Disclaimer: The Sailorsenshi aren't mine, I'm just borrowing them.
Evening Colours
By Yamiyuri
It was a situation they had found themselves in dozens of times in the last few years. Five young women sat around a low table, each with their own respectable heap of books that covered a wide range of subjects between them all. Compared to previous sessions the room seemed unusually quiet as each student (supposedly) reviewed their homework and studied for future classes, the only sounds present being the scratching of pencils, the soft rustle of paper, and the occasional thump of a book coming to rest on the table.
Often, in times past the two blondes present in the group had actively attempted to distract their studying comrades, unable to concentrate on their own work but that had changed as they matured. Their ventures to weasel snacks out of the brunette, manga out of the raven-haired one, and reactions out of the bluenette had given way to more serious activities… for the most part.
So were their days of fighting monsters and demons seeking to destroy the planet or siphon its inhabitants of various energies… for now at least. And they intended to make the most out of their temporary peace.
Usagi Tsukino; Blonde hair done up in an odd double bun/double ponytail style, delighted blue eyes, and slender body, she exudes a childishly innocent aura. A klutz retaining air headed qualities, and a black hole of a stomach, one might have a hard time accepting the fact that she is also Sailormoon, Warrior of the Moon and future queen of the Crystal Era.
Despite still being a slacker at times, she had finally roused herself to take her education somewhat seriously (despite being a cute image, no one wants a queen who lacks a complete understanding of the world around her, after all). Following advice from her friends, she took up economic and psychology courses, as well as world history, and various other short courses to help broaden her general knowledge of the world. Already a master of understanding the hearts of others, she now focused on understanding the minds of others, a natural next step. Though difficult in the beginning, her friends had supported her and now she was doing well.
Makoto Kino; Tall, strong, auburn hair tied back into a ponytail with her favourite pink ribbon. Longer bangs now framed her face (a suggestion from Ami), nicely complimenting her liquid jade eyes. A student of martial arts, few people were blessed to see her surprisingly soft side. The side that loved to grow flowers, cook, clean and take care of others. That aspect of her would be even more surprising if it were known that she was also Sailorjupiter, Warrior of Lightning and combat powerhouse of the Sailor Senshi.
All of her friends, save Ami, had expected her to pursue a career in cooking, but she had surprised them and had chosen to study botany instead. She had discovered a deepening desire to know, study, grow and (one day, she hoped) to breed new flowers. While not professionally continuing to cook, she did practice on the side, what with all of her friends more than willing to review any new and tasty consumable delights that she had the urge to create.
Ami Mizuno; A small, quiet genius with short cropped, naturally blue hair and soft, azure eyes to match. An intellectual with many interests and talents, gifted with surprising insight and hidden athleticism. Appearing delicate, especially sitting next to her best friend Makoto, it's certainly shocking to learn that this apparently fragile girl was also Sailormercury, Warrior of Ice and tactical expert of the team.
Ami's small mountain of books far surpassed that of her friends for though she dreamed of becoming a doctor, she had also discovered joy in writing. Also, she had learned through tutoring her friends through high school that she enjoyed teaching. Unable to decide on any one path, she chose to study all three, hoping to find an aspect of one that would sway her into a final choice. Usagi once suggested writing medical textbooks to fulfill all three, but Ami explained that the lack of creativity from the endeavor, the distant method of a teaching aid, and not using the medical knowledge directly would just leave her more unsatisfied than with a single choice. Needless to say, she didn't get Usagi's joke.
Rei Hino; Mysterious and temperamental, also a beautiful shrine maiden with raven black hair and amethyst eyes that shined with her laughter and sparked with her anger. Spiritual and psychic, with a strong personality used to duty, she is also Sailormars, Warrior of Flame. Using not only her powers of fire during combat, more than once she had changed the course of battle by using one of her seal scrolls against powerful enemies. Capable of predicting the arrival of new threats, she has aided her friends both on and off the battlefield.
Though expected to take over shrine duties from her grandfather one day her had begun to study music, something she had developed a love for quite some time ago. Even she wasn't sure if she was serious about her studies but with all the duties expected of her, both as Rei the shrine maiden and as Sailormars, she wanted to learn this for herself. Something not for the shrine or for the battlefield. She didn't hate her duties, but it was a comforting thought that she could take this on and have the freedom to go as far with it as she wanted, all the way to the top or to toss it aside at a moments notice without betraying the trust people placed in her.
Minako Aino; Athletic, energetic, a smile like the sun and blue eyes like a cloudless sky. Her trademark giant red ribbon tied into her flowing golden hair. Slender and strong, intelligent and charming, and radiating a sensual aura. The perfect qualities for Sailorvenus, the Warrior of Love and combat leader of the Senshi. Often matchmaking and mangling any number of proverbs and quotes few realize the depth of her character and simply assume her for another bubble headed pretty face.
