"Makoto," a sweet voice whispered into the sleeping boy's ear. "Please wake up, Makoto."
Makoto Yuki stirred and opened his eyes, finding a pair of familiar blue eyes inches away from his.
"Good morning, Aigis," he replied with a smile. "I thought you promised you weren't going to break into my room anymore."
The blonde robot blushed, a sight he still hadn't gotten used to after all this time. A few months ago, she'd been as emotionless as any other machine in the dorm, giving only the shortest responses to attempts to speak with her and breaking into his room to watch him sleep. Nowadays, she found herself laughing at Junpei's antics, joining in the team's casual conversations, and even giving Koromaru extra treats when she thought no one was looking.
"I thought I'd make an exception today," she replied nervously, "given it's our last day together before…"
She paused, not wanting to say the words she had in mind. Makoto sat up and took her hand, a knowing look in his eyes, and nodded.
"So you thought we should do something today."
It was easy to tell, seeing as she was dressed in a winter coat over her usual school uniform, a blue scarf around her neck. Combined with her blushing, she could pass for human.
She nodded.
"If you don't mind, that is," she added hurriedly.
Makoto stood and smiled, walking over to his dresser.
"Sounds like a plan."
Aigis smiled in relief. They stood there, staring awkwardly at each other for a few seconds until Makoto cleared his throat.
"Aigis," he said, chuckling. "Do you mind?"
Aigis' cheeks flushed.
"Sorry!" she yelled, running out of the room.
The smell of incense filled the air as the pair wordlessly knelt in front of the headstone, eyes closed and hands clasped together in prayer. Makoto had never been one for prayer, not since the accident took everything from him. But with the weight of the world on their shoulders, he felt that one prayer to their fallen comrade wouldn't hurt.
Despite having only really known Shinjiro for a month, Makoto still missed him for reasons he couldn't understand. Perhaps it was because under that gruff exterior, Yukari was right about him: he was a big softie on the inside. Cooking for Koromaru when no one was looking, looking after Ken, and teaching Fuuka how to cook proved it. Makoto hoped that, wherever he was, he found peace.
At last, they planted the incense in the holder and stood up.
"What did you pray for, Makoto?" Aigis asked.
"For him to watch over us in the coming battle."
Aigis smiled and nodded.
"What about you, Aigis?"
She blushed for a moment before responding.
"I wanted his help with learning to cook once this is all over."
"Really?" Makoto said, surprised. He never thought Aigis to be the type to pray for little things like that.
"Please don't laugh!" Aigis exclaimed, embarrassed. "It's just- even when I was a machine, I couldn't help but feel that his meals made me feel warm inside." She blushed even more. "And… I'd like to make you feel the same way after we defeat Nyx."
Makoto smiled and took her hand.
"I'd love that too… and don't worry, I'll lend you a hand with that."
"Really?"
"I'm no Aragaki, but I know my way around the kitchen."
They exchanged warm smiles before turning to the grave.
"Everyone on the team misses you, Aragaki," Aigis said, her eyes tearing up as she spoke. "Especially Sanada and Amada. Amada still holds onto your beanie and puts it on when he thinks no one is looking. It doesn't fit him yet but I'm sure it will someday. I hope you know that he's forgiven you."
"Please watch over us, Aragaki," Makoto said. "We'll come visit again when this is all over."
As they walked away from the graveyard, Makoto felt a warm familiar feeling inside, one he hadn't felt since that chilly October night, when he, Shinjiro, and Fuuka cooked up the meal of a lifetime. For the first time, it felt like the residents of Iwatodai Dorm weren't just teammates, fighting to save the world, but genuine friends. Somewhere up there, Makoto thought, Shinjiro must have scoffed at their words in the way that he always did, with a smile on the inside.
"Fine," he probably said. "I'll lend you a hand."
Perhaps, Makoto thought, it was worth having a little faith after all.
It was around noon that the pair found themselves in the cafe at the Paulownia Mall. Just a few weeks ago, the second years of the team were loitering around the mall after school. As usual, Junpei was telling one of his crazy stories, Yukari and Makoto were ridiculing him, and Fuuka and Aigis listened intently.
"And then," he'd said, "she told us that we were all winners in the competition and we all danced for the rest of the night!"
