Chapter 16:

  Gentle Change

  I awoke embraced in Elizabeth's arms. A dream, surely, but the reality was much sweeter. Her morning kisses were filled with love and the air permeated with an aroma of breakfast. Maya, Elizabeth, and I all had breakfast together in a warm, rexed atmosphere.

  This atmosphere didn't st, an unfortunate thing to be sure, but one that was bound to happen.

  "...You're going tomorrow, aren't you?" I asked, handing my empty pte to Maya so she could wash it.

  I had tried, keyword here, to wash the dishes a few times only to be rebuked. Begrudgingly, I accepted Maya's insistence on washing them herself. Though, I had been allowed to help dry them, at the very least. So, while I stood there waiting with a towel to dry the dishes, I spoke with Elizabeth who watched me with such a sultry gaze.

  "Unfortunately, yes," she responded, smiling as she watched me.

  It was as if she was in a trance, her eyes scanning every inch of me. I couldn't help but shift around, my heart screaming happily in my chest. I felt so many things whenever she looked at me like this. I was the only one she saw.

  I wanted to ask her to stay, and I knew if I did, she would. However, as selfish as I wanted to be, she had a job to do. Her job helped save many lives. I was proud of her and...slightly jealous.

  I wasn't a pyer, and I don't think that life was for me, but I often felt like I should do something to help. As I thought about this, I felt arms wrap around me from behind. It was Elizabeth, the scent of lic, soft on the air, filled my nostrils as she held me close.

  "Lucas..." she whispered, and I felt her breath on my neck.

  It was enough to get my blood running hot.

  "I-I'm trying to help Maya," I flustered, just making excuses.

  "Exactly," Elizabeth spoke softly, "Even the little things, Lucas, is enough."

  She was reading me like a damn book again. Leaning back against her, I let out a heavy sigh. She knew me so well. I could hardly compete, but...I was happy. Sometimes, I didn't know how to express myself properly. To have her able to just know was a blessing in disguise.

  "I guess," I responded with a shrug, "I just...I don't know. I feel like I should do more."

  "No," Elizabeth stated with surprisingly firmness, "You will do nothing. If I had it my way, you wouldn't even wash yourself without help."

  "I-I'm not that helpless..." my face heated up, embarrassed at the notion of anyone trying to help me with that, "Come on..."

  Her arms squeezed me then, an embrace I was all too familiar with by now. It tore at my heart while at the same time filled it with warmth. She didn't want anything to happen to me, and even the slightest of things could cause something even worse to happen. I couldn't deny these things, not really.

  She lived many lives and saw so much. I had no idea how many lives, but...just by looking into her eyes as I turned around to wrap my arms around her, I saw that these thoughts, these feelings of hers, ran deep. Who was I to deny them? I just wanted to make her feel happy.

  "M-Maybe...you can help me in the future," I muttered, completely forgetting that Maya was right there when I said something so embarrassing.

  Elizabeth's smirk in that moment was intoxicating. As if I had just hung food before a hungry predator.

  "Oh?" She spoke sensually, teasing, "Is that a promise?"

  "I-I mean, we'll see, but...maybe," I couldn't look into those enchanting eyes that looked at me so lewdly.

  I was too shy to even think what she wanted to do with me. Despite how close we had become, we had never actually taken that step yet. Honestly, I wondered how she had held herself back all this time. From the way I felt, deep within my heart, I knew she was struggling with it. She wanted me, and to be honest...I wanted her, but I wanted it to be right. I think she knew that, and I think she also wanted it to be special.

  How many times had we gone through this song and dance before? It was a thought on my mind as I rested my head against her chest, looking away sheepishly. Closing my eyes, I listened to the sound of her heartbeat. Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum.

  It was soothing, and for this brief moment, it was only her and me. I wanted this to st forever, only to hear the sound of someone clearing their throat.

  "As touching as this is," Maya poke up with that professional tone of hers, "I'd appreciate it if you didn't steal my dish dryer."

  "Oh!" Opening my eyes, I felt ashamed to have completely forgotten, "Sorry, Maya. I got carried away..."

  "It's not your fault, Sir," Maya responded, a slight smirk to her lips as she gnced up at Elizabeth, "Ms. Falcrest is insatiable. I understand."

  Elizabeth simply gred at her pyfully, a slight pout as she tilted her head up in defiance.

  "I'll be gone for who knows how long," Elizabeth stated, wrapping her arms around my shoulders as I returned to help Maya with the dishes, "I want to get as much as I can."

