The Loveboat [Cadan]

[Layla Disanto]

[December 24th, 2522]

Layla was waiting nervously for Cadan, she asked him to meet her here. It was a small cafe and it was just a rouse. They weren't actually going to be eating here or anything. This was just the closest place she could come up with an excuse for to get him here, for her surprise. It was Christmas eve and they were spending it together. If all went well they might even still be together in the morning...She blushed at the mere thought. Pushing it aside she kept an eye out for her Romeo. There were a few bags next to the table, against a wall so they wouldn't be spotted when he got here.

She knew how much piloting meant to him, so for Christmas after much searching she found someone who rented her the perfect ship. It was a hornet class, modified to be more of a day trip ship for folks who just wanted to get away for awhile. This was exactly the thing she wanted. When she took the tour Layla rented the thing on the spot. Perfection. Everything was beautifully redone, the two bedrooms had been turned into one large one, not to mention the newly remodeled kitchen. It had more windows than normal as well. The owner had definitely thought this idea through.

In preparation she had packed a few things of hers, then went to shop for various food items. Probably way more than they would actually use, but she wanted to make sure nothing was forgotten. Layla had told Cadan to pack some of his own things as well, if she was lucky he would just assume they would end up at her place.

Once Cadan arrived she had it all planned out, after their normal greetings she would tell him she had a surprise for him. She'd blindfold him, then make him carry a couple of the bags of stuff; food and the like. Then lead him to the docks which were not far away at all. He'd find out the surprise once she took off the blindfold when they reached the ship's entrance. Layla would bite her lip in anticipation, hoping he would like her idea.

She was all smiles, she couldn't wait.

[Cadan Ashdown]

Cadan ws excited as well he had spent the day before shopping all over to find her a gift. After hours of back and forth looking at different ideas he had finally settled on one idea. He would just get her all of them, or atleast the ones he could afford.

He had spent the early hours of the morning getting everything packed that she had asked him to. He wasn't sure what she had planned but it seemed to him that they would be spending the night together. Maybe her place or a simple cottage outside of the city. Either way it was going to be nice to get to spend that much time with her.

Cadan grabbed his duffle bag and tossed the strap over his shoulder and took of for the cafe that she had asked him to meet her at. It seemed they would be starting the day off with a meal. He hadn't been to the diner she had asked him to meet her at, a rare occrance for him in town. He did notice it was down by the docks. She knew how much he liked to fligh and all the ships and that is all he figured. It would allow him to see the ships.

Finally after a bit of walking he finally came in view of the diner and shortly after Layla. His face instantly light up with a smile as he would over to her a little faster then before. He set the bags doan and wrapped his arms around her waist and gave her a kiss. "Good ta see ya love. what 'ave we got planned fer taday?" He smiled at her in anticipation. It had been Almost 3 weeks since they met and everyday was a surprise, a wonderful time. Every moment perfect.

[Layla Disanto]

Layla smiled in return when Cadan showed up, she had arrived half an hour early but it hadn't felt that long. "Good to see you too! What I have planned is a surprise, for you." She grinned teasingly. She hoped and prayed that her idea was a good one, soon she would find out.

"Close your eyes, no peeking." She watched for him to close them before making a move. From her purse she pulled out a scarf, the same brown one she had with her when they had gone to the play. Layla kissed Cadan on the cheek before wrapping the cloth around his head, covering his eyes.

She picked up his bag and put it back into his hands, "Take this back, we've got somewhere to be.' Grabbing up two of the four bags of her own handed those off to him as well. 'These too please."

Once he seemed settled with the situation she took hold of his arm and began to lead him back the way he had come in. "Don't worry I won't let you run into anything." Layla reassured him as they passed through the door that the hostess held open for them. She smiled at the girl and mouthed 'thank you.' The young girl smiled wide and winked at the pair of them.

