Hello Viking

Chapter 2

"I imagine this is a very different experience, especially the space travel."

Pavel swirled his finger on the table. "I sort of imagined what all of this would look like. I had a cousin that left Turtle Outpost when I was young, he would come back and tell me all kinds of stories. I knew I needed to get away, myself, but I definitely miss my family."

"I don't miss mine at all."

Pavel seemed shocked, "Are you not close?"

"Not really. They weren't very happy when I told them that I had a boyfriend, they kicked me out of the house and told me not to come back."

"That's a darn shame," he said sadly. "I can't even imagine what that must be like. My parents love me more than anything in the world, even if I liked an off-worlder, or another guy, they would always accept me. What's wrong with your parents?"

Carson shrugged.

"Well, in any case, you're my family now, and I accept you. Heck, I don't even really know you, but I love you as if you were a brother."

"Thank you," he smiled, "that means a lot."

"My cousin came out a few years ago, but there's almost no one for him to neck, so he hasn't gotten married or nothing."

"He should leave your planet and explore, there are so many people like him in the Empire. I've met a few, but I don't have a lot of experience yet."

"People don't usually leave the farm, honestly. People don't really leave Turtle Outpost. Honestly, I was pretty surprised that I even got selected. I saw an advertisement one night and I figured I would try. The worst they could say was no."

"And you're not even from a Core World!" he interjected while mocking Eden.

"I just really want to show everyone that I'm not just some dumb hick, and there are good people on planets outside of the Core."

Carson nodded. "I think you're a good kid."

"Kid? I'm only a year younger than you grandpa!"

Their food arrived at the table. The pancakes were stacked high, with the toppings dripping over the sides. A puff of steam released from between the layers when Carson slipped his fork between them.

"Back home," Carson said while lifting his fork, "we have this syrup called maple syrup, but it's spelled differently than this store name. I wonder if it was accidental or purposeful?"

"I've never even heard of it, if that helps?"

"It doesn't really," Carson laughed.

"My mouth is watering," salivated Pavel, "I can't wait to dig into this!"

Eden and Kaito

The two had followed a street that led into the downtown district of the city where they found a number of "trendy" clothing stores according to the locals. Kaito found a section of clothing which was labeled as non-gendered. They spent an hour of their time in complete silence, neither one of them wanting to break it.

Eden kept wondering if maybe Kaito had been too honest with their feelings, but she wholeheartedly agreed that Luis was being selfish and spoiling the opportunity to see the Empire. "I should say something, but what?" she thought.

Kaito grabbed a hat that was far too big for their head, but it looked like something that could be found on a fashionable advertisement. "Should I get this?" they asked, finally breaking the quiet.

"I think it looks super cool on you!"

"Right? I thought so too. I think I'll get it."

Eden nodded.