-Opening Scene-

There she was. Leaning with her back against the wall of a building across the street, just across from the school's main entrance. She was wearing a yellow sun-dress, a wide belt hanging just a little loose on slim hips. Unsurprisingly, she was reading. Absorbed in a pocket sized book, and oblivious to the world around her. Self-consciously, I ran a hand through my thick brown hair. Checking to make sure the long ponytail was still high and tight, and fiddling with the loose curls that fell forward over my shoulders. I glanced down at myself quickly, white basketball jersey, with dark green letters and trim. Still kind of sweaty and stained. Sweats, Grey with matching dark green leg-stripe. Beat up white sneakers. No socks, sloppy laces, looks like they were put on in a hurry.

She just looked cute. Damn cute, My grin faded somewhat, what was I thinking?! God, it was Ami, she was totally out of my league. Wait, did Ami even have a league? Maybe Mina was right... it was unhealthy to stay so wrapped up like that in her studies. She didn't even seem interested in any of the boys at school, except to treat the whole "dating thing" like a living experiment.

I laughed and shook my head, silly thoughts. She had picked a good spot to watch from, if she had actually been watching. I began moving forward hurriedly, almost running over a few of the smaller students, little Blue was a born tactician. I couldn't help but feel a little pride, even when she wasn't thinking about it, like now, with her nose buried in a book.

"Must have gotten tired of waiting." I muttered, wondering just how long the other girl had been waiting there. A sudden thought struck me. 'I wasn't that late was I?'

I glanced down at my watch guiltily, "Only ten minutes late." I breathed. Coach had kept us late at practice, going on about the "end of the year basketball tourney" after drilling us till our legs felt like they were going to fall off. I sighed in relief and adjusted my backpack on my shoulder, my eyes returning to Ami of their own violation, any excuse to read.

I slowed down checking traffic before starting across the street. Raising a hand, my greeting shout died in my throat, she seemed so absorbed in her book I doubted it would do any good. Instead I dropped my arm, my long-legged gait closing the distance between us quickly.

Now that I was closer, I began to move a little quieter. The opportunity to startle her with a good tickling was too good to pass up.

"Hey Blue." I practically purred from beside her, flexing my fingers threateningly.

Her complete lack of response threw me off guard. So I moved in closer, my curiosity with her great fascination taking hold. I suppose a part of my brain noticed how relaxed the other girl seemed at having me so close to her. Trusting. 'Damn'.

I leaned over her shoulder, to get a better look at the book. "...With these areas now clear, it ushered in a new age for the locomotive." That same little attentive corner of my mind pointed out that she hadn't turned a page since I had crossed the street, and that her eyes were fixated, unmoving, on a footnote at the bottom of the page. I told that part of my brain to shut up.

"History assignment, huh?" I pretended to read silently for a few more lines, enjoying the excuse to just be this close to the soft-spoken genius.

Ami nodded wordlessly, turning a light shade of pink.

I laughed and straightened up. "What are you so self-conscious about. I don't think you have a bad subject."

Ami tucked the book back into the book bag slung over her shoulder, mumbling something that sounded like: "But sue me Mako."

"Huh?" receiving no immediate answer as she was busy organizing I continued, putting the thought out of my mind. "Well it's not surprising I guess." I put a gentle hand on her shoulder, "Listen, it's summer break. Just no more schoolbooks, OK? Enjoy yourself a little."

"But I enjoy school."

"Mmm, Ami. You already go to two cram schools. Just this semester. Hell, most of your teachers want to kick you out so you can start that special programs... in..." I trailed off as she shot me an Icy look. My inner voice shouted: 'Shut up Mako!'

"Yeah, well shouldn't have mentioned that!" I laughed and scratched my head nervously. "So you ready for the beach?"

Ami's look softened considerably, and she smiled up at me. I forgot to breathe. "Alright Mako-chan. Just for the next few days. But your going to come see the Aquarium with me instead. I heard they have a fascinating exhibit on fresh water jelly-fish."

"Deal!" I practically shouted, I knew I was grinning like a fool. "Now come on, I need a quick shower before we meet the others at the bus!."