To add a bit of mystery Layla led Cadan around randomly for a few minutes before heading to their actual destination. The Docks. Folks were amused with their display, most of them knowing or at least having a good idea of what they were up to. Luckily no one spoiled the surprise. She was thankful for that.

They walked up to the ship's entrance, still standing on the docking ramp. "Okay you can put those down now...and take off the scarf.." Layla watched closely, biting her lip in her nervousness.

[Cadan Ashdown]

Cadan when along with her request. The blind fold and the walk that almost felt like it was in circles. "A surprise 'uh, I always up for a surpise." He said with a bit of a laugh. Cadan tried his best to figure out what direction they were going and what would be down the street from there but he never was to good at that and with the extra turns and twist he had lost track completely.

After several minutes of walking finally he was able to put the stuf down and take the blindfold off. He set the bags down and waited just a second then removed the blind fold. Infront of him stood an obviously nervous Layla and a Hornet-Class ship. One of those ones you can rent for the day or an over night trip.

It was perfect, she was perfect. "Nah way, your serious. whats the catch?" He asked, the last part an obvious joke. "Its perfect. let's take a look." He told her as he grabbed her hand and pulled her toward it. He was impressed and couldn't wat to see the inside. He worried his surprise wasn't enough now. He would have said more but he was nearly in shock thay had talked about him taking her up to see the stars but he had no clue that he would actually get to do so. "Ya 're wonderful love. I mean it truely wonderful."

He was so excited that the second they got inside he pulled out something for here. A book nicely wrapped. It was early but he couldn't help it. "'ere this is for you, theres more to come too."

[Layla Disanto]

He liked it, actually liked it! Layla smiled excitedly. "The catch is you're stuck with just me on here." She gave him a wink before he grabbed her hand, pulling her toward the ship. Happy. Layla was very happy. The main reason for that happiness was Cadan. They had spent nearly everyday together since they'd met, and everyday she found that she didn't want that day to end. She did make sure to grab the bags and bring them onto the ship. Can't cook without food.

"Well you're wonderful too and you deserve a wonderful surprise." She smiled at him like always, very rarely had she been able to frown when he was there. A present for her? She hadn't expected anything really, of course he probably hadn't expected anything either. Guess they both had the same ideas about surprising each other.

Layla opened up the item he'd given to her. It was, well it was perfect. She looked up at him with tears starting to build up in her eyes, "Wuo Duh Tian Ah..I love it!"' she squealed happily. An actual book of the play they had seen together, Romeo and Juliet. She'd tried looking for one but had no luck, fate must have just wanted to make sure Cadan was the one to give it to her. Her very own Romeo, minus the whole death ending.

In her happiness Layla hugged Cadan tight, not giving him the choice in the matter. He had no idea how much this meant to her. Letting the embrace linger a few too short moments before she pressed her lips against his. When she pulled back a little she was smiling, "Thank you Cadan." This was going to be a perfect night. Just the two of them.

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Wuo Duh Tian Ah = Oh my god

((Forgot to put her outfit in the first post... so here it is! OUTFIT!))

[Cadan Ashdown]

Cadan was really pleased that Layla liked the gift but he felt it was nothing compared to what she had given him. He kissed her back as they stood there just inside the ship. He couldn't contain his excitement about the whole trip. Though there was a bit of worry in the back of his mind about Layla's brother, James, and his crew over the job they were signing up for he didn't let it show. Things would turn out he figured, for now his focus was on Layla and having an amazing time with her.

Cadan grabbed her hand a squeezed a little. "Shall we see wot this fin' can do." He told her as he gently pulled her along with him. He had become a theme with them. Him getting excited and making her come along with him here and there. She didn't seem to mind and if she ever showed the slightest sign of wanting to redirect he didn't hesitate to oblige her.

