The apartment felt even less like home with the increasing presence of brown cardboard shipping boxes. The kitchen, the living room... everything was in progress for the upcoming move. Ami stared at the pile of flattened boxes in the corner of her bedroom, uncertain of her tempestuous feelings. She hadn't started packing yet. She hadn't even told her friends yet. She didn't really want to think about it at all.

She could feel that lump in her throat, uncertainty growing.

"Mama got her research grant approved, Ami-chan!" her mother said, beaming. They were eating a rare home-cooked meal--she now understood it had been prepared to celebrate this occasion.

"We'll be moving, of course. I know you'll miss your friends here, but you can keep in touch. And I'm sure you'll make new friends in Germany."

It felt uncomfortable and almost ironic to be dealing with another potential move out of the country, again to Germany. This time, it wasn't Ami's choice. This time, she didn't have the option to turn it down and stay with her dear friends. She thought of all she had been through with the others--fighting the Dark Kingdom all the way through to their horrible battle against Sailor Galaxia. But now things were peaceful. Ami was looking forward to enjoying this time with her beloved friends.

She didn't know who she could talk to. Usagi... she wanted to protect Usagi. The thought of the blonde crying, as she obviously would cry, already made her stomach twist in knots. Rei... she didn't know how to explain this to the headstrong priestess. Minako would be sympathetic, and she would definitely try to cheer Ami up... but in a way it reminded her too much of Usagi. Maybe... maybe she could talk to Makoto? The taller girl had compassion and reason. In this scenario, she didn't seem as intimidating as any of the others.

She hesitantly picked up the phone and dialed Makoto's number.

"Hello? Makoto-chan? I know it's late, but... could we meet at the Crown Fruits Parlor? I... I, um, need someone to talk to."

 

Makoto looked up at the sky, with her hand covering her brow, bags of groceries in hand. "Such pretty stars." She said with a smile. Grabbing her key, she unlocked the door to her apartment. "I'm home..." 

Makoto sighed. She wasn't expecting a reply from anyone. Empty as always... She thought to herself, while she put away her groceries. She grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge and sat down on her couch. 

Makoto no sooner opened the bottle before her phone rang. "Ami-chan?" Makoto was worried by her friends statement. It was unlike Ami to call to meet anywhere unless there were exams. "Of course, I'll be right there Ami."

Grabbing her keys, she ran out the door. "I hope every thing is okay." She huffed as she ran. Finally coming to her destination, she saw the blue haired girl waiting for her outside the doors to the arcade. "Ami-Chan!" She waved running up to her friend.

She hadn't expected Makoto to get here so quickly. Ami, punctual as always, had only been waiting for a few minutes. She felt guilty thinking that she had put her friend in such a rush, but there was also a warm feeling inside her when she saw the other girl running up, out of breath. It was nice to know that others cared about her. She could still remember a time when she was friendless and alone. Maybe that was part of what scared her about the proposed move--the thought of being that kind of lonely all over again.

"Thanks for meeting me, Makoto-chan," she replied with a smile.

They went inside and quickly spotted a small table near the windows. Unazuki greeted them enthusiastically, always glad to see any of the group as customers. It felt comforting to be in such a familiar place and treated such a familiar way. Ami took a deep breath and sighed, trying to steady her nerves, unsure of even where to begin. But she had to say something--Makoto had rushed over here just for her. It would be so rude to ignore the brunette's kind efforts.

She nervously stirred the straw of a melon soda--ordered out of habit, but something she didn't currently have the stomach to drink.

"So... um..."

It wasn't a good start. She stared down at the pale green beverage, unable to make eye contact. In her lap, she clenched her hands into fists.

"I don't know how to tell everyone. I'm moving soon."

Makoto ran up to Ami, placing her hands on her knees, huffing trying to catch her breath. 

"N...No problem...Ami...chan...heh." Makoto never ran that fast unless she was fighting an enemy, but for Ami, she would always be there. 

Makoto plopped down on the chair, thanking Undazuki for the iced rose tea. She sipped it drinking nearly half. Before Ami uttered her statement. 

