If you're just tuning in, here's a recap of my aside from Chapter 1: "I had some trouble with my previous account and ended up having to abandon it and create this new one in order to continue this story. Thus, this story was removed from that defunct account and is being re-posted / continued using this account...All the A/Ns and content of this story from Chapter 1 to where we left off at the end of Chapter 30 is as how it first appeared when it was posted through the old account. Please bear with me as I meticulously go through and re-upload them all again before posting Ch 31 and any new chapters -_-;; (07/2015)"
And, finally, here we are! All caught up and now on to the continuation of this story! Below are the original A/Ns I wrote for this chapter before I had to dump my old account in favor of this new account. The A/Ns at the end of this chapter are post-account change.
Author Note: A reviewer asked if I planned on updating this story on a weekly basis. When I first started posting it in 2013, I had enough already written to post a chapter every Sunday. Sometimes I was able to post more than one chapter at a time with how much I had already written before making it public!
Now, the story has finally caught up to my writing and I'm basically flying blind. I have a direction and a loose outline of where this story will go and what will happen between now and the last chapter, but nothing's been written outside of what is kept in the space between my ears =P:::
Right after I finished and posted Chapter 30 last month, I immediately began writing this chapter…and spent four days writing, re-writing, trashing, and starting over the first three paragraphs -_-;; Once I finally had the direction I wanted, life just got busy! So I apologize for how long it took for this chapter to post and it warms my heart to know that some of you are still sticking around regardless ^_^ Thank you for that!
Speaking of which, I feel I might have subconsciously written this chapter to mirror how busy I was while I wrote it: So much happening in so little time! But it's important for what's to come ;)
I don't own Sailor Moon or any songs and have tried to the best of my ability to site my references.
Takeuchi, N. (1991). Sailor Moon. Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan: Kodansha Ltd.
Hodges, D. and Perri, C. (2011). A Thousand Years, Pt. 2 [Recorded by Christina Perri and Steve Kazee]. On The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [CD], New York, New York and South Pasadena, California: Atlantic Records and Chop Shop Records.
Chapter 31:
Pale eyelids slowly opened to reveal rare, amethyst eyes underneath. Rei was lying on her back, staring up at the ceiling of her bedroom. She noticed that she had found her way underneath the covers in her sleep. She readjusted and turned to her side, her intense lavenders softening as the image of the most beautiful woman in the world filled her vision.
Minako was also under the covers, sound asleep, lying on her stomach, her angelic face turned towards Rei, her dimmed, orange-gold aura glowing softly around her lithe form. If Rei was awake, it meant it had to be around 5:00am in the morning, still too early for Minako to wake up and prepare for work.
She smiled softly as she silently admired the gorgeous blonde before her. The way her delicate hand was curled up near her face, how her creamy shoulder rose and fell in time with her steady, deep breaths, even the way her long, silky hair rested the length of her back was the image of perfection. She almost couldn't believe that such a person existed, was currently in her bed, sleeping peacefully next to her.
Rei brought her hand up to lightly stroke Minako's cheek with the back of her fingers. She closed her eyes and sighed contently as she began feeling Minako's warm aura flow into her through their contact.
The state of Minako's aura as it was now was a much welcome change from what Rei sensed last night. It was gentle, calm, soothing. When the makeup artist was heading up the elevator and making her way towards Rei's condo, the archer found herself almost shivering from the intense Worry, Anxiety, Apprehension, and Fear that was radiating from it. She suspected the gorgeous blonde was concerned about how their reunion would turn out in the wake of their last time being together. Rei wanted nothing more than to quell those fears and expel them from that warm, orange-gold glow that she adored so much.
She had a feeling merely talking it out with Minako, who already had difficulties dealing with her emotions, wouldn't be enough to soothe the smaller woman's anxieties…could potentially turn them into self-fulfilling prophecies…possibly causing Minako to pull away. Rei didn't want that…couldn't have that. She couldn't bear the thought of losing Minako…at least not without a fair fight.
As the makeup artist approached her door, Rei came to a decision. Knowing how attune Minako was to her body, instead of trying to reach her with words, she decided she would communicate in a way she thought Minako would understand. There wouldn't be any confusion, no room for misinterpretation, and Rei knew exactly how to reach the gorgeous blonde in that way, having had quite a bit of practice since they first met.
A soft smile graced her lips at the memory of last night. It seemed to work. Rei could sense Minako's Insecurities and Apprehensions dissolve away, leaving her body through orange-gold rays while she came that first time.
