Beautiful green eyes, full pouty lips, gorgeous auburn hair. Long
legs, smooth skin, strong hands. A winning smile, twinkling eyes, a knowing
gaze. Sweet, loyal, kind. Loving, forgiving, understanding. Perfect. My
Queen. I love her so much. But she'll never know.
==============================================
"Haruka! I think I understand now!" Said senshi glared at me.
"You better Ami. You hurt my baby and I will personally kill you... OW!"
I swear, Michiru's glare could stop a train.
"You and that damn motorcycle! Sometimes I think you love that stupid hunk of metal more then you love me."
"Only sometimes..." Haruka mumbled quietly. Of course, it wasn't quiet enough.
"Michi! I was joking! Just kidding! PLEASE! You know I love you more then anything!"
"No you don't."
"I'm SO SORRY! Forgive me!"
I sighed. Deeply. I could script their lives. I KNEW that by the end of my visit, Haruka would be on her knees (Eewww, bad mental images. I swear it wasn't intentional -_-;), begging (Again we're in the bad place. Puppies. Think of puppies...). Michiru only makes Haruka beg to mess with her. Lucky Michiru, to have someone beg to stay around you.
I watched from my seat on Haruka's yellow bike, that I had to sell my first- born as insurance to even look at, might I add, as the amazonian statured racer crawled shamelessly after her lover. She shouted declarations of love and adoration, and pleas for forgiveness. This could go on for hours.
The scene was like a car wreck. You know you shouldn't look because it will upset you, but you can't help it. Oh, I wish someone would love me like that. Well, a someone. Makoto. Beautiful Makoto. As corny as it sounds, I can't remember a time when I never loved her. As long as I've know her I've simply adored her. Of course I did, she was everything I wasn't. All strong and assertive.
I remember the first time I ever saw her. That was when I grasped how attractive she was. I didn't realize that she was drop dead gorgeous until later.
The first time Usagi introduced us wasn't the first time I had seen her. The first time I had spoken to her (although I didn't speak so much as mumble and let Usagi fill in the blanks. -_-;), sure, but I had seen her earlier that very day.
Later on I found out why she was in school so early. Picking up her school ID and getting a feel for the campus. Of course I was there early, I'm always early. I have no life as Usagi has brought to my aattention time and time again (As if swooning over college boys constitutes a life...).
So I get to school early and on the front lawn, there she is. Under a tree, totally relaxed, looking as if there was nothing in this world that could ruin her moment. Her hands were folded behind the mass of chestnut locks piled on her head. She looked so at home under that tree, staring up at the flashes of blue sky between the branches.
By the goddess, she looked so beautiful.
I was so busy staring at her, that I forgot to give my body a command to stop and kept walking. Right into a bike rack. Owww. I flinch at the memory. Graceful, huh?
So of course she sits up and looks at the idiot who managed to run into the only object between her and the school. If I thought she was beautiful before, her eyes added another level. I was twenty feet away and they still struck me. Like, struck me dumb. Literally. My train of thought was stuck between, "Duh, purty girl." And, "Don't drool. Please Ami don't drool." When I finally snapped back to my senses, I twinkled my fingers in the semblance of a wave and dashed into the school building.
I know what you're thinking. "Good one Ami. Eyeball and run. Nice first impression." Well, screw you. You try thinking with the most glorious being in the world not 10 yards away.
Have you ever noticed how many words there are for beauty? Lovely, attractive, exquisite, gorgeous, splendid. Makoto. The embodiment of all things perfect.
By now anyone listening to this has either keeled over from a sugar overdose or is praying to all that need to be prayed to for an end to it all. So moving on.
Sometimes I wish I could tell her how I feel about her. You know, just bowl her over and tell her, just like that.
Not going to happen.
Ever.
Because I do not now, never have, and never will remind her of her old sempai.
But Goddess. I really love her. So I will keep my mouth shut, and make sure she is happy. With whoever it is that treats her right and makes her happy.
