I hope you guys enjoy this one! This one went through of edits before I was happy with how it turned out. Let me know what you think!
Featuring: Rei/Jadeite (with a few appearances by others)
Universe: Same universe that "Ghost", "Winter Wonderland", "Rum Flavored Kisses", and "Four Seasons" takes place. (This one takes place after the rest.)
Warnings/ratings: M, just to be safe. I warned you!
Rei stared at herself in the full sized mirror. She'd be lying to herself if she didn't admit that she'd chosen her dress with him in mind. Minako had just finished zipping her up, a knowing grin on her face as her cornflower blue eyes caught her amethyst ones in the mirror. Rei and Julian had been secretly seeing each other since December. He had called her his girlfriend one late spring night when he'd Facetimed her. He'd sleepily called her that while telling her good night. She had teased him about it, but hadn't corrected him.
She had asked him to keep their relationship a secret from the others, not wanting to make a big deal of it. They had continued to be civil around each other in the presence of the others, not changing how they acted so as to not raise any suspicions. Unlike Minako when she'd been seeing Kaiden on the side. Subtlety had never been Minako's strong suit. Rei had always been a more private person than the rest of her friends. She hadn't thought anyone knew about their relationship due to how careful they had been.
She eyed Minako suspiciously. "What?" she asked hotly.
Minako's grin widened. "Trying to seduce a certain blonde, blue-eyed man with this?"
Rei relaxed a fraction. "I don't know what you're talking about," she coolly said, trying to keep the blush from reaching her face.
Minako laughed and threw her arms over her shoulders. "Regardless of your intent, he'd be a very daft man for not noticing how drop dead gorgeous you look in this." Minako gave Rei's shoulders a tight squeeze before letting go.
Rei heard sniffling behind her and turned, looking over at Usagi as her face contorted to keep the tears at bay but failing miserably.
"Usagi! You're going to ruin your makeup if you keep crying!" Makoto chided the smaller woman as she made her way over to her.
"I know!" Usagi lamented as she looked up to keep her tears from spilling down her cheeks. "But you guys all look so beautiful that I can't help myself," she choked out.
Rei, Minako, and Ami made their way over to where Makoto stood blotching at Usagi's eyes with a Kleenex she had pulled from her chest.
Rei smirked. "Better stuff more in there if she's already blubbering like this before the ceremony even begins."
Usagi swatted at Rei's bare shoulder playfully. "It's my wedding day so you have to be nice to me."
Usagi reached out and grasped Rei's hand with her own and then did the same to Makoto. Minako came to Rei's other side and clasped their hands together while Ami took Minako and Makoto's free hands and did the same. They stood there in a circle grinning stupidly at each other as the camerawoman moved around them, taking pictures of them.
"You ready to do the first look pictures?" The camerawoman asked Usagi after she'd clicked away at their little group.
Usagi nodded her head, tears springing to her eyes again.
"Usa!" Minako groaned, tossing her head back. She grabbed her makeup bag. "You're lucky I brought the makeup to do touch ups for you in anticipation of this!"
"Good thinking Minako," Ami stated as she grabbed Usagi's bouquet in her other hand. She handed it to the petite blonde.
"Thanks Ami, I almost forgot it. What would I do without you guys?" Usagi stated tearfully.
Rei snorted. "You would've probably died by now if you didn't have us." Her words held no malice and she gave Usagi a small smile.
Usagi choked out a laugh. "That's why I'm so lucky to have you guys."
Minako clapped her hands. "Okay! Let's get you to where you need to be," she stated quickly, trying to avoid another tearful Usagi moment. She started ordering the rest of them around and soon they were all making their way to the secluded area where Mamoru and Usagi would have their first look photos done.
"Can someone go and grab the groom and tell him to wait over there? And have the groomsmen come as well so they'll be ready too for when we need them?" The camerawoman asked, pointing around to the spot she wanted Mamoru to wait.
"I'll go grab them," Rei volunteered. She made her way back to the building, her chest tightening as she got closer and closer. She didn't know why she felt so nervous to see Julian. Actually, she did know why, she just didn't want to admit it to herself. A few weeks ago Julian had told her he loved her. He had even prefaced it with a whole statement about how he knew she wasn't ready to say it but that he had to be honest with her. Of course she hadn't said it back yet. Even the idea of it now made her anxious. To say she had commitment issues would be an understatement. To make matters worse, Julian had been so understanding, which made her feel awful about the whole situation.
The inability to talk to her friends about the whole thing definitely had its drawbacks. She sighed as she made her way to the designated groom area and knocked on the door. She could hear loud guffaws emanating from the room. A small smile played on her lips as she thought about what they were putting poor Mamoru through. Zeph's blonde head peaked through the cracked door in greeting. He grinned when he saw her.
"You look hot, Rei."
