Disclaimer: I still don't own Sailor Moon, it still belongs to Naoko Takeuchi/Toei animation. Thanks for making series I can fantasise about, just kidding!
A/N: Here comes the fourth chapter, please read & review. I'm addicted, hehe.
4. Under the shell
Sailor Venus dressed her uniform back on hastily. Sailor Mars had to be taken to the infirmary as soon as possible, since her injury had looked rather nasty.
''Why was she really here?'', Sailor Venus mumbled while she was buttoning her grey uniform coat, 'Did she really just want to see me or did I nearly bust her? I was gone like a few minutes and my secret admirer knew about it right away..if it was her, it would have been easy for her to keep an eye on me since we live in the same corridor.' Sailor Venus thought, now ninety-nine percent sure it was Sailor Mars.
That had to wait because it was more important now to help Sailor Mars, especially if she had hurt herself while trying to cheer Sailor Venus up and express her feelings for her. 'Why she never told me..', Sailor Venus thought a bit sadly, '..probably because I never noticed or looked her that way..I've been blind, chasing wrong people based on false feelings when there's a wonderful person right next to me.. who cares for me and who I..care for..'. Sailor Venus' thoughts were interrupted as she walked back to her living room and saw Sailor Mars' condition. Quickly she hurried for her aid.
''Are you feeling any better?'' Sailor Venus asked worried.
Sailor Mars had managed to get on the couch but still looked a bit dizzy as she answered: ''Um..not exactly.''
''Let me see it.'' Sailor Venus said softly and took off the bloodied towel as gently as possible. To her surprise Sailor Mars didn't resist at all.
It seemed the wound didn't bleed anymore and the bruise looked bad but luckily wasn't that large.
''It isn't that bad but I will take you to the infirmary, just in case.'' Sailor Mars just nodded for reply.
Sailor Venus was a bit worried because she acted so submitting and nervously. Was it because of the injury or because of the other thing?
''Don't worry, you'll be okay.'' Sailor Venus assured her and that seemed to wake Sailor Mars.
''Yes. Thank you.'' she answered with a small smile.
''No problem. You were there for me when I needed it and now I want to be there for you.'' Sailor Venus said honestly while she helped Sailor Mars up.
Sailor Mars took a step and grimaced in agony.
''I think I sprained my ankle too, after all..''
Sailor Venus didn't answer, she just simply wrapped her other arm around Sailor Mars' waist and put Sailor Mars' other arm over her shoulders and supported her.
''Mi-Minako, this really isn't necessarily.'' Sailor Mars protested weakly.
''Yes it is, Rei-san.''
Sailor Mars' jaw nearly dropped on the floor as she asked in disbelief: ''You called me by my real name! Are you drunk again?''
''No I'm not. I think we are so good friends that it would be silly to call you so officially. But if it bothers you, I can keep calling you Sailor Mars..'' Sailor Venus said hesitantly.
''No, no. I like it! I was just surprised since I've never heard you calling anyone by his first name! I would like very much if you called me Rei!'' Sailor Mars quickly reassured, feeling excited.
Maybe that meant Sailor Venus felt Sailor Mars was someone special to her. She almost drooled over the thought but managed to control herself and calm down before her nose started to bleed.
''Well, there's first time for everything, ne?'' Sailor Venus replied playfully.
Sailor Mars smiled brightly and didn't protest anymore as Sailor Venus helped her to walk. Sailor Venus felt a wave of warmth washing over her as she was so close to Sailor Mars. She could smell the scent of Sailor Mars' hair and feel the tenseness of her body as she pressed against Sailor Venus while she helped her to walk. Sailor Venus was sure she felt Rei shiver a bit.
'Now I'm sure it's Rei. There's no other option. Now I just have to get her to spill it out..' Sailor Venus thought happily and her heart started to beat faster and faster. She was pretty sure even Rei could hear it. Sailor Venus shook her head, clearing her thoughts and concentrated on helping Sailor Mars. Sailor Venus picked up the doorknob from the floor and put it back in its place.
''I think you should have turned the doorknob before pulling it, Rei-san. Why you were in such a hurry anyway?'' Sailor Venus asked casually while opening the door and helped Sailor Mars through.
Sailor Mars fought bravely against her blush as she answered calmly: ''When I realised you were in the shower, I didn't want to scare you so I decided to leave before you noticed.''
''Oh, I see! How thoughtful of you.'' Sailor Venus whispered, sounding mysterious and Sailor Mars gulped rather loudly.
