XXXXIII.
"Scott, look.." Cora giggles quietly as draws her finger closer to her face when she notices one of the hundreds of thousands of what she can only describe as fireflies, lands on her hand.
"I'm looking." He chuckles in response which only makes her glance at him, seeing immediately that their eyes meet and she knows that he hasn't taken his eyes off of her and that she's noticed he's been doing it all day.
"Off you go." She smiles and raises her hand again, watching as its orange and yellow light grows stronger when it rests on her for a moment before she sees the bug flap its wings and join the swarm above their heads that seems to be travelling in the same direction that they are.
She feels Scott squeezing her hand as he walks at her side through the streets of Havarl which makes her attention turn to him, seeing the smile on his face when their eyes meet again. Cora leans into him and wraps her arm around his bicep as they walk through the dark streets that are lit only by the bugs above and a few torches lit with fire. She smiles to herself and can't help but wonder if she'd ever stop finding new things in Andromeda that she'd never seen before and she was feeling very lucky to be experiencing it all with her wonderful Scott at her side.
The Pathfinder team had stopped at Havarl for a simple trade of goods and supplies, as instructed by the Initiative leaders, but as soon as they'd arrived they'd been met by a whole port of very excited Angarans'. They'd been informed that they'd arrived just in time for their annual festival of light and that Cora and Scott should consider staying to enjoy the festivities. So of course, they'd stayed, and as it had begun to get dark they'd started to see what they were going to be experiencing. The streets were soon filled with Angaran, more than they'd ever seen before, all chatting excitedly to each other as they walked together towards the main square, each of them carrying lit torches and others also carrying jars with candles. The sound of music surrounds them the closer they get and Cora can feel the excitement in the air.
"This is amazing.." Cora sighs when she glances at Scott again and notices that he is still watching her and not what is going on around them. "What are you looking at?" She smiles at him which only makes his smile widen.
"You.." Scott replies making her laugh lightly at his words and lowering her eyes from his. "You look so beautiful tonight. I can't stop looking at you." He adds so she sighs and returns her eyes to his, feeling him lift her hand that he's holding and press a soft kiss against the back of it.
"It's only because it's dark, Ryder." Cora replies with a cheeky grin and hears him chuckle at her words. "But, thank you for being sweet." She adds, knowing it is pointless arguing with him when he would happily give her hundreds of reasons.
"It's not the dark." Scott smiles and she feels him sliding his fingers between hers. "I guess these little bugs are making your eyes twinkle." He continues until she feels him stop them from walking and place his hand on her cheek, turning her head from side to side. "Hmm, definitely all you." Scott chuckles.
"What are you after?" She asks narrowing her eyes hearing him laugh at her words and just shake his head. "I don't believe you." Cora giggles as she watches him lift his own hand to catch his little bug on his fingers. "Is it sex-related?" Cora asks noticing he laughs even more and shakes his head, shame she thinks to herself.
"No, it's not and shouldn't I be offended by that?" Scott laughs as he wiggles his fingertips lightly until the firefly spreads its wings and flies away to join the others. "I'm just feeling very.." He continues before pausing and Cora can see he is trying to think of what to say next.
"Happy?" Cora giggles which draws his eyes to hers and he nods.
"Yeah, I really am and that is exactly it." Scott smiles at her before lowering his eyes and suddenly looking shy. "Happy and totally in love with you." He adds and she hears him laugh when he looks at her again and fixes his blue eyes on her.
"Did they put something in your drink?" Cora laughs as she feels him take her hand again and continue walking in the same direction as everyone else and stepping carefully on the unfamiliar path. "I'm really happy too." She adds when she leans closer to kiss his cheek which makes his smile widen.
"Was I not supposed to drink that?" Scott wrinkles his nose at her making her laugh and shove him gently in the shoulder before feeling him lift and wrap his arm around her again. "I'm just glad we're here together. Having fun, like we did before this all Pathfinder stuff." He nods and glances at her.
