About Nice: Shore Leave

by Misa Izanaki
20 pages / 4200 words
Ebook zipped file contains - html, lit, Adobe and Sony optimized pdf, prc, epub

Brann has never had a Christmas. So, when he and his lover Rune find themselves on a gorgeous planet like Korsholm, it seems like the perfect time for a little holiday fun. The only problem is that Brann prefers being on the ship to being planet-side, no matter what’s going on. Of course, Rune isn’t about to let his lover spend their first Christmas together hiding on their ship. Rune just has to convince Brann that being planet-side isn’t so bad, especially during Christmas.

Sample

Sure, Korsholm did have some really nice shipyards, but there had to be more to it than that. Then again, they had just spent four long months in deep space. Brann was sure that the captain, along with the rest of the crew, was itching for a little solid ground under their feet and Korsholm was a very nice piece of solid ground. Korsholm was a lush green planet famous for its domed cities and massive forests. It was just what the doctor had ordered, literally.

So, while the Pandora was getting repaired, her crew was being banished for at least a week. Brann sighed and glanced back at the ship worriedly. He didn't like leaving the Pandora or being planet-side for that matter. There was no rumbling engine to calm him or work to distract him and it left Brann feeling a little lost. Maybe I should just stay here. No one would notice, would they? I know the work crews wouldn’t… Now, there was a thought. Brann could just hole up in the engine room, out of the work crew's way and no one would be the wiser.

"There you are. I was starting to get worried."

Brann almost jumped out of his skin. He didn't think that anyone else was still around. His brother Gaelan, the doc, and Captain Trevyn had all jumped ship as soon as they landed. Brann just figured that Rune had done the same. "I- I was just making sure that I didn't forget anything."

Rune stepped closer and brushed his fingers against Brann's cheek. "Right. You were going to try and sneak back on board, weren't you?"

"Maybe." Brann sighed unhappily as he leaned into Rune's touch. He still wasn't too keen on leaving the ship, but having Rune there helped. His lover always did. "I'm not really fond of solid ground."

"I can tell." Rune smiled and brushed a bit of silver hair behind Brann's ear. "Look, if you really want to, you can go back to the ship. I won't tell the captain, the doc, or your brother."

"Really?" Brann couldn't believe it. He figured that, like everyone else on the Pandora, Rune would've tried to talk him into getting off the ship. Brann knew they all wanted the best for him but sometimes it was a little overwhelming.

"Look, Brann, I love you and it's your choice if you'd rather stay aboard the ship. Of course, I'd like it if you came with me." Rune nudged Brann's chin up and gave him a hopeful look. "I promise to keep you very distracted and who knows, you might even have a little fun."

"I don't know. What if something happens and the Pandora needs me?"

"Brann, she's in good hands." Rune made the saddest puppy dog eyes at him. "Please, I need you, too."