Sailor Venus started to guide Sailor Mars to Moon Kingdom palace's infirmary.
''Where are we going, Mina-chan?'' Sailor Mars asked suddenly.
''To the infirmary, of course. Did you hit your head harder than you let on?'' Sailor Venus asked suspiciously.
''No, not there. I always go to the public infirmary.''
''Always? Why?''
''I'll sometimes visit the children there..you know the long-term patients who don't have family and have to be there alone. They seem to appreciate my company.'' Sailor Mars said chuckling as she thought how much fun they always had.
''Oh really? I didn't know. That's so nice of you Rei.'' Sailor Venus said surprised by the information.
''Nah, the least I can do and if I'm any help so why not. And it's not just that.. my little brother died a few years ago and being with those children reminds me of him. It feels nice.'' Sailor Mars admitted shyly.
''I understand. I'm sorry for your brother.'' Sailor Venus said softly as she faintly remembered the death of the prince of Mars couple of years ago, but she never really had though anything of it until now.
''It's okay. It been so many years and I've gotten over it.'' Sailor Mars just stated and shrugged.
Sailor Venus smiled inwardly; Sailor Mars was always the one to brush things off and pretending to be okay when she was far from it, but she didn't want to force her to share her thoughts or feelings. Sailor Mars would open up to her more if she wanted and this was a good start.
They walked out of the palace and the pain seemed to be getting worse in Sailor Mars' leg as she leaned heavier and heavier on Sailor Venus and panted a bit.
''Are you sure you're going to make it?'' Sailor Venus asked worried, as they were halfway down the cobblestone street leading to the public infirmary.
''Yes, thanks to you. I'm sorry that this causes so much trouble to you.'' Sailor Mars whispered with downcast eyes.
''You know that you have done much more for me, Rei-san. It's okay.'' Sailor Venus reassured her as they reached the infirmary.
Looking from the outside the whitewashed building didn't differ that much from the palace's infirmary and when going inside Sailor Venus noted it still looked pretty much like the one in the palace. The palace's infirmary, however, was mostly used by the royalties but the queen let the guards, maids and other staff to use it as well. In the public infirmary there were, of course, mostly poorer people. Few rich people too but they preferred to call doctors directly to their homes since they could afford it. And of course there were much more people here and especially long-term patients, which were really rare in the palace.
As soon as the pair walked to the reception Sailor Mars was greeted warmly by the receptionist who took Sailor Mars' information up.
''You can go ahead. We're not that busy today.'' the woman said after checking the doctors's schedules.
''Thanks. I'll just go to say hi to the children first.'' Sailor Mars answered smiling.
''Okay. I hope you'll get well soon.'' the woman wished warmly.
Sailor Mars just waved as Sailor Venus helped her to the corridor, which led to the room where the children were.
''Do these people know who you really are, Rei-san?'' Sailor Venus asked curious while they were walking slowly.
''No..not exactly. I just told them I'm a soldier from the palace, since I didn't want to make a fuss..It was easy as our uniform is similar to them, the only difference being our planetary symbols next to the crescent moon.'' Sailor Mars explained.
Sailor Venus just nodded understandingly. Finally they came to the room and Sailor Mars greeted a nurse she knew at the door before entering. As soon as they walked in, the children inside started to scream in delight ''It's onesan!''. Sailor Venus watched in amazement as Sailor Mars' expression melted into almost happy and content one. She had had the privilege to see that side of Sailor Mars really rarely. Sailor Mars took her time to greet every child; some of them were playing together while the sicker ones had to stay in their beds. Sailor Venus watched in amazement how well Sailor Mars got along with the children. Something in her heart melted and she realised she was falling even harder for her raven-haired companion. Even though she wasn't sure if she was ready to open up her heart yet, but she had a feeling she might do it if it was Rei who she would surrender herself. She believed that if she gave her heart to Rei she wouldn't crush it and watch the blood flowing between her fingers. She believed Rei would take care of her fragile heart and give Minako hers. Why else she would have gone through so much trouble with those love letters?
