Her hands were pressed to the cold glass of the porthole, her neck bent while she took in as much as possible of the city below her. Between the sea of glittering lights, she tried to make out a few landmarks.
In her satellite, the glimmering lights had been all she was able to see but now, as the Rampion hovered, she could make out skyscrapers and old towers illuminated for tourists, some dark spots where there must be a park, roads that weaved in ribbons of yellow, red and blue through the city, like beads on a string.
It was beautiful. And unlike the serene but distant beauty of Earth from her satellite, it felt pulsing with life. Like there was a whole city out there calling out to be discovered.
Tomorrow, she told herself, after the antidote drop-off.
"Hey gorgeous."
Cress smiled as she felt Thorne coming closer but didn't take her eyes away from the city of Neo Barcelona. "Hey yourself."
"What, I don't get a 'gorgeous'? Really, Cress, I'd appreciate a bit of ego-stroking."
Cress smiled at the pout in his voice. "You do enough ego-stroking for the both of us."
Thorne clucked his tongue at her good-naturedly. "You really need to stop hanging out with Scarlet so much." Thorne was so close she could feel the warmth coming off his body as he leaned over her. One of his hands trailed up the small of her back, sending shivers up her spine before settling on her shoulder. "What a view."
"Yes," Cress's was nothing more than a whisper, so she coughed before speaking again. "I mean, yes, it's amazing. I can't wait to see it tomorrow," she said as she turned around to Thorne, smiling broadly up at him.
Thorne blinked as if dazed. Then he slowly bent down, his eyes flickering to her lips and back to her eyes. "Hey gorgeous."
This time when he said it, it didn't sound like a casual greeting. In a lower and hushed voice, there was an undertone that made Cress's heart beat faster. Suddenly, the air was humming with anticipation that hadn't been there before. She wet her lips. "You already said that."
"When you smile at me like that, it bears repeating," Thorne answered huskily and closed the little distance between them with his lips.
It was a soft kiss, languid like waves rolling over the beach like on the day they had spent on the outskirts of Los Angeles, chasing each other between spray and sunshine. Cress raised herself up on her toes, her hands brushing up his arms to the width of his shoulders. Thorne's skin was soft and warm beneath the soft cotton of his shirt while hers had erupted in goose bumps.
He ended the kiss but pulled her closer at the same time, his forehead leaning on hers. "Why wait?"
Cress allowed herself to steal another small kiss. "Wait for what?"
"Why wait for tomorrow to check out the city? Let's go tonight."
Pulling back a little, Cress found Thorne's eyes but he looked serious. "Tonight? But ... we said tomorrow. After we dropped of the antidote at the hospitals. And we have to start at six o'clock."
Thorne looked unperturbed. "So? We'll take the podship and be back in time for our first stop."
That would mean being out the whole night and a full day's work with no sleep. Cress turned her head, taking in the cityscape of Neo Barcelona once more. She knew it wasn't the responsible thing to do. It was downright irresponsible but with Thorne being so spontaneous ... wasn't that romantic? Cress had always dreamed of this, spontaneous moments down on Earth together with the man she loved.
"Scarlet will be furious," Cress said absent-mindedly.
"Do you mind?"
Cress turned back to Thorne, his smile mischievous, every bit the dashing rogue he liked to be. She smiled back. "No."
"Do I have to change clothes?"
Thorne turned around from where he grabbed his leather jacket and studied her. Cress hadn't anticipated a trip down to Earth but since she could basically wear whatever she wanted on the Rampion, she was in a pair of shorts, a blouse she liked and a pair of ballerinas. This should be fine ... right?
Thorne shook his head, smiling. "I meant it when I said 'hey gorgeous'. You look beautiful." His eyebrows drew together in thought. "Maybe take a little jacket with you though. It might get chilly."
Cress quickly went into her room, her cheeks warm from the compliment and got a cardigan. She stopped to listen for Scarlet or Wolf but the only sounds she heard was the even hum of the engines, the gurgle of the water tanks and some distant clanking. When she returned to Thorne's side, he put his finger to his lips and made her follow him down the belly of the Rampion where the podships were waiting for them.
