"One teaspoon of baking soda! Not one tablespoon, Rei!" "Well, I'm sorry." Hotaru eyed the monstrous shape before her. It did not look like bread, no matter what the miko said. "I don't understand why you want to bake bread when we bought it just today," Rei mumbled, chopping the vegetables. "It's better homemade," Hotaru explained for, to her, what seemed like the thousandth time. The shorter woman moved to dump the "bread" into the trash. Both she and Rei winced when it stuck to the pan. "I'll get that," the miko offered. "No, no," Hotaru said grabbing a knife to cut it out of the pan. "I'm starting to think you're worse than Minako and Usagi in the kitchen." "I wouldn't go that far." "You're right," the college student replied, causing Rei to grin. "Usagi's cooking looks bad but it's edible. Yours...." They both looked at the blob that clung relentlessly to the pan. "Well... yours is not, let's put it that way." Rei stuck out her tongue. "I can cook you know. I just can't bake." A protest died on the tip of Hotaru's tongue when she remembered the omelet. "Fine, I admit it. You can cook." "Thank you," Rei replied, smirking smugly. "But, I have to tell the other about this... this... thing that won't get out of the damn pan!" The miko walked over and took the knife from Hotaru's hand. Violet eyes glared at Rei's failed attempt at baking. The pan was carried to the sink and ran under hot water. This time, the knife cut through the "bread" and it was tossed into the garbage can. Hotaru's glare worsened when Rei smirked at her. "It's your fault." "Yeah, you're real mature," Rei teased. "Argh!" Hotaru threw her hands into the air and stormed out of the kitchen. The miko smirked and continued to chop the vegetables. Seconds later, the college student returned, looking pissed. "Forgot you're cooking dinner?" A glare was the only response. "You're most definitely feeling better." "I told you I wasn't sick." "Right. And the barfing in your sleep was just to scare me and an excuse to make me clean up." Hotaru turned to discover Rei staring at her intently. "Did I really throw up?" "Yeah, only the first night though." "I'm really sorry. You were stuck taking care of me instead of doing... well, anything else." Hotaru walked over, stopping only centimeters away from Rei. The miko felt her heart speed up as her friend leaned forward. 'Oh god,'Hotaru screamed in her mind, 'what am I doing? This is way too close to Rei!' The older woman could feel the other's breath on her neck. A shiver ran down her spine as she realized a small hand was brushing against hers. They just stood there, staring at each other. Hotaru closed her eyes slightly, cheeks flushed. How she's dreamed of a moment like this. 'I could kiss her.' The thought shocked Rei even before she finished thinking it. She could. Oh, could she ever. It would be too easy to lean forward- just a tiny bit since they were so close. The smell of vanilla and cherries invaded her senses, leaving her nothing more than a puddle of mush. To her surprise, she felt the fire within her die down. The heat was replaced by a calm, comforting feeling. Hotaru leaned over further into Rei's body. It would be so easy to just kiss the woman already. They would get lost in the passion. The look of hunger in those beautiful eyes was swallowing her whole. She was drowning in the need to be together, the need to touch and to hold. She could imagine Rei's lips on her skin, surrounding her body with warmth and blazing into her soul in a burst of wild fire. And she would give in, letting the miko claim her, mark her and make love to her. Make love to her but not love her. There was a difference. Rei Hino didn't love her. She only loved two people, both blonde. She loved them completely, leaving no room for another. And in the end, Hotaru would probably end up on her bed despite knowing this. She would moan and pretend the miko loved her. But not matter what, she would just be another name on the long list. 