A/N - Don't say I never give you nothing!... Hehe, sorry for the lateness of this update but life has been HECTIC! Anyhow, thanks so much for all the reviews on the last chapter - it's awesome to know people are still reading this ^___^ I'd like to thank impersonal for all her smexxi awesomeness as my beta (as usual ;)). Anyhoo, I hope that you read and enjoy this installment.
CHAPTER 17 – STUMBLING INTO THE ARMS OF THE ONE
"Rei... I am so, so, sorry for missing your call. I... I just want you to know that I... I want you to call me. So we can arrange to meet up. I need to see you."
A small smile crept over usually stoic features.
Rei bit down on her lip and pressed the number '7' button and chose to replay the message; closing her eyes as she practically drowned in the emotions she felt in the other woman's voice. Minako sounded so desperate... Rei could hear the need in her voice. She recognised the tone. She recognised it because she could feel that same need in her body; that same weariness that seemed to take over her body and screamed out what she desired for the whole world to hear without needing to utter a single word.
Rei needed Minako.
After listening to the message one more time, Rei steeled her nerves - she couldn't take it anymore. It had barely been two weeks since she had cut off contact with Minako and it had also barely been a week since she realised she was a miserable sod for it.
Why put herself through anymore?
"Rei... sometimes people are worth chasing. Even the ones we love who hurt us. It hurts because they have a part of us we can never take back. We give them something and we're connected for good to them."
Rei knew her grandfather's words to be true. The ones we love do hurt us; Minako hurt Rei, and she had a part of Rei that she could never get back – not that Rei would ever want to take a piece of her away from Minako really.
Rei smiled at the thought of her and Minako being connected. Yet, still one question lingered... was Minako worth chasing?
"Rei... believe it or not, you don't always know everything. And you don't know everything about me."
Minako's words from the night at the restaurant echoed in her mind; no, the raven-haired woman didn't know everything about Minako... but she did want to know each and every little intricate detail regarding the blonde – no matter what the cost. She craved Minako. Inside and out. And she had to have her.
Rei grunted in frustration before giving her cell phone the evil eye. She eyed her surroundings...she was safe; Yuuichiro was off giving a tour to some Western tourists and Grandpa was safely resting as the doctor said. She could talk in private – she needed that. Rei felt like talking to Minako was a sign of weakness; to give in and call her was beneath her. With barely any pressure, Rei's soft hand pressed into the slim silver button that illuminated a green telephone a millisecond later; bringing the phone to her ear, Rei closed her eyes and waited patiently.
Rei couldn't completely ignore the fact her pride was screaming at her in regards to her actions; 'You gave in you fool! You are weak!'
Barely a second passed before Rei's heart spoke back; 'Hai, and Minako is my weakness'.
"...Is it really you?"
Giving in to her urge to smile, Rei's features blossomed with beauty as she let the blonde's effect take full control over her. Nodding absentmindedly, Rei spoke back, quietly but with conviction;
"Yes, Minako. It's me... Are you free this evening?"
"I should have known better than to set aside a time to come here. God knows, if I make a plan involving meeting Haruka anywhere she will never be there."
Setsuna grumbled to herself as she crouched before the tomboy's apartment door with an envelope in her hand.
"Stupid Haruka with her not being in. I don't like not knowing where any of my girls are anymore..."
Setsuna pouted as she struggled to stuff the envelope under Haruka's door, it getting stuck for a second before she stood up and kicked the small manila envelope for good measure and heard a satisfying 'psht' sound as the envelope slid onto what Setsuna could only assume was Haruka's carpet. Setsuna smiled triumphantly to herself before straightening out her skirt suit and ensuring she looked no less than perfect.
"Meioh-san?"
As soon as Setsuna heard the familiar male voice, she prayed to the gods' that it was just her old days of tripping on acid finally catching up to her and giving her hallucinations. The last thing she needed was to see –
"Kou... Seiya. You remember me right?"
Even without looking at him, Setsuna could sense the smile in his voice as he said his name. She responded with a wry;
"How could I forget."
Setsuna turned around on the spot, one eyebrow – as usual – perfectly arched and the rest of her body in its usual aloof posture. Seiya looked at the door behind Setsuna and cleared his throat, looking almost nervous.
"Is... Is she – Is Haruka okay?"
Letting a loud sigh out, Setsuna shrugged her shoulders before making her way past Seiya in the wide corridor.
Gentle fingers grasped her wrist.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Setsuna gave a small pointed look to her wrists before looking back to Seiya.
Blushing madly, the producer gave a small sheepish smile before letting go and bowing deeply.
"Please forgive me Meioh-san."
Seiya stuffed his hands into his pockets and looked at the door before him, his eyes giving away his anxiety. Setsuna sighed deeply.
"She's not in."
Seiya let out a small sigh of relief but his entire body remained tense; Setsuna stayed in her tracks, slightly intrigued by the man's unusual behaviour. Seiya let out another small sigh.
His original plan of coming to his friend's home and beg for her forgiveness had been thwarted by her absence – not that he wasn't grateful. He always dreaded seeing Haruka when he had to apologise – the blonde had a track record of being a stubborn, unforgiving individual when it came to Seiya begging for her mercy.
"Oh... cool. Thanks."
Seiya clenched and unclenched his jaw before taking his hands out of his pockets and rubbing his eyes tiredly. Setsuna still hadn't moved from her spot and found herself inexplicably captivated watching this man.
She shook her head to break her out of her reverie – what the freaking hell was wrong with her? She didn't even know this man!
And what little she did know of him brought her to the conclusion he was a pompous, egotistical ass.
'Yeah, an ass who's delivered Minako and Michiru's perfect life without so much as asking for a penny in return'.
Setsuna internally growled – okay he wasn't all that bad. ... Okay, from what she had seen it wasn't bad at all but he did have his moments of being a pretentious prick that would have usually been enough to have sent the older woman running in the opposite direction. Usually that is, but here she was – standing stock still and watching the small movements of this Kou Seiya character; a clearly, stressed and agitated man.
Setsuna cleared her throat, instantly garnering the attention of Seiya.
Seiya's head shot up and in that instant Setsuna saw the fatigue hidng in bright, cobalt eyes. She bit back a gasp at the candid display she had of the dark-haired man for the first time... well, ever.
Seiya watched Setsuna with only half the interest he usually would reserve for her. He had had a tiring day before and a night full of sound mixer boards that refused to co-operate and pitches that refused to stay set and all day he had been plagued by the constant reminder he had to face Haruka – a reminder that came in the form of a completely distracted Michiru of course.
So now, as tired as he had ever felt in his life, Seiya prepared himself for a scathing comment from the woman he bizarrely adored with no real reason as to why.
"Are you – Would you... ugh... Look, I'm having a crappy day and I need to go get wasted. You look like you could use a stiff drink. You in or out?"
Setsuna mentally scolded herself for her initial stuttering – putting it down to a slight temporary mental defect; a notion she only further enforced by the fact she actually asked Seiya to join her for a drink. Her entire line of thinking was halted as she saw the genuine, full, beaming smile that appeared on his face a second later.
Seiya nodded his head, grinning idiotically, as he took a step forward to Setsuna. "Yeah... I'm in. God, a drink would hit the spot right about now!"
Setsuna rolled her eyes at his lame behaviour. The two walked the short distance to the elevators in compatible silence before the Setsuna pressed the call button to bring the elevators to their floor. As the two stepped into the elevators, Setsuna stole a quick glance at Seiya only to find him smirking to himself. She pressed the 'G' button for the ground floor as she scoffed loudly.
"What are you smiling about? A minute ago you were all Sophie's Choice depressed."