"Ami-honey? What's wrong?" Michiru's voice was muffled. So I decided to lift up my head. Can't really hear anyone with my head down. Michiru walked to my side and knelt down. Her hands started brushing my cheek. I must have looked pretty dumb just staring at her like I was. "Ami, why are you crying?" I raised my hand to my face and pulled it away wet. Well. That explains it. Pushing her hand away, I ground my fists into my eyes, trying to force the tears to stop. "Oh dear. Here, let me." She used her long sleeves to softly wipe my face and neck where the tears had pooled in my collar. Then Haruka came over, looking so upset I started laughing. I must look pretty bad if Haruka's feeling sorry for me instead of telling me to suck it up.
She laid a comforting hand on my shoulder and I started bawling. I can't even really explain why. I just realized. that life was seriously unfair and had a twisted sense of humor. The gorgeous creature that I had idolized and worshiped for 3 years, that I would give my life for, that I dreamed of, would never even consider me as anything more then a friend. That the life I imagined for her, and me, would never come true. And that realization came all at once.
I don't stand a chance.
So now that the switch has been turned to the ON position and is not going OFF, I turn into a fountain. I could just picture the giant streams gushing out of my eyes. Which would have been humorous if I wasn't so damn crushed.
"Ami, tell me what's wrong." I shook my head vigorously and buried my head in my arms.
"I j-just. I can't." Haruka hefted me off the bike and handed me to Michiru, who wrapped me in her arms.
"Oh sweetheart. Come inside." Slowly Michiru and Haruka led me into the cool recesses of their home.
An hour and 4 cups of lemon tea later, I could get a simple sentence out without choking on a sob.
"I'm sorry." I began, "I. I haven't been feeling well lately." Understatement of the month. But I still should have been able to control myself until I got home, or at least until I got away from these two. I can't believe I just started crying without realizing it. Stupid.
Michiru was giving me a look that said I wasn't getting off that easy.
"I'm okay. Really. I just need to clear my head." She stared at me a little longer before shaking her head.
"Fine. But if you need help. just know that we're always here."
"Unless it's about boys. Then you might have to talk to Michiru."
Michiru glared at her.
"OK. Maybe Setsuna."
A loud booming laugh. "Me? How should I know about guys? I lived by myself in another dimension most of my like and two lesbians the vast majority of the rest."
Michiru grinned at Setsuna while Haruka looked slightly miffed. "Well sorry."
Setsuna chuckled to herself as she poured herself a cup of tea. Pulling up a chair, she straddled the back and sipped her tea. Making a face, she poured a cup of sugar into her cup of tea. We watched in sick fascination as she took a sip and pronounced it consumable. Catching our looks. "What?" We all shook our heads and looked away.
"So why were you guys looking so serious when I came in?"
Michiru just shrugged. "Ami started crying earlier but won't tell us why."
Oh no. Now Setsuna's going to start in on me.
"Really?"
I decided to end this conversation before it got to far. "I'm OK. I just need a good night's sleep, that's all."
Nobody spoke.
"You know you can tell us anything. We'll understand."
I sighed and pressed my forehead to the cold faux-marble tabletop.
"Ami?"
"Geez. Let it go. I cry once and it's the end of the world."
Silence.
"Spill."
"No."
"It's not healthy to keep these things to yourself."
"No."
"We might be able to give you advice."
"No."
This went on for awhile. Finally I couldn't take it anymore.
"Fine! I'll tell. But I don't need your advice. I'm telling you this on the off chance that it might actually make me feel better. I tell you, we never speak of it again."
"I don't know-"
"We'll keep it a secret."
Setsuna offered me her teacup, which I started to accept. Then I realized the sugar would probably make this even harder. Which my brain accepted, but my body didn't and I did take the tea, draining the cup and the last dregs of watery sugar on the bottom. Can't say I felt better, but I didn't feel worse.
"Well, ummm... There's really no easy or tactful way to say this... I am upset because... Because I'm a lesbian."
Michiru's eyes widen and Haruka coughed on her mouthful of tea. Setsuna just grinned.
"I win."
