By: Jaimi
Chapter 3
The next few days were hectic, as the Andromeda ran into some trouble. The young couple barely had to time to see each other, Harper only managing to pull her aside in the corridors when no one was about and steal a kiss.
Finally things settled back to the relatively normal routine. Considering the rough adventure they'd just had, Dylan gave everyone an early night off.
Trance had just finished showering, her wet hair, hanging down her back. It was actually mid length, hanging just past her shoulders in swirls of blonde, purple and pink.
She was now sitting cross legged in her room wearing loose cloth pants and a light tank top, carefully painting a picture of what looked to be what humans called a fairy. It was blue skinned, with purple hair and rainbow wings. She had it surrounded by green and silver trees, a colorful sky of orange, yellow, red and pink swirled in the background. It was a breathtaking portrait, and Harper told her so upon sneaking up behind her. She shrieked, dropping her brush, jumping to her feet and spinning around.
"When did you get here? And how did you get in here without me hearing you?"
He grinned mischievously, "I'm a man of many talents."
She calmed, smiling, "I know." She quickly turned back around and stooped to pick up her fallen brush.
Harper looked at her, eyebrow quirked at the comment, but said nothing. He walked up behind her wrapping his arms around her waist from behind, dropping his head onto her shoulder as they both looked at the picture.
He smiled saying, "You know, it kinda looks like you. Are you some magical fairy, Trance? And you just happened to forget to tell me?"
She didn't answer. He turned his head to look at her. "You know, I guess you never have to tell me what you are. I'll just be content knowing you're special."
She turned her head to look in his eyes, faces just inched from each other. "Does that mean if you ever found out "what" I am, I wouldn't be special anymore?"
Harper smiled tenderly, touching his lips to hers. "You'll always be special to me." He said softly against them.
She turned around in his arms, coming to face him completely, she leaned in to the kiss, running her hands through his short, soft blonde hair. She was then content to let her arms drape around his neck as he pulled her closer, arms locked around her waist.
She pulled away after a minute and asked, "Wanna watch a movie?"
He stared at her in disbelief, "We're in the middle of some serious lip locking and you wanna watch a movie?"
She laughed at his expression, then brushing her hand against his cheek said, "Yeah. Then we can cuddle."
He quirked his eyebrows, "That could be interesting."
She grinned, "I'll even let you pick what we watch."
He grinned back, "Now you're talking. Come on, we'll go to my room, bigger screen and more interesting selection of movies."
"Hey," she protested with a laugh. "I resent that."
He chuckled, grabbing her hand and dimming her lights as the door hissed open.
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Trance sat on Harpers couch, tapping her fingers on the arm, eyebrows raised as Harper weighed two movies in his hand.
"Okay, here we have to classic earth movies...Scary movie and Jaws."
She shuddered at the name of the first one, "Nothing scary."
"Okay, so Scary Movie?"
She rolled her eyes, "No. Nothing scary, so put in the Jaws or whatever."
He grinned slyly, "You sure?"
"Yes! Now put the movie in already."
"Fine, fine." He said, grinning as he slipped the vid in and it instantly began playing movie previews. He grabbed the popcorn they'd already made, sitting it on her lap as he ran to get sodas from the cooling unit.
Then he settled in beside Trance, drawing her into his arms. She leaned back against his chest, their heads resting against each others. Harpers arms rested across her stomach and she wrapped her hands in his.
It didn't take long for her to figure out this movie was scary. She screamed the first time the shark attacked, and then turned accusing eyes on Harper.
"I told you nothing scary!"
"Yeah. Then I said, 'So Scary Movie?' And you said, 'No, the other one'. I was confused, so I just did what you told me to like a good boy." He had an innocent look on his face, but his eyes betrayed his mirth and she punched him in the arm.
"You tricked me! Both are scary."
"Actually no, Scary Movie is a comedy....or lack there of. Come on Trance, this is a good movie, trust me!" He grinned cockily, "I'll protect you from the big, bad shark!"
