Author Note: This one may be the longest chapter yet. 11k words and on word this was nearly 30 pages. A lot of stuff happened here and I wrote this in basically all one sitting, but I am glad with the way it turned out. This has become one of my favorites. This one is more "Mature" and I want to remind everyone that within the fic Suletta is 18-19 and Aiden is 19-20. You can have an idea of what's going to happen. I don't want to deal with no complaining you guys kind of understand the gist of what's going on here, if you have a problem don't read, simple as that. Thanks everyone for reading, for constant support, following, favoriting, commenting and revieiwng. I am tired so I won't be responding to reviews, but next chapter I am planning on doing response and stuff. Still, this one came out pretty nice and sweet. After this, where focusing on the Shaddiq part of season 1 and THEN STRIAGHT to the end of Season 1. Thanks for becoming apart of this journey. I hope you enjoy.

Best Regards,

IthorianJedi243

Chapter 42 - Suletta's Anger, Suletta's Love

Aiden, Oscar, and Deacon stood around the Harmony House dining table. It was long, wide, and made of polished wood that gleamed warmly, especially during the early morning when the sun's rays would pierce through the windows. But today, the windows were shut against the relentless snow. Though the storm had eased slightly, the sky remained steel gray, and the wind still cut like a knife.

Oscar was the only one sitting, his eyes fixed on the table. Aiden had just recounted what happened after he left the first Gund-Arm meeting: getting a sandwich, Shaddiq's offer, Parker's challenge, and then the duel.

Oscar's eyes widened, lost in thought. Deacon passed him a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and Oscar's gaze clung to the swirling, brown liquid.

"Thanks, Deke," Oscar muttered, taking the cup in both hands and sipping.

"No problem," Deacon replied, sinking into a chair himself. Aiden remained standing, arms crossed, eyes narrowed.

Deacon's sigh broke the silence. "So, Shaddiq is our enemy now?"

Aiden shrugged. "It seems too convenient to believe this is all just circumstance."

Deacon nodded. "The fact that he came to you with an offer for Miorine's hand, and then Parker challenged you... He practically oversees the ring, yet he and his girls were nowhere to be found. No one was alerted. They just packed up the mechs and are sending the corpses home."

Aiden's eyes widened. "Corpses," he repeated, sneering. "The damned fools. I don't know what the hell they were thinking," his tone was sharp, filled with contempt.

"They weren't," Oscar said, gently swirling his cup, watching the hot chocolate coat the edges. "Shaddiq probably filled their heads with information about you and the titans. They gambled and figured you would die, Aiden."

"I know," Aiden replied, facepalming. "I know, trust me, I know."

Oscar sighed. "That bastard, both Shaddiq and Parker. They probably thought numbers would win the battle," he scoffed. "The stupidity."

Aiden's sneer deepened. "Stupid boys, stupid girls... They would've woken up today, gone to classes tomorrow, and been fine. Now their moms and dads are going to receive their corpses. And for what?" His voice rose, echoing through the manor, laden with frustration and sorrow.

Oscar and Deacon were stunned into silence.

Aiden sneered, his voice trembling. "I killed five of them, not counting Parker," he said, his breath rattling. "I get it, it was self-defense... but they were so stupid. They had their whole lives ahead of them, and for what? So Parker could be the holder... Did that fool even think for a second that Shaddiq was playing him? Did he even comprehend how 'holding' the position until Miorine's birthday is practically torture? If I died that day... Parker would've just died the next."

Aiden's glare burned into the table. "Stupid boys and girls... They brought women, Deacon. I killed girls and..." His form shook as he struggled to continue.

Deacon sighed and rose, walking over to Aiden and placing a hand on his shoulder. "Aiden, I get what you mean, but this was self-defense... This was on Parker. Like a fool, he became a pawn to these corporations. He dragged his friends into this mess. Just remember, Suletta dismantled three of them. On the bright side... three were spared."

"On the bright side!" Aiden shouted, shoving Deacon's hand off his shoulder. "This is a fucking school, Deke. I didn't sign up to be killing kids my age!" His voice echoed with a mix of fury and despair.

Oscar looked at Aiden, then at Deacon. Aiden was always a hothead, but this was different. After this duel, he seemed more mellow, more... scared and reflective on what had happened, and what could've happened.

Running his hands through his wild locks of hair, Aiden struggled with his emotions. Oscar spoke up, trying to calm him. "Aiden, you had no choice, remember Elan?"

Aiden sneered. "Elan planted a bomb in Suletta's mech. He had it coming. But this... they weren't involved with Peil or Jeturk. They were just some shitty home company that barely passed the margin. Deacon, these kids come from normal homes. They didn't need to..."

Aiden went silent, his hands clenching into fists. He pulled out a chair and buried his head in his hands. "I killed people today, I nearly died today, and for what... for some fucking race that I don't even want to be a part of?" he spat. "I don't love Miorine!" he shouted, his voice booming and leaving the others speechless.

"Before, it was just teasing... but Suletta, she would've had to live with that," Aiden continued, his voice breaking. "You guys, Prospera, her, and everyone else. In that moment, I didn't realize the effect my life had on other people. Listen, I will risk my life to protect those I care for... if you, or Oscar, or Jack, or Suletta, or Miorine, or even fucking Cecilia was in trouble, I'd help and fight. But this... what was the point of this bloodshed?" he shouted, his voice raw with emotion.

Aiden slammed his fist into the table, causing Oscar to scramble and steady his cup. The impact echoed through the room, a sharp punctuation to the silence that followed.

Deacon sighed, weariness etched into his features. "It seems like you finally comprehend just how important your life is to everyone around you."

Aiden sneered, turning his head away. "Want to know something fucked up?" He chuckled awkwardly, a sound that lacked any real mirth. The others just stared as he continued. "I... I... I thought about my music and my clients."

Oscar and Deacon exchanged a glance, concern mirrored in their eyes.

Oscar scratched the back of his head. "W-well, it's your art. You're very passionate about it and..."

Aiden cut him off. "I was thinking of all the music I made, all the beats, the time it took to make artist connections. I was waiting to tell everyone…" He paused, taking a deep breath. "Did you know that Spacien Rapper, Lil Deez, his song that he just released a couple of days ago… it's on the top charts."

Deacon and Oscar's eyes widened.

Oscar rose from his chair, staring at Aiden in disbelief. "Wait, I know you've been working with him for months… Are you saying that?"

Aiden nodded, but there was no humor or happiness in it. He turned his head away again. "I was just tantruming about the whole Gund-Arm thing, and I felt kind of offended that Miorine just ordered me to make the jingle, so I kept it to myself. I wasn't going to hide it, but I just wasn't in the mood to talk about it. Now, it's on the top charts, and more people are going to ask me to help them with their music. I could get a record deal…"

Deacon's eyes widened, a proud smile spreading across his face. "Atta boy!" he shouted, his voice filled with pride. Even Oscar was laughing from the shock of it all.

"We're going to be rich!" Oscar shouted, rising from his seat and throwing his hands into the air.

