Author's Note: This is a bonus chapter, before the final installment of the story. Two of the characters felt like I had not dealt with their story completely, so this should take care of that. It came out longer than I thought it would, but I wanted to wrap it up in one chapter. Please note that the next and final chapter will wrap up the elements not covered here!
Turning Ticks: Thank you for letting me borrow your 'bird'. I hope you like my use of it.
Firebird
Pidge was heading up to Allura's study, to talk to her about something he wanted to do. It had been two weeks since Allura and Lance had gotten engaged, and Larmina had recovered. She was now walking around, but still not able to fly. Her strength was coming back fast, and she had promised to be kicking butt soon!
He had been with her every night since she was released from sick bay, and it had felt wonderful to be able to hold her and know that she was safe with him. Pidge made it a point to be discrete about his comings and goings, and he wasn't sure if Allura knew what was going on or not. She and Larmina had spent a lot of time talking while in sick bay, and they were very close again. Larmina had told Pidge what they had talked about, but he knew that Allura had not brought up the fact that he was sleeping with Larmina.
Now that Lance was engaged he was on Pidge's case all the time about proposing to Larmina. He was getting tired of Lance's advice, and suggestions on how to do it. Surprisingly it was Hunk who finally managed to shut him up, if only for a day. Hunk had asked how he had proposed to Allura, and Lance got very quiet and mumbled 'none of your business'.
Now, as Pidge knocked on Allura's door, he hoped her change of heart was real. "Come in, have a seat." Allura said, pointing to a chair by her desk. Pidge was amazed at how happy she looked all the time now, and much more relaxed than she had in a long time. He knew that Lance made sure that she didn't work non-stop and it was doing wonders for her and everyone else.
"I won't keep you too long, but I wanted to ask you about something." Pidge said and Allura wondered if he had proposed to Larmina. She didn't say anything though, knowing Lance had that department covered. "What would you like to ask me?" She said instead.
Pidge hoped that she would go along with what he wanted to do. "I want to go to New Balto for a couple of days, Allura. There is some research being done about haggerium at the University there. I would like to talk with the scientists, and see if I can find anything that would help my work here."
Allura smiled and said "I don't see a problem with that at all. Vince can fly Green if something comes up, right?" Pidge said "Yes, but there is something else." He paused, and then figured all she could do is say no, "I would like to take Larmina with me. I'd like to show her around, and I have some family who would like to meet her."
She remembered the conversation she had overheard in sick bay, and what her Father had said about Larmina seeing the galaxy. Allura was glad that her niece was going to get those opportunities, and that she wouldn't stand in her way. She thought back to how selfish she had been, and knew that she owed Lance a great deal.
"I think that is a wonderful idea! Have you told her yet?" Allura said, looking at him with kindness. Pidge smiled with relief and said "I wanted to surprise her, but I wanted your ok first." She smiled and said "Pidge, I know you love her, and I trust you!" She went on "Do you want to stay at the Embassy?"
Pidge shook his head and said "I was hoping it could just be a private, low key event. Chip has extra room, so we could stay with him." He was really curious to see what she would make of that, or if she would ask about sleeping arrangements. However, she nodded her head in understanding and said "That is probably for the best, so you don't have those reporters following you around."
"I think they are all camped out here, waiting for your big day!" Pidge told her as he laughed. "Honestly, can you believe how many there are now? I suppose it is good for the economy if nothing else!" Allura said with a smile, as Pidge got up to leave.
Two days later Larmina was on the transport craft with Pidge, as it got ready to dock at the spaceport for New Balto. "So, the last time I visited your planet, all your people were zombies and trying to get our brains. I hope this visit goes better!" Larmina told Pidge, as she sat next to him.
Pidge said "Don't worry, I promise no zombies! We are going to have a lot of fun! Chip has some great clubs for us to go to, and there are a lot of people who want to meet you!" Larmina tossed her head and said "You just want me to wear that black dress again and make your brother jealous!" Pidge put his arms around her and said "Well there is that too! Will you wear your hair down?"
