Engagement

"Normal speech"

'Thoughts'

"Speech over phone or terminal"

Setsuna

Setsuna walked out of the jewelry store, shoulders sagging in defeat. This was the third store he visited and he either didn't find the ring he wanted, or the ring that he wanted was too expensive. 'I don't want to give her a ring that she would be disappointed by.' Feeling mentally exhausted, he took a seat on a bench nearby. Letting out a breath, he wondered if he would find the ring he that suited her. He shivered slightly in the fall wind.

Ever since he and Feldt came back from Saji's wedding, he had felt like it was time. He knew some people would say it's too soon, having only been together for a year, but he knew he wanted to marry Feldt. While he didn't believe in soulmates, he knew she was the one. He loved her smile, her rants and their rambling conversations about her passions, and just being around her. Saji said every time he talked about her, he seemed lighter, even happier. The meisters also said he seemed happier and Lyle made whip cracking sounds in the background, which Neil shushed. Setsuna knew he felt happier and more relaxed since he began dating her, but was it the right time to propose?'

He also could feel that something had changed with Feldt after the wedding. He swore he felt like she looked at him, expecting something. Feldt had loved seeing Louise in her wedding dress and the romantic atmosphere, but she just seemed…clingy when they danced and there was something in her eye he couldn't identify. Like she was asking a question of him, but he couldn't hear it. He had never been the best at reading women and sometimes Feldt had perplexed him, but normally he could figure it out with time. This time? He had no idea.

'Does she want to get married? Is she expecting me to propose?' He knew they were financially stable, even though he was looking for a better job. And both of them had talked about kids and Feldt had said she would love to have kids, she just wanted to wait a few years. 'Maybe I should talk to Saji, see what he says.' He shook his head at that. 'No, he's on his honeymoon. I don't want to disturb him.'

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a cough above him. He looked up to see Sumeragi standing above him, arms crossed over her substantial chest, a large black purse over her shoulder. He noticed she wore a gray V-neck shirt, a pair of capris and a purple cardigan, along with brown slides. She smirked at him, "Well it's a surprise to see you here. What are you doing out here? Ring shopping?"

Setsuna was stunned for a second before he replied, "How did you know that?"

The brown-haired woman shrugged, "I saw you leave the store." She took a seat next to him, looking at him warmly, "Thinking of proposing?"

Setsuna blushed, but nodded, "I think she would make a great wife and I want to show her I want to spend the rest of my life with her."

Sumeragi shook her head good naturedly, "How romantic. You certainly have been nothing but a positive for my daughter. She can't stop gushing about you." She gave him a teasing smile, "Were you planning on asking me permission before you asked?"

Setsuna blanched, "I was supposed to do that? I just thought I had to ask her…"

Sumeragi laughed, "Relax! I was just kidding. You don't really need my permission to do it. She's her own woman. Besides, I already approve of you. I haven't seen anyone make her as happy as you have…besides maybe Christina."

Setsuna smiled at that, blushing at the compliment, "Those two are really close…and thanks. I didn't want there to be any issues between us."

"The only issue I would have is if you ever hurt her, but I suppose there would be a line if you ever did that."

Setsuna frowned at the thought of hurting her. 'I hope it never happens.' Sumeragi, seeing his frown, put her hand over one of his, "I trust you would never intentionally hurt her, so don't worry about that." Sumeragi warm smile then turned to a frown of her own, "Setsuna, have I ever told you about how I came to adopt her?"

The raven-haired man shook his head, "Besides the fact that you were a family friend and took her in after they died, no."

Sumeragi let out the breath she was holding in, "I think you deserve to know. Feldt would tell you a rose-tinted version of it." Sumeragi laughed bitterly, "She always gave me more credit than I deserved."

Setsuna put a comforting hand on her shoulder, "I'm certain you aren't as bad as you seem to imply."

"I suppose I'll let you decide that." After taking a deep breath, Sumeragi began, "I was originally from the AEU, studying as a tactical forecaster. I eventually graduated at 17 and life was good after that. I had a boyfriend turned fiancé, a future in the military and a group of close friends. But eventually it all came crashing down."

Setsuna looked at her sympathetically, "What happened?"

Sumeragi pursed her lips, "Bad training operation. Friendly fire happened and I lost my fiancé. Even though I wasn't punished to severely, I couldn't let it go and I fled the AEU, not wanting to look back. The Union, despite my mess up, contacted me, saying they would give me a new identity if I joined their military. Despite my misgivings, I decided to take the deal, hoping I could escape my past." Sumeragi stretched back, looking up at the sky, "I settled into my new position, becoming an officer of the Union. That's where I met her parents."

Setsuna looked at her curiously, "Was Feldt born yet?"

Sumeragi nodded, "She was only a little girl at the time. Her parents were under my command and I quickly became friends with them both. I became an honorary aunt. You would call me a more free-spirited aunt, spoiling and doting on her, since I didn't need to take care of her. But eventually they were moved to another command when Feldt was twelve or so, which was close to a potential border conflict with the HRL. They asked me to take care of Feldt, seeing as I was mostly settled in one place. I tried my best to take care of her, but I contacted her parents often."

