Chapter 10: The Party

At last after all those hardships that I have been through. Those scratches that I got with Pallete paid off Time has stopped for the both of us we just held our hands and we went back to the bench. "You know you really don't have to scream, or are you really that nervous?" I giggled. He is usually composed to anything being cool is his thing. But this time he really looks flustered. "Well, I am always thinking a way how to tell you everything what to say about what I feel. I never thought to myself that I will be confessing to you." He looked up to the sky with his warm smile again. "I am actually surprised myself that I had the guts to say it to you. I might say, this is actually harder than defeating Mavericks." I laughed so hard it sounds so embarrassing to hearing this from him. "Ha. Ha. You can laugh it all you want Miah I am serious about it! I mean come on! It's so hard enough that I have to go through a lot of stuff too you know!" He said. His ears are growing red and placed his hands on his face to his embarrassment. "Fine, fine I'll stop." I giggled. He reaches out his hand gliding towards to my finger tips. "Do you want to go back?" he asked. Oh the opening ceremony is about to end, maybe its a good idea to go back and grab something to bite.

I responded him with a nod, we went back to the main hall and everybody are having fun to the party. X is holding a bottle of champagne and he popped the cork open all of the 17th Unit troops are showered with champagne fizz. I never seen this side of X he is usually very composed and very work oriented person. Maybe I was wrong. I can see that Zero is alone on the corner eating the appetizers. Cinnamon, however is having fun at the dance floor with... Spider?! I know that they are good pals but really? I gotta say is charming and he has this mysterious vibe and Cinnamon told me that she likes mysterious men. I don't know if I should leave her be since Spider is quite alarming I will keep a close eye on him whenever he does something to Cinna I will whack him with all my might. Pallete and Layer on the other hand Pallete is pushing Layer towards Zero's table forcing her to eat with him. But she retreats eventually with all the push and pulls they ended up bumping a guest and fell down. Sometimes I don't know what she is trying to do but I am glad that she has it in her heart that she likes to help people despite that she has an arrogant attitude, she is a nice Reploid after all. Dahlia is talking with Lifesaver while chugging down a wine bottle. I am worried what will happen but this is not what I never imagined to her. I mean from a good mother figure into drunken mom but as long she is happy I won't mind, atleast she has time with Lifesaver. Alia is actually singing her heart out on stage. She is... how can I describe this in a delicate way? I think that she's drunk and her voice is more on yodeling than actual singing. "Well, welcome to Maverick Hunter Headquarters where everybody turns into Reploid clowns." Axl shrugs and he places his palm on face, I can sense his distraught I mean they are different than the normal days that they are too busy saving the world. "You know this is better than I was at the suburbs at least everything I see here are smiles." I said. "Uhh... uhmmm... Y-yeah..." He rubbed his nape and he looked down with a worried expression. "Look, I am fine. Besides I know that they are watch me You are here with me too." I said. I smiled at him and he patted me on the head. "I know they are." He looked to me in the eyes with gave me comfort.'' You know, you must be tired wearing those heels." he smiled. Actually I am having fun with these shoes its pretty comfortable but I have been standing for a while. He held on my hand and we began looking for a seat. My cheeks is turning pink since we are now officially a couple and this is quite a new feeling to me. I mean, sure we held together when we were little kids but this is a different story. "AXL! This is something new? You came back to the party!" It's the butt-chin Reploid again! HE IS FRIENDS WITH AXL! I suddenly bit my lip trying to hide my face with my hand. "Let me introduce you to my friend. Scias he is the leader of the Vulcan Forces. They will affiliated already with the Maverick Hunter HQ. Scias, This is my girlfriend Miah." I blushed even harder this is very new to me but I have to face every crap that's gonna happen to you. "Hi." I just waved my hand lower than I usually to my friends. He spits his drink on Axl's face and he points his finger on my face. "WHAT THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE?! YOU! DATING HER?!" In his surprise his voice raised with shock.