Rei rolled her eyes. "You've always had a way with words. They're ready for Mamoru to do the first look pictures. The photographer also wants you guys there too for pictures so you've got a minute to get your asses over there." She gave him a warning look.
Zeph yelped and scrambled back, shutting the door quickly. She heard the men fumble around and smirked to herself. She edged away from the door and leaned against the wall a little ways from the room, purposefully hidden in a little alcove. She watched as Mamoru emerged from the room followed closely by the other four men. Her eyes searched out Julian from where she stood, waiting to see if he'd notice her. As if he could read her mind, his eyes sought her out. He kept the smile off his face as he realized she stood in the shadows. She heard him say some excuse to the rest of the men so he could stay behind. He made a valiant effort in pretending to head back to the room and staying there for a few seconds.
He gave up the ruse soon enough and met her in the alcove. Rei searched his face for his reaction to the dress. He didn't disappoint – his eyes darkened as he seemed to take in every inch of her, the appreciative look in his eyes making her stomach flutter.
"You look so beautiful Rei," he softly stated.
She smiled as she made her way to him. "You look nice in a suit," she answered. She reached up and straightened his tie, the color of which matched her dress.
"Oh?" He smiled impishly at her. He glanced around quickly before pulling her to him. "Is it okay if I kiss you? I don't, you know, want to mess up your make up."
She quirked an eyebrow at him. "Don't want red lips? I think you could pull it off."
He chuckled softly. He dipped his head down and kissed the sensitive part of her neck languidly. "No, not like you can. I don't think you realize what it does to me when I see you wearing it." Each word was punctuated with a soft kiss on her neck that left her breathless.
"Julian…" She breathed out.
"Hmm?" He pulled away from her slightly, his eyes searching hers.
Rei cleared her throat in an attempt to hide how much his kisses affected her. "We should head back." Her voice still sounded too breathy for her liking.
"I know," he said, sounding disappointed. "Want me to go first?"
"Yeah, I was going to go back to our room. I'm bound to find something Usagi forgot to grab that I can use as an excuse to why I'm late."
He laughed as he gave her a quick peck on the forehead. "Good idea. I'll see you in a bit." He turned to leave, but she stopped him by grabbing his hand.
She reached up to his neck and pulled him down to her. "You forgot your kiss," she whispered before claiming his lips with hers.
Too soon they were pulling apart. "How bad is it?" He asked while wiping a thumb across his bottom lip.
Rei ran a finger across her own bottom lip. "It's kiss proof." She wiggled her finger in his face.
He threw her a boyish grin. "No evidence? Very dangerous." He gave her a quick kiss before heading out. Rei watched him, the guilt once again settling in as soon as he walked away.
She knew she wasn't being fair to him in asking him to hide their relationship. He never questioned her about it either, just went along with it. And now she was wallowing in her own misgivings during her best friend's wedding. She let out a frustrated sigh. What a piece of work she'd turned out to be.
She headed back towards the photography area, not having it in her anymore to care if anyone asked about her whereabouts.
Rei could feel his eyes following her every move as she headed to the bar, her skin prickling at the sensation. She grabbed a water and took a sip, discretely looking over at him as she did. His attention had been drawn back to the person in front of him. He truly looked handsome in his suit tonight, she mused. A familiar feeling tingled at the pit of her stomach as she continued to watch him from the corner of her eye.
"Hey Rei, would you like to dance?"
Rei startled slightly, embarrassed that she'd been caught staring at Julian. She glanced up and suppressed a groan as her mind recognized the person.
"Hi Tomohiro. No, I think I'm going to sit this one out." She gave him a faint smile, not trying to come off as rude since he was related to Usagi.
"Are you sure? We had such great chemistry earlier!" He smiled obliviously at her.
Rei's smile turned strained as she resisted the urge to roll her eyes at him. She bit back the snarky remark that threatened to spill out. Instead, she settled on crossing her arms. "I'm very sure, thank you."
"Oh come on now! Usagi told me how much you loved to dance!" He did an awkward little shuffle with his shoulders.
Rei narrowed her eyes at him. "Did she now? Look, I'm not inters—"
"There you are Rei!" Julian materialized out of nowhere, cutting her off. "Hey Tomohiro, it's nice to see you again." He clapped the other man on the back. Shifting his attention back to Rei, Julian smiled mischievously at her. "I believe you owe me a dance."
Rei squashed the urge to throw her arms around him in gratitude. "Oh shoot, that's right! I'm so sorry Tomohiro but I did promise Julian a dance earlier." She tried rearranging her face to mask the gleeful feeling that rose up in her when Julian appeared.
She took Julian's outstretched hand, throwing away her water quickly. "It was nice to see you again," she called back as she gave Tomohiro a little wave. The poor guy's shoulders drooped as he waved half-heartedly back at her.
Julian led her to the dance floor, his hand warm against hers. The slow melody of the song drifted towards them as his arm settled onto her lower back. He pulled her slightly towards him while raising their entwined hands upwards and to the side.