She rolled her eyes, turning back around to continue watching the movie, snuggling closer. Harper held her close, but focused on the movie so as not to be distracted by Trance's close proximity. She actually got into the movie, no longer screaming at scary parts, but gripping Harpers hand instead. Harper smiled, she wasn't a wimp, but she was just jumpy enough to make it fun. When the movie ended, they both took the bowl and empty cans into Harpers mini kitchen area.
"See, it wasn't that bad." He said, going to throw the cans in the disposal chute. One missed and started to fall to the ground. Trance stood next to him, putting the bowl in the washer. Her tail casually caught the stray can and placed it in the disposal. Harper shook his head, hiding a grin.
"I guess not," she agreed.
He smiled triumphantly but said nothing. He knew better then that.
"Well, I better get going."
"I'll walk you back." He said, reaching for her hand when he was alerted to someone outside the door. Pulling away, they continued to the door, Harper calling out. "Come on in."
The door hissed open, revealing Dylan and Beka. They looked at them questioningly, still unaware of the blossoming new relationship.
Harper looked back at them, eyebrows quirked, "What?"
"Are we disturbing something?" Dylan asked slowly.
Harper rolled his eyes, leaning against the door frame. "We were watching a movie Dylan, sir. Is that a problem?"
Trance stood beside him, looking innocent.
Dylan visibly relaxed, thinking he had misjudged the situation. "No, of course not...what movie?"
"Jaws!"
"Jaws?" He turned to Trance. "You willingly watched that?"
She smiled, "Not entirely, he tricked me. I got him back by practically cutting off all circulation in his hand every time the...shark?...Was it? Every time the shark attacked."
Dylan and Beka laughed, while Harper rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Anyway, can I help you two or are you just making the rounds to be sure everyone is in bed on time?"
Beka rolled her eyes at Harpers sarcasm. "No. We came to see if you could work in the med unit tomorrow for a bit with Trance. We thought you could install that new scanning unit. How about it?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"Not really," answered Dylan with a smirk.
"Figures." He muttered, but nodded. "No, not a problem. I haven't been able to work near Trance in awhile. I'd appreciate the more interesting company."
"You don't appreciate our company?" Dylan asked for both of them.
"Well, no offense. I'd much rather be working around a sparkly purple babe, who also happens to be my best friend. It's better than sitting around listening to two, although very close friends, very annoying friends, who like to rant and rave at each other over whos "crew" we actually are." He finished with a smug smile, Trance nudging him in the ribs.
"Harper, be nice."
"Hey! I complimented you." He complained.
She rolled her eyes. "Sparkly purple babe? Thanks blonde, freaking genius!"
Dylan and Beka burst out laughing, while Harper grinned.
"Damn straight."
"Ugh, good night you two." She brushed past them heading out the door.
Harper laughed. "Hey wait up, I'll walk you home. Wouldn't want you running onto Tyr all alone this time of night." He said, jogging to catch up. "Laters!" He called back to Beka and Dylan, who waved them off heading toward their separate rooms.
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They reached Trances room and the door slid open. They stood under the arch, Trances hands held behind her back, leaning against the frame. Harper stood, arms crossed over his chest, leaning back as well opposite her. He watched her intently, while she fidgeted nervously, looking at the floor suddenly shy under his close scrunity.
"You're beautiful," he breathed.
She blushed, suddenly self conscious she crossed her arms over her chest. He smiled, and sauntered closer to her, reaching a hand out to grasp her hip with one hand, pulling her against him. His other hand went to her hair, running it through the silky strands. He watched his fingers twirl the different colors together. She smiled, allowing him to play with her hair, just watching his handsome face, enjoying the blueness of his eyes.
Backing her against the frame of the door, he pressed his body to hers, holding her there while he took both hands to run them through her hair again. He gently carressed her face and then leaned to cover her mouth with his. He kissed her tenderly, but with passion. Responding in kind, she removed her arms from their crossed position and rested them against his firm chest. The moment ended too soon, but Harper knew it had to or he'd get carried away.
