"And last but not least, this is the main boardroom," Haruka introduces, proudly showing off the large office overlooking the Hudson River.
"Oh my," Michiru exclaims, pulling herself up to sit on the boardroom table. "It's so...big. Are you compensating for something, Haruka?"
"Very funny. And can you please get off the table. Please."
Laughing, Michiru hops down and ventures closer to the window. "This really is a gorgeous view of the city."
"Most definitely." Haruka reaches her head down to give her companion a quick kiss. "I'm glad you decided to come."
"Me too. But no promises yet," the smaller girl reminds Haruka. Looking around the boardroom, Michiru's attention is drawn to the blue painting on the far wall, and she wanders over for a closer look. "Now here's a dramatic piece for a boardroom. Darkness...destruction...chaos. You find this to your liking?"
"Oh yes. It's called The End of the World, fittingly enough. I bought it a while ago at a charity auction here in the city. I couldn't help myself...there's something about this piece that I find absolutely captivating."
"Is that so?" There is a strange look on Michiru's face, halfway between understanding and awe. "Do you know who the artist is?"
"That I'm not sure of. It's not signed, at least not that I can see."
"What a mystery," the aqua beauty whispers, and for a long moment she is lost in her thoughts.
Haruka coughs intentionally, breaking the trance. "Darling, I have to attend to a few matters before I introduce you to some of the other staff. Can I have Taylor drive you somewhere, or do you want to wait in the office for a few hours? It's up to you."
"I actually need to check my email, but the wireless on my laptop is unreliable," Michiru explains. "Is there any chance I can use your computer?" Haruka hesitates for a moment, but it is enough to leave her vulnerable to Michiru's teasing. "Oh right. Control freak. Sorry, I forgot."
"No, no, it's just that I have a ton of stuff all over my desk right now. It's a total mess." Haruka places a hand to her temple, clearly running through their options. "Okay, why don't I set you up in one of the spare offices, and you can do your work there?"
"That sounds perfect," Michiru responds with a grateful smile. There's a lot to be done, and she is eager to get started.