It was days before she heard from him again. It surprised her that he knocked on her door standing in the rain with flowers in his hands. “Good gosh you’re soaked, what are you doing here?” quickly she pulled him into the house and helped him with his jacket. “I’ll get you a towel.” She ran fast to get him a towel leaving him standing there shivering from the cold. “Here,” she tossed him a towel and robe. “take off those clothes and I’ll dry them.”

“Here,” he tried to give her the bouquet of flower that were now wilted from the cold rain.

“Oh Derek, thank you but we really should get you out of those clothes before you get sick.” He went into the bathroom and took off all his clothes and handed them to her through the door. “What are you doing here and in this weather? It’s pouring out side.”

“It wasn’t when I drove here. It started just when I got here. I got a few days off and thought of spending it with you. Thought you would like to go to a jazz club or something.”

“That’s nice but I work tomorrow.”

He frowned. “Funny, I thought tomorrow was your day off. I checked with you superiors.”

Now it was her turned to frowned. “Are you stalking me?”

“Yes,” he said with pride. “I am. Now how about it, would you like to go with me? As friends of course.” He said giving her a crooked grin.

“What are you up to Wildstar?” she asked wearily.

“I just want to be friends. I missed my best friend. So will you, I promise I will be a complete gentleman.”

She smiled making her eyes dance, “sure, why not.”

“Great, go get dress. I know this place that has a live band, I think you’ll like it.” He pushed her towards her room so she could dress while his clothes dried. “Wear something pretty.” He called out. Nova wasn’t sure why she agreed to go but it felt good to finally have a little fun. Neil would’ve wanted me too. He wouldn’t want me to sit around and become an old maid. She began to feel giddy and her eyes lit up just thinking about it. She looked in the closet and looked through what she had. A simple halter red dress caught her eye. She looked around and found 3 inch black strapped stilettos that she hadn’t wore in a long time. She jumped into the shower and hurry to dress. Finished dressing he was in awe at how stunning she was when she walked into the room. Her body blushed knowing that he was speechless at how she looked. He finally spoke, “You look stunning. I better prepare for every man in the place wanting to dance with you.”

“Stop it,” she gave him a shove.

“I mean it, Nova. Your stunning.”

She realized that he still was in a robe and said, “Oh, your clothes, let me go get them.”

He quickly dressed and stuck his arm out and she slipped hers through his. “It stopped raining so the night is starting out on a good note.” They arrived 30 minutes later at Santana’s. Taking a seat in a quiet corner of the club the band played a beautiful love ballot from the 20^th century. Celine Dion, When I fall in love. As the singer sang her part he reached out and took her hand into his. Nova almost jerked her hand away but just looked at him as he looked at the dual sing their part in harmony. After three songs he lean over and asked. “are you having fun?” she nodded yes. “Would you like something to drink? What was it that you loved to drink? Wasn’t it a chocolate martini?” He remembered which made her smile. He raised his hand to the waiter and ordered the drink for her. He took her hand and stood up. “Come on let’s dance.” She tried to protest but he had her on the floor before she could speak. The band played Eric Benet, The Last Time. He brought her close to him. She felt his body against hers and she could tell that he was still fit. As the music play she felt herself drift off into his arms. Without warning he began to sing in her ear. He had a great voice and without thinking she placed her head on his chest and drank in the night.

When the song finished she looked into his eyes and said. “Just friends, huh?”

He grinned and said. “Just a little.” By the end of the night Nova was floating on cloud nine. He took her home and took her hand in his and kissed it. “I hope that you had a good time.”

“I did, thank you.”

“I hope that we can do this again.”

“Me too.” She said softly.

“Goodnight Nova, thank you for coming with me.” And with that he kissed her hand one more time and left.

 

 

He call the next day and she found herself giddy that he did. “Hello, Nova.”

Just hearing his voice made her smile. “Hello Derek. I wasn’t expecting to hear from you so soon.”

“Ah, you cut me short. Do you think I’m one of those guys that goes out with a beautiful girl and never call her back for weeks.”

“Um, yeah.” She giggled.

“Now you hurt my feelings.” He pouted. He heard her giggle again and smiled. “I was wondering if you’re doing anything this weekend?”

“Why?” she asked with caution.

