Laura Thompson's POV (End of April, 2024)

Again, it's absolutely crazy how time works.

Christmas flew by like it had never even happened.

Alan Turner - much to our chagrin, is officially part of the Crew now. And even though he has indeed proved himself so far, every time I pass by him or he offers to help with something, I can't help but feel constantly uneasy.

So many bizarre things have happened since all that time ago when we were signing our lives away back in Hawthorne.

And now... Now there is less than a month till the five of us leave Earth behind.

Lowering my pencil for a moment, my gaze wanders towards the sky, the afternoon sun warming my skin.

Tonight's a big night.

The final, well, the last big Press conference.

For us astronauts anyways.

There'll be other conferences for sure after we're headed to Mars, but for us, this is it.

This is our last chance to make anything we wanted known to the world - known.

So who knows what might come up.

"I'm just hoping it'll be a good time," I murmur, gaze returning to the worn and slightly tattered journal in my grasp.

"It'll be a great time! We'll all be together, after all!" A familiarly cheery tone sounds from behind me, footsteps growing nearer with every passing second.

Turning to face my best friend with a grin, I can't help but chuckle.

"You seem awfully energetic," I point out, gesturing to Vivian with my pencil.

"Why wouldn't I be?" She shrugs, taking a seat on the bench beside me, passing me a quizzical glance.

A sigh escapes my lips.

"I dunno. I guess I can't shake the feeling that we have the world against us."

At this, my friend frowns, seeming to understand my meaning - on all fronts.

"I'm sure things will be alright," Vivian grins reassuringly, motioning to the book in my grasp. "Have you been journaling this entire time?"

"Yeah," I chuckle, tapping the pencil against my knee, becoming caught up in fond memories yet again. "I have been."

"You should see if the NASA people could hook you up with a pen and paper for the microgravity type of environment. That would be pretty neat."

"Or, I could just use a tablet - considering we are all being assigned one of our own."

At this, Vivian nods slowly, seeming to be contemplating something for a moment before speaking.

"Whaddya say we get ready for tonight, together?"

A thin smile plays on my lips as I turn to face her with a nod.

"That sounds like a fantastic idea."

****

The afternoon quickly begins to fade into evening as I step into the familiarly homey hallway, the slight breeze of the air conditioner across my one bare shoulder sending a shiver down my spine.

"Y'know," Vivian muses cheerily after me, stepping into the hallway at my side, her door clicking closed. "I would've never ever thought I'd see you wearing something so... colorful."

I frown in feigned offense, glancing down at the dress I had bought online and had delivered a few months ago.

It's simple, really.

A light orange in color, ripples on the skirt add depth throughout the soft, flowy fabric, the one sleeve also similar in style.

"I figured I'd try to liven my wardrobe up a bit," I hum in response, glancing across the hallway at the closed door to my Flight Partner's room. "Is that so bad?"

"Not at all!" My friend laughs, nudging me playfully as we set off down the hall towards the Common Area, our footsteps muted a bit against the carpet. "You look great! It's just gonna take some getting used to, that's all."

"You look great, too."

She just passes me a grin.

Rounding the corner into the large area, the pair of us pause, a suited up Alan Turner sitting idle at the large dining table, fingers drumming against the wood.

"Ah! Both of you ladies look wonderful!" He greets far too warmly for my liking, a frown inwardly forming.

"Thanks..." The woman at my side returns politely, drifting with me towards the couches, seeming to be sensing my unease.

I swear - something about him just seems so ridiculously bizarre...

"How much you want to bet the other two will be late?" Vivi chuckles, sharing a knowing smirk with me.

"There's no point betting," I laugh lightly in reply, my grin growing. "They'll both be running behind. Guaranteed."

However, as two sets of familiar footsteps sound from the hallway outside, nearing quickly, a sigh of disbelief escapes me.

"There's no way he's actually-"

The footsteps finally come to a halt behind me, the faint smell of a comfortingly familiar cologne hitting my senses.

The lightest blush dusts over my cheeks as I turn to face the newcomers, a pleased grin forming on my lips.

Elon and Mark must've finally set aside their differences for a moment - their suits practically identical, both looking so neatly put together and dressed so sharp, I can't help but exchange a genuinely surprised look with the woman at my side.

