Last Day in Darkness

~ 6 ~

Many miles away, Chase pulled over and they climbed on the RV's roof to lie down under a blanket. Like a ship in calm waters, Alyo was rocked by the final echoes of the trip. Intense greens and blues fired up the clear black sky, undulating back and forth in feathery patterns, as if dancing to a secret music.

"It's so . . . beautiful," Chase said, and Alyo knew the feeling of being unable to find the right word.

"It's cool you got to see them after all."

Chase's eyes shone with how enraptured he was by the spectacle. Warm despite the cold, Alyo threw his arm under his head.

"Hey, Chase," he said a bit later.

"What's up?"

"How old are you?"

"Turning thirty tomorrow."

"No way." Alyo propped himself up on his elbow. "You look way younger."

"Man, if I could get a buck every time someone says that."

"Is that the special occasion you were saving your trippy juice for?"

Chase glanced at him then back at the aurora, turquoise lights playing across dark eyes.

"You owe me a gift, dude."

Alyo fell back down, pulling the quilted blanket to his shoulders as the wind swept over them.

"You like paintings?"

He chuckled. "I mean, that's like asking if I like music."

". . . I might have something for you."

"Color me intrigued."

A moment passed, fiery blue fading to green across the sky. Eventually Chase curled up on his side and slipped his arm under his head. "Heh, what the hell. You want a ride down south? I don't know about you, but I could use a bit of sun."

Alyo kept his gaze on the green aurora as he considered it. "That depends. Can I add something to our deal?"

"Like what?"

"I'd like to learn how to drive." He glanced at Chase in time to see him smile.

"All right, I'll teach you."

Alyo held back his own grin. "You got room for a Samoyed in your RV?"

Chase grimaced. "I'm allergic."

Well, so much for that. He'd never leave Misha behind.

Then Chase laughed. "You should've seen your face. Fuck yeah, bring her. I love those dogs, they're always smiling. You got any more questions, or can we get back on the road?"