"We still have fun.." She begins and notices her words make him smile. "We're just so busy right now. I'm sure it will be easier now that everyone knows about us. Sneaking around was exhausting." Cora adds which makes him grin. "Don't say it.." Cora whispers as an innocent smile appears on his face. "Otherwise I'm going back to the ship." She giggles and lets her hand rest against his waist.
"I told yo.." Scott begins but she reaches over and clamps her hands over his mouth, noticing it makes him laugh and try and wriggle away from her hold.
"Scott!" Cora lets out a scream that is more laughter than anything else when he gets free from her and tries to grab hold of her, his fingertips only just missing her body when she dodges him and tries to run away from him. "Behave yourself." She giggles when he manages to wrap his arms around her waist from behind and lifts her off of her feet making her scream again.
"Just admit I was right.." Scott laughs as she begins shaking her head making him laugh even more. "Just say 'Scott, you were so right about everything and you are so damn sexy' nice and loud, so I can hear you." He chuckles tightening his hold on her before she feels him bend so that he can hoist her onto his shoulder.
"I'll never say it." She laughs even louder when he wraps his arms around her legs and lets her head dangle the length of his back as she's upside down. "Put me down.." Cora giggles slapping his behind with her hands while also trying not to lose the slip-on pumps on her feet.
"Not until you say it." Scott chuckles and she feels him continue walking along the path, ignoring her kicking her legs trying to get him to put her down. "Stop screaming.." He whispers as she feels him tighten his hold on her when she grips his t-shirt in her fists. "Otherwise I'll have to give you a real reason to scream." The Pathfinder continues with a smile in his voice she hears.
"Where are you taking me?" Cora laughs trying to lift her head so she can see where they are as they approach the square. "Is that supposed to be a threat, Ryder?" She giggles and notices her words make him stop and place his hands on her hips so he can slowly let her slide down his body and back onto the ground. She feels Scott's palms first rest on her jean covered behind, and then move onto the back of her thighs.
"It's a promise.." Scott grins as she watches him glance at some Angaran's that walk past them and then she feels his eyes meet hers. "Shame we're in public, huh?" His smile widens and she feels him lean closer and press his mouth against her ear so no one else can hear him. "You have to be patient, Jaal will be waiting for us." He whispers.
"I am patient.." Cora smiles at him as Scott chuckles and shakes his head, he didn't look very convinced. She feels him kiss her softly before unwrapping his arms from around her and she notices that he puts some space between them, making her let out a disappointed sigh. "I am.." She insists which only makes him laugh more.
"Come on." He adds holding his hand out to her and giving him an innocent smile, motioning with his head that they should carry on towards the festival. "He said to meet him in the square?" Scott continues making her nod in reply, their Angaran crewmate had been very certain that they should attend tonight.
"You're such a tease." Cora sighs lightly noticing her words make him grin at her but she slides her fingers through his anyway and lets him drag her further down the path. "It's a good job your amazing in bed." She adds hearing him laugh.
"It has got me out of a lot of scrapes." He replies with another grin and his eyes fix on her so she gazes at him begins squeezing his hand. "That and the fact I'm so handsome." Scott gives her a cheeky smile which she returns.
"That must be it." She giggles. "I don't think I've ever heard music like that." Cora adds as she smiles and nods her head lightly at a group of Angaran that walk past them, all carrying large branches and pieces of wood that have been wrapped with material and set fire to.
"Yeah, I don't think I could dance to this." He laughs making her smile and lean closer into his hold. "Hey, look at those.." Scott adds making her glance at him and seeing that he is pointing out the hundreds of small glass jars that have been strung up above their heads as they get closer. Cora spots that they have a gentle orange glow of fire flickering inside and that the bugs fly around them, some landing on the edges.
"They're beautiful." She smiles and lifts her own eyes to look at them as they continue to walk hand-in-hand. "Be careful, Scott." Cora giggles quietly when he lifts his arm to tap one with his fingertips and they watch it swing more than he'd intended, suddenly hoping it won't fall on them.
"Do you they'd let us have one for our place?" The Pathfinder asks as he fixes his eyes on her again, making her smile that he's thinking about their space on the Nexus that isn't much more than a room but was theirs.
