Raten and Cassie stood in front of the Blade building, savoring their rare evening off. The city awaited, promising a welcome change from their usual routine. Their casual conversation with two newer recruits about recent combat training assignments flowed easily, reflecting their genuine interest and expertise. The recruits listened intently, soaking in every piece of advice and praise.
Shiro emerged from the building, eyes scanning until he spotted the familiar faces. He approached with a purposeful stride, waiting patiently for the conversation to naturally wrap up. Once the recruits departed with enthusiastic farewells, Shiro stepped closer, smiling warmly.
"I just spoke to Vorden," Shiro began, causing Raten's demeanor to shift instantly from relaxed to concerned.
"Are they alright? Did something happen with the baby?" Raten's voice was edged with sudden worry.
Shiro chuckled softly, waving off Raten's anxious question. "No, nothing like that. Actually, he called with some really good news. Looks like we'll be attending a wedding soon."
Cassie's eyes lit up immediately, excitement bubbling in her voice. "Wait, he proposed? Oh, how exciting!"
Shiro nodded, smiling gently. "Exactly. Thought I'd let you both know before the gossip train takes off. Didn't want Raten hearing about it from some random person."
Raten paused for a moment, the implications dawning on him, and a slow grin spread across his face. "Wait a minute, wait a minute… you're saying we're getting a new sister?"
"Essentially, yes," Shiro confirmed with an amused nod.
A burst of laughter erupted from Raten, tears gathering at the corners of his eyes as he bent forward, unable to contain his amusement.
"What?" Cassie asked curiously, puzzled by his reaction.
Between bursts of laughter, Raten managed to wheeze, "Doesn't this mean her name will be Jade Blade? It rhymes!"
Shiro shook his head with an indulgent sigh. "I suppose so."
Still chuckling, Raten wiped the tears from his eyes. "Oh, this is too good. This joke won't get old for years. I can't wait to give her so much hell."
Rolling his eyes, Shiro waved a casual goodbye. "Alright, I've got work waiting. Just wanted to share the good news."
With a brief nod, he turned and walked away, leaving Raten still laughing softly while they waited together.
A short time later, the greenery of the forest had faded away, and the stark contrast of the city skyline took its place.
The transport glided smoothly through the city streets, lights dancing across the windows, reflecting in Cassie's eyes as she stared into the night. Her breath fogged lightly against the glass, a soft sigh escaping her lips. Raten watched her curiously from the corner of his eye, tapping his knee restlessly.
"Hey," he murmured gently, nudging her elbow. "What's wrong? You're somewhere else."
Cassie startled slightly, pulled from her reverie. She turned her gaze toward him, a smile barely masking the wistful gleam lingering in her eyes.
"Nothing's wrong," she sighed, shaking her head. "I was just thinking. About Vorden and Jade."
He leaned closer, head tilting with concern. "Are you upset?"
She laughed softly, shaking her head. "Not upset, just... I don't know. It's wonderful news, and I'm thrilled for them. But part of me feels... behind, I guess?"
Raten tilted his head, thoughtful, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Behind? Like, you're jealous? You know, we could always beat them to it."
Cassie glanced at him skeptically. "What are you talking about?"
He leaned back, draping his arm casually around her shoulders, voice suddenly serious and certain. "They got engaged first, sure. But they haven't tied the knot yet. We could beat them to it, elope right here, right now, while we're in the city."
She stared at him incredulously, mouth opening slightly, eyes wide. "Wait, you mean..."
"Exactly what it sounds like, I have already known for a while that I want to spend the rest of my life with you, you are my future, and the only one I want to grow old with." Raten grinned, voice confident, eyes bright with determination. "Let's get married. Tonight. Right now. You and me."
Cassie's shock quickly melted into elation, her expression transforming into pure joy. Without hesitation, she flung herself into his arms, laughter bubbling from her chest as she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, pressing kisses to his face excitedly.
"Yes! YES, YES, YES! Of course, I'll marry you, you reckless, wonderful man!"
Raten laughed heartily, pulling her tighter against him, savoring her exuberance. "That's the spirit. Let's show them how it's done!"
The driver, overhearing their jubilant outburst, glanced in the mirror with a bemused smile. "Congrats, you two. Need a quick stop at the registry office, then?"
Cassie turned, giggling breathlessly, nodding vigorously. "Absolutely!"
Raten leaned back, heart pounding fiercely but smiling calmly, already relishing the mischievous chaos their impulsive decision would surely cause. And looking at the woman in his arms, he had never felt more sure of anything. This was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
***
Vorden reclined leisurely across Jade's bed, head resting on his hand, eyes softened with quiet admiration as she bustled about her room, emptying her closet into an already-overflowing box. Several strands of rich, mahogany hair had slipped free from her braid, cascading playfully down her flushed cheeks, and catching the last beams of golden sunlight streaming through the window.
She paused, feeling the gentle warmth of his gaze, and cast a glance over her shoulder. "What's that look for?"
He offered a slow, disarming smile. "Nothing."
Her lips twitched upward. "Then why are you grinning at me like that?"
"Because I love you," he replied, voice sincere and unwavering. "Everything about you."
Jade's cheeks deepened into a bright rose hue, her laugh bubbling out in embarrassment, and without thinking, she snatched up the nearest pillow and hurled it across the bed. The projectile hit Vorden squarely in the face, toppling over him, and he reacted with an exaggerated grunt of surprise.
She dissolved into uncontrollable laughter, doubling over, completely unaware of Vorden's swift retaliation. With a playful growl, he leaped over the mattress and reached out, gripping her by the waist and pulling her onto the bed beside him. She let out a startled squeak, eyes wide, before the shock morphed into giggles as they settled into each other's embrace, breathless and smiling.
Just then, a beep from Vorden's wristwatch communicator interrupted their playful scuffle. He glanced down, eyes widening in surprise, then amusement. A mischievous smirk blossomed across his features.
"You won't believe this," he chuckled, scrolling through the short message.
"What?" Jade propped herself up on her elbows, her curiosity piqued.
"Raten," he announced with a barely suppressed laugh, "got married."
Jade's jaw dropped, eyes sparkling incredulously. "What? No way!"
"Yep," Vorden confirmed, shaking his head. "Cassie and Raten eloped. Shiro just sent word—they literally just got back home, married."
Jade sat up fully, eyes sparkling with genuine delight. "Well, that's nice! Honestly, they make a great couple."
Vorden scratched his head, his expression a mix of amusement and disbelief. "It's wild though. Never in a million years did I think Raten would actually believe in marriage."
She nudged his shoulder playfully, grinning. "People surprise you. But them together? I'm not even a little surprised."
He laughed again, shaking his head as a sudden, ridiculous image struck him. A gleeful, uproarious laughter bubbled from him, nearly stealing his breath.
Jade tilted her head, half-curious, half-amused. "Alright, what now?"
"Oh gods, Jade, just imagine their kids!" He gasped between fits of laughter. "A tiny Raten running around—no, even better—a tiny Cassie with Raten's attitude! The universe isn't ready!"
Jade snorted, laughing as vivid images flooded her mind. "Oh boy, they better start fireproofing, right away."
Their laughter blended together, ringing brightly through the air, mingling into a melody of joy and carefree abandon. For the next several minutes, they lingered in that sweet reverie, sharing playful banter and savoring their happiness in the descheveled room.