-1Chapter 10:
Fun at Terra Neon
The Ice Grinder slide to a halt in the dirt. Starling's grip was tight at Logan-Leah's ribcage. So tight he was sure that he heard them crack. Starling gritted her teeth and opened her eyes, realizing that she was clinging to the Blizzarian. Slowly she looked around realizing that they were on the ground a blush traced her lips as she relaxed, breathing out softly. Logan-Leah reached up and lightly patted the backs of her hands, chuckling.
"Easy der pretty girl, I told ya I'd git us here safe, eh?" Logan-Leah said softly rubbing his fingers along her hands as he helped her down from the grinder.
Starling's cheeks held the blush despite herself, unable to believe that she acted that way. "Sorry about that Logan-Leah, I have never flown like that before. I think I was fine until you flew through the trees instead of around."
Logan-Leah laughed loudly as he slipped down. "Just call me Logan. Ya should lighten up dere this is a date eh?"
Starling nodded and hugged her arm, she was glad that it was warmer out tonight or else the purple tank top and black shorts would have been a bad idea. Logan-Leah pulled his parka off and lay it across the seat of his Grinder and walked over to her. He wore a plan cotton t-shirt that was overly baggy, it had the sign of the Absolute Zeroes on it. A smile crossed his young face while he held his hand out to her.
Starling took his hand and smiled. "So this is going to be like a real date then?"
"Yup, you agreed ta it." Logan-Leah smiled and started along the dirt path walking hand in hand with Starling.
Starling walked along next to him giving him a happy smile. Logan-Leah slowly pulled her along, his excitement starting to shine through. They both stopped at the ticket counter. Starling reaching into her pouch digging through the crystals in there as she heard the soft thump of something hitting the counter. Starling looked down at the hip pack on the counter and then up to Logan-Leah who grin and winked at her.
"That's two passes fer everything, ya got in dere." Logan-Leah told the man behind the counter.
"Certainly sir." Was all the man said as he quickly appraised a few of the crystals taking what he felt was a fair price and pushing the pouch back towards Logan-Leah.
Starling lightly nudged Logan-Leah in the side with her elbow. "Logan, you shouldn't have. I'm not really holding to my part of the deal if you pay for everything."
"Shh Star, doncha worry about it. It wouldn't be a proper date, if I made ya pay fer everythin' right?" Logan-Leah took the pouch of crystal's wrapping it around his belt.
Starling pursed her lips and nodded trying to hide the heat of the blush that was looming. Logan-Leah took the two beaded bracelets from the tender behind the counter. He slipped his on, before taking Starling's hand in his, wrapping the bracelet around her wrist tying it.
"Alright dere pretty girl, whatcha wanna do first?" Logan-Leah excitedly pulled her along.
"Oh I dunno, I mean I don't know. I've been here before. And this is your first time here so why don't you decide." Starling nodded as she looked around at all the couples that meandered around the Terra and thought for a long moment.
Starling's green eyes scanned around looking for something a smiled coming to her lips as she sees a banner hanging from one of the local stands that stated. 'Terra Neon's First Annual Couples Night' Her eyes shift slowly back to Logan-Leah's brown eyes. A semi-shy smile pushed to his face giving away his secret.
"That's why you're so persistence on going today. You did this on purpose didn't you?" Starling asked as she shuffled her feet in the dirt.
"Yeah you could say that. I wanted my first date, ta be memorable." Logan-Leah could barely be heard through the crowd.
"Your first date?" The words seemed to space out as she was trying to fully comprehend what he was saying.
"Ya…This here will be my very first date ya know." He said quietly as he rubbed lightly at the fur on his forearm.
Starling smiled warmly as she could see the embarrassment slipping to his face. "Well, I hope I don't disappoint you Logan."
Logan-Leah's eyes shifted to hers as he tried to say something. Starling nodded and lightly tugged on his hand pulling him towards some of the game stands. Logan-Leah followed obediently as they stopped in front of a ball toss game. Logan-Leah showed his bracelet to the man who nodded. Logan-Leah picked up one of the balls and threw it expertly knocking down a pyramid of bottles on the first shot.
"That was great Logan! Can you do it again?" Starling asked as she leaned on the counter.
"Sure can." Logan-Leah rocked his wrist back and did a side throw, another pyramid of bottles fell.
