A/N - It has been forever hasn't it? I totally don't have an excuse other than writer's block sucks... it sucks even more when you know what you want to write but can't seem to type it down. Was tres annoying. But alas I have thrown that in the past! And I come bearing a new chapter... I hope you will all enjoy it. Much love to impersonal for slaving over it and making this awesome-r that I ever could have imagined it would be! A bit of love to Kaze No Tsurugi too... for her smexxiful help. It was good. Anyhow away from my pointless rambling... just read and enjoy, kiddies! Much love, VR.
CHAPTER 14 – NO. FREAKING. WAY.
"I... I don't know, Mina. We should go!"
Michiru turned on her heel and put her right foot forward, ready to walk. But instead a hand firmly gripped into Michiru's bicep. The aqua-haired woman stopped in her tracks and lowered her head.
"Michiru... you dragged me all the way here and now we are not walking away. So, let's go."
Michiru's eyes widened at Minako's somewhat cold tone, but the former found herself making her way into the recording studio, with the blonde closely behind her. Michiru had phoned Minako at ten in the morning to ask Minako to accompany her to Seiya's studio the very next day. She expected Minako to not even picked up her phone – the blonde was very rarely ever up before noon - but Minako picked up nonetheless.
"... Moshi moshi?"
The uncharacteristically unenthusiastic voice answered Michiru's call caused the aqua-haired woman to make a double take at her cell-phone; checking that she had called the right person. Then again... it was before noon, so maybe Minako was miserable because of that.
"Minako?" Michiru's voice was laced with concern.
"Rei?!"
Michiru sighed heavily. Rei; that explained everything about the blonde's attitude today... something must have gone wrong last night.
"No, Mina... it's me... sorry."
There was silence at the other end of the phone. After a few seconds an uneasy chuckle was heard coming from the blonde's mouth.
"Ah, Michiru! Hehehe, sorry, it's, er, a little early, yeah... what's up?"
Michiru smiled forlornly. It was so sad to hear Minako pretend as though nothing was bothering her when in fact, Michiru could tell in an instant from the tone that the usually bubbly blonde used that Minako was not alright. But maybe, Michiru could cheer her up as well as satiate her own need for the blonde today.
"Well... you remember Seiya-kun? From Friday?"
After a long 'hmmmm' Minako began gushing about 'who doesn't know Japan's premier pop producer... duh?' and then the blonde rambled on about her knowledge of the music industry and of Seiya, to which Michiru just politely kept quiet until Minako had finished.
"Yes, well... he's invited me to his studio... and I don't want to go alone, Mina. I know you'd enjoy it so I was wondering if you'd like to – "
"OHMIGOD! Yes! Yes! Michiru you can count on me! I'll be there in thirty minutes!"
Every minute Minako was her usually playful self, a split second later her entire mood would falter.
Michiru was certain that this entire day would lift the blonde's mood but for sure, but by how much was really the question. Michiru hoped it would considerably lift the down Minako but as much as she wanted that to be her main priority... they were there for her today.
As much as she wanted to care for her friend, right now it was her moment. Michiru resolutely made her way to reception and told the secretary there that she had a session with the 'Starlights' booked. Instantly, the secretary made a call to some unknown person in another department.
"Someone will be with you shortly, Kaioh-san."
Michiru smiled and made her way over to the waiting area, where Minako had taken a seat and was looking down longingly at her cell-phone. Flipping it open and closed, pressing buttons and hoping that by staring at it that suddenly the device would start ringing or tell her she had a message. After a minute had passed, the blonde deposited the cell-phone dejectedly back into her pocket.
Michiru sighed as she let her attention fleet over to the other women in the waiting area; nearly all of them were wearing a low-cut and to be perfectly frank 'skanky' outfit. Looking down at her outfit, Michiru suddenly became self-conscious, smoothing out the knee-length navy skirt and salmon pink sleeveless blouse she had thrown on. Soon a gentle hand was resting on her shoulder.
"Michiru, you look fine."
Michiru's self-doubts were calmed by the now familiar voice of Kou Seiya. Michiru turned around and gave a gracious smile to Seiya. A few seconds later, she noticed the arrival of three other men. One looked youthful and had silver hair fashioned in a similar way to Seiya's; well not exactly, but it was in a ponytail. The man standing next to him had dark brown hair and was staring at Michiru intently, almost bringing a sense of unease to Michiru. Michiru felt as if he was scanning her from head to toe, taking i every aspect of her appearance and the way she presented herself.
The man sent a warm smile her way.
Michiru relaxed after seeing him smile; clearly she had pleased him with whatever expectations he had had of her.
"Ah, Michiru-chan, allow me to introduce my colleagues; Taiki and Yaten Kou. No relation it's all pure coincidence, I assure you."
Yaten bowed slightly and took Michiru's hand, placing a kiss on the back of her hand and winking confidently at her.
Michiru rolled her eyes playfully and Yaten laughed amusedly.
"I like her. She's got... chutzpah!"
Seiya shook his head sorrowfully. "I'm sorry about him Michiru-chan, he was dropped on his head as a child."
Yaten opened his mouth to retaliate but Taiki stepped forward; his smile still in place.
"I'm Kou Taiki. It is an absolute pleasure, Kaioh-san." Taiki bowed deeply and Michiru couldn't find any words to say in reply for a moment.
Now this was odd; yes, she could tell she impressed him in his first impression of her. But why was this man showing so much respect to her?
"It's a pleasure, Kou-san."
Taiki stood up and he still had a huge smile on his face. Taiki turned his head to Seiya and if possible his grin got bigger. "I can't believe it but you've done it Sei."
Seiya sheepishly smiled, then looked to Michiru and the blonde beside her questioningly.
Michiru cleared her throat and motioned to Minako. "You said I could bring someone... for support. This is Aino Minako. My friend."
Seiya's raised one eyebrow – he recognized Minako, as an escort. He remembered seeing her from Makoto's restaurant. Nonetheless, he turned to the stunning blonde and bowed respectfully.
Minako did so back in turn, with all the due respect she could muster. Michiru couldn't help but notice that Minako was lacking in... well Minako-ness, the characteristics that were commonly associated from the blonde were missing from Minako's usually vibrant personality.
