A Feeling Ami's eyelids felt heavy as she glanced over the top of her book for what might have been the hundredth time since her mother left the room. She couldn't help it, the woman was just so distracting, even if she was only lying there breathing. Deciding that the book wasn't really serving any purpose other than allowing her to memorize the first few lines on page two, she shut it in defeat and leaned onto the table, resting her chin on her arm. The room was silent except for the soft murmuring of voices coming from the other side of the door, behind her. She could just make out Rei's low voice, and the other she guessed to be Minako's. They were talking low enough that she wasn't able to make out what one was saying to the other. Ami had begun to think that the Martian had gotten tired of holding vigil outside the door and that maybe she had retreated to bed. 'What a dumb thought. Once Rei has her mind set on something, she sees it through to the end.' Ami berated herself. So Rei would play sentinel until Makoto woke up. Usually, Ami didn't have a problem staying awake so long. On Mercury, she spent many hours in the library and often lost track of time. As a result, she slept most of the day away at times, or she only got a few hours of sleep if she had duties to attend to the next day. She let her eyes drift across the room to where Makoto lay and watched the sheet covering the woman's chest rise and fall with her breathing. 'Funny, she doesn't look like a warrior when she's sleeping. It's alright if she doesn't wake up till morning. I think I can last that long at least.' Ami sighed tiredly. 'She needs her rest so that she can get better anyway. I should be ashamed for wanting her to wake up sooner.' The door opened and closed behind her. Ami turned, expecting to see Rei, but was surprised when she saw Minako walking into the room. "Oh, hello Mina, I thought that you would be in bed already." Minako smiled, and nodded in greeting, "I'd actually intended on going to bed after I finished helping clean up in the Hall, but after I got to my room, I felt too restless to even try sleeping. So, I decided to come here and see how Makoto is doing, and to thank her for the gift." She turned to Ami. "Ah, thank you for the mirror Ami. Seems you're finally coping with how vain I am. Being the epitome of beauty isn't easy you know. Takes lots of work." She winked and flipped her hair in an exaggerated motion. Ami giggled. "You're welcome Mina." Minako grinned and leaned on the table, "You won't believe it, but Rei broke tradition." "How is that?" Ami asked, curious as to what Rei did. "She didn't leave a present for me." Minako's grin dropped away and she shrugged, seeming not to care either way. Ami was surprised at this news. "I don't see why she would do that. Are you sure that you didn't overlook it or something? Maybe she forgot?" Realizing that her statement might not help, Ami shut her mouth, noting Minako's second shrug. She was getting fidgety, and the blonde only did that when she was annoyed with something, or someone in this case, Ami guessed. If Rei broke tradition, Ami didn't think it was intentional. It would all sort itself out in time. Minako sighed, pushing away from the table and walked over to where Makoto lay sleeping. The chair that Ami's mother had occupied earlier was still sitting close to the bed, so Minako now sat there. Ami watched her closely, wondering what the blonde was up to. "There's something that I just have to know," Minako leaned over Makoto, looking at her closely. "What's that?" Ami asked. Instead of answering, Minako reached over and pulled the sheet back, revealing Makoto's toned upper torso. "Hm, so that's how she did it. She binds her chest. Did a great job of fooling us." "Well, mother says that most warriors bind their chest. Since Makoto is a warrior, it is no wonder that she does so." "Ah, that makes sense then. Thank you for clarifying, as always, Ami," Minako smiled at her. Ami got up and moved around the table to stand next to the bed, in front of Minako, "I was only repeating what my mother said." Ami didn't like to let her friends think that she knew everything. "Same difference," Minako replied, continuing to look Makoto over. Sighing in defeat, Ami turned away from Minako and checked Makoto's temperature by placing her hand against the woman's forehead. Now that she was much closer to the Jovian, she tried not to notice exactly how well formed Makoto's body was. From a medical point of view, Ami had to admit that Makoto was an excellent example of near anatomical perfection. It was as if someone had modeled her form directly from that of the goddesses themselves. The scars scattered across her tanned skin did not mar, but served to enhance the magnificence of her oh so perfect frame. She deemed Makoto's condition to be acceptable, and nodded when she was done with her examination. Minako, done with her own examination, leaned heavily on the bed, chin in her hands. "Hm, no wonder Michiru wanted Makoto to model for her," she reached over and traced the soft outline of Makoto's abdominal muscles with her fingertips. "She's a work of art, in and of herself. A different kind of beauty, compared to