Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Past Lives ❯ Perfect ( Chapter 1 )

Past Lives - By Kirika

 

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The first real chapter! >_<

 

I must say it's interesting continuing this Rei/Usagi story again. Absence was my first fic, and I think my writing style (and quality, I hope!) has changed (for the better) since then. Hopefully that will make for a story that has much (*much*) less grammar, spelling, plot, and continuity errors. *crosses fingers*

 

That said I suspect it's going to be hard as hell living up to the subject matter of Absence. Nothing's worse than a sucky sequel, so hopefully the plot I have will be a match for the original. Writing about affection between the established couples will be fun though! >_<

 

- Kirika

 

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Chapter 1 - Perfect

 

 

This was it. The final battle. Alone they faced each other, two bitter enemies in a feud that could never be put peaceably aside. In this ravaged war zone they met for the last time. Ash fell from the blood-red sky and the ground was scarred and burnt from countless other fights--violence was what this land knew, and was a fitting arena for the pair. There was no pity in their eyes, no mercy would be sought or given, and there would be no remorse for the loser.

 

“Once and for all, it's to be decided,” Usagi said gravely. “Only one of us is walking away from this.”

 

“Yes,” Rei replied coldly. “*Me*!”

 

The warriors threw themselves at each other without hesitation, fists striking at the same instant, knocking them both back. Rei grimaced and dropped low, sweeping with her leg at Usagi's, hoping to rob the girl of her own. But the blonde was too quick, somersaulting over her head and kicking her in the back.

 

“You're going to have to do better than this!” Rei snarled nonetheless.

 

She sprung from her crouch, smashing her elbow into Usagi's face, blood spraying as the warrior staggered. Grinning, Rei punched the other girl twice in the chest in quick succession and finished with a solid spinning kick to the head. Usagi was sent whirling to the ground, hitting hard.

 

“Not looking good for you, Usagi!” Rei taunted again, still grinning wildly.

 

Usagi climbed to her feet and jumped at Rei, however the blonde's incoming attacks were greeted with the raven-haired girl's raised arms, blocking the furious barrage. Rei tried the leg sweep again, this time easily tripping Usagi onto her back. The blonde couldn't take much more of this.

 

“Alright, limiter released!” Usagi cried, standing once again.

 

Rei rolled her eyes and charged forwards, hoping to end the bloodshed with a single devastating combo, when suddenly Usagi warped backwards in a blur and was propelled in a spinning ball into the air, before diving like a rocket into Rei, spearing her again and again and again.

 

Rei wobbled, blood spurting from nearly everywhere, and then collapsed, her life drained.

 

“K.O.! Player one, win!” intoned the announcer.

 

“Yessss~!!” Usagi squealed, standing up and jumping up and down around her bedroom, wireless controller waving above her. The long tails hanging from her blonde trademark dumplings on either side of her head jumped with her, as though sharing their owner's excitement.

 

Rei remained seated cross-legged on the floor, stunned. “What…. What was that?!” she exclaimed, staring at the television screen for answers. “What was that?!” she yelled again, turning around to confront Usagi. “This is *so* fake. You can't do moves like that in real life. Fake! This is ridiculous! I don't even know any special moves. You cheated!”

 

“Whatever, Rei! I am the grand champion of the world!” Usagi said, her victory celebration undaunted by the other girl's vehement protests. “Except for Shingo,” she admitted, deflating a little. “I still can't beat him. Guess that makes me just a plain old champion, right?”

 

“Why don't you *cheat*, you're sure to beat him then,” Rei grumbled matter-of-factly, tossing her controller aside.

 

“Rei~!” Usagi whined. “I didn't cheat! You just… well, you just, um, suck.” The blonde awkwardly smiled and lifted her shoulders sheepishly, suddenly interested in one of her giant plush bunnies that was conveniently located well away from Rei.

 

“Thanks,” Rei deadpanned. “Once I learn to cheat like *you* I'll be better.”

 

“Rei~!” Usagi whined once again, returning her gaze to the miko. “Now you're just being mean!”

 

Rei folded her arms huffily and turned back to the television, her back to the other girl.

 

“Reeeee~iii…” Usagi drawled softly before her whisper was next to Rei's ear, and her arms wrapped around the raven-haired girl's neck from behind.

 

Rei's smile was blissful as she felt Usagi's warm body mould against hers and the blonde's breath caress her cheek. She brought her hands up to Usagi's arms, holding them around her, and closed her eyes, relishing the moment. She felt Usagi's smile tug against her cheek, followed by her Princess's gentle lips.

 

“I love you,” Usagi said quietly afterwards.

 

And she meant it. Sometimes Rei still had trouble believing it; it was too wonderful, too *perfect* to be real. Every morning she woke up thinking that yesterday's heaven must have been a dream, yet the dream and reality were proven the same time and again. Happiness like this wasn't supposed to be possible except in books and in movies; in fantasy; least of all for Rei. But here it was, and it was hers.

 

Usagi loosened her embrace and circled around to sit in front of Rei, fitting in the Senshi of Passion's lap. Rei slowly opened her eyes to an understanding, patient and caring smile on her girlfriend's gorgeous face. “I love you too,” Rei said, gazing into Usagi's blue eyes and rubbing one of the blonde's arms up and down, both of them still enfolded behind the miko's neck.

 

“I won't suddenly just stop, Rei,” Usagi said sincerely. “You're in my heart; you're a part of it. You make it whole.”

 

Rei lowered her head, embarrassed. Her Princess saw everything. “I'm sorry.”

 

“It's okay,” Usagi said. She grinned and ran her fingers through Rei's bangs. “I never knew you could be this cute!”

 

“What do you mean by that? I'm cute,” Rei said defensively, lifting her head to frown at Usagi. “I was always cute.”

 

“Um, sure you were…” Usagi said, stretching the words so they were anything but heartfelt. She tapped a thoughtful pointed finger against her bottom lip. “Never cuter than me, though.”

 

“Now I know this isn't real,” Rei dryly retorted.

 

“Rei~!”

 

Usagi pushed Rei over as the miko giggled unrepentantly, the blonde sitting on top of her, straddling her and pinning her wrists to the floor. It was always like this--the squabbling; the seemingly hot and cold moods; the teasing. It must drive their friends crazy. Rei wondered if they realised her fights with Usagi were very rarely serious. It was just how the Senshi of Fire and the Moon Princess were. They were still the bickering best friends butting heads, only now much more than that. No matter the argument or the insult, just behind it was the affection they shared for each other, with kisses and laughter readily afterwards. Their barbs were blunted, their anger lukewarm…. It was their love that was genuine.

 

“Wait, U-Usagi…. I'm-- I'm on a controller…” Rei complained, struggling to get it out from under her.

 

Usagi wasn't listening. She leaned down gleefully and kissed Rei full on the mouth, her tongue numbing the raven-haired girl to the hard plastic digging into her back. Rei's eyes fluttered shut and she leisurely danced with her lover, her own tongue joining Usagi's in matched rhythm, tasting and feeling.

 

The girls' lips separated with a soft wet smack, and Usagi touched Rei's cheek, staring deeply into the miko's equally rapt amethyst gaze. Her other hand crept to the hem of Rei's t-shirt, shy fingertips tickling just underneath at the suddenly sensitised skin. She had that certain glimmer in her eyes; that certain smoulder in her look; that certain cast to her face, half-guarded, half-inquisitive, and all wanting.

 

Rei sighed and angled her head back, glancing out the bedroom's only window at the darkened sky. “We shouldn't…” she whispered. She favoured Usagi's yearning with regret and her own burgeoning longing. “We'll have tomorrow.”

 

“We can be quick,” Usagi whispered back, her hand pushing under Rei's top, tracing her taut stomach, coming close to her chest.

 

Rei's breathing had become heavy, and she had to swallow to moisten her dry mouth. “You're never quick,” she smirked rakishly.

 

Usagi smiled coyly and got off of the miko, walking to her bed and sitting on its edge. “Only because you can't get enough of me, Rei,” she declared innocently. “That's not my fault.”

 

Rei rolled over and climbed to her feet, idly rubbing the spot where the controller had been jabbing into her. “Don't flatter yourself, odango atama,” she said.

 

Usagi just kept smiling. She knew it was true.

 

Standing with one hand on her hip, Rei released a long, deep resigned breath and walked up to Usagi, before bending down so she was face to face with her. “Alright, I can't.” The Senshi of Fire shrugged. “I've no dignity when it comes to you.” Rei smiled broadly, unmoved. There was nothing she wouldn't give up for her one true love.

 

A reddish tinge dusted Usagi's cheeks and she bowed her head, though her eyes stayed timidly with Rei's. Rei felt her face start to heat in tandem, finding it difficult to keep looking her Princess in the eye.

 

“Usagi, dinner!” Ikuko called, rapping on her daughter's bedroom door.

 

Rei and Usagi leapt apart as the door opened a second later, the blonde almost banging her head on the wall adjacent to her bed while the miko stood on that pesky game controller and almost stumbled into the TV.

 

Ikuko looked between them in the doorway; smiling brightly and oblivious to the havoc she'd caused. A ladle was in her right hand, although why she had brought it upstairs was a Tsukino-brand mystery. Rei swallowed hard and said nothing, deciding she had a need to admire Usagi's posters, while the blonde was even less wily and simply sat, looking down at her hands, squirming and coming across like guilt incarnate.

 

“Usagi, dinner,” Ikuko said once again, the break in the silence easing the awkwardness only a fraction. Ikuko Tsukino, Usagi's mother, was accepting of her only daughter's romantic relationship with her best friend… somewhat *too* accepting. Rei still remembered the `talk' she and the woman had had that one morning. How could she forget it? It had followed her first real date with Usagi and her first night naked in Usagi's bed, held in Usagi's arms after overwhelming passion and love had dictated that sleep would be a secondary need. There had been a lot of firsts that night. The two experiences; one with mother and one with daughter; had been *enormously* different in terms of enjoyment. Ikuko was either the greatest mother for a girlfriend to have, or the worst. Rei couldn't settle on one over the other, but on occasions like this she leaned towards the latter.

 

“Oops, I'm sorry!” Ikuko suddenly apologised, hopping back and closing the door, though peeking through the tiny gap she had left. She batted her eyelashes innocently. “I was interrupting something, wasn't I,” came her slightly muffled voice. “I know you girls need your privacy!” The way she said it just unabashedly screamed that `privacy' entailed all sorts of deviant bedroom frolicking… which she endorsed. Yes, definitely the worst mother for a girlfriend to have.

