Chapter Text
Stelle glanced behind her, quickening her pace as she walked. She tried not to look too conspicuous, but she certainly wasn’t going to dally heading towards her destination. The Astral Express crew had been none the wiser as she had slipped out of the train, simply going about their own tasks while she headed for the Penacony lobby. As she swiped her card and entered her room, she quickly took to the bath in the center, stepping into the lukewarm water with ease. Relaxing into the pool, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath before settling into the land of dreams.
When she “awoke” she found herself in the Dreamscape version of her room, everything painted a dreamy blue. It was almost as if she were at the bottom of the ocean, all the decorations floating loosely in the air. It never made much sense to her, but she supposed that it didn’t need to. Shaking her head, she climbed out of the pool and headed back towards the exit. Several twisting halls later and Stelle found herself at the destination of interest, the Dreamjolt Holstery.
It had been a while since she had last stepped foot inside, yet the place seemed to be even more popular than before. Crowds gathered around the members of the Dreamjolt Troupe, giving applause as they performed on stage, and filled up all the surrounding tables, and most of the seats at the bar as well. Behind the bar, Siobhan seemed to notice her, perking up her head and giving a friendly wave. Stelle waved back at the halovian before turning her attention back to the room, scanning the area.
Her eyes landed on one of the few empty tables, tucked away in one of the back corners of the room, and she quickly went to claim the spot. The table was simple, just a small round table that balanced on one leg. It only had two chairs, yet Stelle questioned if even two people would be able to fit. It hardly mattered though, it wasn’t like she was going to use it. She made herself comfortable in the chair closest to the corner, giving herself an open view of the rest of the area.
It wasn’t long before Siobhan came over, having finished serving the last people at the bar. In her hand was a drink, the “Stelle” special which she placed in front of the grey haired girl. Stelle’s golden eyes lit up, mesmerized by the drink and its colors that faded from pink, to white, to orange.
“Thanks Siobhan,” Stelle smiled, taking a sip from the curly straw that poked out of the drink. “And thanks for keeping my location on the down low.”
Siobhan gave a small wink, sliding into the seat across from her.
“Hey, it was a small favor, and you’ve given more than your share of help for all of us here.”
“Still, I’m glad that I managed to get here without getting caught,” Stelle sighed. “Despite her help, a lot of the other Nameless still have trouble trusting a Stellaron Hunter.”
“Mhm, I get it.” Siobhan nodded. “Don’t worry, if anyone asks, I never saw you or that silver haired girl that you’re so fond of.”
Stelle felt a warmth rush to her face and broke eye contact with Siobahn, looking towards the ground. Across the table, a light chuckle escaped the lips of the halovian, and she felt a hand gently pat her shoulder.
“I’m just messing with you kid. Besides, it looks like it’s my time to exit. Your date is here.”
Immediately Stelle lifted her head, scanning eagerly for the girl in question. After a moment of searching, her eyes landed on a head of silver hair that faded into a teal-green. Firefly was looking around the Dreamjolt Holstery, looking at everything in the room with fascination. However, it didn’t take long for her to turn around, locking eyes with Stelle and letting a beaming smile run across her face.
Even from across the bar, Stelle could see the way her eyes shined in the light, looking just like the eternal sunset on the Dream’s Edge. Firefly approached the table, her dress and brown cloak billowing behind her in an almost mesmerizing dance. As she got close, Stelle stood up from her chair, approaching to meet the girl halfway.
As they connected, Firefly threw her arms around Stelle, pulling them together in a tight but soft embrace. She nestled her head in the crook of Stelle’s neck, the warmth of her breathing tickling Stelle’s skin. Stelle wrapped her arms around Firefly in response, pulling her even closer. She closed her eyes, humming softly as she soaked in the moment of bliss.
Pulling back, she took in the face of the girl in front of her. It had been so long since she had seen those beautiful eyes. She smiled as she scanned every detail, from her crooked headband, to the way her bangs curled in towards her face. As she stared, a splash of pink dusted across Firefly’s cheeks, making its way up towards her ears. Seizing the opportunity, Stelle gently grabbed Firefly’s chin, pulling her close as their lips softly connected. Pulling apart, Stelle’s lips tingled, as if they had just been zapped by electricity. Is this what people meant by “having chemistry?”
Still smiling back at her, Firefly gently spoke up. “You weren’t caught, were you?”
Stelle shook her head, glancing around the room once more to check.
“Nope, I don’t think anyone on the Express saw me. What about you? How did you get Kafka to agree to let you go?”
“Ahh…” Firefly looked towards the ground, a hint of embarrassment running across her face. “I told her that I was missing the taste of oak cake rolls and asked her if I could get some more.”
Stelle couldn’t stop the small giggle that escaped her lips, causing Firefly to look up and give her arm a gentle smack.
“Hey! Did you want me to come or not?”
“Sorry,” Stelle smirked, trying to stop herself from laughing any further.
Grabbing Firefly by the hand, she gently led her towards the table behind them. Pulling away one of the seats, she offered it to Firefly before pushing her in. As she slid into the seat across the table, she nudged her drink towards Firefly.
“I’m not sure what you wanted, so you can try this.”
“Oh?” Firefly accepted the drink, raising the straw to her lips and taking a small sip. “I like this, what’s it called?”
“That’s my specialty, the ‘Stelle!’” Stelle beamed proudly.
“Hmm…so I get a taste of you then,” Firefly grinned, giving a cheeky wink.
It was Stelle’s turn to blush and she turned away, looking towards the stage in the distance. Center stage stood Lady and Melancholy, about to start their next performance.
“C’mon,” Stelle turned back towards Firefly, grabbing her hand. “Let’s go watch my friends.”
Firefly didn’t protest, grabbing the drink with her free hand and following Stelle towards the stage. Behind the pair performing, the dark blue curtain flowed, looking like a waterfall behind them. It matched the rest of the vibe of Reverie, the same underwater tranquility. As they watched the performance, Firefly gently leaned against Stelle’s shoulder, offering the glass up to Stelle, who took another sip.
“Are you sure that you’re not bored? I know we only have a limited amount of time before you have to go back.” Stelle whispered quietly
Firefly looked back up at her, giving a small nod before giving her a gentle kiss on the cheek.
“I’ll never be bored. Not as long as I’m with you.”