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Chapter Thirty-Eight
I wake up and my mind is reeling from Dark Ace's confession last night. Even though he was quite unoriginal with what he said, the words he uttered spoke to me on some elemental level and have stuck since. Rolling over onto my side, Dark Ace is propped up and flipping through a magazine about rides. He turns his head and grins down at me.
"Morning Little Birdie, you slept in late," he says, checking his watch.
"Mhmm, I still feel exhausted," I yawn, gazing up at him.
"Exhausted from two straight months of hard work or last night's sexcapades?"
"Both," I mumble, stretching out, smiling a little.
"Do you have any plans for today, Lady Commander?"
"No. And if the witch doesn't like it, too bad, I'm staying in bed today," I groan, wrapping the satin sheets around me tighter. "These sheets are amazing," I yawn.
"They better be damn amazing, I paid enough for them."
I laugh at him and sigh deeply, half wanting to go back to sleep.
Did I really used to hate this man? What has he done to make me feel this way towards him? If only I had an answer to the many impossible questions running through my head.
"What are you thinking about, Little Birdie?" Dark Ace's voice brings my mind back to the present.
"I used to hate you so much," I mumble absentmindedly.
The corners of his mouth quirk up in a semblance of a smile at my statement and he places his magazine on the side table.
"I know. What made you change your mind about me?" he asks as he strokes his chin.
"I've gotten to know you as one human being to another. I see that you aren't all bad, contrary to what you might want to think, there is good in you Dark Ace. And before you argue that point, I know there is good in you, because if there wasn't, you wouldn't care about me at all."
"One day you will realize that just because I care for you, it doesn't mean that I am a good person. My soul is beyond saving," he smirks down at me.
"You really don't want to see it, do you?"
"No, not really. I prefer being an incessant asshole, it's a whole lot more fun than being nice to people who will just end up treating you like shit for no reason."
"I guess you have a point," I mumble, reaching out tentatively to grasp his hand.
"Indeed."
"Dark Ace?"
"Yes, Phoenix?"
"Will you promise me to never say it?" I whisper.
"Say what?"
"If you ever feel it, then you will know what I am talking about," I breathe, twirling my thumb around his distractedly.
"You have my solemn vow, Little Birdie."
"Good."
I lay silent for a while, just looking at him. By the Atmos he is handsome, how could any woman resist him? When I think about it, I never stood a stance, even if I still did hate him, I would probably be right here in his bed anyway. Does that make me shallow? I don't care, he's mine and maybe I'll get to be happy with this completely incompatible partner for a while until this relationship deteriorates, which will happen eventually.
"I am aware that it is your birthday next month, Little Birdie. Is there usually something special that you like to do to celebrate?" Dark Ace asks out of the blue.
"Um…no, not really," I reply, sitting up.
"Do you want to do something?"
"No, not really, I'm not big on celebrating things," I reply, rubbing my neck.
"Good, neither am I."
"Well that's a big surprise," I tease, shuffling closer to him.
For some reason this feels normal, here with Dark Ace – home. And to think I was never going to talk to him again last night. I shudder as I recall that grotesque image, the feeling of wanting to be physically sick because of it. I inhale sharply through my nose and my jaw tenses.
"What's the matter, Little Birdie?" his voice cuts through my recollections of last night, bringing my mind back to the present.
"Nothing," I mutter sourly, pushing myself up so that my back is against the headboard, and picking at a thread on my pyjama bottoms.
"Clearly," Dark Ace rolls his eyes at me and turns on his side to face me. "What is troubling you, Lady Commander?"
"Really, it doesn't matter," I mumble dejectedly.
"Phoenix…If your still thinking about what happened last night, then stop," he whispers, placing a finger under my chin and coaxing my head towards him before kissing me briefly.
"I just can't get that image out of my head," I breathe, averting my gaze.
"It's lucky you showed up when you did though; I was contemplating murdering that wench."
"I can always finish the job," I whisper darkly, a thrill running through me when I visualize my blades stuck in Ravess' chest.
"I would suggest against that; Master Cyclonis would not be too happy if you killed one of the other Commanders."
