Chapter Twenty Two
Wedding Bells
Mid May, 1945
It was early Friday morning, and the big day had finally come. "Morning Ami, how's my little blueberry today?" Mako asked as she planted a small kiss on Amis forehead.
"I feel like I'm gonna puke." Ami replied as she tried to sit up.
"That's okay Ami, I've heard that every bride feels like that on their wedding day. You're just a little nervous." Mako said as she gently rubbed Amis stomach.
"I'm not nervous Mako, but I am gonna puke!" Ami yelled as she rolled out of bed and immediately threw up in the garbage next to it.
"Ami!" Mako yelled as she scrambled out of bed and kneeled down by Ami.
"I'll be okay Mako. I think all those bowls of batter I helped lick clean yesterday are fighting me." Ami joked with a smile.
"I told you not to eat all that batter, now you're too sweet for your own body to handle." Mako replied with a laugh.
"Am I too sweet for you as well?" Ami asked with a devious grin.
"Come here and I'll tell you." Mako answered as she started to lean towards Ami.
"I'd love to kiss you right now Mako, but are you sure you wanna kiss me? I just threw up a ton of half digested cake batter." Ami said with a grin.
"Maybe not on the lips then." Mako whispered as she kissed Ami on both cheeks and her forehead.
"I love you Mako." Ami whispered as she hugged Mako.
"I love you too Ami." Mako whispered back as she returned the hug.
"I see you girls are busy already this morning." Saeko said with a smile as she walked into the bedroom. "Why does your room smell like barf?" Saeko asked as she looked around the room a bit.
"Because some little bluenette ate half a box of cake batter yesterday between all the bowls she licked." Mako answered with smirk as she looked at Ami.
"I knew I should've said something before I left to go to the store yesterday." Saeko replied with a playful roll of her eyes. "At least you both slept well though, I didn't hear anyone screaming last night for the first time since you both got home." Saeko said with a smile.
"I guess someone upstairs saw fit we get a decent nights sleep before the biggest day of our lives." Mako replied with a smile.
"I guess so. Now come on girls, let's get ready. We have to be at the church in four hours!" Saeko exclaimed as she left the room.
"You ready Ami?" Mako asked as she put her arms around Ami.
"You bet I am." Ami replied as she held onto Mako.
"Okay then, up you go." Mako said as she slowly lifted Ami and started carrying her towards the stairs. Saeko was already waiting downstairs and thought it might be fun to tease her girls a little bit. She walked to the bottom of the stairs and waited until Mako and Ami were at the top, then she sang.
"Here comes the bride, all dressed in fuzzy blue pajamas and here comes the other bride dressed in green ones." Ami and Mako couldn't help but laugh at Saekos joke.
"Not for much longer though." Mako replied as she set Ami in her wheelchair.
"I have both the dresses hanging on a hook in the closet." Saeko informed as she went into the kitchen to start breakfast.
"While mama Mizuno makes breakfast, let's get you in the bath. I know it takes a little while with your injuries." Mako suggested as she began wheeling Ami towards the bathroom.
"That's a good idea Mako." Ami replied as Mako wheeled her down the hall and into the bathroom.
"I'll start filling the tub up, then I'll give you some privacy to get ready." Mako said as she went to turn the faucet on.
"Actually Mako, if you wouldn't mind. Can you help me a little please?" Ami asked with a nervous smile.
"Oh, um, sure Ami." Mako replied a little nervously as she adjusted the temperature of the water.
"I don't need that much help! Just help getting in and out." Ami quietly said as she nervously looked towards the ground and twiddled her fingers together.
"Of course Ami, I'll turn around and you just tell me when you're ready." Mako replied as she handed Ami a towel and turned around.
"Thanks Mako." Ami said a little nervously as she began to undress, then wrapped the towel around herself. "Okay Mako." Ami quietly said as she held the towel tightly against her body, Mako turned around and carefully scooped Ami into her arms.
"There you go sweetie." Mako said as she gently lowered Ami into the tub and turned around.
"Thanks Mako." Ami quietly said as she handed Mako the now slightly damp towel. Mako took the towel without turning around and began to leave the bathroom.
"Call me if you need anything, otherwise I'll come check on you in a little while." Mako replied as she started to leave the bathroom.
"Thanks Mako, I'll try not to take to long." Ami said with a smile as Mako left the bathroom.
"Minna, you'd better not use all the hot water!" Rei yelled as she banged on the bathroom door.
"Relax Rei, I'm all done. Besides, that hot head of yours should warm the water in no time." Miniko replied with wink as she walked out of the bathroom.
"Ha ha, very funny." Rei grumbled as she hopped into the bathroom.
"I almost forgot, the floor might be wet so be..." Miniko tried to warn Rei, but it was too late.
"Agh!" Rei yelled as her crutch hit the wet floor and she started to fall.
"Careful." Miniko finished as she caught Rei.
"My hero." Rei said as she gave Miniko a kiss on the cheek.
"You know it." Miniko replied with a wink as she set Rei on a stool in the shower. "Do you need any help washing up?" Miniko asked with a flirtatious wink.
"Sorry Mina, not today." Rei replied with a straight face, Miniko just frowned at her fiancé and gave her puppy dog eyes. "I'm not changing my mind on this Mina. However, I might need your help tomorrow." Rei whispered with a wink.
"I'd be happy to assist you my love." Miniko replied as she danced out of the bathroom. Rei just laughed at Minikos antics as she began to disrobe and wash up for her big day.
