“Pride & Prejudice: Tales from the grid-iron – vi.”
Even before they slipped into the cab, the driver seemed like he began suffering a seizure. Concern touched Minako’s features. She had asked if he were all right. His reply was a sloppy, spit riddled,
“a...a...Aino...M-m-minako-chan!”
Her cab mate scoffed, muttering something incomprehensible under her breath before she had eased forth and whispered to him. As Rei did that, the divide that nestled between them, had disappeared, her bubble of personal space was invaded. Not that she minded... The Singer could feel the fresh heat of Rei’s flesh – it enveloped her.
The priestess righted herself, casting a fleeting glance to Minako. Her eyes touched the Singer physically – sending Minako’s insides reeling by just her gaze. Whatever was said to quell the driver, the Singer never knew. Rei had grabbed the door handle and lifted it open – expectantly waiting for Minako to comply.
“...What. Is there a certain ritual to have you move? Get in,” said Rei – tersely. “Don’t expect me to start calling you ma’am.”
“I’m not that incapable – I know how to open my own doors,” snapped Minako who had, since regained her sense of self.
Rei’s eyes roamed Minako’s form freely resting at her elegant digits. “Not if you have a manicure like that.” The miko’s muddy colored eyes flicked upward catching the Singer’s gaze, “Two-hundred, Three maybe?”
Minako didn’t flinch, never having had to back down in her life. But neither did she acknowledge the cost of something as meager as her nails. She finally settled in the cab. Rei shut the door and coursed her way on the opposite end. The driver – Ishikawa-san, as she was told later – had become a stark mute, the occasional unbelieving glance was still proffered though. That couldn’t be helped, as Minako knew. Her celebrity was still beyond her comprehension.
The cab ride to the park berthed an almost uneasy ambiance. The tension was palpable. She would rather have had Rei storming at her than the quiet.
“For civility’s sake...”, began the Star, “How have you been...”
“Just.”
“Just what? No one is ever just, Rei.”
Her name tasted strange, yet comfortable on her tongue, but the familiarity of it never went away for Minako. It was like a taste of your favorite dish, one that you haven’t had for a very long time. It was a homecoming. But Rei, was making it difficult.
“Just...good.”
Minako had sighed. She couldn’t grasp why Rei was continuing to stonewall her. The Singer wasn’t about to let Rei slide...not in this life.
“Why didn’t you call me?”
“...as if I had access to land lines in those remote places.”
“Then why not write? It would have gotten to me eventually.”
The cab jostled to a halt, they had reached their destination; with a glance out the windows, Minako saw the group frolicking at the Park. Rei had seen them too; the miko seemed to be concentrating on one thing...no...make that someone; was it Terry? Slowly, she turned meeting Minako’s gaze – her eyes seemed hollow, devoid of the usual fire the Star knew the exotic woman was capable of. She answered quietly,
“...had you given me a reason to, Minako...the letters would have never stopped.”
--
‘...given me a reason to...’
Rei’s words echoed in the icon’s mind. She couldn’t stop thinking about it. As cryptic as they were, the way it was delivered crushed Minako. And now she sat amongst friends, reveling in what the day had given them and she couldn’t bring herself to enjoy it, the conversation had centered about when Motoki and Makoto were going to FINALLY marry, and if Ami...was a closet fetishist – How that particular topic came about, Minako hadn’t the faintest. But it was Mako who had inferred having caught the Doctor sporting Fishnet Stockings to work, that may’ve been the ignition it needed.
Gruff lips nipped gently at the junction of her shoulder and neck, her attentions were drawn to her lover, who had not once let Minako leave his side. Not even when she had gone to acquisition second helpings. His possessive onslaughts had heightened today, and for Minako there was no rhyme or reason – Terry continued placing chaste kisses along her neck, normally the Singer would have silently asked her lover to stop, but.... She only knew one thing...she inwardly wished those lips were softer and if she pretended...she could almost have her wish come true.
...As her eye-lids went half lidded the only one in her view, had been Rei; the raven-haired beauty sat in repose, her lips twisted into a smile – someone had said something funny because it was soon coupled with Rei’s musical laughter. What she would have given to have the priestess laugh and smile to her in that miko crawled under Minako’s skin. Rei infuriated the Singer – keeping herself purposely out of the icon’s reach. And there she sat, comfortably with the others while she stewed in envy.
And Minako hated to lose without knowing why.
It only made Minako more determined to break through those walls.
