A/N: Well, this chapter came together far faster than I had anticipated. Sadly, my partners are back in England, and I miss them terribly. However, life doesn't stop for me, and since they love this fic, I will try to make it a priority until we can be together again.

Warning: Plot! And... plot? OH! And dancing! Fear the dancing.. FEAR IT!

With love,
Korrupted.

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Sailor Moon, or the characters. Because you really don't want me to anyways.


"Any person or persons who attempt to teach any free person of color, or slave, to spell, read, or write, shall, upon conviction thereof by indictment, be fined in a sum not less than two hundred and fifty dollars, nor more than five hundred dollars."
-Alabama, 1833, section 31


"Now, put one hand on my shoulder. Mina, I said shoulder, not put me into a choke hold."

"Eeeep! Sorry!"

Makoto chuckled as she corrected Minako's wayward hand, taking the other gently. With a smirk, she placed her hand on the smaller woman's hip to pull her closer against her. "Now, just remember that I lead. Okay?"

The uncertainty of the nod was hysterical at best, and so Makoto took a very deliberate step with her left foot back. While Minako over judged her own and knocked them both to the floor, flopping on top of the winded warrior. The tangled limbs flailed and wriggled as they tried to desperately free themselves, Makoto laughing loudly as they constantly boshed foreheads.

"Mina! One would think my collar is attached to you or something!"

Minako squeaked in embarrasment as they pulled free at long last, watching the taller woman still positively howling with mirth on her bedroom floor. The light from the candles warmed the golden shakles that still encased tan wrists and throat, the once general trying all she could to control her giggles.

"Honestly, M-mina... You re-eally are terrible!"

Ocean hues narrowed in an impossibly red face. "No need to be so cruel about it."

After Makoto stopped her gwauffing and wiped the tears from her eyes, the duo returned to a nearly systematic cycle of trying and failing to get further than five steps into the lesson.

"That's it!" Minako finally huffed out angrily. "No more today, Mako. I'm tired of screwing up."

Almost reluctantly Makoto stepped back and watched her friend leave, a smirk on her face. "Hey, Mina!" She called.

"Hmm?"

Minako turned just in time to see the smirk ease into a kind smile. "For what it's worth, you improved a little."

The gentle assurance calmed the irritated blonde just enough to cause a grin to tug at her lips. "Yeah, well. Thanks."


The next four days went in much the same way, both women learning to laugh off the countless blunders just a few more times with each lesson. By the time the fifth lesson rolled around, Makoto had thought up something that could help her master learn easier.

"Minako, show me how you use your whip."

Completely unsure of what her friend was planning, Minako unfastened her weapon from her hip and cracked it once with ease.

"Good. Now, I want you to spin around while building to lash it out directly in front of you."

Again, Minako did as requested, fluidly moving as the whip seemed to caress the air scant inches away from her body before flashing out in front of her. Her curious gaze leveled at the now beaming Makoto, still baffled by the sudden attack requests; however, Makoto spoke before she could question it.

"You use your whip like it's an extension of your body, as you should. You move in time with your strikes to evade the enemy and strike again. Dancing is just that; both partners are extensions of each other, moving in time to not collide."

Ocean hues blinked at the nearly audaciously simplistic approach her instructor was using. "But... That doesn't sound that difficult."

Makoto's laughter filled the room, Minako feeling the sound wrap around her like a warm blanket. She had learned to cherish and enjoy that sound. "That's because it isn't. Yeah, some steps are rough, but if you can fight, you can dance." She opening her strong arms and motioned for her master to come closer. "C'mon, I know you can do this."

Minako felt so assured by her words that without a moment's hesitation, she walked over to get into position with her charge. The warm golden wrist shackles barely touching her body felt less like chains in her mind and more like armor; both she and Makoto knew they protected the slave from many things. Their eyes met, and for the first time Minako could see the barest flecks of hazel in those watchful emerald orbs, the odd strength that her most eased gaze filling Minako's being.

It calmed her so much that when Makoto started moving, she followed suit shakily, but still fluidly. Minako felt safe in her hold, not even thinking about much other than the barest motions that her dancing partner made to pull her in the right direction. A soft smile tugged at her lips, moving just a bit closer to her friend, Makoto seamlessly adjusting her hold to accommodate her new position.