"You're actually early for once," Is all I can muster to say, my gaze shamelessly wandering over the well put together figure of my boyfriend, blush increasing ever so slightly.

"Figured I'd try it out," He chuckles, motioning to my own figure, his own gaze wandering. "You look fantastic, Laura."

The grin just grows on my features at his words as I make my way to my feet and near my Partner, hands reaching towards the collar of his dress shirt, setting it straight.

"You don't look so bad yourself, handsome," I practically whisper, the pair of us exchanging a knowing gaze.

"Alright you two, enough of whatever the hell is going on here," Mark exclaims from beside Elon and I, a clearly disgusted look on his features, his hands gesturing to where my hands are still sitting absentmindedly against his shoulders.

"I got ready early to get this Press Event done and over with, so let's just get on with it already, yeah?"

Once more, Elon and I share a humored look before stepping away from one another a bit, though his hand instinctively intwines with mine, preventing me from straying too far.

"Just remember;" The unsettling tone of our oldest Crew Member sounds from behind all four of us, his figure stepping forward to join the circle we'd formed. "This is essentially your last night to get the Press off your backs or inform them of anything you deem necessary."

Alan pauses, turning to face my Flight Partner and I with a rather odd look I can't quite place.

Though once again, it doesn't sit right with me.

"But, let's all just have a good time, yeah?"

His failed attempt at a sort of rallying cry echoes back silent, the hum of the A/C the only sound returning his question.

The four of us share one last look of confusion before leaving the Common Area behind, our footsteps echoing in the silent hallway.

Though, my steps instinctively fall into sync with Elon's, who's are surprisingly slow.

We're trailing after the others now, watching as they all disappear out into the darkness of the Texas evening, the familiar NASA Model X awaiting.

And then, we come to a halt for a moment, stepping aside into a nearby alcove, out of view of the doors the rest of our Crew mates had just exited from.

"Thanks for fixing my collar, again," The man now practically inches from me breathes, a grin tugging at the edges of his lips.

"Anytime," I sigh in return, the closeness making my heart race. "I gotta keep you looking your best, y'know."

"I'm glad," Elon grins, though it fades away, instead replaced by a look of concern. "Alan seems odder than normal tonight, wouldn't you agree?"

A frown to match my Partner's graces my own features as I nod.

"I've been telling you; something isn't right about him."

"I know, I know," Comes the reply, a breathy sigh. Though he shakes his head in annoyance, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"All we can do is keep watching, though," I remind, the subject of our previous late night conversations arising to the forefront of my mind. "We can't cause problems now. Especially if we're wrong."

"We haven't been wrong before."

I chuckle at his remark, no doubt referencing the whole NBL incident.

"Fair point, but I just don't want to accuse somebody without solid evidence..." I allow my voice to trail off, thoughts consuming me.

Alan's voice is just so unsettling...

Almost as if I've heard it before...

But where?

"I just can't shake the feeling that something else is going on here! I just wish-"

But, before I can finish my sentence, a finger is pressed against my lips, effectively silencing me.

"We could enjoy tonight? Yeah, I agree," Elon smirks, though a tired glimmer sits in his gaze. "So let's try to enjoy it as best we can before all hell could potentially break loose. Deal?"

My expression switches to mirror his own, my own slight smirk tugging at my lips.

"Deal... Commander."

The man across from me narrows his eyes, a playful gleam replacing his previously tired one, smirk turning knowing.

His breath tickles my cheek as he nears, almost as if he's about to-

"Are you two lovebirds gonna spend the whole night gawking at each other or are we actually going to get going?!" The familiarly impatient and annoyed voice of our young engineer echoes down the hallway.

"I guess that's our cue," My Partner murmurs huskily, clearing his throat and stepping out of the alcove, leaving my own flustered and blushing mess behind.

Damn... Will his antics ever cease to do this to me?

Following quickly after him and out into the warm evening air, the pair of us clamber into our ride.

And soon enough, we're all on the road, heading to our last night as halfway normal members of society.

"Let's try to enjoy it as best we can..."

Elon's warm tone echoes in my mind as my gaze wanders the scenery bathed in darkness, shaking myself of my unease, just a little.

Let's make the best of this.

****

I wasn't quite too sure what I should have expected when arriving to an event such of this, but man oh man.

