"There's nothing to tell." "From how Makoto and Haruka talk, I think there is." Rei shifted, cursing the fact that the two big mouths were on the other side of the city. The next time she saw them... "There really isn't much, Serena." The blonde moved to Rei's side of the couch, leaning against her. She turned her blue eyes up pleadingly, remembering the assassin always gave in when she did that. Raven hair brushed against her soft skin, making her shiver. Serena watched as her companion fidgeted uncharacteristically. "It's not worth telling." "But... I think it is." Violet eyes searched Serena's baby blues. "You sure?" Much to Rei's dismay, the blonde resting against her nodded with a sweet smile. She sighed, her resolve crumbling. Noticing this, the blonde placed her head on Rei's shoulder. She shifted the blanket so it covered them both. "Where should I start then?" "Hmm... how about your parents?" Rei's chest rose then fell as she let out another deep sigh. "My Dad was a politician. He was only twenty-four when he met my Mom." Blue eyes focused on Rei's face, mesmerized by the movement of her ruby lips and the twinkle of her eyes. "How'd they meet?" "My Mom was a priestess. The shrine in Juuban had been in her family's possession for generations. Dad was there campaigning for his father. Back then he was just an aide. Somehow he found the shrine, I guess, because that's where they met." ---Flashback--- The lavender eyes of a young child stared at the photograph in her hands. She smiled as she traced the violet eyes of her mother, wondering once again why she didn't have her Mom's brown hair. It was so pretty and long, not to mention shiny. She knew she would wear the robes her mother wore in the picture one day. It was only a matter of time before her Grandpa let her become a priestess, instead of just doing chores around the shrine. She turned her attention to her father in the photograph with a slight frown. Even though she'd gotten her hair from him, he didn't seem to like her that much. He was never around, always visiting for an hour or two before getting into his car and driving away. Rei wondered why she couldn't make him as happy as Mom seemed to, at least from the photograph. She was Mommy's daughter, so that meant she should have that special something to make Daddy love her too. She placed a kiss on Mommy and Daddy's faces, the glass of the frame cool against her lips. Rei placed the photograph back on her table before rushing to get to school. ---End of Flashback--- "Grandpa didn't like my Dad, but Mom started dating him anyway. Mom was only nineteen when they married..." Serena saw the pain in Rei's eyes and braced herself. She snuggled against the woman. "A year later, I was born. But my Mom died in childbirth." Lavender eyes squeezed shut. The memories she tried to keep away resurfaced. A small, warm hand clasped her own, a light squeeze sending waves of comfort through her. "My Dad disappeared. He left me with Grandpa. I grew up at the shrine, not really knowing Father. But I always knew I was the reason Mom died." "Oh, Rei..." Serena wished she hadn't asked. It was obvious, though Rei tried to hide it, that this was hurting her deeply. "I heard so many stories about Mom from Grandpa. But when I was seven, he fell ill. I guess he never quite recovered from losing Mom. He died a few months later." ---Flashback--- Rei stared at the coffin as it was slowly lowered into the ground. Never again would she hear her Grandpa's voice. Never again would she feel his strong arms around her, offering her warmth and safety. The wind tugged on her black dress. Girls as young as her shouldn't have to wear black. She didn't know why, but she suddenly felt very tired. A firm hand was placed on her shoulder. She looked up, meeting the blue eyes of a virtual stranger. But he was her father. She belonged with him now. --- End of Flashback --- "I went to live with Dad. By then he'd become a prominent politician, taking over after his father died. He didn't have too much for me." Serena knew first hand what that felt like. But at such a young age? She had been blessed that her mother was still alive back then. Back when her Dad really loved her. So long ago, it seemed now. She watched as Rei's fists clenched. The woman's narrowed eyes were focused on her lap. She was lost in her memories, and Serena was afraid to pull her from them. She knew she should. She knew she shouldn't let Rei go down this painful road. But she was curious, as much as she hated it. She wanted to know. "My father made a few powerful enemies. Two years later he was killed." Rei still remembered the night. She'd had a dance recital, which her father missed, of course. She'd practiced so hard, hoping it would be one he finally came to. She made sure her outfit was perfect before prancing on stage with a huge grin on her face. She scanned the crowd. But as usual, Rei only saw the smiling face of her driver. Ryusuke was waiting by the car with a grin when the recital ended. She slipped into the car without a word. During the drive home he'd asked her the customary questions about her day and the recital. Rei hadn't been in the mood to talk, which her driver picked up on quickly. The rest of the ride had been in silence. Ryusuke opened the car door for her once they arrived, escorting his young charge to the entrance of the massive house. He rang the bell a few times, knowing the servants were expecting them. Rei was growing impatient as the