Kessie's Short Stories

[Megaman X] One day, you will let me die.

Originally published 1/10/2023

X would never be used to the way Aero dressed up. He was so used to her wearing whatever felt comfortable -whatever was more practical- than going all out with detailed dresses and four inch heels. As she looked herself over in the bathroom mirror, he couldn't believe she had the audacity to ask, "Do you think it's too much?"

But of course, he didn't know how to answer her either. Fashion wasn't exactly a world he kept up with. She still looked like herself. For him, that was the most important feature. But he didn't know how to say that and not make it awkward, so instead he told her, "You might be underdressed. I think last year there was some lady with a mink jacket and a wide brimmed hat."

That got her to laugh.

"I guess that's one thing to be proud of." she mused. "I don't have wealthy parents that helped me get to where I am. Less embarrassment when I prove their investment was worth it, huh?" She then gave a thoughtful sigh as she brushed off some lint from her shoulder. "But I guess I did have Cain."

"I think he'd be worse than an overbearing parent." X thoughtfully decided. "He has security clearance to be in the same laboratories you do."

"Unfortunately true." Aero smirked. She then looked over at X and a more subdued smile crossed her face. "At least you're here. I know you're not going to embarrass me by shouting 'that's my girl!' from across the room."

X could feel his face flush with embarrassment. "I dunno..." he carefully admitted, "I still might. You've worked hard to get here. B-but I'll call you by your name. Not... not 'my girl.' That would be rude."

Aero laughed again and X's face got even redder. As her laugh subsided, Aero's face also gently flushed a light pink color.

"We should probably head on out," she suggested. "Can't hide in the bathroom all night."

"Right." X agreed with a nod. He moved over to Aero and offered his arm out to her. She looked at it, then him, and soon gave another laugh as she linked their arms together.

It didn't take long to remember why they hid in the unisex bathroom to begin with. The outside world was a lot more overwhelming. World leaders, important scholars, and even the latest tech giants were in attendance for today's award ceremony. It was almost hard to believe that this crowd really made up such a small portion of society- the ability to not bump into someone important was impossible to achieve.

X and Aero -the latter in particular- clung to each other as they tried to find gaps in the crowd, working their way backstage to where Aero needed to be before the ceremony started proper. X had to purposely dampen some of his hearing capabilities. If he even dared to hone in on one conversation, he'd be getting the feedback loop of 20 others near it. But doing this risked vulnerabilities. As he and Aero got closer to the backstage entrance, a sense of dread started to loom over him. From where, he couldn't place. He tried to shove away any potential what-ifs by keeping Aero close. The closer she was, the safer they were. Right?

Backstage ended up being more chaotic than the front areas. Stagehands were running back and forth, trying to get everyone into place. There was a director or productor that kept shouting orders at the lighting technicians. There was even a DJ that was making sure his equipment was up to snuff before going live. It took a single stagehand to recognize Aero, and not long after she was being pushed onto stage. X tried to keep up. He took some pride that he never lost sight of her red head of hair, even though her height usually made it difficult if the circumstances were right.

When Aero was unceremoniously dropped off at her designated seat on stage, X was at her side not long after. He didn't dare to take the seat next to her, in fear that someone would yell at him and immediately make him leave.