The airlock they had come through brought them in to the ship midway down its haul. It was a short walk through the converted common area up to the front of the ship to the cockpit. The ship was remodeled everywhere even the cockpit was clean and beautiful. "Lets see wot she can do." Cadan sat down in the chair behind the controls and guided layla to sit down on his lap as well. He wanted her to see it all. Exactly what it was like every time you get behind the controls of a ship.

This is the part he lived for when it came to flying. It was great when you are up there just floating in the verse. You could go anywhere, you were free but the realization of how small you really are, how small a planet is was truly felt when a ship would rise and descend from a planet. To see a planet go from being everything around you to just a small glowing ball something so small it the vastness of everything. It was humbling yet empowering. "Alwigh' love 'ere we go. Just enjoy it aw it's amazin'." He said to her as he wrapped one arm around her holding her close to him as the other pushed the throttle forward then grabbed the controls to the ship.

In seconds they were off the ground nd on their way to orbit. He took his time raising the ship up higher instead taking the opportunity to fly over the city climing a just a safe distance above the taller and taller building. He wanted her to enjoy every second of it. A chance to realize the vastness of the city before seeing it become but another small spot on the planet. As they went up he tipped the ship just slightly to one side so she could see out at the building below. "Theres your temple, and the thea-ter over there." He said while pointing out the window at the respective buildings then he began the climb futher up. Slowly the curve of Persephone began to show and then the fading line of the atmosphere with space.

[Layla Disanto]

Cadan took her hand, she knew what that meant. It was time to get moving. Layla didn't mind in the least, she was glad he was so excited. Besides every time he pulled her along it reminded her of the first time they had met, he had done the exact same thing. She already knew where he was going. "Sounds like a plan." She told him cheerfully as he pulled her into his lap. Cadan began to work on getting the ship into the air, pushing buttons, pulling levers and the like. It was all a little lost on her, in fact totally lost on her. At the moment though she was more interested in being close to him, cuddling up to him as much as she could without getting in the way.

Layla was excited, it was the first time she would get to see a flight from this perspective. When Cadan wrapped an arm around her she kissed him on the cheek. Then they were off. Her eyes instantly went out in front, watching the world around them. He pointed out the temple and the theater to her, she smiled wide and happy. They climbed higher and higher. The view was amazing.

After awhile of admiring the view, both outside and the man who's lap she was sitting in, she decided it was time for her to start up dinner for them. Layla had gotten enough to feed a family of six, wanting to make sure she had enough for Cadan to choose from. She'd even gotten a steak for him, while she didn't eat meat herself she did know how to cook it. Turning to Cadan, giving him a kiss and a smile Layla picked herself off of his lap, "I'm going to go get started on some dinner for us." She hadn't cooked for him yet so this would be a first, hopefully he would like her cooking.

[Cadan Ashdown]

Finally the ship drifted in to orbit over the planet as the light of one side of Persephone faded in to a darkened surface dotted with the lights of the city. the moment was serene, tranquil and perfect. When Layla kissed him he didn't want to let her go but it seemed for now she had other plans. "Sounds good love. anythin I can do ter 'elp?" He asked as she stood up and walked out of the cockpit.

He quickly checked everything over in the cockpit making sure they were safely in place so there would be nothing to worry about while he was gone. I sent a transmition back down to the dock that gave their location so that other ships would know where they were and that there would be no issue.

With that done he walked out of the cockpit and back through the common area to where they had entered the. Picking up the bags he suffled them in to the room. One of the bags he had taken special care to make sure it was safely moved around without being bounced around to much. He opened the bag and pulled out some flowers and a small well wrapped present for Layla. She would have to wait for this one till tomorrow. For now it would do nicely next to the bed so she would see it later.

From there he walked out of the room with the flowers and in to the Kitchen where he would find Layla working on the food. "Were would ya loike me ter put them, Layla?" he asked as he walked in with the and a big smile on his face. He went over and looked to see what she was working on it all smelled wonderful and he was sure it would teast that way too. "I kna we only just got up 'ere but I say we just never go back daahhhn." He said in a somewhat joking and dreamingly serious way. If only they could just run away together. James was making a healthy recover and eventually he would want her to go back to Bernadette. Maybe Cadan would be able to find a way to make it out there as often as he possible could though. Whatever it took he wanted to make sure that when James had recovered that he would still see her.