"Only if you promise to be very naughty when we are alone!" She whispered in his ear, which made him very hard, very fast. "Must you get me all excited when I can't do anything about it?" He growled in her ear, and she laughed as she pulled away a bit saying "I like what I do to you!" Larmina had another thought and said "My Aunt really did not have a problem with me coming, and us staying with Chip? I am surprised she didn't put us at the Embassy, under strict supervision!"
Pidge took a deep breath to try to get his thoughts under control. "Actually she offered the Embassy, but I said I wanted a private visit, and she completely understood." Larmina said "She didn't ask about where we would be sleeping, or how many bedrooms Chip has?" Pidge got a knowing look on his face and said "Honey, I don't think she cares! Lance has been a good influence on her!" Larmina grinned and said "I knew Lance was right for her! She needs someone like that, to make her laugh!"
"Look, we can see the city!" Larmina exclaimed and then said "When we were here last it was night, so I'm glad I get to see it during the day!" Pidge smiled at her and said "Now, you know it is nothing like Arus, right?" She looked at him and said "My Aunt and I had a long talk about how I need to learn to appreciate things that are not Arusian. And Pidge, this is your planet, so I want to know what it is like!"
He was touched that she was interested in his planet, knowing her thoughts on all things not Arusian. After they docked, Chip met them and took them to his place, pointing out sights for Larmina along the way. She had met Chip before, and thought it quite interesting to compare how he and Pidge looked superficially alike, but when you knew them you had no trouble telling them apart.
He had been all formal and wanted to call her 'Your Ladyship', but Larmina had told him to knock it off, which made them all laugh. The whole city was very sleek and modern, with a fast paced vibe to it. Chip's apartment echoed the city, being very streamlined and minimally decorated. However, it had wonderful views from the full length windows. She was also impressed with how technology centered the apartment was. You could control everything from a hand held tablet.
He showed them to the extra bedroom, and left them to unpack. Chip said that when they were ready they would get lunch and walk around the town. The room was done in black and white, and the bed sat right on the floor, with simple white bedding. There were several black pillows set up against the top, and night stands on either side of the bed. The walls were white, with a black chair rail. Above the bed was a picture that provided the only color in the room.
It was of a bird with blue, red, and purple feathers that glowed against a gold background. Larmina noticed the flames dancing around the bird and she vaguely remembered one of her tutors talking about those birds. They had lived on Old Balto, but didn't make it off when the planet was blown up. Larmina couldn't remember the exact name, but thought it was something like 'firebird' because when the birds shook their feathers dancing flames appeared. She admired how the colors stood out in contrast to the black and white of the rest of room.
The wall opposite the bed was a giant screen set into the wall. Pidge walked over to the nightstand and picked up a remote control and pointed it at the screen. She was taken aback by how big the screen was, and how it took up the whole wall! "That thing is huge!" Larmina exclaimed and Pidge smirked saying "That is what you are supposed to say after I take my pants off!"
"Pidge, shh Chip will hear you!" Larmina said in a low tone, and then "Did he say anything about us sleeping together?" Pidge walked over to her and put his arms around her, and in a normal tone of voice said "He did make a comment in Baltan, which roughly translated meant, in Arusian 'you lucky bastard!'
Pidge kissed her and she melted against him. After a bit Larmina broke it off and said "We should probably unpack and go eat lunch! I am hungry!" Pidge sighed and agreed with her, even while looking at the bed with longing.
Three days later Larmina was in the bathroom, getting ready to go out to dinner and then to some clubs. The visit had been great fun, and she had seen a lot of the city. She was intrigued to see how modern and sleek everything was. She knew that New Balto had been colonized less than ten years ago, but the people had established a thriving metropolis that was fast paced and very forward looking. It was so different from Arus, which when stuff was rebuilt; it was rebuilt to look like it originally was.
