Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon.
A/N: This story is almost at an end! Thanks to everyone reading and reviewing, your support and thoughts help me work faster! Hope you all like it! Also, The entire chapter is in Minako's point of view, but I still put her name before each scene change because the page preaks weren't showing up.
-Visiting Hours-
-Minako-
"Minako?"
A hand touched her shoulder, jerking her out of a light doze. She felt the sword slip from her loosened grip and almost dropped it before she was fully awake. It took her a moment to remember that she was in the infirmary. She'd been here for hours. The only break in the monotonous waiting had been when Makoto had stopped by with a change of clothes for her. She blinked, tightening her grip on the weapon as she looked up into concerned azure eyes. She swallowed hard. "How is she?"
Ami sighed tiredly and sat beside her. "I think she'll be alright."
Minako felt her eyes flood with tear at the words and flung her arms around the smaller girl. She felt Ami stiffen in alarm then pat her back awkwardly, but she couldn't seem to make her arms obey enough to release the Mercurian. Rei was going to be alright.
"The poison was one the healer had seen before," Ami explained in a slightly choked voice. "It's from Earth. They've got more poisonous plants there than anywhere else in the system. I suspected as much, given the likelihood that the shooters were from Earth, but I'm not very informed in that field."
Minako pulled away to grin at the blushing bluenette. She suspected that her science babble was a nervous reflex to physical contact. Reluctantly she let go of Ami, who seemed to try not to act overly relieved.
"Can I see her?" Minako had already started to rise but Ami caught her wrist to stop her. Minako frowned, sitting back down.
"The healer is just finishing up, it won't take long." Ami looked away, apparently having an intense internal debate. "Can I ask you something?"
"That's never good," Minako joked, grinning weakly. Ami merely arched an eyebrow in question. Minako dropped her head in defeat. "Sure, go ahead."
Ami took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "I admit to having a limited knowledge of your culture and of the laws governing your royal family. I also wouldn't presume to know the inner workings of a mercenary guild like the Order of Flame. I suppose I could be entirely off in my assessment of the situation-"
"Ami," Minako interrupted in exasperation. "Was there a question in there somewhere?"
Ami laughed nervously. "Right. I can't help but notice that, in the time that I've known you, you don't seem as devoted to the task of finding a partner as one would expect." Minako kept her expression carefully blank, waiting for the girl to continue. Ami watched her for a moment before continuing. "And Rei seems to be much more devoted to you than seems usual for someone in her profession." Again she paused, choosing her words carefully. Minako held her breath. Finally Ami looked up, meeting her gaze directly. "I have to wonder if the two observations are connected."
Minako's mind immediately began formulating denials. "I'm in love with her." She reflexively gripped the sword hilt with both hands, dropping her head. She hadn't meant to say that. She waited with bated breath for Ami's reaction.
The girl was silent for so long that Minako had to chance a glance at her face. Her gaze was far away and for one wild moment, Minako thought she hadn't heard. Then she nodded, her attention returning to the blonde in front of her. "I thought so."
Minako sat back weakly. She had cried so much in the last few hours, she was a little surprised she had anything left. Nevertheless, hot tears spilled down her cheeks, splashing onto her hands and the front of her dark blue dress. "I don't know what to do," she admitted in a whisper.
Ami hesitated before laying a hand on her arm. Minako gave her a watery smile, touched by her attempt at comfort. "How does she feel?" Ami asked carefully.
"The same," Minako replied softly. "She's too honorable to do anything about it." She wiped her eyes miserably, saying the thought that had been plaguing her since her arrival in the infirmary. "Her contract is up at the end of the week and I don't think I should renew it." She swallowed the lump in her throat. "I don't know how I could stand it, but I don't know what else to do."
Ami squeezed her arm lightly. "Well," she said slowly, "what do your parents think?"
"They don't know," she sniffed. "No one does. According to the laws, I'm supposed to be marrying someone of nobility in four days."
"Aren't you the youngest princess?" Ami asked, tilting her head.
"Yes." Minako shrugged dully. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"Well, that means it's unlikely that you'll ever become Queen, right?" Minako nodded, confused about where this was going. "Yes. So?"
"So maybe they would make an exception," Ami reasoned. Minako shook her head immediately. It wouldn't matter if she had another dozen siblings ahead of her, that law hadn't been altered in hundreds of years. Ami pursed her lips, thinking. "Well then, what if you just left?"
