Sea and Sky! The Meeting of Fate
Kyoko wasn't having a very busy day. So far only one of her little mosaics had been bought, and even then it hadn't been for much. She sighed, pulling a shell from her finger after accidentally holding it for too long with the glue side down. The weather wasn't great. Overly warm and she was ready to pull her things together and go home to eat.
The area wasn't all that crowded and the tall young woman moved easily among the few people in the streets. The clunk of her boots and the clink of chains wrapped around her ankles were obvious even in the bit of noise that was in the market. It was clear that this woman commanded R-E-S-P-E-C-T and demanded it as well. Thin black sunglasses hid the crystalline blue eyes and the sunlight glinted off hair the color of the moon. She paused in front of Kyoko's stall and removed her shades, interested in the artwork. When she walked forward and saw a young girl sitting on a stool with a glue-covered shell in her hand, Yuushi Misora raised an eyebrow.
"Are you the artist?"
The young lady questioned looked up from her work, squinting a little at the tall person who had just asked if she was an artist.
"Hai..." She replied politely enough. Kyoko took a moment to stick the shell in the spot where it was suppose to go. "All these are done by hand on the finest board I can afford..." Which was usually sanded down stuff that she found laying around in various locations.
"Interesting..." Misora had taken to looking at the other pieces, but her eyes darted back to the girl.
Hmmm, polite enough, obviously from the lower middle class, but she can't be faulted for that. Her artwork is exquisite though... and Misora turned back to the young woman with a half-smile.
"Well, I have a request for you. You see, I am looking to commission a piece of art that...well, truthfully that will brighten up my home. And since I am fond of the sea, I was wondering if you would be interested?"
"A commission?"
Kyoko adjusted the blue bandana covering her curly hair, seeming to think the prospect over as she picked up another shell and polished it on her overalls. The girl seemed nice enough, but Kyoko could tell she had enough yen for nice clothes and nifty store bought bangles. Upper class. Kyoko remained unimpressed so far, even if the other girl had pretty eyes.
"Size and quality of the wood and glue will determine the price, " she said as she picked up the brush she used for glue.
"Understandable," Misora answered with a nod of her head. "What sort of wood do you use? What's more, what would you recommend?"
What Misora knew of art, she knew only because her parents had made several investments in it. But that wasn't what she wanted. She wanted something warm...something that would remind her of the sea air when she was trapped in concrete.
"Ah, forgive me, I'm Yuushi Misora. It's a pleasure to meet you," and she bowed her head politely once more.
"Youjou Kyoko, nice to meet you." She replied as she wiggled the shell she had into place before sticking the little mosaic on the table to pay a little more attention to her customer. She stood and then squatted down to a big bag she had beside where she had been sitting.
"I use mostly scrap wood..." she smirked. "Drift wood is fun if I have the time to clean it."
She pulled out one of her bigger boards and stood up with it. It was just a foot or so wide and the same tall, the quality was poor, but it was apparent from the rest of the art on the table that it didn't really matter. "I've done bigger than this, but show me how many across and tall." She offered Misora the dirty piece of wood with a grin.
Let's see if she'll even bother touching something 'icky'. She thought to herself as she offered the board.
Misora accepted the piece of drift wood and turned it over, thinking about the proportions in her room.
"Let me take a look at the measurements I made," she said and reached into her pocket with one hand, holding the wood in the other, and fished out a folded piece of paper. "The wall in question is eight mat size...so I'd say the piece should be oh...three by five feet? Is that agreeable?"
"Three by five?" Kyoko measured it out in her head, using her arms as she calculated, then looked at Misora with a smug smirk. "No problem at all."
She took the piece of wood back and picked up the jar of glue she was using. "I am almost out of this, so more glue would go into the cost. Do you want natural or store-bought wood?" She had done a whole wall for heaven's sake.... this would be no trouble.
"Natural if you please. And if you require assistance in gathering it, let me know. I don't get down to the shore as often as I like," she still smiled that same half-smile as she tucked the paper back into her pants. "As far as the glue, you already mentioned that, so I'm agreeable to paying."
It was clear that little to no emotion showed on this woman's features. Ever.
Kyoko nodded, ripping a piece of paper out of her notebook to scribble down some costs. With natural wood the piece would cheaper, but she still charged for labor and the glue.
"Now you have to tell me what you want." She said as she tapped her pencil on the table. Misora didn't seem to be very... lively. It was a little boring, but a commission was a commission.
Misora thought for a little while. What did she want this commission to be like...? That would require some thought at a much more intimate venue than this. Well, then I suppose there is only one thing left to do. She had to bite the bullet and ask Kyoko to join her some time later. Misora wasn't one for company, usually, but this was business and she had no choice. Besides, the girl seemed friendly and intelligent enough or so Misora hoped.
"I suppose I'll need more time to consider that. This piece...well..." she cleared her throat, unsure as how to word it. "I want it to be very special. Perhaps later on when you are not busy, we could go and sit somewhere and discuss it? I'm open to any ideas you may have."
Kyoko resisted the urge to give her customer an annoyed look. "Well, you said you would help collect supplies and you like the sea, so you can come help at the beach." She said with a nod.
Make the girl work for her...work. That didn't sound right in Kyoko's head, but she pushed it aside and scribbled down an early time and a spot on the nearest beach she usually found nice shells.
"Here." She offered Misora the paper with the material costs and location on it.
"Thank you, I apologize for the inconvenience," Misora said, her smile a bit warmer this time.
