Astray Among The Stars

Chapter 6: Day Off Pt. I

Polla walked through the hall. "Hey, Harris!"

Holloway turned from the open panel. "Hello, Polla."

"One of the circuits went bad in the lab. Can you check it out for me?"

Holloway sighed, ruffling his curly mahogany hair. "Polla, it's two in the morning. Why are you awake?"

"I couldn't sleep."

"Star charting again?"

"Yes."

He finished his work, packing the tools away. "You know, I envy you. I've always had an interest in astronomy."

Her teal eyes lit up. "You have?"

"Yeah."

He stood up, stretching, his chestnut eyes focusing in her. "Well then, let's get this started."

* * *

Holloway finished, closing the access panel.

"Thanks."

He stood up. "Well, back to engineering."

She grabbed his hand. "Wait."

"What?"

"There's something I want to ask you."

"What is it?"

Polla hesitated, her heart racing. "Would you. . . would you mind hanging out with me sometime, maybe at lunch or breakfast?"

Holloway grinned. "Believe me, there's a lot more places we could do that."

"Where?"

"Like my quarters, or yours. Maybe right now." He inched closer to her face, bringing in her body. Their lips met.

Polla woke up. The door chimed. She stepped out of bed, stumbling in the dark as she made her way to the door.

"Enter."

The door slid open, the dim hallway lights shyly illuminating a figure.

Polla squinted, adjusting to the light. She blushed. "Oh, um. . . hi, Harris."

His towering silhouette took a step backwards, his eyes darting away from her. "Oh, shit! I didn't see you were under dressed."

"I'm sorry."

"If anyone should be sorry, it should be me. I'm the one who woke you up and walked in on you."

Polla smiled, her cheeks rosy. "You're fine. I'm. . . I'm not embarrassed."

"Well, I am. Don't worry, I'll just look you in the eye. I'm not the type to take advantage of this."

"That's sweet."

Holloway smirked. "Yeah, whatever."

"So, what brought you here this early in the morning?"

He stuck put his hand, delicately holding a golden necklace. "I think this is you forgot this."

"My heart locket! Where was it?"

"I found it in the mess hall at your table during the breakfast. I knew it was yours since you always sit at that table, but I didn't have the time to give it to you until now."

She hugged him. "Thank you so much! I was so worried."

She let him go, her jade eyes sparkling.

Harris caught her eye, smiling. "I'm happy to help." He yawned. "I could really use a cup of jo right now."

"You should rest. You've been working all day."