"Junpei," Yukari said with her arms crossed. "That is the dumbest story I've heard from you in my life and I've known you since middle school."
"What? Come on! You can't tell me you don't remember it either!" Junpei turned to Makoto, an expectant look on his face. "You remember it, right? Remember that one dance we did together on the school rooftop?"
Strangely enough, Makoto thought, it did ring a bell… but he dismissed the thought; there was no way that could have been real. To Junpei's disappointment, he shook his head.
"Come on, man! I thought you had my six!" Junpei exclaimed, disappointed. "Give me your MP3. I'm sure you'll remember when the music starts."
"Huh? Wait!" Makoto protested as Junpei took his MP3 player from his pocket and started scrolling through it. After a few moments, a huge grin spread across his face and he pressed the play button.
"Is this…?" Fuuka said.
"Brand New Days," Aigis said matter-of-factly. "Yumi Kawamura, 2007."
"Right on, Aigis!" Junpei said, beginning a clumsy dance. "Now I may not have the powers that I had in that dream but Junpei Iori can still bust one hell of a-! Ouch!" Junpei yelled as he fell bottom-first to the floor.
"Are you okay, Junpei?" Fuuka yelled, rushing over and helping him up.
Unfortunately for Junpei, not everyone was nearly as worried.
"Well you sure busted something, Junpei!" Yukari said mid-laughter.
"Shut up!" he replied, dusting himself off before resuming his embarrassing routine.
A few more falls to the ground, some stares from passersby, and a nasty bruise later, Makoto had had enough. He stood up, hands still in his pockets, and walked next to Junpei. He waited for the right moment in the song before finally breaking into a dance.
"Yes!" Junpei exclaimed. "Are you finally remembering, bro?"
The pair danced around the plaza, Yukari and Fuuka gasping at Makoto's skill and laughing at Junpei's clumsiness. Remarkably enough, they put up a somewhat synchronized performance, falls and all. If Junpei's story hadn't been so obviously false, one could've sworn they really had danced together before. Makoto snuck a glance over at Aigis, fists raised in captivation, and his heart filled with joy. When at last, the song reached its end, Junpei cheered.
"That's what I'm talking about, Makoto! Give me five!"
The two of them walked towards each other, hands raised in the air and aimed true. Unbeknownst to Junpei however, his dance partner had one last move to make. Just as Junpei swung his hand, Makoto skillfully spun around, dodging his partner's hand as Junpei fell to the ground once more.
"Hey!" Junpei yelled. "What the hell?"
"Sorry," Makoto replied with a smile. "Live strong."
Junpei looked ready to argue when a small giggle caught everyone's attention. Makoto looked over in astonishment.
Could it really be?
Aigis sat on the bench by the fountain, a hand covering her mouth as she shook, struggling to contain her laughter. Despite her valiant efforts, it was to no avail. Soon enough, she was clutching her stomach as she cackled in joy. That day, everyone couldn't help but join.
"Makoto?" Aigis said, snapping him out of his trance. "What are you smiling at?"
"I was just remembering the first time I heard you laugh."
She blushed crimson and covered her face with her scarf.
"Please don't remind me," she whispered. "It's quite embarrassing."
"Why?" he replied. "I think you should laugh more often."
Her eyes widened.
"Makoto?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you like it when I laugh?"
"Yeah. I do."
"I like… watching you dance."
The music from the club graced their ears then and Makoto's eyes widened as an idea filled his mind. He stood and offered his hand to Aigis, whose eyes widened before she shook her head.
"I'm afraid I'd be no good."
"You'll be perfect," he replied without hesitation. "It'll be just like a dream."
"But-"
"Don't worry Aigis," he said reassuringly. "I'll be by your side, every step of the way."
At that, Aigis smiled. She took his hand, interlacing her fingers in his, and stood.
"Thank you."
They remained silent as they entered the club and danced the evening away.
Aigis stirred restlessly as only the sound of passengers departing Iwatodai Station kept her company. Normally, she'd be on high alert at all times whenever she was outside but this time was different. When they'd gotten off the train, Makoto had sat her down by the station and made her promise not to look as he went to do something. According to her internal clock, that was five minutes and thirty five seconds ago. She would give him until ten minutes had passed before she would look for him.