Deacon got up and started to walk into the kitchen. "I know it's fucking early, but fuck it!" he shouted, turning back to face them with a wide smile. "This is why we left the Long War, because I knew we had more to us than just holding guns and fighting in mechs. Now, look at you, Aiden Winters. You can be the next Kanye or space Frank Ocean or whatever!" Deacon shouted, rummaging through the cupboards. "I know I've got some alcohol tucked away. Seems like as good a reason as any to celebrate…"

"Deacon, Oscar, I appreciate this and your praise... but I nearly fucking died yesterday." Aiden's words sliced through the air, silencing the laughter and smiles. His hands clutched the sides of his head, fingers digging into his scalp. "I... I don't know why I feel like this. Even when I lost my limbs, all I felt was hate, a burning rage at the IMC, and an insatiable urge to kill. I didn't want to give up, didn't want to hang up my jacket and just…"

Oscar's eyes widened. "Woah, woah, Aiden, what are you…"

Aiden's breath came heavy and ragged. "Oscar, Deacon, I don't know if I can keep doing this... With Elan, I got lucky. I realize that now. But this... How am I supposed to continue fighting when I have a career on the line… Suletta on the line!"

Oscar's mind flashed back to their phone conversation. Aiden had spoken of all the things he wanted to do with Suletta. With his career trajectory, he could offer her a life of award shows, paid vacations, the life of an artist. He could give Suletta the galaxy and more.

Deacon settled back into his chair, his own thoughts aligning with Oscar's. "You've realized that fighting isn't…"

Aiden took a heavy breath. "Guel was a worthy adversary. I don't mind fighting for sport... but to risk my life for nothing, practically." His gaze darted between his two brothers. "I'm going to have to live with the people I've killed for the rest of my life. I'll carry Parker's ghost with me forever, and the souls of his dead friends and comrades." Aiden locked eyes with Deacon. "You were right, Deke. I am sorry."

Aiden facepalmed, Oscar watching him closely before shooting a glance at Deacon.

"Aiden, what is going on?" Oscar began. "Come on, man... we're brothers. You can tell us anything."

Aiden sneered. "Harmony is a radioactive wasteland that you can't even step on without radiation gear. Jack Cooper is dead, the titans are gone, the militia is gone, and from what I did... now the IMC is gone. My mother is dead, and I buried her. What more can I fight for?" Aiden looked at them both, his eyes hollow. "Our revenge, the legion's revenge. They don't even understand what Harmony represents, the brotherhood of the nails. You were right, Deke… we were born from water, forged in fire, and one day we'll be nothing but dust to feed the stars. Why fight a war that's already lost, a war that's over?"

The room fell into a heavy silence, each word lingering like a specter. The weight of Aiden's confession pressed on them all, a stark reminder of the ghosts they carried and the battles that had shaped them.

Deacon shot him a look. "A-Aiden, I applaud the fact that you realize how meaningless the Long War was. We fought the battles, got our revenge, and you, Oscar, and Jack put the final nail in the IMC. I'm glad you realize it's over."

He stuttered and raised his hand. "I get what you mean, and trust me, Shaddiq and I already have problems, but you can't just give up like this…"

Aiden was about to speak, but Deacon continued quickly. "I'm not saying you should risk your life or anything. I completely understand if you don't want to be involved in the race anymore. I applaud you for that. But what about Miorine?"

Aiden shook his head. "I'm not giving up on Miorine, but we all need to have a very long conversation with her, maybe even including Prospera in the mix." Oscar's features shifted at the mention of Prospera, but it went unnoticed by both Aiden and Deacon. "Shaddiq was right about one thing: how are we going to get her to Earth?"

The question hung between the three boys, and Deacon awkwardly scratched the back of his head. "I don't know," Deacon admitted. "Everything and more has been happening, and…"

Oscar nodded. "It's only a couple more months, Deke," he said, his gaze drifting towards Aiden. "But I agree with you, Aiden. The real question is, how?"

Deacon wrapped his arms around himself, his eyes narrowing as they flicked between the pair. "There is an option," he said.

All eyes glued to him. Deacon sighed. "We can… sell it. Like how we were trying to do in the beginning of the year."

Aiden and Oscar's eyes flared, and Aiden slammed his hand into the table. "No!" he shouted, his tone so deafening that even the Harmony Engineers in the same house were silenced. "I will not sell Miorine off like... like a broodmare!" His words were laced with hate and anger.

Deacon raised both arms in a placating gesture. "I know, and I'm not talking about selling Miorine off to someone like Guel who's aggressive or Shaddiq who obviously doesn't deserve her," Deacon sighed. "But the Benrett Group is full of many different corporations. Like you said, Parker had to come from some corporation. How about Miorine looks through their catalog, we schedule dates and interviews, and maybe Miorine can pick who she…"

Aiden slammed his fist on the table again. "No," he said, his tone resolute. "A deal is a deal, Deke. I am not going to sell Miorine off. We are going to find a way to get her to Earth, a way that she can avoid her father's influence, and a way that she can live the life she wants."

Deacon's sigh was heavy, but he smiled at Aiden's determination. "You're right, Aiden, and I agree with you. But like you said before, this whole thing is going to get far harder, and we don't have much time. You mentioned Delling... I fear he won't just let Miorine go. He won't let you go either."

Aiden fell silent, and Deacon continued. "You just told us about how he came to you at the award show... He obviously favors you. Likewise, you haven't received any punishment or anything... Why do you think that is?"

Aiden sneered. "Because Delling respects strength."

Deacon nodded. "...and whose strength is greater than everyone else's?"

Oscar sighed and facepalmed. "So, we don't just have to worry about Miorine leaving her father's clutches. He favors Aiden as well?"

As Deacon and Oscar continued to speak, Aiden felt a buzz in his pocket. He pulled out his notebook/phone, his eyes widening as he saw the name that had just messaged him.

Oscar massaged his temples. "Okay, okay, let's think about what we do know. I don't like the idea of selling Miorine either. She's our friend, and she's been a wonderful help to us. Whether she finds a suitor or not, it's best to get her away from all this."

Aiden tapped along the phone keyboard, sweat beading on his brow. He stared at the roof with a distant gaze, then deleted his earlier response.

Deacon spoke again. "Okay, that's fine... but I like Aiden's idea of talking to Prospera about helping Miorine. She's been a wonderful help. Heck, I didn't even know she made me a special mech for my command role," Deacon snickered. "She really wasn't doing much before Suletta came around, and I kind of lost hope. But she found us after Dan's death and gave us an olive branch. Maybe, since Suletta and Miorine are best friends…"

Aiden facepalmed, now vigorously typing up a response.

Oscar raised an eyebrow. "I don't want to get Prospera involved in this," he said, leaning into his chair. "First off, she works for the Benrett Group, and that would just draw attention to her. This never involved her in the first place. Likewise, how do you even know she won't bring it up to Delling for brownie points?"

