MINAKO THROUGH THE MIRROR
Chapter 7: "A Little Thing Called Attraction"
By Bill K.
Minako felt a hand on her shoulder and woke with a start. She looked up, and saw Toshihiro looking down at her. His face revealed he was concerned, perplexed and just a little wary. It was then she realized that she was still sitting on the vase outside his apartment.
"Are you all right, Miss?" he asked. Minako stared up at him in confusion. He was the same kind, cuddly little teddy bear he'd been the last time she'd seen him - - almost. Something seemed a little different.
There was no recognition in his gaze.
"Um, yeah," Minako said. She got up skittishly and backed up a couple of paces. Startled, Toshihiro backed up a pace as well. "I, uh, guess I just fell asleep."
"Were you waiting for someone?" he asked.
"No, I," she began, "well, I, um, used to live here. Just - - wanted to see how the old place looked. Sorry if I intruded."
Feeling embarrassed, something Minako rarely felt, she turned to leave. After three paces, Toshihiro spoke up again.
"Miss?" he ventured awkwardly. "Do you have a place to stay tonight?"
Humiliation filled her throat until Minako felt like she would choke. She swallowed it down with some effort, but not until a few moments passed.
"No," she replied. She didn't look back. "I did have a dinner date with the Emperor and his wife, but that kind of fell through."
She started to leave again. Now that he'd seen her, Minako wasn't sure she would be able to sneak down to the boiler room safely. That meant braving the cold again. For that reason alone, coming up to the apartment had been a mistake. But there was also the huge pain throbbing in her heart right now to add to it. He didn't recognize her. He didn't even know she existed until a few moments ago. Minako wasn't certain how much more of this she could take.
"Um," he began. Minako stopped and turned to him - - and instantly his body language changed. Toshihiro drew into himself. His eyes reflexively sought the floor and his body tensed. "If you'd like," and he stopped, gathering his deserted confidence back up, "well, what I mean is, if you have no objections, and if you don't have any other place to go and you need some place to sleep - - well, you can sleep here if you'd like." His eyes grew saucer-like. "I mean that with completely honorable intentions! It's - - you wouldn't have to be afraid of anything happening!"
A smile of recognition crept onto Minako's face. Toshihiro had been just like this when he first asked her out on the set of "Angel High". She knew him well enough to know why: He was terrified of her finding him physically repulsive and rejecting him. Toshihiro had so many issues about his weight and his body image, issues that he buried under his eye for cinema and his appreciation for comedy. And, as was too often the case with him, they would rise unbidden, leaping up again when he least expected them, robbing him of everything she found admirable in him.
"I was just thinking," he continued to babble, "that you seemed to be in a tight spot and I have enough room . . ."
"Sure," Minako smiled sweetly, gratefully. "Thank you."
And Toshihiro looked at her the same way he had when she'd first agreed to date him - - as if he'd just won first prize in every major film contest in the world. Minako's hand went to her hair on reflex and brushed it behind her ear.
"Great!" Toshihiro exclaimed. "Come on in! I'm . . ."
"Toshihiro, yeah," Minako smiled. Then she stopped, her eyes growing large.
"How did you know that?" he asked.
"Um, the name was on the box downstairs," Minako alibied. "And, uh, I saw your picture once in a magazine. You direct that TV show, 'Cherry Blossom Days'."
"Oh," he nodded, reassured. Toshihiro ushered her into the apartment. "And you are?"
"Minako Aino," she answered. There was no recognition in his eyes and her heart got a little twinge.
"Well, Aino-San, make yourself comfortable. Can I fix you something to eat?"
"Um, if it's not any trouble," Minako replied, trying not to sound too anxious.
"No trouble at all," Toshihiro told her with the wonderful, mannered graciousness he had. "The bathroom is over there if you'd like to get cleaned up."
"Boy, would I!" Minako sighed. "It feels like I haven't been clean in years!"
Minako headed for the bathroom, one she'd used for years in her previous life. As she reached the door, she turned back to Toshihiro.
"No peeking," she said impishly. Her teasing banter was a familiar staple of their relationship. But Toshihiro instantly colored.
"O-Of course not!" he sputtered. Again, Minako filled with warmth and affection for this man.
"Manabe-San," she grinned. "Thanks again."
It took considerably less time for Minako to finish in the bathroom than it usually did. That was because she had considerably less hair to wash, brush and style. She also eschewed trying to make up her face, since she determined there wasn't any point with her haggard skin and chapped lips. Donning the hospital scrubs again, she emerged from the bathroom to the scent of a wonderful dinner.
"That smells pretty good," Minako said.
"Well, I'm no gourmet chef, but I can make a few edible things," Toshihiro shrugged.
"You're one up on me," chuckled Minako, because her Toshi already knew that. "I'm a disaster in the kitchen. Actually I can cook a few things, but the collateral damage usually makes it not worth it."
That drew a smile from Toshihiro. Minako could see the same things amused him.
"Well don't feel bad," he said. "I usually eat out. It's easier for me and easier for the kitchen." Minako felt herself grinning. He was exactly the same.