 

Rei and Usagi looked at each other, pained. This was why they tried not to sleep together in the Tsukino house when the blonde's parents were home. It was just too weird. The thought of Ikuko listening to their vocalised lust and affection and nodding away in approval was just…. No. Not to mention the rest of Usagi's family perhaps getting an earful. That first morning after in the apparently thin-walled Tsukino house was to be relived as seldom as possible--when Ikuko Tsukino and Kenji Tsukino were around to comment and cringe respectively, at any rate. As for Shingo, Rei didn't want to traumatise him, or risk turning him into some pervert, and naturally Usagi wasn't exactly comfortable with her brother hearing her either. Rei did miss Usagi's bed and her room, however, and always savoured it when they did find themselves alone in the house… or willing to go ahead with their love regardless of who was home.

 

“Mama, *please*~!” Usagi finally cracked, half-wailing and half-whining, bouncing to her feet to confront Ikuko.

 

“Rei, are you staying for dinner? I can set an extra place,” Ikuko asked, astoundingly somehow ignorant to the strain she was inflicting on her mortified daughter. Rei didn't fair very well with the stress either of course, but the Moon Princess had to live with the awkwardly candid woman.

 

“Ahh…” Rei looked uncertainly over her shoulder out the window again. “I don't know. It's getting late….”

 

“Stay for dinner, Rei!”

 

The door swung open and a pink-haired head popped out from behind Ikuko's long skirt, belonging to a young pint-size girl around Shingo's age dressed in a blue sailor fuku. Some of her vivid locks were gathered up in twin bunny ear buns piled on top of her head, the sisters to a certain blonde's dumplings. “Usagi should've invited you!” She pulled down one eyelid with her finger and blew a loud raspberry at the offending teenager.

 

Usagi made a face and stuck out her tongue in answer, then folded her arms and turned up her chin away from the girl, a real picture of maturity.

 

Rei loosed a longsuffering sigh. You wouldn't think they were mother and daughter the way they acted. The `Pink Terror'--if Usagi was to be believed--was Chibi-Usa, the Princess's child from the Silver Millennium, some distant time in the future. Her initial visit to this century had been to solicit aid from the Sailor Senshi, however now she was apparently a Sailor Senshi herself in training, and was living in the Tsukino household posing as Usagi's cousin to further that end--except mostly she just got under the blonde's skin somehow. Rei supposed they were too alike to get along when they were both at this young age. Chibi-Usa's real name was even Usagi; her nickname was the product of the older Usagi stubbornly establishing her original claim to the name. Rei, and probably everyone else who knew the pair and their quarrels, had been thankful that Chibi-Usa had come to accept it.

 

“Now, now,” Ikuko lightly chided, “let's not pressure her if she can't.”

 

“Pleaaaaaase, Rei?” Chibi-Usa begged anyway.

 

Rei turned to Usagi and saw her Princess had ceased sulking and was looking at her with hesitant hopefulness, her face doing all the asking. How could Rei resist either Usagi. Grandpa and Yuuichirou would have to cope with another evening without her at the Hikawa Jinja.

 

Rei put her hands on her knees and bent down to Chibi-Usa. “Only if you're there too,” she said with a smile.

 

Chibi-Usa beamed back at her, and nodded earnestly. “Rei's sitting beside me!” she announced a moment later to Ikuko, looking up at the woman.

 

“No she's not!” Usagi cried, seizing Rei's arm. “Mama, tell her!”

 

Rei heaved another sigh as her chin wearily dropped to her chest. Usagi treated Chibi-Usa like an annoying kid sister, but the miko couldn't do that. Rei felt the weight of responsibility whenever she looked upon Chibi-Usa… because she was looking at her own child. Usagi wouldn't birth the diminutive princess by herself; somehow, through the magic of the Ginzuishou and their mutual love, life would be joined between Rei and Usagi--or Neo-Queen Serenity, as the blonde would be known as in the Silver Millennium. At least that was how Chibi-Usa had explained it, in a muddled, convoluted way that included Sailor Mercury originally taking a crack at facilitating Rei and Serenity's biological prerogative, but the study apparently proving too slow for the impatient couple. The heiress still hadn't said if it was Rei or Serenity who would carry her to term, and when the miko prodded Setsuna for that information the woman simply smiled enigmatically, and somewhat irritatingly. At any rate, it would have to be Serenity. Rei was ninety-nine percent sure. Eighty percent sure. Pretty sure.

 

“Let her sit next to me this time, Usagi,” Rei coaxed, straightening while the blonde still clung to her arm.

 

Usagi gaped incredulously at her, as if Rei had just told her she was actually an alien, and had whipped out the tentacles to prove it. “Why?!” the Princess eventually got out following several moments of speechless staring.

 

Rei patted Usagi's hand consoling where it was on her forearm and favoured the teen with an apologetic look. Rei tried her best to handle Chibi-Usa like a mother would, however she'd not had her own mother for most of her life and the responsibility of having a child had been abruptly thrust upon her, leaving her pretty much feeling her way blindly towards what she hoped was good parenting. She took cues from Ikuko where she could, being that the woman was the sole fulltime mother Rei was regular witness to, although at her own discretion, naturally. The notion of talking to Chibi-Usa like Ikuko had to her was up there with Rei's worst nightmares. Generally Rei endeavoured to be a fine example for Chibi-Usa, and indulge the pink Princess when she was able. Unfortunately that typically came at the cost of upsetting Usagi. Usagi hated it that Rei `always' took Chibi-Usa's side.

 

Chibi-Usa grinned jubilantly, though it was not an innocent smile the way it was directed at Usagi, who quietly seethed at the younger girl's mocking joy. “Let's go, Rei!” Chibi-Usa said; taking Rei's hand and leading her out the bedroom while Usagi was left to scurry behind, holding the Fire Senshi's other arm.

 

It was impossible to tell that Chibi-Usa had truly hated Rei a scant few months ago. Fearing for her very existence and for the sake of her then father, Mamoru, Chibi-Usa had strongly fought against Rei being in love with Usagi. She hadn't been the only one scared either, with Hotaru actually coming to blows with Rei as Sailor Saturn. Needless to say it had been a tense time back then. But the turn around Chibi-Usa had experienced was startling, though very welcome. She now even called Rei `Rei-mama' sometimes. *That* had taken some getting used to. Setsuna had explained that it was the new timeline settling in, ironing out the paradoxes and reforging destinies. Rei had just been grateful that Chibi-Usa was the same person she remembered her as. Apart from having an additional mother, the little princess still had pink tresses and red eyes, and took after Usagi. The infatuation with Rei was something entirely novel however, much to Usagi's fury. The blonde really should have anticipated it; it had been the same when she'd been dating Mamoru.

 

At the Tsukino dinner table a ceasefire had been dealt, with Chibi-Usa at the foot of the table beside Rei, and Usagi seated to the right of the raven-haired girl resulting in everyone being happy… until the troublemaking pair fought over the new prize--pork cutlets, and who got how many. Shingo just groaned and concentrated on eating and maybe managing to sneak away one or two cutlets, while Kenji seemed bent on pretending nothing was happening at the other end of the table, and Ikuko simply tittered lightly as if the whole thing was normal, which, for the Tsukino household, it really was. Rei was accustomed to it as well; this wasn't the first occasion she'd shared a meal with her girlfriend's family. However, despite the relaxed and fun-loving atmosphere, Rei maintained her table manners and politeness before Mr. and Mrs. Tsukino at all times. She wanted them to like her, even though they probably did already; that everyone acted as themselves at the table with Rei present was testament to that. Usagi's family accepted Rei here; they accepted *Rei*, and her intimate involvement with their daughter and sister.

 

The threat of being hit with splattered food notwithstanding, Rei liked sitting at Usagi's dinner table. Around her was what a real family was like. She'd never known it before loving Usagi. Her mother was gone and her father was as good as gone, and while her Grandpa strived to provide her with a sound home environment, it wasn't like this. Rei delighted in every bite of Ikuko's scrumptious cooking, every minute of familial banter between the Tsukino's, and even Usagi and Chibi-Usa's war over food. Her Princess had given her so much and probably didn't even realise it.

 

Solemnly Usagi handed Rei her coat as the miko put on her shoes in the genkan. Dinner was over, and it was time for Rei to go home. Yet the Tsukino house was feeling more and more like it over the Hikawa Jinja every day. It was never harder saying goodbye than now; tomorrow was Monday which meant school--different schools separating Rei and Usagi--and thus the longest time they'd go without seeing each other.

 

Usagi opened the front door for Rei, swinging it out. Her lips parted to speak, but they quickly closed and she lowered her head, gazing glumly at Rei under her bangs.

 

“Tomorrow, odango atama,” Rei said, stepping out onto the front doorstep, out into the night. She turned back around to her Princess and smiled faintly. There were so many things Rei wanted to say to Usagi about how she felt; how much love for the blonde was in her chest and what it was like, what it did to her, what she'd do if she no longer had it or no longer had her; what she'd do for her, that nothing was a sacrifice if given up for her. But Rei didn't have to. She could serenade Usagi to the end of time with monuments of her love for her, and say nothing that the Moon Princess didn't already know. Usagi knew Rei's heart, and Rei--still half unbelieving that she honestly did--knew what was in Usagi's heart.

 

“I hate the waiting.”

 

Rei smiled wider at the quiet confession, yet still as softly. “So do I. But I know that at the end of the waiting is you. I could wait forever, if I knew it was for you.”

 

“Rei…” Usagi whispered breathlessly, averting her eyes. Rei saw her blush. “I still hate the waiting,” the blonde admitted a few seconds later.

 

“Then I'll call you before school in the morning,” Rei laughed.

 

Usagi produced a big smug smile on her face and nodded once in firm accord. “Mm!”

 

Rei tentatively took Usagi's left hand in her own, their fingers curling together slowly, entwining with a natural motion. With her other hand the miko cupped her lover's chin and leaned close, closing her eyes as their lips touched in a long, luxurious final kiss goodnight.

 

“Goodnight, my Princess,” Rei whispered into Usagi's ear as they held each other a moment later, savouring one another's scent, and feel, and warmth one last time.

 

The Senshi of Passion pulled back a little and gently pressed her forehead to Usagi's, their breath mingling in the inches separating their lips.

 

“I love you,” Usagi breathed.

 

“I love you,” Rei breathed in answer.

 

It wasn't enough time, but it would never be enough. They had an eternity to spend together, and yet it felt too little.

 

Rei sighed and stepped back from Usagi, keeping her hand in the blonde's before they were forced to let go. The raven-haired girl put her suddenly cold hands in her coat's pockets and walked the footpath to the street outside the Tsukino house. At the end she looked back to see Usagi still standing in the front doorway.

