Echoes Of A Distant Demon
By: Sailor Doc
Chapter 12
The reception was in full swing in the grand ballroom of the royal Martian palace. Every brazier, fireplace and torch was alight to celebrate the forging of their only Princess to a member of the royal house of Venus.
It was a much-needed happy event to mark the end of a year tainted by pain and tragedy.
Only a year earlier Rei's father Rapheal, King of Mars, had been killed in a freak accident while out on maneuvers with the Martian army. Her mother, Queen Rowena had been devastated at the loss and her younger brother, Rahn, had been seriously wounded in the same incident. He was only now getting back his full strength and mobility.
As a result of the tragedy, her older brother, Rafe, had ascended to the throne much sooner than they had ever dreamed he would have to. But their father had taught him well, and Rafe had fallen into the role he was born to with the same even temper and firm grip as his father before him. With his loving wife at his side and two small sons to cheer him on, he had assumed the reins of leadership with a strong, steady hand, and the people of Mars had rallied behind their young king with support and approval.
Then tragedy had stuck again with the unexpected death of Rafe's oldest son.
The young prince had fallen from his horse and broken his neck.
That was almost more than the family could bare.
But then had come news of Rei's intention to go to the forge and both the family and nation found reason to rejoice once more.
Standing at the top of the dais with her mother at her side, Rei couldn't help but beam, her joy and delight obvious to all who looked her way. The Queen Mother smiled at her daughter and couldn't help but wish that Raphael could be there to see this day.
He would have been so proud of his beautiful little girl.
All grown up now, she was a powerful and gifted warrior of system wide renown and second in command of the most respected group of warriors in the kingdom. In her formal mess-dress uniform she cut an imposing figure, her regal bearing and command presence matched only by her charming and beautiful mate.
"She's lovely, Rei," her mother said warmly as she watched the young Venusian Princess glide across the dance floor in the arms of her oldest son.
"Stunning," Rei's younger brother added from her other side, his eyes also watching the pair move gracefully around the room with open admiration.
"No, no, no little brother!" Mars said firmly, yet still unable to keep either the happiness or the humor out of her voice, "I know that look and you can forget it!"
"Ah, but Rei," the young general said, sexy dark brown eyes pleading his case as his devastatingly handsome face openly leered at the beautiful and exotic Venusian. "Just look at her!"
Minako took that moment to look up at Rafe, laughing in delight at some comment he had made and Rei heard her younger brother groan softly beside her.
"Mm,mm,mm," he intoned, shaking his head, his voice dropping to its lowest register. "How can I resist?"
Rei chuckled as she looked in wonder at the sturdy golden band in the shape of a chain around her ring finger, knowing an identical one graced Minako's hand. She couldn't help herself. "Trust me. You can't," she said with a proud smile.
"Oh really?" Rahn asked, with a wide grin. "That sounds distinctly like a challenge to me!"
"It wasn't meant that way but take it as you will, little brother," Rei laughed. "You really have nothing to prove to me, I assure you. Your reputation with the ladies precedes you! I promise you, I have learned more about young general Rahn's cavalier ways with a young girl's heart than I ever wanted to know since I returned! But, I have to warn you. With Minako you have met your match!"
"Oh?" he questioned. "How's that?"
"What? Besides the fact that she's my wife?" With a secret smile Rei just shook her head, her eyes watching Rafe and Minako as their dance came to an end. "She is simply in a class that is uniquely her own."
"Oh, I get it! You think I can't handle her!" Rahn said with a rakish grin. "How I just love a challenge! Watch and learn, sister dear! Watch and learn!"
Striding off to intercept the new bride and his older brother he missed the exchange that occurred directly afterward between his mother and Rei.
"Rei, dear. Is it your brother's intention to make a move on your forgemate?"
"Yes ma'am. I think he's going to try." She answered her mother.
"This does not disturb you?" the queen asked, slightly concerned because Martians were extremely possessive of their mates, and Martian law took matters of infidelity very seriously.
"Nope."
"You know he has a very wicked reputation with affairs of the heart," she warned.
"So I've heard," Rei said, watching Minako talk with Rafe as Rahn sauntered up to them.
Rowena, and Rafe's wife Grace who had joined them, watched Rei with interest. Two years ago Rei Hino would have wrestled her brother to the ground and beaten the holy hell out of him at just the slightest suggestion that he would look at someone she was interested in. Her mother's eyebrows rose.
"You're not the least bit worried, are you?"
Rei grinned. "No ma'am. I'm not."
Her mother frowned. "I don't know, Rei. Rahn's a sweet boy, but he's a devil when it comes to women. Did you know he wanted me to try and arrange an agreement with Minako's mother for an alliance?"
Rei started and looked at her mother. "Really? When was that?"
"Right after you brought her home the first time. He was really quite taken with her."
"She never said anything," Rei said.
"She probably didn't know," her mother confided. "We never pursued it." She smiled warmly. "It was obvious that if things stayed the way they were an alliance was going to happen on it's on. And it did!" She smiled warmly. "I couldn't be any happier for you, Reibikins!"
Rei grinned sheepishly at the use of her father's childish nickname and felt her face turn red as her mother hugged her tightly.
"Uh, Rei?" Grace interrupted them. "You may want to rethink your previous position. Rahn, the original 'Martian Invader', is moving in on your home port!"
Looking back down to the dance floor they watched as Prince Rahn the Terrible was starting to make his move. His arm around Minako's shoulder, his other hand clasping hers gently, his bedroom eyes turned up to their steamiest level of 'come hither', he was laying a line of bull on her that Rei was sure she could smell even from her elevated position.
She almost busted out laughing as her mother and her sister in law looked on in amazement.
"Uh, Rei?"
"Five hundred sheklars says she shoots him down in two sentences or less!" Rei said, her amused eyes watching the scene unfold below them.
"No way!" Grace protested. "Rei, you haven't been here the last two years. I've watched that young man develop his own style and technique in that time and you can trust me on this. He has become a master! I'll take that bet!"
"Done!" Rei cried as they locked forearms to seal the deal. "Now, observe how a Venusian Princess handles a masher," she said, as they turned to watch the tableaux unfold beneath them.
At first it looked as if Grace had been right. Minako, perfect little Princess that she was, seemed to be listening with rapt attention to whatever line of BS Rahn was shoveling. Rafe, good man and loving brother that he was, stood by and watched, a slightly nervous look on his face as he looked from his baby brother to his hot headed sister with the ability to incinerate people on the spot watching from above them.
Finally, Rahn stopped talking and waited expectantly for Minako to respond to his plea. A knowing look was on his face. He was sure he had this in the bag.
One sentence.
One sentence and his hands popped off of her as if electroshocked. She bowed slightly, uttered a few more words, then turned and walked directly up the dais and into the waiting arms of her spouse, the highly amused Princess of Mars.
Rafe, after he got over the initial shock, burst out laughing and clapped his brother soundly on the back.
"Oh, Ahhhh!" he laughed, wiping tears from his eyes. "Our number one ace goes down in flames! Whatever will we do now?"