"I really don't know why you insisted on betting against her Haruka. She's the Time Guardian!"
"She promised that she couldn't see stuff like that!"
"I can't. I'm just a lot more perceptive then you are."
"WHAT THE HELL?!?"
"Uh-oh."
I can't believe this!
"I can't believe you guys! Is this funny to you?! This is my life and it's all a big joke to you, huh?"
Setsuna grabbed my hand. "Ami, calm down. We're just kidding. We're not making fun of you sweetie."
I pulled my arm away and frowned, crossing my arms over my chest. "You all talk me into telling you something this personal and you laugh about it?"
Michiru walked around the table and knelt at my side. "Ami-honey, you know we love you. We didn't mean to upset you. Please finish talking, we won't laugh." I just glared at her. "We won't, I promise. It was just a stupid bet, made by stupid people."
A simultaneous "Hey!!" was heard from two corners.
I nodded and she smiled. You can't really deny Michiru anything.
"You were saying that you were upset because you are a lesbian?"
"Not because I'm a lesbian. Because . . . I'm in love with someone who's not."
Haruka hissed through her teeth. "Yeesh. That sucks." Michiru winced and murmured her agreement. Setsuna nodded sagely.
"Setsuna?!?"
She arched an eyebrow. "What? You're surprised? I figure since we're all sharing information..."
I guess we all looked pretty shocked. I know my mouth was hanging open.
"Oh, grow up. If I had to bet I'd say all the senshi are somewhat less then straight. It only makes sense."
Once again we're dumbfounded.
"Uh, hello? We're all going to live for a few millennia. Gonna be kinda hard to explain why you look 20 all your life to someone outside the circle."
So of course I have to ask...
"Who do you have a crush on?"
"First of all, I'm too old to have a 'crush'. Second, we're not on me, we're on you. You're deflecting (AN: A cookie for whoever can tell me where the second part of that speech came from.)."
"If you won't tell why should I?"
"Because I'm older and have very few qualms about beating the information out of you."
Oh. Can't argue with that logic.
I picked up my teacup and focused on it. As if the damn thing could get me out of this now...
"Makoto."
Now before I tell you their reactions, let me tell you something. I never even hinted at who I liked. Ever. Covert looks, stealing touches, I don't do it, so I never get caught. If there is anyone in the room, I keep to myself and very rarely do I stare when people are around. The reason why is because of fear of confrontations like today when Makoto caught me. I wasn't staring at her, exactly. Mostly I was thinking about what I'd do to her if I ever got half a chance... Ahem. Anyway. So you realize I was pretty astonished by their reactions.
"I knew it. As soon as she said she had a crush on someone. Had to be Makoto. She is far too hot to be . . . Michiru! I'm kidding, I swear!"
"Cradle-robbing pervert!"
"Oh come on Michiru! She's not that young! Which . . . is entirely besides the point! You know I only have eyes for you!"
"Besides, you couldn't have Makoto if you wanted her. 'Cause I'd get her first!"
"Michiru! You don't mean that!"
Their arguments came to a sudden halt at the sound of my head hitting the table with a solid THUNK.
"AMI!"
"Owwww..."
"Oh! Ami . . . Are you OK?"
Setsuna went to the stove and refilled my cup before returning it to my hands.
"Suna? I don't think tea's gonna fix this bump on her head."
"Actually, Ruka, I gave it to her to pour on you the next time you make jokes about her love."
"Don't act all high and mighty! You were laughing too..."
"HARUKA-PAPA!?! MICHIRU-MAMA!!! SETSUNA-MAMA!!? WE'RE HOME!!"
The three older senshi winced at the seeming herd of elephants that rushed around the bottom floor.
"HELLO??!!??"
"In here Hotaru-baby!"
Within a second Hotaru had reached the Kitchen doorway, and in another she had glomped onto Setsuna.
"Hey cutie..."
Chibi-Usa appeared from around the opposite entrance.
"...s..."
Chibi-Usa latched onto Setsuna as well, before both girls released their target and proceeded to the next.
