Author Note: Hey there! Guess what? I managed to squeeze in some free time and churn out a new chapter! I might even have the energy for another one or a third, but for now, I'm in a bit of a rush. I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to all the awesome people who have followed, favorited, and reviewed my work. Your support means the world to me. Surprisingly, I uploaded this story on Wattpad, and it's gaining some traction over there, which is pretty cool. Once again, a big thank you to those who have followed, favorited, and reviewed. Your engagement not only speeds up my uploads but also fuels my motivation to write. It's a bit strange, but I'm not going to argue with the process. Wishing you a fantastic day!
PS: Apologies for not responding to reviews earlier. I'll make sure to address both the previous and upcoming ones. Although this chapter was a bit rushed, I believe it turned out pretty decent. Maybe one day, I'll revisit it and fine-tune it further, but for now, I think it's good as it is. I am a bit of a perfectionist.
Chapter 12
Suletta's confident stride echoed along the dirt pathway as she circled Miorine's greenhouse. The sound of her footsteps intruded upon the usually serene atmosphere, disrupting Miorine's state of zen. Miorine clipped through her flowers, diligently binding them and tending to the blooming produce. Frustration etched across her face as she turned to face Suletta.
"Can you please stop that?" Miorine growled, her annoyance seeping into her words.
"O-Oh, I'm sorry," Suletta stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. Miorine let out a weary sigh, brushing the dirt off her hands, and faced Suletta. The girl from Mercury stood before her, her fingers nervously fidgeting, avoiding Miorine's gaze. It was a timid sight, and Miorine couldn't help but feel a mix of exasperation and sympathy.
The early morning sun bathed the surroundings in a rich orange glow, casting long shadows and filling the air with a crisp chill. The artificial landscapes came alive with the crackling sounds of animals and the cheerful chirping of birds. It was a moment of change, a shift in seasons and a foreboding of what lay ahead.
Miorine winced as she observed Suletta, her mind swirling with thoughts from the previous night. Why was she still involved with this enigmatic girl? Why had she taken on the responsibility of caring and worrying about her? Yet, beneath it all, Miorine sensed a different kind of danger lurking in the shadows.
"Are you still planning to visit the boys of Harmony House, again?" Miorine asked, her voice filled with a mix of concern and skepticism.
Suletta paused, her gaze wavering as she stared down at the metal floor. After a moment, she looked up at Miorine and nodded hesitantly. "I... I would like for you to come too, Miorine," she said softly, her words carrying a hint of vulnerability.
Miorine chuckled, her hand resting on her hip as she shook her head slowly. "I don't think it's a good idea," she muttered, her tone cautious. "You've already thanked Aiden, and now you keep pushing things, Suletta."
Suletta awkwardly shrugged her shoulders, her blush deepening as she struggled to find the right words. "I... I know, but I want to hear what Oscar has to say," she replied, her voice timid. "There's so much we don't know about Harmony House, and what Aiden showed me last night... It made me curious."
Miorine's eyes widened, annoyance giving way to concern as she regarded Suletta. "Are you seriously talking about how he took you to see the fireworks on the rooftop?" she huffed, her worry seeping into her words.
Suletta nodded, her gaze dropping to the ground. "I... I found it really sweet," she murmured, her voice filled with awe. She clasped her hands together, a small smile gracing her lips. "Aiden... He respected my boundaries, Miorine. We agreed to take things slow, and he understood that."
Miorine grimaced, her disapproval evident. "Sure, but you know what Aiden wants from you, don't you?" she stated, her voice tinged with caution.
Suletta winced, her eyes widening as a blush overtook her features. She fidgeted with her fingers and let out a timid sigh. "I... I don't really know what Aiden feels for me. But we've agreed to take things slow and see if we can be friends," she said softly, her voice laced with vulnerability.
Miorine's face scrunched up in concern as she wiped the sweat from her brow. "Listen, Suletta," she began, her tone a mix of frustration and protectiveness. "I'm just not sure if diving deeper into this is a good idea. Aiden may seem nice, but people can be deceptive. And, well, I've seen you struggle with understanding others' intentions."
Suletta's gaze dropped, her shoulders hunching slightly. She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I-I know I have a hard time, but I want to give it a chance. Aiden helped me, and there's something about him that makes me believe there's more to him than meets the eye."