This girl is interesting. I think I should get to know her better. Misora was so used to her own inner circles that she didn't make friends easily, for fear of media and the press. But here...it was different. Misora felt different. She wasn't constantly on the lookout for people who could expose her. For some reason, she didn't feel the need to with Kyoko. Her instincts were usually very good and she trusted them in their feelings towards this girl.
"I shall see you there then," and she winked at her before sliding her shades on and starting off, making sure to check the time so she would be there.
I will most definitely be there.
A blush snuck up on Kyoko as Misora winked at her. "Ja ne!" She called after the other, sitting down with a little smile. The girl had been pretty cute and didn't seem to be too high on her pedestal. Maybe she would get to know her. Maybe. I guess I'll see her at the beach. She thought as she started to pack up her things with a little sigh.
The next morning, Misora emerged from the car she'd borrowed from her father and headed down the beach. She'd parked the car far enough away so it wouldn't disturb the girls while they were working, but it was close enough so she could see it. Her father would kill her if anything happened to his car. Removing her shoes, Misora began to walk in the shallows, water brushing up and over her ankles and feet. The wind in her hair felt amazing and she wished she could let it down...well, why not? After checking to ensure she was alone, Misora undid her customary ponytail and let the silvery-white locks fly freely about her as she continued down the shore.
Kyoko had been washing a few shells she had dug up when she spotted Misora down the beach. She had wandered from the spot that she had told the other girl to meet her, but standing still had never been a strong point for her. She had dressed in her usual overalls, legs folded up almost to her knees. She had a cute pink bandana with clownfish on it to keep her hair back. Her shirt matched her bandana, only without the fish.
"Yuushi-san!" She called as she walked barefoot down the beach with two big buckets, one in each hand. Misora looked elegant with her hair down and Kyoko had to think about something else before she started blushing.
Startled to realize that she wasn't alone at ALL (Misora must not have checked properly and she cursed herself for the slip), she had to fight down the rise of panic that welled within her. Someone might find out her secrets, someone could expose her, someone - calm down, this is nothing, relax. And so Misora smiled a little and reached up to redo her ponytail as she approached Kyoko.
"Youjou-san, you're looking well," she observed with an internal chuckle the cute bandana with the clownfish on it. "I didn't expect to see you here early as well."
"I thought I would get a head start since I need so many shells to choose from, " she replied, offering up an empty bucket to Misora. It had a little shovel in it.
"You can use the tide to wash the shells of when you find them. I'll clean them better later and paint them if I need to." Kyoko's hands were covered in sand from her work. "It's going to be windy today, so you might want to keep your hair secured tight." She stated before starting back down the beach where she had been playing.
Excellent, Misora thought as she secured her hair back once more. Accepting the pail and shovel from Kyoko, Misora followed her down the beach and immediately sat in the sand. The tide washed over her and tickled her feet, so she impulsively wiggled her toes in the sand. Misora felt...safe. There were no media, no paparazzi, no one but Kyoko and who would she tell? She doesn't even know my career, which is a blessing in and of itself.
"The wind does not bother me, Youjou-san, in fact...I welcome it."
Kyoko turned around after a few more steps, surprised to see Misora sitting in the sand. That's kind of cute. She thought to herself before setting her pail down.
"I'm going to go pick up some nice ones I saw further down... Don't let this float away."
She told Misora as she walked away, splashing her feet in the tide as it came up. She felt strangely secure with the other girl. Misora wasn't acting like some high class snob... It would be nice if she smiled a little more though. Squatting down, she started to dig with her fingers to pull out some shells for inspection. She snuck a peek back at Misora curiously to see what she was doing.
What Misora was doing was currently wrestling with a particularly stubborn shell that for some reason wouldn't come out of the sand. It was a nice one, at least in size, with no chippings or anything, but she just didn't get why it wasn't coming out. Finally, with a muttered oath and an all-mighty tug, she pulled it out and toppled onto her back. She looked victorious though...until she saw that the shell hadn't come out because it still had a resident inside of it, who was not happy to see Misora.
"Shimmatta!" and she almost dropped the shell in her surprise when the crab started snapping at her.
Hearing the curse, Kyoko turned around a little more and started to laugh as she saw Misora versus the crab. She tossed a shell in the bucket before jogging over to get a better look.
"You made a friend, Yuushi-san." She teased as she looked at the shell the crab was living in. "It looks like he'll be in there a while." She gave a little pout.
"Yes well, I would like to invite him to dinner then. It would at least get you your shell easier."
Misora turned and saw Kyoko's little pout...and she smiled. She's so refreshingly cute and honest. I could grow to like her. In truth, she reminded Misora of someone but couldn't quite put her finger on it.
"And I'm sure he would love to make friends with you now Youjou-san," and she handed the crab over to Kyoko.
She held out her hand flat and put it under the unhappy crab, letting him settle on the surface as he tried to find a piece of skin with his little pinchers.
"Don't be so crabby, Crab-san." She said playfully before plopping him into Misora's bucket. "Watch your fingers." She said with a grin.
This is turning out to be a nice day...Yuushi-san isn't half bad. Well, at least for now, who knows what she'll be like after she gets what she wants. She thought as she splashed back down the beach to her own bucket. She spent most of the morning splashing up and down the beach in search of any shells she could find and found some nice peaces of ocean glass too.
The morning passed quickly and quietly. She almost didn't want to see it end. Misora had never had such a relaxing morning before and she scowled as she knocked the crab back into the bucket. Oh yes, we are having crab for dinner tonight, she thought to herself and rose when she checked the time.
"I'm sorry, but I have to cut this short. I have a training session with my coach scheduled in about an hour and I have to make my way over to the arena."
"Training?"
