IC Inbox: empatheias edition

[hearted]

Hey, it's Minako! Got a message for me? Drop a line and I'll be right with you!

[crystal communication | snailmail]

Comments

Action after the ball

[faithfulflame]

It's a few days, really, before Rei works up the courage to bring the question to Minako. She's not afraid, but she's worried, bothered, and fretting just a bit too much. So, late one evening after returning from a walk Rei knocks on the blonde's door.]

Minako, can I come in?

[hearted]

[Minako has her own worries on her mind. She's been researching the tea ceremony as best she can from a foreign world, interrogating anyone who looks like they might be from Japan, and---well, it's been a bit of a mess. The thought of Rei has been doing odd things lately, and that promise might not be the only reason...

That's why there's a distinct screeching sound on the other end of the door. Oh no, is it quiz time already? She'll just have to be brave and face the music. She takes a deep breath and swings the door open.]

What a surprise---ah, but not a bad one! Rei, please come in!

[Maybe she can charm her into not killing her. Maybe.]

Post Pippy

[faithfulflame]

[It's been a day since the return, and a day that she's taken to relax at that. But things aren't quite like they were when the three of them had left their little home. She hadn't said anything to Usagi yet, but Rei was still trying to collect her thoughts. After the blonde left for work, she finally crawled out of bed and padded into the common area where she could feel Minako's presence.

Taking a seat beside the other, she leaned to one side, shoulder resting on her casually. She'd not slept well, at all, with all sorts of strange thoughts and heated dreams of Minako coming to mind. There were also less pleasant ones, of the place they'd come from and the anger and distrust Piphron had tried to sow, but those were less burdensome.]

Hey. [Reaching over, she laces her fingers through Minako's, assuming she hasn't fled by now.] Sleep okay?

Re: Post Pippy

[hearted]

[Minako is usually quick to bolt, heart jumping at the first sign of danger, but this is different. Her fear is far away, and she's grounded by something new that might just be old.

She gently runs her fingers over Rei's, still awed that she is permitted.]

I don't remember a nightmare, that's good enough for me. You?

[Her eyes are all for Rei now, searching.]

[Voice]

[lightthedarkness]

Minako-chan! Ah... I have something I need to tell you but... I need you to.... not... panic.... or worry....

Or attack someone.

[voice]

[hearted]

...what is it?

[She hesitates a little. This probably isn't good.]

[Image]

[lightthedarkness]

Miiinnnaaaakooooo-chaaaan~ It's your biiiiirthdaaaay mooooonth!

So! What should we do for your birthday? OH! What do you want to do? Who should I invite? Do you want to do it on the day of your birthday or sometime later? Your birthday is on a weekend! Should it be during the day so you and Rei-chan can have a special birthday date in the evening?

Re: [Image]

[hearted]

[Minako's looking a little disheveled---she's alone, Rei's not involved, but her hair's half-braided and she's still in her PJs. It's that kind of day.]

I haven't really thought about it! I've been trying to meet people in town, trying to figure this all out...no, I think we should party at night so more people can come. Maybe we can have a fire, out under the stars?

[Image]

[faithfulflame]

[Maybe about ten seconds after her conversation with Usagi, Rei jumps back to calling Minako.]

So. Is there...anything you'd like to do on your birthday with...just...us?

[Her voice may be a little squeakier than normal, because...well...this is a big deal to Rei, who's not normally physically affectionate, but she has some ideas.................]

[Image]

[hearted]

[Minako smiles happily]

Oh Rei, you know spending the day with you girls is always just what I need! But I was thinking, maybe that night, when people go to sleep, we could have sleeping bags next to each other?

[Action]

[lightthedarkness]

[The nice thing about all living together was that she could get Rei and Minako together rather quickly. She knocked on Minako's door and then Rei's.]

Rei-chaaaan, Minako-chaaan! [She was smiling bright and wide, bubbles in the shape of hearts appearing around her head to match her glee.] Guess what guess what!

[faithfulflame]

[Oh God save her from bubbles. Rei pokes her head out of her room, a little bleary, and hazards a guess.]

You found something?

the big day

[faithfulflame]

[A lot of things have happened today. It's a birthday, of course, and Usagi is involved on some cursory level which means that there was a time to be had. But it's all ended now, as days often do, and thankfully Usagi had held up her promise to get everyone away. And while she was doing that, Rei had slipped off towards the cabin's upstairs, a few surprises in store. Minako obviously had a few obligations to take care of, goodbyes and all. Which gave Rei a moment to really get things in order.

