Now for the final part of the Tact and Milfie route which follows through what happens on Eternal Lovers Retold and Arnold and Chitose finally take the big step. The events that Arnold goes through still occur but only as a highlight and just a forewarning, this will be somewhat repeated in future chapters, but they shouldn't affect the major plot of the other routes.

The First Kiss Of Many (Milfie Route)

Thirty Days Later...

Our vacation was over and we were back on the Elsior, travelling towards the southern east part of the galaxy. I was in Chitose's room and I was smiling happy, thinking back to how it all went down during our long vacation. The day before Milfie organised a picnic at a theme park on Transbaal, Chitose and I decided to give it a go and start seeing each other in a more than friends kind of way and to our surprise, it was working very well.

I still remember it like it was yesterday...

*Flashback*

With just a week left until our vacation was over, we all sat by the big tables at the theme park as we unloaded the picnic food. Milfie worked extremely hard to set this all up and we really appreciated it.

I sat by Chitose and Tact sat by Milfie, they were still a couple and Chitose and I weren't, but we looked at each other and agreed to let them know.

"Everyone, can we have your attention?" I asked them all.

"Oh, not like you to make an announcement, Arnold." Mint replied. "Normally Tact does that."

"So come on then, out with it." Forte teased.

"Umm, Arnold and I have become very close friends as you all know." Chitose replied. "However, we gave seeing each other a go a week ago."

"And we're here to tell you." I paused as I grabbed Chitose's hand. "We've decided to become a couple."

The others were silent, until they started cheering.

"YAY! That's amazing!" Milfie yelled happily.

"Well, it's about time, mister." Ranpha added.

"Congratulations." Vanilla said with a smile.

"Thank you, girls." Chitose replied. "I was very shy and I couldn't help but blush so much when he and I talk, but after we got to know each other more, I began to feel more confident and safe. You all helped me to enjoy my life and that helped to make me feel close to Arnold."

"Well Arnold, I congratulate you on finding someone special." Tact said. "Even if it took nearly seven months."

The girls were not pleased by his last sentence, I felt bad for Tact. Until I smiled at Chitose, feeling happy with our feelings and what we said.

*End Of Flashback*

"Arnold?" Chitose asked. "Can you hear me?"

"Huh?" I was snapped out of my thoughts. "Yes, Chitose?"

"You were kind of dreaming and I was wondering what it was about."

"Ah...sorry about that. I was just thinking back to how we made it official."

"Oh yes...the time when we became a couple. Even though I still feel like I'm new to this relationship."

"I'm new to this as well but that's why we're able to learn." I wrapped my arms around her waist. "Fighting against the Val Fasc or not, we're just like any other couple."

She put her arms around me. "Yes...but you know, we haven't said those words yet."

I blinked. "Have we not?"

"No...but we have time right now...so could you say the words first?"

I smiled. "Alright I will...Chitose, I love you and I started to feel love for you when we first met."

Chitose blushed but smiled happily. "Arnold...I love you too and I did have a bit of a crush on you when we first met."

We held each other close with our foreheads touching...we looked at each other in the eyes. That was the other thing we hadn't done...we hadn't shared our first kiss, was today going to be the day? We moved our faces closer slowly, feeling nervous as I almost felt the breathing from her until...

A beep went off on our jackets...dammit!

"Yes, Tact?" I asked, feeling disappointed at the interruption.

"Angel Wing, you are to scramble and prepare for combat, a Val-Fasc fleet has been detected." He replied before ending the call.

I sighed. "Tact's got some nerve to call us just when something special was about to happen."

"It's alright, Arnold. We can finish this after the battle, okay?"

"Yeah, you're right. We better get ready for battle."

We left her room, holding hands as we rushed to the hanger to get ready. That enemy fleet is going to be sorry for interrupting us!

After the battle ended and following a lengthy time before we were allowed to board our frames. Chitose and I visited the tea lounge where no one else was there, we grabbed a table for just us two and sat close together, hoping we could now continue from where we left off.