Axl wiped off his face with a table napkin and I can see his eyes it hinted that he is already ticked of but he is trying to keep it all cool. "Scias, I am a young Reploid in his puberty dreams to have someone to date like any teenager do." He fixed his wrinkled coat with his hands. His necktie is crooked I can see that he is struggling from making his tie straight. "Come on, let me help you." I fixed his tie and I tucked it securely. "Th...Thanks..." He stammered. Scias clears his throat and he went up to Axl and he lays his arm on his shoulder. "I am so sorry lad! I am surprised. I only thought that Maverick Hunters are only obsessed with taking out Marvericks." He said sarcastically. Please Dr. Cain forgive this Reploid and I will shove his face on his glass. "Young lady, apologies to my behavior earlier but its nice to meet you." His eyes are darting towards mine an intent that gives me the hibee gee bees! He shook his hand and this is the first time in my entire life. He gave me the biggest shiver on my spine. His grip on my hand is weird, it gave me this feeling of uneasiness I glanced over to Axl and gave him a cue that I don't comfortable anymore. Scias wrapped is fingers onto my hand with a firm grip with glimmer on his filthy eyes. Axl coughed the moment that he noticed that Scias is being too touchy with me. "Well, I think that is already enough?" He swept his hands then pulls me away I landed on his arms. "I cannot help myself to see a beautiful young lady like her. I mean, the navigators are incredibly beautiful especially Ms. Layer but she is a rare beauty. The moment that I saw her I cannot help just think about her pristine looks. " He said with sheer arrogance. He is now in my disgrace list. Vellan, Roaches and him. "I am sorry Scias, I know that you are the leader to whatever militia but I please do respect that my lover is with me. Besides, its also rare the that I see a Reploid that a bum on his face. Now, excuse me? My boyfriend and I need to eat. Ciao!" His confident smile faded with a grimace. I dragged Axl along with me by the nearest corner of the hall.

"Thank goodness! I don't like to see his ugly face again." I cringed. Phew! At least that we managed to escape from that mess. The bottom line is? Never trust a Reploid with a freaking butt on his chin. "That is a good call Miah, To be honest I am ready to pull out my gun! Although, we will be so screwed whenever they know that you sassed Scias. Why you didn't tell me that you met him already?" He furiously asked. "1. We are in the Sky Gardens. 2. You confessed to me. Then 3. I wish that you just shot him on the face to shut him up. 4. HE ANNOYS ME! HE IS AN ARROGANT WARHEAD THAT WANTS TO TAKE ON WOMEN! How did he even managed to get that position?" You know what? I don't want to ruin the fun because of him. But I definitely agree with you and I actually know that he is a womanizer. But I can't imagine that he likes you that quickly. Well, I can't blame him. You are really beautiful today. That is one thing that I completely agree with him." He grinned. I couldn't help myself from all these numbness on my face. My heart is just full of flutter and joy. "You know, Reploids and Maverick Hunters needs some energy in their bellies I am starving!" He said. He stretched his arms up high and he breathed in and exhale calmly. We need to find a table my legs are starting to hurt. The dining tables are all occupied what is left is a cocktail table near the buffet table. "Maybe this will do. But we will be ending up standing. It will be tiring if we eat like this. Since you are wearing heels it will be a big problem. He said while pointing at my shoes. Axl places his hand on his chin and he started to think what to do. "You know what? I will get you a chair for you to sit on. In that way you atleast rest your legs. Wait here I will get you a chair." He commanded. The 17th Elite Units raises their glasses and they cheered on Dr. Cain's name. I never met Dr. Cain but all I heard about him that he is the father of all Reploids and Mechaniloids, an inspiration to every scientist and a prodigy in human history. Although I wonder what happened to him? I immersed myself in curiosity. Until I suddenly heard a loud drop sound from the speakers. My heart suddenly jumped in surprise. Alia is surrounded with waiters pulling her out off the stage. I am quite impressed because she was singing for almost 1 and a half hour of singing. But I vet that she will never enjoy sore throat in the morning and having a squeaky pitch. Instead of sunging gracefully, she ended up sounding like a screeching cat falling down over a building. "I wannah tyu sinhg muuhhhrrr.." Her speech began to sound gibberish she shook off her arms and she combs onto her messy blonde hair with her fingers.

