Haha, thanks so much to mystlady and aquafina rain for your reviews - they were both really sweet. I couldn't stop smiling after I read them. as for a requested ami x omi fic - sure why not? I'll start trying to think of one - the cuteness meter in my head might just explode. I already have an usa x ken one, but it needs some serious ironing out.

oh also - can anyone tell me how to spell yoji's name? I tried looking it up and mostly found Yoji (which is what I used here) but I also got Yohji and Youji so I don't know which it is. could someone leave a review and lemme know? thanks. anyway - enough chit chat. on with the story!

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Ami sighed for what seemed like the hundredth time as she waited for the light to change on the crosswalk. The snow had stopped; the sun had risen and set again and again and again, leaving that night in the past. She didn't know why…but she felt immeasurably sad. Every day she woke up, hoping that she would inexplicably find him again, only to realize that he had vanished like a dream. The fact that she tried to convince herself of, the fact that she would never see him again, it made her feel so…

Ami sighed again. Next to her, bundled up in their respective colors, Lita and Minako glanced at each other, eyebrows raised. What was up with the usually serene ice-senshii? As they looked at each other, they each sprouted wicked half-grins and nodded to each other. Casually, Lita moseyed around to Ami's other side.

'One, two, three' Lita and Minako both silently counted.

On the count of three they grabbed their momentarily stunned blue-haired friend by the shoulders and sprinted back down the street.

vvvvvvvvvv

"Ok, spill." Ordered Minako as Lita ordered the food before joining them in the booth. "Something's been bugging you all week and it's time you told Doctors Minako and Lita what it is."

Ami sweat dropped and waved her hands, slightly panicked, "Oh, no! Really nothing is wrong! I just-,"

"Clearly she's lying," Interrupted Lita, who stroked her chin lightly, "What could it be that she feels she cannot tell us, her dearest friends? Her friends who she's fought beside, died for, the friends who have always been there for her no matter what. What could she possibly want to keep from us, those who love her most? …" Ami sweat dropped even more and sipped her soda to keep her hands busy.

"A death in the family, perhaps?" chimed in Minako, seriously, "Or something to do with her parents? Or…" She and Lita exchanged an all-knowing look.

"A BOY!" they both accused simultaneously.

Ami choked. "What?" she squeaked, practically spraying soda, "NO! No. I just have been really – busy, you know, and –,"

"So where did you meet?" interrupted Minako, completely ignoring Ami's claim.

"Yeah, how long have you known him?" asked Lita, tapping Ami's jaw back into place. To Minako she reasoned, "It must have been pretty long for her to be so upset over him, ne?"

Minako nodded sagely in response, "Yeah, a few months maybe? Or maybe a childhood love? Oooh I love those!"

"I wonder if they were dating secretly, and didn't tell anyone."

"Could he be involved in something dangerous, is that why?"

"So how far have you gone with him, Ami?" Lita asked, leaning across the table toward her.

"Yeah, is he a good kisser? How is he in bed?" questioned Minako, also leaning toward the ice-senshii.

"N-NO!" squeaked the claustrophobic Ami, completely terrorized, "I- I mean, I only met him for one night! It isn't anything like - ,"

"AhHA!" exclaimed the two evil doctors.

Ami paused, realizing what had happened, before she hung her head, utterly defeated.

vvvvvvvv

Lita and Minako solemnly stared at their friend, who was sitting dejectedly across from them. For once they weren't exactly sure what to do. They both were used to the initial "I'm in love" feeling they got when they met amazing guys. They both knew how to handle their innumerable crushes… but Ami, levelheaded Ami… she didn't fall for guys so easily. This wasn't just 'another crush' for the usually calm ice-senshii. This was more complicated.

Ami sighed bleakly, pushing her empty soda glass away from her, "It's hopeless, I know. I should just forget about him. I mean, it was only one night and I really don't even have any right to expect anything from it -,"

"No!" shouted the 'love doctors' suddenly, drawing looks from other customers.

Ami jumped, blushing at her friend's antics, "You guys – sit down!" she pleaded.

They ignored her, towering over her importantly, "Ami-chan, you can't give up!" ordered Minako rather loudly.

"Not when you just found him!" piped up Lita.

"You'll have to go out and search for him – look in every window, every corner of this city until you finally meet up again!"

"Yeah! If you, of all people, fell for him so quickly than there must be something there that's worth fighting for!" Lita practically shouted.

