A/N: Well, three days in a row? I'm on a roll! Woo woo! Ahahaha, sorry. More seriously though, there will be little happpiness for everyone involved for a few chapters. At least until I bring Haruka back into this mess! Ahahaha, so, there will be quite a few tumbles before our beloved couple actually make any real headway. So needless to say this story will end up being quite a bit longer then PoD. Which should in-turn tie up loose ends from the last story. Which overall is what I wished to accomplish with Spiral Static. So yes, some more unhappiness for the beloved Minako/Rei couple. For awhile, at least. Slow build you know? Anyways enough of me yammering on! Go on, enjoy! And thanks for the love guys! (P.S Don't mind Ami at the end here, I'll be sure to explain things from her whacky mind next chapter!)

Disclaimer: Owning nothing, at all! Still!

Act XIII.

"Your happiness matters to."

It already seemed so long ago, when Usagi had uttered those words in desperation. Hoping to give her friend some kind of faith, something to believe in.

Like an entire lifetime ago.

Now, things seemed even more messed up. More confusing, so many things changing, so many people playing pretend. All playing the roles they weren't meant to play. Minako always feels like that, like she was cast for the wrong role.

But then Usagi would always make a much better Princess then her. What with that optimistic, kindness she has, oh and the innocence. Well, the innocence before this whole messy affair. Still, she was much better suited for the role. And Rei always seemed so fit to play the Knight in shining armour. With her stoic calmness, warm heart, so on, so forth.

Minako was getting sick of those fairytales and their sappy endings too. (Especially the damn endings.)

But the fact of the matter is, Usagi pleaded (before) for Minako to be that girl. The one who got to make Rei happy. But really, Usagi wasn't doing it for Minako, she was doing it for Rei.

It would make the transition easier, wouldn't it?

Minako was still a little bitter because of it. Not that she was given much of a chance to get over the whole messy situation. Not the rejection, the rejection was expected. The whole Rei and Usagi thing, still burns a little hot to the touch.

But, if you're the only one who knows, what are you supposed to do about it?

Then life threw another curveball and here was Minako, sort-of dating her close friend Makoto. The same one she never had a single romantic feeling for. But still managed to mutter a yes.

It's a nice distraction all the same, though.

Is that what I've come to? Using my friends for my own benefit?

Minako tried not to dwell on that, too much.

"Are you okay, Mina? You seem…sad."

The blonde can only shake her head at Makoto. Who was sitting next to her on the steps of the Hikawa Shrine. They had just escaped from the rising tension in the sitting room, for a few quick moments of peace.

"Sad? Maybe. At least…a bit."

Makoto nodded at that.

"Is this about…you and Rei? Because I thought you two were getting…better, sort-of."

"I…"

Minako thought it over in her head, there were already so many secrets being kept behind tightly locked doors these days. And Makoto seemed genuinely concerned for her, which made the guilt that much harder to escape from.

"Yes. It's…it's about me and Rei, kind of. Not…well not just me and Rei. There are a lot of other things too."

Makoto hummed, then decided she would ask. Like a good friend should, you know?

"Do you…wanna talk about it? I mean, if you don't want to with me, I'd understand. But I'm willing to listen."

Minako stared at her friend sitting beside her. Thinking up excuses, explanations, all kinds of racing thoughts.

The truth was, Minako did actually want to talk about it. With someone who hadn't any prior knowledge, who didn't really know what happened behind closed doors. When everyone was distracted with loud declarations of love between a Prince and his Princess.

There was this sinking feeling. That no matter what happens in the future, if she and Rei could ever fix their friendship. Could ever move in a direction that took them forward instead of backwards. Where they could be friends, could be close, great friends, again.

Usagi would never let Rei go, completely.

And that realization seemed to happen way before these awkward 'study' sessions. Before Makoto decided to be romantic and use her not-quite-there-yet charms on Minako. Actually, it's possible it came to her that one afternoon. After those promising words slipped out of Usagi's mouth.

"Your happiness matters to."

The truth did not set her free.

Of course it didn't, because I knew better then too.

And that's why the Inner Senshi were falling apart, though Minako wasn't sure she had the heart to tell Ami and Makoto. She wasn't sure she had the heart to tell them what would surely tear them apart. What would make all their own sacrifices seems to so petty. So useless, so hopelessly, useless.

All because their wonderful Princess wanted more then simple destiny. Ending with her kind Prince and that magical castle.

"I want too. But I don't think…"

"Makoto!"

Ami rushed out to them, sputtering quick words with a shocked look etched on her face.

"Ami?"

Makoto murmured, confused, slightly worried. Minako sat back, pensive look on her face.

Something happened…

The sinking feeling came back full force then, settling uncomfortably in Minako's stomach. Everything was happening to fast, things were changing too much, too soon.

"I…I…I need to speak to you!"

Ami half-yelled, half sputtered. Her eyes soft, sad almost. Makoto remained beside Minako though, a feeling of dread coming over her in those few seconds.

"Ami, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."

The bluenette stopped, shook her head and couldn't find the right words. She couldn't even find words for the feelings that were coursing through her.

"I…we…we didn't know Mako…we…we…."

Makoto stood then, rushing over to her side.

"Hey! Relax, Ami, what's wrong?"

But the bluenette didn't look at Makoto then, she turned to the pensive blonde still sitting on the steps.

"I-Is it true? Did you know? Y-You had too…didn't you…Minako?"

The blonde's eyes widened slightly, the truth and all its bad, was escaping through the cracks. Months of silence meaning nothing in those moments. The truth was free again, to wreck havoc all over.

Minako opened her mouth, then shut it closed again. Words wouldn't form, especially when Ami's tears came. Free falling from sad blue eyes, Minako couldn't speak out. She tried, tried to say something, say anything. Tried to say something to Makoto even, who looked confused and utterly distraught at what was happening before her eyes.

Ami's tears, Makoto's confusion, the truth blaring at her in big red bolded letters, Minako couldn't think.

Her world was ending all over again.