"I'm not going to make any promises. If I get the chance I will rip out her slimy heart and squeeze the venom from it."
"Whoa, slow down there, Satan," Dark Ace chuckles, but his eyes shine with the admiration he has for my sadistic words.
A moment later, his demeanour changes to predatory, but before he can make a move, I lunge first, claiming his mouth with my own.
As the days crawl forward, I find myself falling back into the boring habit of repeating each day as the same. Cyclonis hasn't summoned me since I got back from my home Terra three weeks ago, and I wonder if it's because she doesn't want to be alone with me when Dark Ace is away.
Now that I am settled in better, Dark Ace seems to be sent on more assignments than before. This week he is doing business with the Raptors, and won't be back for another couple of days, leaving me alone to do whatever I want really. Only a few times have I taken my unit out, just to make sure they haven't forgotten anything I have taught them. I've been letting Obsidian go out more often, so I am usually completely on my own.
With a sigh, I climb out of bed to retrieve the message crystal that is going off. I gaze at the screen and Master Cyclonis appears.
"Phoenix, meet me at my quarters, I wish to discuss some matters with you. Make haste."
"Yes Master Cyclonis," I reply, shutting off the crystal and quickly changing into my uniform.
Once I have my boots on, I make my way to the opposite side of the fortress to Cyclonis' private living quarters. It looks so different from the rest of Cyclonia; the furnishings are mostly different shades of purple. The colour of royalty. While I wait for Cyclonis to make herself known, I take a seat on an overstuffed sofa the shade of dark purple. On the far wall is a large tapestry that appears to be a family tree, dating back hundreds of years, and I notice that every woman under the title of Cyclonis has ruled, and only few of the men.
Soon she emerges, and takes a seat opposite me in an armchair.
"Phoenix, I am under the assumption that you and Dark Ace have become quite…close, in the time that you have been here."
"Yes, he has been supportive when I have needed it," I reply vaguely, not wanting to say much about my relationship with him.
"I'm not stupid, Phoenix," she raises her eyebrows at me, not so much threateningly, but knowingly.
"No, you are quite intelligent, Master Cyclonis." No, you really are stupid, you have no idea what I have planned you vile woman.
"I'm going to get straight to the point here because I'm sure you would like to be off to bed at this hour. Are you using contraception?" she asks, and I feel my mouth drop open.
My cheeks flush wildly and I cannot think of anything to say. Did Cyclonis really just ask me that?
"Well?" she prompts, crossing her leg and regarding me intently.
"Um…," Shit…not once…oh no…
"You will see your doctor first thing in the morning. I think you know why. Immediately afterwards, you will report to me and share the results. I'm disappointed, Phoenix, I thought you would be more careful than that."
"Y-yes Master Cyclonis," I whisper, ashen.
"You're dismissed."
I nod and push myself up off the sofa, striding quickly back to the sleeping quarters.
Once there, I slam the doors shut and just pace, pace until my feet hurt. No, no, no…Just NO! I'm aware of Obsidian watching me, but he remains silent. I stop pacing, standing at the end of Dark Ace's bed. Unconsciously, my right hand comes up to rest on my lower abdomen.
"No," I whisper, and I'm actually frightened.
You've not even seen the doctor yet, stop worrying.
That's logical, I guess. Try as I might I cannot keep the thought from my head and it just stays, planting itself and growing. The only thing I can think to do is just go to sleep. So I climb into bed and wait to drift off.
The doctor's office is stark white, completely different from the usual colour scheme of the rest of Cyclonia.
"What does it say Clarke?" I demand, keeping my anxiety in check.
"Negative, Commander. You can continue your regular activities," he says looking up from the test he is studying.
"Thank the Atmos," I mutter, letting out a relieved sigh.
"Is that all, Commander?"
"Yes, thank you Clarke."
Standing up I stride out of the doctor's office and begin making my way to Cyclonis' throne room.
I cannot describe in words how relieved I really am, and I vow to myself to never tell Dark Ace about this, no matter what.