Still Sailor Venus felt sorry for the orphaned children who had to stay there, sick and alone. Of course not entirely alone but no one could replace their real parents in the end. This certainly was something you couldn't see in the palace's infirmary. Sailor Venus made a promise to herself to accompany Sailor Mars from now on, if she could do something for them she would do it. Sailor Venus was indescribably proud of Sailor Mars, she had had no idea how deep and complex person Rei was beneath her shell. Sailor Venus wanted to get to know her even better; she seemed so interesting person that Minako couldn't understand how she hadn't noticed that earlier. They all had had to start their senshi training in early age in order to be ready to take the status of Moon Kingdom's princess' personal bodyguards at the age of thirteen. In a way they had lost part of their childhood as they had to become stern soldiers so young, but Sailor Venus was happy to see that Sailor Mars hadn't lost touch to her emotional and humane side along the way.
After a while a grey haired woman appeared in the doorway.
''Rei-chan! So you are here as I heard. Nice to see you!'' she said and gave a friendly smile as Sailor Mars turned to face her.
The woman frowned as she saw Sailor Mars' injuries and scolded her softly: ''Rei-chan, you're a bad girl! You should have come to see me right away!''
''Yeah, sorry. I just wanted to see the kids first.'' Sailor Mars answered sheepishly and scratched the back of her head.
''Hmm..It's fine. But who is this lovely friend of yours? I've never seen you bringing anyone with you.'' the woman asked and looked Sailor Venus curiously.
Sailor Mars blushed ever so slightly as she introduced Sailor Venus: ''Oh sorry. Keiko meet Minako, my..leader and friend. Minako meet Keiko, one of the doctors here.''
''Nice to meet you, Minako-chan.'' Keiko said warmly and bowed slightly.
''N-Nice to meet you Keiko-sensei.'' Sailor Venus answered hurriedly and bowed a bit deeper.
''Now, Rei-chan. Let's go and treat your injuries.'' the older woman said and helped Sailor Mars to walk.
''W-Wait. What about you Mina-chan?'' Sailor Mars asked as they walked past her.
''Don't worry about me, I'll keep company to the children meanwhile.'' Sailor Venus answered.
''Okay.'' Sailor Mars said and waved as they walked through the door to the examination room.
Sailor Venus looked at the children who looked back at her shyly. Sailor Venus decided to take the initiative.
''Hi everyone. I'm Rei-san's friend and I would like to be your friend too.'' the children seemed delighted and soon Sailor Venus was bombed with all kinds of question and she found out a lot of interesting stuff about their 'onesan'.
---
Sailor Mars felt numb, even though her injuries tried to ache and hurt as much as possible. She felt numb inside because of Sailor Venus. She had thought she couldn't fall in love with her more than she already was but she had been proven wrong once again. It all scared her and now she had shown Sailor Venus a side of herself she hadn't let anyone see in the palace. What on the moon she had thought when she had insisted to go to the public infirmary instead of the palace's? But she had wanted Minako to see the kids, they had become good friends to her. She had also wanted Minako to see that there was more to her than just the shell of warrior. But would anything she do make a difference in the end? Sailor Venus hadn't shown direct interest towards her ever. Maybe towards the secret admirer, but not Minako. Sailor Venus didn't even know the admirer and she just probably wanted to find out who the admirer was, nothing more nothing less.
Sailor Mars was starting to have a splitting headache due all the thinking and she tried to concentrate on the situation at hand. Keiko had disinfected her wound and put a mere plaster on it since the wound wasn't so bad as the bruise was. Keiko had also treated her ankle but she hadn't given crutches to her since it was only sprained ankle and would heal in a few days if Sailor Mars rested properly. Once she was done she looked Sailor Mars with peculiar expression on her face and finally asked: So, Rei-chan. Tell me who exactly is this Minako girl to you?''
Sailor Mars' eyes widened in shock as she stammered: ''I-I-I-She-She-She-''
''Oh, I see. Just as I thought. Relax Rei-chan, I think she likes you too. At least she stared you intently when I walked into the children's room earlier.'' Keiko said smiling reassuringly.
''Really?'' Sailor Mars asked in surprise.
''Really. Now get going, I'm sure she is waiting for you.'' Keiko said chuckling.
''Okay. Thanks!'' Sailor Mars said as she hobbled out of the examination room as fast as she could, which wasn't that fast.
Sailor Mars headed to the room where Sailor Venus was with the children and found her in deep conversation with the children. First she didn't notice Sailor Mars so she called her name. Nothing.
''Mina-chan? I'm ready.'' Sailor Mars said a bit louder.
Sailor Venus was startled and quickly turned to look at Sailor Mars. She looked surprised but didn't say anything, just stared; it wasn't her interrogation look, more likely thoughtful.