The second time… was really just for good measure. Yes, Rei wanted to convey to the gorgeous blonde that she had no doubts about their relationship, was confident in what they had, and that they would be ok…but she also just miss her princess, plain and simple. She enjoyed making Minako come, enjoyed bringing her to unbridaled ecstasy, reveling in the fact that she was the cause of her pleasure. She was just taking the opportunity to show Minako how sorely she was missed.
She opened her intense lavenders and looked at Minako musingly, her heart aching at the sight of such beauty. When Rei first met the gorgeous makeup artist over a week ago, she was already on sabbatical from her contract with the company. Since then she felt…happy…normal…free. She almost dared to dream of what such a life could be like, could almost picture what kind of future this parallel universe had in store…
Until she was abruptly reminded of her shackles at the gala last night. Rei felt like she was slapped in the face, was nearly claustrophobic by how utterly trapped she really was. For someone who was always so on top of her game, so put together…she felt so naïve, so foolish for even entertaining the notion of such fantasies. She was rattled, to say the least.
As she sat in her condo, waiting for Minako to arrive, she had time to reflect on her situation. Never was it so hard for her to hold it together in public or around her detestable father as it was at the gala. How the fuck had she survived the last four years!? She could barely keep it together for just a couple measily hours!
She knew the answer to that question, was now gently combing her fingers through its long, golden hair.
Back then, she felt so utterly alone. Sure, her grandpa, Haruka, Michiru, and even Nobuo were there, but even they were enmeshed in her despicably twisted fate, outlined and dictated by her contract. She didn't know any better, accepted her life for what it was, going through the motions, resigning herself to the fact that she would perhaps live the rest of her days like that, just out of arms reach from anyone she cared for and anything she ever wanted.
Now, everything seemed to begin and end with Minako. In this life of hers that was full of bullshit, façade, hopelessness, distance, loss, pain, and loneliness…this thing between them, this indescribably magnetic relationship…had become Rei's saving grace. Even with all of its hurdles and imperfections, it was the only thing that was truly pure and real in her life, unmarred and untouched by the harsh realities of her situation. It was hers…theirs, really…and theirs alone.
As Rei kissed up Minako's body last night after bringing her to euphoric bliss a second time, she initially intended on just cuddling with the smaller woman, to hold her close and comfort her down from the force of her orgasms. But, as more of her body came closer to the smaller woman beneath her, she began feeling that intense, orange-gold aura seep into her. There was nothing like it in the world, the feeling of Minako's aura. It was calming, comforting, had a way of instantly making her relax, quieting her turbulent mind. It was like meditating, but warmer. She found herself craving it…needing it…wanting to drown herself in it…to leave all that she was behind and fall into its intensity. That third time…wasn't for Minako…it was for Rei.
Yes, Rei did miss her, had told her so before they fell asleep. But what she meant was that she missed feeling safe, feeling at home, being with the one she loved. And, after last night, Rei was finally able to admit to herself what her heart had known from the start. There was no question about it now, no shred of doubt in her mind…she was absolutely, hopelessly, whole-heartedly…in love with Minako.
The gorgeous blonde took a deep intake of breath through her nose and Rei began noticing her orange-gold aura brightening slightly. Having been coaxed from slumber by the feeling of her hair being gently combed by slender fingers, her cobalt eyes slowly opened to find soft, lavender eyes looking back at her apologetically,
"Sorry," Rei whispered softly, a hint of concern underlying her tone, "I didn't mean to wake you."
"Mmmm-it's ok," Minako hummed lazily in response as she began fully waking up. A gentle smile pulled at the corner of her alluring lips.
"Go back to sleep," Rei encouraged softly, "I know how exhausted you were last night."
"And whose fault is that, Hino-san?," Minako challenged softly with a playfully tone, raising a delicate eyebrow at the taller woman.
A blush tinted Rei's pale cheeks as she looked away bashfully. A soft, melodic giggle came from Minako at Rei's expense as she readjusted to turn to her side and face the beautiful archer, "I'm just teasing, Rei-chan. If I try going back to sleep now, I might not be able to wake up again later for work. So I might as well stay up."
Rei looked back at the smaller woman shyly and found Minako's soft, cerulean gaze looking back at her with adoration. Rei smiled softly, "Good morning, princess," she whispered warmly.