Stepping through the large double doors to the throne room I see Ravess and Snipe being told off by Cyclonis. My mood plummets instantly upon seeing the snake woman, and I throw her a deadly look when she glances in my direction.
Cyclonis dismisses them when she sees me and I make my way over, ignoring the two Commanders who walk by me.
"Phoenix. Walk with me," Cyclonis says as she stands up from her throne and begins pacing towards a door I've never noticed before.
I fall into step beside her when we're through the door and in a dimly lit passage.
"The test was negative, Master Cyclonis," I state, and my voice echoes with our footsteps.
"Good. You will resume your regular activities when you have recovered from the shock of thinking you might be pregnant."
"Yes Master Cyclonis," I reply. Why does she have to say everything so damn bluntly? "Is that all?"
"Actually, I was hoping to talk to you further Phoenix. You see, I know the other Commanders quite well, but you, not so much."
"You know more about me than most, Master Cyclonis," I mumble.
You could kill her now, get it over and done with, the irrational side of me is saying with glee.
No, I must get her at a time when she is completely off guard. It must be a surprise attack, it has to be quick. I've only got one chance and I cannot fail.
"I know about as much as anyone else, Phoenix. You are, more or less, a mystery. Everybody else, I can tell simple things down to their favourite colour just by what they wear," Cyclonis says quietly.
"There is not much to be known about me, Master Cyclonis, but if you were wondering, my favourite colour is blue. I favour the lighter shades, and few of the darker ones," I reply, trying for humour, which is a damn feat in this woman's presence.
A small chuckle sounds from her and barely echoes in my ears.
"I will keep that in mind," she utters.
"Do you have any missions for me to carry out in the near future, Master Cyclonis?" I ask, wanting to be gone from her.
"Not as such, Phoenix. I require your Presence here when Dark Ace is away. That is just one of your duties being his Second in Command, if I may remind you."
"Of course, shame on me for forgetting that piece of information," I mumble. "You don't seem to like me very much, so I was just assuming that detail was void."
Cyclonis laughs again and faces me.
"On the contrary, Phoenix, I like you very much. You are a lot like me."
I am nothing like you, you sick bitch. I feel like saying.
"What makes you think that I am like you?" I ask, raising my eyebrows.
"If you want something, you are not easily deterred. You are ruthless."
We come to the end of the passageway and another door. Cyclonis uses her staff to open it and I follow her through. We step into a large room, and it's magnificent, relaxing almost. It's a lot like her living quarters, but the colours a softer and there is less purple.
"When I do not want to deal with people, I come here. Only one other knows of this room's existence," Cyclonis states.
"Dark Ace?" I ask.
"Yes, and now you. If I cannot be found, I will most likely be here. But only under extenuating circumstances are you to find me. If there is an enemy attacking with large numbers that is a good reason to find me. Anything less is unacceptable. Am I clear?"
"Only if Cyclonia as a whole is in any kind of danger are you to be disturbed. I understand."
"Good. If I inform you prior to coming into this room, you are to deal with any matters that may arise."
"So basically you're asking me to run Cyclonia when you're holed up in here?"
"Not in so many words, but yes," she replies, taking a seat and setting her staff across her knees, keeping her hands on it at all times. "It is usually Dark Ace's job, but seeing as he is away, the responsibility will fall upon you."
I nod my head. Run Cyclonia? I wasn't expecting her to say that, but I'm not complaining. Taking a seat on the opposite chair, I cross my leg and look around.
"Am I dismissed?"
"Not quite. I wish to discuss your relationship with Dark Ace," she says, relaxing her grip on the staff.
"You want to have a conversation about that?" I ask, trying to keep my tone level. It's none of your damn business what I do in my own time.
"Yes. How close would you say that you are with Dark Ace?" she asks, placing her staff beside her and crossing her leg over the other.
"What do you mean?"
"What are your feelings towards him?"
"Sorry, but, are you asking me if I love him?"
"Is that the word?" she mutters quietly before returning her attention to me. "Yes, I am."
"Define 'love'," I say, cocking an eyebrow.
"How would you feel if he died?"
