"I am victim of my time
A product of the age
You alone are my obsession
You were the one I left behind
You've been heavy on my mind
It's been a lonely road I've traveled

And so I walk to try to get away
Knowing that someday I will finally have to face
The fear that will come from knowing that
The one thing I had left was you
And now you're gone"

- "Nothing At All," Carlos Santana Featuring Musiq

A hand shot out from under the covers, knocking the ringing clock to the floor. Yet despite the impact, the "marvel" of modern machinery continued its attack on the sleeper's ears. The lump underneath the comforter moved and moaned.

A head of golden tresses popped out from the covers and sleep-filled eyes glared at the offending object. With a mumbled curse, the woman rose, the sheets falling away to reveal her perfect and very much nude body. Her blue eyes searched the bed for another figure, but found none. Good, she left.

Without grabbing anything to cover herself, the leggy blonde glided out of the room and into the large bathroom down the hall. She pulled open the curtains of the large windows as light streamed in. Taking a deep breath, the woman calmed at the sight of the familiar landscape of the Hollywood Hills. Sweet California, the land of eternal sunshine and warm weather – the perfect place for a golden child like her.

With a grace few possessed in the morning, she walked to the marble tub in the middle of the room and turned on the hot water. Her golden mane fell in waves, touching the surface of the rapidly rising water. Blue eyes glossed over as she touched the silky tresses. It's been so long since she's cut her hair, aside from the occasional trim, much to Mei's annoyance. She hasn't cut it ever since she left…

'Don't think about that, baka. The past is the past.'

Besides, there was a bath waiting for her. She slowly lowered herself into the tub, letting the water sooth her aching body and stop her thoughts.

'Live in the moment, Minako. Live in the moment.'

Cerulean eyes closed at the thought. The advice she had been given before she left. Left her home, her friends, her family… before she left her. The blonde frowned and climbed out of the tub. Looks like peace was evading her today.

The phone rang just as she pulled a silk robe over her wet form. She walked into the living room, grabbing the phone and sitting down on the couch to find the TV on.

"Hello?"

The angry scream of her manager met the young woman's sensitive ears.

"Babs, breathe. I can't understand a word you're saying."

An image of the blonde appeared on the TV. The surprised girl searched for her remote, turning up the volume when she found it on the floor.

"In entertainment news today, singing sensation Minako Aino and Brazilian supermodel Catalina ended their two months relationship last night. The couple, one of the most popular and beautiful of the year, started dating after Catalina starred in the singer's video for 'I Wanna Love You Forever.' The sexy model played the girlfriend of Minako Aino, who everyone knows is bisexual. The chemistry between the two was obvious the second they appeared onscreen together so it was no surprise when they publicly announced their relationship a week later. The breakup last night, however, did come as a bit of a shock."

The man besides the woman looked puzzled as he spoke. "Why is Catalina known as just 'Catalina'?"

The woman laughed and shook her head. "She is the Cher or Madonna of modeling. She doesn't need a last name."

"And I can see why. In other news-"

The blonde growled and changed the channel. This time, it was footage of her breakup with her now ex-girlfriend.

"You just had to breakup with her in a restaurant, didn't you?" The irritated voice reminded the singer that her manager was still on the phone. With a soft sigh, she stood and headed for the kitchen.

"I didn't mean to breakup there. Actually, I didn't mean to breakup, period."

"So what, you want her back?"

Minako rolled her eyes and grabbed a carrot from the fridge. She was going to ignore the eagerness in Babs' voice. She was, after all, her manager and it goes without saying that she wanted her with a big name like Catalina's.

"No, Babs, I don't."

"Why not?"

"It wasn't going anywhere."

"Since when have you cared if a relationship went somewhere?"

The singer growled softly. "I have always cared."

"Then start behaving like it. You go through more 'relationships' a week than most do their entire lives."

"Barbara, it's too early to start this discussion."

"Fine."

Silence. Minako sighed and relented. An angry manager would get her nowhere.

"So?"

"So what?"

"You know what," the blonde snapped.

"Fine, I figured you should lay low for a while. You know, get the public to crave you again."