"Are we hiding from Scarlet and Wolf? Shouldn't we tell them where we're going? What if they're looking for us?"
Thorne opened the hatch of the podship which opened almost soundlessly. "Why are you whispering?"
"Because you did this-" She put her own finger to her lips in a shushing motion. "And you're whispering too."
He shrugged. "I don't think Scarlet can hear us down here. And Wolf probably won't tell on us."
"But why are we sneaking out?" She knew Scarlet wouldn't be happy about their little get-away but she would probably shrug it off with a warning that they'd better be fit for tomorrow's work.
"More fun that way," he told her with a wink before helping her into the passenger's seat. "No worries, I have my portscreen with me. They'll be able to contact us if necessary."
As he walked around the podship and took his seat next to her, starting the engines and entering the code that would open the port's exit. "Put the seatbelt on, darling."
"I thought one of your middle-names was daring?" But she grabbed the seatbelt and secured it safely.
"I'm daring, but not stupid. Especially when it comes to your safety." One of his hands found hers and squeezed it gently before proceeding to bring the podship in the correct position. "But if you want daring..."
Thorne didn't gently steer the podship towards the exit. Instead, he took speed, speeding the podship through the exit with so much speed it almost took Cress's breath away as she was pressed into the seat.
One second they were surrounded by the grey hull of the Rampion, the next ...
... they were lost among the stars, gently flying towards Earth, guided by Neo Barcelona's glittering lights.
Cress and Thorne had taken their time exploring, with no destination in mind as they wandered hand in hand.
Even though it was late, the mild weather allowed many to stay outside and the streets, the restaurants and bars were full of people. A pleasant hum of chatter and music enveloped them in an exhilarating atmosphere of joviality. could be heard from everywhere.
Cress loved just being among so many people. They didn't have many chances to see a lot of places outside of the army bases and Cress didn't know where to look first. Her eyes were invariably drawn towards other people. Young, old, groups and couples -, all of whom seemed to be having a good time celebrating one of the year's first spring days.
A few vendors made their way through the crowds, selling everything from snacks and flowers to accessories and sunglasses. A few girls sported jewellery in illuminated neon colours, others had weaved flowers or colourful beads through their braids. Guys on maglev scooters weaved in and out of the crowd. Many held glasses with colourful drinks as they were milling around. There was the left-over ruin of a church, basked in light instalments and holograms that replaced the lost towers and facade. A few couples took pictures in front of it, locked in kisses and embraces.
It was too beautiful for words. All of it.
They had wandered into a popular place in the city centre and it was hard to believe that it was night time. Cress wondered how busy it must be during the day.
Thorne pointed to a small bistro at a corner. "Care for a drink and a few tapas?"
Cress nodded in excitement. They already had dinner with Scarlet and Wolf but this would be new food. New tastes to discover with fresh ingredients a luxury onboard a spaceship even with Scarlet's culinary skills.
Thorne steered them towards the bistro and they lucked out on when they arrived just when one of the high tables became free. "You okay with drinks first? We can wait on the tapas until one of the tables with chairs become free?"
"Sounds good," Cress agreed, even though the standing tables seemed a tad high for her. It would be fine for a drink but she would prefer to sit if possible. She was still unused to shoes and even though she tried to wear them as often as possible on the Rampion, the back of her ankle and the top of her toes already started to bruise from the friction. It was by far not as bad as her barefooted trek through the Sahara but it still wasn't comfortable.
Scanning the menu, Thorne angled the portscreen a little for Cress who had to raise herself on her tiptoes. "The drinks look good but Scarlet will have our heads if we stay up all night and have a hangover."
Cress wasn't sure if she was even allowed to drink the stuff Thorne was checking and she didn't care much for beer or wine. "I don't want Scarlet to be angry at us. And we do have to work tomorrow," Cress reminded him.
"True. I'll try the lemon beer though. Sounds refreshing."
A droid came to their table, picking up the glasses from the previous customers and cleaned the surface. Cress refrained herself from thanking it as it usually earned her some weird looks from the soldiers at the army bases they've been to. Not every droid was like Iko, a human in every sense except in the biological one. Some were just that, droids programmed to clean and keep watch and nothing else.
