A/N - How can anyone hate me now?! Update - A REAL UPDATE! w00t right? Anyhow kiddies, this is the first of the restaurant chapters. I'd like to than impersonal for being an AMAZING beta-reader... again. Honestly, you have helped me so much with this BEAST of a chapter. Anyhow kiddies, you know the routine; I own nothing related to Sailor Moon... I do own my OC's though so yay me! Thanks to everyone who gave me feedback on the teaser (I was mean I know but I could not resist!). Once you've read this chapter please review cos it motivates me to write more. Enjoy! -VR
CHAPTER 7 – FOR STARTERS...
"Oh, for fucks' sake, how hard is it to caramelize carrots? If that dish is not on the side in five minutes, expect your pay to be docked!"
The other chefs nodded profusely as their hands flew over the ingredients and chopping boards.
Makoto wasn't usually this verbal in the kitchen, but as a boss on the opening night of her restaurant, she felt it was the only way to get her message across to the chefs. She depended on everyone being on their top form. Makoto was sure she was going to lose her mind if the night went horribly. She was rushing from one end of the kitchen to the other making sure all the dishes were being prepared slightly ahead of time – to allow for cooling. The waiters had come to the kitchen five minutes previously with a long list of appetizers.
"Hurry up! We don't want to be branded by the media as giving slow service, do we!?" Makoto shouted around again.
However although it may not seem like it, Makoto was floating on air. She was fulfilling her dream, her own restaurant, her own kitchen, her own stuff, hell, her very own menu; Asian latkes with nuts in gingered sour cream, smoked oysters had been ordered, French onion soups, coconut crabmeat canapés with cooked vegetables... the list literally went on. Though she had a problem with the publicity she was due to get. It's not that she's reluctant to go out and face the media, but rather, she's afraid to. What if they start giving her negative comments? Or she goes out and overhears some guy or worse, a friend, actually saying her food is not up to standard? What if-
A hand reached out and held onto her shoulder reassuringly as the owner of the hand spoke,
"No worries, Kino-san, the media's sure to like you." It was Jordana, the sous chef, and she gave Makoto a wink after she finished.
"Thanks, Jordana, but-"
"No buts. Leave the place to me for now. You deserve some of this limelight."
"Ah well…" Jordana did have a calming effect on Makoto as her words reassured the chef and gave her a much needed nudge to come out and face the music.
She snuck out to the changing area for staff, and changed from her chef uniform into her more formal slate coloured slacks, couple with a chocolate brown dress shirt, that she had slightly fitted to her frame. Once Makoto threw on her blazer that matched her slacks, she took a deep breath and made her way out into the main dining area.
Cameras all flashed at the same time and nearly blinded the hottest chef on the Tokyo scene.
"Kino Makoto-san! Please look here for a photograph!"
"Kino-san! Please answer some of our questions!"
"What are your views about a neighbouring restaurant competing customer satisfaction with yours-"
"Kino Makoto-san-"
Makoto smiled back at all the reporters talking at the same time though she can't hear them well at all.
The brunette took a look around the room and smiled calmly, she could see that nearly every respectable food critic in the city was here. She took a deep breath and went on her rounds, ready to suck up to each and every one of them. As she made her way to the first table by the section where 'the vultures' were, she took a glance over to the side, where Makoto had requested her friends' be seated. And sure enough there were the smiling faces of Usagi, Mamoru, Seiya and Haruka. There were several other people around them but Makoto promised herself she would make an effort to speak to them after, after she had dealt with the judges of her restaurant. Before she approached the first person at the nearest table, she took another look around the restaurant. Proud of her achievement – she needed one last ego boost before this critic inevitably shot it down. She had had enough ego deflation this week courtesy of Ami-
"Makoto-chan!!" Usagi was waving like mad with a hug smile plastered on her face as usual.
"Mako!!" Seiya called out as well.
Makoto couldn't help but grin back at them. So typical of those two to be so vocal but they brightened her spirits up. And leaving off from Ami just now before her thoughts were interrupted, there she was... sitting beside Haruka's employer, a few tables away from the blonde tomboy. The escorts Makoto had met briefly were on tables near the blue-haired girl. Alright, here it is to talk to the critics. She took another deep breath.
Makoto looked at the first critic.
It was a woman, and she seemed vaguely familiar. The woman's back was to Makoto, but Makoto couldn't help but shake a feeling that she knew this woman. That auburn hair, that familiar curve, that… and that…and as the tension became all too much, the woman turned around and Makoto felt the air being sucked out of her body. She felt her hand go cold and her eyes, she couldn't believe her eyes.
"M-M-Maya!?"
"Holy fuck, Haruka, look! It's Maya!"
Haruka instantly whipped her head around at the words of Seiya and looked over to her brunette friend. And sure enough, there was the auburn haired she-devil they all knew as Maya.
"What the hell?!"
Haruka was about to stand up but Mamoru spoke clearly.
"Guys! Mako's a big girl, Maya won't do anything in public here; she's not that stupid. Sit down, Haru-chan... calm down."
Usagi looked over at Makoto and smiled warmly, despite the fact her clouded blue eyes told another clear emotion.
Seiya smiled somewhat sheepishly, before he spoke up too.
"Mamoru's right. Let's just take it calm, guys... Hey Haruka, where is your cousin?"
The blonde snapped her attention back to Seiya and smiled gently, her gaze lingering on the aqua-haired escort sitting beside him.
"She got a phone call from her father before you guys arrived and Makoto let her take it upstairs. She should be down in a moment."
Haruka stared a Michiru for a spit second, receiving nothing in return – unless you count avoiding eye contact as a sign of progression back to their old friendship. Damn.
"Oh, Haru-chan, I'm so glad your cousin is here... someone for Chibi-chan to talk to without getting incredibly bored by us the adults!" Usagi beamed as she spoke and Haruka smiled back to the positive blonde.
"Hai... though I think once the food arrives, you won't be bored for certain!"
Haruka noticed how the pink-haired girl next to Usagi giggled slightly at the comment. The young girl then stopped and bit her lip; she looked up at the blonde and seemed to struggle as to whether or not to talk. Haruka couldn't help but laugh.
"My God, you two are related! Usagi does the exact same thing when she wants to say something!"
The young girl blushed gently but then laughed at the comment as soon as Usagi did then go on a rant to her husband about how great the food smelt. After Usagi stopped speaking, Chibiusa found the courage to speak out.
"Um... Tenoh-san, how old is your cousin? What is she like?"
