Author Note: In the A/Ns of Chapter 1, I said this was my first fanfiction. I should probably clarify that statement: This is my first story...like ever. I've never written anything outside of anything academic until now (as you can probably tell by the citations? ^_^) I was really inspired by the great stories floating around on this site. There are some really amazing writers out there.
This story is centered around Sailor Moon characters and isn't meant to be a crossover story at all. But there will be instances of, what I would consider, "guest appearances" of characters who aren't pivotal to the plot. I just happen to like them.
Kirei = [Japanese] Pretty or beautiful
I don't own Sailor Moon or Cardcaptor Sakura and have tried to the best of my ability to site my references.
Takeuchi, N. (1991). Sailor Moon. Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan: Kodansha Ltd.
CLAMP. (1996). Cardcaptor Sakura. Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan: Kodansha Ltd.
The store 'Kirei' that appears in this work is fictitious. Any resemblance to real businesses, existing or defunct, is purely coincidental.
Chapter 3:
Minako was stocking the shelves with recently received items when a young lady approached her.
"Ummm...E-Excuse me...Do you work here?," The young lady asked.
Minako turned her head towards the timid voice. The adorable young lady looked to be no older than fourteen, her delicate hands were fidgeting nervously with the ends of her asymmetrical, layered, shoulder-length, brown hair.
"Yes, I do," Minako replied with a dazzling smile, "How can I help you?"
The young lady blushed when she saw Minako's face, Wow...she's so…beautiful!, she thought to herself. She became more nervous under Minako's gentle gaze, "U-Ummm…I-I'm looking for…well, I…I'm not s-sure how to…I've never…I h-have a…," The young lady averted her gaze to the ground as she stuttered, her face now fully flushed with embarrassment.
Minako giggled to herself and set down the items she was restocking. She approached the young lady and gently placed a finger under the young lady's chin, tilting her head up to meet her gaze. When the young lady looked up and met Minako's cerulean eyes, Minako smiled,
"So," Minako said, "You have a date and you want to look your best, but you've never used makeup before and need assistance. Is that right?"
The young lady's jaw dropped. She wasn't sure whether to be impressed by Minako's insightful observation or more embarrassed that she might have made it painfully obvious that she had absolutely no idea what she was doing when it came to beauty products.
Minako took her silence as a 'yes', "You have a great complexion so we don't have to worry about the canvas," she continued, tilting her head slightly as she began examining the young lady's face, "Probably just a light, powder foundation to even everything out. Maybe we can do a slight, winged-eyeliner look with a faint eye-shadow to make your eyes stand out. A baby-pink lip gloss would really bring it all together. Why don't we go to my station and we'll try it out? If you like it, I can show you how to do it at home and give you a discount if you decide to buy anything."
She paused and smiled, "And...since it seems you already have a healthy blush going on, we can perhaps skip that part?," she winked, playfully teasing the young lady.
Minako didn't think it was possible, but she watched as the young lady's face now went crimson from blushing, Yep!, she giggled to herself, Girls are way more fun than guys!
"S-Sure," the young lady said when she finally found her voice, "Th-That sounds good."
Minako led the young lady from the product aisles over to the other side of the store which was lined with makeup stations and mirrors surrounded by lights. It reminded the young lady of glamorous makeup stations found in famous actresses' dressing rooms or like she'd seen in the movies.
Minako stopped at a station and turned around to face the young lady. She gestured towards a black, salon chair with the name "Aphrodite" in white screen-print on the backrest.
"Have a seat and we'll get started. My name is Aino Minako, what's yours?," Minako asked.
"K-Kinomoto," The young lady said as she slowly sat down in the chair, "Kinomoto Sakura."
"Nice to meet you, Kinomoto-san," Minako said politely as she turned towards her station table, which was covered with all sorts of beauty products, and began picking out the necessary items she was going to use on Sakura. She turned back around and began gently wiping Sakura's face with a damp towelette, "So what I'm doing right now is using a face wash to prep your skin. Next I'll use a toner and moisturizer before applying the foundation. You can also put a face primer on before the foundation to help your makeup stay on longer, but since I'm just showing you how to do this we won't do that, ok?," Sakura nodded, taking in the information that Minako was sharing.
"Now," Minako smiled, "Tell me about this person you're going on a date with?"
Minako continued to work while her young customer started talking about the boy in her class that she had known since elementary school, had a crush on for years, and who finally noticed her. Sakura began to relax as she and Minako chatted about dating, high school, and boys. Minako smoothly inserted a few tips on the makeup techniques she was using on Sakura as she was doing them without breaking the rhythm of their conversation.
