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Due to his exceptional devotion to duty during the Bernstein rebellion, Second Lieutenant Ein Dalton was awarded silver Gjallarhorn Order. The official reason for this distinction was saving Specialist Major Gaelio Bauduin’s life during a Tekkadan ambush. There were many unspoken reasons too, such as continuous selfless fighting on the frontline. He stared the enemy in the eye numerous times, never backing down and yet made it out alive.
That was much worse than the Bernstein revolution.
Ein’s shirt had a tight collar. No matter how much he adjusted it, the fabric was digging into his neck. When he undid the first button, Gaelio immediately re-fastened it.
“We need to look presentable for an hour. This is when introductions and official proceedings are done.” he chided. Ein felt his ears go red. “After that, you can tear off this button, all the buttons or the whole shirt, I don’t care.”
Gaelio paused and flashed a smile which made breathing even harder than before. “Actually, I’d like to see this.”
“I can tear off my shirt right now. You can stare all you want, let’s just stay home.”
‘Home’ was a tentative statement. During their brief visits on Earth Ein was staying with the Bauduin family. The mansion was big enough for his hosts to present him with a luxurious room of his own. It was close to Gaelio’s quarters and was equipped with a double bed. They used it sometimes for the sake of appearances; Gaelio’s own suite of rooms was much more comfortable.
“You know my father will gut me alive if we don’t attend.”
Ein leaned forward and tucked a stray lock of purple hair behind his lover’s ear.
“Not if I shield you from him first.” he said, stroking Gaelio’s cheek. Specialist Major Bauduin placed his hand over Ein’s.
“Then he’ll gut you first and then move to me. If seeing you die wouldn’t kill me first, that is.” He sounded serious. “Ein, I’m so sorry I dragged you into this mess, but we’ve already refused to attend on five occasions. My parents will be furious at the both of us.”
Ein wouldn’t dare to make Gaelio’s family angry. It seemed that they slowly started to accept his seldom presence in their lives. He even started talking with Gaelio’s father from time to time. Topics oscillated around weather and military strategies, but it was a start. Ein didn’t want this progress to go to waste; being on good terms with your lover’s influential family was just prudent.
“Especially since your name is on the invitation.”
Gaelio pulled out a message terminal and flicked the switch. The screen flashed to reveal a festively decorated message. It started with the following line:
House Issue requests the pleasure of the company of Messrs. Gaelio Bauduin & Ein Dalton…
Truth be told, if Ein had to attend alone he would have not been that nervous. Years of bullying in Gjallarhorn’s Mars Branch made him rather resistant to unpleasant comments and acts. As long as he was concerned, Ein didn’t care. He wasn’t in the Outer Spheres anymore, though, and it wasn’t just about him. Gaelio’s reputation, position and connections – all of these things had to be taken into consideration.
Ignoring the giddy feeling that arose every time he looked at their names together, Ein turned away from the screen.
“Do you think Colonel Issue will be surprised when we arrive together?”
Gaelio’s fingers were on the base of his neck, gently rubbing around the tight collar.
“All of this is Carta’s doing, I swear. For a person who is barely in contact with her family she has a lot of influence over them. Do you know what she told me just before I went to Mars?” Ein didn’t know. Shaking his head, he reveled in the feeling of Gaelio’s hand rubbing against his scalp. “She said ’Good luck with finding a Martian husband, no man on Earth wants to touch you anyway’. I’m not joking.”
This made matters only more complicated. Ein stared, not sure what to say. Gaelio put an arm around his shoulders and pulled him close.
“I know you’re uncomfortable with parties. I’ll try to get us out of there as soon as possible, okay? Not that we have much choice: it’s either this or stealing the Sleipnir and flying off beyond Outer Spheres.”
Ein snuggled to Gaelio’s chest, enjoying his warmth. As long as they were together, nothing was going to be unbearable.
“Next time we’re taking over the Sleipnir.” he murmured into the embrace.
The Issue family lived on the other side of Vingólf, which gave Ein plenty of time to fantasize about jumping out of the car and rolling into the ocean. The only thing that stopped him from escaping was Gaelio’s hand on his shoulder – and when nobody was looking, his thigh. Not that people accompanying them would be surprised; Almiria was the first person to make an open remark about their relationship and Specialist Major Fareed… well, Gaelio swore he didn’t tell him anything but Ein was sure that Specialist Major Fareed knew it all anyway, starting with the first kiss Ein and Gaelio shared on Mars.
