Story: Love is Blue (all chapters)

Disclaimer:  I don't own Sailormoon (or any of its incarnations).  That honor belongs to Takeuchi Naoko-hime and the combined forces of Toei, Kodansha, and )more recently) Bandai.  They're holding the Senshi hostage for some unholy reason.  Meanies.

"You can take away your merchandise, but you can't take away our Senshi!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Oh yeah...I don't own Kondo Underwater Ballet either.  I can't swim.

Ikimashou!  (Let's go!)

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Love is Blue - by MadPanda

Chapter 1 - More Than Words

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The bottom of a pool is a strange place to work out a problem, but there sat Ami Mizuno, doing just that. She loved the quiet, the solitude, the pressure, and yes, the challenge. The idea was to focus on two things at once: solve the problem at hand, and do so before she needed to surface, forcing her to think faster. Not that she couldn't process information; the petite, blue-haired young woman had immeasurable intelligence. On some matters, though, she could be rather clueless. Love was one such matter, and try as she might, this was one problem that wasn't going to be solved sitting on the bottom of a pool.

Michiru Kaioh watched the young blunette and smiled. The two had parlayed their swimming rivalry into a pretty good friendship, and she regarded Ami as a younger sister, or maybe even a younger, more analytical version of herself. If Ami had a problem she couldn't solve (which was rare in itself), Michiru would gently offer advice - but never a solution. Michiru stood from the chaise lounge and looked into the water. "The poor dear," she sighed with a smile. "I'd better fish her out before she grows fins and a tail."

'Makoto...why, no, how can I tell you? I'm sure you've guessed by now how I feel about you...you're always there for me; you're always smiling and caring with me, even when you're having problems of your own. I'd even go so far as to say you...no, I shouldn't make such an assumption. What if I'm wrong? I mean, the way you act around me seems to be the way someone would act if they're interested in me that way...I guess. Watching your interaction with me is very much like watching Mamoru's behavior with Usagi. He's very protective of her. He does his best to make her happy, and even when he's not there, she's happy just thinking about him.' Ami sighed and watched the bubbles rise to the surface. 'I feel your affection, Mako-chan...but I...I don't know how to show you that I feel the same way. Expressing myself in mere words wouldn't do my feelings justice. You're beyond that. And besides, even Shakespeare or Browning would probably have just as hard a time with you. My father was the artist, but I don't have his talent. As beautiful as his landscapes are, I don't think he could truly capture you. I could probably compose a song, but it would take a symphony with the strength of Wagner and the beauty of Debussy. I couldn't possibly do that. You truly have me at a loss, my dearest Mako-chan...'

Ami's thoughts were interrupted as she felt herself being lifted up through the water's surface. She took a much-needed breath and turned to see Michiru smiling at her, her aqua-hued tresses floating behind her.

"Air is a necessary component for human life. You really shouldn't try cutting down on it."

"I'm sorry, Michiru-san,' said Ami between breaths, "I was--"

"Using your proven method of problem-solving, right? Honestly, one day you'll be so immersed in your thoughts that your skin color will match your hair color."

"Then at least I will be color-coordinated and problem-free!" They both laughed softly, but Ami trailed hers off and sighed..

"Why should love be so hard, Michiru-san?"

"For many reasons," Michiru answered, holding out her hand to count. "It's worthwhile, it's important, it's special, it's necessary, it's practical...I'm going to need my other hand. You promise not to sink if I let you go?"

Ami had forgotten she was still being held by Michiru. She blushed and swam to the edge of the pool. "Okay, I get it. People do have trouble expressing their feelings to the person they love. But why should it be so difficult? Shouldn't they be able to just say 'I love you' and be done with it?"

Michiru glided aside her. "Now how would you feel if someone just walked up to you and said 'I love you' without any hesitation, with no concern or feeling other than the words themselves? Most likely, you wouldn't believe them, because the feeling wasn't there. You know better than most that humans communicate their feelings in many different ways, and in many different combinations. Finding the right way to express your love and win someone's heart shouldn't be easy...it should be a fight." She paused to reflect on her own struggles with winning Haruka's heart, the difficult choices she made in doing so, and the reward of not only having a lover and a fellow senshi to fight alongside her, but a life partner as well. "It is worth the fight, Ami-chan. Trust me, when you find the right way to tell that person how you feel, you will, and you'll be more than satisfied with the results."

Ami looked at Michiru with awe. Indeed, Michiru and Haruka had a love that she and the rest of her friends envied. Those two would walk by, and everyone knew how much they were in love without them having to say a word. They just seemed to radiate love, if that was possible. She wanted something like that, and she knew who with. "Thank you, Michiru-san," Ami bowed her head just above the water's surface and back. "I'm sure I'll find a way. I just wished I could do it soon. I don't want to lose her."

"Don't worry Ami-chan. If you love her that much, I'm sure she's noticed even a little. You'll find a way, and if she truly loves you, she'll wait forever for you." Michiru climbed out of the pool and offered Ami a helping hand. "By the way, do you know how long you were down there?"

"I lost track after three minutes, why?"

"Because you were past five minutes when I came in to get you, and you didn't seem to be having any trouble." Michiru watched the surprised look on Ami's face as an idea came her mind. "Have you ever heard of the Kondo Ballet?"

"Wh-what? Five minutes??" Ami knew she was there for awhile, but not that long. "Hmm...I didn't feel any effects from the lack of oxygen. It could be due to being a senshi..." She was lost in her self-analysis when Michiru repeated her question.

"Don't tell me being down that long has affected your hearing! Have you ever heard of Kondo?"

"Oh-I'm sorry," Ami replied with a blush. "Yes, I have heard of Kondo. My father used to take me to see the performances. It was very beautiful.... I had seen old film of the underwater ballet before, but it was nothing like attending it in person. I was saddened when they closed down a few years ago."

"Then I have good news. Haruka and I are reviving the company," Michiru said nonchalantly. "We've been talking with the company for quite awhile, and they've been very receptive. In fact, they've already given us the use of their theater. We're done refurbishing it, and are looking for performers. Would you be interested?"

Ami's heart almost leapt out of her mouth before rationality forced it back into its proper place. "I...I don't know. I don't think I could perform in front of a crowd. Besides, there's many hours of training that would be needed for something like that, not to mention the ability to move that gracefully underwater. You have that talent naturally, Michiru-san, being a water senshi. I do not. Thank you very much for considering me, but I don't think I could."