minutes stretched on. First her father didn't come to the recital, now no one would open the door when they knew it was her? Her temper had been rising when she spotted Ryusuke open the door. She turned to look into the house when she'd heard her driver's strangled gasp. What she saw made her freeze. Blood covered the floor, forming puddles and small streams. They reminded her of the river systems they'd been studying at school. Lakes of blood were connected by rivers, flowing into each other and staining the white marble of the atrium floor. She saw the body of their butler draped over the expensive 18th century table he spent hours polishing and dusting, his blood soaking the fine wood. One of the maids was bent in half on the railing of the stairs, her eyes wide and her face frozen in an expression of shock. Rei could see the hole in the middle of her forehead. She spotted something move from the corner of her eye and before she could turn her head to see it better, she heard a grunt and then a loud thump. She slowly looked to her side to see Ryusuke lying on his back on the floor, his mouth opened in a silent scream. His eye had exploded when the bullet entered his brain from it, a faint hint of smoke rising from the burnt flesh. A strong hand clamped over her mouth before she could scream. Tears fell from her eyes as she struggled. She felt the cold metal of a gun press against her temple. "The assassin that killed him took pity on me. He took me in." Serena wrapped her arms around Rei, surprised when she didn't pull away. "He taught me everything I know. He made sure I would be strong... no matter what the cost." Though her voice held the detachment of a medical textbook, Serena could see the bitterness in Rei's eyes. The blonde couldn't even begin to imagine what that must've been like for Rei. To be trained to kill by the man that murdered her father and servants, by the man that ended her childhood and life as she knew it. "When I was 17, my mentor was killed on a mission. The client was furious, he'd lost a lot of money." Rei shifted, unconsciously burying her face in Serena's soft hair, inhaling the sweet fragrance. "So, he made me finish the job. If I failed... I was his." Serena shivered. His. "I did it, though. The client was upset I managed to do so, and beat me until I was nearly dead. That's how I met Haruka. She took me in." Rei knew she was talking too much. Serena asked about her parents, not about her life as an assassin. She knew she'd regret this the next day. She knew this might cause her downfall eventually. But she couldn't find it in herself to care. As much as that frightened her, she couldn't help but feel strangely comforted by it. Comforted by the fact that there was someone she could tell. "Word got out pretty quickly about me. I started getting jobs, and two years later, with Haruka and Makoto's help, I established a pretty good reputation. The smaller jobs stopped coming in. Every few months I'd take something big and make enough money to last me a while. The jobs got bigger and bigger..." Rei trailed off, but Serena knew exactly what was coming next. Her current job, kidnapping her. But the blonde felt neither anger nor any hatred. No, only sympathy and sorrow for the woman in her arms. No one deserved that, especially not a child. She didn't wonder why Rei was who she was anymore. She didn't really have a choice. Human instincts told her to survive, no matter what the cost and outcome. Serena felt something dampen her shirt. It took her a few moments to realize what that something was. Rei's tears. "Don't cry," Serena said softly. Instinct made her draw Rei even closer to her body. Hesitantly, she ran her fingers through the assassin's soft hair. Despite the situation, contentment raced through the blonde. She wasn't going to deny she's thought about holding Rei nor about running her hand through her hair. She knew it was wrong since she was engaged to Mamoru. But it didn't matter. "It's okay, Rei, let it out." Serena sat quietly with the trembling woman in her arms. Raven and blonde hair intertwined as Serena tucked Rei's head under her chin. Minutes later, the blonde could tell Rei had stopped crying. Hesitantly, she pulled away. "Are you all right?" Rei nodded, keeping her head down. Serena reached over and placed her hand under the assassin's chin. Slowly, she lifted the raven-topped head. Traces of dry tears marred the woman's smooth skin. Lavender met blue for a split second. There, in her eyes, was a heart-breaking, yet at the same time, captivating vulnerability. The tough exterior had been shed and the threatening glares no where to be seen. Even the condescending smirk was gone. Here she was, the real Rei Hino under it all... a lost and hurting woman who never quite got over old pains. The sight made Serena both sick with sorrow and excited at the trust displayed in Rei's voluntary unmasking. Without another word, Serena pulled her into another tight hug. 'I'll never let you be hurt again...' But Serena knew she would never be able to fulfill that promise. 