The room fell into a contemplative silence, the gravity of their situation pressing down on them like a physical weight. The flickering light from the snowstorm outside cast eerie shadows on the walls, adding to the somber mood.

Deacon's eyes widened. "Oscar, what do you mean...?"

Aiden emitted a weary, troubled groan as all eyes at the table turned towards him.

"What?" Deacon asked, confusion etching his features.

Aiden facepalmed. "I told Suletta I have COVID."

Oscar's eyes widened, then he shot a skeptical look back to Deacon. "But you don't," he stated flatly.

Aiden nodded. "She wants to talk today."

Oscar slapped both of his cheeks in exasperation. "You fucking idiot... she saw you yesterday. She knows you're probably just avoiding her and..."

Deacon shot Oscar a warning glance. "Okay," Deacon dragged the word out. "I remember it was late and she was tired and..."

Aiden shook his head. "Nope, she just checked to make sure I was alive and okay. I tried talking to her about what happened, but she just walked away and went to drop off the Aerial. I texted her last night, but she left me on read..."

Both Oscar and Deacon were stunned. "Woah," Deacon said.

Oscar chuckled. "Holy crap, you really pissed her off," he commented. "Heck, I didn't think Suletta had it in her."

Aiden covered his face with both hands, sighing deeply. "She reached out to me saying that she was just going to walk over here, wants to have a private conversation now, and even told me to get my coat so we can talk outside where no one could hear us."

Deacon looked at Aiden, his eyes wide. "Shit man... I don't know what to say."

Aiden looked back at him. "Didn't Nika do something like..."

Deacon shrugged. "Nika left because I was too afraid to really talk to her about what happened," he sighed, leaning back into his chair. "We hadn't kissed yet and that was before everything really escalated, so it was easier, I suppose, for her to just kind of lose her feelings. Don't get me wrong, everything is way better now, but I can understand why Suletta is pretty pissed."

Aiden groaned again and let his forehead thump against the wooden table. "Oh my god," he whimpered, thumping his head down again. "I am a fucking idiot."

The somber air lingered, mixing with the dim light filtering through the closed windows, shadowing their faces with the grey hues of the ongoing snowstorm outside.

"The biggest of fucking idiots," Oscar reiterated, shaking his head. "Shaddiq played you like a fiddle, and Parker just pressed your ego. Aiden, you nearly died, and Suletta... she's the kind of girl who would be happy with the person who truly makes her happy, and that's you." He sighed deeply. "Aiden, you've got so much going for you. You have a promising career, you're tall, you play instruments and make beautiful music. And no homo, but you are handsome. Ignoring the possible ADHD, and even with your leg, arm, and eye being replaced, you've never let it stop you. These Gund-Arm prosthetics are incredible. Aiden, I can feel water along my feet when I shower. They don't hinder us. You've had a few flings here and there, but Suletta is special to you, and you to her. Has it never crossed your mind that she may have already chosen you as the person she wants forever?"

Aiden hadn't thought of it that way. He recalled a few past encounters. One girl during the long war; they kissed, but he left her crying to continue fighting. Jack was furious with him for that. The second and third were at the academy. One was a senior, his first sexual experience—fleeting and purely physical. Another was a girl from Peil house, a month before Suletta's arrival. That fizzled out because she wanted someone with a future in the Benrett Group, not someone like Aiden with aspirations in the arts. She hated his smoking, despised the weed, and their sex life was mediocre at best.

He had decided to focus on his career, drifting aimlessly for years until music gave him purpose. Then Suletta came along.

Suletta Mercury was probably never around people her age, and Aiden hadn't realized just how special a girl's firsts were. He had stolen her first kiss, taken her to parties, and during the dance, she had rubbed against him for both their pleasure. Aiden and the others knew she saw something far more than just a fling or boyfriend in him. They knew she felt something deeper—why else would she have raced when he was in trouble?

Deacon nodded. "Suletta's dad is dead, bro," he said quietly. "I don't know exactly what happened, but Prospera mentioned he was a pilot too. Put two and two together. Do you think Prospera wants to continue the cycle? Do you think Suletta wants to experience losing the person she loves? A death in a mech is horrible."

"Okay, I get it!" Aiden shouted, his voice echoing through the room. "GOD, I know I'm stupid! I just… I just…"

Oscar sighed, looking at him with a mix of pity and understanding. "Listen, Suletta suffers from social issues, so this is going to be difficult for her too. Like Deacon said, she lost her only real male role model. It's obvious Prospera never remarried because of the trauma and its effect on her…"

Deacon nodded, his gaze steady. "You have to do what I didn't, and face the music. Suletta is right to be angry at you for willingly risking your life… because she sees something in you."

Aiden paused, a sad glimmer crossing his face. "I… I…" His voice trailed off, but then he sneered. "I just don't get it. I'm broken. I have nightmares, and I… I…"

Oscar scoffed and chuckled, moving around the table. "No one in this world is perfect," he said, surprising Aiden by pulling him into a hug. "You're my brother, Aiden. I love you."

Deacon stepped closer, placing a hand on Aiden's shoulder. "Me too. And if Jack were here, he'd say the same thing. I'm proud that you finally found what you were looking for."

Aiden had once told Deacon and Jack he was searching for a worthy adversary. It was the reasoning that had driven him to fight against Guel and others. But now he realized his true passion wasn't in battle. It was in Suletta Mercury, his brothers, his friends, his music. They were his dream, and he had finally found what he was looking for.

Aiden's expression softened, and a sigh escaped him. "It's going to take time. I… I honestly feel confused and still shell-shocked from what happened," he admitted. "Every time I think about crawling into a titan… or even a Zaku in storage, I just…" He squirmed, his hands shaking as if he were back in that cockpit fighting Parker and his comrades. He jammed his hands into his pockets.

Then, a buzz. Aiden's phone/notebook was on the table, and the message on the screen caught everyone's attention.

"No, Aiden Winters! You do not have COVID, and lying is bad! I am already five minutes away from Harmony House. Do not make me call and bother Deacon or Oscar to open the door for me!"

Oscar, Aiden, and Deacon's eyes went wide.

"Ah, shit, bro," Deacon said, scratching the back of his head. "She used your full name. She's coming for blood."

Deacon gave Aiden a reassuring pat on the shoulder as Aiden stared wide-eyed at the message, his lips trembling. Oscar chuckled and slumped back into his seat, snickering. "I do not know why you lied about having COVID," he said, settling in.

Aiden sighed and groaned, rising to leave the room. He paused at the door. "Deacon… Oscar," he began, drawing their eyes to him. Aiden's face flushed, but he turned to face them fully. "It's embarrassing to say, but I love you guys as well. Me and Jack were raised as brothers by Cooper, and I know that sometimes we argue and yell and fight, but I'd die for you…and you'd die for me. There is nothing more beautiful than the connection we all share, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world."

With those closing words, Aiden Winters left to get ready.

Oscar and Deacon were alone now. Oscar groaned as he leaned back in his chair. "Oh my god, really the problem child," he muttered.

Deacon chuckled loudly. "It is what it is, but I am a bit worried about Aiden."

