Prompt: Uhura, Gaila – Butterflies
Jeweltones
Nyota knew that Gaila had initially been doubtful of her claims of the fun that could be had visiting the Florida Museum of Natural History. This was Gaila's first visit to the state and her idea of checking out the sights had tended towards sunbathing, drinking, and flirting. Preferably all at the same time.
Though Nyota wasn't against that form of entertainment for part of their break, she wanted a little variety, as well, so she'd bargained, cajoled, and bribed Gaila for her agreement to accompany her down to Gainesville. Once there, Gaila had trailed Nyota through the various exhibits without complaint and listened dutifully as Nyota read some of the informational plaques aloud. More than once Nyota caught Gaila's gaze on herself rather on the surrounding displays, causing an enticing warmth to fill her each time.
It was when they'd stowed their bags and stepped into the bright, warm dome of the butterfly rainforest and Nyota saw Gaila's eyes widen and her mouth flash into a smile that Nyota knew she'd chosen correctly.
For the next hour they wandered slowly through the paths of the dome looking between greenery at shy birds and on flowering plants for fluttering butterflies. Arms around each other, they leaned against the railing of a bridge, gazing down into rippling water to see brightly colored fish and watch turtles sun themselves on branches and rocks.
Nyota wandered off to try and capture a vid of a large, bright blue butterfly as it made its way from perch to perch, and when she turned around she nearly lost her breath. Gaila stood perfectly still in the sunlight, arms outstretched and eyes closed, and several butterflies had landed and nestled into her shining red curls and on her clothing, wings flapping lazily. Nyota raised the camera again and snapped several photos in succession.
She wouldn't miss this for the world.