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The stars streaked outside the window, cradling the Edens Zero on its journey home to escort all the members to their homes. Soon it would be Weisz's turn but he had enormous news.
She had recently gotten officially engaged to Hermit after months of dating a little like this. To "test" the situation.
However, things had gone very well, enough to encourage Weisz to propose to Hermit that they live with him on Norma, which the robot girl had accepted kindly.
However, there was a huge problem to solve.
It had been a while since he had spoken to her mother, Irma, about her, and he knew it was time to call her, mostly to tell her that he would be returning to her house soon. They had texted each other in recent weeks, as well as during the trip, but they hadn't made any real calls in a long time. After all she had been through, the battles, the new friends, the strange and wonderful experiences, she felt a pang of homesickness now that she was returning.
Weisz Steiner leaned back against the headboard of his bed and, with a quick tap, activated the communications link; the screen lit up, showing her mother's familiar face. Irma Steiner was a woman she had seen much of herself in her life, but the moment she saw her son's face on the screen, her worried expression softened into a warm smile.
"Weisz!" she exclaimed, her voice full of relief and joy. "It's been a long time since a phone call, dear. How are you? Are you eating enough? You look thinner!"
Weisz chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm fine, Mom. The food here is... well, it's different from home. But don't worry, I eat enough. I've just been really busy, that's all."
Irma narrowed her eyes playfully. "Busy, huh? Busy with what, young man? Are you stirring up trouble again?"
He smiled, knowing she was half serious. "Nah, no problem, promise. Just...adventures, you know? It's been a crazy trip."
"Adventures?" Irma's curiosity was piqued, having also been an adventurer years ago. "What kind of adventures?"
“All kinds,” Weisz replied, leaning forward as he spoke. “I traveled across the cosmos, we visited planets I didn't even know existed, met all kinds of people… And yes, I got into some trouble here and there, but nothing I couldn't handle.”
Her mother's eyes were playful but proud as she listened to him. "Looks like you had a nice trip. I'm glad you're safe. But tell me, Weisz, is there any other news? With your friends here."
Weisz nodded, a smile gracing his lips. "Well actually yes, now that our adventure is over, we are all getting back to our lives. Some alone, some with their mothers and some as a couple." *Chuckles*
Irma smiled warmly, hearing the affection in her son's voice as she spoke of his friends. "I'm happy to hear that, sweetie. It's nice to have people you can count on. And you mentioned some couples, by any chance is there anyone special for you too?"
Weisz froze for a moment, the question taking him by surprise. He scratched his head, trying to figure out how to respond. “Uh, well…yeah, I guess you could say that.”
Weisz froze for a moment, the question took him by surprise, but he should have expected it knowing his mother. He scratched his head, trying to figure out how to answer her. "Uh, well... yeah, I wanted to tell you about this..."
Irma's eyes widened with excitement. "Really? Who is she? What's her name? Tell me everything! Ahhh I'm so excited!!"
Weisz hesitated, his thoughts wandering to Hermit Mio, the beautiful and brilliant android who had become more than just a companion or friend on his journey. But how could he explain it to his mother? He decided to keep things simple for now.
“His name is Hermit,” she said, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "She's... well, she's amazing. Smart, kind, a little shy, but very brave when you need to be. We've been through a lot together and, yes, I care about her a lot."
Irma's smile widened even more, though there was a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "Hermit... What a unique name."
"She's actually called Mio, but she prefers to be called Hermit. Don't tell her I told you or she'll kill me."
Her mother giggled at her statement while the blond tries to keep himself from doing the same.
"I'll hold the game for you son but...from the way you talk you sound like a wonderful person. I'm so happy you found someone who makes you happy."
Weisz nodded, his heart warming at his mother's words. "Thank you mom. I can't wait to get back to Norma and let you meet her."
"And I will be happy to do it! Just let me know when you return so I can welcome you properly!"
"Okay, Mom."
There was a short silence as they both enjoyed the moment. Then Irma spoke again, in a gentle but serious tone. "Son, I know you've always been adventurous, and way out of line, but promise me you'll stay safe out there. I worry about you, you know."
The blonde's smile softened and he nodded again. "I promise, Mom. I'll be careful. But don't worry too much, okay? I have good people with me. And I promise I'll call you more often now that I'm on my way home."
His mother giggled, the sound was full of warmth and affection. "I hope so, or I'll come out there and drag you home myself. And no girlfriend with you!"
The young man laughed, the tension easing from his shoulders. "Okay mom, I'll be good. I promise."