"Left?" Minako echoed, shocked. "Left Venus?"
"Maybe," Ami said with a shrug. "The rest of the system isn't as traditional as Venus, I'm sure you two would be alright."
The thought had occurred to Minako many times, but hearing someone else say it made it more real. She knew Ami held a certain distaste for monarchies but it was all Minako had ever known. Could she really leave her entire life behind? If the other choice is to never see Rei again, then yes, she answered the thought. She smiled, the first real smile she'd been able to muster in hours.
Across the room, the white curtain slid back revealing the dark haired healer. Both girls got to their feet immediately. "How is she, Lady Luna?" Ami asked eagerly.
The woman smiled. "Resting. The antidote is still purifying her system so she'll probably sleep for a while yet, but you're welcome to sit with her until then."
Minako turned to grin at Ami and barely managed to not throw herself at the girl again. Ami studied her with a raised eyebrow for a moment, then chuckled. She held her arms out invitingly and Minako laughed as she engulfed her in a tight hug. When she released her, Ami was a little ruffled but smiling indulgently. "Listen, it's late and I've got to get back to the Mercurian wing, but I'll come by tomorrow if you'd like."
Minako nodded, fighting the urge to burst into tears again. "Thank you, Ami," she whispered. The bluenette smiled and waved as she left the room.
Minako moved slowly as she walked toward the bed where Rei was sleeping. She's only asleep, she reminded herself when she took in the sleek, foreign machines surrounding her. "I sent her weapons and armor with a servant to be returned to your chambers," Lady Luna informed her.
"Thanks," Minako said as she drifted closer to the bed. She realized she was still clutching Rei's sword and set it gently on the table beside the bed. She'll be happy to have it if she wakes up, she thought. Then she frowned. "When she wakes up," she whispered to herself.
The healer had left a chair by the side of the bed and Minako sank into it gratefully. Rei looked paler than usual and dark shadows stood out beneath her closed eyes. Her uninjured arm was resting on top of the blanket and Minako took her hand, carefully threading their fingers together. She leaned forward to press a kiss to Rei's cool forehead, then dropped her head down so her cheek was resting against Rei's shoulder. She closed her eyes, listening to the comforting sound of the soldier's breathing as she allowed herself to drift off to sleep.
-Minako-
It felt like mere moments later that a soft sound woke her. She blinked in confusion, lifting her head from the hospital bed. The sound came again, a gentle throat clearing, and she turned toward it. The high queen's champion, Hotaru, stood by the end of the bed. She bowed her head politely before taking a cautious step closer.
Minako rubbed the back of her hand across her eyes, trying to focus. She glanced out the window, noting that it was completely dark outside. She'd slept for longer than she'd realized. "Hey," she said thickly, "is everything okay?"
Hotaru glanced at Rei's sleeping form before kneeling in front of Minako. "Everything's fine your Highness," she reassured her in a whisper. "I'm sorry to disturb you, but I thought you'd like to know the shooters have been captured. They're on a shuttle on their way back to an Earth prison."
Minako let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you for telling me."
Hotaru nodded, offering a ghost of a smile. She started to rise then paused as she looked over at Rei again. "The princess told me what happened," she said softly. "We'll be sure that the Queen knows what Rei did for her daughter."
Minako gave her a tired smile of thanks before the soldier left. She turned in her seat to lay her crossed arms on the edge of the bed and rest her chin on them. For a moment, she simply stared. It was amazing how comforting she found the simple sight of Rei's even breathing as she slept.
She wondered what the High Queen would say when she heard what had transpired in the garden. Closing her eyes, Minako saw the events unfold again. She'd been talking to Serenity with Rei standing a little behind her. The only indication that something was wrong had been Serenity's words trailing off as her blue eyes widened in surprise. Then, less than a heartbeat later, Rei was in front her and her sword was slicing through the air in front of Serenity's face.
At the time, everything was moving too fast to realize what had happened. Now, Minako knew that the first arrow would have hit Serenity and the princess would probably be dead now.
The second arrow had been meant for her, Minako decided, the one that had hit Rei. It was anyone's guess whether the shooters thought that she was Serenity or they were simply being thorough.
