Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

“I think my new neighbour is a hooker” Miu said casually as she took another bite of her dessert. Orm on the other hand nearly drenched the poor woman sat beside her as she struggled to keep hold of the coffee currently in her mouth.

 After a few seconds of coughing and spluttering and a very dirty side eye from the said woman beside them, Orm finally managed to cough out, “Miu… are you… *cough*… you can’t just… *cough*… say things like that!”

Miu actually looked up at Orm properly and handed her a napkin as she; completely unfazed said “what? Its true. I heard them this morning, same as all the others – a random woman enters her condo. Her music goes on loudly for 2 hours, then the woman leaves still straightening her cloths and hair a mess.”

Orm blinked rapidly for a minute processing what her friend had just told her before she started giggling “how do you even know that? Are you spying on her… although I can’t blame you, she’s hot!”

“Orm! I am not spying!” Miu whisper shouted at such a scandalising accusation.

Miu then went into detail how she had bumped into her new neighbour as she came back from runs, grocery shopping etc etc and each time a different girl practically draped over Lena going into or exiting her condo.

“She even has the nerve to smile and say hello to me like I didn’t see her with a different woman hours earlier sometimes” Miu said horrified.

Orm listened intently and shrugged her shoulder when Miu was finished.

But before Miu could say anymore Orm just calmly and factually gave Miu a list –

“Does she give you trouble?”

“Do you hear lots of loud sex noises?”

“Are the women causing trouble while they are there?”

“Does her way of life cause you problems or stop you daily?”

“You don’t even know if she is for sure”

“I know what you are trying to say but if any of these are no, you just need to live your life and leave her to live hers…. Until it becomes a problem, don’t make it one. She’s polite and smiles when you see her, all you can do is the same.” Orm finishes casually.

Miu on the other hand snaps her mouth shut, unsure of what to say or make of this suddenly wise and uncharacteristic information from her friend.

After a few more hours Miu and Orm had parted ways and Miu was currently heading up to her condo. As she exited the elevator onto her floor, she saw the woman in question currently stood at her door, Miu took a deep breath and politely asked “can I help you?”

Lena spun around with an amused expression across her face “hi, sorry to bother you – funny story but errrrm….” She began as Miu walked towards her and unlocked her door as Lena laughed out “my friends bra is on your balcony and she kind of needs it back, would you mind…?” Lena trailed off.

Miu on the other hand spun around so fast she nearly created her own cyclone, mouth open and eyebrows up into her hairline… “excuse me….” “no, absolutely not am I getting your….friends… underwear!”

Lena leaned against the door frame, smiling and trying desperately not to laugh as she not so subtly cleared her throat and then looked up at Miu surprisingly genuine “I’m really sorry, it won’t happen again I promise – if you don’t mind, I will get it if you can open the door outside.”

Miu felt like she was in some sort of time warp, her she was in her own apartment fishing out another woman’s bra from her balcony and staring at the woman who had probably thrown it there. In her own damn doorway.

Not trusting her voice any more than she already had she walked further into her apartment towards the balcony, she could hear Lena walking further in behind her when she heard a quiet “I hope you don’t mind me saying but you have a really nice place.”

Miu unlocked and opened the door to in fact find a black and red lace bra on her floor, turning quickly to finally look at Lena – cheeks flushing red at the current embarrassment. “Thanks” she answered bluntly.

Lena walked out and grabbed the bra like it was the most natural thing – fishing your underwear from a stranger’s balcony. She held it up like a trophy as she came back face to face with Miu and said “got it! I promise it won’t happen again”

She was clearly unaware or didn’t care that Miu was dying inside, skin crawling at this entire situation… “Its fine, just make sure it doesn’t” she replied colder, now turning to leave towards the front door.

If nothing else Lena could take a hint and followed Miu to the door, this time the undergarment tucked more discreetly in her hands as she dipped her head and headed into the corridor. Before anything more could be said or done Miu shut the door as soon as Lena was through it and leaned against it – letting out a breath she didn’t realise she had been holding.

‘I’m going to kill Orm’ she said as she looked up to the sky – don’t judge my ass!

Chapter Text

It had been a few weeks since the bra incident and to Miu’s surprise thing had been pretty normal and quiet in the complex, she hadn’t bumped into Lena or her ‘girlfriends’ in the hallways, no loud music and definitely no flying underwear. Normality had resumed.

Orm had found the whole thing hilarious of course, but still she was adamant that a million reasons could have explained why the bra had ended up there – which led us to a debate in itself.

But here we are sat in our favourite café, doing what we do best – eating. “It sucks you have to go to Japan right now; I really wanted you to come for dinner. You haven’t seen our new house yet and Lingling was going to cook your favourite” Orm said dejectedly.

“I know but we will do it as soon as I come back, I promise, it’s only for a week this time thank God. My dad said one of the usual project managers had to take some emergency leave as his wife just had a baby” Miu explained.

They spent the next hour making plans and generally putting the world to rights with gossip and silly jokes when suddenly Orm stopped mid-sentence and ducked “OMG is that who I think it is!”

Miu spun around and glanced back towards the counter and if the universe wasn’t cursing her enough, there in all her glory was Lena and yet another woman – one Miu hadn’t seen before. “See! I’m telling you Orm, something isn’t right!” Miu hissed.

As if Lena could sense that see was being watched and not so subtly judged her eyes landed on the girls and a smile spread across her face, she leaned into the woman she was standing with and gently squeezed her arm as she said something privately and headed towards their table.

“Shit, she’s coming over!” Miu said panicked as she spun back around to face Orm properly, who was now looking between them both like an owl in the peak of night.

Lena came to a confident but gentle stop beside the table and greeted both respectively but gave Miu a lingering smile as she said sheepishly, “I’m sorry to bother you like this, I have been hoping to catch you this week, but I haven’t seen you around lately. I just wanted to give you a heads up and apologise in advance – I have some…. Work…. to do this week and it might be quite loud.”

