Rei slipped from the bed and Jen's arms. The sun was just peeking over the horizon as she dressed quietly. She grabbed her purse after slipping on her heels and made her way from the hotel room. With a tired sigh, the woman stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for the lobby. Leaning against the wall, she closed her eyes and allowed herself to relive the day before. --- Flashback --- "She looks good." Jen turned, smiling at the woman leaning against the wall. Rei returned the smile as she walked over. The singer she'd had Jen dress was shooting the video for her first single. Regardless of whether or not her music was marketable, her look was. It was the perfect mix of defiance and compliance to the status quo. In other worlds, another teen Pop queen. "But she doesn't look as good as you." Rei chuckled faintly, arching a brow. She knew there was no one else around when Jen wrapped her arms around her waist. The miko licked her lips. "And I didn't even need you to dress me," the publicist murmured. Jen pulled back with a smile, though her insides were twisting. She'd just been delivered a warning, Rei Hino style. Behind the jest laid the reminder of just who was in control. A reminder that Rei Hino didn't need her for anything, not even to scratch that itch occasionally, though she did it well. No, she wasn't needed. She was just entertainment. "She's making an appearance next week to promote the video. Think you're up for it?" "I don't know," Jen said, keeping her voice even as she turned her attention back to the racks of outfits the singer would be changing into. "Minako is coming back tonight." The stylist hummed a little as she made sure everything was ready. She frowned when she realized that Rei hadn't made a sound in a while. Turning, the found the woman's eyes focused intensely on one of the sets, her jaw clenched. There was something disturbing about her face, something that made Jen suppress a shiver that threatened to go down her spine. It was something... dangerous. Something primal and untamable. It was the look of a wounded animal. An animal stripped of its claws, unable to fight back. But being the proud creature that she was, she wouldn't spread her wings to retreat. No, never that, she'd do anything, anything except turn her back. Rei Hino has always been admired and feared, above the rest of the pack. She could never show weakness of any kind. Therefore, if faced with something threatening, even if she's already been hurt somehow, she'd always fight. Always defend her honor and her pride, however possible. If anything, an animal becomes the most dangerous when wounded. It had nothing to lose and everything to gain. How did Jen know all of this? She hadn't known Rei Hino for that long, after all. But she's known other people like her, tens, hundreds perhaps. People so proud that it would kill them to admit defeat. People that would rather suffer quietly and pretend nothing's wrong than to show that they've been hurt. That they're scared. That they feel utterly helpless and out of control. But it never worked, pretending and hiding everything away. Everyone had a breaking point, but even more than that, people who always pretend to be strong were always the weakest ones. And it's moments like this, Rei staring at the set as if she didn't know whether to hide behind it or tear it apart, that always let other people know. Jen was tempted to go over and wrap her arms around the publicist, to sooth her. But to approach her now would make it worse. Rei would just retreat and put up even more walls. Ironic, that people like her would never back down from a challenge, but would hide every time they had to deal with their own feelings. Pitiful, in a way. Heart-wrenching, in another. "Cut! Cut! Cut! That just won't work!" Rei snapped out of her thoughts when she heard the annoyed scream of the director. She took a deep breath, walking over to the singer's agent. It seemed like it was about time she soothed some ruffled feathers. She turned to Jen, giving her a smile and waving before walking away. Jen watched as the woman left. She'd have to keep an eye on her. Something told her whatever was bothering Rei Hino, it'd turn out to be a wonderful show to watch. ............... Rei leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. She could feel the heat coming from Utena's arm pressed against hers, even through the layers of fabric covering them. Utena shifted, making the leather on the seats creak. Rei shuddered at the sound, yet another reminder of where they were. "You'll do wonderfully." The younger woman laughed, shaking her head as she opened her eyes and looked at her mentor. "You mean I have to do wonderfully." "Why, of course, but that's not nearly as encouraging as what I said." Rei smiled before finally giving up and laughing. Utena chuckled, stroking her friend's hair. She felt the miko lean against her slightly and kissed her temple. "There's no reason to be nervous, it's all just business. You're not going out there as Rei Hino, her ex. You're going as her publicist. Her new publicist that's going to beat Siren into the ground. You better start remembering that." Rei nodded, the pep talk raising her spirits. Utena was right. She was the best in the business, at least right now. Siren had screwed up, so now it was her turn. Her turn to revitalize Minako's reputation and to show her old employers what they'd lost by letting her leave so easily. She took a deep breath and stepped out of the limo. ................ Utena watched as the representatives from Siren hurried to make everything perfect. She smirked when she saw all the members of the press they had invited for the event. They were just setting up for their own demise. She had a strange urge to cackle like the villains on TV usually did, but figured that would draw too much attention. "They're making this quite convenient. And I do love how no one's noticed our presence." The brunette chuckled as she turned to Rei, who watched the scene with a grin the Cheshire cat would've been proud of. "Aren't they just? When is the plane landing?" "Any minute now." "Not long now until the show starts." The cameras started going off as soon as the plane came to a stop. The Siren representatives hung back until the plane came to a stop before security guards rushed into place, creating a pathway for Minako to the limo parked nearby. Rei and Utena looked over at the limo they'd brought, effectively hidden from sight by news truck. Rei swallowed as the door of the plane opened. Two bodyguards walked out, checking the area out before waving their client out. Minako stepped out, sunglasses on to protect her from the flashes of the camera. She waved enthusiastically, beaming that brilliant smile of hers. She stood at the exit of the plane, turning to let every camera take a front body shot of her before walking down the stairs. She posed a couple of times quickly, blowing a few kisses at the photographers. "Well she's certainly good at that," Utena commented lightly with amusement and weariness. The miko's eyes were trained on the blonde as she walked further down the pathway. She saw Siren's people start to move toward the singer. With a smirk, she easily stepped out from behind a photographer and eased her way through the crowd. It didn't take long for the news crews to start letting her through, though they didn't part outright. There was something about her bright eyes, her determined look, her face, and the power that radiated from her. Whatever that something was, it made them think twice before messing with her. Minako's eyes followed Rei's movement from behind her sunglasses. She resisted the urge to lick her lips. Two weeks without seeing her ex was fourteen days too many. She was like an addiction, see her once and you're hooked. Now, to see her dressed in that form fitting suit of black that blended into the darkness of the night and her hair, eyes accentuated by the lavender blouse that made her seem so soft and that confident smile on her face... But all that wouldn't matter if she wasn't striding toward her purposely, her eyes on the blonde. Minako resisted the urge to shiver at the fire in those eyes. It was like she was the miko's entire world again, and gone was the hate that has come to replace the love in her eyes. She focused her attention on the young man approaching her. Blonde hair, a charming smile, blue eyes and an expensive suit... Siren was really pulling out al the tricks. "Aino-san, welcome back to Japan. The limo is waiting." She gave him a charming smile, feeling the miko get closer to her. She flipped her long hair over her shoulder to stall for a brief moment, just enough time to let Rei make it the rest of the way. "Thank you so very much," she said with a bright smile. "But Aino-san will be riding with me." Minako resisted the urge to smirk at the confident and strong voice. Anyone else and the tone would've sounded cocky. Well, it did, but with Rei it was sexier than anything else. The man looked utterly confused, looking between Rei and the singer. The publicist simply smirked, placing herself between Minako and the blonde man. With a flourish, she extended her arm to point her ex in the direction of their waiting limo. "This way, Aino-san." Minako couldn't hide her smile any longer. "Thank you, Hino-san." A shiver coursed down Rei's spine, though she hated it. The way her name rolled off Minako's tongue was like a caress. And it certainly didn't help that she had turned her baby blues on her. Although they were hidden behind the dark shades, Rei could imagine the look she was giving her... "Ms. Aino, I don't understand..." Rei swiveled, her anger at Minako and her own reaction to the blonde bubbling to the surface. She pinned the confused man with her burning gaze, her lips forming a cruel smirk. "Tell your boss that Ms. Aino no longer has any need for their services." "Her contract-" "Is null and void. Our lawyers will be contracting you tomorrow morning." With that, Rei turned and placed her hand lightly on Minako's elbow. She escorted the star to the limo waiting nearby. The security detail she'd brought was carving a way for them through the reporters, protecting the two of them and Minako's entourage. The miko allowed Minako to slip in before stepping in herself, followed by Barbara, Mei and Patrick. Utena instructed the driver to go with a nod. "Welcome back to Japan, Ms. Aino." Minako smiled at Utena as the woman exchanged pleasantries with the rest of her group, chatting about their trip. The blonde's attention was on her ex-girlfriend, who was busy on her Palm Pilot. "Where's Jen?" she asked, noticing the presence of her stylist after the excitement of what just transpired died down. "We thought it'd be best if she stayed at the hotel. She didn't need to be caught up in the middle of this." Barbara murmured an affirmative at Utena's words, noticing that Rei looked vaguely uncomfortable, though she couldn't figure out why. "So, she's waiting at the hotel?" "She said she was going to bed and to wake her when you landed." Minako looked over at her ex, wondering why she would be privy to such information. "We'll just see her tomorrow then," Patrick said as Mei sighed softly. "Careful, almost seems like you miss her," Babs teased with a smile. "Of course I don't," Mei huffed indignantly. "I just wanted to wake her up." The star smiled as her hair stylist giggled, grinning adorably. "She'd be upset if you didn't tell her." "She won't be traumatized if we let her sleep a little longer," Patrick added. Minako studied Rei. There was something that was off about the whole thing. It didn't sit well with her. The publicist was always considerate, despite her attempts to hide that fact, but why would she want to push something like this? Over the feelings of her employer's stylist? Maybe she was reading too much into it. Perhaps Rei and Jen became friends. Maybe Rei was just being nice. Maybe... She jaw clenched. No, the two of them couldn't possibly have... it's only been two weeks. Jen might have showed interest in Rei but her ex wouldn't complicate a job like this... "Has Jen been moved to the new hotel?" "No," Utena said, answering Babs. "We've kept