Today she seemed defeated.
Seiya cleared his throat.
"Michiru-chan, Aino-san, this is Artemis-kun. He's a talent agent with 'EMI and PBJ Talent'. They had a joint venture this year and they've decided to specialise in sports and music talent. I hope you don't mind but I've taken the liberty of having him be assigned as your potential agent... he's a good friend and a fantastic agent, you won't be disappointed."
Michiru's attention was brought to the white-haired man standing behind Taiki and Yaten. He was dressed head to toe in a white suit, shirt and tie white to. He was staring at his cell-phone but then he looked up and smiled. His smile reminded Michiru and Minako of the sort one would get from a father; it was reassuring and filled with tenderness.
Tenderness that Michiru and Minako both hardly felt radiating from someone. There was nothing deceitful about the man Seiya identified as Artemis; he seemed to be as genuine as one could hope for.
Artemis smiled and briefly took his gaze to the blonde beside her.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Kaioh-san. Seiya-kun and Taiki-kun had told me a lot about you... and this is...?" Artemis trailed off staring at Minako, who bowed slightly.
"Aino Minako. It's a pleasure." And just like that, Minako's bubbly personality was back with a bang.
Michiru internally frowned at the polarity of Minako today.
Artemis smiled and looked at the blonde.
"You know, we do handle models too, Aino-san."
Michiru watched as Minako's cheeks flushed lightly before she forced a laugh to break the uneasy silence that was caused by Artemis's off-hand comment; Michiru looked at her friend in intrigue, surely Minako would have played on the comment handed to her, not blush like some shy schoolgirl?!
"Perhaps we should head in. Ready, Michiru?"
Michiru turned her gaze to Seiya and nodded, her thoughts on Minako being instantly broken.
This was it.
Make or break.
She looked up to the doors in front of her. They were glass with a light aluminium trim around the doors; once she walked through those doors, her life would change…or not change. She would either make a complete arse of herself; the only sound she would produce would sound akin to a cat being castrated with a rusty set of scissors.
Or...
Maybe…
She would… and could be something she had only ever dreamed of before. She would achieve her dream, she would mesmerise people with the simple movement of her hand gliding a bow across strings, she would make music her life; she would become something that others could only dream.
She smiled to herself as she thought of the latter.
Would that happen?
Maybe not; after all she hasn't touched a violin in years.
A gentle hand gripped her own softly and squeezed firmly, soothing Michiru's trembling fingers. Michiru looked up into sapphire eyes and smiled at the reassurance her friend gave her.
"Thanks for being here, Mina-chan. I know you have other places to be…" Michiru began trailing off at the thought of remembering Minako being odd the whole morning.
The blonde gave a grateful smile but then nudged her friend playfully. "Nonsense. You needed me!"
Seiya opened the double doors before them; Taiki, Yaten and Artemis walked through the doors and paused, looking back to Michiru.
Michiru didn't move; as if she was frozen on the spot by some mercury overflow in her.
Minako in tow standing beside her, looked at the aqua-haired woman in confusion.
"Are you ready Michiru-chan?"
Seiya's question was coated in countless meanings and none of them were lost on Michiru-chan. She looked from Seiya then to Artemis, and grinned. Michiru took a loud deep breath.
"Hai, I am."
"I'm closing down, Haruka-san."
Teal eyes looked up from a laptop and concentrated on crimson ones whose mouth just spoke incredulous words. Setsuna walked into Haruka's office and took a seat opposite the blonde. Haruka sat back.
"You're…what?"
Setsuna crossed her arms over her chest and stared Haruka deep into her eyes. "I'm closing down After Dark, Haruka."
The blonde looked at her boss incredulously before chuckling and resuming her work at the computer. "That was a good one! Oh man, you nearly got me there, Setsuna-san."
Haruka chuckled once more then lifted her eyes to see Setsuna staying perfectly still; her eyes resolutely on Haruka still, her arms crossed and her entire body unyielding.
"You're serious?"
Haruka sat up in her chair, her eyes widened in surprise.
Setsuna nodded.
The blonde laughed dubiously and ran her hands through her hair.
"You're closing down now? After five years...? I know that we've been low on girls lately, Setsuna-san, but you know things always pick up in spring! I – "
Setsuna lifted her hand and cut off the babbling tomboy. "Haruka-san! Look... let's look at facts shall we? Rei left two days ago, and she told you she can't come back, right? Michiru is in the city recording with your friend. Ami has been taken by Kino-san for work that equals her pay here... before that Elza-chan left and she was one of our biggest earners. We lost Liza, Megumi and Tia. All we have left is Minako, and we can't depend on her to bring in the money for both of us."
Haruka looked down at the floor – she knew it was true.
"How long then?"
Setsuna cocked her head to the side and looked at Haruka questioningly. The blonde remained unwavering.
"How long until you close this down? I need to find a new job and everything, the least you could do is give me a timeframe."
Setsuna ignored the hostile tone in the blonde's voice and she sighed and shrugged her shoulders. "I had an offer for someone to buy this place. I didn't really want to sell it... this building has... memories for me. But I can't keep holding onto the past, Haruka-san. Everyone is moving on in their life. Perhaps I should too."
Setsuna looked over to Haruka who was shaking her head, Setsuna smirked and stood up.
"Even if I close down, Haruka-san, don't you think I'd have my staff covered? You'd get a years' pay... that should tide you over, ne?"
Haruka nodded sadly, causing Setsuna to sigh agitatedly and to reluctantly take a seat again.
"What is it now, blondie?"
Haruka glared at Setsuna, before she swivelled slowly in her chair, side-to-side.
"It's just that... I got used to everyone here, Setsuna-san. I... I don't want to leave to be honest."
Haruka looked up at Setsuna and the older woman saw the vulnerability in the tomboy's eyes. She leaned forward and spoke softly to her employee. "Are you worried once you leave here you won't see anyone again?"
Haruka looked away.
Setsuna just smiled gently as she stood up n smoothed out her crimson coloured skirt once more. Haruka was silent and then stared at her computer once more. Setsuna walked over to the door to the office and opened it gently, but she paused midway through exiting and glanced over to Haruka once more and cleared her throat. Haruka stopped typing although she didn't look at the green-haired woman by the door.
