Author Note: Two things...this is now the second longest chapter for this fic being over 11k words. (lol I was feeling strange dropping a 5k word last time so I REALLY went hard for this one.) Secondly WE'RE ON THE TOP 3 RANKINGS FOR THE GUNDAM TAG ON WATTPAD FUCKING FINNALY! I am not going to respond to reviews and comments today, I am pretty fucking tired and this chapter is going to have you guys pretty entertained. I am pretty sure there are 4-5 different character perspectives, romance, drama, and political maneuverings. Lol I was watching this video on how why Witch from Mercury didn't do so well and shockingly A DUDE IN THE COMMENTS QUOTED THIS FIC AS DOING A BETTER JOB THAN THE ANIME. I am not going to say anything on that, but thank you random YouTube commenters that greatly warms my heart and makes me glad to know that people really enjoy this story. Also, like I said before...if you don't like don't read, I know that seems random, secondly I am not sure of Suletta's canon age in WFM, but in this fic she's between the age of eighteen to nineteen and Aiden is between nineteen to twenty. I know there have been discrenpecies at times, especially in the way certain OC characters look for example Oscar. He was like SIXTEEN in the earlier drafts of this but he is most defintiely around the same age as Aiden. This chapter gets a bit heavy, pretty erotic. You read Chapter 42 to get to this point so you can imagine what I am working up to so if that bothers you...just skip, I don't want to read complaints and if you write one I am just going to either read over it or delete it. Still, thanks everyone for your contstant support. I want to know what you guys are feeling I know I've got a stable population of like 30 constant readers on Wattpad and I would love to hear your thoughts on the story, secondly, on the you guy have been wonderful with the favorites, follows, and reviews and I would love to hear what you guys have to say in regards to the fic as well. Next chapter is the Shaddiq portion which will hopefully be 1-3 chapters at most, then, one or two dedicated to Christmas and then end of Season 1 and THANK FUCKING GOD. I was wondering if I should end this fic and label it as SEASON 1 and start another one and label it SEASON 2 for organization because I can most definitely see the fic reaching to either eighty or ninety. Or we can keep this as one big volume. Still thanks for reading everyone and I aperciate all of you!

Best Regards,

The Author

Suletta's Love II

Nika

Nika perched herself on the scaffolding of Earth House, her gaze drifting down the staircase. Her thoughts wandered to the moment she kissed Deacon on the cheek. She shook her head slowly, knowing she had to see him later to talk about what happened with Henao and Connor. She didn't know how it ended, but she felt compelled to bring it to his attention.

"I was expecting more from our holder," Chu Chu said with a scowl.

Nino and Till stood downstairs with her.

"Come on, Chu Chu," Till began. "He obviously…"

Chu Chu rolled her eyes. "I was expecting more," she repeated. "These Spaciens, they always preach about how much stronger they are," she continued with a flick of her wrist. "I didn't expect him to just jam up on me like that."

Nino remained silent, his gaze fixed on the long dirt pathway ahead of him.

Till persisted, "Come on, you're being kind of unfair to them, and Chu Chu, come on with the…"

"Come on with what?" Chu Chu's eyes narrowed, already sensing where he was headed.

Till's features remained neutral, yet his eyes betrayed him for a moment as he glanced at Nino. Chu Chu's suspicion deepened, sensing this wasn't random.

Till rubbed the back of his neck. "With the… slur."

"The slur?" Chu Chu repeated, her massive tuft of hair swaying as her pink eyes glared at him.

Nino interjected, "Come on, Chu Chu. It's one thing to have a problem with our bullies, but you keep throwing it around…and I know it's making the Harmony guys uncomfortable."

Chu Chu scoffed. "Oh, we wouldn't want to have that," she said with an annoyed smirk. "Pissing off the Spaciens and Miorine and…"

She rolled her eyes. "Why should I even bother? You, especially, have forgotten the plight of the Earthians."

"The fuck?" Nuno spoke up, his eyes wide as he rose from his seat, but Till stepped between them.

"Nuno, relax," Till said calmly, his gaze shifting back to Chu Chu. "Enough, please. We're just trying to have a civil discussion."

Chu Chu rolled her eyes. "You and that boy were very eager to start selling weapons to the Benrett Group."

Nuno shook his head. "You weren't opposed to the idea of making weapons and mobile suits."

"I was down on only primarily selling to Earth," Chu Chu retorted.

Nuno scoffed. "And Deacon told you how stupid that idea is. Don't get me wrong, I remember how they acted the first time we met them, but Suletta is proof of their good side. Aiden isn't that bad, he's actually pretty chill, and Oscar... maybe if you got to know him then..."

Chu Chu exploded into laughter. "You mean the war Spacien?"

Nuno sneered. "You know he's actually pretty chill. Me and Ojelo played video games with him yesterday, and we're more like them than you realize. Don't forget they served Harmony in trying to help us. Both of us wanted to go independent from the group..."

Chu Chu's eyes widened at that. "You guys are doing what?" Chu Chu sneered. "And look how that turned out," she sighed heavily. "They may have helped us, I will admit that, but they are still Spacien's and that automatically means they got a better hand in—"

"Their world was atomized, Chu Chu," Nika's voice from above silenced the escalating argument. She descended the stairs, her gaze fixed on everyone.

Chu Chu sneered. "Of course you of all people would have something to say."

Nika's brow furrowed. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Chu Chu parted her lips, ready to retort, but Till intervened. "Be careful, Chu Chu, with your words."

Chu Chu shot him a look. "What, you're not on my side?"

Till paused but slowly shook his head. "I can understand your hatred towards the Benrett Group. We all can, and we have our own personal grievances, but tone it down regarding the Sons of Harmony. They never gave us any ill will."

Chu Chu tilted her nose away from them. "All Spaciens are bad," she said, her gaze swinging back to Nika. "...and you're even worse, fraternizing with the enemy like that. Do you not have any shame?"

Nuno shot her an angry look. "You're going too far with this, Chu Chu."

"Maybe Nika should be thinking more about the house instead of what's between her legs," Chu Chu snapped.

Till was struck silent, his mouth agape.

Nika sneered, continuing down the stairs, each step heavy and resounding as she stopped right in front of Chu Chu.

"Whatever my relationship with Deacon is, it doesn't involve you or the workings of Earth House," Nika said.

Chu Chu's eyes widened, then narrowed. "I find it absolutely disgusting that after the way these Spaciens have treated you, us, our whole lives, and even on equal footing at the Academy, you'd stoop so low to date one of them."

Nika's hands rolled into fists, anger simmering. But deep down, she understood where Chu Chu's place of hate and anger came from.

Nika took a deep, heavy breath. "Chu Chu, I came to this academy in hopes of mending the bridge between Earthians and Spaciens," she said, Chu Chu's eyes widening in shock. "I intend to follow my heart, wherever it leads me. And Deacon... I know what it was like to not have him before, and I am honestly so happy. So, no, I will not feel ashamed just because we were born on different planets. And honestly, Chu Chu, I think I am falling in love with him."

Chu Chu was both silent and aghast, struck by Nika's words. Nika moved a piece of her hair away from her face and continued down the steps until she reached the ground level, but she had a few more words to say.

"Listen, Chu Chu, I agree with Nino and Till. Heck, I know the others are getting sick and tired of the arguments, and THEY also know that you have issues with them solely based on their race," Nika paused, sighing. "Here's a thought: you hate the way Spaciens are treating you at the academy, but the Sons of Harmony have done nothing but call you by your name. How about you try theirs?"

Nika paused, drawing a gaze up to Nino, and she smiled. "You know, Oscar told me that you guys had plans. I'm heading to House Harmony. You coming with?" She smiled at him.

