—|infinity|—

2 days later..........

Marcus had eventually agreed to give the Renegades a break. This was of course after much convincing from Callius and Ava Pike. A month was all they were granted to rest up and heal before heading off to their next adventure.

Callius had also managed to strike up a deal with Marcus. The deal was that Marcus could indeed start the dismantling of Section 31, but leave Mason Graham and his wife, Marcia out of any further punishments for being involved with the group. Marcus had only agreed on the condition that the other's may serve some sort of punishment.

Now all the members could find some ideas to relax.

Elsa decided to start with by listening to artists she'd missed out over the centuries she'd been on Caera. Her friend's suggestions of Halestorm, Demi Lovato, Taylor Acorn, and Pink were her first choice. They'd recommended her such artists after hearing her liking to Alice Cooper and her love for songs that were slightly rock-ish sounding.

Mason and Marcia's decided they would take this time to stay out of the public eye. They did not want to take chances of receiving hate from the many people who adored Starfleet and loathed Section 31. Most likely, they would start the books they'd planned on reading years ago.

Issac and a surprise for Lyris, but he would not give it away. They were currently driving down to Harvest Moon for a visit at Davina Merlin's house. Dinner, most likely as well. They were both a sucker for Davina's authentic Italian cuisine and divine smells of spices.

Cauis, of course it was no surprise, went immediately back to working on new ideas. He would of course stop by for lectures he signed up to do for the academy. He still missed his job as a professor, but loved having more time to concoct inventions.

Katherine was stopping by to visit her mother, who was a handicapped woman. She visiting the shop she once used to work at that had grown into a flowering business. Baking had been one of her many talents, but she only liked baking occasionally and not all the time. A reason as to why she probably quit working at the bakery for extra money years ago.

Alejandro and Adeline decided that for a few days they should spend some time together. Adeline would sometimes help Cauis on inventions, leaving Alejandro enough time to call his mom or watch a Ghibli film of his choice.

Even, Callius found some way to relax. He'd found that in spending time with his wife and daughter, not with his sister or her family. It was an odd thing to imagine, Callius resting or taking a break. That didn't mean that he still didn't hit the gym for some practicing of his weapons skills and boxing.

On the second day.........

It was a lovely morning in the Starfleet academy gardens. The fountain sputtered out refreshing cool water droplets and the bushes had been perfectly pruned earlier that morning. The smell of freshly cut grass still lingered in the air from last night.

It was hard to decipher whether it felt like a warm spring morning or a lukewarm summer day. However, the several people in the gardens didn't care. They walked around, rewriting essays for the academy or probably laughing about some sort of joke their friends made.

Alejandro and Adeline had just exited the newly-built Academy building, which was now sectioned off into three different parts. There was the school part for science and engineering, one side for helmsman and diplomatic teachings, and dorms for the dozens and dozens of students. The engineering part of the first building exited out into the gardens.

Alejandro exited the room with a smile sweet as honey plastered across his lips. He'd enjoyed yesterday so much, the Chinese food Adeline ordered had hit the spot. Honestly, he was just soaking up every moment he was having with Adeline.

"I didn't think he'd need our help for the lecture on gravitational pulls of a planet's sun or tractor beam for an hour. I'm sorry that-"

"No, don't be. I'm just glad that I can talk about piloting without sounding like some nerd," Alejandro interrupted her.

His hand desperately wanted to reach out and grab ahold of hers, to hold hands with her. In his worried mind, he decided not to. He was worried he'd be pushing it. He would never want to make her uncomfortable.

He was a man who tried to understand different sexualities. From lesbian to pansexual or gay to asexual, he wanted to make sure he knew if Adeline was comfortable with anything he did. Their dates had mostly been talking and a true affectionate understanding of each other.

"What do you want to do know?" Adeline tried to have a bit of a spring in her step as she walked alongside Alejandro.

"What do I want to do?" Alejandro raised an eyebrow.

"And please, no Ghibli movies as an idea. I've had enough of talking fireplaces and-and-and whatever those head shaking little creatures were-"

"Kodomas?"

"Kodomas, whatever."

