Basketball
After Minako's revelation, Rei had much to think about. The blonde had thrown her world off balance. Their relationship had been built on antagonism; Minako pushed and prodded and cajoled, and Rei responded accordingly. But Rei now had a new perspective. That day at the shrine had shown her another of Minako's hidden sides. The pain in the other girl's voice as she had questioned her place in her parents' hearts had been genuine. The sincerity in her eyes when she asked Rei to give the other girl's a chance had been genuine. As cynical as Rei knew she was, she believed Minako had been speaking from the heart.
After the weekend, when classes started again, Minako had pulled back from her usual suggestive self. While she was generally as loud and boisterous as always, she didn't directly engage with Rei during lunch or PE. Rei didn't know whether she was embarrassed or was simply giving her time and space to process her emotions. Either way, it was time Rei needed.
What was she going to do? She already allowed Minako so much, but what of the others? Rei had never been good at dealing with people, especially people her own age. She had seen too many friendships end for stupid reasons, had heard too many conversations had behind another person's back. Her classmates seemed to have no problem saying one thing and meaning another. She could never tell where she stood with the people around her.
That was one of the reasons she enjoyed her role as a miko; she had never wanted the hassle of dealing with other people. Her role as a miko was well defined, and the visitors to the shrine had their roles as well. There were easy rules to follow for everyone. But with the group of girls she found herself surrounded by, there were no rules. Serena was at times brash, loud, and annoying, and at other times kind, caring, and sincere. Shy and timid Ami had a sharp wit. Makoto could fill a room with her personality or withdraw into herself. Minako was worst of all. She didn't even follow the rules she laid out with her own actions. Minako was supposed to be teasing, not sympathetic. She was supposed to be annoying, not genuine. She was supposed to make suggestive remarks, not heartfelt pleas.
Despite Minako's temporary retreat, Rei was no closer to resolving her feelings when their last PE class of the week came around. She was certain the other girl would start in again with her teasing, and she had now idea how she would react. Would she be able to act like she usually did? The last thing she needed was someone noticing any weird behavior and starting rumors. That was another problem with her classmates- they loved to talk about anyone and everyone. So she couldn't help but feel nervous when she entered the locker room for PE.
She managed to change in relative peace. Serena was chattering away, occupying Minako's attention. Likewise warm-ups went smoothly. Makoto and Ami were between her and Minako, unwittingly acting as a barrier. The teacher announced they would be playing basketball and split them into teams. As each team filled up they were sent to a court. For once, the five of them were split up. Perhaps she wouldn't have to face Minako that day after all.
That notion didn't last long. When Rei and her team made it to their assigned court, Minako was there, waiting with hands on her hips and half a smile on her face.
"Fancy meeting you here," Minako said when Rei was close enough.
"In the gym class we have together? Color me surprised," Rei said.
"So…" Minako sounded as lost as Rei was feeling. "Basketball, huh?"
Rei raised a critical eyebrow. A hesitant Minako was unexpected.
"That's it? No dirty joke? No suggestive pun?" she asked. She was sure Minako had something planned.
The blonde shuffled in place. "Well, I didn't want to push more than usual."
Rei frowned. She seemed to be telling the truth. Maybe Minako was more affected by her own confession than Rei had thought. The whistle blew and the game started before she could pursue further. The game would provide ample opportunity for Minako to return to her usual self.
Except the blonde never did. She didn't avoid Rei- that would have been difficult with only two girls on each team, and the other girls were content to pace around near each other- but she didn't engage her either. She was playing normally. She was acting like Rei was just another classmate.
Rei was aware of the irony that only a week before, this would have been a dream come true. But Minako hadn't abandoned her challenge as fruitless. Rei hadn't convinced the other girl to give up her bothersome ways. No, this was Minako being timid. Rei didn't want a tainted victory. She wanted to come out of their challenge on top fair and square; even if she wasn't sure what that challenge was. This Minako didn't sit well with Rei. She resolved to get the old one back.
The next time her team had the ball, she called for a pass. The boys shrugged at one another and threw her the ball. She dribbled straight at Minako, just as the other girl had when they first met. Minako didn't seem to know what to do, so Rei faked one way then turned the other and blew past the blonde. She put in an easy layup. As she started down the court to play defense Rei made sure to bump her shoulder into Minako.
The next offensive possession she called for the ball again. Minako seemed to have caught on to Rei's plan and was guarding her more closely. Of course neither of them were great at basketball, but the pressure Minako put on forced Rei to pass to one of her teammates. An improvement, but something was still missing.
Minako's team brought the ball up the court but Minako didn't get involved. They scored and Rei's team took over. When they got to the other end of the court Rei moved towards Minako. Minako moved to block Rei's path, but Rei had another plan. She had seen one of the boys back into a defender to spin around them, and she planned to do the same. She called for the ball, got it, and turned her back to Minako. She kept moving backwards until she felt Minako's hand on her back and turn first one way then the other. Minako bit on the fake and Rei dribbled past the blonde again. There was another defender in her way, but that left one of her teammates open. A quick pass, a shot, and her team scored again.
The game continued in that same vein. When Rei got the ball, she targeted Minako. Minako would play her, but without her usual intensity. It became clear to Rei that simply playing the other girl hard wasn't going to be enough.
As they started down the court after her team scored again, Rei waited for Minako.
"You'll have to play me closer than that," she said. She watched the other girl closely for her reaction. Minako bit her lip.
"I don't think basketball is my game," she said. Rei frowned. That had been a perfect opening for Minako but she hadn't taken it.
"That's never stopped you from trying before," Rei said.
"I am trying. Maybe you're just that good," Minako said. An errant pass gave the ball to Rei's team, and everyone started to the other end of the court. Rei stuck by Minako.
"I don't think so. It feels like there's something missing."
Minako glanced at her. "What is?"
The teacher's whistle blew, ending the game. The other students started filing towards the locker rooms, but Rei didn't move. Minako waited for her answer.
"You're not challenging me. I told you before I don't care about gym, and I still don't. But you kept pushing until I did care about beating you."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying you don't have to hold back on my account."
Minako looked away. "I don't want to push my luck," she said. Rei gave her a hard look and made her way to the locker room door. Minako followed.
"I know you're worried about how I'll react, but you don't have to," Rei said. "I can take anything you can give me."
They stopped just outside the door. Rei turned to Minako, and the other girl considered her for a long moment.
"Are you sure?" she asked.
Rei returned her look with a challenging one of her own. "I know what I said."
They stared at each other for another moment before a smile slowly spread on Minako's face.
"Alright then. You better prepare yourself. There's an awful lot I'd like to give you." she said. With a wink she waltzed into the locker room. Rei shook her head and smiled at the closing door. Minako was back.
