Only One
-Sky King Haruka Tenoh
Delicate fingers unclasped the gold necklace from around her neck. She held the chain lovingly clasping the chain once again so the locket and ring wouldn't stray. Tears filled her blue eyes as she looked at the Venus symbol engraved beautifully on the locket.
Nanto Yaya had questioned her about the locket and alexandrite ring that she wore around her neck. She had tried touching the necklace out of curiosity and Minako had simply grasped it in her hand and silenced the Nanto heiress the only way she knew how, by kissing her.
"Reiko…" her broken voice sounded so small in the empty room.
Minako missed her Reiko and this locket and ring were all she had to hold onto as a symbol of the love they shared; a love she had thought could withstand everyone and everything. She brought her knees up to her chest and looked at the inside of the ring. Her engagement ring, the one Rei had given her two years prior. Fresh tears spilled from her eyes as she remembered exactly how long it had been since she had last seen the love of her life.
"Where are you, Reiko? Where are you, my love?"
The ring and locket held no answer. She sadly placed a kiss on them, silently sending a prayer to the heavens in hope that Rei would be returned to her. Minako carefully placed the necklace in her nightstand drawer. This was all she had of Rei and she couldn't taint it, not like she had tainted herself already.
Minako had defiled her own body by giving it to someone else—seeking solace in the arms of someone who was similar and yet so different from Rei. She hadn't seen or heard from Rei for so long and it became too much. When Hino Takahashi showed up at her doorstep one morning, she knew Rei didn't willingly leave her. She kept searching for answers, but was forced to stop when he used his own daughter's life as leverage against her. The cynical bastard favored his appearance and his precious political career over his own daughter. But what could she do against someone like him? She couldn't go against him without hurting Rei in the process.
A beep from her phone alerted her to a new text message. It was a welcome distraction from her turbulent thoughts.
"Yaya." She whispered.
Nanto Yaya, heiress to the Nanto Corporation Conglomerate. Minako never thought she would work for someone like Yaya, but she had to admit that her position had several perks. The salary paid very well and she was allowed the freedom to also tap into the music division of Nanto Corporation. Yaya was also Minako's friend and lover. Sleeping with the boss was a perk many would want to have, but that wasn't the reason why Minako stayed with the company. She stayed because she had made friends and worked well with her production team.
Minako's phone beeped again alerting her to the still unread text message. She unlocked the screen and tapped on her messages.
Minako, I am really sorry about what happened today with Hikari. Please, call me when you can.
Hikari. The innocent-looking blonde had caught them both making out. Minako had been surprised by the girl and her reaction. From what she had gathered Hikari had a girlfriend, she couldn't remember her name at the moment, but she knew Hikari had someone. What she couldn't understand is why she needed to have two people and why it even bothered her if Yaya had anyone else.
Minako ran a hand through her blonde hair, took a deep breath and dialed Yaya's number. The phone rang twice before a familiar voice answered, "Hey."
"Hey, yourself."
"Minako, I'm really sorry about Hikari. She shouldn't have insulted you the way she did."
Minako smiled, this is one of the aspects of Yaya that reminded her of Rei and as much as it made her smile it also hurt. "Don't worry about it. Besides, I'm used to being called worse things."
"You're too good of a person, Minako. Hikari doesn't realize…" Yaya paused for a moment, "She doesn't realize that you're also my friend and that I'm allowed to care for you as such." There was something in Yaya's voice that rattled her on the inside.
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying, despite what you and I have, I consider you my friend and she had no right to insult you. So please, accept my apologies for her behavior."
"Yaya, you really don't have to. I have nothing to forgive."
"I insist. Please, Minako."
"Very well." A sigh of relief came from the other end of the line and Minako shook her head. Yaya was very stubborn too. "Was there another reason why you wanted me to call?"
"Oh, yes." She could make out the sounds of paper shuffling and keyboard clicking in the background. "Hikari will be here for two weeks. I'm not postponing meetings or anything business related, but our personal meetings may have to be placed on hold until she leaves."
"It's fine, Yaya. I will be too busy planning the upcoming charity event. If I need help after hours, I could forward the information to you by email or send it to Tsubomi-chan." It was much easier talking about business than exploring anything remotely close to feelings and their relationship.
"Damn. I forgot about that. We still need to send out the remaining invitations, but I'll have Tsubomi work on those." Yaya giggled, "She's very well acquainted with all of them, so I'm sure they will accept if their schedules are open."
"Okay, well keep me posted if there's anyone else you'd like to add to the list that way I can get a good venue." Minako was actually excited about working on the upcoming charity project. She was happy Yaya had trusted her with organizing it.
"No problem. Listen, I have to wrap up here."
"Have a good evening, Yaya."
"You too, Minako."
After ending the call Minako sat in her bed thinking. Hikari's outburst had unnerved her, not because of what the girl called her, but because of the way she had reacted. The other blonde actually showed feelings of jealously. It shouldn't have been like that because Hikari already hada girlfriend. She also had a place in Yaya's heart. They would spend two weeks together. That girl had two people who loved her, but she was still unhappy. Yaya didn't deserve that. She deserved better. Hikari... Minako didn't know the other girl but she felt it was unfair. Minako only wanted one. Hikari had two people who were there for her, but she didn't have anyone. She only loved and needed one, her Reiko. Tears started rolling down her face and she hid her face in her pillow trying to make them stop.
"Reiko..." she whispered through her cries until she exhausted herself into a fitful sleep.
A/N: I felt the need to shine a small light on Minako since everything has been mostly centered around Yaya. The next chapter will be up later this week. Reviews and PMs are more than welcome.
