M&M's
Chapter Eighteen: Cool (AKA the Aoshi Ending)
Lyrics/Thoughts/Flashbacks
Makoto rubbed her swollen tummy as she cautiously made her way downstairs. Being 7 months pregnant made it hard for the former senshi of Jupiter to get around. Arms wrapped around her waist as she reached the bottom step, "I told you to wait, and that I would get the door." Her husband of three years, playfully scolded her.
She turned to look at him, his ebony hair wet from just getting out of the shower, blue eyes dancing playfully, before she stuck out her tongue, "Honestly hun, I'm pregnant, not disabled, besides the stairs are good exercise." The doorbell rang again, "Coming!" Mako shouted out before reaching the door and pulling it open only to stare in the deep cerulean eyes of her old boyfriend. "Mamo," his name fell from her lips, as she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. It had been close to three years since she had last seen him, in fact a week before her wedding was the last time she had seen him. He had simply left, leaving nothing but a note saying sorry and goodbye.
Mamo simply stared at the woman who had once been the love of his life, thinking back to when he had last seen her.
Flashback
"Ladies and gentle men, welcome to the opening of Kirie. My name is Aoshi Shinimori and I have the pleasure of introducing you to the owner and head chef, and future Mrs. Shinimori, Makoto Kino."
Mako shyly emerged, smiling brightly, giving a small wave. "Welcome all and thank you. I'm flattered at all the reviews that I have received from the press and the support and love I have from all of you." She looked out at the crowd that she considered her family and friends. "I need to get back to the kitchen, I hope you all enjoy your evening." She blew a kiss to the crowd and disappeared behind the swinging double doors that lead to the kitchen.
"Alright, tonight on the menu is Mako's' most renowned dish, filet mignon in a red wine sauce, garlic mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables, for dessert, Mako's own creation, crème de la cherries jubilee pie. But first you're appetizers, sautéed stuffed Portobello mushrooms."
Aoshi smiled as the guest eyes perked up as the waiters brought out plates of delectable looking food, almost too beautiful to eat. He took his seat next to his parents, Mamoru and the Kimura's. Most people were shocked at the eerie similarities between the two raven haired men, his mom and Mrs. Kimura the only people besides Mako having no problem telling the two men apart.
Mamoru took a small bite of the mushroom, the flavor exploding in his mouth. Mako's really out done herself. He shifted in his wheel chair, anxious to get out. In truth he had been able to walk for a week, but he wanted to surprise Mako with a dance.
When everyone had been served dessert and coffee, Mako re-emerged wearing a gorgeous cream colored gown rather that her chef's uniform. Her hair had been left down in mahogany waves. Her bright green eyes although tired, held the unmistakable spark of happiness.
The entire restaurant stood and applauded as she walked across the dance floor to her seat next to Aoshi. She bowed graciously, a pink blush staining her cheeks. "Thank you all so much. I do hope that you enjoyed your meals and that you'll stay for some dancing."
All of a sudden the lights turned out as a spot light shone down on the dance floor. Footsteps were heard, Mako held her breath as a pair of feet stepped into the light. The beam widened exposing a smiling Mamoru standing on his own. Mako's eyes welled up in tears as Con Te Partiro began to play and Mamo extended his hand to her.
She kissed Aoshi tenderly before she rose gracefully and seemed to float into Mamo's arms. Aoshi watched the couple dance with a small smile on his face, she was so beautiful.
Mamo smiled as Mako kissed Aoshi tenderly, before coming to dance with him. He laughed to himself, a mixture of pain and bitterness seeping in… No matter how alike we look, she always looks better in his arms, like she belongs there. He watched as her eyes flickered when she met Aoshi gaze; Mamo watched as a fire sparked in her eyes as Aoshi smiled at her, a spark he had never seen before. It was then that Mamo realized, that while Mako did and probably would always love him, she was in love with Aoshi.
Present
Back then he didn't think that it would have ever been possible for him to get over the pain of loosing Mako, he wasn't sure he'd ever love again. But now looking at how happy she was in Aoshi's arms, he knew that she had made the right choice. He knew that he had been selfish to stay away from her for so long, but now he was back, and wasn't going to walk out of her life again.
It's hard to remember how it felt before
Now I found the love of my life...
Passes things get more comfortable
Everything is going right
He was shaken out of his daydream as Aoshi extended his hand to shake, "Mamo, it's nice seeing you again."
Mamo smiled and nodded, "I agree Aoshi," he moved to the side revealing a petite brunette, with deep cinnamon colored eyes, "Mako, Aoshi, this is my girlfriend Bianca, Bianca this is my best friend Mako and her husband Aoshi."
Mako smiled brightly, before slapping him playfully on the arm, "Mamo you didn't tell me you had a girlfriend!" she turned and hugged Bianca, "It's a pleasure to meet you. Come in come in." she and Aoshi led the couple into the den where tea and cookies had been set up.
"You have a lovely home Mako." Bianca gushed as they were led through the home that Aoshi had designed and built especially for Mako.