"There might be an Initiative regulation about fire.." Cora begins making him snort at her words and shake his head. "It would look nice above our bed." She says which makes him smile and nod in agreement.
"I agree." He nods as she watches his smile widen. "We'll make sure to pick some up before we leave." Scott adds as his eyes leave her.
The Lieutenant feels Scott come to a stop at the edge of the square, noticing that he looks around them and she can tell he is trying to decide where to look first now that they've arrived at the location of the festival. Cora glances around them noticing that where before there had been a meeting area, there are now lots of canvas structures erected around the outside that look to have been set up for the Angaran's to sell their festival-related items. In the very centre, a large fire has been built, towering high above everyone's heads and burning hot and bright. She spots some of the Angaran sitting around it together, while others dance to the loud music that she can see comes from a group of Angaran that are playing unusual instruments, with a deep heavy beat.
"Scott?" Cora begins realising she is going to have to raise her voice for him to hear her. "Can you see him anywhere?" She asks a bit louder as she squeezes Scott's hand a bit tighter, suddenly feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the noise and amount of festival-goers.
"Not yet, there's a lot of people here," Scott replies leaning closer to be heard, she feels him rub his thumb against the back of her hand drawing her attention back to him. "Is that him over there?" He shouts and points towards one of the stalls that looks to be where they can get something to drink.
"I think so.." She replies which is more of a nod as she fixes her eyes on who she recognises as Jaal, and can see that he is surrounded by a small group across the square from them. "Fancy a drink?" Cora shouts which makes him nod.
"As long as it's not toxic." Scott shouts back to her and she sees him grin, feeling him begin walking them both around the edge of the large fire and greeting the Angaran that they pass.
Cora notices that he keeps hold of her hand firmly so as not to lose her in the crowd that they carefully weave their way through, trying not to bump into anyone that is drinking or dancing in their path. She lets her eyes take in the sight of the huge amounts of Angaran that are still reaching the square and approaching the fire to place their torches into it. Scott glances over his shoulder to make sure she's following him, noticing his attention quickly turns to some large grills that are being used to cook food for the celebration and she can see he's wondering if they can eat it. Cora spots that the large pots on top of these grills contain different coloured food that is being stirred with huge utensils to keep the contents moving. The food looked like some kind of sludge, but the smell that hits them is incredible.
"That food smells amazing.." Cora shouts to him seeing his eyes return to her and he nods in agreement, wondering if it was making his stomach rumble as much as hers. "Sorry." She mumbles as Scott moves them around a pair of Angaran that are stood chatting and laughing together, that they almost walk into.
"I want to eat everything." Scott laughs. "Hey, Jaal.." He shouts over the noise as they reach their friend, who as she'd guessed is standing in front of a bar that is serving drinks and also has what she can only think is the Angaran version of a punch bowl.
"Paavoa!" She hears Jaal shout as they finally reach him and he sets his eyes on them. "Welcome.." He continues making Cora smile when she watches Jaal hold his hand out to shake Scott's in a human custom that still looks strange on him and then pull her into a tight embrace. "It is good to see you both." Jaal smiles at her.
"Everything looks so lovely, Jaal." Cora smiles at him and notices her words make his smile widen and she can't help but spot the proud look in his eyes as he nods his thanks.
"You have my thanks," Jaal replies as Cora glances at Scott when she feels him wrap his arm lightly around her, noticing that he is still looking around them at everything that is going on. "These are my good friends." He continues motioning to the Angaran that stand with him, raising their hands in a greeting. "Toli'ka.." He nods. "Veretu'a.." Jaal continues and she knows she will never remember them all when he names them all.
"It's great to meet you all," Scott replies as she watches him lift his hand to shake theirs but they don't pick up on his actions so he slips it into his pocket. "I'm Scott, and this is Cora." He adds looking at her and she notices he smiles when he does.
"They are my first human friends." Jaal chuckles as he turns to his friends and Cora watches them all laugh and lifts their glasses to them. "This is their first Festival of Tavetara." He continues as she notices his friends just nod and smile at them.
"You said it was a festival of light?" Cora asks Jaal who's eyes turn and attention turn to her, noticing he nods before lifting his wooden cup to his mouth and drinking from it.
