A/N from Vanessa Riverton: (rephrased from her instructions) She's really really sorry for her late update (for this I believe she was deprived of smexx MSN conversations for like, a week) and she says she gonna smexx me (impersonal) in return for helping her publishing her story! Anyways, this is the chapter she wrote, she hopes you enjoy them and please leave a review if you can! ( I think this is one hell of a chapter!)
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: impersonal (me) uploaded this on her request using her account. Standard disclaimers apply.
CHAPTER 15 – CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES... C'MON!
"Waiting for someone, Michiru-chan?"
Michiru shifted her attention to the voice that sounded so welcoming and warm; a voice she has been hearing all week since her audition. Events like this were no strange occurrences to Seiya (who attended galas on an almost weekly basis), but today, today was different. Today was the 'official' release of Mimette's CD 'Gansaku', well, to the public eye it was. But to anyone who was anyone in the music industry, this event is really for the official start of Minako and Michiru's music career. Seiya, Taiki, Yaten and Artemis had drummed up that much hubbub in just that one week over the duo they were the talk of Tokyo's music scene. Probably the only exciting talk nowadays in the media too.
Michiru was no stranger to her current surroundings; this was not the first time she had visited the Tokyo Imperial Hotel or its conference room. The light mocha walls were complimented with the dark chocolate lines that surrounded the doors, cornicing each intricate design that adorned the walls and ceilings. The studio style lights that were integrated into the ceiling gave a well-lit ambience to the room that had a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere mixed with the formal necessity that the room actually existed for. Thirteen tables were evenly placed throughout the room, and the open bar at one end allowed people to openly mingle from table to table as they made their way to the bar. No soul seemed confined to the placement they were given at each table.
Michiru grinned as she turned slightly to face the familiar face of her current producer, Seiya Kou.
"What makes you think I'm waiting for someone, Seiya?"
A black eyebrow rose and was accompanied by a smirk that caused Michiru to take a sip from her Cosmopolitan while attempting to hum nonchalantly.
"Hmm... I don't know Michiru..." Seiya trailed off and brought his index finger to his chin and began to tap it rhythmically against his slight stubble, all the while adopting a look of feigned pensiveness.
"Maybe because a certain blonde we both know will be here... and your eyes haven't looked away from the entrance to this room in over thirty minutes."
Michiru slowly placed her Cosmo down on the table and fought the urge to smile at Seiya's words.
"I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about Seiya-kun."
Seiya noted the slight twinkle in Michiru's eye as she looked around the room and took in the abundance of guests surrounding her.
Michiru cleared her throat and brought her attention back to Seiya after sweeping her eyes across the hall once more.
"So... is there anyone I should be scared of tonight, Seiya-kun?"
Seiya chuckled lightly at Michiru's question before running a hand through his hair and looking around the room himself. He nodded and discreetly pointed out people as he looked over people in the room, with Michiru's attention rapt.
"In this business, there is always someone to be scared of, Michiru-chan."
Michiru laughed at the dry sense of humour Seiya seemed to have.
"Let's see... there's the label executive, Eiji Watanabe... he's harmless mostly, but if you piss him off? Say bye-bye to your career."
Michiru snickered at Seiya's faux sinister voice.
"Then there's the legal team. Fear them. Seriously. They can be your best friend or worst enemy. The guy with long white hair? His name is Kunzite Shittenou, and the guy next to him? Blonde guy? That's his cousin Jadeite. If you want to get to the head of legal you go to them, they're like ridiculously loyal to the head of that department."
Michiru smirked at looked over at Seiya. "So you go begging to them, Seiya-kun?"
The dark-haired man looked incredulously at Michiru before laughing heartily. "Ha ha! No... I have my inside man: Mamoru Chiba, he's the deputy head of legal. But just so you know, Beryl Kuiin is the head of that department. She's good at her job but she is a lawyer... she's two-faced, manipulative and very good at lying."
Michiru had to bite her lip to keep from laughing out loud.
"Don't forget Mimette."
Michiru quirked an eyebrow, causing Seiya to snicker and explain himself. "This is supposed to be her press release party for her CD... but you and Mina had came and stolen her thunder. She's definitely out for your blood. Avoid her at all costs for today, just smile and compliment her and then you should escape."
Michiru laughed nervously while sparing a glance over at Mimette who seemed to be sending deathly glares to anyone who approached her. Michiru followed as Seiya walked around the room pointing out several more people, including Artemis, his wife Luna and their young daughter Diana who Michiru noted seemed to be around the same age as Hotaru. The door to the hall opened and Michiru instantly turned around, expecting to see a certain blonde-haired tomboy stroll through...
And instead Michiru's attention was taken away by the sound of a familiar voice from the other side of the bar.
"Michi-chan."
Aqua eyes widened as Michiru's mind registered exactly who the voice belonged to.
"Elza?! No way!"
Seiya covered his ears as a chorus of girly squeals threatened to deafen him. Michiru engulfed Elza into a hug before realising where they were and instantly broke apart, grinning widely.
"Elza, what are you doing here?!"
Michiru couldn't stop grinning as she looked at her former mentor and best friend from After Dark. Elza hadn't changed much; her skin was still a gorgeous tanned colour, coupled with her short red hair and her stunning navy eyes. And her figure was still as divine as ever. However, before she got a chance to answer, a bounding ball of blonde energy leapt into the red-head's arms and bear-hugged Elza. Michiru and Seiya grinned at the young girl's antics before Michiru cleared her throat, alerting Minako to the presence of everyone else once more.
Minako blushed lightly before giggling and rubbing the back of her neck lightly."Hehe... sorry."
Minako brought her eyes to Elza once more and smiled widely, "You look fabulous Grey-san."
Elza inclined her head graciously to Minako before turning her body so as to face both females before her. "Well, I guess that congratulations are in order for you two... wow. Just wow." Elza looked over the room then turned back to the two, looking almost confused, "Where is everyone else? Miss M? Rei?"
At the mention of the raven haired woman's name, Elza noticed that Minako's eyes darkened but she somehow managed to maintain a smile on her beautiful features. Elza looked to Michiru who shook her head slowly and just like that, Elza decided not to continue on talking about Rei. However, the gaze of a black haired man still lingering beside them caused Elza to stare at Seiya until Michiru chuckled gently.
"Elza... this is Seiya Kou, our lead producer and friend of Haruka's. Seiya, this is Elza Grey... an old colleague."
Elza looked quizzically at Michiru, but as she saw the non-judgmental expression on Seiya's face, the red-head could do nothing but smile in return to the genial young music producer before her. Michiru cleared her throat once more; "So, Elza, you never answered my question... what brings you here?"
Elza picked up her nearly forgotten Sloe Gin cocktail and took a small, refreshing sip. "Well... my new agency got me a dig here... I'm on a double job with her."
Elza spoke out of character, with so much contempt that Michiru had to cough to cover up her laugh.
"Wow, put the claws away Elza and - on a job? With her? Who's this 'her'?"
Elza laughed bitterly before scanning the room. Not more than a few seconds later, a small snort escaped the athletic looking woman's mouth. Michiru, Minako and Seiya followed the line of sight that Elza had created and all three were greeted with the sight of dirty-blonde hair and bright cobalt eyes.
"Your riv- Lara!?!"
Seiya, half turned around and watched as his best friend's apparent latest squeeze lingered around the two familiar faces from the legal team; Kunzite and Jadeite. Michiru said nothing as she watched Lara stroll up to Kunzite and teasingly place a hand on the collar of his shirt and and made a show of seemingly fixing his tie – all the while Michiru noted that there was nothing askew with the silver tie Kunzite had around his neck, it was a trick Michiru had learned early on in After Dark.
"Yes, it is."
There was another silence as the two watched Lara interact rather intimately with Kunzite and Jadeite; she threw a coquettishly shy smile to both before running her tongue over her teeth and teasingly along her bottom lip before pouting her lips slightly – an action that caused both men beside her to leer lewdly and lustily eyeing over the form of Lara.
"Wh-what is she doing?!"
Michiru spared a quick glance to Seiya and could see the anger and shock brewing behind his now clouded blue eyes. Michiru looked back over to Lara and watched her interaction with Kunzite and Jadeite. She looked over Lara's appearance; she was wearing a form-fitting dress made of a silk and chiffon. There was a lazy bow in the middle of the bust fit and from there trailed two layers of chiffon over the main silk cut. The entire dress was held up by two simple straps that crossed over the back of the dress. Lara had coupled the dress with strappy golden sandals, and a chained handbag that hung graciously over her shoulder. She had a simple gold bangle on her left wrist, a simple gold watch on her right wrist and she wore a very demure gold necklace to match. Her hair was up in a casual bun, it wasn't too tight and wisps of hair cascaded down and gently franked her face. The way Lara dressed herself reminded Michiru of the glory days when she first started out at After Dark and she was one of the most sought after women in the 'business'.