At first, Rahn just stood as if frozen, disbelief written all over his handsome face. But then he grinned sheepishly and placed one hand behind his head. Casting a look of wry chagrin at his sister and her bride he shrugged his shoulders. "You can't kill a guy for trying, can you?" he asked with a charming smile.
Rei stood above him on the dais, one arm circling Minako's waist as Minako wound her arms around her, curling into her side. Looking sternly down at the now worried expression on her brother's face, Rei let him sweat for a few moments before finally letting him off the hook with a triumphant smile that could have lit the entire room.
Looking down into Minako's smiling face, she answered him.
"No, I can't. How could I?" Resting her forehead against Minako's Rei finished. "How could anyone resist her?"
With an answering smile, Minako leaned up and gently kissed her. Their eyes met as their kiss ended though they remained clasped in each other arms.
"So, how long do we have to hang around here," Minako whispered, her hand lifting to tuck a lock of Rei's hair back behind her ear, then lingering to cup her cheek. She really didn't seem to notice that there were still others standing around watching them closely.
Rei didn't seem to care either, for that matter.
"I'm ready to go whenever you are," she said softly.
With happy smiles they turned, bowed to Rei's family and hands clasped, headed back to their private quarters to begin their honeymoon.
As they disappeared into the private area of the palace, Grace grabbed her husband's hand and pulled him aside.
"Yes, what is it dear?" he asked, knowing her well enough to know something was up. "How much did you lose this time?" He asked with an indulgent smile.
"What?" she said, shocked. "How did you..."
"You and Rei always bet when she's here, and you always lose. How much was it this time?"
"Five hundred sheklars," she said dryly. "And I don't always lose!"
"Well, I hope they at least send us a thank you note! That should just about cover their entire honeymoon. And yes, you do always lose." As his queen frowned in displeasure he added, "Haven't you figured out yet that she's clairvoyant? Do you even know what that means?"
"Of course I do, but whatever," she said. "What I really want to know is what Minako said to wonderboy. I've never seen him shot down so quickly and so efficiently."
Rafe chuckled, despite himself. "Yes, my dear. It was truly beautiful in its simplicity." As she leaned in to better hear him, he shot his eyes over to where Rahn was standing next to their mother, offering her a cool drink, and grinned. " She let him go on and on about his rank, his position, his horsemanship, his experience and his swordsmanship, and I don't just mean with a sidearm, if you know what I mean. At the end of all that, he concluded with a rather suggestive smile, then said and I quote, "All the Hino's aren't taken yet, my dear."
"Oh, the nerve!" Grace said, shocked at his unforgivable, unmartian like behavior. "If Rei knew all that, she'd kill him... or at least maim him a little," she amended.
Her husband shook his head. "Not to worry, my love. Princess Minako had it covered. As he stood there and leered, she merely said, 'True, too true, but all the good ones are... and I got the last of those.'" Grace's hand rose to cover her mouth, which had dropped open and her eyes twinkled in shocked amusement as her husband continued. "Gracie, you'd have thought the boy had gotten kicked in the nuts! Then she said, 'If you'll excuse me, my forgemate is waiting.' Ha! I tell you, it was priceless!"
"Well, it serves him right! I mean, the woman is his sister's forgemate. What was he thinking?"
"Now Gracie, he's young and stupid sometimes, but he's a good guy. He just needs to grow up a little more and find his place in this world. It'll be okay. You'll see. What's important now is Rei and her Minako. I can't tell you how happy I am that she's found someone to share her eternity with."
"Yes," Grace agreed with a sweet smile as she took her husband's arm. "Love does indeed look well on her."
Late Thursday Night
"I love you."
In the silence of the darkened room those words echoed in Rei's mind as clearly as if she had just spoken them again.
"I love you."
A piece of charred wood dropped from a burning log in the fireplace and jolted Rei back from the journey her swirling thoughts and emotions had taken her on.
Had she really said those words?
The vivid memory of Minako's face at that moment flashed through her mind and left no doubt that she had.
Joy. Pure joy.
It had been two hours since she had said them, and though she knew the central truth of them, they still reverberated in her ear and tickled at her consciousness like a living thing. Rei frowned into the darkness. She had to find an answer to assuage her warring heart and head.
Where did Mars end and she begin?
Were her deeply held feelings truly her own, or just a reflection of someone else's love?
Rising from her current position on the couch, Rei stretched to relieve the dull ache in her shoulders, then crossed the darkened room and stepped into the muted moonlight pouring through the bank of windows against the outside wall. Unconsciously her left hand rose to touch the chilled glass and, closing her eyes against the beauty of the scene below, she rested her weary head against its welcoming cold.
She had a personal demon to slay and experience had taught her that she would not be able to rest until she did.
Minako, exhausted by the day's events, both physically and emotionally, had finally been reluctantly persuaded to go to bed. Though concerned about Rei, she had also been able to sense that the other young woman needed some space. With a last lingering look and a gentle press of reassuring fingers, she had retired to the other room and prepared for bed. With the comforting thought that Rei was only in the next room she had drifted off to sleep, her hand still reaching out to rest where the priestess' warm body would have normally been.
In that next room, Rei continued to brood, her dark eyes active and alert, but only to the thoughts and images that had continued to tumble through her troubled mind nonstop since Minako had retired for the night.
"I love you."
"I love you."
What she had told Minako was not a lie. When she had said 'I love you' it had been a truth as certain as her mothers' death.
But who exactly was 'I'?
Rei's frown deepened. She knew quite well who Hino Rei was.
The only child of a dead mother and a negligent father, she had grown up mostly unloved and unwanted. Despised and feared as a child, she was now a Shinto priestess with a special affinity to the Fire Kami, respected and admired for the same traits that had made her childhood such a living hell.
Oh, and she was the current incarnation of the sailor-suited soldier, Sailormars.
She couldn't help the slight smile that quirked her lips with that last thought.
Then her mind repeated it: the current incarnation.
With a start Rei's whole posture straightened and her eyes narrowed.
So who was this predecessor whose memories she shared? Who was this previous Mars?
Memories that were not her own slowly began to trickle into her consciousness.
Princess Rei Hino of Mars had been the only daughter of two very loving parents who had worshipped the ground she walked on. The feeling had been mutual. She had been the adored sister of two doting brothers, one older, one younger, who had both teased and taunted her with love and affection her entire early life, until duty had called her to her post on the Moon at age fourteen. Leaving such a family had been hard for her, but once there she had met not only the mysterious Moon Princess and the best friends and comrades she could have ever hoped for, but the love of her life, Princess Minako Aino of Venus. Together they had laughed and cried, lived and loved, and fought and died until the storied Moon Kingdom had crumbled into oblivion.
The End.
Rei's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open.
The End.
Collecting herself, Rei swallowed heavily. Turning, she crossed the room and opened the cleverly disguised refrigerator and removed a bottle of water. Taking a deep, refreshing gulp, she lowered the bottle, pausing only to wipe her forearm across her brow as if to clear it of sweat.
Could it really be that simple?
She was Hino Rei.
Hino Rei.
Not Rei Hino.