The entire restaurant was watching them now. Ami sunk, if possible, even lower in her seat. 'Oh kami… why me?' she thought pathetically.

"You have to chase down your true love!" Minako preached.

"Never give up!" exclaimed Lita.

To Ami's horror, they did a sailor pose.

"And we mean you!"

It was at this exact moment that Mizuno Ami, age 19, died of humiliation.

vvvvvvvvvv

Yoji watched the odd girls from his booth. He raised his eyebrows, amused. That blue haired one looked about ready to die of embarrassment – he didn't even know that a person's face could become that shade of purple. He knew that he, for one, wouldn't want to be getting love advice from the two others, especially in public.

Chuckling lightly, he placed a twenty on the table before standing and putting on his coat. He had best get to work before Aya decided to murder him.

vvvvvvvvvvv

Ami sighed as she waited for the crosswalk light to change. Immediately, she put all her senses on alert as she looked around frantically, making sure that none of her so-called 'friends' were anywhere nearby – plotting a second kidnapping. When she was sure they were nowhere to be found, she sighed again.

She loved Minako and Lita, but they just had no idea how embarrassing they could be at times. They were wonderful, and she knew that they cared a lot for her, but Ami didn't want to chase down this guy. She just wanted to forget about him.

The crosswalk light changed and she started walking. As she did, she checked her watch. She still had an hour or two before she had to be at work. Maybe she would pick up some more flowers for Aya-chan and then read to her some. That always cheered her up. The bluebells had faded after only a few days so maybe something that would last longer? Roses maybe? Or irises?

Ami smiled, 'irises', she thought. 'That would be nice.'

vvvvvvvvv

The shop bell rang cheerily and Yoji glanced up from the roses he was trimming to find himself looking at none other than the blue-haired beauty from the restaurant. A mischievous smile played on his lips. 'Now that is what I call a coincidence.' He thought, grateful that the shop was empty of its usual hoards of girls – most of the area schools having gone on field trips today.

He watched as she hesitantly took off her soft, white scarf and looked around tentatively at the flowers nearest to her. Yoji paused in mid-step, for some reason caught up in the way she gracefully placed the scarf over her arm and then proceeded to take off her mittems. She looked so fragile, he thought abruptly, like she could break if so much as one harsh word was sent her way. He suddenly realized that he wouldn't be able to pull his normal womanizer act on this girl. He just couldn't – she was too… gentle. He wiped the smirk off his face, replacing it with a soft smile, and instead lightly picked up a rose.

vvvvvvvvvv

Ami looked hesitantly at the countless bouquets of daisies, violets, orchids, and lilies. They were all so beautiful, and filled the air with such a sweet scent that she couldn't believe it. But there were so many, she thought, how would she ever choose?

Suddenly a rose appeared right in front of her nose. Startled, she gave a small intake of breath.

"A pretty girl like yourself should never be surprised when she's given a rose."

Ami turned to see a tall man with long, blond hair standing near her, smiling. Ami couldn't help but notice he was rather handsome.

Ami blushed, "Oh! Um, thank you." She stuttered, unsure of how to react to this guy.

Vvvvvvvvvv

Yoji smiled fondly, handing her the rose (which she took shyly). This girl certainly was adorable, he thought, but very innocent. She defiantly was in need of someone to protect her. And against all his reasoning, despite his rather illicit background, and despite his desire to keep away from any type of attachment, he found that he wanted to be the one do it. For one reason or another, he found himself wanting to watch out for her. He shook his head to clear it.

"So, how can I help you?" he asked, perfectly cordial, "Is there anything that you're looking for?" he asked.

She looked up at him, clearly relieved and happy for some help.

"Yes. I'm looking for some irises. Do you have any available?" She was so polite, thought Yoji, and her tone was so kind. He wondered just where she learned that.

He smiled down at her softly, "You know, I think I have just what you're looking for. I'll be right back." He told her before heading into the back room.

He came back a few moments later, arms laden with every type of iris they had.

The blue-haired girl smiled delightedly and Yoji found himself smiling again.

"Oh! They're all so beautiful!" she exclaimed softly and Yoji found that he had really liked the way her voice had sounded just then. "How will I ever choose?" she wondered out loud.

Vvvvvvvvv

Irises of every color of the rainbow seemed to be held in his arms. Blue, white, yellow, maroon, purple, red… Ami was helpless to decide which was prettiest. There were so many. She looked up at the blond man's smiling face, completely at a loss.