Wait.
Michiru looked up at Lara one more time.
The 'business'.
Lara? 'Business'?
"God...I hate her," Elza growled.
"Lara?"
Elza eyebrows furrowed with confusion as Michiru mentioned the name. "You know Lara? Oh lord, Michiru-chan, don't tell me you slept with her! Oh Gods, I thought that – "
"No! NO! Elza, shush! No, I have not slept with her."
There was an ominous silence for a short moment as all three watched Lara interact with the two men.
Elza finished her cocktail in one gulp. "Lara. Pfft, she's been in the escorting business for all of six months and all of a sudden she's taking every client; left, right and centre. Gods, I hate her!"
"Oh," Michiru's jaw hit the floor as the fact settled in.
"My," Minako watched as Lara was all over Kunzite and Jadeite the way she had been all over Haruka the week before.
"God." Seiya's jaw hung loosely as he watched Lara flaunt herself shamelessly around the legal duo.
Lara is an escort.
Michiru shared a look with Seiya and Minako; what the hell were they going to tell Haruka? Michiru had no idea about the other three but one thought could not escape her mind.
Lara is an escort.
"Kino-san, this is divine. Thank you for making this at such late notice... our head chef fell ill three days ago and we were at a complete loss."
Makoto shook her head and smiled amiably at the hotel manager of the Imperial Tokyo. Seiya owed her. It was now a fact. Seiya had called the brunette up only two days ago and begged for her help, and who was Makoto to refuse him? Not to mention Makoto now had a favour lingering over the head of Seiya – it was deliciously satisfying knowing that.
"It's no problem Matsushita-san. I'm just glad I could help out my friends."
Makoto made sure not to say too much – this was a hotel after all and they had their own chef and clientele to appease. If she came across as sycophantic, it would be all the ammunition the hotelier would need before he annihilated her career with a few choice words while mingling with the high class men and women in the next room. Matsushita was a man in his mid 30s with slick back hair and dressed in a crisp, sharp olive green suit coupled with black shoes and a white dress shirt sans tie. He was a man who seemed to like order and crave power. Makoto bowed respectfully before stepping away from him and into the hallway that lead to the event Seiya was a part of. Matsushita confidently strode on ahead to the event, pausing as he opened the door to give an amicable smile towards Makoto.
The brunette let out a breath and laughed shakily before running a hand through her hair and retrieving the cell-phone from her inside blazer pocket and pressing the 'redial' number. After waiting for a few moments, Makoto was graced with the shy yet sweet voice of Ami Mizuno.
"Hey."
"Hey... how'd it go?"
Makoto couldn't stop grinning as Ami spoke... they had fallen into such a comfortable pace with each other already, Makoto attributed most of that to the fact they worked most of the day together then spent most of their time together in the evenings too. Makoto inwardly smirked at the progress they had made so far, it was far from where she'd like them to be, but they had definite potential.
"Ugh... well, Chigo nearly burned the entree's but we managed to save them. Aside from that, I'm done here... I should be at yours in about thirty minutes."
Makoto listened to the inimitable sound of Ami clearing her throat over the phone and the faint sound of papers being shuffled about.
"Well, I'm still studying for my test tomorrow... I can't afford any... distractions."
Makoto proudly smirked at the bluenette's intonation on the word distraction – only yesterday while Ami was trying to study, Makoto had managed to distract the poor girl with her massage skills, if only for five minutes, it still had quite an effect on the studious younger girl.
"And I really need to get this chapter down, Mako."
The brunette pouted before scuffing her feet along the floor like a child. "...Okay. I'll stay here and be social. But I'll see you tomorrow right?"
Makoto's heart thumped louder against her ribcage as she heard the giggle from the younger girl.
"Ja ne, Mako."
It didn't insult Makoto that Ami hung up on her shortly after, the bluenette was a quick learner – if Mako's on the line, she will try and distract you beyond your wildest imagination. And when Ami was involved, the brunette most certainly did have a wild imagination. Makoto chided herself for being so vulgar. In order to change her pace of thinking, the chef made her brisk walk to the large double doors that lead to the Imperial's conference room and entered the room nearly three hours after the event had begun and no doubt after most of Japan's biggest names in music had left. As soon as she entered her eyes scanned the room, she could see Seiya standing with Minako and Michiru as they spoke to some seemingly important people, most probably people from the press and most seemed to have dicta-phones and pens and paper to the ready.
Mamoru was leading Usagi around to his co-workers and generally milling around near his superiors.
Makoto's grin still hadn't moved since she had spoken to Ami; since that 'riding' incident, things were really beginning to progress – not heat up, but progress. And progression was awesome in Makoto's book. The brunette made her way over to the bar and ordered a Sapporo as a sort of reward for her hard work for today's event.
Barely one drop of the delectable amber liquid had landed in her mouth then she heard a familiar giggle close to her ear.
"The same old drink too, Mako? God your taste is still the same I see."
Makoto's eyes widened at the voice that confirmed her suspicions – Maya. Makoto turned, ready to explode at Maya and accuse her of stalking when Makoto noticed the large press badge pinned to the breast pocket of her suit blazer. Instead the brunette opted to rolling her eyes and returning to her very enticing cold beer.
"Oh, come on, Mako, I didn't know you'd be here." Makoto clenched her jaw – that was true, Maya didn't know.
One of the rare truths Maya said.
Still, her ex didn't have to come up to her and talk to her. Maya full well knew Makoto's feelings about her. Makoto stood up and straightened out her clothes before grabbing her beer. She paused and looked intensely at Maya. The auburn-haired woman just stared back, daring to bite her lip and giving a suggestive wink to Makoto. The brunette snorted in disbelief.
"Just do me a favour Maya... leave me alone."
Makoto took another swig of her beer and walked away from the bar, trying to keep her facade of looking cool and calm, all the while wishing she was somewhere else. She could definitely think of one place she'd rather be – and it involved a bluenette and lots of studying.
... And possibly a massage.
"Usagi, please, for me just smile and act like nothing is wrong."
Mamoru's desperate voice immediately caused his wife to swap her pout for a grin as they made another round around the room, and they hadn't even been here thirty minutes. Usagi couldn't understand why her husband, who didn't want to live with her, had dragged her to this event for his company. It just didn't make sense... and now he wanted Usagi to put on a brave face and act as though everything was fine? Nonetheless, here she was in her pink halter neck style dress with her fuschia shoes and cutch to match and a small string of pearls around her neck.
Chibiusa had found a girl her age at the party named Diana and was currently chatting to the girl as Usagi was lead around by her husband.
Usagi caught the familiar blue eyes of Seiya and was given an empathetic smile from her long-time friend, but Usagi didn't have very long to revel in that – Mamoru was introducing his wife to the other members of the legal team.
Usagi cocked her head to one side as she looked at the blonde draped over Kunzite's arm... She looked awfully familiar now Usagi thought back to it.
"Kunzite, Jadeite, I'd like for you to meet my wife Usagi. Usagi, this is Jadeite and Kunzite, Usa, they work in the legal department too." Usagi bowed respectfully and both men owed in turn too.
Usagi and Mamoru's attention was caught by the familiar yet unnamed blonde in front of them. Kunzite looked at the escort by his side and grinned.
"Ah, Mamoru, meet my date for the evening. This is L-"
"Lucy."
Usagi waited for a moment. The woman seemed familiar but the name seemed to fit. Usagi grinned and bowed politely.
"Pleasure to meet you, Lucy-san."
There was a comfortable silence until Jadeite grinned and cleared his throat. Mamoru sent a confused glance to his colleague and was about to speak when the young man spoke up.
"Beryl-san, pleasure to see you, didn't think you'd be able to make it."
Usagi could feel her throat constrict and the blonde forced out a smile and a small bow in the direction of the more mature woman.
"Jadeite, I wouldn't miss this event for the world! Mamoru..." Beryl gave a fleeting look to Mamoru that Usagi did not miss.
The blonde also saw the way her husband turned his head, completely disregarding the other woman's presence. Beryl laughed whole-heartedly.
"It's so good to see you again, Usagi... gosh, we were beginning to think that Mamoru wasn't married from the impact your absence has had."