"You just about ready Ami, breakfast is almost done!" Mako yelled outside the bathroom door.
"I'm all done, but I need your help with something please!" Ami yelled back.
"Okay, I'm coming in!" Mako yelled as she opened the bathroom door. "Ami! Oh god, I'm so sorry! I should've asked if you had a towel on!" Mako yelled as she quickly turned away from Amis undressed form.
"It's okay Mako, I should've warned you before you opened the door. My ribs kind of locked up and I'm having a hard time trying to stand." Ami quietly and nervously replied.
"Why, um, why didn't you use your shower stool?" Mako asked with a nervous cough.
"Because I would've had to take a shower to use that, hence the name shower stool." Ami giggled.
"I suppose you're right." Mako replied as she snuck a glance at Ami in the Mirror.
"You know, you don't have sneak glances Mako. We are about to be married after all." Ami said with a slightly devious grin.
"Who are you and what have you done with my shy little blueberry?" Mako asked with a surprised expression, as she turned around and handed Ami a towel from the towel rack.
"Let's just say, I caught a case of Miniko." Ami answered with a wink.
"I hope you never find a cure for it." Mako said as she carefully helped Ami out of the tub.
"Ow, ow, damn that hurts." Ami lightly cried as her ribs made a few light popping sounds as they shifted from their slightly compressed form when sitting to a more stretched form for standing.
"You okay?" Mako asked with some slight concern in her voice.
"Yeah, that happens almost every time I go from sitting to standing." Ami replied with a light breath.
"Are you going to be okay to dry yourself off and get dressed?" Mako asked as she let Ami lean on her.
"I should be able to, thanks for the help Mako. I'll holler if I need anymore." Ami answered as she smiled at Mako.
"Okay, I'll be right outside the door if you need me." Mako informed as she left the bathroom and closed the door. A few minutes later Ami yelled for Mako that she was ready. "Let's go Ami." Mako said as she carefully picked Ami up and carried her out of the bathroom to her wheelchair.
"Thanks Mako." Ami replied with a light grunt as she gently rubbed her aching ribs.
"You sure you're okay?" Mako asked as she knelt next to Ami.
"Yeah, I'm good. Now let's go see what that delicious smell is." Ami replied as she began wheeling towards the kitchen.
"You both clean and fresh for your big day?" Saeko asked as she set three plates and three cups on the table.
"Ami is, I'm gonna shower after breakfast." Mako answered as she carefully moved Ami from her wheelchair to one of the chairs at the kitchen table.
"When you're done in the shower, it would probably be a good idea to change right into your dress." Saeko suggested as she flipped the eggs in her frying pan.
"I was thinking the same thing, also I was wondering if maybe we could try and leave a little early. There's somewhere I'd like to stop before we go to the church." Mako replied as she sat down in a chair next to Ami.
"I don't know if we'll have time to stop anywhere, it's already getting late." Saeko informed as she looked at the clock on the wall.
"Please mama Mizuno, it's very important." Mako practically begged.
"If we stop anywhere we might be late, but if it's that important then of course we will Mako." Ami said as she took Makos hand in her own.
"Thank you Ami, that means a lot to me." Mako replied with a smile.
"Where did you wanna stop that's so important Mako?" Saeko asked as she put an egg and some bacon on each one of their plates and sat down to eat breakfast.
"The cemetery." Mako quietly answered as she began eating her breakfast.
"Of course we can stop there Mako, you should've said so in the first place. I never would've even hinted at not having enough time." Saeko replied as she reached across the table and placed her hand on top of Makos.
"Thank you mama Mizuno." Mako said with a smile and a few tears.
"Come on girls, let's eat our breakfast and finish getting ready." Saeko said as she began eating her breakfast.
"Okay." Ami and Mako replied as they started eating their breakfast as well.
"I just realized that we never discussed who'd be given each of you away today." Saeko said as she took another bite of her eggs.
"I had an idea about that, you'll obviously be the one to give Ami away since you're her mother; and I thought that unless you wanted to give me away as well, I'd ask either Haruka, Michiru, or Setsuna if they could give me away. You know, since they all taught me so much and we all got so close. They're like family now, don't you think Ami?" Mako asked as she looked to Ami.
"Good idea Mako, may I make a suggestion?" Ami asked as she finished her meal.
"Of course Ami, what did you have in mind?" Mako asked as she ate the last bite of her eggs.
"Maybe Haruka and Michiru could walk you down the isle since you and Haruka are so close, but they'd both walk you down because her and Michiru are pretty much a set deal; you almost never see one without the other. Then Setsuna and mother could walk me down the isle. If that's okay with you?" Ami suggested and asked for Makos approval.
"That's my little genius, brilliant as ever Ami. I love that idea." Mako replied with a big smile as she gave Ami a kiss on the cheek.
"Good, now that that's all worked out, it's time to brush our teeth and finish getting ready. While Mako showers real quick I'll help you get dressed Ami." Saeko said as she quickly cleared the table.
"Sounds like a plan, see you in a little bit Ami." Mako replied as she ran out of the kitchen and into the bathroom.
"Okay Ami, let's get you dressed." Saeko said as she wheeled her daughter into the living room and grabbed her dress out of the closet.
"I wish dad could see me now, do you think he'd be proud?" Ami asked as she started kicking off her pajamas.