This is certainly not it.

As the vehicle we're in comes to a halt, almost instantly, the tinted windows on either side of me are pricked with camera flashes blinking off and on so rapidly, they almost appear like stars, dazzling my vision.

"Apparently we've got the whole world's attention, now," Alan muses gruffly, adjusting the cuffs of his suit jacket absentmindedly.

"That is what happens when we are going to be the first humans to set foot on Mars," Mark replies, sarcasm dripping from his every word, his gaze resting heavy on our fifth Crew member.

"Fair enough," Is his only reply as everyone falls silent, seeming to become lost in their own thoughts.

My gaze, however, lands softly on the man at my side, his hand finding my trembling one, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

We'll be fine. We'll make the best of this.

"Everyone ready?" Vivian muses aloud, voice soft and slightly shaky - it seems none of us were really prepared for this moment.

Wordlessly, we all exchange nods.

And then, the doors are raised.

And the clamor begins.

Questions so loud, camera clicks and flashes so rapid and much brighter without the window tint that had shielded us previously, bombard my senses.

The air is chillier than before, earning goosebumps raising from my skin.

Though, with the crowd surrounding the vehicle we'd just exited and the few security personnel holding the line along with the few ropes, it's slightly warmer.

My steps falter slightly as a flash brighter and more direct blinds me for a moment, though a familiar presence steadies me, an arm slipping through mine.

"Thanks," I breathe, passing Elon a slight grin as we continue towards the door, the rest of our Crew in tow.

However, before my boyfriend can formulate a reply, a new, slightly unfamiliar voice rises above the deafening noise.

"Laura! Laura Thompson!"

Once more, my strides falter, my forward momentum halting.

Who just-

My gaze scans the area around me, the people behind the rope nearby all seeming to be shoved out of the way...

And then, someone breaks through the line, bearing a face that I had almost hoped I wouldn't have to see until we'd be back from Mars.

The newcomer tackles me in a hug so unexpected, it nearly sends me to the ground, a huff of confusion sounding from my Partner as he's practically shoved aside.

"Get off of me," I seethe lowly against my attacker's firm grip, prying myself from her hug with almost practiced ease, though the heat on my cheeks and rapid heartbeat would tell otherwise.

The formally dressed woman in front of me, however, seems completely unfazed by my actions, instead, she almost seems too relaxed - too casual.

"Look at my little girl... All grown up..." She smiles, gaze almost... teary?

Disgust swells within me, though I shove it aside for a moment, instinctively drifting closer to Elon once more.

"I didn't realize you'd be here," I greet, tone void of any emotion, my gaze steely as they rest on the features of my Mother.

"Oh Laura! You look so wonderful! It's hard to imagine that-"

However, she is abruptly cut off as the Security guard she had dodged previously escorts her away, her broad smile widening as she leaves.

A coldness replaces the earlier disgust as my headspace practically goes blank, though it's abuzz with so many things at the same time.

"Someone was just so eager to see you," My boyfriend hums lowly, tone laced with evidently shared sarcasm.

"Apparently so," I return with a huff and a roll of my eyes as we're ushered into the conference building, the large foyer much warmer than outside. "Funny how she seemed so welcoming, hm?"

At this, my Partner just nods slowly as the five of us continue on our way, entering the fairly large room all set up for the Q and A we'd all been informed of prior.

At the head of the room, tables sit, all adorned with a glass of water, nametags and microphones pertaining to just who is to sit where.

It looks as legit as NASA comes, with something else that catches my eye, plastered to the front of the tables.

"Is that our Mission Patch?" Vivian chimes in from behind me, her eyes widening in surprise at the neatly put together graphic.

"Obviously," Mark chuckles, gesturing to the banner with an eagerness I haven't really seen since we all signed our lives away back in Hawthorne all that time ago. "It's got our names on it!"

Ironically though, Alan's name is nowhere to be found, which comes as a slight surprise, considering how keen NASA seemed to just toss him into our mix.

"It looks good," I nod with a satisfied hum, running my fingers across the material as I near the spot with my nametag on it, taking a seat.

The rest of the Crew follows my lead, all taking a seat in their designated spots.

Elon and I in the middle, Vivian on my right, Mark beside my Partner and Alan...