Miorine's eyes softened, and she stepped closer to Suletta. "I understand your desire to trust and make connections, but I worry for you. You're too kind-hearted for your own good, and sometimes people take advantage of that."
Suletta's expression turned determined, her eyes meeting Miorine's with a newfound resolve. "I appreciate your concern, Miorine, but I won't let anyone manipulate me. I'll be cautious and trust my instincts."
Miorine sighed, her protective instincts battling against her desire to support Suletta. "I just don't want to see you hurt, Suletta. Harmony House is a complicated place, and there's much we don't know."
Suletta straightened her posture, her voice gaining a touch of strength. "I understand the risks, Miorine. But I need to explore this for myself. If I don't take chances and step outside my comfort zone, I'll never grow."
Miorine's expression softened, her concern now mixed with admiration for Suletta's resilience. She reached out and gently squeezed Suletta's shoulder. "Alright, Suletta. I'll support you, but please promise me you'll stay cautious and trust your instincts."
Suletta nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. "Thank you, Miorine. Your concern means a lot to me. I'll be careful, I promise."
A surprised yelp escaped Miorine's lips as Suletta embraced her tightly.
Miorine's annoyance melted into a reluctant acceptance, her hand hesitantly trailing along Suletta's back, offering a brief, awkward pat. "It's okay," she whispered with a heavy breath, attempting to reassure Suletta.
Together, they embarked on the familiar pathway leading to House Harmony. To Suletta and Miorine, it felt surreal that they were traversing the same path they had taken to their classes, now leading them to one of the most anticipated parties of the year.
Their journey to Harmony House didn't take long. The once magnificent mansion, now tainted by the aftermath of a wild night of revelry, was undergoing a rigorous cleanup. Stains marred the walls and windows, while members of the house diligently worked to salvage the trampled flower gardens and assess the damages.
Ascending the steps of House Harmony, Miorine halted Suletta's eager hand on the doorknob. "Wait," she interjected, causing Suletta to pause. "Knock first."
Suletta, about to burst into the house, halted her impulsive action, realizing the truth in Miorine's words. "Oh, sorry," she murmured with a bashful smile, closing her eyes briefly. Miorine could only sigh and facepalm at the situation.
Miorine leaned against the wall next to the door, her gaze fixed on Suletta. "So, is this a date?" she inquired, provoking Suletta's familiar retreat into her shell after knocking.
"What?" Suletta stammered, her words faltering. "I don't... I..."
"Didn't Aiden mention it to you at the end of the night?" Miorine probed, her body casually leaning against the wall. "He might already have intentions figured out with you. Does that bother you?"
Suletta winced, her fingers fidgeting nervously as she glanced back at the door. "I don't...," she began hesitantly, scratching the back of her head. "I did want to go on dates," she stuttered, causing Miorine's eyes to widen in surprise. "But it's not what you think... it was on my list, and..."
"Ah, I see," Miorine's expression turned stone-faced as her gaze locked onto Suletta. Suddenly, Suletta squealed in response to Miorine's finger pointing directly at her chest. "Seems like you and Aiden are going to have a lot in common. Sex-crazed girl."
Confusion, embarrassment, and timidity intermingled within Suletta's features, manifesting in a symphony of peculiar sounds that left Miorine both perplexed and astounded by what she had just heard.
Miorine shrugged her shoulders, preparing to respond, but their conversation was abruptly silenced by the sound of approaching footsteps. Both of them turned their heads to identify the source, and there he stood—Oscar. With a casual wave and a smile, he greeted them, his voice dripping with playfulness. "I didn't expect a shy girl like Suletta to be so forward," he remarked.
As they locked eyes with Oscar, Miorine instinctively wrapped her arms around herself, shooting him a disapproving glare. Meanwhile, Suletta, in her typical fashion, stumbled over her words, her knees growing weak from the sudden realization that Oscar had overheard their conversation. "H-How much did you hear?" she stuttered.
"Oh, nothing really," he teased, rummaging through his satchel as he ascended the steps. Pausing, he spun back toward Suletta, a mischievous smirk gracing his lips. "Maybe something about wanting to sleep with my dear friend?"
Suletta winced, nearly on the verge of tears. Squirming with discomfort, she attempted to protest, her voice trembling. "N-No! I don't... Aiden is... he's cute, but I..."
"Wait till I tell Aiden about this," Oscar chuckled to himself, relishing in the discomfort he was causing. "You know, Suletta, Aiden would gladly take you up on your offer."