Kyoko asked curiously as she walked over to take Misora's pail. The morning had been nice and Kyoko was disappointed that Misora was leaving.
"Then I guess I will take these shells and clean them. You still haven't told me what you want done with them."
She smiled a little and reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from Kyoko's face. I want to see her again... that longing was more pronounced than anything else at the moment and it scared Misora. But she refused to be a coward. Refused to run away.
"Yes...truth be told, I was so busy thinking about the artist, I forgot all about the art. Perhaps we shall discuss it at a later time...is it all right if I call on you again?"
Was she hitting on her? Kyoko took a little step back as Misora brushed a curl out of her face and tried not to look away or blush.
"I think that would be fine." She said with a smile, trying her best to be professional and ignore how much her heart fluttered.
"I don't really have much planned other than my work...and I have to go to the fish market this afternoon for a few hours."
Regaining her composure, Misora nodded, her expression returning to its neutral state.
"Then I shall see you there. Perhaps after my training, I shall have more of an idea of what I want. Ja ne, Youjou-san, and arigato."
With that, Misora headed off towards her car, her posture and walk giving away none of the unease she was feeling inside. Misora wasn't used to having such strong feelings for people, nor did she understand why she had brushed that curl on Youjou-san's face. Is that what people call "flirting" I wonder...? She didn't understand it, not at all, and was looking forward to the rigorous workout she was going to get from Chinmoku. That would help get her mind off things for a while.
A sweet little smile formed on Kyoko's lips as Misora walked away.
"Ja ne!" she called after the other, resisting the urge to spin around with the buckets full of shells...until Misora was out of sight. The other girl very pretty, even if she was a little closed off. After spinning around a little with her buckets she stopped and looked at her watch. "Time to get cleaned up before work!" She said to herself, starting down the beach to find her shoes.
The afternoon spent in figure skating training was hard and grueling, just how Misora liked it. She was prepping for the international competition that was coming up that fall and she wanted to be in prime shape. When that was over, Misora went home for a quick shower and a change of clothes. Avoiding her parents, only to comment that she was going out again, Misora made her way towards the fish market. While she tried to reason with herself that it was just to talk to Kyoko about the commission, Misora also wanted to see her again.
I've never met anyone quite like her before. She's different from other people I know. More honest and happy...I like that.
"These are small fish today..." Kyoko commented to her cousin as they watched customers shuffle by. The older girl laughed a little and shrugged.
"You can't really tell what you might catch from day to day." She said before standing to take care of a customer.
Kyoko sighed a little as she fanned a few flies away from the fish on display. She was bored, but it was busy and it was just her cousin and her taking care of things today. Her thoughts kept going back to Misora and she wondered if the other girl was interested in her or just trying to get the commission price down.
"Youjou-san, you're looking well."
The voice was calm and collected as always, but there was just the barest hint of amusement and surprise. Misora hadn't expected to find Kyoko working in the fish market. She was so talented...why wasn't she selling her works to make a living? It's not my place to judge. She lowered her shades and gave the girl a small half-smile. Misora was more aware of herself now...now that they were in the public eye more. She had to make certain that nothing gave her inner thoughts away and was as composed as could be.
Both girls at the booth looked at Misora. "Mine!" Kyoko told her cousin as she stood. Her cousin gave her a catty smile and Kyoko rolled her eyes a little before turning her attention to Misora.
"I have to stay here a little longer until my Mama returns, then we can go somewhere less... fishy." She pushed her little stool to the side and motioned to it. "You can sit if you want."
What...? Needless to say, Misora was a bit confused as to Kyoko saying "mine" and then the other girl giving her that smile. It was strange and she didn't know if they were playing around or what. A fraction of a smile came to her features and she inclined her head.
"That's quite all right, I don't want to deprive you of your chair. Please, sit, I will browse around for a while longer and see if there is anything that will strike hahaue's liking."
"Suit yourself." Kyoko said, hooking her leg around the stool to pull it back. "I'll still be here...the fish are small, but they are fresh!" She cocked her head to the side with a saleswoman's smile. Her cousin laughed and then stopped as Kyoko gave her a swift kick to the ankle. "I shouldn't be much longer."
"Do not worry Youjou-san, I won't wander far. I fear I'm rather disinclined to wander after such a rigorous afternoon."
With a bow to her cousin and to Kyoko, Misora began to wander amidst the stalls, conversing pleasantly with the vendors and inquiring about the fish for sale. In whatever environment, Yuushi Misora was always the picture of grace, etiquette, and poise just like her mother had taught her. Hahaue would be so proud, she thought dryly as she examined a tuna.
Like Kyoko has said, it wasn't long before her mother returned with bento boxes for the hard workers at the family booth. Things had started to die down a bit, so Kyoko gathered her things, juggling her bag and the food her mother handed her.
"Arigato, Mama. I have a client to take care of." She pushed her stool over so that the older woman had a place to sit.
"Always on the go, Kyoko-chan...You should settle down with a nice man."
The woman said with a smile before she started to eat the homemade bento meal. Her daughter simple rolled her eyes and gave her a kiss on the forehead before leaving to find Misora. She ate as she walked, dodging people as she searched.
Deciding to head back to Kyoko's stall, Misora was surprised when she didn't have to wait long and Kyoko came looking for her. Pleasure built in her heart and made her breath catch in her throat and she was confused for a moment. Why am I so glad that she has come to see me? But she shrugged it off, deciding to deal with that another time and approached Kyoko.
"Ah, I see you have eaten already. I hope you don't mind I was going to get something to eat myself. Perhaps you would like to join me for dessert?"
Kyoko blushed a little, realizing she was being a pig of herself, shoveling food in her mouth as she walked.