Each one became content with eating. The table lapsed into a quiet that disturbed Minako. It showed her that a gulf existed between them and it hurt. Though she didn't realize it, her disappointment and preoccupation colored her expression and caught her host's eye. She also didn't realize that her expression wasn't the only thing that had caught her host's eye.
"Do you mind if I ask a personal question?" Toshihiro ventured. He nervously adjusted his glasses, another familiar tick.
"Depends on how personal," Minako quipped reflexively. As a couple, she'd say that and he'd plow right ahead, because he knew she was joking. But now Toshihiro hesitated. "Sure. Go ahead. You're my host, after all."
"Well, I apologize if it's a painful subject, but," and he paused to gather himself, "how did you end up in a situation like this? I mean, I'm assuming you're homeless, right?"
"Pretty much," Minako murmured. She exhaled with exhaustion and frustration. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"A lot of people say that," Toshihiro replied. "They think their problems are unique until they talk it out and discover that their problems aren't so unique after all. I'm not saying I can help. I'm just a TV show director, after all. But maybe I can help. I'm willing to try, if you'll let me."
"Yeah, well my problem IS pretty unique," Minako said. "And I really don't think you'd believe it - - and I've gotten that reaction a couple of times too many today and I'd rather not go through it again."
"I'm sorry you won't trust me," Toshihiro answered. "You must have your reasons. If I'm not prying, what kind of life did you used to have? It's hard to imagine a pretty girl like you falling on hard times like this. Are you running from someone?"
"You think I'm pretty?" Minako asked, stunned.
Toshihiro flushed slightly. "Um, yes. I-I'm not trying to come on to you!"
"Yeah, we've established that," Minako said with a wry grin. "You don't have to say I'm pretty just to be nice. I know I've seen better days."
"Well, it's just," Toshihiro began, "I've been in TV for years. I deal with beautiful faces all the time. And you've got the lines. You've got the features. You could take a little better care of yourself - - of course, someone in your situation probably doesn't have the opportunity. But the lines are there." He hesitated, wondering if he dared go on. "And there's something else. Excuse me for getting metaphysical, but - - there's a spirit to you. A spirit of fun and adventure that hasn't been beaten down yet." He looked down self-consciously. "I think it more than compensates for whatever physical defects you have."
"Thank you," Minako sighed gratefully.
"So are you running from someone?"
For a moment Minako was tempted to tell him everything.
"Let's just say I'm searching for something," she said.
"Lost family?"
"A whole lot more than that." Minako grew solemn for a few moments. Then, reflexively, she perked up and forced a smile. "OK, your turn. Got a girl?"
"No," Toshihiro said, his eyes casting downward.
"A handsome, funny guy like you?" Minako goggled.
"I've dated a few times," he said. "Nobody I wanted to share my life with. And thanks for the handsome part. Not everybody shares your opinion."
"Like you?" Minako asked. Toshihiro looked at her with surprise. "It's not hard to tell. You look like someone who isn't satisfied with the way he looks. Which is dumb. You've got the lines, Mister. You could take a little better care of yourself . . ."
"OK, I deserved that," Toshihiro smiled.
"Yeah, you did," Minako grinned. Then she grew serious. "But that doesn't mean it isn't true. You do have the lines. And even shallow girls like me can see how handsome you are inside - - once you hit us over the head with it."
Toshihiro looked like he wanted to say something. If it was the something Minako thought it was, her answer would be "yes".
"Let me clear the dishes," he said finally. Minako was disappointed, but consoled herself with the fact that he was this way when they first dated.
"OK if I sit on your couch?" Minako asked. "It looks really comfy."
"Help yourself," he called to her from the kitchen. "Watch some TV if you'd like."
Toshihiro finished washing the dishes and entered the living room. He was about to speak, but stopped when he spotted Minako. She was curled up on the sofa, fast asleep. Smiling, Toshihiro got a blanket from the bedroom and gently draped it over her. As he stood over her, he was struck by how much more beautiful she looked when she was at peace like this. Despite how chapped they were, her lips looked so alluring. He had the urge to kiss them.
Right then and there, Toshihiro retired to his bedroom before he did something he felt he'd regret.
The Suzuki 4-wheel drive pulled away from Hikawa Shrine after dropping off Rei Hino. It nosed expertly into traffic and headed for the apartment building Usagi lived in.
"It's so strange," Usagi said suddenly. "That woman thinking she's Sailor Venus."
"Yeah," Ryoko agreed. "If she was going to delude herself into thinking she was a senshi, why wouldn't she pick Sailor Moon. You're a lot more famous than I am."
"That's not true!"
"Afraid so," Ryoko chuckled. She glanced at Usagi. "Don't let it bother you. I don't mind being 'and the senshi'. As long as we do good and help people, billing isn't important. I'm not in this for the ego boost."
"I hope we can find her and help her," Usagi fretted.
"You're not going to worry yourself out of a night's sleep, are you?"