 

“Get inside, odango atama!” she called back, grinning. Finally Usagi began to close the door, but the Fire Senshi didn't hear it click shut before she had disappeared behind the house's front garden wall.

 

It was dark enough for the streetlights to be on and Rei's grandfather would probably be put out by how late she'd turn up at the shrine, but it had been worth it and Grandpa would get over it. It wasn't the first time Rei had had to make this long walk home at this hour. And she'd make it again without a thought for the consequences. This life she had now; it was everything she'd ever wanted, everything she'd ever felt she'd needed. It should have been impossible. Usagi should have merely been her best friend, never kissing her, never loving her in the manner the girl did now. Usagi and Mamoru had been the `meant to be'. Their past lives had said so, fate had said so.

 

But Rei had fought for it. She'd simply followed her heart, wading into countless battles, her life hanging by a thread in every one, consumed by so much pain. So much pain; her very soul battered and bruised. Yet Rei had endured nothing compared to the torture of her unrequited love for her best friend. She hadn't always been in love with Usagi, however looking back to those early days shortly after learning her life was tied to a princess from an ancient kingdom on the moon, she couldn't figure out why that was. Sometimes Rei thought it was because Usagi was a girl, and it had taken time to emotionally associate the blonde as someone she could feel for in that fashion; the miko hadn't particularly been attracted to the female form before falling for Usagi. She'd never seen herself with anybody, really; she certainly hadn't had a mind for boys, for sure. Mamoru had been the first and the last. He'd been attractive enough; a real catch on paper and Rei had liked it; had liked him--however, a long time after the fact she had realised it had been for all the wrong reasons, mainly a foolish effort to madden Usagi and perhaps get her attention.

 

All of Rei's struggles for Usagi's heart had been misguided, futile, and maybe even selfish. She'd challenged fate with everything she'd had, but you couldn't force someone to love you or be with you. In the end it had been Usagi's choice that had redeemed Rei when the Senshi of Passion had given up on her love and her life. With four words Usagi had shattered fate's chains once and for all, reshaping it for herself and the true love she'd found, and giving fire back to a soul.

 

The world around Rei and Usagi; it was theirs. This was their happily ever after. The fighting and the suffering, the heartache and the rejection; they were distant memories put aside, not worth dwelling on. These were the days beyond the conclusion of the fairy tale, when everything was just right forever and ever. For the first time in a long, long time, perhaps the first time *ever* that she could recall, Rei was content. She smiled more, she was eager to start each day, and her temper wasn't what it used to be. She felt like a different person; a renewed person. Rei was *happy*. She had finally found her peace.

 

Rei Hino strolled down the street under the yellow glow of the lamps overhead. She was Sailor Mars, Senshi of Fire and Passion, and her girlfriend was Usagi Tsukino, Sailor Moon, Senshi of Love and Justice, the Moon Princess and future ruler of Crystal Tokyo. They were in love. And life couldn't be more perfect.

 

******

 

“Cheers!” Minako banged her juice glass against the assembled mugs and solitary cocktail glass, her enthusiasm sloshing beer over Mamoru's hand and wrist from his cup. He winced and made a longsuffering face at the bubbly blonde, who winked and stuck out her tongue a margin in a childlike semblance of apology. “To the Singles Club. We're alone, but that doesn't mean we're undateable losers!”

 

Minako took a big guzzle of fizzy orange juice while her companions dubiously sipped their beverages.

 

“My girlfriend's only abroad,” Motoki said. Blonde like her and quite nice looking, Motoki Futuhata worked part-time at Crown Game Centre--an arcade--although he always seemed to be there when Minako and her friends went there to goof off. He was friends with Mamoru, and they attended the same university. That association was probably why he was often tagging along, dragged into their singles fellowship. Motoki was alright though. He knew Minako's, Mamoru's, and the rest of the Guardian Senshi's true identities, and hadn't even run to a sole newspaper for profit. That was okay by Minako.

 

“You always say that, and I'm telling you, it's over,” Minako replied, patting Motoki's shoulder in a commiserating fashion. “Reika's been gone for, what? One, two years now? Yeah, it's over.”

 

“But we talk almost every day on the phone!” Motoki said, still clinging onto the fantasy.

 

“Let her go,” Minako said kindly, nodding her head encouragingly. “She's probably got another boyfriend in Africa,” she went on, swirlingly her finger around in the ring of condensation from her glass. “Maybe two, that cheater. Who can blame her, though? She's been alone for years.”

 

Motoki stared wordlessly into his beer mug before turning to Mamoru beside him. “Mamoru, I need to go. I have to call her.”

 

“Think of what you'll save on long distance,” Minako casually continued, sighing as she drew hearts in the moisture, slouched with an elbow on the wooden table and her head in her hand.

 

“Reika's fine,” Mamoru said, still mopping up spilt beer from the sleeve of his shirt with a napkin. “She loves you.”

 

“Usagi loved you,” Motoki blurted, before immediately grimacing afterwards. Oh boy, the `U' word. She was still a tender subject for one Mamoru Chiba. He was more than a university student blessed with dark, handsome features--he was Tuxedo Kamen; the always well-dressed masked hero with a fondness for roses; and Endymion, the Prince of Earth, heir to the planet's throne. Well, the male throne anyway. *She* had the other. It must be tense in Crystal Tokyo right now--or, it would be in a thousand years time. Mamoru put on a brave face however, and was gracious about being dumped for a Sailor Senshi, one of the Princess's bodyguards. Accepting even. What else was there to do, Minako supposed. He was a better person than her; that much was for sure. If it had been Minako, she would have bawled and moped for more weeks than he had, and at least tried to make Usagi and Rei's lives as miserable as hers. Snide remarks, prank calls; you name it.

 

A faint, resigned smile touched the Senshi of Love's lips. Or maybe she wouldn't do those things. She knew the bitter taste of lost love too. Sometimes a person had to lose their love for another to find theirs. The heart sought what it wished; you could only fight against it for so long.

 

Minako's small smile broke out into wondering. Rei, of all people. And *Usagi*, of all people! It still surprised her, even now. Love was meant to be her forte, but it had taken her a while before she'd sniffed this one out, and even then she'd not been absolutely sure until prodding the pair into confession. They'd always been arguing. They were *still* arguing! Perhaps even more of a marvel was that it had worked out. Rei and Usagi were together now. A bona fide couple. The Princess had a new Prince… cess. Minako had never been one for the ladies, but love originated in different places. She'd thought that Usagi had at least been as boy hungry as she was though, and Rei had seemed semi-interested when she wasn't being frigid or fiery. Minako guessed she was really alone now. Even Makoto and Ami were in the girls' club, although she'd always suspected something between *those* two.

 

Mamoru froze for a second, then tossed the sodden napkin onto the table, it hitting with a wet splat. “She…. That's…” he strained, staring hard at the table. “It's different.”

 

Even Minako was smart enough not to joke about this. His was a private pain; she could understand it. He'd get over it, maybe, but there wouldn't be a cure. Mamoru would carry it the rest of his life, secreted away in some deep place in his heart. He was a good guy and deserved better, however Rei and Usagi deserved their happiness as well. Minako had mulled over filling the hole left by the Princess now that Mamoru was suddenly on the market, but they'd never been serious thoughts. The torch he carried for Usagi might make things sticky. Minako wasn't sure he'd be able to love anyone, nevermind her, like Usagi. Besides, it would be kind of weird. She didn't think he was even her type. What would her friends think?

 

Gloom had descended on the table despite the jovial atmosphere around them in the rest of the bar. It eventually happened, on every evening they came out and tried to have a good time together and forget their sorrows. Minako supposed they weren't the most ideal people to hang out with. They were all far above her in age bracket for one.

 

“Perhaps it's time to go home,” Setsuna suggested, putting down her half-finished cocktail and pushing it away, beside the empty glasses and mugs in the centre of the table. “You have school tomorrow, Minako.” Setsuna Meioh, Sailor Pluto. Time's Keeper, and a beautiful woman to boot. Long dark green hair, refined features, a sophisticated personality… what's not to like? She looked terrific for her age. Yet somehow she was single like everyone else at the table. While it was true Minako wasn't one for the ladies, there was an exception to everything, wasn't there? She and Setsuna had a little… something, between them. A little touch here, a little kiss there…. It was relaxed, comfortable, nothing too serious for either of them. Setsuna was all maturity, and Minako was… less so. Maybe that was good, the girl didn't know. Opposites attract and all that--look at Rei and Usagi, or even Ami and Makoto. It still hadn't clicked like that for Minako and Setsuna though. Casual was all it was for them; nothing that would revoke their single status. The Senshi of Love wasn't sure if she wanted it to be more.

 

“Thanks for the reminder,” Minako murmured morosely. She glanced at Setsuna, but the woman seemed distracted, looking off to the side and apparently not having noticed the blonde's sarcasm. “Whatever. Let's go then.”

 

Minako chugged down what remained of her juice in a few hearty gulps, and snatched up an uneaten croquette from the leftover food for the road, and another to wrap up in a napkin and slip carefully into her pocket. “Well guys. You're always the life of the party,” she said to Mamoru and Motoki as she stood up to leave.

 

Motoki managed a smile for her and Mamoru bobbed his head, but she envisioned more beer in their future after she and Setsuna departed.

 

Half of her croquette was gone by the time Minako had thrown down a handful of yen on the table and joined the throng outside in the narrow street lined with nightclubs, bars, and restaurants, and enough neon lights for every colour of the rainbow. Roppongi was as alive as it always was at night.

 

It was a short hop back to Azabu and Juuban, but Setsuna usually insisted on a taxi. Minako pushed her way through the crowds, croquette in mouth, until she got to a main road.

 

Setsuna's arm appeared over her head as the woman hailed a taxi. Almost on automatic pilot, Minako clambered inside the vehicle once it stopped, chewing the last of her evening meal. Setsuna sat inside too, and leaned forward to softly tell the driver the Aino address.

 

The nightlights flashing by the window coaxed Minako's attention as the taxi ferried the Inner and Outer Senshi back into the Azabu district. The blonde anticipated Setsuna's advances at any moment, but she never felt the hand on her thigh or the breath at her neck. She supposed it was fortunate; she didn't feel in the mood tonight. And after a discreet look at Setsuna, the Senshi of Time didn't seem up for it either. Sometimes the woman fell into these worlds of her own, gazing off, closed to the real world left around her. Minako guessed that when the complete history of the universe was yours to survey, anything in the present was rarely considered.

