Disclaimers: I've borrowed Takeuchi-sensei's characters, so please don't sue me. You wouldn't get much anyway. And if lesbian relationships offend you, kindly feel free to leave.
A/N: This is the last chapter of Flooding the Blanks. I hope you enjoyed the ride. I'm considering writing an M-rated oneshot as a kind of continuation since I'd like to keep this a T rating.
p.s. - Super fluffy content ahead!
p.p.s. - I'd like to have a beta reader for my future stories. If anyone is interested please send me a message. Thanks. :)
Chapter 12: With Moonlight and Cellos
She was completely unaware of humming until she stepped into her bedroom. Catching sight of herself in the mirror, the beatific smile nestled upon Makoto's lips turned into a wry grin. Dropping the towel currently wrapped around her body, she inspected herself in the looking glass. Excited viridian eyes stared back at her, framed by wavy mahogany locks. Her skin, flawless with a hint of bronze pulled taut over toned muscles. She wondered if Ami was as tempted to skim her fingers over her own body the way she wanted on the smaller woman. Ami's creamy skin was a temptation she longed to give into soon. Remembering the sensation of soft lips under hers, warm silky skin under her fingertips...Makoto shook her head to clear the thoughts away. She wasn't sure how far the other woman was willing to go but she could wait as long as she had to.
Throughout the day Makoto tried to figure out what she would wear on the date with Ami. Her style over the years had evolved slowly into a somewhat more androgynous look without actually being masculine. She picked out out slim black trousers that hugged her hips comfortably, a favorite green silk button down shirt that she did not have the opportunity to wear often and a black short waist blazer that fell an inch or so below her navel. She laid the clothing out on her bed eying the combination. It seemed to work but she'd have to try it just to make sure. But first, her hand dipped into her underwear drawer in search and it didn't take long for her fingers to locate what she was looking for before her eyes did. The matching bra was found quickly enough, causing a faint hue of red to dust her cheeks.
Battle armor, Mina had called it as she convinced Makoto to buy the matching lacy underthings on a recent shopping trip. The blonde had a glint in her eye Makoto had been unaware of, instead her focus had been on the sexy underwear displayed. Sputtering a denial that she didn't need something like this, Mina had argued, cajoled and finally Makoto had relented. Now as she slipped her legs into the lower half of the set, she silently thanked Mina and her persuasive ways. Apparently the woman had known more than she was letting on. Senshi of Love indeed, Makoto grinned to herself. Glancing at the clock she swore to herself and slipped into the garments laid out on her bed quickly. An appraisal indicated the outfit seemed a bit austere and she selected a belt that hung diagonally over her hips. Boots and a necklace might help, she thought as she lightly tapped an index finger on her pursed lips. A thin green ribbon replaced the usual bobble hair ties.
All done with finishing touches she gave herself one last look. Satisfied with her appearance she made her way to the living room. The doorbell rang and she looked at her watch. Right on time, just like she said. As the door swung open she first noticed the bouquet in Ami's hands and she flushed brightly as the smaller woman presented them to her. Pale pink camellias, in flower language it means longing for you. Makoto gulped as she wondered if Ami knew the meaning as well.
"Hi, Mako-chan." The tone was soft and breathy as she took in the tall woman's appearance. She rarely saw Makoto like this and her heart fluttered in her chest knowing the woman had dressed this way for their date. Mako looked stunning, the fabric of her clothing clung to her form, accentuating her curves in a subtle manner while making her look taller than ever. Ami's eyes were immediately drawn to the necklace around Makoto's neck, the jewelry was cleverly designed to draw attention to the cleavage of the woman's breasts with the way it fell. Her mouth felt dry.
As Makoto took the flowers she was able to get a clear look at Ami and her eyes widened in appreciation. The smaller woman wore an azure blue dress that fluttered just over her knees but draped itself over her hips while the tight sash around her midsection boasted the smallness of her waist. In lieu of sleeves thin straps extended over her shoulders to pleated fabric that cupped and held Ami's breasts in place. Makoto felt envious. A wrap of the same color draped over Ami's shoulders to ward off the spring chill.
