There was a crowd of people parked outside the local television store. Each person was trying to get a good look at the screens that were playing Rei and Minako's live performance. Only...the tape had been played over a hundred times by now. Among the energetic group was a couple that wasn't quite...so energetic. The 'man' was a gorgeous raven-haired figure, although none of his admirers could understand why anyone would want to wear a hat and a suit on a hot day such as this. Beside him, the cause for much envy on part of the female populace on this one particular block, was a blonde woman who was also wearing a hat, her hair up in a ponytail, but her dress attire was more appropriate. Unlike her partner she was wearing a tank top and shorts. To top it all off, sunglasses covered her eyes, keeping people guessing at what her eye color could really be and what they really looked like. They must have been as beautiful to match the rest of her body if the gentlemen had 'chosen' her right? Maybe the man was a foreigner? Many people concluded. The blonde slipped one arm around her 'boyfriend's' arm and giggled about something he was reading in the newspaper. In return the man gave an acknowledging grunt. What could be so interesting about a newspaper? Headline: New duo group a smash hit! Everyone thought that this group would be like the others. Dressed up in some fancy clothes, crack jokes before a performance with the crowd or repeat a saying over and over again as their gimmick but it was not meant to be. Now this debuting duo had something that stood them apart from all the rest, so much that even I, the prideful writer am willing to admit that I thought they were SENSATIONAL. You must all be wondering what I'm talking about right? If you are, SHAME ON YOU! That means you must have not seen their spectacular performance! (insert sad face) Hino Rei, the second member of the duo made an entrance that mesmerized the crowd! Unlike her beautiful blonde partner who had been positioned on stage (and where many thought Hino san would be as well), the raven-haired woman made her appearance atop of a stadium entranceway! Even I was spell bound. Instead of the normal 'dress the girl up pretty' routine, we get Hino Rei, who brought her own standard of beauty. She was soaked from head to toe as though she had been in the rain and her outfit consisted of nothing but the casual of the casual...yet she had the look of a fierce animal! (Wooooo) There was fire in those amethyst eyes I tell you! Every person in the crowd could see the unstoppable force that embodied this young woman. Well, don't think she just stood there either! From the top of a stadium entranceway, she sprinted down to the stage, topping it all off by finishing with a graceful flip and landed without flaw beside Aino Minako. The music began to pick up and it was nothing but sweet sunset the rest of the way. Personally I liked how Minako and Rei mixed it up in what they tried to portray. Aino san was dressed up as the dazzling 'goddess of love' that all of us have come to expect. Rei on the other hand contributed to the crowd a sense of belonging in the highly admired life of stardom. Being dressed like an ordinary person without all the glamour, any of us could only dream of being in her place and could not help BUT cheer the fiery temptress as she took the stage. So there you have it. My overall review? Nothing short of perfection! Give it all you got girls, we're all cheering for you! Submitted by: Tenoh Haruka Edited by: Kaioh Michiru Minako's POV I was watching Rei with great interest now (not that I ever don't); every now and then as she re-read that silly article over and over again, she would twitch, whether it was an arm, leg or eyebrow. Usually the eyebrow though, which I was glad because she looks the silliest that way. So cute! I had managed to drag her out of the shrine for a walk, but it took quite a bit of convincing I'm afraid. Poor stubborn Rei...you'd think she wouldn't have problem with crowds but it turns out she has a claustrophobic side to her. Well, that's what I think it is but she keeps insisting she dislikes being around smelly people who would do nothing but stare at her. So after a long discussion, the two of us decided it would be best to use a disguise. I know, I know, a 'no duh' answer but the type of disguise was the hard part! I don't think I had to think as hard as I did for a loooong time. I mean there was the old, change the hairstyle and wear some goofy hat and sunglasses look but that just didn't suit Rei. No...we ended up applying the creative/original side our duo was known for (I didn't know we even had one!) but here we are. "They're staring..." Rei finally mumbled again. Her eyes were shifting from the paper in her hands to the sides, looking