A/N - Hello. I'd like to take this moment to be serious in my note. Thank you so much first off for all your reviews. Second - thank god for impersonal for being my beta-reader. And third? This scene has an immensely degrading sexual scene (in my opinion) and it is NOT suitable for ANYONE under the age of 18, so if you read it after this warning I take NO responsibility. This was an incredibly emotionally draining chapter for me to write and I just hope you appreciate it. And on a lighter note, please remember... The pairings WILL happen but due to life experience, I believe in the journey to the relationship being the drama. Patience is a virtue... anyway, on with the story. I hope you enjoy it and appreciate it.

CHAPTER 12 – CHEAP TRICK

Mamoru placed his briefcase on the breakfast table in the kitchen and took his place in his usual seat. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed as Usagi poured out a cup of tea in front of him, and placed a few slices of toast with strawberry jam on a breakfast plate right in front of him. Usagi sat down opposite her husband and began to eat her plentiful portion of toast and jam while washing it down her stomach with a large tumble full of orange juice. After munching down a slice of toast and taking a sip of his breakfast tea, Mamoru looked over his shoulder then back to the table.

"Has Chibi gone to school already?"

Usagi looked up and nodded, a small smile taking over her pretty features. "Hai... she said she wanted to meet Hotaru-chan and her friend before school, so they could all walk together. She's going to Haruka's after to study with Hotaru too."

Mamoru chuckled gently and Usagi looked up at him, questioningly. Upon seeing his wife's face, Mamoru smiled widely. "Remember when you used to run to catch up with me and Seiya to walk to school?"

Usagi blushed gently and pouted. "I only did that because otherwise, I'd never have a chance to talk to you two at school! You'd both be followed by your female fan-club..." Usagi trailed off, still pouting and Mamoru laughed once more.

"Usa, if my memory served me correctly... you was president of that fan-club."

Usagi giggled gently before playfully sticking her tongue out at her husband. Mamoru's eyes glazed over with warmth as he recalled the memories from their youth, "Not that I minded at first of course, Usa... a girl like you meeting up with us every morning. Seiya knew from the first day it was because you liked us but I was so insistent it was just admiration... ha ha, turned out he was right, ne?"

Usagi smiled too at her husband. She took a sip from her glass and nodded. "Hai, Mamo... honestly, the lengths that teenage girls go to in order to get their crushes to notice them... I mean early mornings..." Usagi's speech slowed as she actually processed what she said, "Study groups... just like..." The blonde looked up to her husband and seemed a little shell-shocked, "Chibiusa... has done for... Hotaru, today."

Mamoru cocked an eyebrow and laughed at Usagi. "I thought you said it was Hotaru and her friend?"

Usagi nodded then began laughing somewhat nervously. "Yeah," Usagi chuckled again, "yeah... A friend too... I mean, Hotaru is a nice girl and is probably introducing her friends to Chibi-chan... I mean, not that anything else would bother me. Haruka-san did tell us, ne? And Hotaru was here all day yesterday and was such a lovely girl, I-I'm probably just over-thinking about everything, which really makes a change when you think about it and – "

Mamoru leaned over and silenced his wife with a gentle kiss. She was instantly quieted, and as he pulled back Usagi's face was coloured in shock. Mamoru tilted his head to the side and raised a hand, caressing his wife's soft cheek. He looked at her in concern and his eyes clouded with alarm at Usagi's reaction.

The blonde cleared her throat and looked away slightly. "Gomen, Mamo... it's just the first time you've kissed me in weeks that didn't feel... forced."

Usagi almost cried out the last word and Mamoru could feel his heart heave with sorrow.

"I know things have been...rough lately, and I'm sorry about all these late nights, Usa, but they're not for long. I was – "

"Working...hai, I remember you said so, Mamo. A really important project for your company and it needs as many hours as you can give. I understand."

Usagi sighed dejectedly as she stood up from the kitchen table, leaving her breakfast half-finished; her legendary appetite gone. Usagi smiled warmly to Mamoru and began to walk out of the room.

Mamoru grabbed his wife's arm gently but firmly. Usagi looked at Mamoru in confusion but the dark-haired man didn't say a word; he lovingly caressed his wife's arm with his smooth palms and allowed his fingers to start slowly and dotingly trail down to the blonde's hand, gently raising her palm to his chin and pressing it firmly against his skin. Mamoru closed his eyes as he felt the texture of his wife's silky soft skin make contact against him. He lifted her hand, so it gently traced over his features and held her hand gently with both of his own.

Usagi felt her breath catch in the back of her throat.

This was the closest her husband had been to her in a while – in fact it had been weeks since they had really been close. Mamoru had been working such odd hours that by the time he came home he was too tired or Usagi simply felt that it was not the right mood for such intimacy. The sensation of her husband's stubble lightly scratching her hand almost made Usagi giggle, but the blonde was too entranced by the moment to allow any sound other than a shaky breath escape her lips.

Mamoru brought his wife's hands to his mouth and placed a gentle kiss on her wrist. He closed his eyes tightly and then firmly kissed the palm of Usagi's hand. He gently curled her fingers, loosely clenching her fist and Mamoru brushed his lips over Usagi's knuckles. Usagi watched as Mamoru stayed, still administering the gentle kisses and caresses to her arm and hand. He took in a deep breath and Usagi smiled as she realised Mamoru was breathing in her scent. The blonde placed her other hand on Mamoru's shoulder and gently pushed him back, causing her husband to open his eyes slowly as he moved his head to look upwards at his wife.

Usagi could feel her eyes water as she took in Mamoru's gaze.

They had known each other over a decade and been koibito for the better part of those ten years too.

This was her Mamoru.

She was in love with him; there was no question about it. Nothing had ever broken them up, and they had never had a real argument due to their great dynamic as friends first then lovers. She loved and was in love with Mamoru. That much she knew to be true.

But could the same be said for him?

She had never doubted his love for her before. But since Friday at Makoto's, when she had seen Beryl... when Beryl had spoken to her – everything was thrown into focus.

It was all too much for a coincidence.

But here he was, as loving and caring as ever... but now Usagi, who had never had a bad thought about anyone she had ever met, was beginning to doubt her husband. Was he suddenly giving her this attention because he loved her or because, since the other night when she first hinted at Beryl, he had guilt eating away at him? And the only way to absolve it was this? To touch her because he thought that was all that needed to be pardoned – but the physical betrayal could never amount to the emotional.

Usagi almost cried at the thought of her husband needing to force himself to love her... to make love to her.

She held back her sob and pried her arm away from Mamoru.

Navy blue eyes looked into baby blues.

"Usa?" Mamoru's voice wavered as he saw the anxious look in his wife's eyes.

Usagi licked her dry lips and spoke out as calmly as she could, desperately hoping her voice would not quaver as much as it usually did when she was distressed. "Why didn't you – " Usagi cursed herself for her trembling voice and she cleared her throat, taking a step back as Mamoru stood up, hoping for the close contact with his wife again, " Why didn't you tell Beryl we were married?"

Mamoru looked as though he had been sucker-punched in the stomach. "I didn't think it was necessary to." Mamoru saw the hurt look in Usagi's eyes and he stepped forward, only to have Usagi turn her head, averting her gaze from her husband. "Usa, remember I said I wanted it to be professional only? She has no need to know about my private life."