"No, thank you!" she hastily interjected, her anxiety evident in her features, as...
"Stop teasing Suletta, Oscar," Miorine intervened, her tone commanding.
Oscar let out a sigh, that sly smile still etched on his face, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Sorry, Suletta," he said, struggling to hold back his laughter, which only fueled Suletta's embarrassment. "Sometimes, you make it way too easy."
Suletta continued to stammer, but eventually managed to calm down. "What are you two doing here?" Oscar inquired. "Not that I'm complaining. It's nice to see a pair of friends. But what's up?" He turned his attention back to Suletta. "Did she start another war between houses and need her buddies from House Harmony to back her up?"
Miorine let out a chuckle, her eyes narrowing. "Friends?" she spat, her words laced with venom. "We're not friends, Oscar," she asserted. "I'd rather be alone than be friends with any of you boys from Harmony."
However, Suletta had a completely different reaction. Her gaze fixed on Oscar, as if he were the embodiment of her dreams, and she approached him with an almost starry-eyed expression. Oscar instinctively took a step back, feeling a bead of sweat trickle down his brow under her piercing gaze. "We're friends?" she asked, her voice filled with hope, her hands clasped over her chest.
Oscar muttered, feeling slightly uncomfortable. "Yeah, sure."
Her smile reached out to him, genuine and radiant, and in that fleeting moment, Oscar could comprehend the depth of Aiden's infatuation with this girl. Suletta's beaming expression conveyed a sense of joy that was infectious, filling the air with its warmth.
Meanwhile, Miorine found herself growing increasingly frustrated, fully aware that Operation: Get Suletta to See the Truth of the Harmony Boys would be an uphill battle. Among the boys, Oscar seemed to cause her the least concern. While he may have been more enamored with girls than the others, he didn't exude the same dangerous aura as Aiden or the manipulative nature of Deacon.
Her mind shifted, and the two boys loomed large in her thoughts, exposing the deceptive nature of appearances. Miorine couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between Harmony House in the daylight and its party-fueled state. Surprisingly, much of the mess from the previous night had been cleaned up, but there were still remnants of the wild festivities—a trail of discarded liquor bottles, red cups strewn about, and the remnants of various vices scattered across the grounds.
"Welcome to our humble abode," Oscar proclaimed with a wide smile, gesturing for Suletta and Miorine to follow him. "I'll give you a tour. It's easier now that I don't have all these responsibilities."
Miorine chuckled. "Responsibilities? I don't think drinking like a fish qualifies as important responsibilities."
Oscar shrugged. "Well, I was the DJ last night. I'm not too bad, but Aiden is a bit better, so I let him take over, but that was later…probably after you left."
With Oscar leading the way, Suletta and Miorine wandered through the corridors of House Harmony like curious explorers. They passed by the engineers, who were enjoying their breakfast and casting curious glances their way. They explored the living room, the kitchen, and even ventured into the communal bathrooms. Miorine was astonished—she had been to Jetturk House for business reasons before, but it was nothing compared to the extravagance and grandeur of House Harmony.
"Who did all this?" Miorine asked, her voice filled with genuine curiosity.
"Well, we all pitched in," Oscar replied. Suletta, however, was captivated by her surroundings, her teal eyes transfixed on a magnificent chandelier adorned with shimmering jewels, lending an ethereal and noble air to the house.
Oscar shrugged nonchalantly. "Deacon was the one who really organized everything for us."
"Deacon," Miorine repeated, a hint of skepticism in her voice. "He's the one who orchestrated all of this?"
Oscar nodded. "After Harmony, we needed a place to call home, and Deacon managed to strike a deal with our benefactor." He ran his fingers through his hair. "It was hard work, but Deacon took charge and transformed this place into a true home for us."
Miorine's shoulders relaxed, her judgment easing slightly. Despite Deacon's manipulative tendencies, he had provided these boys with a sense of belonging when they had nowhere else to turn.
But Miorine wasn't one to let her guard down easily. Her gaze sharpened as she locked eyes with Oscar. "Benefactor?" she questioned, her tone laced with suspicion. Oscar's eyes widened momentarily, a flicker of recognition passing between them. Miorine's keen senses honed from her position as an heiress to a major enterprise had picked up on something. "I wasn't aware that House Harmony had a mysterious benefactor supporting them."