Nuno shot Chu Chu a glance and sneered as he turned away from her, dusting the snow from his pants. "Sure," he said, pounding a fist into his hand with a confident smirk. "I won fifteen dollars off Oscar for beating him in Call of Duty 17: Infinite Rehash."

As they started to walk away, both Nuno and Nika, Till and Chu Chu could hear fragments of their conversation fade off into the distance.

"Really?" Nika began. "I heard that he gained twenty-five dollars from you."

"Huh?" Nuno questioned, then his eyes widened in awareness. "Oh, no, that was Ojelo. But some of that twenty-five made its way into my pocket."

Till and Chu Chu watched them fade away. Chu Chu scoffed and tilted her head away from Till. "What?" she stated. "You aren't going to go with them?"

Till shrugged his shoulders. "I know you, Chu Chu. Even when you're wrong, you know deep down that what Nika and Nuno are saying is true. Out of everyone in Earth House, you are the only one who hasn't warmed up to the Harmony bunch."

Chu Chu rolled her eyes at that, but she could see out of the corner of her vision how, uncharacteristically, a tremor arose for a moment over Till's usual calm visage.

"Chu Chu," he spoke her name slowly. "I don't want you to be left out. Heck, we're all running this company together, and Miorine herself is a Spacien…heck, look at what Miorine is going through right now."

Chu Chu shook her head. "Don't get me started with Miorine. She's the heir to one of the greatest companies in all of history, and you're going to tell me about her problems?"

Till shook his head. "Nika is dating Deacon, Suletta is now dating Winters, Ojelo and Nuno are mad tight with Oscar now…heck, Lilique and Aliyah have even been getting closer to Suletta. Miorine... you were there when she and Aiden got into that bad argument. Both of them."

Chu Chu shrugged her shoulders. "How does this fit into the conversation?"

Till continued on, frustration lacing his tone. "I'm just saying that Miorine is extra lonely. Nika doesn't know exactly what happened, but I know that while Suletta and Miorine are still friends, there's something strange going on. I know for a fact that Aiden and Miorine have butted heads a lot…and I honestly think that he has grown to greatly be annoyed by her."

Chu Chu and Till stood in silence, the wind carrying traces of snow as Till's sigh hung visibly in the cold air.

"Listen," Till began, his voice gentle but firm, "I'm just saying that we all need to work together. We don't need to have bad blood. Miorine is offering us a chance to improve not only our lives but our families' lives on Earth as well—for those of us that still have some."

He paused, watching Chu Chu's expression. Her annoyance and anger were evident, but there was something deeper, a hurt that ran far deeper than mere irritation.

"I know it's difficult," Till continued, choosing his words carefully. "Especially for you…"

"Till," Chu Chu interrupted, her voice taut as her fingers tightened along each of her elbows.

"I couldn't imagine how it was to lose your mother like that. And I can sympathize with your hate towards…"

"Please, stop," Chu Chu's voice was a mixture of held-back anger and held-back sadness. She turned her head away, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"You have no right," she stated flatly, the words heavy and final as she turned on her heels, her tears slowly starting to form and fall.

"Not right," she repeated, her voice breaking slightly as she walked away, leaving Till standing alone in the cold, the weight of her pain and his own words hanging heavily in the air.

Prospera

Prospera had left the room where Aiden was testing, now standing in a different room with Goday. Her team was manning multiple computers and consoles as her visor stared through the window.

In front of her was a large chamber housing a state-of-the-art machine. The room buzzed with the low hum of machinery and the occasional beep of monitoring systems.

"How is the Gelgoog doing?" Prospera inquired, her voice sharp with the weight of expectation.

Goday sighed, his back hunched towards the console in front of him. He leaned into the microphone, his voice echoing through the intercom. "Pilot 2, please lift your beam weaponry."

The pilot inside the Gelgoog followed the command. The grinding of exposed gears and the wild hiss of electrical currents filled the room. Prospera's sigh mirrored Goday's as the Gelgoog's arm moved into view.

The construction of the Gelgoog was nearly complete, but creating a new original mass-produced suit capable of harnessing not only beam weaponry but also its own unique beam saber had proven challenging. The mech's arm rose, revealing the aftermath of the test. The barrel of the beam rifle was melted off, the scope blasted away. Bits and pieces of the Gelgoog's arm and forearm were exposed and charred, the metal twisted and scorched.

Prospera's eyes narrowed behind her visor. The room's dim light cast sharp shadows across her face, highlighting the tension etched into her features.

"Yeah, we most definitely can't send this to the Sons of Harmony yet," Prospera stated, her tone heavy with frustration.

Goday nodded as he gazed back at the console. "Out of all the machines we've been making, this one has the most issues," he agreed.

"Did we deal with the problems regarding the engine and thrusters?" Prospera asked, her eyes still fixed on the Gelgoog.

"The engine's problem with sudden combustion is resolved, the thrusters are working excellently now, and the generator is stable," Goday replied. "But the beam rifle and the beam saber we're working with just aren't stable enough."

Prospera sighed deeply. "I was hoping to get Winters one of these bad boys for the rest of his Sons of Harmony and then start sending a couple of choice models to Marko," she began. Goday looked like he was about to speak, but she raised a hand to stop him. "I know, I know, not a lot—maybe twenty to forty models as a show of good faith. We're going to need them when we move on the Vandis Institute."

Goday's eyes widened before his expression slackened. "Prospera, what are we going to do about our ace?" he asked.

Prospera glanced down at him as he continued. "Aiden Winters, you just told me a couple of minutes ago that he isn't inclined to keep on fighting. Wasn't he especially one of the reasons why you sought them out in the first place?"

Prospera sighed again, a heavy sound filled with resignation and determination. "They're going to be very beneficial in defending Quiet Zero when we activate it. But do not underestimate Aiden. Men like him... they just need a bit of a spark to reawaken the cinders."

Goday nodded thoughtfully. "He has no other machines, and I already told our engineers to work on giving that boy... what was his name again?"

"Oscar," Prospera supplied.

Goday sighed, a hint of admiration in his voice. "You've always been good at keeping up with their names," he said. "Yes, Oscar. I told our engineers to modify a Zaku I to utilize a beam sniper. Shockingly, just adding a backpack and changing out the head sensors is working miraculously. I could say that we can get it in his hands by tomorrow."

Prospera smirked, the expression bringing a brief glimmer of satisfaction to her otherwise stern features. "Well, that just about gladdens me."

She sighed once more, her gaze lingering on the Gelgoog. "Damn it, Goday, I was really expecting to have something to give him."

Goday considered for a moment. "How about a Zaku II? We've got another high-mobility suit that we took."

Prospera shrugged her shoulders, her mind already racing with possibilities. "The test type we were utilizing was in the final stages, so that could be fine. Secondly though," her eyes drew towards the Gelgoog once more, a smirk spreading ear to ear, "you said the parts of the Gelgoog were fine except for the weaponry?"

Goday nodded. "Yeah, everything else is solid. Why?"

Prospera chuckled. "Okay, Goday, do me a favor. Tell our engineers to find a spare Gelgoog and strip the generator, thrusters, and engine. I want you to swap them with the Zaku High Mobility unit we have. I was rewatching the old fight between Aiden and Elan, felt a bit inspired after he couldn't tell me what he was looking for. He seemed to have a liking for beam weaponry. So, strap him with a beam bazooka from the Dom line, the standard Zaku machine gun, and also… take one of our GM beam sabers that we have in stock and give that to him instead of a heat weapon."

Goday's eyes widened, then his lips curved into a tight-lipped smirk. "You're a genius, ma'am… a Gelgoog in a Zaku's skin."

Prospera waved him off as she made her way down the hall. The utilitarian grey walkways seemed endless, but she finally stopped in front of a door. She scanned her keycard, entering a room with men in lab coats perched over consoles.