Frowning, I search the gradually filling room for our fifth crew member, confusion and momentary concern pricking my thoughts.

Did he wander away to sabotage this whole conference?

Or headed back to JSC to burn the place to the ground?

"Sorry, got caught up chattin' with some folks from the local News," His voice suddenly sounds from beside where Vivian sits, earning a startled gasp from me as my thoughts come to a halt. "Was helpin' 'em get some answers to their questions."

Nodding in acknowledgement towards the veteran astronaut, my focus is once more caught up in the task at hand, silently observing the room, now filling much quicker.

Reporters, the same ones from outside, are assuming their stations and checking their camera gear, while the other civilian guests are being seated by NASA employees, pamphlets of tonight's order of events in their grasps.

But when my gaze rests on an all too familiar looking couple taking their seats three rows up from the front, the same coldness and disgust that had ran through me previously comes back, full force.

"Both of them are here," I whisper, a hand raising to cover my lips as I turn to face my Partner, his brow creasing in concern and slight confusion.

"We'll find them after and sort things out," He determines, passing me a slight grin, to which I return, though it is in every way forced.

Time seems to tick on by as guests and reporters alike continue to file into the room.

And soon enough, the question period begins.

It's almost instinct at this point, answering their questions and still withholding any information one doesn't want known.

Their questions are all over the place.

Everything from Starship's technical specifications, to how communications will work, to 'what if' scenarios to the actual purpose of the MR-2 mission in it's entirety.

Though one question that seems to catch everyone off guard is directed to Alan, who had been sitting rather quiet as the period progressed.

"Mr. Turner, if you don't mind me asking, why were you brought onto the MR-2 roster so late? Was NASA not satisfied with the way such a civilian and privatized Crew was performing?" A voice inquires aloud, her tone sounding rather bored.

At this, our fifth Crew member just chuckles, leaning back in his chair slightly, hands clasping behind his head, the very image of relaxation.

"NASA determined after reviewing each individual's performance throughout training that it would be best to make the addition of another Crew member. I just happened to be the lucky one to get the chance to go to Mars with these fine folks!" He explains, passing Elon a glance that I manage to catch as well, his gaze holding something I can't quite make out in it.

However, it doesn't appear friendly in any fashion - but not malicious, either.

The Reporter who had asked Alan the question simply nods her thanks, yet another voice gaining our attention.

"Elon, you Tweeted a while back, an image of both you and Laura in your blue jumpsuits, finally announcing the fact many people have been speculating about since word of this entire project got out. However, people are raising concerns about how your relationship with essentially, your Second in Command will impact the entire mission. Will it?" Yet another Reporter muses aloud, her voice sounding much older than the one previous, tone void of any barbs, however.

A heat instinctively rises to my cheeks, though I will it down, feeling the silent scrutiny of every person sitting in front of me, my heart hammering in my chest.

I can practically feel my Parent's eyes boring into my skull as I will myself to say something... anything.

"To be clear once more, Laura and I are indeed dating," Elon states before I can begin to speak, turning to face me with his ever so brilliant grin before continuing, a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding softly escaping.

"However, anyone's fears about relationship status impacting the outcome and execution of the Mission at hand are hardly warranted. It's been a running joke back at JSC that both her and I work like a 'well oiled machine.' Which, in a sense, is true. We've been working side by side since day one in every simulation and training exercise our Instructors have thrown at us. We know how to read each other, which is essential when you're working in a high stress environment such as what we are about to embark on."

A genuinely soft smile tugs at my lips at his statement.

"Now, Laura;" The Reporter begins once more, my smile vanishing as I focus on her question to come. "Many folks have been making claims that you're simply in the relationship for the monetary benefits and so on. Do you have any final words to put these rumors to rest?"

At this, yet another sigh escapes me, my gaze quickly flicking to the man at my side before resting solely on the woman who had answered the question, ignoring the icy stare of my Mother and Father.

"I'm going to be frank with you," I begin, tone wavering slightly, though I hastily scramble to recover it, sighing lightly.

"When we first departed on this journey back in 2022, and I started to become closer with Elon over time, the whole aspect of monetary worth or value completely slipped off my radar, until everyone on Twitter decided to bring it up again. So no, I am in no way shape or form in this for the 'money.' I'm in this for the long haul because Elon Musk is truly a remarkable man, regardless of his status or anything else you all seem to pin him down on."