"Mind if we share a milkshake together, just in case?" Chitose asked.

I was a little confused by what she meant. "Sure...you want me to buy it?"

"No it's okay, I'm sure you'll want to get me something very wonderful soon." She got up and bought a strawberry milkshake by the counter with two straws.

She sat back down with me with the sundae close to us. I put my arm around her and looked in her eyes. She did the same as we began to move our heads closer, our lips were close to being on contact, was this to be our first kiss?

"Hey Arnold!" A voice called.

I gasped and move away quick and Chitose looked to see where the voice came from.

"Oh, hi Forte." Chitose said. "And the rest of you girls, what are you doing here?"

"Milfie is showing Lushati and Wein her colouring in test tubes or something." Mint replied.

"They were borrowed though." Vanilla added.

"We wanted to have our get together, even though Milfie is busy." Ranpha said. "Anyways, how about you two?"

I wanted to feel disappointed that Chitose and I were interrupted for a second time, but I couldn't show it in front of the other girls. "We're doing great as a couple."

"Yes, I would agree." Chitose added.

"Good...now have you two kissed?" Ranpha asked.

Chitose and I looked at each other, should we make something up and pretend that we did...we thought about it in our heads, but then we forgot that Mint was present and she may be tempted to tease us. I then had a unique idea that could work.

"Does this answer your question?" I asked back before Chitose and I grabbed a straw and drank our milkshake together whilst looking at each other in the eyes.

"Well that is cute." Forte commented. "But I don't think it exactly answers what we wanted to know."

"Actually it does." Ranpha said. "That is what I would call an indirect kiss."

"An indirect kiss?" Mint asked.

"It's hard to explain, but it's another way of showing affection without making contact with the lips."

"I see...anyways, I think we should leave them be."

"Yeah agreed, we'll see you two later." Forte added as they left the lounge.

Chitose and I finished off our shared milkshake and left the lounge, making our way to the viewing park to find the area empty yet peaceful and calm. We sat on a dry area near the hill where Milfie normally sets up her picnic location. I sat down first and I helped Chitose to sit in front of me with my arms around her and she held on to my hands.

"Now this is more like it." I said. "Just us two, no one else around."

"Yes...I do enjoy it here too. I may be liking it more than Ms. Milfie does." Chitose replied.

I then thought, maybe it'll be third time lucky. Chitose looked at me and I looked back, she moved her body slightly and turned to face me completely. We moved our heads closer, closing our eyes as we prepared to make contact with our first kiss. Our lips were inches away, finally we're gonna have the first kiss with no interruptions.

"Look, they're already there!" A voice yelled. "Arnold, Chitose, glad that you're here."

It was the girls again, but this time Tact, Milfie, Lushati and Wein were with them.

I looked away and sighed...I was getting irritated by the constant interruptions. That was now three times that our first kiss got stopped and Chitose could see I was getting mad about it. She looked at me with a bit of worry, those turquoise eyes of hers...they seemed to calm me down.

"You two sitting close on the hill where we have our picnic?" Milfie asked. "That's nice."

"Yeah..." I replied.

"Huh...is something the matter?" Tact asked.

I frowned. "I just need some time alone...I can't deal with these interruptions." I was about to walk away.

"Arnold, wait." Chitose said, grabbing my hand. "It may not seem romantic, but I want us to finish the move right now!"

I blinked. "Move? What do you mean by-umph!"

Next thing I knew, I felt her lips come into contact with mine. I was surprised that she made the move to kiss me, but she did. Eventually I fell into the kiss and I put my arms around her. We broke the kiss and I didn't feel irritated anymore, I was smiling and happy. It was our first kiss and it was damn good!

"Woohoo!" Ranpha commented. "That was so hot!"

"You've become a real man, Arnold." Forte teased. "I'm also proud of you, Chitose."