me." Her eyes took on a far off look, "I wonder if Rei is anything like this?" Ami didn't really care what Rei's anatomical structure might be like. What she did care about, though, was the fact that Minako was still letting her hand trail lazily across Makoto's abdomen. If she continued, she might wake Makoto up, and Ami wanted her patient to get the sleep that she needed now. She was about to suggest that Minako go get some rest of her own, when it registered in her mind that Makoto's breathing was not the slow and steady rhythm that it was moments before. Looking over at Makoto's face, she saw the woman's eyes open slightly. "Um, Minako," Ami said silently. "Yeah?" Minako looked up at her, her eyes still distant. "I think she's–," Ami didn't get the chance to finish her sentence, for Minako let out a small yelp as she was pulled forward violently by Makoto, who was now very awake. Makoto held her wrist in a tight grip, her face very close to Minako's. Her other hand was under the pillow that she'd been laying on. She seemed to be trying to find something there. Unable to find it, she pushed Minako away from her, sending the blonde back into the chair she'd been pulled out of. Lifting the pillow, Makoto looked under it quickly, and then stopped just as quickly. She looked at the pillow in her hand, then at herself, and finally she looked at her surroundings. Ami could almost see the realization hit the Jovian. Her eyes fell upon Ami, and she put the pillow down, sitting up in the bed in a more relaxed position. Minako sat in the chair she'd landed back in, rubbing her wrist, hesitant to move anywhere. Makoto was looking between the two of them. Ami guessed that she was replaying the nights events in her mind. Trying to remember what happened. She gave the brunette a few moments to gather her wits. Makoto finally spoke, looking over at Minako, "I apologize if I hurt you. It was a reflex, and I didn't mean anything by it. My brain was still addled from sleep." Minako smiled at Makoto, looking more comfortable now. "No worries. I'd have probably done, well, something about the same as that I guess." she tried to console her. "You've been through quite a lot tonight anyway." Makoto nodded. "So, where am I now?" she asked in a rough voice. "You're still in the Palace. We needed to get you somewhere where we could tend to you fast, and this turned out to be it. It's small, but has served its purpose rather well so far." Makoto was bending her legs, testing their maneuverability. Satisfied, she shifted until her legs were over the side of the bed, her feet touching the floor. She still seemed somewhat confused. Ami watched the woman bend her arms and flex her fingers, holding them level with her face. She then addressed Minako again. "How long have I been out?" "I'd say, around four hours or so. You slept most of it, after you were given the antidote." "Antidote?" Makoto questioned while rubbing the back of her neck and rolling her head to the right. "You were poisoned," Ami answered, deciding she should explain, "The Chimera that you fought was a rare species. You're very lucky that the poison acted slowly, otherwise, I doubt that you would be sitting here now. It is one of the few that can kill an immortal." Makoto looked up at Ami, meeting her eyes for the first time. She felt a slight jolt in her stomach, and her chest tingled when she breathed in. "I don't feel so immortal lately," Makoto stated plainly. They did not break eye contact, and Makoto seemed to be studying her. Ami was looking into the deepest green eyes that she had ever seen, nor would she ever see anything like them in another being. Those intense and powerful orbs were the last of their kind. The royal blood flowing through Makoto's veins would end with her. She was the last of the pure blooded Jovian royalty to sit upon the throne of Jupiter, and as Ami met that overpowering gaze, it was as if she could see the will of a hundred warriors and the weight of a hundred more burdens. Makoto was older than she was in many ways. What a shame that there would be no more of her kind in this world. Ami felt the loss when Makoto looked away from her. It wasn't like Ami to want someone's attention, but she felt a little jealous when Makoto asked Minako the next question, though her voice was clearer now. "So then, where's the healer?" She stood up from the bed. "If it's almost morning, then I'll need to be getting up so that I can go help unload the ship. I'll be needing a change of clothes too." Ami immediately stepped forward and, placing her hands on Makoto's shoulder's, which wasn't easy, considering Makoto's height compared to hers, she pushed the tall woman back down onto the bed. "I'm sorry, but that is out of the question at this time. You need your rest because you are still recovering, and I'm sure that they can take care of everything without your help. If you still feel uneasy about it, then I'm sure that we can find some extra hands to assist with the task." Ami now sat on the edge of the bed, her hands folded in her lap. Minako leaned on the bed, still seated in her chair. "There are plenty of people around here with nothing to do. You shouldn't be worrying about that kind of stuff anyway, in your condition," Minako added. "I wouldn't make my people do anything that I, myself, wouldn't do. I'd like an order extended for them to hold off on the heavier labor until I'm fully recovered." "Is that wise? We're more than willing to give you aid, and I'm sure that your people will understand that you cannot help them in your condition." "We do not need aid. Hopefully, I'll be fine by tomorrow anyway. Now, where is the healer, so that I can find out?" She was growing impatient. Minako giggled and pointed at Ami. "Right in front of you." "You?" Makoto asked, the surprise evident in her voice. Ami felt a tad offended at Makoto's reaction. 