"Hey Ami." Mako aimed for nonchalance, completely unaware her words were barely choked out. Her eyes were too busy taking in Ami. Ami, with a good amount of skin exposed. The woman fidgeted causing Makoto to realize she had simply been staring while she waited at the door. Idiot.
"I'm sorry! Please, come in." She held the door and Ami blinked before she stepped into the apartment.
"I hate to rush you Mako-chan, but I told the taxi to wait downstairs."
"No problem! I just want to put these in some water quickly before we go." Makoto was already moving away as she spoke, quickly finding an empty vase to place the flowers. Ami waited at the door knowing the tall woman would be back soon and she was not wrong in assuming so.
"Mission accomplished!" Mako exclaimed cheerfully as she slipped into her boots. "Oh!" As if an oversight was missed she stood and faced the other woman. Drawing close, she pulled a surprised Ami into her arms with one hand. A finger under the smaller woman's chin tipped her face upwards and Makoto bent down, bringing their lips together gently. The scent and taste of Ami's lips intoxicated her. The woman's mouth moved under her own, responsive and warm with a hint of mint. The brunette reluctantly broke the kiss and looked down into the deep blue eyes that could not comprehend a thing at that moment.
"Thank you for the flowers." Makoto whispered, fracturing the spell over Ami. A blush rapidly formed on the woman's face and Mako thought the reaction cute and so very like Ami.
Stepping back and holding the door open she gestured out. "Shall we?"
Ami nodded wordlessly, finally able to breathe as Makoto separated from her. Her knees felt like giving out after the unexpected kiss and her heart fluttered wildly in her chest. If that was all it took to make her feel this way then she didn't think she might be able to survive more. Eyes falling on Mako's lips she exhaled a silent gasp of air. Adjusting her wrap she stepped out the door, acutely aware of Mako's presence behind her. Somehow she made it to the taxi, weak knees and all.
-x-x-x-
Makoto grinned excitedly, grabbing Ami's hands in her own after she read the name of the establishment in front of them. "Ami! No way!"
The brunette's excitement was infectious and Ami's eyes twinkled. "Yes way!" She teased and Makoto's jaw dropped before she let out a peal of sweet laughter that charmed Ami. It was apparent the taller woman had not expected such a reply and it delighted her.
Taking Ami's hand in her own, they made their way to the door which Makoto opened chivalrously, her head tilted indicating Ami should go first.
"Have you been taking lessons from Haruka-san?" Ami flashed a smile at her companion. She knew Makoto was always this considerate towards her but the successful tease from a moment ago suddenly made her want more reactions the tall woman had provided.
A green eye winked at her followed by a smirk. "It's a secret." Makoto leaned over her to whisper and Ami was enveloped in a scent that was all Mako, something unidentifiable with the barest hint of spices. She found herself breathless again, want flooding into her. It must have shown in her eyes because Makoto suddenly shared the hungry look, her smirk vanishing as she moved even closer to Ami, her right hand lightly resting on the back of the woman's left elbow.
A polite cough followed a 'good evening' interrupted the moment and Ami had to try twice before her voice emerged.
"Good evening, I have a reservation for Mizuno."
"Yes, of course," the maitre d replied courteously, "this way please." They were led to a table in a rather remote corner of the restaurant. They took their seats, the low lighting around them provided by candles. The only other light came from the large window nearby, beams of moonlight slipping through, turning everything it landed on into silver.