Truthfully, it had been the funniest thing to see Adeline's reaction to Princess Mononoke. Seeing now that she didn't see this films as only for children. She saw this movie as a PG-13 rated film for the chopping off of body parts.

He had to stifle a laugh when he remembered how her mouth and hung open for several minutes. Her eyes bulged out in shock at the brutal scene. She apologized for agreeing with Mason years ago about these films being made for children. He accepted her apology, informing her that Mason had the same reaction months ago.

"Alright......and we already agreed on a replicator meal for lunch and dinner tonight...." Alejandro muttered to himself before speaking aloud, "What choices do I have to choose from?"

"Just something new," Adeline answered, the two halting in front of a fountain that was unoccupied, "Maybe something we haven't discussed before."

Alejandro froze up, his mind swirled around back to something he'd talked about with his mother. They hadn't kissed yet. Not like a kiss on the cheek or even on the lips. That was because of him profusely worrying over her levels of being comfortable and uncomfortable.

The blood rushed to his cheeks when his brain played out imaginary scenarios of him kissing Adeline. He felt like a cartoon overreacting and overloading on how to act around the person they love. He somehow kept his eyes locked on hers.

"New?"

"I didn't stutter. I'm sure you don't want to hear me ramble about the periodic table and how somehow really fucked up on the zodiac signs..." Adeline halted herself from rambling, "See?"

He could not peel his eyes off her smile at her own faults, she was usually such a perfectionist. Around him though, she expressed herself fully and didn't hold back from admitting her flaws. Wait a minute! Was that a sign of her being comfortable around her?

"Okay! Okay! I get it!"

"Come on, Starman!" Adeline scrunched her nose (something that caused more of a blush to break out like a rash on Alejandro's cheeks), "There's got to be something that you have in your mind or like a few options.

Simply, what do you want? Or what do you want to ask me?"

Alejandro felt his heartbeat start to go uncontrollable, could everyone walking nearby the first fountain hear it?

All the voices in his head screaming at him to take a chance. No, he was not Han Solo with women, yet, at this moment his charms and smooth-talking into getting a kiss could've helped in that exact moment.

His eyes quickly flickered to everything a round him, he didn't like the idea of anybody watching the .

Especially, if he was about to ask if he could kiss her.

Should he do it?

Should he do it?

Take that leap?

Kiss the girl he adored?

Tell her that's what he wanted to ask?

Tell her that what he wanted to talk about?

He decided in those few seconds after much contemplation, to be honest. He was sure as hell a nervous wreck with anxiety pumping hot nervous blood into his heart. His heartbeat quickened almost the exact same time he opened his mouth.

"Well, to start, Ms. Merlin," Alejandro began, "I'd really like to kiss you."

He paused form going any further to gauge her expression. The intelligence scientist looked incredibly shocked. For a split second, his brain urged to further explain, but turned him to apologize for even asking. He knew it was completely stupid to ask her about something she was uncomfortable with.

Stupid.

Stupid.

Idiot.

You absolute idiot.

You moron!

You imbecile!

His brain echoed these words as his mouth suddenly found words that were all apologies.

"I know that you aren't exactly thinking this is a rousing idea. I understand your not comfortable with that kind of affection, but I-"

He was silenced by the feeling of her lips against his. Eyes widened in shock from not having seen her make her move. When he recognized what was happening, he quickly shut his eyes. He recuperated the kiss back in a gentle way that wasn't too passionate-like or too much of like kissing someone on their cheek.

She pulled away first, chuckling at the inexpressibly happy face of Alejandro. She could no longer hold back a smile at the sight of the sweet pilot. A man she was happy to call her boyfriend, someone who understood that she may be uncomfortable with stuff.

"I....l am at a loss for words," Alejandro admitted with a less anxious smile.

"I'm not. I'm glad you finally asked," Adeline told him.

"Mamma?" Issac called as he unlocked the door, allowing Lyris and him to step through.

Davina Merlin turned around, surprised, but extremely happy to see they had come a little early to dinner. She still had to take the Chicken Parmesan out of the oven in a few minutes and finish cooking the green beans.