Usagi let out a dry, sarcastic chuckle, her throat draining out all fluid, leaving her with an unusually raspy voice. That instantly alerted to Mamoru to the fact she was fighting back tears. He reached out, ready to place an arm on his wife's shoulder and comfort her but Usagi sidestepped and turned around, standing with both her hands gripping the sink in the kitchen her body facing the wall and her eyes looking out of the window in front of her.

Mamoru's jaw clenched – his own way of fighting the onslaught of tears that threatened to gush from his eyes at that instant. The instant he realised his own wife, his lover, his best friend of ten years did not want to be touched by him. That she did not want to be comforted by him.

Usagi took in a sharp intake of breath and kept her gaze on the view out of the kitchen window, her eyes slowly turning red from the pain of holding back tears that needed to be shed.

"I... I will always love you no matter what, Mamo-chan."

Mamoru went to open his mouth but found no words were ready to spill out. Usagi fought back tears as the silence overwhelmed her. Her knuckles turned white with the grip she had on the sink. She closed her eyes tightly once more.

"I-I-I th-think you should just g-g-go to work, Mamoru."

He nodded his head even though he knew Usagi couldn't see him. 

Wordlessly, he reached over the kitchen table and grabbed his briefcase. He reached the kitchen doorway and she stopped walking, looking over his shoulder at his wife, whose head was limp as she let her body almost give in to tears, but fought them.

She knew Mamoru was still there.

Mamoru opened his mouth to speak but closed his mouth after a moment. He knew right now that nothing he said would make his wife any better.

Silently, Mamoru left the kitchen and walked down the hallway. After slipping his shoes and jacket on, he opened the front door. As he was about to close it, he paused – the distinct sound of sobbing perfectly audible from where he stood. 'You may not think so, but I am still in love with you, Usa.'

The door closed noiselessly.

"Ah, Chibiusa-chan, you made it, we were worried for a second... thought you might have changed your mind."

Chibiusa shook her head at Helios. The young boy grinned before bringing his hand to his scarlet school tie and began fiddling with it, all the while keeping his eyes on the pink-haired girl that had just joined him and Hotaru on their daily walk to school.

"No... I just kind of overslept so had to rush, then I got out of breath and had to rest! And I - er..." Chibiusa gigged nervously and smiled timidly as her cheeks tinged with pink; Hotaru had to suppress the smile she got whenever she saw that cute expression of the younger girl's.

They were two blocks from their school and Helios was about to start walking when his eyes narrowed at four figures standing on the other side of the road. He exhaled deeply. Hotaru looked questioningly at him but her gaze fell to the four girls standing on the other side of the road, glaring at her. Just one look at their obnoxious choice of nauseating colour in school coats gave away who it was in an instant regardless of the distance you stood away from them; neon pink, blue, green and red assaulted the visual senses of Hotaru, Helios and Chibiusa.

Hotaru hung her head down and gripped her books tightly with her right arm but used her left hand to brush a loose strand of hair back behind her ear.

"You two can go on ahead if you like."

Helios shook his head, "No, Hotaru-chan, forget them. Let's just get to school. Afterwards, we'll go to yours for our study group as planned okay? So don't worry."

Hotaru lifted her head and frowned before mumbling; "I wasn't worried."

Helios shot her an 'I-don't-believe-you' look and Hotaru conceded.

Then she felt an odd sensation in her right hand. Soft skin had gripped her free hand. Hotaru looked up into warm, ruby-red eyes and felt her body tingle with a numbness caused just by the sight of the other girl in front of her.

Chibiusa whispered gently as she sent a warm smile to Hotaru, "I told you I didn't care about them. You're my friend."

Hotaru looked away and nodded.

'Friend'.

"Come on girls', let's get going, before we're late."

Hotaru and Chibiusa picked up their pace and walked alongside Helios to the school. The dark-haired girl snuck a glance at Chibiusa as she spoke animatedly about their 'girls day in' to Helios who seemed incredibly amused by the details of their pizza-fest, DVDs and generally girly activities. Hotaru blushed as she saw the beautiful features of Chibiusa. As she looked over, she saw in her peripheral vision, four figures walking at their pace – all still sending a glare her way.

Hotaru snapped her head forward, her gaze being concentrated on the floor – 'God, I hope they didn't see me'.

Seiya stayed perfectly still as he listened to Mimet trying and hitting a high and difficult note in her song. He winced as she missed again. He opened his eyes and looked over to Taiki who had already stopped the music and caught Mimet's attention. "Take a lunch break Mimet... we'll, er, we'll come back to this later."

Mimet bounded out of the studio with a nod and went wandering off to God-knows-where.

Taiki turned to Seiya and chuckled, "How did she get a contract?"

Yaten dryly chuckled as he admired himself in a compact mirror. "She won a talent contest... how droll."

Taiki rolled his eyes. "What I wouldn't give for us to just have one great talent... okay, that's a lie. Two would be better! But one? One would be a good start. Just one person it's all I ask."

Yaten rolled his eyes at Taiki's somewhat melodramatic speech. "Dude, does it matter? We sell CD's, do we need more?"

Before Taiki could answer, Seiya spoke softly. "I want to be remembered for giving the world an artist like no other. It matters to me."

Yaten yawned loudly and Seiya cut his eyes at the bishounen. Taiki rolled his eyes at the youngest of the trio and brought his attention to Seiya once more. "Anyway... I'm sure we'll find a new talent soon."

Yaten grinned devilishly and looked over to Seiya. "Speaking of new talent... who was that hottie you were pictured with on Friday? Some picture of you in Entertainment, pulling over and asking her if she wants a ride home – that's the story anyway. Dude, they made it sound like some hooker, but DAMN, she was hot!"

Yaten was wiggling his eyebrows suggestively at Seiya, which only earned him a smack upside the head from both Taiki and Seiya. "Have some respect! That was Michiru-chan, one of..." Seiya took a deep breath, "My friend Haruka's employee's."

Taiki simply nodded slowly while Yaten pouted in confusion. "Michiru-chan? Awfully friendly aren't we? ...Haruka-san? But her employee's are all -... HAHAHAHA, oh my god, dude, you paid for sex?!"

Yaten began holding his stomach from laughing so hard, tears were rolling down his cheek and he leaned back so far he fell backwards off of his chair and hit his head – none of this stopped him laughing.

Taiki just turned to Seiya and spoke gently. "An escort Seiya? Is that wise?"

Seiya shook his head, amused at Taiki's concern and Yaten's idiocy. "Taiki, look... It was strictly for show... and it was for Mako-chan, I had to go. And Michiru-chan was actually a lovely girl, and a close friend of Haruka's. I was offering her a ride so she got home safely."

Taiki seemed to take all the information at face value and simply smiled warmly. Yaten, on the other hand, stood up, dragging his chair into the upright position and eyed Seiya with suspicion. "Awfully familiar with Michiru-chan, aren't you?"

Seiya shook his head, fighting the urge to smack the younger man again. "Well, what would you rather? I'll call her Kaioh-san just to appease you then, shall I?"

Seiya's sarcastic reply was met with a smug smirk from Yaten and a furrowed set of brows from Taiki.

Seiya looked at his brown-haired friend in concern. "Taiki? You okay, man?"

Taiki mouthed some words to himself before he looked up at Seiya.

