(Untitled)

[onemorebounty]

*The transformation was miraculous, to one who had seen it a wind-blasted desert just a couple years before; the Agon Plains were verdant once again, and Samus had been spending much of her time lately simply walking among the waist-high grasses and the sweet-scented wind, letting the horrors of the last mission fade. The Luminoth had given her the

Comments

[vicioussweetie]

Ali, while Samus had been out walking, had made a quick jaunt into the Nexus for their daily bread (and cheese and fruit and meat and chocolate), as she usually did when it became clear that Samus needed some time to herself. Having returned to the villa before Samus, Ali decided to she was allowed some time for herself, too

[onemorebounty]

*Samus smiles when she hears Ali, a smile that grows upon seeing her (and still more, at the scents wafting from that window--it makes hauling in a stove more than worth it). Seeing that Ali's sketching, she hastens to get out of the way, settling beside her against the wall.*

Enjoying yourself?

[vicioussweetie]

"I am," she assures her friend. "It's very peaceful here. I'm happy to stay as long as you'd like."

Ali wants to ask if Samus is also enjoying herself, and if she's feeling better. Ali, however, knows better; she hopes instead that Samus will take the carefully-constructed conversational opening to such topics in her own time.

[onemorebounty]

It is. And so beautiful--I'm glad they've been able to restore it so well.

*She lets slip a happy sigh that speaks volumes of how she's feeling; there are still hurts in the depths, but her mind is more happily engaged at present.*

Thank you, for this. I know it probably isn't how you'd choose to spend your leave, but it's been just what I needed.

[vicioussweetie]

"I'm very happy to spend it with you," Ali assures her, reaching over to brush cool fingertips over Samus' cheek before draping an arm around her shoulders. "And I could hardly leave you in good conscience to having to hunt for your supper."

[onemorebounty]

*She chuckles at that, cuddling up under Ali's arm, slipping her own around her lover's waist.*

Your generosity knows no bounds, truly. But I do think I'll be fit for going out in public again soon. So, Admiral, where should we spend the next leg of our leave?

[vicioussweetie]

Ali lets Samus make herself comfortable, and gives her a kiss on the top of her head when she sees to have settled. "Well, that very much depends on what you're up for, my love. I don't want to pressure you into more society than you can tolerate."

[onemorebounty]

I think I'm up for most things--but if something sounds like too much, I'll let you know.

*She cuddles in a little more at the kiss, peeking at Ali's sketches if they aren't being hidden.*

[vicioussweetie]

Ali doesn't mind Samus peeking; in fact, when she notices, she slides the pad over into Samus' lap. If Samus cares to look through it, she'd see a lot of familiar things: Luminoth, Skytown, Dane's head on a roast pig (complete with an apple in his mouth), various medicos she might not remember, as well as various people and places from the Nexus and Ali's home life.

"Then perhaps I should ask how soon you think you'll be ready for another assignment?"

[onemorebounty]

*She enjoys looking (the Dane-pig gets a pleased laugh), until the question sobers her and she straightens up.*

What's the assignment?

[vicioussweetie]

"I don't know yet. But I do know that as soon as either of us surfaces again, the 'suggestions' will start coming in. We don't have to go anywhere we'll be found just yet, my dearest, not for a long while," she soothes, rubbing Samus' arm lightly in an attempt to convey just how safe they remain there, in their villa on an alien world full of civil and attentive neighbors.

[onemorebounty]

*She relaxes, cuddling back down at that.*

Point. I do think I'll be ready to move on soon, though.

[vicioussweetie]

"All right. There's no rush," Ali murmurs into her hair. "No rush at all. So let's focus on more immediate concerns, shall we?"

[onemorebounty]

Mmm, alright. More immediate concerns?

*She's getting quite comfortable. Let her stay there too long, and the warmth and cuddles might incline her to doze.*

[vicioussweetie]

"Mm-hmm. Concerns of the most vital nature," she teases, "like when you want to have dinner."

[onemorebounty]

When it's ready?

*She can tease, too.*