Haruka smiled warmly, "Please, never call me Tenoh-san. It's Haruka, always Haruka," the tomboy spared a quick glance to Michiru that did not go unnoticed by Seiya nor it's aqua-haired receipient. "And Hotaru-chan is 15, though she'll be 16 in January. She's a nice girl... a little quiet but nice nonetheless."
Haruka watched as the young girl took in all the information and then slowly nodded. "Hmm, she sounds nice. I can't wait to be friends with her!"
Chibiusa smiled broadly and she went on to look around the restaurant for someone near her age.
Seiya cleared his throat, instantly catching Haruka's attention. The tomboy looked over to him and saw that he was looking over Haruka with a knowing look in his eye. She ignored him. But he still spoke, "So, Haru-chan, when are you going to set me up with your boss?"
The tomboy sighed and rolled her eyes.
"OH MY GOD!"
Seiya ducked under the table after he had whisper-yelled to his long-time blonde friend. Haruka looked at him in concern and after a moment she sighed and put her head under the table.
"Um, Seiya, not that I'm shocked, but why are you acting like an ass?"
Seiya scoffed then slowly raised his head, coming back over the table. "She's here, Haruka... I met this woman in the bank, and she's now here! God, look at her she's gorgeous!"That caused Haruka to raise an eyebrow and smirked.
"Tell me what she looks like and I'll be the judge of that."
"She's in the light brown suede dress, cut off at the knee. Green hair."
Haruka turned around and instantly had to stifle her laughter. Seiya scowled at his blonde haired friend. "What the fuck's so funny, Haruka?"
Haruka managed to calm her composure and she stood up, bowing slightly to the green-haired woman in question. Seiya knotted his brows in confusion.
"Konbanwa, Setsuna-san."
Seiya almost choked on his tongue as he saw the woman he knew as Meioh-san greet Haruka, with a slight glare. Seiya stood up and bowed too.
"Konbanwa."
Seiya lifted his head and smiled broadly to his green-haired goddess. Setsuna cocked an eyebrow, and slowly walked past Seiya, all the while never saying a word. Seiya turned to Haruka,
"How the hell do you know her? Oh My God, you didn't sleep with her, did you?!"
"When am I going to set you up with Setsuna-san? Try, never."
Seiya raised both his eyebrows, clearly trying to intimidate his long-time friend. He was about to speak out loud when from out of nowhere, Hotaru seemed to appear. She was quietly making her way into her seat, next to Haruka, with her head slightly bowed the entire time. Michiru watched with slight concern as she saw Hotaru was blushing madly.
"Hotaru-chan, are you okay?"
The dark-haired girl lifted her head and looked into Michiru's eyes before nodding. "Hai, Michiru-chan."
Chibiusa frowned slightly, the dark-haired girl opposite her seemed familiar but Chibiusa couldn't quite put her finger on it. It was only when Mamoru looked on his wife's cousin and saw her thinking deeply that he smiled and spoke, cracking the younger girl from her trance.
"Are you okay, Chibi-chan?" Chibiusa looked over to Mamoru and smiled widely.
"Hai, Mamo-chan, I was just thinking!"
Usagi raised her eyebrow at her cousin and chuckled lightly."Don't hurt yourself doing it, Chibi-chan."
Chibiusa stuck her tongue out at Usagi and grinned even wider. "Ha! As long as you don't hurt yourself stuffing your face, Usa-chan!"
Haruka rolled her eyes and spoke softly to Usagi. "Usa-chan, please don't forget that we are here for Mako! No scenes! Please?"
Haruka took a moment to collect herself only to feel a slight shaking beside her. She turned, and was shocked to see Hotaru laughing gently. Hotaru, upon seeing her cousin's surprised look, blushed heavily.
"I-I'm sorry, Haru-chan, I – "
"Don't apologise, Hota-chan! It's good to see you laughing!" Haruka smiled genuinely.
She had seen the girl smile, but Haruka was worried that her younger cousin may have been somewhat depressed due to her somewhat melancholy demeanour and general attitude, so seeing her laugh lifted a shitload from the blonde's worries. Hotaru smiled gently to her cousin. The dark haired girl was seemingly oblivious to all the attention she had gathered at the table. Mamoru and Seiya seemed confused – they didn't see what all the fuss was about. A young girl was laughing, that was the norm wasn't it? Usagi was smiling oblivious to the fact that she didn't even know why Hotaru was laughing, but she liked to see everyone happy, so she was just glad that everyone seemed in good spirits. Michiru was smiling inwardly while maintaining her composure; she had suspected earlier that day that Hotaru was not exactly the happiest of girls, so to see her crack a real smile and laugh brought much relief to Michiru's system.
And as for Chibiusa, she was feeling something strange. She had brought someone else to laugh, and not in a rude way. She had made someone genuinely happy, and that thought had filled her body with foreign warmth which she greeted without a second doubt.
Hotaru turned her head and saw the pink-haired girl properly for the first time; she inhaled sharply as she saw that the girl was blatantly staring at her. Hotaru thought she would faint as soon as she locked eyes with the girl. It was just like the movies in this moment to Hotaru, where everything moves slowly, voices are slurred and incoherent and all you can see is the person who's caught your eye... in this case, not just Hotaru's eye.
The dark-haired girl could feel a slight blush rising to her face again.
This girl had her attention, no doubt about it, she had her undivided and complete attention. Hotaru tried to speak but her voice seemed to be caught in her throat. Her mouth felt very dry, as though her vocal chords were working against her. Hotaru dropped her head, breaking her gaze from the other girl. But as soon the gaze broke, the world seemed to return normal, voices came out of the slur, everything was moving at its regular pace. As Hotaru lifted her head once more, she saw that the girl was still staring at her, smile still in place, sincerely.
"I'm Tsukino Serenity. My friends call me Chibiusa, though."
"I-I, I um... I'm Hotaru."
The awkward exchange from Hotaru was not lost on anyone at the table. The only person who seemed to not catch on instantly was Usagi who instead decided to fawn over the quiet dark-haired girl.
"Awww, Haruka-chan, your cousin is so cute."
The tomboy looked didn't take her eyes off of her cousin. "Yeah, she's just plain adorable. Hotaru-chan?" The dark haired girl looked up to her cousin, "Are you okay?"
Haruka laughed as she got a gulp and a frantic nod for an answer. Haruka moved her line of vision away from her cousin and as soon as she brought her gaze back up to her friends, she was met with the warm blue eyes she had been missing the past day. Haruka smiled warmly to Michiru and found it meekly returned.
