AN: This is the last chapter, and yes I'm posting it on Valentines Day, and yes that means I'm single... *sigh*
I don't own sailor moon just enjoy the story...
One Year Later…
"Minako is back in town visiting her parents," Lita said over her katsu chicken eyeing up Ami's Miso soup. Ami's eyebrow raised, Minako's latest album had taken her all around the world. She was the most successful artist in Japan and was considered a mega star in America with her album going double platinum.
"Can she even handle being in town without being mobbed? I'm just happy Rei is occupied elsewhere," Ami said thinking about the last time Minako was in town and Rei's near death experience.
"Not here? Oh so she made a full recovery?" Lita was surprised; she was aloud to know of Rei's condition only swearing not to inform Minako, which was very hard for her to agree to.
"Yep! She always has the possibility to relapse but that would take a serious life moment to shock her into that. Believe you me I made sure of that… Last I checked she was training for the Olympics. They are coming up in just one month," Ami said happily finally giving Lita her Miso soup, the darn girl has been staring at it the whole meal.
"Yes! I have tickets to go see her part of the tournament. Aren't I wonderful?" Lita batted her eyelashes leaning in to Ami slightly. Ami rolled her eyes and leaned in giving Lita a kiss on the cheek.
"Yes you are wonderful. Tickets or not but it will be wonderful to see her compete, thank you. I know you got them just for me," Ami said nudging her girlfriend playfully as Lita said 'I know nothing about archery?!' which made Ami laugh.
Rei exhaled releasing the arrow from its tight pull on the bow, it flew through the air, its destination was predetermined.
"Rei is there any way for you to be better?" asked Rita rolling her eyes at Rei's sheer perfection. A perfect bulls eye every time?
"I don't think so," Rei winked over to Rita playfully, Rita blushed slightly.
The trainer pilled the trigger and Rei instinctively drew and arrow and shot the clay pigeon down before Rita had a moment to pick up her arrow. There was a reason Rei was ranked the best in the world. Rita jabbed the end of her arrow at Rei playfully,
"So this is why you never come here to train, one week in and your better then everyone again," Rei grabbed the end of the arrow and pulled on it bringing Rita closer to her. Rei tapped Rita on the nose,
"Jealous?" she asked then turning to put her bow down making sure to take care with her equipment. Rita could tell Rei was leaving the practice field for the day,
"Hey Rei," Rita tucked some of her hair behind her ear, "I was wondering if you would like to get a drink later?" Rei looked up to Rita with a smile. She doesn't spend much time with her team mates so it might be best to hang out here and there.
"Sounds good to me, see you at the lodge?" Rei then waved goodbye to Rita already unpinning her uniform walking to the changing room, Rita looked longingly after Rei 'sounds wonderful' was all Rita thought suddenly realizing she needed to finish her sets so she could leave the field too.
Rei walked into the lodge and quickly spotted Rita at the bar. The lodge held many people who were enjoying the weekend getaway or sports enthusiast enjoying the facility the soft sound of piano played in the background. It was a well-known place for Olympians like Rei to train. Rei waved to Rita and quickly walked up to her, Rei catching a few eyes as she walked through the building, Rei was a rare beauty.
"Wow you look really nice," Rita said as Rei came up to her.
"Well it's no archery uniform…" Rei said looking down at her dress, was she over dressed? Looking around a lot of people wore dresses or suits; no… she fit in well enough. The bar tender walked over to get Rei's drink, after taking her order Rita and Rei quickly fell into conversation. Though they had known each other for a few years now Rei always kept distanced from her teammates.
"So why archery? You seem very smart and pretty. This isn't a glamorized profession…" Rei asked to her team mate.
"It wasn't glamorized until you joined the team. Feels like you get interviewed every month for sport magazines. I just picked a club in high school and stuck with it, seems that I'm a little good at it," Rita knew she had to thank Rei for the celebrity brought to archery. It was the pinnacle of the sport to be on the Olympic team and Rei made it sexy. It helped that Rei was sexy… sooo sexy. Rita took a sip of her drink; maybe she was getting ahead of herself.
"Yeahhh those silly reporters. I turn most of them down. They just want to know what I am going to wear at the next event party and how archery has changed my life. I've been shooting arrows at a target since I was five years old. How could it change my life when it's always been in my life!" Rei laughed along with Rita who knew too well of the silly questions asked by people who didn't understand the sport. Rei looked out the window and noticed the sun was starting to set over the landscape.
"You have dinner yet? Would you like to go get something to eat?" Rita asked leaning into Rei's personal space and touching Rei's arm. Suddenly the hair on the back of Rei's neck stood up. Rita wasn't just interested in talking to Rei as a teammate. Rita was hoping something more came from the evening… Rei's eyes dramatically searched for an out.
"Oh, Rita I'm not…" was all Rei could get out before a glimmer of blond hair caught Rei's attention.
"Rei, I've been looking for you. It's time to get home," the girl said, her hair was dirty blond and she stood just a little shorter then Rei. Rei nodded smiling to the girl,
"I hope I wasn't that hard to find, your playing was so beautiful today," Rei then turned to Rita who was confused by the sudden disturbance. "Rita this is Sarashina Kotono, she is a very talented pianist. Sara this is Rita one of my team mates for the next Olympic games," Rei was so happy that Sarashina showed up right then! Rei got the feeling that Rita was hitting on her. Sara shook Rita's hand her grip a little tight.
"Wonderful to meet you I hope you do well in the games. Are you ready to go Rei? I'm a little tired," Sara smiled to Rita knowing full well that Rita was trying to hit on her girlfriend.
"Of course Sara, see you later Rita!" And with that Rita watched as Rei led Sara touching the small of her back as they walked out of the lodge.
Minako smelt the fresh air and exhaled closing her eyes, the smell of Tokyo. It held a special place in her heart, it's where she wrote her last album and now that she has been all over the world it still felt like home. This visit though might be a little harder… the fan's cheered loudly when the car pulled up to Minako's hotel. She couldn't stay at her family's house, she didn't want them to be bothered with fans and she was the one who chose this life. Guards held the crowd at bay when Minako got out of the car and waved as she went into her hotel. Being famous was a burden, too bad she wasn't told this before she put out the album of the year. Getting back into the studio was a must while she was here but first she needed to see some old friends.
"Minako you get more pretty by the day," Lita said with a wink hugging her dear friend. She was waiting in the hotels restaurant; it was the best option for her famous friend on short notice.
"Your not aloud to flirt! Your dating a doctor, they can tell when you lie! So I hear but… thanks," Minako winked hugging her friend.
"Pfft Ami can't tell when I lie or she would know all the secret gifts I have lined up for her. Funny I only lie to her when it's about a gift," Lita said tapping her chin in thought, her lips curling into an all knowing smirk.
"Lita that's not funny, it's very good of you," Minako tried to smile, friends in happy relationships, how bitter for her.
"We make it work everyday, we seem to find a way. How about you? Seeing anyone?" Minako raised her eyebrow at such a question. Lita knows that answer good and well, Lita shrugged hoping things have changed for Minako.