Michiru read Ami's downcast expression and tried another tack..."You'd be surprised what you're capable of, Ami-chan. Don't forget, you're also a water senshi, only you manipulate it in a completely different way. You're an excellent swimmer and a graceful dancer. Putting those skills together shouldn't be a problem for you. I can see this is something you might like, and I'm sure you have the talent, even if you're not. Humor me.... Come by the theater, and we'll talk more about it, okay?"

"Well, I guess talking about it doesn't constitute a commitment. I'll do that, then." Ami smiled and joined Michiru outside of the pool.

After awhile Ami prepared to leave. "Thank you again for listening to me, and for your help." She bowed deeply to Michiru, who smiled warmly before doing likewise.

"Thank you for listening to me. Remember what I said, Ami-chan; she'll wait for you to be ready, so don't give up the fight."

Ami smiled and nodded, and turned to go. Before she did, she took a long look at one of the many paintings Michiru had displayed in her home.. In it, a terrible storm was raging against a jetty. Amidst the turmoil, Michiru as a mermaid sat with a hand extended to welcome Haruka, dressed in a billowing gold and white gown and floating down to meet Michiru. Even there, their love shone around them, and their expressions were peaceful and calm. Ami marveled at the detail, the colors, the deftness of the brushstrokes, the symbolism....and then she took a step back and saw the whole painting. 'That's what I want,' she thought to herself. 'A love like that...to say it just like that."

End of Chapter One

Disclaimer:  I still don't own Sailormoon.  Heck, I don't even own one of the cats - if I did, I'd own Artemis, or the adult human version of Luna.  Yeah, Takeuchi and Co. are still holding the Senshi hostage.  Nothing I can do about that but dream...wnd write...and not make a profit.

Ikimashou!
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Love is Blue - by MadPanda

Chapter 2 - Open Your Heart

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Another night, another dark street for Makoto Kino to stroll down, alone. The statuesque, pony-tailed brunette had gotten used to these walks by now. Not too many men to 'accidentally' bump into her; not too many young punks to harass her or make fun of her height; and--thankfully for her--not too many people on which to take her frustrations. She could just as well put any and all offenders in the hospital in short order, but it would be for naught, since there'd always be more to replace them. Those who knew of her steered clear of her Even the rare fool who'd dare try to bother Makoto on her way home thought twice before getting into punching range.. She was not to be tangled with, a tiger on the prowl, and that was one of the reasons why she was always a solitary prowler.

Makoto was about to reach her apartment building when she heard the "click-click-click" of someone running toward her. She turned to attack, but changed her stance when the runner came nearer. "Minako?"

Sure enough, it was Minako Aino, in her guise as Sailor Venus, running full speed with her arms spread out and hands pointed up. Her long blonde hair streamed behind her like a golden flame trail. Makoto thought she looked funny running that way, as if she was a plane preparing to--

"Take off!" The blonde woman with the large red hair-bow shouted as she ran straight up to Makoto, leapt up into the air, vaulted off of Makoto's shoulders, and did a flawless double summersault with a full twist. The young heroine landed a few yards away under a conveniently-placed streetlight, feet together and planted firmly on the ground. She threw up her arms in triumph and waited for the roar of the non-existent crowd. "And she stiffs the discount!" she cried victoriously.

Makoto was not impressed. She strode over to the smiling blonde and corrected her. "Um...I believe you mean 'sticks the dismount', though I didn't appreciate being used as a pommel horse."

"Uh-oh," Sailor Venus said doing her own color commentary. "Looks like she's gonna get low marks from the Russian judge!" A quick check to see if anyone else was watching, and Sailor Venus disappeared in a flash of brilliant golden light and metallic sparks. In her place stood Minako Aino, the large red bow in her hair the only remnant of her previous visage. "Come on, Mako-chan. You gotta admit it was well-done. Besides, it got your attention, didn't it?"

That much was true, Makoto thought to herself. "You could have found a better way of doing so. I'm sure you wouldn't try that with Rei."

Minako paused for a moment and played the scene out in storyboard form in her mind: her running toward Rei; the miko hitting her in the forehead with a spirit ward; her flying through the air on fire; and finally her ashes being serenely swept away by the shrine priestess. "Hmm...I guess you're right. Though I'd probably find a different way of...ahem, 'jumping' Rei-chan!" Minako finished the sentence with a wink and a grin.

Makoto just shook her head. "You're certifiably crazy, you know that?"

"Not yet...the certificate should arrive in four to six weeks," Minako said matter-of-factly. "Until then I'm 'unlicensed' crazy!"

At a loss at how to respond to that, Makoto changed the subject. "To what do I owe this bit of lunacy, anyway?"

"Oh, I wanted to talk to you about something. I just wanted to confirm some suspicions I had, that's all."

"And that would be...?" Makoto raised an eyebrow.

"Well, let's see...how do I put this delicately?" Minako paused, grinned, and then whirled around dramatically, pointing her finger at Makoto as if she was a trial lawyer interrogating a witness. "You're in love, aren't you! Don't deny it! I've seen the evidence!"

"MINAKO!!" Makoto was shocked by Minako's 'delicate' tactic.

"Ah-ha! Then you don't deny it!" Whatever gesture Minako was about to make was cut short by Makoto grabbing her by the waist and hauling her into the apartment building. "Objection! The witness is harassing the prosecution!"

Makoto held Minako's head to the wall of the vestibule with her hand over Minako's mouth while she used the other to fish out her keys. "I'll let you go if you just shut up long enough for us to get in my place, deal?"

Minako flashed up a "V" with her fingers and nodded. Makoto opened the door and headed for the elevator, still holding Minako's head in her hand. Minako gave her a puzzled look, but Makoto answered angrily, "I changed my mind."

---

Minako rubbed her jaw as she sat on the futon in Makoto's living room. She watched as the apartment's owner took off her jacket and put it away. Makoto then returned and plopped herself next to the pouting blonde.

"That hurt, you know! You should learn to be more gentle." Minako whined.

"I wouldn't have to be so rough if you weren't so crazy," Makoto barked back and then caught herself. "I-I'm sorry, Mina-chan. You surprised me, and I had to do something to keep you quiet.."

"Kissing me would've worked," Minako smirked, her pain quickly forgotten. "But I think those lips are reserved for someone else. Come on, spill the peas!"

Minako bounced with excitement, awaiting the juicy details. However, Makoto defused her, "I-I can't..." She then went into the kitchen. leaving a pouting Minako behind.

"Fine, I'll just wait here." Minako patiently looked around the living room, and then decided to let her mind wander with her. 'No pictures...not even of her parents. No stuffed animals, no knick-knacks, no real personal items at all. Just cookbooks, gardening magazines, plants, and the basics. She really is alone.'

