Starfall

Chapter 31: Redress

He opened his eyes and looked down. The woman lying on his chest was still sleeping.

Relief swept over him.

He loved her. They had married last night. She was his wife. Her long mane spread over him like a golden sheet. She was so beautiful.

But, he wondered if this perfect moment was real. He couldn't help it. He needed to make sure.

He moved his hand to touch the small of her back. His hand was warmed by her heat.

She stirred from his caress. Her blue eyes fluttered open and she smiled.

"Mmmm. Good morning." she purred.

"Good morning. I didn't mean to wake you yet." he said softly.

She moved to lay beside him on the bed. He rolled to face her and his hand slid to her hip. She looked into his eyes and asked, "What's wrong?"

"I think I had a bad dream."

"You think?"

"In the dream this was all just a delusion. A fantasy. I was back on Earth alone. You only existed in my mind. Or maybe that's the real world, and you're my beautiful dream. But I want... I need you to be real, Star. Please. Promise me that you're real and not just a dream."

She reached for his hand and pressed it to her cheek. "I'm real, Marco. This is for real. We're together again. We're married and it's real. I promise."

He felt her love and concern for him. A question formed in his mind. "How did you know something was bothering me?"

Star smiled and scooted away from him on the bed. Their bodies were no longer touching.

"Can you feel me?"

"No. You're way over there."

"Close your eyes."

Marco closed his eyes.

"Now look for me in your heart. We're always touching there."

Marco recognized it. He felt her. It wasn't physical contact. It was her feelings. He could feel the link between their souls.

"I'm sorry I left Earth while you were sleeping. You felt so alone. You didn't know to look for me."

Star reached out to touch her husband's chest.

"This is how you'll know for sure that I'm real."

Marco looked down to where his wife's fingers touched him.

The heartmark had returned. He almost cried.

"Whenever you wake up, even if we're still in bed together, look for me through our bond. You never have to feel alone again."

Marco pushed his fears from his mind as they moved to be close to each other again in the bed.

He put his hand on hers and held it. Guiding her hand to his face, he slowly brushed her fingers against his lips. He savored the sensation and kissed them gently. The hearts on her cheeks grew redder.

"I love you, Star."

"I love you too, Marco."

He released her hand and she returned it to his chest. Her eyes slowly shut as he brought his face close to hers. Her pink lips looked soft and luscious. He wanted to feel them with his again. To taste them again. Closing his eyes he brought his face closer. The barest of brushes. She followed as he pulled away slightly.