"Raina, no, hold on!"

"Ah fuck! Ryona!"

"Stay with me, Raina, I love you."

"Raina, can you hear me?"

No.

"Try to stay awake okay?"

Nuh uh.

Everything is shaking. Me, the ship. We blast off hastily from the surface of the planet. We made it out. I open my eyes to see Vexx at my side, grasping my hand desperately. He's safe. "Vexx..." I sputter. His grip tightens. I can't hold on any longer. The pain overwhelms me, dragging me under. I surrender to the darkness, Vexx's firm grasp my last anchor.

Vexx's promise echoed in my ears. "Tonight, we escape." I grinned, my heart was already racing in anticipation.

We snuck past the guards, avoiding curious eyes with stealth-like precision. The autumn air crackled with possibility, its crispness infused with the sweet lure of adventure. Our destination: The Nova Autumn Carnival! As we stepped through the entrance, I felt as thought I'd stepped through a magical gate. A kaleidoscope of colored lights cast their hues on our faces. Laughter and the sugared scents of carnival food filled the air. I felt alive. As we strolled through the midway, Vexx handed me a fluffy cloud of cotton candy.

"Try this, your Highness," he requested. His teasing tone made me blush. I took a bite, and another, the sweetness exploding on my tongue, the flavor dissolving a bit too soon.

"It's delicious!" I beamed, handing him the paper cone so he could have some too.

We rode the gravity-defying rollercoaster, screaming together like little kids. Vexx's strong arms wrapped around me, his grip tightening like a vice as we plummeted through the loops. I sensed a tremble in his grasp — I think he was more terrified than I was. Nonetheless, his embrace filled me with an overwhelming sense of safety and belonging. His eyebrows furrowed, making him look adorable, if a bit helpless. It was that moment. I never wanted to spend another day away from him.

He won me a stuffed axolotl at the shooting gallery. I was really impressed with his aim. "You're a natural-born rebel," I teased while poking him playfully. I know he's a trained guard, but as he was shooting, his eyes glowed with an intensity I haven't seen from him before. It sent a shiver throughout me, making me fall just the tiniest bit more for him.

As the night deepened, we strolled about the carnival, hands brushing, the tension between us palpable. Vexx pointed out constellations above, his voice low and hypnotic. I listened, entranced, our faces inches apart. "Ever been on a Ferris wheel?" Vexx asked, his breath tickling my neck. He knew I hadn't. I shook my head, and we climbed into the carriage, my feet unsteady as it wobbled. I got a little nervous, but felt better when he sat down, crammed in right next to me instead of across from me. At the top, Vexx wrapped his arms around me as I started to shiver. "Look," he pointed to the glittering city below. Beyond the lights, our future beckoned. In that moment, I knew I was home — not in the palace, but with him.

The carriage descended and we stepped out, hands still touching. Back then, I didn't notice the spark in his gaze, the longing in his eyes for me. As the carnival lights began to fade, Vexx glanced at the sky. "We've lost track of time…"

I nodded, reluctant to return to the palace. I wanted this day to last forever.

"We should head back," Vexx extended his hand.

I hesitated, "Just one more game? Pleeease?"

Vexx smiled, finding himself defenseless to my pleading. We played on, the laughter and the thrill of competition extending into the night. Stars twinkled all above us when we finally admitted defeat. The palace was too far, and the hour too late.

"We should… find a place to stay for the night," I hesitated, my voice shaking and my heart throbbing out of my chest.

We discovered a cozy inn nestled among the rustic outskirts of town. Its weathered bricks and ivy-clad walls promised the warmth and seclusion we needed. As we pushed open the creaky door, a bell above it rang out, announcing our arrival. Our room, tucked away on the second floor, felt like a snug retreat, the intimacy enveloped me like a gentle hug. Soft, golden light spilled from a solitary bedside lamp, casting a warm glow on the plush, floral-patterned quilt adorning the small but sturdy oak bed. Every inch of the room was rich with coziness, the rustic wooden dresser with its ornate hardware, a vintage wood stove that had just been lit, the plush armchair nestled in the corner, next to the petite window with lace curtains that drifted lazily in the evening breeze. I found the scent of old books and fresh linen relaxing, deepening my exhaustion with ease. It is this room I think of when I imagine that cabin in the woods. After taking it all in, my eyes darted nervously to the small bed.

"I'll take the floor," Vexx quickly reassured me.

I didn't want him to. I wanted to feel the heat from his body warm me all throughout the night, but I couldn't bring myself to ask him to join me. I didn't get a single wink of sleep as I laid in the bed miserable and alone. In the dim light, I studied him, the way the light from the window cast a romantic glow on his face, that perfect jawline, his pointed ears surrounded by a mess of untamed hair, his long eyelashes fluttering as he dreamt. I wondered if he was dreaming about me the way I was daydreaming about him.

