'One Hundred Day with You' is a two part story, only separated for length. Previously, it was going to be separated due to adult themes, but that has been rehashed. Please know while part two will contain some adult themes, the actual *ahem* 'porn 'will be it's own separate fic, titled "Day 99".

Thank you for your time, and please, enjoy what you've all been waiting for :D

-Day 3-

Kione was allowed to leave the hospital a few days later, when she no longer needed drip medications for the pain in her arm and she had adjusted to her sling. Uso had stayed by her side day and night, being without need of sleep or food came in handy… But there were times someone would come in to find him sitting close to her, head resting on the pillow next to hers, foreheads touching as she slept and he stayed on a quiet standby, waiting for something to stir him.

Now that they were back in public, however, they were very careful about how they acted. They lingered close enough to brush hands, but nothing more, and decided to keep it that way for now. Kione had went to see her commanders first, then her father who happily tagged along to visit Smith and everyone else in the hanger. Jack had been released from the hospital a day before but BT had asked everyone to 'keep their distance' as he was still resting constantly. Sure, they were all worried, but no one was going to test BT's patience.

In the hanger, it was relatively busy, techs and pilots working together on Titans who played music or chatted happily with those around them. Kione now noticed the whole aura about the place that was different. Had it always been like this, before her depression, or had it changed? A few pilots waved, and she smiled and ducked, staying close between her father and Uso.

Their visit with Frost, Nate, and (to Kione's relief) Chase was sweet. They were excited to see her but wasted no time in returning to their previous taunting of Nate, who huffed and pouted through all of it. Chase and Frost were 'tag-teaming' him with little remarks as they did some small training, making the shorter man puff up and occasionally shout at them. It was downright comical. They had all went to eat after Nate decided he was done and body slammed Chase, and the place was bustling; her old friends of Six-Four hollering loudly at her and her returning the shouts of greeting. It took a while, but soon, they had themselves a table.

It had taken a good two hours to get through all their food with how much talking and laughter they had, but by the end of it, Kione was tired. Uso noticed, and dismissed them both before taking her back to the berth. It wasn't long later that they stood outside of her room, and Kione paused.

"...what is it, Sola?"

"...I… I just realized you're… gonna be able to come in my room."

Uos flickered, "Do you not want that?"

"No, no, I very much do but I apologize in advance for the mess." Kione blushed, and reached out, touching the keypad, "The doorcode is 0503 if you ever need in."

"Your birthday?"

" Our birthday." The pilot smiled as the door lifted, then groaned softly when the lights didn't turn on. Stepping inside, she squabbled about till she found her light-knob and turned them on, exposing the dorm in a better light.

It was a very simple design. The door itself was in a small hallway that opened into a big room, a shut door directly in front of them across the room. On the wall by the other door was a countertop that had miscellaneous items on it, and as they turned the corner, they could see the rest of the flat. There was a small round table in the center of the flat with a basket of fresh laundry on top and two chairs tucked in, and on the walls were countertops and cabinets. Appliances included a fridge, a sink, and a stove that riddled the room all flush with the countertops. There was even a microwave-toaster tucked in the far corner of the countertop. Around the little hallway corner was Sola's bed, and a closet was built inside the wall that made the entrance way hall.

Uso looked around in eagerness, completely enthralled by the contents. The pilot smiled and led him through, explaining to him whatever he asked about before she went to the second door and opened it, turning on the light. Immediately, the titan jerked away from the new room, and Kione looked at him in surprise.

"What is it?"

"There are people in there!"

There was a second of silence before she burst into laughter, "Silly, that's your reflection! Come look again!" She stepped into the room, and he meekly followed, blinking in amazement at the pane of reflective glass. Cautiously, then reached out and touched it, watching his own movements and optical in the mirror.

"That's… me?"

"Yes."

"...I... wow…" He pulled his hand back to touch his optical, chest, and some exposed wires as Kione watched curiously. Soon, he had gotten used to the reflective pain and looked over into the rest of the room, "What's that?"

"That's a toilet, and a shower. I know you recognize those terms."

