The Empire's Descent (First Draft)

Chapter 32: Finally Home: the Two Years (XII)

"Don't tell them we're coming home. I want to surprise them. I have to get presents and edit my diary so they can know what I've been up to. Ooh, probably have to plan activities so we can bond and learn each other again. Then there's the apologizing that I need to do... I was so mean! Do you think they'll forgive me? And I haven't even really spent time with my brothers. I haven't even hugged them! Oh, dearie-me! So much to do! Okay, calm down. Now you're freaking yourself out...".

Enzo was content to watch as Steel had driven herself up the wall-- the ass...

"Ad- Steel, honey, breathe and stop flitting about. They love you. They miss you. They just want you. Don't worry, just show them the amazing little madam you always had in you," Emilio (ever-the-healthy-one) gently guided the busybody Steel.

Enzo disdained him for ruining his entertainment. Emilio shook his head and was once again reminding himself that this was the man he chose to spend the rest of his life with-- he loved him. He really does.

"You're right! I'm awesome and loving and I just have to show them that!" Steel went right back to talking to herself.

Enzo hid his laughter in Emilio's shoulder, while the latter looked on helplessly.
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"Alright, everyone. Look around. Note these faces. This is your team forever. Even if you station at different corners of the world. Even if you partner with others. These individuals will always be your team...," Enzo stood on a platform and addressed the 13 teams that trained at Keir rainforest.

"I am pleased to say all 13 teams will matriculate into the graduate programme. Each team has been given their projects to complete within a 4-year period. Don't fail," he ended.

A resounding "yes, sir!," went up in the air.

Steel felt goosebumps rise at the camaraderie and the reverence. Enzo left and; thus, the murmuring began.

Her team surrounded her and she took in every feature of theirs.

Shadow's twitching eyes and the scrunch of his nose. Ryot's indifferent eyes as she looked at anyone other than the team. Elfie's lovesick gaze that follows Aura around. Aura's natural smile that seemed like she knew something you didn't. Finally, Boo. Those eyes that curved closed when he smiles. Those eyes that are so attentive to her every expression. He always made her feel seen and heard.

Speaking of...

"Hey, you! What? Are you enamoured by my charming face"?

She rolled her eyes and willed herself not to feel embarrassed.

"Shut up, dude!" She laughed.

The team began strolling away from the crowd. Steel looked at their extended shadows on the ground and a happiness she had never felt before swelled in her heart and overflowed from her eyes.

"Oh, no, baby girl," Aura cried seeing Steel cry and rushed to hold her in her arms. Steel's crying had to stop as she was too busy fighting for her life as Aura's breasts suffocated her.

The rest couldn't keep up with the changes and could only laugh. Then, they closed in for a group hug.

Steel gasped as her head came out of its confines, she laughed helplessly and enjoyed the warmth.
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"Steel, stop shaking!" Enzo yelled annoyed.

"So-rry! I'm nervous, okay!".

"I dropped you in a coffin with insects and you're telling me seeing your family makes you more nervous!?".

"Yes! The insects didn't know me, but what if my family never wants to talk to me again? I just left and didn't even look back!".

"Oh, you did plenty of looking back. I distinctly remember dragging you as you held on to the door!".