|Chapter Two|
The moment Heero saw the pop-star Minako Aino, he knew the flight would need cancelled to not seem rude to Makoto's friend. In the papers he read of her success but didn't pay much attention, and wondered how true of friends these two really were. With Makoto being a chef, it was understandable if the two were perspective business partners. Introductions were odd, as Makoto introduced Heero as 'a business acquaintance showing her around Vegas' but it didn't look like Minako bought it. Lounging across the bed, and flipping through a magazine, Minako curiously poked looks to Heero relaxing on Makoto's couch.
"Are you planning to leave Vegas already? I thought you had a business deal," commented Minako while Makoto folded her clothes neatly into her suitcase.
"I managed to snag a deal somewhere close to Tokyo," replied Makoto, somehow evading the question only for Minako to close her magazine to continue the conversation.
"Where exactly is it? I really don't like the idea of you having to be away from Tokyo so much as arrangements require," answered Minako, looking disappointed at her friend being gone so much. Makoto paused a moment from packing to sit on the edge of the bed, knowing where Minako was trying to take the conversation. She didn't want to talk about that right now and especially since it wasn't Heero's business to know.
"Just in the Sanq Kingdom, close to home I assure you Minako. Mr. Yuy was kind enough to offer a splendid deal where I may continue with my career," assured Makoto. Giving Minako a reassuring smile, Makoto moved to her feet as she finished the last few items. "Onto a brighter topic, how is your tour? I'm glad you were able to make it to Vegas."
"I know I just got in, but is it possible for you to post-pone your flight until later tonight? I want you to be my special guest at my opening act," said Minako, producing a smile before looking over at Heero with a wink. Heero wasn't sure how to take it while he watched the interactions. From analyzing, they seemed like old friends, or on good enough terms for Minako to lounge on her bed and want her as a guest.
"I'm sure I can change our flights over to late this evening," responded Heero only for Minako to grin happily with success.
"What plans do you have today? We have to go shopping before the show! I heard the strip mall was great here," said Minako, pushing herself off the bed. Makoto looked to Heero for approval only for Minako to arch a brow at Makoto's sudden reliance on this stranger.
"I'll let you two catch up and will meet back later this evening?" asked Heero, looking at his watch before moving to his feet. At the nod, he left the room wondering if she would ditch or honestly meet him later.
Minako was bombarded on the streets while they were shopping for autographs as fans continued to ask for pictures. Finally, it got to a point where Minako wished they went undercover to get away from the attention.
"Stardom is treating you well," said Makoto with a laugh, watching a scowl cross her friend's complexion while they looked over the clothes.
"I really hope he's just a business acquaintance," commented Minako as Makoto paused a moment to catch a serious look from her senshi leader. "With the situation you're in, something like this could ruin the plans if they got out."
"I assure you I have everything under control, and he is just a business partner," lied Makoto, feeling a bit guilty. But it was true to the point of being business partners, minus the fact they had been married. Minako let out a giggle as she moved into their private booth to try a few items on.
"Well, I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to have a little fun before getting serious," said Minako, adjusting her outfit and looking at herself in the mirror.
"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Makoto with a frown as she tried on a dress Minako picked out. As usual, it always seemed too…flashy. Minako rolled her eyes at Makoto in the mirror before trying on another outfit.
"Seriously? He might be someone to have fun with before the 'big day'. This guy is gorgeous, and if his eyes aren't lying, I would say he wouldn't mind a little…you know," joked Minako, smacking Makoto on the butt only for them both to fall into a fit of laughter.
"Maybe, just maybe," grinned Makoto, seeing Minako laugh at the thought her friend would actually go through with it.
"If not, you could at least tease him. Look at you Mako, you're beautiful! Anyone would kill for a body like yours, so why not make the most of it tonight? I want to see a little flirting at dinner, and at least let me prepare you with a few items?" asked Minako, wanting to help her friend out with a little fun. Makoto felt her confidence sky-rocket with Minako talking her up that she couldn't resist. She was going to make sure Heero wouldn't regret picking her, and that he would regret not having her either.
Heero waited patiently at the entrance belonging to the show room, checking his watch frequently; so far, he hadn't been stood up, which was a relief. Pulling on a three-piece business suit, Heero hoped he wasn't overdressed for Minako's show. Being that she was in a show room meant it was a higher class level than normal productions. Although it was just below a VIP showing, he was glad Minako wasn't like all the scantily clad other singers that thought dressing less was best instead of having a great voice. Gazing up to see the crowd, Heero had to swallow a moment when he saw the leading lady making her way. A tinge of jealousy hit him as he watched men pause to give a second glance while Makoto made her way toward him. A dark pink chiffon strapless balloon dress with black sash moved around her figure with every step, accentuating her long legs brought by matching low pointed-toed heels. Pausing in front of him, Makoto glowered in his silent demeanor for a moment while Heero straightened his tie.