"You know, Haruka-san... if you're worried you won't see her again, you need to go and talk to her. Properly. And then maybe not seeing her again…will be the last thing you have to worry about. Ja ne." Setsuna left the office.
Haruka stayed complete still until the door to her office closed, once she heard Setsuna's heels finally become distant; once she heard nothing but the gentle humming of her PC, Haruka reached for her cell phone and opened up the contacts and scrolled down to the listings under 'K'.
She let her finger linger over the select button and her gaze paused on that name highlighted on the screen of her cell phone.
Even if she called her, what would be achieved? Why would she be calling her? Just to tell her she missed their conversations? Their camaraderie?
Why did she really wanted to call Michiru? There wasn't really any reason...was there?
No... no reason... except –
She sighed and dropped the device down onto her table. Instead of calling the name currently highlighted in her contacts book, Haruka rubbed her face with her hands and spoke softly to herself.
"I'll do it later..."
"Wow. Just wow."
Seiya, Taiki, Yaten, Artemis and Minako all sat back in the chairs in their part of the recording studio.
Michiru stood in the recording booth and gingerly looked down to the violin in her hands; it wasn't the one she had grown to love in her youth, but she played with it with as much ease as her beloved 'Marine Cathedral'.
Michiru looked up and saw five sets of eyes staring at her.
"Um... is everything okay?"
Michiru's question broke the Kous' from the trance and Seiya immediately pressed down on the red button that allowed audio to be heard from both ways.
"Yes, Michiru, everything is just fine! Just one moment."
Seiya took his finger off of the button and turned to his two close friends.
"... Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Yaten nodded his head excitedly while Taiki smirked, not yet taking his eyes off of Michiru.
"That we've found possibly one of the greatest acts in the 21st century?" Seiya snorted playfully.
"Duh... we have to go see the boss. She needs an album deal. Stat!"
A throat being cleared behind them reminded the Kous' that they were not alone. Artemis seemed deep in thought, looking at Michiru in the booth.
"Yes... she does need one. See if we can work a multi-album deal. I figure with that, I can drum up some good PR to go with it... I sense great things." Artemis sent a solemn nod to the Kou's and the three men smiled warmly back.
The sound of a throat being cleared and some nervous laughter, reminded the men that there was another person present; Minako smiled sheepishly and averted her gaze from Seiya and looked down at the floor, her hands wringing.
"S-sorry to interrupt... but could I go talk to Michiru now?"
Seiya laughed heartily and stood up, Minako following suit.
He nodded, "Of course, Aino-san! You can even break the news to her if you like."
The blonde's face instantly brightened and she made her way to the door that connected the producer's area with the recording area. Michiru looked up as she heard the door open, she was still nervous as hell... Seiya said everything was just fine – there was no 'Hell yeah, fantastic Michiru-chan'. Maybe Michiru was... mediocre. Her heart heaved at the thought – she really hoped she still had 'it', that gift that made her teachers go ga-ga over her ability to handle the instrument before her.
"MICHIRU-CHAN!"
Michiru managed to look up at the familiar sound of Minako and just in time manage to ground her feet as the blonde dived towards her, engulfing her in a hug; the likes of which Michiru had never experienced before. Michiru's eyebrows arched at the sudden show of affection from the blonde.
"Mina-chan? Is everything okay?"
Minako pulled back at bit her lips, she looked back to the window where the faint outline of four men could be seen. The blonde nodded and released Michiru.
"Hai, Michiru-chan... in fact..." The blonde trailed off as her body tingled with excitement for Michiru.
"In fact... YOU'VE DONE IT! They're going to get you a record deal! AHHH!"
Michiru placed the violin back in its case and looked over at Minako.
"Really?!"
Minako nodded and opened her mouth but she was cut off by the voice of Seiya suddenly filling up the room.
"Hai, Michiru-chan, hope you don't mind but I thought Minako-chan here could break the news to – "
"OH MY GOD! I don't believe it!"
Seiya sighed happily as he watched Michiru hugged Minako and the two began jumping up and down on the spot, giggling like schoolgirls. He shook his head as he laughed and spoke once more over the sound system, instantly garnering the attention of the two women before him.
"Ladies... we'll be right back, we need to go and talk to someone, don't stray far!"
Minako and Michiru blushed heavily after realising they must have acted like idiots just then. Minako turned to Michiru and grinned before giggling maniacally; she reached her arms out and spun in a circle in the recording booth as Michiru giggled at her.
"What has gotten into you, Mina-chan?"
Michiru smiled endearingly at her friend as the blonde's laughter died down and her entire face calmed down from the light pink shade it had turned into.
"Michiru-chan, you are so lucky! You..." Minako's voice became weak and almost cracked as she trailed off.
She faced away from Michiru and quickly wiped her eyes. She turned around and faced her aqua-haired companion once more. "You're getting everything you ever dreamed of. And I am so happy for you Michiru. Really, I am."
Minako gave a weak smile.
Michiru approached her friend and gave her a gentle hug.
"Have you tried calling her, Mina?"
Minako pulled away from the hug and then laughed bitterly. She wiped her watering eyes once more and forced out a smile.
"Yeah... I tried calling her... she won't answer a single one of my calls." Minako looked up into Michiru's eyes and forced out another smile, "But! Look enough about me and my drama... today is all about you!"
Minako took Michiru's hands and smiled gently.
"Seriously Michiru... congratulations, you're living a dream millions of girls worldwide dream about!"
Michiru looked at Minako and could see that the blonde was genuinely happy for her but still… Michiru could see the slight want in Minako's eyes; as talented as the girl and wannabe idol was, she couldn't quite hide her genuine sorrow just yet. Michiru smirked at her friend and took her hands then swiftly brought Minako forward, to the centre of the room and stood her in front of microphone.
"There! Now you can live the dream too."
Minako gave an embarrassed and small smile to Michiru and stepped back.
"Michiru-chan... come on, there's no need to baby me."
Michiru shook her head and gently guided Minako back to the microphone in the middle of the room.
"No, I'm not! Look, it's like we were saying... millions of girls would love to live this dream... so share it with me. Even if it's not for real, when are we ever guaranteed another chance here? Come on, Mina! We've all heard you sing at After Dark... I know you've got a decent set of pipes! Now, look, it's just you and me... please? I'd feel much happier if you sang!" Michiru completed her rant with pouting lips and a set of puppy dog eyes.