Usagi strained out a laugh and gave a polite smile, at the same time desperately trying to give her husband a signal she really didn't want to be here right now. Mamoru had a lethal look administered in the direction of Beryl and make no mistake it was aimed solely for her; Usagi's heart leapt – now, usually Usagi was not one to endorse any ill feelings to any other member of mankind, but the way Mamoru was really showing his protectiveness was soothing her near broken soul. She only just then realised the grip he had on her waist, it was firm but not too tight, and his fingers were rubbing gently against her side.
"Usagi has been busy lately, and with the arrival of her cousin staying with us, she's been doing the honourable thing of ensuring her cousin is settled before seeing to her other duties; family first."
Mamoru gave a reassuring smile to Usagi and a discreet squeeze with the hand he had on her waist.
Beryl smirked at Mamoru's display of affection before sparing a glance to Jadeite and Kunzite who simply gave her a knowing look in return. Beryl clasped her hands together; "Well, either way it's an absolute pleasure as always Mamoru... Usagi, lovely to see you again."
Beryl gave a small nod before walking away slowly, everyone's eyes transfixed on her until the older woman blended into the crowd and she was no longer visible to Mamoru, Usagi and the three other people standing opposite them.
"Wow. So, she's your boss, huh?" Usagi's attention was drawn to the beautiful woman hanging over Kunzite who had spoken out.
Jadeite just nodded in response to the woman's question.
"Hmm. She's kind of sexy. You guys ever..." The woman trailed off as Jadeite and Kunzite shared a look with each other before snickering and shaking their heads.
"No... we have never been with Beryl-san."
Usagi's eyes diverted from the three and she looked over the crowd in the hall. Her heart was thudding against her chest, the realisation settling in that it was no secret about her husband and his boss - it was made clear from the intonation of the two men opposite. She trembled as a nauseous feeling hit her dead on – God, no-one had told her 'morning sickness' was just a name.
Mamoru felt his wife quiver in his arms and immediately brought his attention to her. He bent his head down to her ear and spoke gently.
"Are you okay, Usako?"
Usagi took a quick look around them and saw that Kunzite and Jadeite were currently distracted with the gorgeous young woman in their arms. She looked up to her husband, fighting back tears that threatened to overwhelm her in that instant.
"Everyone knows."
The gravity of those two words hit Mamoru hard and he stuttered for a moment, desperately trying to formulate a sentence in his mind that he could possibly respond with. The clear sound of giggling from across them caught Mamoru's attention – Kunzite had his arm wrapped around his date, he looked over to Jadeite and winked and not five seconds later the three of them disappeared from the room swiftly. There was no doubt in Mamoru's mind that they left so they could indulge in some carnal activities in one of the hotel's many free rooms. No-one would notice anyway, as long as the main stars of tonight were here most people could get away with murder if they tried.
Mamoru's attention was brought back to his wife as he felt her trembling lightly in his arms. But before he had the chance to talk, Usagi spoke up again, her voice quivering as she placed one arm across her stomach.
"I need to go to the bathroom, please excuse me."
Usagi wriggled out of Mamoru's arms without another word and made her way to the bathrooms quickly, being careful to ensure her husband wasn't following her.
"Wow. So... you've actually meet Orange Range?" Chibiusa's eyes were wide with adoration for the girl in front of her.
Diana was not new to Tokyo but had spent the last year in Osaka as her father travelled a lot and her parents wanted her out of Tokyo and be in an urban environment not quite as hectic as the one the national's capital provided. Diana, like her mother, had navy blue hair and you could tell it was long from the intricate design her hair was in – a lot of hair would be needed to make the four individual pom-poms that rested on top of her head. She had bright amethyst eyes that reminded Chibiusa of another girl she had only recently just met. Diana had a petite physique but seemingly filled out quite nicely... not that Chibiusa was looking at her in that way. No, it was more of an envious appraisal of the seemingly almost perfect girl in front of her.
Diana nodded in response to Chibiusa's question and she smiled politely.
"Totally! My dad knows I'm a huge fan of them and when he managed their 2005 publicity I got to meet them. Hiroki and Yamato are sooo much cuter in person!"
Chibiusa and Diana shared a small giggle together and a few more moments passed with Chibiusa inquiring about all the idols that Diana had met or not and both girls were secretly relieved to have found someone to fall so easily into conversation with.
"Y'know, it's weird, my parents have dragged me to so many of these things and it is so rare to find someone my own age to hang with and just relax with. This is pretty good luck if you ask me."
Diana sent a disarmingly charming smile towards the young pinkette and found her smile being rewarded in a likewise fashion.
"Well, your luck won't end at having one person for company. My um, friend, Hotaru, will be along later. I think you'd get on real well with her."
Diana's smile seemed to get even brighter.
"Really? Cool! I barely know anyone in Tokyo, so the more the merrier. I mean, I start school next week and I'm dreading that as much as I'm looking forward to it."
Chibiusa cocked her head and looked at Diana in confusion.
"Why are you dreading it?"
Diana took a long sip from the Coke in her hands before she gave out a nervous laugh.
"Whenever I meet new people and they find out about my dad's job, I'm suddenly Miss Popular because of the things they think they can get from me... but my dad's assured me the school he's picked out has a fairly high profile amount of families there, so I only hope Mugen can be all it's cracked up to be."
Chibiusa was halfway through sipping her orange juice when she nearly spluttered half of her drink back into her glass.
"M-Mugen? Y-you're going to Mugen?"
Diana nodded slowly and laughed nervously.
"Oh God, don't tell me it has a reputation or something. Oh man!"
Chibiusa began shaking her head vigorously as she coughed to clear her throat out.
"N-n-no! It's just that... ahem! Mugen is... kind of the school I go to too." Chibiusa gave a sheepish smile to Diana.
"No way!"
"I'm serious!"
All that followed after was a series of high pitched girly squeals and screams and hugs that were shared between Chibiusa and her new acquaintance.
"Okay, now we totally have to swap details; Facebook, MySpace, MSN, AIM, everything! And you can – " Diana stopped mid-sentence as she looked directly behind Chibiusa, where the entrance to the hall was.
Chibiusa scrunched her face up in confusion before following Diana's line of sight. As Chibiusa turned around, her eyes were drawn to the familiar figure standing at the entrance. Dressed in a light blue mauve dress that reached down to just above her ankles, coupled with a silver bangle and lilac pumps.
Chibiusa's breath caught in her throat at the sight of Hotaru. The familiar feeling of a blush began creeping up onto Chibiusa's pale cheeks.
The pinkette yanked her head away and took several deep breaths, hoping to all the Gods in existence that her embarrassment went unnoticed. Chibiusa had done everything in her power to not think of Hotaru in any other way than purely platonic, but clearly it was a lot harder when the raven-haired girl was in her presence.
Chibiusa spared a glace up to Diana, hoping the girl wouldn't mention anything of her strange behaviour. So it was somewhat surprising when Chibiusa saw that Diana's eyes had not deviated from Hotaru's figure. The pinkette did a double-take, looking between Diana and the unsuspecting Hotaru. Chibiusa watched with an unsettling feeling burying itself in her stomach as she watched Diana bite her lip as she continued staring at Hotaru.
"Who is that?"
Chibiusa remained silent at the question, almost tempted to respond by saying she didn't know but why in the world would she feel the need to do that? It's not like she was jeal – Whoa. No.
Chibiusa shook her head of that thought immediately. She just didn't like people staring at her friend as though she was a piece of meat. Yes, that had to have been it! It was only at this thought did it occur to Chibiusa that it was Diana looking at Hotaru.
Diana... a girl... was looking at Hotaru. Also a girl.
It was almost too much for her to digest. She had no idea.
"Hello? Chibiusa-chan? Are you okay?" Diana's concerned voice earned a small smile from Chibiusa who nodded her head.
"That..." Chibiusa took in a shaky breath, "... is Hotaru. My f-friend." Diana's eyes twinkled for a moment.
"That's Hotaru? Oh my..."
Chibiusa's eyes narrowed slightly for a moment before she regained her composure. She took in a deep breath and battled with herself over her next sentence. However, it appears as though Chibiusa's 'dark' side lost.
"Would... would you like me to introduce you to her, Diana?" She had barely finished her sentence before Diana enthusiastically began nodding her head.
A thought suddenly struck Chibiusa.
All this worry about a girl... and she had Helios... how did she forget him?!
"Haru-chan, are you okay?"
Hotaru's voice floated up into Haruka's ear. The tomboy turned to her cousin and gave her a reassuring smile. "Hai, I'm fine, Hota-chan. I'm just..."
As Haruka trailed off, Hotaru smirked and supplied the word that seemed to be evading her older cousin.
