The World Can't Compare…
Chapter One
It was warm, as it usually was; however, it wasn't uncomfortably so. Just like always.
It was enough for the young woman to walk barefoot over the metal ramparts with no trouble. The barriers provided equilibrium now found nowhere else on the planet. It provided safety, even to the smallest creatures that didn't know how, just that it did. To some, they merely afforded a kind of temporary safe haven from the struggle fought daily in an attempt to gain – or at least hold – some bit of ground in the seemingly everlasting war against the Phantoms.
Likened to these ones. As the two strolled side by side, the one overshadowing his companion kept a protective arm around the woman's shoulders. It was the gesture that was important, for there was truly no need; but it provided an offer of comfort and security – of love. It was the love that was important.
They stopped outside of the little restaurant on the apex of one of the city's peripheral civs' side streets. It was farther away from the New York Military Base than they would have gone on a regular basis, and far from the more crowded districts. It was the perfectly quaint and friendly nature that would draw them there on occasion, just for the hell of it.
A small fence surrounded the terrace in front of the door, and within the enclosure patio tables attempted to imitate an age gone by but not forgotten; it was here, outside the archaic-styled gate, that they stopped. The man leaned to kiss this woman, the one he loved, and he glanced over her shoulder as he slowly to his proper height.
His expression changed to something more worried, but he smiled down at her. She knew what that meant; who needed words? With a quick pat on her shoulder, he disappeared into the establishment, leaving her to deal with the one trailing them.
"Damnit, Neil," she addressed the one trailing, a slight annoyance tinting her voice to add demand, "Stop pouting."
"I'm not pouting," the man insisted, and approached the woman cautiously, as though the world would come crashing down if he didn't.
"Yes, you are," he couldn't cover it well enough, because she could hear it in his voice.
"Janie…"
She could see him on the edge of her sight. If he wasn't coming any closer, she'd have to take the initiative. So she turned to him, and he shrunk back slightly.
"You know you don't have to hang back like that," she chided.
"I know," and he acknowledged.
"You know," she answered, closer to him. Her arms wrapped around his body and he gratefully returned the embrace. Still, he was tense, "So what's wrong?"
"People…" he scarcely breathed as he lost himself in the moment. Just as she'd explained time and again how important it could be to do so.
"Aw, Christ, Neil…" she hummed wearily. If this didn't come up and again, life would have been a much happier time, "Forget 'em."
He did, as she kissed him and he melted into a puddle of happiness. At least until he took notice of her bare feet.
"Why'd y'do that?" he mumbled, staring down and nudging her toes with his boot. When he looked up, she was smiling at him.
"It feels nice," she replied under eye-contact, "You should try it sometime…."
"Ready, whenever you two are done,"
There was no rush, and no condescending tone. A patient acceptance as the other man returned from his task, to announce. He smiled at his friends, as much care shown for one as for the other.
Neil stole a kiss before Jane fully moved back to the Ryan's side. The technician stayed a bit closer this time, trying for the sake of devotion to ignore outwards doubt.
"Food?" Ryan asked, nodding to the door. Jane nodded under his arm, and smiled.
"Food is good," she agreed, leaning into him. As an afterthought, she reached for Neil and pulled him into the close embrace.
She was proud of him when he didn't fight it. After all was said and done – love was something to be shared, and not hoarded.