The room goes quiet as regret floods my headspace, my gaze instantly falling from the Reporter's.

Geez... That could've came across as really rude...

However, the older woman just applauds, some others joining in as well before she continues, her tone so warm, it almost instantly squashes my unease.

"Thank you for setting the record straight, Ms. Thompson! Godspeed MR-2!"

Dipping my head in a polite nod and passing her a grateful grin, the NASA employee who had started this panel grabs his microphone, explaining to the crowd that the questioning period has concluded for the evening and that folks were free to mingle until the next presentation.

A presentation I know for certain my Partner is ever so eager to give.

But, as the guests all begin to file out back into the foyer and remaining areas of the conference center, a hand meets mine, squeezing reassuringly.

"I think that went well," Elon muses leaning towards me slightly, tone lowering.

"As well as it could've," I sigh, doing the same, glancing briefly where my parents had been sitting moments ago. "I still can't believe they both showed up... after all they've done is nag me and guilt me into doing what I know and want to do with my life?"

"It doesn't seem quite right," He nods in understanding, making his way to his feet, extending a welcoming hand down to me. "But let's go talk to them. See if we can set things straight."

"I think you did a pretty good job of that during the Q and A."

"You told me to be blunt!"

"I know," I chuckle, earning a feigned huff of annoyance from my Partner. "It was good. No more speculation."

"Isn't that a welcome relief."

"It certainly is..."

Leaving the quietness of the now empty auditorium behind and stepping out into the sea of partygoers, my pulse almost instantly quickens, my side drifting even closer to Elon's.

And so, the small talk begins as we attempt to track down where the disgruntled couple disappeared to, weaving our way in and out of the plethora of people who - to my surprise - are quite welcoming.

"You look lovely, Ms. Thompson! Best of luck to you and the rest of your fine Crew!" One elderly gentleman beamed as Elon and I had passed him and his wife by.

All I had the time to do was pass the pair a thankful grin.

"You and the MR-2 Crew will do fantastic!" Another, younger looking independent journalist had exclaimed, passing my Partner and I a double thumbs up.

Once more, we'd only been able to pass him a set of smiles in reply before someone else stepped in, looking to chat.

But finally, after conversations that only a select few were remotely interesting, we break though the sea of people.

And there stand a couple all too familiar.

Staring me down with gazes so icy, it makes my blood boil.

Though, I shove it aside, nearing them with a smile that I hope doesn't look forced.

"Here goes nothing," I mutter to the man at my side, to which he softly hums in agreement, nodding with his usual brilliant grin as we approach.

"Mr and Mrs. Thompson!" Elon greets warmly, shaking my Father's hand firmly while he stares down my Partner with such a hardened stare, I'm amazed he hasn't made a sarcastic quip yet. "Neither of us were aware you'd be here!"

"It was a last minute decision," June nods with a forced happy expression, though her gaze meets mine, still carrying a coldness to it.

"What did you guys think of our Panel?" I muse aloud, tone almost void of any emotion. "Lots of interesting topics were covered."

The pair in front of Elon and I just blink in acknowledgement, their gazes saying it all. 

"You both should join us for the next presentation," My boyfriend urges excitedly, his expression now genuine, a glimmer in his eyes that proves his demeanor. "I'll be giving the final rundown of the entire MR-2 Mission as well as a technical overview of Starship."

"You should!" I agree with a nod, my own passion for everything we've been working for over the past few years shining through for a moment. "I think it would prove very insightful."

At this, however, my Parents exchange a glance I know all too well.

They aren't having any of this.

"I think we'll have to pass, unfortunately," My Mother states, such a false apologetic tone ringing true in her voice, it makes my cheeks begin to heat in rage.

"I'm sure Laura and I can fill you in another time if you'd like. Maybe-"

My boyfriend's sentence is cut short however as a NASA ambassador appears at his side, softly explaining the time slot for his presentation is about to begin.

"Maybe another time we can continue this conversation," He finishes with a soft chuckle, passing me a rather apologetic glance. "But please feel free to stick around for the presentation! Sorry we had to cut this short!" 

Elon wordlessly slips his arm from mine and instantly, I miss his presence at my side - suddenly feeling much more vulnerable standing in front of my Parents of whom no longer seem to see me as their own daughter.