Minako sighed and playfully grabbed the neck of the microphone that was dangling just below shoulder level from its firmly fixed place in the ceiling. Minako giggled and bowed in a mocking manner.
"Well then...! What would my audience like to hear?" Minako smirked at Michiru who stuck her tongue out and giggled playfully.
Michiru shrugged her shoulders and sat on the stool opposite Minako.
"Sing anything, Mina."
As the blonde began warming up her vocal chords Michiru closed her eyes and had a silent thought for her blonde friend; sing it for her too, Mina.
The lavish marble flooring only cause the raven-haired woman who was walking across it to roll her eyes about the underlying message she got from the luxurious surroundings she was in. She stopped as soon as she got to an onyx coloured desk with a young woman seated at the main desk who was being kept occupied by the seemingly never ending ringing of the telephones she was managing. Rei stood still, her posture perfect as she waited for the young woman before her to bring her attention to her.
A while later, the young woman frowned and rubbed her temples as she placed the telephone back down on its cradle. The young woman eyed Rei with interest; Rei was dressed in strappy red heels, flesh coloured stockings, and from what she could see a black coloured skirt or dress, all of it covered over with a deep crimson colour peacoat.
"Can I help you?"
Rei looked down at the friendly but curious face of the receptionist and forced a semi-friendly smile onto her own face.
"Hai, I am here to see Senator Hino."
The young woman looked down at a diary before her then gave an apologetic smile to Rei. "I'm sorry but Hino-sama is booked up for the day. Perhaps you could make an appointment for another day?"
Rei shook her head and remained rooted in her spot. "No, that won't be necessary. Please, just tell the Senator that Rei is here. He will make time for me."
Rei gave a curt nod to the woman who sighed tiredly before picking up the phone before her and taking discreetly into the phone. The receptionist gave a surprised look to Rei before hanging up the telephone.
"The senator said he will see you. Just through these doors."
Rei gave a small bow before heading through the doors as she was shown.
Sitting on the edge of a pine desk, in a crisp white shirt and dark blue pressed trousers with silver braces was a man she had not seen in over eight years. Rei closed the door behind her and looked into heliotrope eyes as dark as her own.
There was no time for silence, the man on the edge of the desk stood up and gestured to the chair opposite the desk.
"Take a seat, Rei."
She shook her head and scoffed out loud.
"No need, I won't be here long. I just came to get one thing...otou-san."
Rei's father smirked as his daughter spoke to him. He sat down at his desk and leaned backwards. "Yes, you're here to get your trust fund... whatever happened to 'not wanting a damned thing to do with me?' Was that just a phase?"
Rei's father smirked and once more Rei clenched her jaw to prevent her from saying something she'd regret. "Unforeseen circumstances have occurred. I need my money."
Rei kept her stance as her father brought his hands together and leaned forward on his desk. "Ah yes... you need money. What did you do? Destroy the shrine?"
"Just give me the account."
Rei's father raised one eyebrow amusedly, and he opened up a drawer on his side of the desk and brought out some documents. "I like to keep anything related to finance nearby. Rei, really please do take a seat."
Rei sighed agitatedly. "No! Just give me the damned account number!"
Rei's temper was only fuelled further by the sound of her father chuckling as he searched through papers on his desk. "Hehe, all those years at a private girls school, and your ladylike manners are thrown down the drain... ah, here you go."
Rei walked forward and reached out to grab the documents that were being flitted in front of her, but before she could get a decent hold on them, her father yanked them back out of her reach. He grabbed Rei's wrist and brought her towards him with a vicious speed and spoke at a dangerously low level.
"This had better be the last time you come to my office. I told you I'd come to you. You try this again and I'll – "
"You'll what? You won't do a damned thing. You owe me and this is the least you could do. But don't worry, I wouldn't be caught dead here again."
Rei threw her arm back, giving her freedom from her father. The man glared at her as Rei took the paper's offered in front of her. She folded them up and placed them in the pocket of her pea-coat.
"I wouldn't dare tarnish the perfect image you've presented the public with... Senator Hino."
Rei took a step back before making her way to the door. She gripped the handle with an intense amount of force as she heard her father speak out.
"I mean it Rei... I don't need the drama of my past being thrown in my face. Just take your money and go."
Rei shook her head, fighting back the urge to shout out the insults she had lined up for the man who was unfortunately her biological father. She closed the door silently behind her and paused as she saw the curious glance being thrown her way by the receptionist. Rei gave a small, almost lifeless smile.
"Thank you for your help... the senator is free now."
As Rei began walking resolutely out of the building she couldn't help but ponder on how this day was like no other she had experienced in the past five years. No matter what man she sees for money, she always ends up feeling lower than the scum to get the cash.
Seiya, Yaten and Taiki were on their way back to the producer's booth; they had just spoken to the Head of New Acts at the record label and got the go ahead to produce one single. The three men were buzzing as they entered the booth once more. All the way back Yaten had been talking about how they were going to be 'made for life' and Taiki had simply been grinning from ear-to-ear since they had left and Seiya?
Well, he was simply beaming internally; he had never felt so right about an artist in his life.
As they walked into the producer's booth, they were met with the sound of dulcet tones reverberating throughout the room. Artemis was still in his seat, staring intently at the young woman standing in the recording booth; her long blonde hair flowing as she sang unknowing of the presence of all four men back in the booth.
Seiya's jaw almost hit the floor.
He heard the notoriously hard note of a high E being captured perfectly by the melodious voice that he had no knowledge existed of the woman before him.
He couldn't believe it.
Taiki and Yaten shared a look of surprise before staring back at the blonde in the recording booth.
"Is that... is that her?" Seiya raised a hand and pointed towards Minako as he looked over to Artemis who grinned widely and nodded to him.
Seiya's hand dropped and he looked on once more at the blonde before he turned to face his two friends.
"Seiya... dude, I swear you have the gift. You, like, attract gorgeous talented women." Yaten was grinning widely, his eyes never leaving Minako.