"Hai... Dessert would be fine." She said as she wiped her mouth and put the lid on her box with a goofy smile. "I will finish this when I find a place to sit." She laughed softly. "Have you decided what you want yet?"
"I'm not sure," she admitted. "I'm not familiar with the neighborhood. Do you know of any places where we can get something to eat?"
In fact, Misora didn't think Kyoko was being rude at all and was fighting the urge to chuckle at the picture the other girl made.
"Ano...." Kyoko thought for a few minutes, wondering how much yen she had left in her pockets and if she could even afford dessert. It didn't matter though, Misora was the one asking.
"There is a stand that sells bento not far from here... and a noodle stand in the other direction. And a little cafe closer to where the market starts. I suppose it depends on your budget." She shrugged, and then adjusted the bag on her shoulder.
"Well, since I would like to take the time to talk with you, how about we stop at the cafe? And you do not have to worry about the expense," she smiled. "Consider it a thank you...for one of the best mornings I've had in a long time. Come."
And she started off to where the market began. In fact, Misora hadn't planned on treating Kyoko, but the notion felt right just the same. Ahhh, I recognize these feelings now. It was similar to back when she discovered she had stirrings for the "fairer sex" as it were and Misora recognized it as desire for Kyoko. Misora had felt those same stirrings a year prior when she noticed how beautiful and intelligent one of her fellow skaters was. Sakura-san...I wonder where you are now...
It wasn't every day Kyoko started to grow attached to a stranger. She found herself growing more comfortable with the other, struggling to hang on to her usual guards of suspicion. She tucked the bento box in her bag, planning on finishing it later, and took her bandana out of her hair. After fluffing her loose curls she stuffed the bandana in her bag and jogged to catch up with Misora.
"I had fun this morning too." She said with a smile. "Plenty of good shells."
"Yes, how was Crab-san by the way?" Misora smirked just a bit. "Did he make an excellent entree?"
Misora's hair was pulled back, as it always was, and she was wearing more casual clothing, jeans and a navy blue sleeveless top with a plunging neckline. The Celtic cross she wore gleamed in the sunlight as she shifted it a little.
"In fact, I feel in the mood for crab now..."
"I ended up putting him back in the sand." She gave another little shrug. "His shell wasn't as nice as I thought after all."
Kyoko watched the other girl from the corner of her eye. Misora had a fine profile, and her hair was beautiful too. She turned her eyes away, catching herself staring.
"I'm not sure how much crab the cafe has..." She commented. "I usually only go in there for special occasions."
"Ah, well, no matter," Misora brushed it off. "The company will be far better than the food in my opinion."
Oh yes, Misora definitely knew that she was growing to like Kyoko. Very soon though, she was going to run out of excuses to see her, the commission would be finished, and then there was Misora's career...she wouldn't be able to see her and that made her feel awkward. So she changed the subject to make herself feel better.
"How old are you, Youjou-san? Forgive me, I'm just curious."
"Seventeen, almost eighteen." Kyoko replied as she dodged a man on a bike, shaking her fist as he went by. "Baka!" She yelled at him. He had almost run her over while she was talking with a pretty girl! "I work at the market for my family... it helps pay the bills." She added as she turned back around to watch where she was walking.
"As am I," Misora chuckled a little as Kyoko chewed out the biker that had almost run them over. "As for what I do...I'm a figure skater."
She left it at that. Misora didn't want to make it sound like she was bragging when she said she was a competitor at the international level and was training to go to the Olympics someday.
"Figure skater?" Kyoko raised an eyebrow, looking Misora over. No wonder she was well groomed. That sport usually produced prissy little rich mice, but Misora seemed different.
"Oh! There's the cafe." She pointed across the street once they were clear of the market. The place was small and looked clean and cozy.
"Yes. I began training when I was very young and have been skating for over ten years," a small, wry smile played on her features. "It's become my life...my only life, truth be told."
Once she spotted the cafe, Misora relaxed and smiled a bit, more than willing to let go of talk of the past. Misora never regretted her choices. Still, sometimes she wondered what it would have been like if she had never started skating...if she had never been Sailor Uranus...
After taking a moment to look at the coming traffic to determine if she should wait, Kyoko dashed across the street to the cafe. The cars in the area moved slowly, but it was still fun to play human Frogger from time to time.
"Come on, Yuushi-san!" She called from the other side, jumping up and down a little as she waved to the other.
Watching as Kyoko dashed across the street, Misora couldn't help but smile. When have I ever smiled as much? I haven't smiled so often...before I met her. And with that, Misora proceeded to use her speed and some very fancy footwork, including a few bracket turns to avoid the cars and land on the other side of the street. Her face was flushed and her eyes were shining with the rush she got from stepping out into a challenging atmosphere and conquering it.
Kyoko couldn't help but giggle as she saw the normally stoic girl dash across the road with light in her eyes. "Nice job, Yuushi-san!" She said when the other had made it across. "I wasn't sure if you would make it." She smirked a little before stepping over to open the door to the cafe.
"There was never any doubt, Youjou-san," Misora answered smoothly as she walked inside and waited for the girl in the entryway before opening the second door for her.
The cafe was warm looking and cheerful, with several people talking in corners, or even families out for an afternoon treat. Misora liked the atmosphere. It was casual without being dirty, and it made her feel almost cozy inside, something she never associated with her home. It was so cold...
"I love it here," she said honestly. "The atmosphere is what I always thought a home should be like."
"The people here are nice." She said as she looked around for a place to sit before pointing over to an empty table.