Makoto's eyes widened. With her mouth agape, she looked at her friend. "No...no." Makoto slammed her fists down on the table. She blushed at her actions. "S...sorry..." She looked down, sad. "I guess your Mom's relocating for work... right?" She pushed her tea aside.

"Ami-chan..." Makoto moved her chair closer to Ami. "Isn't there any way you can stay? None of us want you to leave. Makoto fought back the tears. She had to be strong for Ami, after all the times Ami had been strong for her. "Ami-chan! If you don't want to go, come stay with me!" 

Makoto herself was shocked by what she just said, but she meant it. She waited, gulping, her heart racing.

Ami jumped slightly at Makoto's initial outburst, looking up in confusion. Her eyes were full of tears that she struggled to hold back. Somehow she hadn't expected her friend to react so passionately. She worried that Makoto was going to be upset with her for daring to leave, until the other girl spoke. And then she understood that her friends didn't doubt her--they would know that she could not leave them willingly. Ami hated the thought that her closest friends might accuse her of abandoning them. She would stay in Tokyo if she could!

And then suddenly exactly that very thing was offered to her.

She blinked back the tears and tried to steady her voice, her mind whirling with confusion.

"You... you can't mean that, Makoto-chan," she whispered, awestruck.

Sure, they were friends, but living with people could be so difficult. Makoto was probably used to living alone; Ami would just interfere with her friend's way of life. Makoto's apartment was well-suited for a single occupant--two in the same place could be too much. What if their friendship suffered if they tried to live together? Maybe her late-night studying habits would annoy a roommate. Or what if she wasn't social enough to be good company?

But...

This time she couldn't keep the tears contained.

"I do want to stay," she sobbed quietly, covering her face and hoping she wasn't making a scene in the restaurant. "I can't bear the thought of leaving. I'll miss everyone so much."

Makoto was shocked by Ami's tears. She had never seen her cry much. She felt a pain in her heart seeing her cry. Makoto hugged her friend tightly. 

"Of course you can stay with me! Of course I mean it!" She had to hold back her tears again. "We almost lost you once, I won't let that happen again." 

Makoto couldn't hold it back anymore - she let out a silent flow of tears. Ami had always been there, through the studying, the hard times, the good times, the battles, the wins, the losses. She wasn't going to let Ami go. She couldn't. 

Makoto pulled back and wiped away her tears. "So... will you stay?" Her heart was racing. She knew Ami thought she'd be a bother, but she couldn't be more wrong. "I'd love to have you there." 

Makoto smiled, looking her blue eyed friend in the eye.

Ami looked up with a mixture of disbelief and gratitude on her tear-streaked face. She returned the hug that Makoto had embraced her in, burying her face in the other girl's shoulder. This seemed like some kind of a dream--she was so sure she would have to leave everyone behind, but suddenly she didn't. If it wasn't real, right now she didn't want to know. At least she could have this moment of when it all seemed like it was going to be okay.

"Thank you, Makoto-chan. Thank you so much."

---

Ami exhaled deeply and brushed some of her damp bangs away from her eyes. It had been a lot of work lifting all of these boxes into Makoto's apartment, and she hadn't wanted to seem like she wasn't doing her share of the toiling. What kind of example would that set for what her future roommate could expect from her, after all? Ami prepared herself to be on her very best behaviour. After all, it would be much harder to follow Mama to Germany now that she had asserted her wish to stay here.

When Dr. Mizuno turned on the apartment's light to hang up her keys, she stepped back in shock for just a moment before she realized it was her daughter standing in the hallway.

"Ami? Darling, why are you still up? Don't you have cram school tomorrow?"

"Mama, we need to talk."

Her mother looked alarmed. The blue eyes that widened resembled Ami's own, along the elegant doctor had a more mature style befitting her career and age. The woman ran a nervous hand through her cropped dark hair, the fingernails clinking for a minute against her round gold earrings. She had little experience dealing with parenting worries about her dutiful and intelligent, and the thoughts that sprang to mind were outrageous and confusing.

"Do I need to worry?" she asked after a pause, laughing slightly.

Ami shook her head. "No, but it is important. Please, may we talk now?" Before she could lose her courage.

