Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Sailor Moon. Mwuahaha! (:
I'm settling for a different couple this time around. Rei x Jadeite shipping.
Rei Hino walks into her apartment, her heels clicking against the floor, her shoulders slump from the weight of the day. She tosses her bag onto the couch and takes a deep breath, letting out a soft sigh of frustration. Work had been draining, and she just needed to escape for a while.
"Fuck my boss and the high horse he rode in on." She tells herself. She knew she was right about those business ventures and none of this would have happened if he listened to her instead of chasing tail with some bimbo.
Rei's mind goes to which of her friends are free tonight to dance and maybe have a drink. A night out with them could be the perfect way to unwind. But then, as if on cue, Rei remembers Usagi's usual pattern.
"Right... Usagi's probably with Mamoru, off in some cozy corner of the city, talking about love and destiny." She chuckles to herself at the thought, knowing Usagi would never pass up an evening with Mamoru.
Then her mind shifts to Minako. A sly smile crosses her face. "Minako... she's probably busy challenging Kunzite to some ridiculous arm-wrestling match. And knowing those two, it's probably more about bragging rights than anything else." She imagines the fiery exchange between Minako and Kunzite—always intense, always competitive. But Rei knows that after those challenges, their nights likely end in... less competitive, but equally intense ways.
A small smirk tugs at her lips. "Guess it's just me tonight, huh?"
Rei glances at the clock. It's late, but she doesn't care.
Her eyes fall on her closet. A quick change of pace, a bold statement—she needed something to make her feel alive again. She pulls out a striking black dress, sleek and form-fitting, with delicate silver details along the neckline that shimmer under the light. She pairs it with her favorite boots, the ones with the slight heel that gave her just enough lift without compromising comfort. A swipe of dark eyeliner, a few curls in her hair, and she's ready.
She shakes her head, deciding that tonight she's not waiting for anyone. She's got her own vibe to follow, and it's one of freedom, energy, and letting go. With a final look at her phone to confirm no new messages, she moves onward, confident in her decision to take the night for herself.
Rei steps out onto the bustling street, the warm night air wrapping around her like a welcome embrace. She lifts her hand, hailing a taxi as the neon lights from nearby signs flash in the distance. A few seconds later, a yellow cab pulls up in front of her. She slides into the backseat, her mind already racing toward the next step of the evening.
"Electric," she says, her voice steady and clear, as she gives the driver the club's name. The driver gives her a questioning look before typing the name into his GPS and Rei has to wonder if this place is so new that cab drivers never heard of it or if this driver is just new. Either way, as long as he does not try anything funny, she does not care. She just needs to be somewhere that is not her apartment tonight.
The car takes off, weaving through the city's nighttime traffic. Rei leans back in the seat, her thoughts drifting to Minako's enthusiastic recommendations. "It's the newest hotspot, Rei! The vibe is electric, literally!" Minako had told her with a grin, describing the place as having everything: thumping music, cutting-edge style, and a crowd that knows how to let loose.
Rei's lips curl into a small smile at the thought. She'd always been curious about this place but had never felt like going alone—until tonight. Tonight, she was going to take in the energy of the club and see if it really lived up to all the hype.
As the taxi speeds through the streets, Rei feels a surge of anticipation. She can already hear the bassline thumping in her chest as the lights of the city blur into a haze of excitement.
The cab pulls up in front of the club, and Rei steps out, her boots clicking against the pavement as she surveys the sleek exterior of Electric. The line outside isn't too long, and the doorman gives her a nod of acknowledgment as she approaches. She smiles confidently and slips inside.
The moment she enters, the atmosphere hits her—dark, pulsing, alive with movement. The music is loud and heavy but not overpowering. It's the perfect balance, and Rei feels herself drawn into the energy of the crowd. She doesn't hesitate, walking toward the center of the floor where the lights flicker, and the bass vibrates through the air.
For the first time that day, Rei feels free. No work, no pressure—just the music and the rhythm calling to her. She's ready to lose herself in the night.
"Yes!" She squeals not knowing if anyone hears her nor does she care.
Jadeite lounges in a darkened booth at Electric, the dim lighting casting shadows across his face as he leans back against the seat. His usual sharp, calculating gaze is softened by the weariness of the day, and he's not in the mood for any of this. A few buttons on his shirt are undone, revealing a glimpse of the well-toned muscles beneath. The music thuds through the floor, but it doesn't resonate with him—too shallow, too repetitive. He's used to more... refined atmospheres.
