Chapter Text
Lynae paces around the academy's Freight Zone, her mind currently occupied. She’s finally off work for today, and already made plans to spend the rest of it with Mornye. She just has to wait till Mornye finishes her lectures for the day. But Lynae has something else on her mind, and has had for awhile…marriage. It feels jarring to think of, after all her past self would have scoffed at the idea. Marriage? Ha, yeah right, she laughed at that thought, marriage is a serious thing after all. The concept of finding the right person to spend the rest of your life with…well she knows she already did. The most perfect, beautiful, amazing— Jeez focus Lynae! Now is not the time to fantasize over your girlfriend!
She shook her head as she took her phone out to check the time, Mornye should be here soon. So she tried to gather her thoughts once more. She's been sitting on this idea for awhile now, at least two months, it's not that she is unsure of marrying Mornye, she knows she wants to spend her life with her. But just how is she going to bring it up? Should it be some elaborate proposal? No, Mornye doesn’t do well with such dramatics… It should be more intimate, just the two of them. She thinks back to the many bike rides they’ve taken over the years. At the start she tried to fill the silence by talking Mornye’s ear off, but soon realized she actually enjoyed just…being there, even in silence. She knew Mornye enjoyed their time together, even if she never said it out loud, even if she didn’t show it, Lynae knew.
“That's it! I’ll take her for a drive just like old times, maybe take her to Stagnant Run, maybe near Atuja camp?” She muttered out loud to herself, mentally jotting down the possible ideas. She’ll figure out the details later, she has time after all—
“Lynae?”
Lynae almost jumped at the mention of her name, that voice sounded familiar…
“Rover?” She said in a surprised tone, as she turned around to face the familiar face.
“Yeah it’s me, it’s been awhile huh?” Rover responded with a small laugh before noticing her courier uniform, “I see you’re working for Lollo Logistics, guess you really were serious when you mentioned that to me at the Forever Fest.”
Lynae grinned, it was nice seeing an old friend, even if not much time has passed between them. “Yeah I told you I was serious, remember? Anyway, what are you doing back in Lahai-Roi, you didn’t tell me you were going to visit.” She feigned disappointment.
“Ah I must have forgotten to message you, well I did tell Mornye—”
“Wow you tell my girlfriend instead of me? Ouch, that kinda hurt Rover…” Lynae responded, her hand over her head as if she felt faint. It was clear she was being dramatic though, her grin gave it away.
“Dramatic as usual huh Lynae? You really haven’t changed.” Rover said with an amused sigh as she shook her head.
“Hey, it's only been four years! You’re acting like a decade has passed.” Lynae snorted, though she couldn’t help but agree.
“You’re right, but I can already tell I missed a lot since the last time I was here.” Rover said, reminiscing back four years ago.
“Well Ms. Savior, since you were off helping Solaris I guess I could fill you in on the stuff you missed, if you’re interested.” Lynae said with a wink.
“Right… Well, I’m going to spend a few days here at least, since I plan to catch up with the others. But first, how have you been, Lynae?”
“Great actually! Working at Lollo Logistics has been a blast, albeit very busy, but I’m sticking to more local deliveries nowadays, so it’s been smooth sailing.”
“That’s good to hear, I’m glad you’re happy Lynae,” Rover said with a smile, she had always hoped that Lynae would be able to find a good future for herself.
“Thank you, that means a lot, truly. You really inspired me those years ago.” Lynae said genuinely.
Rover grinned, suddenly having an idea in mind. “Now tell me, how are you and Mornye doing?”
Lynae felt her cheeks heat up, as they normally do whenever her girlfriend is mentioned. “Aha, you can’t resist being nosy huh Rover? Well for your information Mornye and I are doing great! In fact I couldn’t be happier, she really brings out the best in me you know?”
“Yeah I can tell, from how whipped you are.”
“Hey!”
“What? It’s all true, don’t deny it.”
“Ugh whatever, no need to tease me… After all, I can't help being in love!” Lynae groaned, throwing her head back dramatically.
“I jest,” Rover laughed, shaking her head in amusement. “I know how much you like her, not to brag or anything, but I am part of the reason you two are dating.”
“You’re right, without you I wouldn’t have gotten the courage to ask her out.”
“Knowing you Lynae, you probably would have eventually, it just would have taken much longer.”
Lynae rolled her eyes, “Yeah, yeah whatever…” She paused for a moment, wondering if she should ask Rover about her marriage proposal idea. She figured it couldn’t hurt, besides she really needed some advice.
“So Rover…I’ve actually been thinking about something.”
“Oh?”
Lynae gulped, suddenly nervous. How odd. Come on Lynae, just ask, she’s your friend after all. “I– I want to propose to Mornye!” She suddenly blurted out.
Shock graced Rover’s face for a moment, before she began to smile once more. “Ah marriage huh? You’re moving fast aren’t you.”
