Star-Crossed Lovers
Star meets a new friend who helps her out of a tough situation. As their relationship blossoms, the line between friends and lovers begins to blur.
Warning: This story contains sensitive content that may upset some readers, including scenes of sexual intercourse, behaviors associated with disordered eating, the use of psychedelic drugs, a depiction of an emotionally abusive relationship, and a graphic description of a violent sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised.
Chapter 1
“System Notification! Arrival at planet HD1897-B in: 1 hour, 15 minutes. Now preparing for descent. Please follow proper safety protocol for landing.”
The sound of Galaxia’s voice rattled throughout the spaceship. Still lounging in bed, Star’s antennae immediately perked up upon hearing the announcement. She jumped out of bed and bolted into the main hub, eager to see the stats on this brand new planet. After punching a few buttons at the navigation board, a holographic screen appeared with all the data Galaxia had gathered.
“Let’s see... wow! There’s so much information! So this planet is called Eros.”
The starling expanded a few images from the spaceship’s files, mumbling aloud to herself.
“Interesting. There aren’t any big land formations here, just small tropical islands covered in jungles and mountains. And we’re headed for the biggest one: Valivipa! Ooooh... apparently this place is a super popular honeymoon destination!”
A quick online search produced a helpful article.
“’Valivipa is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and numerous cultural heritages sites, including ancient temples, palaces, and animal sanctuaries. While you’re here, you may be invited by the locals to take part in ceremony, which includes a performance of traditional dances as offerings made to the gods...’“
“Oh my stars!!” her eyes lit up with wonder and excitement. “This place sounds like paradise! Galaxia, let’s land as soon as possible!!”
She stationed herself at the dashboard, taking care to follow proper protocol for landing. The steps were the same as always.
Enable the transparency shields.
Gravity system set to automatic.
Disable all exterior lights.
Slow acceleration down to 0.2 lightyears per second.
All was going well, until they were about to breach the atmosphere of the planet. Galaxia suddenly began to tremble, setting off an alarm that blared throughout the main hub.
A sudden jolt of anxiety ripped through her chest. There shouldn’t have been any turbulence. They were still in orbit. Eyes darted out the window, and upon seeing what was outside, the starling’s heart dropped to the ground.
An asteroid was heading straight towards them.
No... not just one. Several!
They were in the midst of a meteor shower with nowhere to run!
“Warning! Warning! Asteroid field detected! Collision imminent!”
“Galaxia! Enable all defensive shields and use evasive maneuver 1218!”
The spaceship obeyed, weaving through the onslaught of space debris with utmost precision and miraculously avoiding every asteroid on its path. Several tense, terror-filled minutes passed before they finally reached the outer layer of the atmosphere.
Star let out a sigh of relief. That was way too close! But just when she thought they were safe-
BOOM!
“Warning! Warning! Transparency shields damaged! Now functioning at 64%. Warning! Warning! Defensive shields damaged! Now functioning at 89%.”
The spaceship rattled at the sudden impact. Hands tightly grasped the gear sticks at the dashboard, a desperate and futile attempt to regain control. The lights in the main hub flickered as they barreled towards the world below. Star furiously slammed a group of buttons on the dashboard in a last ditch effort to save them both.
There was no other option.
“Galaxia, start emergency landing protocol!” she cried. “Oh no, oh no, oh no, how do I do this again? Shut down the thrusters, enable the emergency silencer... what else? Oh, stars, please don’t let anybody spot us!”
It was the best she could do at this point. The transparency shields were not at full power, which meant they could potentially be spotted by planet dwellers upon landing. This meant committing the biggest starling taboo.
But it was better than a crash landing. This would at least spare Galaxia some damage and prevent injury to the lifeforms on the ground. The ship had to be kept functioning at a basic operating status, just in case they needed to evacuate.
They ground grew closer and closer with each second. Star squeezed her eyes shut, clutching the controls with tight fists.
“Emergency landing protocol in progress. Impact in ten... nine... eight... seven... six... five... four... three... two... one...”
Once the ship’s doors opened, Star stumbled out and fell face first onto the ground. Dizzy and lightheaded, she pushed herself up to a seated position and attempted to gather her bearings.
The sound of birds and animals chirped all around, along with a faint whisper of rushing water. It was night time. The world was dark, except for the sparkling stars that danced around the planet’s many moons. A grove of tall fruit trees stretched high into the sky, blocking out most of the moonlight. They must have landed somewhere deep in one of Eros’ wild jungles.
