Girls Over Flowers
Episode 7: A New Beginning
Previously:
Ami stared coldly at Usagi. "Get out of my sight."
*XXX*
The two girls stared at each other. Usagi wiped her eyes and walked past Ami. Ami stood there a while longer, staring blankly at the sky. The bathe turned to get on her motorcycle.
*X*
Ami knew she was taking the turns too fast but couldn't bring herself to care. Cars honked as she took illegal turns and cut others off.
*XXX*
Usagi, Rei, Minako and Makoto were gathered at the airport, waiting anxiously. "Nothing but bad luck around you. What's the point of being as luminous as we are? Such a black hole." Rei muttered.
Usagi looked over to Rei. "Rei, can I ask you something?"
"Wouldn't you ask no matter my answer? Just be yourself. Demureness doesn't suit you."
"Would hiding emotions from the one you love be the right thing?"
"As if!"
Usagi was surprised at her answer. What?"
"That's like ignoring them. If the world ended tomorrow, why die with regret?"
"Hino Rei!"
"What?"
"You might not be a complete dolt."
Rei smirked back at her. "Are you just now coming to that realization? It's better to regret what actions you took instead of what you didn't do. That's my philosophy." Usagi stared hard at her and Rei looked away. "I guess Ami isn't coming..."
Usagi sighed sadly and looked at the ground.
*XXX*
Michiru had finally arrived and was preparing to depart. "Be well everyone. Stay out of trouble!" She went down the line, hugging Minako first.
"Have fun! I'll come visit you soon, after all it is the city of loooove."
"You better hold an exhibition."
Makoto was next. "Take care of your health. If you take the wrong case and get in trouble, I'll send someone."
"You better come yourself, Casanova."
Rei looked away uncomfortably. "Onee-San, why are you doing that 'starting afresh stuff? You have your own company, I just don't understand women like you."
"Do you realize It's been years since you called me that sincerely?"
"You're cool, so I'm acknowledging you as my sister. Is there a problem?"
Michiru laughed and moved to Usagi. "Usagi. I have something for you." She reached into her bag and pulled out a pair of beautiful black heels. "Take these."
"I couldn't... These are too much."
"Black isn't my color anyways. I prefer white. Please take them."
"I-Thank you!"
Michiru gave her a small smile. "I'll pray everyday those shoes will take you great places. And... Don't forget what I said!"
Usagi smiled back. "Take care of yourself!" The two hugged and Michiru stepped back, looking at them all. It was clear she was trying to wait as long as possible.
"Could it be you and Ami said your goodbyes at the house?"
"No, she's been gone all day. She sent a car to get me."
"Aaah. Well then..."
Michiru looked on sadly. "Then I suppose I'll say bye now." She bowed and walked away. Soon after she'd disappeared, they turned and walked away.
*XXX*
"What a heartless bastard. How could she not come?"
The four were conversing as they walked through the airport.
Rei shook her head. "You guys call ME the cruel one. I'm telling you it's Ami."
Minako agreed. "She seems so serene, but once she turns her back, on you, she's the scariest."
"Talking like that behind my back like that is a bit harsh." They all stopped and turned towards the sound. Ami stood behind them, smiling slightly.
"You..." Rei trailed off.
"Oh, what's this?" Makoto and Minako chuckled slightly. "When did you get here?"
"Oh, about three hours ago."
"You got here before us didn't look around for a peek?"
Usagi, who had been watching quietly, broke in. "What is this? What are you doing here? Go after her! If she can't stay here, you go to her." Ami looked surprised at her brashness but said nothing. "Didn't you say you loved her? Is hiding behind a pole your way of showing love? What right do you have to say its love when you act like that?
Ami stared for a second before laughing and reaching into her pocket as everyone looked on curiously. She pulled out a ticket. "I'm on the next flight. I was here early to check in my luggage. "
Usagi was too shocked to speak, so Rei did. "Mizuno Ami!"
