Spider Web: Desperation
A.N. : THANK YOU SO MUCH! To the whole lot of you, but all be it far from me to discredit you! Lovies! You all brightened up my day!
aquahearts357: Thanks! I'm so glad you're hooked! That is my ultimate goal, to give my readers one hell of a good time! Thank you so much for your review, you're too awesome!
Nyneve: You are sooooooooo Fckin' awesome! Thanks for not rushing me, and thanks for your awesome review! Yeah, I kinda died there for a while... lol, really dead. My stories did too, but I'm working on updating those! I am really proud of "Intruder at the Gates", thanks so much! It really only brings me joy that you like it! Thanks so much for loving on me!
U-SUCK-JK: You rock! Love the pen name, totally original (no joke, I love it!)! Thanks so much for your review! It really gave me the motivation to keep going!
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Love you all!
Minako Aino
Minako sighed. Any class with out Usagi was torture. A bitter smiled formed on her face as she glanced around the class room at her fellow students. She couldn't take the silence, having to hold her tongue. There was no reason they should hate her; She was nice, beautiful ... intelligent, maybe not, but she had a personality everyone seemed to over look. Because of the bow in her hair and her dreams the whole school seemed to have dubbed her as a "wanna be". Apparently, you aren't allowed to have glamorous, outlandish dreams. She was also once told by a freshman, a FRESHMAN, that she was weird because of her English accent. That had been a blow right to the protective metal shield around her heart.
Even though she was born under the planet of Venus, a psychic once told her, there was no love in her life. Her parents never called her from England; there was no man in her life, and no friends. No, that one was wrong. She had Usagi Tsukino. Minako didn't mean to sound ungrateful, but ... she desired nothing more than to have a group of friends to hang out with, to laugh with, to share things with, to hunt for hot guys with... to be with. No such fortune. Even with Usagi Minako found herself holding back, trying to keep as much of herself protected as she could.
Once, only once, did she have a love and a friend. He was a police officer she met at a coffee house once. Then she met the whole police crew, including her friend. This wonderful, loving, perfect man courted her, even proposed. Her wonderful, dependable, trustworthy friend was happy for her. But mum and dad had a problem, and that was that. Only sixteen, Minako had no real say in her life. Broken hearted, Mr. Perfect receded after a long fight for their love and then found comfort in Mrs. Trustworthy. Three months later they were engaged. Somehow, Minako could find it in herself to smile and find happiness in that the man she loved and her best friend made each other happy. She managed to smile, congratulate them, and be the Matron of Honor at their wedding.
Later that night Minako has slashed her wrists, wanting the pain to stop.
She had woken up in a hospital, no one there. A few beeping machines, an iv or to in her arms. One was clear, the other was blood. The room was dark, the blinds pulled over the windows and glass door. Pain was circulating through her body, centering at her wrist. Tears filled her eyes, as much as she didn't want them too. The bandages wrapped all the way up her arm, covering the long laceration. Minako had cut herself so perfectly; she didn't understand where she went wrong. Seconds later a doctor in a slightly stained white lab coat came in, leaving the light off. He explained to her that some one had found her in the street, soaked by the rain with a fever. The man donated his blood for her, and then left anonymously. Her parents had been called, notified, and were occupied.
It was then that she decided to leave England. Somewhere, anywhere. Once her plan had been fully explained, her parents gave her blank, indifferent stares, then shrugged and asked for a departure date. So Japan ended up as her destination. She had arrived with a vivacious spunk, ready for a fresh start...
Squandered. Rather quickly, she thought. And so started her declined spiral...
Minako jumped as the last bell rang out. Sighing again she picked herself up and sluggishly moved towards the door. The moment half of her body was passed the premises of the school she was tackled to the ground.
"Minaaaaaaaaaa!" A blonde flash squealed in her ear. A smile immediately found itself on Minako's soft features. The two girls righted themselves, linking arms immediately and began walking away to begin their day.
"Oh hey! Mina-san, did you see the latest scores? We aren't dead last for once!"
Minako blinked. 'I can't believe I completely forgot about the test!' She thought, a feeling of dread coming over her. "Really? Not dead last?" Some how, though Minako could never understand, Usagi managed to fully laugh at how they both came in so far down on the ranks. Laughter was always contagious. Usagi laughed again.
"Yeah, this girl. I think her last name is Makoto Kino. A transfer from some other high school, the girl who doesn't wear out uniform? The tough girl, always fighting?" Usagi said, trying to recall a first name. Minako as well seemed deep in thought.