Oscar's nonchalant shrug didn't sit well with Miorine. Beneath his scrambling smile, she detected a hint of something hidden. "Every major house needs a benefactor to attend and sponsor them," he replied with a shrug.
Miorine waved it off dismissively. "Must be a lousy benefactor then," she retorted, her voice laced with both teasing and challenge. She watched as Oscar's smile faded, his eyes narrowing. For a moment, she saw a glimpse of someone else behind his playboy façade, realizing just how tall he actually was.
Compared to the other House Harmony boys, Oscar was the shortest, standing at six-one. Still, his presence was commanding, and Miorine felt small in comparison. She observed as his jaw tightened in response to her words. "Deacon," he muttered, his lips pursed. Miorine sensed the internal struggle within him. "I talked to both Aiden and Deacon about what happened, and they both expressed remorse."
"Really?" Miorine snapped, her anger barely contained. "So, it's all forgiven and forgotten because they felt bad?"
"I know what they did was wrong," Oscar shot back, his tone firm. "I understand why it made you uncomfortable and annoyed. But Aiden didn't go through with it, and Deacon is facing the consequences of his actions. Nika hasn't spoken to him..."
Miorine felt a pang of responsibility deep within her heart, recalling Nika's excitement at Deacon's text. However, she shook her head. Nika deserved to know the truth. "Do you blame me?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Surprisingly, Oscar slowly shook his head. "You underestimate us," he said solemnly. "Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the company of women, but I don't condone manipulation of any kind."
"Really? Because your house leader..."
"You don't know Deacon," Oscar interrupted, his voice filled with a mixture of conviction and sadness. He turned his gaze behind him, noticing Suletta's attention shift from the dazzling chandelier to the portraits of House Harmony members. Suletta's eyes lingered on the images, her confusion apparent as she focused on a particular photo.
"I know enough," Miorine countered.
Oscar winced at her words. "I'm sorry for what he did," he admitted, his head hanging slightly. "Everything here, everything... Miorine, it's all Deacon's doing. He found us, found a benefactor, and he taught us that we were more than just weapons... I'm sorry for what happened, and I've reprimanded my friend for his actions. I truly am sorry."
Miorine winced, her eyes widening as she looked at the portraits of the House Harmony members, and a sudden realization started to dawn on her. "Home," she repeated softly, the weight of the truth sinking in. Memories flooded her mind—the conversations with Oscar about his mother, the encounter with Aiden Winters in the greenhouse and his talk of his mother. It all clicked now...
Her eyes flew open wide as she locked gazes with Oscar. "You're all..." she began, her voice trailing off.
But Oscar's eyes already confirmed her suspicions. He sighed, a seriousness in his demeanor that she hadn't seen before. "We're not the bad guys," he responded. "We're lost... some more than others. Deacon helped us find our way and gave us something great. He taught us that we weren't just weapons of a dead world, but..."
His words were cut short by a crash, causing Miorine to wince. Suletta stammered an apology, and Oscar rushed to the source of the noise. Miorine was taken aback by the conversation, but her focus remained unyielding. She watched as Oscar sighed, leaning over to pick up the fallen photo. His eyes lingered on it for a moment before placing it back on the table.
"You're alright, Suletta," Oscar said, his smile returning.
Suletta averted her gaze, her face turning red as she replied, "I saw all of you in that photo, but I also saw..."
"Daniel," he murmured softly, pain evident in his voice. Miorine could sense the weight of the past as his eyes lingered on the old photo.
How long had it been since they joined the warband... the main warband? When did they take that photo? Back then, they were fueled by anger and a thirst for revenge to avenge their families and their world. But what had they truly achieved? Oscar clenched his teeth for a moment, hiding his emotions from Suletta, though Miorine caught a glimpse of it.
Oscar let out a slow sigh as Suletta turned to him with her well-meaning smile. "Where is he?" she asked. Her tone wasn't accusatory like Miorine's or rude; instead, it reflected genuine interest in Daniel. However, Oscar remained silent.
"We've been here for too long, Suletta," he spoke with a dismissive wave, beckoning the girls forward. "Come on, let's meet the rest of everyone."
"But we've already met everyone," Suletta retorted.
"Nah," he responded. "You've only seen us when we were stressed. Now you're going to truly meet us. Come on, Suletta." Oscar waved her forward, and she eagerly complied with a smile.
