"What's wrong?" Usagi worriedly asked, opening the door fully so Rei could walk in.
"we've been arguing. I'm afraid the wedding's off" Rei said quietly, and Usagi shut the front door.
"Pancakes?" she simply asked, and Rei looked confused, following Usagi to the Kitchen.
"Oh wow!" Rei said, "you can cook that well?" Usagi looked annoyed for a second.
"No, Seiya made them for me-"
"Oh" Rei said quietly and pulled out a chair to sit on. Just as Usagi took hers, the bell rang again.
This time, it was Minako looking worried.
"What's up? How come your not at work?" Minako asked, and Usagi looked down at the time and screamed.
"SHIT!" Minako waved her hand and giggled.
"Don't worry, I was late this morning"
"Come in" Usagi smiled, and Minako heard Rei's sob's and ran to the kitchen. Usagi finally sat down and started chomping on the now-cold pancakes.
"What's wrong?" Minako asked Rei.
"M-Mamo-C-Chan. We were arguing Minako!" Minako cuddled her friend, and Usagi looked guilty at the pancakes and decided that they didn't matter, there already cold now anyway.
"What was it about?" Usagi gently asked, and Rei shrugged.
"Invitions. T-then he said, if I was this much of a p-pain there's no point in m-m-marrying me!" Rei started to wail, and Usagi pulled a face while Minako stayed looking worried.
"I'm sure he didn't mean. Mamo-chan loves you" Usagi smiled. It suddenly felt like yesterday when she was chasing Mamo-Chan and Rei down the street, annoyed because she liked Mamoru. Then there was that year, when Rei didn't get to talk Mamoru much, when he was at Yale for a year. Rei was upset that he wouldn't even come see her in the holidays, and that she didn't get to talk to him all that much. They'd been there for her while she cried, even though they also secretly wanted to be with Yaten and Seiya.
"You can't doubt that" Minako nodded, and Rei shook her head. No she couldn't. Even Seiya, Yaten and Taiki hadn't proposed to their girlfriends, and she saw how much they meant to them. She dried a tear.
"Your right. It was just a stupid argument," Rei admitted, and smiled a little, "you know what men are like when their angry"
Minako and Usagi had flashbacks then nodded. Seiya didn't take anything out on Usagi, he just wouldn't talk to her for a while, and Yaten would act to Minako how he acted to everyone; dark-natured. He'd also shout. Who knew someone so small could shout so loud? Minako couldn't help but shudder a little.
"Right" they both nodded.
"Now, how about some warm pancakes?" Minako asked, after tasting Usagi's cold one.
---
Makoto was washing up in-between making cakes and serving customers. Minako went... what? An hour ago? It takes 3 minutes to walk to Seiya and Usagi's apartment, and Minako ran from the shop.
Minako and Usagi ran in wearing their cute pastel-colour dresses that counted as their uniform. Minako had a baby yellow colour, where as Usagi wore a light blue dress. They had matching hats and aprons just like the uniform they wore when running the school's cafe. Makoto had a light peppermint green dress herself. She rubbed her hands on her apron, and gave them an annoyed look.
"Where have you been?"
"Cheering Rei up" Minako replied, looking upset, as did Usagi.
"But we're here now!" Usagi beamed, and went off to serve an incoming customer.
"What's wrong with Rei?" Makoto asked, worried.
"Oh, she had an argument with Mamo-chan. But it's okay now! We cheered her up!" Minako smiled, and Makoto smiled back.
"Well that's good" she simply said.
---
Ami was finding it hard to focus on her morning class, and felt annoyed at missing valuable learning time! She really wasn't ready for a baby. This was her second year; she had another 5 until she got her doctor's license. Luckily, she'd talked to the teacher who was willing to suggest books and send over the notes she needed when she got even bigger. Thankfully, this was still just the start, she was due to have a winter baby, so there would be no exams around then.
When walking back from class, she passed Rei coming out of a shop and quickly ran over to go see her.
"Rei!" she waved over, and Rei smiled at her.
"How're you?" Rei asked and Ami smiled.
"I'm alright thank you, only... I was finding it hard to focus in class today"
"Is that due to the baby?" Rei smiled, raising an eyebrow and Ami nodded.
"Probably. Anyway, what were you doing?"