"I don't see why you would ask about the very person you won't tell me about. Really Lita I know you have information about Rei and your not telling me," darn right Minako was bitter about this. Lita was Minako's friend before she was Ami's girlfriend. Loyalty should be on Minako's side but maybe in love your willing to break the bro code.
"She just finished a book actually. It's getting a lot of press but she is ignoring it training for the Olympics," Minako's eyebrow rose suspiciously. Why was Lita suddenly so willing to tell her what Rei was doing? Like a year long of pestering wasn't enough of a bother.
"Rei? Write? That's not like her what is the name of the book?" Minako said leaning in without her really knowing it, she couldn't help it her hunger for information about Rei was clingy and needy, she was not below begging.
"Guess she got a wild hair," 'when she was recovering in the hospital' Lita thought afterward but knew best to keep that part out. "It's called 'Arrows shoot red' it's really good! It's about a girl who… well I don't want to spoil it for you! You should read it," Lita said waving her hand; she was about to give away the plot, how rude of her.
"I might have to go pick it up," Minako took a mental note to ask her assistant to buy Rei's publication at the next possible moment. Maybe she could even sneak in reading it in-between shows. Minako then noticed her body guard waving to her, his secret way of informing her that she needed to leave soon. "Sounds like I'm on to my next stop," Minako stood and Lita pouted slightly, her time with Minako was so short.
"You should come over to diner with me and Ami," Lita noticed instantly Minako's frown, "Hey Minako, she is Rei's friend. You shouldn't hate her! Just ask her a bunch of questions about Rei," Lita winked to her friend. Minako grumbled, the last time she saw Rei… Ami was the one who Rei called right in the middle of the fight. Why would Rei call Ami to come over like that? It's not like Ami was Rei's doctor or anything.
"Yeah I guess so, I will text you later about it," Minako had half the mind to blow off the invite but maybe Lita was right. Asking Ami about Rei might explain how Rei acted that night a year ago.
"Five more minutes," Rei grabbed at the body trying to escape the bed, Sara giggled at Rei's morning goals.
"Five more minutes and you will be late for your pre-Olympic interviews," Sara brushed Rei's hair out of her face only to see Rei's playful smirk she tried to pull back but it was too late Rei was already mid pounce pinning the girl under her body.
"Who needs to be interviewed? I'm here you're here, let's stay here," Rei made a rather convincing debate deciding to finish with laying kisses down Sara's neck.
"Mmmm ok maybe a little longer," Sara easily fell into Rei's seductive plans wrapping her arms around Rei's body.
"Got cha," Rei jumped out of bed and went into the bathroom, Sara can be so easy to tease though Rei had to run fast Sara was hot on her heals and if she spent the whole morning like this she would never make it to her meetings. Rei knew Sarashina back in all girl private schools and didn't take much mind to her outside of their club life. It wasn't until randomly Sarashina walked in to the hospital as a nurse. Maybe it wasn't the most healthy place to find a girlfriend but Rei can't complain.
"Ready to go Vixen?" came Sara's sing song voice from the kitchen.
"All ready to go, are you sure your going to be fine? I don't want you to be bored," Sara's breath caught in her throat. Rei was so beautiful it caught Sara off guard often, like she didn't deserve Rei, those caring thoughtful eyes full of affection she didn't deserve. Sara shook her head and smiled,
"I will be perfectly fine don't worry," Sara got Rei out the door in time for her interviews; it wasn't too long before the competition would start.
Minako was never one to cancel meetings but she was lost. This book has taken all of her waking moment, she even forgot to eat lunch… did she even have breakfast? It didn't matter much to Minako because she finally got her hands onRei's book and could not put it down. It wasn't a biographical story but Rei couldn't help but draw from personal experience to write the novel, which made Minako the 'Umi' character in the book, she just knew it. The similar characteristics were staggering, and Umi was the main character! Why would Rei write a story about Minako and not include her own fiery personality? Other then the fact that Umi was an archery master Minako read no other connection to the smoky red-eyed beauty in the novel. The book was so inspirational to Minako. She had been writing lyrics to new songs in the middle of reading, already over a dozen pages lay across her bed. They would crumple when Minako would jump up reacting to the next line of text, it was riveting but soon she would need to go back to work. Back into the interviews, unrelenting fans and studio time but as of right now it was like she had Rei telling her a beautiful story. Mina sighed at the next line sitting herself back on her bed, thinking about the scene she just read, 'where is Rei's mother?' she suddenly wondered.
"Your character in your book Umi is a master at archery, did you draw upon your own talents as a gold metal winning Olympian in Archery as inspiration?" if Rei knew this was an interview about her book she might of not entered the interview to start with…
"It's hard not to I guess… though I had to make it more thrilling then the actual world of archery. Umi is more of a hands on person, traditional archery isn't as exciting," Rei was honest with her answer a small smirk graced her lips thinking back on her memories with Mina.
"Ah so we won't see the big fight scenes on the archery field at the Olympics as we read in the book?" the interviewer joked to Rei who smiled at her, the interviewer blushed.
"I hope not, we are all very boring archery technicians and aren't thrill seekers," Rei knew her book was popular. From the amount of emails, calls and requests for appearances she has to turn down it must be very popular.
"Oh Rei you are not boring at all! We have herd there might be a movie made from your book, is this rumor true?" was this person reading Rei's email for her? The last one she just got a week ago was an American company asking about movie rights.
"I've been rather dedicated to training for the Olympic games right now so sadly any information about the book is on hold so I can give my attention purely to archery. It might be turned into a movie, we will have to see," Rei didn't like all this attention. It was like being with the senator all over again. Everyone just wanted her to smile and tell them all what they wanted to hear. Rei sighed looking at the clock on the wall, the day was going to be over soon right? She saw the second hand slowly clog on; she was taking that as a no…
Mina took a deep breath, why did she agree to this? Oh yeah singing at the Japan Olympic Games Opening Show was an honor that she couldn't turn down. Minako shook her arms holding her microphone and looking down at the ground trying to get into the zone.
"Guess I will finally get to hear you sing," Minako's head shot straight up to look into Rei's beautiful eyes. She was thinner then before, still her beauty was breath taking, Minako instantly flashed back to the first time she ever saw Rei and smiled. Her Japanese tracksuit looked very well on her but Rei could easily model if she ever was inclined and Mina was sure she would make a potato sack look good.
"You have never herd any of my songs?!" of all the people in the world who has never herd any of Minako's music it had to be the one person all the songs were about.
"Well not other then in the shower," Rei smirked joking with the blond, Minako looked so mature in this moment. She was in her element and Rei could tell. Suddenly Rei turned her head to see Sara coming up. Sara looked confused why Rei was talking to the pop singer, Rei didn't normally walk up to international pop stars.
"Rei your team wants you, hello Minako," Sara said sweetly smiling to Minako.
"Oh my goodness Sarashina! It's been such a long time!" Minako instantly gave Sara a hug and Rei froze. Ex hugging girlfriend…never a good thing,
"You two know each other?" Rei asked still frozen Minako noticed right away but Sara paid no mind.