Though there were many traits and similarities they both shared, they were, in reality, two totally separate beings.
And it of course followed logically that where Rei Hino had no doubt loved Minako Aino, Hino Rei most assuredly did not!
She loved Aino Minako.
The shadow of a smile played at the corner of her lips as Rei closed the refrigerator door. Bottle still in hand, she entered the bedroom, her gaze drawn immediately to the young woman sleeping at its center. Pausing at the side of the bed, she gazed with loving eyes at Minako's quiet beauty.
Where did Mars end and she begin?
As Rei began to turn the question over in her mind once again, it finally started to become clear. The title of Mars itself or Sailormars if you prefer, had never "ended". It never would. It was a calling. A mantle that would be passed from generation to generation whenever the need arose for a champion to defend the defenseless. The very soul of Mars herself would be passed on into eternity. In her generation that mantle had fallen to her, for whatever reason she neither knew nor cared about.
And what of the memories that were not her own? Rei frowned in thought. Why should they impact her life now? Why would she even need them?
"Knowledge is power"
The voice that answered her sounded like her own, and yet she knew that wasn't totally true in the purest sense. It was her soul that spoke.
It was Mars.
She finally understood.
She was Mars, with all the baggage that came along with the responsibility and the title. She would be until her death.
She now knew and accepted this as surely as she knew she was not, in actuality, Princess Rei Hino of the planet Mars. That Mars had died in the ruins of the Moon Palace.
This Mars? She had been born in the labor and delivery ward right here in Appi Kogen.
A wry smile tickled her lips and her eyes sparkled in amusement. It seemed that even if her physical body may die and turn to dust, her soul would always live on to fight another day, taking her spirit and her knowledge with her as she went forward in time to help the next Mars on her journey.
"I hope she has an easier time finding her Venus," she whispered softly.
Once again her eyes focused on Minako's sleeping form. Reaching forward, she let her fingers softly caress the side of her face, the idol's hair gently brushing against the back of her fingers as she let her thoughts turn to her actions from the night before. A violent blush colored her cheeks and she felt her jaw clench.
She had been shocked out of her mind at what she had started to do, but it had torn her up inside to see the other girl in such pain. In truth her own heart had responded to an undeniable need to ease her suffering, and now she finally understood.
It was she who had wanted Minako to feel better after her upset, to forget about her current worries for a few minutes. It was she who had wanted to do something nice for this young woman, and it was she who had wanted Minako to like what she was doing.
Nobody else. Just her.
She sighed and closed her eyes, her hand gently cupping the sleeping idols' cheek. Since she was being totally honest here, she had to go one step further.
It was she and she alone who had given in to her desire to feel the softness of Minako's warmth against her lips.
Rei took a sudden slow, deep breath and held it as the memory of that one moment came rushing back into her consciousness like a runaway train.
It was everything she thought it would be and more than Mars' memories could ever provide.
Releasing her breath, she looked at Minako with the certain knowledge that this was not just the Venus of old, a carbon copy of a being long dead and gone anymore than she was that Mars. The two couples shared certain memories, even some personality traits. But, they were still independent beings with their own separate histories, wills and destinies.
No, that Mars had had her own Venus. This Minako was hers and hers alone. To tease and argue with. To laugh at and with. To cherish and protect.
To love and to honor.
Leaning forward she pressed a gentle kiss to the sleeping idols' forehead, an incredulous smile breaking across her face as she whispered softly,
"You know, I really do love you."
The smile still in place, Rei quietly moved around to her own side of the bed and quickly changed. Sliding beneath the warmth of the sheets she took Minako's hand in her own before finally joining the other girl in restful slumber.
Early Friday Afternoon
Sunlight filtered brightly through the open windows of the stylish downtown shoe store as Minako took it all in. A second look around allowed her to spot Hiroshi near the open door. Dressed in his usual trendy black togs, he blended seamlessly into the room, almost becoming a part of his surroundings. The only motion from him was the occasional flicker of his eyes, just visible through the dark Raybans, and the subtle motion of his head as he nonchalantly scanned his surroundings. He truly was a wonderful find.
With a tight smile in his direction she gave a slight nod of approval before turning to look for the other member of her entourage. A quick scan of her own easily spotted her attractive companion, eagerly checking out a selection of stylish knee high dress boots, her eyes gleaming in concentration. Minako's smile widened in delight.
Who knew Rei was such an avid and enthusiastic shopper?
This trip combined with their outing the first day had left no doubt at all about that, and the promise of a romantic dinner date that evening had been all the excuse Rei needed to indulge her secret passion. Today alone, she had already bought a soft, black leather mini-skirt and a beautiful, deep red cowl-neck sweater that hugged her body like a second skin, accentuating every luscious dip and curve...
As she felt an involuntary shiver of delight ripple through her body, a line of Shakespeare popped unsolicited into her mind.
'Oh, that I were a glove upon that hand, that I might touch that cheek!'
Blushing, Minako quickly cast her eyes around to see if anyone else had been able to read her wayward thoughts, and with a slight laugh at her own expense looked back over at Rei who it seemed had found what she was looking for.
Tall, slim and black as night, the soft leather and thin stiletto heels would perfectly match the skirt she had bought earlier.
"Find what you were looking for?" she asked as she came up beside The priestess.
"I think so," Rei replied, putting her own boots back on. "Now I just need a handbag," she said softly under her breath as she stood and turned to head across the room to the shelves that lined the walls around the store.
Minako smirked. They were also black. She was sensing a theme.
As Rei once again immersed herself in her mission to complete the perfect outfit for tonight's dinner date, Minako allowed her thoughts to return to her evolving relationship with the enigmatic young woman.
"I love you."
Minako's heart skipped a beat as she replayed those words in her head for the umpteenth time that day and a soft smile graced her lips.
Suddenly self-conscious, Minako looked around again and walked toward the display of hosiery to give her shaking hands something to do. As she idly paged through the different packages of artfully woven offerings she never really noticed what she was looking at. Instead, she was remembering how she had woken up that morning...
Wow.
When she had gone to bed the night before, she really hadn't known what to expect the next morning. Rei had obviously had a lot of thoughts and emotions to sort through, and Minako honestly had no idea how or if she would be able to make any sense out of them or find any peace with it all in one night.
But, as daylight had broken through clouds heavy with morning snow, she had found herself waking up in the warmth of Rei's arms, her head resting against her shoulder. A peaceful smile had graced the priestess' face, and Minako found herself fascinated with Rei's lips. Full, lush and a light reddish pink, they quirked ever so slightly as she must have unconsciously sensed Minako's waking state. Sliding her left hand gently up the idols right arm, Rei had pulled Minako closer into her warmth and Minako had taken the opportunity to snuggle, pressing her cheek against Rei's upper chest just under her chin. Heart pounding, Minako had held her breath, afraid that Rei would panic if she suddenly awoke and realized their positions. But instead, Rei gave a tiny hum of approval and settled her arms more firmly around the idol, holding her closer still. Finally, Minako allowed herself to breathe again, and when she did her head and heart were filled with a memory made vividly read. Rei's scent.