'No,'she cried, 'don't do this to yourself! Stop dreaming!' Rei was barely breathing. She could smell Hotaru's scent, hear her gentle breathing, see her beautiful eyes twinkle and feel her body press against her own. Hell, she could practically taste the girl's mouth as she imagined their tongues dance. Was she a pervert? Yes, she was. This was her friend. One of her best friends. She watched her grow from an adorable infant into a cute toddler into a wise teenager and into a beautiful woman. Now she wanted her? Wanted her the way she's wanted every other pretty girl or hot guy. She wanted to crush her in a tight embrace and to bruise those pink lips. She wanted to throw her onto her bed and have her way with her. She was a monster. To see your friend as another play thing? Was this all she was now? Rei was shaken from her self-disgust when she saw Hotaru's hand move upwards. Her heart hammered. God, was Hotaru offering herself to her? If so, would she accept? Hell yes. In a fraction of a second. But the lustful thoughts came to a screeching halt when Hotaru reached past her head and opened the cupboard behind her. Disappointment coursed through Rei's veins. God, she was so stupid. Why would Hotaru ever give herself to someone like her? All she had to give was sex. Not commitment, not a relationship, not love and not even a promise to stay loyal. No, Hotaru Tomoe deserved much better, much more. She deserved someone that would give himself completely to her. And Rei? Everything she was belonged to Minako and Usagi. Whatever was left was sealed away, especially her heart. Did she even have a heart anymore? Hotaru tore herself from Rei, the hardest thing she's ever had to do. Taking the salt bottle in her hand, she turned to add it to the chicken on the stove. Rei's eyes were engraved in her mind. The lust and desire were so strong. And they were for her. How she's dreamed of such a day. Hotaru always thought that she'd give Rei her all, even if the miko just wanted her body. But now, seeing the look in her eyes, she couldn't. Because Rei didn't love her. She never will. The love for the two blondes has crushed her, making her a shell of who she once was. Hotaru would do anything to change that. But she knew she couldn't. The only way to get the old Rei back was for Rei herself to let go. She needed to open up and love again. But who would love someone like Hotaru Tomoe? They ate dinner in silence. Neither of them had spoken since the incident in the kitchen. Somehow, they managed to silently communicate everything. Of course, no touching or eye contact involved. Neither of them could take it. Hotaru was trying to get a hold of Haruka, Michiru or Setsuna telepathically. No success. She wanted, no, needed them. She needed out. She needed to get away from Rei. To see what she wanted but could never have was killing her. It would be so easy to give in. "I have to go to school tomorrow." "I know." Silence. Rei wanted desperately for a way to ease the tension. "Why don't I drop you off tomorrow?" Hotaru gulped. No, don't be nice. "It's all right. I can get there by myself." "I know you can. But I want to take you. Besides, I'm dropping by my office anyway." The miko found herself the recipient of one of the college student's famous glares. She relaxed slightly. At least things were somewhat back to normal. "Rei, you're still sick." "I'm going just to check up on things. I won't do any work, I promise." Hotaru relented with a soft sigh. "All right. I'd love to have a ride." "Good." Fine, not on best terms again just yet, but much better than before. "Hotaru? Hotaru! Get up." Violet eyes blinked drowsily. Once they opened fully, they focused on the woman by her bed. Rei stood there, coffee mug in one hand and a phone in the other. "Yeah?" "Morning, sleepyhead. You best get up. It's 7:58." "What!" Hotaru was now completely awake, scrambling for the bathroom. Rei smiled and shook her head. Minutes later, a still sleepy but fast moving Hotaru ran into the dining room. "Something to drink?" "No, thanks. I need to get to school." "All right. Come on." Hotaru followed the miko down into the garage. At 8:25 AM, Rei's silver Porsche pulled up in front of Tokyo University. All eyes turned, admiring the beautiful car. The passenger side door opened and out stepped Hotaru Tomoe. She shut the door and ran of the base of the stairs, where three girls stood, gawking. "Hey, guys. Let's go." The brunette Hotaru was pushing away shifted and walked back to the car. The blonde and the other brunette followed. Hotaru groaned. "Hotaru-chan, nice ride," the shorter brunette whistled. "Yeah! Did Haruka-san get a new ride?" "No, Sara. This is my friend's car." All three girls looked at their nervous looking friend and then