'Is it so strange that I could be a healer?' "I am really just training right now. My mother is the one who figured out what was wrong with you, and she also stitched up your arm. I just made the antidote." "Oh, come on Ami. You've been sitting here for a few hours watching over her too. That counts for a whole lot." Minako leaned back in her chair. "So, what's your assessment of the patient?" Ami looked at Makoto, who was staring back at her, traces of surprise still present on her face. "Are you aching anywhere?" "No." Makoto's reply was immediate. "Is that the tuth?" "N-Yes." Makoto's jaw tightened. Ami knew that Makoto was lying. It was evident in the way she was acting. Her muscles were bound to still be acing all over. She was also going to be nauseous from the antidote. Plus, a warrior like Makoto would not have so easily submitted to being pushed back onto the bed earlier. "I'm going to suggest that you get bed rest all of tomorrow. You need to give your body a chance to get everything out of your system. Basically, you're still fighting the poison right now., but it's dwindled from a war to a skirmish. A fight is a fight, however, and so it's bed rest for you," she said with finality. Makoto did not look pleased at all. Resigning herself to the prospect of a day in bed, she sighed, "Well, it won't be the first time I've been poisoned. I should be used to this by now, but, you know, I'm really not." Minako perked up a bit, "You've been poisoned before? Exactly how many poisonous monsters have you battled?" Makoto gave a short laugh, "It's not the monsters that I've got to worry about. It's the humans. They can be more lethal than monsters in many ways. You know what to expect from a monster or beast most of the time. Humans are the tricky ones. It would benefit a lot of people to see the last heir of Jupiter dead. The opportunities that my death presents are just too good. So a portion of the lesser royalty want me killed off. Power-hungry bastards with a taste for immortality." "I hadn't thought of that," Minako said honestly. "You really are the last one, aren't you. It must be frustrating." "It's the only way of life that I've known for quite a while now, so I've grown used to it." Makoto acted like none of it bothered her, but Ami couldn't help but think that it was a much bigger problem than she'd like them to know. From what Ami's mother had told her, Makoto was prone to being stubborn, so this was just another form of deflecting other people's concern for her. Ami decided to drop the subject for the time being and went on to redirect the conversation. "Um, about the Chimera that attacked you on the way here. How did it get aboard the ship?" Ami asked, genuinely interested. Makoto looked over at her, and Ami could swear that she saw a little relief in the woman's features. "It was in a crate aboard the ship. Someone back on Ganymede slipped it in somehow. It had to have been a group. This has left me wondering about several things. I trust most of my people, but I do not know any of the new recruits yet, so my suspicion falls on them. I'm not fool enough to believe that all of them came with me. I hope that everything is fine back home." Her eyes reflected worry, "Someone who knows me. One of them had to be. They knew that I'd assume that Chimera to be a species that I'd fought before on Io. Of course I would be the one to kill it as well, for I'm confident in my skills. So I fell right into their trap. They are smart, whoever they are." She had a half smile on her face, almost like she was admiring her enemy's thinking. Ami asked another question, feeling a little out of place next to the warrior, "Do you have an idea of who it might be?" Makoto shook her head slowly. "Well, they weren't as smart as they thought they were." She stated firmly, drawing Makoto's full attention. She was giving Ami a questioning look. Ami gave a small smile, "If they're so smart, then they would have known how long it would be before the poison took effect. If they knew that, then, taking into account how long the voyage would be, it is a simple matter of timing things right. If you had been delayed longer back on Ganymede, then you would not have arrived on time, thus, the hours that you were at the ball would be spent on the ship, away from any healer that might have helped you. Some of the greatest healer's in the universe are right here on the Moon." She shook her head. "I can think of so many ways that would have almost guaranteed your death." Minako and Makoto were now giving her strange