WARNING: There are sexual situations in this story; read at your discretion. Be responsible for what you read.
DAY JOB
CHAPTER TWO: TWO WEEKS' VACATION
Thunder and lightning shook the bustling city of Tokyo, Japan. Thick grey clouds sat fat and low over the buildings. It was if the skyscrapers had ripped open the clouds and the rain would never stop. Lightening whipped wildly, slashing blinding lines across the gloom. The thunder shook the sky; the ground quivered in response.
Raiden stared out at the storm and had to admire it. In the six years she'd been in Japan, there had never been such a storm.
The warm interior of the restaurant was suddenly busy with people. Not that she noticed. Her mind was preoccupied with the storm. Her concentration of nature was disrupted by the scent of the wind. She frowned and looked over. Haruka gracefully sat in the chair across from her. Looking up, the blonde woman paused.
"Was I gone too long?"
Raiden shook her head, "Not at all. I was just..."She trailed off, "Looks like we just missed the downpour."
"Yes." Haruka observed the storm for a moment. She looked back at Raiden. "Ready to order?"
Raiden had been dreading that question. She didn't want to eat with this woman; she was so muddled in her thoughts, it was hard to breathe.
"Whatever you're having." Raiden muttered, absently sipping at her water.
Haruka placed their order. The waiter left; the blonde reached across the table. Her warm hand resting on top of Raiden's. Raiden jumped and looked down; she met those dark green eyes and frowned again.
"You really are tense." Haruka shook her head and sat back, withdrawing her hand.
Raiden slid her hands under the table. "Why does it matter so much to you?"
"I'd like you to enjoy yourself." Haruka picked up her water glass. "You seem to be quarrelling with yourself.
Raiden glared at her, clenching her fists. "I am not."
"Fine." Haurka gazed out the window again. "I wonder how long the storm will last."
Raiden didn't comment; just glared at the woman for a moment. "Why did you really ask me out to dinner?"
Haruka sighed, "I need a reason other than then the one I gave you?"
"Yes."
The blonde set down her water glass and stared very steadily at Raiden. Their gazes locked. After several long minutes, Haruka shook her head, ending the staring contest. "You know, I guess this was a bad idea." She stood up and looked down at Raiden. "I had hoped you would relax enough to enjoy yourself for once."
"I do enjoy my-"
"No, you don't." Haruka cut her off sharply, "You're so busy trying to be perfect, you don't even like yourself."
Raiden opened her mouth, but Haruka silenced her again.
"Tell me honestly, do you want to have dinner with me?"
Raiden sat quietly; her mind was screaming YES but she was unable to speak. She was so muddled.
Haruka's eyes darkened at the continued silence. "Then I'll leave you alone."
With that, the blonde turned and gracefully swept towards the door. Raiden cursed softly and rushed from her chair. She caught up to Haruka just outside the door. Damn the woman was fast! Cold damp air chilled through Raiden. Heavy rain soaked her in moments. She could barely see through the sheets of rain; the thunder deafened her.
"WAIT!" Raiden grabbed Haruka's arm; it was solid under her hand. "Wait, please."
Haurka stopped walking but didn't turn around. Raiden was shaking from the cold; rain dripped into her eyes, she refused to think it was tears. Gently she turned the other woman to face her. Rain soaked them both; but somehow Haruka managed to look devastating beautiful.
"Okay, okay. You're right, I don't like who I am. I hate being in my own company and yes, I want to have dinner with you. I've never wanted anything more in my life."
Haruka didn't say a word; just stared at her.
"I don't understand what I am feeling, okay?" Raiden rushed on, "I've never been so aware of another person, I've never been so consumed before. "She stopped and put her other hand to Haruka's cheek. Her skin was so warm, despite the cold rain. "Please, let's try again."
"Why?" Haurka asked lightly. "Why should I?"
"Because," Raiden had to stop and think for a minute. Why should Haurka give her a second chance? No one had ever asked her that before. Bu then again, Raiden had never chased after a date before either.
"Because, I don't know." Raiden admitted carefully. "I don't know what I am doing. I've never dated before. I've never cared about someone. And I don't know now to make things okay."
Haruka's face softened just a little. "You care about me?"
Raiden hesitated a second, "I think so. I mean..."She stopped and to take a breath, "Yes, I do. I don't know what that means, or where this might end up, but I know I care."
Haruka smiled just a little, she wrapped her warm hand over Raiden's cold one. Turning her head, she kissed her lips to Raiden's palm.
It was like fire through her blood. Raiden's head clouded up, her heart raced in her chcest. There wasn't enough air for her to breathe or think. And yet she had one very clear thought in her mind. Kiss me again.