"Do they have juices?" Cress asked hopefully. She really loved fresh fruit and the juices on Earth tasted so much better than the little juice packs she got at the satellite for the iron and vitamin supplements they provided.
"Yep, and homemade lemonade."
Cress quickly scanned the list but, as usual, got quickly overwhelmed by the choices so she picked a random number. Watermelon agua fresca and Cress looked forward to tasting it. The order went right to the restaurant and they would get a notification once their drinks were ready.
"How do you like it so far?" He had leaned close to her, a small smile playing on his lips.
"It's like a dream come true." She felt a bit silly admitting it but it was true. It was one of those moments that made her feel like she left her satellite behind for good and the whole world was waiting for her. That this was what her life would be like from now on.
Thorne nodded in agreement. "It is. It's a great city and it's even better with you being here."
He said it so casually it warmed her heart, especially when one of his hands moved over the table to hold hers. "You've been here before?"
"Yeah. While I was-"
"On the run with your stolen ship?"
"-seeking freedom with a ship that was meant to be mine," he told her with a wink, but then his face fell.
Immediately regretting her cheeky comment, Cress scrambled for a way to salvage the moment. Thorne, however, kept talking before she could try to apologise.
"You know, Cress ... I'm ashamed of what I have done in the past-"
"Thorne, I'm sorry, I know, you don't have to-"
He interrupted her. "I'm ashamed and I should be. All I can promise you is that I won't ever do it again and hope you believe me."
"I do." She covered his hand with hers, circling the soft skin with her thumb. "I really do, Thorne," she said earnestly.
"Thank you." The look he gave her made her heart race. It was open and vulnerable before he schooled his features back into a mischievous grin. "The last thing I wanted to steal was your heart. And I did," he told her with a flirty wink that made her giggle.
The portscreen blinked up with a 'ping', signalling that their drinks were ready to be picked up. "Should I come with you?" Cress asked but Thorne shook his head.
"Nah, let's save our table. But be on the lookout for one with chairs," he told her before pocketing his portscreen and making his way into the bistro with a confident stride that was uniquely Thorne's.
Cress rested her head in her heads in shame. Why did she bring up his past? Why had she said anything, not realizing that it would hurt Thorne? He always took all jabs aimed at him (mainly from Cinder, Scarlet and, on occasion, Jacin) in a stride. But now she had clearly hurt his feelings.
She had just brought it up casually, enjoying their usual playful banter. But Cress figured it probably wasn't the nicest feeling in the world to be constantly reminded of a past you regret. Even in jest.
Suddenly aware that she was not in the confines of a satellite or spaceship but in public, Cress quickly removed her hands from her face and tried to look casual as she scanned the tables for anyone who might want to leave so she could claim it. No one did, but Cress quickly became fascinated with the different groups of people hanging out. Trying not to stare, she observed couples, groups of friends, and even a young family with a baby sleeping in its stroller.
It would be nice to hang out with all their friends like this sometime, Cress thought. Maybe once everything has settled down on Luna and in the Eastern Commonwealth, they could find time to hang out. Then again, Cinder and Kai were sure to be hunted by reporters, Wolf wasn't exactly inconspicuous and Cress, while less recognizable than the others, had experienced her fair share of anti-Lunar sentiments.
She tried to forget about their one time in Denver where they had been met with massive protests at them being there. Them being mostly Cress and Wolf, who couldn't have been convinced to leave the Rampion for the trip after the slurs screamed at him. The situation had later escalated at a supermarket where Cress, Thorne and Scarlet had tried to buy supplies and were told in no uncertain terms that while they couldn't deny entrance to Thorne and even Scarlet who wasn't American but had valid ID chip, they certainly would not allow Cress into their property. Cress had wanted to leave but Scarlet and the owner had screamed at each other which led to other people chiming in, cussing at Cress and even throwing things. Luckily, Thorne had been there, shielding her as they made their way back to the podship. She had tried to held up her head high and not let anything get to her but she was sure that Thorne had been all too aware of the tears at the corner of her eyes.