looks. "I don't think that helped, Ami," Minako said with a smile. Makoto nodded, "You said that she's a healer? Are you sure that you know her as well as you think you do?" Makoto asked Minako, her eyes never leaving Ami. Minako squinted at Ami, "Well, I thought I did, but you never know about these quiet ones. It's been a while since I've seen her too. About a year hasn't it Ami?" Ami was now blushing, her hands clenched in her lap, "Yes, Mina, it has been a year. Sad that it could not have been longer." Minako giggled. Makoto suddenly became very interested in Ami's face. She leaned closer to Ami, "Uh, are you okay?" Makoto rested a hand on Ami's forehead, concern marking her features. "You look a little red." "Ah, yes," Ami tried not to stutter, "Yes, I'm fine, just a bit tired is all." Quickly getting control of herself, she rose from the bed, and went to lean against the table, putting some distance between herself and the Jovian. Makoto lowered her hand, frowning. "You know, if you're not feeling well, then you should take your own advice and get some rest. I don't think you'd like to end up in this bed with me for the next day," she said seriously. Ami's blush deepened upon hearing Makoto's words. Next to the bed, Minako was laughing. Ami couldn't tell whether she was laughing at what Makoto said, or her own reaction. "No," she managed between giggles, "I think that Ami would be the last person to get into that bed with you." Ami glared at Minako. 'What is that supposed to mean?' She glanced at Makoto, who seemed to really be concerned, and then back at Minako, who was still laughing. 'Her statements are starting to grate on my nerves.' "Shut up Mina." Ami fumed. "You know I'm only teasing you, Ami. You can be almost as serious as Rei sometimes, and that is pretty serious. Lighten up a little." "This is no time for jokes. Three people are dead, a number of others injured, and someone has attempted to kill the princess of Jupiter. On top of that, we still don't know why Beryl showed up here tonight." Ami tucked an arrant lock of hair behind her ear in a frustrated motion. "Quit worrying over something that you can do nothing about," Makoto said in a nonchalant voice. "Everything's fine now. If Beryl comes crashing through that door in a few moments, then we'll wipe the floor up with her, otherwise, there's nothing to worry about." "Yeah, Ami, we killed the monster before it could hurt anyone else. All the injured are recovering, including Makoto. As for Beryl, she was probably just trying to spook us or something. Sure managed to ruin Usagi's birthday." Minako said the last sentence through gritted teeth. Makoto was nodding her head, "We'd be celebrating on Ganymede right now. Any victory, no matter how small, is celebrated." Minako grinned and leaned forward. "Sounds like my kind of people. Hey, I could run down to the kitchens really quick, grab us some wine and whatever else I can find." She sounded conspiratorial. Makoto brightened visibly at the prospect of wine. "Hell yes." She said with a nod, looking at Minako. "Hell no," Ami's voice intoned, breaking through their sudden excitement. She felt as though she were dealing with children now. "Huh?" "No?" "You," she said, pointing at Makoto, "Will be resting. You will be sent food in the morning, but there will be no wine until you are completely recovered." Makoto bit her lip and looked away. "And you," she merely looked at Minako a moment, before frowning and pushing away from the table to stand facing her, "can go do whatever it is that you do, so long as it is away from this room." Minako smirked and crossed her arms. "Alright Healer Ami. I'll humor you, just this once, and go do what it is that I do. Which just so happens to be getting some sleep myself." She got up from the chair and moved to stand beside Makoto. "First, though, I'd like to thank you for the gift. They're simply beautiful!" Ami had yet to find out what Makoto had given her. She knew her own gift wasn't much to get excited over. Not knowing Makoto, she had racked her brain, trying to come up with logical things that might make good gifts. Finally, coming across the medical book one day, she decided that it would have to do. It was one of the only medical books of its kind, written by a Mercurian and translated into Jovian. A very rare find, but would a Jovian appreciate it for what it was? Ami heard the door open behind her, and turned to see Rei enter, holding a bundle under one arm. Minako didn't notice, as she was till taking to Makoto. Rei's steps were soft on the carpeted floor. She came to a stop beside Ami, observing Minako and Makoto with her calm features. They were coming to the end of their conversation. "You should get some sleep now. Time goes by faster that way. The day will pass by quickly, and you'll be back on your feet in no time at all." Makoto was still gloomy. "You might be right. It's only one day after all. That's not very long when I think about it." She gave Minako a strange smile. Ami couldn't interpret the expression, but she couldn't help but think that she'd seen it somewhere before. "Sleep well then, Mako." Minako said in a chipper voice. "Mako?" Rei muttered silently beside Ami. "I'll