Makoto laughed behind her. "You little rascal."
Minako added in her opinion. "You really love surprising people. How did you get the idea to do that?"
"From a certain bunny of course." Ami pulled Usagi in front of her.
"What?" The S4 pulled her into a hug and pushed her around playfully.
*XXX*
Ami turned and smiled at Usagi. "Thank you for everything. You helped me realize I needed to be honest with myself. You also taught me to have courage and to beg sometimes. I'm glad to have met someone like you." Ami closer towards her, holding her head in her hands. As Usagi closed her eyes, she laid a kiss on her forehead, much to the surprise of the others. Stepping back, Ami took a deep breath and smiled. "Bye everyone!" With a wave, she disappeared into the crowd.
"Later!"
"Don't get in trouble!"
Rei was too shocked to say a word, and stared around, while Usagi smiled brightly and blushed.
'Bye bye, Mizuno Ami.'
*XXX*
Rei and Usagi leaned outside her car on the side of the road, looking to the sky as a plane passed over head. Usagi looked sadly at her drink while Rei was still thinking over earlier events. After looking around and thinking, she set her cup on the top of the car and stood in front of her companion. She leaned in close and Usagi immediately leaned away, holding her drink in front of her.
"Tsukino Usagi."
"W-w-wh-what?"
"I want you to open your ears to what I'm about to say. I will only say it once, so listen very carefully. Tsukino Usagi you and I-"
Usagi stared as Rei's lips moved to say the other part of her sentence as a plane passed loudly overhead. Rei walked into her car with a smile.
"But... What did she say?"
*XXX*
The cafeteria screamed loudly as Rei walked in. Her hair was up in a bun and covered with a beanie, she looked much different. She stood right in front of where Usagi sat eating with Rino.
"4 o'clock on Saturday. In front of Tokyo Tower. Even a minute late and you're dead." With that, the heiress walked away, leaving Usagi to glare at her back.
*XXX*
"Alright Usagi, you understand the plan don't you?"
Usagi nodded seriously to her mother. "You get food, while I work on clothing. Grab as much as I can, regardless of sizes." The two nodded to each other as they readied themselves for the four o'clock sale.
*XXX*
Rei waited in front of Tokyo Tower, steaming. "It's been an hour already. Where is she...?"
*CXX*
"Waaaah, we came out with a ton!" The two had spent 5 hours in the store, shopping in the blowout sale.
'4 o'clock in front of Tokyo Tower' Usagi glanced up at the dark sky. "There's no way..."
"What are you mumbling about?"
"Mama, would you wait for someone in the cold for five hours?"
"Of course not. No normal person would."
Usagi nodded and kept walking confidently. "I thought so too." Then she stopped for a moment and thought a bit longer. "That crazy girl!" She put her stuff down on their cart and bowed to her mother. "Go home first! I have something a I forgot to do."
*XXX*
Usagi arrived in front of the tower and glanced around. As she hoped, it was deserted. "What was I thinking? It's even snowing! Nobody would wait in this kind of..." She trailed off as she turned. There was Rei, sitting on a bench, covered in snow.
Usagi ran over to her and put an umbrella over her head. The dark haired girl looked up. "You... Do you know what time it is?"
"I should be the one asking that! What are you doing here? I never said I would come."
Rei looked down childishly. "Well, you're here now, so what's it matter? So what are you gonna do?"
"What do you mean by ME?"
"Who's fault is it that I'm in this state? Honestly..."
Usagi gripped the breaks and was about to leave when she took a good look at the girl in front of her. Her long black hair was practically white from the snow, and despite her thick coat, she shivered horribly. 'She stayed out here, just for me...'
Usagi smiled gently and put a hand on Rei's shoulder. "Come, I'll buy you a nice warm drink." As she pulled Rei to stand up, the taller girl's legs gave out and she flopped onto Usagi. No matter how the blonde attempted to move, the immobile girl followed.
