Grey eyes opened as the first morning birds commenced their daily practice. He rolled to his side and groped for the clock, squinting in the dim light to read the time. 6:45am, fifteen minutes before the alarm would shatter the silence in the room. Habitually an early riser, he peeled away the down comforter and swung his long legs off his side of the bed, careful not to wake the blonde sleeping soundly like a babe. She didn't have classes on Mondays, so he would not rouse her unless he had to.

Tugging the covers around Minako, his heart skipped a beat at the tiny smile adorning her face. He wondered what she saw in her dreams as his fingers brushed aside stray cornsilk tendrils that had escaped onto her face. With her aura encompassing her in a faint shimmer, she resembled an angel. As was his ritual, he sent his thanks to the heavens for bestowing this jewel of a young woman upon him.

He leaned down, and pressed his lips lightly to a flushed cheek. She had brought the light back into his life. Nothing would make him give her up again.

Walking towards the en-suite bathroom, he removed the ring he wore around his neck, and slipped it onto his ring finger.

She was in the kitchen when he finished his shower.

She hummed to the tune of the pop song on the radio, lithe body swaying sideways in tandem with the upbeat rhythm. Like a dancer, he thought, a dancer waiting for her partner to swing her around.

His eyes travelled up her slim calves to the expanse of milky white thighs below the hem of his shirt. Mouth dry, he sidled up to her, hands resting on her slim waist. Needing to touch her. She uttered a surprised 'oh!' at the contact, but gradually relaxed to lean into his arms. He mentally noted he should have announced his presence.

"You are up early," he said. The kitchen clock read 7:08am.

"I wanted to make you breakfast," she replied, tilting up to look at him. "It's Valentine's Day."

He smiled. He laid a hand upon hers to help her flip the omelette. The side up had been cooked to a pure yellow colour with streaks of egg white. Just the way he liked it. "You didn't have to drag yourself out of bed."

Her hair tickled his chin as she shook her golden head. She turned off the fire, sliding the omelette onto a plate. "I can sleep again after you have left for work."

He took the plate from her and put it on the kitchen table. "I took the day off."

She blinked. Once, twice. Repeat. "But it's Monday."

How adorable, he thought and pulled her closer. "Like you said, it's Valentine's Day."

"You don't take day offs in the week." Incredulity filled her voice.

The corners of his mouth lifted. Was he such a workaholic? "A photographer can choose his schedule." He dipped his forehead to hers, lost in her blue, blue eyes. "Especially one whose gorgeous fiancée might Love and Beauty Shock him."

She blushed. "I will do no such thing." Then, as if an idea had struck her, she worried her lip, frowning. "Won't your female coworkers be disappointed?"

He chuckled, and kissed the tip of her nose. "I suppose." He waited a beat. "Although the only chocolates I want are those from you."

Her eyes widened, and she pushed at him playfully. "I hate you. Valentine's Day chocolates are expensive."

Teasing her was always fun.

The sun kissed her skin in a warm caress, but its warmth could not rival the heat offered by the strong, capable grip of the man she loved. Minako leaned against the tree, drawing Kunzite close to her. Valentine's Day should be made a public holiday, she thought; people that are not in a relationship should be able to enjoy peace of mind at home or elsewhere.

She thanked her goddess she no longer had to glare at shameless couples on this day.

Exhaling a contented breath, she wrapped her arms around him. Her heart gave a little flutter at his smile. "Why are you so tall?"

His eyes crinkled. "You are too short."

"Five-nine isn't short." She stood on her toes, her eyes level with his chin. "You are just too tall. Tall and big like a giant."

"There are men taller than I am, love," he said with a feigned sigh. "I will be a dwarf when I stand beside basketball players."

"Liar," she breathed. "You will always stand out in a crowd with your height, and I will never have to look for you."

"You will never have to look for me again," he said, voice soft. He looked at her for a moment, then he cradled her face in his palms, his lips descending upon hers. The kiss started light, their mouths just brushing, tasting.

She relaxed under him, her tongue shyly touching his bottom lip. Her hands slipped under his jacket, fisting the fabric of his shirt. She moaned when he pulled away too soon.

"Not here, little princess," he said. "People are staring."

Dazed, she opened her eyes and looked around them. Only a handful of people milled about the park at this hour of the day. Some stole glances at them, yes, but most took a look and walked on unperturbed. It would not be the first time they found couples cuddling and kissing in the heat of the moment. It would not be the last time, either.

Stealing another kiss, she touched her fingers to the back of his hands. "Let's go home, then."