[Layla Disanto]

When she was leaving the cockpit and Cadan asked if he could help her only reply was, "Just keep us in the air handsome." Layla really wanted this to be a special couple of days for him, she already knew it would be for her.

It surprised her when Cadan came into the kitchen, flowers in hand no less. She smiled and blushed wiping off her hands with a towel. Looking around the room for something they could use for the flowers she spotted a vase holding some fake flowers. That would do perfectly. Layla walked over to it tossing aside the fake ones and filled it with some water. She held the vase so Cadan could put the fresh flowers in it, "They're beautiful Cadan, thank you."

Once the vase was safely set in the center of the dining table and Layla had taken a whiff of them too of course, she went back to the food.

"I guess I picked the wrong ship for that huh, you should have told me what you had planned." She responded teasingly to his comment, the ship they were on was a very short range one. It was a lovely thought though. Run away and hide from the world with her Romeo. Life was never that easy though. She nodded her head towards the plates and silverware that sat on the counter, "Mind putting those on the table for me...please" Layla winked at him with her purr of the word please. Wouldn't be long now before the food was ready then they could eat and enjoy the view, the ceiling in the dining area retracted after-all to reveal the stars above them.

[Cadan Ashdown]

Cadan did exactly as he was asked. He set the table getting everything as perfect as he can. After a quick search through the drawers he found a few candles as well. He knew he'd be able to find them. A fancy ship like this after all was made for little getaways just like this. A perfect place for a wonderful night.

With in minutes of him finishing up the dinner was done and it smelled wonderful. "It looks amazin' Layla. Thank ya." He said as he helped her get it all to the table. It was a grand feast befitting even the highest of nobles back on Persephone, but tonight it was for the two of them. He gave her a smile before he dug in. Every bite more delicious then the one before. "Its wonderful. So Layla tell me whats the wahn fin' ya 'ave always wanted ter do. The fin' ya 'ave always dreamed of?" He asked her.

Whatever it was he was determined to figure out a way to make it happen. This place was so perfect, everything he could ever have hoped for and he wanted to return the favor. He just hoped somehow he would be able to make it happen.

As time passed they continued to talk and enjoy the meal over the candle light. The retracted window letting them see the stars and Persephones moons as the night passed. "I fin' when James and the Trinity leaves we should go wif them. we can keep an eye on James and it will get ya a chance ter see somewhere new." Cadan told her, It was true on both accounts but it also gave him the chance to leaver Persephone and be with her a bit longer, maybe if they were lucky it wouldn't have to end.

[Layla Disanto]

Cadan helped her bring everything to the table, there was alot of food here. Way too much, but plenty to choose from. Layla had a hard time settling for things at the shop, so she just grabbed everything she had in mind to make. It was alot of work but a good payoff considering how much Cadan seemed to enjoy it.

"That's a tough question, it may be a bit sappy but I just want to be happy really. Nothing special, no fancy things. Forgiveness for some things too, I'm working on that bit though..' She hesitated a little at the last, probably a bit much. Not to mention confusion considering he wouldn't know what she meant by it. 'But yeah, you know the whole happily ever after thing from the stories from Earth that was...What about you?"

They continued their chat and meal, enjoying each other's company. Like always. Laughing and smiling.

Layla smiled happily at his suggestion, she sort of knew he just wanted to have more time with her. She felt the same way. It was unclear still if she was going back to Bernadette after her stay on Persephone. "I think that's a great idea Cadan." She grinned shyly at him. If she had to go back to Bernadette, maybe he would stay with her there. Was she that lucky?