"Yeah, I have seen her around. She's always alone, isn't she? Have you tried to talk with her?" Minako asked, almost indifferently. She couldn't help a little intrigue though. Usagi nodded vigorously.
"She's an amazing cook! Kind too, she always shares. She doesn't eat much... hmm. So, what shall we do on this lovely spring afternoon?" Usagi said, very well knowing the answer.
"Movies and popcorn!" Minako and Usagi squealed together. It seemed like a very tame Friday night to any listeners, but to Minako and Usagi it was pure girl bonding time. Sad movies, comical movies, action movies, movies they only watch to see their favorite actor, and constant talking. It was heaven to Minako. A heaven that she was keeping herself from truly feeling. Usagi seemed to sense it sometimes; she would tilt her head to one side and seem to study Minako, like she was peering through at all of Minako' wiring the way a mechanic would. Then Usagi would move on, like she saw the problem but didn't know how to fix it. Or that maybe she didn't see the problem, but would try everything to fix it. That's just who Usagi was, Minako supposed.
Usagi then stopped. "Hey, why don't we invite Makoto? She seems really nice, and lonely too, it could be fun!"
Minako stopped and looked at Usagi. 'Share this night? I have no idea who she is! I'll end up an out cast and quiet!' Her mind immediately screamed. She smiled though, and nodded enthusiastically.
"Sure! It'll be great! But, where do we find her?" Minako asked, a small hope coming in her that the night would be theirs again. Usagi then thought for a second, until her eyes flashed with victory.
"Wait! I remember she said she owned a coffee house! It's called Affagato's, come on let's go!" Usagi said victoriously, grabbing Minako's arm and dashing off with her. They didn't stop until they arrived at their destination, to which Makoto was exiting. The brunette turned around and seemed to almost jump back when Usagi was right up in front of her.
"Oh, hi Usagi, what are you doing here?" She asked hesitantly. Usagi laughed, rubbing the back of her head.
"Well, my friend Minako and I wanted to know if you wanted to come watch some movies with us!"
Makoto shifted her weight, looked off to the right and was silent for a moment. Her eyes seemed to change moods as she thought, Minako noticed (and admired). First seeming enticed by the idea of hanging out, then they became saddened by something, and then her eyes seemed completely detached.
"Thanks Usagi, but I can't. Lotta' stuff to do at home, y' know?" She said strongly, trying to throw a laugh in her voice. Usagi tilted her head, but accepted he decline, looking genuinely put out too. It made Minako feel that much worse about feeling glad it was just her and Usagi...
Hours later Minako stepped lightly over the carpet in her room, gathering up the trash and spilled popcorn. Usagi was mumbling lightly in her sleep on Minako's bed. Always the first one to fall asleep (probably due to Minako only getting four hours of sleep a night), Minako chose this time to clean up, turn of the tv and DVD player, and lay awake reviewing the day.
'Makoto seemed like she really wanted to come... I hope my expression didn't throw her off... she seemed so nice... so responsible, so mature. Nah, she probably didn't wanna hang out with a bunch of immature giggly high school girls. She probably has a boyfriend to go home to anyway. Yeah, Makoto seems like a girl who'd be living with her guy. But what about her parents? Well, I don't live with my parents...' Minako's thoughts wandered.
Her mind made up an exotic story for Makoto; about how she fell in love with a college man, fought for their love with her parents, then ran off to elope with him, and was now living with him, together in a small but cozy and humble apartment. Her husband would be a business man, the guy who sorted out all of her coffee house's finances, who opened it for her, to give Makoto her dreams of owning one. 'It sounded wonderful...' Minako thought as she drifted to sleep.
Monday morning came all too quickly for Minako. Until now, Minako had never even realized hat Makoto was in her food science class. 'Surprise' Minako thought grimly. A thought slowly began creeping into her head. 'She seemed so nice, why not?' Minako inhaled deeply. She knew how to do this. Holding her breath, Minako walked over to Makoto, and in one long breath introduced herself.
"Hey, you're Makoto right? I'm Minako Aino, I don't know if you remember but Usagi-chan introduced us a couple of nights ago. Anyways, I noticed you don't have a partner, and well, I was wondering if we could hang together." Minako said in her most bubbly voice and absolute best smile. Makoto seemed shocked at the very least, but nodded in submission. Minako squealed on the outside, and was beaming on the inside.