Kyoko grabbed a couple menus before the young waitress could make it over to them. She gave a wave and was off to the table of her choice with a smile. "Come on, Yuushi-san."
Nodding, Misora followed after Kyoko and weaved through the tables. She wasn't going to be recognized here, that much was for certain, and that knowledge calmed her enough so that she could relax. Well...relax to her meant smiling a little more and actually talking to people. Plucking one of the menus from Kyoko's hands, Misora settled and flipped it open.
"Remember, I am treating, so order whatever you like."
With a grin, Kyoko flipped open the menu. She had a dangerous sweet tooth and even though it would have been easy to take advantage of Misora's generosity, Kyoko stopped herself from ordering one of everything.
"Domo, Yuushi-san." She said, looking at Misora from behind the menu, only her eyes visible.
When the waitress came over, Kyoko ordered a piece of cake and a sweet green tea and left it at that. She still had her bento to eat and she would make herself sick if she ate too much rich food.
Misora, having had nothing to eat thus far, and feeling like splurging a bit herself, ordered sandwiches with a slice of nori seaweed in the center, green tea, rice, and clear soup with shiitake mushrooms. Handing the menu back, Misora then turned her attention to Kyoko.
"So, Youjou-san, what school do you go to?"
"Juuban... I can't afford to go to any fancy private school, but I like it just fine." Kyoko replied as she kicked her bag under her seat between her feet. It didn't take long for her drink and cake to come.
"Itadakimasu!" She said with a happy smile, taking a drink of her green tea. She left the cake; not wanting to stuff her face until Misora was doing the same.
"Ah. I live in Shiba Koen, so I attend their high school," she smiled. "My parents wanted me to go to a private school, but I refused. One school is just as good as any other."
Her food was set before her and she clapped her hands together and also said, "Itadakimasu." before digging in. She ate methodically and slowly, savoring the taste, sight, and smell of the food.
Kyoko dug into her cake with pleasure, making sure to enjoy every taste. "This is so good..." She said with a sigh after a few bites.
She knew she would regret such a rich treat later, but for now she was perfectly content to sit there with a pretty girl and eat cake. Kyoko blushed a little to herself as she wondered if Misora had a boyfriend.
"May I have a bit? I know I shouldn't, but I'm thinking of dessert as well. They don't have cinnamon buns unfortunately, but that fruit salad with honey dipping sauce looked delicious."
There was an impish look in her eye and a smile hovered at the corners of her mouth.
At first there was the urge to be selfish and horde her cake. Mine! She shouted in her head before she smiled a little and slid the slice to the middle of the little table. That look is too cute to say no to. She laughed softly.
"Go ahead, I don't think I should be eating all of this either."
"Well, you've got such a cute figure, you don't have to worry about holding back," Misora replied and took a little bit of the cake and almost sighed with pleasure. "I don't have the chance to eat sweet things that often...and cinnamon buns are even harder to come by in Japan."
Misora finished her sandwiches and soup, but decided to skip the rice and ordered the fruit salad.
"Wouldn't you just burn everything off with all your training?" Kyoko asked curiously.
Seriously, she had no idea why people who worked out so often didn't eat more things they liked. She took another bite of the cake and sighed happily again. Kyoko left a little on her plate and finished off her tea before settling comfortably in her seat.
"Have you decided what you want for your commission?"
"I wish," she chuckled a little. "But the reason that I can't eat too many sweet things is because they slow me down and then I can't work as hard or as long as I would like. At skating or fencing."
The fencing Misora only did in the off-season...after all, her weapon was a sword and she had to know how to use it. At the question about her commission, Misora sipped her tea thoughtfully before dipping a strawberry into the honey and biting into it.
"The commission...I want something that...that would make me feel free when I looked at it. As if I could see the boundless expanses of the sea combined with the endless possibilities of the skies. Sea and sky..."
"Sea and sky...how romantic..." Kyoko said with a smile as she pushed the ice in her glass around with her straw. "I think I can do that." She nodded a little, wondering if she would let her art go if she made something too...personal.
"Youjou-san, I want you to put your whole heart into this. Truth be told, I've not felt much passion or even enjoyment from anything except my skating for so long now...this piece..." she smiled a little. "I want it to remind me of you. And of the time we spend together."
Misora realized what she was saying and covered her mouth with her hand, suddenly realizing that she'd said too much. That she had let someone get into her walls...without even her noticing! How could this have happened? I've known her for a day! How could she have gotten so far into my heart in one day? Misora was flustered internally as she tried so hard to figure out when and how Kyoko had managed to get into her heart after such a short time. It never happened this way! Never! Something was different about this girl, Misora was certain. And for some reason...it made her want to be around Kyoko more.
A blush covered Kyoko's cheeks as she listened to what Misora had said. She looked down into the glass, still poking at the melting cubes inside. "I think I can do that, Yuushi-san." She said softly. "But it would be hard to let it go."
The little confession caused her cheeks to burn a little pinker. She hadn't known Misora for long, but there were few people that made her feel comfortable after so little time.
She smiled a little. "If it's too hard to let go...then I won't ask you to. I'll just have to see you more often to make up for its absence."
Her tone was light and teasing and...so unlike her that Misora didn't know where it came from. But it felt so right. It felt right with Kyoko.
"Youjou-san...may I call you Kyoko?" It felt so awkward to address her so formally for some reason. "You're free to call me Misora."
"Hai!" Kyoko said with a little more enthusiasm than she expected, lifting her head to look at Misora with a cute smile. Her heart was fluttering quite a bit and her cheeks were still blushing bright.
"I would like to see you more too, Misora-san...Even after the commission is finished." She took another bite of the cake she had set aside, just for something to do other than poking ice.