He laughed, "Why don't I put these on the counter and we can take a look at them."

Ami laughed with him and nodded.

He carefully set down his armful of flowers and arranged them prettily for her.

"All right, so what color are you thinking? Red, perhaps? The color of amor?" he held up a bunch.

Ami giggled, "No…" red was too vibrant, too exciting. Red was for roses and roses belonged to Usagi. She wanted something softer, something that would just be between her and her Aya-chan.

"Fine…" the blond man pouted, making Ami giggle. 'This guy is kind of cute,' she thought. "Then how about yellow?" he continued, "Bright, cheerful, happy?"

Ami smiled at him and shook her head. "Too bright." She said, "I need something… more calm."

He nodded wisely, a mock-serious look on his face, "Blue then? The color of the sea, the sky… your eyes… A very pretty, tranquil color, if you ask me."

Ami blushed, but giggled at the same time, realizing that he was just joking around. "No…something a little different…" she giggled, although they were getting closer. Her eye caught on a bouquet that was just peeking out from under the rest.

Before she knew it, the blond man had them in his hands.

"Oh…" breathed Ami, unable to look away, "They're perfect."

Gently she reached out and touched a single, richly colored petal. They were a deep violet, one so rich and tangible that she felt stronger just for having touched it. Suddenly she was reminded of that night one week ago and the deep, violet colored eyes she had fallen into. Her hand wavered as the memory hit her hard. She bit her lip in remembered hesitation.

Vvvvvvvvv

Yoji narrowed his eyes as he saw the almost pained expression that overcame her soft face. Was something wrong? He wondered.

"Would you like to see some more?" he asked, moving to put the violet colored irises back on the counter.

"No!" she exclaimed, surprisingly urgent. Yoji stopped and looked up at her. "I-I would really like that bouquet, if it's all right." She finished, her cheeks slightly pink.

Yoji smiled. She certainly was interesting. There was definitely something about this particular bouquet that reminded her of something… and he realized that he wanted to know what it was.

"Well then," he replied, "Here you are. On the house."

She instantly was protesting, "Oh no! I can't accept that. Really, I'll pay for them. How much?"

Yoji just smiled, "For a pretty girl like yourself, it's nothing at all. But if you insist on paying for them…" ("I do!") "Then all you need to do is tell me your name."

Vvvvvvvvvv

Ami blushed. This guy was certainly charming, as frustrating as it was to be charmed against her will. She smiled in an embarrassed sort of way. "Well, ah… my name is Mizuno Ami. It's very nice to meet you." She gave a little bow.

The blond guy smiled irresistibly, "Kudou Yoji. It's nice to meet you too, Mizuno-san." He took her hand softly, "I hope you'll come back here the next time you need to buy some flowers. It would be nice to see your pretty face every once in a while."

Ami blushed even worse and quickly glanced away, an embarrassed smile once again playing on her lips. She looked blindly toward the back of the shop, in an attempt to look anywhere but at this frustratingly handsome man, and froze as her eyes met violet.

Vvvvvvvvvv

Aya couldn't move as he watched the scene play out. He had been busy cleaning in back, ignoring Yoji when he came to pick up practically every iris they had in stock, and reordering the shelves. When he had finally emerged he had been stunned. It was her. Yet again, she was here, in front of him. He watched – completely spellbound – as she gently picked out her bouquet. He couldn't look away, he was completely entranced by her eyes, her smile, her laughter that he hadn't had the chance to hear that night one week ago. He continued to watch as Yoji coolly tricked her into telling him her name.

That damn Yoji thought he was so smooth, thought Aya angrily, sweeping her off her feet because she doesn't know any better. He ought to kill him. The furious redhead couldn't look away as Yoji took her hand alluringly and said something to make her blush. He watched her glance away, her soft, embarrassed, smile making something in his chest ache. As her eyes swung toward where he stood he tried to make his body move, to no avail. He saw the exact moment when recognition flashed across her face.

Vvvvvvvvvv

Yoji noticed the exact moment with Mizuno-san froze, her entire body seeming to stiffen. He couldn't even tell if she was breathing or not. He followed her gaze and was shocked when he saw that she was looking at Aya.

'Aya?' he wondered, 'Why is she looking at him like that? Do they know each other?'