"You said Kaioh, right?"

Seiya nodded dumbly, Taiki grinned.

"As in Kaioh Michiru?"

Seiya nodded once more, he already said her name, what did Taiki want? A motherfucking cookie?!

"Yaten, hand me that paper, the page with Seiya on it. I have a feeling but I'm not sure..." Taiki trailed off and mumbled as Yaten handed him the photograph; showing Seiya in his car and a profile shot of Michiru from an angle that didn't show you her entire face.

Taiki smiled before he frowned a little bit. "It looks so much like her... but the possibility is so slim... God, that's a name I've not heard in years..."

Seiya and Yaten both showed a completely confused look. Yaten looked over to Taiki and cleared his throat. "Not that I mind you talking to yourself, you crazy ass... but erm, care to share whatever the hell your little epiphany there was about?"

Taiki's head snapped up, looking at his companions. He grinned sheepishly and sat back in his chair. "Gomen minna... but... that name. Wow. Kaioh Michiru. You two know I went to Tokyo Fine Arts and Music school from freshman to senior year right?"

His two friends nodded dumbly. "Uh, duh, it's like all you ever brag about."

Taiki ignored Yaten and concentrated his gaze on his black haired companion. "When I was in my sophomore year, my school were hoping to transfer over a girl from West Tokyo... rumoured to be a complete prodigy at the violin. I'm talking someone who makes Vanessa Mae look like she didn't have a thing worth musically on her."

Two pairs of eyebrows shot right up – that was a bold thing to say in this business.

Taiki smiled fondly and he continued, "I was asked by my teacher in strings to show around potential candidates for the school. In the group of three I showed around, there was one girl that seemed...special. I asked my tutor about her. He said she was going to be the next big thing. He said listening to her play was like no other experience in this world. Her name was Kaioh Michiru."

Yaten and Taiki exchanged glances with each other. This was weird. And talk about coincidence! "What happened then? If she was meant to be the next big thing, how comes I've never heard of her?"

Yaten's question was met with a sad smile from Taiki. "She never came to the school. She was supposed to but after I bugged my tutor about it, he said that she sort of just... disappeared." Taiki sat up in his chair and leaned forward to Seiya, "But I think she could be the same one. That picture's black and white... hmm, what colour's her hair, Sei?"

"Sorta greeny-bluey – "

"Aqua?"

Seiya blushed and nodded.

Taiki grinned again. "It has to be her... do you know her well?"

Seiya shrugged, sure they had talked but he wasn't a close friend.

Taiki was relentless, "I need to know now... can you get her here? If it's her... I - ... can you, Sei?"

Seiya thought for a moment. Michiru – he could go to Haruka and... no, no, they were all weird on Friday and he did not want to get into the middle of that drama right now. The dark-haired man thought for a moment. He could go to the office and request Michiru-chan... but then he'd have to see-

A giant smile formed over his face.

"I think I can think of a way. Excuse me guys, I need to go do something." As Seiya sood up from his chair and went to grab his jacket, Taiki stood up, following him to the doorway of their booth.

"Don't bother coming back without that girl, Seiya!"

Yaten stood up and looked over to Taiki. "So this escort – "

"Kaioh. Michiru."

Yaten waved his hand dismissively. "Whatever, look... is she really that good?"

Taiki looked at Yaten and cocked on eyebrow before smirking.

"She's all that and more."

Tapping away at the keyboard, Haruka was putting the final touches to the day's work. It was nearing lunchtime and if all went according to plan, she could leave after filling out the last form in front of her to go home and rest before her date with Lara. She stopped typing and looked out from her open office door. Just two rooms over Michiru was sitting with Minako and Ami, no doubt talking about their weekend and comparing notes on who had the better time – it was always usually Minako anyway... she was a bit of a party girl if the truth were told.

Haruka rolled her eyes and got back to her work.

Minutes passed and she sat back, exhausted from fitting in nine hours of work into four. The sound of giggling from two rooms over reached Haruka and she stood up and quietly made her way to her office door, peering out so she had a perfect view of all three women in the room two over adjacent from her office. She heard the inimitable voice of Minako shrill out; "Ami-san! I never knew you had it in you! I mean, you barely know her and you made out with her? In the kitchen?! I am shocked! Details!"

Haruka's heart sank – she instantly felt sorry for Makoto. Ami was into women and was making out with women she barely knew? Haruka was about to walk back into her office when she heard the voice of Michiru speak up, "Mina-chan, Kino-san seems like a very respectable woman. And we all know she likes you Ami. But still... details!"

The sound of three women giggling was muted to Haruka.

Her mouth had hit the floor.

Ami and Kino-san?! As in Makoto-san?

They 'made out'?

"Minna! There's n-nothing to tell," Ami's meek voice rang out in the silence that the older women had allowed the bluenette to talk out into.

Minako scoffed playfully, "Ami! You cannot come in here glowing that way then tell us you and Kino-san made up and not give us details about it! Come on! Pretty please?"

Haruka was pretty sure Minako was fluttering her eyelashes. There was a loud groan and a sigh and Minako cheered loudly – Haruka could only assume Ami was about to give in.

"Well... we were working... in the office, and lunchtime came around and Makoto said she was hungry... – "

"Ha! I bet I know what Makoto was hungry for, Ami!" Minako began giggling only to be shushed by Michiru and Ami continued. Haruka could only imagine the shade of red covering Ami's face.

"Well, we went to the kitchen to get some lunch, because she offered to make me something... and somehow in between it all... I told her I was sorry about when I turned down her offer of a date. She tried to pass it off but I could see in her eyes how she really felt... So, I put myself out there and told her I did lo-like her."

There was a silence and Haruka couldn't help but notice Ami's near slipup.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaand?"

Minako's voice pressed on and Ami's silence was an audio representation of her blush – Haruka knew that much for sure.

"And... I don't know... we had a moment... It was so...perfect." Ami's voice became small towards the end and Haruka heard a distinct 'aww' from Minako.

"I can't wait till Rei and I have a kiss that sweet."

Michiru's giggling could be heard, "I thought that was tonight, Mina-chan?"

Minako scoffed and then shuffled in her seat. "Tonight is work, Michiru-chan! Besides... I'm not going to kiss Rei tonight... that would just…" Minako sighed heavily, "taint it."

Haruka saw an arm come around Minako's shoulder and instantly comfort her. It was Michiru – Haruka recognized the slender arm and porcelain skin in an instant. "Mina-chan, perhaps you should have said no to this job... won't it affect whatever's going on between you and Rei? Perhaps you can cancel the job?"

Without hesitation, Minako spoke. "No! Michiru-chan, this is a lot of money, I'm not going to turn it down! Rei, like me, is a professional, we can handle this!" Minako's voice rose and Haruka saw Michiru snake her hand away from the younger blonde.

"I know it's a lot of money Mina... but money isn't everything."

A silence filled the room. Haruka turned back inside, ready to take her place back at her desk, when Minako spoke once more.

"How are you and Haruka-san?"

The blonde tomboy stayed absolutely still.

Terrified of breathing, she feared if she breathed too loud, they would hear her and she would not hear the answer she needed to hear. Haruka closed her eyes, the silence almost killed her. Her heart was pounding against her rib-cage, her muscles were tense and her body absolutely rigid. She couldn't understand why it mattered so much to her. A deep sigh came from within the room.