"Hey sweet things!"
I stood up to receive my greetings as well, and was promptly crushed between the two.
"AMI!!!"
"Ami?"
My head whipped toward the door so fast I swear I heard it snap.
"Mako-chan?"
"Oh yeah! Mako-chan walked us home! We told her that you'd give her a ride home after she talks to Suna-mama. Oh, and Usagi-chan said that Usa could spend the night! Can she? Please, please, pretty please??"
Everyone was a bit flustered trying to understand Hotaru's rapid speech and make room for 7 people in one medium-sized room. Me especially so, seeing as I was also trying to make my way to the exit as well as avoid one of the 6 other people.
"Of course."
Somehow the two girls managed to vanish from the crowded room in no time.
Which left 5 people to try to fill their space with something.
Conversation.
"Hey Ames. What're you doing here?"
"I -I... was just visiting. But I'm done now and I gotta go. Bye!"
Thanks to all the training I've done, I managed to run past Makoto into the hallway, and grab my bag without having to slow down very much at all. I hated just running off on Makoto like that, but given how I was feeling I didn't know what I'd do if I stayed.
"Bye Ami!"
I turned around and jogged backwards so I could give a proper wave to Makoto and the other's.
"Bye!"
I stumbled over a crack as I turned the corner and landed on my butt. Real graceful. I skinned my palm a bit and it bled a little. Stung too. Instinctively I brought my hand to my mouth. Something or other my mother taught me. About saliva speeding the healing process or something, how animals had the right idea.
What? Alright, so this has nothing to do with anything. I find it easier to get through my day if I focus on the little things I can fix than the large ones I cannot. I avoid thinking about Makoto, because that's a big problem that I can't fix now. I focus on the wound, because it's something I can. It's either that or lose it.
So I take everything one moment at a time.
====================================================== YAY! Chapter 2! It looks so pretty on my computer screen! I finally sat down and typed this over two days. I had to rewrite it 'cause in the original version Ami's all sad and angsty and it's too early on for that. Plus, depressed Ami? Done to death. Introspective Ami. The new and improved, Positive Ami. Sees the upside of things. Usually. Although, if the characters are happy all the time, what fun is that?
==============================================
"Haruka! I think I understand now!" Said senshi glared at me.
"You better Ami. You hurt my baby and I will personally kill you... OW!"
I swear, Michiru's glare could stop a train.
"You and that damn motorcycle! Sometimes I think you love that stupid hunk of metal more then you love me."
"Only sometimes..." Haruka mumbled quietly. Of course, it wasn't quiet enough.
"Michi! I was joking! Just kidding! PLEASE! You know I love you more then anything!"
"No you don't."
"I'm SO SORRY! Forgive me!"
I sighed. Deeply. I could script their lives. I KNEW that by the end of my visit, Haruka would be on her knees (Eewww, bad mental images. I swear it wasn't intentional -_-;), begging (Again we're in the bad place. Puppies. Think of puppies...). Michiru only makes Haruka beg to mess with her. Lucky Michiru, to have someone beg to stay around you.
I watched from my seat on Haruka's yellow bike, that I had to sell my first- born as insurance to even look at, might I add, as the amazonian statured racer crawled shamelessly after her lover. She shouted declarations of love and adoration, and pleas for forgiveness. This could go on for hours.
The scene was like a car wreck. You know you shouldn't look because it will upset you, but you can't help it. Oh, I wish someone would love me like that. Well, a someone. Makoto. Beautiful Makoto. As corny as it sounds, I can't remember a time when I never loved her. As long as I've know her I've simply adored her. Of course I did, she was everything I wasn't. All strong and assertive.
I remember the first time I ever saw her. That was when I grasped how attractive she was. I didn't realize that she was drop dead gorgeous until later.
The first time Usagi introduced us wasn't the first time I had seen her. The first time I had spoken to her (although I didn't speak so much as mumble and let Usagi fill in the blanks. -_-;), sure, but I had seen her earlier that very day.