Makoto returned with two cups of tea, and handed one to Minako, the herbal scent rousing the girl from her musings. She had noticed that Minako's demeanor had changed from playfully aggressive to caring.

"Mina-chan, I can't. It's Ami. I can't...love....her" Makoto's voice was barely above a whisper..

"What do you mean you 'can't'? Of course you can. You're a person, she's a person. You love her, I'm certain she loves you. You love each other...happily ever after." Minako's simplicity took Makoto aback.

"No, Mina-chan. I didn't say I -don't- love her, I said I -can't- love her. I can't really love anyone...not, not that way anymore."

"So you DO love her!" Minako beamed. "Well, all you have to do is tell her and get rid of that whole 'can't' thing, and you'll be fine." The brakes suddenly applied in Minako's head. "What do you mean you -can't-?"

"I mean I can't open my heart like that again. I've been hurt too many times, Mina-chan. Sure, I chase boys just as well as you and Rei do, but I never go through it with, because I know I'll only get used and dumped in the end. It's all a show. I'd rather be alone to be hurt again." Makoto looked away from Minako, trying to hide her tears.

For once, Minako was at a loss for words. She knew what Makoto said was true; she had known the girl long enough to have seen it with her own eyes. Being the senshi of love, however, Minako found her voice and used it to try and console her friend.

"Mako-chan...you can't live without love. You can exist, but you can't live. It could be that you just haven't found the right person. You can't just give up. You know what they say...'if you fall off a horse, just get back on and drive it'!"

Makoto allowed herself a momentary smile.. "What if that horse stomps you when you're on the ground?"

"Ami wouldn't do that!" Minako's loudness surprised even herself.

"But she could," Makoto shot back. "I couldn't bear that. Not from her. I don't want to take the chance of that happening." She started to rise from the futon, but Minako gently took her hand.

"Hmmm...I see you're going to be difficult, as usual. So I'm going to have to resort to more spastic measures." Minako closed her eyes for a moment, took a deep breath and spoke to Makoto as softly as possible. "Look into my eyes and tell me what you see."

Makoto glanced over at Minako. "They're big and blue."

"No, Mako-chan...don't look -at- my eyes, look -into- them, deep and long and hard, and tell me what you see."

"Fine," huffed Makoto, if just to humor the girl. She turned to look, and saw that Minako was mere inches from her face, giving her full view of her beautiful eyes. "They're big and blue...a really pretty blue...and they're deep...they seem to...go on...for...ev...er...." Makoto felt herself fading into Minako's eyes. She also felt something warm on her lips.......something warm and wet, comforting and healing. She tried to resist for a moment, but her mind and body wouldn't respond--it felt too good. She let the feeling overtake her, and soon she was gone.

End of Chapter Two

Disclaimer:  Still not owning Sailormoon.  Really.  I mean it.  Would I be sitting here typing if I did?  Takeuchi et al. have that honor.  Now, without furder ado...

Ikimashou!

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"Love is Blue" - by MadPanda

Chapter 3 - "Blue"

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Blue.

It's all Makoto could think about at the time. Even though she was surrounded by white, the color seemed so important to her for some reason, even urgent. So she decided to look for it, heading wherever her feet would take her.

Something about this seemed all too familiar to Makoto, and yet, it was different. She knew she had had this dream before...it had always gone the same way. Surrounded by white, visions of people leaving her. First, and most painfully, her parents. They didn't want to leave her. In her dream, she felt their hugs and their kisses, but she also felt their sadness of leaving their beloved daughter behind. They said they'd be back, but they never returned. It wasn't their fault, she understood, but it wasn't fair for them to be taken away from her. It just wasn't fair.. Then it was young friends, those she tried hard to bond with, only to have them taken away from her because she fought too much. They loved her, too, but their parents didn't want their kids around "a girl like that".

"A girl like that." Makoto's words echoed in the vast whiteness. She then saw a parade of young boys, each older than the previous one. Some pointed and laughed, making rude sexual gestures. Some sneered, rubbing a bruise here or a holding a broken bone there. Others cowered as they passed, afraid to even look at her. One by one, they faded into the distance. "A girl like that" took on a whole different meaning, but it still wasn't a good one. The last boy on the line stopped and turned to Makoto. He smiled and waved to her to join him. Makoto's heart swelled to see it was her old crush. He had finally returned to her. Maybe this time it would work out. Maybe this time he would treat her better, and be more considerate to her feelings. Maybe. He walked towards her, frowned disapprovingly, and walked into the distance. She wanted to call him back, to plead with him to stay, but something stopped her. In the corner of her eye, she saw it.

Whatever it was, it was blue. No, Makoto thought, it was Blue. It was the bluest of blues, no form or shape or size, just a presence, and the presence was definitely Blue. Soon the emptiness of the white she was in was covered in Blue... She felt as if she would drown in it, and started to fear it. From somewhere in the hue, a melodic voice called to her. "Makoto, please do not fear me. I am your heart's desire. I have been, am, and always will be.."

"No." Makoto didn't even want to face it, crouching and burying her head in her knees as she cried. "No!"

"Please, Makoto," the voice gently pleaded. "I know what you desire. Not just what you want, but what you truly desire. It has always been the same, and it will always be the same. And it is the same now. Only you will not allow yourself to desire it."

"What do you know?" Makoto's fear had turned to anger. "What are you talking about? Haven't you been watching? Haven't you seen what's happened to me, all my life? You try going through all that hurt, all that pain and rejection, and see if it doesn't eat you alive!' She was openly crying. "I don't want it! I don't want to be hurt anymore!"

"It's you who haven't been watching, Makoto. Your life hasn't always been about pain and rejection. Not this life, not your past life, and not your future." The voice was calm, reassuring, almost motherly "In this life, you have made many friends; friends who care deeply for you and want only the best for you. And whether you want to admit it or not, you have already opened your heart to many of them, some more so than others."

"But that's different! Friendship is one thing. Love is another. I care deeply for my friends, but I--"

"But you -do- love them," the voice interrupted. "Your fellow senshi as well as your other friends. And don't presume I do not know how much you love the senshi - it is not just out of a duty to protect them or the Princess; you do so out of pure love for each of them, each in their own way and for their own reason. They are your family, and you love them more than you would love your own sisters.."

"But still, it's not the same." Makoto whimpered. "It's not desire or passion or even the least bit romantic. I want to be loved, but I'm...I'm afraid to love."

