**The Virus That Brought Us Together**
Prompt: The pandemic of the norovirus, also known as the stomach virus, puts the town in quarantine and tons are getting sick. In this story, Minako Aino comes down a very bad case of the stomach virus with a very bad stomachache. Her loving girlfriend, the ever intelligent Ami Mizuno, is worried sick and does everything to take great care of Minako. Ami also gets assistance from Usagi and Rei {who are also dating}, Makoto, and Hotaru and Chibiusa {who are dating as well} After 3 days of help, love, support, and care, Minako’s stomach virus was gone, and she thanked her girlfriend Ami and her friends for giving her all the care she needed during this hard time.
The month of March arrived not with the promise of spring, but with a wave of illness that swept through the town like an uninvited guest. Norovirus, the dreaded stomach virus, crippled schools, shut down businesses, and confined families to their homes. Quarantine became the new normal, and the heart of Tokyo beat slowly, and anxiously.
In the midst of the calamity was Minako Aino, whose usually vibrant laughter had been silenced by the relentless grip of the virus. She initially brushed off her symptoms—a slight headache and a twinge of nausea—as mere indigestion from the last pizza night. But as the days dragged on, her condition deteriorated rapidly; soon, she was curled up in bed, a weak whimper escaping her lips.
Her girlfriend, Ami Mizuno, returned home after a grueling day spent helping with virtual classes for students stuck at home. The first thing she noticed was the eerie stillness that enveloped Minako's room. She called out gently, "Minako? Honey, are you okay?” Receiving no response, a knot of worry twisted in Ami’s stomach.
Ami rushed into the room and found Minako a ghost of herself, pale and trembling, a sheen of sweat on her forehead. “Minako!” Ami exclaimed, kneeling beside the bed. “What’s wrong? You look awful!”
With a weak smile, Minako replied, “Just a little stomachache, Ami. I’ll be fine.” But the shivering of her body and the sudden groan that escaped her lips told a different story.
Ami’s heart sank. She could not stand the idea of Minako suffering alone. “No, you’re not fine. I’m calling for help,” she declared, standing up and dialling Usagi's number with shaky hands.
Within the hour, Usagi, Rei, Makoto, Chibiusa, and Hotaru stormed into Ami and Minako's small apartment, armed with medicines, soups, and a determination as strong as Ami’s love for Minako.
“What do we need to do?” Usagi asked, her expressive blue eyes filled with concern.
“We need to keep Minako hydrated and comfortable.” Ami was already in nurse mode, pouring small sips of electrolyte drink into a straw and holding it to Minako’s lips.
Rei, who had found her own energy through the steady hand of Usagi, took charge of the healing crystals she had in her possession. “This will help soothe her. Minako needs all the positive energy we can gather,” she announced confidently.
Makoto began rummaging through Ami’s kitchen, eager to prepare a light broth that would be gentle on Minako’s sensitive stomach. “I’ve made chicken soup before; it should be easy!” she exclaimed, buoyant and determined amidst the crisis.
Meanwhile, Hotaru and Chibiusa set about creating a cozy atmosphere. They dimmed the lights and spread blankets around, whispering soft jokes to lift the spirits of the room. Laughter, intimate and softly woven amidst the worry, broke through the tension as they worked together.
For three days, they tended to Minako with the love and care that only friends—and lovers—could provide. Every time pain would steal Minako's breath, Ami’s gentle hands would rub her stomach in comforting circles, coaxing the discomfort to subside.
“I hate feeling like this,” Minako sighed on the second day, her voice barely above a whisper. “I just want to be out there, being me.”
“You will be, I promise,” Ami replied, blinking back tears. “You just need a bit more time. We’re here for you.” She held her girlfriend’s clammy hand, squeezing it tenderly.
It was not all teary-eyed service, however. Each evening ended with shared stories about their favorite moments and the wild adventures they had embarked on before the pandemic halted their world. Laughter bubbled through Minako’s pain, as they unveiled memories of Halloween costumes, fateful battles against evil, and carefree beach days—glimmers of joy in an otherwise gray time.
On the dawn of the fourth day, a miracle happened. The oppressive weight in Minako's stomach had lifted a small fraction. As she woke up, the sun shone bright through her bedroom window. The colors of the world felt more vibrant than she had imagined. The nausea had ebbed, replaced with warmth.
Ami, noticing Minako's awakening, gently brushed her hair back. “How are you feeling, my love?”
“Better, I think,” Minako replied slowly, a flicker of hope igniting in her chest. “Really, I think I’m going to be okay.”
“Yes! Everyone, come take a look!” Ami called, her voice light with optimism.
Usagi, Rei, Makoto, Chibiusa, and Hotaru rushed in like sprightly fairies summoned by their leader’s voice. Minako looked at them, her heart swelling with gratitude.
“Minako!” they cheered as the room lit up with joy. "You’re back!"
In that moment, Minako understood the extent of their support and the immeasurable strength of love. “Thank you, everyone,” she said, her voice still slightly weak but filled with sincerity. “I couldn’t have done it without all of you. I love you all,” she added, her tears now mixed with the laughter.
With hearts healed and spirits rejuvenated, they spent the rest of the day basking in the sun together, reflecting on what they had weathered and still had to face in the uncertain world outside. Together, they promised to celebrate being together once more, ready to rise and face whatever storms were to come, hand in hand. Because when push came to shove, love was the remedy that would guide them through anything.
