Chapter 52: Love in the Sky

"How's the data?"

Aetheris had already arrived at the lab, where he found Spider-Man running tests on the latest version of the Mark III Hellfire Armor.

"Output power has tripled. Endurance has doubled!" Dr. Ethan reported as he scanned the readings on the computer screen.

"That powerful?" Aetheris asked, visibly pleased.

"Of course. And this isn't even the limit. Once we find better containers and connectors, we can greatly improve both energy storage and efficiency," Dr. Ethan said, adjusting his glasses.

"I think this version is good enough. Hurry up and install it in my suit!" Aetheris urged, barely hiding his impatience.

"Now? Is something urgent going on?"

Peter Parker looked at him, puzzled.

"Life is like a play, and your big brother here is about to woo a girl. Obviously, I need to bring the coolest, flashiest gear!" Aetheris patted him on the shoulder.

Whoosh.Aetheris soared through the New York night in the gleaming Mark III Hellfire Armor.

Thud!He landed on the rooftop of Culver University.

Ever since he'd gotten the Iron Suit, Aetheris had grown more and more addicted to the sensation of flying above the heads of New Yorkers.

The human desire to fly is one that never truly fades.

He moved quietly toward Betty Ross's office. The lights were still on, and voices could be heard from inside.

"Betty, there's a new movie out tonight. Let's go see it together," said none other than her boyfriend, Blake.

Aetheris didn't barge in. Instead, he lingered silently in the shadows.

There was something undeniably thrilling about watching from the dark like this.

"Sweetheart, I'm a little tired, and I still have files to sort through. I'll pass," Betty said, shrugging helplessly.

Outside the door, Aetheris stifled a chuckle. Just an hour ago, she'd been video-chatting with him, full of energy, even teasing him about being ready for a three-hundred-round battle.

"All right, Betty. Don't work too late," Blake said, giving her a tender look before reluctantly picking up his jacket and leaving.

Betty let out a long sigh. Lying like that was exhausting. But when she thought of Aetheris's mischievous smile, she couldn't help it. Could she really be a bad woman?

But didn't Avril once say, "Sure, I smoke, drink, party, club-hop, get tattoos, have abortions, and cheat but I know I'm a good girl!"

Compared to her, Betty figured she was practically the model of modern virtue.

"Sweetheart, where are you?" she texted Aetheris the moment Blake's footsteps had faded.

"Take a guess. Get it right, and you'll earn a reward!" he replied from just outside the door.

"The office?"

"Wrong. You owe me a kiss."

"At home?"

"Wrong again. That's two!"

"A nightclub?"

"Wrong! And how dare you guess that penalty doubled!"

Before she could respond, everything went black. A pair of hands gently covered her eyes from behind.

In the stillness of the night, Betty panicked for a second, thinking she was being attacked. She was just about to scream

When a familiar voice whispered softly in her ear,"Baby, it's me."

Aetheris.

She immediately relaxed. Her tension melted away as she grabbed his hands and pressed them against her heart.

Turning around, she saw Aetheris's handsome, charming face smiling back at her.

"You're awful! You scared me on purpose!" she pouted, lips adorably pursed.

He reached out, gently holding her small, delicate hands—so soft and warm. Her bright eyes and pearly smile were right there in front of him, lighting up her face like a flower in bloom.

Aetheris buried his face in the curve of her neck. The scent of jasmine perfume and her own natural fragrance filled his senses, intoxicating and sweet.

"My bad. I accept whatever punishment you give me," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist. With a gentle lift, he pulled her onto his lap.

"Your punishment is that you're not allowed to touch me!" Betty said with a teasing grin.

"Injustice! I didn't touch you—you're the one pressing against me, you little minx!" Aetheris lifted his hands in mock protest.

"Hmph, silver tongue," she huffed, rolling her eyes.

"You still don't know how smooth my tongue is?" Aetheris said, his eyes trailing down to her soft, tempting lips.

"Your place or mine?"

"What is going on in that head of yours? That's the first thing you say to me? Can't we just talk for a while?" she scolded, pretending to be annoyed.

"I meant I have a home theater. I wanted to invite a beautiful lady to watch a romantic movie with me—is that such a crime?" he said, eyes wide with faux innocence.

"Hmph! You're always teasing me!" At this moment, Betty Ross no longer resembled the composed university professor. She was lost in love, giggling like a schoolgirl.

"Betty, looks like the wind's picking up outside. Put on your coat," Aetheris said, grabbing the jacket she had draped over her chair and helping her into it.

"Huh? Aren't we taking a car? Why the coat?" she asked, puzzled.

Aetheris led her to the rooftop of the university building and pointed toward a sleek suitcase placed near the edge.

"I didn't bring a car. I brought this."

"The Iron Suit!" Betty gasped, rushing over to stroke the sleek casing with awe and affection, like it was her favorite toy.

"Wanna fly over New York City?" Aetheris asked, locking eyes with her.

"Woooahhh!"

With a squeal of joy, she was swept into the air in Aetheris's arms as they soared through the night sky.

"Paul, activate the shield."

Instantly, an invisible barrier formed around them. Though the wind roared all around, Betty, tucked in Aetheris's embrace, felt not even a breeze.

This was a custom feature Aetheris had asked Dr. Ethan to install. The suit could fly at speeds up to Mach 6 and would only get faster.

Without protection, a person flying at that speed would suffer burst eardrums and frostbite within seconds.

"So this is what flying feels like?" Betty whispered, eyes wide with wonder. The glittering lights of New York stretched beneath them. The towers and skyscrapers shrank into twinkling specks. A surge of awe welled up in her chest.

As fleeting as a mayfly in the vast world. As small as a single drop in the ocean.

She held Aetheris tightly and whispered softly,

"Tony, I really like you."

Mid-flight, suspended in the air above New York, Aetheris froze for a second.

He hadn't expected her first confession to happen here—high above the world, surrounded by stars and silence.

(End of Chapter)

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