things you said under the stars and in the grass

One of the things that drew Jiya to Mason Industries in the first place had been the campus. Yes, working with Connor Mason had been the biggest draw but she was really sold on it when she saw the grounds he'd built around his compound. Beautiful grass landscaping that had little clearings, perfect for working outside. Or for taking a break under the stars.

Which is what she'd been doing since the team had gotten back from their last jump. She'd greeted them like she always did, helped Lucy get out of her period clothing, and then she came out here. Rufus knew where to meet her and she imagined he'd be along after he changed. The stars weren't entirely visible here, but the sky and the soft breeze was still a pretty impressive backdrop.

She'd laid out a large blanket and kept herself on one side of it, leaving room for Rufus once he arrived. Which just happened to be at that moment.

"Come on, we gotta be outside? I just spent 48 hours at a Revolutionary war camp in White Plains, New York in 1776. I think I've had enough nature for now," Rufus said with a smirk as he laid down next to her. "Though I like this company better, honestly."

"How'd that go, by the way?"

"Tricky, we had to avoid General Washington. We've seen it once so we couldn't risk seeing him again because-"

"Ah, yeah I don't need the headache inducing reasons you had to avoid a paradox. It's fine in SciFi stuff but in real life it causes mild panic," Jiya said with a light laugh.

"Tell me about it," Rufus said with a snort.

Jiya rolled to her side to face him. Her eyes roamed his face, searching for any signs of turmoil. "Other than the paradox stuff. It was okay?" She asked.

He nodded and she saw no signs of horror in his expression. "Regular old SNAFU."

Jiya smirked and quirked a brow at him. "Military slang. Wyatt's rubbing off on you."

Rufus chuckled and nodded. "Wyatt made a Star Wars reference today. An obscure one. He introduced me to people as Willrow Hood."

Jiya laughed loudly. "So, the learning is mutual then?"

"In his defense, once you know ice cream maker guy's name it's a little too amusing to forget," Rufus said with a laugh of his own.

She reached over and laced her hand through his, she rolled onto her back again and sighed happily. "I like this."

"This?" Rufus asked.

She held up their joined hands and smiled affectionately at him. "This. You and me just...talking. About nothing, about everything. Just...being together. Things have been so crazy lately that this feels rare."

Rufus brought the back of her hand to his lips and kissed it softly. "I like this too," he told her. "The insanity makes it mean even more, honestly. You're the little bit of normal and sane that I have left most days."

"I know what you mean," Jiya said with a sigh. Being with Rufus made her forget her visions and made everything seem right. He was all she needed to feel at peace with her life. As long as she had him, the world would always be right.