When Minako was finished with the makeup demo, she swiveled Sakura around to face the mirror at her station and stood behind her, "So, what do you think?," Minako asked as she looked at Sakura through the mirror.
Sakura's mouth dropped slightly and was speechless. In the mirror, an attractive young lady resembling herself was staring back at her. Of course she's seen herself in a mirror many times before, but this time the image that was reflected had all her best features showcased favorably and flawlessly,
"I look…sexy!," Sakura managed to say.
Minako smiled at Sakura's reaction. She placed her hands on the young lady's shoulders and leaned closer, "That's because you are, sweetheart," she whispered softly in her ear. Sakura blushed at these words and smiled shyly as her gaze went to her hands folded in her lap. Minako straightened and swiveled the chair again so Sakura was now facing her,
"C'mon," Minako said cheerfully, "I'll show you where the products I used are."
Minako led her through the product aisles, recapping the makeup demo as she presented each product and, as promised, gave Sakura a discount when she decided to buy all the products. After Minako rung up Sakura's purchase, the young lady smiled and waved to Minako as she headed towards the door.
"Thanks a lot, Aino-sempai!," Sakura said cheerfully, "You were really helpful!"
"You're welcome, Kinomoto-san. Good luck!," Minako waved back as she watched Sakura practically skip out of the store.
"Chalk another one up for Aphrodite. You never cease to amaze me, Aino-san," Minako heard someone say behind her. She instantly knew by the playful nickname she gained from her time working at the store that her boss and friend was standing behind her. She turned and smiled at her long-time employer,
"Thanks, Fujii-san!, " Minako replied, "I love working with the clueless ones." She giggled, "Especially when they're cute."
Fujii Karin was the same height as Minako. Her pink hair went just past her shoulders and accented her playful, aqua eyes. She was wearing the store's manager uniform that consisted of a white, button-up shirt, tucked into black slacks, and a black skinny-tie. She had folded her sleeves up above her elbows, which allowed her to show-off her forearm tattoos, which consisted of koi fish swimming around her arms. She smiled back at Minako.
"Well, from the looks of it, she doesn't look too clueless anymore," Karin smiled proudly to her employee, "Which is partially why I wanted to see you. Let's go to my office and chat."
Minako followed Karin to the back of the store and through a door that led to the employee locker room and manager offices.
Karin's office consisted of a cherry-wood, L-shaped desk with a two-shelf hutch that was flush against the left-side of the room. The desk, which had a computer and neat stacks of files on one side, separated her high-back, black-leather, rolling office chair from two cushioned, vinyl, guest chairs that sat across from it. Along the walls were framed prints of alternating inspirational quotes and different tropical paradise scenes.
Karin gestured for Minako to sit in one of the guest chairs as she closed the door. As Minako sat down, Karin walked around her, opting instead to leaned against her desk rather than sit, facing Minako. Once in the privacy of Karin's office, both women allowed the formalities to drop,
"Mina-chan, I was reviewing your employee files and ever since you were hired here, you've been doing a really great job," Karin began, "I don't know anyone else that has risen to head artist as quickly as you had, especially since you started only working part-time while attending college and cosmetology school at the same time. That's quite impressive. And since being promoted to head artist, you learned this place inside and out and the numbers show we've had an increase in revenues and return customers. Plus, in all my years working for the company, I don't know anyone that can match you and your talent in makeup. And on top of that, everyone loves you. Customers are always contacting us about how great their visits were and you know your coworkers have nothing but great things to say about you and how helpful you are. Hell, you even helped cover for me as manager while I was out. I just want to let you know that those things have been noticed."
"Thanks, Karin-chan!," Minako replied with a smile, "You know how much I love working here so I'm glad that I can help in any way I can."
"And because of all that," Karin continued, "We have to let you go."
"…What?," Minako was stunned. Karin looked down towards the floor and her shoulders began to shake. Suddenly, she burst into loud laughter.
"Hahaha! Gotcha!," Karin said as she continued to laugh hysterically at her practical joke, "Oh, sweetie! I wish you could have seen your face when I said that!"
"Wh...What the hell, Karin-chan!? Mou!," Minako breathed a sigh of relief and pouted at her boss, "I don't remember you being into practical jokes when we were dating."
Karin's laughter was winding down and she wiped the tears that had formed in her eyes. She smiled at Minako and said in between breaths and giggles, "Well…that's because…we're friends now and I…don't have to impress you anymore."
Minako crossed her arms and continued trying to pout, but couldn't help but smile slightly. She was glad that she managed to stay friends, or at least on good terms, with her exes. Especially Karin, who ended up becoming one of her closest friends.