"That'll work. I need a break anyhow."

The young woman saw an image of Tokyo on the television screen. The entertainment news was covering the phenomenon that was Athena Management and Siren Agency, two firms that everyone, including foreign stars, was trying to sign with.

"Good. I'll book a flight to-"

"Tokyo."

Minako could imagine the frown on her manager's face.

"Tokyo? I was thinking Sandro Pe."

"I want to go home, Barbara."

"Home?" The woman sounded truly puzzled. "But you are home."

"You know what I mean."

The woman on the other end sighed. "Fine. Tokyo it is."

"Thanks, Babs."

"Yeah, yeah. Just pack."

The singer looked down at the inside of her left wrist and at the tiny tattoo of a heart surrounded by white wings.

Did she know what she meant?

Minako plastered on a smile as she stepped out of the plane. Hundreds of flashes went off and the roar of the fans was deafening as she walked down the stairs.

Before her feet even touched the ground, arms and hands appeared from all directions, trying to touch her. The police and airport security pushed back the crowd of screaming teenagers and young adults. The blonde knew better than to reach out and touch the hands, but managed to sign a few autographs as she walked down the cleared path, despite the protest of her bodyguards.

After what seemed like hours, the singer was pushed into the waiting limo. Her redhead manager entered a second later, along with two members of her security. The door slammed shut and they pulled away.

"Damn," Babs muttered. "Why couldn't you have picked Sandro Pe?"

Minako rolled her eyes and pulled off her sunglasses. They really weren't needed at three in the morning.

"You were the one that turned this into a publicity trip."

The redhead ignored her client's annoyance and pulled her Palm Pilot from her bag.

"You're here anyway, so you might as well. Besides, people have been saying you've 'forgotten your roots' for a while now."

The star felt a pang of guilt at the statement. It was true. She has forgotten her roots. She had never once returned to Japan since she left all those years ago, although her record sells in Japan rivaled that of the ones in the US. Blue eyes watched the crowd of people screaming her name as the limo pulled away from the airstrip.

"I didn't know so many people would show up," she murmured to herself.

"Of course, they're crazy about you. You're one of their own."

Minako ignored the other woman's tone but not her words. One of their own. She would always be Japanese. Nothing will ever change that.

Minako tossed her bag onto the couch as she entered the large hotel room. The expensive furniture and over the top design didn't amaze her like they once did. She'd seen too much to be impressed.

"Not a bad place, is it?"

The slender woman pulled open the curtains just in time to see the sun rise behind the skyline of Tokyo.

"No, it isn't."

She closed her blue eyes and leaned against the cool glass, basking in the warmth of the sunrise, though she couldn't actually feel it.

"Are you all right?"

The star smiled. "Yes, just a little tired."

"Oh. Go get some sleep."

"I will."

Barbara walked to the nearby kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water before turning her sights to her client.

"Babs?"

"Hmm…?"

"Where are you staying?"

"Downstairs."

"Good."

Minako could feel the nervousness radiate off the other woman.

"When and where is my first appearance?"

Barbara sighed. She hated making Minako work, but this was important.

"First we have to speak to Athena and Siren to see which one we'll sign with. No one gets a gig here without one of them."

"Hmm."

"But you should make an appearance at Luna Talks just to announce that you're here."

"All right. When is that?"

"Tomorrow morning. Eight sharp."

"So I have to be up at…?"

"Five."

"All right."

The red-haired woman stared at her client's back. "Should I stay?"

Minako waved her hand dismissively. "No, no. You go ahead. I'll be fine."

"Call if you need anything."

"I know."

The singer heard the door close and let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding. Blue eyes gazed at the skyline and the colors of the sunrise.

"I'm back."

Minako yawned as she climbed out of bed, heading for the shower and completely ignoring the people in the living room. Half an hour later, she reemerged in a robe, gulping down the coffee that Babs handed her. The scathing liquid burned her mouth and throat as it went down.

"All right, outfit first. Jen?"