Suddenly faint, Ein reached for his lover’s hand. McGillis Fareed was too creepy for him, even in thoughts. Gaelio looked at him with a smile and pursed his lips.
“We’re almost there.” Specialist Major Fareed looked out onto the road; he turned to Ein and graced him with a dazzling smile. Ein shivered, but then Gaelio clapped him on the shoulder.
“The entrance ceremony is very simple.” He said with a shivering voice. “We wait for a call, then descend into a ballroom, bow politely and mix with the crowd.”
“It’s quite easy, Second Lieutenant Dalton.” Almiria leaned in and took Ein’s hand in hers. She wore a serious expression. “Father always used to say that Bauduins’ family secret to first impression is confidence.”
Specialist Major Fareed chimed in after his fiancée: “Don’t worry too much; noblemen tend not to pay attention to anything but their egos.”
It was very kind of them to teach him how to survive in high society, but Ein’s head started to hurt. Fortunately, the car swerved to park in front of the Issue residence. Ein stared at Almiria, climbing out of the car with some help from the chauffeur and Specialist Major Fareed. He didn’t really process what he was seeing; who would’ve paid attention to insignificant details when about to enter an enemy territory?
Seven Stars parties were a whole new level of terrifying. Ein started fiddling with this damn tight collar; Gaelio’s hand closed around his upper arm.
“Ein, just smile and relax.” He whispered, his breath tickling Ein’s ear. “No matter what happens, the plan is to behave as if nothing happened.”
Ein nodded and tried to smile. “Fair enough.” His voice sounded like it belonged to something small and dying; at the moment it was rather accurate. He walked to the front door on wobbly legs.
“House Issue welcomes the most esteemed guests.” Issues’ butler was dressed in a fancy teal and silver costume. He looked uncomfortable. Ein felt sympathy for the poor man – his outfit for the day was inconveniencing too. “Can I please have your invitations?”
The butler only glanced at Specialist Major Fareed’s terminal and nodded. Ein and Gaelio’s invitation was a more complex matter; the man read it a few times, eying Ein with suspicion. What a lovely start.
“Please, follow me.”
They were led to a decorated room. The couches and tables reminded Ein of the lounge area in Bauduin family estate. Well, except for everything being teal and silver here. This room opened into a long corridor. The butler indicated it with a handwave.
“This hallway connects to the ballroom. After your names are called please proceed through it.” He said, looking at Ein with squinted eyes. Any sympathy Ein had left for the butler dissipated; even his polite bow didn’t help. “Please excuse me.”
“I’ve been here so many times and yet can’t understand the Issues’ obsession with their colors.” Gaelio looked around, frowning. “Can you imagine painting everything at your house blue and gold and living among it all the time, McGillis?”
Specialist Major Fareed laughed; Gaelio threw his arms open and continued the tirade.
“And then there are marriages and alliances!” He glanced at Ein, briefly, before looking at Almiria. “Going by the customs, both Houses need to be represented. Good thing Carta isn’t going to get married soon; they would have to redecorate the whole mansion.”
It seemed Gaelio could go on without end, but he was stopped by a loud announcement.
“Sir McGillis Fareed and Lady Almiria Bauduin.”
Specialist Major Fareed took Almiria’s hand and smiled at her.
“That sounds like us. Shall we go?”
Almiria nodded, her face bright and smiling. Ein couldn’t suppress a smile too; little Miss Bauduin was the sweetest child he had ever seen. He glanced at his lover. Was Gaelio this adorable when he was ten?
“No matter what you say, this looks weird.” Gaelio whispered into Ein’s ear as they watched Almiria and McGillis descend down the hallway together. “Some Seven Stars customs make me uncomfortable and I’m a Seven Stars heir myself.”
“Haven’t your Father tried to marry you off to some older noblewoman?” Ein asked, suddenly amused by that image. Gaelio patted him on the back.
“What, love, are you jealous?”
“No, just curious.” Ein turned to face his lover. Purple hair tickled his cheek. Good thing they were alone; being that close was probably a crime against public decency. “And happy that nobody stole you away.”
Gaelio pressed his forehead to Ein’s. “There was never anyone else for me than you.”
They stood like that, unmoving. Gaelio’s warmth, smell of his cologne and softness of his hair eclipsed everything else about the world. It was like a haze suddenly fell over them, leaving no space for anyone but Gaelio Bauduin and Ein…
Gaelio suddenly grabbed Ein’s hand.