Inside the observation window was a mech, stripped to its bare bones, exposing its joints and mechanical components. The only part that hinted at its potential was the V-shaped visor and the twin eyes that glowed faintly.

Prospera took a deep breath and approached the microphone. "Aiden, you doing okay in there?"

Aiden, lounging in the cockpit, his attention on his phone, snapped to alertness at the sound of Prospera's voice. "Y-yeah, I've just been chilling," he said.

Prospera chuckled softly. "Sorry to keep you waiting, but Goday needed me for a few minutes."

"It's no problem. I'm just ready to start," Aiden replied, his voice steady but with a hint of eagerness.

Prospera nodded, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Good, good," she repeated. "Alright, I'm going to guide you through this. I want to remind you that everything happening is designed to be safe, and if you feel any discomfort or pain, just tell me."

Aiden's eyes widened, a lump forming in his throat. He took a steady breath. "Okay," he replied simply. "What do you need me to do?"

Prospera's finger tapped rhythmically on the console table, her gaze shifting towards one of the doctors beside her. She gave a thumbs up.

Aiden sat in the cockpit, his peg arm and leg resting awkwardly. The cockpit was heavily modified—specifically for him, he realized. It lacked the usual controls for his lost limbs, replaced instead with plugs. The controls for his remaining flesh-and-blood limbs were still intact.

"I'm going to ask you to put the pegs into the plugs in front of you," Prospera instructed.

"The pegs?" Aiden echoed, but he sighed and complied.

He slipped his arm into the plug first, then his leg. At first, he felt nothing. His limbs settled into their usual positions, but then a strange warmth spread along his frontal lobe, trekking down the base of his skull in bright, blistering waves. His jaw clenched at the sudden, intrusive sensation.

He took a deep breath. "I-I'm in," he stammered.

He could hear Prospera snap her fingers. "Good, good," she said. "Are we getting the reports? All systems green and gold?"

Aiden barely registered the activity in the room. Instead, he focused on the strange sensation, which was both intense and strangely familiar. His mouth went agape as the phantom limb moved...

"Oh my god," he muttered.

The arm he lost—plugged into the mech—moved. He twisted the false limb, clenching and unclenching his fingers. The flesh and blood were gone, but the machine responded.

His throat went dry. Was this what Prospera had been preparing him for with those bionics?

"Excellent, Winters!" Prospera exclaimed, joy lacing her tone. "We didn't even need to access the permit and…"

"The permit?" Aiden asked quickly. "That's the thing they were putting into Gundams, right? The things that were killing the pilots and..."

"Prospera, his heart rate is rapidly increasing," a voice crackled through the intercom.

"You're fine, Aiden," Prospera reassured, her eyes locked on the console in front of her. With a few taps on her keyboard, a camera feed flickered to life, revealing the intense blue of Aiden's eyes and the wild tufts of his black hair. What he didn't realize were the marks of the permit that had overridden parts of his body.

"Are you seeing this?" she motioned to one of her scientists.

"He's not facing any active effects," a female voice confirmed.

Another scientist chimed in, "You were right, Miss Mercury. Your theory was correct. By focusing on nerves that were either dead, removed, or nonexistent, the permit isn't having an adverse effect on his body."

Prospera nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. "All these years, we failed to realize that mainlining the permit in the Gund-Format was foolish," she murmured, ensuring her words were muted from the microphone. "Sure, he won't be as skilled as a standard Gundam Pilot, but he can move just as quickly and safely within the machine without killing himself. The boon that he can control these mechanizations through lost limbs… he'll be stronger than ever before."

A sinister snicker escaped her. Delling Rembran had no idea what was coming for him.

She flicked the mic back on. "You feeling anything bad, Winters?" she questioned.

Aiden shook his head. "No, I feel pretty fine. I've got this nagging feeling in my head, but it doesn't really hurt… just discomfort."

Prospera waved it off. "That's good to hear, Aiden. Let's continue with the test. Flex your fingers for me."

He did so, and the room erupted in murmurs of amazement at what he was capable of. Prospera's smirk widened into a toothy grin. The realization of the weapon they were able to create filled her with a chilling satisfaction.

Guel

Guel stood outside Laude's room, his heart heavy with hesitation. The door was ajar, a small creak betraying his presence. He had intended to knock, to check in on his younger brother, but the sound of Petra's sobs froze him in place. The intimacy of the moment made him feel like an intruder.

"Petra, it's okay," Laude's voice was gentle, a soft murmur through the partially open door.

"I think about it every day, Laude," Petra's voice trembled, each word laced with sorrow.

Guel pressed himself closer to the door, his hand hovering mid-air. He could hear the frustration in Laude's sigh, the uncertainty as he struggled to find the right words to comfort her.

Petra's voice broke through again, her sobs shaking her words. "Laude, we all survived because Guel got into that cursed machine, but it was too late for Felsi and Kamil." A sob tore through her, the names of their lost friends heavy in the air.

"Petra…" Laude's voice was softer now, and Guel could picture his brother wrapping her in a comforting embrace. "Please, it wasn't your fault. None of it was."

"I feel like I could've done something, something more. I just ran to one of those escape pods and…" Her voice trailed off, choked with guilt.

"No, Petra," Laude insisted. "You're not a pilot the way Guel and I are. You did your job, you got people to the escape pods and shuttles. It's thanks to you that more people got out."

"But Felsi and Kamil didn't," Petra whispered.

A heavy silence settled between them, thick with shared grief.

"I talked to Felsi's dad," Petra said after a long pause.

Guel's heart clenched, and he imagined the same reaction from Laude. Petra's voice trembled with the weight of her words. "They're heartbroken. It's a school, Laude. Out of all the places, their daughter should have been safest with us, under the Jetturk care. They don't even have a body to bury."

Guel's mind filled with the image of his brother, shoulders hunched under the unbearable burden of those words.

"One of those stray bullets could have hit us… you nearly died out there!" Petra's voice was filled with a mixture of fear and anger.

Laude's response was silent but powerful. Guel could imagine him closing the distance between them, wrapping Petra in a tight embrace as she wept into his shoulder. "I won't leave you, Petra. I promise."

Guel took a step back, swallowing hard.

And she cried and cried, her sobs filling the room, making Guel feel like an intruder in this intimate moment. As Petra's stifled sobs began to cease, Guel planted his feet firmly, pretending he had been walking to Laude's room all along. He knocked lightly on the door, which swung open slightly.

"Laude, you got a moment to speak?" Guel asked, hoping his voice didn't betray his embarrassment.

"Brother… of course," Laude replied, turning to Petra. "Give me a moment."

Laude stood and opened the door, stepping out and closing it gently behind him. "Dad would flip if he knew you had Petra in your room," Guel commented with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.

Laude rolled his eyes. "…Our old man is more old-fashioned than you realize. He'd probably tell me how proud he was," Laude said, a smirk finally breaking through his sadness.

Guel took a steady breath. "Listen, I wanted to talk to you about something. House Harmony—I'm planning on joining Shaddiq in dueling them again."

Laude's eyes widened. "But brother, Father forbade us from continuing in the race. Heck, you realize what's going on with Rembran and Winters."

Guel crossed his arms, nodding slowly. "Of course, Laude, but something needs to be done about them. They keep acting like they own the place, and I…I…"

He paused, and Laude watched him closely. "What's wrong?" Laude asked.

Guel hesitated, a tremor in his fingertips. "Winters killed Elan. And remember Parker Eastcott?"

Laude's eyes widened at the name. "That was the last guy you defeated before you lost."

Guel nodded. "I don't know the full story, but Parker and six to eight of his guys were killed by the Sons of Harmony in an informal duel."

Laude's shock was palpable. "No way," he mumbled. "This was happening when we were heading back to the academy?"