very, very annoyed. I could tell she was doing her best from growling outright at her admirers. "Is the heat bothering you dear? I told you the suit wasn't a good idea." I said a little louder than necessary. My arm tightened around Rei's, giving a slight tug to the side, telling her we can go. "Uhh...yes." Was all Rei could mumble, "Dear." She quickly added when she saw the hungry looks she was getting from the group of girls to her left. Giggling I pulled her away from the crowd at last, giving her some air and relief that she desperately needed. Originally we were going to the park but I just HAD to stop and watch our performance again! I wonder when Manuke is going to give us a taped copy anyway? When I asked him over the phone this morning, he said a few of the camera monitors that recorded the performance experienced 'technical difficulties'. Whatever that means. Oh well, I hope it's fixed soon. Rei really was something during our performance. Thinking about it was making me... "Mina chan, why are you squealing?" I saw Rei blink back at me. Confusion played in her dark, amethyst eyes, bringing something back to my memory-she never used to show this much emotion back when, did she? "Ah, n-nothing. I was...just excited about our talk show interview! Ahaha...haha..." Rei looked down at her watch and frowned. "Well, it doesn't look like you'll have to wait too long. We're due at the studio in an hour." "Come on, it'll be fun! Don't worry so much. As Haruka said in the newspaper, they're all cheering for us." I ran up a bit and spun around, tipping my shades down as I did so. "Right?" "...Hm..." The raven-haired 'man' nodded. She wasn't being very talkative today...it kinda made me worry if something was bothering her. I mean, the performance was a hit! I thought she'd be a little more excited than this. "So are we set for the park still?" "Uh, hello? H-hey!" I automatically stepped back when one of her hands was suddenly in my face. "Keep the shades on! Do you want to be found out?" She hissed. Although I could have sworn I saw her smirk. Mm...Humph. "Meanie." Rei's POV Why am I dressed like a man again? And in a hot sweltering suit no less! Ahh! I just wanted to scream. "Hmm...hm..hm..." Mina hummed beside me. Well...at least one of us was cheerful. As usual, it was you know who. I was surprised when she suddenly lowered her shades back there; after getting used to seeing those plain, boring glasses it was like 'bam!', hit by a truck! If people at the concert thought I left them mesmerized, obviously they haven't seen Mina up close. Good thing too for that matter...wait, no, no, I am NOT jealous! I'm just worried about a mob of males drooling all over my best friend. "Something wrong Rei chan?" I felt a tug on my sleeve. "No." "Liar." She gave a laugh. Damn, I don't get it! I've been doing things the way I always have yet she's been seeing through me lately. Am I slipping up with my facial expressions or something? Instead of a verbal response I tried to ignore her. Which wasn't a good idea when I think about it now. Before I realized my mistake, a hand was pinching my cheek, forcing me to meet her eyes. "Spill." "L-et go." We both glared at each other for a few minutes, unwilling to back down. That was, until I saw her raise an eyebrow. "You really are a hard-head sometimes," she said, releasing me from the death grip or the 'cheek pinch', as Mina would sometimes dub it. Feeling my freedom fully regained I rubbed the injured spot knowing full well that it was glowing a bright red. This really wasn't good. Was it just me, or am I becoming whipped? "I'm the hard-head? Look who's talking." I sped up my walking pace. "But we're friends Rei!" She sighed, looking exasperated for the first time since this morning. The word friend made me cringe for some unexplainable reason. "I can worry about you can't I?" I guess...she could. "...It's, erm...well, I'm not used to being this famous." I finally mumbled. Which was part of the problem. Everywhere we looked there were posters with Mina and myself posing. They would be on store windows advertising our first single release to playing our concert performance on the large screen television sets. I mean, what was the big deal? I'm still the same person I was the day before the concert and then it's like poof, I'm famous? I exist? "I get that too. But you'll get used to it," Mina smiled. "I know I already have." Right, maybe I'll get used to it. Just maybe...as long as those crazy fans don't find out where I live, I think I can manage. "Yeah. But enough of this, we better get to the station before our 'manager' goes crazy." I wasn't too worried about Manuke trying to kill me so soon. Since the incident at the concert, the police have rounded up quite a few of those bodyguards. None of them have