Chitose was bright red and so was I. "Umm t-t-t-t-thanks Forte...I had to be really brave to do that."

"Was that your first kiss?" Milfie asked.

"Y-y-y-yes...it's something I wouldn't normally do, but for Arnold, I would try to be as brave as I can."

"Anyways...Tact, you should take a page out of Arnold's book." Mint teased.

"What...me?" Tact asked, surprised.

"Why of course, you and Milfie have kissed a few times right?"

"Uhhh, yes we have." Milfie replied, blushing as she stood by Tact, holding his hand.

Lushati and Wein hadn't said a word, they were probably wondering what was going on.

"Anyways, we came out here to have a picnic and we wanted Lushati and Wein to be welcomed as guests from Eden." Ranpha explained. "So shall we get seated?"

"Sounds good." Forte replied. "Let's have the blanket here."

Things then moved on whilst I smiled with Chitose, we finally had our first kiss, although it took a surprise to make it happen.

Once we had our picnic which was stopped by a malfunctioned sprinkler, we had to prepare for the next battle where Admiral Rowil made his presence known. His voice sounded familiar from the nightmare that I had yesterday, but we dealt with his first wave of fleets although Milfie was not performing at her best and that made us all worry.

We then got word of a secret route that would allow us to attack Rowil's flagship and his fleet from behind, but before we did, Tact got the chance to explain and Milfie cheered right up, allowing us to continue fighting. But as one spirit was raised, another plummeted. After we forced Rowil to retreat, he left with a message about what happened to my parents...and he had it announced to everyone who was present...I did not take it well at all.

When two days had passed, I realized that I had to turn this mood of mine around. Chitose, bless her, offered me to sleep in her room since Lushati and Wein were using the guest room, she had a spare duvet and pillow for me. She also didn't mind if my spare bed was next to hers and I really needed her at that difficult time. When I made my trip to the White Moon and got the past story straight from Lady Shatyarn, I had returned back feeling a whole lot better.

All the while however, I was suspicious of Wein and I was checking over a wire-tap with Lushati when sirens went off. Rowil was about to face my justice after what he did to my father! When the battle was over, Rowil perished, settling the long feud for good even though the reinforcements didn't arrive.

I was back in Chitose's room, feeling much more relaxed and Chitose was with me in my arms.

"Chitose, I have never felt so much happier in all my life than I do right now." I said.

"I feel so happy for you, Arnold." she replied. "You've been there for me when I needed you so it was only fair that I returned the favour."

I looked at her in the eyes and moved my head towards hers, she responded and our lips made contact. Ever since our first kiss, we had gotten more comfortable with exchanging kisses and nearly all of them had been just the two of us present. We got into a long and loving embrace, I couldn't think of anywhere else I wanted to be except right there.

"Oh Chitose, I just thought of something."

"Yes?"

"We haven't had a dance together yet."

"Oh, no we haven't yet. When do you think we can dance?"

"Maybe when we get to Eden...I'm sure Tact would like that as well since he hasn't danced for a long while either."

We had hoped that after the battle, things would be peaceful, but I was so wrong.

The battle that followed resulted in a shocker, Milfie's frame went out of control and the only way to shut it down was an attack from the Elsior. We were devastated at how it happened, but no one was more devastated then Tact, we left him in the infirmary to leave him alone as the rest of us sat in the lounge.

Things did not go well as planned in the next battle as Wein showed his true colours when he hypnotised Lushati and stole Unit #7 from us, then a Val-Fasc fleet approached us from behind, allowing Wein to get away. We were one frame down, but we had to fight our way through and retreat. When we did, our frames were a mess and we got word that Milfie had recovered except there was one new problem...Milfie had lost all of her memories of Tact.

We were in the lounge with Milfie and we were relived that she still remembered the rest of us. I don't know what I would do if Chitose's frame had been attacked and that she lost her memories of me, I guess I have to thank my stars for that one. Milfie seemed happy to see us again and apologised for making us worry.

