Terminology:

Io (i-o), is the innermost moons of the planet Jupiter. It was named after the mythological character Io, a priestess of Hera who became one of Zeus's lovers.

Athena: Goddess of wisdom, she's known for her calm temperament, as she moves slowly to a more passionate emotion. She is noted to have only fought for just reasons, and would not fight without a purpose.

Sorry for the long wait, but I have some BETA reader issues (or lack of it ¬.¬ Anyway)

Special thanks to:Aldo7Aces for taking the risk. Dude, thank you! you're soooo cool by taking the time checking my horrible grammar xD.

N/A: I almost forgot, when Makoto is tellig the story the tale will be in Italic fonts and when the Italic suddenly changes to normal fonts it means that Makoto is talking to herself.

BEDTIME STORIES

BY: DeyoChan

PART III

…

"Mommy, we didn't get to hear the whole story about Princess Mercury and Princess Jupiter," said Eimi rubbing her eyes getting the covers over her little body.

"Yeah auntie Mako, I want to know what happened," whined Harmonia, making 'the look' Minako had warned Makoto about. "Pleaseeee!" she pleaded with those unrelenting eyes.

Chuckling, Makoto covered the sandy-blonde as well, tucking her besides Eimi, "Where do we-"

"Princess Mercury beat Princess Jupiter at a sparring match!" shouted Harmonia,

"Princess Mercury just asked Princess Jupiter on a date with her!" said Eimi as loud as Harmonia did.

"Okay then," Makoto took her seat next to the girls' bed, "you kiddos ready?" she asked.

"YAY!" both girls yelled, excited moving beneath the covers, eager to hear how this story was going to end.

…

Well girls, to save you the boring details, the outcome of that date between the two Princesses left the Jovian girl intrigued, because Princess Mercury, besides being incredibly intelligent, was a pretty funny girl! That was something no one could have expected from someone as studious and dedicated as Princess Athena.

The bluenette Princess had some sort of a twisted sense of humor a bit of cruelty, but overall she let herself be carried away and returned in her own way Io's quips and jokes. The Jovian Princess was aware of her intellectually and she began to talk to her with more ease and confidence. This led her mind to unleash feelings she had not felt before.

Meanwhile, Princess Athena enjoyed Io's wit, when the Jovian told her some of her childhood stories, especially the pranks she used to play on her brothers with Venus and Uranus's help, the soft and subtle laughter of the blue-haired girl in front of her wreaked havoc on Io's insides. If anything was clear to her subconscious was the fact of how much she was physically attracted to the petite and beautiful, blue-haired Princess. Now that she had begun to know her on a deeper level, Senshi aside, business aside, she regretted not having accepted the daring invitations to date Athena Mercury.

After finishing their lovely evening, it was Mercury who took her hand as they walked back to the Lunar Palace. Mercury was the one who had asked her out and it was the same blue-haired Princess who had repeatedly stated her interest in her in a most personal aspect.

It was when they arrived at Princess Mercury's room that Princess Io decided to do what her mind was yelling at her for the entire night. Before she said her farewells, she got close enough to the other girl's lips, kissing her softly. It was welcomed and she was rewarded by a very enthusiastic Athena who eagerly reciprocated with a sweet, tender kiss. She even added a bit of uncharacteristic passion for someone who was obviously shy in the presence of others. Not with Io, she was something more, something worth it. Mercury kissed wonderfully.

That was the first of many, many kisses between these two Princesses before the end of their training on the Moon came to its end. Two years of daily living and practice next to each other created a very strong and emotional bond among them. The relationship Io and Athena shared had grown stronger over the course of time.

But duty called, and each planet recalled their Princesses. The girls' positions on the Lunar court would be waiting for them to return a few months later. The time to say goodbye arrived too suddenly.

It was their last night together; both girls were looking for a remote location away from the usual hubbub of the castle. They wanted to say goodbye quietly, have something like a sleepover. YES that was it! Makoto self-congratulated herself when she remembered the vague term she found to explain the true intentions of these two.

'I cannot tell them that the kisses and caresses Mercury and Jupiter shared back then were more than simple and innocent touches. I shall ignore how well her touch felt, how divine her curves were and the delicious intoxicating scent that drove my senses wild. Just by touching my lips with hers...' Makoto remembered clearly her time alone with Mercury in her private balcony.