A petite woman with spiky black hair pushed over two racks. Minako eyed the clothes, though her mind was on the short stylist. The name Jennifer or even Jen didn't fit her… and those short locks were so much softer than they looked.

Barbara snapped the blonde from her thoughts when she asked her client quite impatiently if she'd wear the black tube top.

"No," the singer responded with a yawn.

"What? Why not? You went to another show in a tube top… blue right?"

Minako giggled when Jen rolled her green eyes behind her manager. The stylist shot her a wink before pulling a white blouse off the rack.

"How about this?"

"Since when has Minako covered up?"

Barbara laughed at the pretty Asian girl that was currently glaring at the singer's wet hair.

"No, I meant – Minako, get up and take off your robe."

The singer matched Jen's smirk with her own as she stood and undid the belt of her white bathrobe. The material slipped off her shoulders, revealing her cleavage and tanned skin before it fell to the ground completely.

Barbara mumbled under her breath as the Asian hairstylist laughed. Jen walked over and handed Minako the blouse. The singer slipped on the top slowly, her eyes never leaving Jen's. The stylist then proceeded to tie the bottom of the top in a knot under Minako's breasts and fixed it to cover them.

Minako stared unabashed into Jen's eyes, her own blue orbs twinkling when the short woman touched her more than necessary.

"Oh, for god's sakes!" Barbara exclaimed before storming out.

The remaining three women stared at the redhead as she made her exit. They then turned their gazes on each other and laughed.

"I swear, we're running out of ways to get rid of her!" Minako said between her giggles. Jen simply chuckled and went to grab a pair of jeans for her employer.

"Doesn't matter," the hairstylist said as she reached for the hairdryer. "As long as you two keep touching and flirting, Babs will always leave."

The singer laughed and put on the tight, faded jeans as she turned to the other Asian girl. "Mei, you just want to watch us."

The hairstylist smiled as her client took off the jeans and slipped into a short jean skirt. "I may be straight, but any girl would be a little gay for you, Mina."

Jen smiled as the blonde singer spun around once. "You look too Southern."

"I am coming back from America."

"You're Japanese," the spiky-haired girl retorted.

"Does that mean I can't go Southern?"

"A Japanese cowboy," Mei said with a goofy grin.

Minako rolled her eyes and grabbed a plaited skirt off the rack.

"Are you doing a Britney now? You look like a Catholic schoolgirl gone bad."

Jen sighed in frustration and glared at the critical Mei.

"I thought she was going for an American look," the fashionista snapped.

"American, not a stereotype of American," Mei replied as she dug through her bag for hair gel.

"Do you want me to do your job?" Jen snapped.

"Enough! God, if I didn't know better, I'd think you two were a married couple," Minako said with an exasperated sigh.

"Me? Married to her?" Jen asked incredulously. "You've got to be joking."

"Fuck you," the annoyed hairstylist growled.

"All right, you two!"

The two turned to the singer, who had just put on a flowing blue skirt that reached her ankles. The two arguing women studied her before Jen nodded.

"Good. A pair of straw sandals should go great with that."

Minako sat down as a handsome man slipped in, grinning widely.

"How are my three favorite girls?"

He was met with silence as Jen and Mei continued to glare at one another. He rolled his eyes and looked at his employer.

"They have a fight again?"

"Of course," Minako replied as Mei started drying her hair.

"Going for a natural look?" The African American young man asked as he grabbed some foundation.

"I had to pick something, Patrick, or else they would've killed each other."

The blonde star felt her hairstylist tug on her hair and remembered why she liked to stay on Mei's good side.

"I swear you two are like sisters!" The makeup artist laughed.

"I'd ask my parents to disown me if that were true," Jen said, coming back with a pair of straw sandals.

"Good. I get the inheritance then," Mei replied dryly.

Patrick laughed again and shook his head. The three working on the blonde silence as Barbara stepped back into the room. She took a seat and began running through the list of questions Luna would most likely ask the singer. The gorgeous blonde simply nodded without paying her manager much attention – she'd heard the questions hundreds of times before. There was nothing she hasn't been asked.

"Wait, the interview will be in Japanese, right?"