Physically she felt okay, other than a little bit of soreness. A quick scan of her arms and legs showed no visible injury. Nothing seemed broken, either. That was good at least.
There didn’t seem to be people around. If by some miracle they had managed to go unseen, that would be a huge relief.
But... her ship. What kind of shape was Galaxia in? Star swung around, eyes widening with horror.
Galaxia was still in one piece. However, there was damage to the outer layer, and both the defensive and transparency shields were functioning at an even lower percentage than before. The spaceship was clearly visible to the naked eye, even through the dense foliage of the jungle. Anyone walking by would be able to see.
“Oh, no... what am I gonna do?” Star mused aloud, desperately trying to come up with a solution. But as she stood puzzling, things went from bad to worse.
“...Hello? Is anyone there?”
Panic struck when a soft, feminine voice cut through the darkness. Should she rush back to the ship? Galaxia seemed to be in pretty bad shape. There might not be enough power in the engine to take off, and if not, the noise would only serve to attract more curious eyes.
The footsteps grew closer. There was no more time.
She was going to get caught.
Tears welled up and cascaded down her cheeks, dropping into the soft grass below. Everything was falling apart. Maybe it had been foolish to believe she was ready to journey into space alone. What would her family say when they heard about her committing taboo? The consequences would most likely be far worse than she could imagine...
“Hey, are you alright?”
The stranger pushed aside a thick brush of leaves and stepped into the small clearing where Star lay alone. She was a beautiful woman, one with shimmering russet skin and short, wavy purple hair. Emerald eyes sparkled in the dark, full of concern and worry as they gazed upon the crying starling.
“Don’t come any closer!!” she cried, raising shaky arms in a poor attempt to hide her face.
“What’s wrong?” the woman asked, taking a step closer. “I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to help.”
“No... just go away... please...”
“Wait, you’re...”
Star curled into a fetal position. Sharp, shallow breaths caused air to rush into her head, leaving the girl feeling dizzy and sick.
“Just breathe, okay?” the woman knelt down, dropping her voice to a whisper. “In and out. Just like that.”
Star followed the rhythm of her words and breathed deeply. The soothing tone quelled her rapid heartbeat, along with a comforting hand rubbing circles on her back. The flurry of tears slowly began to dry.
“There you go. It’s going to be alright.”
“No it’s not... you don’t understand, I’m going to be in so much trouble!”
“You don’t need to worry about that. You’re a starling, aren’t you?”
Star looked up, gawking at the stranger. “...How did you know that?!”
“Because,” the woman touched a white crescent moon shaped clip on the left side of her head, one that Star hadn’t noticed until now. “I’m a starling, too.”
A great transformation took place right before her eyes. The woman’s appearance slowly began to fade away, like a dream upon waking. Purple hair became light blonde, golden locks gently falling over brown shoulders. Green eyes turned gold, and the red attire wrapped around her slim curves became a silk lavender dress. A familiar twinkle of starlight danced in her gaze. She smiled warmly, melting away the last of Star’s fears.
“You’re really a starling...?”
“Yes. From KOI-55B. Gold Planet.”
“♩♪♫♬? ♪♫♩♪♫♬?”
“♫. ♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬.”
“♪♫! ♩♪♩♪♫♬♩♪!”
The two began to converse in the starling tongue, their warbled notes ringing through the jungle air. It came effortlessly, freeing parts of her soul that had gone unsung for decades. There were many things that could not be expressed in the Universal Standard Language, all of which were released with just a few simple words. The last of her tears finally ceased, the remaining fear admonished.
“Wait...” Star quickly switched back, brows furrowed in confusion. “You sound... weird.”
“That’s because we’re from separate star systems. There are many starling dialects in the universe.”
“I’ve never met a starling outside of Pink Planet before.”
“Hmm... did you just recently begin your space voyage?”
“Yes. I just left home not too long ago.”
“I see. That makes more sense, then. How old are you?”
Star fell silent. The answer to that would arouse suspicion.
“Um... it’s hard to convert time on other planets...”
“Just tell me how old you are in Galactic Years. I’m around 2000 years old, give or take.”
After going back and forth for a moment contemplating the consequences of honesty, she finally confessed with a hesitant sigh.
“...I’m around 350 Galactic years.”
“What? You’re so young. How were you able to leave home so soon?”
