Wow, it wasn't 2 years between chapters this time :D

Chapter 8: Knight

Two months had passed since Zion left the observatory. In his absence, Rosalina carried out her usual duties and routines. Although the lumas never noticed, she was not as energetic. The time apart only proved one fact for Rosalina.

She definitely had feelings for him.

It had been very gradual. First they were strangers, then acquaintances, then friends. Somewhere along the way, she had fallen for the soldier she rescued. As time marched on, she missed him more and more.

She was spending some time alone, in the secret garden. The flowers and their scent relaxed her. They helped distract her from her own feelings and worries. She knew she wanted them to be together. Yes, she was extremely concerned with the outcome, but was resolved to accept whatever Zion decided...she really hoped he returned soon.

"Mama?"

A voice broke pulled her out of her thoughts. She turned to face the luma that came.

"Yes young one?"

The luma spoke, "Um, I'm here to deliver a message from Zion."

The luma had her full attention.

"Yes? What is the message?"

The luma responded cheerfully "He said, 'I'm coming home'."

Rosalina had spent the rest of the day waiting at the platform for Zion to arrive. However, he did not show that day. She remained up through the night, keeping her eyes on the horizon. Eventually, early in the morning she spotted something.

A speck in the distance.

To anyone else, they wouldn't see anything unusual in the vastness of space. Rosalina had spent decades looking into space, she could see it coming closer.

After a few minutes had passed, she could make out his form quickly approaching. There was no question.

It was Zion.

He was flying straight for the edge of the platform, Rosalina remained just under the canopy of the upper level. He landed on the platform smoothly, and continued to walk towards Rosalina while removing his helmet.

It felt like it took forever for him to reach her; in reality only a few seconds had passed.

They locked eyes. Neither said a word, and both their faces showed they were concerned, but resolute in their decision.

"I-" they both stared simultaneously. It brought a smile and laugh from each of them. Zion gestured with his hand. "May I go first?"

Hesitantly, Rosalina agreed.

"I checked out the Space Junk that you said you found me in. I looked long and hard, but nothing there was of any value, even if any of it DID come from my universe. After that, I decided to wander. There's so many unique galaxies in this universe. Good Egg, Beach Bowl, and Gold Leaf were very welcoming. Beautiful sights and scenery everywhere. The more I saw, the more it showed me that you've done a great job protecting everyone." He gave her a smile.

Rosaline returned it, "Thank you, I appreciate your compliment. I assume you have more to say?"

Zion nodded, "Yes. The entire time I was gone I obviously gave…US…a lot of thought…" There was a moment of silence that lasted a good couple seconds. "This universe is vast. Even so, I couldn't find anything that might send me back to my universe short of flying into another black hole, which I'm certainly not going to attempt." He took another step towards Rosalina, coming within arms reach of her. "As a child, I fought simply to live. As a soldier, I fought to survive and for my comrades. Now…" He knelt before her, "I want to stay here with you. To protect you, and be with you."

Rosalina and Zion stared into each other's eyes. She took a moment to compose herself. He wanted to be with her! This was exactly as she had hoped, only better! She smiled happily "While you were away, I spent more time thinking than I care to mention. I reflected upon our feelings for each other. Regardless of the circumstances that brought us together, I am certain of one thing" she brought her hands to her chest, "I wish for us to be together Zion. I wish for our days to be full of happiness and joy." They both smiled at each other. Rosalina then smiled coyly, she had an idea. "And I believe I know the best course of action before we take our next steps together."

Zion continued to smile, trusting Rosalina's judgment as he began to stand. "No no, stay kneeling," Rosalina said, stopping him. She giggled as she pulled out her wand from seemingly nowhere. "Now then, *ahem*... Zion, do you swear to protect this observatory, our home, from harm?"

He caught on quick, chuckling out loud, and then made himself look as stoic as possible "I swear it."

"Do you swear to protect the lumas of the observatory, helping them grow so they may one day become part of this very universe?"

He nodded, "I swear it".

Rosalina took a deep breath, "Do you swear to stand by my side, and protect me as my loyal knight?"

Zion smiled proudly, "I swear it."

Rosalina took another deep breath, and then paused, she had one last question, "As you stand beside me, do you swear we will treat each other as equals, supporting each other in our times of need, as boyfriend and girlfriend?"

For a moment, nothing was said. Zion looked up, and then their eyes met, "I would love nothing more." He said joyfully.

Rosalina began smiling from ear to ear and waved her wand, having it touch each of Zions shoulders, "Then rise Sir Zion, my Star Knight…" He did as commanded, "and my love." They embraced each other in a heartwarming hug. Despite Zions cold armor, Rosalina could feel the warmth emanating from the power star in his core.

"I'm home," Zion said with an equally warm tone.

Rosalina let go just enough so their foreheads met, "Welcome home," their lips met in a kiss that was soft and sweet, lasting no more than a second. They both smiled and softly laughed afterwards, each enjoying the moment for all it was worth.