"There's no me and Haruka-san, Mina-chan."

Haruka let out her shaky breath.

'Damn.'

"I've noticed you're back to Tenoh-san. Michiru, look, you can't be angry at her... she doesn't know. You can't be mad at her cluelessness when you caused it."

Haruka listened on, feeling guilty for eavesdropping, but she needed to hear this, she needed to know. Whatever it was, she needed it.

"She is right, Michiru-chan."

Haruka slumped against the wall gently. Ami and Minako knew Michiru's secret? Then that meant Rei definitely knew. She should have been pissed off but Haruka guessed it simply was not their secret to tell.

"And what would you all have me do, Minako? Talk to her about it?" Michiru lowered her voice, clearly thinking Haruka was in her office and unable to hear – oh, how wrong she was.

"Oh come on Michiru! If even Miss M sends you to her apartment to drop off a cell-phone, and you didn't grab the chance then... when she was available then... then I don't know! You frustrate me though! Here you are giving me advice on Rei and you won't take your own words to heart!"

A silence.

Haruka still hadn't heard it. She needed to hear it, damn it just say it!

"That's your approach Mina? We know that Haruka would never in a million years – "

The doorbell to the office rang out, instantly silencing the room. Haruka could feel her blood boiling. Whoever was behind that door was going to get a dose of venom as soon as she saw them. Haruka was still stood in her doorway, fists clenched, when the doorbell rang out again.Footsteps could be heard coming down the stairs that linked Miss M's office to the rest of After Dark. The doorbell rang again. Haruka hand her head in despair as she made her way to it; she was sure that fate was mocking her again, but this time its distinct ominous giggling was disguised in the shrill ringing of the doorbell.

As Haruka passed the stairs, she saw Miss M's distinctive voice call out to her.

"Haruka-san, please keep your personal appointments out of work."

Haruka frowned, but then a slight smirk came to her mouth – maybe it was Makoto here to talk to her...or to secretly see Ami. As Haruka walked past the room, she managed to prevent herself from looking into the room that contained Ami, Minako and of course, Michiru.

She reached the front door and opened it expecting to see her oldest friend.

Haruka was somewhat shocked to see the smirking face of one of her oldest friends, but not Makoto.

"Seiya? What are you doing here? Wait, how did you even know how to get here?"

The dark-haired man grinned and stepped forward. "I rang Mako and asked for directions. Sorry, to just drop by Haru-chan, but I needed to see – "

Setsuna stepped forward, her voice resolute and firm. "I thought I gave you the clear message on Friday, Kou-san. I'm not interested."

Seiya smirked smugly and he bowed respectfully. "Ah, Meioh-san, good afternoon – beautiful day huh?"

Setsuna shook her head – did he not know when to give up? Setsuna opened her mouth to give Seiya a piece of her mind, when she saw him smile wide as he looked past Haruka and Setsuna. "Ah! Michiru-chan, just the woman I was looking for."

"What?!"

Everyone turned to Setsuna as soon as the outburst escaped from her lips. She cleared her throat and forced her face to be as expressionless as she could muster. Seiya still smirked smugly and he slowly turned to Michiru. "Michiru-chan, could we go somewhere and talk?"

Michiru looked over to Miss M and Haruka before nodding slowly. Seiya looked at Haruka who seemed to be glaring daggers at him. He held his hands up defensively. "Hey, this is strictly business!"

His comment got three pairs of raised eyebrows and Michiru stopped in her tracks. She sighed.

"Business? Well, my business will cost you extra then to just chat, Seiya-kun."

Seiya chuckled, not seemingly ashamed at the double meaning in his words and he waved his hands dismissively. "Oh lord no! My business, not yours, Michiru-chan." The aqua-haired escort looked on in confusion at Seiya. He smiled disarmingly, "Please, Michiru-chan, I'll explain everything when we're somewhere else. I promise."

"Okay."

Michiru's voice was slow and filled with a little worry. Without sending a second glance back, Michiru followed Seiya out of the front door. Michiru stopped in her tracks, but didn't even turn around when she heard the husky voice of the blonde tomboy from behind her.

"Michiru-chan. Don't forget that you're booked from six until ten tonight."

Michiru nodded her head and followed Seiya to his silver Chrysler. "Should I be worried, Seiya-kun?"

He shook his head and grinned widely.

"No, Michiru-chan. Not one bit."

Setsuna's jaw clenched as she watched Seiya get into his car with Michiru and drive off to God-knows-where. She shook her head – why was she feeling this way about that idiot? She had no interest in him and whatever he wanted to do with Michiru was his business.

Even if it really did irk her.

Setsuna looked up and saw Haruka look out of the door one last time before closing the door gently. As she turned around, Setsuna could see the seething look glowing in Haruka's eyes. Setsuna sighed and let down her 'bitch' persona for a minute.

"Haruka-san? Are you okay?"

Haruka's jaw clenched before she relaxed and forced out a smile. "I'm fine... I'm done for the day. I'm going home but I'll be back at five to start the drop-offs. Ja ne, Setsuna-san."

Setsuna grabbed the tomboy's arm and looked her directly Haruka in the eyes. "If you have a problem, it needs to be dealt with. It cannot interfere with your job."

Haruka opened her mouth but then closed it a moment later; she simply nodded and released her arm free of Setsuna's grip. "I know, Setsuna-san. I'll see you tomorrow."

Setsuna shook her head sadly as she watched Haruka leave the office. The sound of someone clucking their tongue from behind Setsuna brought the emerald-haired woman's attention to Minako standing not ten feet away with an amused grin on her face, and Ami standing behind the blonde, her hand covering her somewhat gaping mouth.

"Wow... all this sexual tension! God! It's almost torturous, isn't it? Miss M? Are you okay?"

Setsuna just laughed gently. "Hai, Mina... I'm fine. Look, why don't we just call it a day today? Haruka's gone, that means no-one really needs to be here."

Mina was about to respond when the sound of a cell-phone gently ringing out took the focus away from her. Setsuna and Minako stared at Ami as she fished her cell-phone out of her pocket, all the while blushing heavily while being watched. As she looked down at the flashing screen she went an almost unknown shade of red. Minako grinned and looked over to Setsuna.

"A thousand yen says it's Kino-san."

Setsuna cocked an eyebrow and scoffed. "Please, like I'd bet against that. I don't want to lose a thousand yen."

The two women went silent as Ami pressed her cell-phone to her ear. "Hey, Mako...to-chan." Ami looked up at Minako and Setsuna and could only see smirks plastered on both their faces. Ami quickly turned away and turned her attention back to the phone, " Um, no I'm just finishing up now actually... huh, dinner? I have to study Mako...to-chan... Hmm? Come to mine? N-n-no, y-you don't h-h-have to do that! I... I" Ami sighed heavily and closed her eyes, "Yes, tomorrow would be much better for me... Okay, bye, Mako." Ami placed the cell-phone back in her pocket and took in a deep, shaky breath.

"Trouble, Ami-san?" Minako bit down on her lip to stop herself from grinning.

Ami looked at Minako and bushed heavily before meekly nodding. Setsuna tilted her head a little and looked at Ami with great concern. "You know that you'll have to tell her soon, don't you? Don't let her get the wrong idea, Ami."