"I daresay that I would be rather upset over it, I think, Master Cyclonis," I reply, not being too truthful.
"I see. Is your relationship serious?"
"As any other I guess," I mumble, and then look right at her. "Forgive me if I am speaking out of line, Master Cyclonis, but why are you so interested in what my status is with Dark Ace?"
"As you might be aware, I've never had friends, no one to talk to, gossip with, if you will. I thought I might try it and see if I like it. This is what women usually babble about, isn't it?"
"Y-yes, I guess," I stutter, taken aback slightly. So Mast Cyclonis wants to gossip? It must be hard being in control of an entire Empire with hundreds of servants that respect and fear you.
"Very good. Now, gossip with me," she commands, appearing to be amused with herself.
"Well…Dark Ace and I are…I don't know. It's complicated. We're trying, I guess. But in all honesty I don't think we will get very far," I mutter.
"You seem to be very doubtful of this relationship."
"I think you can guess why, Cyclonis…sorry, Master Cyclonis."
"I see. But you do love him?"
"I wouldn't say that. I don't hate him; I think that is enough to keep it going for a while."
Why the hell does she want to talk about this for? How does she even know? No one knows…except for the she-devil. I bet it was Ravess who told her, the dirty slag.
"Master Cyclonis, may I ask how you found out about my…relationship with Dark Ace?"
"I have my sources. But if you must know, Dark Ace told me."
Oh, he's going to hear it when he gets home. How dare he?
"I see."
"How ever did you get him to agree to be your boyfriend?"
"It was his idea, not mine," I reply, and almost laugh at the semi-astonishment on her face.
"Well, that is news. I must say, his performance has improved greatly since you became involved with him. Finally, he successfully disposed of that Storm Hawk, Aerrow."
Don't you dare say his name, you witch! I feel like yelling, but keep my tongue in check.
"I do not like to think about that, master Cyclonis. Dark Ace nearly died that night, and he would have, had I not been there to heal him," I mumble, making out like I just don't care. I wonder if he even got a funeral. I hope so; Aerrow deserved at least that much.
"I apologize, Phoenix, I have no previous knowledge of Dark Ace being critically wounded in that battle," Cyclonis says indifferently.
"Yeah?" I stand up, anger suddenly running through my system. "I only got to him just in time, one moment longer Dark Ace would not be alive right now. For someone in such a controlling position, you of all people should have known he was hurt," I hiss, glaring.
The best fighter in all of Cyclonia, in all of Atmos, fatally wounded and she didn't even notice. What is wrong with her? Would she even care if Dark Ace died?
"It seems I have upset you, Phoenix."
"No shit, Sherlock! That man is your top soldier and you had no knowledge of his injury? What is wrong with you? Didn't you even ask if he was okay before sending him on his way? He could have died!" my voice becomes progressively louder and I yell the last four words. My breathing is heavy and I am so angry right now.
"I would suggest against raising your voice at me, Phoenix," she says calmly.
"I would suggest making sure that your people are okay after a battle," I breathe quietly.
Standing up, Cyclonis makes her way over to me.
"The only reason I am not punishing your rudeness is because you do not know the full story. I did, in fact, inquire as to Dark Ace's wellbeing when he reported to me. He told me he was fine and only sustained a slight graze which he would not show me. Believing his words, I dismissed him. From your outburst, I can see that you care a great deal for him, Phoenix. Do not raise your voice at me again, or you will suffer the consequences. And seeing as I would not like to be on less-than-friendly terms with one of my top Commanders, I will say sorry, and I hope we can move past this slight misunderstanding."
"Oh…No, you needn't apologize, Master Cyclonis, I was the one at fault. Sorry," I say. You will apologize to me one day; you will beg and plead at my feet you witch.
"All is forgiven. Now I require you to go run my Empire while I hole myself up in here," she smirks.
"Yes, Master Cyclonis."
Without further hesitation, I stride out of the room and back down the passageway, into the throne room. I stride over to throne where I will be holding court for I don't even know how long, and take a seat, grimacing at how uncomfortable it is. How does Cyclonis sit in this thing for so long?
