Chapter Text
Suletta has always tried to show everyone that she's capable and strong. That's how she gains her confidence.
Mother taught her to be like that, to gain strength in moving forward.
At first, it was so Suletta could win the trust from the residents at Mercury.
But now, she’ll be leaving.
“I wonder if anyone will like me...” And like normal for someone her age, she can’t handle the pressure well.
Of course they will like you Suletta, you always put your whole effort into helping others. Anyone would be lucky to be your friend.
You managed to convince most of the people on Mercury to rely on you as a pilot, showing your skills here will prove yourself over time.
I want to tell her this, but I know at the same time, it means she’ll inevitably be making enemies.
She would also be dealing with a lot of new responsibilities that mom gave her from now on, even if she doesn’t know about most of them.
So that’s why I want Suletta to make good friends, so that she doesn’t get dragged down.
Well, I guess she’s strong enough to handle that too. We’ll be together after all.
Today had been the day before Suletta was scheduled to enter the route leading to the school base. She couldn’t sleep due to her nerves, so she spent the time in my cockpit still in her pajamas.
“Do you think I’ll really be able to meet someone like that?
I think you will.
Even if you don’t, we’ll be here as family.
Although I can’t provide much inside the school buildings. So I’m hoping you get to meet a good person to rely on soon inside school.
Suletta still looks uncertain, so I blink twice on my control screen, showing that it’ll be fine, even if I’m not so sure myself.
“Thanks Aerial.”
***
Her first meeting with someone her age wasn’t hopeful. It was of a white haired girl, she was shorter in figure but around Suletta’s age despite that.
Delling’s daughter.
Being the daughter of Delling, I didn’t expect any less of her attitude. That’s why I wasn’t surprised at the fact that she was trying to run away from the school, considering I already knew of its dueling system. I just didn’t expect for Suletta to coincidentally find her like this.
With their rough encounter, Suletta stared at this new girl in front of her and was bewitched.
Looking back on it now, it was such an odd chance, that I wondered how it might’ve been fate.
Although, I have a hard time figuring out what the real coincidences are and what aren’t.
***
She was a more reasonable person than I first assumed. And because of that, her and Suletta bonded more naturally than anticipated. Everything was going well. And Suletta had been winning duels with me.
If Suletta’s happy, all I can do is act content.
But it was on this mission to Planet Quetta, that I couldn’t help but think…
Getting closer to Miorine, enjoying herself at school, and getting attached, was this relevant to the plan?
The thought came up suddenly despite there being bigger concerns arising about today.
But surprisingly, the day was completely calm, ominously so.
Suletta was currently resting in my cockpit, it was the first time we’ve seen each other in 2 months.
Mom was here earlier, but left just now saying she needed to finalize some preparations.
Today was an abnormally more cheerful day for Suletta, I had been worried about not being able to check up on her while I was getting rebuilt. And apparently she had been doing bad for the past few days, but it seemed to have settled itself earlier.
I’m glad.
She started to ramble to me about what transpired on this odd day.
C Block, Hangar 78. It was the location Aerial was stationed at.
“We managed to make up! It was difficult and scary, but it worked out in the end.
“I could feel both of us getting closer too.
“I didn’t think I would get to met someone else I could call family besides with you and mom.
“But it’s not like I was planning to get a bride either, hehe.”
I was catching Aerial up with everything, but I wanted to talk about what happened today with Miorine first.
“I wasn’t able to communicate with her well, but Miorine told me to trust in her.
“And now, I can feel how strong our bond has gotten, it makes me happy. Miorine’s done a lot for me, so I want to be even better for her.
“Ah, but don’t worry Aerial, we still have our strong bond together too.
“But I hope we all can get along together, you, mom, and Miorine.
“Oh, I guess that might be hard, she did try to steal you at first. But it’s fine, right? Maybe…”
Aerial blinks twice, she seemed like she didn’t mind now.
“I’m glad~”
I was in total bliss.
I have all of my family with me on this trip, maybe we all can soon spend time together.
Although both mom and Miorine are always busy, and Aerial can’t always fit everywhere.
But I can look forward to it in the future, and that’s all that matters.
The future…
Something about earlier crosses my mind, I had avoided thinking about it while I was telling Aerial about today.
And like always, Aerial notices.
“No it’s alright, it’s nothing serious Aerial.”
At least, Miorine told me it wasn’t serious…
I tell Aerial about what happened, and I could sense that she didn’t believe my statement.
Well it’ll probably be on my mind all night after all…
I almost accidentally kissed Miorine.
***
It wasn’t actually a real kiss but it felt just as intense.
