"Really," he repeated.
She asked again, "Really?"
This time, Minato laughed... a very short, genuine laugh that broke the tension. Without thinking, he pulled her into a hug. She froze for a moment before relaxing in his arms.
He chuckled again, his voice muffled against her hair. "You're so cute."
Amelia's face turned red instantly. She looked up at him, her eyes wide, completely caught off guard. Their eyes met for a second longer than either expected.
Then the portal behind them rumbled violently, shaking the ground.
=====================
[DING]
[12 MINUTES BEFORE PORTAL BREAK]
=====================
The light from the portal shifted from dark green to a black green; the energy inside was flowing violently. Minato's expression slightly hardened. He let go of Amelia's hand and turned toward it.