Miu heard Om snort very undignified to her left and before Miu could stop herself or even look in Orms direction she fired back “I bet you do!” Lena gave her a weird look and tilted her head to the side but as her mouth opened to say anything more, Orm remembered they were in a very public place. So, she jumped in with “don’t worry about it, Miu won’t be there anyway. She’s in Japan from tomorrow afternoon.”

Lena snapped her head back to look between the two as if she was recalibrating this information and suddenly smiled “that’s great, I just didn’t want to keep you awake that’s all. I better be getting back, have fun in Japan.” Without waiting or saying anything more she was suddenly gone.

What the actual hell was that about. Orm couldn’t help but giggle and Miu just sat, looking between Orm, Lena and the woman smiling brightly at Lena as she made her way back to the door where the woman was now waiting with her arm held out to her.

The fuck….

Chapter Text

Miu’s heels struck the concrete will every bit of the businesswoman she looked as she made her way towards the sleek blacked out sedan waiting for her at her family’s private airport hangar. If you asked Miu right now how she felt she would probably tell you she was a turmoil of emotions – happy, tired, glad to be home but first and foremost… apprehensive.

After the last time she was home and the conversation in the café Miu was dreading to what was awaiting her in the condo complex. She had asked Orm, but she had said “absolutely not! I am not listening to your hot neighbor having wild sex while you sit in a meeting eating your posh sushi.”

So, here she was on her way home praying to every Buddha, God, cat or dog that was listening – that whatever had been going off while she was away; was now finished.

As Miu pulled up to the condo her driver had offered as always to bring her bags upstairs for her, but she had quickly refused, she didn’t need another witness to this circus after all!  Miu entered the lift and hit the button to her floor and took a deep steadying breath, encouraging herself all the way up…. ’Its fine. Don’t worry. It’s been a week now.  Don’t panic Miu.’

The elevator dinged and the doors slide open, Miu slowly and cautiously walked out towards her door ‘this is ridiculous’ she thought. She straightened her spine and strode down the remainder of the hallway with purpose and surprisingly as she got to her door. Nothing. Not a peep.

Miu opened the door and pulled her carryon case inside and just before the door could close or her fully sigh in relief - she heard a very loud and excited “OMG that’s it, right there. Don’t stop doing that.”

You have got to be fucking kidding me.

Miu slammed the door. Hard.

She stormed further in the condo towards her bedroom, throwing the carryon into the corner and headed to her walk-in closet and then…. Music. Loud music bellowed through the wall. She grabbed an outfit and changed quickly, picking up a bag and her wallet and she was gone.

She rattled the door once more as she slammed it shut behind her and headed back to the elevator, phone in hand and dialed the woman who basically vouched for Lena. As Orm answered “hey, you’re ba….” “don’t bother with the pleasantries, tell Ling I’m coming over. Now. You won’t fucking believe what I just got home to!”  Miu spewed out cutting her friend off completely.

“I mean she did kind of warn you…” Orm tried to calm her friend but quickly stopped when she saw the look gave her from across the table. “This is not about a warning Orm, I don’t want to hear that every time I come home. I literally have a laboratory of germs on me as we speak because I didn’t even have time to shower when I got back. I’m a walking petri dish”

Lingling couldn’t help the snort that left her body this time but again straightened her spine when she saw how deadly serious Miu was. So, she schooled her face and began gently “Miu, are you sure about what you heard? It could still all be very innocent.”

Miu picked up her wine glass and drained the remainder of the contents “I really don’t know how you both can keep making excuses for her behavior. Do either of you moan over doing laundry?” she asked sarcastically. Orm and Ling couldn’t help the rumble of laughter that burst out of them.

“Ok. Ok. How about you stay here tonight, have dinner with us and wash off your…. Petri dish and I promise I will go with you to your condo tomorrow. We will see what happens from there and any funny business we hear; I swear to back you up” Orm said finally in a half serious tone.

“Fine, but you better not ditch me after half an hour and I’m going to shower right now.” Miu said non-negotiable.  Orm glanced at Ling and stood to show her friend around and to grab her a change of clothes for later. Ling couldn’t help but shake her head smiling as she got up to go start dinner and open a new bottle of wine – they were all going to need it.

Chapter Text

Miu and Orm as promised had gone back to the condo, with no events as of yet. They had had some lunch, Miu had unpacked her case from where she had thrown it yesterday, Orm had made short work of her snack drawer and still nothing.

“I don’t think you have anything to worry about Miu, we have been here for 3 hours now and still nothing. You have had a busy week, why don’t we do something fun before you go back to work tomorrow. How about some retail therapy?” Orm said happily.

Miu glanced around her condo as if assessing damage before admitting an internal defeat “fine, but you owe me snacks considering you’ve eaten all of mine.”

Orm excitedly headed towards the door and waited for Miu to grab her bag and keys, as soon as she swung the door open Miu just heard Orms surprised tone “Oh! Hi, sorry I didn’t see you there.”

‘Please not again for the love of everything’ Miu could seriously kick herself in the ass at this point.

Miu made her way to the door and as if the gods themselves had summoned her, there stood Lena and a woman she recognized from a few weeks ago. Lena smiled politely and bowed her head slightly when she noticed Miu over Orms shoulder.

The woman had her arm through Lena's and was smiling smugly at both of them, Miu couldn’t help but drop her eyes to where their arms were linked together but snapped it back when she heard Lena say politely “it’s good to see you back Miu, it`s been too quiet while you have been gone.”

Instantly Miu felt her blood pressure create steam in her veins and her face flush red at the sheer audacity of the accusation that she was anything other than a perfect and respectful neighbor.

Before she could blurt anything remotely close to a meltdown, the woman clinging to her arm tugged slightly and whined in what Miu presumed was her ‘cute’ voice “come on Lea, I can’t wait much longer, I don’t have a lot of time with you today”

Miu felt her mouth literally drop open. Not fall or part gracefully. God damn literally drop wide open in the most unsophisticated way. Lena smiled widely as though her and Orm were invisible and replied back almost giddy, “I know, I know – sorry. Let’s go.”