Miorine felt a strange sense of unease. Oscar knew something, and the warnings from Shaddiq were becoming more pressing in the back of her mind. The benefactor, House Harmony, and now Daniel... she sensed that these pieces were all connected to something bigger, but she couldn't quite grasp what it was.
However, Miorine couldn't shake off the echoes of Oscar's words, the echoes of Jack's words reverberating in her mind. Was this... was this her fault?
Sure, Shaddiq was someone she knew, not quite a friend but not a stranger either. Yet, she lacked sufficient information. Shaddiq could very well be playing mind games with her. Harmony House now held the power, and stirring up trouble between the fiancé and the Holder could prove disastrous in the battle for the Holder's position.
Similarly, Oscar had a valid point. House Harmony found themselves in a precarious situation, and Miorine couldn't help but wonder if it was a consequence of Deacon's mastery of manipulation or simply a young man struggling under the weight of leadership. Building a house, keeping his people in line—the burden of such responsibility at a young age could easily crush a person. Miorine wasn't forgiving the pair, but there was a difference between understanding and forgiveness. And if House Harmony dealt in currency rather than morality, it presented a double-edged sword—one that Miorine could exploit if necessary.
"We're heading to Aiden's room first!" Oscar called out as they ascended the steps.
"Aiden's..." Suletta's voice trembled with the infatuation of a high school crush, her mind flashing with the vivid memories of the previous night. Her heart steadied as his image grew clearer in her mind. She nodded slowly in agreement.
Miorine followed closely behind as they made their way up the stairs. However, Oscar paused with a sigh. "Maybe..." He shrugged his shoulders, absentmindedly running his fingers through his hair. Faint notes of a piano reached their ears, the melody pausing momentarily before resuming, a steady rhythm repeating itself.
Miorine halted, captivated by the music that graced her ears, stumbling over her words. "Who's playing?"
Oscar turned towards the girls, halting their advance. "Aiden," he said, shrugging. "He's probably in there, mixing his beats."
"Mixing?" Suletta's voice was filled with confusion.
"Yeah," Oscar replied with anticipation. "Aiden's probably cooking up a storm in there right now."
"Cooking?" Suletta's bewilderment lingered, her brows furrowing. Oscar turned his attention to Miorine, who let out an exasperated sigh, struggling to comprehend.
Oscar shrugged again. "Aiden is here at the academy for two reasons," he explained, a smile forming. "Pilot certification and a music degree."
Miorine stared at him, a look of complete disbelief etched on her face. "He's here for a... music degree?"
"And that's why Aiden doesn't like sharing it with everyone," Oscar lectured, wrapping his arms around himself. "What's so hard to believe? He's incredibly talented, and..."
Miorine came to a sudden halt, her mind unable to process the overwhelming surprises that had bombarded her throughout the week. She simply shook her head in disbelief. Too many unexpected revelations, and now this ruthless boy who had barged into the academy had come here for a music degree.
"He's really good," Oscar said with a hint of admiration and pride in his voice. "All the music you heard last night, he produced it."
Suletta's eyes sparkled with excitement as her hands clasped together. "That's amazing!" she exclaimed. "They were all so wonderful!"
"Yeah," Oscar turned his gaze towards Miorine. "That's another thing Deacon did. He restored our hope and set us on a better path."
Miorine couldn't help but roll her eyes, looking back up at Oscar. "So, are we going to see Aiden, or are we just going to stand around here?"
"Alright, fine," Oscar retorted.
He motioned for them to follow him as they approached the first wooden door on the left. Oscar's hand reached for the doorknob, but Miorine raised a protest. "Aren't you going to knock?" she asked.
Oscar smirked dismissively, brushing off her concern. He opened the door, revealing the interior of Aiden Winters' room. Miorine had her own preconceived notions of what to expect from Aiden Winters—a boy who had once opened up about flowers but had been replaced in her mind by the brutalization of Guel and his aggressive behavior towards his enemies. His frat boy demeanor and his approach to the Holder position had certainly influenced her opinion of him negatively.
She had imagined Aiden's room to be akin to a dungeon—dark, small, and oppressive. A single bed covered in contraceptives, a punching bag in the corner, dented from his outbursts of aggression. Guns, knives, and all manner of violent objects strewn across the floor, walls, and ceiling.