''Is everything alright Minako?'' Sailor Mars asked worried.
Sailor Venus blinked few times and seemed to come to her senses while a blush spread on her face as she mumbled: ''You really said it.''
Sailor Mars had no clue what she was talking about but at the moment she just wanted to get to her room and get some rest. Too much had happened that day and her thoughts and emotions were one huge rollercoaster ride and she wasn't ready to face Sailor Venus yet.
''Yes, I said that I'm ready. Let's go.''
''Oh, sure.'' Sailor Venus said still sounding distant.
They bid their farewells to the children before they left.
''What did the doctor say?'' Sailor Venus asked as they walked out of the infirmary and back to the palace even slower than earlier since Sailor Venus wasn't supporting her.
''She-huh-said-huh-that-huh-I'm-huh-huh..'' Sailor Mars tried to explain panting while she tried to walk without straining her leg more than necessarily.
''That's it! Hop on my backpack!'' Sailor Venus commanded firmly.
''No way! I'm perfectly capable to-''
''It's a direct command from your leader. You will be held responsible to the queen if you disobey me.'' Sailor Venus said with her leader voice.
Sailor Mars looked her in disbelief, never before had she heard or seen Sailor Venus using her authority in that way and she wasn't sure was she just kidding or deadly serious. 'Maybe she knows how stubborn I am and that nothing less would subdue me..' Sailor Mars thought irritated.
''Well then my great leader, I shall do as you wish.'' she muttered pouting.
''Good.'' Sailor Venus said smiling and Sailor Mars couldn't but to smile back.
She manoeuvred herself on Sailor Venus' back, blushing but luckily Sailor Venus didn't see it. At the moment it was the last place where Sailor Mars wanted to be, it was way too close to Sailor Venus. Of course she wanted be close to her but not in the way which felt like stealing and torture at the same time. Ever famous remind what she couldn't have but craved for badly. Sailor Mars didn't know where to put her hands, everything was so awkward even without that problem, but Sailor Venus just made things worse as she pressed Sailor Mars' hands on her chest. Sailor Mars was sure she would stop breathing entirely by that stunt. Being so close to Minako, feeling her body against herself, her legs and hands wrapped around Minako, her scent making her feel dizzy. Sailor Mars closed her eyes tightly and tried not to pass out as her heart made the new world beating record.
Sailor Venus just grinned satisfied that she had gotten Sailor Mars to obey her, she was sometimes the most stubborn person she had ever met, but sometimes she was just sweet little teddy bear. You just had to know which strings to pull and Sailor Venus was going to find out just which strings those were.
Sailor Venus started to walk and took Sailor Mars back to her room. For Sailor Mars the journey had lasted longer than a lifetime. However, for Sailor Venus it was over way too soon as they finally reached Sailor Mars' room and entered.
''Where do you want me to drop you?'' she asked trying to hide her disappointment.
''Uh..I think the couch would be better since it closer to bathroom and it would be easier to keep my leg up as Keiko instructed.'' Sailor Mars explained.
''Okay.'' Sailor Venus said and gently dropped Sailor Mars on the couch.
''So let's see..you need at least blanket and pillow.'' Sailor Venus muttered and went to look for them in Sailor Mars' bedroom.
''Ah, Minako wait! They're not in the closet--''
*KLONK* *TUMP*
''Ouch!''
''--I store my warfare stuff there..'' Sailor Mars finished her sentence while shaking her head in disbelief.
'So where you keep them?'' Sailor Venus asked while trying to stuff Sailor Mars' things back to the closet.
''I don't own any than the ones on my bed.''
''Oh, okay.'' Sailor Venus answered while ravaging Sailor Mars' bed.
Sailor Mars sweat dropped and hoped Sailor Venus wouldn't want to help her more.
Sailor Venus came back smiling triumphantly and laid the blanket carefully on Sailor Mars and helped to adjust the pillow behind her back.
''Thanks.'' Sailor Mars said shyly, enjoying and feeling embarrassed at the same time by Sailor Venus' pampering.
''No prob. So what else can I get you? Maybe something to eat? Or would you liked to take a bath?'' Sailor Venus asked cheerfully.
''Oh no no!'' Sailor Mars' said nervously but when seeing Sailor Venus' disappointed expression she quickly added ''Just some water, please.''
''As you wish.'' Sailor Venus said happily and went to fetch some water from the small kitchen recess.
She hurried back and for Mars' relief didn't spilled the water all over her.
