Chapter 6: Moment

While Zion continued to work on his armor, Rosalina was working on a project of her own in the engine room. Her conversation with Zion a few days ago gave her a very interesting idea. She may not understand the technology or inner workings of Zions armor, but she knew it needed a power supply.

She already knew what she wanted for the source, but the question would be how to properly contain it. Rosalina was an observant woman, she saw the previous battery was spherical. However, any spherical container wouldn't suffice. It needed to be able to contain and draw power when needed. If it didn't work correctly the container could break, or worse, explode.

Lifting her right hand, she observed the object she held; the old battery used by Zions armor. It was certainly metallic, but it wasn't all one substance like steel or iron, it was a composite. Try as she might, she couldn't identify everything in the battery. She chalked it up to some metals being exclusive to Zions universe. Nevertheless, she continued her work.

'I have to make this work, I can't let Zion down.' She thought to herself. As she did so, she remembered the conversation they had when she joined him for dinner last night.

Zion had made them both dinner that night, and both were happily eating their meal.

"This is really good Zion, where did you learn to cook?"

Zion chuckled, "Reading recipe books and the like from the orphanage. Mostly simple meals like this pasta, as well as some meat and potato type dishes. Whatever let me make something while being cheap."

Rosalina nodded while swallowing another bite, "Well it doesn't change the fact that it's delicious."

Zion smiled in return, "Thanks, was worried at first since I wasn't sure if your universe had the same ingredients as mine, but I found similar ones when needed."

They continued to eat, but in silence until they had finished.

"A question for you Zion," Rosalina said, gaining his attention, "have you given any thought to what you will do once your armor is completed?"

Zion answered, "Well, I was thinking of starting off by exploring the nearby galaxies, see if there's anything of interest. Then I might explore a little further, see what lies in other corners of this universe…" he looked like he had more to say, but had chosen to stop.

Rosalina leaned arms onto the table, "You look like you have more to say, but are unsure. You needed share with me if you do not wish it."

Zion scratched the back of his head while looking down at the table, "It's not that, it's just...well…" he closed his eyes, and took a deep breath, "When I'm done exploring, do you think… I could...stay here with you?" A blush began forming on his cheeks as he asked.

After hearing both the question, and the phrasing, Rosalina felt her own cheeks darken, "Oh, I see." There was another moment of silence that neither seemed willing to break. Eventually, Zion broke it.

"If it's too much of a burden on you it's fine, I get it, you've done more than-" Rosalina cut him off.

"No!" And she was quite vocal about it, "you're not a burden, please don't think that." She put her hands to her chest, "I've enjoyed having you stay here, talking with you, working with you, eating with you. When I think of having you as my friend, it makes me very happy. I would love to have you consider the observatory as your home." It was a passionate outburst, she had gathered her thoughts during the silence, but she wasn't expecting them to come out the way she said it.

Zion looked at her as she said her peace, thoughts ran wild at both her statement, and the way she said it. Eventually he settled on something simple. He smiled, and said, "Thank you Rosalina, for giving me a new home.

Rosalina smiled at the memory.

'Not only is he my friend, but now he's my roommate. How wonderful it will be to have someone I can trust in such a way. Even though I rescued him, I'm grateful he's here, it's nice having him here. He's definitely reliable when it comes to helping with cleaning, very polite too, and such a handsome smile when-' she caught herself in her own thoughts.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "Control yourself Rosalina."

'This happened a few times before. It's become harder to not have my thoughts stray in that direction when I think of him...I've read plenty about this phenomenon. I've tried to pretend it isn't there, but I have to face facts'

Looking around, Rosalina made sure she was alone before she uttered, "I believe I'm experiencing what's referred to as 'a crush'."

Zion was almost done completing the chest plate for his armor. By his and the gearmo's estimation, he should be done in another day or two. Nodding at the progress, he stepped back to take a break.

Taking a deep breath, he thought back to the conversation he and Rosalina had last night.

'It's not a Florence Nightingale effect is it? I don't think it is. She always seems so calm and composed, I've never heard her talk so passionately as she did then and there.'

He looked up towards the engine room where he last saw her heading. Thinking aloud, he said,

"Wonder what her secret project is?...Ah well, she'll tell me when it's done." His eyes didn't drift from the engine room; however, his thoughts did. He pictured her smile, her hand brushing her hair to the side, then reaching out to him.

