Taking a break (Mako, Open)

[Kino Makoto]

Once again, Makoto stared off into space. Thoughts of two different lifetimes still flitted through her mind. However as she casually continued to sip on her champagne, all of those thoughts began to meld into one mass of…mass. She began to ponder over how that would even make sense when a hand appeared in front of her face.

She blinked a couple times, trying to figure out why in the world there would be a hand in front of her face. Slowly her eyes traveled up the arm, over the shoulder and then to the face of the owner of that hand. It took a couple more blinks to focus enough for the gears to start turning in her head again. Was it a vision of the past, or was this really happening?

Finally, reality kicked in. Yes, this man was standing directly before her and yes, he was asking her to dance. But could she? Makoto happened to catch a glimpse behind him of Rei holding a plate of food that looked awful tasty. Something on her stomach would be terrific right about now… Hellooooooo!!! Earth to Mako!!! Incredibly handsome man, standing right in front of you, waiting for an answer!!!

Makoto broke into a fit of giggles. She took Neph-Nath-HIS hand and lightly tugged on him to lean in closer. She whispered into his ear with as much seriousness as she could muster, “I’m so sorry… I don’t think I can stand up.” She gestured with the champagne flute currently being held in her other hand, hoping he would understand her hesitation.

[Nathaniel Bernhardt]

His nerves seemed to mount with each climbing second. Makoto seemed to take an awfully long time to acknowledge him. Her gaze up his arm was lengthy, at best, molasses at most... did he repulse her? Had things changed that swiftly. His spine stiffened a bit as she began to giggle. Surely he wasn't being mocked? When did he say something funny?

Blinking bemusedly, he let out a little noise as she tugged him forward, and whispered an explanation in his ear. Nathaniel relaxed a bit, nodding in understand, his free hand snaking forward to gentle attempt to pry away the flute of champagne.

"If you can't dance, don't you think you've had enough?" he asked gently, taking a seat nearby. That's when he noticed the Priestess, standing with food... potentially for his drunken beloved, who clearly needed it. He gave a slow nod to her, feeling the nerves return again. He didn't really want her over here, but...

Well, they'd have to all learn to get along eventually...

[Hino Rei]

Rei was about to turn and leave when Nathaniel looked her way. He gave a slight nod, enough to not be totally rude, and Rei hesitated a moment. They'd been civil, if not entirely friendly, the other day... She still wasn't sure she trusted him, especially now that he was fully awakened, but it wouldn't do to burn another bridge. Especially one that insisted on being linked to Makoto.

Besides, she had been trying to help him. Maybe that would count for something.

Straightening her shoulders a little, Rei completed her journey back to the table and set the plate down in front of Makoto, "You should probably eat something with that."

It was a reasonable enough suggestion, she thought, and she cast a wary eye at Nathanial. After a moment's pause, she inclined her head slightly in greeting. "Did you want anymore water, while I'm at it?"

[Kino Makoto]

“Heyyy I wasn’t done with that!” Makoto forced out mock hurt when whatever the hell this guy was calling himself took the glass from her hand. Quickly getting over it, she leaned into him when he sat beside her, enjoying the feel of the heat radiating from his body. The alcohol was doing a good job of warming her up…but this was a different kind of heat. This was…

Her face reddened a bit as the gears in her mind continued to turn. Thankfully Rei had made her way over with that tasty plate of food. “Oooh Rei-chan! Is that for me?” Her eyes opened as wide as saucers. “You shouldn’t have!” She readily accepted the food placed before her. It was all she could do to keep from stuffing her face… Makoto may have been a bit sloshed, but she was still well aware of the handsome man seated beside her.

“I’m fine, really,” she managed to get out between bites. “Don’t worry about me, you guys!” She closed her eyes and savored each bite. “Oh man this is good. Totally hits the spot.” She picked up the glass of water since the champagne was now out of reach. After taking a sip, she continued, “Give my compliments to the chef,” and then proceeded to burst into giggles again. “Oh wait! Hahaha! Silly me!”

[Nathaniel Bernhardt]

Ooooooookayyyyyy. His lovely Makoto was officially inebriated. Drunk, really. He watched with both a sort of awe and amusement. What had driven her to this state? She was responsible, or at least seemed so, from what Nathaniel had observed, and had been in the past life, as well...