How could she ever forget it?
A distinctive aroma that was uniquely Rei. Spicy and exotic, it was an intoxicating mix of fire, woodsmoke, the freshness of outdoors, and a touch of cinnamon all rolled up into an olfactory party that could only ever be Hino Rei.
With a tiny smile she had again closed her eyes and turned her head just enough to bury her nose in the curve of Rei's neck. Taking a deep breath she filled her senses with the essence of Rei and felt a thrill as the priestess tightened her arms around her once again when she exhaled.
"That tickles," Rei protested, though she never loosened her grip and Minako's smile widened just a bit more as she felt the rumble of Rei's sleepy voice against her cheek.
"What tickles?" the idol had asked softly, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. Resting her right hand on Rei's breastbone she had leaned up and gently blown on the same spot again.
"Mmm, that," Rei had pouted, an adorable, unhappy frown creasing her brows.
"Oh! You mean this?" Minako asked as she once again leaned in and blew even harder.
Rei's eyes popped open and she reached up to grab Minako's right hand firmly. "Minako!" She protested, dark brown eyes showing her displeasure. "What are you doing?"
"Merely breathing in and out," she had answered, all straight faced and wide eyed innocence, yet still unable to hide the twinkle in her eyes. "Honestly Rei, who knew you were so sensitive?" Reluctantly removing herself from Rei's embrace, Minako had nonchalantly gotten out of bed and moved toward the bathroom with a sigh. "I guess we'll have to find you a nice scarf or something to add to your sleepwear." She paused before she reached the door and turned back to the bed as if giving the matter serious thought. "Or maybe just turtleneck pajamas. They make those, right?" she asked, before disappearing into the bathroom. "Mmm... Sexy."
Rei, still not fully awake, had sat in stunned silence. Totally unable to formulate an appropriate comeback, she had simply stared at the point Minako had vanished, her left hand lifting to cover the point on her neck Minako had been toying with.
It had been the start of a fun and exciting day, which according to Rei's master plan would culminate in a really nice dinner date at the very best restaurant in town.
Minako's secret smile widened as she glanced up to watch Rei's progress. The intense young woman was scowling at one bag, while already holding the next selection awaiting her inspection.
She was so cute when she got all intense like that!
With a wry self-depreciating smile, Minako's eyes dropped back down to her hands, now still against the cardboard packages.
It felt odd really.
This silly, giddy, 'I'm so in love I can hardly breath' feeling that had invaded her heart, mind, and soul.
But to be totally honest, it had been a long time coming.
Forcibly held at bay for more years than she cared to remember, it was finally starting to raise its lonely head and feel its shackles breaking free.
But Minako knew she needed to tread carefully still. Though Rei had said the words she had longed to hear, and all signs indicated that she really had meant what she'd said, Minako's head knew she couldn't just 'jump her bones', as much as her heart and body cried out for her to.
Minako took a deep breath and sighed. No, she couldn't do that.
Not yet.
Still, teasing and flirting were a fun distraction and Minako was indeed having lots of fun today!
Encouraged by their early morning exchange in the bedroom, Minako had upped her ante through breakfast and on into their morning lessons at the ski lodge. With flashing eyes and sparkling wit she had cajoled, dared, teased and tormented Rei mercilessly while still encouraging her to enjoy her time on the slopes.
With the breakdown of physical barriers Minako had added touch to her arsenal, taking every opportunity to touch the other woman's hair, her cheek, her arm, or even to just rest a carefree hand on her shoulder.
Blushing, she felt again the pressure of Rei's hand against the small of her back as she had risen from the chair in Ami's office to meet Dr. Akai.
Whether she had realized it or not, Rei had been playing the game as well, though to be honest, Martians rarely if ever flirted. No, with them that would have been more a natural show of possession and support.
Truly, Rei didn't seem to be having any problems with the whole 'touchy feelie' aspect now for quite some time. Her naturally passionate nature had always laid claim to whatever she had felt was hers even back during their senshi days. She probably didn't even realize she did it. It had made the fact that she had relinquished her sword to Minako when she was unable to join the fight herself even more telling. And endearing.
"Ah! These are perfect," Rei enthused, taking the unnoticed package of hosiery out of the idol's hand. "Good eye."
Startled, Minako recovered quickly. "Just doing my bit to help," she said with a nervous little laugh. "So, do you think you have everything you need?"
"I think so," Rei nodded, taking stock of her selections. "I've just got to check out and get these back to the hotel. What about you?" she asked, looking up at the idol, a questioning look in her dark eyes.
"Oh, I've got it covered! Don't worry about me," Minako reassured the other woman. Marika-san had packed the perfect outfit for this evening whether she knew it or not, and Minako couldn't wait to see Rei's face when she saw her in it!
"That hardly seems fair," Rei said. "You've already seen my outfit but I won't get to see yours until tonight."
"Aw, does it bother you that much?" Minako teased.
Rei's look alone was all the answer Minako needed.
"Too bad, so sad!" she replied and couldn't help but laugh at the scowl that appeared on Rei's face. "Oh, come on, Rei! It's really not that big a deal! And honestly, I haven't seen your whole outfit. Just a piece here and there. Really, it's not an actual outfit until you put it all together, right?"
She watched Rei contemplate that for a moment, and then nod once in acceptance.
"Good!" she said, wrapping her hand around Rei's upper arm as she started to guide the young woman toward the checkout. "Why don't you go ahead and take care of these, and then meet me at the convenience store across the street from the hotel?"
Rei raised an eyebrow in question. "The convenience store?"
"I need some chapstick," Minako replied. "And maybe some pocky. I'm hungry!" she protested when Rei frowned. "You can't expect me to starve to death just because we have a fancy dinner date tonight!"
As Rei opened her mouth to protest, Minako squeezed her arm gently. "I'll have Hiroshi with me. It'll be okay," she said softly.
Rei paused at that, and then glanced over at Hiroshi, caught his eyes with her own and nodded once. "Okay," she agreed reluctantly. "I won't be long."
"I should hope not," she smiled. "If you take too long I won't share my pocky with you." Then with a last squeeze she released Rei's arm and headed out of the store, placing the heavy black sunglasses back over her eyes as she exited the building, the bodyguard nonchalantly in tow.
As Rei approached the clerk at the checkout, she noticed that the young lady was watching intently as Minako left. Placing her items on the counter, Rei waited patiently until the girl finally returned her attention to her. However her first question was unexpected and unwelcome.
With an excited grin she leaned toward Rei. "Oh, my god! Did you see her? Didn't she look just like Aino Minako?"
"No," Rei deadpanned.
"Seriously?" the fangirl replied, giving Rei and incredulous look. "Couldn't you see the resemblance?"
"Not at all," the priestess replied, serious brown eyes boring into the totally oblivious young woman.
"Well, I don't know," the clerk said, doubt starting to show on her pretty face. "Maybe you're right. I think Minako-chan is probably taller than that woman was anyway."
Rei merely grunted in agreement and after a few of the usual purchase pleasantries was shortly on her way back to the suite.