"As would I. Kyoko..." just saying the other girl's name felt wonderful.
Misora didn't know what would become of their relationship but she knew that she wanted to see Kyoko more and more. Misora didn't know how or why Kyoko seemed to fit so easily into her heart, but Misora had been lonely for so long...she would nurture this feeling and hope that it came to something more.
Kyoko smiled sweetly and tilted her head to the side to look at Misora. Well...that had been unexpected...but this is turning out to be a fun commission.
A few weeks had passed since that day in the cafe. Kyoko had been taking her time on the commission, wanting to spend time with Misora to get a feel for the piece. She was waiting for Misora outside the cafe where they had shared their first meal. She had cleaned herself up, dressed in cute sandals, a pair of vintage jeans and a cute sea green top. Her hair was loose since the bandana she had planned to wear didn't quite fit. Things had been going pleasantly slow with them and Misora was in Kyoko's thoughts most of the day...and most of the night.
The sun was setting, casting a red glow to the sky. "Romantic..." She sighed softly as she looked at the sky.
"Indeed it is. A perfect time for lovers."
Misora stood behind Kyoko having just come from the metro and was dressed accordingly in stretchy black pants, black boots, and a navy blue sleeveless turtleneck with a black leather trench coat. She actually considered this a true "date" since she had asked Kyoko out. A few weeks...she could hardly believe that much time had passed. With each passing day, Misora felt that Kyoko was becoming more and more a part of her life and her heart.
"You're looking well, Kyoko."
She turned with a smile, looking Misora up and down. "So are you, Misora-chan." Her heart giving the familiar flutter she got when she was around the other girl. She blushed a little before looking to the cafe.
"It looks a little busier than normal, but we should be able to find a seat in the back where we can sit close." She informed the other, knowing about Misora's fear of their 'more than friendship' being found out. Kyoko had kept it to herself... even if she had wanted to brag to the world that she had a beautiful girlfriend.
"Arigato," she said with a warm smile.
And for once, her hair was a little more loose than usual. She had just a small ponytail that pulled enough of her hair back to make her feel comfortable, but the rest of her hair fell in silvery waves over her shoulders and down her chest.
"Yes, please, I would appreciate a table further in the back," Misora felt relieved that Kyoko knew her so well after just a few weeks.
Although she knew she shouldn't be so paranoid about the paparazzi, a part of her just couldn't shake the thought of her career being destroyed because of her preferences. So she liked women (specifically Kyoko), so what? But for the moment, Misora was content to be as buried in the closet as she wanted when it came to the public eye. In private? She was all Kyoko's.
With a nod, Kyoko entered the cafe with Misora, seating them by herself like she had before. There was a comfortable crescent booth in the back corner close to the kitchen, away from prying eyes, and Kyoko claimed it quickly before anyone could say otherwise.
"Here we go, nice and quiet." She said as she scooted in. The cafe was its usual sweet smelling, cozy self and Kyoko felt at ease.
"It feels like it's been longer since we've been here." She commented as the other joined her.
"I know and I'm sorry I haven't been more available. With the competition only a few weeks away, Chinmoku has been working me very hard. I don't mind though," Misora said as she studied the menu. "Very soon I'll be able to move out and find my own apartment...without my parents' influence in the house."
Misora had never felt comfortable discussing her home life with anyone and even with Kyoko; she'd kept it brief. She'd simply said that she'd been raised by nannies and her mother only paid attention to her when they were at the same party. Her father? Well, it was best not to mention Misora's father at all.
"I live in a tiny place of my own already." Kyoko said, playing with the napkin holder at the table. "I moved out so that I had more room for my art..." And for other reasons that Kyoko could not discuss with Misora simply for her safety. "My life is soooo busy..." She said with an exasperated sigh before the waitress came and took their order.
Kyoko ordered a bento box meal and her usual sweet green tea. "I am glad I am almost out of school... at least that won't be part of my schedule any more."
"I agree," Misora ordered a Caesar salad with baked chicken on it and a light touch of ranch dressing. "Back on the diet again, Chinmoku is relentless."
Misora gave Kyoko a wry smile as she ordered green tea as well and handed her menu back. What she couldn't say was that her life was also busy as well. Youma are starting to pop up everywhere. Neptune...when will I find you? Lately Misora had been having dreams about a Senshi known as Sailor Neptune. Supposedly the girl was her partner, but ... It would only be for Senshi duties. Outside of that, no. That place belongs to Kyoko.
"I would love to see your place sometime. The 'artist at work' if you will."
"It is a mess." Kyoko said with an embarrassed laugh. "I don't have time to clean... ever." She scratched her head a little as she smiled. I wonder what will happen when I find Uranus. Misora just feels...perfect. There couldn't be anyone else...could there? Her thoughts were pushed aside and she went back to focusing on her evening. "Maybe one day you can come see it...after I've cleaned..."
"You, messy?" Misora winked teasingly. "I find that hard to believe."
That was said with her usual drawl and she chuckled, thanking the waitress as their food was brought. The night was what she'd wanted. She wouldn't let thoughts of another float through her mind now. Kyoko made her heart feel a bit fuller than she could ever hope for and she wanted to treasure that feeling. Before they could take a bite, Misora's eyes darted around, to ensure that no one was looking, and reached out to place her hand over Kyoko's.
"Koneko-chan..." the name came unbidden to Misora's lips and she fought down her blush. She trusted her instincts though and right now, they were telling her to say something. "These past few weeks...well...I've..."
She couldn't say it though and decided to show it. Misora leaned a bit closer, her heart thundering in her chest as she was about to do something she never dared consider before...