Guel nodded again. "These duels to the death have gotten out of hand. Shaddiq and I hope that by removing them from the Holder position, we can stabilize the climate here."

Laude's expression darkened. "Is that really it, brother?"

"What do you mean?" Guel asked, confusion crossing his features.

Laude's eyes drifted to the floor. "I-I remember what it was like being within the Gauntlet of that Ensign. Honestly, I think about it every time I go to sleep…heck, I dream about it." A tired, slightly manic laugh escaped from Laude.

"Laude…," Guel began, reaching out to rest a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder.

But Laude continued, his voice rising. "I'm all in for evening the score with those bastards from Harmony House." He raised his fingers, counting off. "Aiden Winters is a filthy mutant war criminal who's disgraced us. He came into our home, destroyed it, and one of his psycho friends gave me a scar I'll never forget. And now, those in their Legion killed two of our friends. I say we get our payback in full, brother."

Guel's eyes widened, the bloodlust and barely contained mania in Laude's wild gaze all too apparent. Guel, still young and unsure, didn't know what to say. He doubted that simple comforting words or a reassuring hand would help. Deacon's suggestion of therapy for everyone lingered in his mind, but it felt like the pot calling the kettle black. Still, there was truth in those words.

Laude's eyes locked onto Guel's. "So, we're working with Shaddiq in this team duel?"

Guel nodded.

Laude continued. "Doesn't he have his girls aiding him? They're skilled pilots. And I know you were once the Holder, but when the duel ends, that's going to lead to an interesting situation."

"Interesting how?" Guel asked.

Laude sighed. "Have you really not thought about this, Guel?" he questioned. "Brother, this is why Father always says I'm the smarter one." A smug smile crossed Laude's features.

Guel erupted into laughter. "Oh, he's damn right, but I'm the oldest and the firstborn," he chuckled loudly.

Laude shook his head, visibly annoyed but smiling. "What I'm trying to say is that when we do beat Aiden and his cronies, what then?"

Guel's eyes widened at the implication.

Laude continued. "There can only be one Holder. And when Father finds out we joined the race again after he told us to stop, he's going to be especially pissed off. But when we win, who is going to be the Holder? You or Shaddiq?"

But after seeing Henao in the hospital, a shiver ran along Guel's spine. The ramifications of what could've happened gnawed at him. His mind drifted to Deacon and his warnings about the Legion and Ensign Marty. Were they actually trying to stop him from fighting an enemy that would kill him, or were they protecting one of their own?

Laude sneered. "It doesn't matter anymore," he said. "Tell Shaddiq we'll gladly join him and his girls to even the playing field. I know we'll be dealing with that Mercurian witch and Aiden Winters' mutant powers. Don't think for a second that I'll hold back."

Guel's eyes widened at his brother's words. "Laude, this is a team effort. Shaddiq and I both talked about this duel to the death precedent. I don't want it to become normalized."

Laude shook his head, the darkness returning to his eyes. "Focus on dealing with Aiden Winters, brother. I assume you won't be bringing that cursed machine."

Guel sighed. "No kidding," he replied. "It's one thing to hop back into the race, but I'm not going to jeopardize the company by bringing that Gundam into the fray."

A small sigh escaped Laude. "Just take your good ole fashioned Dilenza," he said, nodding with a smile. "You've always been a skilled pilot, brother. Don't let Aiden Winters hold you down. There's always a chance to turn your losses into one great win."

Guel looked at his brother, seeing the intensity in his eyes. He knew Laude's hatred ran deep, but he also knew that they had to tread carefully. The Sons of Harmony were formidable, and Aiden Winters was no ordinary opponent. But with Shaddiq and Laude by his side, Guel felt a spark of hope.

"Alright, Laude," Guel said, his voice steadying. "We'll show them what we're made of. For Henao, for Felsi and Kamil, and for our honor."

Laude's smile broadened, a fierce determination in his gaze. "For our honor," he echoed.

Aiden

Aiden emerged into the gentle snowfall, the flakes swirling lazily from the overcast sky. The grey expanse of Prospera's laboratory loomed behind him, its sterile walls and sharp edges softened by the white blanket covering the ground. He tucked his hands deeper into the pockets of his coat and pulled his scarf up to his nose, the cold biting at his exposed skin.

His mind lingered on the tasks Prospera had set before him. His gaze drifted to his prosthetic limb, flexing the fingers absently. The strange sensation he had felt earlier had faded, but questions lingered. The connection, the almost seamless integration with the machine, hinted at something beyond conventional technology. Prospera was crafting something extraordinary, something tailored just for him.

"AIDEN!"

The voice cut through the silence, pulling him from his reverie. He turned towards the sound, squinting against the bright beams of a car slicing through the flurry. The light seemed almost magical, illuminating the snow and casting an ethereal glow on the figure standing by the car.

Suletta stood there, her eyes wide with excitement, a beaming smile on her face. She had the passenger door open, waving her gloved hand energetically at him. Her breath formed clouds in the cold air, the sight bringing warmth to Aiden's chest.

Aiden could hardly contain his smirk as he made his way toward her. "Who's driving?" he yelled out, his voice cutting through the snowy silence.

"Oscar!" Suletta yelled back, her voice filled with excitement.

Aiden chuckled loudly, the sound echoing in the frosty air. He continued toward the car, Suletta's crimson ponytail dancing in the gentle breeze. As he reached her, he flashed a playful smile, then walked past her, making his way to the car door.

Suletta pouted, her lips forming a perfect pout. "You forgetting something, Aiden?" she asked, her tone teasing.

"Like what?" Aiden feigned innocence, his smirk widening.

She pointed at her lips. "This," she stated, her voice softening.

Aiden laughed, his eyes dancing over her lips. A part of him wanted to grab her by the chin and kiss her right there, but he enjoyed teasing her too much. 'Maybe I'll make her wait... I like forceful and hot and bothered Suletta,' he thought with a grin.

He shut the door and was surprised to see a familiar face. "Yo," Nuno greeted.

"Shit, man, I didn't realize you were here. Good seeing you," Aiden said, turning to see Oscar checking the fuel gauge. "How are you guys doing?"

"Chilling," Oscar replied flatly. "Me and Nuno were playing video games for a good chunk of the day. What were you doing up in Prospera's?"

Aiden shrugged. "She was talking to me about mechs, but I was wondering—she said you did a special test with her as well and..."

"The peg one?" Oscar asked, turning back to Aiden.

Aiden paused for a beat, then slowly nodded. "Y-yeah," he said. "It was really weird, but I was 90% sure she brought up that you did it and..."

"What are you guys talking about?" Nuno asked, curiosity piqued.

Suletta, still pouting, loudly shut her door and wrapped her arms around herself as she clicked on her seat belt. Oscar made an awkward 'O' with his lips as he turned the keys and started the car, gearing them onto the road.

"Suletta's weird mother had me and Oscar put our limbs in weird things in mechs," Aiden joked, his voice light despite the strange day's events.

"Don't call my mom weird, Aiden," Suletta stated, but that only made Aiden explode into laughter.

"It's true, Suletta," Oscar commented, his gaze fixed on the road ahead.

Aiden leaned back into his seat, letting out a sigh. "Man, today was a real long day. The test took way longer than I expected."

"What do you guys wanna do?" Nuno piped up from the back seat.

Aiden tossed a fleeting glance toward Suletta. He could tell from her sulking posture and the way she glared out the window that she was still annoyed. His smirk widened.

"You guys wanna grab pizza?" Aiden suggested. "I'll pay."

Through the frosty rearview mirror, he saw Suletta's eyes widen in surprise. Her mouth opened slightly in excitement, the teal of her eyes brightening for a moment. But when she noticed Aiden's reflection smirking back at her, she pouted and wrapped her arms around herself.