"Yes! I worked on a few piano pieces when Minako was first starting music. Nothing big just to help out," Sara said sweetly. Rei turned to look straight into Minako's eyes going straight in for the truth. Minako's lips slowly twisted to smirk, ohhh no, Rei didn't like that look on her face. It could mean so many things and half of them were not good.
"Yes she was very talented," Rei shivered at Minako's reply all the while Sara was oblivious. Sara turned to Rei,
"Oh like I said your team wants you, and you get to hold the flag! It's a great honor!" said Sara smiling up to Rei.
"Good luck Mina," Rei waved as she ran off to her team who were all lined up for their turn to walk out onto the feild, Rei was handed the Japanese flag. Minako watched her go; Rei was the only one who ever was aloud to call her Mina.
After the opening night there was a huge party, Rei Hino was sought after to interview as the athletes walked down into the event. Rei had a brief moment of pictures when Minako spotted her. Minako didn't stop her eyes from giving the tall dark beauty a good look over. Rei didn't really know how beautiful she really was, it was as much her downfall as it was her redeeming quality, so it was no wonder why she was getting hounded walking into the event. Minako walked up and winked to Rei who glared at Minako, this is no time for flirting but people noticed and when Rei tried to walk further down the red carpet she didn't get far being snagged up by another interviewer they asked if Rei knew Minako.
"Know Mina? Now that is a really good question," Rei smiled tapping her chin acting like she was seriously pondering the question.
"Of course Rei Hino knows Minako!" some how Minako thought it was ok to crash Rei's interview but it seemed to work to Rei's advantage. Minako waved to the camera and dragged Rei away, even when people were calling for them to pause and take a picture Minako trudged on through paying little mind, she clearly has experience at these events.
"They would of asked you about your book anyways" Minako said off handed still dragging Rei into the event.
"So you know I wrote a book eh?" Rei raised her eyebrow, who in the world would give Minako that information? Ok well it is selling very well and all but still.
"Oh did I say that? When did I say that?" Minako acted innocent to Rei's comment. Actually Minako was enthralled by the book and has almost finished writing a new album just from being inspired by it. Before Rei could fire back a round of comebacks they were in the event and some other athlete was pulling Minako away for a picture with the singer. Rei half smiled, Minako was being more generous with her time then in the past, back in their school days Minako enjoyed being hard to get to. People called Rei distant but if knew Minako they would of learned that Minako was very much a 'look but don't touch' kind of person. Hiding her true emotions behind smiles and playful giggles.
Rei looked down into the event, she agreed to meet Sara in the event separate, Rei sighed to be honest she was distancing herself from her girlfriend ever since the opening ceremony. Rei knew that look when Mina saw Sara… it's meant they have slept together. Not that this would normally bother Rei; she knew everyone has past lovers but Mina? Why Mina?! Rei sighed again; she needed to know from Sara if it was true, if it wasn't well… then Mina can be jealous all she wants…if it is? Well that might spell the end of their relationship. Rei looked out to the guests, she didn't need this distraction so close to competition, music was a good way for her to relax and felt it calling to her, Rei looked out to the dance floor in a dream like state. All the Olympians were out there trying their best at busting a move, so of course it was very humorous. Rei stood looking out to the dance floor, the room was dark and she liked that, though the room was over stuffed and everyone kept giving her looks, the dress she was wearing wasn't that short was it? She subconsciously pulled at them hem line trying to make it cover more skin.
"Care to dance?" Rei didn't have time to react before Minako swooped behind her and grabbed Rei's hand dragging her out onto the dance floor, the crowd parted and Minako kept going, she wanted to be hidden from the cameras. Rei pulled Minako close; she wasn't going to be dragged around by Minako despite how famous she is now. Minako swooped around and crashed into the taller dark haired beauty and smirked with her smoky eyes glowing. "Did you hear me sing?" Minako asked playfully turning around Rei in a suggestive way. She always wanted to take Rei to a club, this was close enough.
"Your voice wasn't quite as beautiful as you are," Rei said leaning in to speak into Minako's ear. Minako blushed, any compliment from Rei meant so much more to her then any other person in the world, Minako smiled putting her hand on Rei's cheek instinctively drawing Rei closer and Rei unknowingly had her hand on Minako's hip. Rei hasn't been this close to Minako in such a long time; they seemed to be drawn together without either one knowing. They danced around with little thought to the people around them, Minako's hand went down and rested on Rei's neck which sent a chill down Rei's spine. She forgot how Minako had a way about her that would just do things to Rei no one else could. When she was younger she wrote it off as a weird phenomenon but now, after dating others she knew this was more then she was every willing to admit. Suddenly a slower song came on and Rei didn't think twice before pulling Minako in even more,
"Where did you learn how to dance so well?" Minako asked into Rei's ear, this is what heaven must feel like.
"I've learned a lot of things over the years, you would be surprised," Rei said turning Minako in her spot before pulling her back in making Minako gasp at the sudden contact she looked right into Rei's fiery eyes and smirked, oh how she wanted to know all the things Rei has learned. Maybe several times over…
Sara was looking around for Rei, she was surprised Rei even agreed to come to such an event. Normally the lights affected Rei's eyes she would say something like 'an archer is only as good as their eyes' as her excuse to not go out on the town. Sara looked down at the dance floor and Rei's dark purple hair wasn't hard to spot. Sara stared as Rei smiled to Minako and whispered something in Minako's ear that made Minako promptly blush. They both fit together very well, the way they were holding each other they looked like a couple.
Rei and Minako paid little mind to the people around them, a rare moment where they almost felt together again. It lasted till the end of the song before the DJ cut away the music and Rei felt strong eyes beating down her. Looking up she saw Sara in the upper section watching them dance, how long was she there? And if she was there for long why didn't she pull them apart in anger? Minako saw where Rei's eyes fell and leaned over Rei's shoulder to whisper in her ear,
"Remember how I said you will have some cute new girlfriend and I will be mega jealous and we will get in a cat fight and it won't be pretty? Sara might be the one to start that fight… not me…" Rei looked up to Sara as her girlfriend's eyes fell on Minako. Sara looked at Minako and then looked away quickly blushing. Rei's eyes instantly darkened, so they did sleep together, she could see it written all over Sara's face. Rei felt as shiver run down her back and turned to Minako her eyes filled with surprise and dare Minako say worry?
"I don't want you getting in a fight over me," Rei's voice was hauntingly deep, clearly coming from a place she doesn't conjure often. Minako was surprised as Rei pulled Minako close again and they started dancing to the next song, wasn't Rei suppose to run off to her girlfriend? Reassure the girl that them dancing meant nothing and she was getting worked up over nothing? But Rei never drew back, she didn't even say a word, actually Rei put Minako's hand back onto her neck and pushed their bodies further onto the dance floor acting like nothing happened. Minako looked up to the slightly taller girl, she couldn't just not say anything back.
"I will try to avoid it but… that's going to be hard," Minako looked back over to Sara who was staring so intently at Minako she could combust right there. Talk about jealousy, she could see it vibrating off the girl. Minako could feel Rei's body physically tense up, she was about to reply to Minako but didn't get far.