'Damn, no doubt about it. I'm absolutely smitten...but can I even do anything about it? I suppose the only thing I can do is tell her, but not yet. I'm in no rush, maybe I can get a better feel for her own feelings...who am I kidding, I'm no good at reading people. I'll just talk to her about it after the armor is back to full power'

A week had passed by quickly. It took longer than anticipated, but Zion had completed the armor. He even tested to make sure it fit properly. Still no power, but he had continued as Rosalina urged him on.

They were walking together to the garage, both eager to show the fruits of their labor.

As they arrived, Zion spoke up, "Well, here it is! All fixed up." Sure enough, the chrome plated chestplate looked as good as new. Save for the empty hole in the middle. "Only thing left is to put the covering on after I figure out how to power the damn thing."

Rosalina put her hand on his shoulder, gaining his attention, "I might have a solution for that." She motioned to the engine room, where he saw two lumas floating down to them. They were carrying something, and it was bright.

When they were close enough, they placed the orb in Rosalina's outstretched hands. Both of them stared into the orb.

"This is a power star," Rosalina explained, "the star that powers the observatory is composed of many like this, and some even bigger." She held the orb out for Zion to take. "Please, use this. It should have enough power to allow your suit to function."

Zion slowly, and cautiously, took the orb containing the power star. He could feel the heat it was putting off. Even though he couldn't explain it, he could feel the power it held. He turned towards the suit, took a deep breath, and placed the star inside. He then covered the star with a temporary piece of metal, in order to properly wear and test the suit. Then, he began to put on the suit.

Legs? Check.

Arms? Check.

Torso? Check.

Zion took another deep breath, before sliding his helmet on. Now came the moment of truth.

"S.T.A.R, initiate."

His helmets visor lit up. He smiled.

"The suits powered on."

Rosalina looked ecstatic that her idea had worked, but before she could say anything, Zion continued.

"S.T.A.R, run complete diagnostics."

Progress bars and verbiage of various kinds ran through his visors screen. He knew most were superficial, he paid attention to the important ones.

Life support online.

Leg hydraulic online.

Propulsion system online.

Blade system offline.

Laser system offline.

Suit integrity 90%

Anomaly detected in power supply.

Checking power supply.

Checking…

…

Unable to properly identify current power supply in use, would you like to proceed with this power unit?

"S.T.A.R, proceed."

Processing…

Processing…

Power supply at 100%

Diagnostics completed.

"Wow," Zion said with amazement, "everything but the weapon system seems to be functional."

Rosalina was getting more excited, but didn't want to interrupt him yet.

"Well, time for the big test." He bent down, then jumped into the air a good 6 feet, the leg mechanics boosting his strength. At the apex of his jump, his feet and back began to propel him. He was airborne.

"Haha! It works!" He exclaimed, he continued to fly through the air in a few patterns, before flying in a loop around the observatory. Upon finishing his loop, he saw Rosalina floating up alongside him.

They flew side by side, spinning, chasing and racing in the sky of the observatory. There were laughing, shouting in excitement, and smiling. Time seemed to fly by. Eventually they both landed on the small island platform in the back of the observatory. They landed beside each other.

"Flying with you was so much fun!" Rosalina exclaimed, "we must do that again soon."

Zion took off his helmet so he could speak face to face. "That was incredible. I still can't believe it, everything works as good as new." They locked eyes, "I never could have done this without you Rosalina."

Rosalina had a big smile on her face. She would never brag, but she knew how big a role she played in this, in everything that had happened. She could see how happy he was, and it made her happy knowing that she played a part in that wonderful smile. Everything from the sincerity in his eyes, to the curves of his cheeks and lips. She truly enjoyed seeing him smile.

Zion could watch her smile all day. It was such a beautiful, captivating smile. He could look at nothing else all day, and he still wouldn't get tired of it. Her eyes radiated a kind, caring feeling. Her features were so soft. That alluring smile, he was certain her lips were the same.

They stared at each other for what felt like minutes, but in reality was only a few seconds. Perhaps it was due to this phenomenon that neither seemed aware that they, nor their companion, were moving.

All they could see were each other's face.

Until their eyes closed.

And their lips met.

God, I had so much fun writing this chapter. A spur of the moment kiss just feels right for them. Next chapter will pick up from this exact moment, so look forward to it!