Chapter Text
Heath and Mara just got home from their date. Both of them agreed it had been amazing. Before they went in, they both stopped. They turned to each other, and both wordlessly agreed that this was the moment they would have their first kiss. Time seemed to slow down as their lips met. Neither of them kept track of how long they stayed like that, but eventually they parted and went inside holding hands.
“Well hello love birds!” They heard as they walked inside.
“What, Astra? Were you waiting for us to get back?” Heath asked.
“Of course, I needed to make sure you got the little gremlin home safe.” Astra said, walking over and putting an arm around Mara.
“You do realize she could easily kill me if I tried anything.” Heath snorted.
“Yeah, I also needed to make sure she got you home safe.” Astra admitted.
“Well, appreciate the thought I guess.” Heath said, grinning,
“But I'm going to bed now- don't follow me!” He pointed accusatorially at Astra. She put up the arm that wasn't around Mara,
“I won't! Besides, I have to get her to bed.” Astra jerked her head at Mara.
“She's a grown woman, she can't get herself to bed?” Heath asked, deciding this was much more interesting than going to bed.
“She can, but sometimes she needs snuggles before she can go to sleep.” Mara blushed and pushed Astra's face away,
“Astra!” Even when she was mad, she was still adorably quiet.
“What? He should know in case he needs to take over the snuggling while I'm not here.” Astra rationalized. Mara’s blush deepened,
“I guess,” she muttered.
“Well let me know if you need me,” Heath said, winking at Mara,
“But Astra, do you stay here most nights? I thought you'd be spending nights with Torreli.”
“I do, but since Torri doesn't need to sleep and Mara does, I make sure she's asleep first. Besides, Mara came first so she takes priority.” she explained.
“Mara takes priority over your girlfriend?” Heath raised an eyebrow at her. Astra looked confused
“Mara is my…” a look of realization dawned on her face. She turned to Mara,
“You didn't-”
“Not the time Astra.” Mara said more firmly than usual. Astra flinched,
“Right, sorry,” she muttered.
“Let's go to bed,” Mara suggested more softly. She grabbed Astra's hand and gently pulled her towards the bedrooms. Astra just followed her.
“Goodnight Heath,” Mara called over her shoulder.
“Night Mara,” Heath replied. He wasn't trying to listen to them or anything, but he overheard Astra say,
“You have to tell him.”
“I know just … not yet.” Mara mumbled back. Heath wondered about this for a moment before shrugging and heading off to his own room. Whatever Astra thought Mara needed to tell him could wait. He trusted her, and would wait as long as she needed to be ready.