Disclaimer: We all know I don't own. So done with that.

Some changes made but I don't think it's noticeable.

The Notebook

~0~

"Minako! I've packed everything down stairs! Are you ready?!"

I heard my sister yell as the wooden steps sounded with every step she took upward. A small smile makes its way on my face as I know what's coming in: five, four, three, two, one.

"Mi-na-ok- chan!" Usagi screams in my ear as she wraps her arms around my waist squeezing the breath out of my lungs.

"Usagi. Can't- breathe!" I gasped out as I felt my face go red to blue from lack of oxygen.

A short scream and I was quickly released but sadly the reason why she released me wasn't because she noticed that she was choking me. What a crazy girl!

"You did an exchange diary? Wow! I wanna read!" She yelled, beginning to open the book.

I snapped my head around and saw her holding a leather bound notebook in her hands with the insignia of Mars and Venus intertwined and a name printed in perfect calligraphy on the front cover above my own. Anything but that!

"No Usagi!" I screamed snatching the book out of her hand. I held the book close to my heart sending her a perfect imitation of someone else's glare.

My sister backed off chuckling, pretending to be scared. She knew I would never hurt her and I knew it as well but there were some things that I knew I could never share with her. Oh whom am I kidding I would never share this book with anyone.

Anyone that wasn't the other half of this book.

I guess she saw the pain in my eyes because she said, "Mina-chan do you want me to drive?"

At first I wanted to say no. Her driving is something I learned early that you never wanted to let her do. If her boyfriend was in the car with her then it was even worse. I remember one time they went for a ride together. When they had left Usagi had been in the driver's seat and when they had returned he was driving and his head was wrapped in gauze. They had spent the rest of that night laughing at all the horror stories Mamoru told of her driving in Tokyo. Today though looking at our notebook I knew I would let her. The six hour drive would do me some good.

"Sure. That would be great."

I know she was excited to be returning to Tokyo. I had lived in Kyoto most of my life. Usagi came to live with my mom and me three years ago during our senior year but with Mom dying a month ago and Father wanting us to come back there and Usagi's friends that miss her we decided to move back. Somehow it worked out that we will be living together with them. I understand that they were all close. Seeing this book again though has made me nervous. I had heard that she moved to Tokyo back then but I'm not sure.

Rei was my first, last and only lover. But she wasn't my last kiss.

No that belongs to someone else and the cause of me losing Rei. We had been best friends our whole lives. She had entrusted me with the one thing that she would never just trust anyone with: Her heart. When she moved right after finding out about my faithlessness to her, I was crushed. I haven't forgotten her nor have I dated anyone else. No, I think of her every day. I wish I could go back and never kiss that boy.

I wish that I could of told her that what she saw wasn't what it looked like. But it was. Yaten had me pressed against the wall cupping my breast as he sucked on my neck then because of my lack of protest captured my lips that left me numb. I had been having doubt about our relationship and everyone in school knew we were together. Yaten hadn't cared. He only cared about being the best.

"Mi-na-ko-chan!"

Usagi is standing next to the car waving her arms. Smiling I follow and we both get in the car. I hastily buckle up. I watch as she puts the key in the ignition, pushes in the clutch, and shifts down into fourth gear killing the engine. Usagi blinked once then threw her hand behind her head laughing. Sweet kami I hope we make it there in one piece. She gives it another go and this time we are moving forward.

~0~

Minako,

I know we have been friends for a long time and we…

We know…

Lol nevermind. School has been alright and I think my class is on top again.

How is school for you

Rei~

~x~

Rei,

Thanks for being my exchange partner.

Do you have any idea how many people swooned when they heard?

The whole school. Not that you care. You may be a two years older but there isn't one person here

who doesn't want to be your partner.

And I'm sorry I messed up at the club today. I'll do better tomorrow.

It's a promise.

Minako~

~0~

I smiled at the first few entries. I was so lucky at the time I thought when she said she would be my partner for it. I should have partnered off with a second year but Rei said she would instead. I thought she was just being my best friend and I tried not to read more into it then what was there. Which was just friendship. Kami I hated that word when it came to Rei.

She was perfect.

Rei ate like a queen.

Rei talked and laughed with everyone.

Huh…

Thinking back on it now I didn't realize till just now how fake she was. She talked and laughed but it was different than how she was with me. Around me she was honest and open. I had only ever seen her cry a couple times but that was after she was home and locked away in her room. When her mother and father had died, that had been the worse. After losing Mom I know how she felt.

I would like to think Rei had me. I know her Grandpa was there for her but still; I would like to think that she knew I was there for her.

~0~

Hey Minako,

You know there are days that I just can't believe we are friends.

When I first met you, you were so annoying. Don't get me wrong but you were.

Looking back I can think of all the times and ways we don't match.

But you're my best friend.

There is something I want to tell you.

I can't yet because I'm scared of what you will say.

But I just want to let you know that I'm glad we are doing this diary exchange together.

