Magic and Memories

Posted on Thu May 7th, 2020 @ 12:54pm by Warrant Officer Koh Ottasu & Lieutenant JG Shaille Levine

Though their trip to Luna had been short, having only opted to stay the one night, it had been full of excitement, at least for Koh. Shaille made sure he got to do all the touristy, historical things, went to the places, saw the sites, watched the earthrise and bounced in the lower grav environments. She had to admit, there was a certain additional level of enjoyment that came from watching him react the way he did, it let her see the experience through different eyes.

Now, though, now she didn't want the hustle and bustle of a populated colony or tourist destination. Now she wanted quiet time, just the two of them, alone, in one of the most magical places Earth had to offer.

Closing up her bag, she stopped and watched him as he moved around their room on Earth, packing up his stuff. A smile played at the corners of her lips as she just watched in silence until finally she spoke up. "Are you ready?" she asked quietly. "Want me to help?"

He fell in love with the moon. It was such a simple thing to those who grew up looking up at it, and to the people who lived on their moons, this was a spectacular location. Though, as he packed up his bags, he was looking forward to their next adventure. No matter where, as long as they were together.

"Actually, if you wouldn't mind?" he offered. He packed simple, in a duffle, as one with his background would expect. He held up a singular sock, obviously one of his and previously one of a set.

"This... had a partner." he joked. It wouldn't take him too much longer to pack up. "Okay, so I'm going to squeeze the bag, and you zip it up?" the best way to make two bags worth of clothing fit into one bag. Brute force.

Stifling a laugh as she walked across, Shaille plucked the lost sock from his back pocket where it was dangling. "You're lucky you're cute," see said with an affectionate smile. "Seriously, when did you get all this stuff? I'm sure you didn't bring it all with you did you?"

"I picked up a shirt or three, though nothing else here is really built for my biology. Can't buy moon shoes, or hats." he pointed out. "The secret is everything was folded nicely before we left, and now it's unfolded."

He then gave her a smile. A cute, goofy smile, "But, I'm cute, so it's alright." he said with a chuckle. Once the bag was sealed, he gave it a shake to make sure everything was secure. "Alright, that's the last of it. We're all bagged and tagged, ready for transit."

"So, where to next? Or is it a surprise?" a pause, "Because, I don't normally like surprises, but I think I'm enjoying your's."

"I don't want to tell you,"' Shaille said with a smile as she took the bag from him, almost dropping it from the unexpected weight as she set it on the floor. "What? Are you hiding moon rocks in there?" she asked, surprised before shaking her head. "No, where we're going next... it's somewhere I've always wanted to go, but I wanted to share it with someone special, and I've never had the right person, until now." She smiled as she rose up on her toes, brushing a soft kiss across his nose. "But I can't tell you, if it isn't a surprise it won't be as effective. But if you're ready, we can catch the shuttle now."

At her comment of moon rocks, Koh scratched the back of his neck, "Just a few, for Callisi and Ichiko. Do you think it'll be alright?" he asked, "But aside from that, and the lunar coffee, and a mug or two, no, just the basics." he really was a goober sometimes, though all that hesitance melted away at the kiss. He claimed his duffle, "Alright then, it's a secret. I like your surprises, very much." he gave a slow nod, leaning down gently to touch his forehead to her's, and he let that sensation linger. "Lead on, dear. I'm right behind you."

=/\= One Hour Later =/\=

The transport from Luna had been without incident, though instead of disembarking at one of the shuttle transfer stations, Shaille had organised for them to be transported directly to their next accommodation, which was how it came to be that hand in hand they materialized under the dome of a glass igloo.

If one was inclined to look around, one would have seen a spaciously large bed and a small living area that included a couch big enough for snuggling, a fireplace, a media screen and a small kitchen area fully stocked with anything they may want, including a few extras she had specifically requested.

Most of that would have been largely overlooked because, thanks to carefully planned timing, ones eyes were naturally drawn to the horizon beyond the glass containing them, all one could see was the darkness of impending sunset and a cascade of the most dazzling colours imaginable.

Shaille remained silent, just watching him, taking in his reaction to their new surroundings, unable to help the small smile dancing on her lips.

He gave a chuckle as they arrived. "Ahhh, I see. Arctic environment, boyfriend covered in fur, higher than human body temperature. I see your ways." he smirked, "And I have no... ob... jections..." as he looked upwards, as the sun set over the horizon and the colors from space came out into view. That shut him up real fast. "T.. they're beautiful. I've only ever seen them from above, but never this vibrant."

"I... I don't even know if we're seeing the same colors. Blue, green, streaks of ... whatever you call the one that's blue and green." he just stammered out his description, captivated by the sight. "So, what do *you* call it?"

She moved in next to him, arms around him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Aurora borealis, Northern lights," she said softly. "I saw them in a book when I was little and I've always wanted to come here, exactly here... but it needed to be with someone special, someone I would always be able to share this moment with." She drew in a deep breath and tightened her arms around him momentarily. "I can't imagine ever seeing this for the first time with anyone that isn't you," she finally murmured.

Koh took a breath and held it for a moment, enjoying the moment with every sense he could bring to bear. His arm around her shoulder held her close as they watched the ribbons of light above play out a scene of color and motion. "It's almost magical." he said finally, "How they must have looked to simpler people, in a simpler time." he mused.

"Why don't we... move this to a more comfortable, snuggle-friendly place?" he asked her with a smirk, breaking his glance off the Borealis to glance in her general direction. "Lay down, relax, and not crink our necks looking up?"

Shaille slid off her boots and pushed them aside before pulling off her jacket and tossing it carelessly onto a nearby chair. Crawling onto the bed, she puffed the pillows around and made herself comfortable while she waited for him. "It's magical isn't it?" she asked quietly.

Koh's motions almost mirrored her own. Jacket off, boots off. He slipped into the bed turned pillow fort, and smiled at her as he slipped in next to her. Once he was good and settled, laying close to her, he gave a nod, "It's something most people only get to read about, or see images of. It really is spectacular."

Then he turned his attention to her, "Thank you, for this. For everything." Koh said softly, leaning in to gently bring his forehead to her's, his ears relaxing from their upright posture to almost droop over the pair. "I love every adventure you take me on. Even when we're just together, watching a movie and doing nothing, when I'm doing that with you it seems.... right." he confessed. "I'm looking forward to each tomorrow, as long as I get to spend it with you."

With his arms around her, his forehead against hers, she closed her eyes and just listened as he spoke. The soft inflections of his voice, the words he said, her fingertips moving to gently stroke one of his ears, a habit she seemed to have developed in their time together. "I can't imagine not having this, not having you," she murmured softly. "I don't even want to consider the possibility." A soft sigh escaped her lips as she nestled in against his shoulder, wanting to be closer.