"Vexx?" I called to him softly, but he didn't wake up. I wrapped myself in the quilt and padded softly to where he laid. "Veexxxx," I breathed, a bit louder, kneeling beside him. His eyes flickered open.

Is she going to be okay?

My eyes open suddenly. The bright lights above me blurred, then sharpened, revealing a circle of worried faces. I can't make out everyone's features, but there are two that stand out.

"Raina!" Vexx's voice cracks through his mask.

"Stay still, okay?" Ryona's luminescent skin has lost its glow, reflecting the concern in her eyes. Her face is mostly concealed by a surgical mask.

I've never seen Vexx look so miserable, his eyes red-rimmed and sunken. His hand is cradling my head, fingers gently tangled in my hair, slightly trembling. I give him a soft smile. Exhaustion's dark tide reclaims me as its victim and my lids closed, plunging me back into the aether.

Hang in there, Princess.

The strobing lights of the Galactic Oasis greeted us, its neon facade illuminating the darkened street like a celestial explosion. A glittering sign featuring a stylized galaxy spun above the entrance spun like a hypnotic top, beckoning us to enter. We were there meeting a client to drop off a box whose contents were a mystery to me. I didn't need to know. We were there for a few reasons, one of which was to test Vexx's allegiance to us with his leash extended a bit, way back when Ryona first started doing treatments. The other reasons? Money, and fun!

Inside, the club erupted into a prismatic feast of color. Walls and ceilings disappeared beneath a feast of neon lights, laser beams, and disco balls. The air vibrated with the thundering beat of Hi-NRG dance tracks. I could barely hear myself think over the catchy beat of Menergy blaring from the speakers. A sea of bodies undulated on the dance floor, sweaty skin glistening under flashing lights. Patrons wore their most dazzling, outrageous attire: sequined jumpsuits, leather vests, ripped fishnets, and feathered crowns. I was obsessed.

"Let's go girls!" I exclaimed. "Vexx. Give me your jacket." He had on this ripped red shirt underneath. I've made fun of him for it a few times now. It's called fashion, Raina, look it up, he'd tell me. Whether or not that's true really isn't up to me to decide, but whatever it is, that shirt is perfect for this club.

He placed his jacket on my shoulders, not quite grasping the situation. Vexx can be the smartest person in the room on a plethora of subjects, but he is also lovably dense at times. He made his way to the bar, which was shaped like a boomerang, glowing with a neon-lit countertop. I'm sorry, Oppo, but this is the coolest club I've ever been to. The bartenders are all drop-dead gorgeous men, clad in sleek, silver jumpsuits with strategically placed cut-outs, serving up libations and charm. Resplendent in his fitted shirt, Vexx easily drew attention. Free drinks flowed his way, and he lapped up the attention. Damon and I shared a glance, "Do you think he realizes?" I wondered, stifling a giggle.

"That guy? Nah. You might not wanna hear this princess, but, back in the day when we worked together, Vexx and I would hit up clubs like this, well, not exactly like this. That man was surrounded by easy pussy. He'd be chatting up a girl all night and then, nothing. He fumbled damn near every time," Damon laughed, shaking his head. He was right, I didn't really want to hear that. The thought of him talking to other girls "all night," even if that's all it was… I was selfish, and irrationally jealous, I wanted to be his past, present and future. We kept watching him for a little bit, the way he lit up when someone offered him a drink was so endearing. I wished I could hear what they are saying, one of them motions to the bartender, who made a whole performance out of mixing a cocktail for Vexx. Emphasis on cock. This particular drink was served in a tall, phallic glass, a cloud of mist spilling out from the tippy tip top. At this point, I have lost it. I was keeled over, Damon and I were clenching each other's sides like we wouldn't be able to stand otherwise, tears streaming down our faces. We were DYING. He reached for his comm device, which of course has a camera.

"Don't you fucking DARE," I snatched it out of his hands. "Leave him alone, he's having a good time. …Does he not realize he's drinking out of a penis?" The word "penis" sets off our laughing fit again. I composed myself finally as Damon headed off, observing from the sidelines, amused by Vexx's newfound fan club.

Calderon approached, a welcomed distraction from everything. A rotating dance platform showcased go-go boys, their bodies radiant under the spotlight beams. They danced with wild abandon, striking poses atop the platform's hydraulic lifts.

"Buy a girl a drink?" I offered, modestly.

He rolled his eyes as that signature smile of his spread across his lips. "What's your poison, stowaway?"

"You, apparently," I whispered to myself. "Surprise me, Captain."

He ordered for us, and the bartender mixed a vibrant, electric-blue drink. I was a little bummed that it was served in a regular highball glass, but I know myself well enough at this point to accept that I never would have been able to drink out of one of the girthier glasses, anyway. Calderon handed it to me, our fingers touching. "To a night off from saving the galaxy!" he toasted bitterly as our glasses clinked.