Seiya shrugged his shoulders as the doors came to a close. "Heh... nothing."
Upon Setsuna giving him an arched eyebrow, he grinned even wider. "Heh... you like me."
Setsuna grimaced before shaking her head disparagingly as the elevator doors closed on the couple.
"Baka."
Makoto entered her apartment feeling more exhausted than usual. She had spent nearly twenty hours consoling her best friend and convincing her to go and speak to the woman causing her much so much confusion... not to mention to apologise to her for singling her out and taking her anger out on poor Michiru. If all went well, Makoto expected a full update in the morning. If not, well she could expect a phone call any moment now.
Makoto deposited herself on her couch and let her weary muscles sink into the plush sofa.
God, it had better go well, I don't think I'll be able to get up.
Using all the willpower her body contained, Makoto pushed herself up on the couch, making herself slightly more comfortable and resting her head against the back of the sofa.
After closing her eyes and taking in several deep breaths with the aim to relax her muscles completely, Makoto gave out a small smile at the tension that ceased to exist as she did this.
Stretching out her muscles, Makoto made a manoeuvre to press the button on her answering phone to play out her messages. As the messages played out, she kept her finger poised over the delete button, ready to get rid of any unwanted or sales calls.
"Kino-san, this is Sun Life Insurance calling to inquire about whether or not – "
"Deleted."
"Makoto-chan, gomenesai, but I won't be able to come to dinner tonight," Makoto's face burned a light pink as her guilt set in – she had forgotten the dinner date with Ami they had planned tonight.
"I got pulled into a shift at the hospital. I know that today was supposed to be my day off but I really need the experience," Makoto grinned at Ami's sincerity, "But I'll give you a call tomorrow. I... I miss you."
Makoto ended her messages there – she didn't need to hear anymore. The brunette pouted for a moment at the thought of yet another night without Ami's presence. For the short time they had been together, they sure had become close – not physically but intimately for sure. Makoto knew a lot about Ami – about her mother, her mother's work and her family and how she came to be an escort in the first place.
And as for Ami, she knew pretty much all there was to know about Makoto – as simple as the brunette was. Ami knew of Makoto's love for culinary cuisine, she knew of her love for martial arts, she knew how Haruka and her came to meet.
When you spent over ten hours a day with someone in a room, these things flew as conversation. But soon, that would be over.
Makoto's demeanour changed to something much more dour at that thought.
Now Ami was working at the hospital, she and Makoto agreed her temporary term at the restaurant would have to come to an end and the brunette would have to use the new replacement. A young man who worked at the Crown Arcade but wanted more work in the catering business – Furuhata Motoki.
If Makoto were straight she would have probably taken much more interest in him... he did remind her of an old sempai after all...
But damn it! This all meant there would be less Ami! This was a priority!
The brunette had been taken her and Ami's time together for granted. Makoto knew as soon as Ami got her feet grounded at the hospital it would be as and when for their meetings.
"I miss you, dammit."
The brunette growled out into her empty apartment. Makoto hated having nothing to do – her second in command at her restaurant had demanded she take time off as she was near dead on her feet earlier and Makoto realised that if her very own stressed and exhausted team thought she looked rough then maybe, just maybe, she should go home and rest. But the problem with being home and having no Ami was that lately Makoto felt... empty. It reminded her of the feeling one would equate with when desiring a meal you hadn't had in a long while and knew you wouldn't get for a long time but you would wish and hope with all your being at every mealtime that the dish served before you was the very meal you desired.
God, Mako craved Ami... she craved her because even in her tired and deluded mind, she thought only of her and food.
Food.
A lightbulb went off in Makoto's head.
If she knew Ami, and she was pleased to say that she thought she knew her very well, then she knew the bluenette had not had a lunch and that she would only nibble on the crappy hospital food she would buy in her break. Makoto found a burst of energy from nowhere and she pushed herself up and off of her sofa and bounded into the kitchen.
'Never fear Ami's stomach, Super Mako will be to the rescue with teriyaki and dumplings to eradicate your hunger!'
"Vodka martini, hold the ice, extra twist of lime, screw the olive... having anything, Kou-san?"
Setsuna barely glanced at the man sitting next to her in the bar.
Seiya gave out a small laugh before looking up at the bartender. "Just give me something strong and cold... like her."
Seiya gave a wry glance to Setsuna as the bartender nodded and set to work on making the order of drinks.
"Hmm, getting awfully sure of ourselves aren't we Kou-san?" Setsuna's flat tone did not go amiss with Seiya who simply shrugged and looked around the swanky bar quickly.
"Nah. Not really. I've given up on trying to impress you. I figure now I can be to you what I am to every other woman in my life. A royal pain in the ass."
Seiya smirked as he spoke, his eyes lighting up as the bartender placed a double Jaimeson Scotch Whiskey on the rocks down in front of him. Setsuna sighed and gave out an eye roll as she watched Seiya take a generous gulp of his drink and burp ungracefully. Setsuna shook her head as her martini was placed in front of her.
'Am I on drugs? Why the hell did I invite him out with me?'
"So... if you've given up on me, why are you here?" Seiya looked up from his drink and furrowed his eyebrows together before shrugging.
"Dunno. I needed a drink and you needed company."
"Hey!"
Setsuna gulped down the rest of her drink and signalled for the bartender to fill up her glass again, "I didn't need company. But I've heard misery loves company. And you, Kou-san, were mis-er-able!"
Setsuna knocked back her second martini as the bartender filled up her glass and she signalled for another drink. Seiya watched in worry as Setsuna seemingly downed her drinks with ease.
"Whoa cowgirl... that ain't water you're drinking."
Setsuna gave another wry smile to Seiya while motioning to the bartender to refill her glass.
"I know. And trust me, having drinks with you? I'd need something a hell of a lot stronger than water."
"What a day."
Michiru entered her apartment complex, feeling the wear and tear of the day's events on her body. After Seiya had given them some time off, Michiru had taken a journey up north to visit her mother and have a chat and catch up before realising she should get home at a more reasonable hour than the midnight she usually did. She had early mornings now... her life had changed. Michiru had a small grin on her face as she rode the elevator to her floor, relishing a rare moment of gratitude to whatever celestial being granted her the good fortune to be where she was in her life right now.
The elevator doors pinged open and Michiru walked towards her door, a bounce in her step.
That very same bounce in her step swiftly stopped as soon as she saw a figure sitting on the floor by her door. As Michiru took another step towards her door, she immediately recognised the person currently sitting quietly outside the door to her abode.
"Tenoh-san?"
Michiru was tempted to say Haruka-san but regarding recent events she thought the road of formality would be more appropriate. The blonde tomboy stood as soon as she heard her name called out. Getting to her feet, Haruka gave a sheepish smile before waving lamely.
"Um... Hi... Michiru-san."
An awkward silence blanketed the two before Michiru cleared her throat and took a few ginger steps towards her door, keys in hand.
"Do you... um, do you want to come in?"
Haruka said nothing but nodded her head gently, Michiru catching every moment of the tomboy. Fumbling with her keys and lock for a moment before a distinct click was heard and her apartment door swung open. Michiru, stood aside, gesturing for Haruka to step forwards into her place first.
Haruka walked in, head down and avoided looking up for a few moments before she heard the door gently close behind her. Looking up, Haruka saw one of the most elegant homes she had ever had the privilege to lay eyes on before.
Light cream walls with gold (faux or not Haruka did not know) gilding in the corners and cornicing reminiscent of 18th century France gave teh high ceilings more character. A few paintings gave life to the walls and photographs on the mantelpiece gave personality to the home. The open plan kitchen and eat-in diner gave the room a more contemporary feel while coupling it with old-school grace and charm.