"Of course." Uso hummed, reaching out and pressing the button on the toilet, watching in fascination as it flushed, "Have you ever lost things in here?"

"Not really, but I've lost some earrings in the shower." She laughed, then gentle tugged him, "Come to bed, I want to sleep."

Uso nodded and followed after her, looking at the bed as if thinking about what to do before he sat on it. It instantly creaked but not dangerously, and he laid down sideways, head on the pillow again. The pilot laid down in front of him, facing him, and the awkward silences started to fill the room. A small tint started to cover Kione's pale face, and he chuckled.

"What is it, 'Oose?"

"Your heart rate is extremely elevated and your core temperature is steadily rising."

"Hey, don't monitor me! That's cheating!"

"Hardly! " He scoffed, then reached out and tugged her close. She tucked her head under his chin but he got back up and put her on her back, pushing her close to the wall and laying back down beside her so that her slung arm was safely guarded by a pillow next to the wall, "There. So you feel safe."

Kione burrowed her head closer and murmured 'thank you'. She made a little noise when he started to pet her head, but soon, she had drifted off into a comforting dreamland, Uso following her into her subconscious as he drifted into standby.

-Day 15-

Jack had been spotted outside his room, at 2 a.m. of all times by Frost, trying to sneak into the titan bay with BT's optical. He hadn't even get through comming his trainee before Nate came ripping into the hanger and tackled Jack, who had just finished placing the optical in the chassis. Sola arrived in time to hear Nate and Chase loudly scolding him and BT. Jack looked extremely embarrassed, but BT seemed… smug. His smugness faded and he made a surprised noise at the sight of Uso, stepped over the small humans and approaching, squatting.

"Unit Uso? Is that you?"

"In the frame! Haha, get it?" Uso said, getting a gentle smack by Sola. BT's optical twisted and Jack's head swiveled to see what was making his titan practically radiate jealousy, gaping. His eyes came to the female pilot, and he grinned a relieved grin, breaking away from the scolders to approach.

"Sola! I'm so glad to see you!" He opened his arms and Kione had a momentary tick where she was afraid but instantly told herself this was Jack . Jack was her best friend and he'd never do anything to even remotely harm her. He stepped forward into his hug and was glad he didn't squeeze her, but gasped at the bandage she could feel under his shirt.

"What happened?"

"Got hit, I'm okay now. What about you?"

Kione bit her lip, a small rush of memories and emotions and she shook her head but managed to whisper, "I'm alright."

Jack noticed her little change and wanted to ask but he felt BT irrupt that idea before words could leave his mouth, Don't.

What happened?

Something that she will have to tell you when she is ready.

Jack became instantly worried but continued to hold his friend until she was ready to let go, then turned to Uso, gawking. The titan's optical flickered.

"Hello, Pilot Cooper. You are a much shorter hero then I anticipated."

Jack looked immediately offended and Kione burst into laughter, BT gently pushing on Uso's chest with a massive finger. "You've always known how tall I was!" Jack cried, face reddening at the laughs of his comrades.

"Yes but at a human height, the difference is noticeable! You are only .12 meters* taller than my Pilot!"

Jack huffed, shaking his head and looking unhappily at Kione. She only grinned.

"How did you acquire such a chassis?" BT rumbled, squatting down, and Uso shrugged.

"Smith."

"Smith?"

"It's an experimental chassis. Still has hangups."

"You are very expressive now, and your vocal patterns have changed as well."

"Have they?" Uso looked up, then looked back forward and did a little shrug-head-tilt, causing his pilot to giggle, "I didn't notice."

BT pushed him again slightly with his finger, and both turned as the other three men approached the group, Chase clapping his hands together.

"Well, Jack, it's good to see you're doing well, and you too Kione, but I'm going back to bed. Good night." Chase left, followed by Nate, and after two little nods were shared between Jack and Frost, the trainer followed. Kione looked at Jack, then to BT, before looking back.

"We you actually resting, or we you doing other things ?" Her voice hinted to dirtier things, and Uso could feel her humor.

