Is this destiny?

Aiden scrutinized Zack like a father who is eyeing an unwanted boyfriend his daughter brought home.

"Zack, you want to live together with Masika. I didn't hear her answer. The fact that Masika didn't respond right away enthusiastically is telling me that you are pressuring her. Do you know how that makes a girl feel? You only started dating, so of course, she would like to please you and leave a good impression. Don't take advantage of her."

Zack didn't think in that way. Is he pressuring her? Is he taking advantage of Masika? Before Zack had a chance to say anything, Aiden was talking again…

"Masika is eighteen years old. She is still going to school. Do you expect her to give up on getting a degree, or to depend on you for finances while you pay rent, bills, and her tuition? What about when she needs clothes or makeup or some of those feminine products you never heard of? Living together is much more than just bills and food. You will need transportation. Insurance." Aiden glanced at Masika. "Will you be OK with Zack paying all that for you so that you can take courses?"

Aiden knows that Masika has her income, just like all other kids at the Cliffside Villa, and she could probably cover her expenses, but Aiden wants to make a point.

"I can pay for everything." Zack responded resolutely before Masika could respond to Aiden's question.

"You can, but how will that make Masika feel?" Aiden asked Zack while his eyes didn't leave Masika. "Masika, I can't tell you what to do, but I want you to think before deciding. In a month or two, you will be out of the initial infatuation with Zack and you will quarrel. Imagine that you have a disagreement and you need space. Where will you find the courage to leave if you don't have the capability to stand on your own two feet? You can always come here, but that would be admitting that you hit a hard patch in your relationship and that you were hasty in your decision to leave."

Zack didn't like where this is going. "Why are you assuming that we will fight?"

Aiden gave Zack a knowing look. "Because that is what couples do. Both of you have your own opinion, and sometimes they don't match. Sure, there is such thing as a compromise, but when both parties are passionate about their point, the sparks will fly. And if you think that my words are harsh, try talking to Sarah about Masika leaving the Cliffside Villa." Aiden ended smugly and took another bite of the French toast.

Zack pressed his lips into a line. He knows that Aiden is right because Sarah is the frightening one when something concerns her girls. Was he too hasty in asking Masika to move in with him? But if he waits until she finishes school, that will be at least two more years if she does not decide on pursuing a postgraduate degree. Does that mean that they need to wait for so long? He already waited for three years and that is much more than he thought it would be possible.

"Do you have a suggestion?" Masika asked Aiden.

Aiden nodded in approval. He likes that Masika asked him for help.

"What are you trying to achieve?" Aiden asked in return.

"We want to spend more time together." Masika said honestly and explained: "With me being here and Zack at the base, we can see each other in the evenings if there is no mission, and during the day when our schedule allows, but that is not much. Of course, we can train together and go on missions, but that is always with someone around. What we are looking for is more time when it can be just the two of us."

Aiden thought for a second before responding: "You moving to an apartment, out of here, will not help much because Zack will need to go to the base, and you have your schedule. Also, living outside this property and outside the base poses a security risk of others following you and trying to get their hands on you once they realize that you are coming in and out of here frequently. As you know, several forces are watching us, and it will be only a matter of time before they target you. On the other side, you moving to the base of the Army of Chaos is out of the question, so there is only one solution…"

Aiden paused and took another bite of the French toast. It's not good when it cools off and he is hungry.

"You want Zack to move here?" Masika voiced her thoughts.

Aiden shrugged. "It's about what you want. Zack could use a single room, and if you want to move in together, there are apartments you can claim as yours. We have a training ground and a planning room for missions, and that would reduce Zack's need to go to the base. Think about it and talk with… Sarah."

Aiden moved to stand up and paused halfway. "Did you use protection?"

Masika's eyes widened to the point of looking like perfect circles. How does he know? She can't lie, but she can't admit it either, so the only thing left was super-embarrassment.

Zack responded. "Condom."

Aiden gave Zack an approving glance before instructing Masika: "Talk to Anna about contraception."

Masika blinked and watched Aiden in silence as he hummed a tune while filling a plate with pastries. On his way out of the kitchen, he grabbed a pitcher with orange juice from the fridge and balanced it on the tray with a thermos filled with hot milk.

"Zack, notify Noah that you are taking a day off today!" Aiden shouted from the hallway. "Spend it with Masika!"

Zack smiled and got his phone. It didn't take more than a few seconds for him to text Noah. Big boss Erebus approved him a day off, and he will not waste this opportunity.

"How does he know that we…?" Masika asked Zack when he kept his phone away.

"We started dating yesterday and today we are talking about moving in together. And he knows that I spent the night here."

Masika covered her face with her palms and took a deep breath. "Oh, God…"

Zack frowned slightly. "Are you regretting?"

Masika swiftly removed her hands and looked at Zack. "Of course, not. I just wish that not everyone knows about it."

"It is a normal thing for a couple."

"Not on the first day." Masika mumbled.

"Technically, we are a couple for three years." Zack tried to comfort Masika. He didn't want to remind her how he wanted to take it slow, but she took the initiative and… it happened. So, it's her decision and she should own it because Zack has no regrets. And it's too late for any regrets, anyway, so they might enjoy what they have.

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