~~~~~~~~~Aiden's POV~~~~~~~~~

We both pulled away, our face deep red. I was still processing what just happened...

I just kissed Sage...

"Th-that... felt nice..." I heard her say, making feel a little bit more relaxed.

I let out a small chuckle, smiling shyly. "Yeah, i-it did..."

We stayed quiet for a few seconds before a thought came to mind... Should I tell her...?

I looked at her again, she was so cute when she blushed...

Actually, she's always cute...

"I-I..." Hesitating, I took a deep breath. "I l-like you, S-Sage... a l-lot..."

She turned even darker, her eyes widening a bit. "... y-you do...?"

I nodded, my gaze focused on my hand, afraid of rejection. The room stayed silent for a few seconds before she took my hands in hers, making me look up. She looked at me, a sheepish smile on her face. "I-I like you, t-too, Aiden..."

I felt my face heat up even more, my heart skipping a beat. "R-really...?"

"Mhm..."

I looked down at our hands. "Th-then..." I nervously tangled my fingers with hers. "W-would you, maybe, b-be my g-girlfriend...?"

Her expression fell, and all hope I had dissolved. I pulled my hands away, biting my lip as tears formed in my eyes. "I-it's okay if n-not, I-I understand-"

"Y-yes..."

I looked back up. "Huh...?"

I noticed tears in her eyes, but a soft smile on her face. "I w-want to be with you..."

I felt a smile grow on my face at her response. I gently grabbed her hand, making her tense up a bit before smiling, gently resting her head on my shoulder. I rested my own on hers.

"I r-really like you..." she said, making me turn darker.

I snuggled against her head. "I-I really like you, too..."

~~~~~~~~~~Sage's POV~~~~~~~~~

I spent the rest of the night with Aiden. He always brought comfort to me.

As soon as I woke up the next day, I asked Noah to meet me outside. I leaned against the wall, waiting for him. I looked up as I heard him walking over, a confused look on his face.

"We have to talk..." I said, a bit of shame taking me over.

He crossed his arms, his eyebrows slightly curved in worry. "Okay...?"

I thought for a while, debating how to word this out. Soon, I took a deep breath, speaking. "We can't kill this family..."

His eyes widen a bit, I was expecting him to be surprised. "What?! Why?!"

"Because they're not bad people!"

"How do you know that?!? They could be hiding all their crimes or something!!!" I couldn't blame him for thinking that way, I did, too. Brainwashed by Ryan.

I let out a sigh. "I went into Aiden's mind, Noah..." He grew silent at my sentence, making me continue after a brief pause. "They're not bad people... and they've suffered so much already... We can't do this to them..."

He stayed quiet, now deep in thought. He soon looked back at me. "Even if you're right, you know what Ryan would do to us if we failed our mission."

"I know... But I'd rather die than hurt them..." I looked away, muttering. "Especially Aiden..."

Noah grew quiet once more, I could tell he was upset with my decision. He then let out a sigh. "Well, whatever happens, we'll get through it together, like we always have."

I let a small smile grow on my face. I was relieved to know he still had my back, my brother's the only one I've had for years. "Thanks, bro..."

"Anytime, sis..."

After all this, we went back inside.

If Ryan found out about it...

...

No, I won't think about that now.

Thanks for reading!!! 'Till next time!!!

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