And then, Haruka turned a little blue and her mouth crumpled up as if she was suppressing a yelp. It was true; she was suppressing a yelp of pain. Bloody Seiya stepped on her foot. She turned around and glared at Seiya, who winked at her and smirked widely. Seiya was on top form tonight, he had noticed every single glance and interaction between the women at the table, and it was clear to him that there was more than meets the eye to each and every person.
However, after a few moments, his attention was stolen from the green-haired centre of his universe, sitting three tables over. A woman with short blue hair was beside her, and on the next table there was a blond giggling happily with the man sitting opposite her – he was a broad shouldered, handsome man with long hair that came to his mid-back in an almost white colour. Next to the blonde was a dark haired woman, with a slight smile on her face. The man she was dining with had a more youthful look about him, though he had a mature look to him. He had short strawberry blonde hair and he seemed to be amused by whatever it seemed the dark haired woman was conversing to him.
Seiya found himself looking at Setsuna again. He was unable to tear his eyes away from the woman who had his focus and didn't even know it.
"Are you okay, Kou-san?"
Seiya didn't look at Michiru after she had spoken. He couldn't bring himself to look away from the mystery that was 'Setsuna'.
"I could be better Michiru-san."
Seiya had been told earlier to call Michiru by her given name. The aqua-haired woman looked at him and smiled gently before following his line of sight. As she saw Setsuna, Michiru raised her eyebrows in slight shock but she nodded her head, almost approvingly. "She's a beautiful woman, Kou-san."
Seiya nodded and smiled himself.
"Seiya. Please call me, Seiya. And yes... she is breathtaking. Answer me honestly, Michiru-san... would I have a chance?" Seiya spared a quick glance to Michiru before going back to staring at Setsuna.
Michiru giggled gently, catching the attention of Haruka, who was previously engaged with Mamoru in a conversation over wherever or not Usagi could eat so much food it would max out his credit card or not. Michiru grinned widely, not noticing the gentle smile she had gotten from Haruka. "I don't know Seiya-kun to be honest. I've never seen her take any interest in anyone to be honest. But you never know till you try, right?"
'Oh great advice, Kaioh, give advice you don't take yourself', Michiru groanedinwardly.
Michiru forced a smile out and it seemed to steel Seiya somewhat. He grinned widely.
"You're right, Michiru-san. I should try right? Perhaps after dinner... I really don't want to make a scene now."
"I think it would be best to wait until later, Seiya-kun. I – " Michiru instantly stopped speaking as she glanced causally around the room and saw a woman from a few tables over staring intently at Haruka. The blonde tomboy raised her head as she sensed someone was looking at her; she saw the woman from a few tables over and grinned cockily. Michiru could feel her blood boiling; who the fuck was that woman?
Michiru looked over to Haruka and saw she was staring back at the strange woman. She could take no more, and rose slowly from her seat.
"Please excuse me, Seiya-kun, I need to use the restroom."
"Oh, hahaha! You are so funny Kunzite-kun!"
Minako was having a great time! It was so rare to get a client that was so mature yet fun-loving. He seemed to have a dry sense of humour but she liked that; it gave her a chance to show she wasn't as ditzy as everyone seemed to think she was. Kunzite seemed to be enamoured with the blonde before him; his eyes bore into the blonde's, he watched every curve of her smile, he had memorized every feature of her face. He thought she was a divine creature of beauty.
"Minako-san, you are far too kind!" Kunzite grinned and turned to his friend Jadeite for approval of the blonde, but found Jadeite was equally as enamoured with the beauty he had sitting opposite him.
"Tell me Kunzite-kun, what do you do for a living? I would have thought a man as handsome as you would be a model or something."
Minako inwardly grinned upon seeing Kunzite's reaction to her compliment. A slight blush accompanied by a renewed air of cockiness. His body language changed, he became more forward, his voice dropped a little, trying to seduce the blonde with every word.
But alas, it was to no avail.
Every word he spoke was overshadowed by the clear, crisp voice of the raven-haired woman sitting beside her. As much as Minako loved being the forward, flirty, fun girl, she sometimes wished she had Rei's skill at subdued sensuality. Enough to send out clear hints to make you quiver upon the sheer sound of her voice, but also enough to leave you wanting more, making you think twice about everything she said, making you think about every meaning in her words. Minako smiled to herself, she had known the extent of Rei's talent with her mouth. However, her talent in seduction was clearly second to none... Okay, it was official; Hino Rei was driving Aino Minako insane with need, want and desire.
"So, Jadeite-kun, do you enjoy what you do for a living?"
Rei asked the question without bothering to look the man in the eyes, instead her eyes lingered on her wine glass in front of her, her index finger delicately tracing the rim of her glass. Her other hand rested elegantly under her chin and she had a small smile in place.
"Yes, I do, Rei-san. What about you? Do you enjoy your job?"
Rei looked up from the boldness from the question, she had managed to suppress the urge to raise her eyebrows and have her mouth agape and instead had opted for one cocked eyebrow and the smile turned into a smirk.
"It has its ups and downs, Jadeite-kun."
Rei's answer got a huge grin from Jadeite, who decided to take the answer in its smuttiest possible meaning. Inwardly, rolling her eyes, Rei only thought about how there was only two hours left of this job and it would be all over soon.
"I hope more ups than downs, Rei-san."
Jadeite's comment seemed to have almost thrown Rei off course. She opened her mouth to respond but she found that she had nothing to say in response. She looked into Jadeite's eyes and saw a familiar glint. It was in every client's eyes; the need, want and lust. She rose from her seat and bowed.
"Please excuse me Jadeite-kun, I need to powder my nose."
Jadeite leaned back in his chair and draped his arm over his seat. He nodded and smirked at Rei's request. She nodded in return and made her way over to the restrooms, knowing full well that Jadeite's eyes were still fixed on her body, taking in every curve available for his eyes to soak up.
Kunzite was still watching Minako with every bit of interest as she lifted her wine glass to her lips and took a small sip. He watched as her lips pressed against the glass and he smiled to himself when he saw her lick her lips. He also couldn't help but note the incredible interest the blonde seemed to have in her fellow escort, who had just left her table for a small break. He also noticed how whenever the blonde's gaze fell slightly it was to the stare secretly at the form of the dark haired woman – not so secret if he had watched her do it. All the time Kunzite had watched the blonde and the dark-haired woman, well what he could see of her. Through his voyeurism, he had only one thought form in his mind and unlike most men, he knew that with the two of these women he would have more chance of having a successful outcome with the image he had conjured up in his mind. He was really contemplating taking it from fantasy to reality. Kunzite saw the blonde bite her lip as she watched the other escort finally disappear from sight.