"Huh?" Minako mumbled when she didn't quite catch what Makoto said.

"I said that was fantastic. Did you want to try it with music now?"

"Music?"

Makoto beamed brightly. "I mean, I know we don't have any musicians on hand, but Rei lent me one of her weird stone things. It has some decent music that is common at balls."

It clicked in Minako's head. "Ohh, you mean a sound stone." She thought a moment longer. "Alright. Let's have a go."

Makoto walked over to a smooth, black stone, poking it uncertainly. "Now, how in the hell did she get it to work?"

The young madam giggled and stalked up to her friend, holding a hand between them. "May I?"

With a huff, Makoto handed over the device, her emerald hues carefully watching Minako's actions as she began trying to activate the sound stone next.

"That's funny... It should be working..." She mumbled.

Makoto found her gaze pulled to the golden hair as the dulled sunlight passed through the drape to illuminate it. In a slight trance, she watched how her friend's body moved, her slender yet slightly calloused fingers trace the stone, how her athletic frame was showcased by the clothing; form fitting yet practical. Makoto couldn't help but feel her heart thud in her chest as Minako chewed the inside of her lower lip in concentration, almost hypnotized by her. She had never really looked at her master in this lighting, the amber glow making her seem almost otherworldly.

However the sound of music started up as Minako beamed brightly and looked at the taller woman, Makoto blushing at being caught starting. "Ha! Got it."

"I uhh..." It took far longer than usual for her brain to work properly, the tune of the music the thing it latched onto first. "A Raji waltz. It's my favorite dance music. Great job, Mistress Blondie." She teased, ruffling the long hair playfully.

Minako batted away the hand, glaring at her charge in mild irritation as she fixed her hair, Makoto laughing. "Still a strawberry pastry."

Still grinning, the slave offered her hand to the shorter woman, holding her close as they danced. Truly, Minako was improving. And now it was far easier with her thinking more of fighting than dancing. However the scent of jasmine and leather from the bath oils and corset invaded Makoto's senses, losing herself in the warmth of her friend. She never really thought about how soft Minako's skin was, or how her curves were pressed against her body from their position.

"Mina?"

Rei's voice broke through her revere, both of them looking at the woman in the doorway.

"Hotaru and Diana would like some money to go to the baker's shop for sweets. Would you like to accompany them with me?"

Minako nodded and grinning childishly. "Go out for sweets?! Of course!" She looked back to her companion and bounced giddily. "Ohhhh, I'll be back for more lessons tomorrow! Bye, Mako!"

As Minako giggled and dashed away to get both the coin and her cloak, Makoto called out to her, cupping her mouth with one hand to help broadcast her words. "Just don't get mugged again, you idiot!"

When no answer was shouted back, she slowly lowered her hand as the music played from the stone. Her mind was still cloudy from everything, confused by the new input about her master. With a heavy sigh, Makoto placed her hands on a table behind her, resting her weight on them as she stood in deep thought.

What in the hell was going on with her?


Minako span around in circles in the middle of the room, laughing happily as Makoto watched, chuckling at her antics. They had been at it for another two weeks, and they could both see the vast improvements in her dancing. It was incredible to think that only twenty days ago she was perpetually tripping over anything and everything, and now she was learning how to spin, dance with her back to Makoto, and soon to be learning lifts.

As she twirled closer to the slave in question, Makoto moved in behind her and seamlessly mirrored her actions with far more confidence, both laughing openly. The warming air of the room was a good contrast to the chill of the slowly waning winter outside, the music from the stone fast paced and almost chipper, the feeling infecting them both with carefree joy.

Minako turned and took Makoto's hand, the two of them instantly taking up actual dancing steps with goofy grins still plastered onto their lips. With the ease of practice, she let her instructor lead her in the dance, her feet light and only missing their mark vaguely as they moved quite gracefully around the room. Ocean orbs met deep verdant as they continued, Minako's heart hitching slightly when Makoto winked. Was that a blush she saw on those sun-kissed cheeks?

She didn't have much time to think about it as Makoto's hands moved to her hips, the former general hoisting her into the air as she squealed in gleeful surprise. "Mako!"