"I'm sure he would be Ami." Saeko replied, just convincingly enough to satisfy Ami. "Arms up." Saeko ordered as she slipped Amis dress over her. "Don't forget the big surprise today, you worked hard on it." Saeko reminded.
"I was gonna grab it when we were done here." Ami replied with a smile.
"That's my girl, now let's see those feet, we gotta get those heels on." Saeko said as she started slipping Amis shoes on. Twenty minutes later Mako came out of the bathroom with one towel wrapped around her body as she dried her hair with another one.
"Okay, I'm gonna get my dress on so we can go!" Mako yelled as she came downstairs.
"Alright Mako, I'm gonna help Ami into the car." Saeko yelled back as she wheeled Ami outside. "Go quick Ami, I'll keep a look out for Mako." Saeko said as she watched the door for Mako.
"Thanks mom, I'll be quick." Ami replied as she wheeled over to Mikasas house and knocked on the door with her stick.
"Glad you remembered the stick this time, you look beautiful in your dress Ami." Mikasa complemented as she opened the door.
"Thank you Mikasa, are they ready?" Ami asked with a hopeful smile.
"Yep, all four of them are ready to go. They look amazing, I didn't even know this could be done." Mikasa answered as she handed Ami a large paper bag.
"Gotta love science." Ami replied as she hid the paper bag under the fluff of her dress.
"We'll see you at the church, you'd better go before Mako comes out." Mikasa said as she went back inside.
"Thanks Mikasa, I owe you one." Ami replied with a smile.
"After everything you've done for me, at the very least, I'd call us even." Mikasa said with a smile as she closed the door. Ami quickly wheeled back over to Saeko just as Mako came out of the house.
"Wow! You look amazing Mako." Ami complimented as her mouth hung open in awe of Makos beauty.
"Thank you Ami, but you look even better." Mako replied as she walked up to Ami and gave her a gentle kiss on her forehead.
"Alright girls, let's get going so we can make our little pit stop." Saeko said as she opened the car door.
"Alright, up you go Ami." Mako said as she carefully lifted Ami out of her chair and gently set her in the car.
"Thanks Mako." Ami replied as Saeko folded her wheelchair and placed it in the trunk, while Mako climbed in the car next to Ami.
"Alright, let's get going girls. Tell me where to go Mako." Saeko requested as she got in the drivers seat and started the engine.
"The small cemetery at the corner of aqua avenue and rhapsody drive." Mako replied.
"Alright girls, hold on." Saeko said as she slowly backed out of the driveway and began heading towards the cemetery. A few moments later they arrived at the cemetery and Mako got out of the car.
"Do you want me to come with?" Ami quietly asked.
"Yes please, if you don't mind. I'd love to introduce you to my parents." Mako answered as she gently helped Ami out of the car. Mako carried Ami to two small graves side by side under a large oak tree. "Hi mama, hi papa. I wanted to introduce you to my fiancé." Mako said as she took Amis hand in her own. "This is my fiancé, Ami Mizuno. She's the most beautiful and brilliant person I've ever met, and I just had to introduce you all." Mako said as she placed a hand on her mothers tombstone.
"It's an honor to meet you both, I wanna thank you both for what you did for us on Christmas, as well as bringing us together all those years ago." Ami said as she placed a hand on the other tombstone. A gentle breeze blew through Amis hair as if someone was replying to her.
"Come on Ami, we don't wanna be too late." Mako said as she turned and began walking back to the car. Ami looked over Makos shoulder and was almost sure she could see two people smiling back at her, then they vanished as quickly as they appeared. "What is it Ami?" Mako asked, noticing Ami had become very focused on something behind them.
"Just the beautiful scenery." Ami answered as she rested her head on Makos shoulder.
"Well as beautiful as the scenery back there may be, the scene back here is much more beautiful." Mako said with a smile as she gave Ami a pat on the back.
"You said I was talking to Miniko to much." Ami replied with a small laugh as Mako gently set her in the car and got in next to her.
"You ready girls?" Saeko asked as she started the engine.
"Yeah, we're ready mama Mizuno." Mako answered as she looked back at her parents graves one last time.
"Then let's go girls." Saeko said as she began slowly driving away. A few minutes later they pulled up to the church, where they were greeted by three more familiar faces.
"There you guys are, where have you two been?" Miniko asked with a little annoyance, as Mako got out of the car and went to help Ami.
"Sorry ma'am, we had to make a quick stop." Mako answered as she gently scooped Ami into her arms while Saeko got her wheelchair from the trunk.
"It better have been pretty damn important for you both to be late to your own wedding." Rei grumbled.
"We stopped at the cemetery to visit mama and papa." Mako quietly explained as she set Ami in her wheelchair.
"We're sorry Mako, we didn't know." Rei replied with a bit of guilt.
"It's okay ma'am, it's not like you're psychic." Mako said with a smile.
"Are you ready girls?" Saeko asked as she placed a hand on Ami and Makos shoulders.
"Almost mom, there's just one more thing." Ami answered as she pulled the paper bag out from under her dress.
"What is that?" Mako asked with a curious expression.
"A surprise, everyone close your eyes." Ami instructed. Everyone closed their eyes and waited for their surprises. "Please hold your hands out captain, and don't close them at any point." Ami instructed. Miniko held her hands out and waited. Ami placed something in Minikos hands. "You're turn lieutenant, same thing please." Ami instructed as she placed something in Reis hands. "Last but not least, for my greatest love." Ami said as she placed something in Makos hands as well.