Minako put her finger on Rei's lips telling Rei the time for talk was over, if she was going to be seen dancing with Rei tonight it had damn well better be worth it for her. Rei quietly agreed to such demands she was trying to stop her brain from combing through her relationship with Sara and mark all the signs that their relationship was flawed, and Minako was the best distraction Rei knew.
After a few songs Minako was brimming with joy, Rei hadn't forgotten. Every light touch, every turn told Minako that Rei still had the blond on her mind. They didn't do anything too inappropriate, too much cameras and attention on the two past lovers but the looks they gave and the soft touches spoke more then Minako ever imagined. They needed to go get drinks, Rei had to stay hydrated before she started the games and Minako was being oddly protective of Rei. Like she didn't want to let Rei go, even for a moment, this bliss was too wonderful to turn down. She grabbed Rei's hand weaving back through the crowd, ever so often looking back to Rei who's eyes were filled with something Minako had never seen before, she turned back to lead the archer absent mindedly reaching up to her lips with her other hand, that smokey gaze mad Minako's stomach do backflips. Though it felt short lived, Minako's smile faded when she saw Sara taking a shot of alcohol at the bar, slamming it down to a small collection of empty shot glasses, this isn't going to be good. Rei's eyebrows creased together in worry, Sara never drank.
"Sara are you ok?" maybe it wasn't a good idea to dance with your ex while your current girlfriend watched. Rei didn't think that one through very well. Not that Sara knew Minako and Rei were ever an item but Rei instantly felt incredibly guilty for her laps in manors. Sara turned to Rei and smiled leaning into her girlfriends tall frame.
"I'm fine now that you are not dancing with Minako. I know Minako, I know Minako really welll," Sara slurred, clearly that was not her first shot and the effects were taking hold.
"I know Sara, we should get you home…" Rei instantly went into mothering role looking for an exit from the event that wouldn't be too public.
"You know? Ohhh Rei it was so long ago! And she told me even then that she loved someone else. You know," Sara just wouldn't stop ranting and Rei turned to Minako with a raised eyebrow, loved someone else eh? "You know you said the same thing to me when we got together… Isn't that weird? That both of you said that?" Sara leaned her head on Rei sighing at the closeness she felt.
"That isn't weird at all, I know Mina wants to protect her heart just as much as I do," Rei said patting the girl on the head Minako smiled, so Rei did understand how life as a famous person can be lonely and even though you seek companionship doesn't mean your seeking love.
"Why do you call her Mina? She is Minako! Minako Aino! Not just Mina," Sara said instantly poking Rei on the collarbone, like Sara was telling her the facts, Minako leaned in curious, she too wanting to know why Rei cringed on to the informal shortened version of her name.
"Because when I call her Minako she is everyone else's but when I call her Mina she is still mine," then before Sara could ketch on to the strong statement she just said swooped Sara's arm over her shoulder and left out the back. Minako was left standing there her eyes wide and breath taken from her lungs stricken with the affects of Rei's sweet words.
Rei spent all the following week preparing for her part in the games. All her energy was spent on making sure her teammates were in the game to win and that all her shots were perfect. Sadly she has been having some bad days ever since the party opening day, Rei sighed. It didn't go well when ReI got Sara home and the deviously drunk girl threw just about everything at Rei but the kitchen sink. Rei didn't blame the blond, Rei should of ended things better with Sara but it had to happen, she just didn't feel right having these returning feelings for Minako and leading another person on. It was too much drama and if she didn't clear her head it might affect her health. Good thing she had the Olympics to distract her vulnerable heart. Rita looked over to Rei; she has been getting so much press recently. It's brought a lot of attention to the sport but… Rei seemed more distant now then ever, what all was she dealing with?
"Rei!" was the call of a particular blond. Rita was surprised and stepped back slightly as a blond girl who was just walking by noticed Rei and started running toward the archer. Rei turned and her eyes lit up with joy opening one arm to grab up the girl and spun her around once before planting her on the ground.
"What in the world are you doing here Serena?" asked Rei allowing Serena to find solid ground.
"Oh my goodness Rei you get more and more pretty every time I see you! And you are wearing your hair back you never do that! Why are you so damn pretty!? Who is your friend?" Serena said then pointing to Rei's low ponytail Rei wears when shooting and looking to Rita who was more then confused. How did this girl get on the shooting practice field?
"Rita this is Serena Aino. Serena this is Rita, she is on my archery team," Rei made introductions quickly as Rei wondered where Serena stored all this energy in her body.
"Minako Aino's sister? She is my favorite artist out right now! Her song 'May Season' is my favorite!" said Rita gushing over Minako's recent album. Rei turned to look at Serena who sighed, clearly she has been getting this question a lot.
"Mina has an album out?" maybe she already knew this? She had a feeling Minako told her once…
"Yes, her recent album came out about a year ago now…. It got international reviews. She is back in the studio now something about being 'so inspired' she's been there all week," you could hear the sadness in Serena's voice like Minako has locked herself in a room that no one can enter. "Rei actually I need to talk to you about something is it ok…?" Serena suddenly got very still. Rei turned to Rita,
"Sounds like I'm being called away. I will be back for the evening shooting session," Rei said waving to Rita as Serena dragged Rei away. Rita let out a sigh of relief; maybe this is what Rei needed to get her head back in the game.
Serena pulled Rei outside where they weren't in any danger of any arrows flying at them or camera crews trying to talk to Rei.
"I know," was all she said, Rei looked around confused. More information was certainly needed.
"Ahhhh know what?" Rei wasn't a mind reader despite some rumors.
"I know about you and my sister," Serena wasn't giggling or silly this time she was serious.
Serena's eyes seemed to shine a darker blue as she spoke. Rei closed her eyes, she had to stay calm, Serena knew… what all did Serena know?
"You know about what about Mina?" She didn't want it to sound like nothing happened between Rei and Minako but what happened was a matter of opinion.
"Rei its in all of her songs… May season. Rei rhymes with May," Serena wasn't normally the one delivering news like this. "It's a song about you. All of them are, I even went back to some of the first songs she wrote they all have clues that lead to you," Serena said looking straight into Rei's eyes seeing if they might hold some information on the subject.
"Maybe your looking into something that isn't there…" Rei was certainly surprised but all of the songs? Serena rolled her eyes cutting off Rei,
"Come on Rei with lyrics like 'you're the arrow and I'm your target, I'm so happy it's may season' that's pretty damn obvious. Or maybe 'one, two, three months of total bliss all I want to do is go back to that kiss' you two only knew each other three months in college Rei," Serena certainly connected the dots in a way only someone who knew both Minako and Rei could do.
Rei was in shock; she sat down her hand over her mouth. Mina never… well Rei always assumed she was the one imposing her affection Minako, Minako never really made Rei think she was more then a toy for Minako's amusement. "Why did you push her away when she was back in town last year!?" Serena really didn't expect to get this much out of Rei but she found a Pandora's box and she opened it like there was candy inside.
"I can tell you anything else you want to know but not… that," Rei took in a long breath and exhaled happy to feel the air going in and out of her body, her time at the hospital really trained her well in these moments.