“I, um - I had special permission!”
As much as she hated to lie, this was a secret that had to be kept no matter what. Fortunately, the other starling didn’t press any further.
“It sounds like you’ve got an interesting story to tell. Maybe you can fill me in me later. But for now we should probably stick to the Universal Standard Language. This planet is still in the early stages of interstellar development.”
“Oh, right...” Star frowned with a trembling lower lip.
“What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”
“No, but Galaxia got injured! While we were descending, we got caught in a meteor shower and had to make an emergency landing! Her transparency shields are damaged so someone might have seen us! Then we made a hard landing and... and I don’t know if she’s going to be okay! Everything went wrong and it’s all my fault...”
The tears began anew. The young starling sobbed quietly with her face in both hands.
“It’s alright, really,” the other woman spoke softly. “You landed far away from the city. There aren’t a lot of people out here. Besides, everyone’s gathered on the opposite side of town to watch the meteor shower. I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who saw or heard anything.”
“But, still... Galaxia was hurt because of me...”
“And Galaxia will heal. Our spaceships were built to regenerate with starlight. Just give her some time, and she’ll be as good as new.”
“I’m a bad pilot... how could I let this happen?”
“Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. When I tried landing on my very first planet, I accidentally collided with a rocket and had to flee immediately.”
Star wiped her eyes. “Really?”
“Mhm. It was a small planet in a far off galaxy. They had just developed space technology, and that was their first time launching a rocket. Fortunately I had my transparency shields enabled so they didn’t see me. But I felt awful for messing up their first rocket launch.”
“Was your spaceship okay?”
“Asha was a little banged up, but she fully recovered after a few months.”
“I wonder how long it’ll take for Galaxia to heal...” her eyes glanced over to the silent ship a short distance away.
“Well, why don’t we take a look at her now to assess the damage? Maybe it’s not as bad as you think.”
Still sniffling, Star nodded. “By the way, what’s your name?”
The woman smiled and extended her hand. “My real name is ♬♫♬, but you can call me Venus.”
“That’s so pretty... My name is ♩♪♫♬! But my nickname is Star.”
“Ah, that’s a very sacred name. You must be a very special kind of starling.”
“I’m not! I’m just... an ordinary one!”
The other starling chuckled. “Right, of course. Well, ordinary one, let’s go see how Galaxia is doing.”
The two approached the battered spaceship, circling around to gauge the condition.
“What a beautiful color,” Venus commented. “I don’t see any serious damage besides the outer shields. Those are easy to regenerate, it shouldn’t take too long. But let’s check the interior too. Just to be safe.”
Star nodded, placing a careful hand on Galaxia’s outer layer. A door manifested before their eyes, allowing the two starlings to step inside.
“Wow...” Venus placed a hand on the sparkling walls of the spaceship, pulling away to find hints of stardust on her palms. “Absolutely dazzling. I’ve never seen a starling ship like this before.”
Her praise went unheard, as Star fussed anxiously at the dashboard. She managed to pull up a blueprint of Galaxia’s interior on the holographic screen and was scrutinizing it with panicked eyes.
“I can’t figure out where the rest of the damage is...”
Venus appeared from behind, peering over her shoulder. “Hmm... have you run a diagnostics test?”
“Oh, yeah! Um...”
“Go to General Settings, then Network Diagnostics,” Venus stepped in to assist, fingers moving swiftly over the screen. Within seconds the diagnostic test was running. Moments later, detailed results came back.
“Okay, so the engine took some damage, but it’s minimal,” Venus’s eyes scanned the data. “It’ll need some time to regenerate. I’m guessing a couple months at most.”
“What about the other parts?”
“The thrusters and defensive shields don’t look too good, either. I mean, they’re still operable, but I suggest diverting some of the internal starpower to those sections so they can heal more quickly.”
“Okay! Uhh... how do I do that?”
Venus raised a brow. “You... don’t know how to divert power banks?”
“Well, I haven’t had to do it until now...”
“But you practiced in piloting class, right?”
When the young starling’s eyes fell to the ground, Venus placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
“Hey, I get it. Piloting was my worst subject too. I had to study really hard to get to this point. But it’s best to learn on the job anyway, right? I’ll show you how. Watch closely, okay? It’s actually pretty easy.”
Star closely followed Venus’s demonstration as the older starling walked through each step with patience, taking ample time to explain each action.