Momentarily amused by Haruka's slack jaw, Michiru deposited her bag and belongings on her sofa before heading over to her kitchen.
"Can I get you a coffee or a tea, Tenoh-san? I have – "
"Haruka."
Michiru was silent as she looked over her shoulder at the blonde. Haruka shrugged and looked around the apartment.
"I prefer it when you call me Haruka, Michiru-san."
Michiru nodded slowly before giving a small smile.
"Well then, Haruka-san, can I interest you in a coffee or a tea?"
Michiru bit her lip in anticipation as she watched Haruka turn to face her slowly. The blonde shook her head and brought her hand to her mouth and nervously chewed on a nail before releasing her hand and emitting a loud sigh.
"I... I came to apologise to you."
Michiru's eyebrows rose significantly higher than she could ever recall occurring in her lifetime.
"I treated you like crap and you didn't deserve it. I was taking my anger out on you for no good reason. I was angry and you deserve better treatment than the kind I gave you."
Michiru was silent and dumbstruck at Haruka's apology. She fiddled with her hands for a moment before shrugging nonchalantly and headed to the kitchen.
"Forget it, Haruka-san. But I must say I'm shocked to see you here... after.. well, you know what."
Haruka said nothing for a moment, contemplating only on how she could avoid telling Makoto she was right on telling her what action to pursue.
"I'm saying this because I love you, Haru-chan."
Haruka looked up into earnest green eyes and nodded, urging her friend to continue talking.
"You are in denial and you're a huge idiot... phew, I think I will take that coffee now."
Makoto made her way over to the percolator and began the process of making a fresh pot of coffee.
"I'm an idiot? What the hell? What do you mean?"
Makoto ignored her friend's tone and instead opted to shrug. "Just stating the obvious, Haru."
Makoto turned to face Haruka as soon as the coffee was brewing, "Look man, I know I don't have to say this, but you were totally unfair on Michiru last night. And you had no reason to act the way you did... well, you would have had a decent reason if you two were involved..." Makoto allowed a moment to pause, letting her words sink in and hoping for the effect she desired, "But you're not. So, I think you should go and apologise."
Haruka shook her head and levelled her gaze with her friend.
"I should apologise? I should? What the hell! No... they betrayed me! They knew about Lara, they knew about us and they didn't tell me!"
"EXACTLY HARUKA!"
Makoto stopped for a moment after allowing her voice to rise; she took a deep breath. "They knew... they. Not just Michiru. You see where I'm going with this right?"
Haruka said nothing but sighed heavily. Minutes passed in silence, the only sound in the apartment being that of the kettle boiling until Makoto took the said instrument and made herself a coffee.
"Haruka?"
Green eyes hesitantly met those of Makoto. The brunette smirked before sighing and making a show of bringing her forearms into her view and looking down at her watch.
"Haruka... if you plan on apologising... you might want to go to her apartment at a decent hour don't you think?"
Haruka quirked her eyebrow; "Don't you think it's a little early?"
Makoto shook her head; "I spoke to Seiya while you were in the shower, he's calling it a day... apparently no-one can concentrate. And he has a headache the size of Kilimanjaro."
Makoto smirked once more as she watched the resolve of her best friend crumble slowly. Seconds passed before Haruka groaned loudly and nodded.
"Fine! You win this round Kino!"
"Uh... yeah. I realised what a jackass I was being. I... I..." Michiru watched in concern as the blonde clearly struggled to speak. Michiru took an educated guess it was an apology and cleared her throat.
"Um, Haruka-san? Don't worry about it. It was a perfectly natural reaction."
Haruka glanced around her surroundings before fidgeting on the spot and felt all of a sudden need to keep herself occupied.
"Well... I should go. Thanks for... well, thanks Michiru."
Haruka bowed lowly and made her way to the door only to feel a gentle hand grasp her elbow. Turning slowly, the blonde was confronted with a sight that nearly took her breath away. Standing less than two feet away was Michiru win all her natural beauty; eyes wide and wild, lips sightly parted and skin decorated with just a tinge of pink.
"Wait!... You don't have to go. Well, home anyway."
Before Haruka could arch an eyebrow, Michiru continued talking, "Not that I'm asking you to stay here! I just meant..." Michiru bit her lip nervously before quietly finishing her sentence, "I just meant that maybe if you wanted we could go get something to eat or get a drink. Anything really."
Blue eyes gazed downward in embarassment.
'What am I? Sixteen?! Jesus, I can't even ask her out for something to eat with stuttering like a fool!'
While Michiru was berating herself, she hadn't noticed the soft look Haruka had on her face – just for her.
"Yeah... I'd love that Michiru. You pick, I'll follow."
Haruka gave a small smile to accompany her words as Michiru turned her head away; in a lame attempt to feign interest in her Yellow Pages as soon as she felt her cheeks beginning to heat up.
Haruka smirked to herself – she had no idea Michiru could have such a cute blush. The blonde grinned widely as she sighed before sticking her hands in her pockets nonchalantly and speaking as casually as she could muster.
"But... you know, Michiru, I do know this one place... do you like Italian food?"
"Hey."
Chibiusa's voice was uncharacteristically quiet as she saw her boyfriend waiting by the gates for her.
"Hey, Chibiusa."
Helios smiled handsomely before gingerly reaching his hand out for Chibiusa. Misreading his gesture, Chibiusa grinned and handed over her books to Helios, smiling at the same time.
"Thanks! They are so heavy!"
Helios chuckled lightly before taking the books into his arms and holding them.
"No problem... You wanna head to the Crown? They have a cinnamon special shake on offer for Christmas. My treat."
Chibiusa's eyes lit up at the mention of free dairy products to satiate her appetite. Twenty minutes later the two teens found themselves situated in a booth in a moderately crowded Crown. Helios was sipping at his cinnamon milkshake while looking out of the window. Chibiusa was on her third milkshake and was enjoying every single drop of it. As a loud slurping sound came from opposite him, Helios smiled and looked over to his girlfriend.
"A fourth?"
Chibiusa blushed politely before nodding. Helios stood and made his way to the counter to place an order. The chime above the main door sounded and Helios glanced over his shoulder casually before smiling widely and smiling at the two girls that just entered the Crown.
"Hotaru! Diana! Over here!"
Chibiusa's smile vanished as she heard Helios call out the names. She spent minutes fidgeting as she waited for the inevitable arrival of the trio. Helios slid into the booth beside Chibiusa and placed their two milkshakes in front of them; opposite them Hotaru and Diana took their seats, Diana with a milkshake and Hotaru just placed her books on the table in front of her.
The silence that descended on the group reminded Chibiusa of the awkwardness that they had all encountered the day before on their double date.
"What a film, huh?" Helios stared around at the three girls around him; Hotaru was being her usual quiet self, answering his question with only a nod of the head. Chibiusa was uncharacteristically quiet and Diana was smiling happily.
"I thought it was pretty good. I mean what more do we expect from action movies rather than just a bit of fun, right?" Helios nodded and soon he and Diana had a short chat on the pro's and con's of action movies, past and present.
"But we can both agree that Die Hard is the daddy of all action movies?" Diana smiled widely.
"Duh!"
Another silence immediately cloaked them. Chibiusa looked up and saw that Diana was focusing her interest solely on Hotaru.
Brows-furrowing, Chibiusa turned to Helios and smiled innocently. "Helios... want to go play some arcade games?" Helios looked over their two friends but before he could voice his protests, Chibiusa supplied for him; "I really want to get one game in before school tomorrow... and I'm sure these two would love some alone time."