Rei~

P.S. Remember to show up to practice on time -_-

~x~

Rei,

I'm sorry! Again! Ugh the teacher made me write lines for being late this morning.

Don't worry I will do my five hundred shots after practice. Ugh

You know that whatever you want to tell me I will be there to listen.

You're my best friend Rei and I can't think of anyone else I want with me.

Minako~

~0~

I smile at what I'm reading. Rei really was cute when she wasn't sure what to say or do.

I loved embarrassing her though. I remember one time I asked if she ever farted and Rei just about blew a casket. Of course it might of gone better if I hadn't ask her right there in the middle of lunch in front of the whole school.

I look over at Usagi who seems to be driving just fine.

"Usagi what are your friends like?"

"Hmmm. Well first there is Kino Makoto. She loves to cook and generally keeps thing clean."

After that last word left her mouth she took both hands off the wheel placing them behind her head as she laughs. I screamed her name seeing a car heading towards us. She let out a shriek grabbing for the wheel at the same time I did. We both maneuver the car back to our side of the road. I let go of the steering wheel and sit back in my seat.

Usagi is red, I can tell. I'm not mad. I know why she thought that was funny. She is not the cleanest person in the world. I know I'm not either but right now I'm just more curious about her friend we're going to start living with soon.

"So, Makoto and who else?" I ask.

Usagi keeps her hands and eyes on the road.

"Ami. She is smart…like genius smart. She would help me get through school and tests. Both are really nice. Let's see…Oh and Setsuna. She is a bit mysterious along with Michiru and Haruka. They are older than the rest of us by three years."

I had to think for a moment. One, two then three, four, five, Usagi six and me that makes seven. Wait seven?!

"There are gonna be seven people living in this house?!" I exclaim.

My sister laughs but I don't know why. She continues on for a couple more minutes and part of me wants to smack her in the back of the head. Huh, I guess Rei has rubbed off on me. I look out the window to see the coast passing us by. I miss her.

~0~

~Rei,

As we have been writing to each other in here I feel…

I want…

Rei there is something I need to tell you.

I just don't know how.

If it was anyone else I would just flirt and be silly.

But I can't do that with you.

You are so much more than that.

I want your acceptance. I don't want you to see me as silly or even dirty.

…

Lol

I'm not sure what I'm trying to say.

I would rip this page out but what you wrote yesterday is on the other side.

Love Minako~

~X~

Minako~

Did you mean what you said?

Especially the "Love" part?

Do you love me?

I know we are best friends but do you love me?

I will be waiting at our tree if your answer is yes.

Rei~

~0~

"Haruka, Setsuna, and Michiru all live in a different house. Ami and Makoto are a couple." She frowns for a second, "Actually Haruka and Michiru are a couple too. Setsuna is single but she and Rei are really tight."

At the name Rei I snap my head up to look at her. I'm sure my eyes have widened and my jaw is hanging open.

"Rei? What's her surname?"

I sit there waiting and waiting and waiting.

"I have no idea."

I swear if this car didn't have a door I would be laying out on the street. How can she be friends with someone and not know their name? I swear my sister is worse than me. Many would argue that we are the same but we sooo are not.

"Usagi please tell me you're joking. What's her surname?"

I practically shout it out at her. I have to know. Sweet kami I want another chance with Rei. My Reiko who never deserved what I did and she is the kindest, sweetest, most perfect person I've ever known. My sister looks at me seriously. It's not often that she has this look but when she does it means something.

"I really don't know Minako. Rei tells so little about herself. I do know she was hurt by her best friend right before she moved to Tokyo. She has sworn to never love another again and she hates men but loves pandas and she claims that blondes are the youma's headache. She even has a stuffed panda that she keeps with her all the time and if you so much as try to take it even to look…" Usagi trailed off visibly shuddering. "Run. Just stop what you are doing and run."

~0~

Rei~

OMG should I put this in there

You were prefect!

I love you

I love you

I love you Hino Rei

When we get married whose surname are we taking?

Hino Minako or Aino Rei… Maybe it should just be Hino-Aino Minako and Rei

And I'm jumping the fun again huh. Sorry. I still just can't believe we are together and it's only been a day!

We are together right?

Sorry just this is too good to be true. I look forward to practice today. Maybe we can stay after a bit and help each other get "clean"

;)

Love you

Minako~

~x~

I can't believe you wrote that!

Kami Minako I am not doing that at school! Minx. (blushes) But it could be fun

I wouldn't mind Hino-Aino. Someday we will make it come true.

Ah so that's why you acted at practice like that. Wanted me to be close. I don't mind but the others need help too

But it was nice having you in my arms.

Rei~

~0~

I couldn't believe that those eight months happened.

In a poll the school had unanimously voted us the cutest couple in school.

From being best friends to girlfriends I thought we would last.

I thought we would be forever.

~0~

The door to the roof blew open reveling a out of breath Rei. Minako smiled over her sandwich, motioning her over.

"Minako I heard that a few of the girls called you out after school."