“Well I heard that the carnival is in town and I was always intrigued to your customs. Would you like to go and show me around?”

“This is starting to become a dating situation”

“Date! Oh no, this is just two good friends hanging out. That’s all.”

“Right, sure it is. Okay, I’ll play along. Sure why not. When and what time.”

“Saturday, around one. I’ll pick you up.”

 

 

She figured it’s best to wear a pair of faded blue jeans and red sweater. It was starting to get colder out and she didn’t want to be cold if they stay late into the night.  A pair of sneakers for comfort and tied back her hair in a ponytail completed her look. Derek arrived a few minutes later also wearing jeans and a sweater. They both laughed that they almost dressed identical. “Were you reading my mind.” He joked with her.

“Are you kidding, I was about to see if you had my house bugged.” She joked back. They made idol chat as he drove out further away from the city and towards the fair grounds. They watched as families and lovers made their way in, laughing and joking with each other. He took her on the fairest wheel than played some games trying to win her something. When he turned from playing she was walking toward him with a huge bear in her arms. “I won you something.” She announced. He couldn’t help but laugh. She watched as he brought something from behind him. It was a small teddy bear that he had won.  “How cute, I love it!” she said with joy.

“Yours is so much better.” He took hold of the big bear and kissed her cheek. “Thank you, this is a first. I’m usually the one that wins.”

“But you did, Captain. You won me the one I wanted, thank you,” then returned the kiss on his cheek. By the end of the day they were both exhausted. For Nova it was a long time since she had that much fun. For Derek, he was happy to see her enjoying herself. She drifted off to sleep as he drove her back. Pulling up to her house he woke her up. “Are we here already?”

“Yup, come on I’ll walk you to the door.”

“Would you like to come in for some coffee or tea?”

“Naw, it’s late and I’m sure you’re beat. Rain check?”

“Sure.”

“Hey can I leave my winning friend here with you tonight. It would be embarrassing to go to the barracks with it.”

“Sorry Captain, you’ll just have to suck it up. Tell them you won it but I dump you for one of the carnies there.”

“You are brutal. I hope you had a good time.”

She bowed her head and spoke softly, “I did, thank you.”

“I’m glad I could make you happy.”

 

 

 

A week went by and Nova began to miss him. She threw herself into her work to forget him. By the end of the week he called. “Hey there, sorry I haven’t call. I’ve been in meetings all week and then training. Most of the nights I fell asleep studying or just passed out.

“Oh that’s alright, I’ve been busy myself.” She lied. “So what’s going on?”

“Since you asked, I’m in a little dilemma. See there’s this ceremony coming up and ball after. Well I was one of the nominees for best fighter pilot and commander and see it seems like everyone is bringing someone and well I don’t want to be the only one there alone, so I was wondering if you’re free tomorrow night. So how about it? Are you free?”

“You mean a date?”

“No, no, no. It’s not a date, per say. It’s a favor for a friend.”

“Come on Derek, you can’t find any panting young twenty year old that wants to be seen on your arms?”

“I need someone that can hold a conversation. Especially with EDF upper command. Please I’m really in a bind.”

She huffed, “Alright, what time and how should I dress?”

 

 

They walked into the hall hand in hand. He gave her a light squeeze and then wink. His teammates from class were envious of him. Nova wore her black short cocktail dress that crossed in the back showing just enough skin. He guided her to his table as they waited for him to sit. “Well, Wildstar I actually thought you were lying. She is as beautiful as you said she was. If anything you didn’t do her justices. Hello, my name is captain Takanora. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Nova glared at him, he had this planned from the beginning. With a slight smile she shook his hand. “Nova, Nova Forester. It’s a pleasure. Now tell me what the captain here has been telling you.”

“Nothing bad, only that you were stunning and looking at you is like looking at an angel.” Nova blushed and looked away.

“Don’t let her beauty fool you she’s smart as hell.” Wildstar boasted. “She served with me on the Argo. This is THE Nova Forester of the star force.”

“Is that so? Well it’s not only a pleasure but also an honor.” Takanora said.

Wildstar watched as she talk to the other officers asking questions about their families and life abroad. His superiors were impressed that she was very well informed about EDF and many vessels. Wildstar bragged about her flying skills and she was one of the best officers to serve under Captain Avatar. Takanora pulled him aside and asked. “Are you two an item?”

