Setting: Modern day, post- Stars arc

Theme: Wedding

Down the aisle

The day Minako had since long awaited was finally here. Through all the endless battles and all the tears of betrayal and redemption that had been shed, they were able to find each other. After today, they would never again be parted. Today, she would be the happiest and most beautiful-looking bride there was.

The mirror's reflection sparkled with a radiant grace. Minako had picked a tea-length white gown with a shade of royal purple at the hem. The elegant dress perfectly hugged every curve of her body. In her hands rested a bouquet of orange roses, one of which was tucked neatly on her veil. The girls had questioned her wedding dress choice. After all, one would have expected the very embodiment of Aphrodite to put on a gown of much more extravagance. Minako had laughed then, saying how the simple gown was all she needed, much like the man and the life waiting for her ahead.

A knock was on the door.

Gently picking up the hem of her gown, she walked over to the door. Standing behind it was a handsome man dressed in black tuxedo.

"Koichi, what are you doing here? You're not supposed to see me yet!" Minako squealed and pulled him inside, closing the door behind them.

"I couldn't help it," he chuckled. "I want to be the first one to see you before anyone else did."

"Well, you're too late, mister," she smiled, her finger playfully poking his chest. "Because the girls had already seen me."

"Alright, the first man then." He took a deep breath as he finally took a careful look at her. Countless times before had he envisioned this moment. Those fantasies could not even come close to the breath-taking image standing before him now. Koichi was momentarily stunned into silence.

"You look really beautiful, Minako." She still blushed at the sound of his voice, after all this time.

"You're not so bad yourself." She reached up to fix his bow. Even in these heels, she was still too short for him. The tuxedo made him look even more entrancing to the female eyes than usual. A lot of single bridesmaids would be weeping in silence tonight.

They stood there admiring each other, lost in their own thoughts, until the music started to play outside.

"Koichi, Minako, the guests are all seated!" Mamoru was pounding impatiently on the door.

"Koichi, I'm nervous…" Minako gripped her bouquet tightly to her chest.

"Don't be." He pulled the veil over her face. "Here, take my hand."

Her hand reached out for his. He took it and gave it a long, hard squeeze before putting it on his arm.

"Come. I'll walk you down the aisle. Your groom is waiting."

.

.

.

An hour before

"You know, it's not too late yet." Mamoru said, eyes on the gloating groom standing not far from there.

"It is already too late… a long time ago." Koichi replied in a hushed tone.

"You'll regret this, Kunzite."

"What do you want me to do? Just go in there, take her hand and make for the moon?" he laughed yet his face showed no emotion.

"I won't stop you," Mamoru looked deadly serious.

For a moment there, Koichi was seriously considering the thought. Until he saw her.

- Fin. -

Sorry, I'm in the mood for some angst today! xD