see you again when you're fully recovered." She paused before going, "Again, I'd like to thank you for the gift." She leaned down and placed a small kiss on Makoto's cheek, then turned to leave. Makoto looked after her, puzzled. Ami let out a frustrated breath and looked over at Rei. The Martian's posture was very stiff, and she gripped the bundle that she was carrying tightly. Her face was passive, but her jaw seemed to be clenched tightly shut. Rei was being unusually irritated around Minako lately, like she was now. Ami couldn't understand why Minako's action had such an effect on Rei, she was only teasing them all a little. Minako stopped in place when she saw Rei's rigid form next to Ami. "So, what was lurking in the shadows Rei?" Her voice was mocking. Ami gave Rei a questioning look, and Makoto looked around Mianko at Rei. "What does she mean, lurking in the shadows?" Rei handed the bundle that she carried to Ami, ignoring Makoto. "No one was lurking anywhere Mina," she said in an even voice. "A Jovian was inquiring as to their princess's condition. They sent a change of clothes." Ami unrolled the bundle to reveal a set of deep emerald green, silken night clothes. She thought that they were beautiful. Makoto, however, just shrugged, lying back down. "I'm to inform the Princess of Jupiter that, due to the fact that she is currently staying in the Palace of the Moon, she should wear these to bed." Rei paused, then continued, "Also, if she chooses to forgo either half of the garment, then she is not to go wandering about the palace." Minako giggled, and Ami couldn't help the half smile that crept onto her face. Rei continued to look ornery. "Of course, if my guess is right, she won't be wandering anywhere if Ami told her not to, correct?" She looked at Ami, who nodded. "She does have a name you know," Minako said, once her giggles had subsided, "and she's sitting right there. Why can't you just say it straight to her?" "Excuse me if I am not as familiar with her as you seem to be," Rei half grumbled, then turned to leave. "What's that statement supposed to mean?" Minako asked, her voice tinged with annoyance. "Goodnight Ami, You should get to bed soon." "Hey!" Minako said forcefully. "Goodnight Mina," Rei said, sighing and opening the door. "See you in the morning." She left, leaving the door slightly ajar. Minako stood there for a few moments, staring at the door. Then, looking around at the other two, she said her goodnights and left, closing the door behind her with a slight snap. Ami didn't know whether to feel embarrassed or not by their very un princess-like behavior, so she was a little surprised when she turned to see Makoto wearing a small grin. "Are your friends always this amusing?" she asked. Ami returned the smile. "It's a daily occurrence. That's just the way they are. Never in public though. At least, in Rei's case, she would never misconduct herself then." "Yes, well, we all have to put on a show sometimes. Deception isn't a skill so easily perfected. This I know well." Ami's smiled faltered as Makoto's tone changed to something darker. She watched as Makoto pushed back the covers, rising from the bed. Ami couldn't make herself tell the Jovian that she shouldn't get up, that she should stay in bed. Somehow, she believed that, even if she could find her voice to tell her, Makoto wouldn't listen. She walked confidently towards Ami, no sign that she was injured visible. When she finally stopped in front of Ami, her form towered over the smaller woman. Ami backed into the table behind her, mentally cursing it's existence as the Jovian came closer. Putting an arm on either side of Ami, Makoto leaned onto the table, looking into Ami's dark blue eyes. In the first instant that their eyes met, Ami actually felt her own existence, like she'd never felt it before. It was as if Makoto's eyes defined her, read her, made her become more aware of herself. She could feel the heat of Makoto's skin close to her own, and her body reacted to that closeness in a way that was totally unexpected to Ami. Her skin tingled where Makoto's arms barely brushed her sides. It suddenly became hard to breathe, and she wondered why her throat felt so tight. Looking into Makoto's eyes, she pondered what the woman might be thinking. Her motive seemed to be intimidation, but internally, Ami was reacting in a completely different way than she, herself, had expected. It was almost as if she wanted Makoto to dominate her. "Were you spying on me tonight?" Makoto's low voice broke through Ami's thoughts. Her tone was flat, not accusing. It was a simple statement that was probably attached to many other questions and doubts in the Jovian's mind. Ami did not understand why Makoto would assume such an idea, but she answered her truthfully, keeping her voice as strong and even as her gaze. "We were told that if we could figure out your identity at the ball, then we were to keep you company, and make you feel welcome. The Queen's request did not imply spying in any way, and we did not realize your identity until the battle with the Harpy." Makoto drew her brows together in response to Ami's answer. Ami did not know if it was in confusion or disappointment. Makoto seemed to be searching for something in Ami, who held her gaze steadily, without backing away. Her eyes left Ami's, as she looked over the rest of her face. Ami willed herself not to blush at being studied so closely. The feelings running through her body were as foreign to her as the woman that aroused them, and Makoto seemed unaware of Ami's inner conflict. It occurred to Ami that Makoto might not find anything strange about such closeness, such an invasion of personal space. When one can feel the heat of another's body, their breath, the lightest brush of skin upon skin, then it is too close. 