Dazed and confused, Minako had enough wit about her to tear from Terry who had gratefully ceased he began to joke with Motoki. While she, sat there shaking within her skin. Terry was...is...her lover, he had nothing but been exceptional, patient, loving – a virtual Saint...But in Rei, her friend – she was being tortured emotionally; she had been nothing but antagonistic towards the Singer and accusatory since her arrival...yet, the instant Rei dropped her walls...the instant she let her vulnerabilities show, Minako wanted to be the one to wipe her fears and solitude from in her.
A water bottle had been lobbed onto her thighs – breaking the reverie. She looked up. “...rei...” her mouth was parched.
The miko stood there, hovering over Minako’s prone form. She had been eyeing the icon from across the way intermittently. It sickened her at how Terry and she had no shame in how they went on just a little while ago. Sickened? No. Angered...angered, because she never stood or WILL stand a chance. Nursing her own drink, Rei motioned towards the bottle with a nod of her head.
“I thought you needed a little something to cool yourself down, Aino,” her voice remained detached trying to mask that little splash of pain beneath the layers she wore. Surprisingly to Rei, her voice didn’t betray her. Perhaps she sounded more unforgiving than she needed to be, for Minako looked as if she were just winded.
Terry – who remained sitting cross-legged next to the Idol lifted his gaze towards priestess; the woman wore her emotions on her sleeve – at least this is how Terry perceived. So it was easy to goad her. Friction between he and Rei had been set even before they laid their respective eyes on one another. He never knew what type of friendship Minako had with that woman in the past – but he’ll make damned sure it’ll stay where it is...in the past.
“Liked watchin’ Rei? Could give you somethin’ more if you’re itchin’...,” tested Terry as the thick of his fingers trailed over Minako’s lower back.
Minako was horrified.
Rei smirked. Taking another swig of her drink, she paused. Her brows furrowed. Suddenly, she began sniffing the winter air, pronouncing, “I thought I smelled a dog. I hope, for your sake he’s neutered, Minako – otherwise he’ll fuck up your little fantasy island...”
The Football player lithely darted to his feet eyeing Rei and the latter remained rooted in place. Minako who was just as quick if not quicker than he, immediately wedged herself between her hot-tempered lover with the fiery priestess at her beck. The feel of Rei’s body was close enough to send Minako to her knees; that was perhaps the closest she had been with the miko. Terry’s countenance relaxed suddenly – a broad smile forming over his lips. His arm flexed outward, taking Minako’s hand in his, kissing the back of it, gently.
“It’s cool, babe – nothing but a little friendly prod.”
Rei gave a stiff nod in affirmation.
Minako was unsure, but grudgingly stepped back.
Usagi had been in the midst of feeding her babe as the commotion started, Luna hidden at her side. Mamoru and Motoki were off dumping the refuse returned witnessing the end of the confrontation; while both Ami and Makoto had been at the ready.
“I think it’s time to play some ball,” offered Makoto – obviously trying to break the tension.
Everyone seemed to have accepted the suggested idea. The tall American eased himself to snatch the nerf ball that was nestled atop ChibiUsa’s diaper bag. He toyed with the soft ball, eyeing the group and in particular, Rei. All before taking Motoki aside...
Erstwhile having slipped herself from the main body of the group and a good ways away from the Football star, Rei shed her outer coverings – tucking them aside onto her luggage (since, she had just come from the Airport). She knew full well that her jacket would not only trap the heat from her body, but also be a hindrance when they played. As she tucked her wear aside, a shadow was cast from behind her. Glancing briefly over her shoulder, “Ami”, she acknowledged simply.
The diminutive doctor had brandished a smile.
“Rei-chan...Terry-chan isn’t a bad person.”
The miko tensed at the affectionate terminology that the women seemed to have adopted for the American.
“That’s nice for him.”
“Can’t you be happy for her?” murmured Ami, “They...really...care for one another.” She had to choose her words carefully.
The doctor knew she was treading on dangerous ground. It wasn’t as if Rei could hide it even if she thought she had, the only really BLIND person, was the object of the miko’s affections. As an outsider watching in, Ami, Usagi and Makoto had watched Rei and Minako’s friendship deepen – they had a connection that sometimes, Ami wished she had attained a few of the others. Rei didn’t admit it to anyone – she didn’t have to. Her longing eyes and attitude of brashness today conveyed everything she tried to run from.