Jack's face turned several hues of red before it settled on a fraction of a tint from pink, his mouth moving but no answer coming out. BT made a series of small noises before answering for his pilot.

"He was getting better."

"BT, I may not be able to read your face, but I can hear your tone."

"S-Sola!" Jack finally sputtered, breathing like he was out of breath and reaching up to run his fingers through his hair. She noticed his anxious output and gave him a sincere smile.

"Jack, it's okay. Your secret is safe with me but, too be honest, I'm sure we've all figured it out by now."

"I hate you guys so much," Jack groaned, Uso laughing at him as BT lowered his hand to flop back into.

"We are going on a stroll. Farewell, Pilot Kione. Unit Uso."

"Unit BT."

"Have fun, guys!" Kione cackled, and looked to Uso, a smile on her lips, "Let's go back to sleep."

-Day 30-

Uso was in standby, resting close to his pilot as she slept. This last month had been eventful, her mood was much better and her arm was healing rapidly. She slept soundly, and IMC activity was at an all time low. Oscar said they must be preparing, but they wouldn't know ye. 'We have spies, they'll get back to us', Briggs had said, and Oscar hopped she was right. Jack and BT were rarely seen, but when they were, he seemed to linger near Uso and his pilot. Maybe it was because of the conversation he and BT had had, about wanting to love their pilots. BT seemed to have a full grasp of that concept, and as much as he tried to explain, Uso wasn't sure if we quite understood the human concept to its fullest.

He wanted to love Kione, but could he?

In dreamland, his pilot's dreams were starting to take a slow turn. The calm environment that she normally dwelled in started to become cold and tense, like a battlefield before a battle. He noticed the change when it first started, seeing if he steer it back but it continued until in her mind, she was completely alone. He tried to call out to her across the link, but it sounded muted, muffled. His pilot twitch, and made a loud whimper. Knowing he was going to push some boundaries, Uso desperately dove into her subconscious, hoping he could grab her and pull her out.

The atmosphere changed; it was damp, hot. He felt claustrophobic, and tried to squirm, forgetting for a moment he was in her dream. A sudden pain erupted from his face, followed quickly by a pain searing through his shoulder and he could hear his pilot's desperate cries for help. It took him a moment to feel that someone was pushing her down, and more pain, one he was not familiar with, drown out all other. The screaming got louder, before he was visibly able to see what was going on.

Time, or his concept of time, seemed to hold still as he took into account what Uso could see. During that time, he felt horror, anger, sickness, and a drowning loss. But as time restarted, he remembered that this was a dream, and he could stop this. Shaking himself out of Kione's nightmare, he sat up and started to shake his pilot as carefully as he could, mindful of her injured shoulder.

"Kione, it's a dream, wake up... You gotta wake up. Sola... Sola!"

Uso startled when Kione sat straight up and let out a bloodcurdling scream of pain and fear, tears running down her face and her breathing frantic between sobs. He was stunned for a second before he carefully looped his arms about his distraught pilot, putting her face to his scarf and trying his best to comfort her.

"It's okay, you're safe! You're safe, shhh…."

Kione continued to sob, her breathing labored and shaking. It took almost an hour for her to come all the way back to a calm, but their link tuned him into every tremor, every quickened heartbeat, every discomfort. When an hour had passed, she had her arm wrapped tightly around his neck, face buried in his scarf, breathing calm beside the occasional sniffle.

"Sola… are you alright?" Kione sniffed and slowly leaned back. Her eyes were red and leaking, as well as her nose, and her mouth moved but no sound was heard.

"I… I had a nightmare… You… know what those are?" Her voice was breaking, like a bad connection on the radio.

"I do. Do you want to talk about it?"

"I…" She stopped, her eyes glazing before she teared up again, "Uso, I've been telling people for so long that I've been okay. I don't want to tell them the truth because I'm afraid of what they'll say."

"Sola… you can talk to me. I am your titan, I am here for your protection, whether it be from physical or mental harm. I am not telling you to talk to me, I am just stating that I will listen .