"Down, boy, you're taken." Taiki placed a hand on the younger man's shoulder and took a step forward. All four men were entranced by Minako's melodic vocals.
Seiya felt a tap on his shoulder; he turned around to be greeted with Taiki smiling serenely.
"But Yaten is right... you do seem to attract gorgeous talented women. Emphasis on the talented there, Sei."
Seiya grinned and looked on into the booth again at a now giggling Minako and a smiling Michiru. Seiya felt Artemis stand up beside him. He straightened his clothes out then lowered his head to Seiya's ear level. Grinning, he spoke gently to the dark-haired man.
"They belong in that booth, Seiya."
Seiya couldn't help but grin in agreement.
The water gently caressed Hotaru's skin but here she was safe, she could lose herself in the water and just be free. She turned her head to the side and took a much needed breath of air before forcing her head back into the water and pressing her arms and legs ahead, making them glide her through the water, making it seem effortless. Hotaru's left hand felt the cold surface of the poolside as she reached the end of her swim workout. The dark-haired teen lifted herself out of the pool and sat down on the side, water dripping all over her form. She took her swimming hat and goggles off and shook her hair free, causing droplets of water to fall all around of her, some of them rippling back into the pool.
Hotaru stared down into the pool and took a deep breath before running a hand through her wet mass of hair. After a few moments in silence, Hotaru dragged her feet out of the pool and stood up on the side of the pool. She bent down to pick up her goggles and swimming hat that she had placed onto her towel.
As she stood back up, Hotaru shivered involuntarily; she got the feeling someone was watching her.
'Can't they give me a break?' Hotaru sighed inwardly.
Turning around to face the spectator stands and she was shocked to see a lone figure, with a certain trademark hairstyle that by now Hotaru couldn't confuse for anyone else.
Amethyst eyes locked onto ruby.
Chibiusa had been walking around at lunchtime with no real destination; Helios was at baseball practice for the first half of lunchtime. He told her that Hotaru should be available and that she usually spent her lunchtime in the library. So, the library is where Chibiusa went, only to be told Hotaru wasn't there. In fact, the dark-haired girl hadn't been anywhere were she usually hung around out of lessons.
Sighing, Chibiusa had decided she would go to the Phys. Ed department and see if there were any clubs she could sign up to, to help her pass the time while everyone else was unavailable; even Pallas, Jun, Ceres and Ves were at drama club this lunchtime.
'How suiting' Chibiusa thought to herself.
Chibiusa had made her way to the PE department and saw there was sign up for girls' volleyball... she shrugged it off as soon as she weighed up the pros and cons of the high probability that she'd get smacked in the face with a ball.
"Check in on Tomoe in ten minutes. I said she could have the pool to the end of the first lunch." Chibiusa's attention was caught at the name she recognised.
Chibiusa had made her way onto the spectator stands and sat on the aisle seat of a middle row and kept her eyes glued on the girl in the pool.
She hadn't known Hotaru had any interest in swimming, well, any sport for that matter, and to be honest Chibiusa was quite impressed. Not that she thought Hotaru was weak or anything but she didn't expect someone like Hotaru to look so... strong in the water. So in control.
Chibiusa smiled as she saw how her friend made the task of swimming several lengths look as effortless as tying your own shoes. She looked content, graceful, she had a technique to her style and Chibiusa couldn't take her eyes off of Hotaru.
And then Hotaru stopped at one end of the pool and dragged herself out of the pool; and Chibiusa couldn't take her eyes off of Hotaru once.
Her jaw slackened as she saw the defined tone in Hotaru's leg muscles, her shoulder length hair was soaked and had been mussed by Hotaru. Her skin was glistening under a sheen of water and Chibiusa felt a heat rising to her cheeks as she watched Hotaru bend over to reach her belongings on a towel beside her.
'What am I doing?!' Chibiusa clenched her eyes shut then opened them again, as she did she was met with warm purple eyes staring deep into her own.
Hotaru looked away and silently made her way into the changing rooms; Chibiusa opened her mouth several times but found herself unable to talk, and instead her gaze was taken to watching Hotaru and taking in the way she walked, the way she moved, the way she –
"Stop it, Chibi!"
The young girl berated herself and rubbed her temples furiously. What the hell was going on?
Chibiusa stood up and slowly made her way out of the stands.
'I... I only came here to see her. She's my friend and she's not talking to me. It's like she's avoiding me. I mean, she's a pretty girl and I was just admiring that fact, I mean she's not talking to me either so it has me missing her a little – she was my first friend here afterall... there is nothing more to it than that.' Chibiusa smiled nervously to herself. She tilted her head to the side as she realised she had made her way to the entrance of the girl's changing rooms.
Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, Chibiusa opened the door, having every intention of finding out what was going on between her and Hotaru.
"Hotaru?"
Silence met Chibiusa's initial call. The younger girls slipped into the room and closed the door behind her. She took a few nervous steps into the room, and could only hear the faint sound of water running; Chibiusa scrunched her eyebrows together before hearing the water being abruptly cut off and the sound of rustling coming from the area adjacent to the main changing rooms.
Hotaru walked out of the showers with her towel wrapped around, her otherwise completely naked body, and stopped dead in her tracks.
Chibiusa was standing less than fifteen feet away from her.
And Hotaru was only in a towel.
Chibiusa's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red and she brought her hand up to her face, effectively covering her eyes from the sight of a freshly showered Hotaru clad in nothing but a towel.
"Wh-what are you doing her, Chibiusa?" Hotaru's voice was steady but quiet.
Chibiusa stared down at her shoes and rocked back on her heels. "I... um... I came to talk to you."
Hotaru turned around and allowed her blush to die down; she was grateful to whatever deity allowed Chibiusa to not see her usually pale cheeks suddenly redder than a Ferrari team jacket.
"Can it wait? Until I'm dressed?"
Chibiusa looked up briefly and saw Hotaru had her back to her; she secretly sighed in relief.
"S-sure, Hotaru-chan," Chibiusa forced out a smile and looked around the room.
"Could you wait outside? I kind of need to get changed."
Hotaru gave a nervous smile and Chibiusa began giggling sheepishly. "Oh, haha, yeah, yeah of course... I'll uh, see you outside."
