A/N: I totally had to change the category on this fic from hurt/comfort to angst. I realized that there is a world of hurt, and there isn't really much comfort . My muse seems to hate the main characters for some reason.

In reply to the reviews:

Honulicious: I feel your pain, but Rei's struggles will be revealed a long time from now. I can't let it out quite yet. And Rei values Minako's friendship more than anything and will let her go so... well, you'll see. It's actually love over friendship, but I'll get to that later too.

xXMiMiXx: Thanks! And Rei has a reason for her actions. I promise.

reiko of mars: Thanks, I'm trying, and it's not actually Ace. He's too young to be him. I just wanted him to look like that guy because of the feelings Minako had for him and whatnot. I like Ace better dead. That jerk face.

yuuki yami: I always write Rei as the biggest idiot in love. And she's gets all moody when people tell her about herself. I can relate...

jedi caro: I'll take that as a good sign :)

Disclaimer: see previous chapter.

When Setsuna told Minako that she was going to tell her what Rei said, this was not at all what she had in mind.

"I think you should consider it, Minako. It is a wise career move that she mentioned. You can keep your relationship with Rei if you can cause a significant facade with the public." Setsuna knew she was lying, but she didn't have the heart to tell the other woman that her relationship was over.

"I don't want to do that, Sets." Minako had become numb. She was no longer crying, and her words were void of any real life. "I just want her to hold me."

"I'm sure that's what she wants to do, but she's making a sacrifice. At least honor that sacrifice by trying to do what she wants."

"She didn't think about what I wanted."

"Is becoming Japan's number one idol not something that you want?"

"It is, but I want to do it with her by my side."

Setsuna nodded; she truly understood. "Have you considered that there may be someone else who would be better by your side than even Rei?"

"Not for a moment. I'm in love with her. I do not want to be with anyone else."

Setsuna smiled. She waited for Minako to say those words. It hurt her just as much as it hurt Rei to watch the woman sleeping around. She was like a younger sister to her.

"I get that, really I do. You and I both know how stubborn she is, though. She won't let you try to win her back until you at least go out with Kei once."

Minako sighed. She knew it was true. That didn't mean she had to like it.

"Hello, beautiful."

"Hello, Kei."

"Are you ready?"

Minako sighed. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Kei extended his arm for her. Reluctantly, she laced her hand through his elbow as he led her to his car.

Once he got in she grabbed his hand, stopping him from putting the key in the ignition.

"Let me make this clear before we go anywhere: I don't want to be here with you. You ruined my relationship, you're an irritating pest, and I don't like you. Remember that. If you think Rei hurt you, you don't want to know what I'll do to you."

Kei smiled. "I don't doubt you for a second, love. I won't purposfully do anything to make you uncomfortable. Let me know if I do. I know you don't want to be here, but I'll try to make it one of the most unforgettable nights of your life.

"Sit back, relax, and let me sweep you off of your feet."

She released his hand and he started the car, driving them off into the night.

"You have a beautiful laugh, Minako. It fits you as much as your name does."

Kei tucked a strand of Minako's hair behind her ear, his hand coming to rest on the side of her neck. "Did I tell you how stunning you look?"

Minako nodded. "Too many times."

"Too much must not be enough, then, because I have to tell you again. You're amazing."

"You can stop with the flattery. It won't get you anywhere. I don't love you."

"But you don't hate me. That means we're making progress, doesn't it?"

"You should go home. Isn't it past your bed time?"

Kei grinned; she had been teasing him about his youth all night. "If so, then shouldn't I get to the closest bed around? That would be yours, wouldn't it?"

Minako frowned. "That will not ever happen. I'm beginning to feel ridiculous standing out here with you, though. So will you be leaving now?"

It wasn't completely the truth. This was where she always stood with Rei when she couldn't stay the night, but neither of them wanted her to leave.

"You want me to disappear that badly already? Rather than inviting me in?"

"I don't want you in my house. Go home, Kei."

"Alright, as you wish, my love. He wrapped his other hand around her waist, pulling her close, leaning down to capture her lips with his. This kiss was bolder than he first; more demanding. When Minako felt him getting excited, she broke the kiss.

"You're quite bold, kissing me like that without my permission."

His hands never moved from where they rested. "You didn't seem to mind."

Minako grabbed his hands and placed them back by his sides. "That may or may not be the case, but regardless, you should control your urges. And your hormones." She gave a pointed look to his crotch, watching with mild amusement as he blushed.

He scratched the back of his head. "Sorry about that. I can understand the issue, what with you being a lesbian and all."