Kione swallowed, looking at his bright pink optical, then nodded, swallowing, "When… When I got out of boot camp, I… I was just turning seventeen, I get sent to the rifleman squad. There was this one guy, he had been in a few years… He was nice, sweet, protective but he was vain and quick to anger but I was young and I didn't know what I was doing… He… I don't know what happened, but, he got me to drink and he found out I was underage, and that I'd never… been with a man. I don't know what happened but suddenly I couldn't move and he just…"

Her voice trailed off, and Uso hugged her a little tighter, shielding his own emotions from leaking onto her. He was hurting for her, but angry someone would do that to his pilot.

"You don't have to say anymore about that. I know, I understand."

"Did you know?"

"No, but… when I was in the database, I saw… things. Things that I cannot believe have happened and are happening. And how much was swept under the rug."

"They didn't believe me, military police, and neither did my own Mother," Kione said bitterly, "She told me I was asking for it, that I was a whore."

"No, she was wrong," Uso held her tightly, "That was his doing, not yours. Please, don't ever believe that, Sola."

There was a silence that lingered into the uncomfortable, then back into the comfortable again as Kione laid her head on Uso's chest and listened to the machinery do it's work. He made a soft hum, then carefully scooped her up.

"'Oose?"

"Come, you need a warm bath."

Uso set his pilot on the counter once they made it in, closing then locking the bathroom door behind them. Going to the tub, he turned the values to a tolerable heat for a human being, then plugged the drain and squabbled around in her bath cubby before finding what he wanted. Bath Fizz. Dropping one of the balls in the water, he watched as it foamed up and filled the room with a sweet scent, then looked to his pilot, who'd already gotten her spring off, as well as her sling.

"Will you need help?"

"No, I can get in myself. Look away?"

"Of course." He got up, turning the tub off when it was full enough and went to the door, facing it. There was some noise, followed by water sloshing and loud sigh before he heard her voice.

"Okay, you can turn around."

Uso did so, coming over and sitting cross-legged by the tub, grabbing a handtowel and putting it on the edge, then rested his 'chin' on it, by her arm. She was covered to the top of her… breast? He thinks that's what they're called (and a quick search confirmed this), with the foam and water, one knee rising out of the water as she laid back. She looked at him with an expression he didn't know, but it filled him with warmth.

Kione's injured arm moved a little before she huffed and reached over, draping it slightly across his head, curling her fingers to trace the lines and seams in his shell. He leaned slightly into it, cycling to sound like a content purr.

"...thank you, Uso, for listening."

"Always, Sola."

-Day 50-

Kione was taking him to town today.

Uso was so excited he could barely hold himself still as they rode in one of the shuttles to town. It was just them today, no other titans, no other pilots, just them. They were suppose to say hi to Jack and BT, as apparently they had a surprise, as well as Oscar for a hello, but beside that they would be blissfully alone.

While they couldn't be outwardly flirtatious, Kione and Uso had long since learned how to do that over the link. Holding hands, hugging, all could be perfectly mimicked when you closed your eyes and indulged in imagination. It had taken some getting used to, but she told him she could feel a shape. Hands, chest, neck, breath going through her hair, soft clothes against her face. He was trying so hard for her, and she appreciated every second, and made sure to tell him that.

The shuttle came to a stop and Kione got up, closely followed by Uso as they stepped out of the tram… and he made a vocal gasp. All around them was what he recognized as snow, but the buildings and lampposts and streets… they were covered in sparkling lights and red decor.

"What…. What's this?"

"I forgot to tell you. A human holiday, came from the original core planets. They called it 'Christmas'."

"Christmas?"

"Yes, it's an old core holiday celebrated on the shortest day of the year here, the… Winter Solstice? Normally, families would get together and give each other gifts. Sometimes, it's the only time family gets to see each other. It's the Eve Of today, when most people are out and enjoying the town or still coming in from missions and other bases."

"Wow… I... My sensors are a bit overwhelmed." Uso chirred, and Sola reached out, touching the back of his hand.

