3

It was three weeks before Rei's father was able to meet up with her. He had been out of the country when he'd first had his secretary call, and was unable to cut his trip any shorter. Rei was privately grateful, given the probable cause for his sudden urge to see her. He might have had some time to cool down.

"I don't understand why you always want to meet here, of all places," he grumbled when he spotted his daughter approaching Risa Hino's tombstone.

"It's been awhile since I've visited her," Rei said, kneeling to place the red rose she'd brought for her mother. She apologized silently for her absence. "I've been busy."

"You have indeed." His tone was grim. "I'm not sure what's worse. The kind of relationship you're in, or who it's with."

Rei felt a flare of anger. "Don't you dare talk like that about Minako, Papa."

The Senator held up his hands to placate his daughter. "Rei, I didn't mean it like that. Just—of all people—Aino Minako!" He sounded almost awed. "People are going to want to know who you are—and when they find out—"

"—They'll hear the name Hino, and start to ask questions. I know. You're one of the reasons we decided to keep it quiet for so long."

Her father was bewildered. "Just—how long has this been going on, exactly?"

Rei thought back to her first meeting with Minako, at that very church, and everything that had followed through the years. She smiled.

"For...awhile."

He crossed his arms. "I'm still not certain I approve. These kinds of relationships—"

"Tell the press whatever you want. If someone calls you a raging hypocrite just point out that you had very little to do with my upbringing." Rei smirked when his eyes narrowed.

"My own daughter is more ruthless than most of my opponents." Her father gave her an appraising look and sighed. "I suppose there's nothing I can say to dissuade you."

Rei shook her head. "I love her, Papa."

The Senator gazed at her imperiously for a moment before he uncrossed his arms and gave a terse nod.

"I—I should be going. Shrine errands." Rei turned to leave.

"Rei?"

"Yes, Papa?" She looked back and wondered why her father's face was so red.

"C-could you get me her signature?"

It took all of Rei's self control to hold in the sudden wave of mirth that was fighting to escape her.

"Play your cards right, Papa, and I just might introduce you." She quickly departed the churchyard. When she was certain that she was out of earshot, she doubled over laughing.

~O~O~O~O~

The buzzing of Minako's cell phone awoke her from the light doze she had slipped into. She was delighted when she saw who the text message was from.

I had an interesting meeting with the Senator today, it read.

Minako smirked, began to write a reply, then halted. She wanted to hear Rei's voice.

"So what's this about a meet up with one of Japan's highest-ranking politicians?" she asked when Rei picked up.

"Hello to you, too, Mina." She was sure she could hear Rei grinning. "You have another fan." Rei proceeded to tell her about the conversation in the churchyard. By the end, Minako was certain she had cracked a rib or two from laughing so hard.

"I'll have to send him a signed CD. D'you suppose he has my latest?"

"I'm going to say it's highly likely."

Minako giggled again, and looked up as Shacho knocked and poked his head into her room.

"Minako-chan? We've been invited out for some lunch. Will you grace us with your presence?"

"Just a sec, Shacho." Minako gestured to her phone.

"Don't be too long. Tell your beloved I said hi." Shacho winked and flounced out. Minako's cheeks grew warm.

"You need to head off?" Rei asked.

"Afraid so. Apparently I need food to live. Also, tip for the day: if anyone ever offers you vegemite, run for your life." Minako nearly gagged at the thought of her recent experience with the foul substance. Shacho had tricked her into trying it, insisting it tasted just like peanut butter. For revenge, Minako had slipped a generous amount of the stuff into his coffee when his back was turned. She was quick to duck when he finally took a sip.

"Actually, I love that stuff," Rei said.

"Are—are you serious?"

Rei snickered. "Nope. Never tried it. Don't think I will, now."

Shacho was hollering her name again. Minako sighed. "I have to go. We'll talk later, okay?"

"Okay, love. We should get the others to try vegemite when you come home."

Minako cackled evilly. "It's no wonder I fell so hard for you. Bye, Reiko."

"Miss you, Mina."

Rubbing her tired eyes, Minako got to her feet. "Still over two months," she mumbled dejectedly, and toyed with the possibility of just having ice cream for lunch.

~O~O~O~O~

Rei was conscious of a group of uniform-clad girls whispering near her as she browsed the bookstore shelves, looking for something new to read. She snuck a surreptitious look at them when she picked up a random title, pretending to scan the summary. They were holding an open magazine and looking rapidly from it to Rei.

Uh oh. She quickly put the book aside and made to leave.

"E-excuse me, M-Miss?"

Rei groaned inwardly. One of the girls stepped forward, clutching the magazine. "Is—is this you with Aino Minako?"

Play dumb, Minako had said. Rei tried to force her expression into a politely puzzled one as she contemplated the photo. There were several different images, including some that looked like airport security footage. Thanks to Usagi, Rei had seen most of them already.

"You really think that woman looks like me?" She cocked her head to the side. "I'm flattered that you'd say so, but no."

The girls looked doubtful. One of them peered at the photo again. "You're wearing the same shirt, though."

Rei blinked. "B-blue is a popular colour these days. It's just a coincidence."

Several pairs of eyes were narrowing in suspicion. She decided to make one last attempt and then bolt, whatever the outcome.

"L-look, you can believe whatever you want, but that—that is not me, girls. Please excuse me." She strode calmly from the shop and broke into a run the moment it was out of sight. She came to a halt in front of an electronics store several blocks away, realizing too late what was playing on the screen. A few people who were window shopping nearby stared at her. As recognition began dawning in their eyes, Rei took off like a shot, not even bothering to try playing dumb again.

When were people going to get over it? It had been nearly two months! She thanked her lucky stars that no one had learned her name yet, or the Shrine would have been overrun with press and visitors. It was just a matter of time though, she was sure. And then what?

Rei had no idea. The prospect was beginning to frighten her a little. She pushed the thoughts away. She'd deal with the consequences when they came.

Finally running out of breath as she reached the Shrine, she traipsed slowly up the steps, and was at the koi pond before realizing it was her intended destination. She plunked herself down at the edge, panting softly.

She had been spending a lot of time beside the pond since Minako had left for Australia. The sight of the brightly-coloured fish was strangely calming. Rei had taken to bringing them the odd treat. On those occasions they all danced. Minako would have quite a troupe waiting for her when she came back.

Rei sighed, thinking again of the people who had recognized her. She couldn't believe she had been foolish enough to go out in the same clothes she'd worn that day at the airport. She'd have to make the t-shirt part of her nightwear, she supposed, and wrapped her arms around her knees. She wished Minako was with her.

"Hino-san?" Rei glanced up and was surprised to see one of her father's aides standing there.

Rei got to her feet. "Can I help you with something?"

The man bowed. "Your father sent me to deliver this. He regrets that he cannot be here in person to give it to you himself." He handed Rei a large envelope, bowed again and hurried off.

Confused, Rei tore open the seal and scanned the contents. Completely taken aback, she rummaged in her pocket for her cell phone.

"Hi, Shacho? It's Rei. I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but I need to ask you for a favour."

As she explained the situation to Minako's manager, she made a mental note that the next meeting with her father would take place wherever and whenever he desired.

O~O~O~O

Author notes: To my Australian readers, I sincerely hope I have not offended you with Minako's anti-vegemite ways. She loves her Australian fans to bits though, as you will see in the next chapter!

See you next week! - G