A soft blush tinted Minako's cheeks, "Good morning, baby," she whispered endearingly in response. She scooted closer and snuggled up against the taller woman, wrapping an arm around the raven-haired woman's waist. She began remembered some of the highlights from the night before, "Gods, Rei-chan," she sighed happily, squeezing the taller woman gently, "Maybe I should stay away more often if that's what I get to look forward to when I see you again," she teased giggling playfully.
Rei brought her arms up to hold Minako close, "I don't want to be apart from you unless absolutely necessary ever again," she said quietly with a pensive tone.
Minako was surprised by Rei's sudden change in demeanor. Becoming worried, she gently broke out of Rei's embrace to look up at the beautiful woman, finding troubled amethysts looking back at her.
"Baby," she said softly with concern as she brought her hand up to cup Rei's cheek, "What's wrong?"
Minako watched as Rei closed her eyes and leaned into her touch. The archer brought her hand up to caress Minako's hand, turning her head to place a kiss in the palm of it before bringing it down to hold it close to her chest.
Rei slowly opened her intense amethysts, meeting Minako's concerned sapphires, "Mina…about last night," she began softly. She wanted to explain, to tell Minako about her trying events at the gala, and how it made her realize her true feelings for the gorgeous blonde.
But she feared how Minako would react to such a confession. She decided to keep her feelings to herself for now. She sighed almost defeatedly, "Let's just say…I needed that just as much as you did."
Minako's worried cerulean eyes searched Rei's face. Her words, how sad her intense amethysts were, the way she held her hand as if she were afraid Minako would take it away…the makeup artist couldn't help but wonder what could possibly have shaken Rei this much. Questions began forming in her mind as to whether something happened at the gala last night.
Rei could tell from Minako's aura that she wanted a more detailed explanation. She knew if the smaller woman asked, she wouldn't be able to keep it from her. She closed her eyes and leaned in to kiss Minako's soft lips, hoping to dispel the gorgeous blonde's concerns and hide her own.
Unable to resist Rei's lips, Minako closed her eyes and kissed her back gently. She could feel there was something different about this kiss. It almost seemed as if Rei was looking for comfort within it, wanting to quiet some internal struggle. Minako wanted nothing more than to soothe the taller woman's anxieties away, to comfort her and let her know she was safe. She tried to convey that to the taller woman, let her know in her own way that she was here for her.
When the kiss ended, both women sighed contently and opened their eyes at the same time, becoming lost in each other's gaze.
"I missed you too, Rei-chan," Minako said softly after a while, her sapphire eyes taking in Rei's beautiful countenance.
Rei smiled as she felt Minako's warm aura filling her with its comforting, protective glow. She wrapped her arms around the smaller woman in response, bringing her closer. Minako also brought her arm up to hold the taller woman close and they both cuddled into each other in content silence, enjoying the feeling of being in each other's embrace.
After a moment, as Rei held Minako's warm, nude form within her arms, a thought entered Rei's mind and she chuckled softly to herself, "I believe I owe you a shirt, Aino-san."
Minako blinked a couple times before she realized what the taller woman was referring to. She let out a melodic giggle, comforted by the knowledge that Rei must be feeling better if she was able to joke around again, "Yes, you do, Hino-san," she replied teasingly with a nod. She pulled away slightly to look up at the taller woman, "I'll have you know, I really liked that blouse, too."
"S-Sorry," Rei replied apologetically as she blushed slightly.
"It's ok, don't be," Minako giggled as she shook her head. Her azure eyes happened to wander down past the beautiful woman's neck and a thought came to her. She brought her hand up to tug gently on the collar of Rei's red t-shirt,
"Can I…Can I have this one?," she asked timidly.
Rei eyed Minako with a puzzled look, "…Really? You want this shirt?," she asked in confusion.
"Mmn," Minako replied with a shy nod, "It's the one you wore that first night I came over." A soft blush painted her creamy cheeks, "And…after last night…I think it's become my favorite."
Rei was silent for a moment, as if contemplating Minako's request. Without a word, she gently broke out of Minako's embrace and rolled away, sitting up once she got to the edge of the bed. Minako, surprised by Rei's reaction, watched in stunned silence as the beautiful woman push herself off the bed and went to her walk-in closet, closing the door softly behind her once she was inside.
Minako came back to her senses as the closet door shut behind Rei. Her heart broke guiltily at the thought of making the beautiful, raven-haired woman so uncomfortable she ended up shutting herself away.