Haruka dropped her hand and smiled a little bigger. "You're going to freeze, let's get you inside." They started back to the restaurant.
Raiden hesitated. Haruka looked back, her smile fading. "I'd rather we go to my place."
The smile returned as her eyes sparkled. "From shy and coy to playful. How interesting."
"No, no. It's just that no one will see us there. I am nervous, that's all."
Haruka didn't argue with her. "We'll take my car."
"The leather seats will be ruined." Raiden protested; but Haruka didn't listen.
A few minutes later, they were driving through the water logged streets of Tokyo. Raiden gave her directions and Haruka drove.
They arrived at her home. Raiden sat in the car for a moment; letting the heat melt her cold hands. "You called home earlier; perhaps you shouldn't stay too long."
Haruka glanced at her, "They aren't expecting me for a while."
Raiden stared at her house through the thick sheets of rain. She'd never had company before.
"Raiden, look, perhaps-"
"It's Sara."
Haruka paused, "What?"
"My name, is Sara." Raiden looked at the other woman. "You might as well use my real name. Raiden is just...what everyone else calls me."
Haruka smiled at her then; lifting a hand to caress Sara's face. She ran her hands through the wet hair, staring deep into her eyes. "Sara."
A shiver went down her body. No one had ever made her name sound so beautiful before. Without thought; she closed the distance between them, pressing her lips to Haruka's. Her body shook with things she'd never felt before. Her blood was hot in her veins as her heart raced and her head swirled. Her hands touched the damp cloth of Haruka's suit; she could feel the swell of her curves. She reached for more; caressing and touching.
Sara was surprised at the desire that drove her. She'd never felt like this in her life. It was almost maddening and yet she was in control. Starving deep within herself and yet fully content with the moment. Whatever this was, she liked it.
"Sara," Haruka whispered.
"Yes?"
"I want to do this, I really do." Haruka gently broke the kiss and held Sara's face in her hands. "But I have to be sure that you do too."
"Of course I do." Sara protested. Her foggy thoughts couldn't really understand the words. But her body wanted this and that was enough for her.
"And what about tomorrow?" Haruka asked. "When we go to work tomorrow? Will you still want me?"
The questions were too complex; she had trouble just focusing on the voice. All she wanted as the lush blonde to kiss her and never stop.
"Ummm, can you repeat the questions?" Sara asked.
Haruka sighed, putting more space between them. "I asked if you could still respect me in the morning."
"Oh," Sara's mind was clearing the longer they were apart. "I don't see why not."
"Could you still talk to me with other people around?" Haruka's face was serious.
"Why all the questions?" Sara asked, her desire quickly turning to familiar anger. "Am I that bad? Do I kiss that badly?" Anger warmed through and her mind cleared instantly. "It figures, the one time I let myself go. The one time! I should have realized it." Grabbing the door handle she threw the door open and got out. "You want to know if I'll talk to you tomorrow? Probably not, because I'm never going to forgive you!"
The door slammed shut and she ran into the house. Tears burned as her chest ached. She didn't even make it to the stairs before falling to her knees and weeping. Pressing her hands into her face she curled into a ball on the floor.
**
The following day; the storm had broken. The gray heavy clouds still lingered, threatening to break open at the slightest nudge.
Raiden was at work earlier then was even normal for her. She sat behind her desk; glaring at the sky and trying to forget last night. She had come in hours ago and most of her work was completed. It wasn't even eight o'clock yet. She'd have to ask her boss for more work. The idea was followed by an unfamiliar reluctance. She worked enough as it was. Besides...she told herself, no one's going to be here today. It was the day after a huge party; the boss normally gave the executive staff the day off. Chances were, he was going to be here for only an hour. She didn't want to face him.
Raiden had stopped crying and lay on her floor for a while. Listening to the storm until it was silent. She had no idea what time it was. But she'd picked herself up off the floor and done the only thing she could. She'd fallen into her routine and arrived at work well before sunrise.
Absently she pressed the button for her Assistant. But it went unanswered. Raiden frowned only to realize the two ladies wouldn't be in yet. No one was here yet. Sighing, she left a message for her boss; she was working from home and left the office.
There was no private car this morning. No that she needed or wanted one; she was far to restless and on edge to sit. She walked instead. The crowds of Tokyo were a welcoming pressure around her. She wandered mindlessly. Her thoughts were disjointed; she felt lost in her own mind.
The only clear idea she could follow. She had been really angry. And she wasn't sure if it was justified. Haruka had been looking out for her; even respecting her. Raiden shouldn't have gotten so angry. But still, it hurt that Haruka had pulled away. And yet....
Raiden realized that she was in the wrong. The questions were good ones. Haruka had been thinking for both of them and for her career.