What was he supposed to say. Yeah they are, or no we are just friends. He stared over to where she was talking to one of the admirals. “It’s complicated.”

“I don’t get it, are you or aren’t you?”

“Like I said, it’s complicated.”

“So does that mean I can ask her out?”

Before he could ask again Wildstar walked away. He didn’t think he would be but he was jealous of someone asking about her.  He walked over to her and took her hand. “Excuse me sir’s. I just realized that I haven’t had a dance with my date. Nova, would you do me the honor?”

“Of course.” She took hold of his hand and let him lead her to the dance floor. He slipped his arm around her waist and brought her close to him.  Luther Vandross played Here and Now as they danced on the floor. Takanora looked and saw the spark that were between the two. Nova could feel her heart beat faster and faster. What was she doing he was her past and here she was falling in love with him again. I have to keep my distance for now on. I can’t lead him on. It’s not fair to him or me. She kept going over in her head but by the end of the song she knew that she wanted more. “Thank you for the dance.” She kissed his cheek and began to walk off the dance floor.

“Wait, just one more dance.”

“It’s getting late and I feel really exhausted. I really would like to go home now.”

Feeling disappointed he appeased her. “Of course, I’ll go get our coats and bid my commander goodbye. I’ll meet you at the front door.”

She stood waiting as he said goodbye. Staring out the door she wasn’t aware of Takanora standing beside her. “It’s cold isn’t it.” He said.

“Yes it is.” She said still looking out.

“So you and Wildstar are an item. You look good together.”

“Um, no we are not an item. We’re just friends.” She said with defense.

“Really? Well it looked like there were fireworks on the dance floor from the two of you. Now I understand what he meant about that it was complicated.”

“I’m sorry you spoke about me with him?”

“I just asked if you and he were an item. He just said it was complicated. I was going to ask you out on a date but when I saw you two dance I knew that there was something between you two.”

“Trust me there is nothing there.” She said with anger.

“So there is a chance that I can ask?” He said happily.

She turned to him and said a firm. “NO. Now if you would excuse me I am waiting for my ride.” Making him walk away with his tail between his leg. Ten minutes later Wildstar was by her side helping her with her coat. With frustration she snapped her coat shut and started to walk out.

Confused he wasn’t sure if he should ask what was wrong or stay quiet. They drove in silence, she in thought about what happened and he wondering what happened to make her withdrawal from him. Helping her out of the car, he walked her to the door and finally spoke. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes, I just want to get inside and go to bed.”

She was ready to step inside when he held her arm. “Did I do something wrong? I thought we were having a good time.”

She huffed and snapped, “do me a favor please do not discuss us with anyone ever again. So I have become a complication for you. Well I can uncomplicated it for you. Don’t ever call me again.” And slam the door hard on his face.

What the hell just happen? He thought everything was going well and out of the blue she turned on him. Complicated? He thought and realized what happened. Damn you Takanora. I was just getting to her. What made it worse was the next morning they were on the front page of every newspaper asking who she was. She wanted to just crawl in the grave with Neil. She never like being in the paper when they were dating back then and she hated now. Derek wanted to die, he tried calling her all day and she refused to answer. He was due to go back to Great Island and it drove him insane that she didn’t want to talk to him. He showed up  at the hospital and waited for her to come out. He leaned on her car waiting. Thirty minutes later she emerged from the huge building and walked to her car. She stopped when she saw him standing there. “Nova, can we talk, please?”

“No, now go away.”

“Wait a minute, I have a right to know what happened. I leave in two days I don’t want to go back to Great Island not knowing what I did. So please just give me that.”

She felt drain. “I don’t want to be a complication in your life. I made it clear I didn’t want to get involved. But somewhere along the line I,” she began than trail off. “It doesn’t matter, I am nothing more than a complication to you.”

“I never meant it in a bad way, Nova. I still love you. When I saw you again I knew I still love you. But I knew you weren’t ready to make that step. I just hoped that one day you would see what I wanted you to see. Someone that’s changed and wants you back in my life and not as friends.”

“I just can’t do it again with you, please just leave me alone.”

He bow his head with a broken heart and said. “I understand. I’ll leave you alone. I never meant to make you angry or sad. I just thought we could get back what we had once. Goodbye Nova.”