She'd changed only a bit over the few years that she'd lived in the Merlin house alone. She'd earned a wisp of gray in her hair, it was normal for a woman her age to finally have some gray peaking out. A bit of age spotted skin seemed to start to shine a bit, but she still looked like the happy mother Issac knew.

Daisy bounded down the hallways, crashing into Issac's leg. Happy to see her master again after leaving her with Davina for a mission. Issac immediately went to scratching the dog's back, earning a happy yip. Daisy quickly skidded away when she noticed Davina walking I've to get a hug.

"You two are early!"

Davina wrapped them both into a bear hug, her love warming their bodies. She still looked at Lyris as if she was her own daughter. A feeling that Lyris always wanted to feel since her father's reluctance to even look at her like she was family.

"There was no traffic. Odd, compared to how crowded it gets on 97th," Issac commented.

"It's probably because of everyone using the the hover trains these days now," Lyris told him, "Y'know? Didn't they add a new hover train station nearby the Harvest Moon mall."

"Yes! During the School week they added the damn thing!" Davina quickly rushed back over to the food, turning off the stove that was simmering the green beans, "Damn hover bus's had trouble getting to the schools without road work signs."

Yes, Davina was known for some slight road rage, but this was reasonable. The workers on the hover train should've decided to make the station during the summer, not a school week. That was irritating to both parents and teachers trying to get to work.

Then again, these days, nobody really cared as long as the new improvements in technology helped their everyday lives. Issac began to realize over the years since freshman year in high school (his only year ever in high school before joining the renegades permanently) that Fahrenheit 451 could still be a possibility in this world. Hopefully, that would never happen.

"Enough of that!" Davian declared as she gestured for Lyris and Issac to get comfortable before dinner, "I try to forget such idiocy from people these days. You two are going to the Drive-In, right?"

"Yep. Though we were wondering if we could stay the night after the movies are over, it'll be too much of a drive from Harvest Moon to Starfleet by hover car in the dead of night," Issac told his mother as his eyes glanced up at some lovely family pictures.

"Of course! I don't mind. But do something for me, will you? Take my truck to the Drive-In, it'll be better when you can sit in the back and have some blankets and pillows to rest in while you stare into the screen."

"Mamma, I don't know if I could-"

"Of course! That makes the most logical sense," Lyris smiled.

The heavenly aroma of his mom's food filled her nostrils. The oven seemed almost ready to burst with the smell of chicken and cheese. The rich tomato sauces she was stewing in basil and oregano.

It was hard not to rave about her cooking.

She noticed however that Davina had barely touched anything, noticing the grime on her hands. She must've added fresh herbs and not store-bought herbs packaged in small packets.

"You need any help?" Lyris quickly took off her blue jacket and walked into the kitchen.

"Yes! Thank you," Davian exchanged a smile, "I need to wash my hands after digging up some basil and oregano in the garden before I touch any of the food for plating."

There was indeed earth and grime embedded underneath her nails. The grime and earth made her nails darkened with brown and black bits. She quickly clopped away on her heels towards the kitchen sink to wash her hands.

"Mamma? Could I talk to you a second alone?"

"Uh... Lyris could you take the Chicken out of the oven when it's ready?" Davina politely asked, "If not, I can talk to you later-"

"No! I can handle it. Because I learned from the best on how to handle an oven."

Issac led his mother into his old bedroom, he quickly took a good luck at what was left. He still hand't taken some of his father's gifts with him, there were some small medals for lacrosse and soccer, and bits and pieces of his childhood that he liked to keep in this house.

He gently shut the door, not taking any chances of Lyris eavesdropping. He didn't want any chances of her accidentally hearing what his actual plans were for tonight.

"I noticed that you seemed a bit nervous," Davina started, "Is something wrong?"

"Nervous?" Issac questioned.

He did wish that during these few moments before the main event that he was concealing every emotion.

However, he was a nervous wreck, worrying over every single detail. Constantly, anxious about scenarios that had played out poorly for his favor.

"Yes, you were fidgeting with your coat zipper, which you never do unless you're nervous. Your voice also sounded faster, a true indication of nervousness."

"Yes, I'm nervous," Issac slowly admitted.

"About what?"

