Closing Space

One of the things that kept Verity sane was Naomi. The other was calendars.

She loved dates - er, the calendar type, though she often dreamed about the girlfriend type - and had created a calendar to keep track of the time.

Its been seven months, making today Christmas Eve. Verity had some plans, but God forbid someone asked her about them. She couldn't lie to save her life.

Verity's plan included turning off the gravity control switch in her bedroom for a minute, a fake plant, and her best friend.

She was standing in her doorway, wondering whether stopping her bedroom's gravity would continue into the door. She hoped it would be enough, since she needed to hang up the plant.

When she flipped the switch, her feet lifted off the ground. She let out a loud whoop whoop! and quickly attached the metal leaves. It looked a bit lopsided, but that would fix itself when gravity returned. She floated her way to the switch and flipped it again.

Verity stumbled a little when she touched down, her knees threatening to buckle. Even though she'd done it dozens of times, floating was an incredible yet disorientating sensation she might never get used to.

Someone tapped her shoulder while she stood under her work, admiring it. She turned and felt her heart stop.

"Oh, hi Naomi," she signed slowly. She was still getting used the hand language the Loyids used.

Naomi smiled, her pixie cut red hair shining. "Hello, Verity. What's this?" she asked, her hand movements measured.

Verity blushed. "This is a tradition some of us did on Earth around this time of year. It's called mistletoe."

She nodded, though she looked confused. "What does it do?" The Loyids didn't have too good of a grasp on decorations. Everything had a purpose.

Verity's face became beet red. "They say that, uh, people that stand under it have to . . . kiss."

Naomi smiled brightly. Verity thought it was so cute. Naomi herself was gorgeous. She had deep brown skin the color of dark chocolate and vibrant red hair. She had dimples, too, making her smile just that much more adorable.

"I see," was all she said. Verity could tell she was teasing her, telling her to make the first move. Damn.

"I, uh . . . " Her mind was mush.

"Did you hang this up for any particular reason?" Naomi pressed.

"Come on, Naomi! You know I can't lie!"

"I know." It was so frustrating, but Verity couldn't be mad.

"I was, ah, hoping someone would come."

"Who?" Naomi grinned at Verity's discomfort.

Instead of answering, Verity just leaned in and kissed her. Naomi, surprisingly, kissed her back. They wrapped their arms around each other, and anyone could tell that they'd wanted to do this for a very long time.

When they finally pulled apart, Verity smiled lightly. "You."