Coming to a stop, Raiden decided she had to apologize. She had to find the proper way to make amends. Lifting her head she tried to locat the nearest shopping outlet. Stepping inside; she shivered at the warmth; rubbing her hands together she started searching for the appropriate gift.
It was past noon, Raiden was sitting down for lunch when her cell phone rang. She picked up. It was the office. They needed her signature on something important. She finished up and gathered her bags. Leaving the mall she waved down a taxi and headed to the office.
Her assistant was waiting beside the door to Raiden's office. She eyed the bags but didn't say anything. Raiden opened her office and set the bags on the couch.
"Let's see."
Her assistant handed over the folder. Raiden sat down and started reading it over.
"Roger-san?"
Raiden looked up. It was her second assistant. "Hai?"
"Morimoto-san has asked to see you for a moment."
"Of course." Raiden signed the last page and handed it to her first assistant. She left the office and went down the hall to her boss' office.
She knocked. He called for her to enter. She opened the door and bowed before stepping in and closing the door.
"Roger-san, please sit down."
Raiden sat down and didn't know what to expect.
Two hours later she exited the office and returned to her own. She was took a few minutes and reflected on the meeting she had just left. He hadn't been upset with her taking the day off. In fact he'd practically insisted she take a week. He'd made it very clear that employees had to take two week holidays each year. And she hadn't taken any holidays since she started.
Raiden had never been asked to take a holiday; she'd never been offered a paid resort vacation before. But her boss had handed her a voucher for a prepaid two-week vacation. It was in a lush location; surrounded by mountains, rivers and some of the best hot springs in Japan.
She drew in a breath and realized she still had to apologize to Haruka. Putting the voucher in her pocket, she gathered up the bags and left. Her assistant had ordered a car and it was waiting.
"Tenoh Haruka's residence." She put her bags in and climbed in with them. The car pulled away. She didn't know Haruka's address; but obviously the driver did. Raiden busied herself with compiling the beautifully wrapped gifts into one fine, cloth bag that was had painted with a forest and river scene. Once that was done; she sat back and relaxed.
She watched the busy city until it disappeared. The neighbourhood was a normal, middle-class place. The houses were squished in between towering apartment buildings. The narrow roads were crowded with people and bicycles. The driver finally stopped at a fairly large yellow house with trees and flowers around it. It was nicer than the average house in this area. A single car sat in the drive way and a bicycle was resting against the side of the house.
The iron fence around the house was covered in ivory. The entry gates were open. Pressed into the wall was a sign in Kanji, identifying this as Tenoh-Kaihou house followed by the address.
The driver stopped in front of the gate; a moment later her door opened and he stepped aside. Raiden got clutching her single bag. She walked up to the door and drew in a deep breath. She was nervous. Her ears were ringing and she was sweating despite the cool weather. She had to swallow a few times before she could ring the bell.
A moment later she heard the door open. Her breath caught at the sight of Haruka in a gold silk bathrobe. Her hair was damp from the shower; tousled around her head. Her eyes were wide with surprise. She stood quietly, not sure what to do.
Raiden let out a sharp breath, holding out the bag she bowed deeply. "I am sorry." She said carefully. "I...I was wrong to be angry with you." As she spoke, Raiden resigned herself to Haruka not speaking to her again. "I don't expect you to forgive me. I spoke out of turn."
Haruka took a deep breath, accepting the bag. "Did you buy out the store?"
Raiden smiled softly at her, "Pretty much."
"Come in." Haruka said quickly, stepping aside to let her in.
Hesitation made her feet slow as she crossed the threshold. The entrance was clean, tidy and simply decorated. On the near wall there was a print of an angry storm. The work was oddly beautiful and haunting.
A woven mat was at the base of the step into the house. Beside it was a small rack for shoes, there was only one pair of shoes on it.
Raiden turned, she gasped as Haruka kissed her suddenly. The force of it staggered her until she hit the wall. The kiss continued and she was lost in the waves of delightful pleasure. Hands moved along her body and suddenly it stopped. Just as quickly as it had started.
"What...?" She whispered, "Why did you stop?"
"I can't trust myself to only kiss you." Haruka whispered softly, caressing a hand down her cheek. "And I don't think we have time for what I want."
Raiden's face was flushed; she was breathing too fast. "Sure we do."
Haruka laughed gently, "I don't want you to get fired for spending the day with me."
"I won't." Raiden was struggling to think straight. The scent of the woman was intoxicating. "I've been put on two weeks' vacation."
Haruka kissed her neck and let her hand draw down Raiden's arms. "Tempting."
Raiden's mind cleared as she heard a door close nearby, "Your girlfriend!"
"She's out of town for the next few weeks on a business trip to the United States."
