We Stand Together

Chapter 29: So Cute Together

Eden returns to the Tower, dazed and confused at what she's seen. The image of her face just won't leave her mind. Between that and the pain throbbing in her head, Lance and Axel forced her to head back to the Tower while they finished charging up the eye.

Unusual of herself, Eden didn't argue and waited quietly for the ship to arrive. Even on the way back to the Tower, she hadn't spoken one word. She's still too shocked too.

When Eden arrives back in the Hanger, the pain isn't as bad as it was, but there's still a dull throb in her head. She pushes it to the back of her mind, marching towards the Vanguard hall. Uriah floats beside her. She can feel his burning itch to ask about what happened but Eden isn't inclined to tell him, at least not right now.

All three Vanguards look up as she walks up to the table.

"Titan, it's been a while," Ikora notes in a smooth voice.

Eden nods apologetically. "Some incidents happened that I had to take care of."

Ikora nods and gestures for her to continue. She clears her throat and stands straight. The other two Vanguard give her their full attention as she begins to speak.

"I have more information on the Black Garden. I did as the Queen asked and retrieved a Gate Lord's eye. But do to-"

Eden pauses, grimacing as she remembers the prince purposefully killing the eye. A quick flash of anger roars through her but she pushes it down.

"-unfortunate circumstances, the Gate Lord's eye was dead. The Queen so very kindly decided to aid me and gave me coordinates to help find a way to charge it. Lance and Axel are currently working on it."

All three of the Vanguard nod, Cayde looking particularly impressed.

"Well now, you didn't do too bad against the Awoken. I might have to start sending you more if Big Blue approves."

Cayde stops and makes an exaggerated gesture of leaning toward Eden and cupping his hand to his mouth to whisper to her.

"But even if he doesn't I'll still send you anyways."

Eden laughs as Zavala sternly calls his name and Ikora gives an exasperated but amused sigh. Cayde shrugs but one of his optics darken to mimic a wink. Normally, Eden would smile but after the day she's had? Well, she's just itching to make it back to the apartment.

Uriah senses it and flies from her shoulder.

"One more thing. We owe the Queen a favor for the help she gave us."

Zavala nods, understanding.

"When the time arrives, we will address it. As for now, good job Guardian."

Eden nods and salutes him. "Thank you, Commander."

A ghost of a smile flits across his face. "Dismissed Guardian."

Eden leaves, heading straight for the apartment. All she can think is the faster she leaves, the faster she can find out the truth. Finally, finally, she'll have answers to what's going on with her.

Once she arrives, she heads towards Jaren's room. One hand raises to knock on the door but pauses. She isn't really sure how he'll take the news she's about to deliver but on the other hand, Jaren has always been supportive of whatever she's done. With renewed confidence, Eden knocks on the door, waiting.

A few moments pass before the door slides open. Her cheeks turn bright red.

Jaren stands at the door, hair tousled and face still lined with sleep. He looks so adorable!

Her face burns as she feels the excitement pouring from her ghost. She clears her throat and tries to will away the red from her cheeks.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up. I can go if you want?"

A sleepy smile crosses his face and Eden can practically feel her heart melting.

"No, it's okay. What is it?"

She shuffles and looks down at her feet.

"I um, I wanted your opinion on something, if you wouldn't mind," She murmurs.

In the corner of her eye, she watches him move away from the doorway and gestures for her to enter the room. Slowly and timidly, she walks inside, glancing around.

Jaren's room is neat. There's nothing out of place. A bed is pushed in one corner and a couch sits tucked away in the next one. His walls are covered in odd ends and knick-knacks, trophies of sorts. The last thing she sees is the open closet. A few items of clothes hang on one end and the rest of the space is taken up by cloaks.

"What's on your mind?" Jaren asks, tearing her attention away from her snooping.

Eden takes a seat on the couch, peering down at her hands.

"Well," She starts, "Something happened on Mars. And I think it's time for me to remember."

She looks up at him, gauging his reaction. Self-consciously, Eden taps out a rhythm on her leg. Nervousness dips into the pit of her stomach. Eden knows that Jaren has always understood when it came to things like this but she can't help it. It's hard to believe what one can't see and though she can see the figure, nobody else can.

"I think you should go for it."

Eden looks at him, eyes wide. Jaren stares back at her with a knowing glint in his own glowing eyes.

"You do?" She asks, leaning closer.

He nods. "Yes, I do. I think it would help you."

A wide smile pulls at her mouth and without thinking, she jumps up and hugs Jaren. His body tenses in surprise but it quickly fades and his arms wrap around her. A distinct scent drifts from Jaren's skin and clouds her senses.

Hints of spice and warmth mixed with something earthy.

Eden thinks that if anyone were to ask what her favorite smell would be, it would be this. And even though she doesn't want to, Eden has to practically pull herself away from Jaren, a faint blush on her cheeks.

"Thank you, Jaren."

She smiles at him one more time before leaving his room, a warm feeling deep in her chest.

Uriah pops out beside her, his shell practically vibrating in happiness.

"You two are so cute together!"

Red tinges her cheeks and she glances at her ghost, one finger to her mouth shushing him. His shell hunkers down sheepishly.

Quiet laughter slips past her lips as she heads to her own room. She only stays long enough to grab some ammo synths and then she's heading back to the door.

"So, where are we going?" Uriah asks by her side.

She pauses, looking down at Uriah softly. She cups her hands around his shell, brushing her thumbs against him.

"Uriah, I'm doing this one alone."

She expects him to be annoyed or in disbelief or at the very least, upset. But he's not. He only gazes at her with understanding and affection.

"I'll wait here then. Be careful, Eden."

She smiles. "Of course. I'll be back soon."

She presses a quick kiss to the top of his shell before releasing him and walking over to the door. Eden pauses when she reaches the door frame. Sudden insecurity makes her look back at Uriah. He gives her a nod and uses his shell to gesture to the door as if to nudge her.

Eden nods and turns forward, leaving the apartment.