I do not own the rights to the TV show, the characters, or the music. This is just me writing as a fan.
No copyright infringement intended. Pls don't sue me. :)
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# Tiny Stones
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"Tiny stones," Lauren had said for the dozenth time, that patient smile playing at her lips as Bo once again forgot the term for penguin courtship. "Just think of that when you forget next time."
It wasn't until months later, organising her room (at Lauren's insistence that "chaos is not a filing system, Bo"), that she found them. Little treasures, scattered through her life like breadcrumbs:
The small piece of rose quartz that had appeared on her desk after a particularly rough case. ("It's known for its healing properties," Lauren had explained, all scientific precision. "Though obviously that's not empirically proven.")
The smooth river stone Lauren had picked up during their walk, turning it over and over in her hands before quietly placing it on Bo's bedside table. ("The erosion patterns are fascinating.")
The piece of jade that had mysteriously found its way into Bo's jacket pocket before a dangerous mission. ("It's traditionally associated with protection. Not that I believe in such things, but... just in case.")
But then Bo started noticing other things too. The carefully curated Spotify playlist that appeared in her inbox after she'd mentioned missing her favourite song from childhood. ("The neurological impact of musical nostalgia is quite remarkable," Lauren had said.)
The endless stream of science memes that Lauren sent her, each one clearly saved specifically because it would make Bo laugh. ("The intersection of humour and education is a fascinating field of study.")
The coffee that appeared on her desk every morning, always at the perfect temperature. ("I've calculated the optimal cooling coefficient based on your drinking speed.")
The articles Lauren forwarded about topics Bo had mentioned in passing days ago. ("I happened to be doing some research and remembered you were interested...")
The photographs Lauren took of random things that reminded her of Bo, sent with detailed explanations of why the cellular structure of a flower or the pattern of clouds held scientific significance. ("Though aesthetically speaking, the colour did remind me of your eyes.")
Bo sat on her bed, surrounded by these small, precious stones and scrolling through months of messages, each one a carefully chosen gift, each one given with that same soft smile and scientific explanation.
"Oh," she breathed, realisation dawning like sunrise. "*Oh.*"
She grabbed her mobile.
Pebbling, she texted Lauren. *The penguin thing. It's called pebbling.*
Three dots appeared almost immediately. *Very good! Though technically it's more commonly referred to as...*
Lauren, Bo interrupted. *How long have you been pebbling me? And not just with actual pebbles?*
A long pause. Bo could almost see Lauren's blush through the phone.
I have no idea what you're talking about. Though if I did, I might point out that the systematic offering of tokens of affection has evolved beyond its literal origins in many species. Modern interpretations could theoretically include any meaningful item or gesture that...*
*Lauren. You're science-rambling in text.*
*...yes. Well. Did you listen to that podcast I sent you about bioluminescence? It made me think of you. Because of the light properties, obviously. Not for any other reason.*
Bo grinned at her mobile. *Obviously.*
*And that cat meme this morning was purely for its demonstration of physics principles.*
*Naturally.*
*The coffee is just basic thermodynamics.*
*Lauren?*
*Yes?*
*I love you too.*
Another pause. Then: *I found an interesting article about the cultural evolution of courtship rituals across species. And also another very cute video of penguins. For research purposes.*
Bo smiled. *Bring dinner over? We can do research together.*
*For science?*
*For us.*
Later, when Lauren arrived with dinner and a new playlist ("The algorithm suggested songs based on harmonic patterns you've responded positively to..."), Bo just pulled her close and kissed her.
"Tiny stones," she whispered against Lauren's smile.
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#Pebbling. One of my favourite things to do.