"A night off? Aren't we working right now?" I asked.

"Oh, I already dropped it off with the bouncer at the door. He was the client, job's been done," he smirked.

"Cheers to that!" I clinked my glass against his again. The first sip was sweet and tangy, with a hint of citrus, followed with a sour but delicious aftertaste. "Mmm what is this?"

"Neptune's Revenge," Calderon answered. As we sipped, the music shifted to a pumping, synth-heavy beat. The beat dropped, and the crowd erupted. Calderon's eyes searched mine, then looked away. "Would you… dance with me?" he asked, his voice timid and low. I grabbed him by the arm and headed to the dance floor. While my questionable love for Vexx is ever-present in my mind, until I figure out how I truly feel about him, I wouldn't mind dancing with the captain, just for fun.

Calderon's hands found my hips, guiding me into the rhythm. Our bodies bumped and swayed, lost in the swirling lights and pounding music. We merged with the throng, moving as one. I felt free, like I was finally coming into who I really am, breaking loose of what's expected of me and just being myself. His proximity ignited a flutter in my chest. As the song built, Calderon spun me around, pulling me close. Our bodies pressed together. I had no clue he had moves like this. I'm a pretty good dancer, but he is something else, full of energy and rhythm. The music faded, but we didn't separate. His hand slipped lower as the next song started. I pressed closer, feeling his heat envelop me. The song built quickly to a frenzied climax. We lost ourselves, surrounded by sweat-drenched bodies and pulsating lights. I couldn't stop smiling as I grinded against him. Who knew Calderon Lynch could be so fun?

His lips brushed my ear. "You're driving me crazy." His voice was deep and silky, awakening a quiver deep within. We both turned in unison after hearing a loud crash at the bar. Vexx, who else? A persistent suitor wasn't taking no for an answer.

I begged Calderon to intervene, "I will do anything you want if you go break up that fight. I'll clean the kitchen for a month straight," I bartered. It's not that I thought Vexx couldn't take care of himself, I just really didn't want to see how he'd handle the situation.

"Maybe I have something else in mind," his eyes locked with mine as he tapped my chin upwards.

"Y-yeah? What exactly —" I stammered out, Damon coming into view. Calderon and I watched, transfixed, as Damon intervened, sliding onto the stool beside Vexx.

"Hey babe," he crooned, snaking an arm around Vexx's waist. Yep. This one's going in the memory bank.

The light of realization dawns on Vexx, finally. "Uh heyy. Damon. How are y—"

"I'm sorry did you just call your boyfriend Damon? Damon Reznor?"

"No, I just call him Damon these days." Vexx chuckled as he took another sip from his cock. The color drained from the man's face, his mouth hanging open for a few moments before he manages to stutter and speak again.

"I don't go by that name anymore." Damon said, darkly.

"Yeah, he dropped his own last name. He's just Damon, like, Beyonce, or Madonna. Oprah?" Vexx was so amused with himself, he went into his own laughing fit as he downed the rest of his drink and left the counter.

"S-sorry sir!" The stranger gets up from his seat as well, hands up in a weird surrender. "Didn't know that fireball was taken."

"It shouldn't matter if Big Red is taken or not. No means no, you fucking douche," Damon scowls angrily.

As the night came to a close, exhaustion finally caught up with me. I leaned into Calderon's sturdy frame, fully intending to fall asleep on him while standing up. "Carry?" I asked, my face nestled sloppily against his chest. It took all of my energy to get that one word out. He wrapped his arms around me warmly — it was lights out for me at that point. Ryona told me later that not only did Calderon swoop me up and carry back to the ship, but he also, against his better judgement, came back and princess-carried Vexx as well.

The next morning, the two of us emerged from our stupor feeling pretty miserable. Calderon, remarkably, showed only minor signs of wear, his resistance to hangovers bordering on supernatural. Damon claimed he didn't even drink, but I suspected he'd simply mastered the art of camouflage. Vexx and I, however, didn't know when to quit. He stumbled into the galley joining Ryona, Damon, Bash, and Aya, who were looking through some photos from the night before. His eyes met mine, horror-stricken.

"Raina, you didn't…"

I shrugged. "Nope, not me. Damon?"

"Who me?" Damon whistled innocently.

Of the pictures and videos Damon took, my favorites have to be:

- Vexx doing a drunken rendition of the "Galactic Shuffle"

- Vexx attempting to kiss a patron wearing a long black wig

- Vexx licking his cocktail glass, seemingly in on the joke by that point

- A picture of me and Calderon and two go-go dancers grinding against us

- Vexx wearing a sparkly tiara in a selfie with Damon (that one's my absolute favorite)

"This is a disaster," Vexx grumbled, face beet red.

This was the best night of my life.