“Says the homeless alien.” He spanks me on the ass, and I throw a chip at him. Never have I been this relaxed or comfortable around anyone before. The sound of ice sheets letting go from the mountainside below has both of us standing up and walking out onto the balcony.
“Wonder how long it’ll take for this all to melt?”
“It is already fifty-five out, so I would think a few rotations.”
“Now that we’re practically married, will what we’re doing stay the same?”
“When we get all the pods done, we will move on to the next thing. Or that has been my life up to this point. Father commed earlier when you went to the refresher to confirm they would be landing early next rising. So, we should rest while we can.”
“Party pooper! Fine, let’s go snuggle, but no touchy.”
BuK’s large, warm hand against my back, leading me toward the bedroom, is one of the last things I remember, as I must’ve fallen asleep before my head hit the pillow. The weight of his arm and, for once, being overly hot has me turning over in the bed, only to open my eyes to a version of BuK I’d never seen before.
Turning on his back when I moved, he has one arm thrown up over his head, and his features are relaxed, making him look much younger. A beep on his comm unit has me reaching over him to shut it off as I want him to rest just a little longer, but his bright yellow eyes are instantly alert.
“Good rising”, he says sleepily.
“Morning. Looks like the world is calling, so I’ll go make some coffee while you answer that.”
He pulls me back for a quick kiss, and I make myself get out of bed when the comm goes off again.
I can hear him walking around, talking low to someone as I take my cup of coffee and walk outside, wrapping my robe closed as I go. Most of the snow has melted while we slept, and I close my eyes while I tilt my head up, enjoying the heat bouncing off Etherium all around us.
Large arms surround me from behind. “That was father. They have touched down and he wants me to join them in the search for KyT, as he still has not checked in. Lacie is heading to the main tent and wanted to know if you would help her straighten the tables up from the wedding?”
“Looks like life is resuming and our vacation is over, so we’d better get dressed.”
He kisses the top of my head before turning away. When I walk into the room a few minutes later, he’s sorting through the bags, looking for something.
“When we get back this evening, we need to get your stuff hung up in the closet. This isn’t just my home now BuK, it’s yours aswell, and if you would rather pick out another pod together, I’m fine with that too.”
“I do not care where we live as long as we are together. This rising when I woke up with you in my arms, I had to pinch myself to make sure I was not dreaming.”
“I hope you always feel that way. We’re gonna fight, that’s inevitable. You’re a guy, and I’m a girl. We’re not always going to see things the same, but we’re stronger together than apart.”
“Get dressed before father comes beating on the door. You are way too tempting in that robe, especially since I know you are naked underneath.”
I tease him, slightly pulling the top over just enough to show the side of my boob, and he lunges at me. Laughing, I barely jump out of his way as I head toward the closet. Gathering my hair in a ponytail, I grab one of the gray jumpsuits since we’ll be working all day, then head out. BuK is waiting on me but seems nervous.
“You seem jittery. Are you worried about KyT?”
“Yes, that and a few other things. Come, they are all waiting.”
He takes my hand in his, swinging it playfully as we make our way down a now muddy path. The tall trees that have consistently provided shade in the warmest part of the day are bare; their large leaves now crumpled across the wet ground.
I’m shocked by the crowd gathered around the tent, several of them in nice clothes. Before I can say anything to BuK, Kira runs up, hugging me tight, and I feel her hand something to him.
“Oh Briar, I’m so happy you two are alright. This event could have ended in disaster.”
“Honestly, I don’t ever want to play that game again.”
She laughs at me before turning me slightly, only for me to find BuK down on one knee in the middle of the muddy path.
“BuK?”
“Briar, the Lord of Light has blessed us with a true bond, but I know your world only upholds the vows of promise, so I ask you here in front of mine and your people, will you marry me? Will you take my promise ring and wear it for all to see, always knowing that I will hold vows in my heart?”
The ring is stunning, a stone unlike anything I’ve ever seen as it sparkles in a blue and pink mix of our favorite colors. I realize that while I’ve been standing here admiring the ring, everyone is waiting for my answer.