Jen snorted as quietly as she could. Mei and Patrick just smirked at the exasperated look on the stylist's face.

"Course, Babs," the green-eyed woman said dryly. "We are in Japan."

Barbara ignored the teasing and stared at Minako with a frown. "You do remember how to speak Japanese, right, Mina?"

The blonde rolled her eyes. "No shit, Babs, I'm Japanese."

"Yes, well, you haven't been here in six years."

The blonde shrugged and stood when Patrick finished her makeup by applying some clear lip-gloss.

"Some things you never forget."

Minako felt nervous. She hasn't felt nervous before an interview in years. But then again, it's never been a show in Japan… her first appearance as a star in her home country.

She heard Japanese spoken all around her and took a deep breath. She was Minako Aino. She was Japanese, no matter how long she's been away. And she could do this.

"Aino Minako!"

The blonde star plastered on a huge smile as she walked onto the stage. The fans went crazy, chanting her name and screaming. The red light on the top of the cameras told her they were on the air. The lights were blinding. She felt her nervousness fade and instincts take over.

The singer waved to the crowd and walked over to the smiling woman standing in front of the couch. She maintained her composure, though inside she was ready to breakdown. She bowed to the talk show host before the other woman asked her to sit. The audience eventually quieted down as Luna smiled at the blonde.

"So, Aino-san," the host said with a grin. "It's great that you're back in Japan! You've been gone for quite a while. Why so long?"

The blonde knew Babs was freaking out right now since she can't understand Japanese. Well, less of a chance that she'd be scolded if she messed up.

"Well, Luna-san," Minako said, the sound of her own voice forming the Japanese a bit of a shock, "I promised myself before I left that I'd make it big in America before I returned. I didn't feel ready before now."

The fans went crazy again as Minako waved. Luna laughed. "Well, by the sound of it, you've done pretty well here, too."

The singer smiled. "I couldn't have done it without the help of the fans, especially those here."

The audience's scream was painful but the blonde was used to it by now.

"Aino-san, let's get down to business. Your fifth album is due to drop in six months. What can you tell us about it?"

"Well," the star began, her smile never wavering, "the album actually includes a few of the songs I wrote before I left Japan. So, the fans will hear a definite influence from the music popular a couple of years ago."

"Oh? And the rest?"

"Well, although I haven't been back for a few years, I've been keeping up with the music and I must confess, my style has definitely been affected. This album will be a return to my roots, so to speak."

Minako realized too late that she had given the host the perfect opportunity and cursed herself.

"Speaking of roots, Aino-san, there's something the fans have been dying to know. On your first CD, 'I've Arrived,' many of the songs, including your hit single 'One of These Days,' are about losing someone you love. In the booklet, you said, and I quote, 'many of these songs are based on my own experiences with someone that meant a lot to me.'"

The singer nodded, biting her cheek as dread filled her. "Yes, that is true. I wrote the songs after someone I cared for very much left."

"So, who is this someone?"

Minako smiled and laughed one of those laughs that were intended to brush off the question. "I'm afraid I can't say."

"Too bad. But is it true that one of the reasons you left Japan was because the relationship didn't work out?"

"Yes, it is."

"Ah. I'm sure the person wished he or she didn't leave now."

Minako only smiled, though she felt like doing anything but.

Barbara kept talking, though she knew her client wasn't listening. She didn't care, to be honest. How could Minako make such a crucial mistake? She practically fainted when Mei translated what the blonde had said.

She was more worried than anything. The question had never come up in the States since Minako's first album wasn't as carefully scrutinized as her later ones. Who knew that bitch Luna would dig that up?

"Minako? Minako!"

The blonde turned to her manager, blue eyes far off. "Yeah?"

Barbara sighed and took off her glasses. "Have you heard a single word I've said?"

"Of course."

The manager knew that look well, despite the fact that she's rarely seen it. It was the one where her client's lips would form that small, warm smile of hers, though her eyes would harden and darken to the point they became sapphires. So, the older woman let the subject drop. "Should I rent a studio for you here? Or do you want to wait until we go back to the States?"