After taking another bite of her sandwich Minako let out a small laugh.

"No worries Reiko. They just thought I would hinder you or something like that."

Rei could only smile having a good idea how that went. Minako could talk her way out of everything it seemed. Reaching out she grasped Minako's hand then a biting chill ripped down her spine. Minako noticed immediately the change in Rei.

"Rei what is it? What did you see?"

In a voice lower than one she ever used Rei replied, "Don't betray me. Please don't break my trust."

The tears fell and Minako could do nothing else except pull her girlfriend close holding her tight.

"I would never willingly hurt you. Never."

~0~

Now I was driving and Usagi was asleep. Dread and excitement filled me and I wasn't sure which emotion to let dominate my face. It had to be Rei and I'm glad she made new friends and by the sounds of it she had a new love in Setsuna. Then again as Rei always said I had a habit of jumping to conclusions with just one piece of information. Taking a quick glance at our Notebook I remembered the times after that. Some were so sweet, like the time we made love for the first time.

That was so awkward. Kissing her was the easiest part. Getting naked and touching while rearranging limbs and fingers to give each other pleasure was a bit more of a challenge. I laughed out loud as that day came forefront to my mind. But there were also hard times. After she said that I felt like I was walking on thin ice. I knew in my heart I never wanted to hurt her. Just the thought of kissing a faceless person sent ice through my heart. I became so focused on not hurting her that I ended up hurting her.

I turned distant and cold.

She would keep asking what she had done wrong. Back then I don't think I completely realized how vulnerable Rei really was and how much power I had over her. I would tell her 'nothing' but would grow even more distance. After a month of it that's when things fell apart. We received a new student: Kou Yaten.

He was placed in Rei's and mine class. Popular with the girls on the first day, I had heard that there were quite a few guys into him as well. He set his sights on me though and Rei hated it.

~0~

Rei~

You didn't have to hit the new guy. I could have taken care of myself.

All he wanted was to make a new friend.

Just trust me a little bit here. I don't know why you act so possessive.

Cut it out and next time you see him don't deck him.

~x~

Minako~

Did you forget somewhere that I'm your girlfriend?

I don't take kindly to others trying to touch your ass.

He wasn't trying to "make" a new friend; he was trying to get you into bed.

I do trust you and I wish you would stop making seem like I don't.

If the situation was reversed you know you would have done more if not worse to him.

You get just as jealous as I do. Should I tell you to stop?

I remember that time in practice you challenge the whole archery team when one of them tripped

over your bow and kissed me on the lips. They all were laughing while you hauled the girl off me and slapped her.

Whatever is going on between us you need to tell me. I can't help or fix it if you won't.

Do you want to break up?

I just want you happy Minako

But I wish you would be happy with me too

~x~

Rei~

I told you nothing is wrong

But you're right. I think we need a break from each other.

We are not breaking up. Just spending some time apart.

~x~

Minako~

As you wish…

~0~

Yaten had noticed the distance we had and pounced.

I had been given detention again for being late the morning. I had Rei's and my notebook with me. During class I had wrote my response to her. I noticed how the writing, my writing, between us had changed. Rei being Rei must of seen it too. She had given me my space and sadly that day I realized how stupid I was being. In so many ways I had cut the love of my life out of my life.

I want to go to archery and apologize. I was alone in detention gathering my stuff when Yaten had walked in. What we spoke of I don't remember anymore. I just know that somehow I ended up against the wall with one of his hands inside my shirt and the other between my legs stroking my core while my right leg was around his waist giving him more access. I hadn't heard the classroom door slide open but I did hear the sharp intake of breath.

My Rei stood there watching in horror, as someone else was about to fuck me.

She ran.

I had pushed Yaten away and slapped him. He just grinned. I knew he set me up but the blame belonged to me as well. I should have listened to Rei. I don't know how much time I spent looking for her that day. I was about to give up when I had passed by a random window and saw her standing there up on the roof. I think I made it there in record time.

She just stood there when I opened the door leaning against the wall looking down.

~0~

"I don't want you here Minako."

"Rei, just listen-"

"No." Rei cut her off. "The notebook… You don't have to write any more replies in it. Keep it or throw it away I care not. I have no use for it in Tokyo."

"Tokyo?!" You've never said anything about Tokyo Rei! When did this happen?"

"Since you're not a part of my life anymore it doesn't really concern you where, when or why. Good-bye."

Turning around Rei walked past her and through the door.

~x~

Rei~

If there is ever a time when I may return our book to you then you will know I love you.

I always have

I always will

Hino Minako (?)

~0~

I pull over to the side of the road as the tear run quietly down my face.

Usagi doesn't wake for which I'm glad.

Reaching behind my head I feel the second red ribbon tied in my hair.

I keep it with me at all times.

To remember what I've thrown away.

It's Rei's ribbon from out school uniform.

I managed to break into her locker and take it before she the next day.

I miss you Rei.

I always will.

~0~