"I…I'm sorry, Rei-chan," Minako called towards the closet door once she found her voice. She began sliding herself towards the edge of the bed, "I didn't mean to make you upset, I just-"
Her words were cut short as the closet door opened again. Her breath hitched, her sapphire eyes widened, and her jaw dropped in shock. She couldn't believe what she was seeing.
Rei shut the closet door softly behind her as she returned to the bedroom. Her pale cheeks were tinted pink with a blush as her intense lavenders stared intently at the floor in front of her. She still had on the grey, satin pants she wore to bed, but she was now timidly holding her red t-shirt in her hand. On her top, she wore a simple, pale-blue bra that she had put on after taking her shirt off.
Minako stared in awed silence, openly gaping at the beautiful archer, taking in the sight before her. Rei was absolutely gorgeous. Her toned form, her pale skin, every inch of her was…incredible.
A part of her desperately wanted to go to Rei, to reach out and touch the raven-haired woman, feel that soft, pale skin beneath her fingers. She wanted to feel that toned form pressed up against her own, wanted to feel its warmth against her lips, see what it tasted like on her tongue.
But another part of her was absolutely terrified. Knowing how Rei reacted the last time she touched her, she feared how Rei would respond with so much of herself exposed. This in itself made her stay perfectly still, allowing only her cobalt eyes to take in the devastatingly beautiful woman before her. She found herself mesmerized, frozen in place as she drank in Rei's perfect image, memorizing how her body moved as the taller woman began walking towards her.
Rei hesitantly approached the bed, her nervous gaze still trained on the floor. She could sense Minako's aura flickering with Wonderment, could practically feel her cerulean gaze on her as she neared. It made her self-conscious, caused her cheeks to darken with a deep blush.
Once she got to the edge of the bed, she held up the red shirt to the gorgeous blond, "Here," Rei said timidly, her smooth voice wavering with a hint of nervousness in her tone, "I…I want you to have it."
Minako's cerulean eyes softened. She could tell how nervous the beautiful woman was, how much she was willing to trust her to put herself in such a position,
"Mmn," Minako nodded softly. Without taking her azure eyes away from Rei's beautiful face, she slowly reached up and took the shirt from Rei's hand, carefully pulling it away, "Thank you," she whispered, sincerity underlying her tone.
Rei nodded slightly in response. After a moment, she took a deep, hesitant breath to steady herself. She exhaled slowly as her intense amethysts finally found the courage to look up towards Minako's face. Sapphire eyes immediately locked onto hers. They were filled with unspoken questions, searching for answers. She could see the warring emotions in Minako's aura: Nervousness, Confusion, Desire, Reverence, Fear. She could tell Minako didn't know exactly what to make of this situation.
Rei didn't know either. But, after last night, after realizing just how much she truly needed the gorgeous blonde in her life, she wanted to give some of herself to Minako, to trust her and allow herself to be vulnerable…or at least try.
This was a test and she silently prayed to Kami-sama for the strength to pass it.
"Mina," Rei whispered nervously, "I…I want to try…," she looked away, unable to hold Minako's gaze, "But…but I'm…," she couldn't finish her sentence, the boldness she initially had suddenly abandoning her. Though this was entirely her idea, it didn't make the act any easier to execute. She instinctively brought her arms up to try and cover her exposed torso.
She felt a gentle hand rest on one of her arms, stilling her movements. She found herself relaxing reflexively as comforting, orange-gold colors began flowing into her,
"It's ok, Rei-chan," Minako said softly. She had moved to the edge of the bed in front of Rei, being careful not to touch the taller woman's exposed upper-half other than her hand resting on her arm, "Whatever you need, I'm right here."
Rei lifted her eyes and found breathtaking sapphires staring sincerely up at her. Being so taken by Minako's words, the way she looked at her, the way she touched her, the way her aura calmed her and made her feel so safe, Rei found the strength to continue. She silently brought her hands up to cup Minako's face, tilting her head back so she could lean in to capture Minako's lips in a gentle kiss.
The gorgeous blonde's eyelids fell closed as Rei's lips met her own. She allowed Rei to take the lead, her body obeying as Rei's hands slid softly down the sides of her neck to her shoulders, guiding her to lay back down on the bed.
As the kiss deepened, Minako could feel her heart beginning to race as Rei carefully crawled on top of her, straddled her on her hands and knees, hovering over her.