  "Of course, Ms. Falcrest," Maya replied, handing me a pte to dry.

  There was a sense of familiarity between them that I always found so...rexing. It was pyful and sweet. Despite Maya's professionalism, they often joked and prodded at Elizabeth, who took everything in stride. I was happy to see that she had someone she was close to like that.

  Not wanting to be left out of everything, Azure began to flit around everywhere making noises for attention. There was ughter. There were smiles. It was a morning I cherished and so I did my best to not think about tomorrow, or the time that Elizabeth would be gone.

  I simply lived in the moment, hoping that I'd never wake.

  -----

  Elizabeth coddled me for the entire morning. She didn't want to let go, and I didn't want her to. It was all a ruse to distract me. Before I knew it, Maya had packed several boxes of my stuff without me ever knowing until it was too te.

  Everything happened so fast. One minute, Elizabeth was holding me on the couch, and then the next, we were in the back of a car on the way into the more affluent districts. In particur, District 7. Home of Aegis Unlimited.

  Tall buildings, pristine parks, and everyone who was walking around wore high-end fashion. It was definitely not a pce I belonged, and yet, as we rolled into an underground parking garage, I found myself smack dab in the middle of it all.

  "E-Ellie...?" I inquired, definitely feeling out of sorts.

  "Yes, love?" she asked, acting innocent.

  "...You know what," I replied, narrowing my eyes at her, "What is this?"

  She simply smiled, wrapping an arm around my waist as Maya escorted us further in. Looking around, I saw that we were in a private garage, having taken a car elevator up before pulling out. It wasn't anything fancy, but it was well-taken care of and clean.

  There were a few other vehicles as well, all looking the same as the one we came here in. Backups, perhaps? I wasn't sure.

  As Maya led us further in, I began to have a sinking suspicion of just what was going on. The elevators opened, bck pristine metallic doors, into a vish elevator. Inside it was decorated with a marble tiled floor and dark walls with golden railings. It was filled with a warm light.

  Stepping inside, Elizabeth had a satisfied smile on her face as she attempted to act coy about the entire situation.

  "...Is this okay?" I asked softly, scratching Azure under their chin as they rested upon my shoulder.

  "Of course, I own the building," Elizabeth stated smugly.

  "Well, I guess that does answer my question," I begrudgingly mumbled, "Even though you know what I mean."

  "...Can't you just let me surprise you?" Elizabeth pouted, though there was a sparkle to her eye that told me she was amused.

  "I told you we should have informed him," Maya chimed in with that professional tone of hers, "He's not a fool, Ms. Falcrest."

  "Of course, he's not," Elizabeth stated, hugging her to me, "He's quite smart...when he chooses to be."

  "Hey!" I chuckled as she nuzzled her face into my neck, "You're not wrong, but still!"

  Her kisses upon my neck were apology enough. It wasn't like I was angry in the first pce. As the doors of the elevator opened, I was met with an extravagant view of a rge room with a high ceiling. A crystal chandelier hung from the middle, illuminating everything in a warm, yet bright, light.

  It was a penthouse of modern design with dark colors. Large bay windows gave a beautiful view of the city to the left, while to the right led further into the penthouse. There was a second-floor balcony that looked out over the room and into what looked like a sitting area.

  It was almost completely empty, save for some basic furniture. A rge, comfortable looking couch with dark grey upholstery and several pillows for extra cushion. This, of course, wasn't the main sitting room. It was all just an entryway for the elevator.

  "What do you think?" Elizabeth asked as we stepped out, "It's not much, but-"

  "Not much?" I interrupted with an incredulous tone an expression, "Don't even start that. We could fit, what, ten of my apartments in here? Maybe more? Pfft, not much she says..."

  Elizabeth blushed lightly as she ughed.

  "To be fair, Sir, she-" Maya began to speak up before Elizabeth rushed her, pcing a hand over her mouth.

  "N-Now, now, Maya," Elizabeth spoke nervously, "He doesn't have to know that."

  "Oh?" Raising an eyebrow, I looked at her curiously, "I don't have to know what?"

  I did my best to give not break eye contact with her until she finally broke, releasing Maya from her grip as she sighed in defeat.

  "I...wanted to do more," Elizabeth stated sullenly, "You deserve the best, after all."

  Maya adjusted herself as she watched Elizabeth with a satisfied smirk on her face. Their friendship was touching, and Elizabeth doing her best for me warmed my heart. I didn't think I deserved all this, but the fact that she did told me one thing. Just accept it.

