CHAPTER FOUR

When ProtoZoa awoke the next morning in Zenon's room, he sat straight up, taking in his surroundings. He looked down at the bed and realized there was an indention from another body. The memories of last night came back to him. Zenon. Her dream. He hopped out of bed and made his ascent up the spiral staircase. When he reached the top, the smell of breakfast greeted him.

"Morning Sleepy-head!" She greeted.

"Mm," he responded.

"Nice 'do," Zenon commented with an evil grin. Proto Zoa brought his hands up to his head and patted, realizing some of his spikes had been matted to his head.

"Haha, thanks," he said sardonically.

"Sweat mode minor, I'll do it for you, and by the way, your welcome," She said, handing him a toasted granola bar. He yanked it from her hand a pushed her away, playfully angry. She looked at him with a frown and ran her index finger down her cheek in a wobbly line.

"Tear," Zenon said, repeating the motion on the other side of her face. Proto ZOa extended his arms and wrapped them securely around her waist, pulling her to him.

"Is that the way it's goping to be, Love?" he asked, hurt.

"Oh no, of course not Zoa, I love you, you know that!" She exclaimed, wishing they could be true, but meaning it as friends. It only gave him more hope. Silence lasted another moment while the two gazed in each others eyes. It finally became slightly uncomfortable for Zenon, and she broke it.

"Thank you, for last night.." She said, meekly.

"Your welcome," he said, his voice barely over a whisper.

Zenon looked away and they ate the remainder of the small meal in peace. After ProtoZoa was done eating, he stood up and faced towards his room. He felt a light touch on his shoulder and turned around, just soon enough to see Zenon begin wrapping him in a hug.

"You have no idea how much you mean to me, thank you, thank you," she said, squeezing him tighter.

"Ditto," he managed, whilst holding her all the more tight also.

They stayed like that for two or three minutes, and then let go and returned to their activities.

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Three weeks flew by fast major, and Zenon knew he would have to go soon. She didn't like to think about being alone on the Spay Stay again. In a matter of only 3 days it would be her 18th birthday, she'd have the freedom to do what she'd like but until then....

"Zenon, Love, I have a birthday present for you," Zoa said, taking her hand and leading her up the stairs.

"My birthday isn't for naother three days Zoa, but how sweet anyway!" Zenon responded.

He led her up to the door, through the Habitation Module and to the loading bay.

"Your taking me down to earth?" Zenon asked, confused.

"No, but someone is coming up from earth," He said, responding enigmatically.

Within a few short moments, an announcment came blaring overhead announcing the arrival of shuttle 173. Soon after it docked, Zenon saw a bobbing head of curls rushing her way.

"Zenon!!!" Nebula squealed, rushing into her BF's arms.

"Neb?" Zenon asked, surprised but hugging her back nonetheless.

"Oh Z, I missed you SO much. Earth isn't as viral as it sounds, but school is terrible. That evil woman who teaches me took away my Zap-Pad! So inky-major!" Nebula explained why she hadn't answered Z without realizing it. Zenon realized what had happened and was more than blissful to see Nebula, now she had her BF and her new BF at the same time! Life was suddenly better.