"Carry me you tardy." Usagi grimaced at the comment and promptly kicked her shin, waking her legs up. She smiled in triumph as Rei held her leg in pain.
*XXX*
As Rei brushed the snow off her, Usagi put in a few coins and bought a drink. She held it out to her companion, who stared at it. "This is ¥300 coffe!"
"You thug, don't you know a scam when you see it? I don't even drink this sort of stuff."
As Usagi stood up from getting her own drink, she replied. "Just try it. It's the best! Now follow me." As they walked away, Rei sipped at her drink and was surprised. 'It's not ALL bad I suppose'
*XXX*
"Wow!" Rei was amazed. The two sat on a railing, staring at the sky.
"I told you. Amazing, huh? It's like drinking coffee in a sky lounge.
"Tsk tsk. You can't run a business, not even a mom and pop."
"Excuse me?"
"¥3600. You have to include tax and service tips."
"Even the rich know this stuff? Wow!"
"Just pretending to not know. How can one become rich and not know the stuff like that?"
Usagi smiled and turned back towards the sky. "WOW! So many stars!"
"Blech. Ack! "Rei broke into a coughing fit as she choked on her drink in laughter. "Oi! Those aren't stars, they're satellites!"
"Are you an idiot? How can there be so many satellites?"
"Are you joking? Of COURSE they're satellites."
"Pfft. What do you know?"
"What was that, Commoner?"
"You heard me, Stupid!"
"You're the dumb one."
"You're dumber."
*CXXX*
The custodian walked over to the doors and glanced from the entrance. Just as he was about to go further in, his phone rang. "You're there already? Alright, I'm on my way." Quickly, he locked the doors and left, turning off the lights as he went.
*XXX*
"Do-" the argument was cut off my the lights switching off.
"H-hey, why is it so dark?" Usagi said worriedly. She walked to the entrance they'd used and was horrified to see it locked. "H-hello? Anybody there? There are still people here!"
Rei followed her voice to the door and tried to open it. Next to her, Usagi freaked out. "Calm down. I'll just call someone." She patted her pockets, looking for her phone. "Wh-where's my phone?"
"You don't have it?!"
"What about you?"
"I don't carry one..."
"H-How does one not have a phone?" Rei cursed and looked around before glaring at Usagi. "This situation is your fault."
"Mine?! In what way? I'm not the idiot who waited in the cold for hours!"
"I was excited okay? That was the first time... I've ever waited for someone."
Usagi studied the floor as Rei furiously shook the door. "What are we gonna do?"
*CXXX*
"Aough Aough." Rei had a bad cough as the two stepped into an out of order elevator. It was still freezing and the two sat on opposite sides.. Rei continued to cough as Usagi got up.
"Move over."
"Why?"
Rather than respond, Usagi squeezed herself next to Rei and stared out the glass window.
"I'm sorry" She said eventually.
"F-for what?"
"This. It really is my fault."
"You finally admit it."
"But how could an heiress like you do this? Waiting on the snow for 5 hours and your family said nothing? Butlers, bodyguard, even a driver! Where are they?"
"I let them go." Rei said quietly.
"Why?"
"I was trying to adjust to a commoner's level. "
"What a struggle."
"Hey Odango."
"WHAT?"
C-can I t-tell you the tr-truth?" Rei was so cold she stuttered.
"What is it?" Rei leaned on towards her, causing Usagi to scoot as far away as possible. "Quit it! What do you want? Say it over there!"
"I know..." Rei's eyes rolled into her head and her body fell limply on Usagi's.
"You perv! What are you trying to do? Stay away!" No matter what, she didn't respond. "Hey... Rei? REI! Get off me. Three seconds! One... Two... Two and a half... Three!" Rei still didn't move. "Three! Three!" Eventually she pushed her off. Rei leaned against the door and coughed heavily, before falling silent, leaning weakly against the door.