Minako, meanwhile, took her time and window shopped along the way, enjoying the beautiful day and the hustle and bustle of the busy tourist area. By the time she reached the store she spotted Rei making her way back across the street and together they entered the crowded store. Minako quickly found her favorite cherry Carmex and had just spotted the pocky display when she felt Rei stiffen at her side, her eyes riveted to a spot directly in front of them. Alarmed at the tension she could sense pouring from Rei's body, she looked up abruptly to see what had caused such an extreme reaction.
At first she saw only a newsstand with all the usual magazines and gossip rags. But a closer inspection finally showed her the real reason for Rei's distress.
There they were, for all the world to see.
'BEAUTIFUL, MYSTERIOUS, DEADLY: THE MANY FACES OF HINO REI'
'WHAT BRAVERY LOOKS LIKE-THE PRIESTESS OF THE HIKAWA'
'MEET HINO REI! AINO MINAKO'S BFF!'
And finally this one.
'OUR BELOVED TEACHER, HINO REI-SAMA' AS TOLD BY THE CHILDREN OF THE HIKAWA SHRINE'
Rei was horrified.
A closer look at the magazine rack revealed even more photos of her, most of them older or obviously taken from a great distance. There was a shot of her getting out of Minako's limo. Another of her as she was standing in the courtyard of the shrine, just days ago. Another of her walking down the shrine steps.
She'd seriously had no idea at all!
Before she could stop herself, Minako started to laugh, and her delighted laughter echoed in Rei's ears and grated down her spine like fingernails on a blackboard. Spinning around, she grabbed the highly amused idol by the elbow and quickly propelled them both down and around the nearest aisle, cupping her hand over Minako's mouth to muffle her volume.
"For god's sake Mina, would you please get a grip on yourself!" Rei bit out through gritted teeth.
God help her, that made Minako laugh even harder.
Smiling nervously at the other patrons as they were passing by, Rei released her death grip on Minako's elbow and began to pat her firmly on the back instead. "Soda went down the wrong way," she explained to the curious gaze of a couple of fellow shoppers. "It'll pass."
Minako did choke then, and started to laugh again, her face turning red as she gulped in much needed oxygen.
"Mi-na-ko!" Rei pleaded in a low whisper. "Seriously. Please stop."
She finally did. With a deep calming breath, she straightened to her full height, composed herself, turned to look at Rei.
And busted out laughing all over again.
Rei stood looking at her in disbelief for several seconds before turning on her heel and walking straight out of the store. She did not look back.
Minako found her several minutes later, sitting on the same wooden bench behind the lodge where she had waited for her to finish her final run the day before. Minako could tell that she was still angry. She just hoped most of that anger was directed at the tabloids and not at her.
"Hey. Is this seat taken?" she asked in a quiet voice as she stopped next to the bench.
Without even looking her way, Rei simply recrossed her arms over her chest and turned her head in the opposite direction.
Ouch. That was harsh.
Still, Aino Minako hadn't reached the heights she had in the cutthroat world of entertainment by being overly shy or thin-skinned. Sitting gingerly on the bench, she turned and addressed the other woman clearly, knowing that despite her determination to ignore her she would hear every word she said.
"I'm sorry, Rei. I shouldn't have laughed like that," she admitted.
She saw the corner of Rei's lip twitch and took that as an encouragement.
"See? I even brought a peace offering," she added, holding out a large, steaming cup of something that smelled warm, and rich, and chocolaty good.
Rei cut just her eyes toward the delicious scent of creamy coffee, and Minako saw the tension in her jaw relax just a bit before her eyes once again turned away. Only this time they looked forward toward the slopes instead of all the way off to her left.
It was progress.
Lowering the rejected cup back to her own lap, Minako forged on.
"I know it had to be a shock, seeing yourself plastered all over the tabloids like that," she continued softly. "Unlike me, you've always made it a point to stay out of the limelight and practice your gifts out of the general public's view. I know you'd like to believe it will be that way again, and maybe it will. But, I'm afraid it will be quite some time before that will ever happen."
Rei shifted uncomfortably, but her posture relaxed a bit more.
"It's really your own fault, you know," Minako added.
Rei's eyes shot up to meet hers and Minako smiled sadly. "You couldn't help being a hero," she said. "It's just who you are."
Rei studied the idol for several silent seconds, then said, "No more than you."
Minako lowered her eyes shyly. "That may well be true, but they don't know that. They have no idea that Sailor V, Sailorvenus and Aino Minako are all one in the same person." She raised her eyes once again to the young woman sitting next to her. "What they do know is what they saw and that was a beautiful, spirited young woman run several blocks to confront an armed terrorist with only a bow and arrow between herself and certain death." Rei dropped her eyes as Minako continued. "And why? Why would she do such a crazy thing?" Minako asked. "Well only to defend her 'best friend', of course! Rei, you are a hero." Reaching forward she captured Rei's chin in her hand and raised her eyes to meet her own. "You're my hero."
Neither one of them could later say who moved first, but the next thing either of them knew, they were in each other's arms. Eyes closed against the sudden rush of emotions, they both took comfort in the safety found only in each other.
"They don't know that you've always been my hero – and that I love you," Minako whispered.
When at last they parted, Minako silently offered the cup once more, with a shy smile. Rei smiled in return and finally took it. Lifting it to her nose, she inhaled its aroma and hummed her approval before taking a tentative sip. "Mmm, that's as good as it smells," she said and took another, longer swallow.
"Is it?" Minako asked curiously, still basking in the glow of their last embrace.
"Mmhmm," Rei answered with a nod as she lowered it once again.
"Let me see."
Before Rei could stop her, Minako had taken the cup from her hand and turned it up to her own lips.
Rei's mouth dropped open and she blushed. Hard.
Minako's head was thrown back and her eyes were closed in pleasure as she took her turn with Rei's cup. Rei found her eyes drawn to the point where Minako's lips came in contact with the plastic lid and her own mouth went suddenly dry in response. As the idol lowered the cup, her eyes opened to meet Rei's and the priestess would have sworn they twinkled as she returned the cup to Rei's trembling hand.
"Mmm, you're right," she said, a trace of something Rei didn't dare to identify yet in her tone. "That was every bit as good as I knew it would be."
Rei's eyes dropped to the white plastic lid and she couldn't help but see Minako's light pink lipstick mingling with the darker shade of her own.
Kami-sama!
She felt a thrill of something exciting rush through her veins.
Was this what desire felt like?
She had always been attracted to Minako, but somehow? Somehow this was entirely different.
She could feel Minako's eyes watching her closely, waiting to see her response.
With just the slightest hesitation Rei closed her eyes and lifted the cup to her own lips, drinking deeply from the perfectly temperatured fluid remaining within.
She swore she could feel Minako's smile even with her own eyes tightly shut.
"So, how was it?" the idol asked as Rei finally lowered the empty cup.
A dark, sexy grin broke across the priestess' face as her eyes boldly met the caramel colored ones searching her own, and Minako almost swooned when Rei answered simply,
"Perfect."