her in the room Siren set up, to avoid suspicion." "Makes sense," Babs said with a nod. They fell into silence, Minako and her crew recovering from the jetlag. The ringing of Rei's cell disturbed the stillness. Minako blinked sleepily, having been on the edge of falling asleep. The occupants of the car turned to the publicist as she withdrew her phone from her purse, flipping it open with a flick of the wrist. "Hino." The car was silent as everyone focused on Rei's phone call, some despite themselves. The miko turned her body slightly to face the window. It didn't really give her any more privacy, but she could at least pretend. "Yes, we picked them up, we're in the car now." They watched as Rei's brows furrowed. Why couldn't she just listen? With an annoyed look, she handed Minako her mobile. "It's Jen." Minako felt the sinking feeling in her stomach grow as her instincts told her there was something that shouldn't be going on. She took the phone, plastering on one of her bright smiles. "Hey, you." "Mina! How are you guys? It's great to be in the same city as you again." The blonde laughed, the sarcasm not masking her friend's excitement as well as she knew Jen wanted. "Tell her I said 'Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!'" Mei added, bouncing a little. "What she said," Barbara said dryly as Patrick nodded. "Everyone-" "Yeah, yeah, I heard her." Minako giggled. "I-" "Yeah, yeah," Minako imitated as she looked at the rest of her crew. "Jen sends her love." "Hey! Minako! I do not!" The singer just smiled. "So has Rei been treating you well?" She asked casually. "Very, very well." There was no mistaking the alarmed look in Rei's eyes. And she'd have to be an idiot to not understand the purr of Jen's voice. She forced the smile to remain on her face as she looked out the window, staring at the reflection of the dark look in her own eyes. "That's good to hear. I guess I'll see you tomorrow?" "Definitely. You can tell me all about the trip." "Sounds good. Do you want me to give the phone back to Rei?" "Could you? That'd be great. See you tomorrow." Minako said nothing as she handed the phone back to Rei. After a few more moments of hushed conversation, the publicist turned off her phone. Rei watched her former lover, who stayed quiet for the rest of the ride. Her heart felt heavy, since the singer had figured out what she and Jen have been doing. She just knew somehow. What annoyed her more was how troubled she was by it. So what if Minako knew they were messing around? What business was it of hers? And why did she feel so... guilty? She shook her head. No, she didn't feel guilty. She didn't care how Minako felt about it. They were over. They were so over that it didn't even need to be said. Or... something like that. She let out a sigh of relief after she and Utena escorted the star and her entourage into the hotel. Babs had insisted that there was no need for them to go up as well, promising to call if anything wasn't to their liking. With a bow and smile she didn't want to have on her face, she left with her boss. It didn't take her long to hail a cab and head over to Jen's hotel. --- End Flashback --- Rei stepped from the elevator as it opened. Her walk was brisk as she made her way out of the hotel, giving the doorman a tip when he hailed a cab and held the door open for her. She told the cabby to head for the office. Minako and her gang were dropping by at noon. She better start preparing for it now. ............... "You guys look good." Mei placed the tray on the coffee table, offering each person in the room a cup of their preferred drink. Babs thanked her with a nod and took a sip of her tea, watching as Jen took a seat on the couch, the stylist's eyes taking them in. "So do you," Patrick answered with a smile from his seat beside her. "Thanks, the time off's been good." "What have you been doing?" "Rei asked me to be the stylist for one of her new artists. So I've been pretty busy designing a look for her." "Oh wow!" Mei said. "She must like you to let you do something like that." "It's not about her liking me," Jen retorted with a hint of annoyance. "She likes what I do as a stylist." "So are you saying nothing happened?" Barbara noticed that until now, Minako had been relatively quiet. She greeted Jen with her usual cheer and warmth, of course, but was strangely silent. She watched with amusement as a faint blush colored Jen's cheeks. "I knew it!" Minako's jaw clenched as Mei and Patrick started ribbing on Jen. The stylist didn't say much at first, but that soon changed. Rei was an attractive woman, and a very good catch – one worth boasting about. Babs watched as Minako got increasingly tense as Jen continued to tell them what she and Rei have done. Mina couldn't be jealous, could she? She and Jen broke up a long time ago. "I'm going to take a shower before we head over to Athena." Everyone turned to Minako when she interrupted Jen's narrative about her first day with Rei abruptly. The stylist blinked, nodding. "Yeah... sure." Minako walked into the bathroom without another glance at the stylist, closing the door just in time to block out the continuing narrative of their date. The blonde stripped quietly, staring at herself in the mirror. She closed her eyes, shivering as she could almost feel the ghostly fingers of Rei's touch on her skin again. Her hands, slightly calloused and strong from all the work she did at the shrine, but gentle on her body, caressing and loving... Minako opened her eyes, finding herself staring into her own baby blues, and not the molten lavender orbs she hoped she'd see. She felt her chest constrict, but shook off the feeling. She didn't have time for that – for hopes and dreams and regrets. She was here for business, not pleasure. It was just getting harder to remind herself of that fact. vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv This took way too long and the chapter itself is way to short, I know. I'm really sorry. Real life got in the way... again. I'll try to get the next chapter up as quickly as possible.
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