However, Miorine was taken aback by what she saw. Oscar lingered in the doorway of Aiden's dorm room, taking a step forward. "He's got his headphones on right now, but you can come in," he said, motioning for them to enter. Suletta and Miorine hesitantly followed suit.
Aiden's dorm room was surprisingly spacious—possibly the size of a standard master bedroom, a testament to the grandeur of the mansion it had once been. The floor was made of comforting wood, and Miorine noticed a doormat in front of the door. She watched as Oscar kicked off his shoes and neatly placed them on the mat. Suletta and Miorine followed suit.
There was a coat rack with three jackets hanging from it—one standard academy jacket and two others of different styles. Miorine's eyes swept across the room in a single sweep, shattering her prior assumptions and fantasies.
The room they entered had a wooden closet next to the door, its contents of sweaters, dress shirts, and various clothes visible through the open doors. A king-sized mattress and frame occupied the center of the room, with dressers positioned at the foot of the bed, made of the same material as the closet. Instead of traditional lighting, a ring of LED lights in a vibrant purple hue illuminated the space, casting an enchanting amethyst glow upon their figures.
Posters adorned the walls, featuring iconic musicians, movies, and video games. The bed was unkempt, but overall the room maintained a decent level of tidiness for a young man. Miorine, however, couldn't place the significance of the table that caught her attention in that moment.
Suletta's fascination roamed freely through the room, her gaze settling on the details that Miorine hadn't yet noticed—the instruments. In one corner stood a guitar case, next to the bed sat a violin, and neatly arranged against the closet were stacks of discs for Earth music players.
"Wow, this is so cool," Suletta whispered to herself, her fingers intertwined as her eyes sparkled under the purple glow.
Aiden, not in his uniform, wore only his socks, a sweatshirt, and a pair of sweatpants. A cigarette hung loosely from his lips as he remained engrossed in the music before him. The table, clearly not a school-furnished piece, had been crafted specifically for his mixing and producing gear.
Equipped with a keyboard and a sizable screen, his mixing table also housed his other machinery, while his headphones clung tightly to his ears. It took him a moment to realize that three people now occupied his room. His voice escaped his lips, exclaiming, "Oh shit," as his cigarette dropped to the floor, drawing the trio's attention.
"Hey, Aiden," Oscar greeted with a smile, turning to Suletta and Miorine, extending his hand as he smirked. "I brought visitors."
Suletta waved in greeting, while Miorine simply glared at him. "Oh, hi," he acknowledged, waving back with his free hand.
Suletta and Aiden locked eyes for a moment, their connection palpable. He sighed as he shifted his gaze to the pair. "I didn't realize you both would be coming so early."
Miorine shrugged nonchalantly. "Suletta dragged me here," she admitted. "She wanted to see you."
Suletta's features tightened, a blush creeping across her face. "Miorine, that's not—"
"I'm flattered, Suletta," Aiden interjected.
Her timid self fully emerged as she let out a heavy breath, her eyes fixed on him, while Oscar made his way toward Aiden's bed and plopped himself down on the edge.
"You got a smoke?" Oscar asked.
Aiden shrugged indifferently. "You got money?"
Oscar winced at the response. "Come on, Aiden," he pleaded.
"You know I'm just messing with you," Aiden said, cracking open his carton and tossing his lighter and cigarette to Oscar. "You owe me one now."
"As always," Oscar replied nonchalantly, sparking the smoke and taking a drag before passing it back to Aiden.
"Aiden," Suletta spoke, her voice deepening as the cigarette made its way back to Aiden. Her features tensed, her gaze locked onto his as she pointed her finger, fidgeting in place. "Smoking... it's very bad for you," she muttered. "I won't tell you how to live your life, but I don't think you should be doing that."
Aiden paused, eyeing the smoke and then Suletta. His gaze shifted towards Oscar, their eyes having a silent conversation, unbeknownst to Suletta and Miorine. Both girls stared, unaware of the unspoken exchange between two longtime friends.
Aiden's eyes bore into Oscar's, speaking volumes. "Should I just do it... she did say she wasn't going to tell me how to live my life?"
But Oscar saw the train of thought, and his eyes darted towards Suletta and Miorine, practically conveying, "Miorine already dislikes you, and Suletta has barely tolerated your bullshit these past few days. You've made numerous bad impressions, not only on yourself but on the entire house. Don't do it. She's testing you."