The blonde's eyes softened at the mention of her music. "Here. There's only six months left."

Barbara nodded while her client looked out the window. Minako watched the streets go by inside the stretch limo. She was separated from this world and yet still a small part of it.

She had told her that once. She told Minako to ease off in her relentless pursuit for a career. The world's a much large place than any of them really knew, she had said. The blonde's own dreams and aspirations were only part of the sphere that was made up of everyone's hopes.

Her. There was always only her. Only she could make Minako feel special and remind her that she was only one person in the world full of billions at the same time. Only she could make the star feel like a child and a mature woman.

She was a contradiction all in herself.

And she came up for the first time since Minako became a star today. The singer didn't know whether to be angered or glad that the world never knew about someone who was at one point the center of the world for their idol. Minako was a goddess to many, but the blonde had no religion. She had been her religion, she was all the singer had.

The blue eyes continued to watch the street as the car started to move after the light turned green. That's when she saw it.

"Stop the car!"

The driver barely had time to react as Minako threw open the door and jumped out. She ignored her manager's confused screams and the cars honking as she ran to the sidewalk.

She saw it. The long, black hair that shone deep purple like a raven's wing on a sunny day like today. It was just a flash but it was her hair. It was her hair.

There! Another flash of raven, going into that store!

The blonde took off, her athletic background and concert regiment keeping her in perfect shape for darting through the crowded streets of Tokyo. She threw apologies half-heartedly over her shoulder at those she plowed into but she didn't care. She had to catch her.

Minako looked around the second she burst into the store. Where was she?

"Oh my god! IT'S AINO MINAKO!"

The scream of a young girl snapped the singer back into reality. She was in a music store, without sunglasses or a cap… shit.

Her security team arrived just as the fans started to mob her. Even as people tugged and pulled on her, she tried desperately to catch one more glance of those black locks.

"Minako! We have to get you out of here!"

The star barely registered Barbara's frantic voice and barely felt the fans touching her. As her bodyguards escorted her out, her blue eyes searched the store.

'Let me see it just once more.'

Barbara cursed as she slammed the door shut. Her client ignored her rage and walked over to the window, pulling open the curtains to stare at the city.

The redhead threw her purse onto the coffee table, barely sparing a prayer that her phone was intact. Then again, her phone wouldn't count for shit if Minako wasn't. The agent turned her gray eyes to the silent figure of her client. She usually wasn't quiet, not even after a close encounter like that one…

It was her. Minako was sure of it. She knew that hair. After all, she did spend much of her time running her fingers through the silky strands…

Maybe that's why she's never dated women with hair as long as that. Past the waist, rolling in black waves off her shoulder…

The blonde shook her head. Maybe it wasn't her. She was in Japan and lots of girls had long black hair.

'No, it was. I know it.'

"Minako, what the hell were you thinking?"

The woman didn't turn, though her attention turned to the pressing matter at hand: the pissed redhead.

"I wasn't really thinking."

"Obviously!"

Silence settled over the room after the older woman's scream. Babs ran a hand through her hair. "That was stupid and dangerous! Very dangerous! You were almost hit by several cars and if the security team didn't get to you…" Barbara shuddered at the thought.

"Babs," Mina said as she turned, smiling. "I'm fine. See? Unharmed!"

The manager sighed and closed her eyes. Something was so very off here. Coming to Tokyo was a bad idea. But even she could see how much Minako had to return, to come back to her native land.

"Fine. I have a meeting tomorrow with Siren Agency. So, you have the rest of the day and tomorrow off."

"Siren? What about Athena?"

"Athena is geared more towards actors. Siren, as the name suggests, is more focused on musicians."

Minako nodded before she turned to look out the window once again. "Babs?"

"Hm?"

"Can I go out tomorrow?"

The redhead frowned. And have a repeat of today? No way in hell!

"I want to visit my old haunts."

Argh. How would she deny Minako that? Damn her. "I don't like it, but if you want. Bring George and Brad with you, at least."

Minako smiled. "Thanks."

"So, George, where does Mina wanna go today?"

The man reading the paper looked at the impatient man playing with the chain hanging from his belt.

