Starry Dreams

By Yamiyuri

I lean back in my seat, listening to Usagi attempt to sing along to one of the latest pop singles released by some band I can't be bothered to remember the name of. Ami and Makoto are sitting across the table watching Usagi do some twisted little dance and Minako is beside me sucking back another strawberry milkshake. When Minako suggested a little outing to celebrate top marks for our project, I was ecstatic. Unfortunately she suggested it just before our study session began and the others overhead it as they were walking in; and now we're here at the karaoke lounge, and I'm quietly waiting to see which one of them makes the obvious ambush.

I glance at Ami first, 'No, she won't suggest it, but she'll support whoever does.'

I turn my attention to Makoto beside her, 'She might do it… but it's not too likely.'

I wince at a particularly high note from Usagi and look back at her… performance. 'Minako might do it… ooh, that'd be evil. But I don't think she'll do that to me, if she even wants to sing it.' I resist glaring at Usagi. 'No doubt, it'll be her. Stupid… Moon Rabbit… Princess. Argh…' She finishes her song and hops off the little stage; heading towards the table with what she must think is a sly look. I glare at her before grabbing my pop and slamming it back, hoping that the annoying rabbit princess gets the hint and stays quiet. This is, of course, false hope.

"Well, we only have time for one song left! And I want to hear the song Rei and Minako wrote so show of hands! Who wants to hear them?" She asks voice excited as she raises her hand. I know its defeat as Makoto raises her hand, which convinces Ami to raise hers. I sigh and turn to Minako only to see a big smile on her face and her hand already up. I hold my breath in for a few seconds, shocked, and release it in a huff. She gives me a falsely apologetic look before motioning me to get out of the booth.

Admitting defeat, I stand up and stalk my way up onto the stage, viciously grabbing one of the microphones; Minako bounces up onto the stage after me, taking the second. I close my eyes, shake my head, and take a deep breath to steady myself. Opening my eyes I look to Minako, who nods to me. Giving our attention to our small audience, we both raise our microphones and begin, Minako opening the song.

She sings softly of watching from afar yet close, about a love hidden for fear of humiliation, refusal, and loss.

I step in after she finishes, singing of a futile search for the one to share my life with, and how the one who might be right for me seems so distant, no matter how close they are.

Minako joins me and we sing together of taking chances, risking ourselves for love; finally our song reaches its climax, in which our featured participants find each other at the end of their soul's red thread.

I take a deep breath to steady myself, more from the frequent eye-contact with Minako than the exertion of the song itself. Before I can put my microphone down Usagi starts overflowing with compliments to us, Ami is clapping, and Makoto is sitting in her seat starry eyed. Skillfully, I redirect my portion of Usagi's attention to Minako and sneak off the stage, dumping my microphone on the stand and collecting my coat and purse.

"You two were really great up there." A dreamy Makoto tells me as I put my coat on. "It was more than just the song, but I can't put my finger on it."

"I agree. If I had to say why it was so lovely, I'd say that it was the sheer emotions the two of you radiated as you sang. Your voices and body language were magnificent!" Ami added, Mako nodding in agreement with her.

'Great, emotions and body language…' I hold up my hands in front of me, palms facing my friends. "You two should be telling Minako that, she's really the one who brings it all together." I say with my absolute best sheepish grin, "but we should get moving since our time is up, tell her outside." I continue before turning my attention to the two blondes still on stage and remind them of the time, also conveniently turning away from the brunette and bluenette who I'm sure would like me to stop downplaying my part.

Eventually we all find ourselves outside in the surprisingly cold, clear night. Mamoru is already here waiting to give Usagi a ride home, and offering one to the rest of us as well, though everyone politely declines. The two of them drive off, leaving the four of us to say our goodbyes, Ami and Makoto departing together in one direction and Minako and I the other.

-RM-

We walk in a comfortable silence, finally entering the residential area where Minako's home is. I pull my gaze away from the star-filled sky and glance to a pensive Minako; her eyes look thoughtful, almost bordering on a mild sadness. I nudge her arm in a silent plea for her attention and Minako turns her head slightly towards me in quiet acknowledgement.

"Mind sharing your thoughts? You're looking a little down and a sad Minako is such a heartbreaking concept." I ask with a small grin.

She giggles and grins back before answering me. "I'm just a little tired; it's been an exhausting week. I think I'm just going to sleep all day tomorrow and vegetate."

I nod in agreement, "After tonight I'm inclined to agree with you." I say with a sigh before noticing Minako's questioning gaze.

"What about tonight? You only performed a couple songs before our duet."

'Ahh… what can I say, acting's tough for me! It's hard to look into your eyes like that.'

