The sun was beating down on Ezra Bennett as he waited, somewhat impatiently, outside the terminal. It had been far too long since he had seen T’Luni, and he was very excited to spend some time with her. He had been researching destinations for weeks, planning the perfect getaway for their shore leave. There was a beautiful botanical garden on this planet, which would start the day off, then an oceanside cafe for lunch. After that he figured they would walk through the historical district before a picnic dinner on the beach at sunset. 

None of this could happen however, if T’Luni didn’t show up, and he found himself pacing back and forth manically across the pavement. He stopped to look around for what must have been the hundredth time, scanning the area for any signs of her. The air smelled of salt water, sugar, and something being grilled. He adjusted the collar of his sky blue linen button down shirt, brushed imaginary dirt off his light trousers. What if her shuttle had been delayed? What if she had been recalled to duty for something? He brought his hand to his forehead, shielding his eyes from the sun to get a better look at the faces in the crowd. 

He turned around just in time to see T’Luni appear from between two planters. Her hands were clasped neatly behind her back, and her long black hair was smoothed and pinned at the nape of her neck. She was wearing a sleeveless, cream colored wrap tunic which seemed built for deflecting the sun, and Ezra smiled in relief. Unable to stop himself, he started walking forward to meet her. 

“There you are.” he said as they reached each other and joined their hands together. 

T’Luni tilted her head, examining Ezra with calm Vulcan precision. “You appear… relaxed.”

“Working on it.” he replied. “Give me time.”

She fell into step beside him, her arm cradled in his. Her posture was perfect, and her expression was as neutral as ever, but Ezra had learned to read even the smallest glint in her eyes. She was pleased, maybe even a little curious. 

“So,” he said, “There is a botanical conservatory not far from here, apparently it’s shaped like a Terran Nautilus. We could start there, then have lunch by the tide pools? After that, if we’re feeling ambitious  –”

“I would also be amenable,” she interjected, “to a culturally immersive culinary tour, a waterfront glass blowing exhibit, or… an unstructured walking meditation.”

Ezra chuckled. “I’m glad you planned for spontaneity.”

“I merely prepared for a range of contingencies.” she replied. 

Suddenly, a loud, boisterous voice from behind them made Ezra freeze in his tracks.

“Bennett!”

“Oh no,” Ezra breathed. Spinning on his heel, he saw the voice’s owner, although he already knew who it belonged to, which was his friend Olaf. Cargo shorts, wraparound shades, open floral shirt flapping in the breeze, smiling like he just won a shuttlecraft. 

“You came here too? What are the chances?” He asked, skidding to a halt in front of them, panting lightly, as if he were coming from a jog, “I was gonna go kayaking with a Risian swim team, but they bailed, and I thought – hey, shore leave is for friends, right?”

Ezra blinked at him, unbelieving. “How… long have you been here?”

Olaf shrugged. “Since breakfast! I saw your name on the transport schedule, and I thought, just wing it! Ooh, fun fact, this place has an Ancient Earth Amusement Park! We’re talking Roller Coasters, Gravity Rides, a Haunted House, plus every kind of food you can deep fry on a stick; the whole shebang!”

Ezra opened his mouth, then closed it again.

“I was thinking of something a bit more… quiet.” he said finally. 

“It does sound interesting.” T’Luni added. 

Ezra looked at her, betrayal in his eyes. “You’re not helping.”

T’Luni raised an eyebrow. “It could be… educational.” 

Olaf beamed. “Yes! The Vulcan agrees! C’mon, it’ll be fun! They’ve got this one coaster called the ‘Deathloop Drop’. It’s probably fine.”

Ezra sighed, resigned to his defeat. “Here I thought this was going to be a romantic day.” He said quietly. 

T’Luni considered this for a moment, her expression still inscrutable, then she leaned in just enough for her words to be for his ears alone. 

“I predict it will be a memorable one. Statistically, shared adversity increases bonding.”