Chibiusa nearly fell over the bench beside her in her haste to get outside, though she could have sworn she heard a distinct giggle she had sorely been missing the past day. Chibiusa smiled as she made her way outside, she leaned against the wall opposite the changing rooms and let out a much overdue breath.
"CHIBI!"
Chibiusa almost snapped her neck as she looked over to Helios. He jogged down the hallway, his schoolbag slung over his shoulder and his hair somewhat wet with sweat and clinging to his scalp.
"Hey." Chibiusa greeted her boyfriend with a quick hug and pulled back, a blush still over her cheeks.
"What are you doing here? Had lunch yet?" Helios spoke as he took out his bento box from his schoolbag and smiled to Chibiusa.
"Waiting for Hotaru. And yeah, I had a huge lunch, don't worry about me... but if there's any going spare..." Chibiusa trailed off and shared a smile with Helios as he passed her a spare pair of chopsticks.
"I've always got some for you, Chibiusa." Helios blushed deeply but stuck a piece of his lunch into his mouth.
Chibiusa just smiled gently but then froze. She just had the exact same feeling of warmth with her boyfriend that she had for friend. She forced some food down her throat, all the while hoping that whatever the hell it was she was going through would just pass... and soon.
She forced a smile as Helios looked up at her and grinned handsomely.
There was no freaking way she was gay.
Usagi was watching her husband pack his belongings into a suitcase that he had placed on their bed.
"I... I don't understand Mamo!" Usagi wailed at the door and Mamoru closed his eyes and clenched his jaw; he knew this would be hard on his wife but he needed to do it.
He stood up and looked sadly at the woman he had been with since he was sixteen.
"Usako... I... I need to get myself sorted. I don't deserve to be here with you... not after..." Mamoru couldn't even look his wife in the eyes, he had yet to admit it but they both knew what he had done.
Usagi shook her head and ran to him, wrapping her arms around him.
"No! I don't care Mamo! I love you, don't leave me!"
Mamoru locked his arms around his wife's waist and buried his face into his shoulder.
"No Usagi, I'd never leave you but – but I need to go. I need to get myself sorted. I can't be here, knowing you've forgiven me so easily. I shouldn't have done it in the first place. I'll only be a phone call away. Whenever you need me, I'll be here. I promise."
Usagi sniffled and leaned back before looking into her husband's eyes.
"But... I'll always need you, Mamoru. Always."
Mamoru clenched his jaw once more, fighting the onslaught of tears that threatened to take him over. He gently pulled out of his embrace with his wife and kissed her gently on her forehead.
"And I'll always need you."
"Then why are you going?" Usagi's voice cried out in desperation, only to be echoed by the near empty apartment's acoustics.
"Usako…"
"Where are you staying?"
Usagi's voice almost cracked asking the question and she hated herself for sounding so weak but she simply strove forward, intent on finding out as much as she could. Mamoru faced back to his suitcase and began placing more of his shirts and belonging into the case.
"I'll be at Seiya's... it's not for long, Usako... just until I can promise I'm back to how I was. What I did was so unfair to you."
Mamoru looked over his shoulder and into his wife's eyes.
Usagi moved forward and stood beside him, she gently raked her hands through his hair and Mamoru sighed in content.
"I can't believe I did it. I need to be a better man for you, Usagi. You deserve someone worthy of you. I plan to be that person."
"You're a fucking idiot, Mamoru. You know that right?"
Seiya stood in front of his friend, fist clenched and eyes wide. Mamoru sat up on the sofa and looked down at the floor guiltily.
"I know I am."
Mamoru looked up as he heard a shuffling. Seiya grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and lifted him back into the sofa, his fist up and ready to strike. After a moment, Seiya's fist began to shake, he released Mamoru and looked away.
"I should punch your damned nose in. Y'know, Mamo... you never did appreciate the things you had. I mean, Usagi... she is so damn good to you. And you go and fuck your ex. You... you don't deserve her." Seiya looked away from his friend and walked over to his door and opened it.
"Get out."
Mamoru looked at his friend in shock and shook his head.
"N-no! Seiya man, I came to you for help! What should I do?!"
Seiya looked at his fried in disbelief before he raised his hands up in the air.
"Don't make me hit you, you fucking idiot! Go to your loyal and loving wife and tell her what you fucking did!"
"I know I have to do that, Sei! But what about after?" Mamoru's voice trembled and he fell to the sofa and clutched onto the cushion beside him.
Seiya sighed before he closed his door and walked over to his long-time friend.
"Look, Mamo..." Seiya sat down beside his friend on the sofa and put his head in his hands, "Usagi loves you, anyone who has ever met her knows that. You know that and I know that. She is devoted to you and to your marriage. But now... you need to ask yourself... since you slept with Beryl... are you as devoted and loyal to her?"
Mamoru glared at his friend. "I think my infidelity answered that question, Sei."
Seiya rolled his eyes and continued talking.
"If not... do you want to be?"
Mamoru looked away from Seiya and thought back onto the one woman who had ever made him feel as though he were real. Not Chiba Mamoru, the boy who had to live up to his family's expectations, no... Usagi only ever expected Mamoru to be himself. She brought out the best in him, she completed him... and he was sure he completed her.
"Yeah... I do, Sei. I really do."
Seiya stood up and walked over to his kitchen and poured out two glasses of water. He walked back and handed one glass to Mamoru.
"Then... you need to do a shitload of stuff for your marriage. I personally think you should get your shit together and be the man you need to be before you became the husband you should have always been."
Seiya took a deep gulp form his ice cold glass of water and looked over at a very confused Mamoru. Seiya sighed agitatedly.
"I'm saying... you need to go home and pack some of your stuff up. You know as well as I do, when you tell Usagi why you're moving out, we both know she'll forgive you in a heartbeat... and how is that fair on her? To have this heartbreak and pain only being put on her shoulders. Do you even feel sorry, Mamoru?"
The short-haired man violently nodded his head.
"Of course I do, Sei! Jeez, how does me packing my stuff up help?"
Seiya raised his hand and simply smacked the back of his friend's head firmly. "I held back then... but you need to go away, you need to hurt to understand how much you hurt her. You can't just be forgiven and go back. You can't go back and only have her hurting. Everyday you're there now, every day without pain... while every day she's wondering what you're up to when you're at work... all because you've shown no remorse. You need to be fair. You need to suffer, Mamoru."