"I know this, Makoto. That's why you are here. It is okay to be afraid, but it is not okay to be so afraid as to give up trying to love. You will find the person who will love you with all their heart and soul. You already had once, you will soon, and you will again in the distant future..... Being a senshi, your love is eternal--destined, even. You may not remember your past life, but you had a very deep and fulfilling love at that time. That person exists in this time as well, and if you open your heart to this person, you will find the same depth of love."

"And what if that person doesn't love me now? What if he's in love with someone else? Hell, what if I don't like him?"

"So much doubt, Makoto...and with good reason." The voice paused for a moment and gave Makoto an odd giggle.

"What's so damn funny?" Makoto spat.

"What if I told you it wasn't a 'he', but a 'she'? Would you open your heart then?"

Makoto sat dumbfounded. The voice had truly come from her, for it had known something she had been wrestling with for quite awhile now. "She...Ami-chan?"

"Yes. When the time is right, and she finds her voice, she'll tell you how she feels. Do not deny her, Makoto; embrace her with all your heart and soul. Do not doubt her, for her feelings will be true. Do not rush her, and by all means, do not dissuade her. Let her be yours, and she will be yours and yours alone."

"But..." Makoto was still skeptical, but something told her to listen to this voice. "Fine. I'll give...her...a chance. But you'd better be right, or I'll hunt you down and...uh, um...oh yeah, 'heart's desire'." Makoto chuckled at herself as she understood her position. "I've almost killed you once already, haven't I?"

"True," answered the voice. "But you have hope of finding me again. On your own. Now, go...and take this with you--remember it, and you'll find me again."

"Take what?" Makoto looked around for some object, but she suddenly found herself awash in the same ecstatic feeling she had when she had come into the whiteness. "Oh, yes," she cooed, "I'll definitely take this!" The last thing she remembered was a warm, wet feeling on her lips, and Blue faded to white, and then to black.

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Makoto awoke to find herself laying on the futon. Minako was no longer there, but the window to her balcony was open. "Typical Mina-chan," she sighed. She got up to close the window, but felt groggy, as if she had a hangover. She decided the night air would be good for her after all, and put her head back on the throw pillow. Her eyes caught a small note sitting on the table. it simply read, "Open your heart. Love, Minako", and had a hand-drawn version of the symbol of Venus inside a heart. Makoto smiled and touched her lips, still feeling the warmth. "I'll try, Mina-chan. Thank you."

Out on the balcony, Sailor Venus watched her friend drift off into a peaceful sleep. "Oh, I love my job," she said with pure satisfaction. She looked out into the city lights and planned her patrol route. "I wonder if she knows how good a kisser she is?" With a giggle, she bounded off the balcony and into the night.

End of Chapter Three

Disclaimer:  No matter how I try, I still don't own Sailormoon.  Well, okay, I do 'own' some DVDs and a couple of VHS tapes, but not the rights to the characters.  That would be the domain of Naoko Takeuchi and the Toei-tachi.  Selfish (deleted pluralized expletive).

Ikimashou!

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Love is Blue - by MadPanda

Chapter 4 - Photograph

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A half-hearted "Tadaima!" signaled Ami's return to her apartment.. She knew her mother wouldn't be home to reply to her, but it was done just the same. She went straight to the whiteboard in the kitchen, which served as the Mizuno communications center. As expected, yet another note:

"I will be at a medical conference in Hokkaido tonight. Will be back in two days. Miss you...Mom."

"I miss you too." Ami's voice was sad but resigned. This happened much too often for her taste, especially since her parents' divorce. "It can't be helped, I guess." Once again, Ami rationalized her mother's absences as a necessary sacrifice for her success. Her mother worked hard to support them both, and as much as Ami wanted to spend more time with her, Ami knew she couldn't ask for it. If anything, it made the time they did spend together more precious, but still...

After putting her things away, Ami made herself a cup of tea and took it into the den. She sat, took a sip, and then placed the cup on the desk, and leaned back in her chair. Her mind was a whirl, and she needed something to focus on. She turned on her computer and smiled when she saw the desktop wallpaper--a picture of her and Makoto, sitting under a tree in a warm embrace. She had all but forgotten she chose that photo this morning, replacing one of her mother. Ami thought back to when the photo was taken, during a picnic all the Inner Senshi had attended.

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Minako had been taking everyone's picture--and getting chased by Rei for taking hers without permission--when she saw Makoto and Ami sitting under a tree, enjoying each other's company. She couldn't resist, and they were too lost in each other to care--or at least that's how Minako saw it.

"You're not going to ask them either, huh?" The raven-haired fire senshi asked.

"Of course not!" Minako replied brightly, camera at the ready. "It's more lifelike that way! I wanna get them in the meat of the moment!"

"Um, no...that's 'heat of the moment', Mina-chan." Rei's dry delivery did nothing to dampen Minako's enthusiasm. "Fine. Just take the shot and leave them alone."

"But Rei-chan...don't you want to know what they're talking about? Maybe their making plans for a secret rendezvous...or even deciding which love hotel would be the most discreet!" Minako was giddy, but Rei held her by the collar of her blouse to keep her from interrupting the couple.

"If they were, Ami's face would be hotter than the Sacred Fire back at the Temple, Mina-chan. Besides, neither of them are as perverted as you."

"Would you like to find out just how perverted I am, Rei-chan?" Minako quickly whirled around to Rei. Since her hand was still attached to Minako's collar, Rei suddenly found herself with her arm around Minako's shoulder, and their faces a breath apart. "I'd love to show you," she said seductively.

Rei thought she would spontaneously combust. "I-I....WILL YOU STOP THAT!" She yanked her arm from around Minako's neck, sending the giggling blonde spinning away. "She's gonna be the death of me," panted the miko. "I'm sure of it!"

Ami and Makoto watched the entire scene play out, and laughed at its conclusion. "She's such a flirt!" Makoto could barely get the sentence out before laughing again.

"Yes, absolutely shameless!" Ami's own laughter wasn't as loud as Makoto's but it was full just the same. The two friends composed themselves long enough to breathe normally, then continued their conversation.

"Now, where were we? Oh yes....just look at them," Ami said as she nodded towards a nearby tree, under which sat Mamoru Chiba and his future bride, Usagi Tsukino. The lanky blonde with the odd dual-pigtailed hairstyle had draped herself over the tall, dark-haired young man's lap, and was peacefully sleeping. "Do you think they'll stay as happy as they are now?" Ami's question had a hint of wistfulness in it, as well as admiration for the couple.

"Beats me," Makoto answered. "I'm not exactly the best person to ask a question like that."