"Come, let's find a place to sit then."

They made their way through the town until they came along to a little park. Instantly, Kione got excited, and Uso looked around in wonder. When he found what had gotten her excited, he made a soft 'oh!' of surprise. Up ahead, he could see titans.

They were gathered about in groups, some online, some missing their opticals as if they were elsewhere with their pilots. The mass array of optical colors and aged frames he could see - probably fifty in total- was catastrophic but he did not feel fear. Kione turned to grin at him.

"The Titan Gathering."

"Come again?"

"They had a little competition earlier today, willing Titans let the children of the town decorate them and some adults judge who does the best. Normally it's a very close competition but it's a friendly competition, the kids love it and the titans love it." Kione's face changed, and she let out a little laugh, "I think… Jenny was a fan? I have a picture somewhere, I can remember it."

"We'll try to find it when we go home."

"Okay… hey… Is that…. Nate and Chase up ahead?" Kione squinted, and Uso looked with her. He instantly zoned in on what he saw was bright red hair, and took a step closer.

"Indeed… they seem...Hm, they seem to be with a two more people."

"Maybe Frost?" Kione asked, then turned to Uso, "Do you still need to process?"

"No, I'll be fine now. Come, let's see what those hooligans are up to."

Uso started to walk ahead of her but she easily caught up, and soon, they were almost to the small group. It was indeed Chase, Nate, and Frost, but there was a young man with them she didn't recognize. He had to be her age, with brown hair and brown eyes. Frost saw them first, and nudged Nate.

"Hey, Sola! Uso!" He hollered, stepping through the snow towards them and offering one arm to side-hug. The female pilot easily hugged him back with her good side, smiling brightly as Uso and Nate collided in a man-hug, patting backs. "What brings you guys out here?"

"Uso hasn't seen town before, I thought I'd bring him to see it." Kione smiled at Chase and Frost, then looked to the new person, and offered her good hand, "Pilot Kione."

"Jamie," The man took her hand and shook it, flashing a wonderful smile, "Nice to meet you, Ma'am."

"You as well. So, what are ya'll hooligans doing out here?" There was a dead silence as Chase pursed his lips and looked to Nate, obviously withholding a giggle. Nate smiled weakly, and Kione looked worried, "What is it?"

"It is time they say 'Hello', Nate," Chase chimed in, and Jamie smirked a tad.

"Sola, Uso, I'd like you to meet Micah," Nate said, gesturing to the empty space behind him. Kione looked at the empty space, then looked to Uso nervously. Jamie and Chase started to giggle.

"...um..."

There came the sound of something large crunching on snow, and a moment later, a Titan shimmered into view. He looked to be a Ronin-class, but sleeker, and painted in a blue and black camo. Kione jumped at the crunching sound and Uso quickly stepped forward, putting an arm in front of her as the titan came into view. The pilot's jaw dropped, stunned. She didn't know of any type of titan that could that. Looking to Nate, she was at a loss of words before catching up with her train of thought. Nate smiled broadly as the Titan chuckled and squatted down.

"I am MCA-5725, but you may call me Micah."

"Is this who you were referencing to when we saw your letter?" Kione asked, eyes moving back to the titan.

"That's right," Nate said proudly.

"Oh, Nate, you've already been talking about me behind my back? I hope it was all terrible things," Micah said.

"Yes, the worst."

"Oh good, I have a reputation to uphold, after all." Kione stared at Micah, and started to laugh, Uso lowering his arm as he no longer found him as a threat.

"He's sassy. I like it."

"But is your sass as good as your fight?" Uso questioned, tipping his head to one side.

"Of course it is," Kione blinked when he vanished again, then laughed when Micah reappeared a moment later several feet away, leaning casually on his sword.

"He loves to show off," Nate said, smiling fondly at the ronin.

"One of us has to," Micah quipped, and Nate blushed.

"Nate, I adore you, but you worry me sometimes." Kione hummed, teasingly. Chase chuckled.

"Really, he's good. I trust him. He's given me good reason to trust him and we've only met a few times. He was the one that got the ball rolling." The female pilot's eyebrows rose at the redhead's reply.