Ami's eyes widened before she took another shaky breath and nodded, she grabbed her bag that was by the door and slung it over her shoulder. "I-I h-have to g-go and study now. See you tomorrow."

Ami rushed from through the door. Minako giggled before turning to Setsuna. "You've gone and scared everyone off Miss M. You've successfully managed to keep your rep as the scariest woman in Tokyo, how does it feel?"

Setsuna cut her eyes at the perky blonde next to her. "Don't you have a hotel visit to get ready for? Or, to be more precise; Rei to get ready for?"

Minako pouted at Setsuna which only caused Setsuna to smirk smugly. Minako sighed and grabbed her bag from the room she was in not minutes before. As she walked to the door she grinned back at Setsuna. "Yes, I do... Don't you have to practice your I'm-not-bothered look again for when you realise Kou-san isn't here to see you? Your one today wasn't very convincing!"

Before Setsuna could muster a response, Minako had flung the door to the office open, "Ja ne, Miss M!"

And like that she was gone. Setsuna ground her teeth.

"Oh tomorrow, she is so going to pay for that," she muttered under her breath, as she began her walk back up to her office where she would most probably spend a few more hours lurking. She grumbled to herself as she ascended the stairs.

"I do not care who he's here to see... he's just some stupid pretty boy egotist... and he probably relies on his looks all the time because he's so pretty –" Setsuna stopped in her tracks and muttered to herself, " I mean because he thinks he's so pretty. Yes, that's what I meant."

Setsuna made it to the top of her stairs and frowned heavily as she took in everything she had said.

"No... I do not like him. Baka."

Rei had spent all weekend at the shrine when she could not be at the hospital. She had done something she had not done for nearly five years; resumed the miko duties she once had done in her youth. It brought back a great deal of memories; some good, some bad. But mostly they were good. She and Yuuichiro had spent a good amount of time re-kindling the friendship from their youth – bonding over stories involving, as Rei liked to call him, her 'ecchi oji-san'.

She smiled warmly before looking out of the Audi's windows.

The night sky of Tokyo was falling fast in this winter month.

Rei looked to her side and saw Minako smirking at her. This very action sending a shudder down Rei's spine that she could barely conceal. Rei looked over to the driver's seat and saw Haruka was concentrating on the road, but every now and again sparing a glance her way. After about five minutes of this staring back and forth Haruka cleared her throat loudly.

"Are you okay, Rei-chan?"

Rei's eyes were closed and she was frowning as she thought over everything that was going on with her the past week. Her oji-san; the money needed to ensure a speedy recovery. And her thoughts were also torn on a certain blonde-haired escort who was sitting next to her.

"Hai, I'm fine, Haruka-san."

Haruka nodded and shifted her eyes to the blonde beside her, "And Mina-chan, are you okay?"

Minako nodded, never taking her eyes off of Rei.

After a very quiet journey, Haruka slowly came to a stop in front of the Tokyo Hyatt hotel. She turned the ignition off and looked straight ahead of her. "If either one of you wants to leave, just – "

"We know, Haruka-san. Pull the panic alarm."

Haruka just nodded slowly. She looked up to the hotel then down at her watch.

6:53pm.

"You have seven minutes, ladies. Do you want me to wait here for a while after you go in?"

Rei shook her head but said nothing. Haruka caught her look and kept a sombre expression on her face. Rei ignored the looks she knew she was getting from Minako. The slight pout, the way Rei just knew the blonde vixen was going to be biting her lip then slowly drag her tongue across her lips and then wink at the dark-haired escort.

Rei just knew.

She kept her eyes focused straight ahead. She ignored every sound and sight other than the little LED numbers displayed on the car's clock, telling her how many seconds she had left. Seven rolled around quicker than she anticipated. Rei was still lost in her own thoughts. It was only when her door was opened from the outside; Rei stepped out and was face-to-face with Haruka. The tomboy gently gripped Rei's shoulders.

"You don't need to be there any longer than you want to. Don't forget that."

Rei took in a breathe and shook Haruka's hand from her shoulder."I know Haruka-san. I just have to do this."

Rei looked over and saw Minako staring at her – with an expression Rei had never seem emitted from the blonde. The dark-haired escort sighed heavily. "I need to go Haruka-san."

Haruka looked on with concern clouding her eyes.

"I'll be back to pick you up as soon as you call me."

Rei nodded absent-mindedly as she made her way to the other side of the room, completely ignoring the presence of Minako. The bubbly blonde smiled to herself as she turned and followed her black-haired weakness into the Tokyo Hyatt.

After walking through the front reception, Rei made her way resolutely to the hotel lobby and approached the near desolate island where the concierge was manning the desk.

"Konbanwa, how can I help you ladies?"

Rei smiled genially before leaning forward and speaking at a more discreet level. Rei repeated only the necessary information as she was briefed on by Haruka. "We're meeting a friend. In Room 912."

The concierge smiled and looked to the computer hidden from general view by the magnificent dark-wood desk. After tapping in the room number, he cocked an eyebrow and looked at the two women. Rei could see the instant change in his eye. No doubt the reservations were made under a well-known alias for men who came here strictly to have a bed and a woman for the night. And it was well known in this district, Shinjuku, that 'ladies of the night' came to collect the key.

"Names for confirmation? In case we have any..." the man's eyes trailed over Rei and Minako, showing a clear disgust, "complaints."

The concierge forced a smile. Rei looked over to Minako who was unusually quiet – maybe she had gotten Rei's hints. The dark-haired woman smiled once more, "Of course. That is Ai," Minako looked up in confusion as Rei gave her an alias, but she played along and smiled, "And I am Kasei."

The concierge raised his eyebrow, clearly disbelieving, he handed over the key nonetheless.

"Enjoy your evening, ladies."

Rei clenched her jaw as soon as she saw the sycophantic smirk the concierge sent their way. Ignoring him, she gripped the key and made her way over to the elevators – thankfully, she knew the Hyatt well due to her plentiful visits here. But today, something was different. Before, Rei never took in her surroundings; she only went to the hotel for one thing and one thing only. But tonight was not like any other night. Tonight she would be with Minako – the beautiful blonde currently waiting beside her for the elevator. Rei snuck a glance at the blonde and took in her appearance; Minako appeared to have dressed differently tonight, she was no longer wearing a completely provocative dress. In fact, she was covered mainly in a black women's jacket that rode to mid-thigh but showed underneath that a ruffled golden skirt which Minako appeared to have co-ordinated with a blouse in a matching shade. Rei turned her attention back to the elevator as it dinged open and the two stepped on, the only occupants of the contraption.

The two women were silent as their elevator rode up to their destination; both coated in an awkward silence.

Rei could still not bring herself to even look at the blonde at this particular moment in time. Minako was pouting; she hated the fact Rei wouldn't even look at her right now. She clasps her hands together and locked them in front of her, resting on her waistline. Minako raised a corner of her lips into a semi-smirk, and she cleared her throat.

"How was your – "

"Don't... don't even talk to me."

Minako raised both of her eyebrows in shock at Rei. Not because she had told her to go away but because her voice was barely above her whisper. Minako turned her head so she was fully facing Rei.

Rei closed her eyes, fully aware of Minako's gaze burning into her.