"Nervous?"
The tomboy sent a bored glance to Hotaru before playfully sticking her tongue out.
"No... I'm not nervous. It's just... weird. I mean usually Minako and Michiru are doing an entirely different thing with this sort of crowd. And you know... I don't usually go to parties with this sort of crowd. I mean for starters, there's no stripper..."
Haruka gave a devilish smile as Hotaru slapped her arm playfully.
"Pervert. Is there anyone here we know, Haru-chan?"
Teal eyes scanned the room quickly and Haruks spoke as she continued to search throughout the room. "Hai. There is Seiya, he's with Mina and Michiru-chan, and there's Mamo and Usa – "
"Is Chibiusa here?"
Haruka noted the alarm in her cousin's voice. The tomboy shrugged. "I don't know, I would assume so though..." Haruka continued talking although she did take note of Hotaru's shoulders suddenly slumping, "And is that Elza? No way."
Haruka continued staring at the redhead from a distance. Hotaru looked around nervously and neither of them noticed the brunette that had managed to walk up to them.
"Why do you two look so on edge?"
Both Haruka and Hotaru almost jumped from the close proximity of the voice. Haruka laughed heartily as she was greeted with the sight of Makoto – a slightly inebriated Makoto now she looked more carefully...
"We're not on edge, Mako. You remember Hotaru?"
Hotaru bowed respectfully while Makoto opted for a verbal greeting along with lazily sloshing the glass in her hand around in a mock salute.
"Yo, Hota."
Hotaru looked up and saw Makoto smiling amiably at her. Hotaru just stood speechless as she heard Haruka chuckling gently beside her.
"Jeez, Mako a little early to be wasted isn't it?"
Makoto scoffed as she took another long sip from the glass in her hands.
"It's never too early Haru-chan... not when Maya's here."
Haruka was about to respond when the sight of Chibiusa scowling caught her attention. Haruka looked quizzically at her unaware younger cousin. Chibiusa cleared her throat from behind Hotaru, causing the teen to turn around slowly to face Chibiusa and the stranger beside her. Hotaru also took note of the other girl's scowl and was about to enquire as to what had made Chibiusa so upset when the pinkette spoke first.
"Hotaru-chan, I want you to meet someone. This is Diana Raioneko."
Hotaru gave a confused look to Diana but bowed nonetheless and said her greetings. A moment of silence passed – it was completely awkward and none of it was lost on anyone present. Haruka cleared her throat and smiled brightly, catching the attention of Hotaru, Chibiusa and Diana.
"Ah girls, you don't want to hang around us old folk. Hotaru, go with your friends and relax. I'll come and get you when we're leaving okay?" Haruka burrowed her eyebrows, hinting to the Hotaru that she should go.
With a slight huff, Hotaru gave in.
As Hotaru walked off with her friends, Haruka was certain she heard Chibiusa speak in a more bitter tone.
"Sure... Chibiusa? What did you two have in mind?" Haruka heard Hotaru asked.
"I don't know... Diana wanted to get to know you more." Came Chibiusa's curt reply.
Haruka and Makoto shared a small laugh with each other as soon as the girls were out of earshot.
"Oh man... Haru, remember when we were that age? Man... poor Hotaru."
Haruka just laughed, still highly amused from her clueless cousin regarding the one girl who was clearly interested in her, and the jealousy barely hidden in the other girl.
"So, Mako, Ami's not here?"
Makoto shook her head as she polished off what little liquid was in her glass. The brunette exhaled loudly after drinking her alcohol. "Nah, she's at home studying... told me to be social. And who are you here with?"
Makoto wiggled her eyebrows suggestively and Haruka just sighed exasperatedly at her friend's behaviour.
"Lara's at work so no, I'm not here with anyone like that, dipshit." Haruka gave a cheeky grin to Makoto that was returned with a sardonic smile. "Setsuna-san is just outside making a quick call, she'll be in here in a moment."
"Setsuna-san's here?"
Haruka nodded.
"Hmm, this doesn't seem like her kind of scene."
"Look who's talking. She was invited like we were."
The brunette raised one eyebrow. "By Michiru?"
"Makoto," Haruka growled dangerously low while thinking back earlier in the week to the clear phone call she got from Minako at the After Dark office reminding her and Miss M they were invited to today's event. Makoto raised her hands up in defence.
"It was just a question... and oh! Speak of the devil and they will appear." Haruka quirked an eyebrow in confusion before her unasked question was answered in the form of her suddenly being flanked by four familiar women; Usually being surrounded by four incredibly hot women would have been Haruka's idea of dream but today it was proving to be one of the most awkward moments of her adult life.
To her right was Setsuna who was clearly revelling in seeing Haruka's awkward disposition. "I'm, uh, going to get a drink."
Setsuna poorly managed to stifle a giggle as Makoto took the older woman's elbow in her grip. "I'll go with you." Makoto and Setsuna's laughter could be heard seconds later, both clearly not caring if they could be heard or not.
Now, turning to her left, Haruka was greeted with the smirking face of Elza Grey.
"Tenoh-san... it's been a while."
Haruka gave a smile back.
"Elza... you look amazing. As always." Haruka gave her trademark smile and wink before grinning widely.
"Your charming ways never change eh Haruka-san?" Elza smirked as she waited for Haruka's response.
"Never," And without another word, Haruka embraced Elza in a friendly hug.
Two years ago, Elza may have read into this a bit more but she knew where she stood with Haruka. She was just a friend. But still, that didn't mean she wouldn't enjoy the closeness even if it was for only a few seconds. As they drew back, Haruka smiled widely before her attention was brought to the two women standing close together a little to her right. Haruka disengaged from Elza and took a tentative step towards the blonde literally jumping with excitement.
"Minako," Haruka spoke evenly but couldn't manage another word as the blonde leaped into her arms and hugged her wildly.
Haruka laughed gently but she stopped as soon as she heard Minako's voice, thick with emotion, speaking gently into her ear. "Arigatou, Haruka-san. None of this would have happened had I never met you. I thank whoever is responsible for you."
Haruka pulled away from Minako's embrace and smiled wholeheartedly. "I'll give my mother and father your thanks."
Minako giggled at Haruka before she stepped back.
Haruka's smile disappeared as soon as she was faced with the final woman of the four she had yet to greet.
"Michiru."
"Moshi moshi... Haruka-san."
Haruka's eyes widened at the breathless way Michiru appeared to have said her name.
"Er.... hey."
A silence filled at both ends of the phone and Haruka bit at her lip in order to hide her embarrassment – even if Michiru couldn't see her it didn't mean she felt any less stupid.
"So... is there a reason you called me or are you just dialling random numbers again, Haruka-san?"
Haruka's eyes widened before she began sputtering frantically. "Oh come on! It was hilarious! We scrolled randomly, withheld our number and dialled and pissed off Miss M... it was classic."
Michiru laughed out loud.
"Ha! Okay, I'll give it to you that it was pretty damned funny. Especially when she started screaming down the phone that she was 'going to get you one day, Minako'."
Both Michiru and Haruka began snickering at the memory of the following day where Miss M began stalking around the office screeching for the whereabouts of 'that sleepwrecker Minako'. There was a silence as both women basked in the silent glow that a good laugh provided. Michiru made her way back to her sofa and laid back onto the soft material, letting a small sigh past her lips as she finally relaxed. The comfortable silence was broken seconds later by one Tenoh Haruka.
"I miss this, Michiru."
Navy blue eyes opened.
Michiru took the phone away from her ear and stared at it in disbelief. She could hear Haruka calling her name gently. Michiru closed her eyes and took in a deep breath before she placed the phone back to her ear.
"Are you there Michiru?... Argh, stupid Tenoh, I – "
"Hai, I'm still here, Haruka."
Michiru licked her suddenly dry lips and took another shaky breath.
There was a silence... had Haruka lost her nerve to talk to her all of a sudden? Either way Michiru needed to make a decision here. Today had been so clear to her, her days as an escort were over; no more sex for money, no more After Dark, no more Haruka. She had nothing to lose now; well in her mind she didn't.
It's all so simple in your mind when you eradicate any of the major realities of your actions and go with the half and half approach of realism and idealism in any situation.
And that is exactly what Michiru was going to go with. Throw it all out there and hope for anything but the worse.
"Haruka?"
Michiru couldn't fight the smile that came to her face as she heard the adorable 'hmm' sound the blonde made. Michiru scolded herself a second later – now was not the time to be like some crushing schoolgirl. No, now she had to suck it up and just do this. Get it over and done with.
"I know I won't be at After Dark soon... I don't know when we'll next get the chance to really talk or see each other."