"No idea. She wanted to go out was all Babs said."

"Oh," Brad said as he sat back. Knowing Mina, she wouldn't be up for another three or four hours.

Just then, both men saw a blonde blur shoot out of the bedroom and into the bathroom. Instead of the usual sound of their client drawing a bath, they heard the shower running. Brad looked over at his equally surprised partner. One of the rules was that Minako didn't move very quickly before ten in the morning. This was weird.

"Well," George said as he folded his paper. "We're in for a strange day."

Minako walked into the Crown Arcade, looking around to find that nothing has changed. Just like most places she's been to.

She had gone to her old high school first. She saw the tree under which she, Ami, Makoto and Usagi used to eat lunch. She saw the gym, where she spent many hours practicing as the captain of the volleyball team. The principal was still the same man, kind but strict. He welcomed her back warmly, treating her as if she were just another graduate returning to the school for a visit…

Minako walked the halls at a comfortable pace next to the middle-aged man. The students were all outside, enjoying the nice, spring weather. That meant she wasn't going to be mobbed.

The pair entered one of the empty classrooms and the blonde felt a pang of nostalgia hit her. She walked over to a desk in the back and sat down.

It was strange, being here again. She was no longer the hopeful teenager she used to be. She was 23-years-old and her dream had come true.

Her fingers caressed the smooth top of the desk, then the side, then the bottom…

Her hand stopped when she felt an indentation in the surface. Her eyes widened with surprise as she went on her knees and crawled under the small table. She looked up and gasped.

The memory played in her mind, and Minako could practically see the ghost of her younger-self run into the classroom, giggling as she did. Everyone was out, so it was the perfect time to-

"Mina, wait up."

The blonde shook her head, fighting back a giggle at the annoyed voice. She felt a soft hand grab her wrist and pull her against the person she tried to run from. Before she could protest, a pair of soft lips descended upon hers, banishing all other thoughts save the kiss.

Both of them were breathless when they parted. Minako grinned.

"I want to tell everyone I love you."

"Mina, that's not possible."

"Fine. I'll carve it into a desk."

The teenager stepped away and grabbed a pen before heading to her desk.

"Mina, that's vandalism. You can get suspended."

"I'll just carve it someone no one can see."

"Mina…"

"Oh, hush you."

"What if someone comes back?"

"I'll be done before anyone comes."

"…"

"Oh, come on."

A soft sigh, followed by a reluctant, "fine."

The singer bit her bottom lip as she stared at the carving more than six years after she first vandalized the desk. It was a small heart with the initials M and-

"Minako? Barbara called," Brad said from the doorway.

Blue eyes blinked, clearing the memories before the star climbed out from under the desk.

George guided his client to a booth and sat down across from her, making room for Brad on his side. A waitress walked over and asked for their orders.

"Burger, fries and a Coke," Brad ordered.

"Same," George said as he muffled a yawn.

"Chocolate milkshake, onion rings, fries, bacon cheeseburger and chicken nuggets."

The waitress nodded, though she gave the blonde a weird look, and walked away.

"What are you," George teased, "a bottomless pit?"

Minako closed her eyes and smiled softly.

Minako made a face when a blonde with pigtails stuffed two more cookies into her mouth. A look around the room told her everyone else was disgusted as well.

"Usagi, it's a wonder you're not a balloon, you bottomless pit."

Eager blue eyes turned to the girl standing at the door, a cocky smirk on those kissable lips and a devious twinkle in her eyes.

"You're such a meanie!" Usagi whined.

Everyone just laughed as the teenager walked into the room, taking her normal seat across from Minako. The blonde felt annoyance and disappointment stir in her as usual, but it disappeared when her girlfriend sent her a small but genuine smile and a wink.

She had a goofy grin on her face for the rest of the day.

The food arrived and Minako, in true Usagi manner, wolfed it down at lightning speed. Brad and George ignored their client's appetite, used to seeing the slender woman eat so much.

