This is a written work made solely for fan enjoyment. All Mega Man X characters are copyright CAPCOM. Please support the official releases.
A Second Chance
The beautiful sunset greeted Iris' cheeks with a warm feeling, making her smile as the slight breeze from the ocean just beyond the bench where she sat wafted through her chocolate locks. Looking down to the young reploid happily resting in her lap. She smiled at his sleeping face.
"He's such a little angel when he sleeps.", she whispered to herself. At one time such a peaceful moment would've been a rare occasion, but in recent days they were becoming more and more commonplace. It was the very peace she had dreamed of for so long, and it only made her more hopeful for the future, as her other dream had already come true.
"Sorry I'm late, sweetheart.", a familiar male voice spoke. She turned her head to greet him with a soft kiss, which made his cheeks flush a light pink. "The meeting ran a little longer than expected. Axl was trying out his stand-up routine.", he groaningly explained. She giggled at the thought.
"I suppose he's leaving the Hunters in favour of a career in comedy?", she asked playfully.
"I wish.", he chuckled, "No. This is apparently just some hobby or whatever, I'm not entirely sure." He glanced at the sleeping toddler in her lap. "How is the little guy?"
"Sleeping soundly, just like his papa.", she said.
"I have no reason to fear my sleep anymore. Thanks to you, my dear, the nightmares are no more.", he said while moving closer to her and draping an arm over her shoulders. He drew her close and planted a much more passionate kiss upon her pillowy lips. Her blush was a much deeper shade of red than his, causing him to smirk at the sight.
"Do you think this peace will last?", she asked. He could see in her eyes she was doubtful, and he could not blame her. Especially not after what happened all those years ago, he still had not forgiven himself even though she had forgiven him. Nonetheless, he gave her a wide grin to show the confidence in his answer.
"It won't be easy, but the entire reason I've continued to fight against the Maverick threat is so that we can finally have what we've always dreamed of. It's my way of…atoning for what I did.", he responded. A tear slid down his face at the last line of the sentence. She reached up and wiped it away gently with her hand.
"It's not good to dwell on the mistakes we made in the past, my love. What's important is that we make a better future for ourselves…", she lovingly stroked the sleeping toddler's hair, "And for him."
"I can't believe it. You and me, parents.", he said.
"Believe it, we're living it.", she teased. As the sun slowly descended to the horizon, the stars above began to appear and signal the falling night.
"Better head back before it gets dark.", he told her. She stood up, holding the child close to her chest and walking slowly, not wanting to disturb him. As they walked, the streetlights seemed to follow their path, activating as they approached each one. Almost as if something was guiding them down a new path.
"I love you, Zero."
"I love you more, Iris."