“By the way... you know you’ve had safety locks enabled this whole time, right?”
“What?!”
“Look.”
She pointed out another feature in System Settings, one that Star hadn’t noticed until now.
“Don’t worry, I turned it off. You should be able to use hyperspeed now.”
“Wait, I could’ve used hyperspeed to travel this whole time!?”
“I don’t recommend it for extremely long distances,” Venus advised. “You’d basically be using all of your engine power just for a one way trip. But it’s good for emergencies, or when your ETA is within a year. Just keep in mind that you’ll need a lot of time to recharge your ship afterwards. Depending on the planet or your location in space, it could take anywhere between a few weeks to a few months.”
“Oh, wow!” Star was in awe. “Thank you for teaching me all of this!”
“No problem,” Venus beamed. “I could teach you a lot more if you like.”
“Yes, please!”
The two shared a smile, then a yawn.
“You must be exhausted,” the older starling commented.
“Yeah... and you, too. It’s pretty late here, right? We should get some rest.”
“Say... do you want to sleep together?”
Star’s face broke into a wide smile. “Yes!! I’d love to!”
“Awesome! Your place, or mine?”
“Mine. Since we’re already here.”
Star happily guided her guest towards the bedroom. When they stepped inside, Venus looked around in amazement. There were small model planets in every color hanging from the ceiling, along with tiny golden lights shaped like distant stars. The bed itself was massive, with a firm mattress and a gradient lavender-pink blanket neatly made. Cute little stuffed animals laid next to ivory pillows, which were placed near the giant window with a view of the dense jungle outside. A radio playing quiet music and a small potted plant sat on a nearby table; Star turned it off, then poured some fresh water in the upturned dirt.
“Do you need anything?” she asked while digging two pairs of pajamas out from a drawer on the other side of the room. “A glass of water, or a midnight snack...?”
“I’m okay for now, thanks,” Venus happily accepted the two piece set that Star handed to her and quickly changed out of her day clothes. “I love your bedroom. It’s so cute.”
“Thanks!” Star finished changing as well, then plopped down on her usual side of the bed. Venus shortly followed suit. The two laid on their sides facing one another, quietly making themselves comfortable.
Starlings had a strange tradition in their culture. By nature, they preferred to sleep with others rather than alone as a sense of protection and safety. This was how most of them were raised. Having a sleeping partner, or multiple sleeping partners, helped them feel more at ease. It didn’t matter what the relationship was between them - friends, family, and lovers alike often shared beds. That was why the space voyage was so important in starling development; they had to learn how to be independent and stop relying on others to regulate their emotions. It was one of the more difficult adjustments that starlings struggled with when they set off from home.
But for now, both of them could practice the old tradition and find comfort in the familiar.
“...Venus?”
“Yes?”
“Can you tell me about some of the places you’ve explored? You’ve been on your space voyage a lot longer than I have. I bet you have a lot of really interesting stories!”
Venus’ eyes lit up. “Of course! What would you like to hear about first?”
“Mmmm, tell me about your first planet!”
“Well... the first place I landed on that I didn’t have to flee was called Sirenia. It was a planet inhabited by merpeople who lived underwater. They called themselves Aquarians.”
“Merpeople?”
“Yes. Lifeforms that were half human, half fish,” Venus smiled. “Their language was similar to ours, as they spoke in song.”
“Wow!” Star sat up in bed with excitement twinkling in her eyes. “That sounds so cool!! So you lived underwater with them?”
“Just for a short time. I started to miss daylight and solid ground, so I left after a few months.”
“Where did you go after that?”
“Hmm, I think I went to Druma next. It’s a planet inhabited by tree people.”
“I know what you’re talking about! I read about it in my sister’s books! They were called Arborians, right?”
“Yep! They were... a bit odd. Arborians spend most of their days talking in circles. It was kinda boring, so I left after a day or two.”
“What about this planet?” Star yawned, head resting on one of the fluffy pillows. “How long have you been here? And can you tell me about the people?”
“Ah, this planet... I’m not sure how much time has passed since I first landed. I lost track long ago. But so far, Eros has been my favorite place I’ve visited. Valivipa island in particular has been amazing.”
“Why’s that?”
“Well, the locals are kind and welcoming. They have beautiful cultural practices. Music, dance, song, and nature are a core part of their lives. And the land itself is said to radiate love. That’s why they call this the planet of lovers.”