She hadn't brought too much with her, afraid of overwhelming Makoto's apartment. She wasn't entirely sure how much space she would really be free to use. It had all happened so fast; the movers were coming to the Mizuno apartment tomorrow to pack things up to be shipped overseas. It had only been a few days since Makoto had offered that Ami move in, but there was no time to waste. Ami had spent most of her time packing, afraid of leaving something important behind. Mama said she would gladly ship back anything that might have been forgotten, but orderly Ami needed to know she had taken care of everything.

"Thanks again for all your help, Makoto-chan."

They could relax a bit, at least until she knew where to put her things and start unpacking. She wasn't really clear on the details of their new living arrangement. This was much more spur-of-the-moment than Ami generally preferred for anything, but that's how it had to be.

"Are you still sure this is okay?" she asked nervously. "Did I bring too many things?"

She didn't want to slip into an awkward silence, but she still felt like a guest and a stranger in Makoto's apartment. It was so different from her previous residence. Ami wondered if it would ever feel like home.

"You're welcome Ami." She smiled, happy she help Ami in some way other than strength.
She waved and headed back to her apartment where she would wait for Ami's arrival.

Makoto sat on the couch, exhausted after carrying boxes up to the apartment. "No problem Ami, that's what's friends are for right? Don't be silly, you didn't bring too much and I'm sure it's okay!" Makoto smiled. She felt a rising feeling come from her stomach, something was different. She was so happy Ami was here with her. She couldn't explain it, it was a different feeling.

Makoto looked at Ami. "Let's leave the unpacking for later, have you eaten? I'm gonna make a huge meal to celebrate you staying!" Her eyes glistened. She loved cooking, and cooking a meal for Ami was something she'd always wanted to do. She ran to the kitchen, even if Ami didn't eat, the fact that she could cook something for Ami meant the world to her.

Not too much time passed before Makoto has a smorgasbord of food on the table. She beamed with pride. She didn't think her table could hold this much food. The table was piled with steak, sandwiches - which were Ami's favorite - cake, veggies, and all sorts of Japanese foods. She sat down and looked at Ami.

"Did I make enough?" She smiled. "If you're not hungry you don't have to eat any, but I'll always have food for you when you're hungry, just say the word."

I hope she likes it... Makoto thought to herself. She knew she'd always made treats for everyone before, but never like this.

Ami couldn't even believe that Makoto would question whether or not she had prepared a large enough meal. The table wasn't even visible under the number of plates. To think that everything had been prepared while she rested on the couch, trying to catch her breath and rest her muscles after all of that moving, was mind-boggling. Nearly every cuisine imaginable was represented in some way. She noticed that there were a variety of sandwiches--probably a nod to her own favourite food. Makoto was so thoughtful in that way! It was nice to know she'd be sharing dinner with a friend, instead of a textbook.

"This is amazing, Makoto-chan," she gasped. "You've always been an excellent cook, and you've made so many wonderful packed lunches to share with all of us, but I feel like here you've singularly emulated a high-end restaurant."

"I'm sorry to have you go through so much trouble on my account! I don't want to be bothersome if we're living together. I don't expect you to change your daily routines or wait on me."

She was afraid that Makoto might grow tired of having her around if this kind of display became habitual. It was fun to celebrate, of course, but celebrations that were not rare events quickly lost their shine and just seemed like overwhelming work. Her friend might say, in this moment, that she'd gladly cook for Ami at any occasion, but if she relied on that it could turn into a future disagreement. Ami wanted to do her best to be a good roommate during the time she'd be living with Makoto. Her hope, although she hadn't voiced it, was to move out on her own once they graduated high school and she started working at a job. It wasn't something she had planned for, when Mama was still living in Japan, but now it seemed like the fairest option for Ami's future.

"I am hungry, though," she laughed, serving herself one of the sliced sandwich halves. "That was more lifting than I'm used to. Thank you very much for the meal."

The sandwich was delicious, but she hoped Makoto didn't expect her to eat all of this on her own. There was no way she'd be able to do that. Besides, it would be more fun to enjoy this dinner together. That was the point, wasn't it?