Her only reply was more laughter, but she was slowly returned to the floor, returning to their previous fluid motions. As the song slowed, so did their steps, Minako resting her head against her friend's collarbone lightly. She could hear Makoto's heart pounding, feel the warmth through the magenta linen tunic, smell the rose scent of the bath oils on her friend, and she couldn't help but feel completely safe.

And, for the most fleeting of moments, she didn't want that feeling to end. She didn't want Makoto to let her go.

Blinking several times, Mina furrowed her brow, her mind moving far faster than it had in years. She hadn't felt like this in ages, not since Sirrah, and Gareth. Not since she last had a budding crush on someo-.

Her face went bright red.

Oh no. Oh no. This couldn't be happening. Not for one of her dearest friends. Not for the one damn person in the brothel who was not legally permitted to love a free person. Falling for a client was preferable to torturing Makoto with what she couldn't have.

The very moment the song ended, Minako stepped back quickly. "That was... Really nice. I uhhh... have to... go. Yes, have to go. See you in the bar, Mako."

All but fleeing the room, Mina tried to calm her frazzled nerves. There was no way she was developing a crush on her friend. No, it had to be something else. Maybe the lift had made her a bit wobbly. Yes, that was it. The room had been warm and the lift had made her disoriented.

With that thought in mind, Minako calmed down and exhaled deeply. Everything was still normal. She didn't have a thing for Mako, and obviously Mako didn't have a thing for her.


Makoto watched Mina swiftly walk away, confused, and oddly sad. She had thought the blonde would enjoy being lifted, and at first it appeared she had been right. Everything about her master was slowly but surely growing more and more lovely; the way the light hit her, the way she moved, her smile, her laugh.

Just, all of her.

She didn't quite understand it, but she feared that it was that blasted thing called a 'crush' that she had heard of years ago from the older Kishu children. Being alone, self-reliant, and a warrior had shoved her need to form a bond of that kind with anyone far away. And yet, she had been finding her hands stroking Minako's silky skin as they lay in bed at night. Her gaze drawn to her lips more. Her heart pounding when they danced.

However, she had no experience in the matter, and so she found herself stalking quickly to Haruka's door, knocking on it firmly. Even if she had no idea about this sort of thing, she lived in a house full of women who were masters of the heart, and all that it entailed.

The door opened, the masculine woman tying the blue sash around the waist of her sandy tunic, a bit surprised at her visitor.

"Mako, what's up? Everything okay?" She questioned.

Makoto rubbed the back of her head nervously. This was going to be a terrifyingly awkward talk. "Ruka, can I talk to you about something?"

The tall guard moved to grant her entry, Makoto wasting no time in hurrying in, and shutting the door. It was a fairly modestly filled room. A few weapons hung on the walls, tapestries that depicted beautiful women, two large chests, a wardrobe, and a floor length mirror. If anyone could help her, it would be a fellow warrior.

"Ruka?"

"Hmm?"

"Have you ever... You know... felt anything for someone?"

Royal blue gaze locked with hers, a winning smile shot at her. "Yeah. A girl from my village named Natalia, and the Duchess Michiru. Why?"

Makoto felt her cheeks slowly turn red with a blush. "What was it like? When you started to feel for them, I mean."

A sandy eyebrow arched curiously. "Well, I started noticing things about them I hadn't before. How they moved, the way they looked in certain lights, or clothes." She chuckled. "My heart felt like it was racing at times. I would get caught up in staring at them, just let everything else fade away. And I just... Thought about them more and-"

Haruka stopped when she saw how dark her friend was blushing, half convinced that the gold collar was going to start glowing from how hot her face and neck must be. And then a giant, playful grin spread across her lips, walking to stand next to the slave, bumping her shoulder into Makoto's.

"Awww, Mako... Do you have a crush on someone?"

The sheer panic that flickered on her face was telling enough. "Whu-what?! Me, a crush? Pffft. No way, Haruka. You must be dreaming that up."

"C'mon, don't lie to me!"

"Look, I can't anyways because, hello!" She lifted her hands to bring the shackles into clear view, then pointed at her collar. "Slave. It's illegal for me to fall for a free person."

"Ohhhh, it's a free person, eh? Oh, now you have to spill!" The escort goaded, leaning closer. "What's his name? Does he come here? Which one of us does he see?"