 

“Night,” Minako said as she got out of the taxi and onto her familiar street.

 

“Goodnight,” Setsuna responded.

 

Minako didn't look back as she walked up to her front door. She heard the taxi hum as it quietly drove off. The girl turned back then, however she'd left it too late--there wasn't anything to see in her street.

 

Minako used her key to enter her house and kicked off her shoes once inside, replacing them with her fuzzy yellow slippers.

 

“Welcome home. Did you have a good time?” her mother idly called when Minako closed the front door, all but announcing her arrival.

 

“Yeah!” Minako cheerily replied, before jogging up the stairs to her room. Her parents thought nothing of her late night jaunts from her time as the crime-fighting Sailor V. They had of course believed she was simply a bit of a partygoer--and the blonde had snuck out and back in without their knowledge more than a handful of times, just in case she became too prolific and put how laidback they truly were to the test. They were good parents, she supposed. Oblivious to their daughter's calling as a Sailor Senshi, and never hindering her activities.

 

Minako shut her bedroom door behind her. She left the light off, letting the moonlight through her window be her guide. “Artemis,” she beckoned as she sat at her vanity and started taking off her earrings.

 

“Minako,” came the cat's little voice. The Senshi of Beauty saw his white body spring onto the bed in the mirror, and a second dark feline form follow the edge of the bed, four paws padding on the floor.

 

“Oh, Luna's here?” Minako said, removing her bracelets and other jewellery. Artemis and Luna, apart from being talking pussycats marked with a gold crescent moon on their foreheads, had been the advisors to Queen Serenity in the Moon Kingdom, leaving their home planet of Mau to serve. On the eve of the kingdom's destruction, they had been cast to Earth in a deep sleep, only waking once the Guardian Senshi had been reborn thousands of years later to counsel the girls as they had the old Silver Millennium's monarchy. Artemis had found Minako first, grooming her as Sailor V. He'd been by her side ever since. Luna on the other hand stuck close to Usagi. Normally.

 

“Usagi's with Rei,” Luna said, not with a little frustration.

 

Minako smirked. That explained why she was here. Luna still wasn't fond of the Moon Princess loving the Senshi of Fire and Passion and visa versa, despite the world not imploding like she had threatened it would. She didn't approve of Ami and Makoto's relationship either for that matter, alluding to a dangerous split of loyalties between each other and Usagi. As the Princess's head bodyguard, Minako sort of understood the latter. Ami and Makoto were as dedicated as Rei or herself however--they were a couple like Haruka and Michiru, and no one questioned that pair's allegiance. She still deemed that Luna was overreacting and needed to lighten up.

 

“Giving them privacy? That's sweet of you,” Minako teased.

 

“That's not funny,” Luna whined grumpily. “All Usagi does is talk my ear off about Rei!” She sighed and wrinkled her nose, whiskers twitching. “At least you still have a good head on your shoulders.”

 

Minako swivelled around on the vanity's bench to properly face the vexed cat. “How would you feel if I said you couldn't see Artemis anymore? Or you could, but not in the way you wanted? The way you needed?”

 

“Wait, M-Minako…!” Artemis quailed.

 

“It's not the same,” Luna defended. She looked somewhat bashfully at her mate. “Our… feelings… weren't fated. Usagi and Mamoru… Serenity and Endymion…. It was destiny.”

 

Minako sighed. She remembered a time when Luna had been opposed to Usagi and Mamoru being together too. “Maybe you and Artemis *are* fated. Maybe for Usagi and Rei it *is* destiny.”

 

“But would you gamble with the world for that?” Luna persisted, while Artemis, aghast, glanced back and forth between his blonde charge and his fellow feline. “We've strayed from what we know. I know what Setsuna said, but….”

 

Minako turned back to the mirror. She looked herself in her blue eyes. “Sometimes destiny isn't a good thing, Luna. Not when it forgets about you.”

 

“Minako…” Artemis said softly.

 

“Oh Artemis, I forgot. I brought you a croquette,” Minako said with a grin, turning once again to the cats.

 

“You did?! Yay!” Artemis cheered, bouncing on the bed.

 

She pulled the slightly squashed potato treat from her pocket. “I'm sorry it's cold. You can share it with Luna, if she would like.”

 

“It's fine!” Artemis squealed happily. It was cute that he was so easily pleased.

 

Minako left them with a second smile and the croquette placed on the floor, and returned to her dressing table. She wiped her lips on the back of her hand, smearing her red lipstick. She was Minako Aino, Sailor Venus, Senshi of Love and Beauty. Beauty she possessed, but she kept no love for herself.

 

******

 

“Uguu, what a disaster,” Usagi pouted, trudging out of Juuban High School, head down and shoulders slumped. What teacher holds a test on a Monday? It was unheard of! You're still shaking off a fun weekend's intoxication, and suddenly you have to know algebra with its x's and y's and differentials? Nobody would be able to perform then! Some teachers were just sadists. They took perverse enjoyment watching their students squirm and moan, then become demoralised for the days afterwards until the second hit of a failing mark crushed their spirits once and for all. And to think, Usagi had years more of this, and then university…! It was enough to make a girl stay in bed every school morning. “Minako, how did you do?” Usagi queried, managing to lift her heavy head and direct a weary look over her shoulder.

 

The other blonde, brooding a couple of paces behind her, shot the Princess a dejected look that probably matched her own. “Do you have to ask?” Minako was Sailor Venus, Senshi of Love and Beauty. Usagi wondered if that meant she was destined to be kind of an airhead. She was talented where it counted however; her rightful place was as the leader of the Inner Senshi, and Usagi's bodyguard. She was an ace at that.

 

“Didn't either of you study?” Ami said beside them, somewhat dumbfounded. You'd think she'd already know the answer to that after being friends with Usagi and Minako for so long.

 

“I tried to remember to study,” Usagi whined. “I mean, I *tried* to try and remember. Or… wait….” She blinked vacantly, getting confused.

 

“Studying is boring. And depressing,” Minako sulked. “It just reminds me how much I suck.”

 

Ami let out a lengthy sigh, but still had an indulgent smile for the blonde blockhead duo. There was no need to ask how well she had done. She was unmovable from her throne at the top of the class, no matter the subject. The soft-spoken blue-haired, blue-eyed girl was a genius, and, not surprisingly, the brains of the Sailor Senshi. Ami was Sailor Mercury, Senshi of Water and Wisdom. Perhaps that meant she was fated to be a smarty-pants. Past lives were a perplexing thing.

 

“Makoto, did your class have a maths test too?” Usagi asked.

 

Makoto, the tallest girl among them, dipped her head uncomfortably, her brunette ponytail bobbing. She was a Sailor Senshi like the rest of Usagi's friends; Sailor Jupiter, Senshi of Thunder and Courage. Makoto was one of the toughest and strongest people the Princess knew, and yet the brunette was in reality quite feminine, favouring cute things and possessing a fondness and flair for gourmet cooking. Ami was so lucky! She was doubtless never hungry, and never wanting for delicious goodies.

 

“You didn't escape either, huh?” Minako sympathised.

 

“Actually…” Makoto's gaze shifted aside guiltily.

 

A proud knowing smile appeared on Ami's face as she looked up at the brunette walking alongside her. The shorter girl had her arm entwined with Makoto's, and the Senshi of Thunder effortlessly carried both their school satchels under her other arm. Usagi couldn't prevent a burst of smiles whenever she first saw them in each other's company. Ami and Makoto had found each other, just like Usagi and Rei had found each other. The blonde could totally understand what they were feeling, and was happy that she and her smouldering girlfriend weren't alone in it. It was sweet seeing their friends as another couple, and to think that was what she and Rei must look like together--comfortably content, and yet at the same time exultant just to be close to the person you loved.

 

“I think I did… good,” Makoto at last admitted.

 

“I've been tutoring her,” Ami remarked offhand, however her small smile revealed what she truly felt.

 

“Tutoring?” Usagi parroted in amazement.

 

“Since when?” Minako subsequently chimed in.

 

“In our spare time,” Makoto explained somewhat hesitantly. “After cram school, when Ami's not tired.”

 

“I'm learning cooking as well,” Ami added. “Mako teaches me her secrets on Sundays.”

 

Usagi and Minako simultaneously looked at each other. They didn't care about the cooking lessons.

 

“You're leaving us behind!” Usagi suddenly wailed at Makoto.

 

“You traitor!” Minako fumed a second afterwards.

 

Makoto grinned awkwardly; more of a grimace really. “S-Sorry!”

 

“It's not something to apologise about!” Ami protested in disbelief.

 

Usagi sighed heavily and thought about her test. “Mama is going to be mad…” she groaned anxiously to herself. At least she could wait until she got the test back before telling her. It didn't mean an escape from death row, however. “Mama is being so annoying, too,” the blonde complained in a louder voice, “she keeps getting in the way of me and Rei.”

 

“She doesn't like Rei?” Makoto surmised, somewhat shocked.

 

“No, she likes her…. Everyone does. But she…! She just…! She makes it so… *embarrassing*!” Usagi struggled.

 

“Okaaaaaaay…?” Makoto drawled uncertainly, sharing a bewildered look with Minako.

 

“But she accepts you and Rei?” Ami inquired.

 

Usagi nodded. “Mmm.”

 

“Then you should be grateful, Usagi,” the Senshi of Wisdom continued. “Life for you would be a lot harder if she, or your father, was against how you both feel.” For a moment she fidgeted, her expression troubled. “What we have…. It isn't… usual,” she delicately stated.

 

“It's what we feel that matters,” Makoto steadfastly insisted, one hand balling into a fist.

 

Ami's head tilted in agreement, but her eyes spoke of her doubt. In a country where marriage to a first-rate man was deemed one of the topmost life goals for a girl, divergence from it in favour of dating your female best friend wasn't generally met with apathy. Or sometimes worse, wasn't considered a serious or permanent alternative. Not everyone would get it; even the most good-natured person reeled at least a little bit in the face of what was unexpected. Even Usagi had.

 

Before meeting Haruka and Michiru; Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune, lovers even before they had awakened as Senshi; the notion of two girls in love--*that* kind of love--hadn't ever seriously dawned on her, except when brought up as a rare joke by her classmates to be nervously laughed off and then disregarded. If Usagi was honest with herself, it had still been peculiar and rather alien to her even after seeing how the two Outer Senshi dedicated themselves to each other. She'd thought all girls wanted a knight in shining armour; every little princess searching for their grand prince to sweep them off their feet. That was what had been real to Usagi. What Haruka and Michiru had… it had been an aberration. Accepted, never looked upon with malice or disgust or as inferior to any equivalent love between two people, but also never for a moment natural. It had always stood out to Usagi. Always the oddity.