Without another word Lena turned slightly and unlocked her door and said “I better get to work. It was nice to see you both again, have a great day.” Then they were gone. Both Orm and Miu stood and looked at the now very closed door of Lena's apartment and then back to each other.

Orm knew that look on Miu’s face and she knew what would come out of her mouth at any second now, so in one motion she held her finger up to her lips with one hand and grabbed Miu`s arm with the other.

She yanked her so hard and fast down to the elevator, someone would have swore she was being kidnapped and I suppose in a way she was.

As soon as they got out into the street Miu blurted “ok, now do you believe me?! You cannot deny it anymore Orm…” Orm linked her arm through her friend and walked towards the direction of Miu’s car, “we are not discussing this in the street, we are going shopping first and you are going to calm down. Then we will sit and discuss this off of other people’s radar.”

Miu looked horrified at having to hold this in even longer but the rational part of her brain that was currently screaming, also recognized it wasn’t wise to talk about this outside their building. With everyone that lived there, after all, what if someone heard that knew Lena or got the wrong idea of Miu discussing sex work which was even worse.

“Ill give you something, the woman she was with was very…. Bold….” Orm tried to begin. “BOLD!” Miu shouted without meaning to and quickly ducked down, cheeks flushing pink with embarrassment as the near table turned to look at her shocked. She quickly apologized and turned to look at Orm again, “bold doesn’t begin to cover it Orm.”

Orm tried and failed to hide her amusement at her friend currently losing her mind a little over this. “Why does it bother you so much if it is true? Apart from music when you’ve been home- have you actually heard any…. raunchy”

Miu looked at Orm as though she had actually lost her grip on reality, Miu loved her friends bright and optimistic side to everything usually, but she couldn’t understand why she didn’t understand why they weren’t on the same page with this.

“For starters, you know how I grew up Orm – do you think my father would allow me to still live there if he found out a hooker lived right beside me? He would make me go back to the mansion so fast I wouldn’t even be allowed to pack. Plus, you know what I believe in with relationships and selling that part of yourself – I could never understand someone I didn’t love touching me like that. I just don’t like it. I know how that makes me sound but I cant help it.”

Orm knew what she was saying, after all Miu had lived a very settled and sheltered life. Never needing or having to ask for anything, it was just given – even when it wasn’t necessary.

Orm paused thinking the best way to not offend her friend but tried to gently remind her “you know I love you, so please hear me when I say this. Some people have no other choice in life Miu. Do they want to do this - maybe some do but most importantly, some have literally no choice if they want to eat and have somewhere to live, we don’t know her life or circumstances”

Miu sighed heavily, swirling the last of the matcha in her glass, Orm paused briefly before softly continuing, “there’s a few options and questions here, but you won’t like them but hear me out. You could ask her outright …..”

Miu’s head snapped up so fast but before she could say anymore, Orm held her hand up and said, “let me finish please….”

After a few seconds when she realized Miu was actually waiting, she continued, “you still don’t know if that is actually true. Yes, what you have heard is weird but its not definitive. So, you could ask her what she’s doing… You could move and be away completely…. Or you could report her and let the building manager and police investigate it and you risk her losing her home, even if it’s not true – remember accusations stick around here.”

Chapter Text

It had been a few days since the incident with Lena and one of her many ‘girlfriends’ and Miu couldn’t stop thinking about what Orm had said about Lena and why she might do the work she did.

What really got Miu thinking though was why did it bother her so much, like Orm pointed out – apart from loud music she hadn’t heard anything from inside her condo, only in passing Lena's apartment door. 

When she thought about it she wondered what must have happened to Lena in the past to make her believe that this was the only way forward. So, she was going to try and grow as a person and be less…. Judgy.

Miu made a pact with herself that she would try and be friends with Lena and make a real effort to speak to her and get to know her when she saw her around; rather than focus on who was draped on her arm, the noise they made or even the work she did.

It was Friday the following week that Miu saw Lena again. Miu had finished work and was being dropped off in her usual blacked out sedan, as soon as she stepped out of the car she saw Lena exiting their complex.

She walked straight towards Miu with a warm smile, as she got closer Lena let out a low almost impressed whistle – “nice car” she said but Miu didn’t fail to miss the quick glance down her outfit as she said it. “Thanks, but it isn’t mine - it’s a work thing” Miu tried to brush off nonchalantly.

“I wish my work got me perks like that” Lena said now watching the car drive away. Miu had to physically restrain what wanted to fly out of her mouth about how  she had her own perks to her job.

But in the spirit of growing and being a more ‘friendly’ Miu she changed the subject, trying to go to safer waters as she now took in Lena's outfit – tight leggings, t-shirt, a hint of a sports bra underneath and water bottle in hand.

She could feel her cheeks pink slightly at the figure-hugging outfit in such a public place, Miu snapped her eyes back up and realized she had been caught as Lena now stood with the hint of a smirk on her lips. Miu ignored it and instead said “are you heading out for a run? It’s very hot out today.” It was safe. friendly. Growing.

Lena thankfully decided not to dig further as she pointed over the road towards the Pilates center, “I try to go 2-3 times a week, it helps calm my mind when I’m working a lot.”

Don’t Miu!!!! She was trying but her smart-ass mouth and sarcastic mind wouldn’t quit. I bet the Pilates helped plenty with her work too!

Miu cleared her throat as subtly as possible before she answered with a non-committal “I’m sure. I better let you get to your class then, I also better be going, I need to head inside and change – I am meeting my friend soon.”

Lena nodded her head and bowed politely as she started walking away, she turned back towards Miu after a few paces, walking downwards slowly as she called Miu “for what its worth, id love to work with you too – that suit on you looks hot” Lena added cheekily.

Without another word she grinned even wider and turned back again, leaving Miu on the sidewalk stunned into silence, mouth agape and body still like stone.

What in the actual fuck was that?! This is what happens when you grow! You end up on someone’s payroll she blasted herself internally. Utter meltdown commenced.

Chapter Text

“Can you please stop laughing! I'm serious what the fuck do I do now?” Miu exclaimed as she flung her arms up. Ling and Orm however were laughing hysterically as she had just filled them in on what happened yesterday with Lena.