Helios shrugged his shoulders and followed Chibiusa to the games section of the Crown – much to the amusement of Diana.
"Chibiusa-chan, how are you? I haven't seen you all day."
Chibiusa looked up at Diana and saw she was smiling sincerely while stirring her milkshake around.
"I'm fine... just school, ya know? And yourself, Diana-chan?"
Diana smiled mischievously. "Oh... I'm great. Just looking forward to movie night at Hotaru's later."
Chibiusa's eyebrows scrunched up in confusion and she looked down into her milkshake angrily, completing missing the death glare Hotaru sent Diana.
"W-would you like to join us, Chibiusa-chan?"
Chibiusa raised her head, meeting gentle lavender eyes. Chibiusa gulped inaudibly and shook her head. "No thank you Hotaru-chan... you two enjoy your evening together. I have too much homework to do anyway."
Before Hotaru could open her mouth to respond, Helios started and stood up.
"Hotaru-chan! Look at the time! Won't you be late for - ?" Hotaru looked down at her own watch and her eyes widened; she stood and grabbed her books, making apologies and saying goodbyes as she tried to shuffle out of the booth.
"Ah! Yes, thank you Helios. Diana, I'll see you at mine in say two hours? Gomenasai minna but I have got to go!"
The three watched in amusement as Hotaru bounded towards the door and out the Crown in under ten seconds.
"Where is she going?"
Helios and Diana both arched eyebrows at the same time before Helios spoke gently to Chibiusa.
"She didn't tell you?"
Chibiusa shook her head and Helios continued, "She has a job interview at – "
"A friend of Haruka-san's." Diana spoke with such authority that Helios didn't dare interrupt. Instead he offered a meek smile towards Diana.
"A job interview?"
Chibiusa fought back the small tears that were racing to her eyes, "Why didn't she tell me?"
Chibiusa fought with her emotions - namely anger; why wouldn't Hotaru tell her about something as simple as this? It seemed as though Hotaru felt that she had to hide that detail from her friend. Chibiusa turned her attention back to her milkshake and stirred it slowly for a few moments before feeling an arm snake its way around her shoulders.
"I'm sure it just slipped her mind... she only told us because we're in the same classes as her." Chibiusa shrugged Helios hand away from her shoulder, unaware of the messages that move sent to the young boy.
"Oh, so she tells you two but not me? Because I'm just a kid, is that it?!"
As Helios tried his best to keep Chibiusa calm, Diana sank back into the booth and watched the two with growing amusement. She was watching Chibiusa more with growing interest than anything else.
Diana watched with mirth as Chibiusa dragged her completely and totally whipped boyfriend away from the booth to play on the arcade games. Turning her attention back to Hotaru, she smiled charmingly and leaned in closer to Hotaru.
"I had fun tonight."
Hotaru's eyes widened and she suddenly found the red, plush interior of the booth chairs more interesting than the girl in front of her. Diana chuckled gently sensing some hesitation, or dare she say it, shyness?! Hotaru looked up at the sound of the other girl's giggling and gave a small awkward smile.
"Sorry, I'm so weird." Diana found her heart melt a little at Hotaru's candid admission.
"You're not weird and don't be sorry... I find it so adorable."
Diana's smile faded as soon as she saw the cringe of embarrassment flash across Hotaru's features. Diana cleared her throat and leaned away from Hotaru.
"But,er... I take it I'm the only one here who finds anything adorable about the other, right?"
Hotaru's head whipped to Diana's direction so fast that Diana feared that Hotaru's head may slide off with the combined force of the velocity and momentum. Diana waved her hand into Hotaru's direction.
"I thought before you were just shy... but I have this feeling that maybe you just don't like me in that way... stop me when I'm getting close."
Diana gave Hotaru a playful grin, upon seeing the dark haired girl's mortified expression coupled with a beet red blush.
"Don't feel bad Hotaru. Just because I like you that doesn't mean you're under any obligation to like me back... course it'd be nice if you did, but... well, just never mind."
"Thank you for understanding, Diana-chan. But don't think it's because you're lacking in any way! You're smart, funny, nice, sweet and pretty... it's just that – " Hotaru clamped her mouth shut as soon as she realised she had said too much.
Diana, being the naturally inquisitive person she was however, felt the need to prod the matter.
"Just what?... Hotaru," Diana paused purposefully to create a dramatic effect before she conspiatorially whispered to the girl beside her, "are you saying there's someone else?"
Even though Diana didn't get a verbal response back, the loud 'eep' and even deeper crimson shade that Hotaru turned answered her question. Diana clapped her hands gleefully.
"Oh, I love this game! Let me guess... she's our age."
Hotaru's face adopted an incredulous expression.
"Of course she is! Ew, it would be so weird to have a crush on any older woman I knew!"
Diana nodded her head in agreement before crossing her arms and tapping her chin with the index finger from her right hand in a pensive manner.
"She goes to our school I assume... you told me yourself you don't really go anywhere. Mmm.. dare I say Vespa?"
The utterly disdainful look on Hotaru's face dismissed Vespa instantly... "and that takes out for that matter, Jun, Ceres and Pallas, right?" Hotaru nodded without saying a word, still in a state of shock that Diana would even think it was one of those four!
"Hmm... it's not Junko is it? I mean she is head of the swim team and you do like to take a dip."
Diana smirked as she heard Hotaru shriek her name in an indignant manner. Diana held her hands up, palms facing Hotaru, in a surrendering gesture.
"My bad!" Diana thought hard for a moment, trying to decipher Hotaru's crush when a loud squeak could be heard across the crown followed by high, energetic laughter.
"Helios! I won! I won! YAY ME!"
Diana watched as Chibiusa came bounding out of the arcade area with a trailing line of arcade tickets behind her, beautiful, beaming smile in place. She headed to the counter and pointed to the largest cuddly toy there and handed over her tickets. Diana turned back to Hotaru to ask her if Chibiusa was always so hyper, but she stopped as soon as she saw the look on Hotaru's face.
From what Diana could tell, Hotaru was studying the other girl – lilac eyes travelled a journey from ankle to eyes, not missing a single curve or line on the other girl. Hotaru bit her lip in frustration and looked ashamed, but her eyes found their way back to Chibiusa anyway. Diana was almost fascinated by Hotaru's concentration on the other girl's form.
It did border on checking her out though and that is why Diana couldn't resist poking fun at the mild-mannered girl beside her.
"Y'know, Tomoe... if I didn't know she had a boyfriend I'd say you stood a fair chance."
"Whu-what?"
"HAHA! Busted!"
Diana smirked at the 'hand in the cookie jar' expression plastered over Hotaru's face. She laughed out loud before patting Hotaru's back in a definite platonic gesture.
"Relax!... I have to say nice taste though. She is a fine girl. I mean yeah, she's a year younger than you – "
"She's only eight months younger. And besides – " Hotaru groaned as she realise she gave away more than she ever wished to in the heat of the moment.
Diana's laughter filtered through her ears and seconds later Hotaru looked up at Diana, half-amused. "You can't say anything!"
Diana quietened her laughter before wiping her eyes in glee. "Hotaru, relax! I would never do something like that to you. I mean what would be the point? You're both friends, that would jeopardize it. Not to mention she's straight as an arrow, hence her pretty boy boyfriend and – "
"I get it. Thanks."
Diana wanted to 'awww' at the sight before her. Even though Hotaru was seriously dejected and was resting her head on her arms, crossed over on the table before her – she was adorable! Diana gave a gentle smile before speaking in a pointedly lower tone than before.