Makoto sat down, smiling. "It's so nice to have someone to share this meal with!" She grabbed a plate, and put a variety of different foods on it. She handed Ami a soda - melon flavored - she knew it was one of Ami's favorites. Makoto took the Mango flavored one and sipped it.

Makoto couldn't believe that Ami was right here to be honest. She hadn't had anyone over in awhile, since during the Battle with Galaxia everyone met at CROWN. It was nice to have a friend around. She hoped Ami would stay here forever, even though she knew Ami would probably get tired of the small space and what little she had. Ami's mother had nicer things than she did; she knew that.

She took another sip of her soda. "Well, thank you Ami-chan." She looked at the food she prepared. "I guess I just got a little excited there...heh..."

Makoto looked at Ami, puzzled. "Why are you always apologizing, Ami-Chan? I wanted to make all this. And don't be silly, I'm always here if you need anything!"

Makoto played with her rose earrings. She was a little nervous. "It's a good thing your hungry then, and the food will restore some of your strength." Makoto beamed..."I don't think we have room for all this in the fridge if we don't eat it..." She took a bite of her onigiri, while looking at Ami. Something about Ami was different in her eyes. Ami looked beautiful, even after lifting boxes and getting sweaty. She didn't understand this feeling, and shook it off as to her just being happy to have a friend around.

"Hey!" Makoto perked up, "Why don't we go shopping tomorrow, we deserve some fun!" Makoto needed some more groceries anyway, as she had used up basically everything in the house. She grabbed another plate, she was hungry from helping lift all of Ami's belongings as well. "Theres a new bookstore in town, if you want to go look at it tomorrow."

Makoto hadn't been this happy in a long time.

It was difficult for Ami to resist a trip to a bookstore, even though she rationalized that she didn't need to add more books to clutter Makoto's apartment. She truly loved studying and learning, books being one of her most familiar tools to do so. It had been hard to select which volumes would come with her to her new shared residence with Makoto and which would have to go into storage until she either rejoined Mama in Germany or her mother returned to Tokyo. She knew she shouldn't get anymore books... but it was such a tempting proposition. Shopping had never interested her until she met Usagi and the others; now it was a pleasant activity.

"That sounds like fun!" she replied with a smile. "Is there anywhere you'd like to go?"

When Makoto's fingers twirled her rose earrings, Ami was once again struck by how feminine the other girl was. She typically thought of the brunette as the "brawn" of their group, herself being the "brains". Makoto was fairly tall for her age, towering over many of their classmates, with physical strength as well. Yet she probably qualified as the most "girlish" of the group, even more so than Usagi or Minako. It was easy to forget this, but sitting in Makoto's quaint apartment decorated with a variety of lovingly-tended for plants and eating an exquisite home-cooked meal reminded Ami that someday her friend would be a wonderful, nearly picturesque housewife for some very lucky man.

Even with Makoto's reassurance, it was hard for Ami to stop worrying about being a burden to her friend. She had decided to do it, and there was no going back now, but it was still nerve-wracking to be a roommate. Her friend's comment about not being able to properly store these leftovers set a twinge of guilt through the blue-haired girl. Makoto had made all of this for her; wasting food was generally something to avoid for the environment and being ungrateful was not proper manners for a guest. She did her best to sample everything offered, trying to be mindful of portion sizes, but haunted by a quiet nagging feeling that she was running the risk of being impolite if she didn't make an effort to appreciate Makoto's cooking.

Many of the dishes were richer than the food she typically prepared for herself or picked up from the convenience store. Combined with the sheer quantity, she eventually found herself feeling uncomfortable and somewhat nauseous. She aimed to make sure the cook felt appropriately thanked, but making herself sick seemed to be a bit too far in the opposite direction from what she was initially trying to avoid. Ami wasn't sure she could eat anything else without intensely regretting it, but there was still so much food still on the table. She tried to act like there was nothing wrong, hoping to avoid accidentally offending her friend or causing any trouble. But she definitely was not feeling well.

Makoto finished her soda, and thought for a moment. "There's a pretty boutique with some nice scarves." She blushed. The brunette never really talked about buying feminine things with her friends.