“Wait... I think I’ve heard advertisements for this place on the radio!”
“That doesn’t surprise me. Extraterrestrials treat it as an exotic honeymoon destination, so there are a lot of other beings here in disguise, too. I’ll take you to the city tomorrow, you’ll see them there.”
“What’s the city like? What are the...”
The turquoise-haired starling dozed off, leaving her question unfinished. Venus smiled, watching the starling rest peacefully for a few moments before joining her in slumber.
Chapter 2
A gentle beam of morning light snuck through the bedroom window and gently nudged the two starlings awake. Star, feeling well rested for the first time in ages, stretched her arms up high with a yawn. Venus stirred beside her, eyes fluttering open as the last remnants of sleep faded away.
“Good morning,” Star said with a sleepy smile.
“Grand rising.”
“How did you sleep?”
“Amazing,” Venus smiled, a peaceful look on her face. “I haven’t slept that well in a long time.”
“Me too!” Star leapt out of bed and pranced across the room. “You hungry? There’s plenty of food to eat for breakfast! I’ve got umelles, solapples, starfruit, and, uh... moonberries too!”
“Nah, I’m alright for now.”
As Venus freshened up in the bathroom, Star ate her fill of fruit and got dressed. Shortly, the two were ready for the day ahead. Before they stepped outside, however, they both took a moment to generate their avatars.
“Make up, please!”
A white light descended down their bodies from head to toe, drastically altering both hair and clothes. Star’s straight turquoise hair became bubblegum pink with thick bangs that hung over her forehead. Cyan eyes turned azure, and she now donned a white maxi dress with matching sandals.
Venus’s wavy, purple bob from the night before returned, golden locks fading away like a forgotten dream. Her silk pajamas turned into a long, red dress with a hem that stopped at the ankles. Both of their antennae disappeared in the transformation, masking their interstellar origins. Now, they could both blend in with the locals and start their adventure.
“Come on!” Star grabbed her hand excitedly. “Let’s go!”
The city was about an hour’s walk from their hiding spot in the jungle. It was a pleasant trip spent chatting and giggling as the two starlings got to know each other a little better. Time passed quickly, and soon the golden gates of the main entrance appeared before them with a large, bustling city on the other side.
Countless street venders lined the cobblestone roads, selling everything from food to clothes to other trinkets. It was as if the whole town was one big market. The people looked like regular humans, although all had pastel colored hair and dark, vivid eyes. Women and men of all ages filled the streets, air abuzz with chatter and laughter. Venus looped her arm around Star’s, ensuring they would not lose one another in the crowds.
“Wow! This place is amazing!!” Star said a little too loud as she spun around excitedly, earning a few strange looks from passersby.
“Welcome to Ubad,” Venus laughed, nodding at two people across the street. “Look. Remember how I said there are extraterrestrial tourists here? That’s a greyskin couple. Can you tell?”
Star squinted to get a better look. “Oh, yeah! When you really pay attention, it’s obvious they’re not planet dwellers.”
“But regular humans aren’t able to see things the same way that we can. To them, they just look like foreigners.”
“I didn’t realize other species had tech like ours.”
“They do, but starling tech is superior. I mean, come on, the skin grafting looks like a protostar designed it.”
The two of them started snickering amongst themselves.
“That’s mean! We shouldn’t make fun of other life forms!”
“Am I wrong?”
“No!” Star grinned, causing them to erupt into another fit of giggles.
“By the way, are there other starlings here?”
Venus shook her head. “Nope. At least, I haven’t run into any on Valivipa or Denpasa. They might be on other islands, though.”
Star was about to ask her another question, but something at a nearby shop caught her eye. She ran over to the wooden table, excitedly admiring their stock. They were selling a wide variety of goods - fine silks, embroidered clothes, woven baskets, knitted bags, handmade jewelry... all of it captivated the starling’s attention.
“I love this!!” she reached out to touch an embroidered golden scarf.
“500 rupiah,” a voice called out from deep within the shop. The vendor, whom she hadn’t seen until now, was a stout man with bronze skin and wiry lavender hair. He sat on a stool behind the register with a serious look on his face.
“500 rupiah?!” Venus suddenly appeared beside her, placing her hands on her hips with a frown. “Last week it was half the price.”
“Price went up.”
“Why? What changed? Does this scarf now solve all problems? Cure ailments? Bring forth prosperity and love?”