Oscar's eyes widened. "You're worried?" he repeated. "Isn't this what you've been trying to get Aiden to understand for years? The Long War not mattering, Marko signing our release papers—we've been free for a long time…but Aiden?"

"I know," Deacon said. "…I would've preferred he learned this lesson without his life being on the line, but I…"

Deacon paused, his mind flashing to the shakiness of Aiden's hands. He squinted at the table. "I just… I am worried that Aiden… I don't know, I shouldn't even be saying anything. It makes sense, he's obviously rattled about this, and I can understand why he's done with the race. I just hope he has a couple more battles in him before we figure out what we're going to do."

Oscar sighed. "This is the second duel in a row where it was trial by combat," he noted. "Delling Rembran must be enjoying this shit."

Deacon shrugged, his mind wandering to Martin's words about these duels setting a precedent. He could see it now: killing your opponent to stop all future fights. And Rembran's complete silence on these matters—who knows what Elan's death had birthed? Would these duels become the norm at the academy?

A scary thought indeed…

Deacon sighed. "Prospera and Connor are coming back tomorrow."

Oscar's eyes widened, then relaxed. Deacon noticed.

Deacon prodded. "You haven't been Prospera's biggest fan lately."

Oscar shrugged and wrapped his arms around himself. "I just think a lot of what's been happening is strange and very circumstantial. We've mentioned Jack a lot in this conversation," he paused, extending his hand. "So, it's been a bit over a month since he last left?"

Deacon's eyes widened, and he sighed. "Listen, I get that everyone is worried, but you all keep forgetting that I said goodbye to him personally before he left for that mission."

Oscar shrugged again. "Deke, something isn't right," he paused and glared at his friend. "You know it, I know it, Aiden knows it. You guys are just too distracted and too busy to pay attention to the warning signs."

Deacon nodded. "I get what you mean, but Prospera has given us mechs. Heck, if she didn't stash that mech away in the transport, I would've died!"

Oscar was silent for a moment before speaking again. "Does it not bother you how weird this all is?" He dragged his hand across the table.

"How so?" Deacon asked.

Oscar's eyes narrowed. "That blue mech, the Gouf. You haven't piloted in months, maybe even over a year, but you climb into that and you hold your own."

Deacon shrugged. "The mech wasn't so different from a titan. The controls were—"

"Similar," Oscar interrupted. "That's really weird to me. And the talks from Prospera—we all get different bits of information from her. Don't you find that odd? She gives us slivers of information, pockets, the bare minimum for us to trust her. She gave Aiden new advanced limbs, she tells you stuff sparingly, and the information is all over the place."

Deacon's sigh was heavy. "I get it, I felt the same way you do. But look at Suletta... look at Prospera. She's like Aiden, probably worse off because she has damage to her actual face that she needs to wear a visor for!" Deacon paused, feeling bad that he had raised his voice. "Listen, she saved us from the Long War, wiped out information, and—"

Oscar raised both hands in mock surrender. "That's what I mean! We were fighting pirates at the edge of the frontier—many vessels don't go out that far! Daniel had just died, and our morale was completely shattered. She showed up like an angel from the sky, Deke. She gave us an out. But with the way things are at the Academy… she didn't do this out of the goodness of her heart. She wanted to plant us here."

Deacon's eyes widened as he realized it. Technically, it made sense. They had been there far longer than Suletta. Prospera gave them a home, resources, and basically went AWOL—until Suletta came, and she started getting reinvolved in their affairs.

Oscar continued, "Have you ever asked her how she was able to find us?"

Deacon's mouth went dry. "I-I… I just assumed it was luck."

Oscar shook his head. "You were grieving and lost after Dan's death. Does it not bother you that Aiden was one of the last druids of the legion and we were mostly independent of Marko's control?" Oscar paused, shaking his head. "No, Deke, there's something more going on here. Everything since Suletta's arrival has been strange. It's like what Jack said—the machine, her coming here, getting wrapped up with Rembran and the rest—it's too circumstantial!"

Oscar was breathing heavily now, his voice rising.

Deacon raised both hands. "Oscar, you've got to chill."

"No, don't tell me to chill when Jack's life may be at stake!" Oscar screamed, pointing an accusatory finger at Deacon. "There are too many unanswered questions! Aiden's vision that he had after the day at the river—who the hell is Ericht? Suletta's older sister, and you know she has one. Aiden does too, and neither of you has asked a single question about it! Suletta has been piloting since she was nine years old. She's been confined on an out-of-pocket world, and they were able to make the Aerial!" Oscar paused and laughed. "That machine was able to immobilize four charging mechs with ease! Me and Cecilia went to the hospital and found a recording of Jack before he left, stealing Aiden's data knife… and don't get me started on how, before Jack even left the hospital, he came to me with suspicion after suspicion of Prospera and—"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Deacon cut in. "Jack took Aiden's data knife?"

Oscar nodded vigorously. "Hell yeah, he did. You didn't know?"

Deacon was silent. "Oscar, you have to understand, before Jack left… I shook his hand. This was legitimately the day he left. Cecilia and you, I can get it, but I saw him leave. I shook his own physical hand!"

Oscar sneered. "Where were you?"

"Prospera's private garage," Deacon stated. "It was early morning. He had to leave; he said he was going on a secret mission and that it was just a special project. Remember, he got thrown into the brig with Aiden and Connor, and I just figured he wanted a break from the academy… that was it!"

"Who else was there?" Oscar asked flatly.

Deacon sighed, his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose. "Don't tell me you doubt me… it was just me and him, and Prospera's assistant as well, but he just let me in and was waiting outside the door. It was honestly just me and Jack in the garage, excepting the Aerial, of course, but I doubt you'd consider the machine…"

Oscar's eyes widened. "The Aerial," he sneered. "The same machine that everyone wants to get their hands on. The same damn machine that people relate to the cursed Gundam. Heck, it practically looks and functions like one… save for the killing the pilot bit."

Deacon shot him a look. "Y-yeah, why?"

Oscar rose from his seat. "When Suletta comes through those doors, I am going to ask her who Ericht is."

Deacon's eyes widened. He rose from his chair and pointed at Oscar. "Hell no, you won't," he stated. "Aiden and Suletta are going through a rough patch right now, and like an idiot, he tried to avoid her today by telling her he was sick. The last thing she needs right now is to be reminded of her possibly dead or estranged older sister."

Oscar smirked and huffed. "…and if she doesn't know?" Deacon was silent at that. Oscar continued, "What happens if I ask Suletta who Ericht is, knowing full well that was what Aiden said in his vision—that she would be weeping on my lap because that was what he saw. What are you going to say or do if Suletta looks like a deer in headlights? Because then that's proof that Prospera has been lying to us."

Deacon didn't know what to say. "We'll… we'll cross that bridge when we get to it," Deacon said hesitantly. "But please, Oscar. Another time… not today, but another time. You can just wait till tomorrow, can't you?"