"But that's the most important part of this puzzle! Minako was more then ready to start a relationship with you then despite any signals she was crossing in the past," Serena knew her sister. Minako was a wild child after she came back to London. Drinking and throwing parties was what she did on a Tuesday. It was like moving heaven and earth to get her into a stable state. Music was the only thing that helped her crawl out of the despair she was shrouded in. Now Serena knew it was created from separating Minako from Rei it all made sense.
"Look Serena you obviously love your sister but you can't fix her problems. Thanks for telling me all of this, I really did need to know but I have my match tomorrow and I am distracted enough breaking up with Sara I can't have this on top of it all," Rei said listing off all the things pressing down on her emotions. It was getting to be too much but she couldn't quit the games for a 'personal moment' and this was the time to step up to the plate not run away from it.
"You broke up with Sara!? But that's too much emotional stuff happening at once!? You know what will happen!" Serena knew of all Rei's doctor visits when Darien said she would be indisposed for a good six months. It nearly broke Serena's heart but after learning it was a life or death situation Serena respected the new boundaries. Now after all that work to be lost by all of this emotional drama hitting the wall, Serena wouldn't have it. Her brow creased in determination her fist pulled down in dedication, this will not be.
"Yes, I have been staying at the dorm rooms for Olympians while the dust settles and Sara finds another place. So please let me deal with this in my own way," Rei has been avoiding her apartment she had with Sara, it was paid for by the senator for another few months so it only made sense for Rei to retreat back to the dorms in times of need.
"Ohhh, I'm so sorry Rei! We will need to cheer you up!" Serena jumped up trying to think of things to make Rei happy.
"With completion tomorrow I don't have time for a party Serena but just seeing you has made me happy. I need to get back to practice now…" Rei waved to Serena with a solemn smile walking back down to the archery training area to try once again to concentrate, Serena looked down to Rei forlorn, she had to do something…
Rei was out on the training field with Rita again; Rei's aim was spot on this afternoon. She even broke her personal time. Something that is hard to do for a time placeholder.
"So what did that girl want with you earlier today?" Rita asked her eyebrow rose, Rei wasn't normally this happy.
"Relationship trouble. My cousin really needs to ask to marry her, really. It's taking a toll on my social life," Rei grabbed up another arrow and shot it at the target looking back over to Rita. "Sad because I would of rather been here training with you," Rita could not hide her blush this time.
Minako saw could see Rei's charming smirk from across the archery field. Minako's eyes instantly narrowed and looked over to Rita who was blushing like crazy. 'Flirting? Really Rei, why would Serena call me up this morning demanding that I saw you just to see you flirt with your team mates?' Minako thought storming onto the field where Rei was.
Rita turned to the side noticing someone walking toward them fast her eyes lit up when she noticed it was none other then Minako Aino.
Rei was just about to explain how Rei wasn't available for dating anyone since Rita was always hitting on her but just stopped herself when she noticed Rita looking away from her. Rei turned to look at the distraction right when Minako was just two steps away. "Mina!" Rei certainly surprised to see the blue eyed beauty so quickly after learning about her music just earlier in the day.
"Rei Hino the woman of the hour I dare say," Minako loved her grand entrances and this one was up there, really she deserved a trophy for getting that shocked expression to grace Rei's face.
"You know Minako Aino? Oh my goodness Minako I am such a big fan!" Rita couldn't help but be star struck. Both Rei and Minako looked at Rita with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes Rei knows me very well. Actually I was hoping to steal Rei away for a little bit for a private talk… do you think that is ok?" Minako batted her eye lashes at Rita who didn't take any time before literally pushing Rei toward Minako in heist.
"She would be fine leaving training early. We all know she is the best out here! Go have fun Rei," Rei looked over to Minako who worked her magic. Minako smiles gleefully and pulled Rei off the field, weird that today she has been disrupted twice by the same family.
"Serena called you… didn't she," Rei said over her shoulder it all made sense now, how Minako was so busy in the studio to suddenly appear?
"I don't know what you are talking about! Now go change out of your uniform I will wait here," Minako pushed Rei into the locker rooms waiting in the locker room entry way crossing her arms and looking away, Rei was much more perceptive then the people Aino spent time with nowadays. Minako looked down at her heals, now a little dirty from the walk on the fresh grass, what was she doing here? One call for her sister and she dropped everything for Rei. Why was Minako constantly drawn to the tall beauty?
"I thought I would find you here," Minako slowly turned to the voice; it wasn't whom she was expecting. Instead of seeing a sexy Rei there stood Sara she looked so disheveled and out of character. "Have to spend all your time with Rei don't you? You know she was mine you know! All mine and then you had to walk in and change all that," oh no, Minako sighed, she knew it was a bad idea to leave the studio without a bodyguard.
"I didn't do anything but spend time with her. If something happened between you two it's not my fault," Minako didn't normally talk back but this was different, this was Sara who had wrapped herself around Rei for some odd reason and didn't want to let go. Minako didn't spend much time with Sara; she was the kind of girl who wanted to be famous so she would date people who were in the light of stardom just so she could get closer.
"It's all your fault!" Sara charged at Minako who was rather taken off guard, Sara raised her hand ready to make her first hit on the music star. Minako closed her eyes flinching wondering why this girl was being so violent but the hit never came. Actually Minako opened her eyes to see Rei standing over her grabbing at Sara's arm, shock was written across Sara's face.
"Never ever try to hurt Mina ever again," Rei released Sara's hand with so much force the smaller girl staged back. Minako looked up to Rei and then back over to Sara, Rei was raised as a shine maiden and taught never to raise a hand at anyone but then again no one ever tried to hurt Minako in Rei's presence.
"Why Rei? Why after all of this time you are defending Minako? After all the stuff she put you through?" it didn't make sense to Sara. All that time in the hospital helping Rei get better any time she would ask why she was here they wouldn't say much until she overheard Ami say one name 'Minako' like it was some curse Rei had on her. Minako could almost feel the silent rage pulsing off of Rei, it surprised the music star, this amount of passion was rare.
"Why? You want to know why?" Rei's anger was laced in her voice; a hot intense burn but she showed no sign of it on her face, she looked like she could of been of easily talking about the weather. Almost like she was trained to keep her anger in check. Minako looked back up to Rei, she was so much more dominating now then ever before, Minako was up against the wall still surprised by Sara's attempt to attack her and hear what she was saying. All the stuff Minako put Rei through? Minako didn't know what in the world she was talking about. "This is why," Rei quickly spun around Rei looked to Minako, the fire that Rei kept a light in her eyes was aflame burning bright. Minako knew the look very well and was craving it, calling her in the night and sometimes when she was lonely. Rei leaned in and captured Minako's lips in a far but tender kiss, hungry, needy, desperate, it was like getting water after walking through the desert, three years in a dessert. Rei pulled back, Minako's face was dreamy and her eyes lost in space, Rei smirked turning back to Sara whose jaw could of hit the floor and bounced back up.
"You….Just," Sara couldn't get words out, she didn't believe it.
"When Rei said she loved someone else, she meant me," Minako said holding on to Rei's arm standing behind the taller archer.
"Love is a really strong word…" Rei blushed instantly getting bashful, like the strong willed personality instantly became a sick puppy. Minako playfully hit Rei's arm in a huff, Sara was still dumb founded by this reaction and slowly stared backing away before turning on her heal and running out of the room.
