Dis-clama-llama-lamer: Be warned you may die of massive first time fanfiction-writing cringinect that I might misspell A LOT of things. If you cannot handle such treacheries then you are allowed to leave or look away at any time. Oh, also I do not own Sailor Moon or any characters mentioned. Except for Itsuko but that's not really important. She's never gonna be mentioned anymore so that's irrelevant.

Chapter 9: The Start of Something Beautiful

"Come on~!" Usagi and Minako whined. "Pleeeease! Just hold hands! It would be so cute!"

"Guys."

"Mako-chan, you two have kissed already-twice. Is holding hands more embarrassing to you?" Rei asked. She would be lying if she said it wasn't fun to tease Makoto. She nudged the brunette with a grin. "Aren't you supposed to be the senshi of courage?"

"Aren't you supposed to be in another school?" Makoto shot back.

"Don't sass me young lady." Rei warned. She looked to Ami who only looked away shyly. "You know if you keep acting all stubborn Ami-chan might think you don't really like her."

"Rei-chan!"

"I'm just new to this okay?" Makoto fought the urge of walking ahead of them. It's only been two days, couldn't they give her a break? Of course she was trying hard to show affection but besides it being new it was also embarrassing. Hugging was already a struggle enough. But she knew for certain she liked Ami back. With every hug there was a sense of happiness as well as slight disappointment from having to leave. Makoto shoved her hands in her pockets with a grunt.

"Great job there Rei-chan." Usagi stuck her tongue out at the ravenette. "Now they aren't going to hold hands."

"Like they were going to anyways."

Minako smiled. "Their relationship will take time. Love needs to be built between two people overtime. All we need to do is wait." She looked at Rei. "Okay?"

"Even more time? Sometimes I feel like Mako-chan and Setsuna-san should switch places."

Ignoring her friend's conversation, Ami walked quietly alongside Makoto. It was natural she was upset but she knew better than anyone else that she just needed to be patient. Makoto warned her beforehand that there was going to be a lot of frustration. "Ignore what they're saying, just take things at your own pace." Makoto sighed but said nothing. "It would make me more upset if you faked it, don't force yourself."

This time Makoto looked down at Ami who was looking forward. A smile tugged it's way onto her lips. "Yeah, you're right." Ami tilted her head in Makoto's direction. "But so is Rei-chan. We've kissed already so-" she took hold of Ami's right hand, "-at this point it shouldn't be embarrassing."

Their eyes locked for only a second before they both looked away in embarrassment. The pleasant warmth of holding eachothers hands lingered throughout the whole walk to school. Miraculously, neither Rei nor Usagi noticed. Only Minako, who just smiled.

0o0o0

Rei eventually gave in and left. Usagi ran ahead of them to quickly finish up some homework. Minako, however, stayed and hummed the melody of a random anime opening sounding similar to Moonlight Densetsu. She smiled at the two beside her. "How they didn't see you two holding hands is beyond me." she said with a smirk. "You guys will be fine. I'm sure. Just take baby steps." She waved goodbye and sprinted to catch up with Usagi and finish her homework as well.

Now they were alone. Somehow that made it more awkward, but also pleasant at the same time. They continued walking in comfortable silence. Their hands linked and their hearts beating wildly. At that point they really should be used to being around each other. But they weren't, not quite yet. Makoto was determined to show at least some sort of affection to Ami. To repay for the torture she's been putting her through.

"Thank you."

Ami jumped at the sudden voice. "For what?" She asked.

"For being so patient. I feel like I'm not showing enough, and I want to but I also don't want to rush it." Her emerald eyes continued to watch the ground. "And I'm also scared you're gonna end up thinking what Rei-chan said."

The bluenette loosened her grip and fully turned to face Makoto. Through a bright red face, she managed to make eye contact. "I told you before, I don't mind waiting. I...really like you. I'll wait for years if I have to."

Makoto processed her words. "You know what? I don't like you." She pulled Ami into an embrace. "I love you."

The smaller girl smiled. "Please don't ever start like that again, you scared me." Makoto chuckled into her ear making her boiling hot face increase in heat. She shoved her face in Makoto's school uniform to try and hide her very obvious blush. "...and I love you too."

"Hmm?"

"Uh-I-" Ami's eyes met Makoto's when she lifted her head. Seeing the amusement on her expression made her realize she had heard her and just wanted to hear her say it again. A pout crossed her features. "Jerk." She mumbled still blushing madly.