"I'll see you inside, Love," He murmurs loud enough for only me to hear, his glimmer of optimism shining full force in his gaze that meets mine.

And wordlessly, we share a moment - no words needed to express.

"Have a good rest of your evening!"

The warmth from where he'd been standing, so close to me, is gone now as he disappears back into the fray.

Leaving just me and my Parents.

Who now appear colder than before.

"What is with you two?!" I scold lowly, nearing the pair, a slight aggression in my movements. "How on Earth can you be so two-faced?!"

"Laura," June begins for what seems to be the thousandth time, earning a scoff from me. "All we ever asked was that you be open with us about things. You know that." 

I silently nod, sensing with dread as to where this conversation is leading. 

"So when you practically drop of the face of the Earth for almost two years, only to re-surface in a relationship with the CEO of the very company you work for and who you also happen to be going to a completely different planet with... You can understand why your Father and I might be a tad bit upset." 

"Upset?" I chuckle lowly, shaking my head in disbelief. "I'd say that's an understatement!" 

I sigh heavily, shoving down the rising flurry of emotions that are beginning to bubble in my throat. 

"I just don't understand why you can't be happy for me..." I murmur softly, tears threatening to spill over the edges, my vision becoming increasingly blurry.

"We already knew about you and that billionaire pal of yours. It's been everywhere on the News, ya know," My Father chides, blatantly ignoring my previously whispered muse. 

"Yes, I've been made quite aware." 

Emotion is rising too quickly in my tone, my entire headspace clouding over, my senses becoming jumbled. 

How can they be this bold with this many people around?!

Did they seriously come all this way to just bother me some more?!

"Elon isn't just a quote on quote, billionaire, Dad," I start, anger finally lacing into my tone. "He's an incredibly hard working, kind and genuine man who is attempting to better the future for everyone on Planet Earth! And to do that, one would need quite a bit of money thanks to this lovely society we live in!"

The older man who had raised me simply chuckles in disagreement, shaking his head. 

"Money gets to people's heads. Starts making 'em do things they wouldn't do otherwise." 

"How so?" 

At this, my Mother gently grasps my arm, to which I immediately shrug away from, scowling.

"We've heard rumors he may have been abusive in his past relationships," She practically whispers, almost as if she's afraid of the other people in the room hearing her. "We just don't want-"

My jaw practically drops to the floor upon hearing her allegation, my cheeks surely burning red-hot by now, thoughts completely clouded now. 

"Elon would never-"

"How'd you get that bruise on your shoulder then, huh?" My Father questions, raising an eyebrow skeptically, a look of disgust so strong on his features it makes my heart pound. 

Though as my gaze follows his gesture to my currently bare shoulder, the slightest yellowing of a distant memory of a bruise evident there, realization hits me. 

All that time ago... 

That night he was beyond broken... 

And though this mark in particular has nothing to do with the events of that fateful evening that had tested my trust in my Partner, a pang of sorrow ripples through me. 

"I bashed it on the edge of the Simulator," I explain, voice barely audible above the clamor surrounding us, giving my Parents the honest truth. "I should've probably worn something else, now that you've pointed that out." 

The man standing across from me just huffs in disbelief, eyes narrowing in disgust. 

"You need to end your relationship with that Man, Laura." 

"No," I breathe, the walls of the conference building suddenly feeling far too close, the sounds around me fading away into the background, becoming a distant drone. 

"You have no right to tell me what to do anymore." 

Stumbling over my own feet as I turn to leave the couple behind me, I barely get two steps away before a hand grabs my wrist, twisting me back the way I had came from. 

"We just want what's best for you," June urges gently,  a glint of persuasion all too familiar in her gaze, her grip on my wrist tightening.

"I know what's best for me, but you both don't want to hear it," I explain, senses continuing to worsen, my head spinning. "Enjoy the rest of your lives if this is the last time I'll see you." 

And with that, I shake myself free of my Mother's grasp, once more stumbling, though this time, I'm not stopped as I head towards the exit, strides faltering occasionally. 

Pushing open the doors and stepping into the relatively cool night air, a shaky sigh escapes me. 

Why me?

