(This is the scene that Bowman flashes back to after finding out that Gallagher, Burchenal and Pettengill are still alive. It takes place just after everyone goes to bed after Burchenal suggests keeping mars all to themselves.)
--Vision of a Kiss--
Gallagher stayed back after everyone went off to bed. He tried to convince himself that it wasn't because he wanted to see Bowman again, but it would be the only way to explain the slight flutter in his chest from hearing her voice come from behind him.
"Hey Gallagher, you still up?"
He turned around to face her, feeling the flutter grow stronger from the sight of her. "I just wanted to make sure you were alright, that you weren't upset or anything," he said, with an unfamiliar calmness in his tone.
"I'm fine," she told him, knowing he was referring to Burchenal's comment towards her. It bothered them both, though neither would admit it to each other.
"He was just kidding..."
"I know."
He wouldn't accept her reaction. He didn't want her to dismiss it so quickly and easily; he wanted her to be upset about it, to be offended, or something. He knew he was. Or something.
"Well I think having an entire planet to ourselves would get to our heads... it would be pretty distracting," she said, in an attempt to change the subject slightly. He didn't respond. "Gallagher... what do you think?"
Gallagher approached her slowly, until she was leaning against the wall, and he was facing her, not leaving much room between them. "I think..." he began, "it was very distracting... seeing you get out of the shower..."
He managed to get a smile out of her, as she remembered that day. She couldn't forget the wide, goofy grin plastered on his face when she stepped out of that shower. It'd been a while since she had that effect on anyone and it made her feel good about herself for the first time in a while. Even if it was just Gallagher... especially since it was Gallagher.
"I started to lock the door after that..."
"No you didn't," he said, matter-of-factly, though not entirely sure. But he hoped there was some truth to it. He was smiling now, too.
"Yes, I did," she said, barely above a whipsper.
She was so close to him. He only needed to lean in a few inches to kiss her. It was something he wanted to do for a while. He knew, though, that if he ever went through with it, it would result in a powerful slap across the face. He knew his boundaries, but given their current position, their proximity, and the alcohol still working on both of them, it was difficult to resist. It would be so easy to give in and bring his mouth to hers, slowly tasting her. It was amazing what six months isolated from physical contact could do to a person.
She noticed how his gazed remained fixed on her lips... he wanted to kiss her. It was a thought she entertained, herself, every now and then. It was impossible not to when you see the same four people and only those people for such a long period of time. Your mind wanders. She shifted her gaze down to his lips... was he moving towards her? She nearly forgot to breathe. He was going to kiss her, and for a moment she wanted nothing else. Wait, what was she doing? No, she wasn't falling for the janitor, she wouldn't let herself. Before she had a chance to react, he pulled back, widening the distance between them. The absence of his body being so close to hers made her feel cold, and she had the sudden urge to pull him in to her, restoring the heat, and relieving the tension.
She awkwardly turned away from him. He stepped aside, and allowed her to pass by him. He lost the perfect opportunity. One day, he wouldn't listen to common sense; he would take a risk and surrender to his attraction. One day, he would allow himself to be happy... but not tonight.
"Goodnight."