"I see you did some shopping," commented Heero as he led Makoto toward their front row table. Makoto felt a grin pull at her lips as Heero pulled out her chair before seating himself.
"Just a few items," answered Makoto as the waitress came to the table but she refused a drink that evening. Heero stared at her from across the table, noticing somewhat of a glow around Makoto's persona. Was this really the woman he picked up from the bar? So far, she had surpassed his expectations. It made him wonder who she really was, and if such women really existed. Having stayed from the dating world due to his line of work and always being on missions, it felt nice for once to relax in the company of a woman.
"How long have you known Minako?" inquired Heero, trying to see more into her personality. Makoto looked over to him from check out the stage to produce a smile.
"We've been together since middle school and still stay in close contact. Her main residence is in Crystal Tokyo, where I live also at my main business," replied Makoto, intriguing Heero for a moment. Why would someone from Crystal Tokyo want to expand? It was a well-known city ruled by women and peaceful.
"How is it in New Tokyo? I haven't managed to travel that way before," said Heero, pausing for a moment to take a drink. Makoto was glad they were able to talk normally and felt a smile bubble up but decided not to give too much away.
"It's different, but for the better. I lived in Tokyo before the change to see how much more could be done for the city. Afterwards, it was wonderful to live in peace without fear of never being without a job and given the chance for expanding opportunity. Spanning larger than before, there are different sections to each city before getting to the center point where the palace is located," explained Makoto as she began to get animated talking about her home. Heero felt just as intrigued listening to this new city from a local's point of view. Although he was there once before hidden in the shadows for the initial peace signing with Relena, Heero never paid much attention to the group of women and retired from working for the Sanq Kingdom shortly after that.
"Tell me more about these sections, you seem to know a lot," commented Heero, pulling more from her and was glad to see how brightly she shined. From the way she spoke and acted normal, Heero knew she would fit in with his group of friends.
"Each section has a major role it plays for the benefit of the city, and gives a wide range of areas where citizens can expand their life. Take Sapphire Tower for example: its main function is education. No matter what career field citizens enter into, their experiments are used to better their community and then sell the product to other countries for profit. This system works, and the city offers other sections such as Ruby Tower being a focal point of ancient monk training of the old ways, Topaz Tower, where stars are born in musical, acting and fashion talents, and lastly Emerald Tower where all crops are produced," explained Makoto as Heero listened intently.
"What of the palace? Does it focus on anything specific as well?" asked Heero as Makoto was a bit unsure how to answer.
"The palace is symbolism of peace; all royal business is conducted as well as meetings with worldly ambassadors. The grounds surrounding the palace are open to the public with the large gardens and the ability to view the proceedings over peace negations," finished Makoto. Heero nodded but the music started before he could continue their conversation without changing to a closer seat. Feeling as if the conversation was going to end too quickly, Heero decided to move closer. Placing a hand on her arm casually, he leaned in toward her ear getting a nose full of the erotic fragrance. He never dreamed a woman wearing a light musk with a hint of sweetness could smell so good.
"It sounds too good to be true, have you met the rulers?" he purred into her ear. Makoto felt a shiver move through her at his breath tickling her neck before moving in to continue.
"A few times," responded Makoto, feeling a smile pull to her lips. If only he knew who he was talking to. Heero leaned in once more, another flick of his fingers touching her wrist a bit and moving slightly up her arm. That initial touch felt a bit violating…was he starting the flirting games? The gloves were off when she felt a shiver move through spine as she changed her posture a bit.
"How would you describe them?" asked Heero. Makoto brushed a few curls behind her ear to expose her neck and bare shoulder before tilting toward his ear at a different angle where her nose barely skimmed his hair.
"Exotic," she whispered, feeling a slight purr wiggling up her throat. Pulling back slowly, Makoto made sure the tip of her nose skimmed his ear…of course, by accident. Ending the conversation on that note, Heero tried to pay attention to the siren on stage, surprised at her vocal accomplishments. Although, he stared at the vixen and noticed how she teased. Was this the beginning of something he should avoid? Heero had an uneasy feeling setting in but felt a wave of pleasure move through him at the idea of her tactics and countering them. The chance had already slipped by from their prior conversation but he would bide his time to return the favor she graciously showed.