"Rei... Are you okay?" Usagi realized how pale Rei was and carefully felt her forehead. "Oh! You're burning hot! Are you okay?"
"Uuungh."
"Are you sick? I guess you must be, being that warm..."
"I-I-I'm cold"
"Cold?" Usagi stood up and looked around as another coughing fit started, accompanied by sniffling. Usagi reached into her backpack and pulled out her new blanket. She quickly spread it over Rei.
"Wh- whaddya doin?"
"If you wrap your head, you'll be warmer."
"Aaaagh." Usagi pulled the sick girl closer, to share her warmth, and eventually fell asleep.
*XXX*
"Nnngh." Rei woke up and looked around. She remembered the situation and sat up straight. Biting her lip as she looked over at the sleeping girl, she took off one of the blankets and covered her with it. Then, she grabbed the pen Usagi had tried to stab her with and twirled it, smiling slightly. Then, she uncapped it...
*CXX*
The custodian came in to service the elevator and was surprised to find the two teens there, covered in blankets and cuddled together.
Usagi awoke first and shook Rei. "We're saved! Wake up!"
*XXX*
"Get in. I'll take you home."
"No thanks, I have to think of what to say to my parents."
Rei grinned. "Then shall I teach you something, an excuse?" She leaned over and whispered something in Usagi's ear. Immediately, the blonde turned red and kicked Rei's leg, hard.
"Ah, ah, ah..."
Out of sigh, an unknown person stared at the candid shots of the heiress leaning over her friend.
*XXX*
Usagi took a deep breath, then opened her door, where her family was lined up in the corridor. She fell to her knees and folded her hands. "I'm sorry! I'll never do it again, forgive this sin!"
"BANZAI!" Her family let off poppers as her mom spoke.
"What sin? The heir of which company did you save?"
"Hino Corp!" Her brother replied.
"And how important is Hino Corp to the economy?"
"VERY!"
"So, saving the heir to Hino Corp is like saving Japan itself. How is that a sin?"
Usagi looked confusedly at her parents. "Huh?"
"The young mistress... What was her name?"
"Hino Rei Mama! Hino Rei!"
"Ah! Young mistress Hino Rei told us that you were with her, and not to hold you accountable. And to thank us, she sent these!" They all crowded around the table, full of nice clothes.
"Honey, don't forget how polite she was! Ah, the rich have impeccable manners." Her father clapped and danced happily.
"Oh yes! She even said she'd come by personally to check on us."
Usagi frowned and walked into her room. As she looked at the window, she thought about what Rei had said outside the tower.
'Tell them you were with me. I'll take responsibility for you.'
"Is that what she meant...?"
*CXX*
Ms. Usagi, you look so pretty today!"
"Yes yes, so beautiful!"
Usagi nodded her thanks to the unfamiliar girls. All day, she'd been getting random compliments, invitations, and greetings.
"Usagi! Come see this!" Rino grabbed her hand and dragged her to the large TV. On the screen, in big letters over a picture of her and Rei read a caption.
'Common girl Tsukino Usagi wins heart of the famous Hino Rei!'
"That... That..! Oooh, I'll kill her."
"S4! S4!"
The three members walked over and read the screen. Minako leaned over to Rei. "Hey? Is this true?"
Rei chuckled. "This is..."
"Absolutely not! NO! NOO! Not true at all!
"Of course it's true." Rei put an arm around Usagi and walked off, despite her protests as Rino looked on sadly, eyes filling with tears.
*CXX*
Usagi looked over at the empty seat. Rino had been out for nearly a week. "What happened? how sick is she?"
*XXX*
"Here!" Usagi plopped the little bunny plushie into Rino's lap.
"What's this?"
"Press the button on the side!"
Rino pushed it, and out rang Usagi's voice, childishly singing for her to get well. She laughed and looked at her friend with a slight smile.
"Thank you, Usagi."
