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" T̶o̶ l̶i̶v̶e̶ i̶s̶ t̶h̶e̶ r̶a̶r̶e̶s̶t̶ t̶h̶i̶n̶g̶ i̶n̶ t̶h̶e̶ w̶o̶r̶l̶d̶. M̶o̶s̶t̶ p̶e̶o̶p̶l̶e̶ e̶x̶i̶s̶t̶, t̶h̶a̶t̶ i̶s̶ a̶l̶l̶."
ᎾЅℂᎯℛ Ꮗℐℒⅅ

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"But could you imagine if things had turned out differently?"

The gorgeous and beaming Emily Paladino was perched on her bedside, discussing with her husband their very first encounter, when they were nothing but young juveniles running wild, with no demeaning responsibilities to worry about, and no pressuring demands to be made.

"You mean, something other than the two of us abruptly bumping into each other in the Western View hallway, and in the process becoming lost in each other's eyes for what seemed like forever?

"That moment?" A playful smirk tugged on the edge of the young man's lips.

A knowing smile made its way across Emily's face, as she edged closer to her husband who was now sitting next to her, attempting to fix his necktie.

"Yes Simon, that moment."

"Why, yes, I think I might recall it." His playful tone obvious as he let out a small chuckle.

"But,"—he gently placed his hand on his wife's shoulder as he told her this—"I don't want to imagine the possibility of anything occurring in any other way than it originally did, because that means that I would never have met
you,"

The sense of longing in this man's eyes as he looked at his wife with utter and complete adoration, was all that was needed to explain true connection with those you love; with one solitary action is a lifetime of joy and happiness resembled so simply, yet so eloquently.

"And you," Emily had placed her hand on top of his at this moment, so intimate a moment as it was serious. "Are someone I cannot live without." He finished, his gaze set intently on her, as she mirrored the expression.

She broke it only a second as she used both her hands to fix the necktie, which, now that she really paid attention to, noticed was a deep shade of navy blue, which brought out the contrasting—but no less intense sky blue shade of his eyes. The black pants and jacket that completed his suit brought out his physique, with his broad shoulders, as they proved the benefits of long hours of exercise and healthy habits.

The shirt underneath the jacket didn't have to be tight for his muscles to be noticed, whether it be the six pack on his torso or the popping veins in his arms, which were used whenever he needed to lift heavy objects, which was more frequently than expected.

But that was never her focus. Her focus was always on his eyes, and what story they had to tell.

Especially when they were bold blue sapphires that could stare into your soul.

She carefully secured the necktie around his collar, making sure the knot was loose enough to adjust if needed. "I adore you," she didn't even try to suppress the smile that came across her lips as she gently pulled the tie closer, so
that there faces were now only inches apart.

"And I don't know what I'd do without you." She smirked. He caressed her cheek. "Don't let the thought cross your mind," he took her hand in his, and placed it on his chest. She could feel his beating heart. "I'll always be here." This made her smile, as she knew he would be in her heart always.

Without a second thought, she pressed her lips against his, delighting in the soothing sensation that was his touch. He smirked in between the kiss and reciprocated the gesture, just as passionately.

He gently combed his hands through her hair as her arms wrapped around his neck.

* * *

But their moment of peace was swiftly interrupted as an imminent news broadcast flashed its way across their TV screen, the reporter alert and uneasy.

"Attention citizens of Mattenville, we have received word that a giant metallic robot is wreaking havoc on our streets. It is imminent that everyone take shelter until further notice. This is a CODE RED for the entire city."

At these words, the spouses looked at each other, as the man quickly grabbed the suitcase that was lying on a nearby caramel brown shelf, which had a silver handle. "It's begun," he quickly said as he arranged himself accordingly.

He quickly went over to his wife as he placed a kiss on her forehead. "But no harm will come, do not worry." She smiled, processing his words. She knew however deep in her soul, that this was a sign of simple reassurance.

It was an automatic response of his, when there was trouble, to prioritize himself with the well-being of his family before any oncoming storm. A selfless trait which she admired greatly, no matter how hard it pressed the truth in certain situations.

With a tight squeeze from his hand, she allowed her heart to flutter for a short moment before returning the gesture. "How could I worry when you always come back to me and save the day," to this, he laughed in response.

"Now, go and be a hero, Gazerbeam," she smiled.

With those words, he made his way towards the door and sent his wife a wink before going on his way. On his way to becoming a new person, but with the same goals as any other citizen: to protect those around him at any cost.

* * *

Emily took a steady breath before walking into the back room where she observed the delicate decorated walls that shared shades of light pink and purple.

As she neared the center of the room, she reached into the rocking cradle that lay in the middle, and gently took hold of the infant that cooed inside.

She cradled the baby in her arms and took hold of her little fingers in her own, as the young child began to burst with laughter. Her bright blue orbs reflected swiftly with the chocolate brown eyes of the mother.

"Do not worry my dear, he will be back." She soothed, lovingly.