Jadeite's frustration runs deeper than just the shallow atmosphere of the club. His eyes narrow as he recalls the events of the day. As a rising star in the film industry, he's been working tirelessly to establish his reputation, but it's not always easy when others—especially those who think they know better—stand in his way.
The particular colleague he's thinking of, this someone with more experience but a less discerning eye, had questioned his decisions on a crucial project. Jadeite had pushed for a certain direction, one that he knew would lead to something fresh and innovative. But this colleague had been dismissive, overriding him at every turn. In the end, it cost them both valuable time, and worse, money—a lot of it.
"Amateurs..." Jadeite thinks bitterly, swirling the contents of his glass. His colleagues seem to think they have all the answers, but they don't understand the risks he's willing to take, the bold choices he's not afraid to make. And tonight, it feels like everything he's worked for is overshadowed by their ignorance.
It's frustrating, knowing his instincts were right all along, but having no one trust him enough to back his vision. That's the real reason he's here tonight—trying to drown out the echoes of failure, even if just for a little while.
His mood doesn't lighten as he watches the crowd
A few women glance his way, noticing the aura of intrigue that always surrounds him. One or two even approach him, tossing playful smiles and flirting their way toward his table. But Jadeite doesn't even give them the time of day. His hand rests on the drink in front of him, his expression bored as he watches the chaos around him.
The night scene is too loud, too brash, with people everywhere trying too hard to stand out. It's not what he's in the mood for. There's no depth here, no real connection—just people looking for temporary distractions. He sighs and takes a sip of his drink, his mind still on the grind of the day, thinking about everything except the women who want his attention.
He leans forward, elbows on the table, his posture tense but relaxed in its own way, as he watches the crowd. He's seen it all before—easy interactions, shallow flings. It's not his scene. Not tonight.
His eyes scan the room, and for a moment, they stop when they catch sight of a woman moving confidently through the crowd.
"Interesting…" he thinks, his gaze locking onto a limber, ebony haired woman sashaying onto the dance floor. There's something about the way she carries herself—her energy, her presence. He cannot help but watch her move. She doesn't belong here in the way the others do. She looks different from the rest, someone who might actually understand what it's like to push boundaries, to stand apart from the noise. Maybe that's why he can't tear his eyes away. Or maybe, just maybe, it's a distraction he doesn't mind for once. She's not chasing after anything. Jadeite's curiosity sparks slightly, though he tries to suppress it, not eager to get caught up in whatever distractions this night might bring.
But something tells him that tonight might not be as uneventful as he'd hoped.
As the music shifts, the fast tempo that had been keeping everyone moving in a frantic buzz slows to something deeper, more seductive. The beat is slower now, rhythmic, with a sensual pull that seems to reach deep into the soul. Rei feels it immediately—the way it wraps around her, urging her body to move differently, more fluidly.
She's always been a natural on the dance floor, but tonight, something about this beat speaks to her. Her hips sway, her movements smooth and controlled, matching the pulse of the music in a way that feels almost instinctual. She closes her eyes for a moment, letting the rhythm take over. Every step, every turn, is calculated but effortless.
The crowd responds to her energy. Some people—mostly women—watch her with admiration, their expressions filled with respect for the way she commands the space. There's an undeniable power in the way she moves, and Rei knows it. She lets herself glow, feeling more alive than she has all day.
But not everyone is there to appreciate her artistry. Rei can feel the eyes of some men on her, their glares shifting from curiosity to something far more inappropriate. Their stares are hungry, the kind that try to strip her down without a single word spoken. She's used to it, but tonight, it annoys her more than usual. She doesn't need that kind of attention.
As she spins on the floor, her gaze flicks toward one of the men in the back—a man who seems to stand out from the rest. Blonde hair, eyes that seem cold but shining in the lights of the room, calculating. She pushes the thought aside, focusing on her movements again, not letting herself be caught in the web of anyone else's gaze tonight.
Her body moves with confidence, a stark contrast to the lustful stares of those around her. She's here for herself, and the music is the only thing that matters right now.