She toyed with the idea of becoming a nurse, something her friends quickly dissuade. Over the years they had all been subjected, at one time or another, to "Nurse Minako". They all knew she cared but it's difficult, if not dangerous, to encourage someone who as often as not actually caused their maladies to worsen through her overenthusiasm. Her main goal remained her dream to become an idol, though for some reason her focus seemed to fade slowly over recent times. Lately she had also given up wasting her time chasing boys around, her interest in them fading along with her idol dream. After a short time kicking back, she sprang back into action and filled her extra 'boy-chasing-free' spare time by taking up acting courses to fill out her day and be the 'Nine-Yards Package' as she so eloquently put it.
-RM-
' I know we can't really help each other study anymore, but it's good motivation and everyone's comfortable together. I'm glad we still meet like this.' I think to myself as I force back a sigh, blankly staring at my music history book. I don't know why I can't concentrate on my work, because it's a subject I've rather fond of. 'Oh well, sometimes you just can't force it.' I flip to a random page and glance at my friends.
My thoughts wander to Usagi first. 'I think she's changed the most. I'm glad that she's putting effort into improving herself as our future leader, instead of living in a fairytale about how she'll magically become a perfect queen overnight like she used to.' I flip to another random page so the others don't think I'm slacking and get on my case. 'Seeing her put forth this much effort makes it easier to support her. When the time comes I know we'll all come together perfectly.'
As I suppress a sigh and ignore an article on 17th century music I steal a glance at the book that Makoto is reading. '"A Treatise on Crossbreeding." I think she was studying that last time too. It's still hard to believe that she's gone into botany. She hasn't really told us why, but I'd bet she told Ami! Those two seem to share everything.' I seem to recall that Jupiter is the protector of Mercury, but I just don't know if it was this life, a past life memory, or even just something I daydreamed, not that I daydream about my friends. Not those two anyway. I wonder just how close those two are.
'As for Ami…' I look at the clock behind the bluenette, catching a peak at her textbook. '"Literary Devices and You; A Guide to the Stars and beyond!" So she's chosen writing tonight… That title is completely ridiculous. I suppose when you're as smart as Ami it's hard to choose what you want to do. She's good at everything she does; I even heard she was a good mechanic.' I reprimand myself for staring at the same page for too long and casually move on, hoping I wasn't noticed. 'I thought she was destined to become a great doctor. Sometimes I wonder how much our choices really matter.' However that's a depressing line of thought and I quickly squish it.
My eyes crawl over Minako for a moment. We take the same music classes together. 'I don't know how she keeps going taking music, dance and acting. Her energy is simply amazing. She does them all so wonderfully too. I don't think the others realize just how hard she works. I went to her dance class just once and watched her, I felt tired after seeing her do that routine! And I thought temple duties could be tiring at times.' I stop and ponder my thoughts a moment. 'Yes, I asked to watch her dance class once, but I really just watched her. I'm thankful she was too busy to notice me staring.'
'Yes, I can admit it to myself. I enjoy watching Minako. I don't remember when I started trying to catch glimpses of her when no one was paying attention to me, but I sure as hell know I like it when I do! I remember how thrilled I was when we realized we were taking the same music courses, and arranged to make sure we took them in the same blocks. It's just so great to be able to work with her on our projects.'
'Whoops! I better start studying for real before I start staring or blushing or drooling or worse.' I force myself to read for real.
-RM-
Makoto stretched and cracked her neck before glancing at the clock behind her. "Well everyone, I don't know about you girls, but I'm reading for a break," she declared, reaching into her pack and retrieving a large, bulging bag. "And a snack!" she continues, opening it and placing it at the centre of the table. "Dig in everyone!"
Rei stood up and announced that she would get milk for everyone, warning "Odango-chan" that there better be some left for her when she got back, just as Usagi descended upon the cookies like a wave of locusts. She quickly returned with a jug of milk and five glasses, and noticed that Minako was gone. "Where did Minako go?" she inquired, setting down the items she had retrieved.
"She said she wanted to get a breath of fresh air and headed for the front porch." Ami answered as she picked up the jug of milk and filled everyone's glasses for them.
"Tch! She left without any cookies? With Odango in the room? What was she thinking?" replied Rei, as she collected two glasses of milk and a handful of cookies before heading to the front entrance, ignoring Usagi's cookie-muffled indignation.