The third shot was the one that actually bothered Minako the most. Both she and Serenity had been protected by the hedge. She'd been worried by Rei staying in the open and caught her belt to pull her under cover with them. The third arrow had been aiming for Rei. She hoped the Earthling's rotted in their prison forever.
She sighed, reaching up to gently smooth a strand of ebony hair back from the soldier's forehead. She couldn't stand thinking about it anymore. Her mind kept coming back to the same point: when Rei had fallen. In her memory, the clatter of her sword on the cobbles was as loud as thunder and it had taken hours for Rei's body to crumple limply to the ground.
She forced herself to focus on Rei's smooth, untroubled features to force the nightmarish images away. She slid her hand into Rei's again, pulling her arm closer so she could use it as a makeshift pillow. She was glad Hotaru had come by. Maybe now she could allow herself to relax.
-Minako-
The next time she woke up, it was morning and Lady Luna was standing on the opposite side of the bed examining Rei's bandaged arm. "How does it look?" Minako asked somewhat hoarsely as she sat up.
"Good morning, Princess," she said pleasantly. "I've just changed the bandages and it seems to be closing well. She'll probably be in some pain when she wakes up, but I daresay she'll be swinging that sword again in a few weeks." She gestured to the weapon on the nightstand with an encouraging smile.
Minako sat up straighter at the words. "Will she be awake soon?" she asked excitedly.
"Soon," she replied, gathering up bloodstained rags and old bandages. Minako was thankful that she hadn't eaten recently as she followed the woman's movements. She looked down at the clean wrap covering Rei's upper arm, letting it remind her that the soldier was getting better and would be alright.
She stood stiffly, leaning forward to lay a soft kiss on her lips. Then she stretched her arms over head, glancing around the room. Other than the healer bustling around, the area was deserted. Of course, she thought bitterly, there's no crime in the Moon Kingdom.
"Princess, there's a washroom around the corner if you'd like to freshen up," the woman called as she straightened the sheets on an empty bed. Minako smirked, imagining that she must look very un-Venusian after the night she'd had. She nodded and started toward the door but paused, her eyes drifting back to Rei. "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on her," Lady Luna assured her, smiling warmly.
Minako returned a few minutes later and froze the moment she stepped through the door. "Mom? Daddy?" She shook off her initial shock and moved further into the room. "What are you-" she broke off, dropping her gaze awkwardly.
Her father crossed the room and pulled her into a tight hug. Despite herself, Minako returned the embrace. "We just spoke to the healer," he said softly, "She said that Rei's going to be just fine. We're so relieved."
He gave her one more affectionate squeeze, then held her out at arm's length to look her over. "You look like you've barely slept, Sweetie." Minako shrugged and made a noncommittal response. He smiled in understanding. "Well don't worry, we'll get you looking perfect in no time."
He made as though to usher her out the door and she ducked out of his grip, retreating toward Rei's bed. "I'd rather stay here until she wakes up."
He frowned in confusion. "The healer said she'd be alright, Minako. You've only got three more days to choose a partner." He looked to his wife for support."
The queen approached Minako, frowning. "We've got more interviews set up for you," she explained.
Minako reached down to brush her fingers against the back of Rei's hand, drawing courage from the brief contact. "That won't be necessary," she said, keeping her voice as firm as possible.
Her parents exchanged a startled look. "You've made your decision?" her father asked uncertainly.
Minako took a slow breath, gathering her thoughts. "It doesn't matter how many interviews I do, I'm not going to find a partner among the nobles here."
"You don't know that," her father said soothingly. He laid a hand on her shoulder but she shrugged him off. "Every available noble in the system is here."
He frowned in frustration and the queen moved closer, laying a gentle hand on his arm. "What if you had more time?" she suggested. Minako stared at her in amazement. "Perhaps we could give you a few more days, in light of what's happened this week."
Minako bit her lip, looking between them. "You would change the law for me?" They glanced at each other briefly before nodding. She took a step closer to them. "What about the other part of it? What if I chose someone who wasn't of noble birth?"
Her mother frowned and her father laughed uneasily. "A commoner?" he chuckled. "Minako, don't be silly." She sighed, turning back to the bed. It was the reaction she'd expected, but it still hurt. "Now, what time should we set for your first interview?"
He seemed to think the matter settled and Minako felt a grim smirk forming. She sat back in the chair by Rei's bed and held her hand between both of her own. "Don't bother," she said coolly. "I won't be doing any more interviews."