The woman blinked at him. "When did I say I was a lesbian?"

The boy blinked back. "You have- had a girlfriend. Right?"

Minako grinned. "That's exactly right. I'm a lesbian."

"How was your date?"

"It was wonderful. Do you have any idea what it's like to be with the most beautiful human being on the planet for hours?"

The man smiled. He had absolutely no idea, but the kid he worked for was like a son to him, and he was happy to see him excited about something other than his own beauty for a change.

"She's so amazing. She's smart, and witty, and funny, and gorgeous, and flirty, and cute, and sweet, and sexy, and-"

"Alright, alright." The man laughed. "She's hot; everyone knows that."

"She's not just hot! She's perfect." The boy let out a wistful sigh. "She's so much like her it's scary."

The boy's manager didn't have to ask who the boy was referring to. It was understood. Everyone who knew Kei knew he loved Sailor V.

"I mean, she walks like her, she sounds like her, she even looks like her. Do you think it could be her?

"Nah, Sailor V was straight. I'm sure of it. And Minako's a lesbian. She told me so herself, tonight.

"I can't help but want her, though. It's hard loving someone you can never have, isn't it, Yasushi?"

The man's thoughts travelled to all the women in his past who he was attracted to, eventually stopping on his current love interest. The kid was right; it was hard.

"At least I have a chance, though. I wonder what made her change her mind. Maybe it was my kiss... But what happened to her girlfriend? The two seemed inseparable before, but now I haven't seen the other woman in weeks. I wonder if they had a fight because of me. I'll have to ask Minako when I see her again.

"Could you ask her manager for me?"

Yasushi gulped audibly. "You want me to ask Meioh-san?"

"That's the general idea. Minako might not tell me, and I don't talk to managers. Since that's your job, I want you to ask her for me."

"Meioh-san?"

Setsuna stopped with her hand on the door to her office, turning to look at the owner of the voice. "Yes?"

"May I talk with you for a moment?"

Setsuna smile slightly and opened her door, motioning for her guest to follow her into her office. "Of course. You are Wakahisa-san, correct?"

The man nervously wrang his hands. "Yes, but you can call me Yasushi."

"That seems quite improper, Wakahisa-san, considering the nature of our relationship. What is it you wanted to discuss?"

The man gulped. The woman in front of him could wrack anyone's nerves, and he already had a nervous condition. "I- uh- My client asked me to inquire about- uh- about-"

"Would this have to do with my client? Something about their new relationship?"

"Yes. Thank you." Yasushi cleared his throat before continuing. "He wanted to know what happened to Minako's ex-girlfriend."

"Wakashi-san, I can assure you that Minako is not cheating on your client. While she may not be interested in him romantically at this point, you do not need to fear infidelity on her part."

"That's not what I mean, Meioh-san. He wanted to know why they are no longer together."

Setsuna raised an eyebrow. "That seems to be no business of yours nor his, Wakahisa-san. It is not even something that I am privy to the details of myself."

The man swallowed, trying to maintain composure, and not piss his pants. "I completely agree with you, but Kei was concerned that his actions had something to do with the disappearance of his competition."

"If he wants to get that information, he should go to Minako; not send you to me. We are not involved in that relationship, so it is not our place to gossip between ourselves about our clients. I suggest you let him know that I will be of no assistance to him in any way relating to Minako. You would do well to remember this fact as well, Wakahisa-san."

The stubby man let out a nervous chuckle. "Yes, Meioh-san."

He stood to leave, but Setsuna's voice halted him.

"Wakahisa-san."

"Yes, Meioh-san?"

Her eyes twinkled with something akin to amusement. "You asked for my time, did you not?"

The man was confused, and a little worried. "Yes, Meioh-san." He felt like he was back in school being chastized. That hadn't happened in over fifteen years.

"Then you shouldn't walk away before I finish speaking with you. That's rude." Yep, he was definitely back in his old class room.

"How old are you?"

"I- I'm- I'm 32, Meioh-san."

A corner of the woman's mouth quirked upwards. "What does your name mean, exactly? I think I remember from reading it somewhere, but I'd like to be sure."

Yasushi was lost as to where this conversation was going, but he was afraid to not answer the woman. Rei wasn't the only person unreasonably afraid of her. "It means forever young."

Setsuna felt the other corner of her mouth quirk as well. That sounded familiar. "What about the rest of your name?"

"It means calm, or quiet."

Setsuna released a full out smile. "That's an interesting combination, Wakashi-san. Queit and forever young."

The man smiled, resuming his previous sitting position across from the woman. "It is. I always wondered why my parents gave me such a name, but I never had he gall to ask."