Rei exited the temple's front door and looked from side to side, spotting Minako after a moment. She was leaning against the wall, blankly staring out at the evening sky, orange and red of the setting sun splashing the scenery. Rei walked over and leaned against the wall beside Minako and silently offered her the milk and cookies she had brought out with her. Minako accepted them with a mumbled thanks and nibbled on a cookie, still staring out at the clouds in the sky. Rei stared at the sky for a moment before inwardly sighing at the silence.
"It's really quite beautiful this evening isn't it, Minako?" Rei offered, hoping to start a conversation with the quiet beauty. Minako merely nodded in response. "Ah… the orange and red mix well, I think. It shows up especially nicely on the clouds." Rei offered again, hoping to at least get a word or two in return before her temper got the best of her.
"Yeah… I didn't expect it to be so pretty when I came out here." Minako quietly said after a few moments.
"So, what's wrong? You usually don't disappear like that. Especially not when there're Mako-snacks and Usagi in the same room." Rei tilted her head towards Minako and watched her from the corner of her eye as she talked.
"Ahh… I'm not sure." Minako muttered uncommittingly.
"Mina... please tell me what's wrong. It's unnatural to see you this… this uninspired I guess." Rei turned to her friend completely, genuine care showing in her violet eyes.
Minako gave her friend a surprised look, the bright evening colours gracing her features almost looked like a blush. "Oh! Please don't worry about me Rei!" She smiled brightly, "I'm perfectly fine, I've just been thinking a lot lately." She dipped a cookie in her milk and popped it in her mouth, appearing cheerful as usual.
"Oh?" Rei questioned a smirk on her features, "What were you thinking about? Probably a boy considering how spaced out you were!"
"Nah," Minako shook her head, "I haven't met a guy yet worth the time, and I'm tired of chasing crushes looking for true love. If I chase the wrong thing too hard I'll end up missing the right thing!" She said emphatically, making a fist in front of herself. She stayed like that a moment, holding her smile before it faded slightly, her hand dropping to her side and relaxing.
"Is that really why you stopped, Mina?" Rei asked after a minute of silence and studying Minako's face.
Minako looked thoughtful a moment, wondering if she should answer honestly or not, when Makoto popped her head out the front door and yelled over to them.
"Hey! Are you two trying to get out of studying or something? You know the rules; you try to slack and we tickle you into submission!"
"Sorry Mako, we're coming in now!" Minako yelled and walked in briskly. Rei sighed and followed her in, taking a vicious bite out of her cookie.
-RM-
I take my seat beside Minako once again and pick up my textbook, resisting the urge to look at her. 'I wonder if she's having trouble drawing inspiration lately. That'd be the most likely explanation for her behaviour. Or she could just be bored with it all.' I mentally nod to myself, sure that I've hit the reason for her ennui.
'Or maybe… maybe she's just not interested in guys anymore!' The faintest of blushes crosses my cheeks as I imagine sweeping Minako off of her feet under a starlit sky. That pleasant thought, and its associate blush, is quickly wiped away by colder thoughts. 'Yeah, right. That's a pipe dream and a half. It's be more like…' I try to sweep Minako off her feet, resulting in me picking her up and falling over when she asks me what I'm doing. 'That's more likely. Sigh.'
'It's just boredom. I'll try to cheer her up tomorrow or something.'
'But for now I'll concentrate on my work.' I actually believe that for about four minutes before I give up and decide how I'll try to cheer up Minako. 'Hum… shopping? Too expensive, but I'll keep it in mind. Picnic? Not bad, but she might think it's weird with just the two of us. Would be nice though… gah, stop thinking like that! Must focus on helping her.'
'I can't believe what an effect she has on me! She drives me crazy, and she constantly acts like an air head! And nosy… and scheming! And… and… sweet. Loving… caring… kind… Argh! Energetic too.' This always happens. 'Strong, cheerful personality…' I think my eyes close, but I don't care.
'Mhmm… and beautiful too. That bow looks perfect in her silky hair. Gentle blue eyes. Her skin looks so smooth she glows; I really want to feel it… She can look so graceful sometimes. She's so… slender, and her breasts are just the right size! Those soft, pink lips have got to be perfect for kissing.'
I see Mina in front of me, a suggestive look in her eyes. She leans towards me slightly, closing her eyes and parting her lips just a little. Catching my breath I press forward closing my eyes as I feel my lips touch hers, my arms snaking around her shoulders, one hand weaving my fingers into her hair, the other stroking her back. I open my mouth to slide my tongue into her mouth but squeak in surprise when she beats me to it, her tongue probing my lips, then stroking my own. I shudder as her hands rest on my hips and moan into her mouth, my hand sliding down her back, over her bottom, over her thigh just past her skirt and resting just beneath the hem. I rub her leg just a moment before my hand slides up underneath her skirt, feeling the soft skin of her legs… 'And oh my…'
"Mhmm… those legs!"
