened?" Michiru asked alarmed.
"Let's talk inside." Ami replied as she pulled her inside.
-Haruka-
"Stupid, stupid, stupid…" Haruka scolded herself under her breath as she drove through the dark streets.
When she saw Makoto walking towards the hotel fawning over a smaller girl next to her, all she was worried about was to be spotted by the brunette, but when she saw that same little girl's face and how it lit up when she spotted Michelle, the penny dropped.
A thousand and one thoughts rushed through her mind and gave her a severe headache.
She pulled up in behind Louis's place and was greeted by his surprised face.
"I didn't expect to see you this early again. I told you that Andre could pick up the Vespa." He reminded her.
"A work matter came up." Haruka sighed.
"For her or for you?" He looked at her sympathetically.
"You could say for both." Haruka replied ruefully.
"Anything I can help with?" he asked good naturedly.
"I just need a fast ride to clear my head." Haruka massaged her temples.
"Oh, I have just the right thing for you." The round man walked towards his garage and showed her a brand new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. "I wanted to give it to my nephew for his birthday next week. But I am sure he won't mind if you make a couple of Quality check rounds with it."
"Thanks Louis." Haruka patted the man's shoulder appreciatively.
-Michiru-
Back at the hotel Ami walked with Michiru back to their room, where Setsuna was waiting with Makoto for the both of them.
"Welcome back Michiru. I am sorry your vacation is going to be cut short" Setsuna informed her curtly. "We have lost contact to four of our surveillance assets here and we are a bit short handed at the moment."
"I understand. What is the action plan?" Michiru asked in a professional manner.
"I need you and Ami to be the protection detail of Mr Miller's intellectual property." Setsuna informed her.
"Any protection for Miller himself?" Ami asked.
"Anyone who would kidnap him would return that prick within seconds." Makoto mumbled.
Michiru and Ami gave each other a questioning look and Setsuna continued. "Indeed, he won't need protection himself." Setsuna confirmed.
"Where is Miller right now?" Michiru enquired.
"In his room, just one floor below yours." Setsuna answered her.
"And how will we be protecting his intellectual property?" Michiru continued.
"He has all his research on his laptop, that he locks up in a special safe, he had brought himself, every time he leaves it in the room or doesn't use it. I want it to be watched 24 hours a day until his benefactor comes and picks him up. So, all the hours that he isn't in his room you will be there. The Russians and the Chinese have their eye on it for some reason and they are not known to simply stop because of safe door being in their way, let alone a special safe." Setsuna explained.
"I see" Michiru nodded thoughtfully. "What happens when it is taken outside of our watch time?"
"That is something Miller will have to explain to his superiors." Setsuna explained. "Special equipment has been installed that bypasses Miller's signal jammer, that he installed in his room to eliminate remote access to record the safe and its contents. So, you can watch it comfortably from here." Setsuna turned to Ami. "I am sorry that you are going to miss out on the rest of the conference Ami, but I did arrange it that you will be receiving all the recordings of it, including from your own talk yesterday." Setsuna explained.
"Thank you very much Setsuna." Ami said gratefully.
"It is already late and Makoto and I still have to catch up with the Paris branch." Setsuna said as she stood up from the couch. "Your watch will start at seven in the morning. It should be pretty eventless considering all other measures that have been taken, but we can't be too careful." Setsuna continued while walking to the door.
They bid each other a good night and Setsuna and Makoto left Ami and Michiru to themselves.
Michiru didn't know if she should be happy or sad that she had to forgo the rest of her vacation with Alex and how she would explain it to the blonde.
-Haruka-
Haruka got back to her room well past midnight and her body was screaming for rest. As she opened the door, a well-known shadow was sitting on her couch.
"Oh, hello Setsuna, make yourself at home. Can I offer you something to drink?" Haruka had no more energy left to keep her sarcasm in check as she sat down opposite of her guest.
"Unsatisfying night?" Setsuna asked dryly.
"You could say that. Probably as fruitful as your search of my room." Haruka pointed out the mess in her room.
"How long did you think that you would go unnoticed by me?" Setsuna asked evenly.
"I thought that Mako-chan would hold up till at least tomorrow." Haruka chuckled.