Friday Night
The restaurant was packed when they arrived with a long line of hopeful patrons waiting outside the double glass doors in front. But, since their reservations had been made so far in advance and the establishment was thrilled to have such prestigious guests for the evening, they were escorted quickly past the line as soon as they pulled their car up to the valet parking booth.
Still, there was no mistaking that there was something special about the two glamorous young women that emerged from the rented SUV.
The taller of the two was dressed in red and black, and the combination of black leather mini and matching knee high, spike heeled boots only made her long, shapely legs seem to go on forever. The impassive look on her face did not welcome approach and she paused briefly at the door and turned, her eyes looking over the top of her shades, as she waited for her companion.
The second woman was simply stunning. Dressed in Dior, the outfit was pure elegance in its simple, clean design. Almost solid white, her legs were encased in pencil thin slacks that clung to her legs as if painted there, and white six inch heels that accentuated the long lines of her figure. The top was an eye-catching sweater of Scottish lamb's wool in colors of black, orange and gold that 'popped' against the woman's flawless complexion.
Even wearing dark shades to hide their eyes, many of the younger set began to buzz about who they were. Speculation ran wild as they began to whip out their phones, whispering in excited tones to one another. Rei caught it immediately.
Tapping her earpiece she spoke softly. "Hiroshi?"
"Yes ma'am?"
"Do you see what I see?" She asked.
"If you mean the people that are speculating about who you both are then yes, I see them," he answered. "Plan still the same?"
"Yes, I think so," Rei said. "If we get separated, wait for my call or meet us in twenty minutes behind Andre's. You know how to find it?"
"Yes Ma'am," he answered.
"Okay. Later," she signed off, feeling better knowing Hiroshi was on duty.
A few minutes later, seated at a quiet and discrete corner table, Rei began to relax a little and allow herself to enjoy the shear joy of being in Minako's company. The waiter came by to introduce himself and explain the specials for the evening. Then he took their drink orders and left with a promise to return shortly.
"So, you never did say," the idol said as the waiter left. "Do you like my outfit? I picked it up on my last trip to Paris and have been waiting for just the right occasion to wear it."
"I guess it will do," Rei answered with a nonchalance she didn't really feel, knowing very well that Minako already knew she looked great in it. She was just fishing for complements.
"Is that really all you have to say?" Minako pouted prettily.
Rei shrugged. "What would you have me say?" she asked simply.
Minako studied her several moments in the light of the candle at the center of their table, then smiled.
"You know, you really can't feign indifference anymore," she said softly, a gentle twinkle in her eyes. "You've totally blown your cover repeatedly, and I'm not going to pretend you haven't anymore."
Try as she might, Rei could not find a suitably snarky comment for Minako's statement of fact, nor did she have the heart to even try anymore. So, she contented herself with ignoring Minako's amused smile and studying the candle at the center of their table. The tiny flame was a comfort to the slight case of nerves she was pretending not to feel. But as she looked closer, she could feel a hint of something off. With a slight frown, she looked closer, trying to see into it depths, but whatever it was had already disappeared, leaving only the small, weak flame and a touch of uneasiness in it's wake.
"Is everything alright?" Minako asked. Pulled from her earlier light mood by the intensity of Rei's concentration on the tiny flame she involuntarily reached for the other girl's hand.
Rei frowned, even as she took the delicate hand in her own. "I'm not sure," she answered truthfully.
"Was it that same presence you felt before?" Minako asked. "The one from fireplace?"
Rei nodded, her frown deepening slightly. "It feels so familiar, but I can't put my finger on it yet. I think it's Silver Millennium era, though. It's very old. But it's gone for now," she added quickly as she saw Minako's concern deepening. Giving the hand in her own a gentle squeeze, she smiled as she caressed Minako's thumb. "I think we can safely forget about it for a few hours and you can continue teasing me, as I know you enjoy it so much."
Minako recognized Rei's attempt at changing the subject for what it was. Trusting that the priestess would speak up if she were concerned about any immediate danger, she decided to let it go. For now.
Turning to look away from her companion, Minako stuck her nose in the air. "Hmmph. I have no idea what you're talking about," she insisted, all the while allowing Rei to continue to hold her hand captive.
"Sure you do," Rei answered, matter-of-factly. "I've started to think that teasing me has become your number one source of entertainment."
Minako flashed a wry smile. She couldn't help herself. "Ah well, you have me there. I can't deny it," she said, reaching for Rei with her other hand.
Taking it, Rei looked at her earnestly. "Would you really want to, Mina?"
Something in Rei's voice caused Minako to look up at her sharply. Once she did, she found in impossible to look away.
Eyes the color of warm, dark chocolate, looked back into her own and she saw and felt emotions within their depths that caused stirrings within herself that groaned for recognition and release.
Eyes locked on Minako's, and heart pounding in her ears, Rei herself was shaking like a leaf and almost, almost missed the tiny little voice speaking to her that was most definitely not Aphrodite's.
"Uh, Hino-san. Aino-san? We may have a problem."
"What is it Hiroshi?" Rei asked, reaching up with a decidedly shaky hand to trigger her earpiece.
"Look back toward the entrance and against the outside wall," he answered urgently. "It looks like the gaggle of fangirls we saw when you first came in is starting to turn into a full blown mob. There are actually more gathering in the bar area as well."
Rei quickly looked in that direction as well and saw that it was true.
"Damn."
"Rei!" Minako exclaimed, truly surprised and a bit amused at Rei's outburst.
"Sorry," she replied, her irritation at the situation starting to show. "I was hoping to avoid a scene."
But a scene was becoming unavoidable as young, excited voices started to rise.
"Oh, my god! It is AINO MINAKO!"
"SKWEEEEEEE!"
"Aino Minako? Where, I don't see her? Oh! Over there? I still don't...boh! Oh god, you're right! It IS her!"
"MINAKO-CHAN!"
"WE LOVE YOU, MINAKO-CHAN! OVER HERE!"
MI-NA-KO-CHAN!
Minako turned a bit and tried to scrunch down lower in her chair, hoping to discourage the now growing mob of teens bouncing up and down around the room.
"Who's that sitting with her?"
"I don't know. She looks familiar though."
Suddenly self-conscious, Rei cut her eyes over at Hiroshi and nodded, looking for an escape route. Any escape route.
"I've got it! THAT'S Hino Rei-sama!"
"No way!"
"Really? Ya think?"
"I'm sure! That's got to be her!"
"Oh, my god, she's so-o-o cute! The papers don't do her justice!"
"Let's go get their autograph!"
"I want a picture with them!"
"MINAKO-CHAN!"
"REI-SAMA!"
As the mob headed toward their table Rei stood, horrified as it seemed to surge toward them. Seeing Hiroshi moving forward to slow them down, Rei grabbed Minako's hand and bolted toward the kitchen entrance. Dodging waiters and tables, she made it safely into the kitchen itself where she paused briefly at the confused looks of the chef's staff. Bowing briefly, she turned and headed out the back door with Minako still in tow. Up a short ally, and out onto the main street Rei realized her mistake quickly.
"There they are! MINAKO-CHAN!"