Larmina and Pidge had talked about the differences one night, and he also told her about when Old Balto was blown up. She realized that she had never known how it had affected him. After they got done talking he made love to her very tenderly and when it was over she held him tight, telling him how much she loved him.
Another night they had gone out to dinner with some family members, and everyone had been very kind to Larmina. At first everyone was rather stiff around her, but as they talked everyone loosened up. She made it a point to be very agreeable, because these were Pidge's people, and she knew it was important to him.
The only issue was how every meal seemed to include uncooked fish as the main course. It was always beautifully presented, all wrapped up in various things she had never heard of before. Larmina had discovered that by putting certain sauces on the fish, and not thinking about how it wasn't cooked, she could eat it. She was looking forward to telling her Aunt all about it, knowing she would enjoy the story.
Her Aunt had talked with her before they left, about different cultures in the galaxy. Larmina had in the past shut out her Aunt's talks about tact and diplomacy, but this time she listened. She knew that it was partly because her Aunt wasn't lecturing her like a little girl. Her Aunt had instead pointed out that Pidge wanted to share his life with her, and that would mean traveling to other worlds. She, and therefore Pidge, would have a better time if she wasn't comparing everything to Arus, according to her Aunt. Larmina wanted to make Pidge happy, so she listened to what her Aunt said.
Larmina was thinking about making Pidge happy as she looked in the mirror. They were going out to dinner first, and then meeting up with Chip and some other people at a club. This was their last night on Balto, and she wanted it to be special for Pidge.
Chip and Pidge were sitting in the living room, reviewing what Pidge had learned about the haggerium research at the University. Pidge had his back to the door from the hall, and was telling Chip about the sub-properties of haggerium molecules when he noticed his brother was not listening to him. He was looking over his shoulder, open mouthed.
Pidge turned to see what had distracted his brother, and he got a big grin when he saw what it was. Larmina was standing there, in that black dress she had worn in Dradin, with her hair cascading down around her shoulders. This time, instead of being perfectly straight, there were loose curls at the ends, which reflected the light. When she moved, the curls looked like flames dancing around her head.
He took pleasure in walking over to Larmina and putting his arm possessively around her waist, as she cuddled up next to him. Chip finally managed to find his voice and said "Wow! Little brother, how did you get so lucky?" Larmina smiled at Pidge and said "I'm the one who got lucky!" She tossed her head as she said it, and her curls danced in the air.
"Firebird! You are the embodiment of the firebird!" Chip declared, and went on "Did you notice the picture in the bedroom? They were birds on Old Balto, and when they shook their wings flames would appear!" Pidge looked at her hair, and saw what his brother was saying.
Chip was looking with envy, and happiness, at his brother and Larmina. He got a big grin on his face and said "Will you let me dance with her, at least once?" Larmina giggled and Pidge said "I will let you dance with her, but no one else!"
Larmina was impressed when they got to the restaurant. It was on top of a building, and the room had windows instead of walls. It was a circular restaurant, and the outer ring moved very slowly giving the people an ever changing view of the city as the three moons rose in the night sky. There were tables and chairs on the ring, and they were shown to a beautifully set table for two.
Pidge held the chair out for her, and after they had sat down he looked across at her. She was wearing the earrings he had given her, and the diamonds were sparkling in the candlelight. "Mina, you are so beautiful!" He told her, and she smiled at him.
When the waiter came with the menus Pidge asked her if she would like something to drink before dinner. Larmina got a tentative smile on her face and asked for a lemontini, and the waiter took her order without batting an eyelash. Pidge ordered a Grey Goose martini and after the waiter left he asked her "Did you think they wouldn't serve you?"
Larmina giggled and said "Well, I wondered about that. Also, I wasn't sure if I was going to end up on 'Entertainment Tonight' again!" Pidge smiled and said "People on Balto respect each other's privacy! It is part of the telepathic code. It is also part of the reason why that show is not well watched or received here!"