Slowly she closed her car door and didn’t look back to see him drive away.

 

 

 

The weeks went quickly and the weather began to change once again. She buried herself in her work not giving any chances of him or Neil to enter her mind. Looking at the charts for the day she notice Jun’s chart was in the mix. Her heart dropped to read that his remission was not as they thought. His illness took a turn for the worst. Her eyes build up with tears to know that there was no longer anything they could do but make him comfortable in his final days. By end of the day he was the last patient on her shift. She took a deep breath and put on her best poker face. “Well hello, you must miss us a whole bunch.” She said as she fought back her tears. “How are you Jun?” she brushed his hair from his face and checked his temperature. She could tell he was uncomfortable and override his pain medicine to give him comfort. “Better?” she asked. He nodded yes and drifted off to sleep. Nova spoke to his parents for a few minutes then told them to go and get something to eat since she was off. “I’ll sit with him, you two go on. You need some time to yourselves. Take your time, I can sit with him for a long as you need.” It took only days for his illness to take its toll on him. Each day Nova would sit vigilantly next to him making sure he was comfortable. One day he was up and chatting with her about Wildstar. Was he out in space? Is he ever coming back? Then he asked his mother to give her something to give to Wildstar. She promised that she would hand it personally to him. Two days later he pass in his sleep after telling his parents he loved them and thanked Nova for being there. She spent her day in bed crying for the child she grew to love.  She sat in her kitchen staring at the gift he left for Derek. She promised him that she would hand deliver it to him. Now she had to do it. It has been months since she threw him out of her life and now she had to see him again.

 

 

What could he want now was all Wildstar could think of. From the time he walked into the building it was non-stop meetings. All he wanted to do now was lay low and stay out of site. He escaped to the air field and took off in his fighter. Plan A, stay in the air until the day is over with. He loved to fly, it was a way to clear his mind. Once he got back to Great Island he threw himself into his work. He shied away from the press and decided to stop dating for a while. Every time he thought about her he quickly pushed her out of his mind.  “Come in TANGO NINER ALPHA ZERO BRAVO,” Came over his helmet.

“This is TANGO NINER ALPHA ZERO BRAVO come in.”

“Captain Wildstar you have a visitor waiting to meet with you in hanger 19. They say it’s important.”

Damn they can’t even leave me alone up in the sky. “Inform them that I will be on the ground in 20, TANGO NINER ALPHA ZERO BRAVO out.” He made an excellent landing and move the fighter to the hanger. Jumping down he went over a few things to the technician about what he needed repair and then asked about his visitor. They pointed to the office and he frowned to think that someone interrupted his flying time. He swung open the door ready to pounce on whoever cut his time short when he saw her standing there. “Nova?”

“Hello Derek.”

He couldn’t help but smile to see her. “What are you doing here? Is everything alright”

“No Derek, Jun past away a few weeks ago.” She blurted it out. She didn’t want to waste time in beating around the bush. Best to tell him and leave.

He stood stunned and quiet for a few minutes then spoke. “I’m sorry Nova, I thought he was in remission?”

“He was but it came back in full force.”

Wildstar leaned on the desk and bowed his head, “did he suffer.”

“No, I made sure that he was comfortable to the end. Anyway I promised him that I would give this to you in person.” She pulled a square box out of her purse and handed it to him. He slowly opened it to find a baseball in its contents. Written on the ball was his name. Wildstar grinned at the gesture bringing back the memory of when they talked about baseball. It was his passion to play and become a famous ballplayer. He told him that when he becomes famous that he would sign a ball and send it to him. He would treasure it forever. Nova could see the pain in his eyes. “He was MVP for his little league team.”

He shook his head in agreement. “I know we talk a whole day about baseball. He told me when he is better that he was going to be a famous ballplayer. One day he will play against us and then become more famous than me. He was a great kid. How are his parents? Is there anything I can do for them?”

“No, they said just us caring was enough. My father is donating a wing to the hospital in his name.”

“Thank you, but you didn’t have to come all the way here to bring it to me. You could have mailed it.”

“I promised, and I keep my promises.”

“Well, thank you again.” They stood there looking at each other and the gift that she gave him. “So how long are you staying. I know you didn’t fly all the way here to just give me this.”