-x-x-x-
They strolled arm-in-arm along the promenade near the restaurant, moonlight and the glittering ocean providing a perfect backdrop. Walking slowly, their footsteps were in sync despite the height differences. For Ami, the evening could not be more perfect but she knew it was far from over. She had told herself for Makoto she was going to pull out all the stops and she meant it. No more scaredy-cat Ami, not if she wanted to show Makoto how special she was. The woman beside her sighed audibly and Ami looked up, afraid that something might be wrong. Instead a dreamy smile lingered on Makoto's lips and in her green eyes, setting Ami at ease.
Makoto patted her stomach with the arm that was free, "I can't believe I ate so much!" Ami giggled beside her.
"I'd say it was the chocolate mousse that did you in, Mako-chan," Ami replied her lips playfully twitching in mirth.
Seeing the smaller woman's amusement, Mako chuckled. "You're right. I've been wanting to go there for ages." Her expression softened as the turned to face Ami. "Thank you for dinner."
"It was my pleasure." Smiling at Makoto sweetly, Ami added casually, too casually, "It was great fun watching you eat."
Makoto's face flooded with ruddy color at the comment. "When did Ami turn into such a flirt?" She asked once the heat in her cheeks abated, causing Ami to blush prettily in turn without answering. They continued in silence completely aware of each other, especially their linked arms. Makoto stopped suddenly and her head slanted, concentration on her face. Ami waited for her to speak.
"Do you hear it?" Makoto asked, and Ami was about to answer no when she heard it too.
"Music?"
They stood still, listening. Faint at first Ami could make out the deep bass of a cello. It became louder and she could hear another layer sinuously wrapping itself around the first notes of the cello. It was a piece Ami did not recognize but she found herself drawn to it. Closing her eyes she listened to the composition as it increased in richness. Her eyes drifted open when she felt a light touch on her cheek, she glanced up at Makoto who wore a smile.
"Dance with me?"
"Yes." She answered simply as Makoto place a hand on the small of her back while holding out another for her to take. She did not hesitate to place her hand the tall woman's. They moved together slowly, bodies perfectly synchronized. The heat from Makoto's hands drove a pleasant low heat in her deep in her belly. She looked up into Mako's green eyes and knew the woman felt something as well. Her breath hitched when Makoto pulled her close enough to make their thighs brush against each other.
The brunette did not know how long they danced. The only thing she knew was Ami in her arms, her small frame delicate as they moved together in the night air. There was an expression in Ami's eyes and on her face and it finally struck her. Love. Love was displayed openly in her blue eyes along with want and need. She had never seen such an expression on the woman before and she blinked as her eyes watered. Concern blossomed on Ami's face as she noticed.
"What's wrong Mako-chan?" She stopped moving and the brunette stopped with her.
She smiled happily and tears at the corners of her eyes spilled. Ami placed her hands on her shoulders, tugging until Makoto's eyes were level with hers. Blue eyes delved, searching for any sign of pain or distress in the green of Makoto's but she found none. Instead it was a gentleness that peered out at her, calming her. In a move that surprised both of them she stuck her tongue out and licked the salty trail before moving onto the other.
"I love you, Makoto."
Following the confession, Makoto pressed her lips to Ami's, tasting her own tears. She smiled against Ami's lips.
"I love you too, Ami."
"Mako-chan...Let's go back to your place." Makoto drew back in surprise, staring into Ami eyes. She was about to ask the woman whether she was sure but did not. Certainty and need showed through plainly in Ami's azure eyes and Makoto nodded once in response.
"Okay."
Ami took Mako's hands in hers and squeezed it lightly. They walked away, steps confident as the moon illuminated their path, the breeze off the ocean ruffled their hair and brushed against their backs.
A/N: Thank you so much for reading. I hope you found this story worthwhile, dear readers. I really appreciated all of your wonderful reviews along with your favoriting and alerts. Thank you!
If you're remotely interested in the music that Ami and Makoto were dancing to you should check out an artist called Zoe Keating, there are videos of her on youtube. The woman does wonders with a cello. Of course, I didn't include a specific track of hers, I just wanted to illustrate what I meant with the layering of cellos.