Ami cursed herself inwardly for the misstep. "I'm sorry, Mako-chan. It's just that, you see those two, and Michiru and Haruka, and you start to wonder how long things like that can last without something going wrong."

"No need to apologize, Ami-chan. Considering both of our backgrounds, you'd think we'd both be pretty sour on the whole 'happily ever after' idea."

"You do have a point. Even so, I do like to think that we would not end up the way our parents have. That we have our own paths, and that the person we choose to love will always be there for us." Ami was smiling now, staring up at the sky.

"I'd like that," Makoto said, "but I think you're more of an optimist than I am." She stopped her own sky-gazing for a moment, and turned to Ami. "Sometimes I think there are people who are destined to find love, and people who are destined to be alone. I think I belong in the second group."

Ami thought for a moment, considering Makoto's opinion fully before answering. "In some ways, I agree. There are some people who are just made to be 'fifth wheels' or 'sidekicks', but even some of then fall in love. When it comes to your destiny, however, I strongly disagree.."

"What makes you say that?"

"You have too much to offer, Mako-chan. You're very beautiful, strong physically and emotionally, you're an incredible cook, and you're unbelievably caring. Just because people can't see all of those things doesn't mean they go unnoticed by everyone. I've seen sides of you that most people don't, and I like what I've seen. The person who takes the time to really see you for who you are, inside and out, can't help but fall in love with you, Mako-chan." Ami heard herself speak that last sentence, and covered her mouth. She was blushing furiously, but refused to take her eyes off of Makoto.

Makoto was speechless. No one had ever been so candid with her before--well, maybe her close friend Shinozaki, but they were like brother and sister, so it was endearing when it came from him. Coming from Ami, though, it sounded hopeful...even optimistic. Something else came through in Ami's words; Makoto wasn't sure, but she wondered if Ami took the time to see the many sides of her out of friendship, or something more. In any case, she was speechless, and dazed.

"Mako-chan? Are you alright? Did I say something wrong?" Ami's face was covered in worry.

"Um....sorry, Ami-chan. I was listening to what you said again in my mind. I....I don't know how to thank you for what you said." Makoto's eyes began to well up, but she would not allow herself to cry, not here.

Ami offered her a handkerchief. "You don't need to do anything...being yourself and having your friendship is thanks enough for me. I meant every word of it. Please don't ever think of yourself as undeserving of love!"

"Th-thank you very much, Ami-chan," whispered Makoto. She blushed and turned away. 'How does she do that? How can she make me feel so...appreciated? Is she...is she in love with me?' Makoto rolled those ideas around in her head, and felt she wasn't quite ready for the answer...or what it meant for her. She thought it best to change the subject. "Have you......have you ever felt like you were alone in a crowd?"

"Alone in a crowd?" Ami echoed the comment, needing further input.

"Yeah...I mean, when you're surrounded by people you know, but for some reason, you still feel like you're by yourself. Have you ever felt that way?" Makoto said, looking at nothing in particular.

"I never had that problem until recently," Ami replied. "Mainly because I was never part of a crowd. Since I've met Usagi and you and everyone, I'm very happy. But sometimes it does feel like I'm left out of some things. It is a very lonely feeling, and one I'm not very fond of. How about you?"

"Happens a lot. When you are helping Usagi with her studies, and Minako and Rei are gossiping, I'm happy being with everyone, but sometimes I feel like I'm not even there." Makoto tried to frame her next thought without sounding selfish. "I love making people happy, but I wonder if there's someone who can make me happy, like Mamoru does for Usagi."

Ami did all she could do to restrain herself. "I...I could," she said shyly. "I'm not sure what it would take, but I would do my best..." Thinking she had overstepped her bounds, Ami was surprised when Makoto took her hand.

"Believe it or not, Ami-chan, when we are talking like this, just us, that's when I'm happiest. You don't really have to do anything but listen and be there for me, like you have been. I don't expect any more from you. I can't expect to monopolize you, either. So when we have talks like this, it means a lot to me."

"I feel the same way, Mako-chan." Ami was smiling broadly. "Whenever you need me, just ask. I'll always be here for you." She found herself staring at Makoto, who couldn't stop her tears this time. "Did I say something wrong, Mako-chan?"

"Oh, no!" Makoto turned to Ami and gave her a hug. "Other than Usagi, no one has ever said that and meant it before. I mean, many guys have said things like that, but it's different coming from you. I know you mean it. Thank you so much, Ami-chan."

As much as Ami wanted to stay in Makoto's arms, she thought this wasn't the place for it. She heard the subtle 'click-whirr' of a camera, and spotted Minako out of the corner of her eye. "Um, we'd better let go before Mina-chan starts planning the wedding and naming our children"

Makoto let go of Ami, looked in the direction she was pointing in, and called out to the would-be paparazzi. "Don't make me have to call Rei-chan on you!" She and Ami had a good laugh at Minako's expense. The blonde stuck out her tongue at the pair, and ran off.

------

"Even when you're not here, you make me feel so much better." Ami touched the image of Makoto's face. "Seeing you, I'm not alone anymore." She thought about Makoto, and the more she thought, the more she wanted. "I should call her. Invite her over..." She pulled out her cell phone and dialed. The voice mail prompt caught her off guard, until she realized it was late. "Um, hello...this is Ami. I'm sorry for calling so late. I just wanted to talk, or to...well...invite you over. I guess you're sleeping, so I'll just wait until tomorrow. Good night, Mako-chan."

Ami put down the phone and prepared herself for another lonely night.

End of Chapter Four

Disclaimer:  I'm sure you know by now, but just in case some lawyers are tuning in late: I don't own Sailormoon, okay?  Takeuchi, Toei, Kodansha, Bandai - sound familiar?

(Man, I'm gonna have to learn to write original works!)

Ikimashou!

----------------------------------------------

Love is Blue - by MadPanda

Chapter 5 - Step By Step

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A good night's sleep was what Makoto needed, and thanks
to Minako, she got that and then some. She sat up on the futon and realized she was still wearing her clothes from last night. "At least she didn't take advantage of me," she joked to herself. She rose from the futon and started her morning routine.

The one thing that wasn't part of her routine was seeing a flashing message light on her phone. She played it back, hearing the message Ami left from the night before. "Dammit! I could've been there last night instead of...I better call her back." Makoto dialed and waited patiently for the ringing to stop.

"Hurro..." Ami's voice slurred.

"Ami-chan? Are you okay?"

"Well, for five-thirty in the morning, I'm kinda--Mako-chan?" Ami perked up when she realized who it was on the other end.