They stared at her in stunned silence until her mother said almost timidly, "Minako, you've got to choose someone. Your kingdom needs you."
She tightened her grip on Rei's hand. "Then choose for me. Pick the suitor that you think will benefit our kingdom the most."
She kept her gaze on Rei's face, even though she could practically feel their anger at her words. It was unheard of and, in a culture that was so defined by the idea of love, the suggestion was a verbal slap in her parent's faces. She heard a soft angry huff from her mother, followed by rapid footsteps and a door slamming.
"Obviously yesterday's ordeal is still affecting you," her father said stiffly. "Stay with Rei until she wakes up, then come speak to us when you're thinking clearly."
Minako glanced up to watch his stiff back as he strode out of the room. Thankfully, he didn't slam the door, but she felt tears forming anyway. Minako scooted closer to the bed so she could lay her cheek against Rei's shoulder again. She had to believe that it would work out, somehow.
-Minako-
She didn't lift her head as the door opened again behind her. It had been nearly a half hour, but she wasn't ready to face a second round with her parents.
"Minako?"
She sat up and wiped her eyes before turning to face Princess Serenity. To her surprise, the princess wasn't alone. She hastily scrambled to her feet, making a futile attempt to straighten her dress and push her tangled hair away from her face. Lady Setsuna and Hotaru, both in their black dress uniforms, stood to one side of the princess. Setsuna smiled and Hotaru lifted her hand in a half wave, but Minako couldn't bring herself to return the gestures. Her attention was focused on the woman on the Princess's other side: High Queen Serenity.
"G- good morning, your Majesty," she stuttered, dropping into a clumsy curtsey.
"Good morning Princess Minako," she replied with a smile. "Please sit, you look exhausted," she added kindly.
Minako sat back heavily, making another futile attempt to fix her hair. "What are you doing…" she trailed off uneasily. It was hardly her place to question the queen's actions. She inched closer to Rei but kept her hands folded in her lap.
"How is she?" Princess Serenity asked, rushing past her mother to lean over the edge of the bed. She studied Rei's face for a moment before straightening. "She's not awake yet?"
Minako shook her head mutely before turning back to the Queen. The tall woman looked troubled, but her expression cleared when she noticed Minako's attention. "I was hoping to speak with her, but we can come back later."
Princess Serenity twisted to face her mother, grinning excitedly. "Can't I tell Minako now?" she pleaded.
"Tell me what?" Minako asked, frowning at her friend. "Is everything alright?" Serenity kept her pleading stare on her mother until the woman gave a small nod. Minako tilted her head, mystified. "Your Majesty?"
The Queen smiled and gestured Hotaru toward them. The soldier knelt in front of Minako and held up a bright white length of braided cloth. Minako stared down at it, then back up at the High Queen. "Last night, Rei saved my daughter's life, putting herself in danger in the process. Such heroic actions deserve a fitting reward." Minako looked down at the white braid again and picked it up in trembling fingers. "As such, I am hereby ordaining Rei as a knight of the Lunar Court."
Minako stared at the braid, eyes widening as its significance dawned on her. "That's… I'm sure she'll be honored," she breathed. Carefully she laid the alabaster braid on the table on top of Rei's sword.
The Queen smiled again then glanced at her daughter. "Serenity maybe you could keep Minako company for a bit?" The blonde nodded enthusiastically. "Please send for me when she wakes up, I'd like to thank her personally." She inclined her head and swept out of the room. Setsuna nodded to Hotaru, shot Minako a quick smile then followed the queen out.
Hotaru grabbed a chair from beside another bed and set it by Rei's, holding it politely for Serenity. Then she hopped onto the next bed over and leaned back against the wall. "So she'll be alright?" the soldier asked, dark eyes scanning over Rei again. Minako nodded, still too shocked to speak. "Good," she said easily, "She's a fine warrior."
"She's an amazing warrior!" Serenity agreed emphatically. "You should have seen her, Hotaru!" She mimed swinging a sword through the air.
Minako chuckled at the display, but grew serious as she thought it over. "You're a knight of the Lunar Court, right Hotaru?"
The girl nodded. "So is Setsuna. There are others all over the system but we're assigned to the queen and princess so we stay here in the palace."
Minako frowned at the implication. "Where would Rei go?"