“Hmph. Fine. 400 rupiah.”
“400?! No, no, no,” Venus gently pushed Star’s back, leading her away from the storefront. “We will go to another shop. Good day.”
“Um, Venus?” Star asked worriedly. “What’s going on? He looks angry...”
“Don’t worry,” she winked. “This is all part of the bargaining act. I’m gonna get a great deal for you.”
“Grrr, alright!” he stood up and followed. “300 rupiah! Final offer!”
“250 or nothing,” Venus stood firm.
Finally, the vendor conceded. He gestured for the girls to come closer.
“And that’s how you haggle successfully,” Venus grinned at Star. “Go ahead, you can pay now.”
“Huh?” Star blinked. “But I don’t have any money.”
“...”
The three fell silent, staring blankly at one another as the awkward silence pressed on. Venus let out a sigh, then reached into her pockets to hand the vendor a few silver coins. She grabbed the scarf and led the younger starling away.
“I’m sorry,” Star frowned when they had finally made it to a safe place. “I was just looking...”
“No, it’s alright. I shouldn’t have just assumed you wanted to buy stuff,” Venus wrapped the scarf around Star’s waist, tying it tightly so it stayed in place. “However, you’re going to need money while you’re here.”
“How do I get some?”
A large grin spread across Venus’s face. “Come on. I’ll show you.”
The drummers led the starling’s dance with a steady, rhythmic beat.
Long skirts blossomed as they spun and twirled around, matching each other’s pace in their impromptu performance. Dusk had fallen over Ubad. The night market lit up as vendors set fire to candle lanterns, lighting a colorful rainbow path for all who wandered through its streets. The starlings had attracted a modest crowd who stood in awe as they watched the dance unfold before them.
A few people dropped silver coins into a glass cup placed on the ground while others tossed folded paper bills inside. When a handful of small children approached, Venus and Star invited them onto the makeshift stage. Laughter rang through the air as the dancers leapt and spun around, keeping pace with the drums as they echoed through the evening air.
When the music stopped, a riveting round of applause followed. Once the crowd dispersed, the two starlings began the long journey back to their ships. As she walked, Venus sifted through the cup to count their earnings for the night.
“That was so much fun!!” Star bounced through the foliage excitedly.
“We made a lot of money, too!” Venus grinned. “Over 1000 rupiah! Usually when I dance alone, I only make a couple hundred if I’m lucky. You’re a great partner!”
“So are you!”
“Can we do it again tomorrow? Pleeeease?”
Venus laughed. “Wouldn’t you rather do some more exploring? There’s still so much of Valivipa you haven’t seen yet.”
“Like what?”
“The nightlife is one of my favorite things here. Most of the parties last until sunrise.”
“Let’s go to a party then!!”
Venus laughed. “Alrighty. I’ll take you out one of these nights.”
“Oooh, like a date?”
“Yep! You’re gonna be all mine!”
They didn’t get back until later that evening, when the daystar had disappeared beyond the horizon and night had fallen over Eros.
“Today was fun, but I’m totally beat!” Star said with a weary sigh. “I need a bath and something sweet.”
“We can rinse off in the waterfall. It’s not very warm, though.”
“Ooooh, a waterfall bath sounds amazing!!”
“Alright, well let’s stop by my ship first so I can grab some towels for us.”
Venus led them to a clearing, where Asha was waiting patiently for their return. The transparency shields were enabled, but Star was able to perceive it through energy alone. Its current form was a beautiful shape; like a flying fish with wings ready to take to the skies. She stood there in quiet admiration, waiting for Venus’ return.
“You ready?” the golden haired girl emerged after a few minutes, carrying two lavender-colored towels.
“She’s gorgeous,” Star mused. “What was her name again?”
“Asha. I named her after my favorite space disco artist.”
“Space disco? I don’t think I ever listened to that before.”
“I’ll play some songs for you when we get back later. I think you’ll like it.”
“Awesome!”
“What about your ship? How’d she get her name?”
“Oh, I named Galaxia after a character in my favorite magical girl anime!”
“You like anime, too?!”
“Heck yeah I do! Right now I’m trying to keep up with Galaxy Girls!”
“Oh my stars, I love Galaxy Girls!! Who’s your favorite? Mine’s Glissandria!”
“I like Melodia, but Aria is a close second!”