Oscar's fingers tightened around the table edge. "If Jack took Aiden's data knife, he would've let you know. He knows how important it is," he said, his breath heavy. "That's the thing that doesn't make any sense. I get that you talked to him, but he talked to me too about seeing the light. He never trusted Prospera, and he just started to trust Suletta before he disappeared. Remember, he was the one who called her a witch and the Aerial a Gundam. Even till the end. How am I supposed to ignore all these signs?" The yell escaped Oscar's lips, echoing through the room.

Deacon's eyes went somber. "Of course I know," he sighed, facepalming. "It was Aiden's final gift… the Data Knife of Jack Cooper."

As those words hung in the air, a knock echoed through the room. Aiden's footsteps pounded down the stairs, the urgency palpable.

"Hey, Suletta," Aiden greeted, attempting to sound nonchalant as he leaned against the door.

Suletta's eyes were narrowed, her lips tight, and her hands gloved. She wore a deep grey jacket with black buttons, her blue headband keeping her hair in place while the roaring wind swirled around her ponytail. A flowing scarf, the same crimson as her hair, added to her ensemble.

Aiden forced a smile. "You look beautiful."

Suletta was not impressed. A slight tremor touched the corner of her lip, but she didn't respond to the compliment. Instead, she twisted her lip and raised her gaze. "W-we need to talk," she stated.

Aiden sighed, scratching the back of his head. "You wanna come to my room or…?"

"I'd rather talk outside," she said. "I know it's cold but we can…,"

Aiden shrugged, trying to feign a smile. "It's cool, I love the snow. Remember how we talked about going out to…,"

She sighed hard, cutting him off. "Y-yes Aiden, I remember," she said, closing her eyes and pressing a palm to her face exhaustingly. "C-can we just, you've got a jacket on. Can we just be in private? I don't want Oscar, Deacon, or the others to hear what I have to say."

"O-h…okay," Aiden replied, a lump forming in his stomach. He scratched his head, quickly donned his jacket, slipped his feet into boots, and closed the door behind him. As he began to lock the door, Suletta's voice broke the silence again.

"No gloves?" Suletta questioned, her voice tinged with concern.

Aiden glanced down, realizing his bare hands were exposed to the biting cold. The metal of the key stung his fingers, and he winced. His jacket wasn't particularly heavy either, but he just shook his head. "I'll be fine," he stated.

Suletta shot him a skeptical look. "Are you sure? It's cold, Aiden, and it's snowing. I think you should..."

Aiden shook his head more firmly. "It's fine, Suletta, really. I'd have to unlock the door, kick off my shoes, and get them from my room. Honest, I'll be fine."

Annoyance flickered across Suletta's features. Her lips tightened, her shoulders squared, and she sighed, turning to head down the stairs. "Okay," she said, her voice lacking the usual positivity and warmth, replaced by a coldness akin to the snow.

Aiden sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair before jamming his reddening hands into his pockets. He hurried to catch up with her.

Five minutes into their walk, Suletta had barely spoken to him, offering only curt, one-word responses. She kept her focus on the snowy path ahead. They were walking the familiar path that led to Miorine's greenhouse.

"So, Suletta, how was your morning?" Aiden asked, trying to break the silence.

"Fine," she replied flatly.

Aiden scratched the back of his head, feeling the tension. "I-I wanted to apologize for..."

Suletta turned abruptly, her features flaring with annoyance. "Apologizing for nearly dying yesterday, or for lying and saying you were sick so I wouldn't come and talk to you?"

Aiden's eyes widened, a heavy sigh escaping from deep within. "It's not that I didn't want to talk to you, Suletta. A lot happened yesterday, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it."

"Me too," Suletta responded, her tone still flat.

Aiden sighed again, frustration evident in his voice. "I just... you were angry yesterday, and I didn't know if I was ready to face you. Like, come on, you know..."

Suletta paused, her stance stiffening. Her eyes widened, then narrowed into sharp teal daggers aimed at Aiden. "I know what?"

"You… you know… like, I know I was in the wrong," Aiden stammered, his voice filled with regret. "I just don't want you to think I don't want to see you because that's not true, Suletta. When I'm with you, everything just feels so nice and…"

"Aiden," Suletta interrupted, her voice firm.

"Yeah, Suletta," Aiden responded, a warmth filling his stomach at her attention.

"Please stop it," she finished curtly, and Aiden felt his hopes shatter like glass. He fell silent, his hands moving to the back of his head, fingers rolling through his locks, wincing from the cold.

They continued walking in silence, the tension palpable. Aiden's mind whirred with anxious thoughts. Was this it? Had he finally pushed her to her limit? Was she done with him? Did she hate him now? He wanted to bash his head against one of the mighty oaks and pines until...

Suletta stopped in her tracks, her eyes fixed on Miorine's greenhouse standing solitary within the snow. Its roof was covered in a thick layer of snow, giving it the look of a winter wonderland. The pines, tipped like hands, and the frost biting, but the snow looked strangely comforting.

Aiden paused, watching as Suletta moved off the path and headed towards the greenhouse. "Is Miorine here?" he asked.

Suletta shook her head. "No, but this is private enough," she stated.

Suletta walked past the greenhouse and towards a lone pine tree that seemed to touch the sky itself. The thick branches and leaves created a sense of shade and protection against the flurries of snow. Aiden felt the cold bite harder with each passing minute.

Suletta sighed heavily. "I-I don't understand why you picked a hoodless jacket and went without any gloves," she said, leaning against the pine and looking up at Aiden. Her hands were behind her back, resting.

Aiden remained silent for a moment, moving closer to her. They were merely inches apart now, his eyes locking onto the fierce teal of hers. She looked at him with a fiery intensity he had never seen before. Was he really the reason she was so angry and frustrated? Of course he was; he wasn't that much of an idiot.

The silence between them was thick, the only sound the faint rustle of the pine needles in the cold wind. Aiden's breath came out in visible puffs, mingling with Suletta's. He could feel the tension, the unspoken words hanging between them, and it took all his willpower not to reach out and touch her, to try and erase the distance that had grown between them.

"…I wasn't thinking," Aiden began.

Suletta rolled her eyes. "When do you?"

"Excuse me?" Aiden chuckled, but Suletta, not in the mood, glared at him. "I'm sorry, but you just rolled your eyes at me. It's just very..."

"Unexpected," Suletta interrupted, her fingers curling into fists. "I-I… I just don't get angry," she continued, her form starting to shake. "It's… I get angry, and I want to cry and yell and get mad, but I don't want to. But you're... you're just, Aiden Winters. You're an infuriating boy!" Her voice rose, echoing through the woods.

Aiden's hand went to his neck, but he winced at the cold and dug it back into his pocket. "I know, Suletta, I know… it was stupid of me. Like, I get why you're angry."

Suletta's features tightened. "You don't know when I'm angry, Aiden Winters!" she shouted. "Why would you do this?" she yelled again, stuttering and trembling.