 

Then Rei had died. She had only stayed dead for a couple of weeks, but those days had been a waking nightmare; some of the most torturous of Usagi's life, past or present. In her best friend's absence and after her eventual return, the blonde had started to comprehend that any strong connection could exist between anybody, regardless of who that person was--regardless of their gender. She'd watched it blossom between Ami and Makoto, two of her close friends--perhaps they'd realised it too, after losing Rei--and there had been nothing odd about it. They had fit, just like she'd realised Haruka and Michiru fit. Just like Usagi and Rei would come to.

 

After she'd fallen in love and wholeheartedly accepted who she'd fallen in love with, Usagi had no longer seen Rei as a girl. It had gone beyond the physical, to the heart and soul inside. Even now, she could look at any other girl, the most beautiful woman in the world--overlooking her hot-blooded Senshi, of course--and feel no attraction. It wasn't Rei's femininity that enraptured the Princess; it was the purest essence of the miko; it was what made Rei, Rei. Usagi loved her for being her. And there wasn't anything more natural than love.

 

“I wish we had managed to keep it a secret for longer at least,” Usagi said wistfully, staring off into space, her mind not really on her Mama anymore. “What does your mother think about you and Makoto, Ami?” she then asked, batting her eyes as she refocused on the present.

 

It was Ami's turn to become sheepish as slowly she showed a dubious smile. “I… don't know.”

 

“What do you mean, `you don't know?'” Minako said.

 

“I haven't told her yet,” Ami shyly owned up, all of sudden no longer seeming quite the gifted source for wise words and sound advice. “I think she suspects, but she's never spoken of it, and… umm….”

 

“We're *going* to tell her…” Makoto interjected defensively, while lacking any of conviction she'd actually need to come clean to her girlfriend's parent.

 

“Ughhh,” Usagi whined, swinging her arms back and forth huffily as she walked. “You have it so easy.” Ami's mother was hardly ever home, and Makoto lived by herself. It must be a paradise!

 

Ami and Makoto both chuckled apprehensively, looking askance at one another. “It's… alright,” the brunette remarked, then coloured faintly while her other half did likewise. So sweet together.

 

“Oh, there's Naru!” Usagi exclaimed, spotting her old friend heading home along an overhead walkway up ahead, before quietening as sadness settled on her. They used to be good friends; best friends, in fact. Yet nowadays she and Naru Osaka barely exchanged a handful of words, and then mostly only pleasantries when they happened to be coming or going through the school gate at the same time. Such was what Usagi had had to sacrifice being a Sailor Senshi. Her duties put a distance between her and her `normal' friends, meanwhile naturally promoting an affinity for her fellow Senshi. She only seemed to regularly hang out with her Guardian Senshi and sometimes the Outer Senshi, leaving behind anyone not in their unique circle.

 

For a second Usagi was about to let Naru walk on by, however if her love for Rei had taught her anything, it was to seize opportunities when they were there. Tomorrow was not a guarantee. And it was never too late.

 

“I'll catch up, guys!” Usagi shouted to Ami, Makoto, and Minako as she ran off down a different footpath, following it as it wound higher and higher to the overpass.

 

“Naru! Naru~!” Usagi waved as she hurried to meet the girl, almost dropping her school bag.

 

“Usagi?” Naru said, her eyebrows drawing together in surprise.

 

“Na… Ru…” Usagi gasped through her pants once she was beside her old friend, stooped over with her hands on her thighs.

 

Unfortunately, after she had regained her breath Usagi didn't know what to say, and was reduced to walking in an extremely awkward silence beside Naru. She had imagined that everything would just fall into place if she simply made the effort to chase after the girl, but apart from obviously speaking her name the Princess was stumped. It never used to be this uncomfortable in Naru's company.

 

“Um… How's Umino?” Usagi mumbled, desperate for a lifeline.

 

“Gur-- He's fine,” Naru answered clumsily. Gurio Umino was a fellow classmate at Juuban High School and another old distanced friend, as well as the redhead's boyfriend. A total know-it-all nerd, Usagi used to think him pretty annoying, doubly so when he had been crushing on her. But Umino was also honest, selfless and wholly devoted to Naru, if still sort of bizarre in some ways to the Princess's eyes. “How's… Rei?”

 

“She's…. She's fine,” Usagi lamely replied, staring at the ground. “Umm… you don't think I'm weird, do you?” she asked timidly after a moment.

 

“Weird?” Naru said, turning her head to the blonde.

 

“Mm…. You know, since…” Usagi trailed off, wondering if perhaps her old friend held it against her that she was with Rei--or more precisely, with a girl.

 

“Because you dumped an amazing catch like Mamoru Chiba?” Naru said.

 

“No, because…” Usagi risked a peek at Naru, and saw the girl's teasing smile.

 

Naru sighed and looked ahead dreamily. “We love who we love, Usagi. Sometimes it can't be controlled. Maybe it's not meant to be.”

 

Looking at her, Usagi was reminded that Umino wasn't Naru's first love. Hers had died in her arms, slain for protecting her and forsaking his false queen. Nephrite had been one of the Shitennou, a guardian to Prince Endymion in the first Silver Millennium, but also a corrupt servant to the Dark Kingdom. Love had redeemed him before the end. Usagi had wondered if Naru still thought about him, but she realised now that you never forget your first love. Usagi would never forget Mamoru.

 

“I guess we can't chat about guys anymore,” Naru remarked wistfully.

 

“We can still do that!” Usagi exclaimed, whirling on her friend.

 

Naru frowned. “But don't you like… you know, girls now?”

 

“I like *a* girl,” Usagi said, before a faraway look washed over her features. “It's different with her. She's… special.” She blinked. “But I'm not blind!”

 

“I don't know…” the redhead said unsurely. “She might not like that. Rei looks like the type that has a temper.”

 

“Pffft,” Usagi snorted, waving her hand. “Just because I have a girlfriend doesn't mean I can't look. Just because you and Umino are together doesn't mean you don't look, riiiiight?” the blonde said, drawling the last slyly while sidling conspiratorially closer to Naru.

 

“Well…” Naru began, looking away guiltily.

 

“See?” Usagi grinned victoriously, her friend shyly joining in a moment later. “Besides, we don't have to tell them.” She winked cheekily, before her mood dipped as she recalled why she had chased Naru in the first place. She'd missed this between them. “I'm sorry I haven't been around. We should hang out again.”

 

“We should,” Naru said, nodding slightly.

 

The silence crept back, and Usagi felt the opportunity start slipping away. She knew if she let it go now, it would just be hollow words; they'd quickly revert back to their aloof habits--they'd never rekindle their friendship. “Then let's get together tonight,” the blonde enthusiastically suggested, turning to her former best friend.

 

“Tonight?”

 

“Sure! It'll be like old times, at my house. A sleepover!” Usagi bobbed her head a couple of times, liking her idea. “I could invite Rei! You haven't really met her yet, right? And you can… umm… invite Umino, I guess…?”

 

“Are you serious?” Naru cried, laughing. “A pyjama party with three girls? It would be too much for him!” She glanced up at the sky for a second, appearing thoughtful. “It's a little short notice… and I'll have to ask my mother. But I can probably come. I'll call you.”

 

“Promise?” Usagi said, not content to leave without a guarantee. She had to make sure she wasn't just getting the brush off.

 

“I promise, Usagi,” Naru assured her.

 

Usagi beamed, overjoyed. “You'll like Rei, I know you will! She's so-- Oh, wait!” The Princess abruptly stopped walking and looked back down the path she'd come. “I have to get back! She'll be waiting!” The girl dashed the other way down the street, before skipping around and waving to Naru. “I'll talk to you tonight, Naru~!”

 

Naru gave a little nod, smiling as Usagi rushed off.

 

******

 

Usagi was out of breath again when she finally reached her Senshi. The group had waited for her, talking amongst themselves when the blonde ran up to them, her fatigued wobbly legs almost sending her careening into Makoto's backside. “Sor… Sorry!” she gasped, hunched over and panting once more.

 

“This is what happens when cake replaces lunch.”

 

Usagi looked up at the source of the dry comment, and batted her widened eyes. “Rei…. Rei!” She produced a big smile for the miko unbidden, the raven-haired girl's grey T*A Private Girls' School uniform standing out in contrast to the four Juuban High School's blue and white sailor fukus beside her. “But I didn't have any cake today!” she then cried, annoyed.

 

“A junk food diet's also a culprit,” Rei replied, unconcerned. “You're late, Usagi.”

 

Usagi pouted, straightening. “I told you, you don't have to meet us.”

 

Rei shrugged, smiling crookedly and carefree. “And I told you, I want to.”

 

The blonde's big smile made a grand return. It was Usagi and her friends' custom to go to the Hikawa Jinja after school to do their homework, however Rei always met them halfway. Rei always met *Usagi* halfway.

 

Usagi pressed her lips together and coyly looked up past her bangs at her Fire Senshi as she stepped closer to her, Rei closing the rest of the distance at the same time. Rei's arms slid around the curve of Usagi's waist, fitting familiarly as her hands ventured daringly low, over a different curve. The Moon Princess's arms mimicked her girlfriend's, slipping inside Rei's embrace to settle comfortably around the miko's own slim waist, their hips pressing together. Usagi took a little less liberty with her hands, however. At least for the first few moments.

 

They didn't have to say it. They both knew the other had missed them. All there was to do was greet each other and slake their mutual longing.

 

Usagi's eyes drifted closed of their own volition as she kissed her beloved, their rhythm easy, well-practiced, yet never dull or routine. Rei's mouth was always warm, her lips and tongue full of passion; almost a desperation, as if the girl had to express every shred of her feelings now or never again. Usagi was happy to indulge and match Rei's need. The Princess was aware that Rei still sometimes didn't believe what she had in front of her; that the love Usagi returned was genuine, and given wholeheartedly. Maybe Rei felt that she didn't deserve it. Maybe she'd been hurt too many times to feel that it was real this time. Usagi wasn't sure, but she'd prove her affection every day if she had to. Forever.

 

Usagi's eyes slipped open, the reflection of herself caught in the amethyst gaze directly in front of her. “And just when you got your breath back,” Rei murmured, her lips brushing the blonde's as she spoke.

 

There was a polite cough, and Usagi and Rei looked towards their friends who had been watching them the whole time. Makoto's head was lowered and she was looking aside at the pavement, seeming somewhat embarrassed to watch, while Ami was simply smiling contentedly at the pair, but her gaze mainly held on Rei. Minako was smiling too, but hers was fainter, touched at the corners with what Usagi believed was melancholy, and she looked thoughtful, her glassy blue eyes seeming to stare straight through the couple.