"Look at you. Breaking hearts wherever you go." He smirked down at her.
She scoffed at him. "Usagi should count herself lucky it's her wedding tonight or I'd have some choice words to say to her regarding her matchmaking skills."
He laughed as he led her around the dance floor. Rei had forgotten how good of a dancer Julian was as he effortlessly twirled her. She noticed a few women throwing her jealous glances as their significant others rigidly moved in place.
"I love it when you talk murderous intent to me," he joked, his cerulean eyes twinkling with mirth. He seemed oblivious to all the attention they were receiving. She could feel her friends watching them and mentally shook off the feeling of discomfort. She wanted to enjoy dancing with Julian, not worry about what everyone else thought.
"You mean only when it's not directed at you, correct?" She raised her eyebrow, a smug grin on her lips.
"I feel like that was a given." He matched her grin with his own. She relaxed into him, shifting her body slightly closer to his. She let him glide her around, lost in the sensation of their bodies moving like one to the song. Toon soon the last few notes of the song began.
"You ready for the big finale?" Julian asked.
Rei pulled away from him slightly, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Wait, wha—ahh!" Rei's eyebrows rose in surprise as the room spun. Julian twirled her effortlessly. Before she could do anything else, she felt herself being dipped. Her eyes met his and she saw how he practically oozed satisfaction as his mouth curled up in a cocky smile. He held them perfectly still for an extra beat and then brought her smoothly back up.
"You didn't tense up," he casually commented.
"Well, no, why would I?" Her back felt cold where his hand had previously been. Already she missed his touch.
He hesitated, his eyes searching hers. "It's nice to know yo—" His eyes opened in surprise as someone grabbed him from behind.
"Julian, I had no idea you danced so well! You must meet my best friend's daughter, Yuna. You don't mind, right Rei?" Usagi's mom didn't wait for a response but grabbed Julian by the arm and dragged him towards a table. He threw Rei a scared look over his shoulder as he let the older woman lead him away.
Rei bit her lip as she suppressed a laugh and gave him a small wave. She made her way off the dance floor, heading to the bar to grab another water. She took the cup offered to her and made her way to the side, her eyes seeking Julian's form.
"You sneaky little miko," Minako chirped as she sidled up next to her.
Rei cursed under her breath as she quickly averted her eyes to her blonde friend. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean," she casually stated. She internally berated herself for being caught off guard again. She took a sip of her water, trying to act indifferent.
"You may have everyone else fooled, but not me. You're fucking Julian," Minako declared.
Rei choked on her water. "Oh my god, can you keep it down?" She hissed as she looked around at the scandalized people who were looking their way. She grabbed Minako and dragged her away from the crowd towards a quieter area. "What is wrong with you? Half the room heard you back there!" She growled low.
Minako crossed her arms, looking smug and not at all scared by her sudden outburst. "You didn't deny it," she countered back.
"We are not…sleeping together," she retorted. She could feel the flames climb up her body, igniting her cheeks as she spoke. She should have realized Minako would eventually figure it out. "We've been seeing each other, that's it."
Minako squealed, a triumphant look in her eyes. "I knew it! I'd wager for a few months now, at least." Rei watched as her friend tapped her bottom lip pensively, trying to pinpoint the actual date. She suddenly narrowed her eyes. "Did you just say you aren't sleeping together?"
Rei rolled her eyes. "Yes." She discretely looked around to make sure no one had stumbled into their conversation. She noticed she had to keep herself from trying to seek out Julian when she did the quick sweep around the room. He looked damn good in the suit and she was finding it hard to not ogle him discretely. She hoped Minako hadn't noticed.
"But, why not?" Minako looked appalled at the idea as she asked.
Rei hesitated. She didn't feel like pouring her soul out to Minako in a dark corner during Usagi's wedding. "It's complicated."
"Since when is sex complicated?"
Rei threw her hands up in the air, exasperated. She could feel her old fears creeping up as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Not now. I'm not in the mood," she retorted. She tried walking past Minako, but the blonde grasped her arm firmly.
"Stop it!" Minako hissed back at her. She dragged Rei further back into the corner. Rei narrowed her eyes, tilting her head up stubbornly. "Stop punishing yourself and him for past mistakes. You guys aren't the same people. Things won't go to hell if you let yourself love him."
Minako's gaze held hers, a mix of frustration and sadness flittering across her blue eyes. Rei bit the inside of her cheek so as to keep the biting retort from spilling forth. Minako's words hit too close to home. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in, willing the anger away as she exhaled. She knew Minako meant well. "I know," she responded wearily. She hoped that would appease Minako so that she would drop the whole thing.
"Obviously not. Don't think I'm going to drop this so easily. We aren't going anywhere. He's not going anywhere. You're stuck with us." Minako hip checked her playfully. "I'm going to drop this for now since it's Usagi's wedding and you look like you would rather die again than have this conversation right now. But tomorrow, you and I are going to have brunch somewhere and you will talk about this. Even if I have to pry it out of you," Minako threatened. She poked Rei in the chest for good measure.