Makoto was so happy that her friend was there. Ami was always there for her. She recalled when Ami asked her for a dance. No one had ever asked her to dance, but Ami did. It made her feel a small flutter in her stomach. "What is happening?" She asked herself.

The thought was interrupted when she noticed Ami looked like something was wrong. "Ami-chan, are you okay?" Makoto walked over to her friend and knelt down. "What's bothering you?" Makoto was a bit worried. She hoped she was making her feel welcome.

She stared back at her friend's green eyes, struggling with what to say. Having Makoto so close made her heart beat change suddenly, thudding her chest. She felt a flushed warmth creep across her body. Ami noted these developments with slight alarm. Perhaps she was more unwell than she initially thought. Maybe this wasn't simple indigestion, but the start of a cold. She couldn't think of anything else to attribute this onset of symptoms to.

"I'm just... not feeling too well," she finally admitted, embarrassed to be scrutinized like this.

Ami was used to taking care of herself and generally being alone. Mama worked too much to fawn over her for every little thing. If she had been home and felt like this, she would have taken medicine to soothe her stomach and rested. She didn't know how to do so here. She had some basic drugstore medications packed away in her boxes, but she wasn't sure she could move boxes and unpack them without feeling sicker.

A surge of queasiness made her hope she wouldn't become physically ill. That would be an absolutely terrible way to end a day that had started off so well. Makoto would be regretting letting Ami live with her if something like happened on the very first day, that was for sure.

"I'm sorry, Makoto-chan--do you have anything in your medicine cabinet for an upset stomach?" she asked weakly, hoping her friend wouldn't mistakenly think there was anything wrong with the food. It was excellent. Perhaps a bit too much so.

Makoto smiled, she found Ami's shyness towards the situation rather cute. She knew her friend was worried she'd think it was her food. Seeing Ami's red cheeks sent a wave of flutters in her stomach. Even sick, Ami looked amazing.

"Come on, let's let you lay down. We'll watch some tv." Makoto had a futon folded away in her closet that she pulled out for Ami to sleep on. "I'm going to put this on the floor of the living room, ill be in the couch for a bit, In case you need my help. You lie down, I'll get you some medicine for your stomach."

Makoto returned with a bottle of medicine and a spoon. She was also carrying a cup of tea. She poured out a spoonful and handed it to her friend. "Here, this will settle your stomach, and the tea will help that upset stomach too." Makoto walked into her bathroom and got a cool rag. She placed it on Ami's forehead.

Makoto sat down and watched tv with her friend, asking every so often how her stomach was feeling. To be honest, Makoto didn't feel the greatest either. She had eaten too much and was suffering from a small upset stomach. She didn't care though, taking care of Ami was all that mattered. She didn't want to talk too much, as she knew when she felt sick talking made it worse.

"Ami-chan, you should get some sleep. If you need anything, I'm right here ok."

Makoto couldn't sleep. She spent the entire night worried about Ami. Every couple of hours, Makoto would check on Ami's temperature and replace the cool rag as needed. She brushed Ami's hair out of her face. "You really do push yourself too much, and try to hide it don't you? I'm here now, you don't have to worry."

Makoto must have dozed off eventually, she awoke in her own bed. Ami was still sleeping. Makoto smiled at how peacefully she was sleeping. Ami looked a lot better, but Makoto was still going to let her sleep. She looked so wonderful even when sleeping.

Ami awoke and stretched her arms, momentarily confused when she glanced around the unfamiliar apartment. Then she remembered--Mama had left for Germany a few days ago, the movers were packing up the Mizuno condo probably right this minute, and she had moved in to Makoto's apartment. She yawned and stretched again, blinking in the bright sunlight streaming in through the living room windows. She felt well rested and very refreshed. She couldn't quite remember the last time she had slept so peacefully.

She rested her arms around her knees, still tucked into the blankets of the futon. Something about her dream... She strained to remember it, but she couldn't. It was definitely a good dream. She felt comforted and happy upon waking, like remembering the scenario from a wonderful past day. She couldn't recall any of the details--only that feeling. Oh well.