Though Minako continued to kiss the devastatingly beautiful woman, she found herself at a loss. The archer had practically trapped her without touching her. Having Rei this close to her, her body only inches away, feeling the heat from her pale skin on her own…it was torturous! She gripped the sheets beneath her hard, desperately trying to stave off the desire to reach up and touch the taller woman for fear of what might happen to her.
"Mina," she heard Rei's smooth voice whisper as she gently ended the kiss, her warm breath tickling Minako's lips, "Touch me."
Minako's breath hitched as her sapphire eyes opened….Did Rei just say what she thought she said?
The gorgeous blonde didn't move, unsure of whether to comply. She didn't want to hurt Rei, didn't want her to fall victim to her demons and possibly be unable to recover. She especially didn't want to be the one to cause that.
"Rei-chan," Minako whispered, concern weighing heavily in her voice, "Are you sure?"
Her eyelids fluttered slightly as a delicate gasp escaped her, bringing her away from her thoughts as Rei's tongue gently slid teasingly across her upper lip in response, "Mmn," Rei whispered as she nodded and opened her lavender eyes slightly, capturing Minako's attention.
Minako held Rei's hooded gaze hesitantly for a moment. She could see there was a mix of hope and conviction in them as they looked back at her with silent encouragement. As she continued to search them with uncertainty, she began seeing a hint of apprehension starting to develop within them, "Please, Mina," Rei pleaded softly, "I…I want us to try."
Realization suddenly dawned on the gorgeous blonde at Rei's words. Though this was all Rei's idea, the gorgeous blonde began to understand now that, to some extent, Rei was depending on her to help her navigate safely through this. The archer would most certainly be relying on her aura as she had before, using it to focus and anchor herself, keeping her from slipping into darkness. She suspected Rei was probably reading and feeling it at this very moment, which could explain the traces of trepidation that she noticed beginning to develop within those intense lavenders as Minako herself was beginning to develop uncertainty from the archer's request.
In that moment, Minako knew what she needed to do. If Rei was willing to trust Minako this much, willing to put herself at such risk, Minako would have to be just as confident going into this and trust that the beautiful raven would tell her if things went too far.
Her azure eyes softened as she focused her thoughts soley on the woman above her, how much she adored everything about her, how much she needed her in her life, and how much she wanted to protect her and keep her safe.
Rei watched as Minako's aura morphing into that wonderful, gentle flame that she treasured and held so dear. There was something different about it this time. It was stronger than usual, had an essence to it that was so utterly captivating and inviting in the depth of its glow. It made Rei want to explore it, know more of it.
Her breath hitched as she felt it beginning to seep into her through her right cheek where Minako had reached up to caress it endearingly. The dept of its intensity pulled all of Rei's attention towards it, causing her eyes to fall closed.
The beautiful archer followed it with her senses as it slowly traveled down her neck. She tilted her head submissively to the side, offering more of herself to that gentle flame, wanting it to wash over every inch of her skin. A soft moan came from the back of her throat and her body flexed in response to more of that intoxicating flame seeping into her through her left hip.
Minako's sapphire eyes were trained on Rei as she watched the archer react to her touch, savoring the delicate noises that purred softly out of her. The taller woman seemed lost in her own world, melting under Minako's fingertips.
Gods…Rei was so painfully beautiful this way. The gorgeous blonde bit her lip as Rei's body rolled sensually, as if trying to meet Minako's hands as one began gliding down slowly over her chest, the other sliding upwards, following the outline of her perfect form.
The archer opened her hooded amethysts, locking onto Minako's cobalts. The smaller woman noticed that they were slightly hazy and a touch darker than usual. They had an intense depth to them that Minako couldn't describe. It felt as if the taller woman was revealing something so deeply personal and secret within them.
She stilled her hands in response, unable to focus on anything else but the color of those seemingly endless lavender pools. It frightened her a bit, but she couldn't help but become hypnotized by their intensity. She felt her heart being pulled in a way she never felt before, as though those bewitching violets were drawing it towards the devastatingly beautiful woman who seemed to capture her very existence.
Minako swallowed, managing to come back to herself for a brief moment, "You ok, baby?," she whisper breathily. She didn't notice until now that her breath had become slightly ragged, reacting to the intensity of whatever this was that was happening between them.