Aiden was silent, now averting her gaze, shame welling within his chest. "I… I…"

Suletta continued, her voice a mix of frustration and pain. "Ignoring that you and Miorine hate each other…"

Aiden's eyes widened. "I don't hate Miorine, Suletta. She's annoying and all... but I do care about her. Me and the guys were just..."

Suletta shook her head, her red ponytail whipping in the wind. "Lately, all you guys do is argue," she said, tears mixing with her anger as she stared at him. "I know how Miorine is, I know, but she's my best friend. I get that you guys have your secrets, I get that you have your own ideals, but Miorine does care about you all in her own way."

Aiden nodded, but he looked away. Suletta continued, "You guys have to work this out."

Aiden shrugged. "Why does it have to be me?" he said, thrusting his thumb into his own chest. "I'm the one fighting her battles. Isn't that enough proof that I care?"

"No, it isn't!" she shouted. "Both of you… it's just, you guys just don't talk or work anything out. It's so exhausting, and I know it's not just you, but Miorine as well. But look at what happened!"

Aiden's eyes widened. "You're saying this is my fault?"

Suletta shook her head. "We will talk about Parker in a moment, but if you hadn't gotten into that argument with Miorine and just stayed, you wouldn't have been at the dining hall." She sighed, her hands covering her face. "Aiden, you and Miorine need to work together… you guys have to get along. I get that you feel she took advantage of your disabilities, but she feels that you and the Sons of Harmony just won't let her in."

Aiden sighed, shaking his head. "I just… I don't know what to say, Suletta." He tried to scratch his neck, but winced as his hand once again felt the biting cold.

"She expects a lot from us… Suletta, and I don't like the fact that she demands to know our business, our secrets. I know for a fact that she doesn't handle it well. Oscar told me how she hit him when she didn't like a facet of our past."

Suletta was stunned for a moment, the anger dissipating. Then she sighed and mellowed out. "O-Oscar," she stuttered his name. "I… it was a shock, but I know how you guys truly were. The IMC and Militia war was brutal and I am so sorry that you lost everything. Your mother, Deacon's sisters, the only home Oscar has ever known, and the title and noble standing that Jack held. I can sympathize and understand, and I do not want to give up on any of you!"

Suletta shouted the words, words of understanding, words of helping. This was their Suletta, a girl who accepted them and realized the effects of what their lives were and how it affected them.

Yet, Aiden shook his head. "You understand… Miorine doesn't. And you want me to act okay with the fact that she struck Oscar when he was honest with her. Suletta, you can handle our secrets and empathize… Miorine has shown us she can't, or she just can't understand us. To her, we're just pirates and warmongers."

Suletta shook her head. "Aiden Winters, that is not true. Miorine has her own things and her own issues. You two are far more alike than you realize."

Aiden sneered. "Well, that makes me very sad that Miorine and I are alike," he stated.

Suletta's fingers tightened into fists. "GOD, AIDEN!" she shouted, closing her eyes as tears streamed down her cheeks. She slammed her boot into the ground and winced from the pain. "WHY DO YOU HAVE TO BE SO DIFFICULT!"

Suletta's outburst caused Aiden to take a step backward as she continued.

"Ignoring the Miorine part, what were you thinking in fighting a battle 10 to 1?" she demanded, her voice laced with sadness.

Aiden didn't know what to say to that.

"Do you want to die?" she asked, her voice trembling with sadness, a sob erupting as she struggled to stay upright, looking like she might collapse at any moment.

"Of course not," Aiden stated. "I... I was just cocky and angry. Parker was being a prick, and he disrespected Miorine. That's what you don't understand. While I have my issues with her, I'll protect and help her, but I just want her to ease up on all these questions about our affairs. We aren't Guel, we aren't Shaddiq, and we aren't her father. We were just talking moments ago about finding a better path for her to get to Earth or a suitor that she likes. I don't know what Miorine expects from us!" Aiden nearly shouted but held his tongue.

Suletta gazed at him, angry tears streaking down her face. She only spoke one word. "Trust," she stated. "She wants trust." Suletta reaffirmed.

Aiden was about to speak, but then his lips loosened into a tremor. His hand left his pocket again, and he winced from the cold, jamming it back in. For a moment, he realized that must've been what Miorine felt like. It must've been difficult for her to communicate, like Suletta, and he forgot at times that she struggled with her own issues.

Miorine lost her mom, endured her father's abusive parenting style, and was being sold off like a broodmare. Of course, she wanted to know their plans and inner workings. It was sad to say, but the Sons of Harmony were Miorine's last and only hope for freedom. What a horrible thing. Out of everyone, Miorine's fate was decided from the moment she was born, and it was horrible that she had no control over her own life.

Even the man she was going to marry... her father had taken that right from her.

Aiden's fist tightened at that thought, shame washing over him. Maybe he should've apologized. She might have been incapable of it, but he wasn't. Instead, he kept butting heads. They weren't children, but it kept festering, and Aiden realized it was only going to get worse.

Suletta was breathing heavily, her eyes locking onto Aiden's features. Good, she thought, she didn't want to make him sad, but he needed to reflect. She also watched, for the third and fourth time, as he...

"Hey," Aiden spoke as Suletta quickly seized his hand in a vice-like grip as he instinctively went to scratch his head. "What are you...?"

Suletta's eyes widened. "A-Aiden," she stuttered, her anger barely contained. "You're going to get frostbite! This is what I mean, you don't listen!"

Aiden's expression softened and saddened. "I-I'm sorry, Suletta." He sighed, feeling the weight of her frustration. "I just... I felt bad for lying, and I wanted to get it over with."

"You don't think," she said again, her voice sharper.

"I know," Aiden began, his voice tinged with regret. "I-I want to do better."

Suletta took a deep breath, still fuming, but looked up at Aiden's face. "Do you want my gloves?" she asked, her tone softer but still stern.

Aiden looked down at her, shaking his head. "Even if I did, Suletta, they're Miorine's and already a tight fit on you."

Suletta nodded, her gaze drifting to her jacket. "How about you stick your hands in my jacket pocket?" she suggested.

Aiden glanced at her jacket, hesitating. "Same issue, my hands are too big, and that's Miorine's jacket. I don't want to stretch it..."

Suletta sighed heavily, her frustration still evident. She looked around, her mind lingering on Miorine's greenhouse, but knowing the doors were locked and her key was in her room. Yet, she had another idea.

She fixed her fiery gaze on Aiden, her lips pursed and a crimson blush coloring her cheeks. She raised a gloved hand and pointed at his face, her other hand still holding his wrist. "I-I... I am still mad at you," she stated firmly.

"Y-yeah, I figured," Aiden replied, shrugging.

Suletta's breath came heavier, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She bit her lip slightly, then seized his other hand and pulled it from his pocket. "You're freezing. I am not doing this for any other reason..."

"Suletta, what are you...," Aiden started, but she silenced him with her actions. She gripped his wrists tightly and brought his hands down. They were limp, but she guided them underneath her coat, sliding them slightly upwards. Aiden's cheeks reddened as he felt her bare skin—warm, smooth, and silky to the touch. Almost instantly, his fingertips, even the ones on his false arm, felt the comforting warmth of Suletta's body heat.