Starling clapped happily. "Bravo, not to bad at all."
"Do ya want the last shot?" Logan-Leah cocked his head holding the ball out to her.
"No, I don't want to mess up your streak. Besides I want you to win me something." Starling pushed his hand away gently as he smiled.
"Oh, what makes ya think I wasn't tryin' to win somethin' fir me eh?" Logan-Leah gave her a sly smile as he chuckled.
"By all means then, win yourself something." Starling gave him an eager sneer as she giggled.
Logan-Leah did another side toss as he heard the triumphant fumble of bottles as they clattered to the ground. The Wallop behind the stand clapped happily and started picking up the bottles again. Logan-Leah blew on his fingernails and rubbed them on his t-shirt as he looked over the prizes.
"Well now, which one do ya want dere pretty girl?" Logan-Leah looked over his shoulder at her and shifted his head as if beckoning her to choose.
"Oh do I get to choose your gift?" Starling teased as she moved up to stand next to him.
"Of course not, but ya get ta chose yer gift." Logan-Leah responded as he watched the Wallop step closer.
"I'll take the stuffed Blizzarian." Starling smiled and pointed at a random stuffed female Blizzarian.
The Wallop said nothing just turned and grabbed the stuffed animal and pulled it down holding it out to Starling who took it with a nod of gratitude. The stuff animal was rather plain looking, it had spiky pink hair and long ears as well as it wore a light blue parka and brown pants. The majority of the stuffed animal was a light lavender, but it had big pink eyes. Starling felt a little childish as she hugged the stuffed animal. Logan-Leah nodded and walked away from the booth with Starling in tow. The dirt on the ground crunched easy under his feet, his ears twitching around at all the sounds.
"Where too now, pretty girl?" Logan-Leah chuckled to himself as she stood next to him.
"There is so much to do here, so why don't we do everything." Starling said as he hugged the Blizzarian stuffed animal tighter, gripping his hand and pulling him onward.
All the lights and noise filled their senses as they moved from game to game. It didn't matter if they won or lost as long as they were enjoying themselves. Starling loved every aspect of the lost kid in her coming out to play. Logan-Leah always asked her where she wanted to go, and was eager to take her there.
The dance floor under the multicolored lights was nice. A few songs and a few dances were in store for them. It was incredible at how well she remembered how to dance. It had been years since she'd stepped onto a dance floor. Starling was amazed at how well mannered Logan-Leah was as well as how good of a dancer he was. Logan-Leah only stepped on her foot once and offered a blush as well as an apology.
Dinner was simple but enjoyable, hot dogs from a side cart. Kettle corn from another. Bottled water from Terra Gale, and cotton candy for dessert. Starling was nervous about having to ride the mechanical bull, but Logan-Leah's shouts of encouragement drove her on to win third place in the contest. A photo booth led to several goofy picture of them. There was an excitement about him as Logan-Leah pulled her along towards the pie eating contest.
Logan-Leah was surprised to find that the pies were not frozen. He ended up with pie in every inch of the fur on his face. He'd failed to place in the contest, but it didn't matter the pie was delicious. Politely Starling helped him wash his face off at the nearest water hose.
Starling couldn't believe she agreed to the dunk tank, knowing how well Logan-Leah was good at throwing. But Logan-Leah just smiled and did his best to miss on purpose.
Starling raised her hands triumphantly as she jumped down joining with Logan-Leah once again. Off to the shooting gallery was Starling's next request as she pulled him along. The game was simple enough. Out of ten shots she scored nine, winning a small glass figurine. It was simple enough, but Logan-Leah went on praising her for abilities to handle a crystal blaster. But Starling just brushed it off.
The night was giving way to the dawn as they walked along to the Terra Neon spa. They found a little Merbian girl crying over a broken toy. Logan-Leah looked at Starling and pursed his lips as he politely took the figurine from Starling's hand walked over to the little girl slowly as he knelt down next to the little girl.
The little girl's black hair was pulled back into a tight pony tail. Her yellow eyes were tear filled and drifting around nervously. The jump suit she wore was a dim purple and clashed with her green skin. Logan-Leah politely pressed the figurine in her hand and gave her a smile.
"There ya go kiddo, be a little more careful with this one eh?" His voice was soft and warm.
The Merb clutched the figurine and smiled warmly before offering a nervious nod. "Thank you mister." Before she turned and headed off to join a Merbian couple standing off in the distance.
