Two was walking mindlessly with her tablet, taking in stock of the repairs, food, and equipment that they would need for their next stop over when she smelled something that made her stop. It wasn't gas or anything that should be raised to concern. It actually smelled, good for once. Curiosity took her to the kitchen where she found Minako was there cooking the food she purchased at the last station.
"I see you're doing better" Two commented.
Minako looked up and nodded, "Yesterday was something I never want to experience again"
"Tell me about it" Two smirked, "Everyone's first hangover is the worst"
"I will keep that one in mind for the next time I even think about picking up something other than wine" Minako noted.
Two crossed her arms over her chest as she said, "Hey, I'm sorry we haven't gotten around to talk as much as you do with the others, it's just that I've been busy with the ship and guiding us to our next destination and all"
"It's okay" Minako turned back around and looked to her, "I understand, you're the captain of this ship and that requires a big responsibility on your part"
Two nodded, "It does… I also want to say thank you. I never got around to saying that ever since you saved us"
She then realized that other than the lecture that she gave Minako on the bridge, she never really established a decent relationship like the others did. All Two did was tell Minako what not to do and if she was allowed to visit the stations. She's heard from both Six and Five how Minako hinted that she didn't like the orders she was given, even when she had everything in the world at her fingertips. Two realized that she must sound like her old life still haunting her at the back of her mind.
"So!" Two walked closer to the counter, "You know how to cook too? I'm starting to believe you're a jack-of-all trades kind of girl"
Minako smiled, "My stepmother told me; in order to run a palace, you must experience all the different types of work the maids have to deal with. At first, I felt that it was some sort of punishment that I didn't deserve, even told my father about it multiple times but as I got older, I realized that it wasn't about knowing what type of work all the other workers did. It was about being humble, knowing your place but also not forgetting to help others"
"Your stepmother sounds nice" Two said before she slipped out, "Unlike Ryo's"
Minako paused as she remembered meeting the woman for the first time, a sneer always on her face as she critiqued her every move. Her eyes were always watching Minako and Ryo whenever they were at parties, she always assumed that she was just being protective over her stepson but she thought wrong. She was only looking out for her own son but at the end of the day, it was her who desired the crown.
"I'm glad she's dead" Minako said, "She terrified me. That was one person I was not looking forward to sharing a palace with after I was married"
"I don't blame you" Two shook her head.
"But the way Ryo killed them… that was heartless, he loved his brother, I saw it in his eyes" Minako looked to Two, "But to kill the royal court even if it meant losing him was something I would not have seen Ryo do in a million years"
Two blinked, "Are you saying that he learned that from being on our ship?"
"I don't know where he learned his behavior" Minako stiffened, "But I know that it won't end there"
Two read between the lines as she said, "Hey, we're not going to let him have you, okay? I promise you that"
"You're also considered his enemies" Minako had to comment.
"He let us go out of the court without a scratch on us" Two explained, "Ryo doesn't want to fight us because he values our time here. I doubt he will try to find you here with us"
Minako slowly nodded as she went back to cooking, even if he did find Minako on their ship, he would find it as betrayal. She would hate to imagine how Ryo would react to his friends actually hiding out his bride. Her mind instinctively went to the royal courts throats being sliced open before the screens went black.
"In your case, I hope you're right" Minako mumbled.
"Something smells good!" a voice boomed as Three popped into the room, ready to eat.
"It'll be done in 15 minutes" Minako said, "Just need to make sure the sauce sits on the meat a little while longer"
Three peered over her shoulder, "Looks fine to me"
"Wait" Minako looked up at him, "Like the rest of your crew"
Two couldn't help but smile as she realized how the tone of her voice changed more when Three walked into the room. The man grumbled as he moved over to a counter to lean on it as Two thought about leaving to go check up on Five.
"We'll be docking a space station in the early morning tomorrow" Two informed Three, "Same thing goes, I'll split up the list five ways now"
"Five?" Three asked.
"Yeah" Two glanced over to Minako, "Minako's coming along, I think she deserves a little bit more freedom"
Minako turned around to see if the woman was just joking but then said, "Thank you, Two"
"Don't mention it" Two said, "But the Android will have to be with you, for protection"
"Of course" Minako nodded.
"Why not one of us?" Three argued.
Two looked to him, "Because you I don't need another hungover princess boarding our ship"
"It just happened one time" Three argued.
Two rolled her eyes as she turned and left the kitchen, leaving the two alone. Minako couldn't help but beam about being able to wander the ship alone, even if it meant being with the Android.
"Well, looks like you got what you wanted" Three said.
"Yes, I did" Minako smiled, "But now I feel nervous"
Three rose an eyebrow, "You're more nervous of the crew knowing you're on a space station rather than sneaking out and them figuring out you're on the space station?"
Minako paused, "I guess"
Three chuckled and shook his head, "You're the weirdest princess I have ever met"
"I am the only princess you have met" Minako corrected.
"Well then" Three looked to her, "I just hope that they aren't as weird as you. I like thinking Princess Minako of Chang'e is unique"
Minako blushed as she fumbled with putting food in the proper food bowls.
"You okay?" Three asked.
"Yes!"
"You sure?" Three persisted.
"Yes, just getting everything ready to be brought to the mess hall" Minako said.
"I can help with that" Three got up from his place on the counter.
"It's fine" Minako picked up a bowl, "Just go and get the others and tell them that dinner is ready"
"I'm sure they can smell that foods ready" Three objected, "Here, let me get that for you"
Minako looked away as Three took the bowl from her hands, his hand resting slightly on hers before she muttered, "Thank you"
"Don't mention it" Three said in a low voice that made her stomach drop.
She looked up to catch him staring at her before he winked and went into the next room.
Minako let out a breath as she tried to control herself before hearing in the overhead comms, "Dinner's ready! Get your asses down here if you want a bite to eat"
Minako couldn't help but giggle at Three's message before she took the last bowl and entered the other room.