Fanfiction

Falling

Disclaimer: The following characters belong to Naoko Takeuchi.

Note: A list of everyone's ages - Ami 16, Usagi 18, Makoto 19.

Chapter 2: Falling

"Ami Mizuno, meet Makoto Kino," introduced Usagi Tsukino with a happy grin.

Ami gulped as her hand came into contact with the tall woman's standing in front of her. Her hand felt small in the larger woman's calloused hand. Green eyes scrutinized her, a hint of mirth and curiosity lurking within their forest-like depths.

Ami colored at the inquisitive gaze, unaware she was holding her breath as Makoto's eyes lingered on her eyes and lips.

A not so subtle throat-clearing drew Ami out of her daze. Her blush deepened. "Nice to meet you," she blurted, relieved that she did not stutter.

"Likewise!" Makoto grinned, exposing brilliant white teeth in the process.

Ami found herself at a loss for words, her shyness apparent. Luckily for her, Makoto did not seem to notice or paid no notice to her bashfulness. Instead she addressed what everyone else thought but did not say upon meeting the sixteen year old.

"You look really young. Like, high school young." Makoto was rewarded with a smack on her arm by Usagi for her bluntness.

"Mako-chan!"

"What?" The tall woman rolled her eyes at Usagi but continued to grin at Ami.

"It's okay, Usagi. Everyone thinks it anyway," replied Ami with a small smile, "I'm sixteen. I graduated high school early."

"What's your field?" There was genuine interest in the twinkling green eyes and in the voice of Makoto.

"Family medicine." Ami answered a little shyly.

"A doctor? I'm impressed." There was new found respect in Makoto's voice. Ami nodded.

Makoto laughed and the teenager watched as afternoon sunshine danced over Makoto's features, from her radiant white teeth to the highlights of lush chocolatey hair.

"Hey Usagi, you have a genius for a roommate! Maybe now some of her brilliance will rub off and you'll finally get some good grades." Makoto nudged Usagi who glowered at the brunette in response.

"Hardly a genius, Makoto-san, and I'm only a first year" Ami said humbly, " what are you studying?" she asked, intending to defuse the blonde's annoyance.

"Botany. Especially the ecological aspects, I'm in my second year. And please, just call me Makoto."

The younger woman smiled, ""That's wonderful, Makoto. And you find time to play basketball too." Admiration was apparent in Ami's voice.

"You've seen me play?" Makoto was surprised, Ami didn't seem to be the type who would be found near the basketball court.

"I dragged her to a game the other day," Usagi answered before Ami could.

The brunette smirked, "You just came by to ogle a sweaty Mamoru, didn't you?"

Ami hid a smile as Makoto stated the real reason why Usagi was so anxious to watch the game. When they first became friends, the blonde had been pretty blatant about her interest in the popular dark haired student, Mamoru Chiba. Upon disclosing her crush she asked about Ami's in return and the teen simply blushed before mentioning she did not have one.

To Ami's consternation the blonde exclaimed it was her mission to introduce Ami to new waved off the suggestion, thinking perhaps in time Usagi would forget. She did not have time to date, she was only interested in studying. The more she studied the better she would do, placing her a step closer to her dream.

Then she found herself at a basketball game sitting beside an enthusiastic and rowdy Usagi who yelled out encouragement for the team Mamoru was on. She did not particularly care for the game but Usagi's behavior was interesting to watch. Until she found her gaze glued to a tall brunette with striking features who played intensely, if not more so as the men on the court. She could not move her eyes away from the woman, who stood close enough at times for Ami to see the perspiration trailing down various exposed body parts.

And now the woman was standing right here with her having a conversation. This was certainly a surprising turn of events thought Ami. She had not expected Usagi to know Makoto. She was pulled from her thoughts as the athletic woman spoke again.

"Well if you were there why didn't you bring cute Ami to say hello?" Makoto asked.

The word cute followed by her name sent the blood rushing to Ami's cheeks again as she listened to the two friends. Ami could not comprehend why she felt such elation at Makoto calling her cute.

"And risk getting trampled by your little fan girls?" Usagi laughed, "No, thank you."

At the term fan girls, Ami subtly surveyed their surroundings and noticed a few women gazing adoringly at Makoto while some directed glares at Ami and more particularly at Usagi. A chill ran down her back at the flagrant animosity. Ami wondered why for a moment before she understood the girls were jealous at the rapport Usagi clearly shared with their idol.

At the same time Makoto seemed to realize the outdoors were no longer safe as she noticed the growing amount of women nearby.

"Er-I don't think it's a good time to continue chatting. I was hoping to avoid any groups on my way out," Makoto admitted with a sheepish grin.

"Oh, that's too bad," said Usagi with far too much cheer. Ami thought to herself how she'd never really seen the somewhat sadistic side of the blonde until now and hid a smile behind her hand.

"Whatever." The brunette did not bother replying to Usagi's smart-aleck comment. "It was nice to meet you Dr. Ami," she turned to the sixteen year old, lightly touching her shoulder before adding with a charming smile, "I hope we meet again." The advent of the nickname combined with the touch on her shoulder sent her heart reeling.

