It wasn't hard to say that Nenene really did love Maggie.
She was first amused by the taller, stoic woman's adorable love of books (and her writing), and came to admire her courage, determination and willingness to protect her sisters. She even trusted her after being forced to be turned over to their enemies. Over time, and after the British Library incident, Nenene grew to love Maggie Mui, and Maggie Mui grew to love Nenene. Sappy as it sounds, it worked out so well for the both of them, and they were happy to have someone like their girlfriend in their respective lives.
But it was also a calming force for the both of them. As it turned out, having someone to hug when having a nightmare was a huge relief. That first time, Maggie had a sudden, violent nightmare that struck her very being to the core; a British Library agent violently tortured her, her sisters, and worst of all, Nenene, after they had been caught. Apparently Nenene could tell that something was wrong with Maggie from the outside, because she felt two slender, but strong arms pulling her close and a familiar, gentle voice reassuring her.
Needless to say, she got a good night's sleep. And she thanked her the next morning with a surprisingly-passionate smooch.
Of course, Nenene also had to admit that she did like women in that way, which was part of the way they could have this relationship.
Rather than getting scared and keeping it a secret until she died, Nenene began making plans to admit her attraction to other women sooner, rather than later. Japan needed some LGBT celebs. She might as well be one of them.
Laying on her couch with her head in Maggie's lap, she thought about how she was going to come out. Reading an American book about two girls falling in love, she started getting ideas.
"Maggie?" she asked. "Have you ever been into men?"
"Not really," Maggie instantly replied. "I've always known I like girls and not guys. Why did you ask?"
"You know I love you," Nenene reassured her girlfriend, leaning against her chest. "I'm just not used to this liking-girls thing."
"It's not bad," Maggie said. "And I'm proud of it."
"Aren't you scared of…"
"I'm already a paper master," Maggie said, hugging the smaller woman closer to her. "People look at me like a freak. I don't think liking women is a big deal. Besides, it's who I am. I don't want to change it."
"That's so wonderful," said Nenene. "I think I love you even more now." She kissed her very flustered girlfriend. "Now I remember what drew me to you; your courage in battle or otherwise. I think I can tell more people about us now. You really inspired me."
"Wonderful?" Maggie asked, confused why a writer with a vast vocabulary would use a mundane word like that.
"Sorry," Nenene laughed.
"It's okay," said Maggie. "I'll help you come out."
Now, obviously loving someone just for their sexual orientation is extremely shallow, but that's not why Nenene was so in love. Nenene didn't doubt her love for Maggie, nor Maggie's love for her ever again.
Just to be clear, Nenene loves Maggie for her courage, in case I have to repeat myself.