 

Suddenly Minako broke out into a wry smirk as her gaze refocused on Usagi and Rei. She folded her arms, and a single blonde eyebrow arched. “Are we always going to get a show whenever you two meet up?” she ribbed good-naturedly.

 

“For as long as you keep enjoying it,” Rei retorted, always quick with the comebacks, although Usagi picked up the slight flush in her cheeks. That might have been from the kiss, however.

 

Still smiling, now in mirth, Ami turned to Makoto. “I'll see you tonight,” she said, before stepping close to the taller girl and tilting her head back, her hands resting lightly on Makoto's hips.

 

Makoto bent her head down to deliver a lingering kiss goodbye to her girlfriend, the fingers of one hand languidly running through the Water Senshi's blue bob. They looked into each other's eyes as their lips slowly separated, until Minako coughed once again, the blonde apparently being the one responsible for interrupting Usagi and Rei's earlier ardour.

 

Ami simply smiled some more, and gently slid her school bag from underneath Makoto's arm. She turned to her friends and gave a little wave before walking off, heading for cram school… leaving her girlfriend under three appraising, and teasing, gazes.

 

“Like you and Usagi are any different,” Makoto grumbled as she frowned at Rei's raised eyebrows and mocking grin.

 

“Let's go, love birds,” Minako declared in a longsuffering tone, slinging her satchel over her shoulder and onto her back before continuing along the street to the Hikawa Jinja.

 

“I think it's beautiful,” Usagi commented matter-of-factly as the four girls walked together, Minako leading the way. But instead of making Makoto feel better, it caused the brunette to blush hard.

 

“Yeah… it is,” Minako agreed ahead of the Princess and the other Sailor Senshi.

 

Usagi looked keenly at Makoto again to see if Minako's backup helped soothe the Senshi of Thunder now, however the taller girl still looked ill at ease; this time staring pensively at the Senshi of Love's back. Usagi always figured Ami would be the most bashful of the couple, yet sometimes it seemed it was more the other way around.

 

Usagi grinned at her friend. It was pretty cute.

 

About ten minutes later the girls were hiking up the many steps to the Hikawa Jinja; the Shinto shrine that Rei's grandfather presided over along with his granddaughter as a practicing miko. It was also the Senshi of Fire's home.

 

The cawing of a pair of ravens welcomed the Sailor Senshi, the birds--Phobos and Deimos--beating their wings briefly past Rei as they landed on the ground nearby, likely hoping for attention from their returning mistress. Rei's attention was elsewhere however, yet she tried not to show it.

 

Yuuichirou was sweeping the grounds with a broom, and although Usagi couldn't make out his eyes through his unkempt long brown fringe, she could tell the scruffy man was eyeing the miko. Yuuichirou lived at the Hikawa Jinja with Rei and her Grandpa, doing his best to help out… and look after Rei, the object of his affection. He didn't approach or even wave or call out a greeting--Usagi's presence probably held him at bay. He'd taken Rei's devotion to her blonde best friend badly, and still hadn't really recovered from the miko's rejection. For a while Rei had been worried he would leave the shrine, but to the raven-haired girl's obvious relief--although she'd never admit it, not even to Usagi--he had stayed despite his broken heart. Sometimes he spied on Usagi and Rei when the girls were together. The Princess didn't think it was in a perverted manner or anything like that, but Rei thought otherwise and punished him severely when caught in the act.

 

Looking at Yuuichirou, Usagi didn't feel any threat or competition for her Fire Senshi's love from him. She just felt a little sorry for him, and hoped he'd get over Rei and find a girl who could give him the love he was denied. Nevertheless, she clung to Rei's arm a bit tighter.

 

“Rei,” Usagi said, tugging on the miko's sleeve, her right arm linked through and holding the other girl's left. “Teach me to be a miko,” she implored once she had gotten her girlfriend's attention, recalling Ami and Makoto's mutual lessons that harnessed their skills and bolstered their shortcomings.

 

Rei sighed patiently and looked ahead. “You already know nearly everything. You've helped out before, and taken part in festivals.”

 

“But…. I want to know more!” Usagi persisted, tugging on Rei's whole arm this time. “And… and I can teach you to play video games! You'll beat anybody!” She thought she noticed Makoto smirk off to her left.

 

“Why would I need that?” Rei said, that killjoy. “I just play with you.”

 

“Rei~!” Usagi squealed, yanking at Rei's arm and almost pulling her over. “Teach me!”

 

Rei sighed once again. “If you want to learn more, then help out more when I ask you.”

 

Usagi furrowed her brow. That wasn't what she'd really had in mind. “Maybe you can teach me how to be *mean*,” the blonde said moodily, snapping her head stiffly away from her girlfriend. “You're great at that.”

 

“Usagi…” Rei breathed at length, in that weary tone she sometimes adopted when Usagi was being difficult, but not enough to fuel her temper. Difficult in Rei's opinion, anyway. The Princess thought her request was quite reasonable. “I can teach you if you're truly interested. But I don't want you giving up halfway and wasting my time.”

 

“I won't!” Usagi assured the miko, swiftly turning to her again. “I mean… I'll try…” she continued less certainly.

 

“And you have to call me Sensei,” Rei went on, a smile beginning to play on her lips.

 

“Yes, Sensei!” Usagi beamed happily and darted close to her girlfriend, smooching her on the cheek.

 

A smile finally erupted on the miko's face. “This might be fun after all.”

 

“It's good that she's taking an interest in what you do,” Makoto piped up to Rei, having observed the exchange with amusement.

 

“Yes…” Rei replied dryly. “We'll see how long it lasts.”

 

Usagi frowned and tugged hard on her Fire Senshi's arm again in complaint.

 

The girls removed their shoes and funnelled through the sliding screen into Rei's room at the shrine, before dumping their school bags around the miko's kotatsu in the middle of the floor and sitting down. Rei's room was decorated in the traditional Japanese vein, fitting with the Hikawa Jinja's period aesthetic. Interlocking tatami mats covered the floor, and shoji screens covered a lot of the walls. Instead of chairs there were flat cushions for Usagi and her friends to park themselves on, and the futon Rei--and regularly Usagi--used as a bed was rolled up in one corner of the room, out of the way. Whenever she was over Usagi was always glad her girlfriend at least had a television, seldom used as it probably was by the miko herself.

 

Rei lived rather Spartan, except when it came to photos of her friends… and of the Princess. They were pinned to the walls haphazardly, pictures mostly of the Inner Senshi but some of the Outer Senshi too, primarily with Setsuna and Rei alone, numbering in the dozens. However it was the framed photographs on the raven-haired girl's cabinets and small desk and bookcase that held the coveted positions in the room, and in her heart. Those pictures were of Usagi and Rei by themselves; the couple smiling, hugging, kissing, goofing around, having fun, and just being unreservedly happy; the blonde's promise to take more photos with just the two of them upheld to an almost excessive degree. Usagi had a matching set in her own bedroom, an album of her and her girlfriend's bliss plastered on her walls and dresser mirror, and framed on her nightstand.

 

Usagi, Rei, and their friends got comfortable around the kotatsu, each of the four sides the customary territory of a specific girl. Naturally Usagi's and Rei's lay beside one another, keeping the blonde within easy reach of the miko. Usagi got stuck on her homework a lot, although now that Ami's smarts were apparently rubbing off on Makoto, maybe the Princess should start giving the other side of the table opposite Rei consideration too. Besides, it was usually a chore getting Rei to help her with her school problems; it took plenty of pleading on the Princess's part before her Fire Senshi would yield. Not as much pleading as it used to, however. Rei tried to put on a tough front, but deep down she was actually a soft touch when it came to her girlfriend, and Usagi knew it… and sometimes took advantage. Not in a *bad* way of course…. Usagi wasn't spoilt. At least the blonde didn't think she was.

 

Usagi watched Rei as the raven-haired girl pulled out exercise books and her pencil case from her bag, organising them on the stout table. She was beautiful. Usagi had realised this from when she had first been treated to her looks years ago, but when she gazed at Rei now she saw the girl's beauty from a very changed perspective. True, the Princess was enamoured with the person Rei was, but that wasn't to say she didn't appreciate how *hot* her girlfriend was, in a purely visual sense for once. Indeed, her Fire Senshi's perfect dark features and flawless figure weren't wasted on Usagi. Sometimes Usagi liked just looking at Rei, whatever the miko was doing; little things, mundane things, it didn't matter; and immersing her eyes in the exquisiteness in motion, knowing that it belonged to her. The other Sailor Senshi were beautiful too, but Usagi thought her Senshi of Fire and Passion was leaps and bounds above all others, Senshi or otherwise.

 

“Usagi. Homework,” Rei stated, opening an exercise book and taking a pen in her hand, not looking at the blonde.

 

Usagi's elbows slipped on the polished surface of the table, and she had to catch her head from falling from the perch of her hands as she snapped out of her daydreaming. She sighed and reluctantly dug in her school satchel for today's homework assignments, tossing the textbooks, exercise books, and notepads carelessly on the kotatsu. Usagi sighed again at the depressing sight and looked at Rei, the miko already engrossed in her own work.

 

“Rei~!” Usagi suddenly squealed, crawling close to the girl and hoping to steal a kiss while putting off maths equations and English language study.

 

But Rei had seen it coming… as everyone else at the table had too, judging by Makoto's snort of laughter and Minako's indulgent eye roll. Rei intercepted Usagi's lips with two fingers pressed together as she leaned back, out of range of the blonde's fondness.

 

“U-Sa-Gi,” Rei's chastisement chimed, “homework.”

 

Crestfallen, Usagi began to slink back to her spot at the kotatsu, but Rei released a little sigh and turned her two fingers to under the blonde's chin then leaned forwards instead, planting a short kiss on her girlfriend's mouth. “There,” she whispered afterwards. “Now homework.”

 

Usagi smiled in satisfaction and grabbed a pencil from her bag, ready to face the enemy. She tackled a few English conversational exercises before tiring and her mind took to wandering. “Rei, Ami is tutoring Makoto now, you know,” she absently remarked, flicking her pencil into a spin on top of her index finger while staring into space.

 

“Maybe she can tutor you too,” Rei replied, not so much as glancing up from her work.

 

“I'm sure she can fit you in, Usagi,” Makoto pitched in, focused on her homework as well, but sneaking glances up at the blonde.

