A LotusxXenon pairing this time. This was originally a chapter on my old story, MapleStory High School, but I accidentally deleted the document for this chapter so I had to rewrite it. Hopefully it's better than it was before.

Please read and review! You can be harsh in your reviews if you want, it'll help me become a better writer.

The prodigal captain's loud and powerful voice rang throughout the Edelstein town hall. His face was stern and his posture firm and unwavering. Fellow soldiers and their families, high class citizens of Edelstein, newspaper employees all crowded the town hall to witness Captain Xenon Noble's farewell address as his military service was now over. All of their faces stared intently at the 22 year-old soldier as if looking away would cause a him to burn a hole through their chests. The people listened intently as if they needed to take in every bit of advice that would leave the captain's mouth.

"Take pride in your hometown...take pride in yourself…"

He was meticulous, making sure he gave everyone a firm glare as if he was addressing them individually as he spoke. Everyone saw him as the epitome of an ideal soldier. Tirelessly fighting for his home and beliefs and never afraid to face danger.

However, Lotus was not "everyone" and unlike "everyone", she could notice the minor details that her boyfriend was hiding. It also helped that she sat in the front so she could see him up close. His right cybernetic eye seemed to lack its usual bright blue glow, his left arm, his mechanical arm, was slightly shaking and behind the podium she could see him constantly crossing his legs. As were the perks of being the soldier's girlfriend of seven years, it was easy for her to conclude that he was exhausted beyond belief. Catching his stare, she could see his face soften as she stared back, and could only smile reassuringly before he moved on to another.

After a few grueling minutes, she finally heard him say "thank you" and rushed to his side as he slowly walked down the steps of the stage. Wrapping her arms around his as they walked down, she used her free hand to block out reporters and photographers as she tried to find someplace quiet. Thankfully, fellow soldiers General Irvin and Major Darian stepped in to help.

"Make way, make way!" they both shouted. "The captain will not be answering any questions at this time!"

She nodded to both of them in thanks as she brought her lover to an empty room and closed the doors, blocking out everybody else. She heard him sigh in content as he leaned his back to the wall and closed his eyes. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she crashed her lips against his, and was glad to feel his arms wrap tightly around her and his tongue entwine with hers with equal ferocity. Much to her sadness, it didn't last long enough as Xenon quickly ran out of breath.

"You need rest, love." she whispered as she leaned her head into his chest, hearing and feeling his slow, rhythmic heartbeat.

"Could you...take me home?" exhaustion showed in his voice as he whispered back much quieter than her.

Lotus then nodded as she planted a chaste kiss to his lips. "You didn't even need to ask."

Taking his hand and bringing him out through one of the exits of the hall, she then called for her limo. Within a few seconds, her limo arrived and together they entered with their hands still entwined.

"Good evening, mister Xenon and madam Lotus. Where to?" the driver asked.

"Take us home please, Wonny."

"Of course."

No words were said during the ride as the two lovers were just glad to be with each other again. Xenon slowly grabbed Lotus by the arm and brought her head down to his lap so he could stroke her short silvery locks. Lotus sighed in content as she felt his soft, smooth, nonmechanical hand make its way through her hair.

The last few months had been lonely for her, as Xenon had been called to duty, making the time they spent together cut short by a large amount. He started leaving the mansion early and coming home close to or past midnight. Despite not seeing each other for the majority of the day, they always called each other on the phone, telling each other about their days and making sure they were well. But it wasn't enough. Without her lover by her side, the days at the office just felt...empty. And she constantly worried about Xenon's safety. Was he eating enough, did he get enough sleep if at all? Her fears then reached their peak when she received a call from Darian. His tone was somber as he talked about the accident, stating that there was a malfunction and Xenon had been caught in an explosion. He didn't need to say much else as Lotus soon broke into tears and cut herself off from everyone. Even her own company. It wasn't until the following morning when she received a phone call from a familiar number. Hastily picking it up, she broke down again, this time in happiness when she heard an all too familiar voice. The two then talked for hours with Xenon apologizing for being away for so long, and Lotus telling him that she'd wait forever if she had to.

"I love you so much." She said between tears.

"I love you more." he replied, his voice also slightly shaking.

"No you don't."

Those days were past now. This time they were together...together. Nothing was going to separate them ever again. Before she knew it, Wonny had brought them home. Thanking and tipping Wonny as he exited the car, Xenon then put one arm behind Lotus's back and one arm behind her knees and carried her, eliciting a small yelp from her as he did so. Carrying her bridal style as he went past the doors and up the stairs, he laid her down gently on the bed they shared and dropped face down on the bed immediately after. Lotus giggled at her lover's immediate change in demeanor and sat up to massage his stiff back. She heard grunts and sighs of pleasure as she moved down and loosened up his stiff muscles. She continued massaging his entire body until she was interrupted by an unwelcome sound.

*RINGALINGADING!* *RINGALINGADING!*

"No…" she whined.

RINGALINGADING!* *RINGALINGADING!*

"Please go away…"

RINGALINGADING!* *RINGALINGADING!*

She then heard Xenon sigh as his hand reached for the phone in his pocket.

Slapping his hand away immediately, Lotus grabbed the phone herself.

"Get some rest love," she said, "I'll handle this."

Tapping her finger over the bright green phone emblem on the screen, she brought the phone to her ear.

"Hello?" she said in a stern voice.

"Hello! This is Sergeant Major Belle calling for Captain Xenon Noble?" a female voice on the other side of the line said.

"This is Lotus Schwarz..."

A muffled curse made its way through line. Unintimidated, Lotus continued.

"And the captain won't be available until…" Looking down at Xenon's tired form, she gave a final answer. "I say so."

"B-but we're planning on celebrating his departure from the military! Surely the wait won't be long?!" the voice sounded desperate.

"Whether or not it's long all depends on how patient you are." Lotus replied. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'll take back what's rightfully mine. Thank you and good day."

*Beep* She then hung up, and turned off Xenon's phone.

"I'll probably get in trouble for that." Xenon chuckled as he felt his girlfriend's chest on his back.

"For what? Your term is over. They can't get you for anything. Besides..." She then pecked him on the cheek. "From now on, nobody takes you without my permission."

It's been my headcanon that Lotus is a girl ever since I heard her voice in KMS. I also believe that the description for Orchid's bunny doll at one time also labelled Lotus as a sister instead of brother. Since then, I've been sticking with girl Lotus since and will only make Lotus a boy if I ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO.

So...yeah, if you guys are confused on why Lotus is a girl in this story...here it is.