“It’s our turn!” He explained, urging Ein along. “It’s a consecutive call, too. We’re going to be in the center of attention; I’m so sorry Ein, it’s my fault…”
“Gaelio.” Ein moved his hand so their fingers were intertwined. He squeezed lightly and then let go. “It’s okay.”
They emerged out of the corridor just as the herald, dressed all in colors of Issue family, was calling out:
“Sir Gaelio Bauduin and Mr. Ein Bauduin.”
The ballroom was even bigger than in Gaelio’s house. Unsurprisingly, teal and silver banners of House Issue were hanging from each wall. Even the floor tiles were matching… wait, Ein Bauduin?!
Ein looked at Gaelio; his lover was pale and a trickle of sweat ran down his neck. When he looked at Ein he shook his head slightly. Apparently the plan was still in motion.
They made their way down the staircase. Ein was getting more and more uncomfortable; why were all those people looking at him? Did they recognize him as a half-Martian? Were they going to call in guards and chase him and Gaelio away? Speaking of Gaelio, didn’t he just miss a step..?
Ein’s body reacted faster than his thoughts could; he put an arm around Gaelio’s waist and held on tight. It was enough to stop him from falling down the stairs. There was a little negative thing about it, though. Those guests who were previously uninterested in unfolding events were now looking to the stairs, where Gaelio Bauduin and Ein – apparently – Bauduin were embracing each other. So much for a quiet entrance.
Gaelio was gripping his sleeve, his knuckles white.
“Thank you.” He whispered and took Ein’s arm. At the base of the stairs Gaelio grabbed first drink available to him and cleared his throat.
“Yet again I am saved by this man’s valiant efforts.” Several people laughed; was it a good sign? “Ladies and gentlemen, let me propose a toast to Second Lieutenant Ein Dalton, a soldier and a hero!”
Various nobles raised their glasses; some of them clapped. Ein saluted in the most dignified manner he could muster. On one hand, he was proud of Gaelio for quickly saving face and righting the misunderstanding, but now all the attention was on them. Guests started moving towards them, eager to discuss what just happened. Gaelio lowered his head.
“Trust me.”
Ein smiled. He trusted Gaelio anyway.
In a brilliant display of social resourcefulness, Gaelio Bauduin navigated through swarms of Seven Stars nobles, Gjallarhorn officials and other important guests. He made introductions, laughed at relevant political jokes and turned down marriage interviews. Of those last, Ein counted twenty-two in the first thirty minutes. Scorned brides seemed to take the news much better than their fathers, who were eager to improve their political standing through a marriage alliance with House Bauduin. Ein made sure to politely smile at every one of them.
At Gaelio’s side even a Gjallarhorn banquet was entertaining. The key was small talk, it seemed; Ein even exchanged some words with Sir Issue himself. The host of the party looked old and frail. It was hard to believe he was Colonel Issue’s father…
“Ugh, the Arbrau envoy is here too.” Gaelio pointed at a red-faced man who was hurrying towards them. “We have to get out of here.” Placing his hand at Ein’s back, his lover tried to steer him away, but to no avail. The man caught up with them, huffing heavily.
“Specialist Major Bauduin, what a pleasure to see you here!” He clapped Gaelio on the shoulder in an overly friendly gesture. Gaelio’s smile showed only a bit of teeth.
“Ambassador.” He bowed his head politely; his nails were digging into Ein’s back.
“Good evening to your aide too.” Ein nodded and saluted. “Sir Bauduin, can I borrow you for a moment? There is something I’d like to talk to you about…”
“I admire your dedication to work, Ambassador.” Gaelio took a sip of his drink. “Even at parties the interests of your bloc take the first place. How fortunate Arbrau must be to have such men of state!”
The envoy laughed.
“Oh, Sir Bauduin, I’m afraid I have a more personal matter to discuss.” He nudged Gaelio in the direction he came from. “It will take just a moment. I hope your companion doesn’t mind?”
Ein forced a smile and shook his head. Gaelio nodded and allowed the Ambassador to lead him away, glancing back every few steps.
As soon as Gaelio was gone, a wave of panic swept through Ein. How was he going to fare now? The most alluring option was to stand somewhere in the corner and wait until Gaelio comes back. He looked down at his wine.
“Second Lieutenant Ein Dalton.”
Ein knew this voice all too well. Raising his head, he prepared for the worst.