She walked away a few steps before turning around again, "Call me later, bunny-girl," she took off, her long legs easily allowing her to overtake other students walking along the path. Ami watched her walk away before turning back to Usagi.

"Bunny-girl?" Ami asked with a raised eyebrow.

"She knows I hate it when she calls me that," Usagi explained with a light scowl before her expression transformed into a grin, "don't you dare try it!"

-x-x-x-

A few nights after being introduced to Makoto, Ami found she could not sleep. Despite a long day of classes and studying she did not feel tired in the least. Her mind wandered over to Usagi, the blonde woman was most likely asleep already, Ami surmised as she looked at the clock. She thought back to the first time they met. Ami was anxious about having a roommate, thinking perhaps the roommate would be less than happy sharing with a sixteen year old. Instead Usagi surprised Ami with her friendly attitude and her willingness to be friends with someone younger than herself. They quickly became close encouraged by the blonde's frank and sweet personality. Thanks to Usagi's friendship her days were a little brighter, she did not feel so homesick for Yukikura.

She already knew having Usagi in her life was something to be treasured. Wondering if she would ever meet other friends like Usagi, her thoughts segued over to Makoto. She was charmed by the athletic woman who had a confidence unlike anyone Ami had ever met. Images from the first time she saw the brunette flashed like a montage in her mind. She recalled the focused green gaze of the woman as she expertly handled the basketball, the sweat on her skin glistening. Hair slashing the air as her movement across the court echoed a dancing ballerina, grace evident in every action. Fierce and beautiful, muscles sinuously moving underneath lightly bronzed skin.

A squeezing in her chest left her alarmed, she placed a hand over her heart only to find it beating rapidly under her palm. She let out a breath, realizing she held it for the longest time. She felt overly warm, especially her face. Ami didn't think she was having a heart attack, there was no tingling along her left arm or any other symptoms associated with it.

How curious. I hope I'm not getting sick, she thought to herself.

Eventually, she slept.

-x-x-x-

The next day in class a tired Ami discreetly yawned while she paid attention the the professor; he ventured into a long winded explanation of common medical practices of old. She sat near a window enjoying whatever little breeze meandered through when a laugh drifted by. Because she was only on the second floor she was able to discern a brunette lazily walking by with an unfamiliar blonde. Makoto seemed to be enjoying herself, joking back and forth with the woman and Ami felt drank in the sight of a happy Makoto.

The brunette wore cut-off jeans just above her knees, sneakers and a green button down shirt opened at the throat. The sleeves rolled up to her elbows revealed strong forearms. Ami smiled when Makoto turned to the blonde, raised her hands in the air and waved them wildly as if to illustrate whatever point she was making before laughing out loud again. She wished she was close enough to hear what Makoto was saying.

"Mizuno-san!"

Ami glanced to the front of the room, everyone turned to stare at her and she flushed.

"Y-yes, professor?" She wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole, all the attention made her want to hide. Usually Ami did not mind being called out in class, her embarrassment stemmed from the fact everyone knew she had not been paying attention.

"Since you already seem to know the material, kindly tell us about the Hippocratic Oath."

Ami easily recited all she knew of the topic, leaving a few students impressed and gaping. The professor seemed satisfied.

"Very well, Mizuno-san. However, please leave the daydreaming at home next time."

"Ye-yes sir!" she stuttered. A few classmates tittered before the professor requested their audience again.

A frown marred her features as contemplated how she could let herself get so distracted in class.

-x-x-x-

"Alright Ami, what's wrong?"

"Huh?" Startled out of her textbook Ami looked up at her roommate. "What makes you think something is wrong, Usagi?"

"You've been acting odd for a few weeks now. Plus, you've been reading the same page for thirty-minutes. I know the textbook can't be that interesting. " The blonde pointed out, a smirk on her lips. Concern replaced the smirk as she continued. "You've been distracted, you study twice as much and you're not getting enough sleep."

Ami flushed at Usagi's words. The woman was right, despite staring at the pages spread out before her not one word made it into her consciousness. Still she cringed inwardly as she opened her mouth to deny the charge. About to commit a wrong, she could not see any other path in front of her.

"Nothing is wrong, Usagi. I'm just a bit nervous about the upcoming exams." This was the first time she lied to the blonde and she hoped Usagi could not tell the difference. In a way it was true, due to her unusual behavior she was doing poorly in school increasing her anxiety. It was a vicious cycle, she worried about her grades and increased her study time. It left her tired and frustrated with thoughts of Makoto constantly intruding.

Due to her shy nature she did not feel comfortable enough to tell Usagi the root of the problem. She thought she would be able to resolve it on her own. But no resolution loomed on the horizon, instead sleepless nights left plenty of room to think about the woman and in the daytime the incessant hope of running into her on campus provided ample confusion. Ami was at her wits end but refused to acknowledge the fact much less disclosing her dilemma to someone else; even if that someone else was her best friend.