"Ahh… Well, I was tired before too. I was hoping for a quieter, more relaxed evening, but I suppose I shouldn't have hoped for that with the Sugar Fiend around." I quickly and, I hope, convincingly state. "The rest should do us both some good, we've put a lot of effort into this so we deserve it."

"Yeah…" she trails off, returning to her contemplative state. I'd like to get her to talk again but I have a feeling I should just let her be.

Our slow walk continues on, our comfortable silence now feeling a touch off. Minako remains lost in thought and I keep an eye on her; hoping her mood will lighten. Soon enough we reach her home, and I put my hand on her shoulder to stop her from walking past it; she squeaks in a ridiculously cute manner, and turns around to face me with a self-conscious blush.

"Er… thanks," She says, forcing a laugh. "I must be more tired than I thought! See ya later?" She asks, clasping her hands together in front of herself.

"You know it. G'night Mina." I promise with a smile and a wink. Resisting the urge to give her a goodnight kiss, I lean in and give her a quick hug instead.

"G, ah, Goodnight Rei!" she exclaims, returning my hug before jogging up to her front door and fumbling to get her keys out of her purse.

I watch her for a moment with a smile, then turn and head for home. Turning my gaze back to the stars, I decide to walk the considerable distance to enjoy the view. My mind begins to wander, but I force myself to stop, determined to simply enjoy the quiet night air.

-RM-

Shuffling into my room, I unceremoniously dump my purse onto my desk and drape my coat over my chair. A glance to the clock confirms the time for me, just past two am. I yawn and get changed into my boxers and one of my much too big t-shirts. Collapsing onto my bed, I crawl under the covers; physically only tired, but emotionally completely drained, I just want to fall asleep.

'I wonder if I'll see Mina tomorrow…' are my last thoughts before I succumb to precious slumber and begin my nights rest.

-RM-

The day passed slowly by as I instinctively trudged through my daily routine. I had expected (hoped?) that Minako would show up, and once I even swore she was about to try surprising me with another attempt of 'guess who' but much to my disappointment she never made an appearance.

Despite the sunshine and well-deserved relaxation, I found the day to be dreadfully boring; without classes today I hadn't had a chance to see her and often found myself wondering what she was doing. I almost called her to make plans for dinner but that's when it struck me how used to her presence I was. Couldn't I go one day without seeing her? I ended up just cooking dinner and eating in silence, heading outside once evening arrived to watch the stars come out.

So here I am, sitting on a bench outside the temple, staring up at the night sky again. I'm trying to not think of my best friend, but the thoughts keep sneaking their way back into my mind, the unwelcome (welcome?) reflections disrupting my stargazing. I find myself once again pondering what Mina's doing but shut down that line of thought and scowl in frustration.

"Again… again! Not even a quiet night…" I hiss to myself, before realizing I'm talking to myself and quiet down.

'I have to do something about this; I refuse to start pining away my life!' I think with a sigh.

"There's just one thing I can do now." I say to myself, standing up and heading back inside to my bedroom. I get changed and flop onto my bed staring at the picture of Mina and I, then close my eyes and begin to fall asleep.

'But it'll have to wait till tomorrow.'

-RM-

I look up at the sky, evening colours having faded away, stars not quite beginning to arrive yet. Gathering my resolve I push myself off the wall and walk back inside the temple, and into my bedroom.

'Alright, I've put this off long enough.' I think to myself, picking up my phone. I take a deep breath and dial Minako's number, waiting through two agonizing rings before someone answers.

"Hello?" a familiar voice asks.

"Hi Minako, it's me, sorry for calling this late." I start, but she cuts me off,

"Tch, it's hardly that late Rei, don't worry about it." She says with a pleasant tone in her voice. "What's up?"

"Well, ah, I was kinda bored so I figured I'd call you and compare our day off." I asked, cursing my sudden courage's sudden departure.

"Well, I mostly lounged around, watched a little tv, went for a jog, nothing too exciting. And you?" She rambles in a bored voice.

"Oh, I mostly stayed in and caught up on some manga I bought but hadn't read yet. Read some more of a novel I started a while ago." I tell her; anxious to get to the real reason I called.

"How very exciting we are." She replies with an amused, slightly sarcastic undertone. "So, anything new?" she asks.

"Well, maybe." I say in my 'I-know-something-you-might-be-interested-in' voice.

"Oh, what is it?" she answers, curiosity streaking her voice,

"Are you busy this Friday evening?" I ask, restraining the fearful excitement I feel.

"Unfortunately, no. It's a sad state of affairs." She replies, overly dramatic. I can just imagine her covering her eyes with the back of her hand.

"Well, in that case, I was wondering... would you like to go on a… date?" I ask, my voice tinged with just a touch of anxiety, hand grasping my phone in a death grip.

-RM-

I… I…

Next Episode: The Final Battle