"Can we open our eyes yet, pleeeease?!" Miniko begged.
"On three everyone. One. Two. Three!" Ami excitedly counted.
"AGH!" All three women exclaimed as they looked in their hands. In each one of their hands was a specially bred rose of their favorite color.
"Oh my god Ami, how did you do this?!" Mako yelled as she stared in awe at the beautiful green rose in her hand.
"I bred a white rose with a green aster, it took a few try's, but I'm happy with the way it turned out. As for yours Miniko, I'll be honest, I just bought it from a store. Same with yours Rei." Ami answered with a smile.
"Thank you so much Ami, we love them!" Miniko exclaimed as all three of them gave Ami a gentle hug.
"Let's go everyone!" Rei yelled as she began hopping towards the church steps.
"Please, allow me beautiful." Miniko purred as she scooped Rei into her arms and began carrying her up the steps.
"My brave knight, carrying her princess." Rei replied with a smile as she leaned her head against Minikos chest.
"Ready Ami?" Mako asked as she knelt down by Ami.
"I've been ready for this since the day we met Mako." Ami answered with a smile.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Mako asked as she carefully scooped Ami into her arms and started carrying her up the church steps. Saeko folded Amis wheelchair and carried it up right behind them. The five women entered the church and were immediately greeted by the sight of all their friends sitting in the many rows of seats, even Usagi and Mamoru had come. Reis grandfather was standing at the head of the alter waiting to perform the ceremony. "After you captain." Mako said, as she gestured Miniko forward.
"Thank you very much Mako." Miniko replied as Michiru stood and began walking Miniko down the isle to the alter.
"You're turn lieutenant." Haruka said as she walked up next to Rei and walk/hopped her down the isle to the alter.
"Dearly beloved." Reis grandfather started as Rei hopped up the last step, stood next to Miniko and faced her. "We are gathered her today in holy matrimony, to witness the marriage of my granddaughter Rei Hinno, and her beautiful fiancé, Miniko Aino. The brides have written their own vows which they will now read." Reis grandfather said as Rei and Miniko each unfolded a piece of paper.
"Mina, I've known you since the beginning, we walked through hell together and came out alive because of your skills as a leader. I knew from the start you were a great leader, what I didn't know was how someone as strong and as brave as you, could also be such a caring, loving, and compassionate person. It was one of the most amazing privileges to watch you, to learn from you, and to just be near you. I will never forget the day we met, because it was the same day I fell in love with you. You're my everything Mina, and no matter what the future holds, as long as I have you, I know they'll never be anything to fear." Rei read her vows and finished with a few tears in her eyes.
"Oh Rei, I spent all that time on my makeup, and now I'm crying it all off." Miniko said through tears of joy.
"That's okay, you're just as beautiful without it." Rei replied with a few tears of her own.
"Okay, my turn now." Miniko said as she quickly composed herself enough to read her vows. "Rei, you've served under me as my second in command since the very beginning, you were always loyal, hardworking, and brave. You were also hard headed, cranky, and a hot head; but it was all those qualities that drew me too you after our first battle together. Your hard head told me you would never give up, your cranky attitude let me know that you would not rest until the job was done, and last but not least, your hot head made me feel safe. It made me feel safe that you could get so upset when the people closest to you were being threatened, because it let me know you would do anything to keep them safe. It let me know that you would you do anything to keep me safe. You proved that to me, when you threw yourself in front of a speeding truck without giving it a second thought, just to protect me. You were willing to die for me Rei, and though I'll never be able to repay you for what you did for me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to. I love you Rei Hinno, you're my everything." Miniko finished reading her vows and watched as tears of joy flowed from Reis eyes like a mighty river.
"Oh Mina, that was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard in my life." Rei cried.
"If there is anyone who objects to this marriage, speak now, or forever hold your peace." Reis grandfather said as he looked around the church for any signs of objection. "Then in the name of the holy father, I now pronounce you wife and wife. You may kiss the bride." Reis grandfather finished. Rei immediately and literally threw herself at Miniko and gave her a deep and passionate kiss.
"Oh my Rei, with a kiss that deep and loving, people should call you the goddess of passion." Miniko said with a smile.
"The goddess of love and the goddess of passion. Seems like a great pair to me." Rei replied with a smile.
"Now, let us start the second ceremony." Reis grandfather instructed as Miniko picked Rei up and carried her to an open seat where they could both sit down.
"Let's go Mako." Haruka said as she and Michiru walked Mako down the isle to the alter.
"Your turn Sweetie." Saeko said as she placed her hands on the back of Amis wheelchair.
"Not like this mother, I refuse to be married like this." Ami said as she locked the brakes on her wheelchair.
"Ami! What are you doing?!" Saeko asked in a slightly panicked tone as she watched Ami slowly try to stand up.
"I...refuse...to be married...like this. I will...walk down...that isle...if it kills me." Ami answered through gritted teeth, as she painfully stood from her wheelchair. Everyone in the church gasped as they watched the small bluenette push herself to her feet and start walking down the isle, with her mother on one side and Setsuna on the other. With a little help, Ami made it to the alter. "May I...lean on...this...please?" Ami asked through agonizing breaths as she looked at Reis grandfather and placed a hand on the alter.
"Of course you can my dear." Reis grandfather replied with a sweet voice.