Suspiciously, Yoji studied Aya for a moment. He had never seen the vengeful assassin look so… human. It was astonishing. Aya looked as if his heart was being ripped out of his chest at that very moment, as if his whole world was falling – though it was only because Yoji had known him for so long that he could tell. To anyone else, Yoji was sure that Aya looked just as cold, if not even more, frigid than ever.

Yoji looked back at Mizuno-san. She, too, looked as if she were in intense emotional turmoil. What was going on with these two? He wondered. Suddenly, he recalled what her friends had been talking about in the restaurant, when he had first laid eyes on her.

xxx flashback xxx

"Ami-chan, you can't give up!"

"Not when you just found him!"

"You'll have to go out and search for him – look in every window, every corner of this city until you finally meet up again!"

"Yeah! If you, of all people, fell for him so quickly than there must be something there that's worth fighting for!"

"You have to chase down your true love!"

"Never give up!"

xxx end xxx

Yoji narrowed his eyes slightly and he sighed bitterly. So that was it. As unlikely a coincidence it was, they had been talking about Aya. 'How ironic,' he thought, 'the one girl that Aya just happens to fall for… is the same one…' He smiled despondently.

"Hey Aya! Could you wrap these up for me?" Yoji practically shouted.

He watched, hating himself for doing the right thing, as they both seemed to shake themselves out of whatever trance they had been in.

Vvvvvvvvv

Ami watched, completely uncomfortable as "Aya" walked slowly over. 'Aya…' she thought, 'just like Aya-chan… How strange…' She looked in ever other direction as he came closer to the counter.

"Hey thanks, Aya." Yoji said, completely oblivious to the intense agony Ami was experiencing. "So Mizuno-san, like I said, I hope you swing by in the future. It would be nice to see you again, don't you think, Aya? It's not often that we get such a pretty girl in here, and one that's over the age of 16." Ami felt her face burn fuscia, humiliated.

Vvvvvvvvvv

Aya sent a death glare in Yoji's direction, who was, unfortunately, completely unaware. He gently wrapped her flowers in white and blue paper, trying not to think about the girl standing no less than five feet from him. As he looked at the blue and white paper combination, however, he was suddenly reminded of the way her hair had looked that night – with snowflakes caught in it, shimmering. He exhaled; desperately trying to get that image out of his head, trying not to think about the way her neck had curved, the warm way she had felt in his arms…

He finished wrapping and handed the flowers back to Yoji, who then handed them to her. Aya tried to ignore the pretty way her cheeks were stained pink, the way her hair shined in the light of the evening sun, or the way she wrapped her scarf around her neck before delicately taking the flowers from Yoji.

"Um. Well, thank you for your help." She said timidly and Aya bit back the desire to embrace her right then.

"You are most welcome, Mizuno-san. I hope to see you again soon." Yoji replied amiably.

She bowed, turned, and quickly left the store. Aya watched her go, until she had faded into the fast-approaching shadows of dusk.

Vvvvvvvvvvv

"So, she was cute, eh?" Yoji asked smugly, "I think she'll be back. I mean after that conversation, who wouldn't want more? And she looked over 18, how lucky can a guy get? Not to mention those legs and that che- "

Yoji didn't even have time to brace himself before he flew over the counter and landed in a pile of irises.

He looked up to see Aya standing over him threateningly, obviously ready to hit him again. The blond started laughing uncontrollably.

Yoji stood up, holding his jaw, still laughing. Aya contniued to glare at him as he explained, "I was only helping you to make up your damn mind!" Yoji told him, "You are such a complete idiot that you'd never realize it on your own. And you're an even bigger idiot than I thought if you don't go after her right now, before it's too late." he continued, becoming serious, "Believe me, Aya, when I say that you will regret it if you don't." he turned and walked silently into the back room, leaving the redhead standing alone, bouquets of irises strewn about the floor around him.

Aya just stood there, glaring at the ground. He tried to force himself to move, to do something – anything – in order to get his mind off the girl named Mizuno Ami. He desperately clenched his hands. 'Don't, don't don't, don't.' he thought, struggling with himself.

Abruptly, turned and sprinted out of the store, disappearing into the darkening twilight in a matter of seconds.

Yoji watched him leave, watched him sprint down the street after the girl named Mizuno Ami; a painful glint of jealousy in his eye.

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Poor Yoji... and fyi: Yoji wasn't actually oblivious during that conversation - in case you didn't catch it. all right. one more chap to go! yay!