But, he couldn't say that he wasn't enjoying this. His eyes came to rest on Rei again as she approached, and he carefully returned her tilting of a greeting with another slight nod.

Both of them had the wary-I-see-you-and-acknowledge-your-presence-somewhat-not-really slight head movement down pat, apparently. He would have paid a good sum just to know what she was thinking of, what she was so afraid of... Would all of the senshi be like this? Too early to tell.

He just patted her hand and tried to smile as she blathered on about food and just about everything else, filling her stomach. He was content with this, though he wondered what Rei thought about all of it.

"I think she's had enough for the night," he found himself muttering, loud enough so that the other woman could hear it, but his tone unobtrusive so as to not catch Makoto's attention. He wondered why the other woman wasn't drinking herself, but that was none of his business-- he was sure he'd have his head handed to him on a platter if he dared to ask.

[Hino Rei]

"Mm," Rei hummed in agreement, giving another slight nod of her head. Makoto might be drunk, but she still retained some sense and could easily get offended if she thought they were talking over her head. "Well, I'd consider the complements passed on, wouldn't I?" Rei let herself smirk faintly at her pigging-out friend. If she was eating at this rate, she might just regain a little of herself... assuming they could keep her from grabbing another flute.

"You may want to try some yourself, Nathanial." one of them had to try to open up the lines of actual communication, anyway. That's what she told herself, at any rate. "Makoto is an amazing chef... assuming she hasn't shoved something down your throat already."

[Kino Makoto]

Makoto continued to stuff her face, blissfully unaware at the awkward exchange of glances and short conversation behind her. Normally she had an excellent tolerance of alcohol, but she figured with all the stress and adrenaline it had just hit her so much harder than usual. So despite not really drinking that much, she officially considered herself plastered. But damn, it felt good.

Her ears perked up as Rei spoke. Thank god she was being amicable. Makoto smiled to herself. ’Atta girl. I’m so proud.’ However, not being able to keep her mouth shut (thank you Martini & Rossi), she answered for Nathaniel. “Oh he came through the buffet line earlier, didn’t you honey?” She smiled sweetly at him, completely unaware at the term of endearment she’d just used. Turning back to Rei, she continued. “Can you believe he’s never had French food? I told him we’d have to fix that.” She looked back at Nathaniel, still smiling brightly. “I told you that didn’t I? So when are you coming to the restaurant anyways?”

[Nathaniel Bernhardt]

Nathaniel found himself giving Rei a grateful, if awkward grin, some of his wariness seeming to melt at her olive branch-- at least, he considered it an olive branch. However, before he could answer her question, lovely Makoto was spilling her guts.

"I did come in before," he acknowledged, inwardly celebrating at the use of a term of endearment. "And it was delicious. And yes, you did tell me that... and I will come as soon as you will have me. Naturally."

Once more, he found himself looking to Rei. She was practically Makoto's chaperon, now, and he almost felt as if he was asking permission to be with her... Annoyed at his own behavior, he dropped the glance. "I envy you, to eat like this everyday."

[Hino Rei]

"We're lucky enough to have her," Rei agreed, "When the restaurant isn't stealing her away." it was a general sort of tease that they usually gave. "Though I suspect you'll be getting more of that treatment now." Once again the awkward came to play, as soon as the words had left her lips... Rei tried to pretend it wasn't there, but it was rather like ignoring a massive elephant in the room.

[Iyashii Hiroki]

Hiroki had been waiting in the wings, looking for just the right moment to approach her. Patience had paid off. She was seated at a table with Neph…Nathaniel, and a woman who he recognized as the Senshi of Jupiter. He grinned to himself. ’Well that didn’t take long, my friend. Kudos to you.’ A twinge of jealousy rose, but it was quelled rather quickly. After all, he’d always enjoyed the pursuit when it was she that he was pursuing.

He casually strode over to the table, coming up behind Rei just in time to hear her last comment. …you’ll be getting more of that treatment now. Hiroki crossed his arms over his chest and crooked an eyebrow. “Will I be on the receiving end of this ‘treatment’ as well?”