Every ounce of Rei's attention was being held hostage by that soft, yet intense, orange-gold flame that was flowing through her. She felt herself submitting to it, succumbing to its power, offering herself as sacrifice to it. She would do absolutely anything if only to feel more of that delicate flame consume her very being. It ignited sensations within her she never felt before, sparked an urge that began growing deep inside her for the blonde goddess beneath her.
"Mina," Rei moaned reverently. Her voice was deeper, breathier than usual, and it managed to tug firmly at Minako's heart. The taller woman leaned in to capture Minako's lips again in a deep kiss.
Minako sighed longingly into the archer's mouth as she felt the beautiful woman begin to lower herself on top of her, their skin coming into contact. The gorgeous blonde carefully slid her hands to wrap around the taller woman as they continued to kiss, memorized the feeling of that incredibly toned physique as she held her close.
"Rei-chan," she gasped softly in between kisses as she took in the warmth and feeling of Rei's body as it moved above her. The rush of emotions that came to her for the raven-haired beauty was almost unbearable. To finally be so close to this woman who she had come to care so much for, to be able to touch her after wanting it for so long…it was extraordinary.
As Minako explored Rei's back, she found herself wanting to feel more of it, unobstructed. She brought her left hand up and gently tugged at the hooks of Rei's bra, unclipping it in one smooth movement. Without any more barriers, she began running her hands smoothing along the length of Rei's upper-body. The beautiful raven-haired woman gasped softly in reaction, her back arching slightly into Minako's hands as they passed over her sensitive skin, causing the straps of her bra to fall away to her sides.
Minako let out a low moan in response. The sounds that Rei was making, the way her toned body seemed to submit to her every touch, it was doing unbelievable things to her. She found herself wanting to hear more of those sounds, feel more of Rei's body…bring her to indescribable ecstasy as she had done to Minako last night.
But, more than anything, Minako wanted to express her intense emotions for the beautiful raven, impart them onto her lithe body, convey them in the only way she knew for certain how.
Between those enticing lips, that soft flame that was now coursing through every corner of her, enveloping her being, and the surge of emotions that were being siphoned into her, blending with her own, Rei had nearly lost herself completely…
Until she felt something that abruptly pulled her attention away from it all.
Minako's right hand slowly, purposefully, slid down Rei's back and began tracing the waistband of her satin pants. Her fingertips slid underneath the elastic and began gliding slowly along its edge, around Rei's hip, following it towards Rei's front.
Rei hiss slightly, abruptly ending their kiss as she sucked in air between her teeth. The sound caused Minako to stop her movements, her sapphire eyes shooting open. She could feel Rei's body flinch and tense reflexively against her,
"T-Too much. Too much, Mina," Rei stammered as she dropped her forehead to Minako's shoulder, her breath beginning to become erratic.
Minako quickly brought her arms up to wrap protectively around Rei, willing her to come back to her. Her heart broke as she felt the taller woman beginning to shake within her arms. She brought a hand up to gently stroke Rei's hair comfortingly, placing a lingering kiss on the side of her head.
She hated how helpless she felt but did her best to remain calm for the beautiful archer. Her mind raced as she tried to think of something she could do to help keep Rei from slipping further into a full-blown panic attack.
Without knowing what else to do, she began to sing softly to at least let Rei know she was still there, praying to the Gods with all she had that she would be able to reach the beautiful woman who was lying on top of her and fading quickly.
- Time stands still. Beauty in all she is. I will be brave. I will not let anything take awaywhat's standing in front of me.Every breath, every hour has come to this. One step closer. -
Her voice quivered slightly. She was unsure of whether she was more comforting Rei or herself at this point. After a moment, she began to feel Rei's body beginning to relax. Her breath gradually slowed and became deeper. Encouraged by this, Minako continued to sing softly as she held the taller woman closer, combing her fingers gently through her silky, raven-colored tresses.
As Minako ended the song, Rei's breaths had slowed to the meditative breathing she usually did to calm and center herself.
Minako stayed silent for a moment, waiting for any sort of response from Rei, hoping she was ok. She felt Rei take a deep, cleansing breath and let it out slowly before she felt the archer tilt her head up to softly nuzzling her face into the side of her neck, "I like hearing you sing, Mina," Rei sighed contently, taking in the distinct strawberry scent of the smaller woman beneath her. She placing a gentle kiss on Minako's neck, "You have such a beautiful voice."
Minako sighed softly as she held the taller woman closer, "Usa-neechan used to sing to me whenever I was scared," she explained quietly. She let out a soft chuckle as she thought of her older sister, "She's not the best singer in the world, but it always helped to calm me down."