Makoto continued to smile though she was blushing too. She also noticed they were still in a slight embrace. People were watching but she didn't mind, because at that moment, she had the girl of her dreams in her arms. Soon Makoto will be able to proudly say that to the world. For now, she'll just quietly say it to Ami.

0o0o0

Some years later

0o0o0

School was no longer something to worry about for Makoto, because she was officially done with it. She came out in the top 50 students of her class, pretty good to say the least. Of course, Ami came out as the top 5, more specifically she was the number 1 student. Yup. She was great. But it wasn't a competition. (And if it was, Ami would've won) Makoto was just glad she finished with a slightly above average gpa in every semester.

Now she sat in front of the best pastry chef in Juuban. He quietly looked over her application before looking up with a smile. "Well Kino-san. I'm glad you decided to come by. You seem to have quite impressive skills without much culinary background. Did you go to college?"

"No sir, I'm self-taught. I lived by myself when I was 14 up until recently. Made myself meals and eventually began liking it as a hobby. Baking has been one of my strongest points. I excelled in cooking class because of that."

He listened to her every word, not once breaking eye contact. "That is absolutely remarkable. We could definitely use someone with your skills here, especially when I grow up to the age of retirement. You're young, you have much vigor, I'm sure." He paused and smiled. "You also have other interesting elements about yourself...black belt in taekwondo? My...you are definitely an interesting young lady. Go ahead and tell the others to go home. Kino-san, you've got the job."

They stood and shook hands. Makoto did in fact tell the others to leave. She waited until she was a block away to scream out in victory. Some who applied for the job sent her glares but at that moment Makoto could've cared less. She continued on in quiet excitement until she reached the familiar apartment complex. Once she reached the fourth floor she stopped with her hand on the door knob. It was open but she stayed still.

3 years had passed...well...almost. Tomorrow would make it 3 years, tomorrow would be Makoto and Ami's 3 year anniversary. She smiled still holding the door knob. So much had changed in those years, and Makoto had officially accepted her sexuality. There were times when she checked out other guys as well as girls, and for some time, she went as bisexual. But that wasn't the case. It just didn't feel right. Even if she found both genders attractive, it doesn't mean she'd continue with them in a sexual manner, not with males anyways. It was only 2 or 3 months ago when she realized she was a lesbian. Makoto chuckled. It took almost 3 years to figure that out. Throughout those years she had definitely changed. A very dramatic change. Her style of clothing was now a tad bit different. The basket ball shorts and tank tops were ditched. Her feminine side began to show more. She did keep some of her old clothing for working out and Ami snatched some others before she got a chance to throw it away.

A cough from within the apartment broke her train of thought. She smiled and opened the door. Ami laid curled up in a blanket with a towel half on her forehead half on her face. The tv was on and playing some random anime that Ami secretly watched when Makoto was out. Something about magical girls in miniskirts. Makoto clicked off the tv seeing if the lack of sound woke up Ami.

She stirred but didn't wake up. Ironically, the doctor was sick. It was around mid October, Minako's birthday was a couple days ago. Her actual party was yesterday. Makoto had her interview and drank only a modest amount, but Ami, however, had, uncharacteristically, gotten completely wasted. Makoto actually had to carry her home. She was that drunk. It only made her feel worse.

"Gnh...why'd you turn off the tv…?"

"Oh, good morning! Would you like some pancakes?"

Ami sat up slightly. "Don't be ridiculous, it's not morning."

"Are you sure?"

The bluenette peered out the window next to her. Then she looked at the clock. It took time to be able to actually read it, but when she did she sighed in relief. "It's past noon Mako. I'm not an idiot."

"No but it took you long enough to read it. Did you eat anything? Had any water?" Makoto asked, looking in the fridge for something to prepare.

"I actually almost drowned earlier from the towel. So yeah, almost died while you were gone." Ami sunk back into the couch.

The brunette smirked. "At least you had something to drink."

"Yup, gotta stay positive." She yawned turning back on the tv. "I'm fine though, just need some sleep or...something…"

Slowly as they became more comfortable with their relationship they both began being themselves. Makoto found real lazy Ami much cuter than shy and modest Ami. She was just cute in general. But the girls saw a good portion of her real self when she drank that night. Luckily they were too drunk to remember any of it. Something Makoto loved the most was Ami's sense of humor. It was surprising at first when hearing her sudden dark humor. It just showed how much closer they've gotten.