"Jeez, Michiru, you make it sound so ominous."
Michiru let out a small bitter laugh.
"Well, Seiya practically has me and Minako booked from now until Summer with all the album work and promotional work too. I... God, I just wanted to tell you something."
Haruka was silent.
Was this it? Was this moment the one she had been waiting for? The confirmation of countless days of agonizing speculation?
"Then just tell me, Michiru."
Michiru closed her eyes once more, this time in a vain attempt to keep her tears from escaping. One silently rolled down her cheek and made its journey to her chin, hanging precariously until it dripped off and landed gently somewhere else that the aqua-haired woman couldn't care less about at this moment of time.
"I... The thing is, you see... I..."
Michiru sighed heavily. This always seemed so much easier when she rehearsed it in the privacy of her home to just herself. But now her heart was pounding against her chest and she felt as though she was short of breath and she could tell her cheeks were heating up – whether or not that was a knock-on effect of her tears she didn't know. All she knew was she couldn't get rid of this lump that suddenly formed in her throat and instead she choked down a sob, instead of saying the words that she so desperately needed to tell Haruka.
Haruka pressed her eyelids together and clenched her jaw. It pained her to hear Michiru so torn and anguished over something. Haruka stood up in her apartment and ran a frantic hand through her hair, Michiru still hadn't spoken.
Haruka couldn't let this go on – it was clearly breaking up the other woman, and Haruka would never wish Michiru to be in so much pain. Even if she was wrong and Michiru was going to confess THAT then maybe at least that topic could be used to make light of the situation.
Still... if she was right...
"Michiru... I know."
The sniffling from Michiru's end of the line ceased and Haruka was worried the other woman had hung up but breathed in relief when the dialling tone didn't sound. There was silence and Haruka took a deep breath. She was either going to look like a complete idiot or a complete bitch now.
"I know. Well, I think I know. I know that you're an amazing woman. I know that you're smart, funny, kind, polite – well usually – and I'm well aware of how beautiful you are, Michiru."
Haruka took in a much needed deep breath.
"But I don't feel that way for you. Not the way you do for me."
The absolute silence was killing Haruka. She couldn't have this, she couldn't let Michiru think she felt nothing for her at all. She had to do some major damage control after that mess of a bombshell she threw on Michiru.
"But I do care for you a lot. And I don't want to see you hurt, Michiru. But I only know you as the Michiru from After Dark, and I can't think of you in any other way right now. God, I am so sorry. Please say something, Michiru. Please?"
The sound of sniffling re-emerging was as relieving as it was heartbreaking when Haruka heard it. At least Michiru hadn't hung up. Several moments passed in which Haruka was sure that Michiru was wisely spending in taking a moment to recollect herself. A small nervous laugh came from Michiru after a few moments which almost made Haruka groan out in agony. She could hear the hurt that Michiru was trying to cover up.
"God, and here was me thinking I couldn't feel any worse than when I was trying to work up the nerve to tell you... how did you know, Haruka?"
The tomboy sat back in her sofa, her phone on her ear and her head lying along the back of her sofa, her shoulders suddenly were filled with tension.
"I didn't know for sure. Makoto kind of teased me about you... and it's been there ever since I guess. I really am sorry."
"Don't be. You can't help how you feel."
"Neither can you."
Another silence and Haruka couldn't help but admire Michiru for trying to keep up a brave front in front of you.
"If you knew me, just me, not the Michiru from After Dark... would this conversation have gone differently?"
Haruka smiled warmly.
She didn't detect hope in Michiru's voice, just pure curiosity and that almost broke Haruka's resolve – Michiru was always one to try and keep as much of her dignity and pride intact and to appear to be begging for a chance would have been beneath her.
"I don't know, Michiru. I can't give an answer. Even I have no idea what woman I want until the moment I decide I want her."
"Lucky Lara, huh?"
It was then Haruka detected the venom in Michiru's voice but she said nothing in response – Michiru was entitled to be a little angry right now.
"I'm sorry, Haruka, I shouldn't have said that. I'm just a little... tired."
Haruka swallowed some excess saliva in her mouth and only then realised how dry her mouth was;
"Sorry, I shouldn't have called so late, Michiru. Michiru?"
"Hai?"
"Can we still be friends? I hated when you weren't talking to me... I really do want you in my life, you know. You were one of the people that I truly liked."
Michiru gave a small pained smile, well aware Haruka couldn't see but the blonde's words were having that effect on her.
"Sure, Haruka. Goodnight."
"Night."
Both women closed their cell-phones and Haruka let her head hang back over her sofa. She gave a small pained grunt before she pushed herself off of the sofa and decided to have a late night shower to calm herself. On the other side of Tokyo, Michiru collapsed onto her bed, crying herself to sleep for the first time in over eight years.
"Haruka."
Michiru gave a small smile and Haruka returned it instantly. Haruka opened her arms to embrace the smaller woman and Michiru opened her mouth to protest but she stopped as soon as her eyes made contact with Haruka's. The hopeful look contained in the eyes she loved so much would have been greater than any argument Michiru had against hugging the tomboy.
Minako was joined a moment by Seiya who lifted both eyebrows in surprise at seeing Michiru and Haruka in such a close embrace and was about to comment on the hug but he was smacked on the arm a second later by Minako who accompanied her physical warning with a low-key whisper.
"Don't you dare, Seiya."
The man opened his mouth ready to defend himself but if there was anything the past seven days with Minako in the studio had taught him it was this – he was always wrong... regardless of how right he was.
Haruka and Michiru pulled back from each other and Haruka spoke gently to the woman standing mere inches away from her.
"I didn't think you'd want to see me."
Michiru laughed gently and shook her head. "I'd always want to see you, Haruka."
A moment of silence passed.
There were no pretences to hold up between these two anymore; Michiru's secret was out in the open, Haruka knew and things had a possibility to stay the same. Neither women knew, but both were willing to do what it took to ensure that they stayed in the other's life – regardless of the phone conversation that happened only seven days previously.
Seiya leaned into Minako's ear and whispered quietly, making sure that Haruka would not be able to hear him.
"Mina-chan... have you two told, Haru-chan?"
Minako whirled around on the spot to Seiya and shook her head ardently. She pushed him back a few paces, much to the amused look of Haruka who shook of the odd behaviour of the blonde.
"Seiya-kun! Of course, we haven't told her! Michiru cannot tell Haruka that!"
Seiya looked at the blonde with confusion.
"Uh, why not? She's right there? She's like in the most ideal position to tell Haru-chan."
Minako let out an exasperated sigh.
"Ugh men... see this is why I don't deal with you lot. Michiru cannot tell Haruka... for a reason that I cannot tell you. I can't tell her because it's really not my place. You're her best friend, you have to tell her. She won't think you have any ulterior motive. You do it!"
Seiya shook his head.
"What?! That's bullshit! I – "
Minako held up her hand and looked into the blue eyes of Seiya. "You've known Haruka-san since high school, if it's anyone's place it's yours... plus you saw Lara too. It's not like you're passing on a message. Jeez, Sei-kun, we both know I'm going to win this in the end! Why put up a fight?"
Seiya pouted and crossed his arms petulantly. "I just didn't want to give in so easily."
Minako rolled her eyes at Seiya and then she started smiling as she noticed Haruka and Michiru making their way over to them again. Minako began laughing hysterically.
"Oh Seiya-kun, you're so funny! HAHAHA! Oh! Haruka-san, I didn't see you there!"
Minako grinned widely as Haruka smirked at Minako. "Ha, you're funny Mina. Hey, Sei, guess who's here?"
Seiya's neck instantly jerked around looking for any sign of Lara, he was relieved when he didn't see her. He returned his attention to his friend. "Er, who, Haru?"
Haruka leaned in close to Seiya's ear and pointed over to the bar.
"Setsuna-san."
Seiya instantly perked up at the sight of green hair over at the bar. He rolled his eyes as he saw she was beside none other than Makoto. Haruka grinned at her friend's reaction.
"Come on man, I'm designated driver. Let's get some club sodas and say our hellos, ne?" Seiya nodded frantically and Michiru and Minako laughed genially together as they watched Haruka having to damn near hold Seiya by the collar to prevent him from running over to the bar like some lovesick fool. Minako looked over at Michiru.
"Seiya said he's going to talk to her later tonight about Lara."
Michiru looked over at her blonde companion and gave a small smile. Before she could talk a small beep came from Minako and the blonde whipped out her phone in the blink of an eye. Michiru laughed at her antics but her heart softened when she saw the disheartened look Minako had when she opened her phone and clearly she was contacted by someone other than the one she had hoped for – Rei.