“we`re sorry” Orm tried though another laugh “but, come on Miu! You had the perfect opportunity and you just…. Stood there!” she laughed again, trying desperately to regulate her breathing.

Ling sat up straight, wiping the tears from under her eyes as Miu finally stopped pacing long enough to swipe her wine glass back from the table and down the remainder. “Ok, ok… we promise, no more laughing.” She said smirking as she playfully slapped Orms arm.

Orm smirked as she said in her best serious tone – there's one thing, if you ‘work’ with her, you will finally find out for yourself what she does for a job as well as letting off some steam.”

Miu literally choked and sprayed a little of the wine very undignifiedly out of her mouth, blinking rapidly like an owl for 5 seconds before she said in a deadly tone “have you actually lost your god damn mind?”

That was it, Ling and Orm burst into another fit of laughter. “I need new friends as well as a new house, that’s it, I’m going home.” Miu said dramatically as she put the wine glass down.

She grabbed her bag and coat and headed to the door, "Miu, wait….” Orm tried. “No, its fine, I need to go home anyway, I have early meetings tomorrow and I need to think about things and this isn’t helping.”

“I’m sorry, I promise – no more jokes. Ill help….” Orm said as she looked back to Ling. “Its fine really, I clearly need to work this out on my own and I really do have early meetings. Ill text you later” Miu said as she left.

Ling watched the drama unfold and suddenly felt guilty “this is really getting to her now; we need to find a way to help her – all jokes aside.” Orm nodded as she looked back at the now closed door.

A couple of days had flown by, long days and late nights at the office. Her meetings had gone on for far too long and her patience almost went with it, she hadn’t even really had time to think about Lena and her living situation.

But right now as she gets dropped off at her building all she wants is take a nice long soak in the bath, have dinner that isn’t junk office food and go to sleep for at least 7 hours.

She exits the elevator and with every step she takes towards her door she feels the strain of the last two days draining what is left of her professional front.

The latch on her door clicks open and her hallway lights come on automatically as her foot crosses the threshold and suddenly -THE biggest and most unmistakable moan comes from Lena's apartment. I’m not putting up with this shit anymore!

Without a second thought Miu tosses her handbag into her apartment and bangs on Lena's door. Hard.

She can hear some shuffling around for a few seconds and then slowly the door creeps open just a fraction and Lena is stood in the crack of the door, a surprised but warm smile on her face - wrapped in nothing more than a sheet and hair a little messy.

“Miu… erm hi… what can….” Lena tries to say but is very bluntly cut off when Miu jumps in “can you for once keep the noise down, I don’t care what….work… you are doing right now but I’m sick of hearing it. I’ve had one hell of a 48hrs, and I just want some peace and quiet.” she snaps

Miu doesn’t even wait for a reply before she swings her door back open and slams it shut behind her. Leaving Lena stood in her doorway, speechless and looking slightly embarrassed. Miu’s face is burning with fury, and her hands are shaking with pure rage and adrenaline at the confrontation, but she was done playing nice. Growing my ass!

She stormed through her apartment and straight into the bathroom, stripping off her expensive ‘Chanel’ suit and throwing it across the room like a trash bag. She was raging as she hit the hot water button and let the steaming water rush into the large tub. As the water climbed higher and higher - Miu stripped off every layer, tossing each piece equally as mad as the last onto the counter.

She climbed into the tub, not even bothering to wait for it to fill completely and dimmed the lights as she relaxed back, letting the water continue to flow and suddenly there was a knock on the door….. She had no intention of answering anything or anyone else today. She was done.

Chapter Text

The night Miu had lost her cool someone had knocked on her door, and she had had a few notifications of missed calls from Orm too.

This was two days ago and Miu hadn’t left her apartment or touched her phone for none work related things since, much to her father’s dis-approvement she had worked from home and had her meetings via video calls.

Was she embarrassed about the other night, a little. But she had meant what she said and surprisingly she hadn’t heard a peep for 2 days. Whether this was by coincidence or whether Lena had actually listened – who knows.

It was 2pm and she had ordered food, her grocery shopping hadn’t occurred to her this week and right now, she simply didn’t care – she would brave the world again tomorrow.

She had just finished sending her email when her doorbell rang. Finally. She was starving.

She went to the door and politely bowed and accepted her food, thanking the courier but before she could shut the door, Lena's opened and she stood awkwardly between me and the poor delivery boy.

If the wild west was a moment this, was it – Lena looking at Miu, Miu looking at Lena then the boy and the boy eyeing both of them like he was watching a tennis match.

He cleared his throat awkwardly, clearly sensing the tension between the two and quickly turned saying to Miu “have a good day Miss” and then, he bolted.

Miu schooled her face and began to close the door, “Miu, wait, please” Lena said as she reached out to hold the door. Miu stopped closing the door but mainly because she didn’t want a lawsuit for crushing her hand, but she didn’t say anything either.

“I wanted to apologize for the other day; I didn’t realize you were back home and I should have been more respectful. I’m sorry” Lena said with slightly pinked cheeks and no sign of the bravado she usually gave off when she saw Miu.”

Miu looked at her, studying her for a moment and Lena genuinely did look sorry and but all she wanted right now was for this interaction to be over with as quickly as possible. So, she dismissively huffed “its fine, thank you for the apology but I need to get back to my meeting” she half lied. She did have a meeting but not for another half an hour.

Lena nodded her head and finally looked up to meet Miu’s eyes “for what it’s worth, I have a shop opening next week and will be doing my work there instead of here – so I won’t be disturbing you anymore.”

Miu’s mouth opened but nothing but air came out… a sex shop.  A SEX SHOP….Dont. say. A . word. Miu couldn’t hide the shudder that half creeped down her spine and she certainly didn’t trust her mouth right now; so, she just nodded her head once. More of a gesture she had heard than anything else.

She told Lena she had needed to get back to work and shut the door without another word. But once the door had closed a full body shiver shook down her spine cos who the fuck admitted to opening a sex shop?