"Hey... I'm your friend Hotaru. I know what it's like to have a crush on a girl that doesn't return your feelings, remember?" Diana winked playfully at Hotaru's guilty expression before continuing, "But I am your friend. You wanna talk about it? Sometimes, getting it off your chest can help."
Hotaru lifted her head off of her arms and looked tentatively into Diana's eyes. Diana knew she would be hesitant about trusting her but Diana liked Hotaru – as more as well as a person – and she would be her confidante if that was the only place in her life Hotaru could have her.
Yeah... Diana had it bad and she knew it. But she didn't care. A few moments passed before Hotaru gave a half-smile and looked in Chibiusa's direction.
"Even though I've only known her a couple of weeks, I like how she doesn't make me feel like I need to be anyone other than me around her. Just being around her makes my heart beat faster and my skin tingles... she excites me even in the most dullest of our moments. She... She's the first girl I've ever felt this strongly about. I... I'm glad I have you as a friend, Diana."
Hotaru gave a small smile before recounting to Diana the moment she first knew she had feelings for Chibiusa – the night at Makoto's restaurant. Diana sat patiently through each anecdote and realised halfway through the discussion that Chibiusa was the most lucky girl on the Earth... even if she wasn't aware of it.
"It's not because you're a kid... Hotaru doesn't think of you in that way. It's because you're you, Chibiusa. She wanted to make sure she got the job before getting everyone's hopes up. She knew you'd be the most excited and she didn't want to let you down."
Diana's softly spoken words cut through the three easily. Chibiusa stopped moping and locked eyes with Diana, searching for any sign of jest... but finding none. She gave a small smile and nodded her head gently, giving a subconscious 'thank you' to Diana.
Looking down at her watch, Diana realised she had to get going.
"Ah well, sorry to cut this short but I've got to go home, do my homework and grab some movies for later."
"Isn't a school night sort of a silly time to have a movie night?" Diana shrugged before grinning mischievously once more.
"I guess so... good thing I'm staying over, I guess. Ja ne, minna."
Diana grinned cordially, leaving a quietly seething Chibiusa and a genuinely happy Helios behind.
"Have a nice night, guys!"
Helios turned to his girlfriend and gave her his most charming smile. "I'm glad Diana came along... they make such a sweet couple, don't you think?"
Chibiusa had to smile to suppress her gag reflex and she nearly strained a muscle in refraining from rolling her eyes.
"Yeah... they're just adorable."
"So..."
Seiya drew out the syllable for as long as he could before reaching for his fifth whiskey and gulping down half the glass's contents. Setsuna turned her head and glared at Seiya before shaking her head and bringing her attention back to her Moscow Mule in front of her.
"You haven't told me to leave you alone or that I'm a jerk... can I assume you don't find me so utterly annoying."
"You're a jerk."
Setsuna delivered the line with deadpan genius and Seiya rolled his eyes.
"Too late! Yer too late!"
He began to slur his words playfully before he finished his drink in another gulp and pulled back, tapping happily on the bar's surface.
"Barkeep! Gimme a... er... um whatever she's having."
Seiya grinned as the barman walked away, head shaking as he began to mix components for a Moscow Mule.
"Yer annoying too. Tell me though, Seiya-kun... don't you have somewhere to be? It's getting kinda late."
Setsuna looked down at her watch and was shocked to read the face was telling her it was only 4:45pm – she'd have to get going soon if she was too meet that kid on time.
Seiya laughed loudly as he took the first sip of his Mule.
"Haha! Somewhere to be? The studio's done for the day and my apartment's deader than a state cemetery."
As Seiya resumed drinking his cocktail, Setsuna cocked her head to one side, a moment of sobriety visiting her for a split second. A vision of strawberry blonde hair bounding to Seiya's side in the bank; a high pitched voice and Setsuna was pretty sure she knew the girl was a money hungry bimbo then.
"What about that girl, then?"
Setsuna levelled her gaze with Seiya. He drank more of his drink before shrugging.
"I have noooo idea what you're talking about, Sets-chan."
Seiya laughed at Setsuna's reaction to the pet name. Her eyes widened and she looked ready to strangle him. Instead, she took in a deep breath and gave a small half-smile.
"That girl attached to your side in the bank... wassername... the bimbo."
Setsuna turned to her drink and gulped down what she could. Seiya scrunched his eyebrows together before snorting and waving his hands in a dismissive manner.
"Pfft her? I handed her over to Taiki... she was pissing me off."
Setsuna spat half of her drink back into her glass as she managed to simultaneously swivel her chair to face Seiya.
"You gave her to your friend 'cos she was pissing you off? How did she take that?"
Seiya shrugged and looked at Setsuna in a perplexed manner – why did she care so much about one singer on their label?
"Uh... she wasn't too happy I guess. But she wasn't giving us the results we wanted out of her."
Setsuna sat back, slowly becoming sober with every passing second. "You had results planned out for her?"
Seiya just nodded his head once more. "Well yeah... her last album bombed and this new one was nothing special... so Taiki takes care of it after that point has been reached."
Setsuna shook her head as she tried to make sense of Seiya's sentence. "Album?"
Seiya nodded and soon Setsuna began to make a little more sense of things... but her protective nature came kicking back in. "So... if Michiru and Minako bomb as you put it... will you throw them out too?"
Seiya seemed to suddenly sober up too. "If it does terrible then we'll see. But I have no worries about them. They're both exceptional whereas Mimet was lacking."
Setsuna semi stood against her stool and crossed her arms across her chest in a defensive manner. "But if it does bomb you're just going to toss them aside like this Mimet girl? Do you buy their silence like that house I saw you give... Mimet."
Seiya hopped off his stool and retrieved some stray notes from his pocket before placing them down on the bar for the bill. He shook his head as Setsuna stood, her stance as defiant as ever.
"Mimet is just a client on our label... Michiru and Minako are two very talented women. I see no fault with them. In fact, dare I say it, they could be the biggest things to happen to music in the past ten years. I don't appreciate you taking out your sceptical beliefs on their talents on me. I have faith in their abilities."
Seiya sighed deeply while putting his jacket on; "Take care, Setsuna-chan, have a safe journey home."
Seiya, fuming but managing to keep his temper to a minimum left the bar without another word. Setsuna clenched and unclenched her jaw before shaking her head and signalling for the barman to ring over her tab. Why couldn't Seiya see that she wasn't hating on him or his duties, just the position he might put both of the women in? She couldn't shrug off her protective demeanour so easily... not after all they had been in. And as far as men went, Seiya was the only man she'd ever even consider trusting at this moment in time. Especially with two of her old charges.
"I was just looking out for my girls."
The words were lost on everyone except the barman who handed over her receipt for the night but had no idea what the green-haired woman before him was babbling on about.
Inside a contemporary style restaurant sat two women; both completely comfortable being soaked in silence. Haruka and Michiru had placed their orders with their waitress and were now playing the 'waiting game'. They had nearly twenty minutes before a morsel of their food made its appearance and neither were sure they wanted to break the comfortable silence that had so far been established.
Michiru leaned towards her water and took a deep drag from her glass, savouring the clean flavour of her mineral aqua heaven.
Haruka watched from under hooded lashes as she pretended to fiddle with her sesame coated breadstick that she had placed onto her plate.
Michiru opened her mouth but then blushed lightly before deciding that she would rather drink more of her glass than break the quiet between the two. Taking in a deep breath, Haruka smirked before deciding she should be the one to speak up.
"This is a nice place. Mako recommended it to me a while ago. Her friend runs it. Authetic Italian he swears."
