We'll Be the Stars
When it's time to close your eyes
They will see us in the sky
We'll be the stars
Gemini was 18 that year, just starting her spring vacation after her first semester of college. She had chosen to go to school on earth, close to her mother's sister, her Aunt Judy. Unlike her younger sister, Zenon, Gemini clearly remembered her childhood on earth and had always longed to return to the place she considered home.
Gemini's first few months back on terra firma had been both exciting and unnerving; there had been so much to learn and relearn about life on earth, but by the semester's end she'd grown to love it and was content to remain indefinitely.
Even so, she missed her family. Despite the friends she'd made at school, living with her zany but gold-hearted aunt, and being able to zap-pad her sister and her parents anytime she wanted, Gemini still felt a little lonely. So when she heard that Zenon was going to be coming to stay with her and Aunt Judy for a while, she was beyond excited.
Of course, with Zenon around, there was sure to be an adventure. When she got going, there was no way to stop her, so you might as well go along for the ride. And she also happened to have an uncanny ability to be right about things. That was how Gemini found herself driving her little sister and her friends through security, attempting to find and convince a rock star to help them stop a corporate conspiracy to destroy their space station. Just a typical day for the Kar sisters.
But that was how she met him.
Zenon and Gemini shared many interests, not the least of which was their love for the band Microbe - especially the lead singer, Proto Zoa. But as much as they'd gushed over how stellar it would be to meet him, Gemini never believed it could actually happen. But now here she stood, ten - maybe fifteen - feet from the very man she and Zee had spent countless hours watching sing and dance on their flat-screen. He was even more handsome – and taller – in person, his tan skin flawless, his bleached hair meticulously spiked.
Zenon, bold and unabashed as usual, went right up to him and started explaining. Gemini hung back, less self-assured. Then the security guards showed up, and her protective instincts began to override her timidity.
5 years separated the sisters, and though they loved many of the same things, they had plenty of differences. Their looks made them most obviously dissimilar: Zenon had a pale beauty, with corn-silk hair and aquamarine eyes; Gemini was just as pretty, but her countenance was warmer, her hair golden, her eyes more jade. Zenon always wore bright colors and shiny material, her fashion typical of a space stay teen; Gemini favored natural fabrics and neutral colors, having lived longer on earth than in space.
And then there were their personalities: Zenon had no fear, always jumping first and asking questions later; Gemini was more cautious, more of a planner and a thinker. Zenon was always energetic, the center of attention; Gemini was more relaxed, and preferred the sidelines. But no matter how they differed, they were always fiercely loyal to each other.
For this reason, Gemini quickly moved to intercede, stepping between the guards and her little sister. The rock star's eyes moved just as quickly. A smirk lifted the corner of his mouth when he saw Gemini, his gaze appraising. She didn't take the time to be flattered, or even offended (he probably thought she was just some groupie, after all), but launched immediately into her own explanation. To the immense relief of both sisters, Proto Zoa agreed to give them a lift to the space station, and they simultaneously threw their arms around him. Gemini never forgot how that embrace felt, or the way his scent lingered long after they let go.
The shuttle ride to the space station lasted a few hours, but it felt like a few minutes. Gemini, Zenon, Proto Zoa and his band mates spent the time chatting, laughing, and playing cards. It was interesting to see a more relaxed side of the rock stars, away from stages and cameras. As the time wore on, Gemini noticed herself feeling less like a star-struck fan and more like a normal young woman, capable of carrying on intelligent conversation. That is, until every time Proto Zoa's dark eyes met hers and twinkled, his lips threatening another smirk.
Next thing Gemini knew, Zenon had saved the day, and everyone was in a celebratory mood at the Microbe concert. It was time for Zenon's prize dance with Proto Zoa, but he explained that she had asked him to extend the invitation to someone else, some who was always there for her. Gemini gave her little sister a confused look, but she only smiled in return. And then Proto Zoa was saying her name.
"Gemini... According to Zenon, you're the true winner, love, so why don't you come on up here, darling? Come on!"
Gemini balked. Zenon grinned and shoved her, insisting she accept. No, she'd countered, Zenon was the winner, not her.
"I'm all yours! Somebody better get up here before I get a complex!" Proto Zoa chuckled, and the crowd laughed appreciatively. Then his eyes fell squarely on Gemini and her heart skipped a beat.
With a final shove from her little sister, she scrambled on stage and the rock star took her hand. His touch sent a wave of warmth through her, his unwavering gaze made her feel weightless. They danced, he sang, the crowd cheered... It was the most perfect moment.
It was also the last time she saw him.
Zenon had been able to talk to Proto Zoa before the concert, to thank him for his help and make her request, but the band had left immediately after their concert, off to the next stop on their tour. Gemini didn't get the same chance to say goodbye.
Maybe it was better that way.
Author's Note: I wrote this story for myself, with no intentions of sharing it, but eventually I figured: Hey, why not? There's fully not enough Zenon fics, so surely someone besides me will appreciate it. But if not, oh-well.
Anyway, you know how this works by now: Read it, love it, review it, and be rewarded with a new chapter.
Song Cred: Sabrina Carpenter, "We'll Be the Stars"