turned their attention back to the car. The driver's side door opened, causing the four girls to step back. "Staring is a bit rude, ladies." None of them knew whether the woman was talking about them staring at the car or at her. Either way, Rei was leaning on the hood of her ride, an amused smile on her lips. The blonde, Sara, gawked at her. "W-wh-who..." "W-what...." the shorter brunette continued. "Hotaru?" The girl in question smiled nervously. "Umm... guys, meet Rei Hino. Rei, my friends. The blonde's Sara, the shorter brunette is Megumi and the tallest one is Hikari." Both Sara and Hikari bowed politely, amusing the smiling miko. Megumi offered her hand, which Rei shook. The three college students then returned to staring at the woman. She was gorgeous! "It's nice to meet you ladies. Hotaru, here's a floppy with your report on it. I thought you might want it, just in case you wrinkle your report or something." "Rei..." "I have to hurry to the office now. It was a pleasure meeting you ladies." Hotaru sighed as her friends just nodded quietly, still in awe. The miko smiled and waved as she stepped into her car and drove away. A few minutes later, Sara turned to a fidgeting Hotaru, smiling sweetly. "Hotaru, when did you get a girlfriend?" "What! No! She's not my girlfriend!" "Really?" Sara asked eagerly. "Can I ask her out then?" "Sara," Hikari scolded gently. "Yeah," Megumi said smiling. "I don't go that way and I have a boyfriend, but she's hot!" Hotaru stiffened. She turned to her blonde friend, expression grim. "I don't think you want to go out with Rei." Sara arched a brow in question. "Why? You like her?" "I knew that was coming," Hotaru mumbled under her breath. "Yes, I do." All three college students opened their mouths to say something. But Hotaru held up her hand, silencing them. "But, that's not the reason I don't want you going out with her." The youngest senshi could tell Hikari and Megumi were getting curious and Sara flat out annoyed. She took a deep breath. "You'll get hurt," she whispered so softly that they barely heard her. "Rei's not... loyal. She sleeps around, promising each girl or guy forever. But forever doesn't even last a day, much less weeks." None of the girls has ever heard Hotaru in so much pain. Her eyes were distant, hands held close to her heart. "She doesn't love anymore. She doesn't care if what she does is hurting people." Violet eyes turned to Sara, almost knocking the blonde off her feet with their intensity. "Don't go out with her. I don't want you to get hurt too." "Too?" Megumi echoed, brown eyes darkening. "Did she hurt you?" "Did she?" Hikari pressed. Hotaru shook her head, thankful to have so many good (protective, but good) friends. She smiled and walked up the stairs. "Come on, we'll be late." Hotaru walked down the stairs with Hikari, Sara and Megumi. Their finals had been easier than they'd expected, but by no means easy. They were chatting about the newest movie when Hotaru saw her. Rei was standing at the bottom of the steps, talking on her cell phone. The college student wondered how she can look that beautiful wearing just a white blouse and black pants. Her friends noticed her silence and followed her gaze. Megumi straightened to her full height, 5'3", but none the less intimidating because of the look in her eyes. "Parker, I don't CARE how, I want it done. Yeah, so what! I'll fly to Canada if he doesn't want to come. All right, do what you can." Rei shut the cell phone off, mumbling in annoyance as she turned around. She found four college students walking up to her and smiled. "Oh, hey Hotaru, Megumi, Sara and Hikari." Megumi just nodded while Sara and Hikari bowed. Rei's eyes narrowed slightly, why were they being so cold now? Hotaru spoke up first. "What brings you here? "When Utena and Kenji found out I was sick this weekend, they demanded I go home. But, then I figured today's your last day of school so I should take you and your friends out for lunch." "Oh." Hotaru wouldn't admit it, but she was really touched by Rei's gesture. Megumi, however, just became even more suspicious. "Do you all want to? I mean, I understand if you have prior arrangements," the miko continued. The youngest senshi looked at her friends, who all nodded. "Sure." Rei smiled. "Great. There's a café two blocks from here that Usa-chan said... no, more like exclaimed, was