"Sneaking to go get Mamo-Chan the right invitations for our wedding. We were fighting over the right style, and ended up saying some things we both regret, so I'm going to make it right by getting the type he wanted," Rei smiled, and Ami giggled, "that should sort it out"
"I'm sure it will," Ami smiled, and they crossed her favourite book-store, "do you mind?"
"No!" Rei smiled, "Not at all"
---
Ami found the medical area straight away, and Rei looked around the rest of the books, finding they had an area for weddings; from locations to dresses, cakes to seasons. Rei and Mamoru wanted a summer wedding, they had agreed on that much.
Once she pulled out the "Big Fat Wedding Guide" she noticed a man that looked like Taiki was standing behind the bookcase. She peered through, and sure enough it was Taiki. Some women was smiling up at him, and holding onto his arm.
"This one's perfect I love it!" she squealed, and Rei looked worriedly. She then ran to go see Ami who was carrying 2 heavy books, and Rei took them off her.
"What's the rush?"
"I- ur- just remembered I booked an appointment with Makoto to try cakes for my wedding. Come on! Don't want to be late do we?" Rei awkwardly made up, and Ami just went along with it.
"Ok. I'll come here later tonight"
"thanks!" Rei breathlessly ran to the furthest cash point.
---
Minako and Usagi were back to gossiping by the washing-up booth, keeping an eye out for any coming customers.
"I'm glad we managed to cheer Rei up earlier"
"Same. I bet they both end up buying the cards for one another"
"Mamo-Chan probably feels really stupid"
"He better or else he will be once he takes the wrath of the goddess of love, Minako!" Minako replied and they both giggled, when they suddenly noticed Ami and Rei walking in.
Rei choose a corner booth, then ran to speak to Usagi and Minako.
"I need to talk to Makoto"
"Urm she's right out back" Usagi replied, and Minako nodded.
"What's wrong?"
"Oh, I saw Taiki talking to another women, who was all over him. I didn't want Ami to see so rushed her here and told her we have to taste cake for my wedding" Minako and Usagi looked at each other, not sure whether to be worried about Taiki or laugh at Rei's lie.
"I'll go tell her" Usagi replied, and walked off. Minako smiled a brighter smile.
"I'll get straight to serving cake! Venus, Love power.... Serrrrvvvvve cake!" she joked, and Rei slapped her forehead before returning to talk with Ami.
---
Taiki couldn't get to sleep, and he didn't know why. He thought through everything that could be bugging him, then it dawned on him. The thought he'd had that morning. About asking Ami for her hand in marriage.
How would he?
He'd involve a white rose somehow. That was symbolic in too many ways to them, and it was his signature flower. He'd have to involve a book somehow... maybe if he cut a square out of one, or made a fake book, he could hide the box with the ring inside?
Ah. The ring. So much to think about. Who better to ring then Seiya and... possibly Yaten? Seiya was the most caring (when he wanted to be) and romantic. And well, they couldn't do something so important to Taiki without inviting along Yaten. When Yaten bothered, he always had some pretty good ideas.
He looked at the time. Better wait to ring Yaten in the morning. But Seiya he could call now.
"Seiya?" he asked over the phone, and as he thought, Seiya didn't sound the least bit tired.
"Taiki! I was just writing a song I was hoping to show you on Sunday" the happy voice beamed back.
"That's great. But I actually rang for some help about something very close to me"
"Ami? You finally going to propose?" Seiya's voice went quieter.
"Yes. Don't tell Usagi! And speaking of Usagi, you can't talk. You haven't proposed to her either" he heard Seiya smirk.
"Don't worry. I know what she's like. She's asleep anyway. And I know I haven't yet. I will when the time's right. Anyway, You got any plans of how you're going to do it?"
"A few"
"Brilliant, I'll meet you tomorrow morning at your apartment"
---
Seiya woke-up regretting going to bed so late, but he'd get over it. He knew today's planning wasn't going to be quick, and that he probably wouldn't see Usagi much today. He decided he'd surprise her by leaving pancakes, knowing she had to get up for work soon anyway. If he could time this, he'd miss Minako while he went to pick up Yaten. Yaten only lived two floors below him, which would mean... he looked at the clock... he'd have to s-l-o-w-l-y walk down the stairs, and hope he could just catch Minako running off for work.
His plan worked, Minako was running screaming "Fuck I'm late!" as she left Yaten resting on the doorway. Yaten saw Seiya and rolled his eyes.
