[ that small bit of initial contact alone makes minako smile. it's innocent, sweet—reminding her of those days in january on the roof and in the city, when her fondness for aigis crystallized into love. she remembers the feeling of pride and adoration blooming inside her at every bit of aigis's growth, and now—

now, she can feel the papillon heart's hum as aigis goes on, her own heart cracking at how upset aigis is becoming.

when aigis starts crying again, minako releases her hand to throw her arms around her, touching their foreheads together. she can feel tears brimming in her eyes, her voice hitching as she speaks up. gently: ]

That goes both ways, you know that, right? I love you so much, Aigis. [ there had never been time to tell her before, at least not in so many words, but she says it easily now, firmly, like reasserting a simple fact of the world— ] I'm going to be here for you, with whatever time we've got.