"An unfortunate and barbaric translation." Jaal begins with a disappointed sigh as Cora watches Scott glance at her and can see he's hiding his smile. "Tavetara is rebirth, light and fire are symbols of new beginnings." He mumbles as if he's talking to himself more than anyone else. "Tonight marks our longest day of darkness and from tomorrow we go towards the light." Jaal smiles at them.
"Is that why everyone is ditching their torches?" Scott laughs lightly and she lets her eyes settle on the large fire as more Angaran's add their flames and wooden torches to it.
"Precisely." Jaal smiles.
"What about the fireflies?" Cora adds as she notices that her question makes Jaal's smile widen and he likes that they are asking about his culture. "We saw them as we were walking in." She continues and lifts to point at them above their heads.
"Fireflies?" He asks and his eyes follow her hand to where she is pointing towards them. "No, they are Kut'arn and nothing but pests." Jaal lets out a loud laugh when he's realised what she has said so Cora lets her eyes move to Scott again. "Fireflies.." He chuckles and shakes his head.
"They look nice, though." Scott begins with a smile but Cora hears Jaal scoff at his words. "Jaal, are we able to drink anything here?" He asks and Cora can tell he's trying to move the conversation on.
She lets her eyes settle on the bright green liquid in his glass, and then to the punch bowl and hopes Jaal isn't about to tell them that it's safe for them to drink. Cora really didn't want to know why it was that colour.
"Yes." Jaal nods and motions to the bar. "You must avoid a few of our favourites." He continues. "But, the water is safe as is the Tavum." Jaal adds and she watches him point to the punch bowl. "I must warn you although harmless, it is most intoxicating. It really is delicious." He smiles making Cora wonder how strong it could actually be, the Angaran's around them seemed to be drinking a lot of it and still on their feet.
"Interesting." Scott begins as she watches him lower his eyes to the green liquid too and then back to her. "Want to try it?" He asks making her laugh when he wrinkles his nose at her and she can tell he isn't keen either.
"Not really, but I guess it is part of the adventure since we are off duty," Cora replies as she watches his smile widen at her words and he nods. "It looks horrible." She adds lowering her voice so only he can hear her.
"I must leave you both now.." Jaal begins so Cora turns her attention back to him. "I will see you back on the Tempest." He adds with another smile before they watch him wander off and through the crowd towards the large seating area where chairs, beanbags and cushions have been spread.
"Remind me not to mention fireflies again." Scott chuckles as his eyes meet hers and she laughs too. "Are we having some?" He grins before he reaches for one of the small wooden cups that are waiting next to the bowl. "What's the worst that can happen?" He mumbles before looking at her again and winking which makes her giggle.
"We get drunk and have sex somewhere inappropriate.." Cora replies watching him ladle a small amount into her cup, then quickly keep adding more and laughing when he's heard what she's said. "Scott, stop. I'm not drinking that much." She giggles taking the cup from him so he can't fill it anymore and placing her hand over the top of it.
"It's only inappropriate if someone sees us." Scott chuckles as he begins filling his own cup with the green drink. "We told the leaders we would be appropriate and we have been." He adds making her laugh and shake her head at him, they had been very very far from appropriate. But, he was right that they hadn't been caught.
"They have a very different understanding of that word than you." Cora replies and hears him laughing at her words, noticing that when he finishes getting his own drink he turns back to her and their eyes meet.
Cora smiles and lifts her hand to brush his hair back from his face, then glances over his shoulder when she hears a group of Angaran's laugh loudly, distracting her for a moment until Scott lifts his drink to gently tap against hers which draws her eyes back to his. Cora feels his arm wrap around her and he slides his hand up her back.
"To not getting caught." Scott smiles as he leans towards her and kisses her softly before he lifts the cup to his lips and she watches him quickly tilt his head back and down the liquid from his cup, shaking his head afterwards.
"How does it taste?" Cora asks as she lifts her cup to do the same, taking a large mouthful and swallowing it as fast as she can. "Wow, that is really really sour." She coughs as glances at Scott and notices he wrinkles his nose and now she's tasted how sour the drink is and she knows why.