"Thank you." The emerald eyed brunette smiled, "It was my wedding anniversary gift from my husband made my gift of son seem rather small." She playfully joked as she tenderly rubbed her stomach smiled as Aoshi kissed her hand.
The two couples sat down, and Mako couldn't help but notice how close Mamo and Bianca sat, fingers entwined with one another.
"So, how did the two of you meet?" Aoshi asked as Mako poured her guest some tea, before serving her husband then herself.
"Well after I left Japan, I went to New York, where I worked at one of the hospitals there, I ran into Bianca two years ago at a sushi restaurant, and the rest is history." He smiled fondly at his girlfriend, who blushed adorably pink.
"Well you two look absolutely and deliriously happy together." Mako commented sincerely before taking a sip of her tea.
"Mako, I want to apologize for just leaving the way I did."
Mako shook her head, "There's no need too, Mamo, I know you had your reasons for leaving. It's all in the past, I'm just glad that you're back, I've missed my best friend."
Mamo smiled appreciatively at the fact that she still referred to him as her best friend, "Me too Mako, me too."
And after all the obstacles
It's good to see you now with someone else
And it's such a miracle that you and me are still good friends
After all that we've been through
I know we're cool
"It's uncanny how alike the two of you look." Bianca spoke up as she glanced between her boyfriend and Aoshi.
Mako giggled, "I know, what can I say I'm a sucker for black hair and blue eyes." She looked at her husband then at Mamo, who were both smirking.
"Yea, the first time Mamo met my parents, even they had a hard time telling us apart." The three that shared the memory chuckled lightly.
Just then Bianca's pager went off, "Oh dear, it's the hospital," she looked at Mako, "Would it be alright to use your phone?"
She nodded, "Of course." She tried to get up, but couldn't.
"Don't move love, I'll show her to the phone." Aoshi planted a kiss on her forehead before leading Bianca away to the study.
"So Mrs. Shinimori, when are you due?" Mamo asked eyeing her stomach.
"The world will be welcoming Shinozaki Darien Shinimori on June 26." She pat her stomach affectionately, inwardly smiling at the fact that Mamo had called her by her married name. The two fell into a companionable silence, "So Bianca seems sweet." Mako softly stated.
Mamo's eyes sparked at the mention of his girlfriend, "Yea she is, I think she might be the one." He ran a hand though his hair.
Mako gushed, "Oh Mamo, that's great!" her eyes welled up with tears of joy, Mamo handed her a tissue, "Thanks Mamo, it's just all these damn hormones," she dabbed the tears away, "I tell you these days, even long distance phone commercials make me cry."
The two laughed, both glad that things were back to the way they should be, Bianca and Aoshi walked in on the two, "What's wrong love?" Aoshi immediately rushed to his teary eyed wife's side.
"Nothing, just the damn hormones, I was telling Mamo about how long distance telephone commercials make me cry."
"Mamo, I'm needed at the hospital." Bianca turned to face Mako and Aoshi, "I'm sorry to cut this reunion short. I'd really like to get to know you better Mako,"
"I'd like that." Mako stood up with Aoshi's help, "We'll walk you to the door," the group headed to the front of the house, "You know what? We're having a BBQ here tomorrow, you two should come. All the girls will be here."
Mamo smiled at the thought of seeing his fellow senshi again, "We'll be here, what time?"
"Around four."
Mamo nodded, before leaning in to kiss Mako's cheek, "See you tomorrow." He shook hands with Aoshi.
"It was nice meeting you Mako," Bianca hugged the pregnant woman gently, "You too Aoshi." She gave him a hug as well. "See you tomorrow." The couple waved as they headed down the walkway to Mamo's red Ferrari.
Mako simply laughed to herself as she closed the door, Somethings never change. She mused to herself as Aoshi picked her up bridal style, carrying her to their bedroom, And for that I'm glad.
We used to think it was impossible
Now you call me by my new last name
Memories seem like so long ago
Time always kills the pain
The next day came quickly, and soon Makoto was downstairs, in the kitchen with her best girlfriends, while the men were outside drinking beers and talking story. "So Mako, what's the surprise huh?" Usagi asked, as she poured herself a glass of wine.
"Let me guess, you're having twins!" Mina exclaimed.
"Heavens no!" Mako laughed, "One is quite enough for now," she looked down at her belly, "Aren't you baby." She cooed softly.
"So, are you going to tell us?" Rei asked, her curiosity finally getting the better of her.
"I must admit, even I'm itching to hear what this surprise is." Ami added her two cents as well.
Mako grabbed a few more wine glasses down from the cupboard and poured the girls each a glass before pouring herself some sparkling cider. She smirked before raising her glass, "Trust me girls, it'll be worth the wait." She clanged glasses with the girls before turning around to head outside.
"Aunty Mako!" Three year old, Kenji Kou rushed to his favorite aunt as two year old Rianna Kumada attempted to follow on shaky legs.
"Why can't you just tell us?" Usa whined as the rest of the girls joined their husbands outside.