He pulled her into an embrace, whispering in her ear. "Night Trance."
Then he turned and left the way they'd come.
"Night Harper." She called quietly after him.
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Harper sighed in frustration the next day in the med unit. The task Dylan and Beka had given him was fairly simple, but still had glitches to work out. He was tired and getting very annoyed as he threw a part half way across the room from his seated position on the floor.
He threw himself onto his back sighing again. "Argh!" He cried out loud, covering his face with his hands.
A moment later he felt a presence beside him and peeked through his fingers to see Trance smiling down at him. He removed his hands, offering a grimace for a smile.
"Hey," he said tiredly.
"Hey you! Patience running a little low today?"
He nodded, shutting his eyes. "Tired is all."
She looked at him quizzically. "We weren't up that late last night."
He grinned. "I know, but I couldn't stop thinking about you all night."
She blushed as she sat down beside his stretched out form. "Sorry."
He sat up slightly, leaning back on his elbows. "You should be," he answered teasingly.
She shook her head with a grin and handed him the part he'd chucked across the room.
"I don't think Dylan would have appreciated seeing that."
Harper groaned. "I know, I know."
She sighed, looking around at her healing plants. "Take a break."
He nodded, sitting up straight, eyes fixed on her tail.
He watched her tail for awhile while they chatted about nothing in particular. Without even noticing what he was doing, he gently started playing with her tail, looking at it in his hands as he idly touched and twirled the end.
Trance noticed but said nothing. She smiled, continuing the conversation, hoping to not let him notice. Apparently he didn't like her tail, but she was starting to think that wasn't true, that it was something else. He seemed to like it fine, and she liked that he liked it.
He never did realize what he had done till later when he was on his own again. At first he was panicked, thinking he might have freaked her out, but she had been fine. Right now she was humming to herself while watering her plants. He smiled, and began humming with her as they finished their work.
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Trance sat amongst her blue silk pillows and cushions, singing along with a music disc that Harper had found and given to her. It was an old earth classic. The artists name was Jewel and it was her greatest hits. Trance had fallen in love with the simple but hypnotizing style.
"You were meant for me, and I was meant for you-" Trance voice blended beautifully.
She wasn't paying much attention though, as began drawing a beautiful hoofed creature in her leather bound journal. Advanced race or not, she loved the old book. It was so simple, yet beautiful and mysterious.
Trance finished her drawing, idly wondering what it was she had drawn. She smiled, deciding to ask Harper, maybe he knew. Gently taking the page from the book, she folded it, placing it into the pocket of her navy blue shorts. Then she jumped up, straightening her bright yellow tank top, and fixing her loose pigs tails. Exiting her quarters, she headed towards the bridge.
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Rev, Tyr, Beka and Dylan all stood at the far side of the bridge overlooking a beeping console. Harper was perched on a railing, legs dangling down. He had a data sheet in his hand, eyes trained, fingers deftly tapping away at it.
Trance grinned, walking up behind him, tapping him on the shoulder. He jumped, looking over his shoulder at her. Smiling, he swung his legs around so he was facing her. Swiftly looking around to make sure no one was paying attention, he pulled her forward to stand between his spread knees, placing his hands on her hips.
"What's up?" He inquired softly, tilting his head down to look her in the eyes.
"I was wondering if you could tell me what something was?"
His eyes widened. "Not again....I'm afraid where this may lead."
She shook her head, grinning as she took the folded drawing from her pocket.
"No. Just this drawing...do you recognize it?"
He unfolded the paper she handed him, and gazed at the perfect drawing. His face turned to a sad smile.