He has never seen Colonel Carta Issue out of her uniform. Now that he did, he had to admit that the combination of teal and silver suited her perfectly. Colonel Issue was wearing a long, flowing dress with a neckline so low that it probably violated a law or two. The man at her arm – he looked suspiciously like Orlis Stenja from Mars Branch, Ein noted – desperately tried to avoid looking at her cleavage. He was losing this battle.
“Colonel Issue.” Ein bowed, his face flushed. “You look dazzling.”
The noblewoman threw her hair back in a fluid movement. Her companion choked on his wine. “I know, Ein Dalton. I have been hearing it from so many idiots tonight that it makes me sick.”
“But, Lady Carta, it’s the truth…” Orlis lookalike interjected, but Colonel Issue stopped him with a wave of her hand.
“Quiet, Corlis, I’m talking to Mr. Dalton here. Anyway, I am terribly sorry for the incident at the beginning. There must have been a mix-up of information.”
Carta Issue was looking at Ein intently. There was something in her stare; a nagging suspicion that she had something to do with the mix-up.
“I believe Specialist Major Bauduin should be the one offended.” Corlis Stenja said with furrowed brows. “Aren’t you the half-Martian from Orlis’ branch? To even connect such a low bloodline to a Seven Stars House…”
Ein suppressed a groan. Here we go again; apparently being a jerk ran in the family.
“Corlis, why don’t you go and fetch me champagne?” Colonel Issue interrupted her companion. Her face molded into a sweet expression. “And bring one glass for Second Lieutenant Dalton as well; I’m sure he’d love to have some.”
Shooting one last murderous glance at Ein, Corlis Stenja retreated. Carta Issue looked at him with a mixture of disgust and pity.
“What a slimy little asshole.” She commented, combing through her hair with her fingers. “Sir Iznario asked me to invite this worm so I had to comply, but I would love to relegate him to Jupiter with no possibility of pardon.”
Ein had no idea what to reply. He has never talked with Colonel Issue in private; there was always someone else present. Somehow talking about how horrible Corlis Stenja was didn’t seem like a good idea.
Carta Issue patted him on the back. “You pose a threat to Gjallarhorn’s existence, Ein Dalton, did you know it?”
Ein’s eyes went so wide they started to hurt. “I’m sorry, Colonel, I don’t know what you’re referring to.”
Colonel Issue leaned over him. “But don’t worry; the same goes for me.” She said it in a gravely tone; it formed a stark contrast with her smile. “Both of us prevent some eligible Seven Stars bachelor from marrying a lovely Seven Stars lady and producing a string of adorable Seven Stars spawns. Progeny, I mean.”
Carta Issue indicated the ballroom with a sweeping gesture.
“Look at all those people, willing to whore their children out to Gjallarhorn nobility for their own purposes. I think it is a worthy cause to prevent them from fulfilling those delusions of grandeur. I do it by refusing to marry,” she paused and looked back at Ein “you – by keeping a Seven Stars nobleman all to yourself. Our methods may vary, but our goals are the same.”
According to Gaelio, anything Carta Issue said about family and marriage was automatically overwritten by ‘I wish I could marry McGillis but I can’t; I won’t marry anyone then’. After listening to her heated speech, Ein thought that it may not be the entire case.
“That’s why I like you, Ein Dalton. And since I like you, I’ll give you some important advice.”
Ein nodded politely as his mind raced. What was this woman’s goal?
“I’ve known Gaelio Bauduin since childhood. As a seven-year-old he was exceptionally stupid; now he’s an even bigger idiot than before.”
“Um, Colonel Issue…” Ein began but a glance from Carta made him swallow his words.
“He’s too naïve and kind for his own good. McGillis once convinced him that Ahab reactors are fueled by unwanted children; it took a week to persuade him to stop leaving toys and candy on the Sleipnir ‘for the poor boys and girls’.”
Ein felt a smile forming on his lips; apparently sweetness ran in the family too.
“One would assume that Gaelio manned up and learned to think. He didn’t; he’s still as innocent and loyal as he was. That’s where you come in, Second Lieutenant.” Colonel Issue’s hand gripped his shoulder. The noblewoman was smiling. “If you ever take advantage of Gaelio’s trust, I will find everything you hold dear and destroy it before flaying you alive.”
Ein stood there, dumbfounded. He couldn’t decide what was the most shocking – her words, the calmness in her voice or the very thought of betraying Gaelio. Carta Issue let go of his shoulder and fixed her hair.