Everything about her exquisite, precise and expensive up bringing screamed at her about how rude she had just been to Lena, but she couldn’t bring herself to say anything about that night because truthfully; every time she thought about it – she heard Lena's moan and she wasn’t prepared to dive into that part of her thoughts. Yet.

Chapter Text

Miu was sat in her big corner office doing something she rarely did – staring out into space, or the horizon if you wanted. Her phone buzzed, it was Orm. They had texted a few times since that night she had walked out but they hadn’t seen each other properly. Which is why Orm was now texting to ask if she wanted to meet at their favorite bar after her last meeting had finished.

If Miu was being honest, she would say she was slightly embarrassed about her outburst that night, but she would also say she didn’t regret it – just the how she went about it.

However, it had been a stressful few weeks and her last meeting today would finally give her some breathing space for a few days. So, she agreed but gave Orm the warning she couldn’t guarantee what time she would make it.

It was 9.30pm when her driver finally dropped her off outside the bar, she took a deep breath and could already feel the stress melting away and she hadn’t even gotten inside yet.

The bass thudded lowly in the background as Miu made her way inside, groups and couples alike huddled into booths talking and laughing, people over on the dancefloor under the flashing strobe lights having a good time and the bar packed – just like she had remembered.

She looked around and finally saw Orm and Ling sat near the back at the favorite booth, the best spot in the house; or so they thought so. Giving you a good view of everything but still gave you a little privacy as it was tucked almost into the corner.

Miu almost flopped into the chair after greeting them both. Orm giving her a big smile as Ling said, “it’s so good to see you, we`re glad you could make it.” Orm poured Miu a generous glass of the wine they had just opened, “I propose a toast” Orm almost glowed with mischief “to the enterprise queen, who has finally come back out to play.”

Miu couldn’t help but smile as she raised her glass and clinked it with theirs, huffing out a laugh and a mock serious tone as she replied “I beg your pardon! Its ICE enterprise queen to be exact.”

Ling and Orm burst out laughing at the title as they clinked glasses once more and took a generous sip. After a few minutes, Orm looked at her friend who was already scanning the bar, taking in everything going on around us. “I feel like I need to say something before we continue” Orm said seriously, “we are really sorry about that night a few weeks ago, we didn’t realize how much all this with Lena had really got to you and we are sorry for not taking it seriously.”

Miu reached over and grabbed her friend’s hands in hers and squeezed lightly, she smiled genuinely at them as she leaned forward “I appreciate that and I’m sorry too – I shouldn’t have left like I did. It was just all too much, and it just got to me. Now, no more about it – it’s our night to dance” she smiled widely.

It was nearly 2AM when Miu stumbled out of the elevator towards her apartment, giggling to herself like a naughty child caught stealing cookies, heels and handbag in one hand and blazer in the other.

She casually and carefully zip zagged towards her apartment door, chattering to herself happily and stopped at the door – swaying lightly as she tried to juggle everything in her hands as she tried to fight her bag open for the keys.

With a crash louder than it should have been in the quiet hall, everything in her hands was suddenly on the floor and pooled at her feet – including the contents of her now opened bag and Miu…. Just burst out laughing and swayed a little harder “what on earth are you doing down there” she giggled as if expecting her things to answer her.

Suddenly the door to her right opened and there stood the woman she had been avoiding for weeks, in short shorts and a tank top – looking…. Well, a lot sexier than someone should in that outfit.

But Lena didn’t move or speak, she just stood frozen looking at Miu. Miu on the other hand leaned her back against the wall and tilted her head back laughing to herself, “Lena, please tell them to answer me. I asked them what they are doing down there but they won’t answer me.” Nothing. Silence.

Still resting against the wall, Miu turned her head to look at her as she huffed “not you too, why is nobody talking to me?” Now Miu was drunk off her ass, but she would bet anything she owned that she just saw Lena gulp as she took a slow step forward. She definitely didn’t miss the look Lena gave her when her eyes dropped down to her outfit.

Anyone that knew Miu would say she dresses smart, classy and expensive with every outfit tailored to perfection.  What no one knew was, where day to day people couldn’t see, she mixed it with a sexiness that was almost provocative. She may have been brought up well but she was still a woman who liked nice things, even if nice meant sexy.

Right now, Lena was being witness to this first hand. Miu had removed the jacket on the way home that she had worn for work and now it left her in a black and gold tight, lace mesh corset top that left absolutely nothing to the imagination of her curves.  

Her trousers fitted to perfection almost making it look like a one piece, her bare arms and collarbone on full display and her hair was pinned up and exposed Miu’s full, long slender neck.

As Lena got closer, she still hadn’t spoken but her eyes hadn’t stayed still, she had never seen Miu like this and it had completely knocked every smart-ass comment from her memory.

She bent down collecting Miu’s things, but Miu clearly didn’t like the silence for once “Lena you shouldn’t be walking around like that, someone may see. I know you are used to it with your work but its not right” Miu said pouting.

Lena stood slowly with Miu’s belongings in one hand and her keys in the other, “you should be the one to talk, walking around like that should illegal. Anyone that has eyes would definitely be….” Lena let that trail off softly. It was a dangerous sentence to finish.

Miu raised an eyebrow as she raised her chin almost in defiance “are you saying you don’t like my clothes?” Lena purposely looked Miu up and down – slower this time and as she finally made eye contact with her again, she realized they were closer now…. When had she moved?!

“I never said that. The problem is…. I like it too much” Lena admitted. There was a silence, both watching, studying each other for what seemed like eternity but suddenly Lena snapped back to reality and remembered the clear amount of alcohol Miu had drunk.

She stepped back slightly, giving them both a little more room but it did nothing for the clear tension that now hovered around them. She outstretched her hand with Miu’s keys. Miu on the other hand searched her face and then looked at her hand, she didn’t drop the eye contact as she purposely let her fingers caress Lena's as she took back her keys.