"So you're the one to blame?"

"Blame? I think you mean thank ," Micah replied haughtily. "Nate's going to be one of our best!"

Kione chewed the inside of her cheek, glancing at Nate, then back to the titan to wave him down. Micah stepped up and squatted down, slinging his sword casually over his shoulder. She stepped forward, looking him up and down and sighing.

"Yes, Pilot?"

"Please be careful with my friend, alright?"

"Just because I'm sassy doesn't mean I override Protocol Three," Micah replied, sounding a little hurt. "Of course I'll be careful with him."

"Well, It's looking with the way you're making him smile, protocol three won't even be needed, hmmm?" Kione winked, and Micah snorted.

"Wouldn't you like to know."

Kione smirked with closed lips, then glanced over at Chase, "I mean, he doesn't seem to mind either. That takes skills."

"Why would he? I'm no threat and he knows Nate is safe with me."

"Oh no, that's not what I mean! I mean you must have been a huge impact to get Chase to believe anybody else beside him can keep Nate safe."

"I heard that!" Chase whined as Micah straightened and chuckled.

"I'm just that good."

"Siamese twins, I swear." Kione smiled. Uso stepped forward now.

"How did you disappear like that, Unit Micah?"

"Top-of-the-line stealth and phasing," Micah replied.

"Strange, but very tactical." He turned to Jamie, "Did you design it?"

"Did indeed,"The Tech smiled brightly, "Got a few more tricks up my sleeve, But those are classified."

"Theta as well?"

"Indeed, indeed."

Kione went to Nate, reaching up and patting his head, fake-sniffling, "Little boy all grown up."

"I'm older than you, Kione," Nate said, deadpan.

"Ask him about the grey hair he found the other day!" Micah chimed in.

"No! We figured out that was one of Frost's, remember?"

"That's what you get for borrowing my helmet," Frost said with a snort.

"Older in body, younger in spirit, baby in piloting." Nate frowned slightly at Kione's reply and looked to Frost, who replied firmly.

"He's no baby. He's going to be one of our best."

Chase laughed, "He's gonna be better than you and Jack, Kione."

"I believe it. Take care of him, please?"

"We will."

"Let's get going, Kione." Uso touched her arm, and she nodded, "I'll see you guys later?"

"Hopefully not," Nate joked, getting a soft slap from Kione before another hug goodbye as they waved farewells, and departed. A few hundred feet away, Kione looked over.

"I smell jealousy, Uso."

"How could I not? That frame was awesome."

As Kione and Uso continued through the town, she indulged him in anything he wanted to look at, able to feel his excitement leaking over the link. She mirrored with with genuine happiness, staying close as he learned new things with every passing second. They even stopped at a little corner vendor, Kione buying a dark chocolate cocoa and having the two sit across from each other in wired chairs nearby. Using the link, she was able to let him experience the flavor and warmth from the small cup, and even though they said nothing through the whole event, staring at each other, the connection was there.

A few hours passed before they entered a little mart, the door chiming as they walked in. A radio played some very old tunes and there was an old woman behind the counter, waving hello then going back to whatever they were working on. It seemed to be an antique shop. Curiously, the two poked around, ooh and ahhing at things they found, and laughing at a few others.

As Uso stepped away from a display of old, painted portraits; his shoulder bumped something, and he turned about to find a small rank of clothing. Kione noticed, and came over to poke around in it, grabbing a sleeve and rubbing it between her fingers.

"This… is this… Oh my gosh, it is!" She quickly drew out what appeared to be a coat, turning it and cooing in excitement.

"What is it?"

"A bomber jacket! I haven't seen one since I was a child. Try it on!"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Uso, pleeeaseee?"

Uso made a huffing laugh, being very careful as he put on the delicate piece of clothing. It smelt odd, but in a good way, and the silky inside didn't catch on his metal armor. Soon, he had it on, shuffling it on his shoulders. It was a black leather, with fabric elastic on the bottom near his waist and near his wrists. There was a little fabric near his neck as well, but it was covered by his scarf. Kione stared at him hard, and made the 'turn' motion. He turned in a complete circle.