"I could go for some pizza," Oscar chimed in, but he paused and threw his head back thoughtfully. "Not that cafeteria crap though. I mean one of the pizza spots on campus that's independently run."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Aiden said, his tone assured.

Oscar chuckled to himself. "Hell yeah," he muttered as he took the next turn, the car heading toward the twinkling lights of the academy's residential district.

"Got any tunes?" Aiden asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

"I do not," Oscar replied, eyes still on the road.

Aiden chuckled again. "Mind if I play something?"

"Shoot," Oscar said, nodding.

Aiden took out his phone and started flipping through his music library. "Ah, found it. This one. Hey, Suletta, you mind connecting it to the aux?"

Aiden's smile was dangerous, a mischievous gleam in his eyes as he locked gazes with Suletta. For a moment, she seemed to forget why she was mad, but then she huffed and took the phone from him.

Her eyes drifted to the phone's screen. "Suletta MP3?" she read aloud, her tone a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

Oscar chuckled loudly. "Ah, this is the new project. Looks like Aiden is making a song for you, Miss Mercury."

Suletta felt her face heat up as she wordlessly connected the phone to the aux cable. In the next few moments, a symphony of drums began to play, accompanied by a violin ensemble. Aiden's voice floated over the beginning notes.

"Woah," Nuno said, his ears perking up at the sound.

"T-this better be good if it has my name on it," Suletta commented, her voice betraying a slight stutter.

"Oh, trust me, this is going to blow your pants off," Aiden replied cockily, noticing Suletta's smile in the reflection.

The music swelled as the violin played more rapidly, and a drum ensemble joined in, flutes blending harmoniously with the strings. The melody carried through in a beautiful, fluid motion.

"This is really good," Oscar said, chuckling. "But there's no rap or vocals."

Aiden shrugged. "Some guy is commissioning me to write him some video game music. The name will obviously change, but I guess I had Suletta on my mind when I was making this."

The violin took a prominent solo, pounding and intense. Suletta felt her heart hammering in her chest. Was this really how he felt about her?

"This is all live music?" Nuno asked, impressed.

"Damn right it is," Aiden said, laughing. "Brought out the good ole piano for this. What do you think, Miss Mercury?"

Suletta heard the playfulness in his tone. Her heavy sigh and the red blush spreading across her cheeks were apparent in the reflection. "I-it's b-beautiful."

They continued to listen to the music as the lights of the residential area drew nearer, growing brighter. As the song began to wind down, they arrived at their destination, the final notes of a powerful violin solo replicating the opening bars.

Aiden yawned, but the car was filled with a sense of awe. "Holy shit, Aiden," Nuno said. "You are really going to turn this into a career." It was not a question; it was a statement of fact.

Aiden leaned back with a satisfied grin. "Just you wait. This is only the beginning."

Suletta's eyes sparkled as she looked at him. "I'm proud of you," she whispered, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Aiden's grin softened into a warm smile as they all drove into the night, the snowy landscape glistening under the streetlights.

Aiden chuckled. "Come on, nobody needs to be tooting my own horn, but Nuno, I've got to thank you. I wouldn't have been able to make this song without you."

"Without me?" Nuno questioned blankly.

"Hell yeah," Aiden said, pausing for a beat. "Listen, without you and Ojelo, I wouldn't have made it against Parker and his guys. You and Ojelo are alright in my book."

They stopped outside the pizzeria as Oscar parked the car. He sighed, cocking his head to see the lights of the pizzeria and a man roughing up dough inside, visible even through the falling snow from the blackened sky.

"Thank goodness it's still open," Oscar mumbled to himself as he stretched within the car. "Aiden, you said you've got it for today."

Aiden raised a thumbs up. "You're damn right," he commented. "Nuno, Suletta, don't worry, I'm treating you two... and Oscar as well tonight."

"...and Oscar as well tonight," Oscar sarcastically repeated.

They all got out of the car. Suletta's eyes clung to the establishment, a standard hole-in-the-wall pizza place with seating inside and a large oven in the corner. Outside the windows, a massive pizza man sign with a face of pepperoni and a smile of red tomato sauce welcomed them.

Suletta sighed, glancing at her phone and making her way to her list. She hadn't thought about it for so long, with so many distractions and changes. These moments felt like dreams, moments she never had but should have. Living on Mercury, she wasn't as blessed as others.

Yet...

"You coming?" Aiden called to her, and a smile traced her features. At least she could check a couple of things off her list.

Aiden held the door open for everyone, especially waiting for Suletta to enter.

"Where do you guys want to sit?" Nuno asked.

Oscar gazed around the establishment, which wasn't very crowded. He shrugged. "A booth, most definitely."

Aiden took off his jacket and came around to Suletta, slinging his own coat across his shoulder. "A-Aiden, I can—" But Aiden was already helping her out of her coat. Her face flushed deep scarlet, torn between annoyance at his teasing and the warmth spreading through her. If he had just kissed her instead of fooling around, she wouldn't be feeling so flustered!

Now in a beige sweater, Suletta's brown boots clacked as Aiden was the first to slide into the booth, taking the seat by the window. Nuno came next on the opposite side. Oscar was about to slide in next to Aiden, leaving the only seat remaining beside Nuno, but...

Suletta's eyes widened. She grabbed Oscar by the shoulder with surprising strength, nearly causing him to topple backwards. She maneuvered him with one hand, pushing him into Nuno's side, squishing Nuno against the window in a cartoonish manner.

The whole exchange lasted less than five seconds, leaving Suletta with an anxious and almost shocked smile as she swiftly and innocently settled herself next to Aiden.

Aiden, engrossed in the menu in front of him, was oblivious to the commotion. Nuno and Oscar were left muttering and whimpering from the sudden jolt.

"Suletta, you ever had pepperoni pizza before?" Aiden asked, glancing up from the menu.

"N-No," Suletta responded aimlessly.

Aiden chuckled. "Why am I not shocked? Sometimes, I wonder if you're going to pass out from tasting all these new things."

Suletta rolled her eyes. "I am not going to pass out, that's so dramatic," she retorted.

"What do you know, what do you know," Aiden sang, quoting a tune with a musical lilt.

"I-I handled the burgers just fine," she defended.

"So, what types of food have you tasted, Suletta?" Nuno chimed in. "I remember Lalique telling me that on your station, it was all processed food."

Suletta planted a finger on her chin, contemplating, then gazed down at her hands. "I know that Oscar introduced me to actual eggs and bacon, Deacon and Nika brought back fish from somewhere, but Aiden's really the one who's been taking me out."

"Remember the burgers," Aiden interjected, leaning on his elbow, staring at her with that familiar cocky smirk.

Suletta couldn't help but smile back, her earlier irritation melting away. "Yes, I remember the burgers. They were delicious."

Aiden grinned. "See? You're expanding your culinary horizons."

Oscar, still recovering from being manhandled, added, "Pizza is the next logical step. You're gonna love it, Suletta."

Nuno nodded. "Yeah, pepperoni pizza is a classic. If Aiden's treating, we should get the works."

As they discussed their order, the camaraderie and warmth between them grew. The pizzeria's cozy atmosphere, with its checkered tablecloths and the smell of baking dough, only added to the sense of belonging that Suletta felt. It was these moments, filled with laughter and shared experiences, that made her realize just how much her life had changed—and how much she had come to cherish these simple, yet profound, connections.

Suletta sighed. "Now, Nuno, Aiden has really been the one bringing me to eat. I've had burgers with him, he took me to drink boba, and—"

Aiden quickly raised both his arms in defense. "I don't drink that crap. Suletta had something like that on her list because she saw it on the internet and practically got on her hands and knees begging me to take her."

Suletta's eyes widened, and a blush spread across her features. "I-I have never begged or gotten on my knees for you," she protested.