"Speaking of which," Minako said, "How's Azumi-chan? Did she enjoy the honeymoon?"
"She's good, thanks for asking," Karin beamed as she spoke about her wife, "Yeah, the resort near Nagoya was amazing. Thanks for recommending it! We were just saying how we should have you and Usagi-chan over for a girl's night dinner again."
"Sure! Just let me know and I'll check with Usa-neechan!," Minako replied excitedly.
"Anyways, what I really meant to say was that I have some news," Karin said, referring to their previous topic of conversation, "I just heard this morning that I'm being promoted to work in the corporate office."
"Oh my Gods! Karin-chan! Congratulations! That's so exciting! I'm so proud of you!," Minako squealed for her friend as she jumped out of her seat and gave Karin a big hug.
"Oof! Th-Thanks, sweetie," Karin replied as the wind was knocked out of her as she caught her boisterous friend, "But that's not all."
"Oh! Sorry!," Minako giggled as she pulled away, "What else?"
"You might want to sit down for this," Karin said as she gently guided Minako back to her seat, "So, if I'm moving to the corporate office, that means my position will be open starting Monday. And...," Karin paused for effect, "...It's yours if you want it."
Minako's eyes widened and her jaw dropped, "Wait…What? Are you serious! This isn't another joke, is it?," she asked suspiciously.
"It'll be a pay raise," Karin continued as she smiled widely at her shocked friend, "There's also stock options. You'll have regular, weekday hours. No more crazy schedules. Also, Yumi, the morning manager, wanted to switch to the evening and weekend schedule so you'll even be doing the shorter morning schedule from 7:00am to 2:00pm for the same pay. It is a little more responsibility than head artist, but it's nothing you haven't done before since you ran the place while Azumi and I were on our honeymoon. I also put in a word to corporate about how much potential you have and showed them the numbers since you started working here. They like what they see and they want to put you on the fast-track to move up and work there also. If you accept this position, they're willing to offer a full-ride scholarship for you to go to any MBA program you like, not strings attached. And, by the way, Mina-chan, they NEVER do that! It's also perfect because if you choose a university near here you'll be able to do night classes while still keeping your job. This is a great opportunity for you, Mina-chan! So, what do you think?"
Even though Minako heard every word Karin said, she was still in shock and trying to process exactly what it was Karin was saying, "So…you're saying I have to get up super early now?"
Karin nearly fell over, "OH MY GODS, MINA-CHAN! Is that all you heard!? Yes, that's part of it, but did you hear the rest!? I'm telling you that you're the first person ever the company has offered such a great opportunity to because they believe in you and all you can think about is sleeping in!?"
"Nyahaahaa…," Minako giggled nervously as she scratched her cheek, "It's just a lot to take in. I can't believe this is happening."
"Well, believe it, Mina-chan," Karin said with a huff as she crossed her arms, "And don't think I'll let you let this opportunity slip through your fingers! As your boss, I'm obligated to tell you that you have the right to say 'no'. But, as your friend, I'll strangle you if you don't say 'yes'!"
Karin's face turned serious as she looked straight into Minako's eyes, "Sweetie, you know I love you, but sometimes you can be so insecure and unsure of yourself. I know you can do this. You have so much talent and potential in this industry and I don't want to see you waste it by stocking shelves. I've seen you create your own palettes and do innovative things with cosmetics. Hell, that's why we call you 'Aphrodite' because you can make even a pig look like a goddess! This could be a chance for you to learn the ropes and maybe even make your own line instead of just using the crap that's out there."
Tears were beginning to form in Minako's eyes and she sniffed them back. Other than, Usagi, Karin was the only other person who really knew her and loved her enough to be so straight-forward with her.
"Thanks, Karin-chan. It means a lot how much you believe in me," Minako said sincerely. She was taken by surprise when she found her nose being gently tweaked by her friend.
"You should believe in yourself too, Mina-chan," Karin said firmly. "So, is that a 'yes'?"
A wide smile pulled at Minako's lips, "This is so crazy…I'll do it! Thanks so much for everything, Karin-chan!"
"Don't thank me, you deserve it!," Karin said as she walked behind her desk. She leaned over and began rummaging through one of her bottom drawers.
"I'll put in all the paperwork today so you'll be all set for Monday in your new position, Manager-san," Karin said as she found what she was looking for and pulled out a letter-size envelope and a tall, velvet pouch, "Here's your last check as head artist and a present from Azumi and me on your promotion!"
"Aww, Karin-chan! You guys didn't have to do that!," Minako said as she took the pouch. She reached in and pulled out an expensive bottle of creamy Nigori sake, "Holy shit, Karin-chan! Thank you!" She practically jumped over the desk to hug her boss and friend again.