In my head I am making a mental list for what I am going to yell at Dark Ace about when I see him again: one; telling Cyclonis about us, two; not telling Cyclonis about his wound.
I am furious at him. How dare he put his life in danger like that?
I am lost in my own thoughts when a Talon skulks in, cowering slightly.
"M-master…?"
"I do not wish to be called by that Title. You will refer to me as Lady Commander," I say, rolling my eyes.
"Sorry, Lady Commander."
"Now, what is it?" I ask as the Talon makes his way to the foot of the throne.
"Someone has sabotaged an entire hanger full of Switchblades which were to be shipped out to surrounding Terras."
"Round up as many mechanics as you can find and repair them. Surely you can manage that?"
"Yes, Lady Commander."
"Have you any idea who might have done it?" I ask, resting my head on my hand.
"Well…there has been some talk going around late about…the Storm Hawks," he whispers.
"Don't be ridiculous, the Storm Hawks are finished. Now get out of here. I want those Switchblades ready to be shipped by the evening."
With a nod of his head, the Talon scurries off and I am left in complete silence. No wonder why Cyclonis is so damn nasty; I would be too if I had to deal with people that stupid all day.
By the end of the day, I can no longer deal with any more stupid Talon requests. The last one was petitioning to have a jelly wrestling competition on Sundays, and I ended up just snapping at him, blasting him out of the throne room.
I sigh heavily, and cannot stand another second sitting on the throne, so I stand up and begin pacing slowly. The sun is close to setting, and finally Cyclonis emerges from her secret room.
"Incompetent, every last one of them," I state at her amused expression.
"And that is why I am glad that you are here. If you do not mind, I ask of you to do this for just two more days."
"Yes, Master Cyclonis."
"You are dismissed. Be here in the morning. That is all."
I nod and make my way back to the sleeping quarters for a nice ling bath and maybe a drink or two.
On the third day of holding court in place of Cyclonis, my patience has been whittled down dramatically. Luckily I only have one last Talon to deal with, and then wait until Dark Ace returns to report the details of his mission. I find it funny that I hold court when he is returning, but by the Atmos he is going to get an earful.
The last Talon strides in, seemingly confident.
"Lady Commander," he bows.
"What can I help you with toda—this evening?" I correct myself, stifling a yawn.
"Where is Master Cyclonis?" he asks.
"Indisposed, I am holding court at her request. Now tell me what you want before I blast you out that window," I growl, growing impatient.
"I wish to speak with Master Cyclonis."
"Do I stutter? Did you not hear me state that Master Cyclonis is indisposed at the moment? Any information you have for her, I will listen to and relay the message."
"No disrespect, lady Commander, but I really must talk with Master Cyclonis herself."
"What is your damn problem? Master Cyclonis does not wish to be disturbed with petty complaints or ideas. Why the hell do you think I am holding court, you imbecile?" I almost yell.
"Sorry Lady Commander. Please inform Master Cyclonis that I think the Lady Commander holding court is a minx and I would like to take her to my quarters," he smirks.
"What?" I screech.
With the speed and grace of a cat, I am holding a blade to the Talon's throat in barely a second.
"Give me one good reason why I should not kill you right now," I hiss.
The Talon says nothing, instead reaching into his pocket, producing a crystal. In a second he activates it and his form changes.
"Oh you are an asshole," I breathe, dropping my blade.
"Looks like you're glad to see me, Little Birdie," Dark Ace smirks, pocketing the crystal.
"How did you even know I was holding court for Cyclonis?" I ask, shaking my head at him.
"She told me."
"Obviously," I mutter. "What were you thinking? I've killed a man for less, you know."
Dark Ace laughs and stretches.
"Now, seeing as I am still holding court, what do you have to report, Dark Ace," I say officially, walking back over to resume my seat on the throne.
"The deal with the Raptors is in place and the first shipment of cannons will be shipped out within the week. Everything else is going smoothly, Lady Commander."
"Very good. I will make sure Master Cyclonis receives that information. You are dismissed, Dark Ace," I say, waving my hand.
"Oh, you're dismissing me?" he teases.