As Rei continues to dance, fully immersed in the rhythm, a few voices rise above the music—loud, crude, and disrespectful. The catcalls start, their words laced with intent that makes her skin crawl, but Rei doesn't falter. She hears them, yes, but she doesn't let them affect her. She's been through this too many times, and tonight, nothing is going to break her focus.
Her body moves with an even more defiant grace, her chin lifted slightly as she dances through the crowd, clearly uninterested in the attention. She doesn't acknowledge the men who are now whispering to one another and throwing out their advances. Their words hang in the air for a moment, before fading into the beat of the music as she tunes them out completely.
Rei's movements flow like water, elegant and unbothered, as if nothing could touch her.
A few of the men glance around, unsure how to react to her indifference. Some start to lose interest, realizing they can't get under her skin. Others, however, still watch her with that same possessive hunger.
Jadeite, still watching from his booth, notices the exchange. His gaze shifts slightly, his interest piqued, but not for the reasons the men might expect. He sees the defiance in her every move, the quiet power she exudes. There's something about her—something different. The way she refuses to let herself be reduced to the way they see her... it strikes a chord with him. He might just be more curious than he'd like to admit.
One man emboldened by the lack of response from Rei and the steady flow of alcohol in his system, strides toward her with an overconfident swagger, his eyes locked on her every move. He doesn't seem to notice—or care—that she's clearly not interested in his advances. With a grin on his face, he attempts to insert himself into her dance, positioning himself too close for comfort, his hands reaching out as if claiming her space without permission.
Rei freezes for a split second, the music still pulsing, but her eyes harden as she glances at him, taking in the audacity of his move. Her body stiffens slightly, her face betraying a fleeting hint of irritation that she quickly masks. Without missing a beat, she subtly steps back, creating distance between them, her movements smooth and controlled. Her eyes never leave his as she moves to reclaim the space she was enjoying.
It's clear this is not how Rei operates. She's used to men trying their luck, but she's also not someone who tolerates that kind of intrusion. The man stumbles slightly, thrown off balance by her sudden retreat, but he seems to think it's a challenge, moving forward again with more persistence. His grin widens, and he makes another attempt to get closer.
That's when Jadeite, still sitting in the booth, feels his eye twitch—a reaction he can't quite explain. He watches Rei's body language shift, noting how she seems to be asserting control of the situation, but there's something about the man's persistence that doesn't sit well with him. Maybe it's the fact that he's intruding on someone who has clearly set their boundaries—or maybe it's something else.
Jadeite's fingers tighten around his glass as his gaze sharpens. The tension in his jaw is barely noticeable, but there's a flicker of something more primal beneath the surface. He can't quite put his finger on it, but the situation feels wrong. Rei deserves more respect than this.
His eyes remain fixed on the scene, unwilling to look away, waiting for her next move. Something about her refusal to engage in this kind of power struggle is what holds his attention. He might not know her, but he knows enough to see that she's no one's possession.
Rei's next move is decisive: she takes another step back, then turns on her heel, spinning with a sharpness that sends the message loud and clear. She's not here for this. Her hand flicks out, not aggressively, but with enough force to brush past him—enough to make it clear that he's in the wrong. She moves forward, leaving him standing there, his arrogant grin faltering as she glides back into the rhythm of the crowd.
The man's ego takes a hit, and as Rei moves away from him, he's left staring after her, unsure of what just happened. Meanwhile, Jadeite's jaw tightens, his eyes lingering a moment longer before he finally looks away, but the irritation still lingers under the surface.
Rei, meanwhile, remains unbothered, her confidence unshaken. She continues to dance, her movements more deliberate now, as if to say she's in control of her night.
As the music changes once again, Rei decides she's had enough of the dance floor for now. The constant barrage of unwanted attention, the lecherous glares, and the constant energy of the crowd are starting to wear on her. With a final glance over her shoulder, she moves with purpose through the crowd, stepping off the floor and toward a quieter part of the club.
Her boots click against the polished floor as she walks, each step graceful but purposeful. She spots an empty spot at the bar, in the corner. It's just far enough from the chaos to give her some space, but not too far to feel disconnected. She slides onto the seat, the soft fabric of the seat welcoming her, and immediately feels a small sense of relief.
The moment she sits, she's acutely aware of the eyes still lingering on her from across the room. She's not sure who they belong to, but the sensation is unmistakable. Some are admiring, some are more... possessive, but she keeps her cool, letting her guard stay up. She doesn't allow herself to be distracted by them.