"Oof! N-No problem," Karin managed to say as she hugged her friend back. Minako released her friend so Karin could breathe again.
"This is so exciting! I can't believe this! You guys should come over tonight so we can celebrate and have it together!," Minako exclaimed.
"Sorry, sweetie!," Karin said as she held her hands up in front of her and bowed in apology, "We're driving to my parents' house tonight and staying for a while to celebrate my promotion with them. The traffic won't be as bad late at night as it is in the morning."
"Oh, okay," Minako said a little disappointed.
"But," Karin looked up and tapped her chin with her finger, thinking, "How about we plan to do our girl's night dinner next Saturday at our place to celebrate?"
"Okay, that sounds good! I'll tell Usa-neechan," Minako said cheerfully.
She suddenly turned nervous and looked at the floor, "U-Umm…Karin-chan?," Minako began hesitantly.
"Yes, Mina-chan?" Karin asked curiously due to her friend's sudden change.
"Do I…have to go to grad school, like…soon? I mean…I'm still not even sure what exactly it is I want to do. I mean, I like cosmetics and I know I'm good at it, but…I don't know," Minako began fidgeting with her fingers, bracing herself for another round of Karin's scolding. Instead, she felt a gentle hand rest on her shoulder.
"Mataku, Mina-chan," Karin sighed as she shook her head, "We really need to work on that insecurity of yours. I had a feeling you'd be nervous about that part. It's not like you haven't worked and gone to school before. Like I said, I know you'd be able to do it and I think you'd be really good at it. You have a good head on your shoulders. But, no, I negotiated with them to have the offer stand for as long as you work for the company. So, even if you got promoted or worked in this position forever, it's up to you whether you decide to do it or not as long as you don't get a job somewhere else."
Minako sighed in relief, "Ok, that makes me feel better."
Karin leaned over and hugged her friend warmly, "For someone who's such a flirt and comes off so confident, you really are hopeless."
Minako sighed, "I know."
Karin kissed her friend on the cheek and pulled away. Grabbing the envelope from the table, she held it out to Minako and smirked, "Now put these away in your locker and get back to work or I'll fire you for real!"
"Yes, ma'am!," Minako giggled as she saluted. She took her sake and paycheck and left Karin's office, closing the door behind her. Once those items were safely locked away, she returned to the storefront to continue her work.
Karin flopped down in her office chair. Leaning back, she sighed as she closed her eyes tightly and pinched the bridge of her nose, Mataku, what are we going to do with you, Mina-chan?
It was 9:40pm by the time Rei walked out of the tailor shop carrying Haruka's outfit. It took her longer than she thought to get her to-do list done for the day and she almost thought she wouldn't make it to the shop in time.
"Mataku!," Rei cursed aloud to herself, "I can't believe Haruka forgot this! I'd love to tell Michiru about this if I knew she wouldn't kill her!"
Though she always enjoyed seeing Haruka squirm when Michiru got upset at her antics, she loved her too much to wish death upon her. She unlocked her car and laid the garment bag flat on the backseat, being careful not to wrinkle it. She slid into the driver's seat, started the car, and was about to put the car in reverse and pull out of her spot when she looked up and a store at the neighboring mall caught her eye.
"'Kirei', huh?," Rei said as she read the store name out loud.
I know they're going to have a professional makeup artist tomorrow, but they always overdo it because of how pale my skin is and I always end up looking like a clown!, Rei thought to herself as the numerous photo shoots and commercials she's had to do during college for Hino Sporting Enterprise flashed through her mind, I should really bring some of my own makeup…and maybe some makeup remover just in case.
She flipped open her phone to check the time, Looks like they're still open for another 20 minutes or so. I'll just be quick so I don't burden the staff.
Rei turned the car off and gracefully stepped out. She beeped her car lock over her shoulder and walked to the store.
Author Note: I have a pretty solid idea of where I want the story to go, but I've never been a big vocab person. I'm more of a visual person. I 'watch' the story and scenes play out in my head and then struggle with putting them down in words. I mostly get stuck and have a hard time describing things or finding the right words to convey what I 'see' in my mind so it takes me, what I think, a long time to get a chapter out. And, because of my perfectionist tendencies, I have a bad habit of going back and trying to tweak and re-write even the smallest of details to make it "just right". So you might see some re-posting of chapters with very very minimal changes or sporadic postings of new chapters in the future.
I guess what I'm trying to say is: Constructive feedback/reviews would be greatly appreciated.
(updated 08/2013)