"Where are we going?" Miral was growing more and more curious each step they took.

"Right here."

They had stopped at the park. It was dark out so there was no one there, except the occasional passerby.

"The park? This is my big birthday surprise?" Miral's disappointment was not well hidden.

"Yep." John was smiling because he knew she was disapointed, but only because she didn't understand the point of being here. "Miral, don't you remember?"

"Remember what?"

"The last time we were here? It was right after my mom died. My dad brought me here to remember the good times with her. You and your parents showed up to try to cheer us up. Unfortunately, my dad wasn't very open to cheer at the moment. A few weeks later we were on a vessel bound for anywhere but Earth. I was only 8, Miral, but I remember this place. I remember you standing beside me offering me your hand."

"Hi, Johnny. I heard about your mommy. It's kinda sad, huh?" Miral Paris went to sit by her friend.

"Yeah. I miss her." Miral offered Johnny her hand and he squeezed it. "It's going to be ok though because you have your daddy who loves you and you have us."

"I don't think so, Miral. Daddy said that we aren't going to stay on Earth. We're going to be on a starship and we'll be happier there."

"But..."

"I'm sure we'll keep in touch with your family and I really want to meet your new baby sister, but I don't think we will come back to Earth for a long time. Dad's really sad."

"Oh." John and Miral were interupted by their parent's calling them to leave. They gave one parting glance to one another and that was the last they saw of each other. Until that day 10 years later in the hallway of Starfleet Academy.

--------------------------------------

"That was a sad day for everyone. My mom and dad were so upset. Not only for your dad, but because he was leaving. I'm glad you came back." Miral was on the brink of crying.

"So am I." They stared at each other as if searching for something in the other's eye. "Anyways, I got you something else." He handed her the gift he had kept hidden in his pocket.

"John, that's so sweet." She opened it and a tear fell down her cheek. It was a locket with their pictures in it. On one side, a childhood picture and on the other side a present picture.

"Now, if we ever get separated again, I'll always be with you." If she hadn't been weeping before, that did it. She hugged John and cried for a bit. She sensed that there was something else he had wanted to say, but it was left unsaid. They were both searching each other's eyes again and this time, they found what they were looking for. Without thinking, John placed his hand on Miral's face and leaned in, finding her lips. They shared a kiss under the stars that was both innocent and full of passion. It didn't last very long, but it was long enough to confuse the both of them and make them feel really awkward.

"I guess we should be getting back. I don't want your parents to worry." John hadn't really known what to say.

"Of course." They walked side by side back to the party, neither saying a word.