"Excuse me, Kunzite-kun."
Kunzite nodded understandingly and watched as Minako gracefully stood, bowed and made her way to the restrooms too. The older man turned to his friend and grinned. Jadeite was the first to speak.
"Have you seen the way the blonde looks at her?" Kunzite laughed and nodded in response.
"Hai. Minako-san doesn't seem to be very good with subtlety I must say." Jadeite nodded and laughed inwardly – it was the understatement of the year.
He cleared his throat. "If they're not back in five minutes, I think it will be safe to assume that they are... indisposed, ne?"
To this Kunzite nodded while taking a sip of water from his glass. "I hope they have no hang-ups about each other... do you have any idea how sexy they would be?"
Once more Kunzite nodded.
"Patience, Jadeite. Good things come to those who wait."
Jadeite simply nodded his head and took a long gulp of his wine too.
"Men. They're all the same."
Setsuna had been watching the two men that Minako and Rei were assigned to with great interest. The blue haired girl sitting opposite her did not respond to the statement and this only caused Setsuna's interest to be diverted from the perverse men two tables away, and to be transferred to the young girl sitting beside her.
"Ami-san, are you okay?" It wasn't often the green haired woman showed her emotions or even concern to another, but after seeing the look on her subordinate's face, she couldn't stop herself from voicing her worry. The younger girl nodded her head slowly and broke her eyes away from the image that seemed to be distracting her. Setsuna looked up in time to see Makoto sitting next to a gorgeous woman with auburn hair and brown eyes. Setsuna smiled warmly.
"Makoto-san? Is she harassing you still, Ami-san?" Setsuna knew that Makoto had not been harassing Ami, in fact she had been avoiding the younger girl since the group arrived at the restaurant. Ami shook her head vehemently.
"No, Setsuna-san. Kino-san has not spoken to me all night."
"Then why the sad face, Ami-san? Come on, cheer up."
Ami nodded her head but found herself unable to stop stealing glances here and there at Makoto's way. She looked up for the hundredth time that night, only to find a pair of emerald eyes staring back at her. Fighting the flush that seemed determined to rip through her body, the best she managed was to avert her gaze to the floor, hoping her short hair was enough to cover her face. She heard a soft chuckling from beside her.
"Ami-san, you should get a job in the kitchen... you could cook food on that hot face of yours or become tomato itself."
Ami took a moment to wait until she was sure her blush had died down. She looked up to find her employer looking at her with a slight smile still vaguely visible on her features.
"Please, Miss M... it's hard enough to be here. Please don't tease me."
It wasn't often that Setsuna was actually nice to her employees. She wasn't mean, but she did constantly tease them. And in that instant, she couldn't bring herself to tease Ami any further. She had heard the rumour flying around that the brunette had asked the younger girl out, only for Ami to say no. No big deal, she thought at first... then she had heard from Mina, Rei and Michiru that maybe there was a spark she was afraid to pursue. But now, judging from the way Ami was staring at the chef in question, Setsuna couldn't help but think that maybe that was true.
'Isn't there anyone who works for me that's straight?!'
"Rei-chan, I don't think I can stand another minute out there. She's just sitting there, acting so calm and smiling at me! And now there's some woman that keeps looking over at her! I need to go, I need to – "
Rei grabbed Michiru by the shoulder and held her firmly in place. "No, Michiru-chan. You are not leaving. You need to face this. Just act cool and calm. Don't let her get to you, you and I know you're better than that. So, go out there, charm the socks of Kou-san, and let Haruka see how great you are," Rei smiled tenderly at the end of her sentence, giving Michiru a much needed boost.
"Oh, Michiru-chan? Try not to kill this other woman. I'd hate to have to visit you in prison." Rei grinned and Michiru rolled her eyes playfully.
"I won't, Rei-chan. Thank you. You're right, I should go and face her."Michiru smirked and cocked her eyebrow, "And so should you."
Michiru walked past Rei, grin still in place. As Rei turned to question Michiru, she saw the same stunning blonde that has been plaguing her standing all of five feet away. Rei sighed exasperatedly.
"I don't have time for this Minako."
The blonde smirked and crossed her arms over her chest, instantly grabbing Rei's attention to take in Minako's... assets. The dark haired woman took in Minako's appearance. The blonde looked breathtaking; a light blue strapless dress that came to above the knee, topped off with a shawl around her shoulders in the same sheer design as her dress. Her hair was down but a few strands had been pulled back, curled. She looked angelic. She had minimal make-up on, her lip-gloss was a natural shade, had eyeliner and a sight bronze eye-shadow to match her slightly tanned skin. Rei didn't have to look at her feet and she knew the blonde had a killer pair of shoes on. Probably those three inch heels she bought two weeks ago and refused to wear, saying she didn't have the dress to match it. Well, Rei would be damned if that dress didn't go not only with the shoes but the astounding figure that came with the dress.
"Time for what, Rei-chan?"
Minako stepped forward, her arms still crossed and she smirked at Rei, teasing her worse than ever. Rei clenched her jaw and turned her gaze to the mirror, checking her appearance, doing anything
other than stare at the blonde next to her. After a few moments, Rei could tell Minako was checking her appearance in the mirror too; the distinct sound of Minako humming as she ran her hands through her hair overwhelmed the silent bathrooms. Rei closed her eyes, and put away her make-up. As Rei took one final glance in the mirror, she turned with every intention of leaving the bathroom, but she heard a small clatter and turned back, seeing a small tub of foundation on the floor. Rei caught Minako's eye, questioning her silently.
"Can you grab that for me, Rei-chan? Thanks."
Minako flashed a smile and Rei sighed, as she bent at the knees and grabbed the foundation. But as soon as she had crouched she saw a pair of legs rush to her she was nearly bowled over as she felt the sensation of being pushed by the shoulders. Rei went tumbling back but found she was being directed into the nearest stall.
"Wh-what the fuck are you doing, Minako?!" Rei managed to whisper-yell out her question as she scrambled to her feet in the cubicle.
She saw Minako grin and lean into her, but Rei pulled away at the last second.
"For Christs's sake Minako, make up your mind! This is not the time nor he place!" Rei took her gaze to the floor and saw that the two bags belonging to herself and Minako were on the floor, their belongings were somewhat strewn over the floor.