"Thank you...sir." Ami replied with a breath. Reis grandfather looked out at the crowd and began his ceremony.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness in holy matrimony the marriage of Ami Mizuno, and Makoto Kinno. The brides have written their own vows, which they will now read." Reis grandfather said as Ami and Mako each unfolded a piece of paper.
"The day I met you Mako, changed my life forever. I knew the instant...I laid eyes on you, that...you were...the one for me." Ami started until Mako stopped her.
"Here Ami, why don't you sit down. You can't enjoy your wedding if you're in too much pain." Mako said as she gently began sitting Ami in her wheelchair.
"But...I wanna...be married...on my feet." Ami begged through a few tears.
"Okay, if means that much to you, then I have an idea." Mako said as she kneeled down and pulled Amis shoes off. Before Ami could question what was going on, Mako carefully lifted Ami out of her chair and gently set her down so Ami was standing on top of her feet. "Now you can just lean on me if you need." Mako said with a smile as she pulled Ami close to her.
"Thank you Mako, thank you so much." Ami replied with a few tears.
"Are you ready ma'am?" Reis grandfather asked as he looked at the two young women with a smile.
"Yes sir." They both replied in unison.
"You may proceed when ready" Reis grandfather informed them with a smile.
"The day I met you Mako, changed my life forever. I knew the instant I laid eyes on you, that you were the one for me. You were the most beautiful, elegant, and over all amazing person I'd ever seen. You loved me enough to follow me into hell and carry me through it, very literally at times. You showed mercy to people you hated to give me peace of mind, and gave me strength when I thought I had none. You're my hero and my greatest love, but above all else, you're my Mako. I love you more than life itself, and I always will." Ami finished with a few tears in her eyes.
"Ami. I don't. I just. Oh Ami!" Mako yelled as she gently hugged Ami.
"I love you too Mako." Ami said as she placed a gentle hand on Makos back.
"I suppose, I should go now." Mako said with a sniffle as she unfolded a piece of paper. "Ami, from the first day we met I knew you were special. You showed me compassion when no one else did, you were the only person who'd given me as much love as my parents. Before I met you I was scared, lost, and alone; but then you came along and pulled me out of an abyss of pain and sorrow. You saved my life before we even went to the recruitment station, and you've continued to do so ever since. I remember the day I thought I lost you, it hurt as much if not more than when I lost my parents. When you died on that battle field and again on that trail, It destroyed me. I couldn't live without you Ami, nor would I want to. You're my little blueberry Ami, and I love you more than life itself." Mako finished her vows with endless tears in her eyes.
"Mako." Ami quietly said as she cried puddles of tears.
"That was beautiful girls. If there is anyone who objects to the marriage of these two, then speak now or forever hold your peace." Reis grandfather said as he looked around the church for any signs of objection.
"I object to this unholy marriage!" A man yelled as he flung the church doors open. Everyone gasped as they turned to see the devil who would dare object to such a beautiful pairing.
"DAD?!" Ami yelled in shock.
"Yeah Ami, now get over here and stop this sick behavior at once!" He yelled from the door. Mako looked like she was about to kill this man, regardless of wether or not he really was Amis father. Before she could, Saeko calmly stood and walked over to her ex-husband. "Saeko?! I can't believe you..." but he was unable to finish as Saeko punched him in the throat and threw him out the door, where he proceeded to bounce like a ball down the many church steps. Saeko slapped her hands together a few times as if she was dusting them off after taking out the trash. Every eye in the church was locked on her and their owners mouths hung open in shock.
"What? Where'd you think Ami got all her inner strength from, her father?! Please, little bitch of a man couldn't even handle me, let alone my tough as nails daughter and her even tougher wife." Saeko said as she sat back down like nothing had even happened. Everything was silent for a moment, then Mako burst into laughter.
"Haha! You go mama Mizuno! Woo!" Mako cheered.
"Now unless anyone else dares to object, may we please continue Mr. Hinno?" Saeko asked as she took a quick look around the room.
"Of course ma'am, right away!" Rei grandfather hastily replied as he continued the ceremony.
"Unless there are any further objections, I now pronounce you wife and wife. You may kiss the bride." Reis grandfather said as Ami pressed herself against Mako, stood on her tiptoes and kissed Mako with enough passion and force to almost literally take her breath away.
"I love you Makoto Kinno." Ami quietly said as she rested her head against Makos chest.
"I love you too Ami Mizuno." Mako quietly replied as she held Ami. "Now let's get you back in your chair before you end up getting hurt any worse, then we can go eat cake till we puke." Mako said with a smile.
"Yippee! I love cake!" Ami yelled with joy.
"Not just some store bought cake either, a homemade cake filled with love." Saeko said with a big smile as Mako placed Ami in her wheelchair.
"Shut up. Did you really make us a homemade cake?!" Miniko exclaimed with a shocked expression.
"Sorry Miniko, I didn't make you a homemade cake." Saeko replied with a straight face.
"But you just said you did." Rei said with a bit of sorrow.
"I said there was a homemade cake, I never said I made it." Saeko replied with a grin as she looked over to Ami and Mako.
"You two made it?!" Rei and Miniko yelled in unison.
"You bet we did!" Mako boasted.
"Ami, you were supposed to be recovering." Rei scolded with a smile.
"With all due respect ma'am, I think you're the last person who should scold me on recovering." Ami replied with a grin as she pointed to Reis leg.
"She's got you there Rei." Miniko said with a grin.