Kyoko's cheeks burned pink as Misora called her 'koneko-chan' before she leaned closer. Is...is she going to kiss me? She leaned closer to the other, moving in for what she hoped was their first kiss. She closed her eyes, their lips almost touching...
A crash from the front window interrupted the moment and Kyoko jerked her head to see what was going on. There were screams as people scattered, a youma causing chaos as it laughed while it started to drain energy from the people that were closest.
SHIMMATTA! Misora was in an absolute rage within as the moment they had been building was broken by a youma. But as much as she was storming on the inside, her eyes narrowed and became cold. Ice cold. First: get Kyoko to safety. Second: henshin and KICK THAT YOUMA'S ASS!
"Kyoko...quietly...into the kitchen, out the back, before it gets to us...I'll head towards the restrooms and see if there's an emergency exit," her voice was calm, far too calm and cold for the situation. "We're far enough in the back, hopefully that thing won't notice us."
The youma was in its space as it reached out and began to drain the energy from the diners, cackling and basically making a big spectacle of itself. Che, these things never learn.
Her duty to transform and stop the youma conflicted with her desire to stick close to Misora and make sure she was safe. The youma continued to cause trouble, tearing out one of the side booths to throw it at the chef that had just come out of the kitchen with a knife. The kitchen was blocked.
"Kuso!" She pouted, getting quite upset at the youma for ruining her night. Another booth went flying in their direction and Kyoko pulled Misora on top of her to duck before sliding down under the table for cover.
"I don't think I'll make it to the kitchen, Misora-chan." She sighed, starting to out from under the table.
Instantly, Misora had her arm and tugged her back underneath the table. Her desire to keep Kyoko safe was warring with her desire to kick youma ass. What am I going to do? I can't just sit here and let that youma go on a rampage, but...Kyoko... and Misora worried her bottom lip.
"Try and stay down. We don't want to get caught in the crossfire."
Just as she said this, the youma picked up a chair and threw it at the main door, knocking back someone that had tried to get in and help. Misora winced and cursed inwardly, although outwardly she looked as calm as could be.
She wasn't going to be able to get away if Misora kept pulling her back. She had to henshin. Most of the people in the cafe other than them were either being drained or were incapacitated in some way.
"Gomen, Misora-chan." She said before pushing the other girl back against the booth seat as she pushed forward to escape from under the table. Picking up the napkin holder she had been playing with earlier, Kyoko stood with determination as she pulled her henshin wand from her pocket.
"Neptune Crystal Power! MAKE UP!" She yelled, raising her wand as aqua light flashed around her. This wasn't going to be good for her relationship...but she wasn't about to be kept down when there was trouble.
"Youma!" She yelled, throwing the napkin holder across the room to connect with the monster's head. "Your trouble is with me! Sailor Neptune!"
Misora was...speechless. She was thrilled, relieved, and angry all at the same time. Thrilled that Kyoko was Sailor Neptune, relieved that she didn't have to hide her henshin anymore, and angry that the youma was STILL on a rampage! It was time to kick ass and take names. The youma growled as it saw Sailor Neptune and began to approach her, but it was careful, not wanting to openly attack so soon.
Sailor Neptune grabbed another napkin holder and chucked it at the youma with a determined growl of her own. "Come on you bastard!" She yelled, wanting to draw it away from the civilians, especially from Misora. The youma dropped the person it had in its grip, moving in closer. Neptune stood her ground, looking around slightly for the best route.
"Come get me!" She yelled, making a rude gesture in its direction before she dashed towards one of the broken windows, jumping through gracefully to the other side. The youma growled again before pursuing its prey.
Misora smiled as she got out from underneath the table. Clutching her henshin wand, she chased after the youma, getting ready to attack. The youma leapt out the window and launched a powerful energy attack as Neptune was running away.
You bastard! And Misora ran all the harder, thankfully she didn't have far to go.
Neptune barely dodged the attack, rolling a little as it roared past her to cause more chaos as the people passing flew into a panic. This was better, open...but this was going to be one hell of a fight. This youma is strong. I'll just have to be stronger. She said to herself as she got up, turning to face the youma as it caught up with her.
"Harsh Tide!" She yelled, sending a burst of water at the youma. It moved swiftly out of the way, growing faster as it neared her. The Senshi gave a huff, getting herself ready as the youma charged her. She dodged it at first, watching it chase after her with vicious determination. It seemed to be learning her moves, planning for her next move. It caught her leg after she jumped out of the way, flinging her down the sidewalk with an evil laugh.
"Hold it!"
The youma was caught off-guard by the new voice and turned, smirking as it saw easy prey. Or so it thought. As it went to charge Misora, she raised her own henshin stick...and a chilling smile overcame her features. People had cleared the streets, and Misora knew the time was right to transform.
"Uranus Crystal Power, Make-Up!"
Gusts of wind and air formed a tornado around her and with a flash of navy light, exploded to reveal Sailor Uranus.
"Heralded by the new crisis, Sailor Uranus appears with might!"
"Sailor Uranus?" Neptune had turned her head as she got up just in time to see Misora transform into Sailor Uranus. She smiled, her heart lifted by the sight. She wasn't alone any more...and Misora was her partner. "Uranus!" She cried happily as she rose from the ground, the new sight giving her a strength she had never felt before.
The youma didn't seem pleased at the sight of two Senshi. It seemed to hesitate for a moment before charging up another attack to send at the two pests.
Smiling, Uranus stepped forward, her dagger earring glinting in the light.