Later on I found out why she was in school so early. Picking up her school ID and getting a feel for the campus. Of course I was there early, I'm always early. I have no life as Usagi has brought to my aattention time and time again (As if swooning over college boys constitutes a life...).
So I get to school early and on the front lawn, there she is. Under a tree, totally relaxed, looking as if there was nothing in this world that could ruin her moment. Her hands were folded behind the mass of chestnut locks piled on her head. She looked so at home under that tree, staring up at the flashes of blue sky between the branches.
By the goddess, she looked so beautiful.
I was so busy staring at her, that I forgot to give my body a command to stop and kept walking. Right into a bike rack. Owww. I flinch at the memory. Graceful, huh?
So of course she sits up and looks at the idiot who managed to run into the only object between her and the school. If I thought she was beautiful before, her eyes added another level. I was twenty feet away and they still struck me. Like, struck me dumb. Literally. My train of thought was stuck between, "Duh, purty girl." And, "Don't drool. Please Ami don't drool." When I finally snapped back to my senses, I twinkled my fingers in the semblance of a wave and dashed into the school building.
I know what you're thinking. "Good one Ami. Eyeball and run. Nice first impression." Well, screw you. You try thinking with the most glorious being in the world not 10 yards away.
Have you ever noticed how many words there are for beauty? Lovely, attractive, exquisite, gorgeous, splendid. Makoto. The embodiment of all things perfect.
By now anyone listening to this has either keeled over from a sugar overdose or is praying to all that need to be prayed to for an end to it all. So moving on.
Sometimes I wish I could tell her how I feel about her. You know, just bowl her over and tell her, just like that.
Not going to happen.
Ever.
Because I do not now, never have, and never will remind her of her old sempai.
But Goddess. I really love her. So I will keep my mouth shut, and make sure she is happy. With whoever it is that treats her right and makes her happy.
"Ami-honey? What's wrong?" Michiru's voice was muffled. So I decided to lift up my head. Can't really hear anyone with my head down. Michiru walked to my side and knelt down. Her hands started brushing my cheek. I must have looked pretty dumb just staring at her like I was. "Ami, why are you crying?" I raised my hand to my face and pulled it away wet. Well. That explains it. Pushing her hand away, I ground my fists into my eyes, trying to force the tears to stop. "Oh dear. Here, let me." She used her long sleeves to softly wipe my face and neck where the tears had pooled in my collar. Then Haruka came over, looking so upset I started laughing. I must look pretty bad if Haruka's feeling sorry for me instead of telling me to suck it up.
She laid a comforting hand on my shoulder and I started bawling. I can't even really explain why. I just realized. that life was seriously unfair and had a twisted sense of humor. The gorgeous creature that I had idolized and worshiped for 3 years, that I would give my life for, that I dreamed of, would never even consider me as anything more then a friend. That the life I imagined for her, and me, would never come true. And that realization came all at once.
I don't stand a chance.
So now that the switch has been turned to the ON position and is not going OFF, I turn into a fountain. I could just picture the giant streams gushing out of my eyes. Which would have been humorous if I wasn't so damn crushed.
"Ami, tell me what's wrong." I shook my head vigorously and buried my head in my arms.
"I j-just. I can't." Haruka hefted me off the bike and handed me to Michiru, who wrapped me in her arms.
"Oh sweetheart. Come inside." Slowly Michiru and Haruka led me into the cool recesses of their home.
An hour and 4 cups of lemon tea later, I could get a simple sentence out without choking on a sob.
"I'm sorry." I began, "I. I haven't been feeling well lately." Understatement of the month. But I still should have been able to control myself until I got home, or at least until I got away from these two. I can't believe I just started crying without realizing it. Stupid.
Michiru was giving me a look that said I wasn't getting off that easy.
"I'm okay. Really. I just need to clear my head." She stared at me a little longer before shaking her head.
"Fine. But if you need help. just know that we're always here."
"Unless it's about boys. Then you might have to talk to Michiru."
Michiru glared at her.
"OK. Maybe Setsuna."