"Yeah, but I didn't get beaten to a pulp and almost bleed to death." Rei replied as she got to her foot and hopped over by Ami and Mako.
"I suppose you're right, but after all this time with her, we should know better than to try and keep her down. If a building collapse, Jeep crash, bullet wound, beating, almost bleeding out, hypothermia, and god knows what else couldn't stop her, then we have no chance of stopping her from doing anything." Miniko said with a grin.
"Is there anything that didn't happen to you when you were gone Ami?!" Saeko yelled in a shocked tone.
"Well, I didn't die." Ami answered with a smile.
"Um Ami, you died twice. Literally, you were legally dead two times." Rei corrected.
"That's not true Rei, I didn't die that second time, I just passed out." Ami replied with a snobby grin.
"You were pail as a ghost and your head slumped over Makos shoulder like a sack of potato's." Rei said with a raised eyebrow.
"Please no more, I don't wanna hear anymore. Let's all go eat cake everyone." Saeko said as she began walking out of the church.
"After you captain." Mako said as she gestured Miniko forward.
"Thanks corporal, but I think you two should go first. I think you two have earned that, assuming this cake of yours is as beautiful as I think it is." Miniko replied with a grin as she stepped aside to let Ami and Mako by.
"Thank you Miniko, we'll make sure you get a nice big slice." Mako said with a grin as she carefully picked Ami up.
"Agh." Ami loudly winced in pain.
"You okay Ami, you normally aren't in that much pain when I pick you up?!" Mako exclaimed with a little worry.
"I'm okay Mako, just really sore after all that standing. But I don't regret it at all, because I was able to marry the most amazing woman in the world today, and I did it on my feet. Just the way I wanted." Ami answered with a large and exhausted smile.
"Don't worry Ami, the cake will fix you right up." Mako said with a smile as she carefully carried Ami out the back of the church.
"Because it's filled with love?" Rei asked, as Miniko carried her right behind Mako and Ami.
"You call it love, I call it at least four pounds of buttercream frosting." Mako answered with a big grin.
"That's gotta be a joke right, there's no way there's that much frosting on that cake!" Miniko exclaimed with surprise.
"You caught me captain, there isn't four pounds of frosting on that cake. It's probably closer to five or even six pounds." Mako replied with a devious grin.
"Oh heck yeah, I can't wait to see this cake!" Rei exclaimed as she patted Miniko on the back like she was trying to tell her to go faster.
"Easy Rei, I'm going, I'm going." Miniko said as she playfully rolled her eyes at her over excited wife.
"Come on, giddy up horsey!" Rei playfully exclaimed as she patted Minikos back again.
"Just don't eat to much of that cake, or I won't be able to carry you any more." Miniko joked.
"That's okay, you can just roll me around in Amis wheelchair when she's done with it." Rei replied with a grin. The four women went outside to the churches back yard and were greeted with rows of tables and chairs, as well as a large buffet setting, with the beautiful cake as the center piece.
"AGGH!" Rei and Miniko squealed when they saw the cake. "Oh my god, it's beautiful, and it has all our favorite colors! They're even in order of our ranks! Okay, who's the genius who came up with this amazing design?!" Miniko asked with a huge smile.
"Who's the only genius in the group?" Mako asked as she held Ami and gave her a kiss.
"This is amazing you two, I almost feel guilty about eating it later." Rei said with a big smile.
"Don't feel guilty Rei, my mother always said, don't make it unless you're gonna eat it." Mako replied with her own smile.
"You know what mama Mizuno says, right girls?" Saeko asked as she walked up to everyone.
"No dessert till after the meal." Ami and Mako answered in unison.
"I have a very similar rule." Reis grandfather said as he walked up next to Saeko.
"Yes grandpa." Rei and Miniko replied in unison.
"What are we waiting for everyone, let's eat." Mako said as she began wheeling Ami towards the buffet.
"Wait a second Mako, who is that?" Ami asked as she caught sight of a woman with long blonde hair.
"That's a good question Ami, she has a baby as well. We don't know anyone with a baby, do either of you?" Mako asked as she looked at Rei and Miniko. They both shook their heads no.
"Let's go see who she is." Miniko suggested as she began carrying Rei over to the mystery woman.
"Good idea." Mako replied as she began wheeling Ami towards this mysterious guest.
"Pardon me ma'am, but I don't believe any of us have met before." Miniko said as the four women converged around this new and mysterious guest.
"What?" The woman asked as she turned around to face whom ever had spoken to her.
"General Tsukino ma'am!" Miniko exclaimed as she quickly set Rei down, stood at attention, and saluted her superior.
"General!" Rei and Mako exclaimed in unison as they saluted Usagi.
"Ma'am!" Ami yelled as she quickly tried to stand to salute her superior.
"Pleas stop Mrs. Mizuno, you don't have to stand, you could hurt yourself!" Usagi exclaimed as she quickly helped sit Ami back in her chair.
"You don't have to salute us, we're all discharged now. Plus it's a special day, we're all friends from here on out, rather than commanders and soldiers. As a final order, call us by our first names." Mamoru said with a smile.
"Yes sir, or I mean, okay Mamoru." Ami replied with a slightly embarrassed smile.
"So who's this beautiful little girl?" Mako asked as she waved her finger in front of the baby's face.
"This is Chibiusa, our daughter." Usagi replied as she tickled Chibiusas belly. Chibiusa giggled and burbled in response.
