After what seemed like an eternity to Ami, Makoto finally reacted. She enfolded the short girl in a tight but gentle embrace and Ami was so surprised and overwhelmed that it took her a moment to return it.
"Ami, I … I don't know what to say", Makoto whispered. "I … I'm so honored and … thank you so much."
Ami felt Makoto give her a squeeze before she let her go.
"Does that mean", Ami asked uncertainly, "Does this mean you're ok with what I said?"
Makoto chuckled, "Ami, I'm not only ok with it. I am overwhelmed and … and I actually feel exactly the same way."
Ami stared, unable to believe her own ears. But Makoto continued.
"You know, up there in my last moments, all I could think about was that I had failed to tell you how important you were to me. I had been so used to being alone and always being feared and walked out on that I didn't dare to tell you because I was afraid you wouldn't feel the same way and I'd lose you."
"Oh, Makoto", Ami breathed and launched herself at her friend again, "I'm sorry you've had to suffer so much and I'm so honored that you trust me so much."
Makoto tightened her hold on Ami, which made the short girl let out an involuntary grunt.
"Sorry, Ami!" Makoto said and immediately released her friend. "I was just so happy that I forgot my strength for a moment."
Ami chuckled, "Don't worry! You just caught me off guard. I do enjoy your hugs."
"And I yours", Makoto answered with a grin.
After a short silence, spent with grinning at each other, Makoto said, "So, my genius soul mate, what do you think where we are?"
Grinning, Ami answered, "Well, I think now that I have my soul mate back at my side, WE can figure this out together."
To be continued…