A loud booming laugh. "Me? How should I know about guys? I lived by myself in another dimension most of my like and two lesbians the vast majority of the rest."
Michiru grinned at Setsuna while Haruka looked slightly miffed. "Well sorry."
Setsuna chuckled to herself as she poured herself a cup of tea. Pulling up a chair, she straddled the back and sipped her tea. Making a face, she poured a cup of sugar into her cup of tea. We watched in sick fascination as she took a sip and pronounced it consumable. Catching our looks. "What?" We all shook our heads and looked away.
"So why were you guys looking so serious when I came in?"
Michiru just shrugged. "Ami started crying earlier but won't tell us why."
Oh no. Now Setsuna's going to start in on me.
"Really?"
I decided to end this conversation before it got to far. "I'm OK. I just need a good night's sleep, that's all."
Nobody spoke.
"You know you can tell us anything. We'll understand."
I sighed and pressed my forehead to the cold faux-marble tabletop.
"Ami?"
"Geez. Let it go. I cry once and it's the end of the world."
Silence.
"Spill."
"No."
"It's not healthy to keep these things to yourself."
"No."
"We might be able to give you advice."
"No."
This went on for awhile. Finally I couldn't take it anymore.
"Fine! I'll tell. But I don't need your advice. I'm telling you this on the off chance that it might actually make me feel better. I tell you, we never speak of it again."
"I don't know-"
"We'll keep it a secret."
Setsuna offered me her teacup, which I started to accept. Then I realized the sugar would probably make this even harder. Which my brain accepted, but my body didn't and I did take the tea, draining the cup and the last dregs of watery sugar on the bottom. Can't say I felt better, but I didn't feel worse.
"Well, ummm... There's really no easy or tactful way to say this... I am upset because... Because I'm a lesbian."
Michiru's eyes widen and Haruka coughed on her mouthful of tea. Setsuna just grinned.
"I win."
"I really don't know why you insisted on betting against her Haruka. She's the Time Guardian!"
"She promised that she couldn't see stuff like that!"
"I can't. I'm just a lot more perceptive then you are."
"WHAT THE HELL?!?"
"Uh-oh."
I can't believe this!
"I can't believe you guys! Is this funny to you?! This is my life and it's all a big joke to you, huh?"
Setsuna grabbed my hand. "Ami, calm down. We're just kidding. We're not making fun of you sweetie."
I pulled my arm away and frowned, crossing my arms over my chest. "You all talk me into telling you something this personal and you laugh about it?"
Michiru walked around the table and knelt at my side. "Ami-honey, you know we love you. We didn't mean to upset you. Please finish talking, we won't laugh." I just glared at her. "We won't, I promise. It was just a stupid bet, made by stupid people."
A simultaneous "Hey!!" was heard from two corners.
I nodded and she smiled. You can't really deny Michiru anything.
"You were saying that you were upset because you are a lesbian?"
"Not because I'm a lesbian. Because . . . I'm in love with someone who's not."
Haruka hissed through her teeth. "Yeesh. That sucks." Michiru winced and murmured her agreement. Setsuna nodded sagely.
"Setsuna?!?"
She arched an eyebrow. "What? You're surprised? I figure since we're all sharing information..."
I guess we all looked pretty shocked. I know my mouth was hanging open.
"Oh, grow up. If I had to bet I'd say all the senshi are somewhat less then straight. It only makes sense."
Once again we're dumbfounded.
"Uh, hello? We're all going to live for a few millennia. Gonna be kinda hard to explain why you look 20 all your life to someone outside the circle."
So of course I have to ask...
"Who do you have a crush on?"
"First of all, I'm too old to have a 'crush'. Second, we're not on me, we're on you. You're deflecting (AN: A cookie for whoever can tell me where the second part of that speech came from.)."
"If you won't tell why should I?"
"Because I'm older and have very few qualms about beating the information out of you."
Oh. Can't argue with that logic.
I picked up my teacup and focused on it. As if the damn thing could get me out of this now...
"Makoto."