"How old is she?" Ami asked as she held out a finger for Chibiusa to grab.
"About a month and half old." Mamoru answered as he gently stroked Chibiusas head with his hand.
"She's so cute, I want a baby Rei." Miniko whined to her wife.
"Minna, I can give you three good reasons why that will never happen." Rei replied as she lightly poked Chibiusas belly, receiving a tiny laugh in response.
"Because I'm the only baby you need?" Miniko asked with a wink.
"Sure, let's go with that. You're the only baby I need." Rei answered as she gave Miniko a kiss.
"Thank you so much for coming today, it was an honor to see both of you again." Ami said as she shook Mamorus hand.
"The honor is all ours Ami, to be invited to such a beautiful wedding, even though this is only the second time any of us have ever seen each other." Mamoru replied as he gently hugged Ami.
"Actually, I've seen these two before. I was the one who passed down the D-Day mission to them from General Eisenhower." Usagi informed her husband.
"Really, what are the odds of that." Mamoru replied with a smile.
"I think we've kept these young women long enough, I'm sure they wanna go eat and rest a bit." Usagi said as she gave each woman a light pat on the shoulder. "Congratulations to you all, we're very happy for you." Usagi said with a smile as she began walking away with Mamoru by her side.
"Shall we all go get something to eat?" Miniko asked as she scooped Rei into her arms.
"Yes please!" Rei exclaimed as Miniko began carrying her to the large buffet.
"How about you Ami, you hungry?" Mako asked as she started wheeling Ami towards the buffet.
"I'm famished." Ami replied with a smile.
"There you ladies are, we were wondering what happened to you four." Saeko said quickly getting the attention of the four newly weds.
"Sorry mama Mizuno, we got distracted by General Tsukino and her adorable little girl." Mako replied as she lifted Ami from her wheelchair and placed her in a chair next to Saeko.
"I was wondering who that woman was. Is she nice?" Saeko asked as she passed some plates around the table.
"She's the nicest person in the world, not to mention her husband. He's just as nice, and he saved our lives in our last battle. If it hadn't been for him, Rei and I would've been kraut chow." Miniko answered as she took Reis plate and started walking up to the buffet with Rei close behind.
"Let's go Ami." Mako said as Ami placed both plates in her lap and Mako wheeled her up to the buffet. A few minutes later all four women returned to the table with plates full of delicious food.
"The first thing I'm trying is this beautiful cupcake, just because you two made them." Rei said as she took a generous sized bite out of the cupcake.
"I agree, I have to try this cupcake." Miniko replied as she took an equally large bite of her cupcake.
"This is amazing! The cake's so moist and delicious, and the frosting is so sweet and creamy! You two should open a bakery." Rei exclaimed as she devoured the cupcake.
"I one-hundred percent agree Rei, these two should open a bakery together. They can call it Makizunos Sweet Treats!" Miniko exclaimed as she finished her cupcake.
"You know what ma'am, I really like that idea, what do you think Ami?" Mako asked with a kind smile.
"I like it Mako, I really do." Ami replied with a smile of her own.
"As long as we get freebies or at least a discount when we come by." Rei said with a grin.
"Of course you'll get freebies Rei, family always eats for free." Mako replied with a grin.
"Let's eat everyone, then we can all cut the cake." Ami said with a smile as she began eating her meal.
"Are you eating a plate of sandwiches?!" Rei asked in a surprised tone.
"Yes, they're my favorite food in the whole world!" Ami exclaimed as she finished one of her sandwiches.
"If it makes you happy, then eat as many sandwiches as you can handle." Miniko said with a grin.
"Don't encourage her Miniko, that girl needs some meat on her bones." Rei replied as she took a bite of some steak.
"If I have to be confined to this wheelchair much longer, I'm gonna have a lot more than meat on my bones." Ami said as she finished another sandwich.
"That's okay Ami, you'll just be my big blueberry rather than my little blueberry. But we all know that the bigger blueberries have more sweetness to go around." Mako replied as she gave Ami a kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks Mako, I love you to." Ami said as she returned the kiss.
"Alright ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to invite our four brides to cut the first slice from the cake." Reis grandfather announced.
"Let's go everyone." Miniko said as she scooped Rei into her arms and started walking towards the cake.
"Up you go Ami." Mako said as she carefully picked Ami up and followed Miniko.
"Everyone ready?" Miniko asked as she set Rei down.
"Ready Mina, what about you two?" Rei asked as she picked up the knife.
"Let's do this." Miniko said as she placed one hand over Reis.
"As a team." Mako said as she put her hand over Minikos.
"As a family." Ami said as she placed her hand over Makos.
"One, two, three!" All four women yelled as they all cut a slice from the cake. Everyone cheered as the slice was moved to a plate. "Let's all eat some cake!" Rei yelled as she handed Miniko a plate.
"Not yet Rei, there's one thing left to do." Miniko said as she held out her hand.
"The first dance." Rei replied as she took Minikos hand and hopped to an open area.
"Mako?" Ami quietly asked.
"Yeah Ami?" Mako asked back with a smile.
"May I have this dance?" Ami asked as she kicked off her heels and held her hand out to Mako.
"I'd be honored Ami." Mako replied as she gently lifted Ami up and set her on top of her feet.
"Oh Mako, you amaze me in a new way every single day." Ami said as she rested her head against Makos chest.
"What do you mean Ami?" Mako asked as she gently swayed them back and forth.