***
“Because… I’m your groom.”
“That’s good then…” She replies in a whisper.
I felt Miorine’s warm face against my chest, we hugged in silence.
She was doing the best to hide it, but I hear lisps of whimpers as she choked back her last tears. As we held on to each other, I hoped I was managing to comfort her.
I was happy, I could probably cry too, but I wanted to focus on my bride.
Had she always wanted to say these things to me?
I wanted to be a better groom for her, a groom that accepts my bride. And one that can protect her forever.
I wanted to hold onto this.
“Close your eyes.” She said it so suddenly and gently, her face still buried against me, it surprised me.
“W-what?”
She was being so demanding earlier, with what I last said… and how we were embracing...a lot raced in my head of what she could possibly mean.
I was worried about how this mood would progress.
“It isn’t anything weird you idiot, I just don’t want you to look at me right now.”
“Ah, r-right…”
Yeah that makes more sense…
“You have to meet with Aerial and your mother right?”
“It can wait…”
I didn’t want Miorine to worry about those things, she seemed like she hadn’t finished crying yet.
“Don’t be so weird about things.”
“I-I’m not.”
Did Miorine want to let go now? But she’s still clinging to me tightly.
I looked down, and was surprised how her skin changed color.
“M-M-Miorine, are you okay? Your ears are super red, l-l-like a tomato.”
“That’s why I’m telling you to close your eyes!” She buries her face deeper into me to hide herself.
“Huh? O-oh, yeah.”
I close my eyes, but wasn’t sure how long I should close them for, or if I was even meant to start yet, so I opened them back immediately, and I saw a glimmer of Miorine’s flushed face.
Her pale skin deepened in pink.
“I said closed!”
“A-ah.” She forcefully placed her hand over my eyes and startled me.
I couldn’t see anything but I could sense that she was moving.
I’m not sure what happened. Maybe Miorine hadn’t been paying attention, but as she turned around the back of her leg got caught with my left thigh.
She flailed her arms in front of herself, and I instinctively caught her as she fell forward. We crashed into each other, just like a moment before. I was worried, so I leaned my head down to check on her.
At the same time, Miorine looked upwards… And um, my lips landed on her nose.
My thoughts were racing, and I wasn’t prepared….For something like this…It hurt because we slammed into each other, but then I started to focus on how softer she was, it felt like it lasted for a long time because I didn’t let go…
Miorine didn’t move either. I’m not sure who pulled away first. Maybe it was the low zero-g that did, but we managed to separate at some point.
“Fbdgghadjdj.” It was the first reaction I had when coming to my senses, I was freaking out, not sure how to express myself as my face grew hotter.
We had a sudden gap in distance between us, and Miorine covered her nose with one hand, not moving in particular.
“S-sorry. I-I didn’t… I-it w-.” I didn’t know what else to do but I had to apologize…
"It's fine. It was accidental…" Miorine replied. Her tone was gentler than I anticipated, and her expression was neutral. However, I couldn't believe that because...
“B-but you’re red…” I pointed out.
I couldn’t tell what type of red it was…
“That’s— not because I’m angry.”
“Really really?”
“I swear if you make me say it more times…” Miorine almost let out a growl, which probably meant she was getting angry now, so I listened to her.
“I-I’ll do my best.” I didn’t want to forget what I promised about her relying on me.
Miorine lets out a soft breath. “Good. Anyways, I wanted to walk you back.”
“Hm?” Walk back where?
“To Aerial.”
“O-oh, right. T-thanks Miorine.”
“Mhm.”
She resumed to seeming cool and collected.
Did she really not mind the kiss? Well if she says so I’ll trust her as her groom.
But I think I’ll still be embarrassed…
She took the lead to head forward. Following her, I tried very hard to concentrate on something else.
I was able to glance at the shift in her expression from behind, she wore a soft face.
I wasn’t able to guess what for, but seeing her relaxed made me smile.
Miorine turned around to my direction.
“What?” She said, noticing my expression, her face turning back to normal.
“I’m just really glad we made up and all.” I answered excitedly.
Us being able to be like this while on a mission together made me really happy.
“You’re really stupid for believing I thought negatively of you though.” Her vocabulary was intimidating as always but she said it in a kind way.
Moving faster to catch up to her side, I heard a low jingling sound from my uniform.
I realized it was the sound from the hots and cool keychains’ chains clanking against each other.
Miorine looked at me curiously, having suddenly paused to stare at my pocket.
“A-ah yeah, I had something I wanted to g-give you, Miorine-san.” I was excited to finally say this to her, but nervous from spending days agonizing and holding back from doing so.