'Much too close,' Ami's mind repeated the phrase several times. When Makoto gave no sign that she intended to move, Ami forced herself to speak, as if only just now remembering that she had a voice, "If my answer does not satisfy you, then you may wish to speak with the Queen yourself, otherwise," she laid a hand on Makoto's stomach, pushing her gently away, the contact made Ami falter momentarily, when she remembered that Makoto only wore bandages and she felt the defined muscles tense below her fingertips, but she quickly found her voice again, "you need to get changed and return to bed." She looked down and away from Makoto, hoping to hide the blush that colored her skin. Makoto backed away, almost hesitantly. Her hand briefly sliding across the spot on her stomach that Ami had touched. At this, Ami unconsciously clasped her hands behind her back and looked at anything but the older woman. True, Makoto did not physically touch her, but she was shaken none the less. 'Was it this warm in here before?' She finally looked up at Makoto. The Jovian was watching her. "I'm satisfied enough," Makoto said, "I don't plan on talking to your Queen." Ami noted the way she phrased "your Queen", but said nothing. Queen Serenity ruled the entire Kingdom, regardless of whether this Jovian recognized her or not. "I'm not saying that I'll trust you or anything, though, I just won't question your honesty until I have reason to." Makoto was being blunt with Ami, not letting her guard down. She understood the reason for her defensive nature, so her annoyance with the brunette was only minor. If Ami was to be on good terms with this woman, then she would have to respect her character. Makoto was a strong woman, and so, Ami needed to be strong as well in order to earn her trust. If she couldn't, well, nothing gained nor lost really. Makoto simply intrigued her, for she'd never known a Jovian, and her mother's words played over in her mind. She needed to create her own definition of Makoto, and she had a month to do it. Ami picked up the green night clothes from where they lay on the table and extended them toward Makoto, who took them with a sigh. "Well then, let's just concentrate on getting you better for now." She smiled at the suspicious look Makoto was giving her. 'It isn't as if I have anything to lose anyway.' Makoto took the silk garments from the smaller woman. Smaller, yes, but that implied nothing of her will. The Mercurian, who appeared so soft and fragile, seemed stronger than most men that Makoto had met in her lifetime. Usually, most people became fearful and intimidated when they locked gazes with her. She could be frightening when she needed to, and to be honest, she was slightly discouraged when the woman didn't seem the least bit scared. In fact, she looked as if she was mad even, or that Makoto was a simple annoyance. She'd even pushed her back. Makoto didn't doubt her answer, for she'd seen the truth in her eyes. Eyes that held her locked in place until she'd managed to look away, only to closely study the soft porcelain curves of her face. Locks of that strangely beautiful hair falling in disarray about her shoulders. Just when Makoto had a mind to reach out and touch it, the Mercurian spoke, and actually pushed her away. That would have to be the second time this night that she had been pushed. Maybe the fourth in her life, and by such a small woman. 'Her hand was warm...,' she was, surprisingly, not angry about being pushed around. 'Why did I want to touch her...,' gripping the garments in one hand, she looked over at Ami, 'why do I still want to touch her?' She watched Ami move a book and a few small bowls and vials into a little bunch near one corner of the table. She picked them up carefully, in a sort of proper, neat manner. Her form leaned easily against the table, blue hair falling to one side of her face, she reached up to hold most of it back with her other hand. She looked so delicate. Makoto looked down at the silk garments held limply in her hands. "Too delicate for me..." Ami looked up at her words. A cute smile forming on her face. 'Cute? Well, yes, I guess you could call it that.' "Does that bother you?" She asked. 'If she was angry, she doesn't seem to be anymore.' She felt relieved for some reason. "Bother isn't the right word, I think. Some things are best admired from afar, and well..." She was struggling to find the words, "I'm not the gentlest person around." She tried a smile, something she didn't do often. Ami looked to be caught between confusion and amusement. "That's no reason to refuse yourself something that was made for you?" "Huh?" Makoto stared at Ami for a moment, swallowing hard, and trying to think of something to say. Ami gestured toward the night clothes. "They're still yours, why not wear them? From what I have seen, green suits you well." Realization hit her hard, '"OH!" Makoto said it somewhat louder than she'd intended, making Ami jump. 