Serenity shrugged, returning to her seat to gaze fondly at the warrior. "Her guild master said her contract with the Venusian court was almost finished, so I guess it will be decided after your wedding."
Minako stiffened, frowning at the Princess. The blonde didn't seem to notice her reaction, however. "Princess Haruka is the one who gave me the idea," she continued. Minako arched an eyebrow in question. She was afraid that if she tried to speak she would end up yelling at the oblivious girl in front of her. "Rei is a mercenary, so normally we would reward her with money. But Haruka said we should commission her into the knights instead. And really, after knowing her the last few days it seems a more fitting reward." Serenity grinned happily at her.
"Well, that's-" She broke off at a soft groan and immediately turned her attention to Rei.
The Martian grimaced and cracked her eyes open. "Minako?" she murmured hoarsely, amethyst eyes dull with pain.
"I'm here." She grabbed Rei's hand, instantly oblivious to the others in the room. "I'm right here, Reiko."
Rei blinked up at her and tried to sit up but fell heavily back against the pillow. She let out a shaky breath and Minako laid her other hand against her shoulder, holding her gently in place. "Relax, everything's okay."
Rei took a few careful breaths. She lifted her head enough to see her bandaged arm and rolled her eyes. "Am I in here for this?" she jerked her head toward the injury. "It doesn't look that bad." She dropped back in agitation.
Minako stared at her. "Not that bad?" she repeated in a whisper. "Rei, you almost died." Rei gave her a disbelieving look and Minako had to chuckle at her stubborn Martian. "The arrow was poisoned," she explained. "Ami caught it in time, but it was close. You've been asleep since yesterday evening."
Rei's eyes widened and she pushed herself up on her elbow, keeping her weight off her injured side. "Was anyone else hurt?"
"No," Minako assured her. Rei struggled to sit up and she helped her to lean back against the wall instead. "You saved Princess Serenity and you saved me."
Rei reached up to touch her cheek lightly. "I'm glad you're alright," she said softly, studying her face. "Have you been here all night?"
Minako gave a weak chuckle. "I know, I look like hell."
Rei leaned closer to her. "You look beautiful," she said softly.
Minako was losing herself in the amethyst stare when a discrete cough called her back to the present. "Princess Serenity is here also," she said, leaning back. "And Hotaru."
Rei looked past her and smiled sheepishly at them. "Hello, your Highness. Hey, Hotaru."
Hotaru laughed softly behind Minako and the blonde twisted to shoot her a brief look. "Serenity, didn't you have something you wanted to tell Rei?" Hotaru reminded her, hiding a smirk behind her hand.
"That's right!" The blonde bounced to her feet and leaned across Minako to reach the table.
Rei gave her a bemused smile and covered Minako's hand with her own, giving it a brief squeeze. Minako forced a smile. This was a huge honor for Rei and she was happy for her. She was.
Serenity inclined her head formally and held the white braid out to Rei. "On behalf of High Queen Serenity, I would like to congratulate you on your induction into the Knights of the Lunar Court."
Rei's mouth fell open and she hesitantly reached out to touch the plaited cloth. Then she pulled her hand back, dropping her gaze. "Your Highness, I'm only a mercenary. I don't deserve-"
"You saved my life," Serenity interrupted, "and Minako's. I think you more than deserve it."
Minako watched as Rei slowly lifted her head to stare at the princess. Gradually a smile lit her features and she took the braid, holding it delicately between her fingers. "Thank you, your Highness," she said, voice thick with emotion. "I'm truly honored."
Minako swallowed the lump in her throat. She laid a hand on Rei's shoulder, drawing the guard's attention. "Congratulations." Rei grinned at her and she managed a real smile, if only for the soldier's happiness.
Serenity jumped to her feet, eyes wide. "Oh, we should go get my mother! She wanted to speak to you when you were awake! Come on, Hotaru!" She shot out of the room and Hotaru nearly fell in her haste to hop off the bed and chase after the impulsive princess.
The room was silent for a moment as Rei stared at the braid in her hands and Minako stared at Rei. "You're happy?" Minako asked softly after a moment.
Rei nodded slowly and when she looked up her eyes were shining with tears. "I can't believe…" she took a steadying breath and started again. "I never thought something like this could happen."
Minako moved to sit on the edge of the bed and pull her into a tight embrace, being careful to avoid her injury. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered.