talked yet but it could be any day now that they'll spill the beans. And if they didn't...well, let's just say our manager is trying to stay on the low until the whole case is blown over. Minako's POV, talk show In no time flat we arrived with fifteen minutes to spare. During that time, we did the usual girl things, or I did anyway. Both of us changed into our usual attire and I did my hair. After some argument, I even managed to convince Rei to let me do her make-up for her. She didn't want any at first but that didn't take too much convincing to change her mind. Silly Rei-chan, I silently smirked at the memory. So here we are now, waiting for the show to start. Rei sat to my direct left as our host quickly learned not to try to come between us...Tense atmosphere, deep glares, bad vibes? What can I say, Rei has is all down pat. "We're on in...5...4...3..." I squirmed slightly in my seat. It was just so exciting! I can't believe they bring in an audience and everything! I've always watched this stuff on t.v. but I never expected to be a part of it. "...2...1...on air!" As soon as the red light turned on, our talk show host jumped into action, greeting, "Hello to all you faithful viewers out there!" She paused as the audience cheered and died down. "You know who I am, I know who I am, but how about our two guest stars? All of you are in for a treat because here we have the fast rising duo, Rei and Minako!" Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! I gave my best smile, loving all this attention. Rei on the other hand, had her custom frown on. I guess we really do look like exact opposites. Oh, well, can't be helped. "So, I'm sure our audience was wondering, what made you two choose the name 'Fire Soul Love' for your group? It's rather unique and has a nice ring to it. Actually I adore it, it's so cute yet professional all mixed together, don't you think?" The woman continued on. "What made us choose the name?" I glanced over to Rei, wondering if I should really tell the truth. Mm...but it looked like Rei didn't care-she just shrugged, looking indifferent to what was happening. "We wished to convey our music with a sense of passion, one that only true love in both of our opinions could rival." There was a string of 'ahh's, throughout the room including one from our host. "Oh, I see, I see, very creative and expressive Aino san, Hino san. I must admit, I'm nothing short of impressed." Rei gave a grunt, prompting me to quickly jab her in the side with an elbow. "Hino san, if I may say, that was an amazing entrance you made during your debut performance." There was a slight pause when the former fire senshi refused to speak. Come on Rei, say something! I silently pleaded. This is important. I doubt I could keep elbowing her without anyone noticing! My prayers must have been answered when our eyes briefly connected. "Oh, well, thank you." Rei suddenly straightened up her posture, portraying her business like pose. This had attracted the crowd's attention greatly, much to Rei's discontent. "So tell me the truth, was that entirely planned?" "Yes." Her eyes bore into the woman. I was starting to wonder if she was trying to scare her into leaving her alone. I know I would...if...and that was an if...I wasn't who I was. After you spend some time with the miko, you build up this anti-glare immunity. Rather handy I must admit. "Any more questions?" "O-Oh, yes, actually there is one." For a moment the woman looked afraid to venture on, but this was show biz. It was nice that someone else knew the feeling, even if the pressure was from Rei and not a stadium full of cheering people. Tsk, my bad. I shouldn't be thinking this way! Ooooh, Artemis would definitely not approve if he were here. "A few of your fans have written in and asked what's the relationship between yourself and Aino san was." Silence floored the room. If someone had dropped a pin, all of us would have been able to hear it hit the floor. In my case, I could only hear my racing heart beat, hoping no one else could hear it. What would Rei say? I know she rarely admits her personal feelings to her friends, much less than a crowd of strangers. "No comment." Those two words sent the room in an uproar while leaving me releasing a breath I never knew that I held in. Typical Rei-chan. I couldn't but smile; she never changes. "If you're single, I'm available!" "Aino-san!" "I'm your biggest fan!" "Unfortunately our time has run out. Thank you again Hino san, Aino san, for coming. Until next time loyal viewers!" Dressing room, immediately after the show Rei flopped down on the nearest couch with a frown crossing her strict features. Normally she would have dropped that face when we were alone but not this time oddly enough. "Traumatizing enough for you?" I teased and took a seat beside her