Raiden laughed as Haruka's swift hands explored her body. "That's convenient for you."
"And dangerous," Haruka whispered, her lips caressing Raiden's ear.
"Oh?"
"There's nothing to stop me from giving in to the desire to have you to myself."
Raiden resisted the urge to giggle as she blushed. "Except that I am going out of town for two weeks."
She could feel Haruka frown, the blonde stepped away. They were only inches apart now. "What do you mean, going away?"
"The boss gave me a pre-paid vacation; he figured it was the only way to get me to leave."
Haruka leaned in again; her dark green eyes were full of mysterious light. "Then I am going to have to follow you."
Raiden laughed gently, "Or you could just come with me."
Haruka kissed her again, "I'll meet you there."
"I was going to leave tonight. Can you be there tomorrow?"
"What's the address?" Haruka stood back from her, smoothing a hand through her damp hair. Raiden smoothed her clothes and tried to shake off the haze of desire. Taking a deep breath, she felt better and was able to take out the voucher from her pocket.
Haruka took it and studied the address, "I am familiar with the location. I'll be there tomorrow afternoon."
"That seems like forever." Raiden reached out and gently touched the blonde's cheek. Her hand trembled, Haruka nuzzled her hand. "God, I can't help myself around you."
Haruka gave her a seductive smile, "I know the feeling." Gently she kissed Raiden's palm and kissed her way up her arm. "Better leave now or you won't be allowed out of bed for two weeks."
Raiden chuckled softly as she shivered from the kisses. "Is that a promise?"
"If you want it to be, then yes."
Finally, Raiden was able to leave, but it was hard. She struggled to walk away from the house; nothing in her wanted to leave. She was dizzy with desire; and shocked by her complete abandon. She didn't care if anyone saw them. Her thoughts tried to argue her into being responsible. But she didn't let it. She was going to enjoy this heady and electrifying experience.
The city of Tokyo was still busy at nine o'clock at night. Raiden had packed her bags when she arrived at home; booked a ticket on the next train to the resort and spent the rest of the day at the gym. She couldn't forget the way Haruka had touched her. Her skin tingled with her; her mouth still felt the other woman's lips. The only relief she found was by sweating at the gym; she had to work hard to keep from remembering Haruka's hands on her body. She'd often find herself lost in her memories and forgetting about her workout. So it took a long time to finish.
Nine thirty found Raiden getting out of her car and walking into the train station. It was crowded, like everything else, but she didn't care. A few minutes after arriving she was able to board and settled into her seat. She sat in the First Class car, letting her shoulders relax into the soft cloth seat. Her eyes drifted closed; she dreamed of Haruka.
The train eventually pulled out of the station; Raiden felt herself relax even more the further she got from Tokyo. By the time she arrived at the resort; she was giddy and excited. It took effort not to run into the lobby and ask for her room. She was so happy to be here and in a few hours Haruka would be with her. The thought of having the blonde beauty all to herself, made Raiden feel light-headed with joy.
Passing through the entrance, Raiden went to the desk and show her ID.
"Welcome to the Quiet Springs Resort, Rogers-San." The desk clerk greeted with a bow, "We have your room ready."
Raiden accepted her key card. Signing the register she turned. Her feet stopped before her brain knew why. It took several seconds before she recognized the figure at the entrance. She was grinning and running before her mind could tell her not too.
Haruka's arms wrapped around her, their lips met and the world disappeared.
It was too soon when the kiss ended; Raiden sighed softly, caressing a hand down Haruka's cheek. "You're early."
"I've been here since this evening. I had to see you." Haruka kissed her again. "I tried not to give in. I told myself to wait, but..." Haruka brushed her lips along Raiden's jaw, "I couldn't wait."
"I have my room, come up."
Haruka followed her to the elevator bay. Raiden kept her arm around the blonde's slim waist. The texture of her linen suit was rough but oddly exciting. Raiden glanced at Haruka as they waited for the elevator. The blonde was watching Raiden with a devilish grin. Raiden grinned sheepishly.
The elevator arrived and they stepped on. It took forever for the doors to close; they were alone. The doors had closed and Raiden didn't have a chance to breathe inward. Haruka had her up against the wall and was kissing her.
Her body melted in the rush of emotions; her mind fogged over in a delicious cloud of joy and need. Raiden lost track of time and space; she slid into the heat of passion with complete abandon.
Haruka stepped back, "Come on, we can't be caught in the elevator."
Raiden's hands trembled as she slid the card into the door lock. It took forever for the lock to snap open. No sooner had the door shut, but Haruka had her lips on Raiden's neck and was kissing downward again. Raiden let herself go and was smiling as her clothes came off and her thoughts drifted into hazy joy.