I looked at Tact and he put on a smile, but when Milfie went to get a drink, Tact looked down and began to feel incredibly upset.

"Tact, do you want a man to man chat with me?" I offered.

He nodded, unable to reply with his words.

"Girls, I'll try to take care of this." I told them.

The girls nodded and I brought him away from the lounge.

"Milfie..." He said to himself. "...she's gone."

"You're wrong, Tact." I replied. "I'm a straight guy through and through who loves Chitose very much, but I think it's time you got some tough love."

He didn't reply.

I folded my arms. "So let me ask you, is that your plan, is it? Just lay down and give up all because she lost her memories of you? That's BS! The Tact Mayers I know would never give up like this. You faced several battles and wars, but when it comes to this issue, you don't wanna face it."

"Arnold...why are you acting like Lester?"

"It's for your own good and if it was Lester, I bet it would be even worse so be lucky on that one. Anyways, the Milfie you know and love is right here on the ship and if you want her to recover, you're going to have to start from scratch with her, starting with a fresh friendship and then work your way up from there. Just like how you did when you first met the girls and me all those months ago."

Tact began to show a smile. "Arnold...thank you, I needed to hear that."

"Don't mention it...now we should get back, Milfie may be back with her drink." He nodded and we returned to the lounge.

Later on, we got word that we were leaving for Juno, the home world of Eden...my home world. I would finally be able to see the world where I was born and where I could find the answers and what my father was working towards. A Val-Fasc fleet was waiting for us along with Wein on Unit #7, however with our restored morale thanks to Tact who was trying VERY hard to help Milfie recover, we annihilated the fleet and Wein withdrew.

Tact wasn't able to get back Unit #7, but I was happy with this victory, Juno, my home world was finally free from the Val-Fasc. When we arrived at the Sky Palace, before revealing my hidden talent for long speeches, I went on a jungle quest which my father had to take before surviving that and gaining access to Library where I learnt about my father's past and retrieved a dimension gate key.

I returned to the Sky Palace with new clothing and there was Chitose, who was dressed up and she looked really beautiful.

"Chitose...I'm back." I said as I put my hand on her shoulder.

"Arnold! I'm really happy." She replied, wrapping me in a tight hug.

"Oi oi!" Forte teased. "Good to see you returned, how was the quest?"

"Shorter than I thought and a bit anticlimactic." I replied. "But it's done now...so Chitose, how about that dance that we wanted?"

Slow waltz music began to play as if right on cue. I took Chitose's right hand with my left arm around her waist and she put her left arm around my shoulder and we began to dance.

"Well, I have to say you're really good." I praised.

"Thanks Arnold..." she replied, blushing but smiling. "...I had some dance training when I was very little. My grandmother would take me to a dancing class, she also inspired me to have a diary of my own, although you already know I have one."

We swayed around the dance floor, looking into each others eyes. "I do know about the diary, but I never want to read it. Because those are your secrets that you deserve to keep."

She gave me a quick kiss on the lips. "And that is why I love you, Arnold."

"And I love you too, Chitose." I replied, kissing her back.

A while later, we were in Library where Milfie had finally recovered, retrieving back all of her memories of Tact so that was one less problem to deal with. Wein and Lushati arrived in Unit #7 which was badly damaged. Wein was mortally wounded before he was gone, Lushati was unharmed and informed us that the Val-Fasc are preparing to use a Chrono Quake Bomb which was what was responsible for the Chrono Quake six centuries ago.

Our minds were focused on the final battle with the Val-Fasc and to wipe them out and their leader, Gern, before they could activate the Chrono Quake Bomb. They launched a counter attack to try and stop us, but with Milfie back to her normal self, we were able to stop them. We said goodbye to Lushati and we left Juno, all ready and psyched to face the Val-Fasc one last time.

After the fourth Chrono Drive, I was in the viewing park with Chitose, looking up at the night sky that was a little different from normal.