"Don't get cheeky with me, Talon," I narrow my eyes at him.
"Yes, Lady Commander."
"Go on, pop off to bed. I'll be there soon," I grin at him.
"Yes dear," he smirks teasingly.
Turning on his heel, he strides out and moments later Cyclonis emerges from her secret room.
"Master Cyclonis," I nod my head at her, standing from the throne. "Dark Ace has reported that the deal is done with the Raptors and the cannons will be sent within the week, and he says everything else is running smoothly."
"Very good. Thank you, Phoenix, you may go."
"Yes Master Cyclonis."
With a sigh, I drag myself through the doors into the sleeping quarters and yawn deeply. Striding over to the bed, I sit down and remove my boots before falling backwards, taking notice of Dark Ace emerging from the bathroom. Oh yeah, I was going to yell at him…maybe I'll wait until he is dressed.
I pull myself up into a position and crawl further onto the bed, leaning with my back against the headboard. Soon Dark Ace is sitting beside me, and I move so the I am facing him side-on.
"I'm pissed at you," I state, crossing my arms.
"What about?" Dark Ace asks, moving so that he is facing me.
"Do you want the list?"
"There's a list?" he asks, and actually looks surprised.
"Well, no not really, if you want to get technical, it would be two bullet points," I reply, shrugging.
"You don't seem too mad at me at the moment," he says with an amused smirk.
"I am."
"Well, tell me," he laughs.
"You told Cyclonis about us," I mutter, raising my eyebrows at him.
"She inquired to my relationship with you. I do not lie. In case you have forgotten, it is punishable by death to lie to Master Cyclonis."
"Fair enough." He has a point.
"And what is other reason you are mad at me?" Dark Ace asks, becoming amused again.
"The night you almost died. You lied to Cyclonis about being badly hurt. You contradicted yourself just now," I whisper.
"I didn't lie, I just didn't point out the extent of my injury," he replies.
"You could have died, you cretin!" I snarl, and slap him across the face.
His shock registers clearly as he clutches the spot where I just slapped him.
"What was that for?"
"You know why," I whisper, and a strange sadness takes over me, evident in my tone of voice.
Dark Ace notices, and reaches across the short distance, pulling me to him.
"You can be such a damn female sometimes, Little Birdie," he sighs, comforting me.
"I kind of don't want you to die, that night was when I realized it for the first time," I mumble, sliding away from him and staring pointedly.
"It's going to take a whole lot more than a scratch to kill me."
"It was no scratch, any deeper and it would have punctured a lung and even I wouldn't have been able to save you because you would already be dead," I snarl, crossing my arms again.
"If you want me to apologize, don't count on it," he snarls back.
"No, I don't want you to apologize; I just want you to be careful. Please, promise me that you will be careful."
"I'll be careful, Little Birdie."
"I said promise me," I almost yell.
"I don't make promises," he replies simply.
Is that how he wants to play it? I guess I will just have to break another vow I made to myself.
"I had to do a pregnancy test the other day," I state indifferently.
"What?"
And I think he almost dies of a heart attack, his mouth dropping open. The only time I have ever seen Dark Ace remotely scared was when he thought he would have to deal with Cyclonis if I died on Terra Namor. That was nothing. His expression now is absolutely terrified.
"What was the result?" he whispers, ashen.
"Promise me and I will tell you," I whisper back, feeling a little bad for putting him through such terror.
"I promise I will be careful for as long as you are in my life," he mutters. "Now tell me what the fucking result was."
"It was negative, stop freaking out," I roll my eyes at him.
"Thank the fucking Atmos," he breathes, pure relief evident in his now relaxed posture. "I just learned that you can be quite manipulative."
"That's just one of the many qualities I possess when I am being female," I mutter.
"What made you think that you were pregnant?" he asks.
"It was Cyclonis who pointed out that I might be," I shrug.
He nods, clearly still recovering from the shock of my confession. Without further conversation, I climb off the bed and make my way to the bathroom to have a shower.
When I emerge from the bathroom, Dark Ace is sitting on the sofa with a glass of scotch in his hand. I walk over and take a seat beside him.