[Cadan Ashdown]

Cadan though about the question a moment. What is it he dreamed of, there was so much really but what was above everything else. It had crossed Cadans mind about how Layla had mentioned forgiveness. He couldn't think og any reason she would need forgiveness really she seemed to perfect to have done anything wrong. Maybe a fight between her and her family or something of the sort.

No matter what it was it wasn't anything compared to what Cadan would need forgived for throughout his life and what was to come. Infact he needed to work on that himself. It was time he took a stand in his life and change things. He couldn't let things go down the way they were going to. After this trip it would be time for him the stop this job and make the first step. "Theres almost ter much ter dream of really it's 'ard ter narra it daahhhn." He began to explian. "I wanna be free ter travel, choice me own paf, fall in love. ya konw aw that stuff."

He paused for a moment as he thought about what he had said. Then a smile came across his face, bigger then it had been before at any point since he met her. "I guess I can cross wahn of those off the list na." He didn't say what one but he was sure she could figure that part out. The smile on his face presisted, nothing could wipe it from his face.

[Layla Disanto]

Layla listened to the answer to his own question after she had answered first. She was glad he hadn't questioned her mention about forgiveness, wasn't something she could explain, not properly. Definitely not on a night like tonight.

Like hers it was a broad list, "that's a good list of things to want," then his smile caught her off guard. Her eyes widened at his words and her cheeks went a dark crimson. Was he saying what she thought he was saying? She was at a loss for words really. A grin crossed her lips though, yeah she had thought and felt that way herself. Though she was afraid to say anything of that sort. Of course she was assuming things here about what Cadan meant by his words. Judging by his smile though it was a pretty good bet.

It took her a moment to figure out what to say..if anything. She settled on her shy words though, "you better be sure about that one there Romeo." Couldn't bring herself to outright say it, though the want was there, she just wasn't that brave to put herself out there. Not without knowing things wouldn't change and she was afraid of that kind of change. Loosing someone you care about isn't a fun experience, she'd had a part in that already many years ago when she'd lost the only girl at the doxy house who she had called friend.

[Cadan Ashdown]

Cadan took a deep breath as she replied to him. He felt like he could barely breath and his heart was racing. How could that be, he wonder, he never let himself get this excited about anything before. Mr. Calm and collected, Mr. fast talker and quick thinker. Now though it seemed none of that applied.

He closed his eyes for a second. then blew out all but one candle. The room was much darker and the light of the stars more true. Again a deep breath as he looked up to the stars above. "Theres nah question abaht it golden dove." He said slipping back in to the rhyme slang from his nerves. He was really going to say it. "I love ya, Layla."

His eyes closed again tightly this time as if he was driving in to a head on collision and couldn't bare to see it. He was full of fear, hope, dread, and most of all love. His eyes popped back open. And before she could reply back to what he had just said he spoke up again. "It's settled then we go wif the Trinity and never look back ay?"

There he had said it. It was out in the open for all to see, of course Layla was the only one there. The ball was in her court now and anticipation of what seemed like hours was killing him. If it did at least he will die having said it though right?


-------------------
Golden Dove = Love

[Layla Disanto]

She was nervous and was trying her hardest not to let it show. Then he replied to her comment, and the nerves didn't let up as she watched him. If her blush could get any deeper it would have. Layla was smiling shyly at him as she could tell he was feeling the same thing she was. She was about to reply when he changed the subject, continueing on about the Trinity. The last thing on her mind at the moment.

That was it, she had to tell him, say the words so he could hear them. Cadan had been brave enough, she could too right? Layla got up and went to him, grabbing his hands and pulling him to his feet. Still holding his hands she looked at him a few moments, gathering up her wits and courage. She smiled softly, her cheeks still blushed, "I love you too Cadan." The world didn't end, the ship didn't blow up. Then she kissed him. Releif went through her now that their feelings were all out in the open.

As far as the Trinity comment, well she hoped it would turn out that way.