The singer finished in no time and looked around the Crown Arcade once again. There were the racing games where a tall, handsome blonde had creamed her. A new group of girls were giggling and laughing in their old booth. Were they discussing what they talked about? Perhaps. Maybe some of what they talked about was too strange at times, but boys, clothes and graduating are topics that transcend time.

The three left the arcade after finishing their food and walked down the block. George and Brad paused when their employer stopped, staring at the movie theater across the street. Without a word, the star crossed the street, causing the two bodyguards to scramble after her.

Minako stared at the movie theater, eyes half closed. This was where they had their first date…

A wheezing teenager ran through the streets, trying to avoid the people, who glared at her as she sped past. Oh god, oh god! She was late! Half an hour late! If it were any one else, she wouldn't give a fuck. But this wasn't anyone else! This was her.

Minako slid to a stop when the traffic light turned green. She was just one block away. Oh, please still be there. She looked down at her watch. Thirty-five minutes late. She looked up at the traffic light just as it turned yellow. Without thinking, she ran into the street, causing several cars to screech to a stop then honk at her. She didn't care.

The blonde saw her standing there, arms crossed and looking so pretty in a pair of jeans and a blouse. She put on the breaks, only to slide past her date. Minako scrambled to get back, stopping in front of the girl and bowing repeatedly.

"I'm so sorry, please forgive me! I was in the shower for longer than I planned and then my hairdryer broke and I tried to find my mom's but I didn't know where she kept it so I went over to Usa's to use hers and then I realized I left my purse at home and-"

The blonde stopped when a slender hand reached over and removed a leaf from her golden mane. Minako blinked as she stared at her date, afraid that she really was that angry.

"Your hair's a mess," she said softly.

Minako blushed. "I ran all the way here."

"You must be thirsty. Let's go to the Crown. The movie started a while ago."

"I really am sorry-"

"It's fine, Mina. I'm just happy nothing happened to you. I was getting paranoid."

The blonde blushed again before grinning at the faint coloring on her date's face. She wrapped her arms around the other girl's arm, resting her head against the slim shoulders as they headed for the Crown.

The star shook her head as she smiled. So, their first date hadn't gone as planned. They did have fun though.

Brad opened the car door for his employer before getting into the passenger side up front. George pulled the car away from the curb and headed back to the hotel. Minako stared out the window. There was the bus stop where they shared their first kiss. And the ice cream stand they always went to. The park where the whole group spent many happy afternoons and where she would watch the sunset with her…

She couldn't. She couldn't go back to the hotel without going to one more place.

George was surprised when the singer told him to turn back. What the hell?

Minako walked up the steps, the memories coming back to her with a vengeance. How well she knew these steps and those trees and that sign…

She had told her bodyguards to wait in the car, much to their annoyance. But she had to do this alone. Her feet carried her to a worn side path, the still closed sakura blossoms on either side. The gentle breeze ruffled her hair and pulled on her cargo pants. The smell of the grass and blooming flowers surrounded her. Not unlike her smell.

The blonde bit her lip. This was stupid. She couldn't even think of her name, much less say it. She always just thought of her, too afraid to remember her name or let it roll off her tongue. She didn't deserve that. She deserved so much more. More than to be forgotten by the singer, by the girl that swore she would love her forever.

The pink lips parted, suddenly dry. The singer inhaled, the name on the tip of her tongue.

"Well, look at what the spring brought back."

Cerulean eyes widened as shock froze her in place. No, it wasn't possible. It… couldn't be her.

But it had to be. That easy drawl, the confidence… the melodious sound that sent shivers down her spine…

Minako turned slowly, dread and anticipation replacing the shock. Her stomach dropped to her feet when she set eyes on the woman standing behind her.

She couldn't think, couldn't breathe and most definitely couldn't believe who she saw. So she did what she was going to do before she had showed up. She whispered her name.

"Rei."

I've been thinking about picking up this story again for a while, but some of the existing parts really bothered me. So, I've decided to revise everything. Some revisions will be very minor, like the changes to this chapter. Others will be a little more noticeable. Once the revisions are done, I'll post new chapters.

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Naoko Takeuchi. If I had come up with this stuff, Minako and Rei would be canon.