"I've finally found you, Neptune. I've been dreaming of this day for ages. Now stand back, I'm going to teach this youma what it means to interrupt a couple's first kiss..." cheesy, yes, but Uranus wanted nothing more than to smash the youma to pieces. And she had just the attack to do it.
Summoning her Space Sword to her hands, Uranus raised it into the air. The blade pulsed with navy blue light and grew four feet in length. It gathered the air and around her, forming currents that converted into energy.
"Gale..."
And with that, the winds began to pick up, blowing harder and offsetting the youma's footing just a bit. Uranus could feel her strength building as the energy continued to grow and she chuckled.
"Barrage!"
She brought the sword down in a lunge and thrust. Erupting from the tip of her sword was a channeled cyclone that shot from the sword and hit the youma in only a few seconds. The impact of the 54 mph winds and air pressure sent it flying into the building...and right through the cement wall. It wasn't done yet though and Uranus knew that she wouldn't be able to use another attack without losing her henshin.
"Neptune, finish it off quickly!"
"Tsunami of Kings!" Neptune yelled out with a commanding voice, water rushing towards the weakened youma.
It hit with a crushing impact, continuing to pound down upon it until it exploded into a burst of dark energy. She stumbled, dropping to her knees as her henshin faded from her. The attack had taken all the energy she could muster and she was now in a weakened state. Despite her situation, she smiled before falling on her side, exhausted.
"I finally found you..." Kyoko said softly. "I've been waiting so long... and you were right in front of me."
Allowing her own henshin to fade, Misora went over and took Kyoko into her arms. Her heart was fluttering and she felt happier than she had been in a long time. Misora's smile was bright and warm as she stroked Kyoko's cheek.
"Kyoko...Neptune...you were right here in front of me all along. I knew...I knew that you were different. I knew you were special. When you found your way into my heart after only one day...koneko-chan..."
And she leaned down, her hair brushing over the both of them and shielding them from view, as she gently kissed the woman who had found her way into her heart...and stayed there.
Kyoko's heart felt warm as Misora kissed her and she returned it gently with what energy she could find. "I'm so glad, Sora-chan..." She said softly, her eyes drooping a little. She was tired...and hungry, her stomach growling a little. With an embarrassed laugh, Kyoko looked up at the other. "Let's go before we're found..." She said softly, touching the other's cheek.
"Yes...but how about we go back to your place and order in, hm? What I am in the mood for...is something a bit more private."
Rising with Kyoko in her arms, Misora allowed the other girl to support her weight against her. I've finally found her. Now...I don't care what else life brings. I have a new mission now. Keeping watch over her.
"Sea and sky...a perfect combination, don't you agree?" she teased lightly.
"Hai..." Kyoko said with a sweet smile. "I know just what to do for your commission now..." She said softly as they started to vacate the street.
A little time had passed since the discovery of their altar forms and the two girls had grown even closer. Kyoko had finally finished the piece and was over at her little apartment (which was nice and clean... finally) with Misora to have a small celebration. She was looking at the covered art on the wall, waiting for Misora to return from picking up their meal for the evening.
Things had never been better. Training for her skating competition was going splendidly, now that she had a new inspiration to do well and to exceed. Misora had found her companion and it was in a girl that she had grown to care for over time...it wasn't just destiny. Misora knew that for a fact. She knew in her heart that even if Kyoko weren't Neptune, she would still be drawn to her inexplicably.
Knocking on the door to Kyoko's apartment, Misora was balancing takeout pizza, soda, various sweets, and cinnamon buns that she'd managed to track down.
Kyoko bounced to the door, opening it for Misora. She took the pizza with a smile, looking out the door for anyone on the balcony before giving Misora a quick kiss on the cheek. She moved back inside, eager to get things settled down so that she could show the other the art she had created for her.
"This smells good, " she said, opening it a little to take a peek inside.
"I know, I'm looking forward to it," she chuckled and closed the door behind her. "But I am looking forward to the art much more. Let's set that down on the table and see what you've been making."
"Hai!" Kyoko said as she set the pizza down on her little table and helped Misora with the rest. She moved over to the wall after everything was set and Misora had gotten comfortable.
"I present to you, Yuushi Misora, your commission.... Sea and Sky, Destiny." She pulled the cover from the art, light reflecting off of the pieces of mirror.
The art was less abstract than she usually went for. The upper half was shades of blues mixed with pieces of mirror as swirling clouds, a hand reaching down from the top to what looked like a wavy sea below. The mosaic water sparkled, mosaic bubble and shells dancing in the water as they surrounded a hand that reached up from the depths. In the center, where the sky and waters met, the hands reached out for each other, fingers touching gently. The symbols of Neptune and Uranus were hidden in the mosaic, only visible to those who knew where to find them.
"I put all of my heart into it, Sora-chan...I hope you like it."
When Misora had gotten settled and comfortable, she waited patiently as Kyoko revealed the artwork that she had spent so long working on. That she had put her whole heart into...and it showed. It showed in every stroke. With every movement, she had brought to life the deep sea against the endless sky. It showed hope, love, and a fate that was as closely tied as the sea and sky. It was filled with possibilities for the future and Misora rose to get a closer look. When her eyes found the hidden symbols of Neptune and Uranus it was too much...tears fell from unblinking eyes to trickle down her cheeks.
"It's perfect, koneko-chan. Absolutely perfect."
The other girl wiped a tear away, putting her arms around Misora's waist and rested her head on her should. "Arigato..." She said softly and sighed; content and warm near the other.
"No matter what comes...we'll face it together...and we'll be as the sky and sea. Forever entwined...you and me..." and Misora kissed her softly.
"Hai..." Kyoko replied in agreement, looking back to the art after returning the kiss. "Together."