"Jesus Christ Rei, I said I was sorry! Can't we forget about that?" Rei shook her head and pushed the blonde back from her. She wanted Minako, she could not deny that. But right now, she had doubt. She and Minako nearly did unbelievable things to each other. Rei's mind raced back to the night at Minako's apartment, almost a week ago.
"I meant no offence, Aino-san... I'm just saying... that you're not what I expected." As soon as Rei saw that the smile she had offered the blonde opposite her was returned, the raven-haired woman felt a great relief flood through her body.
"Back on track, Hino-san... why are you here?" Ah, Minako was not as easy to distract as she thought. Rei smirked once more.
"I came to visit. I heard that from Haruka-san that you inspired her idea to make Ami her PA. I am shocked." The blonde cocked an eyebrow and clucked her tongue.
"Shocked? I can imagine why Hino-san, but I would hear it from you. To confirm my suspicions, as it were." Rei looked down at Minako, sitting on her sofa comfortably, her legs crossed and her arms lounging casually over the back of the furniture she was lounging so languidly over. Rei took a bold move and stepped towards the sofa before seating herself down. She was a good three feet from Minako, but it seemed to make no difference; she could feel heat radiating through her body and she gulped nervously to calm herself down.
"Well... I didn't think that you would be able to think of someone else's well-being Aino-san. I was glad though... it showed me another side of you. I... I came here to apologise mainly. For my behaviour to you." Minako turned her head and her lips curved into a smile, she was amused by this rare display. An apology was Hino Rei?
Someone smack her she must be dreaming.
"You mean when you called me a... what was it?" Minako put her index finger to her chin and mocked pensive thought, "Ah yes, that was it... A skank who lacks any elegance... and an idiot blonde, no wait, I'm a stupid bimbo and no amount of make-up could cover up my slutty aura. Wasn't that it, Hino-san?"
Rei bowed her head, clearly ashamed by her words. "…Yeah... that was it... but you know you called me a stuck-up prude and you said I'd sleep with my clients for free!" Rei could not help her voice rising.
"You know, this is the worst apology I've ever received."
Minako's deadpan hit the target. Rei once again shied her eyes away from the blonde. "Gomen, Aino-san. And I am sorry for calling you all those things. I didn't mean them. It's just that sometimes I let my temper get the better of me."
Minako nodded her head in understanding. "You've been on my case since I arrived. And I think after two years you can call me Minako... without following it with an insult, of course. Especially if you're here to apologise, I think we can be a little informal outside of the office, ne?"
Rei nodded her head and a comfortable silence ensued.
"Care for a drink, Rei-chan?" Amethyst eyes widened in shock. Mina was willing to accept that crappy apology?
"Um... yeah. That'd be nice, Minako-chan."
Minako nodded and lifted herself off of her sofa and made her way to her kitchen. Rei could hear her bustling around.
"So, may I ask why you said such horrible things to me, Rei-san? Or is that a question with no answer? You just did it because you felt like it?" Minako returned to the room, with two cans of soda, and handed one to Rei who had her lips pursed, clearly not wanting to answer the question. Minako saw this and sighed, exasperatedly.
"I can see it's the latter then, Rei-san." Rei shook her head fervently.
"No, it's not. I did it because..." The dark haired woman trailed off, unable to look up.
Rei took a gulp of her drink, hoping the cool liquid would calm her nerves and would bring some relief to her body; she felt as though she was burning up. Just being in the presence of the blonde was overwhelming.
"Because...?"
Minako asked teasing, in almost sing-song voice. Rei smiled quickly, but then forced it down. It would be impossible to hold a smile after speaking to Minako about her feelings. Why was she doing this again?' Oh yeah because I'm an idiot' thought the raven haired woman. Rei placed her can of drink on the coffee table near her and she cleared her throat. After a few more moments she chanced a glance up and saw that Minako was looking at her, eyes wide with anticipation.
"Because of how I feel about you, Minako-san."
The blonde instantly cocked her head to one side and frowned. She was clearly confused, and Rei had to suppress a smile at how adorable the blonde looked. Minako straightened her back up as realization dawned on her. She moved back.
"Just so I'm clear, Hino-san, " Rei felt her heart lurch as the formality returned, "How do you feel about me?"
Rei avoided the gaze of Minako. This was harder than she thought. She felt like some stupid schoolgirl with a high school crush. A minute passed in silence and Minako sighed once more. But Rei still didn't look up.
"Look at me, Rei-san."
When Rei didn't move, Minako moved her hand to Rei's chin and gently lifted her head until she was looking into the deep, dark eyes of the woman opposite her. "What do you feel for me, Rei-san?"
"I-I... I feel things for you that I shouldn't. Things that are pointless."
"Pointless?"
"Yes, pointless Minako-san. Because you will not like how I feel about you."
Rei blinked her eyes, hoping to break the hypnotic gaze the blonde seemed to hold over. Minako kept her fingers on Rei's chin, seeming almost as if she was unwilling to let go. Rei moved her mouth to form several different words but none of the words became audible. She sighed inwardly.
'Ah fuck it'.
Rei smiled weakly and Minako cocked an eyebrow, clearly somewhat bemused by Rei's change in behaviour.
"Gomen, Minako."
Rei didn't give her a moment to respond. She launched into the sweet lips of the blonde-haired woman opposite her. Rei was about to open her eyes and pull back from the kiss when suddenly a hand cupped her cheek, pulling Rei deeper into the kiss. Rei grinned into the kiss then began to move her lips against Minako's and after a few moments was granted access as Minako opened her mouth. Tongues passionately played with each other, the moans of two lust-filled women cloaked the room. Rei managed to talk between kisses; she had to let Minako know that she loved this. She loved kissing her, that she loved Minako.
"Minako... I've waited... so long... to do... this..." Minako pulled back slightly and a slight lush was covering the bridge of her nose. Rei grinned and leaned in, claiming the blonde's lips for her own. Rei was getting, and from what she could tell so was Minako. Rei's hands slid down the blonde's smooth forearms and made their way to her hands, intertwining briefly before Rei took the initiative and firmly but carefully took the blonde's wrists in her hands and lifted them slowly. Rei couldn't believe she was finally acting on instinct. And she couldn't believe that Minako was returning every touch. Minako's hands were pushed up over her head and Rei had a firm grip on the blonde's wrists. Rei could feel Minako moan into her mouth, every single lustful groan reverberating gently into Rei's mouth. The dark-haired woman slipped her tongue into the woman's mouth and felt the blonde squirming against her. Rei smirked into the kiss and forcefully pressed her lips against Minako's once more, and let her hands release the other girl's hands. The blonde seemed almost unsure where to put her hands but Rei instinctively ran her hands down the girl's sides, brushing past Minako's breasts, barely covered by her silk negligee. As soon as Rei's hands reached the blonde's delectable thigh, she felt Minako push her back, forcefully. Rei looked up into unsure blue eyes.