There was a light ding and the sheen, polished elevator doors smoothly opened, revealing a corridor ahead of them. Rei took the first step out, followed slowly by a heavily sighing Minako. The dark-haired escort led the way down the corridor, walking past a maid who was currently entering the empty and unoccupied rooms and doing her daily routine. Rei could feel herself getting slightly light-headed with every step she took, the smell of the lemon polish overwhelming her senses.

Rei stopped in front of Room 912 and looked down at the key in her hand. She held out her hand and leaned briefly against the mahogany polished wall and took in a deep breath.

"Rei? Are you okay?"

A dark, bitter laugh escaped Rei's lips. "Yeah, I'm just peachy..." Rei turned to Minako and her eyes burned into Minako's, "When we get in there. I'm going to pretend you're someone else Mina. I can't handle seeing you with anyone, especially while we're... what are we? Whatever it is, it's affecting me. And I want you to promise me, you're going to pretend I'm someone else too. The only way I'll get through tonight is by pretending it's someone else making love to a man and that it's not..." Rei looked up at Minako and felt her throat dry out, "not the woman I'm in love with. Please, promise me?"

Minako took a step forward and cupped Rei's cheek,

"Oh, Rei..." Minako placed a chaste and gentle kiss on the other woman's lips, lingering for a second before she pulled away.

"I promise." Rei's eyes watered uncontrollably but she managed to fight the tears that threaten to gush forth from her eyes. She nodded slowly.

The door to room 912 opened and both Rei and Minako sighed before turning their attention to the door; Minako taking a step back and creating some space between her and Rei.

The grinning face of Kunzite greeted them, dressed in a white dress shirt, half unbuttoned. Rei inwardly cringed, he was already prepping himself for the night.

Jadeite stormed from the room a scowl on his face, "Gomen, Rei, I won't be here... I got called away for work."

Jadeite cut his eyes at Kunzite who simply shrugged and grinned widely.

Rei felt a huge relief as she heard Jadeite deliver his news. However, her happiness was short-lived as Kunzite held open the room's door and grinned salaciously. "Come on in, ladies... we have quite the night ahead of us."

Rei's eyes widened and she looked questioningly at Kunzite.

Minako walked forward – regardless of Rei and Jadeite, her client was still here. Kunzite grinned and watched Minako strut into the room with great glee shimmering in his eyes. He slowly turned his gaze to Rei and he stepped back, leaving aspace for her to walk forward. Jadeite scoffed as he walked away begrudgingly. Rei took a deep breath in and stepped forward.

She had a job to do.

Without hesitating another second, Rei slapped on her false smile; the one that positively radiated her aloofness and her feeling of superiority – this smile went down a treat with men that wanted to be dominated or looked down upon, and trust, there are plenty of men in the world that love that fantasy.

As soon as Rei entered the hotel, she watched Minako taking in the room's luxury with unadulterated awe. She looked just like a little kid when they first see snow; like she just wanted to run up to the bed, jump on it and giggle all the night. Minako looked around the room, she took a glance out of the floor-to ceiling window and was mesmerized by the beautiful view of Yoyogi Park that gave a contrast to the bustling city she knew existed past that. She looked to her left and right, seeing the room's decor was a soft olive colour, contrasting with the hotel's strong wooden theme. There was a queen-size bedstead style bed, with soft white sheets – Minako could only assume the finest Egyptian cotton was used for them.

There was an en-suite bathroom, that from what Minako could tell, had a hot tub and a shower attached. A large pair of black leather armchairs were in the corner of the bedroom, opposite the bed. The small lamp on the bedside was on, but was slightly dimmed adding a, dare she thought it, romantic atmosphere? It gave the room a clouded feel, which was soon heightened by the mixture of lemon and green tea scented throughout the room. Not overwhelming, in fact it set the room off in a certain way – like this is supposed to be a luxurious room but you're only here for a short time so don't get too used to it.

Rei continued to smile warmly as Minako turned around, but then Kunzite cleared his throat, throwing Rei out of her admiring gaze for the younger woman.

"Well, let me just get set up and we can get" he eyed Minako and Rei lustfully, "started."

"Set up?"

Minako's voice wasn't laced with as much concern as Rei would have liked, in fact it was just pure intrigue. Kunzite chuckled gently before making his way over to a duffle bag by one of the armchairs. He spoke as he searched through the bad; "Well, ladies... are you ready?"

Minako and Rei locked eyes with each other.

Rei tried her best to make her eyes expressionless, Rei had to be dead to get through this. She thought she had a reasonably good idea of Kunzite's plans with the two of them. She couldn't really blame him – many men often had a fantasy of making love with two women at the same time. And Kunzite surely had no idea of the strange relationship between Rei and Minako. Taking in a breath and forcing a smile, Rei slowly began removing her coat and threw it onto the other empty armchair.

"Born ready."

Minako smirked and threw off her coat, it landed on top of Rei's with a small 'thud'.

Kunzite stood up and turned around, in his hands was a small camcorder. Rei's eyes widened and she shook her head, "No. No fucking way."

Kunzite laughed once more. "Yes fucking way. Don't worry girls... no-one will see this but me... it's strictly for my private viewing."

Rei shook her head, and walked over to the armchair with her coat. "No. I don't do video."

Kunzite shrugged and looked over to Minako, "You know, for eight hundred thousand yen each I expected you to both be a bit more compliant."

Rei stopped in her tracks.

She had forgotten that.

This was for oji-san. There was no way she could make this much cash on any other job and she wanted to take care of the man who had always taken care of her. Dropping her coat, Rei turned around and look Kunzite in the eyes, threatening him with just her gaze. "It doesn't leave this room."

He nodded his head – non-verbally telling her he agreed. He cleared his throat and set the camera up on the table beside his armchair. Kunzite sat down on the chair and pulled out his shirt from his pants in its original tucked in position. He grinned at the two and pressed a small button, "And...action."

Minako and Rei shot a wide-eyed look at each other. Minako looked away, her gaze out of the window and Rei glared at Kunzite.

"What?!"

He grinned and pointed between the two and the bed.

"Action. Just between you two. That's all I want. I'm just going to watch and... enjoy myself."

Upon seeing Rei's glare intensity a thousand-fold, he contiuned "Hey, you two do this with strangers, surely with each other is no problem, right? Now... do what I'm paying you for."

Rei turned around and ran her hands through her long, silky locks. She had no trouble whatsoever making love to a female, in fact, she had had a few female clients in the past... but this was Minako. And for the voyeuristic pleasure of a complete stranger no less! Looking to Minako, she saw the blonde looking at her with a studious expression. The blonde slowly walked over to a completely shell-shocked Rei and gently placed her lips against Rei's.

Rei recoiled, not wanting this.

It felt wrong, it felt forced, it felt tainted, it felt... wrong.

It's not supposed to be this way.

Not even for money…

Minako grazed her lips against Rei's neck and mumbled into her skin. Rei shivered but felt her eyes well up with tears. Minako brought her lips to Rei's ear and whispered gently to her, "Rei... just... get through this. With me."

Rei didn't move.

Minako sighed heavily, "This doesn't mean I'm doing it because I'm being paid to. I want to. Rei, I want you. I – "

"No."

Rei's voice was barely above a whisper.

"No, don't say it."

Minako pulled back and looked into Rei's eyes, both silently understanding the other. Rei knew Minako wanted her, but in that instant it was clear Minako understood this was not going to mean the same, if anything, to Rei. This was work. Minako sighed heavily again – this would not completely taint her feelings for Rei, in fact it wouldn't affect them. She wanted to make Rei feel as though even though this was work, she cared deeply for her.