 

Usagi pursed her lips together crossly, recognising a gang up when she saw one. “I wouldn't want to get in the way of your special teacher and student relationship!” she declared snappily before returning to her English assignment, rather pleased with her comeback.

 

Time passed, though for Usagi it did at a snail's pace, each English problem or maths question seeming to bog the minutes down. She knew she had to get her homework done despite her aversion and laziness, and consequently soldiered on, producing if not exactly flawless work, then complete work at the very least.

 

Nearly finished, the blonde's focus took a nosedive. Her eyes shifted to Rei, the raven-haired girl's amethyst gaze somehow sensing the attention of their blue counterparts and seeking them out this time. Usagi smiled faintly at Rei, and was happy after it was returned in kind. The miko's eyebrows suddenly rose when she felt the Princess's mischievous hand tiptoe up her bare thigh and edge under her grey skirt, all underneath the kotatsu. Usagi's expression was meanwhile schooled to what she believed was detachment, unaware that it was comical detachment at best.

 

“Alright, I'm done,” Minako abruptly announced, slamming shut her workbook. She gathered her things and stuffed them into her bag, then stood up, satchel in hand, and stretched. “And I'm out of here.”

 

“Already?” Makoto said.

 

“Yeah, I've a… you know, a thing, with Setsuna,” the Senshi of Love said, angling her apparently sore neck this way and that.

 

“A `thing', huh?” Rei repeated huskily, managing to ignore Usagi's hand and arch an eyebrow, no doubt thinking that Setsuna was in for a late afternoon of `fun'. Usagi had heard the rumours; that Minako and Setsuna were seeing each other `in that way'. She'd yet to confirm it. She supposed asking Haruka or Michiru would be the best bet; the two women lived with the Guardian of Time. But if Rei believed it, then it was most likely true. Rei was pretty close with Setsuna these days all of a sudden, making a sort of odd friendship. Usagi guessed it was no more peculiar than Minako and Setsuna being together. The Outer Senshi seemed too old and grown-up for the youthful and flighty Minako. Moreover, the Senshi of Beauty was one of the most boy-crazy girls Usagi had ever known. But Usagi could have been called that once, too.

 

“A shoot,” Minako clarified.

 

“Wow, that's so cool!” Usagi gushed, homework totally abandoned now, still not over the fact that stylish photos of her friend were in trendy magazines. The benefit of dating a fashion designer. No stranger to beauty, Minako had taken to it like a fish to water, although was pretty casual about her budding profession. Usagi was not--the Princess collected every publication that the Senshi of Love and Beauty appeared in; she had to show that the public supported Minako Aino!

 

“Well, catch you guys later,” Minako farewelled, giving a wink and sailing out of Rei's room, the goodbyes of the other three girls seeing her off.

 

“We should really go and see her some time,” Usagi sighed dreamily as she watched the girl go, imagining her friend in all kinds of cutting-edge clothes and accessories, striking poses and faces, rubbing shoulders with other models and idols. Maybe Minako got to take the clothes and jewellery she wore home? Oh, that would be *so* awesome! Setsuna was *sure* to allow it! “We might get free stuff! Or even *discovered*!”

 

“I've been meaning to talk to you guys,” Makoto said solemnly, looking over her shoulder at the sliding door for a moment, unmoved by Usagi's excitement. Minako had forgotten to shut it. Makoto stood up and closed it, lingering with her fingers on the wood frame. “Ami and I have already discussed it.” Usagi thought the brunette might be proposing a double date with her and Rei, but it was almost the opposite. “We think we should… all of us… tone down our affection around Minako.”

 

“Tone down?” Rei said curiously.

 

“Why?” Usagi said, retrieving her hand from her Fire Senshi's leg.

 

Makoto sat back down at the kotatsu. “She's the odd one out among us. You're both together, and so are Ami and I. But she's….”

 

“But… her and Setsuna…” Usagi argued, a bit confused.

 

“Do you remember her ever talking about Setsuna? I mean, the same as I might talk about Ami or you talk about each other?” Makoto reasoned.

 

Usagi and Rei shared a look. That look on their faces said what they both realised.

 

“Damn,” Rei swore softly, staring down at the table, “I should speak to Setsuna.” She looked up at the Senshi of Thunder. “Wait, I didn't notice you and Ami toning down anything.”

 

Makoto's green eyes fled Rei's in shame. “It's not as easy as we thought,” she confessed.

 

Meanwhile Usagi hung her head, sad and concerned for her friend. Perhaps Makoto and Ami had a good idea. It must be terrible to have two successful, loving romances rubbed in your face day in, day out. How had Usagi not seen it? She didn't feel like Minako's friend very much right now.

 

Usagi felt Rei's hand on her thigh this time, and turned her head to her girlfriend, seeing the miko's kind and understanding face. The blonde covered Rei's hand with her own and squeezed. Makoto was right--this wouldn't be easy. Usagi was so familiar with Rei, so open with her feelings and so ready to accept the raven-haired girl's love in response that she virtually took their joint affection for granted.

 

“We'll make up for it in private,” Rei assured the Princess with a faintly roguish half-smile.

 

Usagi smiled tremulously back, grateful that the typically passionate Rei was willing to rein herself in for Minako's sake. It *really* wasn't going to be easy, though. Rei wasn't alone in her heated desire. Ever since expressing her love for her Fire Senshi for the first time that night in her bed, Rei had lit a fire in Usagi, as if the blonde was competing with the miko's passion that was the girl's namesake. Usagi wondered if she had been affected by Rei's amorous enthusiasm, or if it was something that had always been waiting inside her for the right person to bring out.

 

Snacks foods were produced courtesy of Rei as homework hell wound down, Usagi gorging herself the most on everything the Hikawa Jinja's pantry had to offer. Studying gave her an appetite, although that didn't dissuade Rei's light-hearted fussing at her *slight* overindulgence. Makoto stuck around for a good while as she gossiped with Usagi and Rei, all three--and likely not just them--enjoying the commonplace conversations devoid of topics about youma or Sailor Senshi duties, and the chance at being normal teenagers for as long as Tokyo's peace lasted.

 

“I better get home and start dinner,” Makoto eventually said, collecting her things. She didn't say it, but Usagi knew she cooked for two. “And I should let you guys have that privacy,” she added as she got to her feet, smiling knowingly.

 

“Ami must leave cram school hungry, hmm?” Rei slyly replied just as meaningfully, nonchalantly leaning back on her hands where she sat. “I bet she adores you in your apron.”

 

Makoto opened her mouth to reply, but after looking at the expectant miko for a couple of seconds, closed it ruefully. Ami was probably the only member of the Inner Senshi that didn't tease the rest about their particular relationships. She was missing out on a lot of fun.

 

With Makoto gone, Usagi and Rei were left alone. At last. They both relished their friends' company, but it was each other's company they lived for.

 

Rei smiled at Usagi in that saucy way of hers where she sat, still resting back casually on her hands, while the Princess suddenly felt her face heat a little in front of the raven-haired girl's ardour and nibbled nervously on a potato chip. Alright, so maybe she wasn't on Rei's level yet in regards to passion, still stricken by bouts of shyness now and then, but the blonde still brought her own flames to the fire, especially when suitably stoked.

 

But before she could, Usagi started, blinking her bright eyes. “I forgot! Rei, you're coming to my house tonight,” she proclaimed out of the blue.

 

“Uh…” Rei stuttered, batting her eyes too at the mercurial shift in atmosphere. “I… I thought we could stay here,” she said, her prior confidence vanished with the mood, “and… um… you know….” The miko glanced aside, and noticeably swallowed.

 

“I invited Naru to a sleepover,” Usagi explained through munches on her potato chip. “I said you'd be there, so I can introduce you to her properly.”

 

“Ahh…” Rei hummed uncertainly. “On a school night? Couldn't we have just met up at a café or something? This is pretty sudden.”

 

“It'll be more comfortable for her there, I thought. She's used to my place. And you're not doing anything tonight, are you?” Usagi asked, already sure of the answer.

 

“Well, no… but--”

 

“Then it's fine!” Usagi declared, beaming at her Fire Senshi and devouring another potato chip.

 

Rei nodded reluctantly, still looking somewhat taken aback, her eyes turned to the floor.

 

Usagi grinned indulgently at her, and then forgot about what was left of the snacks and instead crawled over on hands and knees to her distracted girlfriend, hovering over her lap. When Rei's gaze turned back, it was the blonde's pretty face with its smoky look that filled it. “We don't have to go to my house *now*,” Usagi revealed in a low, throaty voice. “Why don't we have our own pyjama party, *here*, first?”

 

“What if I want to leave out the pyjamas?” Rei whispered just as low and husky, staring deeply into the Princess's eyes.

 

“Oh, but you'll like mine….” Usagi retreated back from the raven-haired girl's lap to the kotatsu, where her bag was. Fingering through the exercise books in there, she came across what she was looking for; something definitely not for school. Usagi wiggled the magazine back and forth by its top two corners as she pulled it from her bag, grinning impishly above it at Rei. “I have a new one.”

 

Rei's eyebrows climbed her forehead, and she licked her lips briefly. “You know I like you just the way you come.”

 

“I know that,” Usagi said gently. “But what's wrong with changing the wrapping now and then?” She winked, and she could tell she'd made her girlfriend's heart skip.

 

“I still don't think you should be using it like that,” Rei protested anyway, albeit feebly. “If Luna ever found out, she'd have a fit.”

 

“It's mine. I can do what I want with it,” Usagi said, standing up and shrugging a bit. “And since when do you care what Luna thinks?” She flicked the magazine like a frisbee at her Senshi of Passion, it landing propped against her stomach. “Go on. Choose. Anything you want….”

 

Usagi grinned madly to herself after she had turned away from Rei, imagining the excitement that she had brewed in the other girl. The blonde went to the sliding door and stuck the loose rectangular piece of wood that was there in the path of the track between the frames, effectively jamming the door closed. No one would disturb them. Thankfully, Rei's room was fairly isolated on one side of the shrine, as far as possible from her Grandpa's and Yuuichirou's rooms, and the common rooms. At last, Usagi and Rei could be as vocal as they desired.

 

“Th-This one,” Rei stammered as Usagi turned back around. She tapped her finger nervously on the page, staring at it.

 

Usagi began to grin broadly again, but managed to curb herself to a controlled prim, pleasant smile instead. She sauntered over to her girlfriend and plucked the magazine from her grasp, appraising the girl's choice. “Mmmm,” the Princess hummed at length. “Nice.” She met Rei's eyes, delighting in the open anxiousness that was returned.