"Have you been feeling well?"
"Yes, just a bit light headed... Say Usagi, that think about you and Ms. Hino, is it true?"
"Of course not! Just a rumor."
"But she seems to really like you..."
"Ha! Her? After what she does? Doesn't that seem a bit absurd?"
Rino tossed the plushie in her hands a bit. "I- I suppose it does seems a bit silly."
"Right?"
Rino ran her hands over the animal before breaking out into giggles. She suddenly jumped out of bed.
"Rino!"
"Usagi! Lets go have fun! I'm feeling so much better now!"
"Oh... Well..."
"Just give me a moment!"
*XXX*
Usagi fiddled around in Rino's room.
While waiting she caught sight of a book. 'Mugen Primary yearbook?' She took it off the shelf, but just as she was going to flip it open, Rino snatched it.
"What are you doing touching people's things? What are you so curious about?!"
Usagi took a step back in fear at her friend's wrath. "Sorry."
Rino clutched the book tightly. "I wrote weird stuff in it. It's a little embarrassing." She shuffled back to Usagi and out the book away. "Sorry for getting mad."
"No... I shouldn't have been touching it."
Trying to break the now awkward atmosphere, Rino grabbed her friend's hand. "Come! Lets get ready!"
*XXX*
Minako and Makoto played chess in Rei's room as Rei cleaned her telescope. "Are you serious Rei?"
"About what?" She looked at Minako, who had spoken.
"About Tsukino of course."
"Of course it's real."
Makoto lifted an eyebrow. "You're saying that, knowing what it means for us?"
Minako spoke again. "Freedom for is is limited to dating. Have you forgotten who makes the final decision?"
"Oh, I thought you were just saying how grown you were? Was it just show?
"What does being a real woman mean to you, Rei?"
"Someone who takes responsibility beginning to end."
Makoto stared intensely. "Till the end?"
"That's right! Till the end." She patted the telescope and smiled happily as she exited, leaving her friends to stare after her.
*XXX*
The music thumped loudly on the club, and Usagi felt extremely out of place. The boy band on stage had cute members, and at one point it had seemed like he was singing directly to her. Rino soon came over to where she was saying and said something, but she couldn't hear.
"What?"
"I said do you want to dance?"
"No! I'll just watch!" Rino shrugged and handed her a drink, before going back to dancing. Usagi sniffed the drink, but couldn't bring herself to taste it.
Rino danced madly with an extremely cute guy, and watched Usagi's movements out of the corner of her eye. Then, someone bumped into her, spilling her drink.
"I-I'm sorry!"
Rino snarled at the girl and drew her hand back and laid a slap so hard the girl fell to the ground. Rino stared coldly at her. "What, so you feel wronged? Ugly people should at least be able to dance! Honestly, what were you thinking, coming here with that figure. Humph. What a whore."
*XXX*
Naru wiped tables down as Umino continued to bother here. "Naru, you're not going anywhere, right?
"And if I do?"
"No! Don't go! Stay with me!"
"Geez! What sort of nonsense is this? Go back in the kitchen fool!"
The door chimed as a customer walked in. Naru turned and bowed. "Welco-" her eyes widened at the beautiful blonde girl in front of her.
"Does a Tsukino Usagi work here?"
Naru nodded wordlessly, too mesmerized to speak.
"I don't see her."
"Her day off..."
"And you are her friend?"
"Y-yes."
Since when?"
"Kindergarten."
"Perfect!" The blonde grabbed her arm and dragged the unsuspecting girl from the restaurant.
Umino came back to the empty doing room. "I knew it!" He said depressingly.
*XXX*
Naru studied Minako's workshop carefully as the blonde walked in. "I'm saying this in case Tsukino gets hurt. As her best friend, I want you to give her good advice." She set the tea down. "After all, these sorts of things matter to girls."