"Yeah. Yeah, I do. This is a horse, Trance. An earth creature, nearly extinct due to the wars." He sighed. "They used to be everywhere, with the exception of only a few, if any, in the cities. They were used for work, rounding up other animals, long tracks or whatever. As well they were used for games and for pleasure...People rode them." He added, at Trances questioning look. "They're beautiful. Everyone said dogs were mans best friend. Horse owners tended to argue, saying horses were at least right up there with them." He smiled at her. "You'd like them, trust me. They were never fully tamed, they always kept a wild spirit in them. They had a mind of their own. That's why many called them man's best friend instead of a dog. Horses more or less allowed people to ride them, allowed them their affection. Some didn't believe this, but a wise man once said: 'A horse does nothing he isn't willing to do." In other words, these creatures were tough, strong...they could've maimed their riders or owners if they really wanted to. Cruel owners often ended up hurt or killed, the victim of their horses vengeance...." He trailed off, still gazing at the picture.
Trance broke in, saddened. "Are their any left?"
He looked at her, seriously. "Maybe...I don't know. Haven't been to earth...in a long, long time." He paused thoughtfully. "I hope so though Trance, I hope so."
He handed her back the drawing which she tucked away. Then leaned forward against his chest, closing her eyes and picturing the majestic creature, racing through grass fields like the ones in the Andromedas planet history files.
They forgot about the others as he leaned his cheek against the top of her head, breathing in the smell of her clean hair. He closed his eyes. He kept his hands on her hips while she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
They didn't notice the sudden silence that followed. The others had become caught up in Harpers tale of earth's legendary horse creature. They'd remained watching as they had noticed during the recollection that Harpers hands were on Trances hips. It seemed fairly innocent...and they all supposed this comfortable embrace could be too, but instinct told them otherwise.
Suspicions were confirmed, when an oblivious Harper wrapped his arms the rest of the way around Trances waist, pulling her fully against him, legs still on either side. He placed a tender kiss between Trances shoulder and neck. The crew was still silent, but it was broken by Dylan clearing his throat just as their lips were about to meet.
Two heads snapped around to face them. Both flushed, Harper shut his eyes cursing.
"Aw, shit!"
He slid down from his position, releasing Trance and looking guilty. Very much like a thief caught stealing the royal treasures.
"Shit, shit, shit..." he mumbled.
"Um...hey!" Trance offered, smiling sweetly.
"Hey yourself." Beka said with a raised brow.
"You two care to share something with us....Harper?" Dylan asked, looking at the nervous young engineer.
"Uhhh, nope. No, not really." He said, not meeting Dylan's hard look.
"I'm thinking yeah." Tyr prodded, arms folded in front of him.
Harpers gaze snapped up, eyes hard. "I'm thinking it's none of your damn business!"
Tyr stepped forward menacingly, not liking being yelled at by the young human.
"That's enough. Tyr, back off. Touch him and you'll answer to me." Dylan snapped.
He then turned back to the young couple, satisfied when Tyr stopped and Beka stepped closer to him, ready to intervene if another outburst occurred. All eyes were on the engineer and the environmentalist.
Before anyone could say anything, Harper spoke up, angry. "Oh stop it, all of you. What goes on between us is our business, not yours!"
"You're part of this crew, my crew." Dylan glanced at Beka, she glared at him. "OUR crew," he corrected. "That makes it our business."
Harpers eyes narrowed. "If it was someone else you wouldn't care and you know it."
"Harper, I just-"
"You just don't trust me."
"I trust you Harper-"
"But not with Trance!"
Trance looked uncomfortable, clutching Harpers hand.
"Look, I just think maybe you're moving to quickly. You two are very different. Maybe being the only ones your age aboard this ship....it's getting to you and-" He was rambling, worried about his youngest crew members.
"First of all, we're NOT moving to quickly. This has been going on longer than you think...right Rommie?" He said over his shoulder, hearing the the ships human form enter the bridge.
Rommie came to stand off to the side between the crew, not saying a word, just nodding.
Dylan turned to her in disbelief. "You knew about this? Why didn't you tell me?"
She shrugged. "It's their personal lives Dylan. You always tell me people deserve the privacy of their personal lives. It wasn't my place to tell you."