"We don't have a meeting today, so there's no way your dragging me to one you've just decided on" Yaten snapped, as happy as ever. Seiya shook his head, smiling the smile that millions of girls fainted at, but more importantly was Usagi's weakness. Yaten raised a curious eye-brow.
"It's about Taiki"
"Now I'm interested"
---
Taiki looked at the book, and the lady suddenly placed her hands on his arm.
"This one's perfect I love it!" the lady smiled. Taiki stared at the women knowing this woman's never read poetry in her life. He could hear Seiya and Yaten sniggering, and gave them looks.
"Thank you. I'd like to look by myself now" Taiki said, and the lady rudely backed off and started on Yaten. Taiki looked through all the poets, and came across his favourite poet: William Blake. He smiled, and Yaten crept up behind him.
"Shouldn't you get the ring first? Check the box will fit in the thickness of the book?" Taiki shook his head.
"The ring will fit any box I give it! This book is perfect. Ami hasn't read all his poem's yet" Taiki smiled. Yaten nodded.
"Right, now onto the ring store" Seiya winked, appearing out of no-where holding a couple of books himself.
"Who are they for?"
"Usagi" Seiya laughed.
---
Minako and Usagi had just about finished serving every type of cake they had, and the ones Makoto had just brought from the store to pass off as wedding cake, and Ami and Rei tasted them all (much to Minako and Usagi's annoyance).
"Yum I think I'll have to have a chocolate sponge cake" Rei smiled, and Minako slurped on her smoothie.
"When's Yaten going to ask me to marry him?" she asked, and Usagi nodded.
"When's Seiya going to ask me to marry him?" and Ami giggled and Rei smirked.
"I'm sure they will soon!" Ami told them, and Makoto finished closing up the cafe and sat down with the group.
"What are you guys talking about?"
"When our boyfriends will finally propose!" Usagi and Minako sulked. Makoto sighed.
"Ineed a boyfriend first" Usagi, Minako and Rei moved closer, and slowly leaned next to Makoto.
"Ooooh Makoto why didn't you say?" Rei asked, her eyes wide with excitement and her hand covering her mouth.
"Don't worry Makoto, The Venus goddess of Love, Minako will help you out!"
"Yeh. Your doing pretty well getting Yaten to propose aren't you?" Rei snobbishly asked, and Minako looked pissed off. She turned away and folded her arms.
"He'll do it soon. Just you wait, I haven't wanted it yet. I'll work my marriage, and watch this finger," Minako held up her finger for them all to see, "it'll soon a ring on it"
"I wonder what type of ring Yaten would choose for you" Makoto said, and Ami shook her head first.
"Firstly, we need to sort out your problems Mako-chan" Ami smiled, and the other three nodded.
"What are you looking for?" Usagi asked, and Makoto smiled, her eyes turning into stars.
"Someone tall, with long brown hair, who has a cute smile, and is loving" Makoto put her hands together, and Rei smiled.
"Aww Makoto I'm sure we'll find you someone" Rei winked, and Minako and Usagi followed suit.
---
Taiki had cut out the middle of the poetry book, feeling bad to ruin such a wonderful book. Seiya set upon getting some champagne and white roses, and Yaten simply sat there admiring the ring, shining it in the light. It was a blue diamond heart cut ring.
"I'm surprised we found a blue diamond this perfect, there so rare" Yaten stated.
"Well, our agent can work wonders" Seiya winked, and Yaten nodded. Taiki took the box off Yaten and placed it in the middle of the book and closed it.
"Should I wrap it up?" Taiki asked and Yaten and Seiya nodded.
Taiki wrapped it up, took one rose out of the bouquet and placed it onto of the wrapped up book. He then placed a note which simply said "I don't see what anyone can see in anyone else but you" and placed the note under the rose.
"Right, now to make dinner" Seiya grinned.
---
Yaten rubbed his eyes as he walked through the door and saw Minako standing there with her hands on her hips.
"You've got some explaining to do" She simply said, and Yaten shrugged, closed the door and sat down on the sofa.
"What was Taiki doing with another women in the book store today?"
"How'd you know that?"
"My all-seeing eyes!" Minako folded her arms. She was still wearing her work uniform, and quite frankly, Yaten loved it. He closed his eyes for a second in thought.