Rei chuckled softly in response. Though she could feel a hint of Relief beginning to form in Minako's aura, it still flickering heavily with Sadness, Concern, and Guilt,
"I'm sorry, Rei-chan," Minako whispered, her melodic voice filled with remorse.
"Don't be," Rei replied reassuringly, "It's ok. I'm alright, now."
Minako shook her head guiltily, "I'm always hurting you."
"No, Mina," Rei replied soothingly as she cuddled closer to the gorgeous blonde beneath her, "You're always saving me. Just look where we are right now."
Being so caught up with worry about Rei's well-being, Minako had forgotten the position they were currently in. The beautiful archer was practically topless within her arms, snuggling close to her and seemingly ok with being that way.
"I really liked when you touched me. I don't want you to think that I didn't," Rei continued, trying to ease Minako's worries "It was different this time. It was...it was so…wow…," she sighed with subtle amazement, unable to describe just how incredible the experience was, "And it is getting a lot easier being close to you. It feels nice."
A soft blush formed on her pale cheeks, "I guess I'm…I'm just not ready…to go all the way. At least not yet."
"Mmn," Minako nodded in acknowledgement. She turned to place a comforting kiss on Rei's forehead, smiling to herself as she heard a satisfied sigh come from the raven-haired woman in response. She sighed contently, "Thank you, Rei-chan."
"For what?," Rei asked curiously.
"For being honest with me…for trusting me," Minako replied as she gently stroked Rei's raven-colored tresses, "I'm really glad you're ok." She smiled softly as she allowed herself to take in the moment and enjoy being able to hold the woman she had come to feel so strongly for close to her.
Rei smiled softly as she allowed herself to be cuddled by the smaller woman, satisfied with the feeling of her warm, orange-gold aura shifting to a much calmer state as the heavy emotions began dissipating from its glow.
They stayed that way for a moment, reveling in the feeling of being so close to each other for the first time before Rei spoke up, "You should get up otherwise you'll be late for work."
Minako let out a despondent groan. She didn't want to leave, didn't want to be separated from Rei, not after being able to get so close to her.
"I know," Rei chuckled softly in response, "I feel the same way. Sorry for being a buzz-kill."
"No, you're right," Minako conceded with a disappointed sigh. She carefully slid her hands towards the sides of the archer's back, applying just enough pressure with her hands to let the beautiful raven know what her intentions were and where they were moving so as not to startle her. She carefully found the ends of Rei's pale-blue bra straps and brought them up around the beautiful archer's toned back to fasten them together again.
"Thanks," Rei said sincerely once Minako had finished. She placed a chaste kiss on Minako's cheek before bringing herself up to her hands and knees again, gently breaking out of Minako's embrace, sighing subtly with disappointment at having to be separated from the gorgeous blonde. She carefully rolled off of the smaller woman and sat up at the edge of the bed as Minako brought herself up to a sitting position next to her.
The archer pushed herself off the bed and turned to face Minako, holding her hands out to help pull the gorgeous blonde out of bed, "C'mon, naked child, up and at 'em."
Minako let out a reluctant whimper in response. She tilted her head to the side as she looked up at Rei with big, pleading, azure, puppy-dog eyes. Her alluring lips sported an adorable pout, "Can't I just call in sick and stay in bed with you all day?," she whined playfully.
Rei smiled mischievously, a sly glint flashing in her rare, lavender eyes.
"Ah! Rei-chan!," Minako yelped in a high-pitched, startled voice. In one swift motion, Rei had scooped Minako out of bed and into her arms, bridal-style. Minako reflexively wrapped her arms tightly around Rei's neck in surprise as the beautiful raven turned and headed towards the bathroom.
"Alright, alright! I'm up, I'm up!," Minako insisted as she giggled. She was blushing madly at the situation, kicking her legs playfully, half-heartedly trying to get the archer to put her down.
"I don't knooow, Minaaa," Rei sang in an exaggeratedly skeptical tone. She pushed the bathroom door open with her foot and walked in, "You do feel kind of warm," she said with feigned concern as she leaned her forehead into Minako's, pretending to gauge her temperature from the contact, "And you look a little flushed. Maybe you are getting sick. Perhaps a nice, cold shower will make you feel better."