Giving Athena a soft kiss on the cheek, Io opened the room's door of where they intended to 'chat' away from the noise, but it wasn't unoccupied they found… uhm... Oh dear Kami, I need to think about something quick! I can't tell them about how busy Mars and Venus were!

It was true that Ami and I went there with all the intentions to do something like them. The Princesses that in that moment were met "red handed" -literally- Mars and Venus were locked in a fierce battle of kisses and touches, so much so that Mars's left hand had disappeared from sight between Venus's parted legs. Not wanting to stay to watch how the hot encounter between the avatar of love and passion would 'end', Mercury immediately closed the door noiselessly, leaving them to continue whatever they were doing, alone.

Walking in silence, they left the place to the balcony that so far had acted as our confidant-, we decided better go back to our rooms and relaxed by watching the night, Oh Kami, we were laughing uncontrollably remembering the awkwardness of our reaction at the hot-but-secret meeting between Venus and Mars.

They decided to say goodbye inside the confidence of Jupiter's room, where they would have- err… the… the… the sleepover! In Jupiter's bedroom! Yeah that!- They chatted until dawn, sharing a tender kiss or a hug every now and then, counting down the hours they had left together on the Lunar soil. 'Yes, that's perfect', Makoto self-congratulated for omitting the pleasant details of their last night together.

"Io ... I have something for you." the blue-haired Princess whispered, reaching to the back pocket of her trousers –that were lying scattered on the floor- for a small velvety box. She handed it to the Jovian, depositing it between her hands. When she opened her eyes went big and her jaw was slack.

It was an elegant thin necklace with an unknown symbol in its locket. It was simple but beautiful.

"It is Jupiter's symbol, but in Mercurian language..." murmured Athena shyly to a very dumbfounded Io, "I know you do not like to wear jewelry because you train and they can be cumbersome but-"

"It's beautiful! Would you help me put it on!?" the Jovian Princess cried out cheerfully and full of excitement. Io interrupted, holding out the precious necklace with the ends of it separated, eager to wear it. Athena happily obliged.

Nodding with a smile that could completely light an entire city, Athena sat close to Io -straddled Jupiter's lap, would be more accurate-, moving her hands against Jupiter's neck, adjusting the fine jewel on her delicate and soft neck. Depositing a soft and chaste kiss against her lips, she rested her forehead against the Jovian's, holding the girl with her arms around her neck, resting on her shoulders. Io's hands wrapped around her waist immediately.

Clinging tightly at the girl's torso who had stolen her heart, Mercury whispered in her ear, "I do not want to leave you, Io..."

Helping the Mercurian Princess to gaze directly into her eyes, Jupiter placed her hand on the Mercurian's cheek, helping her to lift her face, answering her with the same desire in her voice, "You won't, Athena," at this, she gently pulled from the table beside her bed a small and square object. "Er, my mother used to say that great minds think alike," she whispered, handing to her blue-haired companion the small box wrapped in elegant blue paper. Watching Athena opening the small present she began to explain herself, "-use this all the time and I will be with you. It is made of Jovian royal stone –a rare material, the one in the blades of my spear-, the lightest and strongest metal Jupiter can create. It will help you in your battles; it will create a shield if you try to stop the hit with your wrist and the attack will redirect against the attacker", explained Io, sliding the silver and thin bracelet on Athena's wrist, delicately.

Princess Mercury started giggling softly, admiring the new jewel of green and pink hues on her right wrist, drawing Io's full attention.

"And here I thought I was the only one who had thought to give away a special gem from my home planet," seeing the auburn-haired girl's face at her statement, she added, smiling, "That necklace... I created it with the help of a very good friend, forging it with the strongest metals and healing stones from my planet. While you wear it in combat with you, if you become seriously wounded, it will heal you. You will heal almost immediately, depending on the depth of the wounds. Use it always Io, it could save your life." The Jovian nodded in agreement, earning a tight hug and several kisses from the girl -sitting astride her-.

Listening to every word the beautiful Princess Mercury pronounced, the eyes of Io misted with tears, recalling what they would not see again at the frequency of their current arrangement. Just to go down to the lounge for breakfast or during class ... would be difficult, but they had agreed to continue their relationship.

A series of farewell kisses, -soft touches- and more kisses… were shared by the saddened Princesses.