pretty good." "That sounds like her." Rei shook her head as the four college student began walking next to her. "You know her. That bottomless pit knows every restaurant, deli, café and fruit stand in city." They all cracked a smile, even the sulking Megumi. "How did you know when we would be out?" Hikari asked, speaking up for the first time. "I called the office and demanded they tell me." All four of the students stopped, gaping at her. "You're joking," Sara croaked out, shocked. Rei chuckled and winked. "Yes, I am. I've been waiting out here for about half an hour, hoping I didn't miss you." It was clear from the expression on the blonde's face that she was trying not to go "awwww." Hotaru reached out and touched the miko's arm, causing Megumi's eyes to flash. She told Sara not to fall for the older woman, but it was obvious she herself was falling. "You didn't have to. And you don't have to take us out for lunch, either." The somewhat cocky expression became a gentle smile. Rei reached over and brushed a strand of hair behind her friend's ear. "I know. But I want to. I know Ruka-san, Michi-san and Suna-san always take you out for dinner. The first two are out of town and who knows where Setsuna is. So, you'll just have to settle for me this time." Hotaru looked into Rei's lavender eyes, her emotions displayed clearly for all to see. Her classmates knew now for certain that she didn't just like Hino, she loved her. Something that shocked them senseless. "I'm not settling. You're great." "Hm... good to know. But, let's keep walking. I'm sure you're all hungry." Hotaru snorted as Rei started walking again. "You want to hurry because you're hungry." The miko turned, flipping her hair over her right shoulder and just smirked. "I never said I wasn't." The girls were sitting in a booth near the back of the café. Megumi sat across from Rei, displeased that Hotaru was sitting to Rei's right and Sara on the miko's left. The blonde and Hikari made sure to pin the short brunette between the two of them to get her to behave. "Please, order whatever you want." Megumi opened the menu and tried hard not to gawk. The prices were very high. Sara was perfectly at ease, talking about the different selections with Rei. The blonde was rich, downright loaded. Hikari didn't look too shocked either, her green eyes scanning the menu. "Rei." "Yes, Hotaru?" "I appreciate what you're doing. But it's just the last day of sophomore year. It's nothing-" "It is important." Hotaru sighed. "No, not really." "Ru, it's fine. We eat at Tower all the time, so I don't see why this is a big deal." The Tower, one of the most expensive and classy restaurants in all of Tokyo. Megumi knew Hotaru was well off as well, but this was ridiculous! She'd have to save her allowance for a year just to get a table there! Hotaru, noticing Megumi's stare, blushed. She knew Sara wouldn't be any help judging by the delighted expression on her face. Hikari, however, seemed to catch her friend's distress. "Hino-san-" "Rei's fine." "Rei-san." The woman being addressed was clearly amused by Hikari's manners. However, she remained silent and watched as the brunette cast a worried glance at Megumi. "Rei-san, we don't want to be a bother. We could have enjoyed a hamburger or such-" "Don't worry," Rei cut in, smiling. "I have enough money on me to feed four college girls." The four blushed, reminded of the fact that they were merely college students. Hotaru began playing with her napkin, hoping Megumi wouldn't take anything out on Rei. Out of the four, she was the poorest, her parents working full time to support her family. "Besides, I have enough credit cards to pay for the feeding of an army of starving teenage boys." Megumi shook her head. This was ridiculous. Her parents worked hard to send her to college and here the woman with her could pay for twenty people's education. Hotaru and Hikari didn't flaunt their wealth, since they knew she was sensitive when it came to money. Sara wasn't as careful as the other two, but not intentionally to hurt Megumi. It was just her lifestyle. And it seemed Rei Hino was exactly like the blonde. The waitress came and took their orders. Megumi eyed Rei evenly. "Rei-san, do you mind if I ask how old you are?" The miko smiled whilst Sara and Hikari wanted to hit their friend for her bluntness. Hotaru groaned inward and sank into