The cookout had been a success.
But what made it more sweet was how close Ami stayed to Makoto nearly the entire time. Or Makoto to Ami. Minako had never seen Ami this affectionate with someone,, not even her ex-boyfriend. Any type of PDA would send Ami scurrying behind the nearest book in order to hide her scarlet face. But now..
Now, Ami could be found tucked under Makoto's arm, curled into the taller woman's side as they all sat around a fire pit, trying to warm their selves from the chill in the air and their damp skin from swimming. Makoto had even given Ami her light jacket in order to keep Ami warmer. Ami smiled up at Makoto and the taller leaned down to gently kiss her on the lips. Ami blushed, Minako noticed, but did not pull away. Minako smiled.
She gently nudged Rei who looked over at their petite friend and the usually stoic woman also smiled. She also got the hint Minako was sending: "We should go."
The group said their goodbyes to their friend and hostess but not before Minako could, gently, take a stab at Ami with her elbow. When Ami looked at her, Minako waggled her eyebrows and had a naughty smile on her face. Ami went red before shoving her friend out the door.
"What was that about," Makoto asked with a chuckle.
Ami sighed but smiled at her lover. "Minako-chan being Minako-chan."
They walked to the backyard to put the small fire out with a water hose. As Makoto wound the hose back up and replaced it into it's spot, she turned to see Ami's arms crossed, looking up at the sky with a content smile on her face. Makoto couldn't resist walking over to her, wrapping her arms around the shorter woman and resting her chin on the top of Ami's head.
"What'cha looking at," Makoto asked softly.
"Just looking up at the stars," Ami replied. "I can't see them this clearly back home."
"Like astronomy, do you?"
"Mm," came Ami's quiet reply.
Makoto nodded, her arms tightening around the shorter woman before sliding her hand down to gently take one of Ami's and turning the woman around to face her. "How about we go warm up?"
Ami smiled, her ears burning. "I'd enjoy that."