“Just a couple of weeks. I figured I take the sights and visit some friends.”

“Where are you staying?”

“Not sure yet, as soon as I landed I went to EDF and they told me that you were here. I’m just going to check into the Great Island Regal Hotel.”

He looked at the clock on the wall and noticed it was getting late. “Maybe you should get going this time of the year they get full pretty quick.”

She agreed, “I guess I should go.”

“Let me walk you out.” Walking back to her car he kept his distance. They didn’t part in the best of ways twice and he didn’t want to get hurt again. She thought the same. He opened the door to her car and said, “listen if you want I would love to have dinner with you tonight. Strictly friends, no strings, no side agenda. Promise.”

“I don’t know,”

“ If you like I can invite Sandor and some of the others so we can all catch up.”

“You don’t have to do that. I’ll call you from the hotel and let you know.”

 

She couldn’t believe that they were sold out weeks ago. She should have made reservation before she left. The concierge tried to search some hotels in the area but with a big convention going on it was impossible to get a room anywhere.  “I am still waiting for the Diamond hotel to call me back. We are trying to find you some place deceit Ms. Forester. In the meantime, why don’t you have dinner on us at Bristro Le Mistral. You must try the Boeuf Bourguignon it’s the chefs signature dish. It’s to die for.”

“Thank you.” He was sweet in trying to find her somewhere to stay. Walking into the restaurant she noticed a lot of people eating with their families or loved ones. She felt alone and decided it was a good idea to call. She dial his number and he answered.  “Hello Derek, listen I’m here at the Regal and waiting for a suite and well they offered dinner and I hate to eat alone in public, guess that is why I don’t eat out. So can you make it?”

“I’ll be there in 20 minutes.”

They escorted her to a table and asked. “Dinning alone?”

“No, I’m expecting someone. He should be here in 20 minutes.”

“Would you like a cocktail while you wait?” the waiter asked.

“A glass of red mascot wine, thank you.” She kept busy with looking over emails and texts. He strolled into the restaurant 15 minutes later with confidence. People turned to get a glimpse of the famous Captain. He walked up to the table and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “thank you for coming.”

“Have you ordered yet?”

“I waited for you to come. Drink?”

“Nope, when I drink it never turns out well. So I’ll just stick to water with lemon.  So, why me? There are a lot of other people you could’ve call.”

“No one knows I’m here yet. And trying to get someone to have dinner at the last minute will be impossible. I figured you asked so I called.”

“Well I’m glad you did. So what’s good here?”

“I’m sorry, you’ve never been here?” she was shocked that he never took one of his many flings there.

“Unlike what people think, I’m not as much as a player anymore as they think I am. I spend most of my time alone in my apartment.”

“Really, the great Derek Wildstar sits at home alone. Now that’s something the press hasn’t seen. So all those women you’ve been seen with in the press?”

“Not all of them were someone I was with. Most of them were colleagues or a friends wife or sister. The women I been with were far and few in between.”  She placed her elbows on the table and then sat her head on her hands. She was intrigued to what he was saying. He was quite opened about his life without her and she listened to everything he said. “I’m glad that you found someone that loved you and made you happy. I’m just sorry that you had to feel the pain of losing him.” The concierge walked over to her and whispered in her ear. He watched as she frowned and thanked him.  “Something wrong?”

“Only they couldn’t get me a room at one of the other hotels. Seems there’s a huge convention going on here in down town and I’m going to have to go to one of the second class hotels. Even the Motels are booked.”

“I can understand if you say no, but I have a spare room you can crash in if you’re interested.”

“Sounds tempting but I’m sure I can find something in Shinbuya.”

“Are you insane! That is so dangerous there. No you’re staying with me, I insist.” He waved the waiter over and ordered him to have her bags sent to his address while they finish with dinner.

“Derek, I really don’t think that is a good idea.”

“Come on you need a place to stay and I have a spare room.”

“YOU! have a spare room. Okay is that were you put the extra girl.” She joked.

“You have jokes, no sometimes one of the guys fly in and rather stay with me then a hotel.” She signed the check and he helped her up. “To tell you the truth, you will be the first girl I’ll be bringing to my place.”

“And the reasons you haven’t brought anyone there?”