[Kino Makoto]

Makoto nodded and smiled smugly as Nathaniel confirmed what she’d spilled to Rei. Feeling incredibly bold and rather uninhibited, she reached over for the champagne glass that had been set aside and in the process leaned into Nathaniel. She whispered into his ear, “I’d have you right now if I could…” and lightly winked as she sipped from the glass again. This time, though, she only took a small sip and switched back to water. No need getting fussed at more than she already had.

She looked up from her glass in time to see a certain Shitennou standing over her sister’s shoulder. Before Rei could reply, Makoto quickly moved into action. Somehow she found her footing and rose from her seat stretching out her hand to Nathaniel. “Good sir, I do believe I owe you a dance.”

As she moved away from the table, she looked back and mouthed the words “Play nice” to Rei.

[Nathaniel Bernhardt]

More of that treatment? Nathaniel raised his eyebrow at the other woman, wanting to ask what sort of treatment he could expect to receive from her...

Mate looked up as Hiroki came over, a grin spreading across his face. He'd like Jadeite deal with Lady Mars, instead, he found himself being told by Makoto that.... she'd have him right there.

His jaw dropped and he just looked at her for a moment, utterly stupefied. Swallowing, trying to use his brain and not the part of him that was down south, he watched her drink the champagne. He was not going to make love to a drunk woman. Even one he hand longed for for years and had just been truly reunited with, even one as lovely as she was...

Pushing his more carnal thoughts aside, he found himself amazed that Makoto could stand, but she was entirely right... she owed him a dance. And he'd have to go with her to make sure she didn't stumble over herself, or something...

"I would be honored." He offered her his arm, turning to look at Hiroki. "Behave," he instructed, not shy about being vocal with that particular suggestion, and then gave Makoto his undivided attention. She deserved it. He just hoped she could make it to midnight at this rate...

[Hino Rei]

She'd know that voice anywhere. Rei visibly tensed--only a slight degree, but it was there. Her eyes focused on her rather inebriated friend and for a moment was incredibly jealous of her state. Of course, Rei would never have trusted herself to get drunk in front of this many people, anyway.

But then they had the nerve to leave her. With him. Rei glared murder at her sister, still not turning around to see the blonde, until Makoto was led off by Nathanial. She doubted Makoto even cared, really. So it was that she was left to school her features and try to be civil because they were in public and the press was present.

"I suppose if you're fond of Makoto's cooking she'd treat you the same as she does any hungry soul." The priestess tried to keep her voice light, face turning just slightly to look over her shoulder at him.

He looked good.... she hated him for it, but he did. "Though I doubt you'd want the same treatment she's giving to Nathaniel, else he might become a little jealous."

[Iyashii Hiroki]

“Don’t everyone leave at once or anything…” Hiroki mumbled to himself, really. He wasn’t sure what they expected him to do. All he wanted was a moment of Rei’s time. A moment to try to carry on an amicable conversation. A moment to take a step in the right direction. In the meantime, everyone else seemed to take a step away from him. Not that he wasn’t used to that, but it was still rather unpleasant, even when it wasn’t meant that way.

Rei turned to look at him, and he found himself warped back to a time long forgotten. Quickly bringing himself back down to earth, he glanced over at the now dancing Nathaniel and Makoto and shook his head. “I’m sure she’s lovely, but he can keep her.” Reaching forward, he took Rei’s hand in his and bent low to kiss it. “I’m more than content with my current company, if she’ll have me.”

[Hino Rei]

And for a moment she was back in time, her mouth dry and heart pounding as she looked up at him. Suddenly the clothes of the people surrounding them were brocade and silk, heavy and flowing, and the music floating in the air of harps and violins in a strange, forgotten tune. Somehow, someway his eyes were the same, the exact same as she looked up into them.

The tip of her tongue flickered over parched lips, and she began to rise when someone drug their chair hard against the floor and the screech broke the spell.

Rei jumped slightly in place, jerking about to see the chair. She only settled when she saw what had made the noise and her eyes began to narrow. Had that been an illusion or just the force of her own, repressed memories? It wouldn't be the first time he'd worked magic upon her...

The priestess's caze was cold again as she looked him over, though she still held his hand. There was nothing to prove her suspicions of course. Nothing at all... "You do a remarkable turn of character, Hiroki," she heard herself say, "It wasn't but a few days ago that you seemed well ready to be rid of the harpy."