'She's much better at this smiling thing. What am I thinking?' "The tailors made these. I didn't tell them to make em like this. As long as it's comfortable, I could care less what it looks like." Makoto turned, heading for the bed quickly. She was finding it harder and harder to speak properly in the common tongue. Not being used to it, she kept slipping into her native language, but Ami didn't ask her to repeat herself and didn't seem confused at all. "You must have some very good servants working for you then. They know well what suits you." "Ah, I'm not the one who hired them. Boarder takes care of all that." She set her nightclothes on the bed and began removing the cloth binding from around her chest. "I don't have time to worry about things like that." Behind her, Ami did something Makoto never expected, she began speaking in Jovian, "Don't let Minako hear you say that. She considers herself something of an expert in the area of fashion, and will try to outfit you with a new wardrobe before you know it." Makoto spun around shocked, half the cloth binding in her hand. "You...you?" Had she heard her right? Ami looked at the floor and coughed lightly. "I know a bit of the Jovian language. Did I butcher it horribly with my Mercurian accent?" "Not at all." Makoto was in awe. "I just didn't think anyone would care to know it. It's not used much anymore. Most people have switched to using common exclusively." "Yes, well, I have to admit that Jovian is not the only language that I've dabbled in." As Makoto finally pulled her binding free and let it drop to the floor, Ami turned completely away from her. "I'm rather fluent in Martian and about three other languages." Her voice wavered. Makoto continued undressing, removing her pants next. "That's really something. And here, the only thing that I can read is Jovian. I only recently started learning common. I can't even imagine knowing that many languages." She was becoming a bit annoyed, talking to Ami's back. "Is there a reason you're not facing me? I find it irritating talking to your backside." Her voice reflected her irritation as well. A tired sigh from Ami, then, "I am trying to give you some privacy. I was being polite." Makoto's shrug went unseen, "But I don't care." "Well, I do care." Her shoulder's were ridged. Makoto snorted her annoyance, "It's not unnatural to be nude you know. I wasn't born with clothes on. If I had, now that would have been unnatural. This, however, is completely normal." Ami still kept her back towards her, so Makoto tried walking around her. Ami just looked elsewhere and turned away. Makoto laughed, "You Mercurians are strange." Ami visibly stiffened. "We are not strange," she said defensively, "Our cultures are just different." "Obviously," Makoto said, amused. When Ami gave no sign of relenting, Makoto threw up her hands in defeat. She didn't understand it, but what Ami said about cultures must be true. Michiru certainly hadn't acted this way...Makoto put a hand to her head when a sudden sensation shot through it. It wasn't anything painful. Just a powerful, foreign feeling. Like she'd suddenly remembered something and just as suddenly it was gone, fading away all at once. This had happened before, only not so often as it had been lately. It was like someone else's memory was in her head, but she couldn't look at it. The key to it always seemed to have something to do with Michiru. 'I need to talk to that woman about this. She's the one who triggers the damn things.' She retrieved her silk shirt from the bed, but threw the pants onto the nearby chair. She felt uneasy and frustrated now. Wanting a change of topic fast, she said the first thing that came to mind. "Why is your hair blue?" She pulled the shirt on and began buttoning it. The emerald silk was pleasantly cool against her warm skin. Ami's shoulders relaxed, but barely. "Why is yours brown?" She asked, with some sarcasm to her voice. They were both silent for a moment, and Makoto allowed herself a half smile as she finished buttoning up her shirt. Ami corrected herself quickly. "Um, I apologize. That was terribly rude of me." "No it wasn't." Makoto commended her. "I deserve it. Tact isn't my forte." It was bothering her, not to be able to see Ami's expressions. Makoto liked the various reactions she could get out of the woman. They were amusing and new to her. "I'm done dressing now, you can turn around." The shirt she wore came down mid thigh, so she figured it would be okay. Ami faced her, realized that Makoto wasn't wearing the bottom half of her night clothes and looked at the ground. "It is good to see that you will not be wandering around the Palace tonight, I guess." "Nope, I won't be, so don't worry. In the morning you will not hear anything of a half naked Jovian meandering about the Palace." Ami arched one eyebrow, looking up again, "I'm sure that it would not be any more strange than hearing about a Venusian running through the Palace with a half naked Martian, shouting curses at the top of her lungs, in pursuit." Ami laughed lightly recalling the memory. Makoto could only half smile at the memory that she did not share, ignoring the familiar feeling that stirred withing her. A gloominess that was always on the boarder of her being. "Of course, that was a long time ago, when we were but children." Her attention was back on the floor. Makoto tilted her head. 