'Even so, I'll try my hardest to keep you from getting hurt again... I swear...' The protective feeling Serena got from holding Rei was completely foreign to her. Usually other people protected her, kept her sheltered and safe. But this feeling of protectiveness, this power it inspired in her was... fulfilling. It gave her a sense of purpose. "Thank you." The soft whisper sent the blonde's heart into overdrive. Even when vulnerable, the woman in her arms was alluring and mesmerizing. Which was a thought she couldn't really afford to have "For what?" Rei buried her face in Serena's shirt. "Listening." The older woman looked down at the woman she held. It felt so different, but good to be the strong one. It made her feel... needed. "Anytime." Their eyes met as Rei looked up. Suddenly the assassin moved forward. She didn't know what it was exactly that possessed her to do it. Maybe it was the way Serena looked in the candlelight, so soft and young, but strong. Perhaps it was the stars twinkling in the black velvet sky that seemed to surround them. Or maybe it was this whole role reversal thing. But whatever it was, Rei felt drawn to Serena like never before. The blonde froze when she saw the other woman leaning toward her. Acting on its own accord, her own head moved downward. She licked her lips quickly, anticipating the feel of those full, ruby lips on hers. Their lips brushed tentatively before they pulled away. Rei shivered, the contact more intense than anything she's ever felt. Especially from such a brief touch. She's been with so many people, and none came close to what Serena made her feel in that simple caress of their lips. She craved for more, truly, madly and deeply. Serena felt her whole body shut down. The only sensation she felt came from her lips. And they seemed to burn. Such a sweet touch. Not even a kiss with Mamoru could measure up. It was... amazing. Instinctively, Serena tightened her arms around Rei's body and leaned down for another. Rei's heart began to beat wildly. This feeling was foreign, but frighteningly intoxicating. She knew it wasn't right to kiss Serena. But she's never wanted anything so bad. Serena was sweet, innocently, kind and simply bubbling with happiness. Rei's never met anyone like her before. The people she knew were rough, hard and cruel. People that wouldn't think twice about turning on her for the right price. The blonde was far from all those things. She didn't have a single bad bone in her body. And now Rei was about to kiss her again. The thought sent a shiver of excitement through her body. Rei licked her lips. A taste of heaven... for the woman who'd sold her soul. Serena moaned softly as their lips touched for the second time. The woman was an amazing kisser, and her lips were like sin. The blonde had always been told to be a good girl. Listen to your elders, get good grades, behave like a proper lady, never cause trouble, never do anything you're not supposed to do... And this was definitely something she was not supposed to do. In fact, it's so wrong... it's right. Serena finally knew why people say once you get a taste of the forbidden, you can never go back. She knew she couldn't go back. Rei's kisses were the guilty pleasure, the fluttering in her stomach the wrong thing to feel. And the lust she felt for more for her dirty desire...for more of Rei. She'd found her forbidden fruit. Sweet like candy, soft like rose petals and pure, in the simplest sense. Serena smiled against Rei's lips as she felt the raven-haired woman's arms snake around her neck. She could definitely get used to kissing Rei. Mamoru? Great kisser, but nothing compared to this. Blue eyes opened as she felt the woman pull away. She opened her mouth to protest, a childish pout forming. Lavender eyes twinkled wit amusement as Rei pressed a finger to Serena's lips. The mere sight of her pout almost sent Rei's self-control out the window. Who cared about the consequences when the crime was so... perfect. She wouldn't mind being sent to hell for committing such an enticing- Speaking of enticing ... Serena gazed at her with her baby blues, which were adorably wide with confusion and frustration. A smirk played on Rei's lips at the sight of lust clouding those beautiful eyes. Why did she pull away again? Anything remotely considered rational left her the second Serena pressed their lips together again. The blonde pulled away when Rei let out a soft moan. Serena laughed at the annoyed expression on her companion's face. "You looked like you were about to kiss me... but didn't. So... I figured I should, hmm, exact my revenge." Rei snorted. Revenge? That was fresh. Maybe she should- "Why did you pull away?" The assassin's face fell, her eyes lowering. Dread filled Serena. This couldn't be good. "It's noth-" Rei snapped her mouth shut. It wasn't nothing. It was something, something important. Sure, she'd hate herself after she says it. Oh Hell, she hated herself now. But she had to be fair, not only to Serena... but to herself. "Serena, you should think about this." "What?" "I mean, you're in a serious relationship with Chiba... you're away from your family and friends. I'm the only one you see every day... I think you're just stressed or-" "You're right." Rei squeezed her eyes shut. Of course, good-bye piece of Heaven. Why did she have to say something?" "But... tonight's perfect, isn't it?" Lavender eyes snapped open as she gawked at the blonde. Serena smiled softly. She didn't know what was going on. She didn't know if it was the atmosphere or the situation or if she really felt something like that for Rei. But either way, she wanted this for as long as possible. "Yes... it is perfect." Blue eyes closed slowly. "Then why ruin it?" "Serena..." "Rei," the blonde whispered softly, cutting off the other woman. She opened her eyes, the smile on her lips wistful. "I've been good all my life." She placed a hand on Rei's cheek. "I've always done the right thing, been the good little girl. But just this once, I want to forget being rational. I want a taste of-" Serena was cut off when Rei kissed her firmly. She shifted against the couch. This was definitely not sweet and tender like before. Rei's lips caressed hers with fervor, leaving Serena breathless. The blonde responded to her passion by wrapping her arms around the strong body pressed against her as tightly as she could. Oh god, has she ever kissed before this? The assassin nibbled on Serena's lip, drawing a gasp, to her pleasure. To Hell with consequences. Who cared about rationality? Could proper behavior compare to this? 