Phaser sat back on the edge of Hinesia's bed. She was next to him, her legs crossed and her arms resting loosely on her knees. He told her everything about his father's recovery, the Ophaniels, the cure, his training and even the Chronological Palace. Hinesia's expression shifted with every sentence.
"So your dad's really fine now?"
"Yeah. Perfectly fine. Honestly, it still doesn't feel real. He died in the main storyline and that's how the Argemenes first fell."
She smiled faintly. "That's amazing, Phaser. I'm glad. He deserved that much after everything."
He turned his gaze to her, noticing the new crescent marks in her hazel eyes shimmering when the sunlight hit them.
"You've changed a lot too."
"For better or worse?"
"You're asking that like I'd dare say 'worse.'"
Hinesia tilted her head, pretending to think. "You should say it once, just for the fun of it."
"Yeah, and die right after? No thanks. You've been training for nine months. I'm not suicidal."
She laughed quietly before leaning back on her hands.
"You're smarter than you look sometimes."
He ignored that jab.
"Anyway, you asked about fusing with an Archeon. The thing is, they choose their wielders. I can't just assign them like weapons."
"That's a shame. I just wanted to try fusing with one. You make it look fun."
"Trust me, it's not as fun as it looks. But I might be able to help you meet one. Maybe it'll choose you."
She perked up. Her eyes were gleaming. "Really?"
"Yeah, maybe. No promises though. They are stubborn."
"Like you?"
"Hey, I'm not that stubborn."
Hinesia giggled and shifted closer, resting her head lightly on his shoulder.
"You're leaving again tomorrow, huh?"
"Yeah. They've scheduled me to fight a Class 5 Frost Beetle. It's been trending for days in the Duel of Champions, so I don't really have a choice."
"Class 5? You sure you're not getting addicted to danger?"
"Probably. Or I just like the thrill."
"Or you just like showing off."
"That too. I have three identities."
Hinesia traced a finger along the back of his hand before speaking again. She began to wonder why he even agreed to being in a proposal. If anything, they have only known each other for a few months and the engagement was her idea.
"Phaser... can I ask something?"
"Yeah?"
"Why are you even going along with this engagement thing?"
He was caught off guard by her question and it showed.
"You mean... ours?"
"You could have said no. You're Phaser Argemenes. You don't do things you don't want to."
He thought about it for a long moment, staring at their reflections in the mirror.
"Honestly? I like you."
She turned her head a little, waiting for him to finish.
"Well... maybe not the type of 'like' that novels make dramatic. But I feel safe with you. I don't need to explain everything because you already understand half of it before I start. You don't ask for more than I can give. It's weirdly easy."
"That's... kind of sweet, you know?"
"Please don't make it sound weird."
"I didn't! It's just—you never say things like that out loud."
Phaser sighed. "If I didn't go with Thales for the Spring Ceremony in April, I wouldn't have met you. None of this would have happened. I wouldn't be this strong, I wouldn't have found the cure fast enough for my father, I wouldn't have had the Void element and I sure wouldn't be sitting here having this conversation. It all started because I decided to tag along."
"You think fate had a hand in it?"
"Maybe. Or maybe we just got lucky."
She leaned her head on his shoulder again.
"Either way... I'm glad it happened. I would be living a boring life without you."
Phaser looked down at her, smiling. It was nice seeing her being so relaxed. The training must have calmed her stiffness a little.
"Yeah. Me too."
They sat there for a while, just listening to the faint hum of the wind. Then, as usual, Hinesia broke the silence.
"You know, you make it sound like a fairytale sometimes."
"Please, this is the worst fairytale ever. No fairy godmother, no happy kingdom, just two exhausted people trying not to get killed by narrative logic."
"That's fair. Still, I like this version better."
"Same. But uh... we shouldn't rush the engagement. If we make it official too fast, we'll be dragged into politics for years. And honestly, I'd rather fight ten Frost Beetles than sit through those meetings."
Hinesia laughed so hard she almost fell onto the bed.
"Oh, come on! You'd look good in a suit though."
He rolled his eyes. "That's not the point."
"Fine, fine, we'll keep it quiet. I don't mind taking it slow. I mean, we already skipped half the romance steps anyway. Sleeping together in Rome and all."
Phaser groaned, covering his face.
"You're never gonna let that go, are you?"
"Not when it makes you blush like that."
"It didn't even mean anything serious at first! It was just—"
"Convenient? Comfortable?"
"Can we not? Please don't make me feel guilty about this. You make me sound as if I was using you to satisfy myself."
"Oh I was. But it kind of changer along the way. And I'm glad."
"And by the way, you'll cheer for me tomorrow, right?"
"Of course. You're going to fight a Frost Beetle, after all. I'd hate to miss watching you get frozen."
"Wow, so supportive."
"I'm just being realistic. Still, I'll be there. I want to see what kind of tricks you've got this time."
"Oh, I've got plenty. You'll see."
She tilted her head up, meeting his eyes. Even though he was strong enough to actually defend himself against stronger enemies, she was still worried.
"Just don't die, alright?"
"I'll try not to. You'd miss me too much."
"I'd mildly miss your sarcasm."
"That's a start."