Lena closed her eyes for a split second as she felt the sparks run up her hand and arm at the contact and when she opened them again, she knew by the slight smirk on Miu’s face that she had enjoyed the reaction.

If Miu wanted to play then she would play a little, Lena was trying hard to be respectful and neighborly but…. Between me and you? She had liked Miu from the very first day she had seen her.

She stepped back into Miu’s space and whispered huskily as she dropped her gaze again “don’t forget your jacket, I wouldn’t want anyone else to catch you like this. I hope you have sweet dreams, I know I will.”

With that Lena handed over the rest of Miu’s things as she walked with a little more swagger back to her doorway, glancing over her shoulder to check Miu was still watching and smiled devilishly when she noticed Miu’s eyes on her ass.

What the fuck just happened Miu!! Why didn’t you say anything else?! Idiot!

Miu finally snapped out of her trance and wobbled to her door, heart racing and definitely 10 degrees hotter than she should be.

It was the drink. Definitely the drink. Definitely not those short shorts and long toned legs.

Fuck!

Chapter Text

BZZZ BZZZ BZZZ

Miu made a sound that even a spirit would be proud of as she awoke to the sound of her phone vibrating on the bedside table… “Rise and shine sunshine” Orm blasted cheerfully from the other end, “we are going shopping today, no excuses.”

Miu groaned loudly “please for the love of everything, no. What time is it? In fact, what day is it?” she replied confusedly. Last night really took it out of her and she didn’t even know if she was still apart of this world or the next.

Orm simply laughed at Miu and carried on, taking no pity on her friends clearly fragile state – “I will meet you at 1.30 at our usual café for lunch, then we can hit the shops. No hangover is included in this day, me and Ling need accessories for the house, and I need your honest opinion. Ling just says she’s trusts me – I need brutal honesty and that’s you. See you then.” Then she was gone.

Miu held out the phone and sure enough it was now just her home screen, Orm really had put the phone down on her, no questions asked. Miu almost cried, she definitely threw the phone into the deeper depths of her quilt as she threw it back over her head and almost screamed under it. She just wanted to stay here and wallow in self-pity in peace. Oh no! Flashes…..

Miu sat bolt upright in bed, headache and fatigue suddenly forgotten…. Lena. She saw Lena last night. Holy fuck, no!

The flirting. The closeness. The short shorts. Shit! Miu dived out of bed when she caught the time and straight into the bathroom, she needed to get ready and at the very least try and wash off the embarrassment from last night before she met Orm.

It had taken every ounce of Miu’s will power to curl her hair, get dressed out of her comfy PJs and drag herself out into the hot, bright Bangkok sun. But, here she was in the café with her iced matcha waiting for Orm who had the absolute nerve to be late!

Miu puffed out another breath as she glanced at the time, she was 10 minutes late. The sheer cheek of the woman.

Then the door banged open and Orm looking pretty flustered came barreling towards her “I know, I know. I’m late, you’re pissed, I’m sorry. I had an unexpected video meeting, and it ran way over, but I’m here now and I’m sorry.”

Miu could have dragged this out, but in all honesty, she just couldn’t be bothered to even try and be snarky, plus, they had waited many nights when she got dragged into meetings and waited without question. Snark, sometimes. Madness and disappointment, never.

“It’s ok, I understand” Miu said simply as she took another large sip of her drink. “Ok, who are you and what have you done with my Miu?” Orm asked suspiciously “where is the sass and snark of the woman I know a hangover creates…”

Miu finally cracked a smile as she straightened her spine just a fraction trying to fake indifference “I don’t know what you mean, am I a little pissed you’re late – sure but, I know how meetings go and my head hurts way too much to be dramatic today.” Miu finished openly.

Orm laughed as she just shook her head and finally relaxed and ordered her drink on her phone app. “So, I see you got home in one piece at least. Usually, you text when you get home, you clearly didn’t die so did you just pass out?” Orm asked as she eyed Miu over the table and noticing the not-so-subtle shift in her chair ath the statement.

“I know that shuffle! Something happened!” Orm exclaimed loudly. Miu suddenly found the ridge and condensation of her glass very interesting. “Miu Natsha you better raise those sunglasses and look me in the eye and tell me nothing happened because your spine is screaming to spill the secrets!”

Miu instantly deflated. God damn long-term friendships! Can’t hide nothing!

Orm sat mouth agape for a good minute before she actually squealed and LOUDLY, “oh my god! Miu. Do you like her, did you flirt back? Did you finally find out what she does? She is very sexy”

“Shhhh, lower your voice! I’m embarrassed enough without you telling the whole of Bangkok what an idiot I am! No, I didn’t ask, I was….. distracted.” Miu said as she ducked her head. Orm couldn’t help clapping her hands and giggling like a schoolgirl finding out the best gossip of the year.

An hour passed by as they ate their food and finished up their drinks, Orm interrogating every last detail out of Miu before they finally headed out to the shops. Ducking in and out of anything and everything from cute little boutiques to expensive stores looking for house accessories.

Orm and Miu had bickered and laughed about each others questionable choices and compromised on behalf of Lings sanity as well when Orms choices got a bit too ‘out there.’

“There's just one more place I want to go and then you can retire back to the pit of your bed. A friend at work was telling me about it and it sounds really cool and the owner is supposed to be outstanding with their work” Orm said finally.

They walked down into the busy city square loaded with bags and furniture pieces on order as they chatted and laughed along the bustling streets. Orm suddenly stopped in front of a classy looking glass fronted store “A moment in time.”

As they headed inside a long red headed woman greeted them warmly with a polite wai, “welcome, my name is Kate. Feel free to look around, if you need anything – please don’t be scared to ask.” Miu and Orm responded accordingly and smiled politely as they both drifted around the large shop.

 It was a beautiful store that held an eclectic arrangement of art and pictures. It had stunning lighting to bring every piece to life, vases of flowers arranged to compliment not just the work but the whole place generally.

Every piece Miu walked past she studied and was captured into a stunned silence. A warmness she didn’t fully understand filling her chest, she wasn’t much of an art lover, she could say she liked a nice picture, but she never really understood the dynamics or pull behind the ‘collectors,’ until now. This was out of this world.