"No! Rei-chan! Don't you dare!," Minako half-laughed and half-yelled in panic. She shut her eyes tightly and tucked her head into Rei's pale shoulder, burying her face into it. She tightened her grip around Rei's neck and tried to curl up as close to her as possible. If Rei was going to throw her into a cold shower, she wouldn't go down without a fight.
Rei felt a playful Panic surge through Minako's aura and a brief vision flashed before her lavender eyes. She let out a full laugh and stopped in the middle of the bathroom.
"Mou, Minako! You're seriously scheming on how to drag me in with you if I threw you into a cold shower!?," Rei laughed in amazed astonishment.
"Hey! No fair reading my thoughts!," Minako pouted playfully, which made Rei continue to laugh wholeheartedly.
"Sorry, I couldn't help it with how close we are," Rei giggled apologetically as her laughter died down. She turned and kissed Minako on the forehead, "You're a fighter, Mina. I like that about you."
Minako blushed bashfully as she continued to hold on tightly to Rei, anticipating that the archer would make good on her threat. Rei softened as she held the woman in her arms comfortingly, "You really think I would do that to you, princess?," she asked gently.
Minako relaxed slightly. She pulled her face away from her hiding place cautiously to look up at the raven-haired woman. At first, she searched to see if Rei was trying to trick her, but soon became lost in those soft, caring, violet orbs. She found her arm sliding to bring her hand to the back of Rei's pale neck, pulling her closer, leaning in and closing her eyes. Rei closed her eyes and leaned in as well, allowing Minako to place a lingering, chaste kiss on her lips, which she returned.
When the kiss ended, Minako leaned her forehead into Rei's, "I trust you, baby," she whispered shyly, "I know you wouldn't do anything to hurt me."
Rei smiled as she felt warm, orange-gold colors gently flow through her with Honesty. She tilted her head up slightly to place a comforting kiss on Minako's forehead before opening her rare, lavender eyes, "I'm going to put you down so you can get ready, ok?"
"Mmn," Minako replied with a nod. Rei gently lowered Minako's to the ground so that the smaller woman came to stand on her own. Minako pulled away slightly so she could take in the sight of the beautiful raven-haired woman. She gently traced Rei's jawline with her fingers, "Why are you so good to me?," she asked musingly.
Minako's cobalt gaze followed her fingers as they glided along the edge of Rei's face. If they had stayed on Rei's intense amethysts, they would have caught the brief hint of hesitation that flashed within them.
"Because I care about you, Mina," Rei replied softly. Though her statement was simple, her words carried a depth to them that was almost tangible.
Minako felt a slight uneasiness creep into her chest. She took a deep breath and released it quickly, pushing the feeling away. She brought a hand to rest on Rei's chest over her heart, "Alright, now scram so I can get ready," she said as she playfully pushed Rei towards the door.
Rei took a couple steps back and chuckled as she nodded in response. She turned and headed out, shutting the door behind her as Minako began her morning routine.
Rei sighed heavily as she heard the shower turn on. Her shoulders dropped as she leaned her back against the door of the bathroom,
That was close, she thought to herself. She had felt it again, that weight in her heart she couldn't decipher coming from the smaller woman in response to her words. It disappeared before she could read it, could feel it being heavily forced away behind some impenetrable wall. She understood now that it definitely had something to do with Minako's deep-seeded fears.
Rei's heart sank and her brow furrowed as realization suddenly dawned on her. She didn't want to scare Minako, didn't want her to run away or have her shut down and become unreachable. She especially didn't want to be the one to cause that.
In that moment, Rei knew what she needed to do. She would have to be careful now, more cautious than ever of how she expressed herself to Minako, keep her newly acknowledged feelings for the gorgeous blonde hidden away as best she could until she was able to unlock the secret to that elusive feeling. If Minako was willing to trust Rei by staying with her this far, willing to put her emotional self on the line and not run away, Rei would need to use all her skills and abilities to study and learn how to help Minako navigate safely through all of this.
With renewed determination, she pushed herself off the bathroom door and headed to the guest bathroom to begin her morning routine.
Author Note: Because of how abruptly I ended up switching over my accounts, I lost all the wonderful and encouraging reviews, stats, and PMs I got about this story. Though I'll keep them in my heart as best I can to help me continue, I'd love to see more of that return as this story progresses towards the end. I also hope that those who followed or favorite-ed this story from before will be able to find this story again and continue with me on this journey until the end ^_^
Constructive feedback/reviews would be greatly appreciated.
(updated 07/2015)