"Woah..." he murmured, his eyes widening at the sensation.

"T-this… it isn't an a-award," Suletta said bluntly, her face red as she stuttered over her words. She then swiveled her features towards Aiden's face, anger simmering in her eyes. "I am doing this so you won't get frostbite on your hands."

For a moment, Aiden didn't speak. His hands lay flat on her stomach, then he slowly traced his fingertips around her sides.

"A-Aiden," she murmured, blushing, a faint moan escaping her lips. She glared daggers at him. "Stop it."

Aiden stopped immediately, keeping his hands still on her sides. "I... I was just trying to get comfortable," he said shamelessly.

Suletta shot him a tired look. "Yeah, right."

They stayed like that for a moment. Aiden towered over Suletta, far closer than before. Her gaze had drifted down to his shoes, her eyes clinging to them, her red hair like a cowl hiding her blush and features. Aiden was mesmerized as his fingers gripped her sides. He wanted to squeeze her and touch her more, but his...

He shook his head. This was just for warmth, this was just for warmth, he kept repeating to himself. But he still savored the feeling of her.

"Y-you could've died," Suletta said bluntly after a moment.

"I know," Aiden replied. "I'm sorry." He paused as he saw Suletta's anger flare up again. "Suletta, I know sorry is just... I... I don't know what to say, I am just sorry. I know it was wrong, I know I shouldn't have fallen for Parker's taunts, but I thought I could handle it. You know how good I am in a..."

Suletta's eyes widened, then narrowed. "It just takes one, Aiden," she sighed. "I've been piloting for years and I used Aerial's training module even longer. I learned early on that one stray hit, one bad fall... it doesn't matter if it's a Titan or even a Gundam. You never know when death is around the corner."

Aiden's eyes widened at Suletta's words, and his mind flared with old thoughts. He would've won if he had used one of Prospera's new machines, but the Titan... he was shackled by the past. He had nearly lost his life time and time again, and this place of peace and rules... this was where he was going to meet his end. How ironic.

"I'm not going to do this anymore," Aiden stated firmly. "The dueling, the piloting... Suletta, I really am done."

Suletta's eyes widened at that, but she sighed. "Aiden, you're the holder, you..."

"I can decide if I want to play these games or not," Aiden stated firmly. "I am done risking my life. We left the long war to escape battles and mech fights. I won't step back into that ring again, not when I have my brothers, not when I have you."

Suletta's cheeks reddened, and her mouth clamped shut at that. She tilted her head and closed her eyes, huffing in frustration. "Y-you can be so difficult at times," she said. "You could've called me, you could've called them, you could've waited for Shaddiq to authorize or…something. Aiden, god!" she shouted. "It's horrible, I hate that I'm angry at you, but it feels good to yell at you. But when you look at me…" She paused, her eyes drifting to the snow, then back into his. Aiden saw the vulnerability displayed. "W-why do I keep thinking about your smile, all those moments, from the first time we met here to when you came with that bad sandwich when they tossed me into the brig…"

"Bad sandwich?" Aiden repeated with a chuckle, his hands tracing her skin once again. The electricity, the warmth traveling along her with the cold of his touch, awakened her. "I wouldn't call it that bad…"

Suletta scoffed. "Stop avoiding and…stop touching me, Aiden!" she shouted again. "I am being serious. I'll take your hands off me, and you'll be cold!"

"But it feels nice and…" Aiden began.

He stopped as her stern glare met his eyes. "Did you even think of what your dying would've done to everyone? To me?"

Aiden was silent at that. His mind traveled to the thought of her crying over his broken, dead body. He remembered contemplating death by suicide to avoid dishonor at Parker's hands. How could he explain that to Suletta?

So, he opted for something else. "I…I thought you'd be sad, but you'd move on, eventually."

Suletta's eyes widened, and he could already see the torrent of tears forming. He wanted to facepalm himself, to slam his head against the tree. What a dumb answer. What a dumb, stupid answer that was.

"I-is that really what you think?" Her voice trembled, a sob catching in her throat as she went limp in his hands, her knees shaking. He feared she might collapse.

"Suletta, I…I…" Aiden stammered.

"D-don't 'Suletta' me!" she screamed, her voice a storm of anguish and rage. Her fists pounded against his chest and stomach, each blow punctuated by a tearful sob. "Is that really what you think of me? That if you died in that arena, I could just move on to someone else?" she shouted. "You idiot, you big dummy, you fool!" She slammed him hard again and again, and he held onto her sides, enduring the Mercurian strength that bruised but didn't deter him. He didn't want to let her go, didn't want to lose her.

"I…I am stupid," he admitted, his voice trembling. "I know I'm dumb."

"You idiot!" she screamed again. "Deacon would've been horrified, Oscar would've been crying, and Jack—did you even think of what he would feel when he came back?"

"Of course I did!" Aiden shouted back, his voice cracking. "When I thought I was going to die, Suletta, everyone from you to even fucking Cecilia was on my mind. You, you, you were at the front of it. I didn't want to lose you; I couldn't think of it being an end to us, and I…I…"

"You think I could've just moved on after this?" she yelled, her voice raw with emotion. "You're so talented, and smarter than you know, and handsome, and we've spent so much time together. We've fought together, and when you needed me, you chose not to bother me!" Her words echoed through the forest, a cry of despair.

Suletta was choking on her tears, coughing between sobs. "If Nika didn't call me, I would've…I would've…and you thought I wouldn't care!" She slammed into him hard again. "Me and Miorine are best friends, but you are my best best friend. I spend every day with you, you're always texting and calling me. We're always together, and you think I would be fine? When you kissed me, it made me feel not so alone in this galaxy. When you held my hand, it made me realize what I was missing all those years on that space station. And during the dance…I never, I never, I can't do anything like that with anyone else. My kiss, my touch, my pleasure…it's yours, Aiden Winters!" She delivered a great hit to the side of his chest.

Aiden was stunned into silence, his eyes widening as he looked at her. "Suletta, I knew you liked me, and I like you so much as well, but I didn't…I never…I just didn't expect that you felt such strong…,"

And she spoke once again, delivering a final punch, this time not physical but emotional. "Aiden Winters, I…I…I love you!" The words came out with snot running down her nose and lips. Her head rested against the tree, and she cried and cried as Aiden gazed down at her, his lips ajar, stunned by her confession.

"You love me?" Aiden repeated, his eyes drifting to the branches sagging under the heavy snow. "You love me." He stated again, as if trying to anchor himself in reality.

"Y-yes, you big dummy…I already said as much," Suletta stammered, her breath coming out heavy and sore. She rocked from both the cold and the exhaustion of it all, her elbow shielding her face.

This was the reason she wanted to get him alone. He was so fearful, and for what? She was already ingrained in his heart, but he failed to realize the effect he had on her.

"You just want it to be me," Aiden repeated uncertainly.