She signals the bartender, who nods and steps toward her. "What can I get you?" he asks, his tone friendly but efficient.
"A gin and tonic, please," she replies, her voice steady, betraying none of the frustration that had started to build earlier in the evening. As the bartender gets to work, Rei takes a slow, deep breath, letting herself relax. She's here for her own peace of mind, after all.
The music is still thumping from the dance floor, but from this distance, it's more of a background hum now. Rei lets the beat fade into the background, her mind wandering for a moment. "I needed this," she thinks, taking a moment to appreciate the quiet.
But just as she starts to settle, her thoughts flick back to the earlier moment—when she saw him. The man with the cold, calculating eyes. Briefly she wondered what his name could be. There's something about him, something she can't quite place, but the way he watched her from the booth, not with the usual lecherous gaze, but with something... different. It was almost as if he understood.
She shakes her head, trying to dismiss the thought. "I'm overthinking it," she mutters under her breath. But even as she takes a sip of her drink when it arrives, she can't quite shake the feeling that her night isn't done yet.
Rei's fingers curl around her glass as she takes another sip, the cool liquid settling her nerves. She's finally found a brief moment of calm, enjoying the quiet respite from the chaos of the dance floor. But just as she starts to relax, she feels the shift in the atmosphere—another presence approaching her from behind.
The man sidles up to the bar next to her, his cologne overpowering the air between them. He's dressed well, his suit sharp and crisp, the kind of man who makes it clear with just a glance that he sees himself as someone of importance. He offers her a smirk, a glint of arrogance in his eyes.
"Don't think I've seen you out here before," he begins smoothly, leaning in just a little too close for comfort. "You should come back on the dance floor. It's not every night a woman like you gets the chance to dance with someone of my... stature." His voice is dripping with self-assurance.
Rei doesn't flinch. She doesn't even look at him directly at first, keeping her gaze on her drink as she finishes the last sip. "Here we go again…" she thinks, the familiar script of men who think their status means they get to have anything they want unfolding before her.
She sets the empty glass down on the counter, finally turning her head slightly to meet his gaze. "I'm fine here, thank you. I'm not interested in dancing right now."
Her tone is calm, polite, but firm. She doesn't miss the way his smirk falters for a moment, a flicker of disbelief crossing his face. He's clearly not used to being turned down. He steps closer, as if trying to close the space she's carefully created.
"I'm not sure you understand, sweetheart," he says, his voice now taking on a more condescending edge. "I'm someone who's well-known. People don't say no to me. But maybe you're just not aware of who I am. Let me enlighten you."
Rei's patience thins. She's had enough of this tonight. With a small, almost imperceptible sigh, she stands up, gathering her things with a fluidity that suggests she's been through this more times than she cares to count. She meets his gaze fully now, and there's a quiet authority in her eyes that's hard to ignore.
"Let me make it clear, then," she says, her voice cool and composed. "I don't care who you are. I don't dance for anyone unless I choose to. And right now, I'm choosing to enjoy my night without being harassed. So please, back off."
The man, his pride wounded by Rei's refusal, stewed for a few moments before he can't take it anymore. He watches her sitting there at the bar, unfazed, and the sense of being slighted grows unbearable. He's used to being the one in control, the one others bow to—after all, people like him don't get rejected. It's unacceptable.
With a surge of arrogance, he places a heavy hand on her shoulder, gripping it with a force that's just a bit too much for comfort.
"Come on, sweetheart," he says, his voice dripping with entitlement, "I'm not taking no for an answer. You're coming back to the dance floor with me."
Rei's body tenses under his touch, and she immediately feels a surge of frustration bubbling up. Her hand twitches slightly at her side, her nails pressing against her palm as she remains seated. She had hoped this wouldn't escalate, but clearly, this man doesn't understand the meaning of personal space—or rejection.
Just as she's about to respond, her gaze flicks toward the side of the bar. A presence that's been lingering in the background suddenly becomes undeniable. The man's hand is still on her shoulder, but now, there's someone else watching, someone with a sharp, almost threatening look in his eyes.
Jadeite. His gaze locks onto the man's hand, then flicks to the man's face, a coldness in his expression that sends a clear message to anyone paying attention. The air in the room seems to shift slightly, a tense undercurrent forming as Jadeite stands from his booth, his movements slow and deliberate.