"Funny," Aiden chuckled, his piercing blue eyes locking onto her. "I wouldn't mind seeing you on your knees."

The atmosphere froze, and everyone's eyes widened. Suletta's face burned as she looked down at her lap, but Oscar's wild, manic laughter echoed around them, and Aiden joined in, caught up in the fervor.

"Y-you're horrible, Aiden Winters!" shouted Suletta.

"Okay, okay," he waved off, taking the menu in his hands. "Scootch over, Suletta. I'm going to tell the guy to make a large pepperoni pizza. What do you guys want to drink?"

"They've got Sprite?" asked Oscar.

Aiden scoffed. "This is a PepsiCo establishment."

Oscar's groan was loud and audible. "Fuck these corporations. Get me their Sprite," he muttered.

"You mean Starry?" Aiden questioned.

Nuno chimed in. "You mean their Sierra Mist?"

Oscar's eyes widened as he shot Nuno a look. "No freaking way. There is no way that is just Sierra Mist."

Aiden chuckled. "Dumbass, you didn't realize they rebranded it?"

Oscar facepalmed. "Fine, whatever. I'll take the off-brand Sprite."

Aiden cocked his head towards Nuno. "What do you want?"

Nuno awkwardly waved it off. "I'm fine. I don't need a drink. I honestly just appreciate the food."

Aiden rolled his eyes. "Nuno, you're humble, but you're a friend now. What do you want? Seriously, I don't mind treating my friends."

Nuno glanced over at Suletta, who had a warm smile on her face as she nodded in approval. "Pepsi."

"Bet, we'll get you a large," Aiden said, snapping his fingers. He turned to Suletta with a playful grin. "How about you, princess?"

Suletta's eyes widened, and an awkward, flustered laugh escaped her lips at the comment. Even Nuno was shocked at how easily Aiden could make her blush.

"I-I… water," she stammered.

"Your wish is my command," Aiden joked.

Suletta stood to let him through as he made his way towards the man handling the pizza dough with practiced, rough efficiency. She settled back into her seat, watching him. They couldn't hear exactly what he was saying, but he raised a thumbs up, swiped his debit card, and handed back the menu. The restaurant was now empty, and as he whistled a tune, Suletta thought he was heading back to the table, but instead, he veered off in a different direction.

"W-Where is he going?" Suletta asked.

Oscar shrugged. The waitress quickly approached their table, setting down their drinks. Suletta took a sip of her water as Nuno and Oscar unwrapped their straws.

"Damn off-brand Sprite. If you and Aiden hadn't told me this was rebranded Sierra Mist, maybe I would've enjoyed it more," Oscar grumbled, waving it off. "He probably went to take a piss."

Suletta's eyes widened. She glanced around nervously, her gaze darting between the boys and then back to her drink, the cogs in her brain working overtime. "I-I…," she stuttered, pressing her fingers together as she stared at the ice in her water. "I'm going to use the bathroom."

Nuno and Oscar exchanged puzzled glances. "Um… okay," Nuno said awkwardly. "You go do that. We'll just chill here."

Suletta rose from her seat, her heart pounding as she made her way towards the restrooms. The light flurry of snow outside the window and the warm, cozy atmosphere of the pizzeria created a surreal backdrop for her racing thoughts. She paused outside the restroom door, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

Suletta made a strange, happy, unexplainable sound as she quickly rose from the booth. She narrowly avoided bumping into the waitress as she hurried towards the restrooms. Oscar caught a glimpse of her as he looked up from his soda, his curiosity piqued as he saw her glance anxiously left and right before slipping into the men's restroom.

"What in the world?" Oscar muttered.

Inside the men's bathroom, Aiden was busy washing his hands, still whistling the tune he'd been singing earlier. He turned to the paper dispenser only to find it empty.

"Damn it, they're out," he grumbled, flicking his hands dry. "Guess I'll have to use some pizza store napkins or something…"

His words trailed off as he caught sight of Suletta's lone ponytail whipping around like the tail of a wild animal. Her narrowed, wild teal eyes were fixed on him with an intensity that made him pause. "Suletta, this is the men's room, what are you—"

He was cut off as Suletta charged into him like a wild bull, knocking the air from his lungs. Her slender hands, petite but strong, pushed him forcefully into one of the open stalls. "Suletta, what the hell are you—"

She locked the door behind them with a swift motion and, standing on her toes, closed the distance between them. She slammed her eyes shut tight and pressed her lips onto his with a forceful passion. Aiden's eyes widened in surprise, the moment stretching between normalcy and Suletta's unexpected intrusion. Her warmth enveloped him, her lips melding against his own. His hands found their place along her waist, pulling her closer as her lips parted from his.

She settled back onto her feet, her hands resting on his chest, a small, satisfied smile playing on her lips, though her eyes still held a determined gleam. "What was that about?" he asked, slightly out of breath.

Suletta's eyes widened, then narrowed again. "You're a horrible tease, A-Aiden Winters," she stuttered, her voice a mix of frustration and affection.

Aiden laughed softly, brushing his fingers under her chin. "I didn't realize I'd get you like this," he murmured. "Come on, Oscar and Nuno are waiting, and I don't want them to think about…"

He was cut off again, this time by the sound of her laugh, a light, airy sound that filled the small space. She stepped back, her cheeks flushed but her smile unwavering.

"Think about what?" Suletta stated as she wrapped her arms around herself, trying to maintain her composure. "You already cracked that joke about us."

"Joke about what?" Aiden responded, feigning ignorance.

Suletta's blush deepened, her eyes darting nervously. "You know what I'm talking about, Aiden," she said, practically hopping from one foot to the other. "Aiden, you can't be saying stuff like that."

"I know, I know," Aiden replied, waving it off. "Honestly, it was a really risky joke, and I can understand that…"

Suletta suddenly grabbed his hand and dragged it under her sweater, pressing it against her chest. Aiden's eyes widened as he felt the steady beat of her heart and the softness of her breast. "Woah," he muttered bluntly, hearing her not-so-innocent giggle.

"You can't be cracking jokes like that because they make ME feel things," she said, her voice soft yet intense.

Aiden's eyes widened with realization, feeling the depth of their connection in that moment. He stepped closer, closing the distance between them. He grabbed her firmly and pinned her against the wall, his eyes locked onto hers as he kissed her deeply. Suletta's hands gripped the sides of his sweater, fighting his forcefulness for a moment before giving in.

Her hands slid to his stomach as Aiden's hands roamed over her chest, squeezing and molding her breasts through her clothes. "A-Aiden," she breathed, her voice heavy with desire.

He pinned her like he had done back at the tree. Aiden's hands found the hem of her sweater, sliding it over her head. Her ponytail flopped through the hole as he tossed the sweater to hang on the wall separating the stalls.

"Aiden," she called out his name again, her voice now a mix of lust and a warning. She stood there, her arms crossed beneath her large chest, her eyes narrowed and her face red with embarrassment, but she didn't avert her gaze. Aiden was captivated. How could he stop now?

Her tanned, sun-kissed skin glowed in the dim light, her perfect chest adorned in black lace. Aiden's smile widened as he stepped closer. "Black lace, huh," he commented, watching as Suletta's face blushed a deeper shade of crimson. He brought his fingers to her chin, lifting her face to meet his gaze. Her eyes locked onto his, filled with both vulnerability and anticipation. "You really wanted me to strip you, didn't you?"

Suletta's breath hitched, her lips parting slightly as she nodded, her eyes never leaving his. The intensity between them crackled, the air thick with unspoken desire and the promise of what was to come.

Suletta paused, but she slowly nodded her head.

Aiden's hands moved to the back of her bra, his eyes narrowing as he struggled with the laces. She started to smirk, a glint of mischief in her eyes.

"Struggling?" she teased.