Ami got up and carefully folded the futon, replacing it where she remembered seeing Makoto remove it the previous evening. Not hearing anyone in the bathroom, she brushed her teeth and washed her face, trying to do something to fix her serious case of bed-head in the process.

She thought she heard someone else stirring in the apartment--possibly Makoto in the kitchen--and hoped very sincerely that the brunette would not be repeating last night's smorgasbord. She wandered out, looking around to see if her hunch was right and slight fearing another massive repast spread upon the table. Makoto's suggestion from yesterday of shopping sounded even more appealing now that she was feeling better and only had some residual muscle soreness from moving; she didn't want to miss that opportunity.

Makoto was watering her flowers in the kitchen. The only food on the table was a plate of dumplings.
"Good morning sleepy head." Makoto smiled. "Are you feeling any better?" Makoto sat down and grabbed a red bean dumpling.

Makoto was wearing her tight emerald green dress. It was a pretty warm day. "Just let me know when you're ready and we'll head out!"

The lack of overwhelming quantities of food was an excellent start for the day. Makoto was standing there, looking as cheery as ever. The thought fluttered across her mind that the green of the casual dress really highlighted Makoto's eyes. They were such a pretty shade of deep green. Somehow she didn't usually notice them, but today her own eyes were drawn there--she wasn't sure exactly why.

"I'm feeling much better, thank you," she replied. "Although another cup of the tea you served last night wouldn't hurt."

It didn't take long for her to get dressed and ready, although she found herself concentrating a bit more on her appearance than usual. She caught a glimpse of herself in the bathroom mirror and tried to arrange her short hair with a bit more effort, tucking a few short curls behind her ears. She fussed with the short blue scarf tied around her neck, above the neckline of her blue and white striped tank tunic, feeling a bit like she needed the assistance of Minako to perfect the knot. Why was she so preoccupied today? It wasn't as though she thought she'd be talking to cute boys at the bookstore. She was still waiting for her Einstein.

At last she was ready. She was looking forward to stopping in a few shops, maybe eating lunch out at a café. It looked like today would be beautiful weather. Maybe they'd stop at the arcade, too. Ami looked forward to wherever Makoto planned to head to. She expected that since it was the brunette's suggestion, her friend would lead the way.

Makoto's eyes widened when she saw Ami. She had never seen Ami this dressed up before. She felt herself blushing and turned away, so Ami wouldn't notice her newly rose colored cheeks.

The two headed out, and into the bright sunny day. "So, Ami-chan, is there someone you like?" Makoto asked, curious. "You're pretty dressed up today." Makoto hoped Ami wouldn't notice that she herself, was more dolled up than usual - she even had on some rose colored eyeshadow.

"Let's get a quick game in before we go, bet you I can beat you in DDR!" Makoto's competitive side was showing a bit, but she really just wanted to show off. Without a response, she hurried into the arcade, and began to select a song. "I'm not going to brag, but I'm a pretty good dancer." Makoto beamed.

Motoki walked by without a word, unusual for him. He usually always said hi to them. "Wonder what's up with him?" Makoto though, but shrugged it off.

Makoto let her hair down, letting it fall into place. "You ready?"

Ami blushed at Makoto's question. It wasn't uncommon for the other girls to get particularly dressed up in the hopes that someone would notice them, but typically Ami didn't participate in that kind of activity. It was slightly embarrassing to be suspected of such.

"It just seemed like a good day to dress up," she replied, nervously looking down at her hands. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down, and ventured a teasing glance up at her taller friend. "You seem to have had the same idea, Makoto-chan."

When they stopped at the arcade, Ami was surprised for Makoto's suggestion of a physical game like Dance Dance Revolution. She wasn't sure she had the stamina for so much hopping around. Her friend looked so excited--Ami certainly wasn't going to turn her down!

Surprisingly, she found the game much easier than she expected. She was naturally fairly coordinated; dancing and other activities that relied on motor control rarely caused her to stumble. Her brain seemed to keep up with the flashing arrows on the screen, allowing her to place her feet on the right tiles with the correct timing. She caught on to the rhythm, almost humming along even though she was unfamiliar with the song. It was definitely tiring, though! She found herself glad when the song ended and the score cards tabulated, eager to catch her breath.