“Stalkers. Best to leave their place then me trying to get rid of them in the morning.” Walking into his apartment she actually found it charming. It was neat and clean. Of course it was very masculine with leather contemporary couch and modern art. “Would you like a drink?”

“Geeze thanks, but no thanks. I just want to crash I haven’t slept since I left.”

“Of course, come on,” he grabbed her hand and lead her to the room. “See, spare room and my room is on the other side of the apartment. There are towels in the bathroom and here in the closet are blankets. I’ll leave you to get comfortable. Goodnight Nova. See you in the morning.” She change quickly and pull the blankets back before she could blink she was fast asleep.  She slept through the night and into the following day.  Derek checked in her room and decided to let her sleep. By the following morning he found her still sleeping, he made some breakfast and placed it on the side table next to her and left for work. Nova woke up minutes after he left and looked around she didn’t know how long she was sleeping for. She smelled the food and turned her head to see a plate of eggs and toast on the side table. How sweet, she thought.  She got up, brushed, dressed and then ate. She walked around his apartment looking at pictures.  One caught her eye of him and her on the observation deck on their way to Iscandar. There was some of her alone and some of him and her and Venture. She wondered what ever happen to him. Something she would have to ask when he got home. She looked around his kitchen and then made her way into his room. His bed was unmade, but the rest of it was neat. Finding his closet she ran her fingers through his clothes. She was tempted to looked through his dresser but thought it was best not to. Finally she walked into his office and sat in his chair. She found herself snooping through his files and looking on his wall of certificates and awards. She was startled when his phone rang. She stared at it unsure if she should pick it up. What if it’s a girl and she answered it? She didn’t want to ruin any relationship that he was having. The phone stopped ringing and the answering machine went off. “Nova, are you up yet and snooping around. It’s okay if you are. But please don’t go into the closet of the office and look into the safe. That’s where I have the map of all the bodies I buried.”

She picked up the phone and wanted to laugh. “I’m not snooping.” She said into the receiver.

“Sure you’re not. Anyway since you’re up, what are your plans today?”

 “I don’t know. Look up some old friends. I was thinking on Venture.”

“Sorry he’s gone for 6 months on a mars mission. He won’t be back for another 3 months.”

“Dash?”

“Station in Texas.”

“Eager?”

“Station in Mosco, dating a pretty Russian girl.”

“Homer?”

“Lives in Australia, married with three kids. He flies in once and awhile to catch up and hang, hence the spare room.”

“Then who is still here?” she asked.

“Sandor is here, we can all have lunch. How about it?”

“Sure,” she said with cheer. “Where and when.”

 

She walked into the restaurant wearing jeans and a gray and black blouse. Her hair cascaded around her face and Wildstar watched as men stare as she walked towards him and Sandor. “Hello Sandor, it’s been too long.” She hugged and kissed his cheek. Quickly she kissed Wildstar cheek and sat down.

“You’re looking great. What is it that makes you looking younger?”  Wildstar said as she blushed, shrugged her shoulders and sat down.

“It’s great seeing you again Nova. What have you been up to?”

“Just working at the naval hospital in the states.”

“I’m sorry for your lost. I wish I knew him. I’m sure he was a great guy.” Sandor reached across the table and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

“Thank you Sandor. Derek was a great help.” She glanced at him with gratitude.

“How long are you here for?”

“A couple of weeks.”

“Well you need to head over to Hero Hill and pay your respects.” He told her. They talked about their time on ship. He told her about his climb in EDF and about what everyone is doing. Wildstar finally excused himself, leaving her and Sandor alone. “Well looks like we are alone. So, tell me what’s going on with you and Wildstar.”

“There nothing going on, we’re just friends. And even that is shaky.”

He lean forward and said softly, “he is deeply in love with you. He may not show it because he wants to respect your wishes. But it’s just killing him to know that you’re here and there is nothing that he can do to let you see how much he’s changed.”

She ran her finger around her glass and looked away. “I didn’t come here to see if there can be something that can be worked out with us. I had a message to deliver and that’s it. He is making more than what it is.”

He frowned, “I see. Just be easy on my friend. He does love you, Nova and would do anything for you.”