"Rei... I'm not sure I can do this with you."
"Minako... I put myself out that night. And you rejected me. I don't need these games, I don't need you to tease me. I need you to be honest. I... I just want to know... do you want me or don't you?"
Rei brought her amethyst eyes up and stared directly at Minako. She saw the bright blue eyes twinkle and Minako smirked. "I do want you, Rei... duh, isn't that obvious?" Minako moved forward once more but Rei shook her head.
"No, Mina... I meant... do you want to be with me? Or don't you?" Minako stopped in her tracks and her smile disappeared, only to be replaced with a slight frown.
Minako thought for a moment. She had this urge to grab Rei every single time she saw her, she could barely keep her eyes off of her and she could not restrain her libido any better. Could she picture herself with Rei? In five years time, could she return to an apartment and imagine being greeted by a dark-haired beauty and being engulfed in a kiss? Making love to her every night because that's what they'd both desire? Oh. My. God. It was that last thought that kicked Minako into grinning again. She would love to come home to her apartment and have Rei in every way possible.
"God, Rei, you have no idea."
Minako closed the distance and pounded her own body into Rei's, her lips pressed hard against Rei's. Her breathing became the last of her worries as she didn't dare break from the kiss.
Makoto could barely contain herself as she watched the woman before her take a bite from her dish and let out a barely audible yet a completely familiar moan.
"Mmm, Mako. You always manage to satisfy me, don't you?" The brunette gulped nervously. She was not like her friends; she did not have the confidence to come back with anything witty. Instead she smiled feebly.
"Maya, I didn't know you worked for Asahi Shimbun. I didn't even know they changed their reviewers."
The woman opposite Makoto laughed gently and stared at the brunette. Mako could not bring herself to look away. It had been so long. She was still mesmerised by her very presence, as evident by the way the brunette could not tear her eyes from the woman in front of her. Auburn hair, slightly curled, falling to her mid-back, bouncing vivaciously with every little movement. Bright, sparking azure eyes coupled with long eyelashes that, when batted, could drive a girl insane. Full, pink lips were curled into a slight smile and one delicate fine auburn eyebrow had risen slightly. Maya knew that Makoto has her eyes glued to her. As if automatically, Makoto could feel her gaze being drawn south of Maya's neck. The auburn haired woman snapped her fingers, instantly dragging Makoto from her trance.
"Mako... my face is up here."
Maya giggled as Mako blushed heavily, "I was sent here last minute. I'm still an intern at the paper. But I must say, if my review is half as good as your food then I don't think I'll be an intern for long."
Maya flashed a toothy grin Makoto's way then turned her head around, taking in the furnishings of the restaurant. As she took in one side of the restaurant, she giggled then looked at Mako once more, then turned her head and stared for a while. Intrigued by the behaviour of the woman before her, Makoto turned her head into the direction that Maya was looking. The brunette was caught staring into deep, blue eyes. Makoto snapped her head back, turning 180 degrees and making sure she could not see the girl again. Maya giggled and turned to the brunette, biting her lip slightly.
"My, my. Who is that darling little girl?"
Makoto could feel her cheeks heat up a little. She laughed nervously and instinctively begins fiddling with a loose strand of hair that fell from her ponytail.
"What girl?" Maya raised an eyebrow at Makoto and laughed again.
"You know what girl. That one with blue hair who cannot keep her eyes off you. There, that girl."
"Oh..." The brunette turned and glanced in Ami's direction once more.
'Go with the safe answer, don't be stupid, Mako!'
Makoto smiled sheepishly, "You remember Haruka, right? That's her assistant."
Maya's eyes seem to darken at the mention of Haruka.
"How could I forget Haruka?" A silence fell over the two. Makoto cleared her throat. Indeed, she would have been shocked had Maya said 'Haruka who?'
"So, how have you been, Mako-chan? You look well and I know you're doing well for yourself."
"I'm fine, Maya-chan." The brunette gulped nervously once more. Despite the fat Maya had hurt her badly in the past, she hated the fact the auburn haired woman held such a spell over her. Thank God the spell was broken once though.
It was just another day at college for Kino Makoto. She was in her advanced class for Catering and she had a placement at a very well-to-do restaurant in North Tokyo. They paid her well, which was
rare for any new placement to get. The only downside was that it affected the relationship of her girlfriend; Kobayashi Maya. Maya and Mako had been a couple since their sophomore year, when they were both at a 'legendary' Kou Seiya party and after Haruka had started a game of 'Nervous' and paired Makoto with Maya. Haruka demanded that Makoto go first to see how 'nervous' Maya was. Turns out she wasn't nervous one bit.
As the weeks after that party progressed, she found herself completely captivated by the girl. Maya was always around campus, and was known as the party girl and Makoto found her attention was drawn to the auburn haired beauty. The way she presented herself was always with confidence and grace. She was a literature and journalism student as Mako found out from Seiya. As much as the girl took up every waking second of Mako's life, it was in vain as far as she was concerned, she could never approach her as the brunette often thought that 'Maya's out of my league'. It was in a two hour break that Mako had, where she was in the local park, awaiting to meet her friends for lunch and saw Maya arrive at the park, and with her was Usagi, Seiya, Haruka and Mamoru. Makoto remembered how she had paled as Usagi introduced Maya to the brunette with a wink. It was after that meeting that their relationship developed.
It had been two years since Makoto and Maya started dating, and Maya had moved into the apartment that Makoto rented with her best friend Haruka at the time.
Makoto was scheduled to work until 1am, and she was feeling the stress of the Friday night rush get to her.
"Yo, Kino. You can go home if you want. We got another intern to terrorise aside from you now." The brunette was shocked at her employer's generosity but did not question it.
She grabbed her stuff and headed back to her apartment. Haruka was visiting her parents this weekend with her girlfriend of the week. Ever since the incident with Maya and Haruka a few months earlier, the tomboy made a concerted effort to never be in the home at the same time as Maya unless Makoto was there. It had nearly caused the breakup of a friendship the day Makoto found Maya straddling her best friend in their living room, but Haruka swore that she had no interest in Maya like that and it was an all accident. After a short while, Makoto was able to forgive Haruka and her trust was renewed in both women.