"Aye ahm fain... I khan wok ohhhhn mah owhhn." She suddenly fell off the stage. Good thing that X caught her in the nick of time to save her from a dead drop. "I already told her that her alcohol tolerance is too low and she still kept on drinking wine. Well, fellas I will be right back I have to bring her back to her room." Everyone raised an uproar and everybody is teasing him. "We will be never surprised if never come back Commander X. After all, you two are together for a long time now." Every exchanged laughters and whistle everysingle corner of the hall. "If that happens. I will keep myself protected." He gave them a suave wink with a thumbs up. I shook my head in disbelief that in a split second Commander X's mind flew out of Abel City. I cannot believe that he said that. So, I will note to myself that Commander X is also bad at drinking alcoholic drinks never give him wine too and same goes with Alia. X carried Alia in bridal and dashed out of the event. Meanwhile, Dahlia's body began swaying involuntarily, every movement that she takes the more she bump on things. Lifesaver grabbed her on the shoulder and places her on the table and he took her glass out on her hand. "Now, now that's enough. Just stay put and relax." He brought Dahlia on her chair and he fans her with a table napkin. "Jus kehp shat eeeht en gimmi mur..." Her head dropped on the table and she began snoring. Lifesaver vented a long deep breath and he carried Dahlia out of the party. "Another... Casualty." he mumbled. I don't know if I should feel bad for Dahlia or for Lifesaver. I mean Dahlia looks quite heavy basing on Lifesaver's steps. He is wobbling all over the place trying to keep his balance. I took a deep sigh and smiled. Somehow I feel happy for Dahlia, she got the time to spend her time with him. I stared at the crowd watching them dancing along with the jazz music. I took a sip on my water goblet and I drinks are flowing everywhere and servers are gliding through the hall with tray on hand. I felt somebody is poking on my shoulders I turned my head and I can see Pallete waving her hand with a sweet smile and running towards me. "Miah! Oh my goodness! I never noticed you right away. X told me that you were here so I tried to look for you!" She gave me a quick hug and she held on to my hand. She is wearing a mint green dress with frills on the tip of her skirt, the top has an intricate embroidery of fleur de leis on the middle. I stood up on my chair and I held on her hand. "As expected, Gio definitely made you beautiful." She praised. She looked from left to right I bet that she is looking for Axl. "Where's the ginger head? I heard that he's here. Normally he just stays at the Sky Gardens until the party ends. All he needs is a Miah to invite with this kinds of parties. He even asked for help for getting a nice suit for him." She grinned.

This is very refreshing that she talks to me normally, unlike before that she treats me like rubbish. She lays her arm on my shoulder and she whispered on my ear. "Did he confess to you?" She asked impishly. I tucked my mouth on my teeth and I just replied to her with a light nod. She began to vibrate and releases a small squeal. "Oh my goodness. I am glad that you guys are already official." She sighed with relief. I suddenly felt guilty and somewhat upset for her since she liked Axl so much. I can still remember what she told me when we were at the taxi. I know that she is hiding it, I know deep inside of her she's in deep pain. I cannot help but hugged her tightly in my arms. "Thank you, Pallete... Thank you for everything... Please forgive me from the things that I have done to you... I hope in the future... You will find your happiness... " I whispered in despair. She just hugged me back she rested her head onto my shoulders. I felt cold drops of water falling on my back. "Come on, Please just take good care of him for me will ya?" She begged. She gripped onto my glove and she tries to cover her face to the crowd. Her voice began to crack from panting and sniffing since she's crying. "Yes, I promise." I said. She straightens her body and she takes few long deep breaths to calm herself down and she clears her throat she wiped off her tears on her gloves and she smiled. "Well, I have to go now. I have to prepare myself for the closing ceremony. I will talk to you later..." I just replied her with a nod the moment she left, I suddenly felt something tight in my chest, I honestly don't know what to do, I am out of words. "Pallete!" I called her name, I didn't know why I called her but I rushed in to her and I hugged her once more. "If you need anything... I will always be there for you. Whenever you are down or happy I will be there every step of the way." She gave me a quick hug and she nodded with a small smile drawn on her mouth and then slowly she is fades from the swarms of the crowd. I laid my hand on the cocktail table and I placed my hand chin on my hand. I am thankful that everything is going fine with me especially now Axl and I are now together as a couple.