The man, still completely unaware of the brewing storm, continues to try and physically pull Rei away from her perch at the bar, misreading the situation entirely. But as his fingers tighten on her shoulder, Jadeite steps forward, his presence commanding attention.
"Is there a problem here?" His voice is calm, but it carries an authority that makes the air feel thicker, more oppressive.
The self-important man freezes, slowly turning to face the newcomer. His eyes widen slightly as he takes in Jadeite's stance, the way he holds himself—there's an air of someone who doesn't need to announce their importance because it's already clear.
"I—uh—nothing you need to worry about, buddy," the man stammers, his bravado faltering under Jadeite's steady gaze. He starts to withdraw his hand from Rei's shoulder, his posture shifting awkwardly as the realization sets in that this is not a fight he wants to pick.
Jadeite's gaze doesn't waver, his eyes never leaving the man's. "I don't think she's interested," he says, his tone sharper now. "So, I'd suggest you walk away... quietly."
Rei watches, surprised at how easily Jadeite manages to control the situation with just a few words. She hadn't expected him to step in, but something about the way he handles the man makes her feel a flicker of relief.
The self-important man stumbles backward, clearly unnerved, as Jadeite takes another step forward, his gaze unwavering. "Go," Jadeite says, his voice quiet but with a finality that brooks no argument.
With a huff and a mumbled insult under his breath, the man finally turns and slinks away into the crowd, his ego thoroughly deflated.
Rei, still sitting at the bar, glances up at Jadeite. Her expression is unreadable at first, but there's a slight tilt of her head, as though she's trying to assess him. She's not sure whether to thank him, to challenge him, or to just pretend the whole thing never happened.
Jadeite turns toward Rei with a fluid motion, his eyes softening ever so slightly as he surveys her, ensuring that the confrontation is truly over.
He takes a step closer, his gaze steady, but with a hint of something more beneath the surface—perhaps curiosity, or maybe just an unspoken understanding of how the evening had unfolded.
"Are you okay?" he asks, his voice low, careful. The concern is clear in the way he looks at her, though it's tempered by a quiet confidence. "I saw what happened back there."
He pauses for a moment, letting the words settle between them before continuing, "If you don't mind, may I join you?" His tone is polite but direct, and it carries a subtle challenge, as if offering her a chance to choose whether or not she wants his company.
Rei is silent for a moment, the events of the evening still lingering in her mind. She's been through more than enough unwanted attention tonight, but there's something different about the way Jadeite carries himself. She can feel it in the air, the ease with which he commands respect—not just from the room, but from her as well.
"Jadeite." He introduces himself.
"Rei." She follows suit.
She looks him up and down, her gaze slowly taking in his appearance. His stature is tall, with an athletic build that's visible even beneath his tailored clothes. The way he stands, calm and assured, suggests someone who doesn't need to prove himself—yet his presence still demands it. His green eyes are intense, catching the dim light of the club, and his thick blonde hair adds to his striking appearance. There's something magnetic about him, the kind of man who seems to naturally pull people in without effort.
A small smile tugs at the corner of her lips as she meets his gaze, her own eyes briefly flicking over his features before returning to his eyes. "Not bad," she thinks, her lips slightly curling as she nods.
"I'm fine, thanks to you," she says, her voice smooth, though there's a touch of gratitude in it that she doesn't bother hiding. "And yes, you can join me. I could use a change of pace."
As Jadeite slides into the seat opposite her, she feels an odd sense of relief settle over her. For some reason, his presence seems to make the rest of the club feel more bearable. She watches him for a moment as he settles in, wondering if he knows what kind of effect he has on people—or if he even cares. There's something intriguing about him, something she's not ready to put into words just yet.
As the bartender approaches, Rei gestures toward him. "A drink for my friend," she says smoothly, giving Jadeite a glance. "What's your poison?"
Jadeite's lips curve slightly at her casual demeanor. "Whiskey, neat," he replies, before turning back to her. "So... tell me, what's a woman like you doing in a place like this? I would imagine this isn't quite your scene."
Rei leans back in her seat, enjoying the moment of peace, but her mind doesn't fully let go of the tension from earlier. The night is far from over, and for some reason, she feels like this unexpected encounter might be just the beginning of something... interesting.