This was Ami’s profession, to notice. Behavioral psychology in children was no different than those for the adults. The basic needs for the human race were the holy trinity for its survival – food, shelter...and companionship.
Rei spirited about and offered a trying smile, “I’ll be throwing a party just for them.” As she passed the senshi of wisdom, she paused in her trek before looking back to her from over her shoulder, Ami knows. “Don’t ask me to be or DO anything I’m with, please Ami,” murmured the woman. She hadn’t bothered to wait for Ami’s reply.
Making her way towards the pitch, Rei was greeted with a haughty two-fingered salute and a wink from Terry Lapps.
High noon just hit.
--
He had been paid. He should have left. But he didn’t want to. A tendril of smoke spiraled from the butt of his Marlboro brand cigarette. Wild cheers erupted from the playing field, just a few yards from a picnic table he sat at. His weathered face cracked into a Cheshire, lascivious smile.
His Fiery Angel just scored.
--
The girls were in a state of euphoric bliss. They had closed the point spread to within a touchdown. Thanks in major part by Rei’s light of foot quickness of which she used to easily evade Terry’s motions to block her. Minako hadn’t had fun like this since that day Rei manipulated her onto this ‘Battle of the Idols’ variety show. It was more than she could say about her beau. She knew he had deliberately pitted himself against the miko – he was never able to let a grudge drop.
Just for that...the Singer let him stew in his own ego-ridden-concoction. Her eyes danced towards the lithe priestess, one of just many stolen glances. Rei had been celebrating with Makoto and hadn’t noticed the Singer was observing everything she did. Thank God for that. Steeling herself, Minako joined her teammates.
“...Do you think you can pull that off again?” her voice sounded strange to her, clung with a breathless inquiry.
Rei chuckled, affording a glance to a very disgruntled American.
“If your gaijin boyfriend continues to perform like this –Then, definitely,” the miko afforded a kittenish smile towards Minako. She was met with a cant of the Singer’s head, and a hooded gaze. Smoldering eyes threatened to swallow the miko, if she hadn’t looked away. “I thought he knew how to play this game.”
Minako’s eyes flickered with an inner laugh before a tug at the corners of her lips turned into a mirthful smile. She moved herself closer to the miko whispering, “Play nice, his feelings would be hurt if he knew he’s not perfect.” The Singer didn’t care what she was saying – it was an excuse to be near her, to be able to smell her and feel her. Rei let her guard down just enough so that she could approach. An instantaneous fire was soon born into Minako’s womb. She was flirting with her best friend. And this...excited her.
“You of all people,” murmured Rei in return, “..know that I’m not very nice.”
“That’s not how I remember you...”
Makoto cleared her throat breaking the spell between the two women. Rei hurtled the spongy oblong ball towards the tall quarterback, leaving Minako in her wake. The miko settled at the line of scrimmage. But the faint breathless words that Minako said clung to her bared neck. What the HELL was she doing?? Torturing her with the hint of Nirvana. All the while her boyfriend hunkered just across the way....
...Seething. That’s what Terry was. His game. Hig girl. And he was being bested. By some dykie, smart mouthed, wannabe. His fingers dug into the sodden earth. Terry saw them. They way they looked at one another. It was the way he had always wanted Minako to look at him. It was only three on three. Ami and Usagi had opted to play cheerleader along the sidelines, and that only left Minako, Makoto and her. Terry will admit they were athletic and gave the guys a run for their yen. Tensing his muscles, adrenaline began to surge through his three-point stance. The ball had been snapped. And Rei was a half a step out of synch.
Gotcha.
Everything moved in cinematic fashion – purposely and dramatically slow. As she was expected to do, the raven-haired woman feinted to her left before tapping into that speed she had relied on throughout the game. But she was distracted and damned him if he didn’t know. Terry was already onto her like white on rice. The ball was loosed – not in her direction. It coasted, as it should have nestling into Minako’s hands. The play was picture perfect, save for the supporting acts. The American lurched forward letting his foot sweep at Rei’s. It was enough to trip the miko before he more than just reached out and touched her. The next thing she felt was her body wracked with a blunt force impact.
Time went normal again as her body careened into the earth. A sickening crunch was heard before a harshly spat,
“Bang, bitch. You been OWNED.”
Her insides had reached a boiling point. She felt her hands grow feverish. A soft ethereal glow began to permeate about her hands, even as her body still fought to regain focus. Rei’s rage knew no boundaries – she knew where and who her target was. Terry burrowed his eyes unto the senshi of fire, daring her to retaliate. But she had no chance to as the rest of the playing group trickled towards the bristling pair.