with what little room was left on the couch. She wasn't kidding when she said she's always does things full way. When she sprawls out, she really sprawls out! I found her eyes glaring up at me and I smiled back. Score one for the anti-glare shield! "Whatever. It looked like you were handling yourself just fine before that crazy woman pounced at me." "Don't tell me those questions made you nervous?" "Of course not." "Oh? Then what was that 'no comment' for?" There was a pause. "That's what I meant, No. Comment." She pushed herself up and retracted her limbs, leaving me more room to scoot closer. Which was exactly what I did. I was a little tired from the adrenaline rush and I already missed my teddy bear. I noticed the woman giving me a wary look as I leaned into her side. "Relax Rei-chan, I don't bite." For a moment I thought I saw a blush spreading across her features, but I must have being imagining it. Now I know I don't bite, I felt myself frown. Unless you counted biting your own tongue while eating too fast, I'd have to give that thought a negative. "Oh, I almost forgot." I commented casually. I usually forget a lot of things but this one had been in my mind for quite a while. "I got a call from Manuke's company last night. Not Manuke." I quickly added when I saw the questioning stare. Rei immediately relaxed. "They said since our popularity is rising, we're going to have to spend a lot more time together for synching reasons. As the man on the other line put it, a duo is meant for two people." "And...?" There was an edge to Rei's voice. "We're going to be living together." Her jaw dropped. Yes Rei-chan, you relaxed too soon. Rei's POV, new apartment Click. I shut the door behind us as we entered the room for where we had to live for the next...I gulped, while. It could be a long...long while. I never saw this coming. Nothing could have prepared me for this! It was such a blessing and a curse nicely wrapped up in a package. Living with Mina-chan herself wouldn't be too hard. I mean, she's a very nice person, understanding, kind, patient (sometimes) and well...just a nice person overall. Now if I got into the pieces of personality where she unconsciously tortures me, then we have a problem. I watched the blonde woman stroll to the balcony and raise her arms to stretch them, bringing up her shirt slightly in the process. A very big problem. "What do you think Rei?" She slowly turned around to face me. A lot of things. "Nothing really. It's a nice place, I have to admit that at least." Mina nodded. "I think so too! But I don't think we'll be here very often with all of our engagements. Things are going to get a little rougher with our schedules. On the bright side though! We'll get to spend time doing it together-it would be lonely doing something like this all alone don't you think?" "That's true...but we still have one more day before that starts." We could always kick back and relax...or I could go back to the shrine and help out with some of the chores. Knowing Grandpa, he will probably shoo me away or something knowing my recent surge in popularity... but honestly...he can't do it all himself. "I want a date." I thought I heard Mina mumble. "Hm? Oh. You know, I bet if you ask the company you can order some in..." 'Not that kind of date Rei!" She laughed at me, clutching her stomach as she did so. I crossed my arms. Well excuse me for not having perverted thoughts twenty-four seven. "Mina, we both know you can make a man swoon all over you without batting an eyelash. It wouldn't be hard for you to get a guy to take you out." Inside I thought I could feel my heart twisting as I repeated every word through my mind. It was true wasn't it? Why bother denying it? She could probably get any guy she wanted without trying. Her gaze fell. "I guess..." That wasn't the reaction I was expecting. Instead of getting another smile and an exaggerated bow, I was stung by the strong sense of disappointment in that voice. It made me think...Since we did have one free day left, maybe... "But...maybe that would be too much trouble," I carefully chose my words. "If...If you like, I can take you out. We can do whatever you want to do." "Really...?" There was a look of disbelief on her face. I nodded. "EeEeeeeee! Thank you!" AHHHHH! Whop! Thud! The flying hug shrill...I haven't heard that one for awhile. I smiled despite the other rush of emotions bombarding me now. There were so many things that could go wrong that it wasn't even funny. We could be found out despite our disguises, the weather could go bad or even worse, we'd run into our 'manager who's name I will not say'. Most of all though, I tried to ignore the feeling when Mina leaned down and whispered into my ear, "I'd like that very much."
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