“Hey we’ve been dating for four years, it’s not that fast.” Lynae pouted, her face turning red in embarrassment. “I just… I really love her, you know? And I think maybe it’s time I take that next step.”
“Well as long as your feelings are true that's all that matters. Now, do you already have something planned?”
“Uh well, not exactly? I mean I was thinking of taking her out near Stagnant Run, and popping the question then.” She said, rubbing the back of her head.
“Hm, well is there something special about that place?” Rover questioned.
“Yeah, actually that’s where I first asked her out, and we’ve gone on dates near there as well.”
“Ah sentimental reasons I see, well I think that would be a good place.” Rover nodded before continuing, “Now do you have a ring yet, or are you still thinking?”
“Ah, I actually do have a ring… well I made it myself…” Lynae muttered, clearly embarrassed.
“Oh, really? That’s actually really sweet, can I see it?”
Lynae nodded bashfully, digging into her pocket. “I’ve been carrying it with me for the past few months.” She said softly as she presented the silver ring.
Rover looked on in amazement, taking note of the intricate details. “Wow I didn’t know you were such a skilled silversmith.”
“Well there's a lot of things you don’t know about me,” Lynae grinned, “I wouldn’t say I’m a pro or anything, but I did put a lot of effort in to make it look as good as possible. Do you think she’ll like it..?” She questioned, suddenly feeling inadequate.
“Of course she’ll love it Lynae, trust me.” Rover said, patting her shoulder in support.
“Thanks, I guess I’m still a little nervous over the whole thing, it is a huge step after all.”
“I understand, but I also know you shouldn’t worry so much, it’s strange seeing you so nervous, where is the confidant Lynae I know?”
“Right, I can be confident, I got this,” She tried, gathering her nerves, “I– I’m going to lose my mind…”
Rover couldn’t hold back her laugh, “Hey, you got this,” She shook her shoulder lightly.
Lynae exhaled, gathering her courage, “Yes, yes you’re right, everything will work out just like it's supposed to. Well, whenever that is, I haven’t exactly decided when I’ll propose…” She sighed, playing with the ring in her hand, “but until then I need to make sure to keep the ring hidden from Mornye, I don’t want the surprise to be ruined after all—”
“Lynae? Mentor?”
Holy shit, Lynae never moved so fast as she quickly stuffed the ring back in her pocket, almost dropping it in the process. That could have been a serious disaster.
“H-hey baby, what are you doing here?” Lynae cleared her throat, trying not to act so obviously.
“You were the one who told me to meet you here after I finished my lecture…” Mornye answered frankly.
“Ah…so I did! Right on time as usual.” Lynae laughed nervously.
Rover could only shake her head, unable to hide her amusement. “It’s been a while Mornye, I was just catching up with Lynae.”
“It’s good to see you too, mentor,” Mornye said with a soft smile, glancing between the two before continuing. “Ah well Lynae and I planned to go out, maybe we can catch up some other time?”
“Yeah of course, I wouldn’t want to impose any longer on your date.” Rover said with a grin.
Both Lynae and Mornye’s cheeks became red at the sudden teasing.
“Well, I plan to meet with Lucilla and Luuk soon, so I’ll be heading off now. Don't do anything too risque, you two.” Rover teased, already walking away from the couple.
After Rover left Lynae turned to Mornye, a smile already forming on her face. “I really missed you, you know.”
“I know, you always tell me that.” Mornye responded softly, her cheeks still dusted pink.
“Well, it’s hard being away from my precious girlfriend for so long. And I know Rover advised us not to do anything "risque", but I really—”
“Lynae!”
“I was just joking! But seriously maybe later we can—”
Mornye just gave her a look.
“Right, right not here, I’ll behave myself, for now at least.” She winked.
Mornye just sighed, but it was clear from the slight smile on her face that she found it endearing. “You said you wanted to grab dinner together?”
“Right! I was thinking we could have dinner and maybe watch a movie after? I heard the film club is showing some old New Federation movies, maybe we could check it out?”
Mornye smiled, she nodded her head, “Of course, as long as it's with you I don’t mind doing anything.” She said bashfully.
Lynae couldn’t stop the huge smile that formed on her face as she heard that, feeling as if she was falling in love all over again. “I love you,” she couldn’t resist saying.
Mornye’s face got redder at that, no matter how many times she has heard it by now, it always made her heart race. “I love you too,” she responded, the words coming with ease.
Lynae couldn’t resist leaning in and planting a quick kiss on her forehead. “Look at us, being all sappy,” Lynae grinned, her heart full.
“Hmph, that’s all you…” Mornye sighed, suddenly overwhelmed with embarrassment.
“Aw, don’t get all shy on me, you were being so cute just a minute ago! Well, you’re always cute actually~” Lynae giggled.
“Let's just get dinner…” She responded, unable to hide the slight pout forming.
“Whatever you say cutie!” Lynae said as she reached for her hand, already dragged her along.
Mornye just sighed, typical Lynae…