Sleepy thoughts, now in drabble form.

—

Sleep comes easy for Minako, but it leaves even easier. It’s
a curse of all that she is. Venus will drive her to the brink of exhaustion,
and she’ll drive herself further, until she can fall asleep the second she
gives herself permission. But even then, her senses stay wired, ready to jolt
her awake should any danger appear. And lately, with the way things were
escalating…

She jerks awake to movement. It’s been so long since she
slept a full night, it takes her a moment to realize it’s only Rei, pulling a
blanket up over her shoulders. “Is everything okay?” she asks anyway. She moves
to get up, but Rei presses own on her back to keep her on the couch.

“Usagi’s fine, since I know that’s what you’re asking. Mako
and Ami are still up with her, all asleep.” She presses her lips together in a
huff. “You’re not okay though.”

“Of course I am.”

“How many nights do you come down here and try keeping
vigil?”

Minako stifles a yawn. It makes her eyes water. “Well, most
nights I succeed a bit better than this.” She won’t let Rei yell at her for it,
Rei knows better. “I can’t let anything happen to her, Rei. I never know when
something’s going to come, and after last time—“

“I know.” Rei’s hand has stayed on her back, and she begins
to rub. “I know. But damn it, Mina, this is what I’m here for. You’re supposed
to share this shit with me.”

“I don’t want—“

“I don’t care what
you want,” Rei spits, but then she dons one of her rare soft expressions. “I
care what you need. Let me stay awake for you. It’s better if we take turns.”

Minako wants to argue, but she knows it was true. And she
trusts Rei above anyone else. “You promise to stay awake? And wake me on even
the slightest suspicion of danger?”

“You know I will. Please sleep.” She turns to sit with her
back to the couch, shoulders squared and rigid in her particular Mars way. Mina
means to say thank you, but as soon as she’s decided Rei will keep them safe
enough, she’s already asleep.