"What kind of advice? Like don't look at trees you can't climb? Or maybe, you are a toy to be passed around by bored heiresses so accept it when they lose interest? "
"Oi oi, don't get mad now. When cuties like you are angry it's a bit scary." Minako smiled charmingly as she poured Naru tea. "I can tell by the attitude you and Usagi are good friends."
"Oh please. Boys and girls may swoon after that beautiful face and sweet talk, but not me! I'm just going to pretend I didn't hear you speak!"
Naru got up to leave, but stomped back to the table and sipped the tea. "The more I think about it, it becomes more infuriating! That GIRL started this, not Usagi! She never wished to climb that tee, do you hear me?!" She stomped out the door as Makoto walked in, surprised at her anger.
"Yo, Mina. What could you have done now? "
"I'm wounded Mako, who says I did anything?"
"A GIRL just walked out of here in anger. That means one thing."
"Humph. Whatever. She wasn't my type anyways." Minako grumpily sipped her tea.
"And what type is she?"
"The ones that start out funny or romantic, but end with a tearful good bye. Tacky isn't my style you know."
*XXX*
Usagi walked through a hallway to a separate part of the club. Not paying attention, she accidentally knocked over a guitar case. She flailed over herself to catch it. "S-Sorry!"
"No need to be so desperate." She looked up at... 'Rei?' No, this was most certainly a guy. The long black hair and intense amethyst eyes were extremely similar and reminded her of the arrogant girl.
"But it's important, therefore it shouldn't fall."
"Eh, if you say so..." Usagi leaned awkwardly against the wall and absently took a sip of the drink.
The man stood up and looked at her. "Don't you feel a bit suffocated?"
Usagi thought for a second, then nodded.
*XXX*
Usagi leaned over the bar and out the window, staring absently. She turned towards the man who sat there with her. He smiled and began to strum a familiar tune. Usagi widened her eyes... It was Ami's song! She stared hard at him. Under the light, his hair seemed more blue, and his closed eyes gave a more feminine look, causing him to resemble the violinist more. As he played, she imagined watching Ami on the woods, playing so sweetly. She could almost feel the wind blowing...
She sighed as the song ended and she took another long drink. "Thank you for that!"
"I'll play another piece before heading down. "He played more eerie tune, and her vision began to blur. The faster he played, the more everything seemed to spin. The bottle crashed to her floor seconds before she did.
*XXX*
Usagi felt like she was on clouds when she woke up. "Aaaahhh, I'm thirsty." She sleepily reached over for a glass of water and as she drank she looked around the room. 'How did I get here?' Her mind began to take in what she was seeing. Her clothes were scattered about the room and on the mirror was scrawled...
'Thanks for last night!'
"What? No... THAT CAN'T BE!"
*XXX*
Rei sat in front of a mirror, her hair was being impeccably styled and in it's naturally straight form.
Minako rolled her her neck back. "Ah, but why the outfits?"
"They're nice every once in a while, you know you like that skirt."
Makoto was looking on shocked. "Wow. You curl that damn thing so often, I'm surprised it went back to straight.
"Please tell me this won't be an every morning thing."
"We'll see. Make sure you do it right! I need to look good! 'I hate your awful terrible attitude, your arrogant walk and idiotic hair! You never wear the uniform and bully others!'
*Cxx*
The members unwrapped a lollipop as they walked down the hall, wearing Mugen Gakuen boys (Mako) and girls outfits (Rei and Minako). "Lets go!"
*Xxx*
Usagi walked slowly into the school. "There's no way! Nu uh! How can I not remember a thing? Let's calm down. If something DID happen, then why is everything normal? "
She was soon grabbed by some girls and pushed around. "Hey what are you doing?"
Kaorinite snarled. "You still have the cheek to say such things, after what you did?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Playing innocent huh? Let's go girls!" The trio dragged her down the steps and in front of a TV.
"I wonder how long you'll deny this!" Usagi looked at the screen in horror. A blurred out man's face made the peace sign as her sleeping body rested on his.