"I'm sorry for doing that to you," I say, but cannot help the snigger that escapes from my lips.
"You really are full of wickedness, Phoenix," he mutters sourly.
"I thought that's what you like about me?"
"It was," he mumbles, downing his drink and turning to me. "I think I prefer you when you're being wicked to people who are not me."
"I needed you to promise me, and I had no intentions of telling you about that little fright I had."
"Well, I promised. Happy now?"
"Please don't be mad at me," I whisper, placing my hands in my lap and fidgeting.
"I'm not mad at you," he sighs, and turns to face me. "Were you really not going to tell me?"
"I didn't see the point in telling you if it was negative," I shrug. "Why? Would you have preferred to know anyway?"
"I don't know. In hindsight, probably no. If it was positive, would you have told me?"
"Dark Ace, if it was positive, I would have run for the hills days ago, never to be seen again," I laugh.
"Do you not think I would be a god father?" he asks, and he sounds rather stung.
"It's not that. I just don't want children. I made my mind up about that when Dante died," I say, leaning my head to the side.
"Good, nor do I have no intentions of having children in this life."
"I'm glad we can agree on something," I say, sitting back and relaxing into the soft couch.
"So how did you find holding court while Cyclonis hid in her secret room?"
"Tiresome," I yawn.
"I'm glad it was you and not me," he chuckles, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
"I bet you are," I sigh, leaning into him.
"Oh, I almost forgot," he mutters absentmindedly, springing up off the sofa and walking over to rummage through his still-packed duffle bag.
He strides back over to me and hands me a small box with a red ribbon tied around in a little bow.
"What's this?" I ask, taken by surprise.
"A gift, for your birthday," he explains, resuming his seat beside me.
"I thought we agreed on nothing to signify my birthday?" I raise my eyebrows at him.
"I am your self-proclaimed boyfriend, so I may as well act like one," he shrugs.
I pull the ribbon loose and take the lid off the box. Inside is fine crafted bracelet that looks to be either white gold or platinum, and set into either side of it are two small, glittering stones. The one on the left is emerald-green in colour and the other is crimson. It's beautiful and looks equally expensive.
"Who did you kill to get this?" I ask.
"Believe it or not, I paid for it. I actually had it made," he states. "Do you like it?"
"Yes, it's beautiful, thank you," I mumble, pulling the bracelet out and sliding it onto my right wrist and watching as it glints in the light.
"I heard women like jewellery, so I thought it was safe to just get you that."
"I would have been happy with nothing, Dark Ace. You really didn't need to."
It really is beautiful, and I hope to never find out how much it costed.
"I have lived my life without regret, until now. I have filled my heart with hate, and you somehow managed to break through all of that. I vowed to you to never say it, and I had no idea what you were talking about. But now I do, and-,"
"No!" I breathe in horror. "Please don't. Say anything but that."
"What's wrong with it?" he asks, obviously confused.
"I-it's too soon," I stutter, "A-and it's only been two months."
"We've lived together for almost five, and technically known each other for years. What's the problem?"
"Just don't. I couldn't bear it," I breathe, pleading with my eyes.
"As you wish. But one day, Little Birdie, I will put into words what you make me feel," he smirks.
"I would rather you not. That would be like signing your death certificate."
"Shouldn't I already be scared for my life then?" he asks, raising his eyebrows with amusement.
"You've never said it," I shrug.
"Oh, but I have," he utters conspiratorially.
"When?" I challenge, narrowing my eyes.
"When you sleep. Did you know that you talk in your sleep?"
"I don't believe you. And yes, I am quite aware of my nocturnal utterings," I breathe, hoping that he's lying.
"Believe it, baby," he winks.
"You're an evil scoundrel, don't you dare talk to me in my sleep," I hiss aggressively.
"You say it back too. Did you know that?"
He's becoming more amused the more aggravated I get.
"Stop lying," I whisper, but I know deep down that he's telling the truth, I just don't want to believe him.
"Have I ever lied to you?"
"Yes, you're lying right now."