The bed was laid out, and she had obtained a bottle of champagne, cups, and a few other things for them. She had flowers, she had her present all ready, and she also had managed to get the food for breakfast set aside to surprise Minako. All that remained was nerves. Getting those in order took some doing...and her voice shakes over the amulet.]

I-I'm ready, Minako. Everything seems to be in order upstairs. Whenever you're ready...come up. I'm waiting.

[hearted]

[Minako's interest is certainly piqued. She has an idea of what might be going on, but hesitant is usually one of the last words she would use to describe Rei. Minako's answer is quick, but a note of worry probably bleeds through.]

I'm on my way, Rei. I won't keep you waiting long.

[She takes the steps two at a time, arriving in the bedroom she'd marveled at earlier to find a very welcome sight. She immediately crosses the room, taking Rei's hand.]

All of this? Oh Rei. You know I love you no matter what you do, right?

[The awe on her face is clear as day despite her words.]

[Action||Not Here]

[lightthedarkness]

[Waiting in front of Minako's door for her birthday is a bouquet of orange flowers and in a box with blue wrapping paper are several bracelets and earrings, but there are also fun cat earrings too with a birthday card attached. What is all this jewelry for? The much bigger wrapped gift, a dress.]

To one of my very best friends, the leader of us all, and the goddess of love and beauty! ♥

♥ Usagi

[action]

[hearted]

[Minako wonders when on earth this could have arrived---she hasn't slept much lately. Somebody is clearly a master of stealth!

She studies the packaging thoughtfully, then opens each piece. It's all so thoughtfully put together that she can't help but try it all on right away. Perfect, of course---so, naturally, at the next opportunity she'll be flinging herself at Usagi with a bright laugh.]

How dare you!

Text

[spiritedafey]

*****SURPRISE beautiful person!!!!!***** Its a beautiful day! Send dis to 5 beautiful friends within 5 minutes or you will be cursed with ugliness forever!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Text

[hearted]

[Somewhere, she gapes like a fish at this message. Oh goodness!]

Oh no! I can never allow ugliness to strike! I will spread beauty and love wherever I go!

[Action]

[lightthedarkness]

[There's a knock on Minako's door, Usagi has her Christmas gift in hand, though she has something else on her mind as well. She shakes her head though, knowing that it wouldn't be right to bring up the other matter on her mind on Christmas day of all things.

She just hopes Rei didn't decide to give Minako a special Christmas gift last night.]

Minako-chaaaaan! Merry Christmas!

[Action]

[hearted]

[It's early. Minako's alone, thankfully, but bleary-eyed. She rubs her eyes and gives Usagi a smile.]

Merry Christmas, Usagi.

[Here, have a sleepy hug.]

12/25

[oathkeeper]

[Sora leaves a gift for Minako! Some handmade caramel milk chocolate and a treble clef shaped bangle.]

Merry Christmas, Minako!!

-Sora

[hearted]

[She comes to the door and smiles. Oh, what a beautiful gift! She'll treasure it forever---and go dashing out the door to give his, she's late! Oh dear.]

12/25 like we talked about.

[faithfulflame]

[It's Christmas, and Christmas is always a time Rei has had mixed feelings about because she was so very often alone. No family aside from Grandpapa, and her friends were just as often busy. But...she was still able to see them and things. This year though, this year was different. They were away from home. And Rei had someone. Someone special. Which meant drastic measures.

Now, Rei wasn't about to tell anyone her plan. She simply dressed up in red and white pajamas and while Usagi and Minako were out having fun, she slipped into Minako's bedroom and sat down on the bed to read. She even thought to put on a Santa hat and a little bow on her chest, knowing it would excited the blonde.

And that's basically what Minako will find when she gets home and heads into her room. Rei seated on the bed, dressed up and reading a book. And there are even presents resting at the foot of the bed.

So...reaction?]

[hearted]

[Minako has had a very long, very happy day. It's spent sharing with friends, giving, and laughing...but her mind drifts back to her precious Mars from time to time. There's still a gift that she's kept safe at the bottom of her bag, waiting for the right moment...