It never mattered that she had been part of the lost Lunar princess' revolution or that she was a shell that couldn't mindcontrol anyone even if she wanted to. She was a Lunar and Cress learned that, if she didn't want any trouble, she should keep that to herself.
Lost in thought, Cress didn't realise she wasn't standing alone at the table anymore. Assuming it was Thorne with their drinks, she looked up with a smile - and started.
"Hey there." A guy leaned casually at her table, giving her a once-over.
Cress's heart beat faster and she grabbed the table for support. Her eyes flickered to the bistro but there was no sign of Thorne.
The guy raised an eyebrow. "You're here alone?"
"Um." She didn't want to draw any attention to herself or Thorne. The less people knew that Princess Selene's fellow revolutionaries were here, the less likely it was that Cress had to be confronted with anti-Lunar prejudices. She wanted to pretend to be an Earthen girl on a date with her boyfriend, nothing more.
A quick glance told her that they were being watched by three more guys, standing a bit to the side. Even if she wanted to answer - what, she didn't know - she couldn't. Her throat was tight with trepidation.
Suddenly, the guy took a step closer and leaned in. Cress wanted to squeak and hide but she stayed put. She could smell his aftershave, see the stubble on his face and his long lashes fanning across his cheeks.
Her knuckles turned white.
When he spoke, his voice was low and his breath tickled at her ear. "I heard there is a satellite malfunctioning."
Cress froze. He knew! He recognized her! The crashed satellite had made news and had been quickly linked to Thorne back when he was still a fugitive on the run and then to Cress too. She had to warn Thorne and leave right away!
Stumbling backwards, Cress bumped into a girl at the table behind her. "Hey, everything alright?"
"I-I'm sorry." Keeping her eyes on the guy and his three companions, Cress made her way through the crowd, almost crying in relief when she saw Thorne exiting with a drink in each hand.
"Hey, I found a tab-" He stopped abruptly, concern edged on his features. "Cress, what-"
"No time, we have to leave." Grabbing at his elbow, Cress pulled Thorne with her, looking frantically back but she was too short to look over the other guests and check where the guy was.
Thorne instantly turned serious, leaving the drinks on a table they passed before turning a corner and walked swiftly with Cress by his side who had to speed up a little to keep up.
A few twists and turns into side-way alleys, until Cress was almost sure no one was following them.
"What happened?" Thorne asked casually, his tone no more serious than if he inquired after the weather. But Cress, who still had her arm around his, could feel that his muscles were tense beneath her touch.
"A guy came up to me, he knew who I was. There were three others watching."
There was a short pause. "We're not here illegally, Cress. We were personally invited by Prime Minister Bromstad to ship a few batches of antidote to the European Federation."
"I know but ... it was safer to leave." She didn't want their spontaneous date ruined. Neo Barcelona was big and they would surely find a different place. Slowing a little, Cress released her grip on Thorne's elbow and found his hand instead. He squeezed it reassuringly. "I think we're good."
She didn't want their spontaneous little date ruined by a similar encounter. Neo Barcelona was big and they would surely find a different place.
Slowing a little, Cress released her grip on Thorne's elbow and found his hand instead. He squeezed it reassuringly. "I think we're good."
Thorne turned his head a little as if to take in a statue of a rider on a horse but Cress knew he was actually scanning their surroundings. "I think so too."
"I'm sorry about the drinks." And the tapas she didn't get to try either.
She felt Thorne press a little kiss to her temple. "It's fine. Look over there seems to be a bar. We can go there. I'm sure they have a few tapas that go with their drinks too." He paused. "If you want to head back to the Rampion that is fine too, of course."
"No, not yet. Also, I'm really thirsty."
"Then drinks it is."
A/N: Wanderlust and a pandemic doesn't mix well so I came up with a little oneshot where at least Cress and Thorne will have a cute getaway. Since it turned out to be a pretty big oneshot of 7k words, I divided it into two parts. The next chapter will continue where I left it off here. Many thanks to kiminicricket who really put a lot of work into helping me out. Please review! :)