Kunzite had been watching the interaction with intrigue – the interaction at the restaurant that Friday was nothing compared to this. This was something utterly arousing, and it was taking its effect on him. Watching the gentle interaction the blonde placed on the seemingly resistant dark-haired woman was nothing short of turning him on like nothing else had.

'God, this is going to be good.'

Minako gently pushed Rei back, feeling her resist a little, Minako had to be forceful, almost grabbing her arms and pushing her back until Rei's legs made contact with the bed and it sent her tumbling down gracefully onto the bed. Instantly, she propped herself up on her elbows – her amethyst eyes locking with Minako's sapphire pools.

Minako's breath was taken away by the sight of Rei, in her knee length plum colour silk dress that was currently riding up past her thigh.

Minako leant down and attempted to capture Rei's lips but found her lips making contact with Rei's soft porcelain cheek instead. "Rei... just relax. We'll get through this together. I swear." Minako gently brushed the back of her hand over the cheek she had just kissed and Rei closed her eyes, a light tear trail making its way down from her eye to her chin.

"Mina... please... don't." Rei shook her head, her voice croaking as more tears found their way from her eyes.

Minako raised her hand and used her thumb to gently wipe away Rei's tears. She pressed her lips firmly into Rei's and pulled back after a split second. She let her lips linger near Rei's as she spoke as softly as she could muster.

"I love you."

Rei's eyes stayed shut and her bottom lip trembled.

"I love you, Rei."

Rei trembled at that soft tone, that words she long to hear. But no, not like this…

"Don't doubt that, Rei. Please, don't doubt that."

Rei silently began to sob as Minako gently began to place feather-light kisses over her features; starting at her forehead, then kissing down one side to her jawline and then kissing on the other side of Rei's face before pausing and pressing her lips to Rei's. Minako hoped her feelings could be conveyed in that kiss – You're not alone, I'm here for you, Rei.

Kunzite had already snaked his hand from the armchair's armrests to the inside of his pants and was already pleasuring himself at the sight before him. There was nothing more arousing than beauty and vulnerability and he had that. Jadeite was right – Rei seemed to be less into whatever it was the two had, but nonetheless, here she was with Minako. Kunzite grunted with pleasure as he watched Minako sit Rei up slightly. Rei could feel the bile rising in her throat; she could see from the corner of her eye that Kunzite had reached into his pants and was touching himself, bringing himself pleasure from the moment she and Minako were creating. It was almost enough to bring her to tears.

Almost.

Rei had to be strong.

She had to do this.

Voluntarily, she lifted herself up gently from the bed, and allowed Minako's nimble fingers to unzip the back of her dress. Rei stood up and the silky material cascaded down her body before pooling around her feet. Minako took in the sight of Rei; in a crimson coloured lace bra and matching panties set, all timed with some nice touches of black here and there. Rei looked up and could almost feel her heart spit in two at the sight of Rei with tears shimmering in her beautiful eyes. Rei laid back down on the bed and closed her eyes. She looked up to Minako and locked eyes with the blonde.

Minako slowly unbuttoned every golden button on her blouse, not once breaking eye contact with Rei. Minako took off her blouse and threw it to the floor, the shirt joining in with Rei's forgotten dress. A grunting in the corner reminded Minako she and Rei were not alone Minako broke eye contact to turn her head to her left and could see in her peripheral vision of a sight she never wanted to see, no, not with her Rei.

Kunzite moaned while furiously moving one hand under his pants.

Minako turned back to Rei and the blonde quickly shimmied out from her skirt and kicked it to the side. Minako bent down and quickly removed her shoes and knelt before the bed, her hands trailing up and down Rei's soft ankles. She saw Rei clench her jaw and Minako placed a soft kiss above her ankle and she removed the dark-haired woman's shoes and threw them to the side, joining her own.

"God, foreplay is so hot."

Minako and Rei visibly cringed together at Kunzite's statement.

His voice sounded every bit like a contamination, making their skin itch with contempt.

Minako crawled up beside Rei and looked at her deep into her eyes. She kissed Rei's neck and Rei trembled, Minako knew instantly it wasn't from arousal. "I know this isn't the way either of us imagined... let's just get through it quickly, okay, Rei?"

Rei's jaw clenched and she said nothing, she didn't move either. Rei just felt anger course through her body – how could Minako be so calm with this all?

Didn't she know how degrading this was?

Was there no shame for her?

Maybe not...

And Rei immediately narrowed her eyes as her body became a little stiff.

Minako was almost breaking apart. She understood this reaction. She knew this look. Putting up this strong facade was using up all of her energy. She could see in Rei's eyes that she was nearly at breaking point, so Minako had to be strong enough for the two of them. She had to. Rei looking at her in disgust almost broke down her final barrier, but Minako had to do this for the greater good – if they both burst into tears now, then the situation would have won. Minako could not have that – she couldn't see Rei cry. She couldn't handle that pain.

Closing her eyes, Rei just the inevitable take over.

She could feel Minako's smooth, supple skin slide slowly up her own body. She felt two hands softly grip the material covering her breasts and Rei arched her back, allowing Minako access to the clasp. Seconds later, Rei felt the material go slack around her shoulder and she tensed up as she felt Minako's hands gently slide the garment over her skin, leaving Rei bare for Minako to see for the first time. Rei's eyes were still closed; she couldn't bring herself to look at the blonde right now.

Minako drew in a breath, her eyes glazing over and her body going weak at the sight of Rei in front of her. Her perfectly round breasts gently heaved up and down as Rei took in her deep breaths. Minako looked to Rei's face and saw she still had her eyes closed.

Kunzite moaned gruffly behind them and Minako pursed her lips, just stopping her lip from trembling and her eyes from watering uncontrollably.

No, Minako can't allow that to fall.

The blonde took in a deep breath to compose herself and gently lowered herself down to Rei, pausing briefly to take in the smell of lavender that was radiating from Rei's skin. Minako allowed a brief smile to flicker across her face, before being brought back to reality by the groan of Kunzite once more behind them.

"G-god, don't stop now, girls."

'God, what did we do to deserve this…?' was all in Minako's mind.

Closing her eyes and opening them, Minako gently pressed her lips down onto Rei's nipple.

Rei couldn't help the moan that escaped her throat and she opened her eyes, instantly feeling the gentle trickle of tears fall down from her eyes and flow down her face. She looked down and saw Minako looking at her, her eyes seeming watery too but Rei ignored and tried to whisper in between moans.

"D-don't... Minako... make this quick...please."

Minako let go of Rei and looked into her purple eyes. Without a word, Minako began to trail her way down Rei's body. Even though she silently promised to make this as quick and painless as possible, she couldn't resist planting just one or two loving kisses along her ribcage and just above her navel. Minako gently bit above the waistline of Rei's panties before she hooked the material using her index and middle finger and gently brought the material past Rei's hips, thigh, calves and ankles before gently letting go and letting the material fall to the floor silently.

Rei cursed herself; the sensation of Minako's warm breath against her centre caused an action she did not want and she is pretty sure Minako noticed how wet Rei hd gotten from the growl the blonde had let out.