“What...what happened?,” questioned Motoki, “Are you okay Rei-chan?”
Terry smirked, explaining, “Our legs got tangled.” He then had the audacity to lean forth offering a hand, “That was some fall Rei...”
“you fucking....”, hissed Rei.
“The operative word for the game is touch football, Terry!” interjected Minako heatedly. Her eyes skimmed towards Rei, silencing her with a simple glare.
“C’mon baby – I already told Motoki it was an accident.”
“I don’t care...” Minako pulled herself closer towards her lover, “...We’ll talk about this later, just...Don’t go near her for the rest of the day...please.”
Raising his hands to either side of his form, the Football player rolled his shoulders indicative of a shrug, suddenly the taste of his personal victory was bittersweet. Mamoru and Motoki tailed after the uppity American.
“It’s sprained...I think,” announced Makoto.
“Get on her other side, Makoto...”
“I can walk, it’s just a sprain.”
“All the more reason not to aggravate it more, fool.”
Minako tucked herself against Rei’s form once they righted the raven-haired miko. The Singer managed to stifle an errant shudder from the contact. So much for the first touch...They eased the hot-tempered senshi at the nearest stone picnic table. Rei had gone silent, watching the icon loosen her footwear.
“Could you get a bandage and some ice Makoto? Thanks...”
The tall brunette glanced warily from Rei to Minako then towards the rest of the group – they were a few yards from the rest.
“Makoto?” questioned Minako before offering a genial chuckle, “Don’t worry – we’re not about to kill each other. We like each other at least a little.. Ne, Rei?”
Rei managed a weak smile, “Somewhat.”
“H-hai...be back in a short while then.”
Kino Makoto may be good at SOME things but she is most certainly much smarter than many give her credit for. Well – incredibly intuitive. And it was plain to her that at that tick of the second hand of time, no one existed except for Rei and Minako.
--
The cigarette singed his calloused fingertips, forcing him to drop the nub. He snuffed out its life with the pads of his loafers. His eyes coursed towards the tall black man. He did not appreciate what happened to his Angel.
No one owned her.
At least....
Not yet.
--
“Will you stop squirming...”
“It hurts!”
Feathery soft fingers swam over Rei’s calf and swollen ankle. Minako’s brows had knit into worry.
“I don’t like that.”
She glanced upward.
Rei didn’t realize how long she was staring at Minako, nor that her body had moved forward. Her hand had reached out, pushing back Minako’s colored bangs from obscuring the Star’s cocoa eyes. As if she had suddenly snapped to reality, Rei’s thumb pressed between Minako’s brows, breaking the awkward spell of intimacy.
“That, the wrinkle – I’ve heard that Stars aren’t allowed to grow old.”
Minako laughed, absently smacking Rei’s injury. Sending a sharp pain into her nervous system. Minako’s eyes grew wide.
“Rei...oh god I’m sorry!”
“Minako! Is this the bedside treatment Terry gets when he’s hurt? It’s a wonder he’s standing upright at all...” a throaty chuckle escaped Rei’s lips, “Had I a little more time with him...he would be more than JUST black now....”
“Look, I’ll talk to Terry tonight – he gets...overzealous, I’m sorry for what happened, but..let’s just drop that for now. We have to worry about you.”
“Worry? There’s nothing to worry about. I’ve always cared for myself.”
Minako’s jaw set, “GOD...you’re impossible. You think that’s only sprain, Hino?”
“I’m sure you’ll enlighten me soon enough,” shrugged Rei, “Since...you know it all. Global Star, turned Doctor. Nice...what’s the prognosis, doc?”
“No wonder you’re alone...no one has the endurance to continue to argue with you”, muttered Minako.
Rei inhaled slowly, forgetting the pain of her foot and suddenly concentrating on quelling the pain that settled in her heart.
“Who said anything about me being alone?” lied Rei, “I’m not the little girl you knew Aino. Don’t you ever presume to know me.”
“I’m...sorry,” offered Minako quickly, “You...have...You’re with someone?”, rasped Minako. Clearing her throat the Star lowered her gaze continuing to administer to Rei’s ankle. Beyond sense, Minako was shocked. Maybe even hurt at the sudden announcement..
“What. Do you think I’m incapable of being as happy as you and Terry-kins are?”