"I thought it would be fruity." Scott chuckles as she watches him lifting his hand to wipe his mouth with the back of it. "I'll get you some water." He smiles at her when he hears her cough again at the taste, but notices that the drink spreads warmth down her throat.
"Thank you." She says as she takes the water that he hands to her. "That is really strong, no wonder they like it so much," Cora adds and takes a sip of the water to try and clear it of the Tavum, she feels him rubbing her back gently to soothe her. She fixes her eyes on Scott and can immediately tell that they are not moving at the speed that she wants them to, and the warm tingling feeling spreads through her whole body.
"You feeling drunk, yet?" Scott asks which makes him laugh when she nods lightly and he wraps his arm around her waist and draws her against him. "I'll hold you up." He chuckles as she feels him stroking his palms up her back so she slips her arms around his neck.
"You don't need an excuse to wrap me in these strong arms." Cora smiles at him and hears him chuckle and tighten his hold on her. "It's definitely warming." She adds and he nods in agreement as she strokes her palms over his shoulders. "Or maybe that's you." Cora laughs and leans into his hold, letting her head rest against the side of his as he cuddles her into his embrace.
"I think it might be you," Scott replies as she feels him press a kiss against the top of her head, noticing he looks around them. "Do you want to sit on the cushions? They look comfy." The Pathfinder adds before nodding his head towards a seating area next to the fire.
"No, I want to dance." Cora giggles noticing her words draw his eyes to her face and he lifts his eyebrow in question. "Come on, Space Stud." She whispers as she slides her fingers through his hair and lets her eyes meet his.
"Are you sure?" Scott laughs making her nod again. "Alright, lead the way.." He nods making her quickly unwrap her arms from around him and take hold of his hand, sliding her fingers through his before starting to drag him away from the bar and lead him back through the crowds of Angaran.
The Lieutenant tries to keep her steps even, noticing that she wobbles slightly as they walk and she can tell it's the alcohol already making her legs a little unsteady. She feels Scott following her closely and that he is trying his best to keep up and not lose her, when she looks back at him she can feel his eyes on her in the darkness and can see the fire lighting up his face as he returns her gaze. Cora draws him deeper into the crowds and towards the platform where the music is, and where the largest throng of people are dancing. They are quickly surrounded by the crowd.
"Come here." She shouts as she stops in a small space and turns to face him, noticing his eyes are still on her and that he grins as he steps closer until she is sure she can feel the heat of his body that is somehow even hotter than the fire. "Dance with me." Cora grins at him before laughing when he grabs her waist and pulls her against him.
"You might have to teach me some moves," Scott replies raising his voice so she can hear him, noticing he bites his bottom lip and grins when she places her hands on his hips and moves against him.
"I know you've got moves." Cora smiles as she moves his hips to the beat until he starts doing it himself, their eyes fixed on each other as they do. She feels him suddenly take hold of her hand and spin her on the spot so her back is to him.
"Like this?" Scott whispers into her ear when she feels him place his hands on her hips and guide her back until she is pressed against him. "Or like this?" He whispers as he slides his arms around her body and dips his head to kiss her lightly on the neck making her sigh.
"I thought you didn't like dancing." Cora giggles and lifts her hand to place it on the back of his head when she feels him kiss her jaw and that he starts moving his body and in turn hers in time to the music. "See you've got the sexy moves." She laughs when Scott's hands return to her hips when she grinds against him, noticing he digs his fingertips into her softly.
"I like dancing with you." She hears his reply as they continue to move together so she glances over her shoulder to look at him, noticing he gives her the sexiest smile she's ever seen. "I like doing a lot of things with you." Scott grins and moves her with a rock of his hips and his palms holding her against him.
"Is that right?" Cora giggles as she lets her body push back against him, noticing it makes him huff when she rubs into the front of his jeans a few times. "Tell me.." She sighs when he slides his hands up her body and bites gently against her neck.
"I like kissing you, smelling you, fucking you, tasting you, being inside you.." Scott whispers against her skin, making her bite her lip and turn in his arms to face him.
