Twofold Longing

[Stefan]

- "We're receiving you loud and clear, Allan Brahms. Please stand by, we are initiating disembarking procedures but there is a ship ahead of you."

Brahms heard the disembodied female voice over the intercom, but while he waited for clearance his attention had shifted elsewhere. Overboard, the Giant Hiran's atmosphere glimmered with vibrant hues and shifting colors in unpredictable manner. He never got tired of looking at it. Beside him sat Hannelore and Toulouse, equally impressed by the display.

- "Is it always like this?" - Asked the French.
- "Ja. Always a new shape or color. Those who remain aboard the Hawaii long enough claim seeing ones they didn't even believe existed." - The german kept smiling as he talked, still taken aback by the sight.

Still, it was far from his first time near the planet. More or less a decade ago he stood on very the same spot, waving goodbye for the first time. Since the assignment of his sister to the location, he made a point of coming back every two weeks or so - he missed her more than he admitted. Thankfully, he imagined she felt the same way.

Brahms was ten years older when she was born, so their parents thought it would be relevant for their oldest to share the experience. Even then the old Helmutt Brahms wished his son to have several children, so it would be good practice, he assumed.

Their childhood was built in an assortment of adventures. Up to the point Brahms left to Bretonia - which happened only around his 17th birthday - he was responsible for taking care of the young Cerys. Most of their free time was then spent in fantasy, either by making pretend through their creativity or the retelling of book novels.

Truth be told, Allan wasn't sure if there was someone he loved more than her - and if there was an opinion he cared for it was hers.

- "What do you think that looks like?" - Toulouse and Hannelore were absorbed by their inner monologue at this point. - "It reminds me of food for some reason..."
- "Tou, alles reminds you of food."

It had been three weeks since his last visit - and that had been a short one. Allan had let work dictate his free time, and back then all they had was a quick lunch - not exactly what he had in mind this time.

On paper he had told his sister he needed help with retrofitting a ship's interior, it's design and comfort - that much was true. He was indeed having trouble reaching someone in Orbital Spa & Cruise and pestering her for an alternative was the last option on the table. That wasn't the sole reason for his visit, however.

Brahms was shaken - and doing his best to hide it. The reason as to why he made such a hurry to visit was knowing he couldn't keep up the face much longer. Weirdly enough, he needed advice on a personal matter he didn't truly desire to ask anyone else about.

Marrying.

- "Mr. Brahms do you copy? We're clear for the docking procedures, may we continue?"