"Still no luck, Mina?"
The blonde shook her head, looking solemn for a moment.
"No. I don't understand. If only she told one of us where that damned temple was her grandfather lived, maybe I could have some luck, but no... and no Hino Rei listed in any of the phonebooks, I don't know why I was so shocked, it's not exactly like she was a people person."
Michiru shook her head empathetically and placed a gentle hand on Minako's shoulder. "No, Rei, didn't really like people did she? Not what most would call a people person."
Minako shook her head in agreement."No... but she was my person."
Minako pouted and Michiru giggled gently. "So, who is it anyway?"
Michiru peered at her friend's screen and the blonde held up her phone for Michiru to read the message.
From: Scary Miss M
Date: 21st December
Time: 1930
Message: Did u kno Elza was here?
Michiru snickered. Trust Miss M to send the most impersonal text messages ever regarding and old friend and colleague. Michiru looked over to the bar where Miss M was situated. Makoto was still beside her, Haruka and Seiya were standing beside Makoto, all laughing and joking and standing opposite Haruka was Elza.
Michiru's face fell instantly. Elza – she knew about Lara.
But she didn't know about Lara and Haruka!
She couldn't risk Haruka finding out that way and Seiya clearly hadn't made the connection either. Michiru took five steps forward, intent on reaching the bar and taking Elza away for a discreet word when a hand grabbed her arm and two familiar voices filled her head.
"Ah! Michiru, there you are! We wanted you to meet Watanabe-san, he's head of the label, Michiru-chan."
Michiru looked to Taiki then Yaten for an escape route but neither seemed to realise the desperation in her eyes – not at first anyway.
"Michiru-chan, are you okay?"
"Hai, I'm fine, I just need to go and speak to someone I know, see – "
"Michiru, who could be more important than the man in charge of your future?" Yaten's voice was ladled with pure curiosity and Michiru found herself stood next to Minako once more.
Michiru sent constant glances over to the bar – trying her best to keep an eye on Elza and Haruka.
"So, Kaioh-san, how are you finding your time with the label?"
At that moment in time, Michiru couldn't have cared less.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Meioh-san."
Setsuna languidly raised one eyebrow before she ignored Seiya's presence. The dark-haired man laughed heartily.
"Oh, Meioh-san, I never get tired of our little cat and mouse games."
Setsuna took a sip from her glass, doing her utmost to ignore Seiya's presence. This got a laugh from the entire group.
Haruka patted Seiya's back."Man, just give up. Setsuna-san will never give you a chance."
Seiya's knitted his brows together and walked around to the available chair nearest to Setsuna; he got the attention of the bartender and ordered a double Southern Comfort on the rocks with a lime twist. Seiya rested one elbow on the table and formed a fist with his hand and rested his head on it – he looked utterly dejected.
Setsuna looked over at him and scoffed.
"Doing a puppy dog routine won't work with me, Kou-san."
The bartender placed Seiya's drink down in front of him.
"I'm not doing any routine, Meioh-san." Seiya drank half the contents of his glass before turning to face Setsuna, "Why won't you give me just one chance? Honestly, I'm not that bad."
"But you're bad enough."
Seiya shook his head and took one more sip from his glass. "And that's more than enough reason to completely brush me off?"
Setsuna said nothing but nodded slowly as if to say 'Yeah, duh!'
Seiya just shook his head in disbelief. "But you don't even know me. And you manage to pigeon-hole me."
Setsuna turned on her chair slightly, giving Seiya her full attention. "I've known men just like you all my life, Kou-san. And I refused to get pulled in by you."
Seiya finished his drink and stood up, noticing the glances he was getting from Taiki and Yaten – it was clear they needed him while dealing with the head of the record label. "Yeah, you know men just like me. But you don't know me. I've known women just like you and you know what? I don't care. I want to be pulled in by you, Meioh-san. I won't give up. I can be annoyingly persistent."
Seiya stood still for a moment, keeping his gaze even with Setsuna before walking away to join his fellow producers.
Setsuna slowly turned around in her chair before bringing her drink to her mouth, but before she took a sip, she stopped and spoke quietly to herself. "Persistent? So I've noticed."
Setsuna downed the contents of her glass before lifting herself out of her seat. She needed to go and freshen up – it was nothing a few splashes of cold water to her face couldn't sort out. Silently, Setsuna stealthily made her way to the restrooms without drawing any attention to herself until she walked into the restrooms. She put her handbag on the marble panelling surrounding the sink and she was about to turn on the tap when she heard a clear retching sound.
The tall woman bent down and looked under the stall doors, her eyes stopping at a pair of feet and slumped legs that seemed to be in the stall second from last. Setsuna shook her head sadly and approached the door and knocked softly.
"Excuse me? Are you okay in there?"
Makoto was halfway through her sixth Baileys when she saw the worried face of Mamoru approach their group. Haruka and Elza stopped talking at the instant they saw the man, who was clearly looking worse for the wear. Makoto wiped her mouth with a nearby napkin and stood up from her stool, placing a hand gently on her friend's shoulder.
"Mamoru, are you okay?"
The dark-haired man nodded slightly while his eyes scanned the room discreetly.
"I, er... I'm worried about Usako. She went to the bathroom a while ago and she didn't look all too well... and I can't find her. Could you go and check the restrooms for me? Please, Mako?"
Makoto didn't need to be asked twice – she knew about Usagi's delicate condition and as far as she knew she was the only one. The brunette resolutely made her way to the restroom, hoping to God that if her friend was in there she wouldn't be in too much of a bad state. Makoto winced at the possibilities, but still she made her to the bathrooms with the intent of being there for her friend.
It wasn't until she entered the slightly quieter area right next to the entrance that Makoto heard the sound of heels quickly clicking behind her, the brunette shook of the sound and entered the bathrooms.
The door had barely closed behind her before Makoto felt two arms wrap around her shoulder and twirl her on the spot.
Combined with the effects of the alcohol, the action made the brunette dizzy and her vision was blurry for a second before everything settled.
Before her vision had a chance to settle, her olfactory senses went into overdrive as a horribly familiar scent came into contact with her nostrils.
The smell of roses, raspberry and vanilla.
'Oh God no.' Makoto's eyes widened and her sight instantly corrected itself; in front of her was Maya. Wearing that little smirk that Makoto had come to love and hate.
"No, no, no, get off'a me!"
Makoto struggled to get away from Maya but it seemed as though the dizzy she experienced hadn't quite left her and the brunette was feeling light headed and weak.
"Mako... baby, I'm not going to do anything you don't want me to do. Tell me you don't want this."
"Get off of me!" Makoto hissed out between her teeth, she closed her eyes and tilted her head back.
God, did restrooms usually spin around like this?
"Mako..." Maya leaned forward and placed her mouth dangerously close to Makoto's ear and began breathing huskily in the silences between her talking, "Come on now... I can tell you're stressed and you need some help... releasing that stress. Come on, now don't lie to me. I know you better than anyone, Mako."
Makoto opened her eyes and looked at the scene before her. Maya had her body pressed up against Makoto's, the brunette could feel every curve of Maya's and the heat radiating off of the other woman's body.
Makoto's fingers travelled to Maya's waist and she took a firm hold there. Makoto smirked before leaning forward towards Maya's waist.
"I said no."
Makoto used the last piece of her remaining strength to push Maya away. Maya stood back in shock, her mouth agape and eyes wide. Makoto shook her head and stepped aside, opening up the door to the restrooms.
"Leave, Maya."
Maya's eyes narrowed and she shook her head.
"You're making a big fucking mistake here, Makoto."
The brunette shook her head once more and chuckled gently.
"No, Maya, the mistake was made when I followed you around like some lovesick puppy all those years ago."
Makoto stepped back as Maya stormed like a bat out of hell from the restrooms. As soon as the door closed, Makoto leaned against the wall opposite and took in several deep breaths through her nose, hoping to regain herself sometime soon.
A door hinge creaked open loudly and Makoto swivelled around on the spot, only to be confronted with the sight of Setsuna standing with her arms crossed and an unreadable expression plastered across her face. Setsuna looked into the stall she just walked out of from and it was only then Makoto registered the sound of vomiting.
"Your friend needs you."
The cold way in which Setsuna spoke to Makoto did not go amiss but the brunette didn't understand why. Regardless, she made her way to the stall and sure enough there on the floor was poor Usagi, her head over the top of the porcelain toilet and her heaving heavily into it.