"Do you like it?" Her voice was strained, as if she was trying to keep her question as neutral as possible, eyes glinting. Uso hummed, looking down at it and tugging at a few parts, "I want to get it for you."

"Is it appealing?"

"It brings out the more human side in you."

"It is hardly tactical, and very rare but if you like it, I-"

"No, Uso." Kione reached out his hands, shaking her head, "Don't let how I feel influence your decisions. This is for you, and if you like it, or don't like it, then it's okay to say so."

Uso flickered at his pilot, then looked around till he found a tall reflective pane, standing in front of it. The jacket did look good, he had to agree, but like he had stated, it was hardly tactical. But do I really need it in battle? No, it's for me and her, not for anyone else. Turning back to the expectant Kione, who was gnawing slightly on a knuckle, he tipped his head.

"I have decided that yes, I would enjoy this jacket."

Kione grinned wildly, and nodded, holding out her hands, "Here, give it to me, I'll go check it out."

Uso handed over the jacket with a laugh, and continued to look around as she went to the counter. Something glinted, and he turned to look at what had caught his optical.

A little noise escaped his throat, and he came closer to look, picking it up and turning it in his hand. This…. This, he thought, would look wonderful on Sola. Glancing at the counter, he made optical to eye contact with the checker, and made some brief hand movements, pointing at the item, then to Kione. The woman smiled so only he'd see, and nodded. Quickly, he hid it away for later as his pilot paid and basically skipped back, offering the jacket and whispering 'let's go'. He did his best faceless impression of a smile and put the jacket on, opening the door for her, and glanced back at the old woman to catch a wink. He flickered back, and left.

The next few hours were eventful. They had run into Oscar (with two armed guards in tow) in town and had a wonderful chat before he had to depart as he was going to address some important Militia officials. Kione and Uso then continued to explore the town before they ran basically smack into Jack… and BT. He was sporting a fresh spectre frame, much like Uso's but differently colored to match his chassis' paint, blue optical, and a few inches taller. Kione had almost squealed in excitement, exuberant at her friend's luck, and Uso noticed that Jack was slowly gravitating towards BT's new frame before he'd realize what he was doing and step away every so often, tinting pint.

He's very in love with you. Uso and pinged BT over a private comm, the elder-titan unnoticeably tipping his head slightly.

As is she with you.

"Do you wanna go get a bite to eat? I'm starving." Jack laughed, and Kione looked to Uso and BT.

"Do you mind?"

"Not at all." the two answered in unison, getting laughed from their respect pilots before Jack lifted his arm in a friendly way and Kione ducked under, the two walking in their friendly embrace as the titans walked after, chattering all the way. By the time they got to the diner, it was packed. Jack, however, was able to spot someone and waved, and immediately, Sasha appeared before them

"Jack!"

"Hey, Sasha! Can we get a seat?" He smiled, pointing to the three with him. She winked, and scurried off. Soon, she had them seated in a booth again, humans against the wall, titans between them and the rest of the diner. They four immediately indulged into conversation that lasted up until the food arrived, and by then, they had gotten alot of stares.

"Jack… " Kione had said lowly, leaning a little over the table. He paused mid slurp of his soup, and perked up.

"What is it?"

"I realize now… it might be a little bit harder to conceal our… well, our bonds with our titans."

Jack hummed, then sat back, looking at his soup, then back up, "I see what you mean. But, why bring that up now? I mean, they just look like normal stim pilots, and they're pretty common."

"Yeah, but their voices, their appearance, everyone going to recognize them off the bat. What should we do?"

"Well, I've heard of an old trick," BT chimed in, "Where two people who are very much friends date and are very expressive and open with it as to cover up their relationships with other people."

Kione and Jack stared at BT, then the male pilot slowly made a face, "I don't… that's not very ideal."

"Who would we date?" Kione asked, looking to Uso.