"Well, I certainly feel awake now," she laughed, still taking deep breaths. "Are the bookstore and the accessories shop you have in mind nearby?"

It was strange that Motoki hadn't acknowledged them. Usually the sandy-haired man rushed over, beaming and full of chattered for some of his favourite (and most loyal) guests. Today he seemed preoccupied. Perhaps it was something to do with Reika. If he wasn't going to bring it up, she didn't want to be rude and pry into his personal life. She scanned the sea of beeping noises and flashing lights, noticing that there were slightly more people in the arcade today than usual. The Furuhata family probably appreciated the boost in income!

Makoto blushed at Ami's question. She surely couldn't tell her why she was all dressed up... that would be absurd. "I... I guess we both had the same idea... ha ha.." Her face was completely red.

Makoto danced like there was no tomorrow. She had the grace of a ballerina, even though she was dancing to a fast paced j-pop song. Ami's dancing wasn't too shabby earlier. Makoto stared out of the corner of her eye, amazed at how graceful Ami was. She knew her score was going to be terrible. She spent too much time watching Ami.

The title card showed up, and Makoto huffed with her hands on her knees. "Man...I.. did...terrible..." Makoto laughed. "Good job Ami-chan, you've got some nice moves."

Once Makoto has regained her breath, she looked around. "Man there's a lot of people here... but everyone seems to be sluggish today." Makoto was a bit puzzled, it wasn't even exam time, and everyone looked so exhausted. Even she felt a little more tired than usual. "Ready to go shopping now?:

Ami nodded, straightening up. The bookstore thankfully was fairly nearby. To Ami's delight, it was also very new and rather well-stocked. She made a beeline for the reference section, thrilled to be greeted with an expansive assortment of dictionaries and other study aids--some by publishers not commonly carried at other book sellers in the Juuban shopping district. The blue-haired girl eagerly thumbed through a few copies--always mindful not to break the spine. She thought of her reduced library packed into the boxes at Makoto's apartment, and wondered if any of these would supplement her collection well.

Of course, the reference books weren't the only ones that caught her attention. There were several new biographies of some very influential historical figures, both Japanese and international. She spotted a few volumes from a famous researcher containing his new data and thoughts on the construct of time and space. Everywhere she turned, there were other books to catch her eye. She eventually settled on one slim medical study guide, forcing herself to be practical about the space she had available and read some of the larger tomes at the library.

"I didn't know this place had opened," she commented to Makoto, heading towards the register with her purchase. "I might have missed it for weeks if you hadn't told me. Thank you."

When her book (and a secret surprise) was secure in its plastic bag, sealed neatly across the top with the bookstore's sticker, she turned back to her friend. She wondered if Makoto had found anything to her liking while they were in the store. She knew that her friend did not share her own interests as far as books went, but a bookstore had something for everyone--even Usagi. There might have been at least one thing to catch Makoto's eye. Or perhaps the brunette was waiting until their next stop--the scarf shop she had talked about. That's where they were currently headed, after all.

Makoto skimmed though a couple cook and gardening books. She didn't want to purchase anything, she was only waiting for Ami.

"No problem, Ami-chan." Makoto blushed. She was so happy to get Ami's mind of of everything.

The door to the boutique opened with a delicate bell. Scarves, jewelery, and a slew of acessories. Makoto's eyes sparkled. She was in heaven.

She picked up a blue scarf, with a water lilly pattern on it. "Ami-chan, try this on, this would look great on you." Makoto blushed.

She didn't usually wear scarves, but today of all days she realized she had tied one around her neck. Maybe she had been thinking about Makoto's request to stop in this store when she selected her attire this morning. She hadn't even realized until this moment. The silk rectangle in Makoto's hands was lovely--a beautiful vibrant pattern of water and lilies. Ami blushed at the suggestion that she wear it, feeling self-conscious.

"I... I think it would be too elegant for me," she protested, her voice soft and nervous.