"That was really sweet of you Logan." Starling said softly as she rested her fingers on one of his bicep.
"What can I say? I don't like ta see girls cry eh." Logan-Leah smiled as his eyes found her hand.
The dawn was approaching and the evening was starting to take its toll on Starling. The orange light barely casting over the horizon but still casting a beautiful shimmer in her eyes which captivated Logan-Leah for a moment.
"Can we go sit for a while and watch the sunrise? Its one of my favorite things to do." Starling felt her cheeks flush red.
"I thought ya would never ask there." Logan-Leah laced his arm with hers and walked along the path that led to the edge of the Terra.
"Can I ask you something? Did you miss on purpose." Starling said squeezing his arm lightly.
"What do ya mean? When?" The coy smile on his face gave away his secret again.
"You did! Why didn't you dunk me? I knew you could have." Starling said as Logan-Leah stopped in his tracks.
"I dunno, I didn't think ya wanted me ta dunk ya." He helped her sit on the soft dirt moving to sit next to her.
"Well you could have, I wouldn't have minded. It was all in good fun." Starling giggled.
"Oh, I'll have ta keep that in mind then eh." Logan-Leah smiled at her.
Logan-Leah chuckled as he leaned back on his hands. The light of the rising sun started casting an orange glow on everything. Starling leaned against him hugging the Blizzarian plush. Her eyes were growing heavy as she could feel her sleepiness coming more to the surface. Her belly was full and her legs were tired, even now her sides hurt from laughing to much. She had forgotten how wonderful it was to be a kid again. The music and noise from the amusement park had died off. All the people and workers had gone leaving them alone on the Terra. Logan-Leah wrapped an arm around her pulling her tightly. A cool breeze blew through his hair, as his dark eyes found hers.
"Tired eh?" His voice was soft in the morning air.
"Yeah I've never had so much fun. Thank you so much Logan." Starling rested her head on his shoulder and sighed out softly.
"I'm glad ya had fun. Thank ya for goin on a date with me. It rocked. If yer ready I can take ya back to the Condor." Logan-Leah rested his head against hers.
"We probably should be getting back, I don't want to worry anyone." Starling shifted slowly getting up feeling the muscles in her legs tightening.
"I don't wanna make Aerrow angry or nuthin." Logan-Leah slowly got up and dusted his backside off.
Starling's eyes caught Logan-Leah's and a blush traced her cheeks. "Why would you say that?"
Logan-Leah chuckled and took a step closer to her, lightly brushing off her backside off as well, she giggled and stepped away. "I can tell by the way ya look at each other there, ya like him and he likes you."
"You really think so?" Starling continued holding the stuffed animal against her chest at the thought of Aerrow.
"Ya, dats one of the reason, I didn't make a pass atcha." Logan-Leah took her hand and pulled her close so he could look in her eyes.
Starling blushed more, but didn't feel uncomfortable about him being so close. "I was a little surprised at that, I was starting to worry that you didn't like me."
"Aw, of course I do. I think yer beautiful and a livin' legend to boot. Right now I'm bitin' my cheek to keep from kissin' ya. Cuz I know ya can do so much better than me." Logan-Leah felt his own blush creeping through his cheek fur.
Starling shook her head as she leaned closer giving his furry cheek a warm kiss before whispering warmly through his fur. "Don't ever say that. You're a very special person and if I wasn't madly in love with Aerrow I would chose you."
Logan-Leah shivered lightly at the feeling of her warm breath against his cheek as he whispered out. "Thanks Star, it means a lot ta me."
Starling nodded gently as she slowly stepped away, pulling him along by his hand as he followed her shakily. They walked along hand in hand back to his Grinder a smile coming to her lips as she saw Aerrow sitting on his ride. Logan-Leah let her fingers slip free from his as she paced over to Aerrow.
"Hey Aerrow, its good to see you. You've not been waiting long have you?" Starling smiled as she moved over to stand next to him.
"No not at all actually. I got here about ten minutes ago, I just wanted to make sure everything was alright." Aerrow rubbed the back of his neck.
"Aw that's sweet that you're worried about me. We were actually getting ready to head back." Starling looked up at Logan-Leah.
"Ya, hey do ya mind if I crash on the Condor fir a little, I'm tired." Logan-Leah sighed and rubbed his eyes tiredly.
