4

Minako lounged on her suite's comfortable couch, idly flipping through the channels on the TV set. She had spent much of her day getting to know Melbourne, finally having a chance to do some exploring after leaving Brisbane, where she'd been a few weeks before. She had found several exquisitely beautiful public gardens in her wanderings, some of which, she was delighted to discover, had koi ponds. The sight of the colourful fish had made Minako so homesick for Rei that she very nearly cried. It had been almost impossible to pull herself away.

She had realized early on in her tour that she absolutely adored her Australian fans. They were cheerful, friendly, and just plain generous. Minako had received a number of gifts from several of them already, including a beautifully crafted plush koala. It looked almost real. She was tempted to have it sent to Rei, but it was quite comforting to cuddle with. It was in one of her arms at that very moment, keeping her company as she tried to relax. The plush was wonderfully soft, but it just couldn't compare to snuggling with Rei. She sighed, finally dropping the remote and half-heartedly watched the rugby match she'd settled on. Normally she loved the sport, but it could hardly hold her attention that night.

She hadn't been able to get hold of Rei at all that day, which was quite frustrating. For some reason, Shacho had told Minako to take the day off—and had actually left her to her own devices. They wouldn't have been interrupted by the idol needing to run off someplace. Besides, the last time they'd spoken, she was convinced that Rei was keeping something from her. There was something about her tone... Minako couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was something—

Someone knocked on her door.

"It's open, Shacho!" Minako called, dreading the thought of looking at yet another list of schedules. So much for the promise of having a full day off.

The knocking came again. Slightly irritated, she rose from the couch, strode to the door, and opened it.

For a second, she was convinced that she was still on the couch, but asleep. She had to be dreaming.

"R-Rei?"

"Hi, Mina." Rei's smile was almost sheepish, her cheeks rosy with delight. "I was in the neighbourhood and thought I'd stop by."

Immediately, they were in each other's arms.

"You're really here," Minako breathed, hardly daring to believe it.

"I've missed you so much." Rei's face was buried in Minako's neck, her voice muffled. "That flight felt like forever."

"So this is why I haven't been able to get hold of you all day. You're forgiven!"

There was the sound of a throat being cleared. They turned their heads and saw Shacho leaning casually against the hallway wall.

"Minako-chan, when you have a guest, the proper etiquette is to invite her in." His eyes twinkled with amusement. "Rei-chan, the airport has your luggage. I'll send someone over to pick it up for you."

"Thank you, Shacho. I couldn't have done this without your help."

Minako's jaw dropped. "Shacho! You knew about this and you didn't tell me?"

Her manager looked very satisfied with himself. "I was sworn to secrecy. Besides, I still hadn't gotten you back for the vegemite coffee. Now go on." He shooed them away with a wave of his hand. "You two have some catching up to do."

"You forgot your luggage?" Minako laughed, pulling Rei inside of the suite. She blushed when she caught Shacho winking at her.

"No, the baggage guys did. It's no big deal." The door closed and locked behind Rei. "I—figured I wouldn't really need my clothes tonight."

Rei's fiery gaze raked over the idol with obvious intent. Minako nearly forgot how to breathe as sure hands grasped her around the waist and drew her close.

"Reiko—"

Rei's lips brushed against Minako's, silencing her.

"This is the one good part about being separated from you," she whispered.

~O~O~O~O~

Minako was amazed that they even made it to the bedroom.

They left behind a trail of scattered clothing on their journey from the suite's living room, falling onto the bed in only their underclothes.

Those too were quickly discarded.

Long afterwards, they lay together, their bodies entangled with one another as they gasped for breath. Eventually, Minako propped her head up on one of her hands and fixed her eyes on Rei.

"So, I take it you missed me?"

Rei was still panting slightly. "Give me a—minute here—and I can prove it to you—again, if you like."

Minako giggled and brushed Rei's bangs back from her forehead.

"I almost forgot how beautiful you are. Just thinking of you all the time doesn't do you justice."

Rei went furiously red and buried her forehead in Minako's chest. Minako giggled again and kissed the top of her head.

"I'm so glad you're here, Rei."

Dark eyes peered up at the idol. "You missed me too, I guess?"

"A bit." Minako pressed her mouth against Rei's bare shoulder. Abruptly she found herself pinned against the mattress.

"It's been a minute," Rei breathed. Her hand travelled up Minako's thigh.

~O~O~O~O~

Rei eventually succumbed to the exhaustion of her journey and drifted off in the idol's arms, mumbling that she didn't want to waste her time sleeping. They only had a week, after all. Minako watched Rei as she slept, just enjoying the sight of her.

Small wonder that she was worn out, Minako thought, idly running her fingertips up and down Rei's back. Rei had confessed that she'd hardly been able to sleep in the days leading up to her trip, nor had the flight been terribly restful.

"The stewardesses kept bothering me, asking if I wanted anything—I finally told them that yes, I wanted them to leave me alone!" Rei had huffed indignantly, much to Minako's amusement. No doubt the airline employees had been suspicious of Rei's identity as well, given that she was bound for Australia—where Aino Minako was.

"You're supposed to take everything they offer, Reiko. They do draw the line when you say you want to fly the plane though."

Since arriving, Minako had been asked about her newly-revealed relationship in most of the interviews she'd given. She had even seen a couple of local newscasts about the embrace. People were curious, but were largely gracious in allowing Minako to steer the line of discussion back towards promoting her tour and new album. That was the purpose of her visit, after all. She just hoped things would go as smoothly when she returned home. Perhaps she'd have to refuse to give interviews for awhile until the excitement died down. Or maybe do an exclusive—

Rei murmured something unintelligible in her sleep and tightened her hold on Minako. The idol sighed contentedly.

One week. Time was going to go by far too quickly. But then she would be that much closer to finishing up her tour.

Minako grinned. She and Rei would get to have a second reunion. That would certainly be something to look forward to. But for the moment, she was quite happy to remain in the present.

"Mina..." Rei was still sound asleep, but smiled blissfully as she spoke.

Overcome with affection for her sleeping lover, Minako gently kissed Rei on the lips, closed her own eyes, and slept.

o~o~o~o~o

Author notes:

Yup. You guessed it. There was an airplane ticket in that envelope.

Also, I'm not sure when I decided Minako was a rugby fan. But it feels right, y'know?

Thanks for reading (and also for your kind reviews!)!

Chapter 5 next week!