Before the show ended, Minako made a speech thanking everyone for coming, especially her fans, and then said she had a special guest in the crowd. A spotlight shined on their table while Minako kept the applause coming.
"This is one of my best friends, and I'd like to congratulate her on a successful business arrangement. Being a chef isn't easy, spending time trying to appease the crowds, on her feet all day…but I have to say, she finally did it," started Minako, keeping the audience entertained. "Not only will one of her recipes be featured here, in this magnificent hotel, but also in the Sanq Kingdom!"
Heero gazed at the brightening Makoto and baffled expression as the light moved off them. Focusing on his surroundings, Heero saw two well-dressed men take a seat at their table. As the agreements commenced, Heero couldn't help but feel a slight jealously as the man used the same flirtatious tactics on Makoto by snuggling a bit too close to her ear and touching her arm. Minako continued with her encore song as Makoto moved into an agreement with the management from hearing an expressed apology about her disappointment with another restaurant. Writing down the memorized recipe, Makoto felt her luck boost as she managed to catch the last part of Minako's act. Minako gave her final pose, when the stage suddenly went pitch black. The music continued only for the lights to turn back on to show the stage empty as the music gave the ending punch. Heero had to admit, Minako had a great setup but most of all did what seemed like a great deed for Makoto that evening. The lights dimmed around the show room as the curtains were drawn to a close signaling the end.
"You have a nice friend," commented Heero, giving her a smirk. He never thought she could get any redder, but she managed. It took her a moment to find her words.
"This is finally my big break," said Makoto, leaning into her chair still excited.
"How long have you been trying to sell your recipes?" asked Heero. Makoto thought for a moment, trying to count a bit.
"This is actually the first time I sold a recipe. I started it right out of high school while I went to University for business. Pulling a few strings, I managed to keep a float after working around the clock. It's been about six years, and I'm finally being able to sit back and relax," replied Makoto as Heero noticed the glow. He could tell it meant the world to her to have the business. Patting her hand affectionately, Heero felt her hand touch his for a moment as he pooled his attention back to her face. "If it wasn't for me using you as a business associate, I'm sure Minako wouldn't have done it. She sees you as competition for my affection."
Heero felt a sense of ego-boost as he gave Makoto a small grin. A waitress moved to their table with a note. Makoto read it and pulled a small package from her purse with a quickly scribbled note.
"Minako said she'll catch us later," started Makoto while she began to get her excitement under control for her current situation. "What time do we leave?"
Heero looked down at his watch, this was the perfect timing. They would be able to have a good overnight flight, both could rest, and he could go over the last things she needed to know. Sure, it was cramming, and he was lucky he had all the paperwork prepared, faxed, and sent in. Before he arrived to the show, he had received the package with her new IDs, social, wedding certificate, wedding album, and wedding video.
"I already sent our luggage. This gives us time to finish going over the last things you need to remember before we get there," replied Heero, moving to his feet and handing out a hand in a gentleman gesture. Delighted, Makoto accepted and followed silently, sliding into the taxi's cushioned leather seats. It was starting to get comfortable having Heero there, putting an arm around her shoulders or gently holding her hand. For some reason, she felt as if this was the first time he had really showed affection towards anyone before.
At least it's subtle, and not overly done, she thought, gazing out the window watching the city lights pass. Catching a glimpse of the night sky, Makoto felt the wonderment move through her as she remembered hearing about the space colonies. When Crystal Tokyo had been finished and peace treaties started, their group was updated on the event of wars plaguing everywhere with giant suits. Most of the battles were in space, over the colonies and Makoto always wondered how she missed these moments in history. The first person to meet with the senshi was a woman named Queen Relena Peacecraft from the Sanq Kingdom to ask for their help in her journey for world peace. Serenity had agreed immediately as the union began with the Kingdom. Reading up on history, Makoto had a longing for visiting the colonies someday but knew it wouldn't fit into her schedule recently but in the near future. Haruka and Michiru had been the only two to see them, and Minako was soon to go as well with her tour. Still gazing into the sky, Makoto hoped to find a glimpse of the colonies. To her, it was more like she was afraid. Already they had seen the ruins of the Moon Kingdom, and her heart was heavy about perhaps seeing the ruins of her own Jovian palace.
"Makoto?" The voice brought her from the thoughts abruptly. Looking at the outstretched hand, Makoto finally took it before gazing at the white private jet. Each step next to Heero reminded her of the task at hand. The lies she would tell, and how crucially she needed to stay away from the Sanq Palace on her visit. If she was found out, Makoto was unsure how to deal with the situation with all the circumstances provided.