Frozen Sea

1. No Crashing This Time

"This is Eden calling in from Alterra. Ambassador Kim, how are you feeling out there?"

Hongjoong sat up straighter in his chair so he could lean forward and press some buttons on the console. A little yellow light that notified him that he was allowed to speak started blinking.

"Seonghwa and I are approaching 4546B. It looks different from this side. Kinda frosty." He squinted at the nearing ball of blue that was mostly ocean. Through the blanket of white fluffy clouds, Hongjoong could detect a few bits of landmasses. They were all white and not nearly as welcoming as he remembered the other two islands to be. But then again, those other islands also had their ups and downs.

A hand slipped over Hongjoong's thigh tauntingly, grabbing at him as Seonghwa leaned over in his chair. His grey hair fell into his eyes as he partially moved over Hongjoong's lap to speak close to the comm. Hongjoong smoothed a hand down the man's back.

"Medico Kim failed to mention that we are currently crossing a large-scale shower of Perseid meteoroids. They are moving at about 90 kilometres per second which is quite worrisome in my eyes, but our data on them is stable."

Hongjoong gave the android a playful glare that had him raise his perfect brow at the blue-haired male.

"Sounds great, indeed. Well, I hope you will have a safe landing, then. I've been receiving messages from the impatient team all day long," Eden chuckled through the speakers. Hongjoong gently ran his fingers over Seonghwa's back that was clad in a soft blue sweater. He had refused to change into his tactical suit just yet and was still cradling the container with Salty in it close to his chest.

Absent-mindedly Hongjoong drew circles on the soft wool.

"My condolences. We will land soon and then assure that they cease the spam. Our next message shall be sent out after we arrive safely."

Eden wished them well before tapping out of the connection again and leaving the two boys to their devices. Hongjoong continued to stare out over the nearing planets and the void dotted with flaming chunks of stone that rained down into its atmosphere. It was beautiful and terrifying at the same time.

"Ten minutes left until we have to jump out. I will change my clothes." Seonghwa handed Salty over to Hongjoong so he could leave, but Hongjoong held him back at his sleeve. As Seonghwa leaned back over him with searching eyes, Hongjoong cutely pouted at him.

"Do it here, don't leave."

Seonghwa rolled his eyes at him.

"I strongly advise against engaging in sexual activity mere minutes before the launch onto a mostly hostile planet."

Now, it was Hongjoong's time to frown. He tried to hide the tug of his lips around it.

"What, it was an innocent question. Aren't I as your boyfriend allowed to have my little joys? Before having to see Jung and Choi again?"

Yet, Seonghwa continued his way through the bridge without hesitation. He didn't even glance back, just calling over his shoulder.

"Prepare for the launch please and focus on your current task. I will not hesitate to leave you behind with the two troublemakers if you get hurt on the way."

Hongjoong mockingly mouthed his words as the android left. As soon as the door had slid shut behind him, Hongjoong quizzically watched the Peeper in the little container in his hands. Out of a big yellow eye surrounded by bits of blue flesh, it stared at him.

"You must be happy to go back home, huh? It has been a year, after all."

The fish, of course, didn't answer. It continued to look at him from its soulless eye until Hongjoong rose with a sigh and put the box under his arm. Seonghwa had taken quite a liking to the little fellow and the inside joke it shared with the two of them. Hongjoong, however, found himself scowling at it and the attention it received from his lover more often than not. Seonghwa wouldn't have hesitated to change in front of Salty, at least.