Seeing Stars
Some days later the two teenagers finally caught a slight break with chores, and were able to enjoy the Etherium's beauty for a little while before they had to go to the bunkroom and pass out. As he sat in the crow's nest watching the night sky, Jim's thoughts drifted to his mother and the holographic necklace she always wore. When he was young Jim had loved to look at the moments captured in it: his first steps as a baby, playing with a new wind-up toy, and bringing home a "pet" and begging his mother to let him keep it. Both he and Carina had brought it home actually. Jim smiled at the memory of that day, one of their many eager childhood adventures. Of course, Sarah had told them to put the tentacle-waving thing back on the beach where they'd found it, and Carina had been quite upset over leaving the squishy purple creature.
Jim looked over at said girl, who was seated on the bench next to him, her gaze soft as she enjoyed the peaceful night. Carina must have felt him staring, because she turned to Jim with a gentle smile. "It's so beautiful," she marveled, looking back at the stars. "Yes." Jim was not looking at the sky however. Carina continued, "It still amazes me sometimes that I actually got away and this is my life now. I always wanted to do this…" she looked at the cabin boy again, "…with you."
Mouth dry, Jim slid closer and took her hand, still gazing into her eyes. "And we are. I knew this was my big chance, but when I got on this ship I never dreamed I'd find you." He trailed off as Carina leaned towards him, making his heart pound. "Carina, I…" Jim lost his train of thought completely, her gray eyes and parted lips ridiculously distracting. Giving into his feelings, he bent his head slowly, and as she closed her eyes Jim carefully pressed his lips to hers, hands gently cupping her face. He felt Carina catch her breath, and then there was nothing but the two of them in each other's arms. After a few moments Jim pulled away slightly, and as Carina opened her eyes she nearly laughed. The expression on his face was comical, a mixture of being slightly worried yet very pleased with himself. Carina placed her hands around his neck with a smile, which Jim returned as he leaned in again, lips tingling as they kissed under the stars.