Rei then grabbed Minako's hand and left the building, Sara should of known better then to pull a stunt like that. "You know I can't be seen in public holding your hand?" Minako asked her eyes still glazed over, the sheer hand-to-hand contact she had with Rei made her giddy, they never even did this back in college.
Rei was happy with the effect she had on Minako, "I had a visit from your sister this morning telling me about your music," Rei said as they walked around the blocked off gated area. Rei lead Minako through a door that went into a hallway, Minako looked around, this place seemed official.
"No she didn't," Minako said in a gasp. Minako was on a great streak of Rei ever hearing one of her songs. The dark brooding female never followed popular music and Minako never expected Rei to start, darn Serena and her meddling ways. Rei kept walking until the room opened up and Minako suddenly realized this was the Olympians dorm for the events. Seems Rei had her own room as they went inside, it was small, just what she needed but still didn't lack in style.
"Yes she did, she even told me the lyrics because I clearly wasn't believing anything she said," The second they got inside the room Minako leaned in and kissed Rei; she realized it's best not to let Rei make the first move. If she wanted Rei she would have to grab her and never let go. As much as Rei enjoyed this situation Rei hand to pin Minako down to get a word in, oddly enough the only place to sit in the room was Rei's bed...
"We are here to talk Mina not make out," Rei said crossing her arms glaring down at the giggling singer.
"You called me Mina it's so damn cute coming from you," being this close to Rei and not kiss her? Talk about a lofty request but with Rei's look Minako knew it had to be meet. "Ok ok, talking. Yes all my songs are about you! Your book is about me so we are even," Minako smirked up to her, she wasn't much of a bottom so being pinned on the small single bed was very interesting and a turn on to say the least.
Rei leaned down her hair falling around Minako's face,
"So I'm your muse?" her smile so big it was working muscles Rei hasn't used in a long time. Minako avoided eye contact her lips perched like someone was asking some tedious question that wasn't worth her time,
"I wouldn't say that exactly," Minako shifted under Rei's body, being on the bottom was getting less and less fun and Minako's resolve was breaking. Rei moved her hair to one side and leaned into Minako's ear,
"Say it," was all she said before biting down on Minako's neck softly. Minako instantly started to squirm but was locked in place by Rei's tight hold. Minako bit her lip trying not to react the havoc Rei was creating down Minako's neck sending pure pleasure all throughout her body. Still Minako wouldn't let up so Rei stopped which really made Minako mad, she looked up to Rei her eyes saying 'your not dead or dyeing so why did you stop?!' Rei just winked to Minako playfully and Minako let out an annoyed grunt. Rei was the only person Minako would ever allow to tempt her this much with little action.
"Fine, yes Rei you are my muse…" Minako said drolly the sound of pure annoyance rolled off her tongue.
"Do you mean it?" Rei asked again, she didn't like Minako's dry tone and wanted an honest answer. Rei put her hand under Minako's shirt touching her stomach slowly moving up but stopping when she was almost to Minako's breast. That really didn't make Minako happy, her eyes shot up to glare daggers at Rei. Minako doesn't take well to teasing and that's all Rei was doing right now. It was like wanting to be engulfed in warmth, the flames of desire to touch every piece of skin on her body and then for the light to suddenly go out. Still through the entire struggle Rei was putting the singer through all Minako got was a wink from Rei. Minako rolled her eyes gasping out in frustration.
"Yes Rei," Mina lifted her hand up to Rei's face drawing her closer, "You are my muse," she repeated looking into Rei's beautiful eyes before kissing her. Not rough not with hunger but with honesty, like Rei was making Minako admit something she never told people. Rei pulled back leaning up with a smile after the kiss.
"Good because you are my muse," Minako leaned up using her arms to support her at Rei's words.
"I already knew that!" Minako said exasperated by this whole conversation. Rei tapped Minako's nose sweetly.
"Yes but now I know you love me and that matters," Minako never blushed so much in her life. Damn Rei, blasted evil Rei and her pure evil goals. Rei leaned in and kissed Minako softly at first, like a shy girl would do, not knowing if any of their choices were correct before it started to build into something Minako couldn't explain. A kiss no one could forget even if they tried, Minako was sure lost in the feelings letting it wash over her with little care about anything else other then Rei and how she made Minako feel. Beautiful Rei, kind, gentle angel from the stars Rei and her pure heavenly goals Minako mused to herself allowing her body to sink back down on the bed this time Rei didn't stop to talk. Mina's hands went into Rei's hair, her body already heating up feeling Rei's well-toned body press against her. Rei didn't stop to think and bit softy on Minako's lip, her mind was in hyper drive trying to calm her heart, it felt like it would fall right out of Rei's chest. Minako moaned, damn Rei knew what she liked, Rei slightly laughed and leaned over to Minako's ear.
"Mina, you have to be quite," Rei spoke before leaving kisses down the blonds' neck making Minako growl in frustration. She was never quite, even in her sleep she was sure she talked. Minako instantly grabbed at Rei's left breast and squeezed, Rei instantly reacted gasping in pleasure. Minako smirked, "Rei you have to be quite," Minako was mocking her, Rei looked down to Minako, the blonds' smirk was so damn annoying. The game for dominance instantly started and Rei wasn't going to loose.
"Perfect weather for archery today Steve seems we have out top competitors for this last round of pigeon speed shooting. This is a new section in Olympic Archery and we will see who will take home a gold," said the announcer as the camera rolled over the field in which Rei was standing. Her pure red uniform stood out against the stark white uniforms the other competitors wore, she wore it well.
"Yes and Rei Hino has been shooting some of her best today. This past week hasn't been her best shots and she was barely at practice yesterday but it seems that down time has paid off. It's just a few shots away from a metal prize," said the pairing announcer. Rei bowed to the judges and stood up to the marker to prepare shooting.
"Looks like it's mainly out of habit that Rei bows before and after shooting due to her long career in Kyudo but that will not help her beat her American competitor," the drool but semi informative voice of the commentators meant little to the crowd watching. Rei exhaled and signaled that she was ready to shoot. The first target got shot up in the air, it was barley seven meters up before Rei shot it down, the next one trailed after it and Rei was hitting every single clay pigeon like it was as easy to just walk down the street. Rei bowed when she had shot down the tenth and final target, she stepped back as her American competitor looked at her dumbfounded just trying to make sense of this. Most people got seven out of ten since they fire off so fast but Rei was proving to be the best in the world.
"Perfect score from Hino, it's amazing she is just as good of an archer as she is a writer. Now two months on the best sellers list for her novel," the announcer clearly had a girl crush on Rei Hino by the sounds of it.
"Which isn't surprising since she has been seen hanging out with Minako Aino the A list of singing talent. Rumor is that Minako might get cast as the lead in the movie version. She is even here today cheering on Hino," the camera panned to Minako on the edge of her seat watching the American begin to shoot. Minako clapped when the American only got eight of the ten targets. Rei had better win, Minako was planning on wearing the gold metal as a necklace, and of course Rei didn't know that quite yet… Rei shot down another perfect ten, which was surprising everybody.