The next morning, all the Princesses were sent back to their planets, the seven new Sailor Senshi had to wait to be called back by the Moon's sovereign. The only exception was the prince of Earth, this particular planet was in disagreement with Queen Serenity politics. The heirs to the thrones of their home planets had outstandingly completed their training as protectors of Princess Serenity II, the successor of the current Queen Serenity.

During the next six years, Princesses Mercury and Jupiter began to see each other when they were sent on missions near each other, whether on a hidden asteroid or a planet where they were both unknown. This happened at least three times a month by mutual agreement, neither of them thought it was the healthy but at least they had the chance to see each other. The situation began to complicate as the tension between planets, especially with Earth, made more and more complicated their furtive encounters. As the Princesses and heirs to their planets, they understood that their obligations and responsibilities toward their people came first before satisfying their own desires. So they spent months, even years without seeing each other, but never ceased to send electronic messages.

Until one day, the time had come: Queen Serenity called for the presence of all her Sailor Senshi to officially form the royal guard of Princess Serenity II.

Princess Jupiter Io was nervous traveling with her bodyguards in the Jovian ship. She would see Athena again; she would be back in her arms indefinitely. It had been over two years since the last time she had kissed the love of her life. Jupiter's situation had not allowed its Princess to leave the planet surface for over twenty-five consecutive months.

As soon as she set foot on Lunar soil, Io gazed around noticing that the distinctive Mercurian Royal ship was already parked there. Immediately she threw her hand luggage to one of the soldiers who accompanied her, ordering him to take the bag with the others to her new rooms. She began to search in-between the crowd in front of her for the petite blue-haired Princess that she had been eager to see for months now. She walked further down the hall to the main palace where her fellow Senshi were apparently waiting for her.

She mingled among the hordes of people gathered around, waiting for the royal announcement to be made. She was now in the front row just steps away from Queen Serenity's podium. A voice called her name, making her jump a little, "Hey Jups, how are you?" the cheerful voice of Princess Venus startled her but she smiled softly, bending a little in order to receive a warm hug from her childhood friend.

She turned her head to take a better look at her friend, "It's good to see you Ve-chan, uhm..." She raised an amused eyebrow watching that from behind Venus, Princess Mars walking towards her, holding out her hand. Jupiter accepted it, shaking Mars's hand and greeted her. Mars hugged her. She couldn't help but smirk at the boldness in her friend, "Not so formal anymore, huh Arianna-chan?" she said, hugging Mars tightly.

She could have spent years without seeing them but the sisterly bond they developed while training together remained.

Shrugging and smirking, Princess Mars intertwined her right hand with Venus's left, smiling smugly in Io's direction, making sure she was paying attention. She decided to suddenly take the blonde into a slow, deep kiss on the lips. Taken by surprise but pleased by the gesture, Princess Venus happily complied with the Fire Princess, reciprocating the shattering kiss. When they were done, Mars separated a bit from her dumbfounded and silenced Princess Venus. Smiling proudly, she moved behind the blonde in order to hug her by the waist, letting her chin rest on Venus's shoulder.

"As you may see, Aphrodite has made me less formal in some ways." Mars grinned, amused hugging the waist of the latter.

Jupiter had never in her life seen the cheerful and chatty Princess Venus become so red and quiet in just mere seconds, and even less speechless. And she had never expected to see such a carefree attitude from Arianna Mars.

The Jovian grinned at them, "I want details of how this happened" she pointed at their clasped hands in front of the Venusian's belly, "-but that will have to wait, I need to find 'Thena." Io sighed, scanning her surroundings looking for her love.

Mars raised an eyebrow, interested. She had never heard anyone else call Mercury by her first name without the proper planetary honorific. That indicated intimate closeness, maybe...just like hers with Venus Aphrodite?

Io was about to flee away from the salon to keep looking for Mercury when the sound of trumpets announced Queen Serenity's entrance to the great hall. The Jovian Princess's nervousness reached its peak. She spotted Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, Pluto, Mars, and Venus already properly lined up, waiting for their sovereign.

Queen Serenity appeared in front of them, all the new Sailor Senshi knelt before their Queen, including the restless Princess Io, "My friends," the Queen began to speak, spreading her arms, addressing the dispersed audience in the hall, "Although the circumstances that force this hasty meeting are some of the least pleasant in our history, I would like to begin by welcoming each and every one of you and..." She was interrupted by a loud whine coming from the side door.