Rei made a big show of tossing her head back and groaning dramatically. "Fine, but you're paying."
Minako hesitated before embracing her. Rei hugged her friend back. "Thanks, Minako. Now go find your man before someone else does."
Minako threw Rei a wicked look. "Please. I've already flaunted him around."
Rei watched as Minako sauntered back to where Kaiden stood talking to a few people. She smiled as she saw Kaiden light up as Minako approached. He bent down and gave her a quick kiss, something his past life would've never done. Minako's words hung hollow in Rei's ears as she watched her friend.
Rei made her way over to the outside balcony, seeking the fresh air to clear her mind. The warm air hit her face as she quietly slipped outside. Luckily no one else had the same idea as her. The full moon made it easy for her to make sure no couples were lingering in the corners. She walked over to the railing and leaned against it, propping her legs out and glancing upwards. The cool stone felt nice against her skin. The night sky, clear of any clouds, shined down at her. She marveled at how breathtaking the navy and azure colors blended in with the indigo and hints of hyacinth, the stars twinkling so brightly. Her thoughts switched over to Julian as she let her mind wander.
Rei knew she loved him back. She loved him so much it scared her. She knew Minako's words rang true about them being different people. But she couldn't shake the feeling that as soon as she let herself love him, he'd slip away from her. She always wondered if she had only denied her feelings for him in her past life, if their world wouldn't have come crumbling down around them. Her love for him had been the spark Beryl needed to tear them apart. Or maybe it had been her hubris to think she could have the same love her princess had.
What she had asked him to do though, hide their relationship like she was ashamed of it, wasn't fair to him either. Just like everyone else, they had to weather the storm of life, and keeping him tucked away would do more harm than good. She knew she couldn't protect them by keeping them close to her heart. Her fractured, bleeding heart could not hide how bright his shined.
She also wondered if maybe she had changed too much and he only loved the ghost of her. How long would it be before he realized it? With bated breath she waited for him to notice the discrepancies and recognize that he only loved the thought of her. When he looked at her, did he see Rei or the Princess of Mars, the woman she kept failing to live up to? It pained her to think about it.
"Need some company?"
Rei glanced back down to where Julian stood, a few feet away from her. He stood there, the boyish grin on his face making her heart race. With the moon highlighting his features, he looked so damn beautiful it hurt. The urge to run to him and bury her head in his chest was overwhelming. Instead, she held her ground and watched him move confidently towards her. He leaned against the railing next to her and glanced her way. This iteration of Jadeite held himself differently. Julian was more self-assured, a stark contrast to who he used to be. Jadeite had been plagued with insecurities.
"Did I tell you how beautiful you look today?"
"Only a few hundred times," she teased.
"And it's still not enough." The sincerity in his cerulean eyes made her look away. She suddenly felt hot, the summer breeze doing nothing to cool her down.
"Still can't take a compliment." He nudged her shoulder lightly with his own. She glanced up to see the boyish grin back on his face. The heat she felt earlier doubled, spreading to her lower abdomen.
"It's not really a compliment when everyone keeps reminding you of it." She threw him a cocky smile, nudging his shoulder back playfully.
His eyes crinkled as he chuckled. "There it is. So what are you doing hiding out here?"
"Just needed some fresh air."
He nodded in understanding. They sat there in amicable silence and every once in a while she'd catch him looking at her.
"That was a beautiful wedding," she stated.
He threw her a surprised look. "I would've thought you didn't like weddings."
"What makes you say that?"
He shrugged. "You don't like crowds or extravagant spending on frivolous things."
Rei laughed lightly. "You're not wrong. It's not the actual wedding I like, I guess. It's just nice to see everyone so happy, thinking only of the bride and groom for once, at least for a little while."
"You don't like all the love in the air?" He smirked, his voice teasing.
She snorted and rolled her eyes. "Hardly."
"Such a romantic."
"I'm not good at being romantic," she stated somberly. "Not even when I try to be." Her voice came out more self-deprecating than she intended.
"You show it in your own way."
The look he gave her made her flush. She hated how easily she blushed around him. He pushed off the ledge and stepped up to her. Julian seemed to hesitate for a fraction of a second before tenderly cupping her cheek in the palm of his hand. She leaned into it subconsciously. His thumb lightly trailed her bottom lip and then pulled away. She repressed the shiver that started low in her abdomen. Already she missed his touch. She watched him study his thumb, his brow creasing in thought.
"Marvelous invention, if I do say so myself." The half-smile he gave her didn't reach his eyes. Instead, they flickered with a hint of sadness and longing, but just as quickly as it had appeared, those emotions melted away. "We'd better get back before anyone starts to suspect something."