“I didn’t mean it that way,” softly replied a pained Minako, “Who...who is he?” Curiosity had gotten the better of her. She had to know.
Rei’s mind worked furiously – she had to think of someone that was believable enough for Minako to chew on. Granted she’s had a few port of calls in her lifetime, but nothing serious. The little white lie may as well be her downfall. Then...memories of her teenaged years spiked into her mind. There was her answer, staring right in front of her face...Her eyes looked upon the knelt beauty.
“You don’t know her...But both of you share the same love for music.”
The Singer raised her eyes. “H...her?”
Rei was amused by Minako’s reaction. “Tell me you didn’t have an idea about me.”
“Well...I...no, maybe. I didn’t want to press. I hoped you’d’ve told me in time.”
“Mm.”
“How long have you been...together?” the question seemed hesitant. Minako was afraid to hear it. But how could she not?
The miko’s gaze remained on Minako, a touch of sadness pooled into her soul. She had wished the following words were true, “...It feels like forever.” She had been describing Minako herself, but the woman...never knew.
Silence shrouded the pair. But it hadn’t lasted long as Ami, Usagi and Makoto appeared.
“Sorry it took so long, we couldn’t find the bandages...”
“Usagi was using it to wipe ChibiUsa’s drool, that’s why.”
“I thought I it was her diaper cloth...”, protested the young mother.
The statement brought an easy laugh shared amongst the five women before Minako took the washed bandage and began to bind the injury. Gently, after the knot was tied, Minako stood and regarded the small group.
“I don’t have to be at the sound check all day tomorrow – Why don’t we have a girls only day off?
Ami, Usagi and Makoto looked to one another and offered their apology in turn, citing reasons as why they couldn’t or won’t be available to make it. Rei sensed that those reasons though, were deliberate as Usagi offered,
“But Rei-chan will be free, hai? She can be your companion for the day!” Too cheerfully blurted.
“...If you can stand an invalid tailing you, Minako – then...I suppose,” grudgingly acquiesced Rei.
A touch of a smile eeked over the Singer’s lips, “Good. Then you can tell me all about your girlfriend...”
The three joined in confused looks towards one another. Rei outed herself to Minako and...had a girlfriend?
“Girlfriend?,” echoed Ami.
Minako nodded somberly, “I didn’t catch her name though.” Her eyes drifted towards Rei.
Expectantly, the girls turned their collective gazes on Rei, whose head was conveniently lowered before she tendered out her reply, “Isabelle. Isabelle Rose.”
Among the three, they knew that Rei had no relationship of that sort; she had earlier confirmed it while they chatted and ate. Minako had been too busy trying to subtlety fend Terry off as she ogled Rei. It wasn’t a surprise that she hadn’t heard the girls’ conversation.
Rei’s eyes met Ami’s and pleaded with her silently to go along with the lie.
“French...?” asked Minako.
The miko gave a non-committal grunt. The subject was soon changed as the women helped the handicapped woman towards their picnicking area. Ami had tailed the group, scribbling on a piece of paper when Makoto poked her head to peer at what the senshi of wisdom was doing.
“Word game?”
“Something like that...”, replied Ami.
Scratching out the possibilities, the studious doctor gave a soft exalting remark. Makoto, ever curious snatched the paper and read it softly to herself, “Eros and Belle. You understand this?”
Ami nodded emphatically.
“Okay...and this has to do with? The made up story of Rei’s ‘girlfriend’?”
“Yes.” Ami paused, searching the taller woman’s countenance and chuckled, “Eros is the son of Aphrodite...making him...the God of Love. And in French...Belle is another term for Beauty.”
Divine light had poured unto Makoto then. “Love and Beauty...Minako’s senshi title. I’ll be”, She paused, “Rei made all this up to what....?”
“From a psychological standpoint – when a person carries a burden they feel a need to confess in some way, I think...” thought Ami, “Rei was practically confessing herself to Minako.”
“Or...” Makoto nodded towards the direction of Terry and Minako. The latter of whom throughout the day became dejected and irritable, “...To make Minako jealous.”
It wasn’t until Usagi had joined the pair and said, “Why do they have to make it hard on themselves?”
“What?” pressed Makoto.
“Tell me you don’t see Mako-chan...their pride. When you find Love, it shouldn’t be this painful to go through.”
Truer words had never fallen from such innocent lips. But as the sun waned on the day – the three good friends weren’t the only ones that took notice of the chemistry between the Singer and Priestess.
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