After forty five minutes, Makoto arrived at her apartment; headphones blaring music from her mp3 player into her ears. She bopped her head to the music as she put her key in the lock and opened the door, Only to find it staying in pace as the door opened barely four inches. Confused, Makoto took the headphones from her ear and examined the door. It was locked from the inside chain. At first, Mako's thoughts were that maybe Haruka hadn't left with her girl and was having a last minute quickie in the bedroom and wanted no interruptions. But it was only when Makoto heard the distinct sounds of staccato grunting that did her heart lurch and her mind fill with realization.
It was the sound of Maya groaning whilst in the middle of the throes of passion.
Makoto could feel her throat close, she was hoping to the gods that it wasn't her best friend who was in there with her. She could tell she was going to cry, but worse than this, she knew it was over. She could never forgive Maya for this. It was only when she opened her eyes did she decided to find out if one of her suspicions were right. She opened her cell phone and dialled the number for Haruka's cell, anxiously awaiting a response.
"Yo, what's up, Mako-chan?"
Makoto felt a wave of relief wash through her. She could hear Haruka's mother shouting in the background about how the blonde tomboy is 'always on that silly phone and visits family and only ever talks everyone but her mother and father'. She let out a breath she didn't know she was holding and began to laugh and cry at the same time before she hung up the phone. She stared at her apartment door. Maya had promised she would never do this to her again, and she had gone back on her word. She had violated Makoto's trust. She had made the brunette feel so small, so insignificant.
With one small step forward, Makoto raised her hand to the now closed door and knocked with as much force as she could muster. There was the sound of rushing around and a few 'fucks' here and there but after a few moments, the door was opened and Makoto was greeted by the sight of Maya, wrapped in a bedsheet, her eyes widened in shock. The brunette was the last person she had ever expected to see.
"Mako? What are you doing here? You're meant to be at work!" Her voice was filled with panic. She glanced over her shoulder and Makoto took advantage of that moment and stepped into her own apartment. As she did, a girl wandered out from the bedroom Makoto shared with Maya – wearing a tight fitting tee and her boy shorts – and grinned.
"Hey, Maya, what's the hold-up, I - ... Makoto-chan... hi." Makoto scoffed out loud. She didn't know the girl well but knew that it was Maya's journalism classmate:
Shimizako Ai.
"And yourself, Maya-chan? How is Shimizako-san, I've not seen her since college" The temptress before the brunette laughed gently and her smile faltered for a moment.
"We broke up two years ago, Mako." The brunette stiffened her posture. She couldn't believe this, this was her cheating ex, she should be fuming but she couldn't bring herself to be. It had been over four years. But it was that damned spell she had over the brunette. Makoto gently chuckled, causing Maya to cock an eyebrow in curiosity.
"So... my restaurant could really use a good review from Asahi... it's one of the biggest papers in the world, and your backing would go a long way." Maya smirked.
"I think it's the least I can do for you Mako... besides your cooking was always divine."
Maya raised her hand gently and went to caress Makoto's cheek. The brunette flinched backwards, making a clear divide between the two women. Maya's intoxicating spell may have been cast but her touch was far different from the aesthetic beauty the woman held.
"YES! Mako! I knew she'd have the power in her!"
Haruka grinned to herself as she watched her brunette friend flinch away from her ex. Michiru raised an eyebrow at Haruka, suppressing the grin she got from seeing Haruka's childlike joy. Seiya shook his head and laughed gently.
"I didn't think she'd be able to. Remember what she used to be like around her? Zombie Mako." Seiya laughed softly at the memory but looked over to his brown haired friend once more.
Michiru spoke gently as she watched Makoto and Maya with interest before her eyes flitted to Ami briefly, who seemed to be watching the two intently too. "Kino-san seems like such a nice person."
Seiya looked to the aqua-haired woman next to him and he smiled softly. "She really is. One of the best people I've ever met. I just wish that she could find someone good for her. Maya was no good for her."
Michiru nodded absentmindedly to his comment, but she couldn't prevent the spew of words that came from her mouth. "It's such a shame Ami-san refused Kino-san's offer. I don't really get why."
Haruka's attention was drawn to Michiru. There was a silence as both Seiya and Haruka looked at the aqua-haired woman. Seiya was the first to speak.
"Um... what?!" The black-haired man's eyes were popping out from his head. Haruka frowned in confusion.
"Mako got shot down... didn't she tell you?"
Seiya's mouth fell open.
"WHAT?! No! She didn't! No-one tells me anything! What? When? Oh my God! Who?!" Seiya's questions were all responded with a smirk from his blonde haired friend.
"I'm not sure it's my place to say... BUT! See the blue-haired girl next to your girlfriend?"
Seiya narrowed his eyes at Haruka before turning his gaze to Ami, sitting beside Setsuna. He looked back at Haruka and made an approving grunt before smiling.
"She's cute."
Haruka nodded.
"She's the one who shot her down."
Seiya's mouth dropped to the floor and he leaned towards Haruka.
"No!"
Haruka nodded and leaned towards Seiya, whispering, frightened Makoto may hear her.
"Well, what happened was..." As Haruka began retelling the series of events in her usual epic style, Michiru took a moment to sit back and take in the blonde. She was usually far more secretive in her lingering looks of want. But right now she couldn't help herself. She saw Haruka leaning forward, and watched as her short blonde locks fell forward, her bangs were just perfect. Her eyes sparkled with this glint of pure glee whenever she spoke, and her eyes were so warm and deep; Michiru could get lost in them with one simple look. Then there were Haruka's lips. Oh God, her lips. Haruka's lips were the source of Michiru's ultimate pleasure and of her torture. Although Michiru had never felt Haruka's lips nor anything other than the occasional touch of an arm, hand or her hair, she had fantasized often about Haruka's lips and the things those lips could do to her. It had brought her to climax many times in the past. Michiru had been daydreaming for a few moments and decided to snap out of it before she drew anymore attention to herself. She shook her head gently and as she did she saw Hotaru grinning at her out of the corner of her eye. But before she could question the younger girl, someone else's eyes caught her attention.
Cobalt eyes from a table she had taken note of earlier.