There was a soft knock at the door and Minako reluctantly released her but didn't move from the bed. Princess Haruka stuck her head in the door and looked around, then grinned when her eyes settled on the pair. "So you're awake."
She stepped in followed closely by Michiru. The latter gave them a knowing smile that left Minako feeling inexplicably uneasy. She started to get up to return to her chair, but Haruka had already claimed the seat. She grinned impishly at the younger girl before turning her attention to Rei. "You should hear the stories going around," she informed the Martian. "You're quite the hero."
Rei blushed and dropped her gaze. "Thank you, your Highness," she mumbled, smiling.
"Congratulations on your appointment to the Lunar Knights," Michiru added, touching her hand lightly. "That's quite an honor."
"Thank you," Rei replied, grinning despite her initial shyness.
Minako looked between Haruka and Michiru, but it seemed they had no intention of mentioning their part in the turn of events. "Word travels fast," she said pointedly.
Neither rose to the bait, however. "It does indeed, my Lady," Haruka replied with a smirk. "For example, we also heard that you'd cancelled all your morning's interviews."
"Yes, well…" Minako grumbled, not looking at any of them. She felt Rei shift beside her.
Michiru slapped her wife's shoulder lightly, shooting her a scolding look. "That's none of our business," she reminded her. Haruka merely grinned. After a moment Michiru smiled as well and turned pointedly back to Minako. "But since she mentioned it, what are your plans now?"
Minako snorted softly. "What do you mean?"
Michiru slipped an arm around Haruka's shoulders, gazing levelly at her. "Well, I just thought that, since Rei is a member of the nobility now, it might affect your decision."
"Rei's not…" Minako's eyes widened as Michiru's words echoed in her mind. "She's…" She turned to the soldier, who was staring at her incredulously. In the same instant, both dropped their gazes to the white braid now clenched in Rei's fist.
She turned back to Haruka in utter shock. "That's why you suggested…?"
The blonde shrugged and grinned at her. "It seemed like the easiest solution." Minako could only mouth soundlessly at her as she got to her feet. "Anyway, I'm sure you two would like some privacy."
"I'm happy that you're feeling better, Rei," Michiru said, leaning down to kiss the stunned soldier's cheek. "And congratulations again."
Haruka squeezed Minako's shoulder lightly and winked before slipping her arm around Michiru's waist. Minako stared at the door long after the two had departed, utterly lost for words.
"Minako?" Rei's soft voice called her back to the room. "Is that true, what they said?"
"Yes," she replied, voice cracking. "Yes," Minako said again, turning toward her. "The knights are part of the Lunar aristocracy."
"So I'm…" Minako nodded to the unfinished thought. "Wow."
"Yea." Minako pushed her hair back from her shoulders, watching as emotions raced across Rei's face.
Rei straightened, wincing, and turned to face her. "How long do I have to stay here?" Minako gave her a blank look. "In the hospital," she clarified.
"Oh." She tried to remember what the healer had said, but she was too flustered to think straight. "Tomorrow I think. Or the day after." She looked around for the woman, but she seemed to have disappeared. "Whenever you're feeling up to it, I guess."
"So I should be alright three days from now?"
"You probably won't be ready to fight," Minako said with a shrug. "But otherwise, yes, I suppose so. Why?"
She finally turned back to find Rei watching her. Her expression was expectant with a hint of reservation. Suddenly the guard had her full attention. "Why, Rei?" She scooted closer, keeping her eyes locked.
She blushed but her voice was steady. "Because I don't want to miss your wedding." She smiled shyly and picked up Minako's hand. "I know you weren't planning on interviewing any suitors today, but do you think you could make an exception?"
Minako felt her own face get hot and grinned. "I suppose," she agreed, sliding her free hand up Rei's shoulder to curl around the back of her neck. "But I can't think of any questions at the moment."
"That's alright," Rei replied, releasing her hand to slip her arm around Minako's waist. "I've got one for you."
"What is it?" Minako asked quietly, running her fingers lovingly through Rei's hair.
Rei smiled, leaning closer to her. "Will you marry me?"
Minako grinned tearfully. "Yes." With that, she closed the distance between them with a passionate kiss. It was easily the happiest moment of her life. "Yes," she said again between kisses. "I love you, Reiko."
"I love you too, my Mina.