"I'm sorry, Ami-chan. I didn't realize what time it was." Makoto mentally kicked herself. "I just got your message. I'm sorry I missed your call. I was asleep. Mina-chan was over and we were talking and..." Makoto paused, thinking it best to leave out the whole kissing-and-visions incident for now. "...And I passed out. I'm sorry for not being there for you, Ami-chan."

"It's okay, Mako-chan," Ami's voice was sincere. "I guess it couldn't be helped, especially when you had to deal with Mina-chan. I think the only two who could keep up with her are Usagi-chan and Rei-chan." Makoto heard Ami's sleepy laugh, and smiled. "I hope things went well."

"They did, Ami-chan. She was helping me with a problem, and I think I'm ready to face it now. I can't talk about it over the phone, though." Makoto wondered if she really was ready to take the next step.

"Would you like to talk about it with me later then?" Ami's concern threw Makoto a little. She half-expected Ami's reaction, but then Ami herself was the 'problem', and Makoto was starting to lose her nerve.

"I-um, well..." she stammered.

"Listen. I have to do something with Michiru this afternoon. We can talk afterwards. Meet me at the Kondo theater at six, and we'll go have dinner together, okay?" Ami's voice was decisive, as if she sensed Makoto's uncertainty.

"Um...sure. I'll be there. I'll talk to you later, then. And Ami-chan?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for understanding. I...I would have loved to been there with you." The sentence came out faster than Makoto could reel it in.

"I would have loved to have you here in person. In a way, you already were here., and that made me feel better. Have a good day, Mako-chan, and I'll talk to you later."

"You too, Ami-chan. 'Bye." Makoto waited for Ami to hang up, then did likewise. "I was already there? What did she mean by that?"

----

"It's so...big!" Ami's eyes marveled at the size of the Kondo theater's stage, a huge water tank with one side open to the audience. It was over three meters high and ten meters across, more than enough room for all kinds of performances. A large clamshell was placed in the middle of the tank, and a few performers were already going over their routines swimming around the shell.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Michiru appeared behind Ami, startling the blunette. "It's bigger than the old stage, and we're using state-of-the-art materials for the tank and the theater itself."

"I've never seen a tank so large. This must be special glass to be able to withstand the water pressure. Bulletproof fiberglass...double-paned and slightly curved to push against the pressure, right?"

"As usual, your analysis is correct!" Michiru smiled proudly as Ami walked up to feel the glass. "I'm not surprised you've figured it out...but don't tell anyone - we're still working on the patent for it. It can even withstand temperature changes."

"But why would you need for it to do that? I'm sure the performers would want to use warm water.." Ami thought for a moment before answering her own question with another. "For me?"

"Mmm-hmmm," Michiru nodded. "In case you decided to join us. Being that your ability is ice-based, I thought it prudent to prepare in the event you were comfortable in colder water than everyone else."

"But Michiru-san, I'm not sure I could do this. It's awesome, don't get me wrong, but it's kind of scary as well."

Michiru tried to quiet Ami's uneasiness. "Come with me. We'll watch the final run-through for today, and then I'll let you take a turn on the stage." Ami's eyes widened, but Michiru placed a finger to Ami's lips before she could raise a protest. "Don't worry, by then, it'll just be us. You won't be performing...just giving the tank a test-drive, so to speak."

"Well, in that case, I'll stay." Ami was excited - this was a rare opportunity, to do something that, as a child, she thought was incredible. "Where do we start?"

"Just follow me to the Owner's Box," Michiru said, pointing to the luxury box above the center of the balcony. "It's the best seat in the house.......other than in the tank, of course!"

Once they got there, Michiru made sure Ami was seated and ready for the show. She then pressed a button on a small console and spoke into the microphone.

"Places, everyone. We're gonna do one more run, and then call it a day." Her voice was soft yet authoritative. Ami glanced at her and smiled. Michiru was multi-talented, a renown classical violinist as well as an accomplished painter. Being able to run something like this seemed like a daunting task, but Michiru handled it with her usual grace and style. Michiru turned to Ami and whispered, covering her microphone. "It's showtime!"

If Ami's eyes grew any larger, they would have exploded. Her childhood memories of seeing mermaids with her father came back to her, and she silently wished he could see what Michiru had done to improve upon the shows they used to watch. The dancers performed beautifully, doing a underwater choreography that ended with a three-dimensional version of the famous "Birth of Venus" painting, only instead of Venus emerging from a shell in the sea foam, she came from a huge thrust of bubbles from within the shell, with some of the dancers waving large white scarves to mimic the waves. It was a spectacular sight, matched by dramatic music.

As the rehearsal ended, Ami stood and applauded. Michiru's once again came over the loudspeaker. "Hey, save some of that for the real performance" The dancers waved to Michiru and swam to the top of the tank.

"Amazing!" It was the only word Ami could come up with.

"If you think that's something, wait until you see what I have planned for you." Michiru gently took Ami's hand and led her through a different door than the one they came in. They passed down a long hall and then onto the platform ahead of the tank.

"Are we going in already?" Ami said nervously. "I didn't bring a swimsuit."

"No need. I have many in your size to choose from. Besides, we're not going in just yet. There's some things I want to show you before you get in. Call it a 'crash course' if you will.. Michiru took out a CD from a stack and placed it in the player. "First, a little warm-up, then I'll see how you move on land. After that, we'll just apply what you do out here in there," she said, waving to the tank..

Ami seemed a bit reluctant. "But what about the others?"

"They'll all be gone long before we're in the tank. By that time, it'll just be us."

"Alright then...shall we begin?"

-----

Makoto sat nervously in her apartment, waiting for the right time to leave. She checked, double-checked and triple-checked her attire for the day; a knee-length shoulder-strapped summer dress, green to match her eyes and close fitting to hug her generous curves. It may not have been a 'date', but she wanted to look her best for Ami. Especially considering the conversation they were going to have, and the outcome she was hoping for. She got tired of waiting, checked her pony-tailed hair in the mirror one last time, and then left her apartment.

She had expected to see the taxi she had called for, but instead found a red convertible parked outside her door, and a tall woman with short, sandy-blonde hair standing beside it. "It's about time, Mako-chan. Your chariot awaits." The woman did an exaggerated bow and waved toward the car..

"Haurka-san?? What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for you, silly." Haruka smiled and opened the passenger side door for Makoto. "Let's go. Time waits for no one."

"Except Setsuna," Makoto joked. "Did Ami-chan send you to pick me up?"

"No, it was Michi's idea. She and the little mermaid are fooling around at Kondo, and since I have to pick her up there anyway, she thought it best for me to swing by and get ya."