"Um are you sure you didn't put in some performance enhancing drug in her veins when she was in the hospital?" Lita asked all hush hush to Ami as they sat right up close in the front row. Ami rolled her eyes,
"Not only is that morally wrong but against the rules of the games. No Rei is naturally talented and shooting really well actually," Ami was surprised as everyone else watching. Rei was making and then breaking world time records as they watched.
"Maybe she finally got laid," Ami gave Lita nice back hand for such a comment, why did everything have to be about sex?
"You know she broke up with Sara just a week ago," sometimes Lita can be so insensitive to her friend's feelings.
"So? Doesn't mean she can't be getting it from someone else," another hit came to Lita's arm this time it really hurt. She rubbed her wound softly trying to watch as the American shot nine out of ten.
"Wait!" Ami grabbed Lita's arm in surprise, it made Lita wince in pain, "All Rei has to do is shoot two out of ten and she will win gold!" Ami said ecstatically Lita sighed when Ami let go of her arm. Lita had no clue Ami was this abusive when watching sports!
Rei bowed and stepping up one more time, she wanted a perfect score across the board but that seemed impossible. 'Yes Rei you are my muse' surfaced to her thoughts and Rei smirked, oh she could do this. It was almost like Rei knew where the targets were coming from; the only thing slowing her down was the people firing off her target.
"That is gold, Rei Hino of Japan has won gold for this division of Archery and dare we say the hearts of many fans,'" called the announcer as Rei bowed and sat her bow down waving to the crowd that were up on their feet clapping at the archery star.
"Oh my goodness your deadly," Lita said standing back stage with Rei and Ami waiting for Rei to go out receiving her metal. Rei raised her eyebrow,
"Only with a bow," Rei retorted to Lita wondering where Minako had run off to, she knew Minako was watching her shoot, it was hard to ignore the gawking from the announcer.
"You did so well! Well you won gold so can't get much better then that right?" came the soft voice of Minako hugging Rei's arm with a genuine smile.
"No, you can't get much better then that Mina," Rei smiled down to Minako happy to finally have her near, she felt calmed like any drama from yesterday was a distant memory.
"Told you she was finally getting laid," Lita said under her breath to Ami who instantly backhanded Lita. Lita looked down at the small blue haired girl and wondered how in the world she learned to have such a painful slap; really this girl packed a punch. Rei was waved over by the director to prepare for her to get on the podium. Once Rei was gone Ami turned to Minako,
"So are you two dating or something?" Ami's opinion of Minako has shifted over the last year. First it was surprise, Rei knowing Minako seemed like a fluke, unrealistic, they just didn't travel in the same social circles then her opinion changed, Minako was, in Ami's mind, root of all of Rei's problems. Minako blushed slightly at the question, was she dating Rei? What an odd question, she's never asked Rei that question…
"I think so? Probably not… or maybe we are? We honestly haven't had time to talk that part out," Minako tapped her chin in thought, she would like to date Rei but she needs to ask Rei… maybe. They watched from the side as Rei was walking up to stand on the podium waving to the crowd, she seemed very mellow for the situation but Minako could tell she ecstatic.
"Well as Rei's doctor I don't think that's a good idea," Minako's head slowly turned to Ami whose face was stern and unrelenting in her opinion. Minako then looked to Lita to try and find some solstice and even Lita wasn't very giving. It felt awkward now with that in the air as they all turned to watch Rei get her metal and the Japanese national anthem played in the background all Minako could think about is their meeting with Sara earlier saying 'all the stuff she put you through' like Minako dragged Rei through the dirt or something. And now Rei's friend and… doctor Ami claiming a relationship with Rei wouldn't be good? Why was Ami Rei's doctor and why would Rei need a doctor? Is that why Rei called Ami when they were fighting a year ago? Was Rei sick? Minako's head was dizzy with questions, so many things left un-answered but… she was so happy. Minako finally realized how much she loved Rei and Rei knew it! But maybe she needed to ask one more time about Rei's past to make sure their future would work. Minako was silent for the rest of the evening; she didn't even want to go out and celebrate and in all honesty neither did Rei since she needed to be ready for the next day's competition. So they all went home, Rei's past heavy on Minako mind wanting to wait till Rei's part of the games were over before she brought the matter up.
"How does it feel to have two gold metals?" asked the interviewer holding the microphone up to Rei's face. She had just won the target archery division and set several records.
"It's a wonderful feeling. I'm happy the team came together to have a great show of our skills when the games came to Japan," Rei smiled, thank god this was all over, she now could have her life back. No more intensive training and worrying, now it was time to relax.
"Will you be writing a sequel to your book now you will have time for training?" the reporter was happy to find Rei in such a good mood, normally she was hard to interview.
"It might happen, the first book finished in a way I could continue the story but it will matter greatly on how much free time I have," with the Olympic games over Rei will have it will certainly be possible.
"Minako Aino was around a lot during the games, did you find this distracting or helpful to winning gold," Rei tried to show no reaction to the question but she couldn't help but smirk slightly. Minako a distraction? Never. She was just on her mind morning, noon and night, that certainly wasn't distracting at all.
"Probably both," Rei adjusted her position in the interview chair, "The fans can be overwhelming," that was an understatement of the century. Just last night she had to leave Minako's apartment through the back and even then there were some fans looming in back alleys hoping for the best.
"Is it confirmed that she will be playing the lead in the movie version of your first book?" this interviewer seemed very interested in the wrong person but Rei didn't seem to mind.
"I think she has yet to audition of the role," 'in my bed' Rei finished in her mind but smiled sweetly, "it would be an honor to see Mina on the screen playing the character but we will have to see where the cards fall…" Really two gold metals, a New York Times best seller and a movie deal? Seems things are going so right for Rei right now. The interviewer continued to ask questions happy to get quality answers out of Rei Hino. Somewhere else a much different conversation was just about to start.
"I would like to speak with Ami Mizinto," Minako looked down to the front desk. The intern working looked up and was taken back to see Minako Aino, she fumbled with her pin quickly looking up the doctors schedule.
"Um looks like she should be in her office right now, um that's room 315," the girl blushed, talking to Minako! This was a dream come true. Minako smiled at the good news and winked to the girl,
"Thanks!" and with that she was off! Through the maze of hallways and meeting rooms till Minako found Ami's office tucked away in a corner.
The door was open so Minako casually leaned against the doorframe she looked into see Ami on the phone.
"Yes, I'm off at six PM and you can come over to bug me," Ami looked up to see Minako and suddenly blushed, "Actually looks like I have Minako here so I suggest not stopping by for lunch…. I don't know why she is here jesh! Talk to you later." Ami hung up the phone waving for Minako to come in, Minako shut the door behind her.
"That was Lita right?" she knew those two were dating and to be honest they were so cute, maybe Lita came down every lunch hour…
"Yes, she's trying to get me to go to a gala. I'm not much one for public," Ami sat down in her chair and Minako joined her.
"That's bad luck for you. Events and public is what Lita does for a living," Minako couldn't help but laugh, opposites attract? Must be the case since Lita is the best event planner in the city.
