"Jim…Jim…This is Maria Nett trying to contact first mate of the Arrow's Legacy. Is he in the area? Over." Maria whispered in Jim's ear bringing him back to reality.

He smiled over his shoulder at Maria when she wrapped her arms around his shoulders from behind. He had not meant to ignore her, but he could not focus on both her and his thoughts. Each required his full attention, but Maria would be with him hopefully forever while his thoughts only for a moment.

"Contact found. Proceed with message." He replied and Maria laughed softly in his ear.

"We here at the Planet of Lost Technology were wondering if you planned to join in the festivities. Things aren't quite complete without you."

"I'm sorry. I just need time to myself for awhile, and every time I try to leave someone pulls me back." Jim muttered.

"Time to yourself…I'll leave you to yourself then." Maria replied pouting, but Jim grabbed her hand before she could move.

"Did I ever tell you that you get upset too easily?" Jim asked as he pulled Maria into the seat beside him.

"Did I ever tell you that you need to say what you mean?" Maria retorted.

Jim knew they must have made an interesting site. The two heroes of a planet, not dancing and laughing like everyone else, but instead sitting by themselves at an empty table in the corner. Not to mention the fact that Maria had her arms folded over her chest with a pout that could rival the most spoiled child in universe.

"Seems like every time things start going well with us, I say something stupid, or a giant worm kidnaps you." Jim commented after the silence became too much for him.

"Yes, it's always your fault. Since this is about as alone as you're going to get, want to tell me what's going on in your mind?"

"First promise you won't storm off and never speak to me again."

"This is me you're talking to Jim. I may storm off, but I'll probably speak to you again in a few years." She replied, and to Jim's relief a hint of a smile crossed her face.

"What are we going to do now? I know you're not supposed to leave the planet, but I can't help but wonder how they can keep you here if you don't want to stay." Jim commented, and Maria sighed.

"What makes you think I don't want to stay? This is my home. This is where I belong."

"Other than the fact that you always laugh or look away when people welcome you home, I don't really know what you want to do. I mean I'm just the guy who's in love with you. I don't know anything. I could guess that you belong with me though."

"Jim, you're the most irritating man I've ever met. Everything's a joke to you!" Maria almost hissed over the table.

Jim thanked his lucky stars that looks couldn't kill because if they could, he would have been dead on the spot. That didn't mean he was going to drop the subject. He always was a risk taker. Besides this was an argument he could not afford to lose.

"What makes you think I'm joking around? Just because I'm thinking about your happiness makes me irritating?" Jim asked, but the look on Maria's face made him regret saying anything.

She bit her trembling bottom lip slightly and looked away from Jim's concern-filled eyes. He did not understand. He could never understand.

"Jim…I can't be like you. I can't live for adventure anymore. I can't make spur of the moment decisions. I have an entire planet to think about. I…I…I have to learn how to be happy here even if that means living without you." Maria muttered as she quickly rubbed her hand against her eyes before anyone could see her distress.

Jim wanted to comfort her, but he couldn't force himself to move. This Maria was worse than the one who hated him for losing her ship. She was supposed to do what she wanted, when she wanted. She was supposed to think of ways to get through this, not just give up.

"Come with me." Jim ordered suddenly causing Maria to look up sharply.

Without waiting for a response, he grabbed her hand and pulled her from the building, ignoring the curious looks the other party-goers gave them. He continued to walk until he was absolutely sure that no noise from the party could interrupt them before he pulled Maria into his arms. He knew she was confused, but this was something he had to do.

"What does the sunset mean to you?" Jim asked glancing up at the first stars that were beginning to appear.

Maria followed his line of vision, and a hint of a smile graced her face. She was being foolish. How could she sacrifice moments like this for a home she never knew?

"Before it reminded me of a memory that I couldn't remember, but now it reminds me of a time when I hated you. I hated you because you distracted me from my mission. I couldn't protect my ship and be around you at the same time. You actually stayed on my mind all the time to the point that I had to keep reminding myself what I had to do." Maria explained softly as she rested her head against Jim's chest.

"I think I hated you because you reminded me a lot of myself. You seemed so determined to do things your way no matter what people said. Not to mention how much anger and frustration you kept bottled up that you just happened to let out on me. Maybe I wanted to save you like Silver saved me. I don't know what happened, but I went from wanting to get to know you into falling in love with you." Jim replied as he rested his head on top of hers.

"So does this mean the sunrise still means new beginnings?" Maria asked even though she knew the answer.

"I guess we'll see what time brings…"

Sorry guys about this taking so long. Hope I didn't disappoint. I lied about how much was left. I'm almost done so bear with me!