"Shut up," he replied, fingers fumbling until he finally felt the clasp give way. "Got you," he whooped as the bra fell to the ground like a leaf in the tempest of winter. And there she was.

For a moment, Aiden just watched her, his eyes widening. Suletta turned her head away, embarrassed, but then she looked back at him, finding his gaze roaming her body.

"W-what?" she stuttered, her voice tinged with embarrassment.

Aiden's eyes were glued to her ample chest, captivated by the way her tanned skin contrasted with the pink of her nipples. He tenderly grasped her breasts with both hands, squeezing and molding them. A moan escaped Suletta's lips, and Aiden, utilizing his height, quickly glanced around to ensure they were alone.

With the coast clear, he flashed Suletta a hooked smile before slamming his lips against hers, the back of her head hitting the bathroom wall. "A-Aiden," she murmured his name into the kiss as his tongue slid between her lips. Like putty, she melted in his arms.

She knew how much he liked her, and there was a part of her that relished in his forcefulness. He ripped his lips away from hers, and her heavy breathing was audible in his ears. His mouth latched onto her chest, suckling and puckering the tender skin.

"A-Aiden," she stuttered his name again, reminiscent of the first time they met. She had found him cute, but never expected things to reach this point.

His hand instinctively traced along her legs, and she yelped.

Aiden's eyes widened, and he stopped. "W-woah, sorry, I got a bit out of hand…"

Suletta's blush deepened, but she reached out and grabbed his hand, bringing it back to her leg. "No, it's okay," she whispered, her voice trembling with anticipation.

Aiden's heart pounded in his chest as he leaned in closer, his hand caressing her thigh. He kissed her deeply, and she responded with equal fervor, their breaths mingling as the intensity of the moment consumed them both.

Outside, the snow continued to fall, the world beyond the bathroom a distant memory.

Suletta shook her head but nodded slowly. "I-it's your hand grazing my upper thigh and…," she looked away for a moment, her voice trembling.

Aiden nearly facepalmed. "Sorry, I didn't realize it."

Suletta's eyes found his again. "You can touch me there if you want," she said with shocking clarity.

Aiden didn't hesitate. His hand moved to her crotch, rubbing his fingers along her pants. She went cross-eyed, a hot moan escaping her lips. She gazed into Aiden's eyes, drawn to his smile, the one she loved so much.

"I-I want you forever, Aidy," she whispered.

Aiden's eyes widened, a deep blush spreading across his face. "I want you forever as well."

"You mean that?" Suletta asked earnestly.

Aiden chuckled. "You're the only girl in the universe to me," he said, staring into her eyes. "I can stay with you forever. You don't know how many times I've fantasized about it being just us forever."

He realized the weight of his words and stammered. "Ah, shit, sorry, I don't want to give you the ick."

"The ick?" Suletta repeated, puzzled.

Aiden rubbed the back of his head while his other hand kept rubbing along her crotch. "You know, the thing… we've only been together for…"

He was silenced as Suletta wrapped both arms tightly around his neck and kissed him forcefully. Her teal eyes loomed deep into his as his mouth fell ajar. Her lusty smile banished all his anxiety.

"I-I told you before that I love you… if you say forever, I'll say forever," Suletta said.

"Forever," Aiden echoed without missing a beat. A small smile emerged on Suletta's features, and she quickly pecked him on the lips.

"Don't play like that again. I spent years on Mercury without a cute boy like you around, so we've got a lot of lost time to make up for, don't we, Winters?" Suletta spoke with a playful tone, using his last name in a way that sent a shiver down his spine.

His eyebrow arched as Suletta lowered herself to her knees, smiling up at him and fluttering her eyes. "Y-you wanted to make that joke a reality?" she teased.

Aiden's breath hitched as he watched her, his heart pounding. "Suletta…," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion and desire.

She grinned, her hands moving to his belt. "I've wanted to do this for a while, Aiden. Let's not waste any more time."

Aiden's hand gently caressed her cheek, and he nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "Okay," he whispered, surrendering to the moment, the warmth of her touch, and the promise of forever.

But he could hear Suletta fumbling with his belt buckle, her fingers brushing along the contours of his thigh as she tugged his pants downward. He sprang to attention, his breath catching in his throat.

Her eyes widened, her cheeks a vivid scarlet as she gazed down at him. Her hand wrapped around the impressive length, stroking it gently. Aiden watched, captivated, as she leaned in closer. The heat of the moment overwhelmed him, his senses drowning in the mix of anticipation and desire.

Suletta's mouth closed around him, her lips warm and soft. The sensations were almost too much to bear as she worked him with a rhythm that sent shivers down his spine. The sounds of her efforts, the wet, eager noises, filled the small, tiled space, echoing off the walls like a symphony of intimacy.

Aiden's hands gripped the edge of the sink, knuckles white as he fought to keep control. His breathing grew ragged, his chest heaving as he watched her. Each movement, each stroke and lick, sent jolts of pleasure coursing through him.

Suletta's eyes flicked up, meeting his gaze. The connection, the unspoken bond between them, was palpable. Her eyes, filled with determination and affection, held him in a trance.

Aiden's world narrowed to the feeling of her mouth, the warmth, the pressure, the overwhelming sensation. He could feel himself teetering on the edge, and he reached down, his hand gently caressing her hair.

"Suletta," he breathed, his voice strained with effort. "I-I'm close."

She didn't stop, didn't falter, her pace increasing. Aiden's fingers tightened in her hair, and with a final, shuddering gasp, he felt himself let go. The pleasure washed over him in waves, his body trembling as he released into her.

Suletta stayed with him, her eyes never leaving his, even as she pulled back. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.

Aiden, still catching his breath, reached out, pulling her up to him. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, their foreheads touching. "You're amazing," he whispered, his voice hoarse.

Suletta's smile widened, her cheeks still flushed. "You're not so bad yourself, Winters," she teased.

They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped in each other, the intensity of the moment slowly giving way to a tender, shared silence. Outside, the world continued, but for now, in this small, private space, it was just them, and the promise of forever.

Oscar

"The fuck have they been? It's been like ten minutes," Oscar muttered, drumming his fingers impatiently on the table.

Nuno shrugged, taking another sip from his soda. Oscar threw a glance towards the hallway separating the male and female restrooms, then shook his head.

"So, how are you doing, Nuno?" Oscar asked, trying to break the silence.

"Chilling, honestly," Nuno replied.

Oscar waved it off, leaning back in his seat. "How's this company business feeling?"

"Huh?" Nuno blinked, caught off guard.

"You don't have to front," Oscar said, his tone softening. "I know Miorine just kind of showed up and recruited you guys. I feel kind of bad that you were backing me up that day. I hope your Earthian buddies didn't give you a hard time."

Nuno's eyes widened. "No one gave me a hard time for having a different opinion. Sure, Ojelo had something to say, but he's my best bud here. We were talking again after a couple of hours."

Oscar sighed, nodding in approval. "That's chill, that's chill. But that girl… Chu Chu, I think her name is."

Nuno sighed deeply. "Yeah, she can be a bit much at times. She's had a pretty bad run-in with Spaciens on and off campus. I don't condone her prejudice, but she's obviously wrong about you guys."

Oscar snickered at that.

"What?" Nuno raised an eyebrow.

"Just funny, I guess," Oscar said, shaking his head. "She's so hell-bent on hating us, but here we are, sitting together, talking like normal people. Maybe one day, she'll come around."

A beat of peaceful silence passed.

"You're alright, Nuno. You, Ojelo, and the rest of you guys. Heck, even your prez is alright. Anxious guy, but he's pretty chill," Oscar paused, considering his words. "I think we're all going to get along very well."

"You can thank Suletta for bringing everyone together," stated Nuno.