-RM-
Minako looked up from her notebook and looked around, confused. She tilted her head as if listening for some distant sound. "What… what is that sound?" She asked herself quietly. One by one Usagi, Ami, and Makoto noticed the odd, low sound and looked around for the source. Finally Minako's eyes came to rest on Rei's still form.
"Rei… Rei, are you... purring?" She leaned in and asked her friend who was slightly slumped over her textbook, eyes closed.
"Mhmm… those legs!" Rei suddenly declared with a delighted purr, causing her friends to face-fault.
-RM-
'Huh? What's that sound?' Rei opened her eyes slowly, not quite sure what was going on. 'Sounds like… like… Oh no. No. I didn't. I. Did. Not. I couldn't have.' She suddenly shot up, completely aware of where she was, and what she had been daydreaming about, a deep red blush on her surprised and horrified features. The others were all laughing. At her. Even Ami was suppressing a giggle at her expense! 'I did. Damage control, damage control!'
"Ok, ok, I fell asleep during the study session, it's not that funny you guys!" I grumbled indignantly.
"Rei! Rei you were positively purring!" Usagi shrieked with laughter, tears forming at the corners of her eyes.
I feel my face turn a shade redder.
"It was priceless, Rei! You must have it bad from the sounds you were making there!" Mako chimed in, Ami giggling uselessly into her best friend's side.
I turned a deeper shade of red.
"C-come on! It wasn't that bad!" I stuttered in an attempt to defend myself. Minako barely calmed herself and grinned at me, a merciless glint in her eyes. 'This can't be good, did I reveal too much?'
"Uh huh… So, Rei, just how great were those legs anyway? And who do they belong to, hmm?" She managed to ask between giggles.
I perform the Super-Blush™. 'But at least she doesn't know!'
"That's none of your business! It's, it's not even my fault anyway! It was just a dream! I don't get to choose who I dream about, even if I remembered I wouldn't say anyway!" I erupt, trying my best to deflect my friend's attentions.
"Yeah, right, Rei. You didn't look asleep to me. I bet it was a daydream and you just don't want to tell us who this crush of yours is!" Mina snorts at me.
'Ack! She's close, way too close!'
"Bah!" I rumble in my best aloof voice. "You can all waste your time if you want, but I have to study."
'Ignore, Ignore, Ignore, Ignore! Good, they're finally getting back to studying.' I do my best to appear to study for the rest of the evening and eventually the time rolls around for the others to head home.
We all say our goodbye's and I fight off my blushes at their attempts to poke fun at me. Usagi's first to leave, since she has early classes the next day.
"Good night everyone, don't let Rei's purring interfere with your studying!" and she ducks out the door, narrowly dodging my fist to the top of her dango'd head.
'… May she not get any sleep tonight.'
Next to go is Ami with Makoto not far behind.
"Well, I'm heading home; I don't want to stay up too late." Ami announced quietly as she packed up.
"I'm headed out too, I'll walk you home, Ami." Makoto said as she got ready to go.
Thankfully, they both leave without any tasteless remarks, but from the looks on their faces they just barely kept it in.
Mina is staying later than everyone else, as usual. Normally it's just a little more quiet studying or chit-chat, but I know I'm in for it from the curious look in her eyes.
"So?" She looks at me expectantly.
"So… what?" I look back at her, giving her the clichéd response.
"Oh, come on! I'm your best friend, you can tell me, so tell me!" she demands, trying to weasel the information out of me.
"Nope. Told ya, it was just a dream." I smirk as I deliver the retort.
"Oh, it was not! You can't sit like that and be asleep, so teeeeell me!" she gives me her best big eyes, cutie pie, fake pouty face. And it almost, almost works.
"No way, you'll just have to wonder like everyone else!" I declare and stick my tongue out at her, and mess up her hair at the same time for good measure, which earns me a gasp.
"What! You never resist that look!" she huffs at me and fixes her hair. "Fine, don't tell me, but you know I'll find out eventually." She sticks her tongue out me, and I fight a blush. I put on my best air of superiority and smirk softly, reading my book.
She grumbles in defeat and studies a bit longer before packing up to go. At the door she turns to me and gives me the classic Sailor V pose.
"I will find out Rei! Super Detective V is on the job and 'she always gets her case!'"
"… That's not how the quote goes."
She huffs in response. 'So cute when she does that.'
"I'll still find out, Rei!" She laughs and runs out the door.
'Ahh… She'll forget by tomorrow I'm sure." I clean up the area and get ready for bed, thinking about the evening sky of orange and red and how beautiful Mina looked in the sunset.
-RM-
I feel just a tinge of longing and sadness when I climb into bed and realize how cold the sheets are.