"Is it true?"

"Is what true?"

"Are you quiet? Forever young?"

The man chuckled. "I don't look like it, do I? I always hear that I look old. As far as quiet goes, I'm not sure. I have a bit of a nervous disposition, but I'm not too quiet."

"That's interesting. Wakahisa-san, are you single?"

Yasushi blushed. "I am. Why are you asking?"

Sestuna ignore his question. "Why aren't you dating someone?"

The man dropped his gaze from Setsuna's eyes to the desk between them. "I don't have much luck with women."

Setsuna looked at him sympathetically. The expression didn't last long before it faded into her mask of indifference. "That's a shame, really."

The man shrugged. "I look like a forty-year-old pervert and I work around young people all day. Even if I were attractive, I don't have time to give to a female."

Setsuna rested her elbows on her desk. "I highly doubt you don't have time to give to a female. You don't need to babysit your client as much as you do. Give him more space, and you'll have more time."

The man nodded.

"Anyway, I've said all that I want to say for now. You are excused, Wakahisa-san."

Yasushi stood and turned to leave, but stopped when his hand reached the door knob. "Meioh-san, would you mind having lunch with me, sometime."

Setsuna smiled. "Yasushi-san, I do not date. I simply do not have the time." She winked at him.

He smiled. He noticed what she had called him. "In that case, would you mind doing more business together?"

"I'm sure our paths will cross again, Wakahisa-san."

Yasushi grinned despite himself and walked out of the office. Surely, their paths will cross again.

"Hey, Minako!"

The blond woman groaned. "Hello, Kei. What are you doing in here?"

"I was waiting for you. I brought you candy." He flashed her his brightest smile and offered the gift to her. She ignored it.

"You're not allowed to be in here. I can get in trouble if you're found in here. You're not worth it. Leave, and take your candies with you."

Kei's smile faltered, but he was undeterred. He walked up to Minako and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "You're so mean to me Mi-chan."

Minako looked at the ground, thoughts of Rei flooding her mind. "Don't call me that."

Kei moved his arms to Minako's waist and pulled her to his chest. "Why not, Minako?"

Minako frowned, but made no move to escape the embrace. She relished the heartbeat against her head, and the knowledge that the man holding her was alive. "I don't like that nickname. I don't like nicknames at all."

Kei knew he had struck a bad note. He wished he had started out better before trying to get the answer he so desperately needed to hear.

"Minako, can I ask you something?"

She didn't move to look at him. "What is it?"

"What happened to your girlfriend?"

"We broke up."

"Why?"

"I don't want to talk about it, Kei."

"I just-"

"She thought she was doing the right thing." Minako looked up into Kei's grey eyes. "No one can convince her she's wrong when she gets that way. She let me go for the sake of my career. And she told me to date you. So I am."

Kei thanked his lucky stars that Minako's ex was such an idiot. She literally handed Minako to him! "If you ever see her again, can you thank her for me?"

Minako glared up at the boy holding her. "No. I cannot and I will not. If I see her again, I'm dumping you, forgetting about the prospet of being famous, and going to live with her. I told you, I don't love you, Kei. I love her."

Kei stroked her hair. "I know, Minako. I'm still glad that I get this opportunity to be with you like this. You remind me a lot of V-chan."

"Who?"

"Sailor V. I loved her when I was growning up. She's so hot, don't you think?"

Minako raised an eyebrow. "Why would I have an opinion?"

"You are gay, aren't you? You never looked at her?"

Minako shrugged. "She's not really my type."

Kei nodded. "You probably liked Sailor Mars, then, considering your girlfriend. They look a little alike, too. Don't you think? I always like Venus and Moon better, though, V was my all time favorite."

Minako was a little stunned. He was just a little too close at guessing these identities for her comfort. She had to make sure he never met Ami. Her hair would give away everything.

"Kei, I wasn't really into watching the every move of the Sailor Senshi." She was too busy being one. The very first one, to be exact.

"Were you living under a rock? They were so amazing."

"Kei, did you like watching the senshi, or were you spending all of your time staring at Venus' legs?"

The boy blushed. "It wasn't like that. I was more of a Sailor V fan than a senshi fan."

"So you were staring at Sailor V's legs, then?"

"Nah. I was always looking at that cute little belly button of hers. I always wanted to tickle it." He looked down and met her eyes. "Can I?"

Minako forced herself to be calm. "Can you do what?"

"Tickle your belly button. You can substitute for my V-chan."