"It seems like they trusted you a lot. What was Feldt like as a child?"

Sumeragi smiled at the question, "She was an energetic and curious child. Always like playing with machines, especially Haros. Not super social, but always liked to try new things, as long as they weren't vegetables."

Setsuna chuckled, "It sounds like her." His smile evened out, "So what happened after they died? How did you tell her?"

Sumeragi looked down, "We were both at the home I was using when Feldt answered the door and another officer just handed her a letter wordlessly. They left and I immediately knew what this meant. I had written these letters. But before I could tell her to not open it, she opened the envelope and read the letter." The older woman took a deep breath, "Feldt immediately ran to me, crying into my shirt. I didn't know what to do, so I just held her as she sobbed into my shirt. I wanted to cry too, but I had to stay strong for her."

Sumeragi took a deep breath, looking like she was fighting back tears. Setsuna smiled at her sympathetically, "Did you grieve on your own time?"

Sumeragi smiled gratefully, "Yes. I did it in private, so Feldt could have a rock to cling to. But after the funeral, she just seemed to shut down. She was barely responsive and only came out of her room to get food. That went on for a year before she began to warm up again. I was never the most responsible person, so she took to doing all the chores. I learned later she did it to think about something else and help, but after I realized why she did it, I tried to stop her thinking she was trying to act too adult. I was the one with a messy life and she was trying to help me."

"She did say there was friction between you two for a while after her parents died."

Sumeragi chuckled, "Yeah, we had a few shouting matches. But by the time she was going to graduate high school, we had come to become a true mother and daughter. I was so proud to watch her make her way into the world, without me or her mother and father being there. I told her they would have been proud of her."

Setsuna grinned, "I would say they should be proud of her."

Sumeragi nodded, "And that's why I think it's time I gave you this." Setsuna looked at her curiously as she began to dig through her purse, swearing under her breath. 'What could she be looking for?' He heard he let out a cry of success and in her hand was a small velvet box. She grinned at him, "It was one of her parents belongs I got. They told me if she ever found someone they thought she would marry, it would be given to them to give to their daughter. But since they aren't here, I have to be the person to do it." She opened the box to see a pink gem sitting in a simple gold band

Setsuna's voice caught in his throat. She was giving him a ring, for Feldt. 'And it was perfect.' He looked at her, his eyes wide, "Whose ring was it?"

Sumeragi continued grinning, "It is an heirloom from her mother's family. It was Feldt's mother's engagement ring, her grandmother's and great grandmother's, or at least that is what I was told. I think Feldt deserves to continue that tradition."

Setsuna's hands were shaking slightly as he took it from her, "You…trust me enough?" The weight of this being a family tradition caused him to purse his lips. 'To give me such an important heirloom.' He looked at her, nervous, "What if I don't propose right away?"

Sumeragi waved it off, "That's fine. You were long overdue to get this. My daughter truly does love you and I don't think she would say no. I hope you have an interesting venue for proposing."

Setsuna shook his head, "Not really. I was still in the 'get the ring' stage of the plan. I was hoping you might help?"

Sumeragi smirked at him, "Nope!"

Setsuna groaned, "Nope?"

"Nope."

Setsuna sighed, rolling his eyes, "Thanks."

Sumeragi grinned at him, "No problem. Why don't we get lunch in honor of your future proposal?"

Setsuna chuckled, "Why not? Just please don't get too drunk. I don't want Feldt to complain to me."

She flashed a smirk, "I make no promises." Setsuna groaned at that, standing up off the bench. Putting the box in his pocket, he led her to a nearby café. He looked at the pocket with the ring in it. 'Now comes the hard part.'

Feldt

The early afternoon had set in and Feldt was curious where Setsuna was as she laid down on the couch, idly watching the tv. He had told her he had some shopping he wanted to do, but that had been hours ago. 'But what does Setsuna need? He doesn't tend to buy a lot. I hope he's ok.' She had been distracted for a while as Sumeragi had said she was in town and they talked over the phone. She said she had a business conference in town and would be there for the week, so Feldt asked if she wanted to meet for lunch or dinner. Sumeragi had agreed, but to the pink-haired woman, something seemed…a bit different about her mother.

It was like Sumeragi knew something she didn't. Growing up, Feldt regularly dealt with the brown-haired woman smiling at her when she knew something Feldt didn't or was keeping a secret from her. While she couldn't see her face in the call, Feldt knew that tone of voice. She had tried to convince her to tell her what was up, but the woman wouldn't budge, saying she would learn soon. 'I'll make sure she tells me when we meet. I'm no longer the shy girl she knew before!' Feldt had felt her confidence grow since she had been with Setsuna, a little less shy. She would finally get Sumeragi to spill whatever she was hiding from her.

She heard the door open and heard Setsuna's voice call out, "I'm home, sweetheart!"

