Hot damn, it's been over two years since I updated?! Better explanation at the end of the chapter, I've kept you waiting long enough. As an added bonus, I went and updated the previous chapters, cleaning up what I viewed as continuity errors, and better passage of time.

Chapter 7: Distant

They separated, the silence between them remained. Both stared absentmindedly, until eventually they each realised what had just occurred between them. They both took a step back and broke eye contact. Zion looked away, as Rosalina turned around, her hands on her chest.

It was Rosalina who broke the silence, "What… just happened?"

Still looking away, Zion tried replying, "I, well...I think we…"

Silence reigned again.

Zion took a deep breath, regaining his composure. "Ok, I'll cut straight to the chase. Rosalina, I really like you."

Rosalina was glad he couldn't see her face, because she was certain her face was more red than a certain hero's clothing. Zion continued,

"But I'm worried. Have you heard of the Florence Nightingale effect?"

She knew the answer, she had read about it, "When a nurse and patient fall in love inexplicably, sometimes without logic or reason." She knew the two of them had some similarity to the aforementioned effect. Apparently Zion did as well.

"Yeah. I sometimes get this nagging feeling in my head, telling me that what I feel is just that. Seeing as I've never left the observatory since arriving here, it's honestly hard to say whether what I'm feeling is real, or just a byproduct of what's occurred."

His words were honest, it made sense to her, but why did it hurt so much to hear it vocalized?

"What you say makes sense," Rosalina said. She turned to face him, her cheeks still slightly red, "but how should we proceed with, well, this?" She was at a loss for words, but knew honesty would go a long way to sort things out. She gathered her courage as she continued "I believe I have similar feelings as well. However, it seems we're both unsure if these feelings are genuine, or only brought on by your predicament."

Zion looked down, a frown on his face. "I think I know the best course of action, it should definitely help us solve this issue, but I'm not sure how long it'll last."

Her interest piqued, Rosalina nodded for him to continue.

"Now that my suit is fixed, I think I'll venture out into the universe. See the worlds and stars a bit. If we're separated, our feelings should eventually become apparent after some time has passed."

No, she didn't like this, but...she remained silent as he continued.

"Hell, not only can I explore the galaxies, but I might even find something related to my universe."

Of course, she had grown so accustomed to his presence that she had forgotten: this was not his universe. While she may have provided the observatory as his sanctuary and home, it was not the same.

She was feeling many conflicting emotions, but knew that no matter how she felt, this was his decision to make. She couldn't, and wouldn't, force him to stay.

She spoke up, "It sounds like your mind is made up." Zion nodded in reply. "I wish you would stay, but I will not force anything upon you."

"I'll stay tonight, and head out first thing tomorrow. No matter what happens Rosalina, I'll come back. Once I've made certain how I feel, I'll be back, I promise you." He put his right arm over his chest, and stood at attention. Even when standing strong, his eyes clearly showed his unease.

Rosalina spoke up again, "Please, don't leave before I see you off, I'll never forgive you if you do." Her emotions were coming out again, she wanted him to stay.

"Alright, I'll wait."

Neither slept well that night. Zion had packed some rations, and some charts that mapped out the nearby galaxies. He was able to find an old duffle bag stored away in the back of the library.

Now, he and Rosalina stood at the edge of the observatory. Already in his suit, sans helmet, he was ready for his journey.

Rosalina looked at him sorrowfully, "I guess it's time, isn't it?"

Zion tried to lighten the mood, "Yeah, but it's only 'goodbye for now'. I'll be back one way or another. You said it yourself, I can consider the observatory my home too."

This brought a smile back to Rosalinas face, "Before you go, can you indulge me in a selfish request?"

"Sure," Zion replied without hesitation.

"Can you," her cheeks began to darken, "hold me, please?" After hearing her request, Zion also began to blush. "Sorry, I understand if you-"

She never finished the sentence, as Zion wrapped his arms around her. After her shock wore off, she returned the hug.

"I'm going to miss you," She told him.

"Yeah, I'll miss you too," he replied.

After the moment passed, they separated.

"Well, goodbye for now Rosalina, I'll see you soon."

A sad smile adorned both their faces.

"Yes, we shall meet again soon."

Their peace said, Zion put his helmet on, walked to the edge of the platform, and took off. Rosalina didn't take her eyes off his form until he had disappeared from her view.

She thought about this experiment of his, and had found three possible outcomes.

1. Best Outcome: Their feelings are genuine and they could be a...couple. Just the mere thought made her blush a bit.

2. Neutral Outcome: Neither of their feelings were genuine, and they both move on as friends.

3. Worst Outcome: One of them has genuine feelings, while the other did not. Resulting in one of them having a broken heart.

There was no telling how everything would turn out. All she could do was hope for both of them to be happy.

A month had passed, and she was trying to keep herself busy. However, her thoughts would occasionally drift to Zion. Every time she did, she tried to push him out of her thoughts, focusing on what she was doing. However, this day would mark a turning point for her.

She had lied down in the bedroom for a quick rest before returning to her never-ending duty. She fell asleep rather fast all things considered. She was dreaming, she saw many distorted visions, and heard many different voices.

'A black hole.'

'We'll do it together'

'Hand over the grand stars.'

'It's-a me!'

'New galaxy.'

'It has to be stopped!'

'I'll never let go!'

'Unstoppable.'

'Mama!'

…

Silence…

…

Happiness.

Comfort.

Pleasure.

…

A figure called in the distance.

'Rosalina!'

'Zion!'

Rosalina awoke with a start, gripping the sheets. So much had happened so quickly in her dream, she needed to sort through it.

'There was so much going on. I remember many different voices. Mostly a jumbled mess, but the end of the dream was…' she turned very red, remembering the end of the dream. Her heart was pounding, and his smile entered her thoughts. She smiled simply visualizing it.

"Zion," she brought her hands to her chest as she closed her eyes, "Please hurry home."

I guess I should apologize for the multiple year break between chapters, but I was kinda busy moving/getting married/and having a kid.

The wonders of life, lol

Regardless, the next one will be out before long.

See you all soon!