''Thanks, Mina-chan. Really, I appreciate all this.'' Sailor Mars said sincerely.
''You're welcome.'' Sailor Venus said softly while sitting on the edge of the couch and Sailor Mars was starting to feel like a trapped animal with no means to escape. She could really do without an interrogation again, it had been a long and stressful day.
''Rei-san, can I ask something personal?'' Sailor Venus asked fidgeting the hem of the blanket.
''I guess..'' Sailor Mars said sighing hesitantly.
''H-Have you ever been in love?''
''...''
Minako waited patiently.
''...Yes...''
''Really? Who is he?'' Sailor Venus asked eagerly to get a confession out of Sailor Mars.
''He is she.''
Sailor Venus' eyes lit and a satisfied grin appeared on her face. She got closer to Sailor Mars who looked her wide-eyed. Just when Rei felt Minako's breath on her face and their lips were about to touch and Rei's heart to explode, Minako turned her head slightly and whispered into Rei's ear while their cheeks were touching: ''Oh. Then we have something in common! Hehe.''
Sailor Venus stood up hastily leaving Sailor Mars lying on the couch bewildered. ''Goodnight, Rei-san! See ya in the morning, I come to check you.''
''O-okay. Goodnight.'' Sailor Mars replied, still perplexed.
She heard the front door closing. She stared the ceiling as if it was the most interesting thing on the whole galaxy. She couldn't understand why she didn't confess. She was sure Sailor Venus knew about her secret and judging by her behaviour might feel the same way. Even Keiko had noticed it. It wasn't anymore the fear of hurting her by direct approach, as she had seemed to recover. No, now it was just her own fears. Fears that she wasn't good enough and Minako wouldn't want her after all. Minako was like a beautiful goddess and she was..merely Rei. She knew it was stupid and she didn't know Sailor Venus' true feelings but she had been alone her whole life. Never had anyone who knew her properly showed any interest towards her. It had consumed her self-esteem and made her hide under several walls. Minako had broken most of the walls during the year they had got to known better but there was still the last wall around her heart. It felt silly since she had been the one to take initiative, even if anonymous. Sailor Mars sighed and tried to find the courage within her, but failed as sleep claimed her.
---
'Oh gosh why did I do that?', Sailor Venus thought as she closed the door leading to her room, 'But if she isn't going to come clean, I will do it' . She didn't know what she was afraid of anymore since knew Sailor Mars' feelings. Earlier that day when Sailor Mars had came to pick her up from the children's room and called her name it all had came back to Sailor Venus. She had turned to look sailor Mars who had looked exactly like in the night when she had came to console her. It all had flooded back to her mind.
[FLASHBACK]
Sailor Venus was wallowing in self-pity after her heart had been broken, while Mars was trying to console her.
''B-But no one loves me! *hic* W-what is wrong w-with me?'' Sailor Venus stammered and started to sound sleepy.
''Nothing is wrong with you. I love you, Mina-chan!'' Sailor Mars said and looked terrified by what she had just slipped out, but Sailor Venus just looked her smiling happily.
''Really? Rei, you're always *hic* so nice. You know you could tell queen Serenity about my drinking and I could get expelled, but instead you're trying to *hic* cheer me up. What I've done to *hic* deserve such a good friend like *hic* you?'' Minako rambled.
''You've just been yourself and that is enough.'' Sailor Mars said, sounding as serious as one can be.
[END OF FLASHBACK]
'She confessed her love for me and all I did was to mutter something stupid and pass out..great. No wonder she doesn't want to confess again..' Sailor Venus thought and slapped herself mentally.
''That's it! Tomorrow I will confess my love for her. This is stupid, we both want each other but still all we do is worry and be lonely. I just hope I can make it all up to her.. I swear tomorrow..'' Sailor Venus muttered and added: ''In the name of Venus I will get you..Rei-chan!''
To be continued...
A/N: That was the fourth chapter. I've always thought that Rei has a softer side in her and I like the kinder Rei and especially in this first part of Mina/Rei trilogy it is easy to portrait her that way as her background differs from the present Rei's. I guess I'll have to change her a bit when I'm starting to write the second part but I won't make her cold or anything, just a bit more complicated. Oh and in the case someone doesn't know, 'onesan' means big sister.
In the next chapter Rei's secret will be revealed and Minako makes her move.
Thanks again to all my reviewers, you all are my muses when everything is not so easy.
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