"Thank you both very much," Makoto said with a bow before taking her seat..

Haruka closed the door behind her and jumped into the driver's seat. "Well then. Shall we go straight there, or take the--ahem--scenic route." Haruka's pause punctuated with a sideways leer.

Makoto felt the tall blonde eyes take an unguided tour of her body and blushed furiously. "Um, I...I think we should go straight there."

"Suit yourself," Haruka huffed. "Though that dress has 'side trips' written all over it. Y'know, there is this quiet little spot just past the--"

"Haruka-san!" Makoto yelled.

"Okay, okay...you Inners are all so cute when you're flustered. Fine...hold on to your undies.--if you're wearing any, that is." Haruka's sly grin suddenly turned into a steely-eyed smile as her engine revved up. "Next stop: Kondo!"

End of Chapter 5

Disclaimer:  Sailormoon - Takeuchi, Toei, et al.  Story - me.  Got it?  Good.  Let's wrap this up!

Ikimashou!

--------------------------------------------

Love is Blue - by MadPanda

Chapter 6 - In Too Deep

--------------------------------------------

The red convertible tore through the city streets like a hot knife through butter. The driver, a proven professional, weaved effortlessly through the Tokyo traffic, while her passenger gripped her seat, wondering what she would be in her next life. The car finally screeched to a stop in front of what seemed like a new movie theater..

"Here we are. Kondo Theater," Haruka announced. "Time to go, Mako-chan....Mako-chan?" The chestnut-haired woman was still grasping the seat, eyes dazed. "Aw, come on. It wasn't that bad, was it?"

"Remind me to send you my hospital bill, after I recover from my heart attack!" Makoto jumped out of the car, not waiting for Haruka to open it for her. "Okay...so how do we get in?"

"Through the front entrance, naturally!" Haruka produced a set of keys and held the door open for Makoto. "After you,' she said with an exaggerated bow. She followed Makoto's form as she passed with her eyes, not lifting from the bow. 'Dangerous curves,' she thought to herself.

Making their way through the lobby, Makoto wondered what she was getting herself into...and why she didn't just wait for Ami outside. Haruka led Makoto to the auditorium door, and then tossed her the keys to the theater. "Go on in, and find a good seat," she told Makoto. "I'm picking up Michi and we're going out. Lock up when you're done, okay?"

Makoto was confused. "But wait! What do you mean 'lock up'? And where's Ami-chan?"

"You'll find out soon enough," Haruka smirked. "Go on in and enjoy the show. See ya later!" With that, she turned and headed up the stairs to the balcony.

Makoto stared at the keys with curiosity. "Could this have to do with what she had to talk to Michiru about?" She took a deep breath and headed inside.

-----

"Now just do what I've shown you, and you'll be fine," Michiru instructed Ami as she prepared to leave.. "If you run out of ideas, just do what comes naturally. That might work out even better."

"But Michiru-san," Ami protested weakly. "It's getting late, and I have to meet Mako-chan soon. Maybe I should be going."

Michiru waved her hand in dismissal. "No need to worry about that. It's like I told you before. If she cares about you, she'll wait for you This will only take a few minutes, and I'm sure she'll understand. Now, just have fun and let me know how it goes. I have to meet Haruka-chan soon.. Everything's all set for you. Oh, and when you're ready to leave, go through the audience exit. Someone will be there to let you out and lock up. Have a good time!"

Ami sat by the edge of the tank for a moment and practiced her breathing. "Please be patient, Mako-chan.. I won't be long." She then hit the buttons on the remote and slipped into the cool water.

-----

Makoto found a seat near the center of the theater. "I wonder what kind of show they're gonna put on here...and what Ami-chan has to do with it." With a swell of dramatic music, the house lights dimmed and the stage curtains parted, showing the large water tank. "Oh yeah, I've heard of this," Makoto whispered to herself. "Is she gonna--" Her thoughts were interrupted by the vision she had seen.

A mock-up of a large tree stood in the center of the tank. At the base of the tree sat Ami in a white flowing robe with scarves of various shades of blue. She seemed to be very much in thought. As the music softly began, Ami began to rise to her feet, facing the tree and smiling. She bowed to the tree and began to float, then swim around it in circles. With every pass she seemed more and more relaxed, eventually using more and more of the tank. She began to twirl and flip in the water, letting the scarves trail behind her. It felt right - she was having fun, so mush so that she almost didn't notice the one person in the audience...almost.

Makoto was standing, staring in disbelief. "Is that really Ami? She's so...so...beautiful!" She moved to the aisle, and then walked towards the stage.. She tried not to disturb the routine, but her movenents caught Ami's attention.

The blue-haired performer stopped in mid-twirl, panicked for a secomd, and then swam up to the surface of the tank. "Oh no! Michiru must've let her in...what am I going to do now?" She stuck her head back in the water to see if Makoto was still there.

Makoto cursed herself for ruining Ami's performance. "If I'd just stay where I was, she'd still be in there. Where did she go?" She pressed her face up against the glass, trying to look up to the surface. She was surprised to see Ami looking at her. Makoto tried her best to coax Ami back into the tank, wearing her warmest smile and waving her to come back.

Ami climbed out of the tank and was ready to leave, but seeing Makoto's smile changed her mind. "She wants me to do this...she didn't seem angry or upset. She was happy....I made her happy, if even for a little while." Ami smiled, turned off the music, and jumped back into the tank.

Makoto was disappointed when she saw Ami leave the tank, and more so when the music stopped.. "Oh great, I scared her off. She looked like she was having so much fun, too." Her smile returned when she saw Ami return in a plume of bubbles. Ami swam up to the glass and put her hands up against it, and nodded for Makoto to do the same. Makoto got the hint, and placed her hands across from Ami's. Both girls smiled and Ami swam away, putting her hand up to signal Makoto not to move.

"What's she gonna do now?" Makoto said, entranced by Ami's movements. She watched Ami swim behind the large tree, and after a burst of blue light and bubbles, she saw Sailor Mercury emerge on the other side. "Whoa," was all Makoto could manage.

'Michiru was right,' Mercury thought. 'In a way, this is my element as much as it is hers. So I should be able to do some interesting things here.' She swam to the center of the stage. First, she tried using her Shabon Spray attack to lower the water temperature and give it a misty appearance. Then she tried to manipulate the water itself, forming two perfect spheres of ice, one in each hand.

Makoto was like a child at a magic show, completely in awe of Mercury's 'tricks'. She clapped and waved for her to continue.