'Children, eh?' She couldn't even remember a time when she'd ever considered herself a child. Had she ever known such care-free days? She studied Ami's lowered face, taking note of how soft and delicate her features were. Her skin was smooth and white. A large contrast to her own tanned skin, of which bore various scars that she had acquired from her rough life throughout the years. 'As different outside as we are within most likely.' She wondered why she felt so intrigued by this Mercurian. Ami should have been no different from any other person here on the moon, but she was different, completely so from Makoto herself. Earlier in the evening, even wearing the mask, Ami had caught Makoto's attention. 'It was that hair. The other Mercurians didn't have hair like that. Maybe it's because she's royalty.' Makoto thought, eyes still on AmiDiscovering Ami's identity had been a shock. Ami was not quite the woman Makoto had imagined to be the princess of Mercury. She'd thought her to be weak, but now she was starting to have doubts. Also, her image of Ami hadn't been so...well, innocent. Was this disappointment that she was feeling now? Was she so unsatisfied because this Ami didn't turn out to be a selfish, conniving woman? 'I expected to be greeted with more hostility, or something, anything but this.' Makoto wasn't sure if this was a good thing or not yet. It occurred to her that she was now in Ami's debt. She owed her now. Makoto didn't much like owing anyone anything. Even so, this was a fact, and she'd need to return the favor. Suddenly she remembered what Michiru said that night, and realized that the artist owed her too. Double that now, if the kiss counted as anything. Why would she do that? And why was Makoto so agitated that she'd mentioned it in front of the other princesses? This should be nothing to worry over. Makoto had no excuse for her own cowardliness in the face of such a small action. What could a kiss change? Such a stupid, simple little thing...but she couldn't help but feel that she had actually experienced that same moment once before. 'Well, that's dumb. I think I'd remember something like that.' Thinking back to the time on the balcony, she could feel her face heat up. 'Why am I even bothering with this? It's better to forget!' A light cough brought her attention back to Ami. "I think that I had better be off to bed now, and you as well." She squinted at Makoto in the dim light, "You look somewhat pale, it is best that you get into bed right away. The more rest you get, the better you will feel." "Hm." Makoto nodded, wondering if she could sleep, with all these thoughts floating around in her mind. She looked around for her boots, and, spotting them near the end of the bed, went over to pick them up. Searching them thoroughly, she was confused when she couldn't find what she'd been looking for. "Are you looking for this by any chance?" Ami extended her hand toward Makoto, in it rested her dagger. Makoto nodded, taking the blade from the small hands that seemed to have never held its like. The rest of your clothes were taken to be cleaned. You will get them back some time tomorrow. "Doesn't matter. I won't be wearing those again any time soon." Makoto fell into the bed, tucking dagger underneath the pillow there. Ami watched her with a passive expression that Makoto couldn't read. Lying back, she felt relaxed, and ignored the slight tinge of pain in her arm. She wasn't used to taking orders, and if her arm felt better tomorrow, she'd be up when she was ready. Ami was just doing her job, and that was good and all, but Makoto had things to do, and something little like this couldn't get in the way." Her eye lids felt heavy as she watched Ami gather the small pile she'd created from the table. She blew out most of the candles in the room, except for one. Ami turned when she got to the door and, holding it open, she regarded Makoto for a long moment. "Goodnight Makoto, I do hope you feel better tomorrow." Makoto turned over in the bed, facing the wall. "Goodnight Lady Mercury." Ami hesitated in the doorway for a moment, then, with a small smile and nod of her head, she left the room, closing the door quietly behind her. She was kind of disappointed that Makoto hadn't used her name, but her title instead. 'Oh well, all in good time I suppose. Besides, it matters not what she calls me, as long as she gets better.' Ami rolled her head from side to side, and continued down the corridor to the stairs that would take her to the floor that her room was on. Her stiff muscles ached for a warm bath, and she couldn't wait to crawl into bed. 'I will definitely be sleeping in today.'
Back to Makeweight Guardian Index - Back to Sailor Moon Shoujo-Ai Fanfiction