"Cheating on Rei is like cheating on us! Insulting the S4 is like insulting us! You dirty disgrace to Mugen High!"
As Usagi stared at the screen the S4 came down the stairs, curious to the commotion. "What are you doing? Who do you think you are to pick on her?"
Usagi looked over and took Rei's outfitted and straightened form in. Telulu quickly cut in. "Hino-Senpai! Don't be fooled by her innocent demeanor!"
Rei looked over to the TV, which Usagi attempted to cover. "It's a lie! None of this is true!"
Rei pushed her out of the way and stared blankly at the screen before Usagi jumped back in front.
It was a moment before she spoke, but when she did her voice was low and her eyes slightly teary. "How can this be a lie? There are pictures to prove it."
"I don't know! I think I was tricked."
"Is this the type of person you are? Is this the woman that you are? Someone tried to trap you and you fell so easily?!" Rei's voice steadily grew in anger and volume.
Usagi looked tearfully back at her, before standing straight. "Hino Rei, I don't care if you believe me. I don't know why I'm defending myself over such stupidity. I- I really don't know what happening!"
Rei grabbed the front of her uniform. "I have only one question. Is the girl in the picture you?" Usagi bit her lip but didn't answer. Rei let go of her soon. "You said you cared not if I believed you. Well, that's right. The name Tsukino Usagi means nothing to me now." She turned and walked away, her long black hair swishing and her bangs covering the tear filled eyes.
*XXX*
*POW* *POW* *POW* The three girls shot guns at the range, but Rei by far was dominating the targets. Her large black glasses covered her eyes and they couldn't see her expression, but they knew it was twisted in fury and sadness.
*XXX*
Rei ran ahead of Makoto and Minako to their cars. She immediately climbed in her red sports car and screeched from the curb.
"This is bad. She might kill someone like that."
Makoto nodded in agreement. "This is the first time since Setsuna-Nee got married I've seen her like this." The two climbed in their respective card and drive after Rei, who had nearly run over several students and a checkpoint.
*XXX*
"You can't do anything?" The ladies at the front desk shook their heads at the information asked to give. Usagi looked around sadly. She had no leads. As she walked in the lobby, she realized people were pointing and staring. Her face burned in embarrassment as she tried to hide it and walked away.
*XXX*
Makoto crossed her arms and studied the picture. "It's imperative that we find this guy! You met him at the club, right?"
"Yeah, but they had no idea when I went back. "
Minako thought for a moment. "Was there anything on the bedroom? Like a business card?"
"Yeah! A weird memo on the mirror. 'Thanks for last night' in red lipstick."
Minako raised an eyebrow. "Was it yours?"
"Nope."
"Then it must belong to that guy!" Naru clapped her hands in realization.
"Three people." Naru looked at Umino, who had spoken.
"What nonsense is that?" Minako frowned and looked closer.
"Actually, he may be right. These photos don't look like selca*. That means a third person must have taken them."
Makoto looked interested."The owner of the lipstick? Then, she glanced at the screen. "Hey, enlarge that. Is that dust?" The image became large and a scorpion tattoo was seen on the mysterious man's shoulder. Makoto chuckled. "I can work with that. Let me call some people."
Minako pumped her fist. "Finally. Well take care of it from here, Tsukino. Don't worry."
Usagi bowed gratefully. "Thank you so much!"
Umino blushed slightly. "Such beautiful girls, they must be from Andromeda!"
*XX*
Minako pushed the scorpion photo towards the tattoo artist who glanced but shook his head. Makoto pulled out her wallet and slapped down a few thousands. The artist scribbled a name down and passed it over.
*xxx*
The manager sighed before speaking. "Well ladies, it's a bit complicated."
Minako leaned forward. "How's that? I hear he's number one."
Makoto nodded understandingly from the couch. "Aaah. If we take away number one, you suffer financially."