The waterfall was deep in the jungle, surrounded by lush greenery. Animals and insects chirped and sang from their hiding spots in the dense foliage. Venus led them through a thick brush, pushing aside giant leaves to reveal a secluded lake. Freshwater fell from a massive height; Star guessed it was probably hundreds of meters tall. And the water was crystal clear, enough so that she could see smooth rocks at the bottom.
Venus, after shedding the avatar’s illusion, began to slip out of her clothes. Golden hair cascaded down her naked back and chest, and russet brown skin glowed in the dark of the night as she stepped into the lake. The subtle curves of her slim body created a beautiful silhouette that captivated Star completely.
“You coming?”
She realized too late that she was staring. Clumsy hands deactivated the avatar’s effects and haphazardly stripped the clothes from her body. After hanging the white dress and golden scarf on a nearby tree branch, she carefully took her first step into the lake.
“Ah! It’s freezing!” She let out a small shriek, earning a laugh from Venus.
“I told you it was cold!”
“It’s like an ice bath!! How can you stand it?”
The older starling girl snickered. “I’m used to it. My planet has chilly waters, too.”
Goosebumps lined her skin, sending shivers through every nerve. To warm up, she furiously scrubbed the remnants of the day off her skin.
But she had trouble reaching her back. Venus floated closer, lathering up a bar of soap.
“Here, let me help.”
“Oh! Thank you.”
Star brushed her hair aside, neck and back exposed and vulnerable. Venus gently ran the soap over her shoulders and spine, taking care not to scrub too hard. Star shivered, stifling laughter.
“Ticklish?” Venus asked with a smile.
Star nodded. “Just a little bit...”
“Hold on. I’m almost done.”
She finished up and poured fresh water down her back, rinsing away the last of the suds. Star let out a small relieved sigh and turned around.
“Thank you. Do you want me to get your back too?”
“Sure.”
Venus turned around, ignorant to Star’s longing gaze. Even her back was beautiful. Soft, smooth skin. A slight curve at the waist. The smell of flowers filled the warm night air, radiating from the golden haired starling’s skin. Star’s cheeks grew warm as careful hands slowly traced a path from shoulders to spine, washing away the soap with handfuls of cold water.
Venus turned around with a knowing smile. “Thanks.”
Both sunk into the water with only their heads and shoulders above the surface. Star met her gaze, falling silent as the sounds of the jungle rang out around them.
“You’re beautiful,” she whispered.
“Oh! Um, well, thank you... so are you.”
Neither knew what to say as they stared at one another, each silently admiring the other’s form. To break the silence, Venus reached out and ran her fingers through a few strands of Star’s hair.
“Is this your natural hair? It’s very pretty.”
“Yep! I wish I had curly hair, though.”
“No you don’t. It’s a hassle.”
“Yeah, but it’s got so much more personality than straight hair! And you can do so much more with it.”
Star returned the gesture, holding Venus’ golden locks in her hands.
“I like your hair, too. The color is like warm daylight. Or a golden star.”
“How romantic. Let’s see if you feel the same after I wash it.”
Grabbing a bottle of shampoo, Venus spent a few minutes scrubbing her scalp before rinsing out the suds. Her hair had transformed entirely; straight locks became coily and kinky, sticking out in all directions as the starling applied conditioner and styling cream to each section.
“I know what you’re gonna say,” Venus piped up when she noticed the other starling watching. “It looks like ramen noodles, right?”
“Huh? What are those?”
“You’re telling me you’ve never had ramen noodles before?!”
“Nope! But they must be very beautiful if that’s what your hair looks like!”
Venus gawked at her in disbelief. “You... you’re a strange one, Star.”
“I think you should wear your hair like this more often! It’s absolutely gorgeous.”
“Well, it’s a lot to maintain...”
“I can help! I have a few older sisters with your hair type, so I’m used to working with your texture!”
“Maybe... I don’t know. t’s been a long time since I’ve worn it natural.”
“Well, no matter how you wear it, you’re still going to look super beautiful.”
Venus’ frown slowly disappeared with her words. “Thank you, Star... you have no idea how much that means to me.”
After some time, the two stepped out of the lake and dried off. Then they walked back to Asha’s hiding spot, making sure to stick together on the dark jungle path.
“Can we sleep together again?” Star asked in a quiet, shy voice once they returned.
“Yeah, of course! You wanna stay here tonight?”
“Yes, please! I wanna see your room!”