She took out some bread and decided a sandwich would be a good enough lunch. Anything she made pleased the young doctor. Ami began quietly snoring while Makoto prepared lunch. Sometimes it was the other way around, but most times it was them together.

"Mako?"

She looked up seeing Ami in one of Makoto's old basketball tank tops. Half of the blanket clung to her as she sat up. Her hair was messed up from hours of rolling around. Overall she looked completely adorable in the taller girl's eyes.

"Thought you went back to sleep, what's up?" She asked finishing up the sandwiches.

"...I just…" She looked away pulling up one if the straps that slipped off her shoulder. "I just want you to know that I love you."

Makoto had a slice of bread in her hand that stayed in her hand as she absorbed Ami's words. She noticed that the bluenette was also blushing. Something she rarely did anymore when being around Makoto. Quickly, Makoto topped off the sandwich and brought it with her when she sat next to Ami on the couch. She set the plate aside.

"I love you too-but what's this about?"

Ami was now almost completely red. She hugged herself taking in deep breathes. "Tomorrow is our 3 year anniversary…" She started, "And I...I'm just happy that you…" Makoto began to notice tears forming in Ami's eyes. "You were willing to give me a chance-"

"Ami, hey, calm down. Back then I was just scared my feelings wouldn't be enough. I was more than willing to date you." Ami fell into Makoto's embrace. "I love you, Ami. And just so you know, I am willing to slave around in that kitchen for you-and you don't even have to wash the dishes. I'll do all of that myself."

The bluenette laughed. "Are you trying to make me the man in this relationship?"

"Do you want to be the man?" Makoto asked.

She blushed again but managed to hold eye contact. "I'll be the man...if you'll be my wife." She gave up trying to pretend making eye contact and looked down. She reached in Makoto's basketball shorts and pulled out a small green box. Ami held it for a moment, trying to remember her words. "I was uh...going to ask this tomorrow but-" she opened the box revealing a silver ring. "You gave me the perfect opportunity."

Makoto bit her tongue. Mostly to stop herself from crying but also to not laugh at Ami struggling to get down on one knee.

Ami sniffled before continuing. "We've been together for almost 3 years and are already living in the same place. This is the only thing left to finish an already perfect relationship." A cough interrupted her before she could continue. She quickly apologized and regained her composure. "Makoto, will you marry me?"

Marriage never once popped into Makoto's head. Of course she always had wanted to be the perfect wife for her husband. She had fantasied a perfect proposal in her teenage mind. But none of them were as magical as the one she was experiencing now. It was simple but also very extra. Ami probably went out in her sick state to get that ring. Makoto smiled. She was a person that did something even if people told her not to do it.

"I will." She said almost breaking down from those two words alone. Ami gave something close to a grin and slipped the ring onto Makoto's ring finger. At that point they were both trying to restrain their emotions but the water dams broke. They both simultaneously began crying waterfalls, or at least something close to that. Ami wrapped her arms around Makoto's neck as Makoto did with Ami's waist. Both sniffing from the same and different reasons. Ami from her stuffy nose and Makoto from the crying.

Eventually they were able to contain themselves and they pulled away. Sharing a loving gaze. Makoto broke the silence first.

"Oh, by the way, I got the job."

Ami gasped. "You should've told me that as soon as you got here! What'd he say? Is he going to give you the whole bakery because you're the best chef and baker in the world? Is he going to retire and give you his spot? Tell meee!"

Makoto smiled again. "I'll tell you about it later. For now just rest and eat something."

"I propose to you and this is how you treat me?" She whined trying to pull Makoto back down. "I'll let you watch my anime with me."

"Your anime? You mean that show with anime girls in short miniskirts fighting evil? As tempting as that sounds, I'll pass."

This time Ami actually grinned. She pulled the covers up over herself and watched a certain green clad scout on the screen. Of course, she looked nothing like the real thing, but knowing who it was supposed to be made Ami smile. She reached for the sandwich and took a bite. After a few more she set it back sapphire eyes watched Makoto as she began making a sandwich for herself. She blinked a few times before slowly drifting off to sleep.

Well, how's that for an ending? Hope it's good because it actually is the ending this time. Honestly, this story went places I didn't even think it could go. I first thought of this idea last year while in the middle of a boring english class. Now I'm in a more interesting english class that inspires me to continue writing.

Thank you all for your reviews, I really do appreciate it. And there may be another chapter that isn't really the story but just some extras that I was thinking of adding while writing this. Anyways I thank you all again and hope you enjoyed the story. Stay tuned for a possible addition of the things that didn't make it!