Aiden sighed, his sigh causing Suletta to feel a twinge of fear at the possibility of losing him as a friend. However, he flicked the cigarette out the window. "Done," he declared, a forced smirk playing on his lips, which Suletta mirrored.
Her gaze wandered back to his instruments and the room. "I really like your room," she said.
"Thanks, Suletta," he replied. "It's my space, my music studio. I don't want to work in a blank slate."
"That would be Jack," Oscar chimed in.
"Definitely Jack," Aiden agreed with a slight chuckle.
Suletta chuckled along, thoroughly enjoying their banter. Aiden leaned back in his seat, and Miorine continued to watch from her standing position. They laughed and joked so effortlessly with each other. Miorine had always been a lonely girl, and witnessing such camaraderie...
Suletta began exploring the room, taking in all the items, posters, and music equipment. It was as if she were a cat in a new space, cautiously trying things out before making any significant advances.
"You play a lot of instruments, Aiden," Suletta remarked once again.
"Yeah, my mom got me into it," Aiden confessed, a slight blush coloring his cheeks. "I don't really like—"
"Oh, that's cap," Oscar interjected. "This guy will stay up day and night playing."
Suletta's mouth formed an "O" as she approached the pair. "Really?" she exclaimed. Aiden tried to dismiss it as not a big deal, but Suletta's smile and wide eyes of interest made him stumble over his words. "That's amazing, Aiden."
Aiden's features turned even redder, his heart pounding heavily in his chest in response to the stream of compliments. "Come here, Suletta," he said, beckoning her closer.
She stepped over and stood beside him as he sat in his chair. "I'm working on a new song right now. Do you want to hear it?"
He handed her the headphones, and she took them in both hands, bringing them to her ears. Aiden clicked on the music, and he watched Suletta's eyes widen. Her hands clasped together as she stared at him in wonder. He observed the beats lining up on the large screen as the girl next to him became enthralled.
Oscar chuckled at the sight while Miorine stood awkwardly, unsure of where to look. "Miorine, you can sit down if you want," Aiden offered.
Miorine winced, her pride getting the better of her. "I can stand," she declared.
"You can stand," Aiden repeated, shrugging it off.
Suletta smoothed out her hair, tucking away the stray strands as she handed back the headphones, her gaze returning to Aiden. "That was really nice."
Aiden's eyes widened, and he settled into a more comfortable stance. "I can play a lot of things," he said, rising from his seat and strolling around the room. Suletta's eyes followed him, a smirk playing on her lips. "Guitar, piano, violin... anything you want, I can do."
Oscar's eyes widened at that. Aiden, for all the years he had known him, had never showcased his talents like this. Yet, as he looked at Suletta, there was a strange glint in Aiden's eyes that Oscar couldn't quite comprehend.
"I won't lie, though," Suletta spoke up. "I'm a bit jealous... you seem really talented, and I..."
Aiden waved her off, cutting her off mid-sentence. "It's nothing, really," he said. "I bet you have your own talents."
Suletta stumbled over her words, interlocking her fingers and averting her gaze. But Aiden persisted. "Come on, Suletta, don't sell yourself short," he urged. "You've got to tell me something about yourself right now. I know for a fact that a girl like you can't be ordinary."
Suletta felt a slight compliment in his words. She paused, stammering out her answer. "I guess... I'm good at piloting. I've been flying aerial units since I was young."
"You've been piloting mobile suits since you were young?" Oscar interjected.
"Yeah," Suletta nodded, oblivious to the strange expression on Oscar's face. "Me and my mother were on Mercury for a really long time. They needed someone skilled enough to rescue and help people."
Aiden nodded with a smile. "That's really admirable, Suletta," he said.
However, Oscar was slightly horrified. He stared at Aiden, then back at Suletta. "How young are we talking?" Oscar waved his hand in disbelief. Suletta looked at him, her gaze focused. "Like, I mean, me and Aiden started when we were, like, what... twelve, maybe thirteen?"
Suletta shrugged her shoulders. "More like nine?"
Oscar nearly spat out his words, struggling to maintain composure. "Wait, you were nine when you were doing that crap?" His feverish gaze shifted between the three of them. "That's allowed?"
"Well, I can imagine that rules on Mercury are different," Suletta reasoned.
"I can imagine that putting a child in a death suit would be universally illegal," lectured Oscar. "Almost like Harmony did the same thing, and they got pretty fucking persecuted for it."