A week passed. However, unlike the last month, this one week was filled with joy and excitement. Rosalina and Zion were officially together. They enjoyed each other's company whenever together. Even the little moments with simple kisses or holding each other's hands. Rosalina was pleasantly surprised when Zion ran his fingers through her hair. It was not something she expected, but found she enjoyed the feeling.

However, like all couples, they had their disagreements and arguments. Their first one being something that most would deem trivial.

They were on opposite ends in the library, each with a different book in their hands.

"What do you mean I can take the bed? It's your bedroom."

"And I'm saying that you can sleep in the bed moving forward. You had no trouble sleeping there when you first got here."

"Yeah, when I was injured and couldn't care less about where I slept. Once I got better I moved to the couch where I'll continue to stay until I make a new bed. I'm not letting my girlfriend sleep on the couch."

Despite the argument, her heart still fluttered when he called her his girlfriend.

"Zion, it's fine if you use the bed. While the library is a fine room, there is little space for a proper bed. Your need for sleep is more frequent than mine, thus more important."

Zion rolled his eyes, "Jeez, no need to be so dramatic. You make it sound like you don't need sleep."

…

…

"Wait…do you not need to sleep?" He asked incredulously.

Rosalina sighed, "It's not that I don't need sleep, but I don't require much. My magical reserves are enough to keep me going for a few days before I need an hour or two of sleep."

Zion stared at her, "Nope."

"No?" She asked, confused.

He shook his head, "Nope, I refuse to accept such an answer. My girlfriend needs to have a proper night's sleep."

"Zion, please don't make this a thing. I am perfectly capable of functioning with a lesser amount of sleep."

"Just because you're 'capable' doesn't mean you should."

Their debate continued in this fashion until after dinner. Eventually Zion had finally had enough.

"You shouldn't have to-... you know what, I have an idea." Zion walked towards Rosalina and pulled her into a hug. "Give me a few hours, I have an idea that should settle this amicably."

Rosalina sighed, but returned the hug, "I still don't believe this is worth your time, but very well." Releasing the hug, Zion walked off, leaving Rosalina bewildered as to his "plan".

Hours passed by in the blink of an eye. Rosalina kept herself busy, and hadn't seen Zion since their dinner. Currently just outside the engine room, having checked with the gearmo if everything was running optimally, she wondered what his idea was, but figured she'd learn soon enough.

"Hey, Rosalina!" Speaking of which, "come on down here!"

It seems it was time. Zion was calling to her just outside the entrance to the bedroom. Rosalina took a deep breath, and flew down to Zion.

"I'm here, now what exactly was this 'idea' of yours? I'll admit that I've been curious since our discussion."

"Well, come on in and see for yourself."

With that, the two of them walked into the bedroom. Upon entering, Rosalina saw no differences. The bed looked the same, the nightstand looked the same, and the decor looked the same. So what changed? She turned to face Zion with a puzzled look.

"I see no differences. Unless you've planned some sort of joke?"

Zion shook his head, "No, no jokes. But I'll admit that the change is hard to see unless you know it's there." He walked towards the bed and reached underneath.

'Ah, no wonder I didn't see anything,' Rosalina thought to herself.

What Zion pulled out was what looked like a small mattress on a board with wheels.

"Umm, not to be rude Zion, but what exactly is this?" Rosalina asked.

"Well, my original plan was to make another bed, but part of the problem was finding a good place to put it. Plus, once you mentioned that you haven't been sleeping, I knew I had to take action. I can sleep on this pullout bed when I'm tired, and also make sure that you're getting some sleep yourself."

Rosalina sighed. She was exasperated, he just wouldn't let up on this sleep thing would he?

"Zion, can we please drop this discussion already? I'm getting tired of talking about it."

Now it was Zions turn to sigh, but his sounded more frustrated. "Fine, I'll stop forcing the issue. However, I'm sleeping in the pullout. The bed is yours. I'm not budging on that regard."

"Very well, you may sleep where you please." She closed her eyes, "As it is now late, I assume you are getting ready for bed?"

Zion ran his prosthetic hand through his hair, "I was planning on it. I'm guessing you're going to stay up?"

"That is my plan, yes."

Silence overtook the two of them, until Zion strode over to Rosalina, embracing her.

"This argument doesn't change how I feel about you, nor will any potential argument we have."

She returned the hug earnestly, "I know, we're stronger than that." They eventually released each other.

"Well, I'm off to bed. I'll see you in the morning. Goodnight Rosalina, I love you."

Rosalina smiled, "Goodnight Zion, I love you too." She turned and left the room. Once she left, she looked back at the room. She put her hands over her chest, and sighed…

'He's so stubborn sometimes. Then again, I guess that's just another reason I love him so…'

I enjoy some good romance every now and then. I hope everyone else can enjoy this fun little story I'm writing. To be honest, I know it's flawed, but I'm enjoying writing it so I guess it's irrelevant. See everyone in the next one.