It's a good day out there, the birds sing, the little creatures of the forest live
together, and the weather makes this moment one of completely relaxation and pleasure.
Sharing this mutual sentiment was a rather tall but stocky young man dark-haired
with peculiarities as such as external gills on their face, white skin with slight pink
pigmentation and above all, a long tail that resembles that of a
axolotl. That young man, despite his intimidating appearance, did nothing but help and
follow the orders of the girl at his side, a woman shorter and stouter than him with physical
peculiarities as well as the man next to her, being her long cat ears that reacted to the
environment and environmental sounds as well as to her emotions, being totally relaxed
at that moment, the same with her long cat tail that moved to the sound of her movements,
being happy for the activity she was performing. Both were in their garden and crop area
taking care of a small plot where various tubers were lying, especially potatoes, the cat
girl was taking one of these crops in her hand while talking and pointing out its
characteristics, receiving the complete attention of the axolotl boy.
—This is what I was talking about Marcus, the crop is rotten. — said the young
woman, who was wearing her characteristic straw hat along with an apron and gloves. —
Poor little potato, you didn't have the chance to develop, what a shame—
—Hmmmmm, that's strange, don't you think? None of our crops had been damaged
before since we managed the garden together, I wonder what it could be... —
He spoke with some confusion and suspicion trying to decipher that enigma.
—But we can plant something else again without any problems, right? —
—No love, we have to take precautions before we even consider planting anything.
— With a shovel and her other hand, she began to dig out the soil around them as well
as the roots she had put down. —According to what I read in the AI records of our house,
when a crop rots it is necessary to completely get rid of the waste including its roots. —
—I should take another look at its educational records," he scratched the back of
his head as he was unfamiliar with the subject because he never liked being fully
educated by that device. —What if we don't? —
—If we don't do it, my little axolotl, it could infect the new crop and our effort would
be in vain, an endless cycle where the harvest will never happen and it could even infect
the others. — She looked for a moment at the damaged soil now back to waste before
throwing it into a plastic bag, —But well, this should be enough to avoid anything, later I
give this to Auralys, who knows what she will do with it. —
—Well, with that we finished all the work in the garden, right my kitty? — He helped
her to her feet, then they both looked proudly at their garden and crops.
Their gazes then met as Marcus helped her up from the floor, there were no words
in between, their eyes said it all. He gently caressed Isabella's cheek as he looks at her
lovingly, his soft expression highlights this and Isabella reciprocated, she stretched her
legs out trying to reach his face as he bent down a little allowing their lips to cross and an
affectionate kiss to take place. The moment seemed to stop at that precise moment as if
nothing else but the two of them mattered, their bodies joined in a warm embrace that
accompanied that sweet moment, and after several seconds like that they parted
contentedly and slightly blushing, they both knew they had other things to do besides not
making their crops or any small animal that saw them jealous.
Before either could say a word, the moment was interrupted by Marcus's stomach
growling, revealing how hungry he is, Isabella laughed for a moment at this until his body
did the same, they both laughed at what happened with Marcus scratching his head and
his face expressing embarrassment.
—Heh, we seem to have lost track of time being so focused on our hobby, shall
we go back to the mansion, Isabella? So, we can see what we can prepare between the
two of us. —
—I follow you Marcus, let's just hope that Auralys doesn't adopt such a nosy
attitude when we are cooking, she will surely bother us with making our food healthier so
that I lose weight. — she grumbled as she remembered the comments of her home's
intelligent system regarding her figure. It's not like it can eat.
—I admit that Auralys knows a thing or two that is useful to us, it has worked when
you get sick, with gardening, or more importantly," with a mischievous smile he turned to
Isabella for her complicity. —So that I don't break the strict diet she put me on so I can
put up with you, my kitty.
—Oh love, what things you say. —She couldn't help blushing at such a comment,
which she knew was right because of its background and implications.
After that there were no more words, only a pleasant silence that both as a couple
shared and enjoyed. They finished fixing the last remaining garden imperfections, once
they finished, they took out their gardening equipment that they always used in the shed
to forget about it and go directly to the mansion where they lived. They both left holding
hands with their calm temper and turning to see each other every now and then, so they
left the garden section following the stone path already knowing it by heart until they
reached the main entrance of what they called home for as long as Marcus could
remember. A huge and majestic building full of technology and luxuries with an
appearance out of someone's fantasies, but in spite of everything they both saw it as
something more, the place that has seen them grow and the place that over the years
saw the birth of their love.
As the two entered their home, Auralys, the AI that manages and controls almost
all the vital systems of the mansion made her presence known with her usual semi-robotic
way of speaking and her usual neutral tone.
"Welcome back, Marcus and Isabella. Reports indicate that everything is in order
and unchanged, more however that doesn't mean that there is nothing interesting."
—And what's that interesting Auralys? — said Marcus without giving it much
importance as he walked along with Isabella through the dining room. —
"Today is the 20th anniversary of your stay on the planet, and not only that, it's
your 12th anniversary in this mansion."
—12 years?! It's today?! I thought it was next week. —That last message really
took her by surprise, her ears and tail pricked up completely with her typical cat-like grace.
—Gosh, it really has been a long time since we met. —
—I still remember that day in great detail, the first time I saw you and what you
meant back then. — with a hand on his chin lightly stroking his outer gills as he became
pensive.
—I can say the same thing love, ush, the rain that afternoon was terrible, do you
remember Marcus? —
—Impossible not to, Little Ears. —
How not to remember that moment where both lives collided head on to stay
together, the discrepancy of two different worlds gave way to an unimaginable synchrony,
after all, opposites attract.
Both walked inside the residence, Auralys showing the control and service it
represented automated or facilitated what each one will need at the moment, such as the
front door opening without them raising their hand to the knob, adjusting the natural
lighting by opening the curtains, turning off unnecessary lights, regulating the temperature
and in general, making the home environment much more comfortable.
Passing through the foyer, the dining room and into the kitchen, Isabella, in spite
of having cat-like behaviors, was the first to wash her hands to be able to cook followed
by Marcus who enjoyed the sensation of cold water running over his hands, after all, his
axolotl side had a lot of presence in his way of being.
—The fish likes to be wet, don't go wasting the water love. — she said with a
chuckle, enjoying joking with things like that.
"Axolotls are not fish, they are amphibians, your joke makes no sense mistress
Isabella."
—And I asked you about it? Ush, how little sense of humor you have. —
—Whatever it is I like water, and fish, and that's not cannibalism. —
" No, it's not, master Marcus."
As it was a special occasion, they both decided that their evening should be special
too, they asked Auralys for recipes to which she provided several options involving
different styles of meat, salads and even more sugar than salt. Playing it a little safe, they
decided to opt for a meat and spice dish with cold garnishes, something they would both
enjoy.
Hands to work, they prepared everything they needed to cook, wearing their chef's
hats to feel more expert in their project that afternoon. Following Auralys' advice, they
also measured cooking times and in general, that nothing would go wrong.
"Master Marcus and mistress Isabella, I know you two love each other very much
but please pay attention to what you are doing, the meat is about to burn while you are
kissing."
Luckily there was no fire in the kitchen (not again) and after hours had passed,
their dinner was ready, smelling as good as it looked.