Rei resisted the urge to pull him back to her, her hand twitching to reach out and grab him. But her hands stayed still, grasping the stone beneath her as she watched him walk away. She was a coward and she hated herself for it.
"I'll be right behind you," she whispered to his retreating form.
Rei shook her head at her friends antics as Makoto shouted back at her as she disappeared around the corner. They had all made plans to meet up at a local bar after they had all changed, on Makoto's insistence. Her taller friend had grumbled on the ride back to the hotel how her feet needed a break. Makoto then proceeded to try to force Rei into promising that she'd join them all at the bar.
Luckily Rei had deftly avoided actually doing just that. She wouldn't be breaking any promises if she ended up not going out again. She wondered how disappointed her friends would be as she made her way out of the elevator and towards her room. She normally avoided staying up so late since she always had to be up early to take care of the shrine before the guests arrived for the day.
Rei heard the unlocking mechanism and pushed the door open, her eyes adjusting to the stark darkness in the room. She flipped the switch on and sighed. The massive bathtub seemed to call her name as she made her way further in. She could use a good soak tonight she mused as she removed her heels and placed them neatly away. She tossed her clutch onto the king sized bed and then flopped backwards. She enjoyed the way her body melted into the bed, her muscles relaxing as she stared at the ceiling.
Her mind drifted to Julian and she felt her chest tighten as she thought of the look that had crossed his face earlier. Pain and sadness. She had caused those things, probably more if she really thought about it. The severity of what she had asked him to do came crashing down on her. He had gone along with it, no questions asked. The guilt she suddenly felt clawed at her heart. She let out a frustrated sigh. She needed to talk to him, tell him how she truly felt. Something nagged at her as her eyebrows furrowed. What did he mean when he said 'she showed it in her own way'? She wondered.
She stayed there contemplating this for a few seconds longer and then begrudgingly sat up, knowing full well if she stayed longer she'd never get up. Grumbling, she made her way to the mirror and twisted her body so that she could stare at her back. She slid one of her arms back towards the zipper and pulled. It didn't budge. Rei gritted her teeth in frustration and tugged harder. For all her effort, the thing barely moved.
She cursed Minako under her breath as she did a weird, hopping dance to try to grasp the zipper better so that she could rip the damn thing off. She managed to accomplish nothing but pull her shoulder uncomfortably.
Growling, Rei rifled through her clutch, searching for her phone so that she could yell at her blonde friend when she heard a rasping on her door. She narrowed her eyes, wondering who would be at her door at this hour. Zipper forgotten, she made her way to the peephole. Julian stood waiting, an easy smile on his face. She swung the door open and stared at him quizzically.
"Hey," he casually stated.
Rei quirked an eyebrow in response. He chuckled as he pulled something out of his pocket. "I believe this will answer any questions you may have."
She looked down to see what looked to be her phone in his hand. Her mind connected the dots as she reached out to accept her phone back. "I had forgotten Makoto asked to borrow it during the send-off to take pictures and never gave it back. I was trying to find it when you knocked."
"She made me return it as she was very distraught at the idea of having to walk back here in her heels. She didn't give me much of a choice."
Rei snorted. "Sounds like her. Thanks for bringing it down, even if you were coerced into doing it."
"Sure thing. So what were you doing in there? Sounded…interesting." His lips curled up in a cocky smile as his eyes twinkled mischievously.
She rolled her eyes. "Hardly. I don't know what Minako did to my zipper, but I was wrestling with the damn thing."
"Unsuccessfully," he pointed out.
"Obviously," Rei snapped back.
Julian raised his hands in mock surrender. "I can help, if you'd like?" He asked, all teasing stripped from his voice.
Rei's irritation ebbed away as she considered his words. Silently, she moved aside so that he could step in. She closed the door and walked to the middle of the room where he stood. She turned her back to him and moved her hair, exposing her neck and back. She bit her lip in anticipation.
His hands grazed her bare skin, leaving little pockets of heat where he touched. She felt his fingers deftly undo the clasp before moving to the zipper. She heard the zipper stick and his hand curl around the top of her dress to hold it steady as he tugged down. She crossed her arms around her chest as she felt the dress give. The pads of his fingertips brushed her lower back as he stepped back.
Rei felt uncomfortably bare as she turned to face him. She glanced up to see his piercing gaze, unwavering from hers. "Julian," she breathed. She took a step closer to him. "I…"
They both startled as their phone's buzzed aggressively. Rei shot her phone a death glare as she made to pick it up. She readjusted her grip on her dress as she read the message.
"Looks like Makoto and Neven are out," Julian stated as Rei nodded in acknowledgment. Neven had sent a group text with a picture of Makoto sprawled out on their bed, sleeping. Ami's quick response, stating that her and Zeph were tired, popped up soon after. Rei watched as Minako texted, calling them party-poopers. Not feeling guilty about skipping at this point, Rei quickly texted her response.
