((And would you look at that! I'm posting again! And the kissing begins! Here's the rundown: I don't own Sailor Moon. I do however own several of the characters who are going to appear hence forth, including but not limited to Sailor Darkstar and Sailor Nova. The Dark Mercury idea is from the Sailor Moon live action show, but I put my own twist on it. Please R/R and enjoy or in the name of Mercury, I will punish you.))

Haruka Tenoh wiped the grease off her hands and looked at the younger senshi. Makoto had been a shadow of herself for some time now…and now the reason was apparent.
"Ami-chan, eh? And the Dark Kingdom is controlling her…Sounds like you're in a tight spot…"
"Ruka-kun, are you home?" came Michiru's melodic voice from within the house.
"In the garage, love."
Little Hotaru came bounding into the garage and nearly jumped on her Haruka-papa.
"Hello to you, Hotaru." Laughed the racer, "Did you have fun with Michiru-mama today?"
"Yup!"
She ruffled the little girl's hair.
"Can you go play in your room for a while? Michiru-mama and I need to talk to Mako-chan."
"Alright."
Then small girl was out the door and down the hall before anyone else had managed to move. Michiru poked her head into the garage.
"Wash your hands, Haruka-kun. I brought home snacks and they're on the kitchen table. Why, hello Makoto. I haven't seen you in a while."
"Hello, Michiru."
Michiru glanced at Haruka for a moment and Haruka grinned.
"Makoto came to me for advice, but this might be more your department."
"Oh? Advice?"
Makoto looked at the floor, a blush spreading across her cheeks. She muttered something softly and Michiru smiled at her.
"I'm afraid I didn't catch that, Makoto."
"Ami's being controlled by the Dark Kingdom…and I realized I'm in love with her."
A sagely nod from Michiru and they were all headed to the kitchen. Haruka put an arm around Michru's waist and whispered into her ear.
"I told you it would happen, now pay up, sweetheart."

Makoto opened her mailbox numbly, forcing herself to go through her normal routine. There was a small envelope that looked much abused sitting there. She pulled it out and nearly dropped it when she saw the neat script on it. It was Ami's handwriting, there was no doubt. She skimmed the note and then read it again.
"Juuban Park…I'll be there."
She hugged the note to her chest and nearly danced to her apartment she was so happy. She would have her Ami back safe and sound.
"Got a love letter?" asked one of her neighbors and Makoto blushed.
"No…it's from a friend who…went away for a while. She's coming home tomorrow."
"That's wonderful."
Makoto walked into her kitchen and immediately threw out her stress baking from the day before and started in on making Ami's favorite cookies.

Rei stared across the table at Minako. She what? Had she been hearing things?
"I love you, Rei-chan."
Minako's eyes focused on the table, refusing to look across, expecting to see rejection and perhaps hatred in those dark, mysterious eyes. Rei reached across the table and brushed her fingers across Minako's cheek.
"Mina…" There was such tenderness in her voice that the blond was forced to look up, "Minako, I…" A broad smile spread across Rei's features and she leaned across the table to kiss Mina on the cheek. "I guess I was right to hold out hope."
Minako smiled, and tears of relief welled up in her eyes.
"I was so scared…that you would hate me if I told you…and…and…" She broke down and sobbed, trying to dry her eyes at the same time, "Rei-ko."
She reached out before Rei could move completely back to her own seat and kissed her on the lips, greatly enjoying the ability to act out one of the more innocent of her day dreams.

Ami looked about Juuban park, a slight smile on her lips. Soon…soon this would be over, one way or another. She closed her eyes and tried to imagine what it would be like to stand over the cold, lifeless form of Sailor Jupiter and something akin to despair welled up inside her. NO. She forced those feelings down. They were weak. She had been weak, and was no longer. At the end of this day, Jupiter would either be at her side as a warrior of the Dark Kingdom or at her feet, begging for her life. A twig snapped behind her and she turned.
"Ami."
The idiot had a grin across her face. So excited was she that her little Ami was coming home that she didn't notice the almost imperceptible nod of the blunette's head. A dark shadow coalesced behind Makoto, its fangs dripping acid and its scythe-arms reaching out to her.
"Makoto…please…I'm…I'm scared." She struggled to keep the condescension from her tone, to keep it sounding like the pitiful weakling the thunder senshi had come to save.
Makoto put down the paper bag she was clutching and threw her arms around Ami.
"Its alright, Ami, its alright now."
Ami smiled, and held Makoto tightly, leaning against her. Makoto was warm…so warm and inviting. Ami looked up into those gorgeous green eyes and felt something surge up within her. She longed to kiss those lips…to see if they were as soft as she had always dreamt they would be. NO. She forced herself back under control and put her arms around Makoto's neck.
"Makoto, I was so scared…and terribly lonely." She let a hint of her inner passion seep into her voice, lacing the words with an aching lust. "Makoto…I need you so badly…"
Makoto was startled, she had never seen Ami act like this before.
"Ami?"
"I can't spend another moment apart from you, Makoto."
She was falling for it, there was no doubt. Idiot.
"Ami-chan," Makoto ran her fingers through Ami's hair, astonished at the luck that had gotten her to where she could touch the blunette. "You're safe now, and you never have to be alone again."
"Oh, Makoto…Do you promise?"
"I promise, Ami."
Makoto kissed Ami, and again something deep within Ami reacted to the contact. She closed her eyes, taking in everything, trying to memorize this feeling and make it a part of her.
"I need you…" A sphere of dark energy appeared in one of her hands and a malicious grin spread across her face. "To join me in the Dark Kingdom or die."

Seiji Shoku held his books against his chest and leaned against his locker. He was unsure of himself, unsure why this school had decided to separate him and his sister. He couldn't protect her if they were separated. He slammed his fist against the wall and then turned and stalked down the empty corridor. He would find a way to protect her despite whatever this planet put between him and her. And perhaps…just perhaps, he wouldn't have to…perhaps they wouldn't come…