A blonde girl with pigtail styled hair walked rather quickly, pulling Princess Mercury close behind by the elbow, "Athenaaa-chan, pleaseee tell me who your mysterious lover gir-" her words hung in the air unfinished. All the people gathered in the main hall were looking at them.

Io heard Princess Arianna whispering at her right, "Serenity…always so timely." Venus and Uranus were trying to hold in their laughter, turning it into raspy coughs.

Blushing and nervous, both Princesses went to take their places: Serenity next to her mother and Princess Mercury knelt at Jupiter's left. Smiling, Queen Serenity talked and announced all the news and their Kingdom status rather quickly. As soon as the Queen dismissed them, without a second thought, the Jovian Princess stood, turning to her left, opening her arms toward Princess Mercury, " 'Thena, I missed you," she whispered.

Smiling wide, still in front of some members of the royal court, Princess Mercury closed the distance between them, throwing herself with determination and need at Jupiter's arms, kissing her right on the lips.

And, from that moment... both Princesses began a stage in their life full of experiences, some of them good and others… not so much, but still, they fought together against the Moon Kingdom's enemies alongside their fellow Senshis.

They lived as happily as they could have done in wartime during the Silver Millennium Era. Their love was so pure and truthful that the feelings they share lasted hundreds and thousands of years, just waiting and hopping to meet again.

The End,

...

Makoto finished the story with a deep, dreamy sigh recollecting on the story she entirely told. She opened her eyes and lowered her gaze where Eimi and Harmonia were already asleep. The girls were peacefully sleeping, holding hands above the blanket. Chuckling lowly, she stood and walked towards the door, exiting Eimi's room making her way to her own bedroom.

Once at the gateway of the bedroom she shared with Ami, she sighed and smiled softly, opening the door quietly, shutting it behind her equally slowly. She heard the movement of sheets on the bed and realized that Ami was watching her undress to change into her sleeping clothes.

"Mmm," Ami muttered nodding with her head, eyebrow raised, watching Makoto remove her blouse and bra about to cover her half upper body with the pajama blouse. She stopped her before she did, "-honey, why don't you let your beautiful body refresh a bit?"

Makoto raised an eyebrow at the suggestion. Lately, Ami had been having these drastic mood changes in her libido -which Makoto did not complain about. But still, they didn't cease to amaze her-, "Ami!" she said, feigning astonishment, "There are two small kids in-"

Kneeling down and approaching the edge of the bed, Ami watched with delight the firm and seductive curves of her wife biting at her lip, "-which are already asleep in the room down the hall, U-hum I know. I was the one who suggested giving that room to Eimi-chan, remember?" She said, stretching her hands and caressing Makoto's waist softly, leaning forward, resting her right temple above her wife's left breast, hearing the pounding of her heart. Makoto embraced her wife, kissing her soundly on the forehead, "You know…I dreamed about the night before we parted from the Moon to our castles, the night our training finished," said Ami kissing the top of Makoto's clavicle, hands dangerously close to her breasts, "I need you Mako..." she whispered with such a need in her voice that Makoto groaned softly, melting with Ami's soft caresses.

Need and hunger for her, need of Makoto, was what adorned Ami's face.

Happily, the auburn-haired woman leaned towards Ami, kissing her on the neck gently, "I will always be here for you Ami, always my love."

'Remembering is such a beautiful thing Makoto, but your own new memories are the most wonderful thing in this universe. And when those memories are made along the person you love, with your soul mate in your case…You are very lucky to have found Athena again,' said a voice inside Makoto's memory.

She smiled thinking about her response, ''I know that, Io-chan. Believe that I know that, and that it's what I intend to do along with Ami, with my wife." Without any other distraction, both women spending the next few hours and minutes loving each other intensely.

Makoto was the woman who had captured her heart in this and in her previous life, the one that, despite the distances and forgotten memories, had never managed to get her out of her heart.

:: סוֹף::

Well, That was it!

What do you think? Did ya' like it?

I'm talking to you Ami/Mako shipper! I mean all those who ships this pairign :P

I hope I could redeem myself after the tragedy from the Howling, hehe.

September is coming and I have a LOT of one-shots of Ami/Mako, who wants to read them! We have a fluff one, a sexy one, another angsty/fluff and the last one is freaking funny! For more details, please check my profile I already set the dates and the titles that im going to publish.

I hope I get a Rvw or MP letting me know what d'ya think about this story and the upcoming ones!

LATERS!