“Hm? What is it.” My reluctance was probably suspicious to Miorine.
“Um, t-this, a keychain.” I quickly shuffle to take them out of my pocket, holding out the blue one to her.
“…Matching ones?”
“Y-yeah, if that’s okay with you.”
“Sure.”
She extends her hand out, and I go to pass it to her, but as I do my fingers brush against her palm.
I froze, my cheeks heating up. “U-uum, sorry.” I quickly drop the keychain on her open hand.
“You should start apologizing less, it makes it seem like I’m punishing you.”
“R-right, I’ll do my best.” I slipped up even though I promised to be more reliable earlier.
This is going to be hard isn’t it?
It was a bit embarrassing so I continued moving forward down the hallways, and we continued together.
I glance over at Miorine, wondering what she thought of it as she lifts her own keychain in front of her face, closely inspecting it.
“Lame…” She says plainspoken.
“Huh? Don’t you think it’s cute?” It was totally cute though, the blue one reminded me of her.
Miorine remained firm in her opinion. “Not at all…But, whatever.” However, her eyes softened as she continued to stare at it, and a small smile formed. “It just looks like a gift from you.” Her voice was as gentle as her gaze, it gave me a really great feeling. Her smile made me smile too.
I started to think that maybe I could check off more things on my lists with Miorine.
I had been floating above her as we moved forward, so I glided down towards her level.
As soon as I did, an alarm rang.
Miorine and I stopped in place.
“Ah, sorry have to take this Suletta.” Miorine picked up her phone and held it to her ear. She listened on the speaker silently for a moment.
“Okay. Got it. I’ll head out.”
She shut off her phone and turned to me.
“Sorry the team needs me to come over quickly, I’ll text you when I’m done.”
“Should I come over too?”
“It’s fine, I can cover for you… Stay out of trouble okay?”
Miorine had a strangely strong glare, she looked worried for me, but I didn’t know for what exactly.
“I promise.” So I gave her a firm answer.
She heads off in the opposite direction. From behind, I can still see her carrying the keychain, she’s looking at it inside her palm as she moves.
It makes me happy and I pick up mines too.
Carrying it against my chest, I head off.
***
Mom and her team were here earlier, but we didn’t get to talk much since she was still working with them. Aerial was going through one last check-up. And when that was done, they all left including mom, saying that she needed to meet with someone.
I was sad all of us couldn’t stay together for long, but I was relieved to see Aerial again. She was completely healed from how I last saw her, and even upgraded with a new appearance. I was overjoyed.
I ended up spending the night, confining about everything to Aerial, catching her up.
Miorine ended up texting me later that she couldn’t meet up tonight, having been called up for something else too.
She was constantly busy these past months, it must’ve been hard on her. She’s doing a lot for the sake of Gund-Arm, so I’ll work hard too.
I’m still happy about today. But it leaves me with a lot to think about.
“I should trust in Miorine and forget about it by tomorrow right?”
But Aerial didn’t agree.
Miorine’s like family to me. I trust her. She told to say things to her if I have a problem, but I’m not sure how to deal with this situation specifically. Is it enough of a deal to be worth talking about? I’ll be taking time off her schedule after all…
Ignoring it doesn’t feel right, but maybe it’s still the right thing to do if I can solve it on my own?
“I-it’s probably normal for a married couple anyways, to be doing these things.” I think that’s why Miorine doesn’t mind, though we’re not married yet…
If she doesn’t mind then… What does that mean?
Maybe she expected these sorts of things to happen at some point and doesn’t feel strange about it.
Kissing…Marriage…
But Miorine’s different right? When we first got together, she didn’t want to actually be like a couple.
But that’s different now.
But is it different?
Did she really not mind that I almost kissed her, or did she ignore that it happened?
She probably just sees it as an accident but…
"Please stay by my side forever."
That line she told me repeated in my head constantly. It’s making me question myself in things I’m not sure why, and I feel funny in a way I can’t describe.
“Maybe I should text her.”
But I might not be able to talk about it to her, she did call me sex-crazed before about these topics.
I know that I didn’t want to date anyone else as Miorine’s groom.
So then if we promised to be together forever.
That means at some point, we’d probably…
My thoughts made my heart want to explode, I didn’t think I would get any sleep if I continued on like this. So soon, I realized I should be heading back, having planned to think it over tomorrow.
I said goodbye to Aerial, and headed to my bunker.
***
It was a familiar place, even though I don’t remember being here before. The warm colors from the sunset was almost the same as I’ve seen in picture books, purple and orange hues. It was oddly comfortable and inviting, I felt at ease.
