Not too happy with this one. The words didn't come easily, and it feels a little rushed. But it's something for now. I have more ideas I need to get down soon. Funnier stories ahead!

Disclaimer : I don't own Sailor Moon (but I'm loving Sailor Moon Crystal!)

Ami Mizuno is a certifiable genius, a true know-it-all although her humble personality would never let it show. She was one of the youngest members of the Japanese branch of MENSA, an award winning scholar, the only undergraduate research assistant to one of the most prominent medical professors at her university, as well as a celebrated academic at the top of her class. But Ms. Mizuno had a problem that her big brain couldn't seem to solve. Her best friend was getting married in less than a month, and she had been too wrapped up in her work to help at all.

They were all in university, but since she had taken a seemingly inhumane number of extra classes, Ami would be graduating and receiving her pre-med degree early along with Mamoru. Her classes and part time research had taken time away from her helping Usagi plan her upcoming nuptials, but the girls were very understanding. Still, Ami couldn't help but feel guilty. In addition to attending culinary school and working a part time job at a patisserie, Makoto was catering the whole affair herself. And Rei, who was taking over the shrine from her grandfather due to his ailing health, had provided her own mother's wedding dress and was performing the alterations by hand. Even budding model/actress Minako had set up hair and makeup appointments from her numerous shoots overseas. And what had Ami done? Attend the disastrous dress shopping day, which had thankfully been cut short.

Now that she had finished her exams and research, she hoped Usagi would forgive her constant absence and let her help with something.

"Nails?"

"Yep...Or maybe it's too boring for you?"

"No! That's not it at all, I mean. It seems like something more up Minako-chan's alley. Are you sure you want me to do it?"

"Ami-chan! You're the person I trust more than anyone for this," Usagi called from the bedroom. She had retreated there to retrieve some polishes, remover, q-tips, and other necessities for the task at hand. Her voice quieted as she returned to the living room with her stash. "Minako-chan always tickles my feet when she paints my toes, and I end up either kicking her or the bottle of polish. And then there's that whole mess to clean up. But you have a very gentle touch, and since you're going to be a surgeon, you have very steady hands."

She set the little pink shoebox down on the coffee table, the telltale scratches of glass on glass could be heard from inside. Ami stared at it hesitantly. She rarely wore nail polish. As a neat freak, she didn't like how the varnish would chip and flake after a few short days. It was all too high maintenance. But if it was something she could do for Usagi, then the least she could do was give it a try. Tentatively, she reached out for the box and removed the lid. For such a small container, there seemed to be a whole spectrum of colors inside.

"Alright then... Which color would you like?"

The blonde pursed her lips as if in deep thought and ran her bare fingertips over the rainbow. "I dunno. I've tried them all on at least once. Which one do you like?"

Ami pondered the options. Given the formality of the occasion, some of the more bold colors were off the table. Something pastel, traditional perhaps? Suddenly, she spotted a beautiful baby blue color and lifted it gingerly out of the box.

"You know, there is an old British wives' tale for young brides," Ami began. She turned towards Usagi, crossed her legs, and beckoned to her friend to give her feet. The bride-to-be swung her legs over and wiggled her bare toes in eager anticipation, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe." With each stroke of the brush, she explained the tale.

"Something old signifies a connection with your family and your past."

"Oh! Mama is giving me her old pearl necklace that she got on her wedding day!"

Ami nodded in silent approval and continued, "Something new represents optimism and hope for your new life."

"Minako-chan sent me new shoes. Christian Louboutins, 120 mm white pumps! Don't tell anyone, but she stole them from the set of her last commercial! Ah sorry, went off on another tanget. Please continue."

"Something borrowed, right? The item is supposed to be from someone happily married so that happiness is carried over to you."

"My dress is borrowed, but it belonged to Rei-chan's mama... and we all know how that ended. I don't think she means to sabotage my marriage though, so it still counts right?"

"I suppose it's the thought that counts, so yes. I guess it's alright." Ami replied as she finished Usagi's toes. Moving onto her fingers, she continued, "And lastly, something blue. The blue symbolizes true love and fidelity. This can be your blue."

Usagi held her finished fingertips up to the light and admired the color. "I like it. Blue reminds me of you too! This is such a beautiful present Ami-chan, thank you!"

Ami secured the top back onto the polish with one final twist and looked down, eyes heavy with regret. "Oh Usagi-chan, this is...nothing. Everyone else got you something so personal and thoughtful. You didn't need me. You could have gone to a salon for this. I'm so sorry that I couldn't do anything more."

"Ami-chan, please don't. We all know you have so much going on in your life, and we're all very proud and happy for you. The best gift is being able to spend time with you; the nails are just a bonus. Plus, you put so much though behind the color. Fidelity and true love! I knew deep down you were a true romantic. You can't fool m-" Usagi's sentence was cut off by a pair of lithe arms coming together around her shoulders in a hug uncharacteristic of her shy friend, but most welcome by Usagi.

"Usagi-chan..."

"Yes Ami-chan?"

"Don't ever change, okay?"

She smiled and moved her hand over Ami's forearm, giving it a gentle, reassuring squeeze, "Kay...Ami-chan?"

"Yes Usagi-chan?"

"What's a silver sixpence? And do you think can I use the silver crystal instead?"