“But I like you, Ein Dalton; that’s why I trust you won’t do that.” She raised her arm and waved. “Oh look, our champagne is here.”
Ein accepted the glass from Corlis with a wide smile. The man glared daggers at him, but in a second his expression changed to a pleasant one.
“Oh, Ein, there you are. I just had to refuse yet another damn marriage offer this evening.” Gaelio touched Ein’s back. He looked at his childhood friend with fondness. “Carta, it’s so lovely to see you. Did the tailor run out of fabric halfway through your dress?”
Colonel Issue shot him an acerbic smile. She raised the hem of her gown. “Look, I’ve got matching high heels too. And I can walk down the stairs in them without slipping like a drunkard.”
“And you sure do look stunning. Well, enjoy the rest of the night with your esteemed companion.” Gaelio nodded at Corlis Stenja. Carta took her companion’s arm and raised her glass.
“Have a lovely evening, Gaelio and Ein Bauduin.”
Even though the party wasn’t a complete failure, it felt good to be home.
As soon as the door to their quarters closed behind them, Gaelio reached out and undid the first button of Ein’s collar.
“I’m so proud of us.” He said, leading Ein to the study. “We didn’t cause any significant scandal.”
“Except for that one moment when they called me ‘Ein Bauduin’. I imagine your parents would be furious if they heard about that.” Ein was unfastening one button after another; as soon as he was out of that abyssal shirt the night was going to get ten times better. “I thought I was going to die there.”
Gaelio suddenly fell silent. Ein looked at him; he was fiddling with the sleeve of his coat.
“What’s wrong, Gaelio?”
“Nothing too important.” Gaelio hung his head low. The longer lock of hair obscured his face. “Did you dislike being called ‘Ein Bauduin’ that much?”
Ein blinked. Well, of course it was unexpected, but he didn’t dislike it. ‘Ein Bauduin’ sounded as if he was Gaelio’s husband not only in practice but in theory as well. There was something very dignified about this phrase, as if the world finally recognized the unbreakable bond between them. He opened his mouth to answer but what happened next rendered him speechless.
Out of his coat’s pocket, Gaelio produced a small purple box. He reached for Ein’s hand and placed it in his palm.
“This is for you.” He explained in a solemn voice. “Regardless of your answer, I mean.”
His fingers trembling, Ein lifted the lid.
Aside from a wad of purple velvet the box contained a ring. Ein took it out; it gleamed faintly in the lamp light. Nanolaminate armor, it seemed. It was forged into a plain band. Shivering, Ein raised his hand.
“Wait, let me do it.”
Gaelio took Ein’s hand in his and slid the ring onto Ein’s finger. It was pleasantly cool – nanolaminate armor had a low thermal conductivity value, Ein remembered – and seemed to fit perfectly. Almost as if it was made exclusively for him. After a second, Ein realized that it was the case.
“This metal comes from Kimaris’ original parts. After the Calamity War its armor was gradually replaced, but my family kept a small amount as a keepsake.” Gaelio’s hands were stroking Ein’s palm and fingers. “As a child I loved listening to Calamity War stories. My parents used to turn them into moral fables about chivalry and honor. I used to think then that even though war is a tragedy, something good must come out of it.”
Like in a trance, Ein raised his other hand and placed it on Gaelio’s chest. His heart was beating so fast. Gaelio cleared his throat and continued.
“It symbolizes us well, don’t you think? Even though we met during a war I couldn’t imagine finding anyone more precious in the times of peace.”
Time slowed down, it seemed. Somehow Gaelio was now on one knee in front of Ein, still holding his hand.
“I love you, Ein Dalton. When the right time comes, will you grant me the honor to call you my husband?”
When Ein started working in Gjallarhorn he had a crush on one of his senior officers. He was a handsome, reserved man who rarely spoke to Ein but was polite when he did – which was good enough. Ein had no idea how to approach his feelings, though; he was mulling over them on the inside while getting more and more anxious until Lieutenant Crank asked what was wrong. After Ein poured his heart out, his mentor told him something he didn’t pay much attention to until now.
‘If it’s meant to be, you’ll know it.’
Ein looked down at Gaelio. An aristocrat and a half-Martian soldier – what a weird pair! They met by chance, kept bumping into each other by a string of coincidences and somehow fell in love. Despite all of that, Ein knew. He knelt next to Gaelio and embraced him firmly, as if he was holding the most important person in the whole world. Well, he was.
“You already know the answer.”