Michiru's eyes narrowed as she took in the form of the woman. The woman, even though she was at a table for two with a male companion, seemingly could not stop staring at Haruka. She had dirty blonde hair that fell past her shoulders, dark brown eyes, and full lips. Michiru took a moment to take in her features. She had fine cheekbones, and her skin was a light tan, nails seemed perfectly manicured and she took a great deal of pride in her appearance. She was wearing a light turquoise dress, that clung to the top part of her torso so Michiru could only assume did the same for the rest of the dress, what little there seemed to be of it. Michiru raised an eyebrow, ready to dismiss the girl as her as another pretty face infatuated with Tenoh Haruka... however, when the girl bit her lip smiled to herself, thinking no-one was watching, Michiru could feel a wave of jealousy flood her system. She could tell instantly what the girl was thinking as Michiru herself had had that same look envelop her features when she allowed her more lustful thoughts of the blonde over-ride her brain. Michiru was glaring daggers at the girl, and, as if the girl could tell someone was staring at her, her eyes locked with the aqua-haired escort. Then her eyes darted to the blonde near Michiru, then back to Michiru before the girl smiled politely and diverted her gaze back to her male companion. Michiru exhaled slowly through her nostrils, hoping to calm herself, and suddenly she was thrown out of her state of jealousy by the voice of Seiya.
"Helloooo? Michiru-chan? You with us now? Welcome back to Earth!" Seiya grinned widely.
"Gomen, Seiya-kun... I was..." She spared a quick glance to the strange girl, before her eyes returned to Seiya, "distracted. Please excuse me, but what were you saying?" Seiya smiled gently.
"Just saying, that Mako is probably real upset... but do you think there's any chance Ami-chan might change her mind? I mean, if Mako asked her out, then she must have thought Ami was that way inclined you know." Michiru smiled, thoroughly glad for a lighter topic.
"Seiya-kun, I know for a fact that Ami-chan would like to have an opportunity to give Kino-san a different answer." Seiya and Haruka's interest was piqued by Michiru's comment. The comment caused Seiya's eyes to almost fall from his sockets.
Michiru laughed and continued speaking, "I spoke to Ami after you left to get Kino-san, Ten-... Haruka-san. She has her reasons for saying no... for one, she's not sure if she's attracted to women but she told me she was attracted to Kino-san. I mean, I can't blame her, Kino-san is an incredibly attractive woman. I wouldn't have said no."
What was meant to be a passing comment in order to compliment the long time friend of the tomboy and the music producer was met with silence. Seiya smirked while Haruka seemed to frown in confusion.
"Well, you would have said no, Michiru-chan, because..." Seiya trailed off, looking to Haruka for back-up.
Michiru took a deep breath but she managed to smile sweetly. "Well, Kino-san isn't exactly my type of girl but I wouldn't have said no."
Two jaws hit the floor.
Seiya's hit the floor because he was genuinely shocked that she wasn't gay. It's not that he had stereotype but when two of your best friends are gay: Haruka and Makoto, you do tend to build a slight bias to what a gay girl may look or be like.
As for Haruka her jaw just hit the floor because it appeared that her gay-dar was way off. Just the other day she actually said that she thought Michiru was 'strictly dickly', now it seemed as though Michiru was anything but. Was she bi? Gay? This was all too much for Haruka's mind at the moment. She thought for sure Michiru would never be a member of the Sapphic sorority. Good fucking goodness, how did she miss this? Michiru was into girls? Oh God. Haruka became quieter than ever as she processed this information. She ignored the stares she got from Seiya initially as he regained the ability to speak then began an inquiring conversation with Michiru over 'the hottest women in the world'.
Haruka was stuck in her little world, which was now clouded by a giant thought. That thought being 'MICHIRU'S INTO GIRLS?!'
Haruka looked over at Michiru and took in the woman before her. It easily could slip past her, well, Michiru was an elegant woman. She had the mannerisms of a true lady, she showed absolutely no interest in any women... or did she? She was always a little touchy feely with everyone, even with the blonde... but that thought was soon dismissed. Haruka was pretty proud of the fact she could tell when a woman had an interest in her. So... Mako wasn't her type – she had said that before. Who was? Rei? Mina? Ami?... Setsuna? Oh God, the blonde could not take one more moment of this. Michiru was becoming too much of a mystery lately. Haruka cleared her throat and caught Seiya's attention first. Michiru turned her gaze slowly to the blonde and Haruka gulped and felt nervous talking to Michiru; being under her gaze, being under her scrutiny.
"So... Michiru-chan... what is your type?"
The aqua-haired woman opened her mouth then closed it, and smirked, clearly feeling all of a sudden in a teasing mood now that the attention was directed back to her.
"That's for me to know and you to find out, Haruka-san."
"I wish I knew what the hell I was thinking when I agreed to come here." Setsuna spoke monotonously as she stared at her table.
She had finished her first course and found that it was tantalizing, it left her wanting more. It's a shame she disliked being around so many people, and there were too many people for her liking here tonight. Ami smiled ineffectually at her employer.
"Because you said you had a bad feeling about tonight and wanted to keep an eye on us all, Setsuna-san." The green-haired woman sighed heavily.
Clearly reminded of her duties, she leaned back a little before scoffing in disgust.
"That idiot man keeps staring at me. Is Michiru-chan doing her job properly? He shouldn't even be glancing my way. I swear he does it one more time I'm calling in a favour." It was clear that Setsuna was getting agitated and he saw Ami's complacent mood.
"And stop moping around Ami-san. This is not the you I know and I don't like this you I'm seeing. If this is still about Kino-san, buck up, get a bit of confidence in yourself and go and get the woman if you want her." Setsuna looked as Ami rubbed one of her arms gingerly; she seemed the epitome of low self-esteem right now, which Setsuna found hard to believe considering the fact Ami had nothing to think lowly about; in regards to herself.
"Ami-san, you are an intelligent, sweet, thoughtful, loyal and beautiful young woman. If you pursue Kino-san, I have no doubt in my mind that she would be more than happy to present her previous proposal to you again." Setsuna's sincere words seemed to give Ami a visible boost.
Setsuna grinned inwardly, maintain her outwardly calm composure. In the midst of her boredom her eyes scanned the restaurant and fell upon her tomboy employee. She saw how the usually care-free tomboy was quiet, but also thinking deeply. Michiru had just spoken a moment before and it instantly seemed to being Haruka into a session of deep thinking.
"I hope Haruka doesn't hurt herself thinking that. Good God, the last time I saw her that pensive she was deciding if her car would look better as a midnight blue or as a black... she went for silver. Baka." Her eyes scanned the tables near her and her eyes widened slightly.
"ARE THOSE TWO STILL IN THE BATHROOM?!"
A/N 2 - Wow... long but it's been a while since my last real update so you all earned this :D If you reached this fa, well done! I didn't bore you to death! See you at Chapter 8 - remember to R&R. Ja ne -VR