She first checks Rei's room. No Rei. Then the yard. Was she tending to their pets? No. She checked the refrigerator for a note...again, nothing. Finally, she made her way to her room, and upon opening the door...]

Rei! There you are, I was about to call on a search!

[She could've just asked on the crystal, of course. That possibility is ignored in favor of balling her fists on her hips and trying to look outraged when she is in fact flustered with...amusement. It's difficult.]

1/16; Video

[boundbynaught]

[This is still pretty awkward for him, even if he did get told by Usagi herself that Minako talks to people about this stuff all the time. It's still someone he doesn't know.

He clears his throat.]

Hi. My name's Arden. Usagi said I was supposed to talk to you?

1/16; Video

[hearted]

[She smiles gently. She'd heard only vague things about him, but...well, she'd gladly help.]

Sure! What did you want to talk to me about?

2/14, V-Day

[faithfulflame]

[The day itself had begun ordinarily enough, but the whole of it had been punctuated by a great deal of nerves, increased heartbeats, and emotional accidents like floating hearts meandering by Rei's head. She'd actually done it. She'd rented a cottage and had it fully stocked for a romantic evening, morning, and following afternoon. She didn't really want to let Usagi know what she was planning, nor Setsuna or Helios, but she'd left a note for them not to worry. It wasn't like she wanted to worry them or stress Usagi out further, but they did deserve to know.

And come late afternoon, whenever Minako comes back from some errand, she'll find Rei waiting on the porch, a couple of travel bags, and a big grin.]

Tonight's the big day, love. Are you ready?

[hearted]

[Minako's reaction hasn't really been small either. There's sort of a golden aura around her body that fades in and out...it's definitely in at the moment. She's laughed nervously through their breakfast, frantically tied her new ribbon in place...and now here she is, slinging a bag over her shoulder.]

I wasn't sure I would be, but...

When I see you shine like this?

[She takes Rei's arm and comes close.]

Absolutely.

2/14 - Messenger bird

[lightthedarkness]

[Since Rei and Minako have each other for Valentines Day, Usagi is going to just send her gift via messenger bird. Minako will be getting a small bouquet of orange and red roses with a small box with heart-shaped earrings inside of it attached to the red ribbon wrapped around it. There is also a box of heart-shaped chocolates. The card reads:]

To the goddess of love on your holiday,
You've been one of my best friends
and there's just so much to say!
Just a small token of love from me to you,
I hope you know I'm glad you found love that's true.

Happy Valentines Day - Usagi / (^ᆺ^)＼~♥

[hearted]

[Minako picks up the delivery with a quiet sigh. She glows as she picks up the earrings, already thrilled to wear them. Before she goes, she sends a quick message:]

Thank you, Usagi! I'll see you very soon, dear. And don't think I forgot!

[There is, in fact, a pink and gold package outside Usagi's door, containing the promised cakes and a small pearled bracelet.]

2/14

[meowbel]

[On the day of February 14th, should they open the door, they might find a bag covered with candy nearby! And should that person also look closer, they might also see some jumbo pixie sticks in there too! Why, you might ask? The better question is why not!

And right beside the pink glittery bag, they might also find a note! What does it say, you might ask?]

Happy Valentine’s Day! Hope you get a lot of candy and may you have a lot of fun with Rei today! Just be sure to hold your breath, spin around 3 times, and flush some sugar down the toilet to make it work!

-Mabel

[hearted]

[Minako picks up the package with a pleasant but puzzled expression.]

Sugar down the toilet...? Well, okay! It's worth a shot.

[She giggles, and the next day, Mabel will receive a message]

It's crazy, but it worked! Thank you so much!

HEARTS DAY

[oathkeeper]

[Minako gets a candy gram with a card attached.]

Happy Valentine's Day, Minako!!

Lova,
Sora

HEARTS DAY

[hearted]

[And in response, Sora receives a pink and gold heart-shaped box that afternoon. It contains cookies, a single piece of chocolate, and a heart-signed note.]

Here's a special wish for a special day! May your day be filled with love and light.

<3 Minako

[Image]

[lightthedarkness]

MINAKOOOOO-CHAAAAAAANNN! Wanna come with me on this date with this really beautiful space princess? We're gonna go shopping tomorrow!

[Image]

[hearted]

What is it with you and beautiful princesses, huh?

[She laughs.]

Sure, do I know her?