Haruka watched with amusement as Michiru cocked her head to one side before she looked around and took in the features of the restaurant. A moment later, bright ocean blue eyes looked her over with mirth.
"Authentic Italian? A New York Yankees hat and shirt does not make it authentic... Yonkers maybe. I'd look for more... oh, I don't know, Italian artefacts..."
Haruka laughed out loud at the comment before lowering her tone to a snickering.
The restaurant was soon filled with the soothing sounds of Andrea Bocelli and the lighting lowered considerably. The kind of ambience being given off was definitely insinuating a much more intimate setting than was being experienced moments before.
Another silence passed between the two but neither seemed ill at ease; Haruka leaned forward in her seat, her every movement commanding Michiru's attention.
"Michiru... is this really just dinner between two friends... or is it more?"
If Michiru was shocked at the frankness of the question, she most certainly didn't show it and Haruka gave her kudos for that.
"Whatever do you mean, Haruka-san?"
The blonde gave a small smirk before arching an eyebrow. "I mean... is this more? Than what it seems."
Michiru raised one elegant eyebrow before calmly raising her glass to her lips for one final sip of her clear, cool water. "What does it seem to be, Haruka?"
The blonde smiled mischievously before shrugging her shoulders, appearing nonchalant. She chewed on the inside of her cheek and glanced around the restaurant before staring back at Michiru and barely concealing her smirk.
"I don't really know to be honest."
Michiru and Haruka both shared a small laugh together before Michiru spoke in a gentle tone as she languidly raised her glass to her lips.
"Then let's just start from the beginning."
"Chiba-san? What time do you think your husband will be here?"
Usagi bit on her lip worriedly before staring out of the window and shrugging.
"I... I don't know. But Mamo said he'd be here..." Haruna Sakurada, a marriage counsellor that Chiba Mamoru and Usagi hired, sat opposite a clearly rent blonde woman.
Haruna had to look away as she sensed the onslaught of tears fighting to overtake the smaller blonde woman. "Maybe he's been caught in traffic... I heard it's practically murder downtown."
Usagi turned to the brunette woman sitting opposite her with a pad and pen in hand but not making any motion to write down one word.
Slowly, Usagi nodded her head. "Maybe. Maybe he doesn't care enough to be here. Maybe he doesn't care enough about me."
Usagi fought the urge to cry out loud and instead settled for quietly choking on her pain.
"Now, Chiba-san – "
"Usagi... onegai."
Haruna nodded respectfully before continuing. "Usagi-san... maybe something has come up. Something unexpected. I know how it can be."
Usagi shook her head before catching Haruna's brown eyes with her own vibrant cobalt.
"Do you know why we're here? Why we're having problems?" Haruna didn't respond and Usagi took that as her cue to continue speaking, "Because he's been sleeping with his boss. So if he's late from work I can only think of one reason why..." Usagi wrung her hands together. She looked at the woman opposite her.
She had already paid for the next hour, so why not get her money's worth.
"I... I'm pregnant."
Usagi couldn't believe the ease with which she confided to this stranger about her current delicate situation.
A situation she struggled to tell her own friends and family. But with that one small truth, Usagi soon found she was shooting off about every single detail with her relationship with her husband; from the day she first saw him, to the moment she knew her infatuation was love and even down to the first night they had ever made love and she was sure she would never want anyone other than Mamoru. Haruna's heart nearly broke when she listened to Usagi vent her insecurities – the day that she met Beryl, to finding out she was working with Mamoru, to the moment she knew he was finding pleasure in another woman.
Haruna was caught off-guard when Usagi asked her a simple question; "Am I not enough for him?"
The counsellor took a moment to weigh her words before she gave a small reassuring smile. "You're more than enough for him, Usagi-san. Maybe he just doesn't realise that, just yet."
Usagi said nothing but she continued speaking in a small voice as she recounted the events of the past few weeks to the brunette woman listening intently opposite her. Haruna looked at her watch and truly fought the urge to tell Usagi that their time was up... she desperately wanted to offer more help to this young woman than the occasional psychobabble she gave everyone else.
But before Haruna could speak a word, there was a knock at the door; it was opened up and a handsome man with dark hair and bright blue eyes peeked into the room. His eyes shone with a fondness at the blonde woman in the room – a fact that did not pass Haruna and gave her a small glimmer of hope for the young couple.
"Ah... sorry I'm late. I – "
"It's okay... we're finished anyway." The nonchalance with which Usagi spoke made it hard for Haruna to tell if the younger woman were just talking about the time on the session or not. Mamoru gulped nervously before nodding and ducking out back from the door.
"Dr Sakurada... what do you think I should do?" Haruna could only feel stuck. She couldn't tell someone what to do but she could tell this young woman wanted help and her husband had at least shown up, even late – Haruna lost count of the number of husbands who couldn't be bothered to even show up to these sessions. The fact that Mamoru had bothered to show up at all said a lot – he was willing to make up for his mistakes, sure he wasn't on time but he did eventually show up!
'This is a start', she decided. Maybe she could help these two.
"I want you to both turn up to the next session... aside from that, it is up to you, Usagi-san. Be strong and remain as compassionate as you've shown me you are." Haruna's gentle brown eyes penetrated Usagi and she sighed before nodding her head.
"Thank you Sakurada-san. I... I'll try." Usagi stood but paused before biting her lip and speaking out softly, "He is my husband, and I am in love with him. But if he's not in love with me... what's the point?" Haruna's facial expressions softened involuntarily as she spoke gently.
"He showed up... it shows he loves you more than you know, Usagi-san. Take care." Usagi said nothing more, but gave a short, curt bow before joining her husband outside.
They planned on eating dinner together and talking after the session, but seeing as how Mamoru didn't turn up until the last minute, Usagi wasn't sure what they could talk about. Seeing the familiar handsome features of her husband, Usaig couldn't hide the smile that lit up her face. Mamoru's tired face lit up at the sight of Usagi and his eyes shown with a brilliance that Usagi had never seen before. For a split second, just before she walked off with Mamoru, Usagi had the idea that maybe, just maybe, there was definitely a chance for them.
She could maybe forgive him and go back to loving him.
Maybe.
"Ah, excuse me... do you know where I could find Mizuno-san?" Makoto smiled in a more friendly manner at the two women at the nurses' station on the Renal Ward before settling for a friendly slouch against the desk.
Makoto watched as a nurse, whose nametag read Kudo, reached for the PA system next to her, her eyes suspiciously watching Makoto.
"Mizuno-san... there's a ... person... here to see you."
Makoto's smile fell to a reasonably polite smile. She had heard that tone and she was in no mood to argue with it so far... god, she only hoped that Ami hadn't had to deal with this prejudice so far.
Kudo and Sasuki regarded the woman in front of them, though for them it was a stretch to regard her as a woman. Despite her long hair tied back in a stylish and semi-feminine ponytail, it was everything else about her that screamed 'raging homosexual' that had them on edge. And also had them suspecting this woman's intent to visit the timid and shy Mizuno.
"And you are?" Sasuki's eyes narrowed as she took in Makoto's slender and lanky frame. Her pretty features were drowned out by her androgynous apparel and the way she carried herself.
Makoto rolled her eyes before smiling politely once more. "Kino Makoto." As soon as she uttered her name, Makoto counted backwards from five and waited. She barely hit three before Kudo's eyes widened in recognition and she suddenly changed her entire countenance in regards to Makoto.
"Kino-san?! The chef?!" Makoto nodded her head playfully but before she could say another word Ami bounded down the hall, shock clearly evident across her face as soon as she spots Makoto. Makoto straightened up beside the nurses's desk and smiled broadly as her girlfriend approached her.