As she wondered around, she could hear Orm talking to Kate and had asked about a specific area she had seen that was curtained off and a sign politely hung saying “no access, please do not enter.”

“This is the owners’ workshop and isn’t open to the public I’m afraid” Miu heard Kate explain.

Miu wondered back down towards the counter as Kate carefully package a couple of the smaller pictures Orm had clearly bought. “Miu, could you please just take a picture of that for me and send it to Ling while I pay for these, Kate says that one has to be ordered for delivery if she wants it.” Orm politely asked as she pointed to a large painting further into the store.

Miu took her phone and sent the message to Ling as she walked back down to Orm at the counter, the phone buzzed in Miu’s hand, and as she looked down to read it. Suddenly the curtain swung open and Miu hit something hard, dropping the phone – “I’m so sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going.” Miu said hurriedly, bending down to pick up the fallen phone.

As Miu snapped back up she came face to face with the last person she ever expected to see. “Lena! What are you doing here?”

There stood the very woman herself, as if summoned by the spirits themselves -  it was in fact, the one and only Lena “Nice to see you too Miu. I thought I heard your name mentioned, so I had to see it for myself. Welcome to my store.”

Chapter Text

* Flashback *

Miu stood mouth fully agape and statue still. Lena's voice ringing in her ears – ‘welcome to my store’. Miu had felt like the floor had fallen out from under her feet, because seriously, what the actual fuck was happening right now?

Orm had clearly noticed the goldfish expression and come to Mius rescue, “Lena, it’s so good to see you. Unexpected but nice, right Miu?” she had said with a playful nudge to Miu side.

That seemed to have caught her attention enough to snap her out of the gaze as she whipped her head to Orm and then back to Lena as she scrambled to answer, “right. Yes. Good to see you. Of course.” She had said in broken fragments of a sentence as they left her brain.

Lena had smiled that annoying smile, the one that said she knew something before it was actually thrown out into the universe. “I won’t keep you guys from your shopping, I actually have a client waiting” Lena had said as she pointed back over her shoulder, “I just wanted to see for myself that the one and only Miu Natsha was in my store. She had given a polite wai and left, Miu however was frozen. Stuck solid. Orm had to actually had to drag her out into the hot humid Bangkok air before she had snapped out of her head “what the fuck just actually happened Orm?” Miu had almost whispered.

That was 3 days ago and Miu was currently back to hiding in her condo, her work had continued but by strict video calls and emails only. No leaving, no food delivers and definitely no opening the door to even the slightest sound or squeak that happened outside her door.

Miu, you run a multi-million baht cooperation with one of the biggest names in Bangkok and you are hiding from ONE woman.  Miu had said to herself on numerous occasions over the last 3 days and more than once a day at that!

Orm had called and text numerous times with a solid mixture of teasing, laughing and then genuine concern for her friend and still, Miu hid.

How the hell…. What the hell had happened?

Miu’s phone vibrated violently on the table beside her laptop, ‘Orm calling’. Miu inhaled deeply, she knew she had hidden for as long as humanly possible, if she didn’t answer again, she knew Orm would come and bang on the door. Miu definitely didn’t need that, especially with Lena only being next door, the last thing she wanted to do was give her front row seats to a show of her hiding after finding Lenas shop.

“Hi Or…….”

“Finally! You are alive! I have been texting and calling for 3 days! 3 DAYS MIU….”

“I know, I know. I’m sorry, I just…..” Miu had tried to say but was instantly cut off, “don’t you dare say you have been busy with work. We both know you are internally overheating about your very sexy neighbour. Do not lie to me Miu, I’m like a shark, I can smell blood in the water, and your water is very very fragrant right now!”

Miu couldn’t help the laugh at that statement “firstly, please don’t ever use that saying again and secondly, yes, you are correct. I'm still trying to process and its freaking me out.”

“Honey…” Orm said softly as she took a deep breath and calmly continued, “I know you’re freaking out but you can’t hide Miu, please meet me and Ling at the bar tonight. We can all talk it out; you can say whatever you need to get it off your chest and finally get out of that god damn apartment. Please?”

Miu sighed loudly, she knew she wasn’t going to get out of this any longer, so she closed her eyes and agreed reluctantly. “I love you, I promise no teasing, just drinks, dance and talking. We’ll, see you at 7.30” Orm said as she hung up.

The call had ended but Miu’s heartrate had just accelerated by about 100, she was going out. In public. God help me.

It was 7.15 as Miu took one last look in the mirror, she had styled her hair in perfect waves, picked a dress she knew looked damn fine on her, the split along her thigh alone was a killer view and her makeup was flawless, if Miu did say so herself. She looked flawless, confident, perfectly put together – everything she didn’t feel right now but ‘fake it till you make it, right?’

Miu had made it roughly halfway through the crowd of the bar when she saw Ling and Orm waiting at their ‘usual’ table, “wow, I see we are breaking out the big guns tonight. You look stunning.” Orm said with an impressed once over, with Lingling nodding in agreement.

Lingling poured Miu a generous glass of their favourite wine as Orm casually leaned forward and playfully inquired “so to what do we owe this pleasure? You have been hiding in your condo for 3 days; I had to emotionally blackmail you into meeting us tonight and now…. You are dressed to kill…. Spill lil sis….”

Miu sighed deeply, she knew she wouldn’t escape a grilling tonight, but she had at least expected to have a mouthful of her wine before the inquisition began.

Leaning back in her chair Miu ran her fingers along the stem of her glass, purposefully avoiding the eye contact she could feel awaiting her response from both sets of eyes, “I just needed to feel more like me, these last few months with everything I feel like I'm going crazy. Then walking into Lena at her studio store a few days ago it spun me out. Honestly, I just needed to feel like I’m actually controlling something.”

Ling and Orm slyly looked at each other, Miu hated being pitied or looked down on but to hear how much this whole situation was affecting her, it was crystal clear that beyond the teasing and the jokes – this was no longer a situation of not wanting a sex worker for a neighbour. This ran deeper.