"Just so you know there is no raw fish on the menu! The restaurant caters to foreigners, and the diplomatic crowd." Pidge told her, and smiled when he saw how relieved she looked. He went on "Thank you for being a good sport about the food here. I meant to warn you before hand, but I forgot!" Larmina saw how appreciative he looked, and she made a mental note to tell her Aunt thank you, for the talk they'd had.
She said to him "It was interesting to see how pretty it was presented, with all the garnishments and everything!" Pidge tilted his head and said "Lady Larmina, how tactful of you!" They then both burst out laughing at the same time!
After dinner he took her for a walk in a park, and she realized it was the first time she had seen grass, trees, and flowers since they had been on New Balto. The park had a circular path around a manmade lake that had a fountain in the middle of it. Off of the main paths were other ones, which led through flower gardens in full color. It was all offset by huge trees with large white flowers that gave off the most wonderful scent.
Larmina asked Pidge about it, and he told her how this garden was composed of flowers, trees, and bushes from all over the galaxy. The Baltans had figured out how to make everything grow in Balto, even though the climate might be different from where the plant was originally from.
"It is lovely! What are those trees with the flowers that smell so good?" Pidge said "They are from earth and are known as magnolia trees, magnolia soulangiana to give it the botanical name. The tree is native to the southern part of America. Your future Uncle Lance would know the tree very well!"
She looked at him and said "How do you know all that? And I have already said I am not calling him Uncle Lance!" Larmina tossed her head as she said it, and her hair glowed in the light coming from the lampposts along the path. Pidge chuckled, knowing that it got a rise out of her. He said "I could tell you that I am a genius, but you know that already! The real answer is the tag on the tree in back of you!" He walked over and pointed it out to her.
"Show off!" Larmina said, as he came back to her and took her hand. They walked for a little bit more, and then went down a path and found themselves in front of a garden filled with red, blue, and purple flowers. In the center of the garden was a statue of a firebird, its plumage decorated with glittering red stones.
Pidge led her over to a bench in front of the garden, and they sat down. He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. "Mmm, this is so nice!" Larmina told Pidge as she cuddled next to him. He closed his eyes and enjoyed her moving against his body, feeling it increase his desire. The dress had distracted him all during dinner, and he was almost ready to forget about going to any clubs, just taking her back to the apartment instead. However, he remembered why he was here, and put the thought out of his mind.
"So you don't want to call Lance your uncle? I can see that, it would be rather weird!" Pidge said, thinking about her earlier remark. "Don't get me wrong, I am so glad that he is marrying my Aunt! Can you believe the change in her?" Before Pidge could answer, Larmina went on "No, I am very happy but you're right, it is just too weird to think about him as my uncle!"
Pidge removed his arm, and took her hand saying "Do you remember a chat we had a while ago, about getting married?" Larmina gave him a puzzled look and he said "You told me that you couldn't get married until your Aunt was right?" She nodded her head, and then got very wide eyed when Pidge dropped to her knee, still holding her hand.
"Mina, I love you so much and can't imagine life without you! I knew that before you were injured, and when I was sitting with you in sick bay, all I could think of is how empty my life would be if you weren't in it. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?" Pidge said, looking up at her.
Larmina was totally unprepared for what he just said, and so touched by it that she burst into tears! "Honey, are you all right?" Pidge had never expected her to cry, and he wasn't sure what to do. She reached down and put her arms around him and said "You are so wonderful! Pidge, I love you to! Yes, I would be proud to be your wife!" He started kissing her as he put his hands around her waist.
After a while they were sitting together, looking at the statue and Pidge said "Chip is right, you are the firebird. Do you know the story of it?" She shook her head and he said "Ancient Baltans did not have fire, so it was always dark and cold. One day a god, Balto in ancient times had various gods for different things, decided to take pity on the people. He sent a bird down, with red, purple, and blue feathers. The bird was brighter than any other animal on the planet. But it had a special ability, that when it shook its wings fire appeared."
