Once again, the usual disclaimer: All characters belong to Takeuchi-sensei.

A/N: Thanks ringroad25 and Gear001 for your encouraging comments. :) Also thanks to those who are following the story so far.

Chapter 3: Darkness

It seems like she's been walking for miles. She's not wearing any shoes but that isn't a problem. She has no idea where she's going or where she came from, the only thing that surrounds her is darkness. It has become her only companion. The kind of companion that is mute, swallowing every word she utters until all that remains is a deep, silent darkness that burrows through her ears into her brain. It leaves a sick feeling deep in the pit of her stomach that can't be avoided. To prevent herself from going mad she covers her ears while words and sounds, anything really, spews from her lips. It's frightening walking in the dark alone and she has never felt so scared or alone.

Gradually something changes. She feels a faint vibration under her bare feet. The ground is trembling beneath her and she can hear a sound. It's faint at first and she strains to hear it, forcing her ears to work, goddammit, because something is coming and she needs to know. She recognizes the sound of rushing water in the distance and it's coming closer. Louder, it sounds like thunder, a sound she knows inside and out, a welcome sound. Why does she know it? She's not quite sure. But that does not matter now.

Before she can take a deep breath the water appears, closing in from all sides replacing the darkness. Somehow she's aware the temperature is freezing but she does not feel cold at all. The waves overtake her and she does not fight it, does not want to fight it. It soothes her fevered brain and body as it washes over her while she twists and turns with the tide.

In lieu of air, water works it way past her lips and into her nostrils, rushing down into her belly and lungs. Closing her eyes she drifts for what seems like forever, floating freely, carelessly. The sensation of cool fingers wrapping around her wrist makes her open her eyes. There is a silhouette above her, tugging upwards. The form is feminine, graceful. Comfort radiates from the mystery figure. They swim upwards; as they get closer to the surface features reveal themselves.

Short hair the color of turquoise weave sinuously above her. Sudden air bubbles surround and rush past her, heading for the surface. Despite the bubbles she makes out deep ocean blue eyes and an enigmatic smile. The identity of the figure is still a mystery but she has never been happier to see anyone than she is at this moment. A warm feeling, a mere prickle of light starts in her chest before eventually spreading through the rest of her body. Just before they break the surface the grip around her wrist tightens. A dash upwards, the light is bright, brighter than she ever imagined and it hurts her eyes. She shuts her eyes tightly, it's too much and not enough at the same time.

Eyes open, she stared up at the ceiling for a moment. A feeling of disorientation trickles into her and panic takes over. Fear runs rampant in her veins and she thrashes around in the bed in an attempt to get up. She has no idea where she is, more importantly who she is and the lack of knowledge leaves her feeling unhinged. There is a huge yawning gap of darkness and without realizing it she is screaming at the top of her lungs.

-x-x-x-

It was five am Friday morning and Ami shifted around on the couch trying to find a comfortable position. She switched once again before she thinks that a sleepless night on an uncomfortable couch is small penance for what she has done to Makoto. The guilt is still in her, buried too deep for Usagi and her other friends to eliminate. Her atrocious behavior from last night returns to her and she is stricken with shame. She has never spoken to anyone like that before, how can she possibly face them again?

She went numb after the crying jag in Usagi's arms the previous night, barely paying attention anything her friends said. She insisted that they should go home, she would stay with Makoto and watch over her. They exchanged looks, doubt evident on their faces but she had finally convinced them to go. They assured they'd back first thing in the morning and she nodded wearily as she bid them goodnight. After they left she checked on Mako, ensuring the woman was sleeping peacefully before going to the closet to grab a blanket and extra pillow for the couch. Remembering her mother was off duty and would worry at Ami's absence, she called home.

After the initial greeting she came up with a lie explaining Mako was very sick and Ami was staying over to take care of her. She almost dropped the phone when the elder Mizuno suggested coming to Mako's apartment to take a look at the young woman. Her shoulders sagged in relief when the woman chuckled, stating Ami being there to take care of Mako was just as good. They kept the conversation short, Mizuno-Sensei being the sort of person who did not waste words. For once the young woman was glad her mother had such a trait.

Looking at her watch for the hundredth time since she settled onto the couch, Ami sighed heavily. Five minutes after five. Without warning her mind wandered over the scene in the park. Everything had been going so well, she was finally getting to spend time with Mako after a week. Every so often the green eyed woman had looked at her with a certain smile and Ami had felt her heart doing funny things. She wondered at the feeling but at the same time decided she would enjoy it, whatever it was. The afternoon sun cast long-legged shadows of the two of them. A cool breeze had sprung up, whipping through their hair and making the strands of Mako's locks dance, Ami recalled.

It was amazing how quickly everything went wrong. She hadn't been paying attention to their surroundings. It was because of her inattention Mako had stepped in between danger and herself. Makoto had been fast, the youma faster. She froze taking in the scene before finally realizing the taller woman needed her. Quickly transforming she screamed "Shine Aqua Illusion" trapping the youma in place. Venus and Mars appeared then. They faced the enemy, Venus calling out to Ami to take care of Makoto. She ran to the unconscious woman, paling as she took in wounds and shallow breathing. It was that moment she knew she was in love with Makoto and the epiphany left her shuddering.

She curled up on the couch, hugging the pillow to her midsection as tears came again. Ami was in love and Makoto was paying the price. She vowed then and there that Mako would never know. She wiped the tears away while thinking this time she will protect her no matter the cost. She jerked up when screaming erupted from Makoto's bedroom, the pillow she held went flying. At the woman's side in an instant, she wrapped her arms around the brunette while she tried to calm her down.

"Shhh...Mako-chan...It's okay. Everything will be okay." She reassured the tall girl as she cradled her head against her chest, stroking the brown hair. Makoto tried to pull away but the blue haired woman held tight and eventually the screaming died down, replaced by a low moaning that broke her heart. She sat on the bed and Makoto's hands clutched at her shirt. Eventually the brunette's breathing evened out, her eyelids drift close. The warm body coupled with the rhythm of the sleeping girl in her arms brings a sense of tranquility that's been missing in Ami. Sleep finally claimed her in the arms of the one she loves.

Reviews are most welcome. Thank you.

p.s. Is Ami being too angsty?