"Why are you here Haruka?" Setsuna continued.
"I want to sleep?" Haruka pointed out the obvious.
Setsuna gave her a 'I really do not have time for this' look.
"Alright, alright. I came for the croissants and the cheese." Haruka continued to antagonise Setsuna.
"Haruka…." Setsuna's irritation was very evident in her voice.
Haruka pulled out the little toy car from her jacket and placed it on the coffee table between them.
"Look. You know me. I share if you do. So, start." Haruka said even.
"I wasn't the one who tossed your room. The Russians did it, motivated by Kaori." Setsuna said evenly.
"I know. Tell me something I don't know." Haruka insisted calmly.
"Kaori wasn't acting for Ichiro Tomoe but Soichiro Tomoe." Setsuna continued.
"Hmmmm" Haruka leaned back thoughtfully.
"Your turn" Setsuna said firmly.
"It's just a bunch of chemical formulas. I haven't made sense of it yet but I will give you the raw data anyway as soon as I return to Tokyo." With that she pocketed the little toy car again.
"How did you do it?" Setsuna asked curiously.
"Why should I tell you? So that you can make my life more miserable on the next job?" Haruka asked in return.
"I thought you liked challenges." Setsuna snickered.
"Fine. I embedded in the floor of his safe several Bluetooth modules that would mirror his hard drive and copy his files. His signal jammer doesn't work within the safe after all. just needed to replace the batteries regularly and do it as slow as possible so he won't notice excessive drain on his battery. Just pick up the set up once you are done, et voila." Haruka explained.
"How did you get in there though? I checked hotel surveillance feeds." Setsuna continued to ask.
"Balcony." Haruka shrugged.
"Of course. Well done." Setsuna reached across and ruffled the blonde's soft hair who rested her face in her hands.
"You get your men back the day after tomorrow." Haruka informed her.
"So, it was you who got to them." Setsuna said evenly
"They were following me." Haruka complained.
"Their mission was to keep an eye on the Russian mobsters and the Chinese gang members." Setsuna explained.
"Well, I eliminated those and still caught yours following me. Where are Francois and Monique anyway? Those two would have known better than to let their people follow me around." Haruka replied annoyed.
"They got married and retired." Setsuna informed the blonde.
"Congratulations to them, I guess." Haruka said as she stretched back on the couch.
Setsuna stood up, walked up next to her, leaned down and kissed Haruka's forehead.
"There is nothing wrong to open up and entrust yourself to another person Haruka." Setsuna said warmly.
"Are you offering? You know my policy about dating anyone in the agency right?" Haruka played cute.
Setsuna laughed "Haruka, you know you will always be the little brother I never had but got anyway."
"Ah... Ne, Sets do you work a lot with Michiru Kaioh?" Haruka asked offhandedly.
"Why the sudden interest?" Setsuna smirked.
"Well apparently she lives next door and I didn't notice that the agency is so close to me until you came. I am just wondering if I am losing my edge." Haruka shrugged.
"She is one of our best." Setsuna said with a hint of pride.
"What is she like and is she as good as me?" Haruka continued to ask.
"She is very focused unlike you. But then again you are a class of your own." Setsuna snickered.
"Ooooh am I getting praised by the Chief of Security?" Haruka chuckled.
"Your ego knows no bounds, does it?" Setsuna shook her head, but still smiled.
"Why should it? Congratulations on the promotion by the way. You deserved it more than anyone else that I know." Haruka grinned.
"Thanks, Haruka. Now go shower." Setsuna instructed the blonde.
"Why? Will you be washing my back?" Haruka asked in return.
"No, I changed your flight to the 8 a.m. one. You can sleep on the flight." Setsuna informed Haruka evenly.
-Michiru-
The next morning, Michiru just got out of the shower when Ami asked her: "Did you order room service?"
"No…" Michiru responded surprised.
She stepped up to the cart, filled with a wide assortment of fresh fruits along with baked goods, hams and cheeses, a single plate was still covered with the cloche and on it a note.
'Thank you for yesterday. Have to return to work. Sorry. See you around.' was all that was on the note.
Michiru removed the cloche, revealing two eggs fried sunny side up.