"REI-SAMA!"
Turning sharply to her right, Rei took off, never once losing her grip on the idol's hand. Damn, it was hard to make any real speed in skirts and high heels, but she was determined, and she knew these streets and alleyways like the back of her hand. Fortunately, the sidewalks weren't that icy from the shear amount of foot traffic from the tourists, and Rei confidently added a burst of speed when the noise behind them seemed further back after her last turn.
Around a corner, then up a short alleyway, over into the next street, and down another alleyway that ran behind Andre's Bistro.
Then, up ahead she saw what she was looking for: the forest and the beginning of the brickwall that marked the edge of town.
Never stopping, Rei headed straight for the wall. Dodging behind it, she pressed her back against its cold cover, and pulled a breathless and laughing Minako into her arms.
"Ssssh!" She warned, looking back over her shoulder. "They'll hear you."
"I don't care! That was fun!" Minako replied, slipping her arms around Rei's waist.
Frowning, Rei turned back toward the idol singer to retort at her rather carefree manner. But instead, she found herself caught by the vision in her arms. Still a bit breathless, Minako was looking straight into Rei's eyes, her cheeks flushed from their mad dash, and a happy grin on her lips. The moonlight reflecting off her pale skin gave it a warm, vibrant glow, and her eyes... her eyes were twinkling with delight like two stars on a cloudless night.
Mesmerized, Rei felt herself pulled, as helpless as steel before a magnetic force. At first she resisted, tearing her eyes away from Minako's, and reached up instead to cup her cheek with hesitant fingers. Fascinated, she watched the motion of her own hand as the skin she found beneath her fingertips proved soft, smooth and surprisingly warm as Minako spontaneously blushed at her touch.
Before she could stop herself, she looked again into the warm caramel color of her eyes and was lost once again, just as she had been so very long ago. With gentle yet firm insistence, she closed her eyes, leaning forward to answer the call of both their hearts, and placed her lips softly against Minako's.
First there was a spark...
Followed by another...
Lips delicately became reacquainted, gently touching and caressing each other. Then, the spark became a flame as Minako parted her lips and Rei eagerly excepted her invitation to deepen her exploration.
Rei's mind seemed to go blank, except for her awareness of Minako. The smell of her, like honeysuckle on a summer day. The feel of her in her arms, like a missing link to her own soul. The taste of her. She had forgotten just how wonderful her partner's kisses had always tasted: an intoxicating mix of sweet strawberries and cool vanilla that was uniquely Minako's. Feeling a warmth beginning in the pit of her stomach, Rei tightened her hold and felt Minako's arms reach around her neck pulling her closer still, the fingers of one hand moving up to caress the back of her head.
This was bliss.
Minako herself was in heaven and she felt her heart rejoicing over and over again.
She had waited so long. Endured so much. And now her love was finally here in her arms again.
Tears of joy began to trickle unchecked down her cheeks and her body tingled in delight as she could feel herself begin to melt into Rei's fierce and passionate embrace. One thing was for sure.
Memories were no substitute for the real thing.
How long they stood there, they had no way of knowing, nor did they care, lost as they were in each others touch and taste and feel.
The next thing they became aware of was a loud CRASH from the rear of the nearby restaurant.
"You idiot! I can't believe you tossed out all my au jus! I swear, if your mother wasn't my sister, I'd..."
Jolted back into the real world both young women stood, still locked in each other's arms, and looked at one another. Both seemed startled, but warily expectant. Minako was the first to speak.
"Are you okay?" she asked fearfully, as she searched Rei's eyes in the limited light. Unconsciously, she reached up and stroked the priestess' cheek.
"I'm... I'm fine," Rei assured her, though she still looked pretty shook up.
"Are you sure?" Minako asked again. "Really Rei, just your friendship means all the world to me and I'd never try to force you to Mmmm..."
Leaning forward, Rei quickly silenced her with a warm, possessive kiss that lingered in the offing, and Minako felt her equilibrium tumble into oblivion. It was several moments later before Rei reluctantly broke their kiss.
"Does that feel forced to you?" she asked raggedly, her breath warm against the side of Minako's face as her lips lingered against the softness of the singer's cheek.
As the idol singer shivered and shook her head 'no', Rei reluctantly reached up and took her hand, squeezing it firmly.
"Come on, we'd better go back. Hiroshi will be waiting for our call so he can come pick us up. We need to find something to eat and you need your beauty sleep," she said as they cautiously walked back out of the alley and entered the sidewalk.
Feeling her fingers interlace with Rei's, Minako's smile widened, and she decided more teasing was in order. "Oh. So you think I'm in need of some beauty sleep? That seems rather rude of you!"
Unfazed, Rei continued down the street, swinging their hands gently. "If I really thought that sleep was the secret to your beauty, it would be okay with me if you never slept again."
"I see," the idol singer said, haughtily. "And why is that?"
Rei stopped and turned the other woman to look her in the eyes. "Because you could never be more beautiful to me than you are right now," Rei answered, simply.
Feeling a sudden thrill and her cheeks burning bright red, Minako remained silent for a few moments before she finally collected enough of her gleefully scattered wits to retort.
"Oh. Well, if you feel that strongly about it... I guess..."
"I do," Rei assured her as they turned to start walking again. "However, I do think it would be a good thing if we both continued to get a proper night's rest."
"Why?" Minako asked, enjoying the interplay.
"Well, to dream for one thing," she said. "Wouldn't want to miss out on any great ones, right?" she asked, as she tucked Minako's hand snuggly into the crook of her arm.
Shaking her head, Minako said firmly, "No. I disagree."
"Why?" Rei asked, surprised.
Resting her cheek against Rei's arm, Minako smiled and said, "I've recently discovered that dreams come true are so much better."
Late Friday Evening
Moonlight bathed the darkened room in silvery hues as it played across the hardwood floor and reflected off the polished surfaces of the heavy maple furniture. The only other light came from the fireplace, which added the pop and snap of burning wood to the otherwise silent peace of the hotel suite.
Sitting on the couch in front of it, wrapped in each other's arms, neither Rei nor Minako could think of anywhere else that they would rather be. Warm, content and well fed, they were concerned only with this moment and each other.
The restaurant, embarrassed by the scene that had caused their most prominent guests to vacate the premises so quickly, had more than made up for the snafu by providing their Senator's only child and her well-known celebrity friend with a private upstairs room. Both chefs had excelled in the meal that followed and the service had been both charming and excellent. Then, to top it off, they had comped both their meals and Hiroshi's as well. A kind of 'thank you' for the bodyguards help in restoring order to their usually quiet and elegant establishment.
Rei and Minako both had been thoroughly impressed and tipped the staff very well indeed, promising as they left to return again on their next visit to Appi Kogen.
Which had now brought them here, to the comfortable and safe solitude of their own suite where they had both 'slipped into something more comfortable' and settled in together to admire the fire and bask in each other's company.
Totally contented, Minako snuggled more comfortably into the safe haven of Rei's arms and smiled when she felt Rei gently tighten her arms in response. Looking up, she searched Rei's eyes as they met her own, looking for answers to questions only her heart could ask.