"Cause that would just ruin the whole point of it being a surprise now wouldn't it?" Mako smiled as she hugged Kenji before handed him a small bag of cookies, "Go share these with everyone ok hun?" she ruffled his hair as she sent the blue eyed boy back to where the rest of the senshi's children were. He sat down next to five year old twins Grace and Andrew Anderson, and handed them each a cookie, before proceeding to give one to Michelle Furuhata. Mako rubbed her belly as she watched all the children happily munch on their cookies, she felt Shino kick and she giggled to herself, You'll be playing with them soon enough little one.
Just then the doorbell rang, Mako looked over at her husband and smiled, "I'll get it." He winked at her in response. She made it to the front door in record time, flying it open to welcome Mamo and Bianca. "You guys made it." She smiled brightly.
"Of course Mako." He leaned in kissing her cheek, and handing her a blue baby blanket. "Bianca picked it out."
Tears welled up in Mako's eyes again, as she turned to Bianca, "Thank you." She pulled the woman into a warm embrace. She wiped her tears away and took Bianca's hand in hers and Mamo's in the other, "Come on, and meet the family." She led them to the backyard before stopping, "Stay here, you're my big surprise that everyone's been bugging me about."
Mamo laughed and complied as he kissed the top of Bianca's head and stayed put.
Mako opened the door, "Hey guys, can I have your attention?" she waited until all eyes were on her, "Girls, the surprise is here." And with that she stepped aside, enjoying the girls faces of shock as Mamoru stepped out smiling brightly.
All was silent for about five seconds before four screeching voices shouted as one, "MAMO!" Mako hurried out of the way as four blurs rushed by her tackling Mamo to the ground in a ferocious hug.
After sorting out the tangled mess of limbs, Mamo got to his feet and took Bianca by the hand, leading her outside to meet his 'family'. "Guys this is Bianca, my girlfriend, Bianca this is my family."
Mako smiled as Aoshi's arms wrapped around her waist and he nuzzled her neck affectionately. "I'm glad that he's back in my life." She whispered as she watched Mamo introduce Bianca to the girls and their husbands. She and Aoshi laughed as Mamo's eyes nearly bulged out of his head upon meeting all the kids.
"I'm glad he's back too." Aoshi said honestly, in the beginning he had been jealous of his 'twin' but after the opening of Mako's restaurant he knew that the bond between her and Mamo was nothing more than the best of friends.
Remember Crown Arcade
The dreaming days where the mess was made
Look how all the kids have grown
We have changed but we're still the same
After all that we've been through
I know we're cool
Mamo was in shock as he met the group of kids that were all too adorable for words. He looked up at Mako and found her in the arms of her husband, looking happier than he could remember. He then looked beside him at Bianca, yes, he had made the right choice in letting Mako go, in finding Bianca, and in coming back.
The rest of the afternoon was spent catching up on lost time, none of the girls seem to question why he had left, they were simply overjoyed that he was back. They all welcomed Bianca into the mix as if she had grown up with them. Mako even gave Bianca the recipe to her famous and highly secretive artichoke dip, thus confirming the petite brunette's transition to the tightly knit group.
"If Mamo trusts you, then I trust you, we all trust you, welcome to the family." The girls came together in a group hug, as the men simply oogled the site of six beautiful women hugging one another.
Mamo watched as Bianca and Mako talked like old friends and smiled fondly, glad that after everything that had happened, everything that he and Mako had been through, they were still friends. It's not easy loosing your love once, only to be reborn and loose her again, to someone that could be your twin. But after all the obstacles and drama they had been through, they had managed to work it out. Perhaps they were soul mates after all, not romantic ones, but ones meant to be together for all of time. He smiled to himself, yes, he could definitely live with that.
And I'll be happy for you
If you can be happy for me
Circles and triangles,
And now we're hangin' out with your new girlfriend
So far from where we've been
I know we're cool
"I'm so glad you're back in my life Ru." Mako hugged him fiercly as they said their goodbyes, "Please don't leave me again." She whispered softly.
"Are you kidding me Mako?" he pulled away and looked at Bianca then back at her, "My girlfriends here, and my bestfriend is here. I'm finally home where I belong, I'm not going anywhere."
Mako handed Mamo back to Bianca, "You make sure that if he leaves again, he at least comes to say goodbye ok?" Bianca nodded, as Mako pulled her in for a hug, "You two make a wonderful couple together, he's absolutely smitten with you." She whispered before letting go and retreating to Aoshi's arms.
The two men shook hands and said their goodbyes. The Aoshi's waved from the doorstep as Mamo and Bianca drove off, "He's so in love with her, I'm glad."
Aoshi dropped a kiss to his wife's lips, "Just like I'm so in love with you."
Mako blushed as she smiled, "Ditto, love, ditto."
Mamo watched through his rearview mirror as Aoshi tenderly kissed Mako before heading into the house, "She finally got the happy ending she deserved." He murmured before looking to the enchanting woman beside him, "But then again so did I."
The End
Alright to all you guys who wanted an Aoshi/Mako ending here you go... I don't own any of the SM or RK characters, nor do I own the song "Cool" by Gwen Stefani. Sorry I made you guys wait so long, but now M&M's is officially complete.
One Love,
Athena Kyle