Seiya finished the drink in his glass and got up and went to his kitchen. Mamoru slowly stood and followed his friend.
"I need to suffer?"
Seiya turned to see Mamoru standing by the sofa, glass in hand.
"I say it with love, Mamo... but yeah, you do."
"Mamo, you don't need to go! We can work through this! We can! Just tell me what I have to do and I'll do it!" Mamoru's heart broke at the sound of his wife's voice; she was so full of desperation. Mamoru shook his head.
"It's not you. It's me who has to fix this. I made this mess. Trust me Usako, I'm doing this for us."
Mamoru stood up and closed the suitcase before him. He sighed heavily and turned around. Usagi was still standing beside him, her beautiful blue eyes clouded with red from where had had been crying silently. Instinctively he cupped his wife's cheek and placed a gentle, chaste kiss to Usagi's lips. He allowed his wife's love and warmth to flow through him, he closed his eyes and lost himself in the simplicity of their kiss.
Moments later, Mamoru pulled back from his wife; Usagi gave a small whimper and Mamoru couldn't contain the small smile that crossed his face for a split second. He brought his lips down to his wife's ear and whispered gently to her.
"I love you. Never doubt that."
Usagi stayed still in the room with her eyes closed as she heard the front door to their apartment slowly open and close.
"Mmm, Makoto that was delicious."
Ami smiled nervously over the brunette sitting opposite her who was currently nursing a glass of 2001 Mesa Rioja. Ever since Ami had turned up at the brunette's for the dinner they had agreed on a couple of days previously, the bluenette couldn't help but notice that Makoto had been awfully quiet throughout dinner.
Although now she thought on it, Makoto had been off all day; even when they were in the office earlier, it was almost as if the brunette didn't want to be around her.
"Thanks."
Ami sighed inwardly; that was another thing. All day, all Makoto had done was give monosyllables for answers.
"Are... are you okay, Makoto?"
Emerald eyes looked up into Ami's eyes. "Yeah. I'm fine."
Without another word, the brunette stood and took the empty plates from the table and walked into her kitchen. Ami stood up and took the remaining plates with her into the kitchen. Makoto placed them all into the dishwasher then closed the door to the appliance. The brunette leaned against her kitchen countertops and began tugging gently on the collar of her salmon pink dress shirt, pulling it away from her skin to allow herself to breathe.
"Makoto... are you sure you're fine?" Ami kept her hands clasped together and in front of her as she spoke.
Makoto just sighed and ran a hand through her loose strands of hair before nodding and forcing a smile onto her face. "Yeah, I'm fine. TV?"
Makoto made her way to the dining table and picked up her glass of wine, along with the bottle and made her way to the living room. Ami looked up to the ceiling and stretched her neck, before grabbing her own drink and joining Makoto in the living room. Makoto was sitting on the sofa opposite the television; she was sat at the edge and had her right leg crossed over her left. Her left elbow was on the armrest, her hand supporting her head up and she was frowning heavily.
Her attention was not really on the TV show she had put on at random.
"Do you have a headache? Do you want me to get you some aspirin?"
Makoto shook her head and Ami quietly sat down on the seat beside Makoto.
The brunette exhaled heavily before she turned to Ami.
"Ami... what is this to you?"
The bluenette look at Makoto in confusion, causing the brunette to sigh and to rethink her words. "What I mean is... what am I to you? Am... Am I just some sort of phase to you?"
Ami could hear the hurt in Makoto's voice and Ami instantly shook her head. "N-no! Makoto what makes you think that?"
The brunette kept her eyes on the younger woman as he turned in her seat. "It's just that... it seems that... you don't really want this. To be anymore than it is. I mean... I know we've kissed but – "
"But you want more?"
Ami's voice sounded terrified as she spoke but she couldn't help it. She could see how torn Makoto was; she wanted to get this out of her system but didn't want to seem like she was going after this topic with a certain intention in mind. Ami gulped as she took in Makoto's silence.
The brunette leaned back into the sofa, closed her eyes and looked up to the ceiling. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought this up, I know we're new. It's just that Maya spoke to me and it got me to being paranoid! Just can we forget this? I'm sorry."
Makoto gave a sincere glance to Ami and reached over and squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"But you want more, Mako. Don't you?"
Makoto took in a deep breath as she weighed her words in her head. "There's no rush, right Ami?"
Ami slowly nodded her head.
Fifteen minutes passed in which both Ami and Makoto were silent. Makoto had barely touched her wine, while Ami had taken the bottle and drunk nearly a third and she was beginning to feel the haze and buzz of the alcohol's effects.
'She was speaking to Kobayashi-san. About me... and what we've done. Oh God, how embarrassing!' Ami's internal war waged on as she took another generous gulp of the potent red wine and sat back.
Her mind began brooding onto the issue of Makoto and Maya; the brunette seemed to dislike Maya so why was she talking to her about such an intimate subject?! Ami had only known Makoto for a week, but in the short time they had spent over ten hours a day together, and had gotten to know each other very well... especially since that kiss in the kitchen – Ami's first kiss.
Ami's face flushed a light shade of pink but she took no notice of the heat rushing through her cheeks. She was thinking about the kiss, about how it had been Makoto who had initiated it, and who had always initiated the few kisses they had since then. Ami was no expert in relationships but she was certain she had budding feelings for the brunette woman sitting beside her; it was far too early to say what these feelings were, but Ami began feeling like she had never felt around anyone. It was mind blowing enough that she accepted she felt for a woman but to have someone be as genuine as Makoto was refreshing.
Usually where people would make fun of Ami's shy and studious nature, Makoto had only found it attractive and it seemed to be something that Ami could finally put at ease about herself.
"Ami... I think you've had enough wine... come on, I should take you home."
Ami was shaken out of her thoughts by Makoto grabbing her wine glass and placing it on the table before looking at the younger girl with nothing but concern in her eyes.
"Are you okay, Ami?"
Ami nodded as she closed her eyes, and Makoto chuckled gently.
"Okay, let's take you home, Ami."
Makoto stood up but found herself being pulled back down suddenly. Before the brunette realised what the hell was going on, she felt a soft pressure being pushed down onto her torso.