Then, as if of one accord, they both leaned forward and their lips touched. Once. Twice. Three times and then it didn't seem to matter much anymore as tongues met and began their own delicious dance of love.
As their breathing grew heavier, Minako felt Rei's lips move to her neck, just below her ear and she involuntarily gasped, then held her breath, afraid that just as she had the night before, Rei would suddenly withdraw taking, her warmth and passion with her as she left.
But this time it didn't happen.
Instead, as if encouraged by Minako's response, Rei redoubled her efforts, her hands sliding over Minako's hips only to stop there and pull the idol closer still. Her cheek pressed against the side of her face, her breath warm against her ear just before she placed a gentle kiss there, and then her eyes, her cheeks, her lips, only to then return to her neck. Once there, she worked her way slowly down until she reached the sensitive point where neck and shoulder met.
Minako was shaking with delighted ecstasy, and her hands moving firmly up and down Rei's back, caressing and kneading the muscles she could feel as they played under her fingertips. She could feel Rei's lips as they worked warmly against her pulse point and then the light flick of her tongue, followed by a touch of cool air as Rei lightly blew against the same spot.
What she felt at that moment was purely sensual, and as a soft convulsive moan escaped her lips, she curled closer still into the other woman and raked her nails down Rei's back.
Rei's reaction was instinctive and immediate. Feeling her body temperature start to rise, she almost growled, then lifted her flashing eyes to meet Minako's. Eyes locked together, Minako felt Rei's hand slip under her top and begin to softly caress the heated flesh and soft curves beneath it.
She closed her eyes as tiny shivers of delight invaded her world.
Dear gods, was this really happening?
At that point Rei's fingers paused, and her body, against her will, tensed, her breathing becoming ragged and uneven.
Was it too much to ask for, too soon?
Minako felt the other woman's warm hand trembling against her bare middle and realized that unfortunately it really was. They needed to stop.
Barely able to control her own shaking frame, she took a deep breath as she felt Rei breathing heavily above her, and sensed both her will to go on and her need to stop warring with each other.
Reaching up, she pulled the priestess down into her arms and held her close to her heart. "Ssssh, Reiko. Ssssh," she soothed, her hand beginning to softly stroke away the tension she could feel under her fingertips. "It's okay, baby. I understand. When you're ready and only then, okay? I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here."
As Minako's words began to sink in, Rei started to relax. Her breathing slowing back down to a more normal level, and eventually she relaxed completely. Lowering her head she rested it against the idol's breast, her body stretched out along her side as Minako softly stroked her hair with a soothing hand.
Several minutes slipped away in silence as Minako continued to hold Rei against her, feeling the tension slowly leaving her body until all was normal again. Finally Rei took a deep, cleansing breath.
"That was... unexpected," she said, her voice hushed in the silence of the still room. She shivered once, then shook her head vigorously as if to clear it. "So, tell me," she asked quietly. "Was that kind of what 'making love' is like?"
Minako smiled in the darkness. "Yes. And... no. Not really. But it was getting there. That was actually what's referred to as 'making out'."
"Oh," Rei said in a small voice.
"It often leads to 'making love'," the idol added.
Minako heard the other girl swallow heavily before she spoke again. "You mean it gets more... intense than that?"
Minako's memories of the Silver Millennium flashed through her mind and her face flushed a deep red she knew Rei couldn't see.
"Oh yes," she confirmed. "You can safely say it does."
Rei was silent for several minutes and Minako could practically hear the gears turning as Rei processed that information before speaking again.
"So, um. I know you've been all over the world, and uh, met lots of people and um, I was wondering if you uh..."
"Have you?" Minako asked before Rei could even finish her rambling question.
Rei's startled eyes looked up into Minako's and she blurted out, "No! Of course not!" Her voice clearly indicated her indignation at the very thought.
"And why is that?" the idol asked. "You're young, single and attractive. I'm sure you could have had anyone you wanted," she added, her tone almost conversational.
"I never wanted anyone else," Rei answered as of it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Not like that."
"Neither did I," the other woman stated simply. "But, why?" Minako gently prodded. But when Rei didn't give an immediate answer she continued. "Most people our age don't seem to have a problem 'hooking up'. They're constantly falling in and out of love, or even just lust, on a regular basis. What do you think makes us different?"
"I... I don't know," Rei answered. "I don't remember..." But then a distant memory began to surface in her mind, filtering through many, many layers of thought and time...
Mars and Venus before the High Alter in full formal dress uniforms.
One of the older Martian Temple priests. She believed his name was... Raimus.
The altar contained the sacred fire, bellows, anvil and hammer.
The rich, full baritone of the priest as his solemn voice reached out into both of their open hearts...
"Forged in the sacred fire of life, two hearts are made into one at their most elemental level. In this way shall two souls thus bound together move forward in time.
Stronger
More flexible
Able to hold the very keenest of edges.
Unbreakable
Inseparable
As one they shall travel through all of their lives, even from this day forth and until the very end of time itself. For this is the will of Father Mars! Those whom he has forged together, let no one attempt to sever, lest he forfeit his very soul into the eternal flames of the holy forge of life that he has so flagrantly defied!
If both Rei and Minako understand the significance of this ceremony and are in full agreement with it, they may temper this forging by sealing it with a simple kiss...
Rei blinked and her mouth dropped open in disbelief. "We got married?" she cried, her shocked eyes looking at Minako for the truth.
"No, not exactly," Minako confessed. "Marriage is 'til death do you part'. We were forged. It tends to go a bit deeper than that."
"How deep?" Rei asked, though she was already pretty sure she knew the answer.
"Like 'until the end of time' deep," Minako confirmed.
Almost as if listening to the voice of another inside her head, Rei said thoughtfully, "Marriage is for life. Forging is for eternity." Looking up at Minako she sought conformation. "Yes?"
Minako smiled and took her hand. "Yes. It's a 'soul's connected forever' type thing."
"Oh. Well, I guess that explains a lot about us both," Rei said wryly. Shaking her head, she grinned in relief. "After all these years I was starting to think maybe I was just asexual."
Minako busted out laughing and pulled the priestess back down against her chest. "I assure you, you are most definitely not asexual!" she said kissing Rei firmly on the lips. "On the other hand, I think I can safely say that from the first moment I saw you, I was completely and totally Rei-sexual."
Rei groaned at the silly pun, and Minako laughed all the harder as her partner shook her head and tried unsuccessfully to hide the adorable blush that colored her cheeks, even in the firelight's glow.
"Can we just forget you ever said that?" came her muffled voice from somewhere around Minako's chest.
"Sure," Minako answered as her fingers began to slowly sift through the other woman's long, dark hair. "Care to help me forget?"
Raising her head, Rei found her mouth mere inches away from Minako's. "It would be my pleasure," she whispered, her breath softly caressing the singer's lips mere seconds before her own laid claim to them again.
Who knew what tomorrow would bring? The fire remained blessedly silent for now and the world was at peace. But, as for tonight?
Tonight was a night for love.
End Chapter 12