They talked some more, telling each other stories and catching up, until finally, it was time to say goodbye. When the call ended, Weisz lay completely back on the bed, looking at the entire cabin around him, feeling a sense of contentment, even though there was still a lump in his throat about the whole thing. He knew he had made the right choice in reaching out to his mother and testing the waters on the matter. And even if he hadn't told her everything, he knew that when the time was right, she would at least listen to what they had to say.
___
The young blond wandered through the silent corridors of Edens Zero, his mind still lingering on the conversation he had just had with his mother. It was nice to hear her voice again, but now that the call was over, a new worry tormented him: how to explain her relationship with Hermit to her.
The boy entered the Edens Zero hangar where there was a capsule ready just for him. Hermit had told him to join her on planet Digitalis where she wanted to go to relieve some stress after full days of work on the ship. She had told him that she would be in a virtual garden where the two of them would have a picnic alone. The blond then undressed, put on the special suit and entered the capsule, allowing himself to be transported into that world.
Along with the Rouge Fantasia game, the virtual garden was one of Hermit's favorite places, a serene environment where she could relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, digitally recreated, of course, but still just as breathtaking as the real thing. Plus the food in there would have nourished him but wouldn't have made him too big.
Selecting some trendy clothes from the main menu and entering the space, Weisz saw Hermit sitting on a bench under a blossoming cherry tree, her fingers delicately brushing the petals fluttering in the simulated breeze. Her long, light blue hair tinged with a soft green fell down her back, shimmering softly in the artificial light, set off by a very sweet candy pink dress. There was a calm about her that always attracted him when visible, a quiet grace that contrasted with the chaos of her usual life.
Weisz hesitated for a moment, not wanting to disturb her, but Hermit's sensors had already detected his presence. She turned her head and gave him a sweet, welcoming smile.
"Weisz," she greeted him, her voice as gentle as the rustling of the leaves around them. “How did the call with your mother go?” She said as she began to recreate a small digital portable table with some sweets and tea on the digital keyboard, so they wouldn't get out from the bench.
Weisz approached her, sitting next to her, staring at the canopy of flowers above her head. "Good. Better than I expected, actually. She was happy to hear me."
the celestine girl tilted her head slightly, studying his expression. "But there's something bothering you, isn't there?"
The blond sighed, running a hand through his hair. He could never hide anything from Hermit. "Yeah, a little. It's just...she asked me how i was getting along with all of you and, you know, if I had a girlfriend."
The robot's expression didn't change, but there was a flash of curiosity in her eyes. "And what did you tell her?"
“I told her about the crew,” Weisz said, glancing at Hermit. “Then when she asked me about a girl, the… well, I mentioned you.”
The girl's gaze softened. "I see. And how did you react?"
The boy shook his head, letting out a small laugh as he took some chocolate biscuits from the laid table. "She was excited. She was really happy for me. But I didn't tell her everything. I didn't tell her that... you're an android."
There was a moment of silence as Hermit processed his words. His expression remained calm, but Weisz could sense the slight tension in the way he held himself. “You're worried about how she'll react, aren't you?” he said softly.
"Yes," the boy admitted, leaning forward, with his elbows on his knees. “I mean, I know my mother. She's a good person, open-minded, but that's...this is... different. I don't know how she will take it. And I don't want her to treat you badly, or think that I'm... I don't know, making a mistake or something."
Hermit looked down at his hands, her fingers brushing the fabric of her pink dress. “Weisz, do you still think that being with me is a mistake?”
Weisz's eyes widened and he quickly turned to her. "No! Not at all, Hermit. That's not what I meant. It's just... I've never been in a situation like this before. I don't know how to explain it to her. I've never even brought a girl home to her... I've never had one before you, but I mean... a girl and a robot, do I really have to explain it to you?"
She nodded slowly, with a thoughtful expression. "I understand. It's natural to worry about how others will perceive our relationship, especially someone as important to you as your mother."
Weisz reached out, gently taking Hermit's hand in his. His fingers were cold to the touch, but there was a warmth in the contact that always comforted him. “I just don't want her to get the wrong idea about you,” he said softly. "You mean everything to me, Hermit. I want her to see you the way I see you."
The little robot looked at him, her blue eyes searching his face. "Weisz, your feelings for me... mean more to me than you can imagine. I've spent much of my life feeling like I'm nothing more than scrap to be thrown away, a machine built without a purpose. But with you , I've started to see myself differently. You've shown me that I'm more than that, and I'm so happy to come to Norma with you. And if your mother can see how happy we are together, I think she'll understand."
Weisz smiled, squeezing her hand gently. "Yes, you're right. I just have to be honest with her, tell her how I feel. In the end maybe she will get it..."
The celestine smiled back, even if there was still a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. "Do you want me to talk to her? When the time comes, you know"
Weisz thought about it, the idea was comforting and terrifying at the same time. "Maybe. I think... yes. She knows you're coming home with me, so... at least we need to prepare her for the idea."