  Taking the initiative, I wrapped my arms around Elizabeth and hugged her tight. I smiled up at her fondly. I softened my expression as I spoke.

  "I have the best right here," I told her, "I'm not even going to ask how much this cost. Knowing you, you had it built just for me."

  Elizabeth became flustered as she looked down at me, unable to deny my words.

  "I-I mean..." Elizabeth scratched her cheek and shrugged, "It wasn't that much, just five hun-"

  "Nope," I pced a finger to her lips, sealing the words inside of them, "After knowing how much that suit costs, I don't want to know how much this pce cost to build."

  "Five hundred and thirty-four million," Maya intoned, causing me to damn near choke.

  "Maya!" I excimed as Elizabeth patted my back to help me clear my throat, "Damn it..."

  I sighed in defeat, knowing it was all in good nature. They didn't want to hide anything from me, but man...this pce was that much? I guess I should get used to such things, but I couldn't help but feel in awe of it. If it cost that much, how much did she want to spend. As if reading my mind, Maya spoke up.

  "Eight hundred and fifty-five million is what she was going to spend," Maya informed me clearly, "If she had it her way, though, she would have given you the entire building."

  "W-What would I even do with all of that?" I looked at Elizabeth for crification, but she looked away shyly, avoiding eye contact, "Honestly, you're incorrigible."

  There was no changing who she was, but that wasn't a bad thing. Hugging her tightly, I leaned up and kissed her on the cheek, much to her pleasant surprise.

  "But, that's alright," I told her with a wry smile, "I love you exactly because of how you are. Just...try to go easy, huh? I don't think my heart can take this all at once."

  She smiled mischievously, wrapping her arms around me tightly.

  "No promises," she replied, pulling me in for a deep kiss.

  Her fingers under my chin were inviting, her lips intoxicating. Only Maya clearing her throat reminded us both that she was still there. With both of us blushing, we reluctantly left each other's embrace. Azure wormed his way between us, having felt left out of the affection.

  With our senses back to us, I was shown around the pce. There were three floors to the penthouse, with the top floor being more of a greenhouse garden and a pool outside, which could be enclosed during the winter months. This pce was amazing and more than I could have ever thought possible for me to have.

  Elizabeth was spoiling me. I always figured I'd eventually move now that she was in my life, but I didn't think it'd be so soon. I was anxious, having to move into a new pce. Though, both Maya and Elizabeth did their best to make it as easy as possible for me.

  They had distracted me earlier and not said anything to hopefully help reduce the anxiety I had with change. Things were changing, and I had to adapt, but it was touching that they cared enough to try and make it as easy a transition as possible. Maya had packed while Elizabeth distracted me, and now they were helping to unpack as well.

  It wasn't a lot, mainly some clothes and few odds and ends. The room I would be staying in was on the second floor. It was rger than my entire apartment. There was so much space that I wondered what to do with it all.

  A rge bed was set off to the right when you first entered. It looked comfortable, and as I tried it at Elizabeth's behalf, I found that it was as comfortable as it looked. It wasn't too hard, and not too soft. It was just the right amount of firmness with bedding that was incredibly soft.

  Like everything else, this room and the bedding held dark, warm colors. It was like a dream come true to have a pce like this. Though, something about this was very nostalgic. As if I've lived in a pce like this before.

  "...It's different," Elizabeth stated, reading my mind as she always seemed to do, "This is the first time this pce has been built. I...wanted it to be special."

  I felt her sit down next to me, her hand taking mine in hers. I entwined my fingers and held her hand tightly, looking at her with a smile.

  "Are you sure you don't have a mind reading ability?" I chuckled, sitting up and resting my head against her shoulder.

  "I'm sure," she ughed lightly, "I just know you."

  "Yeah, you do..." I understood her, for within my heart I could feel the truth of those words, "I'm sorry if I keep bringing up unpleasant memories."

  "No," she shook her head, looking over at me with an obsessive glint in her eyes, "Nothing about you is unpleasant. Are you...remembering things?"

  She was worried, and truth be told, my head was aching from the feel of nostalgia, but I was alright. Even so, she produced a water bottle and some pills for me to take. I did so gratefully, and near enough, my head began to subside.

  "Just a feeling of nostalgia," I assured her, resting my head once more on her shoulder, "I don't mean to worry you."

  "I'll always worry, just as you will," she smirked coyly, "That's how you are, and I love you for it. So, while I'm gone...make this pce yours."