Orm reached across the table and took Miu’s free hand as she looked her best friend in the eye and gently asked “I’m going to ask something, and I know you will hate me for it but I’m 100% serious, no more teasing or jokes – do you have feelings for Lena?”

Miu snapped her head up like she had been burned, but before she could say anything more Orm continued, “I know it started as you not liking the idea of someone in her ‘line of work’ being your neighbour but I think along the way, the curiosity has turned into something more. You now also know that she isn’t what you thought, so…..?”

Ling studied both women carefully before she added “we love you Miu and we don’t like seeing you so stressed, whether Lena was or wasn’t a sex worker if that was the person you would have chosen to be a part of your life – friend or girlfriend we would still love you and welcome her. All jokes aside, we would never have not welcomed her regardless of what she did for work.”

Miu couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face at the cuteness and supportiveness of her friends, whatever argument she was going to try and say about not liking Lena just died in her throat.

“Honestly, I really don’t know, and I think this is part of the reason I’m as stressed as I am with it all. I can’t lie and say I’m not attracted to her; she has a way about her that draws me in – whether I’ve wanted to or not” Miu said shyly.

Lingling smiled widely and Orm clapped excitedly at Miu’s admission, she squeezed Miu’s hand tightly as she said, “Ok, so now stop looking at Lena as the sex worker and start looking at her as someone you have just met. A clean slate and take it from there. A new beginning.”

Miu looked down smiling shyly and then raised her glass, “to new beginnings.”

Chapter Text

Miu was growing. Being an adult. With an actual job.

She had decided after her night out with Ling and Orm that she was going to take their advice and try and wipe the slate clean.

So here she was, at work and not hiding in her condo and continuing with her normal life.

Luckily, she hadn’t seen Lena yet to test this new and advancing Miu. But still, she was growing. It was progress.

It was now 2 weeks since the night out and 3 since she had seen Lena. Miu had found her rhythm again and things finally felt better in her world, not normal; but better.

She had thought of Lena often more than she cared to admit and about what Orm had said – “I think along the way, the curiosity has turned into something more.” She was right and it scared the hell out of her.

Miu was no delicate angel, she had been on dates, even brief flings but never anything serious. She was always too busy and focused on her career and family to concentrate on anything other than pure physical need sometimes.

Lena however, she scared Miu. The big bad heiress was scared of everything Lena had made her feel without so much as a proper hello. Things she hadn’t even felt for the people that had shared her bed.

Now, she just needed to figure out how to look Lena in the eye after this realization and how did one actually explain that – ‘hey, I never gave you the time of day previously because I thought you were a hooker?!’

She was royally screwed.

It was 7pm when Miu climbed out of the back of her work car, she was grabbing her bags from the back when she heard a low whistle. For a brief second her body froze and with a wave of courage due to her driver still waiting in the front – she snapped around, ready to give the person a piece of her mind … “who do…”

The rest of the words died in her throat as the one and only Lena was stood clearly admiring the view. Miu straightened her spine and automatically pulled her executive mask into play – not expecting to be caught so off guard by the very woman she had avoided like the plague for weeks. “Thank you Phi, I will see you tomorrow at 10am” she said to her driver as she pushed the door closed.

Lena watched as the car slowly pulled away with that slight infuriating smirk, she used almost every time her and Miu came face to face. Once the car pulled around the corner, she drew her eyes back to Miu and smiled widely now, taking a slow but intentional stride forward.

“I was beginning to think you had left me without saying goodbye, I haven’t seen you around for a while” Lena said casually but with an undercurrent of a tease. As Lena crept slowly closer and closer to Miu – she never broke eye contact, nor did she drop the wide smile.

Miu stood. Embarrassingly longer than she would ever admit aloud to anyone, without saying a word. Just watched, like pray frozen; because that is exactly what she felt like right now. For hells sake Miu, move! Speak!

‘Fake it till you make it’ Like a switch had been flicked on Miu straightened her posture and with as much bravado she could manage at this sober moment, she answered coolly “why would I do that?” Her eyes scanning Lena, just briefly but enough for the latter to smile broader.

Lena stopped just short of an arm length away, “I don’t know, you tell me. I get the impression you try to avoid me as much as possible.” As much as the statement stung Miu, she also couldn’t blame Lena for thinking this – because bottom line… She had been avoiding her.

So, Miu strapped on her big girl pants and decided to be honest. For once. Growing. Clean slate.

“I have to admit, I did feel like that initially, but…” Miu inhaled deeply, trying to calm her racing heart as she admitted, “but I don’t feel like that anymore, I’ve just been really busy with work.”

Lena perked up at hearing this, clearly not expecting any admission like it. She leaned forward ever so slightly as she asked “oh really? Now I’m intrigued, why the sudden change of heart?

Miu glanced around, looking for any kind of Segway. Help. A person, she knew….anything to dig her out of this current whole she had now dropped herself in. But nothing.

Her poor heart panicking with every passing millisecond, so, she glanced around one last time and decided she wasn’t going to avoid this anymore, nerves and dignity be damned. “I really don’t want to do this out here, are you free in an hour? There's a bar not far from here, we can….”

Lena faked shock, making Miu snap her mouth closed. Lena drew in an exaggerated breath, slapping her hand over her chest as she whispered, “are you asking me on a date Miu?”

Miu squeaked. Actually squeaked. Very undignifiedly.

Her mouth hanging open slightly. She might have blinked once. Maybe twice….

Then, “absolutely not, but I am not explaining myself in the street for just anyone to overhear. If you want to hear me out, it’s my one and only offer – take it or leave it Lena.” Miu folded her arms defensively across her chest, her spine still straight but the tips of her ears were definitely on fire.

Lena just looked more than pleased with the reaction before she said “Ok, one hour and ill meet you.” Miu gave her the name of the bar and turned to finally head into her building. Lena glanced at Miu once more before she continued on to finish her errand, now with a grin that would make any cartoon cat proud.

What the fuck did I just do. Miu, you idiot!