"Ami." Makoto's familiar tone instantly earned her raised eyebrows from both nurses at the station. Not oblivious to the stares, Ami saw their less than pleasant questioning looks and inwardly cringed.
"Makoto... what are you doing here?" Ami spoke at the lowest possible tone she could manage as she dragged Makoto away from the nurses' station and towards a more isolated area by the lobby. Makoto gave a small smile before shrugging and holding up the Tupperware container in her hands.
"I er... I just wanted to give you this. I was worried you wouldn't eat properly, Ami." Makoto accompanied her words with a heart-warming smile and Ami could feel her initial outrage slowly ebbing away. Ami took the plastic container, her hands briefly brushing against Makoto's.
Neither could deny the sensation that flowed through both their bodies at the initially innocent touch. The brunette took an unconscious step forward, intent on claiming the lips of the younger girl for her own. As soon as Ami saw Makoto had moved, and she had seen the familiar look of desire in those eyes, she stepped backwards, her eyes flashing with indignation.
"Mako! Are you crazy! Not here! This is my work!" Makoto dropped her head in apology and nodded.
"Sorry, I forgot PDA at your work is more restricted than mine." Even the smirk that accompanied those words couldn't melt Ami this time – she was too busy looking around the floor. Her eyes focused on Kudo who was staring at her with narrowed eyes.
"No, Makoto, not here. Ever." Ami was about to elaborate what she meant in order to save the brunette's over active mind thinking the worse when Dr Takahashi appeared from a room across from them and gave a start at the appearance of the tall, dark and, dare she think, handsome stranger.
"Is everything okay here, Mizuno-san?" Takahashi looked between the two and saw the shock in Ami's eyes. Nodding, Ami stepped back and smiled widely, and seemed just a touch too sycophantic for her taste.
"Hai, sensei. My... cousin here was just dropping off some food for me." Makoto furrowed her eyebrows and clenched her jaw – it was the only thing preventing her from shouting and losing her temper in that split second.
'Cousin? A freaking cousin? Is she shitting me?!'
Takahashi noted the change in mood in the other person. Nodding slowly, the other doctor smiled in a friendly manner before pointing to herself and bowing while saying her name. As she stood up straight, Takahashi continued;
"Well, any friend of Mizuno-san who brings food is more than welcome here again." Makoto forced out a smile and at that moment could think of nothing she'd rather do than run out of the building and find her car and drive as fast as she fucking could away from this building.
"Thanks." Ami noted the hard tone in her girlfriend's tone and wished her mentor would go away just so she could justify her words and actions to Makoto. To make her understand that apart from her mentor there seemed to be hostility towards people like her and Ami.
That she couldn't work in a place where people treated her that way – she couldn't have her future jeopardized like that and she couldn't let Makoto be a part of it neither. She had had enough of being treated horribly by classmates; she only wanted one place where she could be free from the ridicule and animosity that she encountered nearly every other day.
But before she could even hint at any of that, Makoto looked down at her watch and smiled cordially to Dr Takahashi, seemingly ignoring Ami completely and with little effort.
"Ah, please excuse me, I hadn't noticed the time, I have an early start tomorrow. Goodnight Takahashi-san." Makoto bowed respectfully before stepping back and making her way towards the steps. She had barely stepped away when she felt the familiar sensation of Ami's skin on her own.
"Makoto, wait... please, I – "
"Don't, Ami. Just don't. Not now."
"Wait! Please can we talk? Later, I mean..." Makoto's green eyes flashed with hurt before she shook her head and laughed ruefully.
"Whenever suits you I guess... As usual, eh Ami?" With those final words, Makoto made sure she was free of Ami's grasp before heading out of the door and out of sight.
Ami sighed heavily, her head was swimming with conflicting thoughts and emotions and she wasn't sure which ones should have priority. What was she thinking?! What had she been thinking?
'You didn't want Kudo and Sasuki to catch you gay-ing out in front of them, duh.'
Ami scolded herself for her actions and even more so for her juvenile reactions; Hindsight can be a bitch sometimes. A hand rested gently on her shoulder and Ami turned to face understanding blue eyes.
"I'm sure when you talk to her later, she'll understand." A small smile was thrown Ami's way, and for the first time in days, Ami was beginning to feel like she really could learn to survive in this hospital as long as she remembered one thing.
She wasn't alone.
As for her survival outside the hospital, the question of being alone or not was debatable.
Ami sat down in her lobby chair, not noticing Takahashi doing the same opposite her. Ami would have to make up for this big time; she'd have to explain everything to Makoto first – that is, if the brunette was in the mood to listen to her. After that she'd have to give Makoto a major token of affection to show her that she wasn't just playing with the brunette's emotions and feelings.
If there was one thing Ami learned working in a hospital... it was that damage control is essential and most effective the sooner it was carried out. Sighing, she looked down at her watch before thinking of her poor luck – she still had six hours left of her shift and there was no way she could duck out early.
If it wasn't for the latte in her hands, Minako would swear her hands would be trembling more.
But the coffee was providing a heat that was almost numbing her hands and keeping her as calm as she could be – even with the anticipation positively buzzing through her body. Looking up at the clock in the Caffe Nero, Minako saw that it was five past seven.
She bit down on her lip and took a sip of her coffee before looking back up at the clock once more. Still five past the hour. Another mad sipping session occurred before Minako could bring herself to look at the clock once more.
"Oh, c'mon!" Six past seven.
Minako pouted before she continued guzzling down the rest of her caffeine concoction. Midway through her latte laden with caramel and hazelnut syrup, the doorbell to the cafe chimed and the cool night air gushed into the small establishment. Minako whipped around in her seat and almost toppled out of her chair with the momentum. As she looked up, her eyes locked with amused amethyst. Blue eyes widened before Minako straightened herself out and chuckled nervously.
Rei slowly walked across the cafe to her destination; the two person table located in the far corner of the room. Minako scratched the back of her neck absently as she waited with baited breath for Rei to finally reach her. The moment seemed to last forever.
Rei appeared to glide over the floor like a goddess, her every move was graceful and elegant and her presence commanded Minako's attention. She had Minako – Rei had Minako and they both knew it. Finally, Rei came to a stop just a few scant yards from Minako, a small smile gracing her features.
"Don't consider a career as a high-wire artist. Your balance leaves something to be desired, Minako." The words were completely lost on Minako for a moment – all she saw was Rei. Her Rei.
'Squee! My Rei.'
Minako inwardly beamed at the playful tone – it was all she needed to hear to know that Rei was back to normal.
"Yup, I'd totally suck in a circus." Rei smirked and sat down as she heard Minako speak. The blonde followed suit a few moments later and sat down in her seat, fighting the urge not to fiddle with the napkin in front of her, anything to distract her hands since the hot coffee was now lukewarm and she couldn't risk reaching out and touching Rei... no, it was far too soon for that.
"So, do you know why I'm here Minako?"
The blonde looked pensively at Rei before deciding on being honest - she shook her head. "I'm hoping you'll tell me, Rei."
The dark haired woman nodded slowly before leaning back into her chair, her eyes roaming over the room before settling on the azure eyes of the woman before her.
"Minako... when I last saw you, I was heartbroken." Minako stayed silent and instead allowed Rei to continue talking. "I've hated not seeing you. I've been miserable and moody and things were hectic with my gran – things were just hectic. I... I think that maybe we should talk and see how it goes from there. Maybe we could – "
Rei was abruptly cut off by the sound of someone clearing their throat from behind her. Minako raised her eyes and hid no sign of her annoyance; blue eyes narrowed and Minako arched an eyebrow in exasperation.