  She produced as if from thin air a bck card with the letters A.U. on it in a fancy script. Both letters overpping as the lines curled in some kind of calligraphy. I knew immediately what they stood for. Aegis Unlimited.

  "Maya already has permission to buy whatever you want, but..." she pced the card in my hand, enclosing it within, "You have my permission as well, and I won't take no for an answer. What's mine is yours, Lucas."

  "...I can't compin when you say it like that," I sighed with a smile, "Well, I'll only compin a little less."

  She nudged me pyfully and we both ughed. It was a somber atmosphere, as we both know she would be gone after tomorrow. It was only for a while, but it would feel like an eternity.

  To alleviate the pressure, I stood and began to walk around the room with her. Azure was flying around Maya as she put away some things in the dresser drawers. This room held a sitting area with a television off in the corner near rge, floor to wall windows that lead out to a terrace from sliding gss windows.

  We walked together out there, and while my fear of heights began to kick in, the way she held my hand made me feel safe. I was even able to go over to the railing and lean on it, looking out over City W. It was...beautiful.

  The te afternoon sun cast the city in a beautiful glow. The sky was a mix of blue, purple, and orange. An amalgamation that made everything feel so surreal. A slight breeze blew past us, pying with my hair. I closed my eyes, taking this moment in.

  Elizabeth's arms wrapped around and held me close. Neither of us said a single word. We just wanted to be in each other's company. Life had moved fast, but there was no pce I'd rather be right now than with her. I was content in this moment and wished it would st.

  We stayed there as the sun began to fade. Maya had taken Azure for a tour of the apartment to give us time. It wasn't like we would be saying goodbye forever. We just hadn't had a lot of time together recently. I hoped that, after she returned, things would settle down and I could finally start to learn more about Elizabeth.

  For now, however, this was nice.

  -----

  Today was the day. I woke up early, unable to sleep. Elizabeth was already awake, watching me with those beautiful emerald gold eyes. She smiled when she saw I was awake, pulling me close to her.

  We had returned to my apartment after st night. It didn't feel right for our first night together at the new pce to also be the night before she left. I wanted something familiar, and she knew that. I didn't even have to expin my reasonings. She already knew.

  "Promise me," Elizabeth whispered in my ear, the morning sun not quite risen above the horizon, "You'll try to settle in while I'm gone."

  "...That's unfair," I mumbled, holding her arms to me in an attempt to hide part of my face.

  I took in a deep breath, taking in her aroma. I wanted to remember it. I didn't know how long her expedition would be. I hoped it would only be a week, but...it could also be an entire month. I wanted to be strong for her, so she didn't feel bad about leaving.

  "I know," she replied back softly, resting her cheek against the top of my head, "Forgive me?"

  "Of course..." I didn't hesitate to say so, "It'll just feel empty without you. Nothing against Azure or Maya. I'll love having them around, but you know what I mean."

  She didn't say anything, just wordlessly held me. I was sure she was taking in my scent as well, her fingers pying with my hair. I noticed she always favored the silver streak when she did. It always felt...bittersweet.

  "Don't ask...please," Elizabeth pleaded gently, "Not yet. Let's just say, I love this part of you. Not more than the rest, but-"

  She read my mind again. Knowing I wanted to ask about it. Instead of replying, and not wanting her to dwell on it or feel bad for holding back, I turned to face her. My hand cupping her face as I pulled her in for a kiss. This was my answer to her.

  I wouldn't press on it. It was important to her, and that was good enough for me. I knew that one day, I would know everything, but today...today I just wanted to see her smile. She didn't need to dwell on the past right now.

  "Well...more of that, please," Elizabeth spoke breathlessly, pulling me in for another kiss.

  We stayed like that for a while, until the sun finally began to peak through into my tiny apartment. I got dressed first as Maya began to rouse from her own sleep. Doing my daily routine of brushing my teeth and using the bathroom, I also took a shower, so I was sure to be fresh.

  I let the water run over me. My mind thinking of nothing in particur. I guess I was still trying to come to terms with everything. It felt like this had always been my life, and so sometimes I forgot myself. Forgetting that it wasn't so long ago that Elizabeth had shown up at my doorstep and proposed.

  The thought immediately brought a blush to my face and set my heart to racing. Covering my face with my hands, I tried to calm myself. How could someone like me get so lucky? So many questions and not enough answers, but I was in no hurry to find them.

  Leaving the shower, I felt better. More confident and resolved. Today, I'd also be making my debut. I wasn't about to just let Elizabeth leave by herself. I had to see her off properly.

  -----

  Nikushimi