The sun’s light was natural and shined through the whole landscape surrounding us, but unlike on Mercury, it wasn’t deadly.
There was foliage everywhere. And the grass stretched far with random patches of bare land.
The tall buildings that circled us were all buried in the ground with vines and standing lopsided, it was almost like in a fairy tale. In any other place, the ruined scenery would’ve looked creepy, but here it felt nostalgic to me. Like I’ve explored here before in the past.
We were running toward the sun, the structures tall enough to create looming shadows over us as we passed by them.
There was wind, it picked up as we ran, and it occasionally brushed against fallen leaves that had gathered from the scattered forest spread all over the Earth.
With our feet hitting against the firm ground and grass that reached our ankles, we raced through as fast as possible, with Miorine’s pace unable to match mines and eventually falling behind.
Seeing her struggle, I quickly stop to turn her way, picking her up by the legs into carry before she could catch herself. She was light so it wasn’t hard for me. I held her firmly against my body and continued running at the same pace.
She was protesting for me to let go of her, even trying to push against my chest, but I knew she was exhausted from how she breathed, I wasn’t willing to put her down.
I had an enormous smile plastered on my face.
Miorine’s always been pretty, and I was able to look at her close up like this. Her face was red in embarrassment, her skin was so pale that it shows easily. It made her cheeks appear into a cute rosy color.
With everything around us that was beautiful, it made her stand out the more.
The sun’s colors hit even our bodies, and Miorine was most vibrant out of anything else.
It overwhelmed me with enough happiness that I started giggling at some point. It made Miorine frustrated at first, but after a while she started laughing too.
I was so happy as I ran, both of us together like this.
There was no one else around, but it must’ve been weird to look at. We were both laughing, having the time of our lives while running towards empty space in the middle of no where.
But this was what bliss was like for me.
In the middle of running and enjoying the wind, Miorine planted a kiss on my cheek.
It was a soft one, placed as gently and lovingly as can be. I look down at her in my arms, my cheeks beginning to flush.
She smiled almost in a smirk, revealing she had done the action as payback for earlier.
It made me feel fuzzy. A new warm sensation spread through my body.
I was flustered, but it wasn’t uncomfortable, instead I felt grateful that I get to share this moment together with her. I couldn’t imagine anyone else with me.
She studied my face, observing my expression. I flash her a loving smile.
Being in this mood together, I couldn’t resist. I lean down, focusing on landing my lips onto hers.
The kiss was short and sweet, our faces were so close it was easy to do, and she wasn’t expecting it.
Miorine’s face was slightly pouty, but she wasn’t actually mad.
I move away just a bit, planting my forehead against hers, we gazed into each other’s eyes at this distance.
Kissing her felt natural, like I had an inclination to whenever we were this close.
And I wanted her to feel as good as I did too.
She nuzzled her nose against mine, it felt ticklish, my heart bursting with joy
Without a sound, we both leaned in together and shared another kiss but this time it was much deeper. Miorine wrapped her arms around my neck for support, and we stayed there.
My eyes closed, I was able to feel her kiss even more intensely.
With sounds of leaves and the grass brushing against the increasing wind in the background.
The moment the kiss ended, the burst of adrenaline was uncontrollable. So I kept on running again.
There was really no where for us to go, we had escaped together, but I excitedly went in the direction that I did while carrying Miorine against me in this embrace.
All with a smile.
We ran far, far away.
***
When I woke up, the sensations from the dream carried over. My legs tingled, and my chest felt compressed by warmth. I stood up from my bed, still in a daze, and felt my face heavily flushed.
As I was becoming aware of my surrounding, I ended up forgetting most of what happened during the dream.
I tried to remember bits of it. There were feelings that still lingered, even during my morning routine of dressing up.
I clearly recalled that me and Miorine kissed at the end… that feeling in my chest didn’t leave.
Overthinking too much was bad, so I shifted my focus on work instead and went to eat breakfast with everyone.
Throughout the morning, I helped the others out and transported containers to different rooms.
As the afternoon arrived, I suddenly found myself with a lunch container in hand without noticing when I received it.
When did this happen?
I realized that I was lost in thought all day.
The feelings I got from the dream… Regarding Miorine… They still overloaded my mind.
I knew I couldn’t ignore the issue. That if I didn’t focus on it, it would be going against how Miorine and me communicated yesterday. I didn’t want that.
But I needed to clear my head first, before I talk to Miorine.
So I finish up my lunch quickly, and head out for the rest of the break.