Makoto dropped to her knees and held back her friend's hair as the poor blonde continued to retch. Makoto looked up to Setsuna who was staring at the brunette. Setsuna uncrossed her arms before she spoke; "I may not have known her long, but I won't see anyone hurt Ami, Kino-san."
Makoto nodded her head.
"I have no intention of hurting her, Meioh-san. That... that was my ex... but trust me I have no interest in her. Only Ami."
A moment passed in agony for Makoto before the older woman nodded her head, seemingly satisfied with the answer and Makoto watched as the older woman washed her hands and dried them in silence in the restroom.
"Good."
Setsuna grabbed her handbag and turned back to the brunette. "Because I like you Makoto and I would've hated to have had to kill you for hurting her."
Makoto's mouth hit the floor as Setsuna delivered her killer line before walking out of the restrooms without another word.
"...Ugh... I feel like crap." The quiet words of Usagi broke Makoto's reverie.
The brunette looked down at Usagi who lifted her head momentarily to look at her friend.
"Mako?" Usagi managed a weak smile at her long-time friend. "Mako... did you know that is' not just morning sickness you get? It's all day nasty sickness?"
Makoto laughed as she soothingly stroked her friends' hair.
"Hai, Usa-chan... maybe you should have listened more in health class instead of daydreaming over ice cream sundaes."
Makoto grinned but instantly regretted her words, for as soon the words 'ice cream sundaes' had left her mouth Usagi's face turned a light shade of green before her entire head submerged itself in the toilet.
Chibiusa rolled her eyes as she heard Diana laugh at yet another thing Hotaru had said.
The three girls had found an empty table near the buffet which at first made Chibiusa ecstatic until she realised that as they sat down, it gave Diana way more opportunities to be all over Hotaru. And shamelessly, might she add.
In fact Diana and Hotaru were sitting opposite her while Chibiusa just looked down at her plate and stabbed at the food there with a fork until she got bored and stopped and just sat there looking bored. Chibiusa had managed to pacify herself with a large selection of dessert pastries since Diana and Hotaru began talking about their favourite classical composers. And Chibiusa didn't really mind being left out of that conversation but it had been twenty minutes so far. She looked down at her plate and the delicious pastry staring up at her - there was only so much a Danish could do to appease the pinkette!
"I am really so glad to have met you two... and you both go to Mugen! Today could not get much better."
Diana spared a coy glance in Hotaru's direction which Chibiusa saw did not go amiss. And in fact a pretty blush spread across Hotaru's face for a brief moment and – wait a minute, did she just think it was a pretty blush? Oh God.
A huge bite was taken out of the pastry once again and the young girl chomped noisily on it, gaining her Hotaru and Diana's attention – this time it was Chibiusa's turn to blush.
"Hehehe... sorry?"
Chibiusa offered a shy smile which was returned by Diana who just shrugged. "No problem, Chibiusa-chan..."
Diana turned back to Hotaru and licked her lips slowly, instantly gaining Hotaru's attention but the dark-haired girl looked away a split second later.
"Hotaru-chan... tell me what are the boys like at Mugen?" Diana smiled innocently as she watched Hotaru stutter for a moment before answering.
"Um... they're okay I guess."
Hotaru sent a glance to Chibiusa, clearly seeking her help but Chibiusa shrugged helplessly – she couldn't see where Diana was taking the conversation right now.
"Oh... just okay? They don't hold your interest I take it?" Diana gave another coy smile to Hotaru who really seemed to struggle with a response.
Hotaru really had no idea what to respond with. She had never experienced this before – she was pretty sure Diana was coming onto her... and the only thing was, Hotaru had no idea what to say or do other than to look to Chibiusa for help. Unfortunately for Hotaru it seemed as though the pinkette was more interested in devouring the morsels on her plate than she was in helping Hotaru.
"Uh... no?" Hotaru inwardly scolded herself for sounding so squeaky in her response. Diana nodded and looked Hotaru deep into her eyes.
"Cool."
And with that Diana stepped back, seemingly taking the heat off of Hotaru. Hotaru was more than glad for this and she let out a small sigh of relief.
"Cool? What's that supposed to mean?" Chibiusa's question was at first hard to understand due to the fact she had half a donut in her mouth but nonetheless it was comprehensible after a few seconds of thought.
Diana gave one more sly glance to Hotaru before shrugging.
"It just means that its good Hotaru doesn't have any interest in guys. That's all."
Hotaru went a bright shade of crimson and looked anywhere but at the two girls at the table with her.
Chibiusa's eyebrows furrowed deeply and she pushed aside her donut. In the space of forty five minutes, she had gone from admiring and liking to Diana to wishing she was on the other side of the room for her and Hotaru.
And it wasn't because she was flirting with Hotaru, no, no, don't be silly, of course not... it was because she was being far too forward for her first meeting with two relative strangers! Yes, that was it!
Chibiusa slumped in her seat as she noticed that Diana had struck up yet another conversation with Hotaru, this time over favourite mangas. But, it wasn't because she was jealous of the way Diana was being with Hotaru, the open flirting and sly glances...
Well, Chibiusa thought if she told herself that enough then even she might believe that.
"Elza, honestly, I am so shocked to see you here. I thought you quit the game." Haruka winked as she finished her sentence. Elza laughed heartily.
"Me? Quit this game? Honey, I reinvented this game, I don't just quit because one pretty face tells me no." Elza winked back to Haruka who smirked knowingly.
Haruka took a sip of her club soda before clearing her throat. "So... where are your clients then? They must be majorly pissed they're not getting their money worth."
Elza laughed heartily at Haruka's brash and open way of saying something usually considered so taboo in society. "Oh, I don't think they'll miss me, Haruka-san... my partner is probably more than compensating."
Haruka couldn't help but note the bite to Elza's words. Haruka whistled gently. "Wow... bitchy much, Elza?"
Elza rolld her eyes before playfully smacking Haruka on the arm. "I'm always bitchy... you know I can't stand to not be number one."
Elza stuck her tongue out at Haruka. Haruka looked over the room and then back to Elza.
"So, where are your clients? Seriously, I don't want people claiming I've stolen their woman tonight."
Elza simply just shrugged at Haruka's question. "I've no idea where they've gone. They were here about thirty minutes ago, but I noticed all three are missing. Some guys from the legal team."
Mamoru, who had been sitting quietly at the bar next to Haruka nursing a whiskey, suddenly perked up and looked over at Elza.
"Kunzite and Jadeite? Wow... I thought they only had the one girl... I mean they didn't even look like they missed you. No offence."
Elza just shrugged and sipped on her drink. "None taken."
Mamoru looked over at Haruka and smiled weakly – he really hadn't hoped he had offended her. "No, really, I mean, I don't understand why, I mean yeah Lucy's pretty gorgeous, but you're breath-taking too."
Elza placed her glass on the bar beside her and looked at Mamoru in utter confusion.
"Who's Lucy?"
"Watanabe-san, thank you. Honestly, these girls will not let you down, but if you excuse us, we need to make the last rounds with the press. I swear I see the Kyoto Journal over there, and they are always foaming at the mouth to rip apart our new artists."
Seiya handled the label executive with ease and Michiru couldn't have been more relieved to see that his ploy to get away from the tedious man seemed to be working in his favour as Eiji Watanabe seemed to be nodding. Michiru spared yet another glance over to the bar and saw that Elza seemed to talking to Haruka and Mamoru, while looking over the room. Gods, Michiru hoped she could run over there and diffuse the situation as soon as possible.
Minako shared a troubled look with Michiru – she realised upon seeing Michiru;s ninth glance over at the bar what her problem was. Minako had managed to whisper the problem to Seiya when Taiki and Yaten were boasting over possible sale figures a minute before and now the dark-haired producer was working his arse off on getting them away from their bosses. They seemed to not want to let them go and yet they need to be over to Haruka and Elza to separate the two before anything major happened.
Michiru watched with interest as Elza's faced scrunched up in confusion – her stomach fluttered, she had a horrible feeling about this.
She just knew something was going to happen.
Just as she thought that, the door opened to the conference hall and in walked Kunzite and Jadeite; both with large grins plastered onto their faces. And surely enough, following closely behind the two was a slightly dishevelled looking Lara.
Michiru's mouth went dry as she looked over to the bar once more.
Mamoru looked at Elza like she had two heads before he smiled nervously. "Your partner... I spoke to her with my colleagues. She told me her name was Lucy."
Elza thought for a moment before shaking her head and speaking quietly to herself.
"That's weird... Ellis-san never uses a stage name..." As Elza trailed off, Haruka's interest was piqued at the mention of the surname. Before she could speak, a very tired looking Usagi approached the group with Makoto waking slightly behind her.