"Yes. Thank you for understanding."
Minako chuckled. "But mister, if we don't get him, we may need to close this place down. How's that?"
"What?!" He nearly dropped his cigarette.
Makoto nodded along. "Take about a month I'd say. Well, with my dad's reputation, you have until next week. We're called the S4 for a reason."
"Wh-huh?"
"You own the place next door right?" Minako was smiling devilishly.
Makoto pursed her lips. "We can start there tomorrow."
Minako sighed. "Well if you hand him over, I can give you a new number one, possibly two."
"I'm sorry if I'm not honest
I know it's hard to hear the truth
I love you and only you I promise
And I want to see you right now"
Minako smiled and winked to the girls watching her. Every girl was enraptured by her beautiful voice and were flocking in like ants. The manager was pushed aside as they rushed to see the girl on stage. He took off his glasses and sighed.
Makoto twirled the girl as she screamed in laughter. A line was steadily building as people got in line to dance to a song of their choice with THE Kino Makoto. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted her man talking to the manger. She quickly dipped her current partner and winked before standing her upright and taking off.
The large men held the bleeding guy up as Makoto held his chin, shocked at what she'd just heard. "You said WHO hired you?"
*XXX*
Rei stood still as a statue, arrow in hand. Her hair was tied up and she wore a traditional archer's outfit. With practiced precision she drew the bow back and released it. It not only hit the center target, but plowed straight through it. She brought out another bow and stared at it. Just as she was about to put it away, quick as lighting she put it on her bow, got into position and fired. It landed next to the woman who had suddenly appeared in the room's head. She simply stuck out a key card, unphased by her near death.
*CXX*
"And so x must equal d(t)..." No one in the class was paying attention as they passed around a note, laughing quietly. It arrived at Rino's desk.
'Everyone is invited to the tomato party for commoner Tsukino Usagi!'
She looked over nervously to said girl, keeping the note as she debated her choices. Then, a slow smile creeped upon her face.
*CXX*
Usagi rode her bike through the commons unsuspectingly. She didn't notice the rope pulled across the sidewalk until her bike tripped over it, sending her flying through the air. She hit the ground hard and bled. Behind her, the pranksters congratulated themselves.
*XXX*
Rei stood in front of the hotel room. Just as she prepared to stick the card in, she turned and left. Then, paused. Slowly, she turned back around and opened the door. On the bed lay the pictures of Usagi and the man. After rifling through them, she threw them to the ground and ripped a pillow in half, cursing as she threw it.
"You shouldn't be upset. Why are you so angry over a wench like her? That doesn't make sense." Rino stood behind Rei, watching her movements. She walked closer behind her. "Wake up, this isn't right! Hino Rei shouldn't be like this. It's not fair!"
"You... Aren't you Usagi's friend?" Rei grabbed her neck. "How can a friend say such words?"
Rino looked tearfully at Rei. "Because she took you from me." She was thrown to the ground as Rei tried to leave, but Rino got up and hugged her from behind. "Don't go! Please..."
"Get off of me." Rei forcefully pushed her arms off.
"Why her and not me? What is it about her?!"
Rather than answer the sobbing girl, Rei walked from the room thinking.
'Its wrong Rei! All lies!'
'How can it be a lie with proof?'
'I don't know. Someone's tricking me!' Rei clenched her fists. "Usagi, I should have believed you!"
£XXX*
Usagi watched her bike burn and listened to their laughter. She'd finally had enough and tried standing. Immediately, the students threw eggs and tomatoes. The fired fire extinguisher fluid on her. Usagi choked and fell weakly to her knees.
'I can't... I can't do this anymore.'
XXXXXXXXXXXX
*Selca = Self captured/ Self camera
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed that! Ami has taken off to Paris to be with her love, but how long before she returns? Now that Rei has seen the error of her ways will she come to Usagi's rescue? Find out next week when I finish the chapter!