Suletta didn't speak, tears still flowing as her elbow covered her eyes. She sniffled but nodded vigorously. "A-aren't we…special to each other?"

Aiden was stunned into silence, a wave of realization crashing over him. He saw not only Suletta's anger but everyone's. He always tried to do everything on his own. He could've called Deacon, Oscar, Miorine, or Suletta, and they would've been there in an instant. But his ego forbade it. He was so lost in his feelings that he preferred to fight alone rather than rely on those he called friends…his family?

Even Earth House! He was a Spacien, and Nuno and Ojelo were there to witness his first argument with Miorine after Oscar lost his leg. They saw him fighting and helped him. His life had more meaning than he realized.

Suletta wasn't just angry about the duel…she was furious because he didn't call her for help, even though he had relied on her against Guel before. He was a hypocrite, prey to his emotions, to his trauma. His lips tightened. That ended now.

"Suletta, I assure you this won't happen again."

Suletta turned away, anger still blazing in her eyes, but Aiden let his left hand slip from her. His hand went to her chin, gently but firmly turning her to face him.

"A-Aiden," Suletta began, danger radiating from her voice. "Don't…"

"Look at me," Aiden commanded. She glared into his ice-blue eyes. "I don't want to fight anymore. Harmony is dead, the titans are gone, and everything I was going to be for the Militia has been dashed away…like the sands of time. My music is my dream, my family is my dream, and I am done with this…you are my dream."

Aiden leaned in, his forehead resting gently against Suletta's. He could see every little detail of her face now—from the faint bite marks on her lips to her rosy cheeks. He felt the warmth of her breath brushing his chin.

He sighed. "I am going to focus on my career from this point forward. Screw the race, screw being the holder, and screw the mechs. I don't want to fight anymore, Suletta. I want to give you the normal school life you wanted, but this race didn't allow you to have."

Suletta didn't struggle anymore, her lips pursing in thought.

"It's fine if you don't believe me," Aiden said softly. "You'll see... because I told Oscar that I intend to show you everything. From the shores of Neptune to the great cities of the cosmos, I'll take you everywhere with me. I want you to run through actual water, to eat at the finest restaurants, to sleep in the most luxurious beds and hotels. I want to do this all for you, Suletta Mercury."

Light shined in Suletta's eyes. "W-why?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mixture of hope and disbelief. It was such a simple, almost childish question that Aiden chuckled, noting her grimace and blush.

"It's because I love you more than the galaxy itself." As he said those words, he kissed her. He expected her to fight him, to push him away, but she stayed, her gloved hands pulling him closer as she leaned against the tree and fell into his embrace.

They separated after a moment, the kiss short and sweet. Aiden released her chin, returning his hands to her sides.

"Y-you're... difficult," Suletta managed, trying to hide her red, blushing face.

Aiden snickered, his hands gently rubbing the sides of her stomach. She didn't brush them away. Instead, she rolled her eyes but bit her lip as she felt the reassuring warmth of his touch. Aiden, too, was getting lost in the moment.

"Y-you're not out of the woods yet," she stated again, her eyes drifting down, though Aiden thought she was looking at his shoes.

"I wasn't expecting to be," Aiden replied.

Suletta shot him a look. "I-If you love me... then me and you..."

"You want to be my girlfriend, Ms. Mercury?" Aiden teased, but she knew he was serious.

Suletta squinted, her fingers tightening into fists. She knew Aiden—give him an inch and he'd take a mile, but she also knew he was hers, just as she was his. "Like Miorine says," she began, stuttering and mixing her words, "T-take... responsibility, Aiden Winters."

"Oh, I will," he stated firmly. "So, do you want to be mine?"

Suletta gazed up at him, and through the tears, there was a faint smile. "Isn't that obvious?" she said softly. "I love you."

"I love you," Aiden echoed, and this time it was Suletta who pulled him into another kiss. It was deeper this time as she rose on her tiptoes to meet him, one hand resting on his cheek as she drew him closer.

Aiden's hands stroked the sides of her stomach, feeling the smooth contours of her skin. She closed her eyes, surrendering to the bliss, and he leaned in, pressing her deeper against the tree until she slouched slightly against it.

"A-Aiden, don't be too for..." Suletta started, red-faced and eyes wide, but Aiden silenced her with a more insistent kiss. She felt the pressure of his lips and parted her own as his tongue slid between them. Her initial shock gave way to narrowing eyes and a soft moan into his mouth.

He explored everything, but he wanted more—needed more. His mind drifted to the vision he had of her, his red-haired angel who had given him hope in his darkest moments. When he had dealt with pain that would have broken others, when he had grieved and hated, she had always been his light.

Eager and perhaps greedy, his hands started to trail upward. He felt her ribs under his touch, then higher still until his wrist brushed beneath her breast. He cupped them gently, hesitantly.

"A-Aiden," she moaned again as he released her lips with a soft pop.

"Is it okay?" Aiden asked, his voice heavy with need. "I'll stop if you..."

Suletta's eyes narrowed dangerously, and he had to wrench himself to maintain control. Slowly, she nodded. "Aren't I yours..."

…and when she said those words, he plunged himself back into her lips. Suletta, already familiar with his eager touch, felt his hands push against her jacket, latching onto her breast with an intensity that made her gasp.

"Oh my god… I can feel everything," Aiden murmured through the kiss, his left hand caressing her silky skin.

He pulled back from her lips, his gaze dropping to where his hands pushed against her shirt, squeezing and molding her breast. His left hand slipped beneath her bra, flicking her nipple, making her yelp, moan, and cry out.

It was as real as his right hand… Prospera Mercury had fixed him.

Suletta looked up at Aiden, her face flushed and sweaty, her moans escaping uncontrollably. She felt his rough, eager squeezing, his hand pushing past her bra with ease.

"I'm a bad friend… doing this wearing Miorine's clothes," she whispered through her moans, only for Aiden to release his right hand from her chest, trailing it down her side and grabbing her rear.

An awkward, flustered chuckle, one of Suletta's unique sounds, escaped her as she yelped loudly when Aiden lifted her into the air. He pressed her against the tree to keep her at eye level.

"Are we okay?" Aiden asked, his eyes locked on hers, inches apart.

Suletta was silent for a moment. "Y-you need to change…"

"I will," Aiden said, slipping a hand to her face. "The old Aiden, he's… you're what I want. I know that for certain. I'm done being dictated by the past. So, please, trust me."

Suletta nodded slowly. "I... never… you can never let me go."

"Never let me go," Aiden echoed, smirking. "I love you, Suletta Mercury."

Suletta returned the kiss, moaning the words into his mouth. "I love you, Aiden Winters."

And with those words, the Druid of Harmony and the Witch from Mercury embraced within the snowy confines of the false atmosphere of the academy. The white-streaked landscape was empty, Suletta, who had grown up in the lonesome atmospheres of Mercury, and Aiden, who had his own special type of loneliness. Together, finally, they were ready to carve a tale.

A tale that could lead to everlasting peace and human understanding… or the death of the human race.