Her fingers tugged gently at the scarf she was already wearing, somehow unable to untie the knot. Her words and her actions were clearly in opposition at the moment, as she would only be removing her existing scarf to try on the one her friend suggested. Her fingers trembled, struggling with the action. She glanced down, unable to keep the flush on her cheeks from intensifying when she caught Makoto's eyes. She didn't understand why she felt so confused.

Makoto smiled and walked over to Ami. She was blushing as she raised her hands to Ami's neck, removing her current scarf. She tied the other one around her friends neck, her hands gently brushing Ami's neck, sending a wave of flutters through her stomach. She stood back to look. "Perfect." She said. Her eyes were fixed on Ami, she looked stunning.

"You look gorgeous." Makoto whispered, immediately covering her mouth. She turned away and blushed redder than she was before. She walked up to the counter, and handed the cashier some money.

Walking back over to Ami, she was still blushing. "It's yours now... you had to have it."

She balked at the sudden surprise gift.

"Oh, Makoto-chan! It's too much! It must be expensive!"

Even as her voice spoke out, attempting to turn down the gift, her fingers clutched at it. She felt... strange. No one had given her something like this before. She had received birthday presents from her parents, part of a cultural obligation from parent to child. Teachers had sometimes given her books or study guides, thrilled with her progress and hoping to encourage her further. A gift from a friend... that was rare for Ami. Particularly something like this. She couldn't believe that Makoto thought such a lovely and elegant present suited her, but she was also so happy to hear such compliments from her dear friend.

"I... I thought we were here to find something for you," she fumbled, still blushing brightly. They were both as red as tomatoes at this point, probably much to the amusement of the cashier and shop girls. "These feminine accessories are so perfect for you, just like your earrings."

Makoto's stomach fluttered. She was happy Ami liked her gift. It was the least Makoto could do. "I love seeing you happy, Ami-chan." She smiled, walking over to the jewelry. She saw a bracelet with sapphires and emeralds alternating. They were shaped like roses. She smiled "Just like me and Ami-Chan." Makoto blushed as she whispered to herself.

She bought the two of them, not ready to give it to Ami just yet.

As they were walking out, Makoto noticed a girl walking slowly towards the arcade. Her eyes seemed dim and lifeless. She shook it off as just seeing things. Chaos was gone. What more was there to worry about.

Ami's attention was also caught by a strange sight. A young man, exiting the arcade, turned around and stared back inside. He hadn't taken another step forward after he repositioned himself to face the glass. It seemed like a strange way for someone to behave if they were leaving. Ami felt a strange shiver down her spine, but she shook it off. There was nothing to worry about; things were back to normal now. Maybe he was waiting for his friends to join him. That excuse felt uneasy, even as she tried to make herself accept it.

"Would you like to stop at a café?" she asked Makoto. "My treat. There are a few right over here with wonderful pastry."

Makoto could hardly turn down a pastry. "Sure Ami-chan, I could use a coffee too."

While walking Makoto noticed more and more drowsy looking students, all headed in the same direction. "Ami-chan, are any of the students in your cram school having exams right now?" She was a bit worried, usually exams didn't make anyone this tired.

Ami placed a finger to her chin, pondering the question for a moment.

"I'm not sure, Makoto-chan. There are a lot of schools in the area, and some of the schedules are unique. A few of the private prep schools have a much shorter break than we do; it's possible that they could be involved in exams."

They were seated quickly at the café, as there weren't too many other customers. It wasn't an empty place, the quaint atmosphere reminiscent of Victorian England clearly attracting a select group. A cluster of young girls in lolita fashion chattered excitedly in the corner, taking photos of each other and their desserts. It always amazed Ami to see people so carefree at expressing themselves. She still felt self-conscious in the new scarf; it seemed too fancy for someone as dull as herself. Her fingers touched it nervously as she watched them, but she quickly averted her gaze and directed it to the menu.

"Did you have any other plans for the week?" she asked, reading over the food and beverage options.

She didn't want to interfere with Makoto's regular life and schedule. Maybe this way she'd know if she needed to plan some time alone. Ami was used to spending a lot of time on her own, with how much Mama was always working. Makoto lived alone, as well--she probably relished her independence, Ami thought. Living with someone else was still so strange. She wondered where the boundaries began and ended, afraid of crossing them by accident.