"Oh Rei..." Minako's voice almost broke again but she regained her composure. She lingered at Rei's entrance; she wanted this, but not here, not like this.

"Don't be shy, Minako... uhn!"

Minako's mouth went dry as she heard Kunzite talking to her; he was still masturbating in the corner; watching them intently, his little camera to the side, blinking with the stupid little red light. Resisting the urge to snap at Kunzite and telling to shut his mouth, Minako just lowered her head, intent on getting this horrible night over with.

Earlier, she thought she could handle it – that was when she thought she and Rei would be doing nothing with or to each other. Now, it was clear to Minako that this may have been what Kunzite had planned all along.

Rei's back arched as Minako's tongue made contact with her swollen centre, and once more the dark-haired woman cursed herself inwardly at the fact her body reacted with a buck of the hips and a loud groan emitting from her throat, saying the name of the one who gave her this sensation.

"Minako."

It was a whisper to Minako, said just for her ears. It caused her eyes to water again and she decided to being Rei to a release as soon as possible, finding her concentration being tested by the sound of Kunzite's own loud moans from behind her.

"God, you two are so..." He trailed off as he groaned again and Minako put all her effort into Rei, blocking of the sounds of Kunzite.

Rei clenched her jaw and closed her eyes, feeling more tears trickle out from the side as she felt Minako place her hands on Rei's hips, keeping Rei as steady as possible as Minako lapped at her centre.

Minako tried to resist the feeling she had. This was not meant to feel good. This was... not. But the taste of Rei's sweetness on her tongue brought Minako to an almost feverish state of arousal, and she tried to fight it. Rei's breath caught in her throat as she felt Minako's tongue delve deeper into her, causing her body to quake and her muscles to give in to Minako as she felt herself being brought to climax quickly. Minako, gently lifted Rei's legs, bending her knees slightly and the blonde's head kept bobbing up in between Rei's thighs, her velvet-like tongue causing Rei to jolt with every movement Minako made against her sensitive nub. Minako pressed her tongue harder against Rei, wanting to bring the other woman to a climax quickly in order to satisfy the man behind them.

Rei grabbed a fistful of the cotton sheets before throwing back her head and opening her eyes, vision obscured and blurred by unshed tears. She opened her legs a little wider, allowing Minako greater access and also to bring this torment to an end as soon as possible.

Minako could feel a wetness fall from her eyes as she noticed Rei opened her legs wider – 'she just wants this over with'. Minako shifted herself up a little bit more and gently brought her hand to Rei's slick centre; she gently allowed her finger to trail over Rei's bud before she plunged her two fingers into Rei, instantly causing Rei's stomach to clench and her back to rise fully, her arms being forced to support her up from the bed.

Minako couldn't even bring herself to spend a split-second enjoying the texture and feel of Rei.

This isn't supposed to be like this. No way in any corner of Minako's mind.

Rei looked down and saw blonde hair, covering a head that was moving up and down in between her legs. She had cried herself out so all she could do was open her mouth and silently croaked out a tearless sob. Her body was heaving with what would otherwise be a pleasure crescendo to an incredibly enjoyable climax.

It was purely physical, not emotional.

Rei's entire body stiffened as she felt Minako lap at her sensitive centre and her fingers hit a spot in her just right. Her body jolted as her toes curled up and one of her hands gripped Minako's head, the other gripping the bed-sheets with a frightening tightness.

"Mi-na-ko."

It wasn't loud, it wasn't quiet.

It was just how Minako had always imagined it would sound – with just the right amount of volume, it was just Rei saying the name of the one who gave her pleasure. She was intense.

Minako's eyes watered as she looked at the beautiful sight of Rei as she reached her climax; her eyes opened and almost penetrating painfully into Minako's blue hues. Rei's body shook as she groaned again, and Minako could feel a wetness flowing down her hand from Rei's centre, but Minako didn't look down, she concentrated her gaze on Rei. Her beautiful Rei, who looked so broken as she flopped back onto the bed and broke out into uncontrollable sobs, her body racking with overwhelming emotions.

It was like half of Rei just... just died.

"Fuck!"

A distinct sound was heard and Minako rolled her eyes, turning to back to a newly drained Kunzite grinning like a fool. He beckoned to Minako who threw a grin onto her face and stood, not before sending a glance over to Rei and looking eyes; which only caused Rei to silently sob into the sheets more-so, her knees brought up to her chest in a vain attempt to disguise her nude form.

"C'mere, Mina."

The blonde sauntered over to Kunzite and avoided looking below his neckline, her minx-like smile still in place however. As Mina opened her mouth to speak to him, she felt him grab her by the back of the neck and kiss her deeply. Minako cringed as she felt his rough lips against hers. She tried to push back, aware of the fact he was stealing the taste of Rei from her lips.

Kunzite held Minako in place and looked over to Rei and smirked.

"That was so fucking hot, Minako."

He let go of Mina and stood up. "You can go if you want, Rei, I'm done with you... Mina, I'm going to take a shower, you can stay if you want. I have plans for you to make it a cool million."

Kunzite stood up, tucked himself back into his pants and disappeared off into the En-suite bathroom. Seconds later the sound of the shower being turned on filled the room. Minako turned to Rei, who was still on the bed. She had stopped crying and sat up slowly after she heard the shower being turned on. Minako looked at her and opened her mouth to speak, but Rei threw her legs over the side of the bed, and raised a hand to her head before shaking slightly. She looked up at Minako and the two of them exchanged weak smiles. Rei looked around the room and grabbed her underwear, and hurriedly put it on before slipping back into her dress and placing her heels back on.

Minako came over and zipped up Rei's dress. There was a silence as Rei turned around and looked at Mina quizzically before taking her gaze over to Minako's clothes.

"Aren't you going to get changed?"

Minako tilted her head to the side and looked away, "It's an extra two hundred thousand yen, Rei, I – "

"I should have fucking known!"

Rei began shaking her head vigorously before he went over to the armchair and grabbed her coat from under Minako's.

"Rei! I need the money! I – "

Rei shook her head and made her way to the door, shaking off Minako's hand from her arm and turning to face her after violently opening the door to the hotel room. "Minako, just do what you want. I thought that maybe we had... I don't know... I just... I don't ever want to see you again."

Minako spoke gently as she approached Rei, dressed in still nothing more than her underwear.

"But Rei, we work together, you can't avoid me."

Rei scoffed loudly. "No, Minako. Starting tomorrow, we do not work together."

Minako looked questioningly at Rei, who glared at Minako.

"I quit. Goodbye, Mina."

'What?'

Minako stumbled backwards, almost falling over until she felt the bed and collapsed on it. The air was drained from her body.

The hotel door closed and Rei was gone.

Minako closed her eyes and let the tears fall slowly from her eyes. The sound of the shower stopping forced Mina to instantly stop crying. She couldn't move her body was still weak from the blow Rei had given to her. Minako's skin quivered with disgust as she heard the voice of Kunzite speak out.

"Ah good, you're still here Mina... Ready for round two, babe?"

Minako turned to him and said nothing, she didn't even smile.

No, she wasn't ready.

She just wanted to walk out of that door just like how did Rei did just two minutes ago.

A/N 2 - Drama right? If you can find it in you to leave some kind words, I'd REALLY appreciate that because this chapter seriously brought me down. Alas, ja ne and see you at the next chapter! -VR