She expected Minako's response and chortled when she read it. She also read Julian's response of not wanting to be the third wheel again.
She faced him again, raising her eyebrow as she spoke. "Don't want to go?"
He flashed her a smirk. "I'm quite content where I am."
Rei bit her lip. "I'm…." She hesitated, biting the inside of her lip as she glanced down, her face flushing. "Hold that thought. Would you mind if I changed?" She waved down to her state of undress.
His eyes followed her hand slowly, a small smirk on his face. "Not at all," he stated. He walked over to the chair and sat down, content to watch her.
Rei cleared her throat, hoping she didn't look as nervous as she felt. She went over to her luggage and grabbed what she deemed her "comfy clothes", the whole time acutely aware that his eyes followed her every move.
She went into the bathroom and quickly changed. She looked at herself in the mirror. Her brows furrowed as she took in her appearance. Not exactly the outfit she imagined she'd be wearing around him, but she had only packed this as her lounge wear.
She walked out and sat on the end of the bed, facing him. She could feel her heart pumping wildly in her chest as he quietly watched her. His lips quirked up in a smirk as he took in her outfit. "What?" she huffed out defensively.
He laughed, ignoring her tone as he responded. "I like your shirt. I didn't realize you were such a fan."
She narrowed her eyes at him. "I will vehemently deny ever wearing this if word gets out," she threatened.
"I won't say a thing. Our little Swifty secret." He grinned at her.
She groaned at his comment. "Don't make me regret wanting to ask you if you wanted to hang out for a bit."
The smile vanished from his face and Rei laughed. She got up and moved to the head of the bed and removed the comforter, draping it over the foot of the bed. She climbed in and scooted all the way over to the right side of the bed. She looked back at him after getting settled, cocking an eyebrow in silent question. Julian stook up quickly and made his way over to the left side of the bed.
"No shoes," she warned as he made to get up on the bed. He rolled his eyes but obliged, sitting down to remove his shoes. He untucked his dress shirt and started unbuttoning it.
"Before you flail me alive, I'm just taking this off because I don't want to ruin it," he threw her a knowing look. He gently laid his shirt on the chair he'd been sitting in and made his way back. When he had settled himself on the bed, Rei scooted over to him, folding her body so that she faced him.
"I wanted to apologize," she stated.
"For making me take off my shoes? Hardly necessary," he teased.
Rei rolled her eyes. "I'm being serious." She nudged him with her foot.
He grinned at her but conceded. "What are you apologizing for then?"
"I…" She hesitated, hating how uncomfortable she felt when she tried talking about it out loud. Her mouth felt like she'd stuck a bunch of cotton balls in it and her heart thumped away loudly in her chest. She sucked the inside of her bottom lip before continuing. "For making you hide us. For not allowing you to be yourself when it's not just us two. It wasn't fair of me to ask you to do that. I can see that now. I'm just…scared." She stared at his chest, avoiding his eyes at all costs.
She watched as his chest moved, heard him shifting around in the bed, dreading his response. Her chest seemed to compress in on itself, making it hard to breath. She counted each agonizing second as it ticked by, waiting for him to speak.
"I appreciate you apologizing, but I understood why you did that. I know you're scared, but you have nothing to be scared about."
The fury she felt came hot and quick. Rei bit down hard on her bottom lip to keep from lashing out at him. She closed her eyes and took a deep, shaky breath. "How can you say that? The last time we tried this, we both died!" She bitterly stated. "Sometimes when I close my eyes I can still see you lying dead next to me, my hands covered in your blood. Other times my mind replays my arrow striking Zeph, his dead eyes, once filled with such mirth, staring back at me. I wake up in the middle of the night at times feeling this phantom pain on my left side and I swear I can feel blood oozing but my hand always comes back clean. I can't do that again. I can't murder my best friend's soulmate in front of her and then watch her die in my arms again. I can't kill you again. It hurts too much." She choked on the last word.
"You have to stop doing this to yourself! It's okay to feel these things, but we aren't the same people. Back then I had no semblance of who I was. I was insecure in myself and my abilities. I thought my duty defined me. You showed me that wasn't true and the thought of losing you became too much to bare. So when Beryl tricked me I believed her. I didn't have what I have now. I've experienced what a true family is. My little sisters would murder me if I treated women the way I did back then." He smiled ruefully, as if remembering a memory only he knew. "Now I'm more confident in myself, I know who I am and what drives me. I know it's the same for you."
Rei looked up, puzzled at his last comment. Her mind was a jumbled mess of words and emotions and she couldn't bring herself to string a coherent response. Julian searched her face before continuing, understanding her silence.
"I know you think I'm only in love with you because of your past self and that's so far from the truth. I fell in love with this version of you. Don't get me wrong, Jadeite loved Bellona but Julian loves Rei." He threw her a silly look and she couldn't help but laugh.
"Do you know how cringey you just sounded?"