She responded casually, "I'm in the living room!" She then returned her focus to the tv. She heard the footsteps move closer to her and as they neared her, she looked up to see her boyfriend walking into the living room, sitting down on the couch that she was laying down on. She rested her head on his lap silently, enjoying the warmth from him.

Setsuna smiled down at her, "New season?"

Feldt nodded her head excitedly, "The new season came out this week! I was going to wait for you, but I got too excited and watched a few episodes." She had grown attached to this show, even more than Chris, who loved magical girl shows.

Setsuna chuckled, "Don't worry, I'll catch up on my own." Feldt's smile grew as the two continued to watch. Their position eventually shifted to her resting her head on his shoulder and his arm around her when he said his legs were falling asleep. Feldt became more excited as time passed, tearing up a few times when a scene was sad or happy. However, one thought came floating through her mind, which she asked Setsuna curiously, "What did you get when you were shopping?"

Setsuna looked away from her slightly, "Nothing. They didn't have the…things that I wanted. I'll have to check later." He blushed, which she took immediate notice. The way he spoke seemed…odd for him. Like he was hiding something. Over the year they were together, she knew he wasn't a great liar, which he didn't do often. His voice would catch slightly and he would always look away.

She knew it probably wasn't harmful or too bad, but not wanting to deal with this from two people today, she grabbed his chin, forcing him to look at her. Her voice was neutral, "Setsuna, what are you hiding? You aren't in trouble, I just want to know what's going on?" She looked at him with wide eyes, "Please tell me. You are worrying me."

Setsuna stuttered as he tried to pull out of her grasp, "It's nothing…believe me…I would tell you if-" Feldt then heard a thud hit the carpet below them, immediately drawing her eyes to a velvet box. 'What is that?' Both her and Setsuna reached for the box at the same time, but Feldt was able to get it first, retreating back a few feet to see it. 'It looks like something for a ring…'

Opening the top of the small box, her eyes widened and tears began to flow. 'This is my mom's… But how? Is he…? Was he thinking of?' She looked at Setsuna, tears beginning to flow down her face, "Were you…thinking of…you know?" Her mind was overwhelmed with emotion as the implication rooted itself in her mind.

Setsuna let out a deep breath, giving her a loving smile, "I wasn't planning on it happening now. I was going to do something romantic, maybe make your favorite food." He chuckled, "But it seems like fate has different plans." His voice became more serious, "Feldt. You are the most amazing woman I have met. You are the kindest, most passionate and beautiful woman I know. I feel lucky to have even met you."

He stood up from the couch, moving in front of her and taking the box and ring out of her shaking hands. Getting on one knee, his voice was shaky, though he sounded like he was fighting his nervousness, "I don't really have a speech prepared, so here it goes." She saw his blushing face and intense eyes, causing her face to turn red, "Feldt would you make me the luckiest man in the world and marry me?"

She let out a loud, "YES!" before pulling him into a kiss, pulling him on top of her, her resting against the back of the couch. Setsuna carefully put the ring down as he kissed her, their tongues meeting. After a minute of kissing, it broke, leading to Feldt realizing something important as she smiled, embarrassed, "Oh, I should probably put on the ring."

Setsuna laughed happily, "I would say so."

Feldt gave him a quick kiss, putting it on her ring finger. Her eyes widened as she looked at the gem. 'It's so pretty! I wonder what mom would say.' She spoke to Setsuna, breathless, "How did you get this?"

Setsuna sat down beside her, pulling her in close with one of his arms. He scratched the back of his neck, "I met Sumeragi earlier and she gave me the ring after telling me her story. She said it was a family heirloom."

Feldt nodded at that, "That's what mom told me. That I would find someone good. That I would…" She trailed off, tears rolling down her cheeks.

Setsuna's eyes widened and his voice sounded worried, "Feldt, are you ok?"

She looked up at him, eyes shining with love, even with the tears, "I'm more than ok. Mom and Dad said I would find the right person and I would get this. And I found the perfect man to marry. My parents would have been very happy with you." She gave him another quick kiss, "I would have loved to see your plan if this didn't happen, but I'll settle for this."

"Honestly, I'm not sure. I'm not great with…stuff like that."

She kissed him on the cheek, "You are more romantic than you think. I can't wait to tell Christina! She'll be so happy."

Setsuna let out a groan, "I just realized I'll have to tell Saji, as well as Louise." He sighed, "Also all the meisters. That'll be fun."

Feldt moved to straddle him, showing him part of her cleavage, her voice becoming very coy and tempting, "We don't need to think about that right now. Why don't we… celebrate? I can wear that outfit you got me."

Setsuna face went blank as he let out a breath, "I…"

Feldt gracefully got off his lap, swaying her hips as she walked towards their room, "Just wait on the bed. I won't take too long." She gave him a wink as he fell out of her view. 'I hope you are ready Setsuna. I don't know if either of us will be able to move tomorrow morning.'

Author Note

Well its engagement time! We are at roughly the 2/3rds mark, so I hope you are ready for the upcoming finale! See you guys next week!