“I feel like this is becoming a Spanish inquisition. Please, just stay out of this. There is nothing that will become of this. Just friends, I swear.” Returning to the table Wildstar felt the silence between the two. He wondered what was said to make the atmosphere so chilly. He looked from Sandor to Nova and saw the scowl on her face. She put her napkin on the table and said. “I should go. I have a few things I have to do. Like find a place to stay for the remaining time. Derek I will see you later.”

They watched her walk out and Wildstar turned to Sandor. “What the hell just happened?”

“I just asked her what her intentions were with you.”

He couldn’t believe it. Was he trying to act like a big pain in the ass brother. “Thanks a lot Sandor. You made her think that I want her back.”

“Well don’t you?”

“I do but I don’t want her to feel I am pressuring her. I need to make her see me as someone that change. Now you go on and do this. Thanks a lot Sandor.”

 

 

He walked into his apartment with caution. He looked around and made his way to her room. He knocked softly on the door and opened the door slowly and carefully. “Nova? Are you here.”  She moved quickly packing. Nova hoped to be out of his apartment before he came home but he was there looking at her. “Where are you going?”

“To find a hotel, I don’t care if it’s in down town in the sleazy part of town.  This is not going to work. You still are in love with me and me being here is just making it complicated for you.” She said as she continued to pack.

“Whoa, wait, wait, wait. Hold up. Let’s talk about this first. I can’t and won’t allow you to get something in some sleazy place. Just stay here until morning and if you still feel like leaving I’ll help you find something.”

“Derek, let’s just make a clean break. I’m just better off heading back home early. I’ll call and change my reservations to get the next flight out. So I wouldn’t be staying very long.”

He sat down on the bed and took a deep breath. “Nova, I’m sorry that Sandor made you feel uncomfortable. He had no right to do that. Trust me, the last thing I want is to make you feel that way. Please, just stay for one more night and if you feel that you need to go then I won’t stop you.”

She stopped packing and huffed, “oh alright. Just one night.”

“Good, now how about dinner.”

“I’m not in the mood to go out.”

“Wasn’t thinking of going out. I’ll make dinner. You can help.” He guided her into the kitchen. He began to take food out of the fridge as she looked around for pots and pans. He asked. “Do you still remember how to make Chahan?”

She grinned, “Of course.”

“Great, you make the chahan and I’ll make some Yakitori,” She gave him a funny look. “I know just the white meat.” He moved swiftly around the kitchen as she turned the rice. He looked into the pot and smiled. “You still have it. Smells good.”

“Yours smells good too.”

“Ah, but you’re not turning it the right way. Let me show you.” He took her hand in his and slipped his other hand around her waist. “See just slow turns.”

“Hmm, are you making a move on me?”

“Only if you want me to.” He said hoarsely into her ear. She blushed and her body felt on fire with him so close to her.

She slipped out of his hold and asked, “Do you have some wine?”

“In the fridge, there are wine glasses in the cabinet over there.” She quickly poured herself a drink and sat off the kitchen at the table.

“It’s been a long time since we did this.” She said. “Kind of brings back old memories.”

“I’m hoping that they were good?”

“Yes they were. Music?”

“Remotes on the coffee table. Just press play.” She turned on the stereo and the sound of Cher and Peter Cetera singing ‘After all’. She listened to the music letting the music engulf her as she drank her wine. She made her way to the window and looked out to the city. It was a beautiful view of the city from his window. The city light’s shine bright in the distance. She wondered how things would have turned out if things worked out with them. She looked down at the table next to her and found a picture of her and him on their return home from Iscandar. She picked it up and stared at it. “Brings back great memories when I look at that one.” She heard him behind her.

“It was good being back on Earth. We were so young then. Young and naive.” She trailed off.

“Your right about that. Come on dinner is ready.” He took her hand and escorted her to the table.  “Your rice looks good and taste great.”

She took a bite of the Yakitori and thought it was delicious. “Pretty good for a bachelor.”

“It’s one of my many dishes.” He grinned. He picked up his glass of water and said, “Kanpai to friendship.”

She raised her glass and clicked it to his. “To friendship.”

 

 

 

 

Friendship or something more? Will love flourish once again with Nova and Wildstar. Will Nova’s feelings again surface for Wildstar? Is it meant to be for them? Her wondering destiny is still searching in her heart. Read on to see what happens next.