"Oh one hundred percent, but it made you laugh didn't it?" Julian moved his arm up. "Want to cuddle?" He waggled his eyebrows playfully.
Rei scooted over and laid her head on his chest, his cotton shirt doing nothing to muffle his steady heartbeat. She draped her arm across his torso as she felt his arm settle around her.
"I will now proceed in telling you what I love about you." She felt his breath ruffle the top of her head.
"Please don't," she said, aghast.
"Too late. I love how fiercely loyal you are to your friends. You'd do anything for them, even spy on lovers turned enemy turned friends." She heard the teasing in his voice. "I love how passionate you get about things that matter to you. I could listen to you all day and get lost in you. I love your quiet strength. You've experienced so much loss but you don't let that hinder you. You're hard-working and super disciplined. I look up to you in so many ways. Bellona pales in comparison to you. You might not shower me with PDA or exclaim to the heavens how much you love me, but you show it in your own way.
"You helped my little sister out when she was struggling with her homework on multiple occasions, even when you were busy with your own stuff. You're always listening attentively when I prattle on about work or my hobbies. You were my rock when I broke down after my father's heart-attack. You took care of me and my family, you were so attentive even when you had the shrine to look over. I don't think you slept much that month but you never complained. You don't know how much that meant to me. You love me in your own way and that's enough for me."
Rei pulled away, sitting up so she could look at him better. She looked him square in the eyes and he didn't look away. Rei realized the sincerity that poured out of him scared her. "You deserve someone who can give you what you want."
Julian sat up, his eyes flashing dangerously. "Don't. I know what I deserve." She watched as his eyes kept flickering to her lips and her eyes. Without thinking much about it Rei leaned in, kissing him with such ferocity that he had to brace himself so they wouldn't fall over. She parted his lips with her tongue, moving to straddle him as her hand found its way to the nape of his neck. Rei arched her body into his as he found the sensitive part of her neck with his lips. His hand slipped under her shirt. He trailed his hand, nails up and down along her side sending shivers throughout her body. Rei felt the heat travel down from her sides to between her legs, the prickling sensation slowly building inside her.
She could feel him pressing against her and she moaned, grinding her hips against it. Julian's hands shot down, grasping her hips tightly to still her. He let out a groan as his head rested against her chest. She tried moving but he held on.
Rei let out a frustrated growl. She grasped his hair, pulling his head back semi-gently. She leaned in and trailed kisses up his neck and nipped at his ear. "Care to explain?" She whispered.
Julian shivered but pulled away. "You're making me a little too excited when you do that."
"That's the point." She pulled him down to her, kissing him again. Her hand found his hair and she gently played with it. His hands relaxed on her hip. The pad of his thumbs rubbed lazy circles on her sides, driving her crazy.
The urge to feel his skin against hers became unbearable. Rei pulled just far enough away to lift her shirt off, throwing it behind her. She watched as Julian's eyes snapped up to her face after it had trailed down to her chest. She almost laughed at his undeniable struggle to keep eye contact with her.
"May I?" She asked sweetly, enjoying herself.
Julian nodded dumbly. She hooked her hand under his shirt and slowly pulled up, letting her nails graze his skin. Her eyes had accompanied her hands but returned to his face when his hands had stopped hers from continuing. She frowned as she gave him a quizzical look.
"Are you," Julian paused to clear his throat, his voice coming out deeper than normal. "Are you sure about this?"
Rei nodded her head. She was tired of overthinking this. Tired of holding back. The need to feel his skin against hers left her dizzy and slightly embarrassed. She tugged his undershirt up again and this time Julian didn't stop her. Leaning in, she kissed him again, letting her hands roam his back. She shifted against him, readjusting so that their chests were touching. She let out a satisfied sigh against his lips.
Julian's hands tightened around her. Before she realized what happened, he had picked her up and shifted so that she was laying on the bed with him over her. Rei looked up at him, surprised.
He gave her a cocky smile. "Your turn." He leaned in, alternating between kissing and sucking where his lips touched her neck. His hand made lazy circles on her stomach, sending little shocks of pleasure throughout her body. His lips trailed further down and nuzzled the skin exposed by her bra. She arched her back up and his hand snaked behind her. She felt her bra give and his hand slide the straps down her arms.
Rei lost herself in his mouth, his hands, his tongue. She felt as if she were floating, her body hyperaware to the sensations he was causing it. Everything she had been bottling up seemed to ebb away with every touch, the pressure slowly building up inside of her until it pushed her over the edge.
Rei heard something shuffling around as she slowly blinked the sleep away. It had been a long time since she had slept through the whole night like this. She watched as the sun peaked through the haphazardly closed curtains, the rays making the shadows in the room dance. Rei vaguely wondered if she hadn't closed them properly last night.
She sat up, glancing around for Julian. As if she had called out for him, Julian materialized outside the bathroom door and made his way back to bed.