"What?! No, no! I don't have to tell you, Haruka! Drop it, okay? She's not a patr-"

"Ah-haaa!" The blonde was now standing in front of the door, beaming in victory. "You've got a crush on a woman! If it's not a patron, it's one of us." She tapped her chin in thought. "Sets?"

"No way!"

"Luna?"

"Not a chance."

"Hmmmm, Ami? She's cute, and I could totally see it."

Emerald hues rolled. "Not in this lifetime."

Haruka leaned against the door cockily, her best playboy smile on her lips. "Is it me? I knew you couldn't resist my charms, Mako."

"Pfft..." Makoto snorted, her expression both bemused and annoyed. "Oh baby, oh baby. You've caught me. How could I ever resist you acting like a complete gaitoh."

"A whoziwhat?"

"What you would call a 'cock-sucker'."

"Makoto," Haruka feigned sorrow. "You wound me!"

"Good, so just drop it." Makoto demanded firmly, pushing the taller guard aside to exit.

"Rei?" Haruka continued, ignoring her words. "Could totally see you getting into those dark and mysterious vibes!"

Makoto yanked open the door, throwing her hands into the air in frustration. "No! Jakli's SPEAR, woman! Now leave me be before I throw you over the balcony!"

As the infuriated Kishu stormed off, Haruka leaned out of her room, shouting after her. "Is it the Princess?"

Her only reply was a furious roar and a two-finger salute in her direction. Haruka was going to figure this out if it killed her. And knowing Makoto, it just might end up that way.


Three days more of dancing later, Minako sat in Rei's room, worrying a cup of tea as amethyst hues studied her.

"Mina, it's been ten minutes, and now I am getting worried. What did you want to speak to me about?"

The cup was set down carefully, and then the blonde flopped her head onto folded arms, mumbling in a high-pitched whine of a voice incoherently.

"Mina, I can't understand you like that. You'll have to stop giving imaginary blow-jobs and look at me when you speak."

Brooding cerulean eyes glowered at her, yet Minako still heeded her words. "It's been four days and I can't shake this weird feeling I have."

Rei leaned closer, worried. "Are you ill? Should I fetch Ami?"

Minako shook her head sternly. "No. No, no. Thank you. I just..." She lowered her chin to her folded arms. "I think I might be... I dunno."

The former priestess grinned impishly, taking a sip of tea. "Well, certainly not pregnant is my guess. That would require you sleeping with somebody other than Makoto."

Minako's face burned scarlet as she sat bolt upright. "Sleeping with Mako?! I'm not! I mean, yeah I sleep in bed with her," her voice crept higher and higher in pitch by the second. "but not like that! And even if I was, it's not you're business! And-"

Rei held up a hand to silence her rambling. "Mina, Mina stop for one moment." Her gaze was firm, but imploring. "Do you... Have feelings for Makoto?"

"WHAT?!" The madam all but screeched. Rei was certain that any dogs in the nearby houses had just gone deaf. "I don't- I just! She's just!"

"Answer my question, Minako."

Slender shoulders sagged in defeat. "I... I think so, yeah."

"Have you told her?"

Again, the blonde was upright in a flash. "No! She doesn't like me, and she could be hurt if she was with me!" Minako deflated slowly, looking into her abandoned cup of tea forlornly. "Besides... I'm a madam. A former prostitute. She could do way better. Ow!"

Rei hadn't been able to reign in her temper to keep from slapping her friend on the back of her head. "Stop that. You have a past. We all do, even her." She sat back down. "Where's the cool, confident Minako I know?"

Minako rubbed the back of her head gingerly. "Back where ever you just slapped her to. That hurt..."

"Tough. So, are you going to just do nothing?"

Minako pouted, sinking lower into her seat. "No..."

Her friend smiled widely. "Good. So, what's your plan?"

A smirk crossed the blonde's lips. "Well, I guess I'll just have to use my charms to see if she likes me back. I am, after all, a master of love. I might as well be a goddess of love!"

"Ooooor, you could just ask her."

Minako dramatically raised her hand. "Silence! The Goddess of Love has just thought up a plan! I must go!"

Swiftly, Minako stood and hurried to the door, Rei giggling as she followed. "Wait for me. I'm not missing this."

When Minako was swept up into the mindset of 'The Goddess of Love', it was like watching a whirlwind of poor choices and even worse results. And Rei refused to miss watching this disaster of a spectacle that was soon to unfold.