Issac cleared his throat, what he was about to tell her meant more than a room full of diamonds. This big question he was going to ask would be a turning point in his life. The only woman he could possibly think of spending the rests of his life with.

"I'm planning to propose to Lyris to night," Issac' words at first were jumbled before sounding clear.

Davina's mouth hung open in astonishment, "You're going to what?"

"Mamma! Not so loud! I want it to be a surprise!" Issac quickly shushed his mother from getting too loud.

Thankfully, Lyris decided to help in the kitchen by pulling out the Chicken Parmesan from the oven like Davina had asked her to. Daisy was barking loudly enough to block out their voices in the bedroom.

"I'm sorry! Sorry! Scusi (excuse me) for my excitement," Davina smiled, "How long have you been carrying a ring in your pocket for?"

"A month...." Issac admitted, "It would've happened earlier if a mission didn't pop up out of the blue."

"Hey," One palm reached up to lightly touch his face, gently caressing him as if he was a little boy. He easily leaned into his mother's comfort.

This moment was between them was as mother and child. Her comfort and encouragement would set him pack on the right path. She would be the reason why he wouldn't stumble over his words.

"I wish you luck, I know for sure she'll say yes. Do you see the way she looks at you all the time? Even when you were kids I knew that she knew for a long time that you were the only one for her. But do tell........do you have a plan on starting off the question?"

"By what you told me how you know if you've found the right person?"

Davian squawked a bright burst of laughter, "Believe me, those words now ould make me sound like an old woman."

"You're not old, you're wise," Issac told her, knowing that in his thoughts that all he could think of was, 'you're too young to be old!

"I'm just surprised you somehow managed to bring this junk. Orange cream sodas, popcorn, and surprisingly...... my favorite chocolate covered strawberry candies."

Lyris felt like a little girl again, sitting back and watching these drive-in films. This old building was worn down and fit perfectly into the 21st century. It was a wonderful how it was still standing and making money these days.

She laid down gently onto the blanket they'd set up on the back of the trunk, throwing a few pillows behind their heads. Issac was just fidgeting a bit to figure out how he wanted to sit.

The two movies for tonight were 'Notting Hill' and 'Groundhog Day' Both films featured guys who could play jerks really well. However, Issac wanted mainly for 'Notting Hill' to begin. It was one of Lyris's favorite films of all time.

"Don't be. I know how much you love them, and hey....l thought it'd be perfect to come to see one of your favorite movies. Though, I personally think Hugh Grant is better at playing absolute jerks in movies," Issac blushed.

"That's how you know someone's a good actor! They can play a lovable and crush-able sweetheart and then an absolute jerk that you want to punch in the face."

"Definitely," Issac nodded.

Lyris allowed the quiet nights air to whistle in her ears, feeling how cool the night was. It wasn't too hot or too cold, just perfect for a night at the drive-in. Minus the occasional yelling of kids playing football with their dads or families waiting in one for the concession stand.

Her thoughts then swirled around to the fact that she'd grown up over those years. She'd developed in both maturity and more knowledge of life. She'd wasn't that little girl hiding her species identity anymore.

Issac had changed too. He wasn't a boy who decided to quite every sport after his dad's death, but the man who was the leader of the Renegades. Callius's right hand man and admired by many security officers even if he was younger than most.

"We've been through a lot before we decided to come back to our first home, huh?"

"Really? I haven't noticed?" Issac smiled, pulled her close while his other hand was ready to retrieve the ring box from his coat pocket.

The smile that broke out in her face was radiant, absolutely beautiful as she chuckled, "So much has changee...............e finally have a lot of friends. Better crazy adventures than just stealing equipment for our own entertainment. You driving a car beyond the speed limit. I finally found my place to call home."

"I'd say one thing hasn't changed much."

"What's that?"

Lyris stared up at him, reminding herself of how dark his brown eyes were, how piercing and loving they could be. She was truly intrigued by his words. He always seemed to have the right words.

"Us. No matter what. Always there for each other. Like an invincible force. And I say that the only thing that's changed is my admiration and love for you, even from the first time we even when on a date."