Hermit nodded, his hand clasped in hers. "Whatever you decide, Weisz, I'll be here. You don't have to go through this alone. And you know it."
The blond felt a surge of affection for the girl next to him, marveling at how someone so different from him could understand him so completely. “Thank you Hermit… It means a lot to me.”
They sat together in silence for a while, eating and drinking as the virtual garden around them offered a peaceful refuge from the worries of the world. Weisz knew the conversation with her mother wouldn't be easy, but with Hermit at her side, he felt ready to face it. Whatever happened, they would get through it together.
As they sat there, hand in hand, Weisz felt a sense of peace creep into him stronger than before. The future was uncertain, but for now, he was content to simply enjoy the present with the person who had become everything to him.
____
The sun was low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the quiet neighborhood where the Steiner residence stood. The sound of rustling leaves and distant birds filled the air as Weisz Steiner and Hermit Mio walked hand in hand down the familiar path toward the front door.
Two weeks had passed since that phone call and that morning they had said goodbye to the remaining friends on Edens Zero who would soon return to their planets. For Weisz, Norma was a place full of memories, some joyful, some ugly, some tinged with bittersweet nostalgia. But today, as he glanced at the girl next to him, there was a nervous anticipation in his chest, a flutter that had nothing to do with familiar surroundings.
Hermit, usually so composed and confident, seemed unusually silent, her free hand fiddling with the hem of her white skirt. She had a simple dress with a light purple sailor cut above, very sweet and joyful but which almost clashed with the agitation she was also feeling inside her. Her cybernetic mind could calculate the odds of success and failure in a million different scenarios, but she couldn't predict the emotions of one person who mattered most that day: Irma Steiner, Weisz's mother.
As they reached the front door, Weisz stopped, turning to face Hermit. "Are you sure you're okay with this?" he asked, her voice soft but laced with concern.
Hermit looked up at him, her pale blue eyes reflecting the fading sunlight penetrating Weisz's almost dark. “I am,” she replied, her voice steady despite the slight tremor in her tone. “It's just… your mother's opinion matters to you. And that makes it important for me too."
Weisz smiled, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "She'll love you, I know she will."
"We've been through worse Weisz, let's not act like we're going to the gallows"
The boy chuckled as he saw the girl trying to relieve tension. He leaned forward, pressing a quick, reassuring kiss to her lips before reaching for the doorknob. "Ready?"
“Ready as ever,” Hermit replied, barely managing to smile from his agitation.
Weisz opened the door and entered, greeted by the familiar scent of home. The house was silent except for the soft sounds of a radio playing in the kitchen. Irma was cooking, as usual, preparing dinner with the same care as always.
"Mom? We're here!" Weisz called in his native language German, leading Hermit into her by the hand.
"In the kitchen, dear!" Irma's warm voice floated through the hallway in their native language, bringing a sense of comfort to Weisz. He felt a little more at ease as they kicked off their shoes and headed for the kitchen, but the weight of what he was about to do still loomed over him and the robot.
When they entered the kitchen, her mother turned from the stove with a bright smile. “Weisz, it's so good to see…” She paused, her eyes falling on Hermit, and her smile faltered for a brief moment as she watched her son hold the hand of a petite girl he had never met before .
Weisz felt Hermit tense next to him, and he quickly stepped forward, trying to ease the moment. “Mom, this is Hermit,” he said in a firm voice. "She IS her... the girl I told you about..."
Irma's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she quickly composed herself, offering Hermit a warm smile. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Hermit,” she said, stepping forward to greet her. "You're even more beautiful than I imagined, for God's sake!"
Hermit smiled back, though Weisz could sense the uncertainty still lingering beneath his calm exterior. "Thank you very much, Mrs. Steiner. I am honored to be here," he replied politely in German, bowing his head and back slightly in respect.
"Oh, are you Japanese? I can hear it in your accent when you speak!"
"Yes Mrs Steiner, but if this is a problem for you I know your language well."
"Whatever! What are you saying, we're bilingual here." Irma said as she reached out to gently take Hermit's hands in hers, a gesture that took both Weisz and Hermit by surprise. “And please, call me Irma or Mama,” she insisted gently. “You are part of Weisz's life, and that makes you part of this family too, there is no need for all these formalities.”
The boy felt a wave of relief wash over him, but he knew the conversation wasn't over yet. There was still the matter of explaining who—no, what—Hermit was. He took a deep breath, preparing for the next part.
"Mom," Weisz began, his voice slightly hesitant. "There's something you need to know about Hermit... something important."
Irma turned her attention back to her son, with a curious but open expression. "What is it, Weisz?"
