Something Better

Chapter 14

After the incredible breakfast they'd all shared. Kyle had changed their route to the nearest jump-gate, and as he landed the ship Mark took the opportunity.
"Hey Sheph." He called from over his shoulder as the ship landed in the soft grass of the town they'd landed beside. Sheph perked at his name being called. He'd been sulking from the way Autzen had walked away from him earlier. "Would you like to go out, and look at this town with me?" Mark asked in a hopeful tone. Filled with the excitement of getting out of the air, and onto real land he nodded vigorously, and got up to follow Mark.
Sheph's legs nearly gave out when he stepped out. Feeling like jelly thanks to all his time in the air. Mark noticed immediately, and quickly went to support him. Throwing Sheph's arm over his shoulder he started to walk into town.

Kyle watched them go with a warm expression as a large hand wrapped around his paw. He blushed, but left his paw there as the two began to walk towards the transportation unit in the large town.
"How long has it been?" Phin asked wistfully as he looked up at the clouds. Kyle chuckled, and looked down at the ground.
"I couldn't say" Kyle replied airily. "So much has happened since we last talked."
" 'Talked'." Phin mocked with a sideways grin. Kyle only shook his head, and pulled his hand away from Phin's and used it to scratch his shoulder. Phin looked down at him with a knowing expression. "I know we've both changed but-"

"I haven't changed Phin." Kyle whispered. "I still can't love like you want me to." He finished. Stopping before the towns entrance. Phin looked down at him, and planted a single kiss on his lips before turning away.
"You know where to find me then." Phin assured as he walked into the town. Kyle sighed, and turned to walk back towards the ship. His body tensed when he noticed Nik's stare from the ship. He froze as Nik watched him with surprise, but he quickly retreated back into the ship when Kyle started furiously stomping towards him.
"Don'tcha know to stay outta my business?!" Kyle exclaimed as he threw himself into the ship
---
The two laughed as they jogged through the town's main road. Food carts lined the dirt path along with small markets for odds and ends. Mark had bought them hotdogs from a nearby cart, and now they'd finally found the ship again.
"You know I'm sure there are better souvenirs for you instead of a hotdog wrapper." Mark pointed out as they sat themselves in the shade made by the ship. Sheph laughed, and shook his head.
"I doubt that's possible." Sheph replied smartly as he set the hotdog on his lap. He carefully folded up the wrapper, and put it deep in his pants pocket. Mark watched him with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh?" Mark said with a questioning grin. "And how are you so sure." He asked.
"Because it'll remind me of the moment we spent together." Sheph replied happily in a sure tone that caught Mark off-guard.
"Wow." Mark said quietly, suddenly he started to laugh loudly leaving Sheph with an embarrassed blush.
"Wh-what's that for?" Sheph huffed standing up. He popped the end of the hotdog into his mouth, and looked down at Mark who was continuing to laugh even though his look was apologetic.
"I just, didn't expect something, so cheesy." He managed to sputter out. Sheph rolled his eyes, and crossed his arms.

"Come on guys we have to go." Came a voice that could only belong to- "Mark get off the ground we have to go." Kyle continued. He seemed much more. Vulnerable? That was too strong of a word. Quiet. His voice was much more quiet than it usually was. Sheph looked at him curiously as he stepped over Mark. Kyle only looked down at Mark with a blank expression until Mark finally managed to sit up, and clear his throat. He stood up, and apologized to a distant Kyle as they all entered the ship. Leaving Mark's hotdog behind.

(hah! Sweet hotdog metaphor on accident. yeah I might try to make a new part daily but who knows.)