Lyris smiled, her heart thundered triple time when she remembered their first kiss. Years ago, they could've been separated forever, never allowed their relationship to blossom into a romance. They may have never admitted feelings with their species having different approach's at romance.

She remembered every single tear she'd shed during those years. How many times she'd spoke aloud to herself about how much she missed earth, the friends, and Issac. All those painful thoughts that had plagued her mind now evaporated.

She was now here in his arms. Back on earth, her only home that felt truly like home. Back to the friends that were her actual family where she could make more friends.

"God, your sweet," She kissed him on the cheek, "I feel that way too. Funny, I was too afraid years ago."

"Good thing you aren't anymore."

"Oh, shush! You were no better!"

"Touché-hey! That reminds also........isn't our whaat......5th anniversary coming up. I decided maybe instead of some ordinary date ideas, something......special." She gently moved out of his way for him to pretend to grab something from the bag, she didn't know that.

He'd set up a bit of distance between them, enough to make it not obvious what he was about to do. It was a surprise after all. 

Though, he supposed that the dark indigo sky also hid what he was doing. It was only dark enough to still see the bright movie screen. He hopes the thousands of stars were on his side to tonight, he needed to make up some sort of support in his head. His mother had been support hours ago, but she wasn't at the Drive-In.

"Issac....you don't have to."

"Trust me........it's simple."

No, it was not simple. If it was simple, he woudin't feel like he was sweating or his heart was ready to pump out of his chest.

"Then good thing you read my mind.......simple things and moments are my favorites. Complicated ones, bleh!"

Well, that for sure made Issac feel even more nervous. He definitely that popping the question of marriage was a complicated, not simple. Marriage was a matter of deciding if this was the person you wanted to spend the rest of your life, no matter what. There would be years to come laden with sadness and happiness, but that would depend on how Lyris answered.

"Look......Ly........l don't know you remember the love story of my parents, but a while back.......l asked my mom, what she exactly felt. How did she know that's the man she wanted?"

"I didn't know that you two talked today about her love story."

'Stupid, stupid, he told himself, 'of course she'd easily assumed that I asked my mom about her love story!

He didn't blame her. He was being so secretive at the moment that she could've assumed anything that he said would be what he discussed with his mom. There was nothing wrong with what she's assumed.

"No, no! I meant like a few weeks agoo......she told me.......,there's a sense of profound ease, mutual respect, feeling supported, understood, sharing same values, trust, and shared growth.......patience."

"My father always said patience was key. Only good thing I learned."

"My father said that almost in the same wording. I want you to know I want to keep the promise of protecting you.........something your fathers always seemed to say when he glanced at me. Or when my father......decided to help him stay hidden from S'Keerans. And now with a job like mine.......you could've left, walked away, but instead, you decided to stay. I intend to keep the promise of keeping you safe for as long as you want or need, but after everything is said and done. Everything we've gone through........,l thought that......and overall from my mother's words and knowledge to this day......l don't think I could ever find someone as good as you..."

Issac took a breath to steady himself as he turned his body around. Knees shuffling against the truck's flooring. He carefully opened the box, knowing he'd last the point of no return.

This was the person that he wanted by his side forever, that should be all that mattered. The woman he wanted to wake up next to every single morning for the rest of his life. The woman he'd grown up with and loved with all his heart........it all mattered.

"In short....... Lyris Juliet Hawkins.........will you marry me?"

The second that passed seemed for Issac hours, agonizingly long for some reason. His brain fooled him into thinking she might as well say no. His heart pleaded for her to say yes to ease his nerves.

Lyris felt a lightning bolt of joy rush through her. She quickly reacted instead of it being only based off the ring, wrapping her arms around his neck. Crashing her lisp onto his, shocking him out of his nervous state.

He pulled her closer into his arms and kissed her. Her hands slide yo to his jaw, the kiss lasted for what felt like hours before they both pulled away for air. Resting her forehead against his as she finally told him her answer.

Her heart was thumping so hard form the amount of joy and happiness she was absorbing. The man who lifted her soul up like helium had finally asked her the question. The perfect moment, intimate, and it was just the two of them.

"Yes," Lyris whispered before whispering it again, "Yes."