"Can we help you?" Minako spoke curtly, leaving no misinterpretation of her tone or her meaning.
Auburn hair was swept back as a melodious voice giggled gently.
"In fact you can Aino-san. I'm Kobayashi Maya... you might remember me... I've seen you in passing at many events." Minako casually dragged her gaze over the woman before her; she did seem familiar with her auburn hair and piercing eyes... but Minako just couldn't place her.
"Sorry, doesn't ring a bell." Minako turned her attention back to Rei only to note that the strange woman was still standing there, looking at her with a mixed expression of smug and expectance. Minako growled under her breath before narrowing her eyes at the woman again.
"Can I help you with something?" Rei sat in silence, listening to the hostile tone in the blonde's voice and watching the body language of the other woman; if she didn't know any better she'd think this stranger was intrusive bordering on familiar. Rei's eyes widened as a thought came to her...
'Familiar. Her cocky stance is typical of someone whose known Minako... maybe she knows her... a little too well.'
Rei pursed her lips and straightened her posture in a typically defensive position – one that was immediately noticed by Minako. Standing, the blonde spoke menacingly but at a low level;
"Look, I don't know who you are, but I think you should leave." Minako spared a quick look to Rei who had adopted a more neutral facial expression at hearing Minako really didn't know this woman.
"Oh no, Aino-san... I'm not leaving. You're my golden ticket see." Rei's eyes narrowed as she looked at the woman known only as Kobayashi-san. This woman was definitely intrusive... Rei's mind relaxed slightly at the thought of this stranger knowing her Mina being no more true than the thought of the moon being made of cheese.
"What have you been smoking, you weirdo? Leave us the hell alone."
Maya shook her head and grinned lasciviously at Minako. "No, because you see Aino-san... I know all about you. I know you're going to be the next big thing in music, I hear you have the voice of an angel. You're destined for fame and stardom..."
Minako gave what could only be described her 'um, yeah, duh!' look. Maya giggled into her hand before leaning dangerously close to Minako and speaking at a slightly lower tone.
"I also know that this time last month you were paying your bills according to how many men you could bed."
Before Maya could move backwards, Rei was up and out of her seat, her arms gripping onto Maya's forearm in a scary vice-like grip. "Who are you and what the hell do you want?"
Rei's voice dripped with the cool tone she had come to be associated with. Maya looked down at her arm before using her free hand to remove Rei's from her arm.
"I could ask the same of you."
Rei arched an eyebrow and dragged her eyes disdainfully over the woman in front of her. Rei looked to Minako and saw in the complex mixture of confusion and fear of her eyes that something else lurked there. Hope. Rei took a deep breath before staking a half-step back.
"I'm with Minako, that's all you need to know. Now... who are you?" The words were purred with such a hypnotic quality that it bordered on a growl, but it seemed that Rei's ability to use her sensuality to extract anything she wanted was on in full force at the moment. Maya regarded the woman before her for a moment.
Such a fine beauty with a certain charm about her, the way she carried herself spoke of old money – this much was for certain. Maya swiftly reached into her coat pocket before she retrieved a business card and held it out for either the blonde or raven haired woman to take.
"Kobayashi Maya... I'm a reporter for the Shimbun." Rei's eyes flashed with fury but she managed to maintain to keep her outer composure.
"A reporter? I would make yourself scarce Kobayashi-san." Maya arched an eyebrow in amusement before allowing herself to giggle for a few moments.
"Oh... believe me it takes a lot more than words and threats to get rid of me." Maya turned to Minako and grinned wickedly. "Aino-san... I would like you to consider a proposition, I doubt it's the first time anyone's put such a thing forward to you..." Maya ignored Minako's incredulous look and Rei silent scream of fury using only her eyes, "I demand an exclusive interview... with me and only me about your past. If you don't, you can guarantee I will spread this news like wildfire and hell, I may even throw in the name Kaioh for good measure... now... do you really want to destroy so much?"
Minako was at a loss for words and looked to the woman beside her. Minako could feel the pressure building up behind her eyes, her head was pounding and her vision became almost fleeting. Rei could tell Minako was cracking and decided to step in, using her god-given talents as a bitch and a protector to its full advantage.
"Minako will do no such thing. If you dare do this, let me inform you that the consequences will be dire for you... slander can destroy a reporter's career." Maya regarded the dark-haired woman a bit more carefully. The way in which she spoke conveyed she had history with these sorts of things...
'But she's so young...'
"I'm giving you 48 hours Aino-san. Call me with your answer then... if you don't, well... you know."
Maya placed her business card on the table and smirked before turning around and making her way out of the cafe. Rei was seething... no, she was royally pissed off.
"How dare that woman! The gall!"
Rei turned, ready to rant to the other woman, but instead saw tears brimming in bright blue eyes.
Minako blinked and a tear trailed down her cheek; without thinking, Rei stepped in and swept away the moisture using the pad of her thumb. She stopped for a moment to revel in the softness of Minako's skin before Rei continued gently caressing Minako's cheek.
Minako sniffled before looking down at the floor, unable to look Rei in the eye.
"Either way, I'm screwed, Rei. If I give her an exclusive, it wrecks me and makes her famous. If I don't she tells everyone, wrecks me and makes herself famous but at the cost of a lawsuit. This is so unfair." Minako sniffled once more before Rei could take no more and wordlessly pulled Minako into her arms – the blonde didn't show one sign of resistance. But seconds later, Rei could feel the other woman shaking with what was undeniably the trembling of tears.
"Shh, Mina. It will be okay."
"She knows about me... it's over, Rei. It's all over. What about Michiru, what if she tells about her anyway? I've wrecked it all." Every sentence was uttered in between sobs. Rei shook her head, her features hardening as a slow solution came to her eyes. One that required discretion, a solution she couldn't tell Minako about.
Rei stroked Minako's back and lead her slowly out of the cafe and towards the cab rank – Rei was 100 percent sure Minako had gotten a taxi so didn't even bother looking for Minako's car – if the blonde's record of getting lost in the city was anything to go by. Rei opened the door to the nearest cab and gestured for the cab driver to wait for a moment.
As Rei walked around to the other side of the cab, she took out her cell-phone and dialled a familiar number, but one she never thought she'd have to call – especially not since After Dark had shut down.
"Miss M? It's Rei, when you get this message, please call me back. It's urgent. Arigatou." Rei hung up and got back into the car, slipping in beside Minako and allowing herself a small smile when the blonde clutched to her and used her as a pillow/safety blanket/hug monster. Rei patted her back before talking to the cab driver.
"Hikawa Jinja, as fast as you can." Rei stared out of the window before she felt Minako lift herself off of Rei's shoulder. Rei turned her head and held back a gasp as she looked into Minako's eyes – although they were usually a stark blue colour, because of her crying they were an even more magnificent shade than she had ever seen them before.
Minako's head was cocked and she stared at Rei as she softly spoke.
"Hikawa Jinja? You're taking me to a temple? I know it's bad but I don't think even the gods' can help me now, Rei." Rei had to hold herself back from laughing at the blonde, even now Minako was able to laugh and joke. Rei brought her hand to Minako's hair and gently stroked the luscious blonde tresses.
"I know Minako... but we're not going to pray. It's where I live with my grandfather. Tonight..." Rei took a breath, before lowering her hand and turning her head slightly to conceal the blush she could tell was trying to snake its way up her face, "Tonight... you're staying with me."
The smile Minako gave Rei in return could have lit up a room – instead it lit up a red cab car in West Tokyo.
A/N 2 - Not sure what to say really other than I hoped you enjoyed it ^____^ - VR