"Okay." Usagi looked at her, doubt written on her face but she decided not to push the issue. She figured Ami would feel comfortable enough to tell her one day, otherwise the girl's introverted nature would consider Usagi's concerned probing impolite, and offensive.

-x-x-x-

Ami sighed before laying her chopsticks down neatly. She was having dinner with her roommate in their dorm room. Usagi looked up in the midst of eating, her eyes narrowed. She decided it was time to put at end to this. This-meaning the continued lack of focus, loss of appetite and constant distractions the younger woman obviously experienced. The exams were two weeks behind them and Ami's behavior had not changed one bit. Although she did seem somewhat relieved with her passing grades.

Laying her chopsticks aside as well, Usagi finished chewing, her blue eyes reflecting worry.

Ami seemed distant as ever, she did not realize the blonde sitting across from her was giving her a thorough once-over. She jumped when Usagi spoke quietly, startled out of her reverie.

"All right, this has gone on long enough."

Ami opened her mouth to ask what she meant but closed it as Usagi shot her a look, shock overtaking her when she realized the older woman was angry. Therefore Usagi's gentle tone surprised her when the woman continued.

"All of this-" Usagi waved her hand in a semi-circle to mean an all encompassing gesture regarding the situation, "it's obvious to me it isn't about the exams. I'm not completely sure what it is about but you need to talk."

The younger woman's eyes watered at the kindness Usagi's face displayed.

"I want to help you Ami. You're a good friend and I don't want to lose what we have. I'm worried. Really worried, because you don't eat or sleep and you're constantly out of it and I can't recall the last time you acted like yourself. Granted, we've only been friends for a few months but this Ami I am seeing, it's not you."

Ami nodded, taking a deep breath. "I'm-I'm not sure where to begin."

"The beginning is always nice." Usagi joked. She was rewarded with a small laugh from the younger girl.

"Okay. The beginning..."

The blonde woman smiled encouragingly.

"There's something wrong with me," The blue haired teen confessed as she looked away. "Strange thoughts prevent sleep, and when I finally do fall asleep, I-I get these dreams." Ami's voice dropped and the other woman had to strain to hear the last bit. "They leave me so very confused."

Usagi's eyes widened slightly, an idea finally forming in her mind. "Is it about a person?"

The young woman nodded again before licking dry lips. Looking down at the table she caught sight of the glass containing water and gladly picked it up to take a sip.

"Sex?"

Ami was glad she already swallowed the water otherwise she would have spewed it across the table and onto the blonde. Shaking her head vigorously she choked out a 'no.' Usagi raised an eyebrow, patiently waiting for elaboration.

"It's-we-ah...Mostly kissing." A flush covered Ami's face and neck and Usagi was willing to bet it probably covered the entire girl's body.

"Who is it?"

Ami looked away and Usagi sighed internally, expecting the girl would have a hard time answering even if she wanted to. In spite of her attempts at drawing the young woman out of her shell Ami remained an intensely private person.

"Well, whoever it is, it sounds like one serious crush."

"A crush?" Ami stared at her, blue eyes wide, surprise flickering in the depths.

"Don't tell me you've never..." Usagi was just as surprised.

"No...never."

"You really are an innocent," Usagi declared. She didn't think the girl could possibly blush a deeper shade of red but Ami proved her wrong. "Sorry, I just...Wow..." She trailed off uncertain how to put the girl at ease again. "Anyway, it's fine if you don't want to tell me. Although, I do wish I could help."

"It's fine, Usagi. I don't think you'd be able to help even if you are friends with Mako-" Ami clamped a hand over her mouth cursing her blunder.

Usagi's jaw dropped. "Mako...to? You like Makoto?"

Not able to restrain herself any longer, Ami stood up, her eyes watering as she blindly made her way to the door. Before she could open it a hand landed on her shoulder and gently stopped her.

"Please, Ami, wait." The blonde felt relief when Ami turned to face her.

"You think I'm strange, don't you?" Her tone was bitter as she tried to shrug out from under the blonde's hand but Usagi's grip tightened, refusing to let her go.

"Of course not! Ami, I don't care who you're in love with!"

"You don't?"

"No, I don't. I wasn't raised to think that way. Plus, I guess you haven't noticed but I have quite a few gay friends. Makoto included, and I've known that idiot forever." Usagi hugged Ami to prove she really did not care about the young girl's orientation.

In the confusion, Ami struggled to process everything Usagi said, not realizing the older woman was hugging her until she felt a hand stroking her back in a comforting way. She knew she had a lot to think about but she knew she at least had the support of her closest friend. Relief bloomed through her, and she felt lighter than air. Sagging against the older woman, the need for sleep overwhelmed her.

Usagi was more than happy to oblige Ami. She drew the girl to her bed, a gentle smile on her face as she tucked the younger woman in, blue eyes drifting close, slumber immediately blanketing her.

Next chapter: Ami begins to settle into who she really is.