'Dream on, Hino.' Somewhere in Rei's lust-filled mind, she knew she was going too fast. Hell, she didn't even know Serena had any desire to kiss her ten minutes ago. She had been in the middle of a breakdown. Did she even know she wanted the blonde? Who knew? Emotions were not her strong point. The only two feelings she was accustomed to were indifference and anger. And brief bouts of lust. But lust a physical reaction, and not an emotional one, right? Rei was feeling pretty lustful right now. The thought not to hurt Serena did occur, but like she said, to Hell with rationality. All she saw was Serena, all she could think about was Serena. Rei pulled away and watched as the blonde tilted her head back, chest rising and falling rapidly as she gasped for breath. The assassin licked her lips, never one to give up a prime opportunity. Ruby lips kissed the pale and soft skin at Serena's throat. The blonde's eyes widened, barely suppressing a moan. Rei's eyes twinkled. So that's the way she wanted it. As she returned to showering her lips with kisses, she briefly compared the girl in her arms to her cousin. Minako, now there was a woman who knew exactly what to do. In fact, she was definitely one of the best lovers Rei has ever had, if not the best. Sure, to most people they looked like the most they've done was flirt. How wrong they were. Rei knew Minako two months before the idol introduced her to Serena. The assassin thought it would be a total drag to have to flirt with an arrogant star like Minako. The image she had of the blonde was that of a completely egotistical bitch, without the beauty she appeared to have. She thought the wonderful starlet was only an illusion made by tricks and mirrors. Bu the first month turned out to be an intense game of cat and mouse. Instead of being on the offensive like she thought she would be, Rei became the prey. The first meeting was innocent enough. Rei was the waitress for Minako and a few of her friends. The blonde gave her the look over and asked when her shift was over. For once, Rei was taken aback by someone. Minako radiated confidence. She knew how to carry herself, knew she was beautiful and knew she was charming. But most dangerous of all, she knew how to use her beauty and charm. If Rei was anyone else, she would have fallen head over heels in love with Minako. But Rei was not just another woman. Minako's physical attraction to her quickly turned into the basis of her plan to get Serena. For the next month, Rei would bait Minako with everything she had, only to snap it away when the blonde had a taste. Just as she hoped, Minako only pursued her harder. Finally, Rei let herself be caught. A date at Minako's house. Usually, she didn't count on being seduced in one night. Or ever, really. She's usually the one doing the seducing. But the night at Minako's had been Heaven. First dinner, a quiet candle-lit affair at the star's penthouse. Then they did a little star gazing over dessert. After that? Well, only one of the most amazing nights of her life. "What are you thinking about?" Rei's eyes focused on the blonde before. This wasn't Minako. It's Serena. The two have to be treated differently. "Nothing of importance," she said, feeling a strange little thud in her heart. Serena wrinkled her nose and pulled Rei down. The assassin shivered, wondering if there was a gene in the family that both blondes got. Serena whispered in her ear, pink lips brushing against her ear deliberately as she spoke. "I may not have much experience, but I know you're not supposed to be thinking of someone else." Rei stiffened visibly. Serena pulled away slightly, blue eyes searching her face. The assassin's face was blank, revealing nothing. Her eyes on the other hand betrayed her. "I'm sorry-" "I was just teasing." Rei pulled away guiltily. With other people it felt fine to compare and contrast, but it didn't with Serena. The blonde was too good to treat like that. "Rei?" Serena wrapped her arms around the assassin's waist to keep her still. Stupid her, she just had to say something. Now Rei wasn't even looking at her. To be honest, she was... scared. Rei's obviously had more experience. Her? Almost nothing. What if she can't measure up to what Rei's had before? "This isn't right." Serena opened her mouth to speak when Rei turned away from her. "It's the situation. You've been through a lot lately." The blonde lowered her head quietly. "I'm going to get some air." Rei stood, almost racing for the door. Serena laid down, pulling the blankets over her. The assassin stood on the balcony. She looked up at the millions of stars overhead. That had been so hard. So hard to resist Serena, to walk away. She knew she had done the right thing. So why did she feel like shit?
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