As I take a seat on the curb in the darker corner still in view of the main doors, I cast my gaze heavenwards, tears finally breaking free, rolling down my cheeks. 

It all seems too much to bear: having Parents who don't care about anything I've been working so hard to accomplish over the past few years... 

Nor do they approve of a relationship that I finally feel at peace and happy in. 

I can hear the muffled tone of my Partner's familiar tone explaining the specifications of our Mission objective from inside, the eagerness and genuine pride in his voice earning a soft smile from me. 

It's a pride that we all share, sure.

But for him... 

He's been waiting for this for so long.

No wonder he's so proud. 

It's such a shame that my own Parents can't seem to share the same pride in what their own daughter is attempting to do. 

Something that's never been done before! 

Shaking my head with a wavering sigh, time begins to stretch on as I sit there, on the curb in the somewhat chilly evening air, my headspace and senses finally clearing up. 

But when the phone in my purse rings with an alarm tone so loud, it makes me jump in surprise, my hands instantly fumble to raise the device to my ear, answering the call. 

"Is everything okay? Where are you?" Elon's genuinely concerned tone filters through the device's small speaker, earning a watery attempt at a chuckle from you. 

"I'm fine," I reply far too quickly, instantly recognizing my mistake as the line goes quiet for a moment, the only sound mere background noise. 

"Where are you, Love?" He inquires again, voice slightly sterner, though his compassion and concern doesn't vanish.

Once more, all I can do is sigh shakily, the polar opposite feeling of someone actually caring, causing tears to prick my eyes once again. 

"I'm out front." 

And almost instantly, the line goes dead. 

Only to be replaced mere moments later with the front doors being hastily whisked open, an all too familiarly sharp dressed figure dashing out into the darkness, expression almost nutreal. 

But to me, I know that expression. 

He's concerned - worried. 

About me. 

"What are you doing out here?" Elon hums softly as he nears, joining me on the curb and wrapping an arm around me, pulling me close. 

"Clearing my head," I explain, voice cracking slightly as my gaze meets his, shining with such compassion, it makes my lip quiver, struggling to hold back tears. "I just had a headache, that's all." 

"I'm not sure I believe that one," He chuckles warmly, a teasing in his tone as his thumb gently wipes away a stray tear that had somehow managed to come loose. 

"It's just my Parents," I explain lowly, head instinctively resting upon his shoulder, gaze wandering the night sky dotted with stars. "They really don't like you, y'know." 

"I'm certainly beginning to get that picture." 

A laugh escapes the pair of us at his remark, though the conversation once more becomes serious. 

"How easy are they to persuade on certain matters?" Elon muses aloud with a hum, confusion pricking my thoughts. 

"You're seriously considering trying to persuade them?"

I shake my head sadly, a low chuckle escaping me as my boyfriend just shrugs, a grin tugging at the edges of his lips. 

"It's impossible, E," I admit with a huff of defeat, recollections of the slew of angry phone calls from my Mother coming back to haunt me. "There isn't really much point in trying." 

"Impossible is a funny word, you know." 

"For you, maybe!" I exclaim exasperation evident in my tone, my foggy headspace from earlier threatening to surface once more. 

"But seriously; once my parents have made up their minds about something or someone, there's little chance anyone can sway them from their point of view, as you've heard over the phone calls with my Mother."

At this, the man sitting on the curb beside me chuckles, a determined smirk falling upon his features. 

"Can't be too difficult." 

I can barely restrain the urge to roll my eyes, a fondness swelling within me. 

"You're unbelievable." 

"Nah," Comes the reply, once more carrying a hint of amusement and determination. "I just know a challenge when I see one." 

"A challenge that you think you can overcome?" 

"I  could, sure," He muses, gaze meeting mine, a glimmer of something I can't quite make out being held there. "But the probability of the both of us overcoming it seems exponentially higher, don't you think?"

All I can really do is offer a small smile in return, his words ringing true. 

"We have seemed to solve every problem that's come our way." 

"Exactly," Elon grins, a hand finding mine, squeezing it reassuringly. "And this is simply just another problem needing solving." 

A silence settles between us, the only noise the distant hum of traffic, accompanied by the odd bits of louder chatter managing to sneak out from inside the conference building. 

And for a moment, ease fills me. 

No concerns of my Parents, the Press... 