Minako internally sighed. He was too close for her comfort. "No you cannot tickle my anything." She took his hands from her waist and walked to her closet, grabbing the clothes she was going to wear home.

"If you don't mind, can you leave? I need to change."

The boy's face brightened up instantly. "I do mind."

Minako glared. "I don't give a flying rats ass if you mind! Get the fuck out of here!"

"Oh my! What a mouth you have! You plan to kiss me with that mouth young lady?"

"I will rip your lips off of your face-"

She was interrupted by a chuckling at the door. "You sound like Rei."

"Setsuna? What are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you." The stoic woman turned to the teenaged idol. "Do you mind leaving? This is rather important and quite private."

Kei pouted. He really did mind leaving. His girlfriend was about to get undressed and he wanted to be there for it. Nevertheless, he didn't want to argue with the woman in front of him, so he took his leave, stopping only to kiss Minako on his way.

When the door closed behind him, Setsuna smiled. "Have you grown to like him, yet?"

Minako frowned. "I want to rip his tongue out and feed it to him. When do I get to leave here and go back to my Reiko? I miss her."

Setsuna sighed. "You can't go to Rei. You have to let her come to you, Minako."

Minako looked down at the carpet beneath her feet. "I know. I can't risk this anyway. She left me so I could focus on my career; I can't just leave my career to go to her. I don't even know if she still wants me."

"I'm sure she does. She wanted you for a long time before she even met you. She was your fan before she was your friend, and your friend long before she was anything else; don't ever forget that."

"I won't, but I'm hoping that she won't either. She still doesn't answer my calls."

"You have to keep in mind how hard this is for her. She did what she thought was right and that wasn't an easy thing to do. Can you imagine wanting something for seven years and letting it go less than two months after you get it, just to give it to someone else? Give her some space."

"Sets, she doesn't need space. She's such a recluse. She needs someone to get in her face and make sure she's okay."

"Minako, I know it hurts, but you're not able to do that any more."

The blond sighed. "I know."

"If you want to make sure she's okay, why don't you send someone you can trust to check on her?" Blue eyes looked up at her hopefully. "Not me. You can't trust me. Think about your options."

Setsuna sat down in front of Minako's vanity. "Minako, I highly suggest you try to move on."

Minako sighed and flopped down on the floor. "I know I should; I know that's what she wants me to do. I just can't. My heart still wants her, you know? And even though he looks and acts just like Ace, I can't love him. I've already fallen for Rei. I can't go back now."

"I can't believe my little Minako is finally in love. I just wish I could be happy for you."

The blond smiled a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I wish the same for you, Setsuna. I can't say that I've ever even seen you go out on one date."

"I don't date, Minako."

Minako rolled her eyes. "And I don't do relationships. Setsuna, you were alive before the grave was invented. You have to have been on one date in your life."

The older woman smiled, mirth dancing in her eyes. "Do business dates count?"

Minako sighed dramatically. "No!"

Setsuna grinned. "Then in that case, I've never been on a date."

Minako got a strange look in her eyes that Setsuna noticed much too late. "No, Minako. Whatever you're thinking you can stop it. I do not agree with nor do I condone it."

"You have no idea what I'm thinking."

"The fact that it's in your mind is more than enough for me to dislike it."

"Setsuna, I'm going to help you fall in love."

"No you are not, Minako. I will do that on my own, or not at all. It is not your place to make decisions such as that and- Are you listening?"

The idol was holding the phone to her ear, waiting for someone to answer. "Minako, listen to me. You are not going to do this-"

She was silenced by a finger. "Hello, it's Minako. I need a favor. I'm sure you'll love this one."

Setsuna had no idea who the younger woman was talking to, but she was sure she didn't want to find out.

"I can't tell you right now, but I'll call you when I can to let you know the details. I promise you'll love it. It will be like you're not even doing me a favor, you'll love it so much."

Setsuna waited for the blond to hang up the phone before she started her inquiries. "Who was that?"

"I'm not telling. Setsuna, do you prefer males or females?"

"I'm not telling."

Minako crossed her arms. "You can be difficult if you want to, but you'll only make it hard on yourself."

"You should know by now that I am a lot better at being defiant than you are. I'm not falling in love at your whim."

"You should know by now that I do not give up when it comes to matters of love!" Minako stopped to think. "If you're refusing to fall in love, does that mean you're already in love?"

Setsuna simply shrugged; firmly set on being indifferent.

"Have it your way, time mage. Have it your way."

A/N: I love writing Setsuna and all of her humorous and flirtatious side stories. Picking on her is the only thing keeping Minako (and me) sane. For now...