 

Usagi put a metre or so between herself and Rei, and then dug in her skirt pocket. She grinned at Rei's choice once more, and then thrust the Disguise Pen over her head. “MOON POWER that white lingerie outfit on page twenty-six!”

 

Usagi felt her school uniform dissolve around her body, replaced by closefitting lace and silk that left a lot of skin bare. The transformation complete, the Princess dropped the Disguise Pen on the table and whipped out a compact, eager to see what she looked like. But if Rei's expression was anything to go by, she certainly wouldn't crack any mirrors.

 

“Ohhh, wow…” Usagi breathed, admiring herself in the small mirror, then broke out into a little smile. Always with the corsets and stockings with Rei. And with all that white, it was almost bridal lingerie. Usagi adjusted the garter straps and squirmed slightly, liking how her waist looked in the formfitting outfit. The evening gloves might have to go soon, though; she wanted to feel her lover's skin under her hands, after all.

 

Usagi snapped her compact closed and tossed it beside the Disguise Pen. She took a step towards Rei and tottered a bit; she was a couple of inches higher in the air now, white high-heels on her feet. She really shouldn't be wearing them on tatami mats, but she was sure the miko wouldn't mind.

 

“I've got to try that out some time,” Rei said breathlessly as Usagi straddled her lap, before gently pushing the raven-haired girl onto her back.

 

The Princess bent over after Rei, her forearms propped either side of the girl's head, and went for her Fire Senshi's mouth, her tongue delving where it pleased. She felt Rei's hands wrap around her body, pulling Usagi closer to her own, fingers dragging over the crisscrossing silk ties running down the blonde's back. There was no hesitation in their affection, no insecure touches, and even the blushes were nowhere to be seen now. The couple were accomplished lovers, no longer the diffident, experimental virgins they once had been. Well, perhaps still experimental. Usagi loved her wonderful money-saving Disguise Pen, and had quite an imagination that she exercised regularly.

 

Rei moaned into her mouth, and Usagi's thrilled smile broke the kiss.

 

“Mm. I can think of a few outfits I wouldn't say no to seeing you wearing,” Usagi said playfully, before planting tender kisses around her girlfriend's lips. She then sat up, looming over Rei while the raven-haired girl gazed up at her with painful longing burning in her amethyst orbs. “But right now I don't want you wearing *anything*,” the Princess whispered, her voice dipping to intoxicatingly provocative as she undid the ribbon on Rei's uniform and worked at unbuttoning her top.

 

******

 

Bubbly pop music blared as Usagi and Naru talked up a storm, somehow able to understand each other in the middle of the din. Rei blew out a puff of air and idly brushed her thumb over the ends of the blonde locks held between her fingers, connected to the long tail coiled on the floor that led to a bun on the side of her girlfriend's head. Rei was glad to see her Princess getting along well with her friend, but the `party' was starting to hurt her head with the notion of sleep becoming more and more coveted. It was edging ever closer to midnight, plus Usagi had done her best to wear Rei out several hours earlier back at the shrine--of course Rei wasn't complaining about the latter.

 

Rei reached up and tickled Usagi's cheek with the tuft of her hair, but besides getting her Princess to scratch the spot and then grope for the miko's bare foot, giving it a fond squeeze, the blonde didn't tear her attention or her even her eyes away from Naru.

 

Rei sighed again and absently tickled her own face with her girlfriend's sweet-smelling locks. Usagi and Naru hadn't commenced the night this absorbed in each other's company; the Juuban High girls had been very stiff, verging on painfully so, after the redhead had arrived, an hour or two after Rei and the Moon Princess had left the Hikawa Jinja for the Tsukino home. They had acted so formal it had even made Rei squirm in sympathy. However, once they had bonded over the latest popular music and cheesy soap opera happenings that may as well have been in another language to the Senshi of Fire, the awkwardness had melted. Not that Rei felt that much more comfortable herself; Naru was Usagi's friend, and while her Princess did attempt to include her in the alien conversations, the miko was barely better than a stranger to the redhead and was swiftly and habitually left behind in the whirlwind exchange of pop idol worship and TV star admiration. But that was why Rei was here, wasn't it? To get to know her lover's friend? She had to be patient… and stop looking at Usagi's alarm clock.

 

Rei smirked wryly. She could see why Usagi and Naru had been such good friends before life as a Princess had ruined that. They were quite alike. Even their taste in pyjamas were like two sisters'; Usagi wore pink flannel with different coloured frosted cupcakes spaced out all over the two piece sleepwear, while Naru wore baby blue with yellow chicks cheeping `piyo, piyo' dotted everywhere. Their brand of cute had Rei the odd one out of the three. The raven-haired girl slept simply, a light grey tank and navy boy's shorts her nightwear of choice.

 

“Too much juice!” Usagi suddenly announced, standing up and hurrying out of her bedroom, presumably to the bathroom. Rei watched her go, and then turned back to catch Naru up on her feet too and switching off the stereo by the window, bestowing merciful quiet on the Fire Senshi's bullied ears.

 

“She always has it too loud,” Naru said, smiling a little at Rei over her shoulder. She looked back at the stereo and fiddled with the buttons and dials. “So…. You and Usagi.”

 

“Yeah…. Me and Usagi,” Rei gingerly replied. She looked at the bedroom's open doorway, wondering just how much juice her girlfriend had drank. Usagi had introduced Rei to Naru at the beginning of the sleepover, but it had been as reserved as a corporate meeting, albeit a corporate meeting gushing with reserved praise for the raven-haired girl. This was the first time the virtual strangers had been without the odango atama, and it seemed Naru was a braver girl than Rei, willing to navigate the discomfort and learn more about the new person her friend loved, and had given up a steady, long lasting relationship for.

 

Naru pulled herself away from the stereo and sat back down at Usagi's little square coffee table, where the leftovers of the night's junk food binge lay in a chaotic jumble. “You love her?”

 

Rei smiled. She hoped all of the redhead's questions would be this straightforward. “Yes. I love her. My every breath is dedicated to her.”

 

Naru seemed a fraction startled, probably unused to such blunt passion. Rei wasn't ashamed of what she felt, so why hold back? If others judged her obsessive or melodramatic why should she care? This was her life and her love; they had no part in it. That said, she *did* want Naru to like her. She was Usagi's friend, so it was important to Rei.

 

“She used to complain about you to me sometimes, back in Middle School,” Naru revealed. She smiled, humour shaping her lips. “I didn't think this was how it would turn out.”

 

Rei smiled too, but hers held a different emotion. “Neither did I.”

 

“Usagi loves you. So that means you're my friend now,” Naru said, nodding to herself. Then she looked the miko in the eye, serious all of a sudden. “I don't want to hear any more of Usagi's complaints.”

 

Rei inclined her head in acknowledgement. She hoped this meant Naru would wholly renew her friendship with Usagi. She wasn't sure about the redhead's stipulation, though. Rei and Usagi were in love, but that hadn't limited the blonde's whining about her every now and then. Rei mused if she might encounter a misunderstanding but hostile Naru some day in the future, or if the redhead would see through Usagi's griping for what it was. Rei would never intentionally upset her love.

 

“Rei! Why didn't you say it was so late?!”

 

“Uhh,” Rei mumbled ineloquently, turning her head to Usagi, who stood shocked in the bedroom's doorway for a second before scampering over to her clock, bending over to stare wide-eyed at the hands pointing at the digits, as if they were lying.

 

“We should sleep!” the blonde exclaimed before Rei could fathom an appropriate defence for herself, the miko's head twisting after the animated girl.

 

One benefit of the sleepover that Rei had overlooked was that she got to sleep next to Usagi for the night. No futon for her; that was for Naru, who slept on the floor beside the blonde's bed, left no doubt mulling over how she felt about Rei and Usagi sleeping in the same bed together. It was a tight squeeze for two girls in a single bed, but Rei and Usagi made it work. If Rei had to be all but plastered up against her Princess's body, then what was the harm?

 

Usagi undid her buns where she was, lying in the dark in her bed beside Rei, running her fingers through her flaxen tresses, muttering that she should have brushed them. Rei merely smiled faintly; contentedly, and kissed her Princess just under her jaw, then resettled her head on the pillow above Usagi's left shoulder, all but nuzzling the other girl's neck.

 

Almost unconsciously Rei's left hand became wayward, navigating flannel for flesh, until quickly seized by Usagi's right. “Naru's here!” the blonde hissed incredulously.

 

“I'll stay silent if you will,” Rei whispered back naughtily, grinning into the night.

 

“*Goodnight*, Rei,” Usagi said pointedly, sliding the raven-haired girl's hand up to just under her chin.

 

“Goodnight, my Princess,” Rei sighed with faux despondency, then yawned. Maybe it was for the best that sleep would be all she would be getting tonight.

 

Rei sensed something at the back of her mind, but Usagi's rhythmic heartbeat against her forearm and the blonde's slow, relaxed breathing lulled her to the brink of slumber. She'd dream tonight, about everything she'd ever wanted; everything she'd ever felt she needed. She'd dream about destiny, and about her best friend Usagi. She'd dream of her Princess and the loving look in the girl's eyes--the loving look meant for her. Rei would wake tomorrow, yet the dream would stay with her. It would always stay with her.

 

This was happily ever after.

 

******

 

“I'll bring everyone I have down on them,” Chamista said, the promise of a swift and all but certain victory, and the great power in reach for the taking afterwards infusing her voice with a ferocious enthusiasm usually only heard in Khairephon's ilk.

 

“They don't have a care in the world…” Jadeite mumbled softly, still staring up at the window across the street that had darkened many minutes ago. Suddenly he sneered, his face nearly as inhuman as Chamista's. “No. I want them to suffer. Suffer like…!” He turned to the youma, his jaw clenched shut but trembling, and his eyes ablaze with hate. “I want them to suffer.”

 

******

 

To be continued….

 

 

Author's ramblings:

 

I liked that in PGSM Minako was an idol. I thought that was a great twist on the original. I was really thankful I'd had the foresight to make Minako a model for Setsuna's fashion line in the epilogue of Absence! ^_^

 

Genkan = The little usually tiled vestibule at the front door where everyone's outdoor shoes are removed in Japanese homes.

Sailor Fuku = The sailor suit style uniform.

Hikawa Jinja = Hikawa shrine.

Kotatsu = a small square, low table. Sometimes has a blanket and heater attached for your legs when you sit under it.

Sensei = teacher, doctor, politician, etc. etc. Basically someone in authority.

Shoji screens = those wood and paper lattice Japanese screens.

Tatami mats = woven straw Japanese mats.

Odango atama = Dumpling head