"Did I wake you up? I didn't mean to," he said as he plopped back into bed. He didn't seem all that upset, Rei noted.
She couldn't help but smile at the excited tone in his voice. "I actually overslept. I'm normally up earlier than this," she commented. Julian was giving her a strange look. Rei narrowed her eyes.
"What?" He asked innocently.
"You're up to something," she said suspiciously.
Julian laughed and Rei noticed he didn't deny it. He moved closer to her, intending to give her a kiss but she pulled back. He gave her a hurt look.
"Morning breath," she stated simply, as if that answered his unasked question.
Julian sighed dramatically and flopped back on the bed. "I don't care about that. Besides, I brushed my teeth. Why won't you just let me love you?" He teased. He tried reaching for her but she smacked his hands away.
Rei rolled her eyes at his mock hurt expression. "But I haven't yet. All I'll be thinking about while you kiss me is how gross my breath must be. Not exactly enjoyable for me." She stood up and made her way over to the bathroom. He followed after her, hanging back and choosing to lean against the door frame as she brushed her teeth.
"What do you want?" She snapped at him, irritated at his staring.
"I don't think I'll ever tire of looking at you," he replied sincerely.
Rei felt her body flush from guilt, dropping her gaze from the mirror where she had been staring at him. "Sorry, I'm not really used to all of this yet," she said lamely.
He made his way to her and hugged her from behind, nuzzling her neck. His hot breath sent little spikes of arousal all the way down to her toes. One of his hands rested innocently on her hip and Rei's body flushed for a whole different reason. She was surprised how easily her body reacted to his touch.
"Julian…" She warned. Her voice sounded huskier even to her own ears.
"Mmm?" He sucked on the pressure point of her neck. "Would you like me to stop?" Rei closed her eyes and leaned into him, biting down on her lip. "Is that a no then?" She could feel his smile on her neck.
She grumbled at him, which made him laugh. He gave the top of her head a quick kiss and pulled away. She threw him an irritated look as she walked out of the bathroom. She did not appreciate being teased. Julian followed her out, the teasing grin never leaving his face.
Rei was in the process of trying to find her discarded shorts from the night before when someone knocked on the door. Julian hurriedly finished putting on his pants. His excitement made him fumble with his belt, so he left it hanging as he headed to the door. Rei quirked an eyebrow at him.
"I noticed you had a really beautiful view outside. I figured it'd be nice to order room service and have breakfast outside on the little balcony. I was messing around with the table outside while you were sleeping," he excitedly explained to her. "So this must be the room service."
Rei had never ordered room service before so she quickly snatched her shorts to put it on, just in case someone stood waiting behind the door. She sat back down and watched as Julian opened the door. An ear-splitting squeal rang out as soon as the door opened and Rei froze, her mind recognizing the voice.
"Oh, err, hey Minako," Julian awkwardly greeted. Minako walked under Julian's arm, barging into the room as if it were her own. She glanced over at Rei, a victorious smile gracing her lips. Rei casually pretended as if nothing was amiss as she stared back. Julian closed the door but stood next to it, glancing between the two women.
"I take it brunch is off?" Minako smugly asked, her voice oozing satisfaction.
Rei internally berated herself. How could she have forgotten she had promised she'd have brunch with Minako today? "A bit early for brunch, don't you think?" She said, her tone clipped.
"I texted you earlier this morning I wanted to meet up sooner. Kaiden had to be up early to deal with something and I couldn't fall back asleep. I figured you read it since you're normally an early riser. You must have been busy." Minako's insinuation made Rei bristle. She was right of course, but that didn't mean Rei had to like it.
"Should I go?" Julian asked hesitantly.
"No!" Both women shot back, simultaneously.
Pretending that Julian hadn't interrupted, Rei stood up and made her way over to Minako. "I slept in a little today. I didn't realize how tired I was."
"Oh I bet," Minako cheekily replied.
Rei threw Minako a warning look. "Mind if we reschedule our date? I'll buy since it's my fault."
"Sure thing!" Minako stated loudly. She pulled Rei into a hug. Rei could practically feel Minako's excitement rolling off of her. "I want every last detail about how this happened," she whispered, so that only Rei could hear. Rei didn't respond, instead pulling away from Minako with an agitated look.
"Okay well, I'm off to go grab breakfast on my own. It was nice to see you Julian." Minako gave Julian a big hug as she passed him.
"You too Minako," Julian responded. A red tinge had marred his cheeks from the whole exchange.
Rei watched as Minako opened the door but paused before leaving. Her blonde friend turned back to them, a Cheshire smile on her face. She cocked her head to the side before saying, "Do you know what's so funny about this?"
"What?" Rei warily asked.
"I'm two for two in walking in on my friends," she happily stated as she closed the door.
"Minako!" Rei gritted out as she heard laughing through the door.
Minako has an uncanny ability to barge in on her friends! I hope you guys enjoyed reading this! Please review letting me know!