"Your the tallest, strongest, and bravest person I know. But at the same time, you're also the most beautiful, compassionate, and elegant person I've ever met. I love you Mako." Ami said as she looked up into Makos eyes.
"Oh Ami, you're so kind to me. I love you Ami Mizuno, my little blueberry." Mako replied with a few tears as she continued to gently sway Ami and herself.
"Those two were meant for each other." Reis grandfather said as he walked up next to Saeko.
"Yeah, her and Miniko sure do love each other." Saeko replied as she watched the four women dance with their partners.
"Actually, I was talking about your girls." Reis grandfather replied as he watched Mako gently sway Ami.
"I suppose you're right. I remember the first day I met Mako, I was kind of shocked at how tall and strong she was, but how at the same time she was so compassionate and fragile." Saeko said with a smile.
"What about Rei and Miniko, what was it like when they first met?" Saeko asked as she watched Rei and Miniko dance together.
"I don't know, neither one of them really like to talk about it." Reis grandfather answered with a frown.
"Why wouldn't they wanna talk about such a beautiful thing?" Saeko asked, a little surprised.
"Because the only reason they met, was because Reis squad was wiped out in an ambush, so she and the few survivors still fit for duty were folded into Minikos unit." Reis grandfather answered with a frown.
"I'm so sorry to hear that, is she doing okay?" Saeko asked with some concern.
"She's getting better, she still has at least one nightmare almost every night though." Reis grandfather answered with a bit of sorrow in his voice. "She's a fighter though, and with Miniko by her side, I know she'll be just fine. They all will." Reis grandfather said with a smile as he watched the four women switch dance partners.
"How are you feeling Ami?" Miniko asked as she gently swayed Ami back and forth.
"Better ma'am, how are you doing?" Ami asked as she lightly leaned against Miniko.
"I'm very well today, I've got the best medic around standing on my feet. I've got the toughest woman in the world three paces away. But best of all, I've got the woman of my dreams the same three paces away." Miniko answered with a gentle smile. "I'm surrounded by my family, what more could I want." Miniko whispered as she gave Ami a kiss on her forehead.
"I love you and Rei like family as well." Ami whispered back as she gave Miniko a kiss on the cheek and hugged her.
"Having a good time?" Rei asked as Mako swayed them both back and forth the same way she swayed Ami.
"How could I not ma'am, I was married to the smartest, cutest, and most beautiful woman in the world today. I'm surrounded by people I consider family, and I'm not being shot at. What more could I ask for." Mako answered with a smile.
"How are you today Rei?" Mako asked as she continued to sway Rei and herself back and forth.
"I'm doing fantastic, I was married to the most beautiful woman ever today. I cut a beautiful homemade cake with all four of my new family members, and now I'm dancing with the most elegant one of them all. What more could a girl ask for." Rei answered as she rested her head on Makos chest.
"Partner swap." Miniko said as she and Mako gently handed Ami and Rei to each other, then took each others hands.
"Hey Ami, you look beautiful today. How are you holding up?" Rei asked as her and Ami gently rocked each other since neither one of them could dance without either Miniko or Mako to assist them.
"I'm doing okay Rei, I'm starting to get a little achy though." Ami answered as she leaned a little bit heavier on Rei.
"Maybe we should go sit down, I'm starting to get a little sore my self." Rei said as she mimed the word wheelchair to Saeko, while Ami mimed the word crutches to Reis grandfather.
"Guess they got a little tired." Miniko said as she watched Rei hop back to the table while Ami rolled back.
"That's okay, more dance floor for us." Mako replied as she twirled Miniko around on her toes.
"How are you doing today Mako, how was your visit with your parents?" Miniko asked as her and Mako danced in large circles.
"It was nice, I wish they could be here to see this. They would have loved you guys." Mako replied as she lifted Miniko and spun her in a circle.
"I'm sure they're here Mako, we may not be able to see them, but they're here." Miniko said with a smile. A gentle wind blew across Mako that just so happened to hit her in places that would be consistent with an average hug and kiss. "You okay Mako?" Miniko asked when she noticed Mako had almost stopped dancing.
"Yeah, I'm good Mina. I'm good." Mako answered as she continued swaying Miniko for a little bit. "Well that was fun." Mako said as her and Miniko sat down by Rei and Ami.
"I agree, I enjoyed that a lot." Ami replied as she leaned back in her wheelchair with a light groan.
"You sore now?" Mako asked as she took Amis hand and gently squeezed it.
"Yeah, but I'm happy, happier than I can describe." Ami answered as she slowly began to stand up.
"What are you doing Ami?" Miniko asked as she held Reis hand.
"Finding a better seat." Ami replied as she carefully sat on Makos lap and rested her head on her chest.
"Good idea, I think I'll do the same." Rei said as she climbed into Minikos lap.
"Comfy Rei?" Miniko asked as Rei leaned her head on her shoulder.
"Yes, very comfy. Thank you for asking." Rei answered as she placed a kiss on Minikos lips.
"What about you Ami, are you comfy?" Mako asked as she gently rocked Ami.
"Yes, thank you Mako. However, if you rock me much more, I might fall asleep." Ami replied with a yawn as she slowly closed her eyes and nuzzled against Makos chest.
"I love you Ami, my little blueberry." Mako whispered as she kissed Ami on her head.
"I love you too Mako." Ami quietly replied as she kissed Makos cheek and nuzzled her head into the crook of Makos neck.