"Hey, Aigis?"
"Yes, Makoto?"
"You can open your eyes now."
She did so, opening her eyes to be greeted with a beautiful bouquet of red roses. Makoto smiled nervously as he held them out to her. She took them in her hands and sat there awkwardly.
Makoto glanced away sheepishly.
"Do you not like it?"
"No! I do!" she quickly responded. "I'm just not sure what to do in response to being given something so… beautiful. That's all."
Makoto sighed in relief as he sat down beside her.
"That's a relief," he said. "I'd forgotten you probably haven't received flowers before."
"Makoto," Aigis said, holding the large bouquet as if she were afraid she would accidentally destroy it. "What does one do with flowers?"
"Well, people usually put them in vases with water and display them."
"But without the roots, would the flowers not die?"
Makoto paused. He hadn't thought of that before.
"Sorry," Aigis whispered. "I'm probably making a big deal out of nothing, aren't I? Forget I said anything."
"No, you're right," Makoto said. "They'll die someday… but I don't think there's anything wrong with that." He took her hand in his as he spoke. "In my opinion, flowers are meant to be replaced. They need to be replaced by the one you love whenever they die. If they lived forever, they wouldn't have to keep buying you flowers to show you they love you. Well, they could, but then you'll have flowers everywhere."
Aigis chuckled.
"You sound like Junpei right now."
"Ouch." Makoto blushed. He may have stolen that quote from Junpei while the latter was talking about Chidori. Unlike all his other ramblings though, Makoto thought it sounded apt for the occasion.
Makoto shook his head. This was a silly idea, getting flowers for a robot after all, even if she was his girlfriend. He'd have to make it up to her next time if there was one.
"Makoto." His thoughts were interrupted as a pair of warm lips pressed against his cheek. "Thank you."
"Don't mention it."
They both looked away from each other in embarrassment until Makoto felt something slip into his hand. He looked down to see a box in his hands. Chocolates?
"Is… this for me?" he asked.
Aigis nodded.
"Valentine's Day is in two weeks but-" her face darkened, "-given the circumstances, I figured we should celebrate it today… just in case."
"Thank you, Aigis."
Their smiles were warm enough to dispel the cold winter wind.
Everyone was already asleep by the time they'd arrived back in the dorm. Makoto was glad; they'd need all the energy they could get for tomorrow after all. The two of them made sure to make as little noise as possible as they crept up the stairs.
"Aigis," Makoto whispered as they neared the second floor.
"Yes, Makoto?"
Makoto gulped before speaking.
"Would you like to stay with me tonight?"
Aigis' eyes widened.
"I thought you and Yukari made it clear I shouldn't-"
"Just for tonight," Makoto responded. "I don't think I can sleep otherwise."
His eyes were on the floor when he felt Aigis take his hand.
"Of course, Makoto."
Makoto groaned as Aigis' whirring woke him up again. He looked over to the chair where Aigis sat nearby. While they both figured she was too heavy to lie down on the bed, Makoto was insistent that she get some rest as well.
"Sorry for waking you up again, Makoto."
"No worries."
He turned to face her, taking her hand in his.
"I'm nervous too, you know."
"I know you are," she whispered. "Everyone's lives are at stake."
"We're going to win this."
"But what if we can't?" she cried. "Ryoji himself said we can't defeat what's coming. What hope do we have? What'll happen if we… die?
She closed her eyes as his hands brushed the tears from her eyes.
"It'll be okay."
"How do you know?"
"Because we'll have each other."
Her eyes opened and blue met blue as she saw his smiling face glow in the pale moonlight. There wasn't an ounce of doubt in his eyes. She wished she could be as strong as him in moments like these. But there was an urging in those eyes, something that pushed her forward and told her that it didn't matter if they won.
"Makoto?"
"Yeah, Aigis?"
"I promise tomorrow and for every day onwards… I'll be by your side, protecting you at every step."
His smile widened as he placed his hand at the back of her neck and leaned in to kiss her. It was an inexperienced kiss, one between two beings that were not supposed to kiss like that. But none of that mattered to them. They kissed like there was no tomorrow.