her seat. And so begins the interrogation. "No, of course not. I'm 25." "Six years older than Hotaru. Would you mind if I ask how you two met?" Hotaru was now ready to pounce on Megumi. Talk about overprotective. "No. We met because of our common friend, ChibiUsa." "Yes, ChibiUsa," Hotaru cut in. "She lost her hat and I got it back for her. We became friends. And through ChibiUsa, I met Rei." Talk about a condensed version. "How old were you then, Rei-san?" Hikari asked, becoming interested as well. "It was eleven years ago, so I was 14." "I see. And how did you two become friends? I imagine it's hard for a 14 year old and 8 year old to really become friends." "Well, Megumi, I was friends with Hotaru's guardians, all three of them in fact." "Oh? How old were they then?" Sara asked, oblivious to the nervous look on Hotaru's face. "Sara!" Hikari cried, though somewhat halfheartedly. "It's fine," Hotaru said. "Haruka and Michiru were 16 and Setsuna was 21." Rei looked at Hotaru, arching a brow as if to ask, 'So that's the story we're going by?' The younger senshi nodded and hoped none of her other friends read anything from their eyes. "Wait. They're not that much older than you," Sara said suddenly. "How did they come to be your guardians? I've always been curious." It was true. When the three met Hotaru a year ago, the girl told them she lived with her guardians. But they never learned how that came to be. Hotaru and Rei's eyes met again. The former was clearly hesitant to go into her past. The miko smiled, her gaze reassuring her that her friends wouldn't judge. Not that it's the entire story they'd be hearing. "My father..." At the word "father," Hikari, Megumi and Sara perked up. They've never heard Hotaru talk about her father before. "My father owned Mugen High school. Haruka and Michiru were students there. Since I was usually around the school, my father asked them to be my babysitters during school hours." The three college students nodded, motioning for Hotaru to continue. "My father was later in an accident, leaving him unable to care for me. Setsuna was a teacher at Mugen, whom my father and I knew well. She was Haruka's guardian and I already loved her like a mother. So, my father made her my legal guardian along with Michiru and Haruka, when they turned 21." "So," Sara whispered, saddened by her friend's story, "they raised you?" Hotaru nodded. "Yes. Along with Rei, Ami Mizuno, Minako Aino, Usagi Tsukino and Makoto Kino." "Who?" Megumi asked blinking. "We know Rei-san," Hikari stated. "But who are the other four? Wait, did you say Ami Mizuno? As in the most renowned doctor in Tokyo at 25?" Rei laughed, her eyes dancing with mirth as she shook her head. Hotaru smiled. "Oh god," the miko said, wiping a tear from her eyes. "I want to meet one person who doesn't know who Ami is." "You're right. If I had a penny for every time I hear someone mention her, I'd be rich." "You guys have a pretty diverse group of friends," Megumi said simply, though everyone could hear the slightly suspicious tone in her voice. "Megumi," the miko said, addressing the brunette. "You remind me of my friend, Makoto Kino." "How so?" Rei knew she had to approach the subject with care. Megumi was practically promising death in her eyes. "Well, she's a brunette, first off. And very protective. She'd do anything so that her friends won't be hurt. She's really tough too. Heck, she's a master of martial arts. And judging by the way you carry yourself, you practice it as well." Megumi leaned forward slightly, interested. Hino knew more than she looked like she did. "But, she's really a big softy on the inside." Hikari and Sara had to restrain their friend from pouncing on Rei. The miko, however, had no fear whatsoever. "Mako-chan lost her parents when she was young. You have a big family, don't you?" Rei took the heated stare from the young woman as a yes. "You both learned how to take care of yourself when you were young. And how to take care of others. For you, it's siblings and for Makoto, it was us. But we are like a family. We're closer than most real families since for most of us, we don't have a very traditional family." Megumi stopped, hearing the pain in Rei's voice. Hotaru closed her eyes and leaned against Rei. "I grew up with my grandfather. Minako's parents were neglectful. Ami lived only with her mother. Haruka didn't