"I'm just tired," she begins, the words slipping out more easily than she expects. "It's been a long, frustrating day. Work was a mess—constant pressure, and then my boss decided to be a philandering sleaze instead of listening to me when I was telling him we are about to waste time." She takes a pause, exhaling slowly. "So yeah, I needed to get away. Thought a night out would help. But clearly, that didn't go exactly as planned."
She offers a small, dry smile, one that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "And then I had to deal with men like that—" she gestures vaguely toward the crowd—"like I'm some kind of trophy to win."
Her voice trails off, a hint of exasperation lingering in her words, but she quickly pushes it aside. It's not worth dwelling on. Not tonight.
As the bartender places Jadeite's whiskey in front of him, he takes a slow sip, letting the cool liquid settle as he listens attentively to Rei. When she finishes, his expression softening.
"I'm sorry to hear that," he says sincerely, his eyes meeting hers with an empathy that seems almost too rare for this place. "It's frustrating when people don't trust you, especially when you know you're right. I get it." He takes another sip of his drink, then sets it down, his hand resting lightly on the edge of the table. "My day wasn't much better. Spent hours dealing with impossible colleagues, and don't even get me started on the decisions that were second-guessed… cost me a lot of time and money too. I get the feeling that tonight was supposed to be some kind of escape, but it seems like that's harder to come by than we'd like."
His tone is almost a mirror of hers—frustrated, yet with a subtle undertone of shared understanding. Jadeite's voice carries no pretension, and for a moment, he seems like just a man who's had enough of the same old struggles, even if his world might be a bit more glamorous than hers.
"I don't know if this is the answer," he adds with a slight smirk, "but maybe getting away from all that for a bit, even if it's just here, can at least help make things seem a little less... impossible."
Rei's lips curl into a small smile, a bit of warmth returning to her expression as she nods in agreement. She leans back into the booth, crossing her arms but in a more relaxed way now. "Maybe you're right," she says, her voice less tight than it had been earlier. "Sometimes, you just need a little space from it all, even if it's just for a drink and a conversation with a stranger."
Jadeite chuckles lightly at that. "Well, I'm glad to be that stranger for you tonight."
The moment feels strangely comfortable, as if their shared frustration has created a little bond between them. There's still an edge of tension in the air, but it's not the kind that makes her feel cornered or trapped—it's the kind of tension that suggests that maybe, just maybe, things might turn around.
The conversation between Rei and Jadeite flows effortlessly as the night stretches on. The music has settled into a slower, more atmospheric rhythm, and the noise of the club fades into the background. The two of them share stories—nothing too personal, but enough to make each other laugh and feel a bit lighter after the long, frustrating days they'd both had. There's an unspoken ease between them, the kind that doesn't come around often, and it's enough to keep them both engaged.
For the first time that night, the weight on her shoulders feels a little less heavy. Still, the clock is ticking, and the world outside is waiting. She shifts slightly in her seat, her eyelids growing heavier with each passing minute.
She tries to stifle it at first, but eventually, a soft, involuntary yawn escapes her lips. It's a small gesture, but in the stillness of the booth, it somehow feels like the signal that her night is coming to an end.
Jadeite notices immediately. His gaze softens, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. He'd been watching her, captivated not just by her beauty but by the ease with which they had connected. But now, seeing her yawn, he realizes that the night—at least for her—has come to a close.
She stretches a little, trying to shake off the last remnants of the day. But she doesn't make a move to leave just yet. Instead, her eyes flick to the door, then back to Jadeite, a small sense of reluctance creeping into her chest. She hadn't expected to enjoy herself as much as she had tonight, and now, leaving feels a little like cutting off something good too soon.
Jadeite, sensing her hesitation, leans forward slightly, his eyes locking onto hers with a gentle seriousness. "If you'd like, I can escort you out," he offers, his voice sincere. "Make sure you get a taxi safely, especially after everything that's happened tonight."
Rei blinks, a bit surprised by the offer, but then she smiles. It's not an offer she's often given, and she appreciates the gesture more than she lets on. She meets his gaze, and there's a warmth in her eyes now, a mixture of gratitude and something else she can't quite place.
"That would be... nice," she says, the words slipping out easily. "Thank you."