"Yeah well enough about me why are you visiting me at work?" Ami's puzzled look graced her face, Minako doesn't normally make house calls and Ami was sure going around without a body guard isn't safe for Minako.
"Because you disapprove of me being with Rei so I've come to one… explain my relationship with Rei and two ask why it matters to her friend/doctor," Minako didn't need to plead her case because let's be honest here. She will date whom ever she wishes but Ami is Rei's close friend and Minako likes Rei happy so Minako must make Ami happy. Ami raised her eyebrow, she didn't know she was authorized to tell Minako doctor patient confidentiality but Minako knew that.
"I meet Rei in college, one of her students shot an arrow into my volley practice. One meeting was all it really took and within a week we were sleeping together…" once she thought about it they did move rather fast. Oh well, they were curious youths, "in some ways we fell in love but not dating just… seeing each other in private. Then I had to move back to London and I had to end things," Minako skipped over the whole part about her being a wreck moving back to London, Ami didn't need to know…
"That was a week before Rei's grandfather died," Ami said softly Minako tilted her head to the side, this was new information, suddenly her mind flashed to the older man she got to meet when she went to the Shrine. "And she got really depressed so the senator bullied her into checking into a mental health clinic because if she didn't she would never be able to buy the shrine from him," Ami's blank tone was flat, sympathetic to Rei's loss. She was working at the clinic and that's how they meet. The poor girl lost the only person who loved her while also being treated like a child. It was two things Rei isn't good at: being manipulated and dealing with loss.
"Here I thought my abusive destructive lifestyle in London was bad. Rei isn't crazy she just does do emotions very well, really she is the worst with emotions," Ami was very surprised by this, if Minako knew this already why drive Rei to collapsing a year ago? "Did she finally get the shrine?" Minako asked, last time Rei saw her father they were at least talking so that meant something went in the right direction right? RIGHT?!
"Well yes and no. Technically he sold it to her, for three times what it's worth. So Rei is slowly paying it off, part of the payment is seeing him at least twice a year. I got her out of the hospital quickly since she as you say she isn't crazy but we found out something else…" Ami trailed off she was past the point of keeping Rei's secrets to herself.
"Pay it off? Olympians don't make a lot of money Ami. I will deal with that later, what else did you find?" and by 'deal with that' she means talk to Rei's dad, and by 'talk' she means use her parents to giving Rei the shrine as a 'gift' the evil man manipulating his daughter in such a fashion.
"Rei has a rare breathing problem. It's genetic; she got it from her mother who died from it. It crops up when she got older. If Rei gets too emotional she can't breath, if she ignores it she collapses. Rei is too emotional around you, must be because she loves you. Last year she almost died and you didn't even show up when she was in the hospital for six months," Ami couldn't hide the bitterness in her tone. It would be one thing if Minako was by her side everyday but it was like she never appeared again.
"Collapsed?! I didn't know! She kicked me out of her apartment and when I left she was mad but fine. Ami I went back every day for a week until Darien told me she had moved out or something. No one told me she was sick!" why did everyone hide this from her? Why would Darien tell her something like that? Maybe since she has just released an album Serena didn't want the stress of her music career taking off and Rei being sick so made the executive choice? She didn't know but all of this going behind Minako's back was getting to her.
"She kicked you out? Rei is a proud person she probably didn't want you to see her like that," Ami now knew why Minako wasn't around, Rei told people to keep her away. Stupid Rei, she really does like to cause her own problems sometimes…
"Ami I would have been there, I love Rei, despite me trying to run from it for half my life there is no one else that makes me happy. If Rei ever gets sick again I will move heaven and earth to make her better," Ami smiled at this, despite Minako being a big music star she is still human.
"Well I kept her in the hospital for six months so it wouldn't happen again, if it does well calm her down and get her here right away. I trust that you will take care of her," Ami smiled up to Minako and Minako smiled back. It was like a secret handshake, they agreed to be allies and not enemies. "But if you hurt her one more time I will never let you see her again," Ami added her tone full of threat Minako nodded, she wouldn't expect any less.
"Ami I need to talk to you about… Oh… you told her," Rei had just gotten done with all her interviews and wanted to make it down to Ami's office. She didn't want Minako to get the blame for her choices in the past. When she walked in to see Minako and Ami talking she connected the dots.
"Somebody had to. Your just so mysterious Rei," Minako stood up and gave Rei a wink walking over to her and kissing her on the cheek.
"The dark and brooding type comes with some warning labels," Rei said with a cheeky smile happy she wasn't the one who had to tell Minako. She might of had an attack just trying to get it all out. Minako nodding knowing full well of how Rei can be,
"I need to go now, songs to write, parents to talk to, all the fun things in life. I will see you later tonight," Minako said kissing Rei one more time before heading out, Rei had a big grin on her face.
"She is the best person in the world," Rei said to herself.
"Yeah well your lucky she cares enough about you to come here and deal with the public eyes all over her just to find something out your too chicken to tell her yourself," Ami nailed that one on the head, Rei glared over to her friend, sadly Ami was right.
Two months Later
"Mina I want to know where I'm going," Rei demanded though her tone was strong and very demanding it had little effect on the blond blocking her eyes.
"Anything worth having is worth waiting for Rei," Minako said whispering into Rei's ear leaning into the girl in front of her.
"Talking about yourself again?" Rei cooed sweetly which made Minako blush, all the same Rei kept walking as Minako lead her up some stairs. After several steps and her nose filling with the smell of nature Rei's heart rate instantly went up.
"We are here," Minako said releasing her hands from Rei's face allowing Rei to blink her eyes open and look around to see she was at the Cherry Hill shrine. Rei was ever so slightly confused, why did Minako bring her here? Right as Rei turned to ask Minako she noticed Minako held up keys her smile was from ear to hear. Rei looked down at the keys and then up to Minako's face. Rei gasped, she covered her mouth in shock,
"You didn't," was all she got out before pulling Minako in for a tight embrace. The blond smiled down at her girlfriend before she suddenly frowned as she heard the soft sounds of crying coming from her shoulder.
"Noooo Rei don't cry! Why are you crying?" the panic was heard in Minako's voice. Rei lifted herself up from Minako's shoulder.
"This is the sweetest thing someone has ever done for me," Rei said clearing her tears looking back over her shoulder at the shrine and back to Minako and kissing Minako with all of Rei's might. When they pulled away Minako couldn't help but smile.
"Jesh I need to buy you a shrine more often!" Minako got a playful slap on the arm. "It's all yours by the way, the senator signed the papers yesterday. He has nothing to hold over your head now," Minako said looking around the grounds; they looked exactly like her memories.
"No, it's ours," Rei said taking Minako's hand and leading her into the shrine.
"Where are we going?" Minako asked confused by Rei's sudden desire to get into the shrine.
"I need to properly thank you for this gift," Rei said suggestively swaying her hips as she walked, Minako instantly smiled.
"I really really need to buy you a shrine more often," Minako giggled as Rei got fed up with her beautiful girlfriends pase and picked her up bridal style. The two closed the door behind them happy to start this new phase of their life, for once, together and happy to be in love.
AN: And that is the story, thanks for reading.