"Arnold, have you seen the stars?" Chitose asked with her arm around me. "They look different."

"It's cause these are the stars that the Val-Fasc see since we're approaching their home world." I replied, holding on to her hand.

"Look, isn't that Tact and Milfie over there?" she pointed me to two people by the Kafukafu tree, they didn't see us.

"Oh yeah...and look, they're sharing a kiss."

"I think it's because they want to fight for the same reason."

I looked back at her. "Same reason?"

"Yes...they mentioned about wanting to fight to keep the hope of Val-Fasc and humans being able to work together one day."

"Somehow...I feel like I want to do that too, even though the chances of that are very small."

Chitose nodded. "Yes, but that's why we are who we are, right?"

"Of course, we're Galaxy Angels." I boasted slightly.

"Galaxy Angels...I really like that name." Chitose wrapped her arms around me. "After this final battle, we're going to be together forever?"

"We will...believe every word I speak. I will fight with all I have tomorrow, Tact isn't the only one who wants to fight for the future."

"You're right, all of us are...then shall we seal the promise with a kiss?" She began to blush.

I smiled, looking into her turquoise eyes. "You don't need to ask, because I'll follow whatever love you wish for from me and I know that you would return your love for me."

"I always will, Arnold...always."

We moved our heads and made a gentle contact with the lips with our arms around each other, but then the gentle kisses became more passionate kisses. We had to stop to take a quick breather.

Chitose was still blushing, I had to laugh on the inside, I hope one day she gets over it. "I don't know what came over me then...but I really liked it."

"So did I...but we sealed the promise, now we must keep it alive and safe." I suddenly yawned, it was getting a bit late.

"We should go to bed now and since I completely trust you, I'd like us to share the same bed."

I blushed slightly. "Of course, I would like that indeed. I'll keep you safe tonight and I won't let go."

"Thank you." We left the park, trying to keep quiet since Tact and Milfie were still there by the tree.

After a desperate struggle, we finally defeated the Val-Fasc but it wasn't so straight forward. The fortress went down after taking out the bulwark satellites, one of which was obliterated thanks to the multi-purpose solar beam on my frame. But Gern's flagship that held the Chrono Quake Bomb was undamaged, we all focused our attacks on that ship and Gern and his flagship were no more but the Chrono Quake Bomb was activated.

I used my dimension gate key to open a portal whilst Tact sat by Milfie in her Lucky Star and her frame's wings pushed the Chrono Quake Bomb into another galaxy. We had saved the galaxy and we could look forward to an era of peace. Well, that was until Tact and Milfie had their wedding which happened a week later. After the wedding was over, Chitose and I booked a vacation in my home world of Juno, she was very curious about what it was like and so was I.

"Wow!" Chitose exclaimed, noticing the tall buildings around Juno. "To think that you used to live here."

"Yeah, even though I haven't been back here for the last twenty years." I replied. "But it's funny really."

"Hmm?"

"To think just over a month ago, we first met and nowadays we're a strong couple. You could say that we just clicked and although it took a while, it was worth it in the end."

"Yes...back then I was very formal and I didn't have much in the way of friendship, but you and the other angels taught me so much and I'll never forget them, because I wrote them in my diary."

I giggled. "Do you think you'll carry on writing in your diary?"

"I do, I really believe that."

We shared a kiss before continuing with our vacation on Juno. We weren't ready to take the next step in our relationship which was third base and I knew what that meant, but what we had right now was more than I could ever wanted.

Six months ago, I played the waiting game...and I won!

That is the Tact & Milfie route complete with Arnold and Chitose remaining as a couple for the time being. (I apologise if this looks a bit rushed, I'll try to not do that in the next set of chapters.) I think doing three chapters per one route will suit me good, it's just a nice round number for me, based on my writing methods.

Coming up soon in the next chapter, the start of the Tact & Mint route and Arnold tries his best to impress Vanilla.