Disclaimer: I don't own a darn thing! Well except for my few worldly possessions.

A/N: I hope this chapter does not disappoint. I'm still somewhat sick but I thought I should try and give an update. After this there will only be two or three more chapters.

Thank you new readers: Hobbes the Cat, Raigeki and Knoto for the encouraging comments. And thanks to the older readers, Gear001, ringroad25 and KinoAG. And MAJOR thanks to my friends who stopped by to read and anonymously review. lol.

Chapter 8: The Wisdom of Friends

Ami ran without seeing, pelted by heavy drops of rain which combined with her tears. Forging trails, they dropped until Ami couldn't tell the difference between the salty streams and rainwater. Her lips burned, the sensation of Makoto's lips on hers refusing to go away. Did Makoto really feel that way about her? Had she been wrong in assuming it was her overactive imagination that read into every little gesture from the green eyed woman? She had to be wrong, the kiss between them was very real. Ami remembered the taste of Makoto's mouth and the way she had immediately pressed her body to the taller woman's. She ruthlessly pushed the memory aside, mortification washing through her. Yes, she felt shame. But confusion pushed itself into the seat of this game of King of the Castle, brushing aside humiliation in order to pave way for chaos inside her.

Lightning flashed again, lighting up the sky. Her heart pounded in her chest indicating how far she had run in the storm. Finally aware of the rain she stared around her, trying to decipher her exact location. The lashing rain made it near impossible until another flash of lightning illuminated a torii and long rows of steps she easily recognized. "Hikawa Shrine!" She gasped to herself. Climbing the steps, she braced herself for the conversation she was about to have with Rei.

-x-x-x-

A loud knocking on the door tore busy lips and bodies apart. "Shhh!" Rei warned as the knocks came again.

"Who is it?" The shrine maiden called out with an unsteady voice.

A muffled reply of "Ami," sent Rei's eyebrows shooting up. She straightened her clothing and whispered, "Hide!"

"What?" An indignant hiss came back.

Rei scowled, "Go!"

Muttering followed along with the rustle of clothing. "You owe me for this!"

"Rei?" Ami's voice coming from outside was uncertain.

"Shut up!" Rei whispered fiercely before answering, "I'm coming!"

Rei slid the door open with one hand while tugging her shirt down over her waist with the other. Ami noted the miko's clothing appeared rumpled, her hair in a disheveled state and her face was red. She forgot about her own condition for a moment and blurted out the first thing that came to mind upon seeing Rei.

"Are you okay?"

Rei could only gape at her. This question was coming from someone who had obviously wandered around in the rain. Ami was soaked to the skin and her eyes were red and puffy as if she'd been crying.

"Oh Ami! What happened to you? Come inside!" The shrine maiden immediately picked out some dry clothing for the other woman to change into while Ami stepped into the room meekly and closed the door.

"I-I'm really sorry for coming so late. I-I don't know what else to-" Her hands came up to her face and she sobbed into them. Rei wrapped her arms around the soaked woman. Petting Ami's hair and back she waited for the crying to subside before making the other woman change into dry clothing.

"I'm going to make some tea. Stay here." The miko said as she slid the door open and disappeared out of sight.

Ami took the time alone to dry her hair with a towel the raven haired woman provided and to compose herself. Uncertainty plagued her, thinking perhaps coming to Rei at a time like this was a bad idea. Feeling guilty at disturbing her friend's rest so late she contemplated leaving but nixed the idea. Leaving right after she disturbed Rei was the height of rudeness and she desperately wanted to speak with someone about what happened between herself and Makoto.

Rei appeared with a teapot and cups. Ami took a cup gratefully and sipped, trying to enjoy the warmth of the mixture if nothing else. Rei sat patiently and waited for Ami to begin. Ami closed her eyes and sighed, I can only prolong so much.

She began to speak, going back to Thursday afternoon before the youma attacked. She made sure to include her happy thoughts of being with Mako, the epiphany that struck her as she witnessed the brunette laying helplessly on the ground. The vow followed, the vow to protect Mako from everything including herself. She spilled the uncertainty and fear of being around the tall woman. Lastly she mentioned the catastrophe that occurred when she returned to the brunette's apartment not so long ago.

Rei listened without judgment, not once did she interrupt Ami's tale. Whenever Ami paused, Rei nodded encouragement for the woman to continue. After relating the events of the night the short haired woman sat quietly. The tea was now cold and she grimaced when she automatically took a sip.

Rei broke the silence first. "So...You're in love with Mako-chan?"

Ami nodded.

"But you can't be with her is what you're saying?"

"No. Yes-I don't know!"

Rei eyed the woman sitting across from her. Ami was incredibly smart but she was being rather dense at the moment Rei thought. "You know Ami, you're not being fair to yourself or Mako-chan right now."

Blue brows crinkled in confusion.

"Just be honest with yourself. In her own way Mako-chan is, but she also has a lot to deal with considering she's missing her past. She sees everyone being cryptic and no one is providing answers, especially the person she really wants to be close to. She likes us but you're the only one she feels safe with." Rei looked at Ami with compassion as she spoke. "You have to let go of any guilt you feel, Mako has already forgiven you."

A light of understanding seem to dawn in blue eyes. "I have to go back."

"I'll go with you if you like," Rei offered. There was a thud following her offer which Rei hoped Ami did not hear.

Ami stood up and so did the miko, she came around and gave the raven haired woman a hug. "No, thank you. It's best if I go alone."

Gesturing towards the rain,Rei asked, "Do you want to call a taxi? It's ridiculous out there."

"No, I'll take my chances, it will be faster to walk. May I borrow an umbrella?"

"Okay. Please be safe." They hugged once more before Ami left. Rei watched her friend walk away and sighed heavily. A closet door slid open and a blonde head popped out from between extra blankets.

"Pwah! I thought I was going to run out of air in there!"

Rei turned around and looked at her girlfriend. Who was still half dressed and appeared completely disarrayed. She gave a small laugh at the picture Mina presented. Mina mock scowled, her hands on her hips.

"What a great way to treat your girlfriend. First you push me in the closet and now you laugh at me!"

Rei laughed louder at the unintended pun and Mina repeated the words she said in her head. She chuckled as well, stepping up to Rei and slipping her arms around the woman.

"Are those two going to be okay?" Mina asked, concern coloring her words.

"Yes, I think so." Rei placed a light kiss on Mina's cheek before leaning into the blonde's embrace, hoping she did the right thing.

A/N: Sorry, no omake today. I'm a little too out of it to be witty...or anything like that.