Pidge went on "At first the people were scared, and then they saw what the fire could do. They made the bird a special sanctuary and when the god saw how well they treated the bird, he sent more. The people of Balto revered the birds, and that is why they are still represented today in art." He looked at her and said "You brought light and love into my life, Mina, like those ancient birds did!" She was blown away by what he just said, and was afraid she would start crying again.
"Oh, I almost forgot something!" Pidge got a smile on his face and said "The engagement ring!" Larmina looked at him with interest and he said "I actually ordered it right after Dradin, but if you want something different I will understand." He went on to explain the tradition that graduates from New West Point gave their bride to be a miniature of their class ring.
Larmina had noticed the rings that all the pilots wore, but hadn't understood the significance until now. Pidge brought the ring out of his pocket, and she saw that it was a smaller version of his. It was done in gold, and had a center stone of an emerald, which was surrounded by diamonds. "Pidge, it is lovely! And very special!"
"Just so you know Lance is getting one for your Aunt. The stones will be different, but otherwise they will be similar. As I said I will understand if you want something different!" Pidge told her, and Larmina shook her head saying "Pidge, I know how much the Academy means to you. I saw that when you were telling me about the oath, and all. It means a lot to me that you want to share that with me, and this ring shows that!"
Pidge looked at her, looking at him with love in her eyes, and he reached over and started kissing her very slowly and deeply. She was nuzzling against his neck, inhaling his scent when he whispered in her ear "You know we can go clubbing later tonight. Why don't we go back to the apartment?" Larmina moved against him in agreement.
The next day on Arus, Hunk walked into the rec room for lunch and saw Lance, Daniel, and Vince already there. He noticed that Vince looked rather depressed, as he had ever since Pidge had left. Hunk asked him "Are you still upset because Pidge didn't take you with him to research haggerium?"
Daniel laughed and said "Yes, he is!" Vince sighed and said "I have been working with him on it, and I don't see why he would take Larmina to go research haggerium!" Lance was sitting next to him and slapped him on the back saying "He didn't go to Balto to research haggerium! He went to take his hot girl friend clubbing in that black dress, and make his brother and all those ninja scientists jealous!"
Hunk and Daniel laughed and Lance went on "What planet are you from anyway? You need to be careful or you'll end up like Keith, in the monastery!" Hunk said "It is not a monastery, he is researching his family." He paused and then said "He really should have just gone somewhere, gotten drunk, and got laid though."
Daniel said "See Vince, I told you that is how you get over being dumped!" Lance said "Every man knows that!" Vince, still struggling with the Pidge and Larmina issue, as well as the haggerium trip, started to wonder if maybe there was some truth in what they were saying. He was distracted though, by what Hunk said next.
"So, are you boys all set to pay up when Pidge and Larmina get back? Please remember that I prefer cash!" Lance, Daniel, and Vince all looked at him, sitting there with a smug look on his face. Daniel said "I think you are getting your hopes up! I would expect that Larmina would want to be proposed to on Arus."
Lance laughed and said "Danny boy is right, Hunk! Our Ladyship will not even believe it is genuine if it doesn't happen on Arus!" Right after Pidge and Larmina had left Hunk had announced that he thought Pidge would propose to her while they were on New Balto. No one else had agreed with him, and they had ended up placing bets on when and where Pidge would propose to her.
Vince said "I wonder how she is doing there? You know they eat raw fish, right?" Hunk said "It's not that bad if you put the right sauces on it!" Daniel and Lance looked at each other and made a face. Allura had come in on the tail end of the conversation and said "I'm sure Larmina is doing fine. We had a nice talk before she left!"
Just then Pidge and Larmina came into the room! As they were hugging everyone, Hunk looked at Larmina's hand and said "I think we need some champagne!" In his mind he was already spending the money he had just made!