The List

7 Heartwarming Marriage Proposals

The storefronts are pink and red with chocolate heart boxes, De Beers reminds us that the best way to declare your undying love is to drop 3 months' pay on a shiny rock, and couples are oozing with stress as they try to outdo last year's romance extravaganza. It must be Valentine's Day! But wait, let's not sweep the whole fantasy hoopla under the cynical rug. There's still some romance left, and what better way to celebrate than looking at seven marriage proposals that really out did themselves?

7. Mamoru and Usagi (Sailor Moon) In the final series of Sailor Moon, Mamoru leaves to study abroad in America. Usagi, trying her best to be strong, sees him off at the airport. Unable to hold back her tears, Mamoru presents her with a ring and puts it on her finger. For fans of the series, it was a touching moment even if it was a bit expected. Viewers have known since the second season that the two inevitably get married, yet the scene succeeded and feeling genuine.

6. Chichi and Goku (Dragon Ball) Technically, Goku and Chichi were engaged as children. The two fighters get reacquainted in the ring years later. Well, at least Goku does as he doesn't remember Chichi at all. Impressed with one another's fighting abilities, and once Goku discovers a "bride" is not a food, he proposes again in the ring.

5. Taiga and Ryuuji(Toradora!) The two misfits bond on a bridge at night as when both begin to wonder how big a burden they are on their parents. Ryuuji takes it a step further, wondering why he was born at all. In the heat of the moment, he confesses that he'll run away from home on his 18th birthday and come to get Taiga so the two can get married. Taiga immediately freaks out and Ryuuji ends up in the river, but she jumps in after him.

4. Tomoya and Nagisa (Clannad After Story) After visiting his alcoholic father in jail, Tomoya is frustrated with his lot in life, his hurt arm, and his own sense of helplessness. After taking his rage out on a wall, Nagisa stops him from further hurting himself. Weakened, Tomoya proposes and makes Nagisa promise she'll always be with him. This moment makes the rest of the events that much sadder, but it's especially touching to see Nagisa, usually the physically weak one of the couple, be the source of strength for Tomoya.

3. Ed and Winry (Fullmetal Alchemist) In the final episode of Fullmetal Alchemist, Ed is about to board the train and leave behind Winry. When she suggests that he make an appointment with her for any repairs in the future, Ed exclaims that instead they follow the rule of equal exchange and give half of their lives to one another. Winry retorts that she'll give him her entire life. Or, maybe 85%, but the point is made with the promise that Ed will return home soon. The entire scene feels so dorky and real that it beats out a lot of overly sappy proposals by a long shot.

2. Godai and Kyoko (Maison Ikkoku) The widowed Kyoko has been waiting for her boyfriend Godai to man up and propose. After a few failed attempts, the two are carrying Kyoko's sick father to the doctor when Godai finally springs the question. With all the anticipation Kyoko's shown through out the episode, the audience expects her to say yes. Instead, we get the heartfelt, "Promise not to die before me, even if it's just a day." Godai agrees.

1. Hachi and Ai (Planetes) While playing a Japanese word game in space, Ai ends her word with the syllable -ke, and Hachi responds with "Kekkon Shiyou" (Let's Get Married). Ai responds with "Un" (Yes). The two were in space suits, but little beats the sun rising behind Hachi and cueing Hitomi's "PLANETES" track in the background when Ai accepts. For all the turmoil throughout both of their relationship and Hachi's dedication to his job often overriding Ai's relationship needs, it was fulfilling to see the two finally work it out.

The new poll: Staying with the romance theme, I want to know: What otome-based/reverse harem anime is your favorite?

The old poll: Last week's poll asked which pair of boy-girl twins are your favorite. This week, Hideyoshi & Yuuko from Baka and Test - Summon the Beasts took the top spot. From the choices listed, my favorite might be Aki an Aya from Ayashi no Ceres Here's the full results:

1. Hideyoshi & Yuuko (Baka and Test - Summon the Beasts) 17.0%
2. Vocaloids Kagamine Rin & Len 12.8%
3. Johan & Anna (Monster) 12.2%
4. Cagalli Yula Athha & Kira Yamato (Mobile Suit Gundam Seed) 8.4%
5. Subaru & Hokuto Sumeragi (Tokyo Babylon/X) 8.3%
6. Kozue & Miki (Revolutionary Girl Utena) 5.7%
7. Mariya & Shizu (Maria Holic) 4.6%
8. Thunder & Fire (Soul Eater) 4.1%
9. Sora and Haruka (Yosuga no Sora) 4.1%
10. Suou & Shion (Darker than Black) 4.1%
11. Maiku & Mystery Twin (Please Twins!) 2.9%
12. Pacifica Casull & Prince Forsis (Scrapped Princess) 2.8%
13. Tweedledee & Tweedledum (Kiddy Grade) 2.5%
14. Leo & Luna (Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's) 2.4%
15. Aki & Aya Mikage (Ayashi no Ceres) 2.0%
16. Shuri and Shuusuke Wakatsuki (Myself; Yourself) 1.9%
17. Shusui and Ouka Hayasaka (Buso Renkin) 1.7%
18. Tatara and Sarasa (Basara) 1.4%
19. Yuki & Jun Kanzato (Persona -trinity soul-) 0.8%
20. Kurt & Chloe Klik (Genesis of Aquarion) 0.4%

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Alright everybody, see you all next week! I look forward to your input in the comments and feel free to follow me on Twitter @ANN_Lynzee or e-mail me at [email protected].