"You call me by my birth name when you sleep talk," he states.
"Please stop it. Every man who has ever said it to me has died," I breathe, feeling angry to the point of tears.
"Those men have fallen from my own hand, Phoenix. I am in no danger of dying just from saying I lo-,"
"Stop!" I shout, covering my ears as tears try to escape from my tightly closed eyes.
I can't take it anymore, I need space from him. I spring up from the couch and run to my room, slamming the door behind me. Sighing, I trudge over and slump into my desk chair, gazing at Obsidian who flutters down to stand on my desk.
"You know things, is he going to die?" I ask, stroking his feathered back.
Obsidian caws in response, and then puffs his feathers out when Dark Ace slinks in, appearing to be hesitant.
"Phoenix, I apologize. Please don't be upset with me," he says quietly.
"You just don't understand, Dark Ace," I whisper.
"I will say nothing more of it from now on until you realize that nothing is going to happen to me."
I nod and stand up, leaning against my desk. Dark Ace folds his arms around me and buries his face in my hair.
"You make me feel strange things, Little Birdie," he murmurs quietly.
"Likewise, Talon."
Three more months creep by and nothing exciting has happened. Every day I have taken my unit out just to keep busy, and they're techniques have improved greatly. It occurred to me why Cyclonis hasn't sent me on further assignments; with Dark Ace going away so much, she needs me here to hold the fort if she wants to skulk off her secret room. For the last month Dark Ace hasn't gone away, so I'm surprised to not have had any missions. I don't really mind, but having a valid reason to get out of Cyclonia for a bit would be great.
As I lie with the sheets wrapped around me, I gaze up at Dark Ace; his black hair ruffled, crimson eyes sated, and smile.
"Have you taken your pill?"
"Yes, I'm not stupid," I roll my eyes at him, and turn over onto my stomach.
"Good."
I look down at my wrist, the bracelet he got me for my birthday glints slightly in the light.
"Did you know that we have been together for almost six months now?" I ask vaguely.
"I thought it would be something like that," he replies, running a hand through his hair.
"I think this has been my longest relationship ever. They normally never last," I muse quietly.
"Really now?"
I nod, playing with my bracelet. It really is a beautiful piece.
"You don't seem to be in the mood for small talk today, what's the matter?" I ask, propping myself up on my elbow.
"No, I'm fine. I'm just thinking about my next mission. It seems rather daunting and pointless."
"Daunting? Is my Commander not eager for some bloodshed?"
"I wouldn't mind that actually, but it has nothing to do with bloodshed…although. Actually it probably will when I have accomplished my goal," he mutters, appearing to be uncomfortable.
"I'll drop it; it appears you do not wish to talk about whatever your next mission is."
He nods distractedly, and reaches over to pick up a magazine, flipping through the pages uninterestedly. Sighing, I pull myself out of bed and head for the shower to get ready for the day.
By midday, I am beginning to feel rather lightheaded, and have to take a seat on the ground. A few of my unit rush over to see if I'm alright.
"It's okay, I'm fine," I breathe, as one of them helps me to my feet again. "Lyubitel, take the men for a lunch break. I skipped breakfast this morning; I think I just need to eat."
"Yes Commander."
While Brandon and the other few Talons run off to notify the others of a lunch break, I make my way to the private dining room.
Once there, I flop down into one of the chairs and catch my breath. I hope I'm not getting sick. When my food arrives, I pick at it for a few minutes before finally eating it, only managing half.
Reaching into my pocket, I pull out the message crystal I use to contact the Elite Division, and activate it.
"Brandon, give the men the rest of the day off."
"Yes Commander."
I shut off the crystal and make my way back to the sleeping quarters, almost stumbling through the door on my way in.
"Back so soon, Little Birdie?" Dark Ace asks.
"I'm coming down with a head-cold," I mutter, curling up on the bed beside him.
"Perhaps a trip to the doctor is in order."
"No, I'll be fine. It will probably be gone within the next few days," I mumble.
"If you say so, but if it doesn't clear up by then, you will see the doctor, understood?"
"Yes Commander," I say and roll my eyes at him.