I bet that moment that Axl told me that he loves me, I could've rushed in to her and hugged her like I used to do. I can imagine her saying. "I am so happy for you!" Gredall will surely whack his toy sword on Axl's legs since he has this over-protective attitude for a very young age. Poipo will be playing with Bubbles and with her Teddy Bear. I cannot help but just smile although I know deep down to myself that I am still in the state of grief yet I am still in the learning process of moving forward. I have to think about the future along with this people who is willingly to help and guide me along the road. Few moments later I can see Axl walking toward me. "I already found a proper table for us. This cocktail table will never help you rest your legs and I thought of even we plan to eat on this table, the chairs are too low for that one." He said. No wonder that he took his sweet time, But thank goodness I can rest my legs these shoes are starting to kill me! Well, that is what you call the price of beauty I guess. "We have to go through to the main hall. See that white thing over there? That's the one." He pointed at the lonely table waiting for us to rest on. I saw Douglas heading towards to the stage. He is just wearing a basic coat and tie and he taps the microphone. Okay, what is going on? "Ladies and Gentlemen for the lovely couples out there! Let your feelings flow in a romantic dance! Our band is willing to play any cheesy mush songs. BUT SADLY I DON'T HAVE A DATE SINCE SHE DECLINED ME ON THE LAST MINUTE OF THE PARTY! So you sick lovebirds just go here on the middle of the floor and DANCE UNTIL YOU DROP!" Douglas said with beer on his hand swaying his way out off the stage... He stumbles down the stairs and he slowly stands up and the beer spilled all over the floor. I bet when he gets up in the morning he will be hiding his butt out because of what he said. We finally managed to sit on a chair. My feet felt glorious after 4 hours of walking and standing. I stretched my legs long and wide until I heard my knee caps popped. I felt relieved. "Whew, I will just rest for a minute and I will get some food for the both of us. Is there anything that you like?" He asked. I am already craving for pasta and garlic bread to pair up with. "Spaghetti and Garlic Bread." I said with enthusiasm. He nodded. "Well I will grab some steak and fries. I am really starving." He stretched his arms and leans on the back rest on the chair then he followed by rubbing his hungry tummy. "You know, you are always hungry. I remember that time that Vellan caught you stealing bread inside the sack." Axl looked me with dismay with furrowed eyebrows and a pout. "Hey, look. I was hungry that time! Besides I managed to get away with it." He said proudly.

I crossed my legs and arms and I raised a doubtful smirk. "Oh, realllyyy now? I mean sure you got away with him by using your copy ability from a fellow orphan." I said. He just shrugged his arms with pride then he laid is arm on the back rest of my chair. "Well, I got say, this prototype has tricks on his sleeve to save his butt from Chicken brain. Besides, I gave some for the little ones since they are hungry too." He took a deep breath and sighed heavily then he looked at me with a comforting smile. "Hey, I am glad that you are having fun right now." He rubbed his thumbs on top part of my palm, his smile faded into sorrowful smirk. "You are the one who kept me going to fight Mavericks... I really never had the chance to save you right away since I have no time. I was so occupied about fighting for humanity and justice.. This scar always keeps me on reminding me that I have to protect the weak at any cause." He touches his "X" shaped scar on his face. I can sense his determination growing stronger and deeper by looking on his emerald like eyes. "Since I found you, I have more reason to protect. Just please, stay by my side and I will do everything in my power to keep you." he said. I gave him a firm nod and I just hugged him because he looks adorable. I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and gave him a smile. "I will be always be here for you!" I said. His face is almost beat red through his ears. I think I surprised him because he stared on the floor for 2 minutes. He cleared his throat and he stood up on his chair. "W-well, g-gotta go. Just s-stay here and wait for me a-alright?" He stuttered. I gave him a nod then headed to the buffet. I tapped my feet on the floor along with the melody. At the dance floor I can see them swoon with the song while dancing and a very slow pace with their arms wrapped onto their love ones. Maybe I should ask Axl? Nah, that will be awkward since I really don't know how to dance. But I want to know what it feels like dancing with someone that you love. Somebody just tapped on the tip of my shoulder. "Hey miss want to dance with me? You look lonely there. Might as well give you the best night of your life." A sketchy stranger offered his hand with a suspicious grin painted on his face and it was butt face again. "How about? No. It is so weird that you like me in an instant. I mean never know who the heck you are and all I know is that you are an important person here in HQ but I don't freaking care. So, bug off." I just went back on watching the crowd until he grabs my arm and forcefully pulling me out of my seat. I tried to fight back until Axl pulls him back and grabbed me. "Sir, I truly respect that you are the General of Vulcan Forces. But don't you dare let that respect flushed away because of this. Please, step back, while I still have the patience because I am in a very good mood." Axl gave him a serious stare on Scias. He immediately raised both of his hands and he snarled. "Alright, alright. Whenever that you need me darling. I am always there. It is such a shame that I never have the chance to dance with you." He points his finger on Axl. "I keep an eye you boy. I will make sure that you will be having a hard time. When Miah gets tired of you, she will be mine." He walks away then he threw a flying kiss. He will be so surprised when I wash off my makeup and my dress. I am will be 100% certain he will regret it. But it is disgusting for the fact he knows that I am Axl's girlfriend now, geez "Well then, now he's gone." He releases a deep sigh and he ruffles on his spiky ponytail. I am worried about what will happen to him, other than that Axl I placed my finger on his lips and I just gave him a smile and gave him an assuring nod. It just feels nice that we think and feel the same way. "Alright! I managed to get you pasta and garlic bread. Should I get you a drink?" He offered. He sat down beside me and placed my food right infront of me. I grabbed my fork and twirled the pasta around and I took a good bite out of it and as expected this is the special pasta that Dahlia made! Neopolitan pasta with bacon bits.