Oscar nodded, but then his eyes widened. "It was Nika who was friends with Suletta first, right?"

Nuno nodded. "From what Nika told me, they got to know each other when she interfered when some Spacien girls were bullying Suletta on her first day."

Oscar sighed, recalling the turmoil that sparked that day. His gaze drifted momentarily towards the female bathroom. "Have you guys ever heard of Suletta's older sister? I never asked Nika, but I was wondering if you guys knew anything."

Nuno shot him a look. "Suletta's got an older sister? That can't be right."

"That's what I was saying too," Oscar spoke the words a bit too loudly, then caught himself. "But the way you're saying it is…"

Nuno nodded. "Nah, I'm 100% on this. Suletta doesn't have an older sister." Nuno chuckled softly as the euphoric smell of pizza wafted over them. "Aaliyah did some fortune telling stuff on Suletta and pulled a card representing family. She only has a mom, she's an only child, and her dad died when she was so young she can't even remember what he looked like."

"Really, then," Oscar mused, his suspicions seemingly confirmed. "You know what, Nuno, you're not that bad. I'll let you in on something…"

But as he spoke, he caught sight of Aiden and Suletta emerging from the men's bathroom. Aiden looked exhausted, and Suletta had a smug, self-satisfied look as she walked beside him.

"Yo," Aiden simply blurted out, sliding into the booth with a wince and a groan, while Suletta, still smiling, slid in next to him.

Nuno hadn't realized it, but Oscar's mouth was agape at the implications. The waitress arrived a second later, holding the pizza on a tray. The cheese was still bubbling, the meat aromatic, and Nuno's eyes sparkled.

"This looks amazing!" Suletta nearly boomed from her seat. The waitress smiled at her and slid the pizza into the middle of the table.

Aiden took Suletta's plate and was about to serve her a slice.

"A-Aiden, I am a young woman, I can get my own plate," Suletta said.

"Oh, I know," Aiden chuckled, and Suletta blushed deeply. "But you're still my princess, so let me treat you."

Suletta had no words as he slid the plate in front of her. Nuno and Oscar both grabbed their own pieces and started wolfing them down.

"Aiden, you gonna eat?" Nuno questioned.

Aiden stared at them blankly, his head resting lazily on the booth pillow for a moment. "Y-yeah, just give me a second to…catch my bearings."

Oscar, chewing his pizza with his eyes closed, mumbled, "Sounds like one hell of a piss."

"You have no idea," Aiden chuckled back, only for Suletta to slap him hard on his thigh.

That was the jolt he needed. He took a bite of his pizza, and Suletta's eyes widened with twinkles. "This is better than the burgers!" she proclaimed, swiftly wolfing down the rest and reaching for the second piece on her own.

Aiden laughed. "Like an animal," he mumbled, and Suletta, red-faced, halted so quickly.

"No, don't stop," he said, resting his hand on hers. "I was only teasing." She smiled at him, reassured.

Oscar yawned audibly as he gazed at the two of them, primarily Suletta. "So, Suletta, how's the family doing?"

Aiden's eyes widened, shooting daggers at Oscar. Oscar knew Aiden well enough to understand he was practically screaming, "Bro, not the time."

Suletta shrugged as she took a bite of pizza, the cheese dribbling lazily down her chin. "Mom is doing pretty good. I got to see her before she heads out again, and I've been running more training sims in the Aerial between my courses."

Oscar chuckled. "It's really cute how you view the Aerial like a member of your family."

Suletta shrugged. "I know it seems strange, but the Aerial is alive. We've been through so much together that…" As Suletta rambled, Aiden and Oscar shrugged, paying no mind. But Nuno's eyes narrowed. It didn't feel like someone who really loved a car or their mobile suit; it felt far more intimate.

Oscar interrupted her. "Enough about the Aerial. How's Ericht doing?"

"Ericht?" questioned Suletta, her mouth hanging open as she finished off her second slice.

Aiden, too exhausted to properly eat, watched as Suletta's eyes shifted from Oscar to him. "You going to eat the rest of that?" she asked. Aiden wordlessly moved the plate towards her, and she started to devour his slice as well.

Oscar continued, undeterred. "I'm talking about your older sister. If we're doing the math and you're like eighteen or nineteen, your sister would be..." He paused, counting on his fingers. "She'd be like twenty-four or twenty-six. Come on, Suletta, she's probably got some fun big sister stories or..."

Suletta burst into laughter, covering her mouth with her hand. "Oscar, you can be so silly sometimes!" she erupted.

Oscar was perplexed, and now Aiden was staring at Suletta, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. Nuno, too, was watching her intently. Their reactions told Oscar that he was onto something.

"Oscar, I've never had an older sister. Don't get me wrong, I've always wanted one or a younger sibling, but my dad passed away years ago and my mom... she was heartbroken, still is. She never dated or remarried, and I didn't mind. It was always Mom and the Aerial; that was all I ever needed."

After Suletta's speech, they finished their meal in contemplative silence. Aiden and Oscar exchanged glances, the weight of an unspoken realization settling between them. Prospera had lied to them. It was a disturbing lie, one crafted to appeal to Deacon's noble qualities. The real question was, what else was she lying about?

As Aiden tipped the waitress and they left the store, Suletta's hum filled his ear, her hand clenched tightly in his. Could Prospera Mercury truly be capable of such deception, or was this just one isolated lie?

His gaze drifted to his prosthetic as he held the door open for Suletta. She climbed in, and Nuno took the shotgun seat while Oscar settled behind the wheel. Aiden and Suletta scooted close together in the back.

"So, what now?" Oscar asked, starting the engine.

Nuno yawned. "It's been a long night, but I've got classes and I want to hit the hay."

Oscar nodded. "How about you, Suletta? I'll drop Nuno off at Earth House..."

Suletta smiled softly, her eyes tired but content.

Before Suletta could respond, Aiden piped up with a smile. "Actually, Suletta wants to watch a cool movie tonight... at Harmony House."

Oscar chuckled loudly as he adjusted his rearview mirror. "Oh really? I want to watch this movie," Suletta stated. Aiden drew her close and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Her head nestled under his chin, and like before, she melted into him.

"You can tell Oscar to drop you off if you want," Aiden teased.

Suletta lifted her head from his chest, narrowing her gaze at him. "Sometimes you can be such a dunderhead, Aiden Winters." Aiden laughed heartily at that.

Oscar shrugged and turned the ignition, setting them back on the road. "So, what movie are you guys planning on watching?" Nuno asked, trying to make conversation.

Oscar glanced at his phone attached to the car's dashboard. "Deke?" he questioned, noticing the ringing and the caller ID.

Aiden yawned. "I don't have any classes in the morning tomorrow, and I know Suletta doesn't either. I don't know how long we're going to be up."

Suletta pouted. "A movie is a movie, Aiden."

"I know, I know," Aiden conceded. "But are we really going to be watching a movie? I'd rather pay more attention to you."

Oscar kept his eyes on the road but picked up the call, pressing the phone to his ear. Suletta rolled her eyes. "M-maybe, you should think of a movie."

"Ever heard of The Matrix?" Aiden asked with a chuckle. "That's a nice long one, but you've got to keep me close so I won't fall asleep."

Suletta inched closer, locking eyes with him. "I-I don't think that would be a problem." But just before they could kiss, Oscar's audible sigh broke the moment.

"Sorry guys, but we're going to need a rain check on that," he stated, looking into the rearview mirror.

"What's wrong?" Suletta asked, her voice filled with concern.

Oscar sighed heavily. "Shaddiq and Guel are at Earth House."

"Huh, the fuck?" Aiden blurted out.

Nuno eyed the trio with his own shocked expression.

Oscar couldn't hold back a snort. "Yep," he remarked. "Seems like those bastards are finally making their move."