Weisz looked at Hermit, giving her a nod of encouragement. She squeezed his hand reassuringly before taking a small step forward.
“I'm…not exactly human,” Hermit said softly, his tone of voice mixed with vulnerability and resolve. "I am a highly advanced android created as the Third Shining Star of the Edens Zero.
For a moment, the kitchen was filled with heavy silence. Irma's expression remained unreadable as she processed Hermit's words. Weisz held his breath, waiting for her reaction as if she were on the gallows.
Then, slowly, Irma's gaze softened and she smiled sweetly but still genuinely confused. "Okay, so what? What do you have to tell me?" she asked, in a light and reassuring tone.
Weisz blinked in surprise, and even Hermit seemed momentarily taken aback. "A-are you okay with that?" the boy asked, barely managing to hide the surprise in his voice.
His mother giggled softly, shaking her head. "Weisz, I may not be a scientist or an engineer, but I know my son. If you care about Hermit, and if she makes you happy, then that's all that matters to me." She turned to Hermit, her smile growing warmer. "You're welcome here darling, regardless of what you're made of. What matters is the heart, and from what I see, you have a real good one."
The star's eyes shone with emotion, something not often seen in his usually composed demeanor. “Thank you, Irma,” she said, her voice full of gratitude. “This means so much to me and his son.”
The blonde woman reached out, pulling Hermit into a gentle embrace, much to the android's surprise. "Now you are part of the family",
Irma said softly. "And families take care of each other, and I know you will do the same for my son."
Weisz watched the scene unfold, a mixture of relief and joy bubbling inside him. He had been so worried about that moment, so scared of how his mother would react to him. But seeing the acceptance in his eyes, the way he had embraced Hermit without hesitation, filled him with a warmth he hadn't realized he needed. Especially because he knew how much Hermit had suffered because of humans and seeing his girlfriend's nervousness melt away in that touch, he could only make him the happiest boy in the world.
When Irma finally released Hermit from her embrace, she turned to Weisz with a knowing smile. “So, I take it Hermit will be staying with us for a while?”
Weisz nodded, feeling a little embarrassed now. "Yes, that was the plan... if that's okay with you."
Irma waved a hand in contempt at what her son had said. "Sure, that's fine. We just need to make some changes in the house to put things in place. I've already arranged your bedroom son so that you can sleep together, but you better behave!", she added with a provocative glint in her eyes .
The two boys giggled a little embarrassed, the little robot looking down red and the blond scratching the back of his head. "Don't worry, Mom. We'll keep things...respectful."
Hermit blushed even more, nodding in agreement. "I appreciate the hospitality, Irma. I promise I won't give you any trouble and will help around the house."
“Nonsense, darling,” Irma replied, dismissing Hermit's concerns. "Now you're here, and that's what matters. Besides, I've always wanted a daughter who would come...him."
"HEY!"
Irma stuck her tongue out at her son before continuing "And then you will have your things to do in the garage. Weisz wrote to me that you have passions."
"Yes, that's true," Hermit said sincerely as her eyes lit up.
"And maybe every now and then we'll have a few days with us girls, what do you think?"
The blue girl nodded her head and the blonde woman smiled, clearly pleased with her answer. "Then it's settled. Welcome to the family, Hermit."
As the evening progressed, the three sat down to eat dinner, the atmosphere was warm and full of laughter. Irma told stories of her adventures at their age and also of Weisz's childhood, much to the boy's disappointment, and Hermit listened with rapt attention, occasionally shooting Weisz an amused glance.
Later, as night fell and the house grew quieter, Weisz and Hermit found themselves sitting on the back porch, the cool night air wrapping around them like a comfortable blanket.
"She went better than I expected," the celestine said softly, resting her head on the blond's shoulder.
"Yes," Weisz agreed, his arm around her, holding her close. "He really surprised me. But I'm glad he accepted you. I knew he would."
Hermit smiled, a peaceful expression crossing her features. "I'm happy too. This... this feels so right, Weisz. Being here with you, being part of your family... I didn't think I could ever have something like this in my life."
The boy kissed the top of her head, her heart swelling with affection. “You deserve it, you've been through so much.”
She looked up at him, her eyes shining with a mixture of gratitude and love. "I'm happy, Weisz. Thanks to you."
They sat together in the silent night, happy in each other's company, knowing they had made a big step forward in their relationship. It wasn't just about introducing Hermit to Weisz's mother, but about building a future together, one where they could be themselves and find joy in the simple moments.
And as the stars twinkled above them, Weisz knew that this was only the beginning of their journey together, a journey he couldn't wait to continue with Hermit by his side.
"Hey Weisz?"
"Yes?"
“Now how do we tell Sibir though?”
"....OH FUCK-"