"As expected, Dahlia brought out the big guns! The pasta is very, very good!" I said. I couldn't help but smile while eating while Axl enjoys his freshly grilled rib eye steak with parsley butter on the top with 6 peices of of steak fries. "I completely agree with you!" He chowed down the steak and he pumped out some ketchup out of the squeeze bottle for his fries and he scrapes the whole fry on the lump of ketchup covering the whole fry on it then he took a good bite. I can see that he looks satified until he finshes his plate. My plate is partially empty because I had to take out the bell peppers. I never liked the texuture and leaving a thin layer of skin that sometimes can be left on your throat which can lead to choking. "Ha. Knew it. I noticed ever since we were young, you never liked bell peppers." He grabbed his fork and ate my leftover bell peppers. "Yeah and you never changed that you are still the one who is ending up eating it." We laughed and we shared our moment together while watching the crowd dancing with their love ones. Commander Zero is taking his good time with Layer, they are seated next to each other enjoying their champagne. Pallette on the other hand is talking with 3 guests, I really bet that those guys has a thing for her. I might say that despite her height and appearance she is very witty and upbeat that any guy can swoon on. Cinnamon is dancing with the beat while holding her puppy Bubbles. That is pretty odd, I wonder where did Spider go? That bastard just left Cinna in the middle of no where! I mean if you are going to have a date with somebody the rule thumb is never leave your date behind and that is just plain rude. Then again I feel somehow, relieved that she is not with Spider since I find him very shady. I hummed along with the song while tapping my fingers on the table. "Hey.. Miah?" Axl held my hand with a firm grip with a unexplainable expression. I don't know if he is mad or confused or nervous? But I find it every funny that I cannot help but laugh. "Geez! What's with the face? Hahahaha!" I laughed. He took a deep breath then he stood up and he fixes his tie then he glided his fingers onto his bangs. "I... I... Think i..it is a very good idea if we d-dance since it would be nice if we get to e-experience it...right?" He said nervously. It left me to a shock that he asked me to dance. I just gave him a slow nod and stood up on my chair and we went down to the dance floor and I rested my arms on his shoulders while he was hold on my waists. We never utter a word we just... dance along with the beat with a simple slow dance. Everything just felt just right even that it there was some annoyance with Scias, but to think about it, I just find this experience just too good to be true. I'd just hope that this will never end. This is the night that I will never forget.

A/N:

HOLY MOLY! THIS TOOK ME A LOOOT TIME TO THING ON WORKING WITH THIS! I have been busy at work lately. I am very sorry that I never managed to update but I hope that you enjoyed this Chapter! :3 See ya real soon!