Only excitement of the future. 

And the launch that will soon have us well on our way to the Red Planet.

"Do you think that we could head back to JSC early?" I muse aloud, a yawn escaping me, my body suddenly feeling heavy with fatigue. "Mingling isn't really my thing, especially considering you've seen how I can get when I'm beyond tired." 

My Partner just nods in agreement, making his way to his feet before extending a hand down to help me off the curb, which I gladly accept. 

And after a quick phone call and a few text messages to our Crewmates later, I find myself back where I always seem to be on nights like these. 

In the passenger seat of a Tesla, a low hum of music playing in the background, the reflective lines on the road blurring in my increasingly exhausted headspace. 

"What if we forget about your Parents, the Press, the everything for a minute?" My boyfriend's familiar tone sounds from beside me, his fingers drumming absentmindedly against the steering wheel as he turns to face me, seeking some sort of acknowledgement. 

"Okay?" I muse aloud, blinking a few times in a vain attempt to clear my fatigue. 

"All of this really comes down to what we want. What you want, Laura." 

A pang of slight sadness, slight realization sparks within me, the softness in his tone urging me on. 

Though the sadness quickly vanishes as I raise my head to meet my Partner's gaze, almost instantly becoming swept up in the intensity of it, my breath hitching in my throat. 

"I wouldn't mind spending the rest of my life by your side," I admit, a blush rising to my cheeks, regardless of the fact that I've known the man at my side for what seems like eons. "But without my Parents..." 

"We'll figure them out, Love," Elon reassures softly, though a teasing drops into his tone as the autopilot rounds the corner into the familiar parking lot of the Johnson Space Center. "And I'm glad to hear the feelings are mutual." 

A laugh escapes me at his sentence. 

And finally, it clicks. 

Clicks completely. 

I am in love with the very man who has become my best friend.

I am in love with the very man I'm soon heading to a completely different planet with.

Wordlessly, the vehicle I'm sitting in comes to a halt as my Partner parks it in the same parking spot it had been previously, before shutting it off and rounding my side, the door being whisked open mere seconds later. 

And before either of us can comprehend what happens, a surge of boldness dances through me as I gently grab the black tie he wears, pulling him closer to me, our lips beginning their usual dance. 

Only to break away with breathy chuckles, grins mirroring each other plastered on our features. 

"I've got one condition, going forward," I breathe, his hand finding mine as we head towards the Crew Quarters building, our footsteps falling into sync against the pavement. 

"I'm all ears." 

"Please don't propose to me on Mars."

At this, a ghost of a frown appears on my boyfriend's features, the invisible gears in his mind churning, searching for some sort of response. 

"I'm just saying," I chuckle as we pass through the main doors and into the familiar salt and peppered hallway. "That's something you would do, that's all." 

"You seem to know me a bit too well." 

"I'm serious though, E. Unless something crazy happens, I would much rather you propose to me once we're back here, on Earth." 

Once more, my Partner nods in thought, a small smile replacing his earlier frown. 

"I can work with that." 

Nearing the end of the hallway now, we instinctively drift apart, heading towards the doors to our quarters, no feeling of vulnerability reaching me this time. 

"Tomorrow morning, bright and early." 

"Right." 

He seems to pause for a moment before stepping inside his room, a look of admiration mixed with curiosity and fatigue all wrapped into one meeting my exhausted gaze. 

"Love you." 

"Love you too, Elon."

And as he once more passes me a thin lipped smile before disappearing into his own room,  I scan my ID badge over the lock on the door in front of me as I've done so many countless times before, stumbling into the dark room I've called home for the past few years. 

The darkness is welcoming as I hastily toss off my clothes from the evening and slip into something far more comfortable, the events that had transpired over the course of a few hours once more coming to the forefront of my mind. 

And as I slip beneath the covers of my bed with a yawn that sounds more like a sigh, I dismiss the nagging thoughts of it all. 

My parents... 

The Press... 

Because in the grand scheme of things, they don't matter. 

All that matters is what's mattered for the past few years. 

My Partner, my Crew, our Training and our ship. 

Setting my alarm and rolling onto my side, I sigh contentedly. 

Only a few days left now. 

And then... 

All the worries of this world will be outranked by our Mission. 

And Earth will merely be a distant speck on the horizon.