"I like those too." Cora giggles and lets their eyes meet and notices that his eyes are slightly hazy from the alcohol and knows it is making them both braver than usual. "Let's go have sex.." She whispers noticing her words make his smile widen.
"Right now?" Scott smiles before drawing her closer to him and capturing her mouth with his in a deep slow kiss, feeling his hands on her waist and then her back. "It's making me hard just thinking about it.." He sighs as his mouth leaves hers and moves to her neck, making her close her eyes when she feels it.
Cora pulls back and glances around them, noticing that everyone is too busy dancing and it's too dark for anyone to be paying attention to them. She slides her arms around his neck and steps onto her toes so she can kiss him, feeling him immediately open his mouth and his tongue move against hers. Cora rubs her palm against his chest, then slowly down between them and to the waistband of his jeans where she undoes the button with her fingertips. She hears him groan into their kiss when she slides her hand into his jeans and lets her palm cover him, tracing her fingertips over his length. Cora feels his hands move onto her behind again, squeezing her in his palms to show he's enjoying it. The Lieutenant moves her hand to wrap around him again and can feel how hard he is already as she strokes him the best she can. She notices he wraps his arms around her body to keep her close.
"That feels too good.." Scott groans making her smile against his lips when she hears it.
"I can't keep my hands off of you." She sighs as she reluctantly removes her hand and breaks their kiss, taking hold of the front of his t-shirt in her fists. "We need to be alone." Cora smiles as she bites her bottom lip and looks into his eyes.
"I wasn't complaining." He returns her gaze and she feels him cup her face in his hands so he can kiss her again, making her sigh when he moves his hands down her body so he can help her up onto his body. "How did I end up with someone as sexy as you?" Scott grins against her mouth when she wraps her arms around his neck and legs around his hips.
"I ask myself the same." She giggles and feels him tighten his hold on her and begin walking them back through the crowd and away from the dancers. "Where are you taking me?" Cora laughs and digs her heels into the back of his thighs, noticing he is a bit more unsteady on his feet too.
"Somewhere inappropriate." She hears him laugh and that he's looking around them, wondering what he's looking for. Cora feels him carrying her past the long row of tents and sellers, past the groups that are sat together at the fire and back towards the pathway. "Come on.." Scott whispers as he carefully lowers her to her feet and takes hold of her hand.
"Are we leaving?" Cora asks noticing her words make him look back at her and he shakes his head, beckoning her with a single finger to follow him.
The Lieutenant wraps her fingers around his and lets him guide her off of the path and away from the festival with all its noise and people, and away from the fire and lights that had been covering them all evening. She realises how dark it is getting the further away they go and that as soon as they step through the first line of trees it's much quieter, all she can hear is Scott's footsteps as he breaks the twigs beneath his feet and her own breathing. After only a moment more of walking into the trees Cora notices that Scott stops and glances back at her, she focuses on him in the near dark as he lifts his finger and places it over his lips so she is quiet.
"Look.." Scott whispers as he places his fingers beneath her chin and tilts her head up, forcing her eyes up to the swarm of fireflies above her head that she hadn't noticed was there because she was too busy trying not to trip.
"Fireflies." Cora smiles and lifts her finger to let one land on it as she had done before, noticing it lights up a bright orange colour that reflects back on Scott's face who is facing her. "This isn't inappropriate." She sighs and lets their eyes meet. "This is actually very romantic.." Cora adds and looks around them, watching her words make him smile and nod.
"Yeah.." Scott grins and nods again. "Sorry about that." He adds and wraps his arms around her so he can pull her closer to him. "But we are on our own." He laughs before pressing his mouth against hers and lowering his hands to start undoing her jeans and tugging them down over her hips.
"What am I going to do with you?" Cora laughs lightly as he does too, noticing he helps her wriggle out of them as she lets her own hands move to the bottom of his t-shirt so she can lift it over his head and discard it on the floor at their feet.
"This is pretty great." He grins as she feels his fingertips roll her t-shirt up and off to join the rest of their clothes. Cora wraps her arms around his neck and drags him into another kiss, giggling when he lowers them both to the ground and covers her with his body.