"No not at all. Its not far off, do you want to ride with me Starling?" Aerrow ask as he started his ride up with a rumble.
"No, the date doesn't end until Logan gives me a ride home." Starling said picking up Logan-Leah's parka resting if over her shoulders before straddling the seat, she was a little surprised at how nice his natural scent was.
Logan-Leah climbed onto the seat in front of her and started up his grinder. Starling leaned against him wrapping her arms lightly around his waist squeezing the Blizzarian stuffed animal between them so it wouldn't get lost. Aerrow looked away suddenly doing his best to control a slight discomfort that washed through him. Quickly he jolted away leaving a cloud of dirt behind him. Logan-Leah followed closely as they sped away towards the edge of the Terra. The wings on Aerrow's glider snapped open and the wind swept him upward. In the distance the Condor could be seen through the morning clouds. Logan-Leah had no problem keeping up. Starling would occasionally tighten her grip on his stomach to make sure he wasn't falling asleep.
They grew closer as Logan-Leah jetted passed Aerrow. The Ice Grinder's wings closed so that the Grinder could set down roughly. It slid to a halt inside the hanger. Starling's grip was really tight against him as her head lay against Logan-Leah's shoulder. Aerrow screeched to a stop next to him climbing free from his ride offering to help Starling down. Her hand lightly clasped his as she stepped down to the floor from the back of the Grinder. Logan-Leah stretched and rubbed his sides tiredly as he slide down to the floor.
"Thanks so much fir lettin' me crash here Aerrow. Where should I sleep?" Logan-Leah leaned against Starling, acting as if he were going to fall over.
"I'll show him Aerrow, come on goof." She said playfully keeping the parka over her shoulders.
Aerrow watched as they disappeared through the door. Starling led him along the hall. A smile came to her lips as Jamie-Lu stepped out of his room rubbing his eyes tiredly. His hand left his eye into a wave at seeing Logan-Leah and Starling. The bandage was off of his forehead and the scar could be seen through the fur. He was happy that the fur didn't have to be shaved away, but it was going to change the pigment of the fur when it grew back there.
"Hey Jamie, would it be alright if Logan slept in your room for a little bit. He's really tired and I don't want him to fly home being this tired." Starling asked sweetly, her eyes glowed happily which was something Jamie-Lu wasn't accustom to seeing.
"Sure, that would be fine. My room is your room Logan." Jamie-Lu took a step back so that Logan-Leah could have access to his room.
Logan-Leah chuckled and lightly rubbed Jamie-Lu's shoulder. "Yer just like yer sister, she'd give ya the shirt off her back."
Logan-Leah walked through the door followed by Starling. Jamie-Lu thought for a moment about following them, but turned and walked toward the bathroom. It was none of business what might be happening in there.
Logan-Leah sat down on the bed relaxing, his eyes were starting to get heavier. He watched as Starling removed the parka from her shoulders laying it on the desk.
"You sleep well alright Logan." Starling said softly as she walked over and brushed his hair back.
"I'm sure I will pretty lady." Logan-Leah reached up and touched her hand. "Thanks for hangin' out with me today, it was really nice."
"Yeah it was." Starling knelt down pushing the stuffed Blizzarian into his arms. "Here you can have this, I won't need it to remember our date."
Logan-Leah smiled softly as he hugged the stuffed Blizzarian, Starling's warm smell seemed to be imbued with it. "Thank ya Starling, I'll treasure it. Ya sleep well too kay I'll see ya in a little bit eh?"
Starling nodded and kissed him lightly on the tip of his nose before walking through the door. Aerrow was standing there looking at her as the door slid closed behind. Starling walked up and wrapped her arms tightly around Aerrow's neck. Aerrow hesitated to hug back as he cleared his throat.
"Would you mind if I slept in your room Aerrow? I'm so very tired." Starling asked softly as she took a step back feeling his hesitation.
"Sure, I don't mind at all." Aerrow said softly as he took her hand and escorted her to his room.
Logan-Leah lay back on the bed squeezing the stuffed Blizzarian even tighter, doing his best to close his eyes and imagine it was Starling. Even though he knew it would never happen, there was something about her that made his heart swell. Slowly he rolled on his side doing his best to capture her face in his mind before sleep pulled him into the darkness of his dreams.