Emboldened by Makoto's cheering, Mercury let the spheres rise to the surface, and then began to work on something a bit more complex. She concentrated for a moment, then knelt down and placed her hands about a foot apart. She watched, no studied Makoto's form, and set to her task. She formed a cylindrical column of ice, a bit taller than she was, and began to swim around it. As she did, the column started to change shape, almost following Mercury's movenemts. It became more and more defined with each pass.

Makoto watched Mercury's performance with sheer wonder, marveling at her grace and beauty, as well as her new-found ability. She noticed the bottom of the column had now become a small pedestal, with a pair of ankle boots atop it, She followed the ice statue up as it became more and more defined; the long legs, the short skirt, the delicate bows.. one arm across her chest, and the other raised to the heavens. The statue's face was strong yet serene, lips pouted, as if she was waiting for a kiss from an angel. Makoto watched as Mercury put the finishing touches on the statue, the trademark ponytail and the extended lightning rod in her tiara. Standing before her was an ice version of Sailor Jupiter.

Mercury swam back and examined her work, and looked to Makoto for approval. She was surprised to see Makoto standing in tears, smiling. She swam to the glass and tried to get Makoto to come closer, but she wouldn't - she just stood there, awestruck. Mercury decided she'd have to do the next best thing. She swam above the statue, leaned down and kissed it on the lips.

The image was burned in Makoto's memory. She saw it, but she didn't believe it. It was too incredible for her to think someone would love her that much. She sat back in one of the seats and tried to breathe.

Mercury saw Makoto's reaction, and quickly swam to the surface, trailing bubbles as she de-transformed. Ami climbed out of the tank and rushed down to the audience level, where she saw a still-shocked Makoto sitting. "Mako-chan, please answer me! Mako-chan!" She shook Makoto out of her stupor as tears ran down her face.

"Beautiful," Makoto said lazily. "Big and blue and beautiful..." She was looking at, no, into Ami's eyes.

"Mako-chan? Are you alright? Mako-chan? Ma..ko..." Ami's words were silenced by Makoto's lips pressing against hers. Her mind didn't know how to react to this - it was what she wanted, but she was more worried about Makoto than about her own desires. She broke the kiss and asked Makoto once again. "Are you alright?"

"Oh yes," Makoto purred. "More than alright. I'm in love...in love with you, Ami-chan!"

The words reached Ami's ears, yet she was too surprised to accept it - she thought that, maybe Makoto was in some kind of shock, or that she herself was hallucinating after being in the water so long. Whatever the case, here she was with the woman she loved, and she wanted to be sure it was real. "Mako-chan...are you sure?"

Makoto gently took Ami's head in her hands, stroking her damp cheeks with her thumbs. "Ami-chan...Ami...I love you." The words came from her heart, from her soul. There was no denying her feelings anymore, no reason to hold them back. She kissed Ami as if her life depended on it, deeply and passionately, making sure Ami knew exactly what she felt.

Ami got the message loud and clear. She returned Makoto's kiss in kind, and wrapped her wet arms around the toller girl's neck. Looking into Makoto's emerald eyes, she softly said, "I love you too, Mako-chan...more than you'll ever know."

-----

"Well, show's over. Shall we be going?" Haruka was already reaching for her car keys.

"In a minute, dear," chimed Michiru, as she dreamily watched the new lovers from the Owner's Box.

Haruka walked over to Michiru and put her arms around her. "You think she'll join?"

"No, unfortunately. She's much too busy. Besides, she now has something else to occupy her free time. Who am I to come between them?"

"Well, at least you have an image to go with your fantasies." Haruka felt Michiru's playful jab.

"Not yet..." Michiru walked over to the digital camcorder and removed the DVD. "Now I do. Shall we go?"

"Sure, my little voyeur." Haruka closed the door behind them, and they left the theater.

------------

Later that evening, Ami stood on Makoto's balcony, overlooking the city. She was enveloped in Makoto's arms, and enjoying every second of it.

"Ami-chan?" Makoto whispered.

"Mmmm..."

"I have a...a confession to make."

Makoto's hesitation brought Ami back from her own personal heaven. "Confession? What about?"

"Remember when I told you that Mina-chan and I had talked?"

"Yes..."

Makoto wasn't sure she should continue, but she wanted to start things off with Ami without secrets. "We were talking about you...about my feelings for you. She knew before I did that I was in love with you. I just refused to admit it, because I was afraid to love you...to love anyone again."

"Oh Mako-chan. You didn't have to be afraid to love me. I would never hurt you...I couldn't." Ami turned to face Makoto, laying her head on Makoto's chest. "You mean so much to me."

"Please let me finish," Makoto said, trying not to lose her nerve. "She tried to help me to see that I could love again, but I wouldn't listen. That's when...that's when she kissed me." She saw Ami's shocked expression and thought it best to explain before Ami train of thought took the express track. "She is the Senshi of Love, Ami-chan...she kissed me, and my heart's desire spoke to me, directly to me. It was blue..it was you, Ami-chan. She helped me to see that I wanted you, wanted to love you, but in order to do so, I had to open my heart to you. It was so hard, but somehow you made it so easy. You are my heart's desire, Ami-chan. I'm just sorry it took Mina-chan's kiss to bring it to light."

Makoto was clearly embarrassed, but Ami kissed her softly on the lips. "I'm not sorry at all. It's unorthodox, to be sure, but if she hadn't done so, we would not be standing here together right now. You have nothing to apologize for, Mako-chan. If that's what it took to get you to love again, I don't mind at all...i'm grateful, and admittedly, a bit jealous."

"Only a bit?" Makoto joked.

"Well, all she did was kiss you, right...Right?"

Makoto paused, and then broke out in a gentle laugh, earning a pout from Ami. "Right. That's all it was. I don't think she wanted more than to help." Makoto looked off into the distance. "Thank you again, Mina-chan...."

"Yes, thank you, Mina-chan," echoed Ami, wrapping her arms tightly around Makoto.

-----

At a small restaurant across town, Minako sneezed into her drink, sending the contents all over a none-too-happy Rei.

"Oh Rei-chan! I'm so sorry!" The blonde was equal parts apologetic and giddy. "I don't know what came over me!"

"Forget about it, Mina-chan," the dark-haired young woman sighed. "Someone's probably talking about you...again!"

A thought crossed Minako's mind at that moment, and a very satisfied look crept onto her face. Rei noticed the odd yet serene expression, and cocked her head to the side. "What's that all about?"

"Oh, nothing," Minako sighed happily, licking her lips. "Nothing at all."

END