Moon to My Earth Part 1

Barth

Morning arrives after a peaceful sleep, and Kate wakes up alone in bed. She moves around and slowly opens her eyes, looking beside her to see Merig gone. Kate swaddles herself in the blanket, a soft smile playing on her lips as she reminisces about the night they shared. A sound from downstairs breaks the silence, prompting Kate to sit up slowly. She throws off the blanket and gets out of bed, heading towards the bathroom. After relieving herself, she exits and makes her way downstairs to investigate the noise. Kate walks into the kitchen to find Merig cooking breakfast and making tea. A soft smile spreads across her face as she approaches him quietly. Merig stands by the stove as Kate walks up from behind and wraps her arms tightly around him. He feels her embrace, stops cooking, smiles back, and greets her.

(M)Good morning, sweetheart.

(K)Good morning, my love.

(M)How'd you sleep?

(K)Like a log, how about you?

(M)Same, it was the best sleep I've had in a while.

(K)Yeah, me too.

Merig pauses his cooking, turning around just as Kate releases her hold. He meets her gaze, their eyes locked in a silent exchange. A soft smile blossoms on both their faces. Merig reaches out, his hands cupping Kate's cheeks. He gently strokes them before leaning down to plant a sweet good morning kiss on her lips.

(K)I'm sure you'll be leaving soon to go on patrol.

(M)Yeah, but I'm in no rush. Besides, I thought I'd cook breakfast for you this time.

(K)[smiles] I'm in no rush either. Although when you leave, I want to go hang out with Ash at the pub again, if that's okay.

(M)Of course, Larry and I will walk you there before we go on patrol.

(K)Okay, my love, I am hungry, so we should eat first.

(M)I agree, and like I said, I'm in no rush. We can take our time and eat, too, so I can take my time kissing you.

(K)[smiles] I'd love that very much. In that case, let's take all the time in the world.

Merig and Kate steal lingering kisses in between finishing up breakfast. Bellies full, they head out the door, Merig securing it with a final click of the lock. Merig strides off down the street, Kate following close behind as they weave through the bustling streets, turning corners with practiced ease. Deep in conversation, Kate catches a glimpse of movement out of the corner of her eye. She throws on the brakes, pivoting to get a better look. It's Barth! He's peeking out from behind a house, looking worse for wear. He throws Kate a desperate wave, beckoning her closer. Her eyes dart around, checking for anyone watching, before she slips away from Merig's side and hurries towards Barth, her voice dropping to a hushed whisper as she gets near.

(K)Meet me in the alley at the Bright and Sherry pub this afternoon. We'll talk there.

(B)Alright, I'll be there.

Kate spins on her heel and hurries away from Barth, her steps quickening as she rejoins the path she and Merig were on. She catches up to Merig. Her anxiety is evident as she clutches his arm tightly. They continue their walk towards the pub at a more hurried pace. Inside, Kate and Merig meet Larry. After a brief exchange, Merig and Larry head off together, presumably for patrol duty. Kate, left alone, settles into their usual table at the pub. Across from her sits Ashley, and the two women immediately fall into conversation.