"Easy, each other." Uso's reply startled them instantly, and the two pilots looked to each other, one tinting, and the other quickly following. There was excuses tossed around, the titans easily squashing them before they were both a good color red, and looked back to each other.

"...do… you…" Jack started, nervous.

"Do I what?" Kione asked, listing a brow.

"Do you wanna fake-date me?" She chewed that comment around in her mind, then put out her hand. Jack looked at it, and back to her face.

"Sure, let's be as hetro as possible without really being hetro and have a few sleep overs until we can figure out what to do, starting tomorrow. Agreed?"

The pilot thought on that before he smiled, taking her hand and shaking it, "Deal."

"Good," Kione laughed, then looked out the window, her head doing a double take, "Jack, BT, Uso, look outside!"

The three snapped their head to look, and standing outside the window were none other but Barker and Briggs. She was wearing a large, puffy coat and to all their surprise, appeared to me wearing makeup, a small smile on her lips. Barker was wearing something more casual but had a heavy jacket and had a sappy grin on his face as he spoke words they couldn't hear.

Jack almost pressed his face to the glass, a devilish grin crossing his face as he shouted, "C'mon, Barker, do it!"

"Don't back down, old man!" Kione added with a raised voice, glad they couldn't be seen or heard through the thick, mirrored glass. Their commotion brought a few other eyes to look, but most recognized the two that stood outside, and soon there was a little crowd standing near the windows to watch, cheering Barker and Briggs on.

Something Barker must have said made Briggs laugh, and she tossed her head back a little, then came back up, smiling even bigger. He continued to speak, and Kione noticed a little glint in the female commander's eyes as her face only changed minutely.

"She's gonna do it!" she whispered loudly, and everyone fell dead silent, watching with intensity.

It happened so fast some people jumped and several people missed it, Briggs giving Barker a quick peck that instantly shut him up, his face full of surprise while her's wore a smug grin. He was quick to recover, saying something Kione could make out as 'why you little' before leaning forward and clashing his lips to hers.

The diner erupted into cheers, so loud that the two stopped kissing for a moment to look around and see where the muffled noise was coming from, but guessed it was for something else and went back to kissing. The noise died down to whoops and laughs as everyone returned to their tables, some yelling 'Attaboy Barker!' and others 'She's in for a ride!'. Kione and Jack only laughed, even harder when BT informed them he'd recorded everything.

The day was gone, and soon it was night, time for Kione and Uso to head back. They were alone on the tram ride back, her leaning against him and dozing only slightly. He was staring out the window before he made a little coo, and reaching into his scarf.

"Sola."

"Hmm?" she lifted her head, and he opened his hand before her. There was a loud gasp, and her hands came to her face, covering her mouth as her eyes watered. In his hand he held a kazashi, made of thick silk threads to shape a koi fish and three flowers by it; One Gold, One Pink, One Blue**.

"Oh, Uso…" Her voice was so quiet, and she went to carefully take the delicate object from his hand. "How… How did you know about?"

"I know about the koi from your dreams, sometimes I'd… divulge and find you swimming in the kopi ponds from your father's home, when you were growing up, yeah?"

"Yes, I… I love koi, so much. I miss them, they all had personalities and knacks to them, they were like a big family. We had one Koi that was so big… Kisho… and I had two koi that followed me everywhere if I got in the water."

"You miss them?"

"I miss my family, and my home, but I don't miss earth. I couldn't stay there forever… Dad always said the stars called my name and I always tried to answer. And… I would have never met you if I stayed… Maybe… it was you calling me."

Uso dimmed his optical in attempt to softly smile, taking the clip and putting it in her hair before hugging her softly. She reached up as well, hugging him tight with her one good arm. "Merry Christmas, Sola Kione."

"Merry Christmas, Uso."

They stayed together in each other's arms all the way back as the snow continued to fall, a serene peace they knew only lasted so long.

-End Part 1-

* Sola is 5 ' 4", Jack is 5' 8", for us Americans! FOUR INCHES!

** Search River Koi Kanzashi by sincerelylove on Deviantart!