live with her family and never discussed them. Michiru was the same. Usagi's the only one with a real family." Lavender eyes bore into Megumi's. The college student almost gasped. They burned with an uncontrollable flame. It was both scorching and comforting, easily swayed to either side. Rei Hino was as protective of Hotaru as she was, no, more. And she cared for her friend. "We wanted to give Hotaru what most of us didn't have. Sure, we're not a conventional family. But we tried. And thank god she turned out the way she did." Hotaru refrained from hugging Rei right there and then. Despite the fiery attitude, the miko was still a kind and caring person. And she cared about her. God, she cared. The young girl covered her friend's hand with her own, causing the miko to look at her. Rei reached up and touched a slightly pale cheek, eyes twinkling. "Thank god." That was all Hotaru could stand. Without a word, she leaned over and kissed Rei's cheek. Lavender eyes closed, relishing the feel of those soft lips on her skin. Three pairs of eyes watched the touching exchange. It was painfully obvious the attraction that existed between those two. And it went beyond the whole "family" ties they spoke of. For reasons unknown to Megumi, Hotaru Tomoe loved Rei Hino. And to her annoyance, those feelings seemed to be reciprocated. And they had no idea of the other's affection. The brunette groaned out loud. The two involved in the little drama were too busy to notice. Hikari and Sara, however, were not. Two pairs of angry eyes turned to the brunette, promising death is she interfered. "All right, ladies. Sorry to keep you waiting." The waitress' arrival snapped Rei and Hotaru from their trance. They moved away, blushing. Both pairs of purple eyes turned away from the other. "Who ordered the Supreme Mocha Cara-" "That would be her," Rei interrupted, pointing to Hotaru. Sara was touched by the fact that the miko knew what her friend ordered. As the waitress walked away, her brown eyes turned to Rei. "Rei-san? Did you know that's what Hotaru ordered since you know her so well?" The older woman felt four pairs of eyes on her. She smiled sweetly, though the gleam in her eyes told them she was anything but that. "I wish," she whispered, sighing dramatically. "But alas, that is not the case." "Then how did you know I ordered it? You weren't paying attention when the waitress was getting our orders." "It's simple. Only Hotaru would order something with such a long name it would take more time to say it than to enjoy it." Hikari, Megumi and Sara found it hard not to twitch. Rei, on the other hand, was smiling so widely her cheeks hurt. She could feel a pair of glaring eyes on her, trying to burn a whole through her head. She turned to her right, looking into the annoyed face of Hotaru Tomoe. The miko gulped and smiled weakly. "Rei..." "Umm... hi, Hotaru." The disbelief the other three girls felt disappeared when they saw the panic in the business woman's eyes. The confident woman moved back from the youngest senshi. Hotaru suddenly calmed. Four pairs of eyes stared as she sipped her drink. Violet eyes turned to Rei, a smirk on her lips. "This is from a woman who orders black Colombian coffee every time." Attention was refocused on the miko. The three students of Tokyo University found the exchange to be amusing. "What can I say? I'm a creature of habit, Firefly-chan." Annoyed violet eyes met smug lavender ones. But, it was obvious Hotaru wasn't about to let Rei get the best of her. "I find it rather dull, Hino-chan." "Yes, perhaps, Firefly-chan. But at least I won't order a dish cooked completely in milk by accident." "Ouch," Sara mumbled. Everyone knew Hotaru hated milk. The short black-haired woman opened her mouth to retort when a smooth voice cut her off. "Well, I'd never thought I'd see the day when the Rei Hino is out with four college girls. Too young, wouldn't you say?" Everyone turned to see a tall woman with flaming red hair and mocking gray eyes looking at Rei. Her red lips were twisted upwards in a condescending smile. Hotaru felt her friend tense besides her. "Naomi," the miko greeted coldly. The woman, Naomi, looked at the college students and stopped when she got to Sara. "Ah, only one girl wouldn't mind going out with you." Then she turned to Sara. "She's your type, isn't she, hon?" Sara blinked in confusion and