Mamoru stood up to greet his wife but Makoto sent him a glare that told him to stay put. So reluctantly, he did. Makoto placed Usagi on the stool behind Elza and ordered a still water for the blonde. The brunette turned her attention to the conversation.
Haruka looked at Elza. "Did you say the name Ellis?"
Elza nodded dumbly and Haruka clenched her jaw and closed her eyes.
"What's her first name?"
"Well, I've kept you long enough guys; you should go and keep the vultures happy." Eiji smiled widely and the five bowed lowly and waited patiently for Eiji to walk away.
Seiya, Michiru and Minako then shared a look and briskly made their way towards the bar through a sea of people. Michiru spoke through a clenched jaw as they fought through a cluster of people preventing them from seeing anyone at the bar.
"God, I hope we're not too late."
"Her first name? C'mon, Haruka-san, you know I can't tell you that, I – "
"Just tell me, Elza!"
Elza's eyes widened at the fierce tone in Haruka's voice, but after gulping Elza managed to eke out one word.
"Lara."
Haruka remained absolutely still and Elza looked confused. Makoto stood up and looked in disbelief at Elza.
"Did she just say Lara, Haru-chan? Surely not your Lara, right? Right?"
Haruka ignored her friend's question and opened her eyes and glared into Elza's. "What does she look like, Elza?"
Elza avoided Haruka's eyes and she looked behind the blonde for a split second before raising her finger and shakily pointing behind the blonde. Haruka looked over her shoulder. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of Lara.
Her supposed new girlfriend.
She was all over Kunzite and Jadeite and laughing and giggling while sparing them all her little glances and touches. She threw her head back and laughed, as she brought it forward she looked a little to her left and sure enough, her eyes locked with Haruka's and her laughter stopped. There was silence and neither moved.
"H-Haruka, I had no idea, honestly. I-If I knew I would have told you I swear. I mean, Michiru and Minako never said a thing about you and her, and y-your friend Seiya they just – " Haruka's head snapped back to look at the redhead.
"THEY KNEW?!" Haruka couldn't control the volume of her voice.
Elza just nodded dumbly; she had no idea what to do.
Haruka was breathing heavily and her face was heating up slowly. God, how could she have been so stupid?! She slipped up, and all in a nanosecond every single clue was there and thrown in her face. It was all so clear with hindsight.
Haruka felt a hand tug gently at her and soon the familiar voice of Makoto entered her mind.
"Haru-chan, do you want to go outside?"
Without a word, Haruka nodded and followed the brunette as Makoto lead the way out of the hall.
Midway through their trek of the main room, Makoto stopped in her tracks.
"Mako..."
"She knows Sei. Just step aside. All of you."
Haruka's head lifted at the last part of her sentence.
Michiru could feel her heart heaving at the sight before her. Haruka stood tall as ever, but her eyes were empty, and her jaw was clenched, her nostrils flared. She looked so hurt and all Michiru wanted to do was to run to her and to hold her and make it all better.
"Haru... I'm so sorry. I didn't know how to tell you."
Haruka's eyes never left Michiru's, and Haruka ignored Seiya's apologies. Michiru couldn't take much more and she took a step forward, "Haruka, I – "
"Let's go, Mako."
Makoto just made her way to the hall exit, Haruka in tow.
Michiru bit her lip in frustration before following the two tomboys towards the door.
Makoto opened the door and gestured for Haruka to walk through first, the blonde did without any hesitation.
"Haruka! Wait! Please! Let us explain!"
Haruka turned around at the sound of Michiru's voice and she shook her head. Michiru stood on the other side of the door, Makoto separating her from Haruka.
"I guess it serves me right, huh Michiru? For saying I'd never get with an escort right? So what was this, a little bit of payback at me? Enjoy it, Kaioh-san."
Michiru stood open mouthed and shocked as Haruka walked away and Makoto gave a small apologetic smile to Michiru.
"Give her time, Michiru-chan." And with that, Makoto let the door close behind her and she followed her friend.
Seiya had walked over to the bar and stood beside Mamoru and Usagi. Setsuna had managed to sit at the end of the bar unnoticed but for how long no-one knew nor questioned but she had a very stoic expression at the moment while keeping her even gaze on Seiya, which made the music producer feel uncomfortable and small under her scrutiny.
No-one said anything for a moment until Usagi timidly cleared her throat and turned to Seiya.
"Um, Seiya, could you find Hotaru-chan and tell her that she'll be spending the night with us?"
Seiya nodded and wordlessly went on his way to perform his task, glad to be away from Setsuna for the first time since meeting the green-haired woman.
Mamoru turned to his wife and frowned. "Are you sure having Hotaru over is a good idea, Usa?"
Usagi gave a small smile and nodded.
"Yeah, it'd be nice to have three people in my home again."
Usagi sighed loudly and placed an arm over her stomach but the action was completely lost on Mamoru who just wistfully looked at his wife's face, clearly expressing her anguish.
"I'm sorry, Usa."
Usagi turned to face her husband and looked at him indifferently.
"So I've heard."
"Hotaru-chan?" The dark-haired girl gave out a loud sigh of relief at the sound of Seiya's voice.
"Hai? Seiya-san, what's wrong?"
Hotaru studied the man's face for a moment, completely concerned due to the fact that he looked as though someone had just died.
"I can't say but tonight... you'll be staying at Usagi's... Haruka's not feeling herself right now."
Hotaru looked at Seiya confusion and he brought his arm over her shoulder before guiding her away from the two girls at the table. He bent down a little and spoke into her ear.
"I'm only telling you because I don't want you to worry about her over grave matters. It's Lara."
Hotaru's eyes widened and she looked at Seiya but he just spoke once more, this time more shakily,
"She's here. And... she's an escort."
No more needed to be said. Hotaru's eyes widened and she looked wildly around the room for Lara but couldn't see her anywhere. Seiya's voice was in her ear once more.
"Don't do anything Hotaru... but I think that you should go and get ready to leave. Mamoru and Usagi will be leaving in a short while, I think. Please, don't mention this to Haruka until she mentions it to you first okay? She'd never forgive me... and I'm already knee-deep in shit."
Hotaru nodded and Seiya patted her gently on the shoulder before walking away and disappearing into the crowd. Hotaru made her way back over to the table but didn't sit down, instead she looked over at Chibiusa and cleared her throat.
"Chibiusa, I'm staying at your place tonight... is that cool?"
Chibiusa grinned widely as she shot up out of her seat and nodded. "Totally, Hotaru."
Chibiusa spared a look to Diana who seemed a little put out but Chibiusa watched with interest as Diana stood up and coughed, gaining Hotaru's attention. Chibiusa narrowed her eyes and sighed loudly.
"Well, Hotaru it was an absolute pleasure to meet you. I'll see you at school, though. Take care." Diana stepped forward and embraced Hotaru wholly, catching Hotaru off-guard.
Chibiusa coughed loudly. "Usa and Mamo-chan are going Hotaru, we should get going. Come on!"
Chibiusa yanked Hotaru out of Diana's grip and gave a small wave to the girl before stalking off to the other side of the room to search for their guardians.
Hotaru looked at Chibiusa and noticed the scowl on her face. "Chibi-chan, are you okay?"
Chibiusa stopped her tracks and looked at Hotaru, noticing she still had a firm grip on Hotaru's arm and that Hotaru seemed to be shocked at the somewhat possessive behaviour that the pinkette just displayed.
"Hehe... yeah, I'm fine. Just you know..." Hotaru quirked an eyebrow at Chibiusa and the pinkette growled playfully, "Grr, okay you caught me, I don't like her okay? She was all over you."
Chibiusa pouted and began walking slowly as she mumbled over how much she hated the "attention seeking hussy", while Hotaru followed slowly, with a small smile on her face – 'maybe today hasn't all been bad'.
All the while, Chibiusa ranted completely forgetting about everything else unrelated to Hotaru and Diana... including Helios.
"Congratulations you five! Today has been a real success... well aside from Mimette bitching to anyone who would listen that today was her day but you know what? Who cares! I don't! I hit the mother-load with you guys."
Michiru, Minako and Seiya all forced out smiled that pained them to uphold with every passing second as Eiji Watanabe kept ranting on and on about how successful and rich they'd all be.
"God, could today have gone any better?!"
Michiru managed to fight off a strong bitter laugh that fought and clawed at her throat to escape.
God, she could have almost choked at the irony of the label executive's rhetoric question.
Could today have gone any better?
Only just a lot.
A/N from VR - wishes all readers a good time ahead till the next update and leave a review if you can!