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‘…I love you, you know…“
“…Know…can’t be together….”
The TV droned in the background, the fan running in the window. It was raining outside, and the laundry was lying on the porch. Just out of reach of the rain.
Aigis watched the sky, her legs folded under her. The garden sprawled around them, the bell peppers swaying as they were buffeted by stray winds.
It smelled like wet soil and spice.
From the corner of her eye, she could see Yuki puttering around the living room. His arms filled with sheets and his hair pinned away from his face.
He was changing out the couch throw. Trading faded blue sheets for a thick red throw. The radio played a tiny tune, the words drowned out by the rain.
Aigis closed her eyes and tilted her head back.
She never considered that she’d learn this sort of ‘peace’. She was a weapon, built solely for the purpose of destroying shadows. This fact was carved into every inch of her body.
From the top of her engines to the tips of her artillery. Aigis wasn’t a human.
And yet–
–A cup was slid into her hands.
She turned to her lover. Yuki knelt next to her, a ghost of a smile on his lips. She ran her eyes over him, counting the rings under his eyes, how his fingers turned red from the warm drink, how his hair was an inch longer than it’d been last month…
…and settling across the ring that set on his finger. So much like hers.
“Thank you.” she leaned over, pressing a chaste kiss across his cheek. Makoto hummed, coming to settle next to her, he let his legs fall across the porch, playing with dewy grass with his feet.
“It’s probably going to rain into the night.” his voice was a soft whisper. Something Aigis nearly mistook for a dream. He had his own mug, cradling it in his lap. It steamed in the brisk air carrying the scent of Ginseng.
“Then it’s good I brought the laundry in.” she looked over at her husband when he leaned across her. His head lay on her shoulder as he melted into her.
The years since that last battle had been kind to Makoto. Kinder than any of them dared believe. He was here, able to experience life's joys with her. Even if he were frail, even if this life would be fleeting.
She savored it. She had to.
“You’re thinking too hard,” he whispered to her, his hand sliding over hers. She blinked away the fogs of yesterday; flipping his grasp and sliding his hand into hers. Stroking the back of his hand with her thumb, and marveling at the sensation.
Every day, she’s astonished by how something so precious could be so fragile.
“There’s so much to think about.” she laughed to herself, turning her face into his hair. He smelled like vanilla shampoo and Ginseng tea. “We have to prepare for later, you know.”
Makoto nodded, taking a drink from his cup “What time are they supposed to be here, again?”
“Around 6 pm.” she paused “I’ll have to go pick up the cake soon.” her internal clock told her it was nearly time to pick up their order. An anniversary cake, celebrating that promised day.
They’d only ever missed one to date.
“Can we go together?” Makoto looked over at her. She’s always a little speechless at his face. He’s a beautiful man, she knew. But he only blossomed with age.
Aigis thinks he’ll be beautiful even if he is withered and wrinkled.
“…Of course…” she leans forward now, pressing a small kiss right on his lips. Pouring all her affection directly into him. Makoto stills, sinking into her quickly.
They pull apart, and his smile is like sunspots in winter “I love you.”