turned to Rei for help. The miko glared at Naomi before returning her attention to the blonde college student. "Don't mind her," she said dryly. "She can pick up every lesbian or bisexual girl within a radius of five miles." Megumi and Hikari squirmed uncomfortably as their friend blushed. "You shouldn't be talking, Hino. Your radar's set for ten." Rei stood, ready to pounce on Naomi. The only reason she didn't was Hotaru's hand on her arm. The redhead's smirk widened at the sight of this. "Naomi-san!" A cute and perky young woman bounced over to the booth. Naomi's eyes softened immediately. "Mika-chan." The girl turned to Rei, staring at her. Naomi's eyes narrowed at the sight of the miko's twinkling eyes. "Mika-chan, wait for me outside." The girl nodded and walked out. Cold gray turned to blazing lavender as the miko sat down. The calm before the storm. "I never thought I'd see this day," Rei snarled. "The day the famous Naomi Nagi falls for a straight girl. Quite smitten over her, actually." Naomi's eyes flashed. She turned and walked towards the door. "Good day, Hino. This isn't over." The bell over the door sounded when the redhead walked out. All eyes turned to Rei. The miko seemed completely unaffected as she sipped her coffee. "Rei-san," Sara said finally. "Did you know all along I was a lesbian?" The blonde was blushing furiously and looked down to avoid the twinkling lavender eyes. It was obvious from Rei's gaze both the answer to that question and to the next. Nevertheless, Sara decided to ask. "Did you know I was interesting in you?" Rei nodded, smiling brightly. Megumi practically jumped out of her chair when the miko touched the Sara's hand. "Once you have enough experience, it's easy to tell with most people." Hotaru looked away to hide her own blush. Does that mean Rei could tell she had a crush... no, that she loved the miko? Hopefully not. "Besides," Rei continued as she pulled her hands away, seeing Megumi's glare, "I'm flattered." "I don't know why. You're gorgeous, I'm sure you have people chasing you all the time." The miko actually blushed. Hikari noticed both Hotaru and Rei stiffen the same time Sara did. "Yeah, well..." The group fell into an uncomfortable silence. Soon, lunch was finished, yet no one said another word. When it came time to leave, the four students stood outside while Rei paid the bill. "So," Hikari said to Hotaru as Rei walked out, "are you coming home with us, Hotaru?" The miko stood to the side, waiting for Hotaru's answer. It was clear Megumi disliked her. Sara was... well, Sara. Hikari felt awkward around her. Rei sighed and looked at the direction of the university. She wanted to make a good impression on Hotaru's friends. Once again, she totally messed something up. "Actually, I'm staying with Rei." Hotaru winced when she saw the shorter brunette's eyes narrow. The dangerous vibes coming from the woman was quite scary. Rei didn't as much as look in their direction, trying her best to give them some privacy. "What? When did this happen?" "Ru," Rei said calmly, ignoring Megumi's exclamation. "I'm going to get the car." The violet-eyed girl was glad Rei took the hint and left. She sighed and turned back to her concerned friends. "Rei was sick this weekend. I stayed with her and my guardians went out of town. Rei offered me a place to stay." "What!" Megumi screamed again. "That's not good." "Why not?" "Well... argh!" "What she means," Hikari interrupted quickly, "is that we don't think it's a good idea." "Why not?" "Hotaru! It's obvious you love her! It's like putting your head into a lion's mouth! Not the smartest idea!" "Guys, I know you're worried. But Rei would never hurt me. Trust me on this one." Megumi growled and stomped off. Just then, Rei pulled up in her car. Hikari and Sara thanked the miko for lunch on both theirs and Megumi's behalf. They gave Hotaru a hug before running off. The young woman got into the car, upset. Rei sighed and drove home. Hotaru walked into the apartment, put her stuff down and went straight to the guest bedroom. Rei sighed and walked into the kitchen to get some water. Today and last night had not gone well. She needed advice. She needed... Without another thought, she crossed over to the phone and dialed a number. The phone rang twice before it was answered. "Hi, Setsuna?"
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