"No," Usagi sighed. "I'll probably be up working my deadlines, anyway."
"I thought Ami told you to stop that," Ryoko asked. Usagi instantly took on a guilty look. "Usagi."
"I want to get it done!" Usagi howled.
"It's not worth it if it affects your health. Now you go right home, cuddle up next to your husband and grab some sleep."
"All right!" Usagi huffed.
Ryoko gave her a smirk. "Seiji said he might be in line for a promotion at the bank."
"Really? That's great news! What position?"
"There's an opening for a supervisor of deposit accounting," Ryoko revealed. "He's applied for it and they're considering him. He's not sure, but he's pretty hopeful about getting it. And if he does, maybe there'll be more money to let us start a family."
"You're serious about having a baby?"
"Yeah," Ryoko smiled anxiously. "Makoto gave me the bug. I want a little baby in my arms, too. I want a little boy, just like Seiji. And then a little girl. And then another little boy and then a girl and then . . ."
Both women dissolved into laughter.
"And the great thing is, since I work at home I don't have to quit my job," Ryoko added. "I used to worry about raising a family AND being a senshi. But Makoto's proven that you can do it. So if Seiji's promotion comes through, I'm going to lock us both in the bedroom for a month until I conceive. And there better not be any senshi emergencies, because you guys will be on your own."
Usagi laughed at that one, too. Ryoko pulled the Suzuki into the drive of Usagi's apartment building.
"I hope everything comes through for you, Ryoko-chan," Usagi said, patting the hand that rested on the stick shift. "And when you do have your baby, call me when you need a baby sitter." She smirked maliciously. "I'll send Luna over."
"Don't do that!" chuckled Ryoko. "She and Artemis will spend the whole evening necking and nobody will watch the baby!"
They both laughed.
Usagi got out and waved at the Suzuki as it drove off. After it disappeared, though, the woman grew anxious. The very idea that anyone but Ryoko could be Sailor Venus was flat out impossible to her. And yet this other person did exist and Ami thought it was possible that she was telling the truth. Her belief in her sturdy life shaken, Usagi turned and walked inside the apartment building. The comfort of Mamoru's strong arms was what she needed right now.
Usagi hoped it would be enough.
Minako returned to consciousness on the sofa. She arched her back and stretched.
"Must have fell asleep watching TV again," she thought as she brushed her hair out of her forehead with her hand. Then she realized how short it was. "Oh yeah. Twilight Zone."
Hearing pans rattling in the kitchen, Minako got up and investigated. She found Toshihiro in the kitchen preparing breakfast. It was something he always did while she hogged the bathroom in the morning. That memory gave her a pang.
"Good morning," Toshihiro said pleasantly. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah. That sofa is a comfy as I . . . um, as it looks," Minako answered. "And I guess I was real tired. That looks good. Wouldn't happen to be enough for two, would there?"
"As a matter of fact," Toshihiro smiled, "there is. Won't you join me?"
They sat down at the table. It wasn't the greatest meal she'd tasted, but the company more than made up for it. Being with Toshihiro again made it seem, even fleetingly, like she was back in her normal life.
"Do you have to be at the, um, place you make your TV show?" Minako inquired.
"No, we're on hiatus until the new season," Toshihiro replied. "I'm helping out a friend of mine who's doing a pilot. I'm helping him with blocking. It's his first chance to direct." He finished a bite. "What about your plans - - if I may ask?"
"Back to searching," Minako said, less than resolutely. "I've still got a few ideas to try. But thanks again for letting me crash here. Beats the train station by a wide margin. I wish I could do something to repay you."
"Well," Toshihiro began haltingly, "that depends. Did you have a place to sleep tonight?"
"I suppose that depends on how much I accomplish today," Minako shrugged. Then she leered reflexively. "Did you have something in mind?"
"Um," Toshihiro stammered and she could see he was taken aback a little by her forwardness. "Nothing like that! It's just - - well, you seem to be a nice person and I've got the room and I really feel like I want to help out. I'm not trying to come on to you."
"I wish you would," Minako said under her breathe. Then she realized Toshihiro had heard her. "Hey, I don't mean to sound like some cheap floozie who sleeps her way around the town or nothing. It's just, you're not as repulsive as you think you are, To . . . Manabe-San. And a lot of us girls have a soft spot in their hearts for knights in shining armor." She looked down at her plate. "Yeah, if you're still willing to have me, and I don't end up in my own bed tonight, I'd love to stay over here." She glanced up with a mischievous glint in her eye. "We can pop some popcorn and watch a movie. But I have to warn you, I'm partial to horror flicks."
"And I was beginning to wonder if you had any flaws," Toshihiro smirked. "I really wish I knew what your story was, Aino-San."
They went back to eating. After a few minutes, Toshihiro checked his cell phone for messages.
"Hey," he said suddenly. "I just remembered - - I got this weird call yesterday." He looked at Minako and the displaced senshi felt the blood drain from her. "It was you, wasn't it? As I remember, the voice sounded like yours - - and she said it was Minako."
Continued in Chapter 8