"Oh really?" he opened his eyes and raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. Now tell me what he was doing!" Minako wasn't going to let this go.
"Preparing to propose to Ami" he simply replied, and was waiting to see Minako jump up and down. She stood there in shock for a moment, and then jumped into Yaten's lap.
"How's he proposing?" her eyes turned to hearts as she faced her boyfriend.
"He's cut out a section in a book, and placed the ring in it" Yaten said, and Minako jumped up again and did the dance he was expecting earlier. Minako then pulled Yaten up via his tie and kissed him.
"I'm so happy" she whispered and kissed him again, pulling via his tie into the bedroom. If this is how Minako reacted to Ami and Taiki's engagement, he'd have to run a mile after he asked her.
---
Seiya couldn't wait to see his Usagi, and rushed to open the door, and as soon as he did, he saw her sneaking to get some biscuits Seiya had hidden in the top cupboard. Seeing he couldn't reach it, he snuck over and held her up himself.
"Oh!" she cried as she got thrown in the air and took out the biscuits. As soon as he place her on the ground, she placed the biscuits on the side and threw her arms around him.
"How was your day?" she asked and kissed him. After a little while, Seiya smiled back.
"Perfect"
"And your meeting?"
"Perfect" he smiled and Usagi pulled a way a little.
"Was Taiki there?"
"Of course," he moved closer again and Usagi pulled a doubtful face, which made Seiya move back, "what?"
"How come he was at the bookstore with another lady then?" Usagi's eyes watered, and Seiya laughed. Usagi looked even more offended.
"What?" she quietly asked.
"He was planning his engagement to Ami. Who told you he was with another woman?" Usagi then laughed, and hugged Seiya out of happiness.
"Ami's getting engaged!" She jumped up and down. And Seiya held her up to kiss her.
"Seiya" Usagi whispered in-between a kiss, with both of their eyes closed.
"Yes dumpling?"
"We'll get married one day won't we?" Seiya didn't say anything but kissed her harder on the lips.
---
"Taiki?"
Taiki waited nervously in the kitchen, playing with the cloth that lay in his hands ready to serve dinner. He was waiting till he heard a noise that indicated Ami had opened the book, and seen the ring.
One minute had passed, then another...
And suddenly he heard a gasp, and peered a little through the open door. Ami was sitting there, staring at the ring with a hand over her mouth. Her cheeks glowed pink, and her eyes looked up to see Taiki there grinning nervously.
"Taiki?" she now whispered, and Taiki nodded, walked over and placed the ring on her finger.
"Will you marry me Ami?" he asked, kneeling down to one knee. Ami could only nod, and nod and nod until Taiki stood up.
"Yes!" she squealed and threw her arms around him, showering him in kisses.
---
Rei put down the phone, and placed a hand to her mouth to cover the giggles.
"What's so funny?" Mamo-Chan looked up from the home-work he was marking and Rei came and sat down next to him.
"Nothing," she shook her head, resting against Mamoru who pulled her into a hug, "but Ami just got engaged too" Rei smiled then Mamoru looked at her lovingly then reached into his pocket.
"I wanted to say I'm sorry Rei, for everything earlier... I didn't mean it, you know I'd never mean it. And it was just such a stupid argument," Mamo-chan pulled out the invites Rei had screeched and demanded yesterday and they'd fought over today, "and I think your more stylish then me"
Rei laughed, and got up to pull out the invites she'd ordered that he liked.
"But your opinion matters to me, and I think your right, these are more sophisticated" Rei smiled and kissed him. Mamo-chan shook his head.
"I'm not marrying you if you don't accept these invites you so badly wanted" he teased and Rei nodded.
"All right then, I'm just going to have to accept these aren't I?"
---
Makoto put down the phone with tears in her eyes. What was she going to do? Usagi and Minako were expecting children, Rei was engaged and Ami was now both! And Makoto was without a boyfriend, and soon might have to give up the cafe. It wouldn't be the same without Minako and Usagi there. She'd always dreamed she'd be a wife, owning a cafe and looking after children. Makoto sighed and made some coffee. She'd lived alone since she was really young, but only now was it starting to affect her.
Then she picked up her sewing kit, and finished off the baby clothes she'd started making for Minako and Yaten's baby.
Maybe she could babysit their children. She'd be good at that.