Aiden was too smitten with Suletta to see the danger signs, and Suletta was too naive to recognize the strangeness of it all. Oscar's eyes flickered to Miorine, and she mirrored his reaction. His hands ran through his ruffled hair as he studied Suletta, his thoughts drifting back to her peculiar mech. He had seen it outside of his cockpit, and it just looked... off.
"It was my mother," Suletta explained, drawing the attention of all three. "She and I had to pull our weight on Mercury. So, she would send me out, it was a mixture of training and..."
Oscar's eyes widened. "Training and..."
"Helping people," Suletta finished. Her smile sent warmth down Aiden's spine, but it sent a chill down Oscar's.
Oscar sighed, his gaze shifting between the three. "Hey, Aiden," he spoke up, snapping Aiden's attention back to him. "Where are Deacon and Jack?"
"They're having a meeting with Jetturk," Aiden replied. However, Suletta and Miorine had no idea what was going on.
"Is... everything alright?" Miorine asked.
"Yeah," Aiden scowled. "Deacon just wants to try out a new deal."
"A deal?" Miorine questioned, her mind harking back to the previous night with Jack and Oscar. They had discussed a strange deal, something going on between them. But because she and Suletta were around, Oscar had reprimanded Jack and shut him up.
Miorine's eyes went wide, and she instantly snapped them shut. Enough. She had had enough. The secrets, the manipulation, the strangeness. Everything had reached its limit, and she was done.
"All right," she whirled around, focusing on Suletta. "You talked to Aiden and Oscar, maybe we should leave because Deacon and Jack aren't here."
Suletta pouted instantly. "Come on, Miorine, just a bit longer."
"No," Miorine scolded harshly. "You had your time. Aiden seems busy and..."
"I can take a break," Aiden responded with a smirk.
"Maybe you guys should leave," Oscar suddenly spoke up. His gaze shifted towards Suletta and Miorine. "Deacon and Jack are probably going to want to talk to us in private, and just having non-house members would be kind of..."
"Dude," Aiden whispered into his ear. "What are you doing? I am really..."
"No, Aiden," Oscar shot down. His gaze lingered towards Miorine and Suletta, who seemed to be having the same argument, differing only in gender.
"How about this, Suletta," Aiden remarked, causing the girl to whirl towards him. "Today is already a busy day. But before fall really starts, we can all get together and just relax. We can hang out by the river."
Suletta nodded along with the idea, while Oscar felt a biting sensation in his thigh. He heard the whir of his student notebook in his pocket as they started to bid their goodbyes.
"Wait," Suletta spoke up before she left. "I don't have your contact information."
"Oh, that," Aiden said.
They exchanged devices, typing in each other's names and handing them back. They said their goodbyes as Oscar and Aiden stared at each other.
"What was that about?" Aiden shuffled his feet. "You bring her into my room and then kick her out just as quickly, and..."
"Why do you like Suletta Mercury so much?"
"What?" Aiden gazed at him, not breaking eye contact as they peered at each other.
"Dude, there's something not right about that girl. Did you hear what she just said?"
Aiden threw up his hands as he went back to his music. "So what," he waved off. "She's from Mercury and..."
"Her mother had her piloting a mech at nine years old... nine years old doing fucking rescue missions and training her skills," Oscar's eyes went wide as he realized the magnitude of his words. "Do you not realize how wrong that is?"
Aiden's features tightened, but he let out a sigh. "Listen, I don't know Mercury like that and their rules and..."
"Harmony did the same thing, and we were persecuted by the whole damn galaxy," Oscar interjected.
Aiden winced. "That was different," he said, his gaze shifting towards the door. "Suletta Mercury, she was protecting people at nine years old and became a great pilot. She's seventeen now, imagine how strong she actually is?"
A false chuckle escaped Oscar, his eyes narrowing as he locked onto Aiden. "Protecting and training," he repeated with a sigh, his tone dripping with cynicism. "Those were the words that Suletta's mother used to convince her daughter to step into a damn death machine. It just reminds me of something..."
"What?" Aiden asked, his curiosity piqued.
"It reminds me of what the Milita used to tell our parents," Oscar's hand went to the back of his head, a sick smile spreading across his face. "Right after beating the ones that resisted, as we were kidnapped from our homes and had electronics jammed in our skulls. 'Protecting and training' along the deadly rings of Mercury," he scoffed.
"What a load of bullshit."