"A-Ami?"
Makoto squeaked out the name as she felt soft hands glide over her shoulders and link behind her head. The brunette's eyes widened as she felt Ami lean down and place a kiss on her lips; Makoto couldn't help but moan gently into the kiss. Makoto let herself be lost in the warmth of the younger woman she found herself utterly enamoured with. Green eyes flew open as buttons began being opened. Makoto grabbed Ami's hands and kept a firm grip until blue eyes looked into her own jade orbs.
"Ami, what are you doing?" Makoto's whisper-yell seemed to break Ami from the task she tried to busy herself with; namely trying to undress Makoto.
"I... I don't want to go home, Makoto."
Makoto felt her throat dry at the bold statement from the usually reserved girl.
"Y-you don't want to go home?"
Ami shook her head, her cheeks beginning to flush, and she tried her best to hide her face with her short hair but failed. Makoto let go of one of Ami's hands and brought her own hand to Ami's cheeks, and gently caressed the silky soft skin of the bluenette.
"Ami... you don't have to go home... but... you don't need to..." Makoto trailed off as she noticed the compromising position they were in; Ami was straddled over Makoto, her skirt riding up scandalously high, their bodies were barely inches away from each other and Ami's hands were running through Makoto's hair.
Ami looked down and began blushing furiously, she stood up and began scurrying around the apartment looking for her belongings while talking hysterically in between breaths.
"Makoto! I'm sorry, I just thought that you wanted me to be more – I don't know, I should go, I'm so sorry for any embarrassment I caused, I – " Ami was cut off by Makoto grabbing her around the waist from behind and locking her hands over Ami's stomach.
"No, Ami. I'm sorry. I was stupid to even bring up a subject like that... and I didn't mean to make you feel like you had to... you know? We're in no rush for anything like that... I like what we have. I just need some... validation that you really want this. I don't want to be... an experiment."
Ami noted how Makoto's voice cracked and the bluenette turned around in the older woman's arms.
"Makoto. I do want this. I do want you." Ami tried to fight the blush that rose to her cheeks. "It's just this is all new to me... I'm not really sure what to do."
Makoto giggled and kissed Ami on her nose affectionately.
"It's just like being with a man... except a thousand times better."
Ami giggled nervously and looked away. Makoto raised one eyebrow;
"You haven't been with a man have you?" Makoto's question seemed more like a statement to the younger woman.
Ami looked up at Makoto before looking away in shame and shaking her head.
Ami felt Makoto's grip on her become more firm and the brunette nestled her head into Ami's shoulder. "Sorry, that was rude... I could kind of tell but I didn't want to say anything. Sorry."
Ami cleared her throat nervously. "N-no, it's okay... it's just not something I'm too pleased on saying out loud."
Makoto drew her head back and looked at Ami questioningly.
"Why not?"
Ami laughed gently before raising an eyebrow. "An escort who was a virgin? Yeah... that wouldn't get many laughs, eh Mako?"
Makoto giggled at Ami before releasing the grip on the younger woman. "You're not an escort anymore... and I kind of like the fact you're a virgin."
Ami looked at Makoto with widened eyes; the brunette instantly began to stutter, "No! I-I didn't mean like that! I just meant... I think it's admirable! Yes, admirable! And!... And I'll stop talking now."
Makoto slowly began to walk over to her coffee table and grabbed her car keys.
"Wait. Mako-chan... I really don't want to go home. Not tonight."
Makoto stood still before answering Ami; she decided that now Ami was a little sobered up from her previous thoughts that maybe she was thinking the same way. The brunette nodded and threw her keys back onto the coffee table.
"Okay... I'll get you a change of clothes if you're staying the night then."
Ami smiled and made her way over to the sofa and took a seat as Makoto made her way to her bedroom.
"Thank you, Mako-chan."
"No problem... and I'll take the sofa... I don't want you straddling me in the middle of the – "
"MAKOTO!" Ami began to blush a shade of crimson neither had known.
Makoto began laughing heartily as she opened her bedroom door.
"Oh, come on... when you look back at it... it is kind of funny!" Makoto grinned innocently as she entered her room.
A minute or so later she came back out with a pair of shorts and a tee shirt.
"Here, these will probably be a bit baggy but they'll fit."
Ami took the clothes and smiled gratefully.
There was a pause as both women looked each other deep in the eyes. Makoto leaned down to Ami and gently pressed her lips to Ami for a quick and simple virtuous kiss. Makoto pulled back and had a smile that reached from ear-to-ear. The brunette stood back and Ami stood up and quietly made her way to the bedroom.
"Goodnight, Ami."
Ami paused before she opened the door. She bit her lip gently and looked back to the brunette who was still standing beside the sofa.
"Goodnight, Mako."
Michiru had just gotten back into her apartment and was completely exhausted. She threw her shoes and coat off and landed ungraciously onto her sofa. Her feet dangled off the edge and her eyes closed as she breathed in slowly, a large smile etched onto her features.
Her muscles were tired and she felt like she was about to implode from all the conflicting emotions in her body. Playing the violin for as long as she had today as well as singing with Minako at the request of the four men today... all that came down to her feeling tired but fantastic.
She had no intentions of getting up at all. Hell no, now she was in, she wasn't needed until noon the next day and she had no intention of even moving a muscle until nine or ten in the morning.
The annoyingly familiar sound of Vivaldi's Concerto No.3 L'autunno filled her apartment. The aqua-haired woman groaned and forced herself up and over to the coat she had haphazardly thrown over the armchair furthest from her.
After searching through the pockets and hearing the phone still ringing, Michiru frowned; it was nearly ten at night... who on Earth would be calling her this late?
Taking the phone out from her pocket, Michiru flipped it over and looked at the display; her eyes widened before a small smile played across her lips. Michiru licked her lips before bringing the phone to her ear and pressing the green accept button.
Taking in a deep breath, Michiru closed her eyes.
"Moshi moshi... Haruka-san."
A/N 2 - OMG! What's going on with everyone? Will the drama never end?... Probably not :P Hehe if you enjoyed this chapter, I'd appreciate the reviews - and don't forget to leave love for my awesome beta-reader if you do! impersonal ftw!