Now before I tell you their reactions, let me tell you something. I never even hinted at who I liked. Ever. Covert looks, stealing touches, I don't do it, so I never get caught. If there is anyone in the room, I keep to myself and very rarely do I stare when people are around. The reason why is because of fear of confrontations like today when Makoto caught me. I wasn't staring at her, exactly. Mostly I was thinking about what I'd do to her if I ever got half a chance... Ahem. Anyway. So you realize I was pretty astonished by their reactions.
"I knew it. As soon as she said she had a crush on someone. Had to be Makoto. She is far too hot to be . . . Michiru! I'm kidding, I swear!"
"Cradle-robbing pervert!"
"Oh come on Michiru! She's not that young! Which . . . is entirely besides the point! You know I only have eyes for you!"
"Besides, you couldn't have Makoto if you wanted her. 'Cause I'd get her first!"
"Michiru! You don't mean that!"
Their arguments came to a sudden halt at the sound of my head hitting the table with a solid THUNK.
"AMI!"
"Owwww..."
"Oh! Ami . . . Are you OK?"
Setsuna went to the stove and refilled my cup before returning it to my hands.
"Suna? I don't think tea's gonna fix this bump on her head."
"Actually, Ruka, I gave it to her to pour on you the next time you make jokes about her love."
"Don't act all high and mighty! You were laughing too..."
"HARUKA-PAPA!?! MICHIRU-MAMA!!! SETSUNA-MAMA!!? WE'RE HOME!!"
The three older senshi winced at the seeming herd of elephants that rushed around the bottom floor.
"HELLO??!!??"
"In here Hotaru-baby!"
Within a second Hotaru had reached the Kitchen doorway, and in another she had glomped onto Setsuna.
"Hey cutie..."
Chibi-Usa appeared from around the opposite entrance.
"...s..."
Chibi-Usa latched onto Setsuna as well, before both girls released their target and proceeded to the next.
"Hey sweet things!"
I stood up to receive my greetings as well, and was promptly crushed between the two.
"AMI!!!"
"Ami?"
My head whipped toward the door so fast I swear I heard it snap.
"Mako-chan?"
"Oh yeah! Mako-chan walked us home! We told her that you'd give her a ride home after she talks to Suna-mama. Oh, and Usagi-chan said that Usa could spend the night! Can she? Please, please, pretty please??"
Everyone was a bit flustered trying to understand Hotaru's rapid speech and make room for 7 people in one medium-sized room. Me especially so, seeing as I was also trying to make my way to the exit as well as avoid one of the 6 other people.
"Of course."
Somehow the two girls managed to vanish from the crowded room in no time.
Which left 5 people to try to fill their space with something.
Conversation.
"Hey Ames. What're you doing here?"
"I -I... was just visiting. But I'm done now and I gotta go. Bye!"
Thanks to all the training I've done, I managed to run past Makoto into the hallway, and grab my bag without having to slow down very much at all. I hated just running off on Makoto like that, but given how I was feeling I didn't know what I'd do if I stayed.
"Bye Ami!"
I turned around and jogged backwards so I could give a proper wave to Makoto and the other's.
"Bye!"
I stumbled over a crack as I turned the corner and landed on my butt. Real graceful. I skinned my palm a bit and it bled a little. Stung too. Instinctively I brought my hand to my mouth. Something or other my mother taught me. About saliva speeding the healing process or something, how animals had the right idea.
What? Alright, so this has nothing to do with anything. I find it easier to get through my day if I focus on the little things I can fix than the large ones I cannot. I avoid thinking about Makoto, because that's a big problem that I can't fix now. I focus on the wound, because it's something I can. It's either that or lose it.
So I take everything one moment at a time.
====================================================== YAY! Chapter 2! It looks so pretty on my computer screen! I finally sat down and typed this over two days. I had to rewrite it 'cause in the original version Ami's all sad and angsty and it's too early on for that. Plus, depressed Ami? Done to death. Introspective Ami. The new and improved, Positive Ami. Sees the upside of things. Usually. Although, if the characters are happy all the time, what fun is that?