She stands from the booth, the motion fluid and graceful despite the weariness that's settled into her limbs. Her heels click softly against the floor as she gathers her purse, her eyes meeting Jadeite's with a quiet confidence. He stands too, moving with the same smoothness, ready to follow through on his offer.
As they make their way toward the door, Rei's pace slows just a little, the weight of the night finally catching up to her. She yawns once more, though this time, it's with a more relaxed air. She's ready for the comfort of her bed, but a part of her doesn't want the night to end too quickly. Not when she's found an unexpected kind of solace in this strange, chance encounter.
Jadeite walks beside her, his presence steady and reassuring, and she can't help but feel a little lighter. For the first time all night, she allows herself to fully let go of the tension that had kept her so tightly wound.
By the time they reach the street, the cool air hits her face, and Rei feels the weight of the world on her shoulders shift just a little. She turns to Jadeite, her gaze holding a quiet appreciation.
"Thanks, Jadeite," she says simply, her tone sincere. "I didn't expect tonight to end like this, but I'm glad it did."
Rei stands there for a moment, looking at Jadeite as the night air surrounds them. The weight of the night—the frustration, the unexpected connection—lingers between them. As she gazes up at him, something shifts inside her. The flicker of warmth she feels when he around isn't something she's ready to let go of just yet. And as she takes in his sharp features, the intensity of his green eyes, and the unspoken understanding they've shared, the thought that she might never see him again unexpectedly strikes a chord deep within her.
A sense of longing stirs, unfamiliar and sudden. It's like a quiet realization—one she's not fully prepared for but can't ignore. The possibility of never crossing paths with him again feels like a loss she doesn't want to face.
Before she has the chance to think it through, her instincts take over. Without fully realizing it, she grabs the front of his jacket, pulling him closer to her. The action is bold, something outside of her usual composed self, but the moment feels right. Her heart beats faster in her chest as she stands on the edge of a decision she never thought she would make.
Before she can second-guess herself, she presses her lips to his in one fluid motion. It's not a gentle kiss, but an intense one—bold, full of emotion, and a little reckless, as if she's trying to imprint this moment on both of them, to make it something unforgettable. Her fingers curl into the fabric of his jacket, and she feels the warmth of his body against hers. Everything else fades—the club, the night, her worries—leaving only this kiss.
For a moment, the world stands still.
Jadeite doesn't pull away. Instead, he responds, his hand moving to her back, pulling her closer. There's a fire in the kiss, a mix of both yearning and something deeper, like an unspoken understanding that they're both craving more than just the fleeting, casual encounter they'd shared earlier.
When they finally break apart, breathless and slightly dazed, Rei's heart races in her chest. Her mind is spinning with the boldness of what she just did, but a part of her feels... alive in a way she didn't expect. She doesn't even know what she's feeling exactly, but in this moment, she doesn't care.
She looks up at him, her chest rising and falling with the pace of her breathing. Her lips are tingling, still feeling the heat of their kiss, and she can't quite bring herself to say anything for a few seconds. The air between them feels charged, heavy with a new kind of tension.
"I—" she starts, but her words falter for a second. She's not sure what to say. What do you say after something like that?
Jadeite, equally surprised by her boldness but clearly not displeased, gives a small, almost amused smile, his green eyes still locked on hers. "I wasn't expecting that."
Rei's breath catches, and she gives a small, sheepish shrug, though the warmth of the kiss still lingers in her expression. "Neither was I."
A brief silence passes between them, but it's comfortable, like they both understand there's no need to rush into anything more. No need to fill the air with words that might ruin the moment. Still, a small part of her wonders whether this is just a fleeting spark, or if it could lead to something more.
"Maybe I'll see you again?" she ventures, her voice soft but hopeful. It's an odd question to ask after a kiss like that, but she can't help herself. The thought of never seeing him again doesn't sit well with her.
Jadeite looks at her for a moment, a quiet smile tugging at his lips. He takes a step back, but there's a lingering warmth in his gaze.
Rei's heart skips a beat at that, and though she doesn't have a clear answer yet, she feels a spark of anticipation. Maybe this is just the beginning. Or maybe it's a moment that will stay with her, a story of one unforgettable night.
Either way, as she watches him turn and disappear into the night, she knows this isn't the last time she'll think about the man with the green eyes and the calm confidence.
The question is, do we continue this beyond one more chapter?