'This could have turned out much worse!' She thought. And by the time the class was over, Minako learned an insurmountable amount of information about Makoto Kino. Makoto lived alone, was an amazing cook and seamstress (just as Usagi claimed), a very kind person and so much more. Minako and Makoto had nothing to do that day, so they chose to pal around. The two girls eventually made it to Makoto's apartment after sun down. Minako was a tad bit surprised at the decrepit status of the apartment building Makoto lived in, and even more surprised when she saw the inside of Makoto's apartment.
The building itself stood in the deep end of the ghetto of their town. It was a dirty brick building, straight with out much shape. Inside the building was even worse. The hallways weren't finished being built, there were ugly "flu phlegm green" (as Minako said, only half joking) smudges on the walls. Doors were splintered, locks jarred open or unhinged, the sound of a shrill baby wailing was in the distance. An absolutely rank odor had taken over the hallway completely.
But when Minako opened the door to Makoto's apartment it was a rather pleasant surprise. The room was completely finished, new looking and clean smelling. There was a soft crème coloured carpet, dark green window treatment, soft but worn in couches; a three seated couch, a love seat and a sofa, all matching. A small coffee table was in front of the couch. The kitchen was clean and seemingly functional. A sweet smell of baked pastries wafted to Minako's senses as well.
"Wow, this place is..." Minako began, amazed.
"Better than the rest? Yeah, I had to do a lot of work, but I tidied it up as much as I could. Still no hot water to the shower, but here's to hoping." Makoto said with a laugh as she pulled two drinks out of the refrigerator. Tossing one to Minako, Makoto sat on the love seat. Minako caught the drink. Beer. Strawberry beer, to be precise. She looked up at Makoto who had already opened her beer and was taking a long drink of it.
"I didn't know you drank..." She said simply. Makoto shrugged.
"Land lord may be a really creepy guy, but he is good for something."
Minako looked back down at her drink. 'Don't wimp out Mina, this is your chance to prove yourself to be fun, an interesting person.' She thought. Minako inhaled deeply and took a large swig...
Many, many drinks later, Minako glanced around the room. Her eyes couldn't quite keep up with her head moving around the room. It seemed to lag, then blur by her. Minako's entire body just felt... good. Her whole body seemed to vibrate, yet at the same time it was numb. She glanced over at Makoto who was still on the loveseat, in total control. Makoto seemed to study Minako, almost worried.
"You should have told me you were such a lightweight!" She laughed. Minako laughed hysterically as well.
"I didn't wanna seem like a wimp... y' know, you're really diff... different from what I thought... I thought... HA! I don't even remember what I thought! Can I call you Mako? I think you're really awesome... mature... hehehe..." Minako babbled. Makoto stood up, swayed a little, then slugged her way over to Minako and pulled her up from the floor where she had been lying.
"You are so wasted... sure, you can call me Mako. I'm not gonna send you home like this... come one, up with you... hey... may I call you Mina?" Makoto said as she hoisted Minako up and carried Minako to her bedroom. She placed a waste bin next to the bed and turned the light off. Exiting slowly Makoto hear Minako giggle out a "sure". She felt an odd sensation that was much like happiness. A friend. They had talked all night, about everything and anything. As Makoto shut the door behind her, her eyes widened at the sight.
'One... four... nine... seventeen—oh shit, how many did they have? How many did Minako have!' Mako thoughts went off like alarms. She spun around quickly—too quickly, wobbled slightly but managed to find her balance and darted back into the room. Clicking the light on, Makoto felt her pulse quicken, causing her head to spin as she stumble over to the bed. The world was not able to catch up with her, then it would blur passed. Makoto fell beside the bed, pulled herself up and grabbed Minako's shoulders.
"Mina! Mina wake up!" Makoto called out. Her eyes steadied for a brief second, long enough for her to see that Minako's lips had turned a shade of purple-ish blue.
"MINAKO!"
A.N : Sorry this chapter was too short, but I could feel my attention span shortening. Hehe, 'nother cliff hanger for ya! No worries, I will get back to Rei and Ami, I haven't dropped them off into oblivion. If you couldn't tell, I'm trying to play the senshi as real people, with real psychological methods. Can ya guess what Mako's chapter will be about? Huh? Ha! Yeah right... please review, the lack of reviews really hurts. Tell your friends! Tell your enemies! But tell them good things! Thankies and lovies to you all!