Dylan looked slightly chastised, but still ticked. A throat cleared behind him, and he turned at the sound of Revs voice.
"I knew as well, Dylan. I too, thought it best to allow them to bring it to everyone's attention when they were ready."
Dylan sighed, rubbing his temples. "How the hell did you find out? I can understand Rommie knowing, but you?"
The couple looked alarmed, remembering the circumstances. No one noticed except for Rev, thankfully.
"Just call it intuition, my good Captain."
Trance and Harper sighed inwardly.
Dylan sighed in defeat. "Just...just...ugh. It's getting late....go get some sleep...in separate rooms!"
Beka and Rev grinned. Tyr growled, Rommie cocked her head and Harper bristled, while Trance stood blushing.
"I-" Harper began.
"Harper!" He barked a warning, then turned to Trance. "Go on." She nodded silently, squeezing Harpers hand before she left.
Harper turned to leave as well just as she left the bridge. He was pissed.
"Wait a minute, Harper. I'm coming with you."
"God dammit, I'm not gonna go after her and-"
"Take it easy, I know that. I just wanna talk."
Harper rolled his eyes, but waited for Dylan to join him. The others went back about their business distractedly, doing last minute things before heading to their quarters as well. Once in the corridors, Dylan began speaking, his tone softer than before.
"Listen, I'm not trying to give you a hard time buddy. I care about both of you very much...equally." He added, knowing it seemed like he was favoring Trance. "Your both very special and very important to this crew. And I trust you both...I DO trust you Harper. However, I also know you're young and...well...male. Trance is a very pretty young woman...but she's also very naive. You two are best friends, I know that too. I'd hate to see anything happen to hurt that friendship."
Harper sighed, grudgingly knowing Dylan wasn't being unfair.
"I know. I know you care, and I know you're concerned. I figured you would be, I figured you'd think I'd take advantage of her-"
"Hey! I don't think that-"
"Yeah, well. I also know that Trance is pretty...she's damn well gorgeous, you don't need to tell me that. And I know she is naive...in some ways...but trust me Dylan, she's not as naive as you think."
Dylan quirked his eyebrows, with a questioning look.
Harper shook his head. "Oh, just trust me. She understands what a relationship is and the parts she doesn't, I'll teach her. I would never hurt her, Dylan. I promise...I...I love her."
Dylan looked into the younger mans eyes as they stopped outside Harpers quarters. What he saw there was sincerity...complete and utter honesty.
Dylan smiled, "I know you do, kid. Just take your time with things...nobody is going anywhere."
Harper smiled. "Thanks!"
Dylan looked at him strangely. "For what?"
"For not TOTALLY freaking out. I know Trance is kinda like a little sister or something to you. I was kind of afraid of hostilities. That's why I never said anything really...I'm glad to get it off my chest."
Dylan laughed, giving Harper a quick, meaningful hug. "Yeah well, consider yourself a little brother, and come to me if you need anything."
Harper smiled. "I think we'll...I'll be fine. Though actually now that you mention it...a body guard might be good."
"Why?"
"Cause, I think Tyrs gonna hunt me down and slaughter me. I'm not sure why though. He's always so mean to Trance."
Dylan rolled his eyes. "Tyr won't touch you, you have my word. And I think he's got a soft spot for our little purple alien friend. He just tries to hide it."
"Does a damn good job of it!"
Dylan chuckled. "Good night, Harper!"
"Night Dylan."
Authors Note: First off, Trance I'm sure really could sing cause I read up on Laura and she sings (or did) in broadways and stuff. Secondly, the whole "wise man-horse" thing is made up(as far as I know) And the horse/dog-man's best friend thing is strictly my opinion (I think they're equal). Also sorry if I offended anyone with the 'Scary Movie humor or lack there of'. You have to admit if it weren't for all the sickeningly funny sex stuff, it'd just be a plain corny movie..or even cornier movie. LOL, whatever. Phew, okay, I'm done. Please Review! Thanks.
More soon...I hope.
Jaimi Copyright@2001