Asha’s interior was vastly different from Galaxia’s. The walls were dark violet, with tiny twinkling silver lights that reminded her of star clusters in space. The floor was made of ivory marble and felt cool under her feet. There were two levels; the first floor had an amethyst-colored navigation board in front of the main window, along with a small storage area where food was grown and harvested. A wide staircase led a path upstairs, releasing glittery lights with every ascending step.
“Come on,” Venus called out from the top. “My bedroom’s on the second floor.”
When she stepped inside, Star was even more awe-struck. The walls were a mix of lavender and gold. Venus’s bed was circle-shaped and a bit smaller than expected, but it had more than enough room for two. Her bedding was simple and clean; a white comforter with lace embellishments, and four fluffy pillows that felt like clouds when Star laid down.
“Comfortable?” Venus whispered.
Star let out a content sigh. “Yeah. Your bed feels like a dream.”
Venus inched closer, laying on her side to face her companion. “It kinda feels like we’re protostars at a sleepover, being snuggled up together like this.”
“Oh... yeah...” Star’s smile quickly faded.
“What’s wrong?”
“...I never really got to have sleepovers.”
“Wait, really? Why not?”
“I wasn’t allowed. Not unless it was with my siblings, and they were almost always too busy to spend time with me.”
“Mmm. Your nebulae must have been very strict.”
“Yeah,” she sighed, curling her knees into her chest. “I wasn’t allowed to do a lot of things.”
Venus watched her curiously.
“Sooo... you couldn’t have sleepovers, but you managed to get special permission to start your space voyage before you reached 1000 years of age?”
The younger starling fell silent, refusing to answer.
“And your name. They don’t bestow that name upon someone unless-”
Star hugged a pillow against her chest. “You’re right. I didn’t get permission.”
She braced herself for a scolding, but instead the older starling took one of her hands and held it gently. They gazed into each other’s eyes, golden irises connecting with blue.
“Don’t worry,” she whispered. “Your secrets are safe with me.”
Star squeezed her hand, letting out a sigh of relief.
Venus’s lips curled up in a smile. “Well, now that you’re on your space voyage, you can do whatever you want. Within reason, of course.”
“There are so many things I want to do...”
“Then we’ll do them all. Together.”
“Everything?”
“Mhm. Whatever you want. We’re friends now, so you don’t have to be alone anymore.”
Star held her palm in the air, inviting Venus to complete a gesture known to starlings as an oath.
“Promise?”
Venus lifted her hand, pressing its palm against Star’s.
“Promise.”
Chapter 3
“Um, Venus? Are you sure about this?”
“Go on! You can do it. Just follow the steps exactly as I showed you.”
Star looked nervous as she stood at the dashboard next to her friend. Venus gave her an encouraging smile, urging her to start.
This was a practice run. They had spent quite a bit of time going through the basics of navigation, ship maintenance, and piloting. Now, after weeks of training, it was time for Star to test her knowledge and show Venus everything she’d learned.
“Okay,” she inhaled sharply. “To do short distance teleportation, I need to disable the safely locks and shift into second gear.”
“That’s right,” Venus nodded. “Then what?”
“I put the thrusters at max power and lower gravity to 10%.”
“Exactly! And the last step?”
Star grinned widely, oozing confidence as she pressed the final button.
“Initiate launch sequence!”
“Wait, no-!”
Venus barely managed to grab hold of something before Galaxia suddenly shot into the air. As the spaceship flew through the sky, a time warp tunnel materialized in the space field around them, warping and collapsing gravity in a technicolor haze. The two starlings lost their balance and screamed, senses overwhelmed by the momentarily leap through time.
Fortunately, it only lasted a few seconds. When Galaxia came to a harsh stop, they both fell to the floor gracelessly.
“Ugh... what happened?” Star found herself lying on her back.
“...You initiated launch before stabilizing the interior,” Venus, having fallen face first on top of Star, slowly pushed herself up until she was straddling her waist.
“Oh, crap!” the younger starling groaned.
Venus giggled. “You should’ve seen your face. That was hilarious!”
“It’s not funny!!”
“It’s kind of funny!”
Star tried to pout, but seeing Venus laughing so hard made it impossible to stay upset. She began to laugh along with her.
But when their laughter died down, both realized the position they were in. They paused, staring at one another as the long, quiet seconds passed by. Venus’s gaze trailed down Star’s body, lingering on her lips.
“...Your makeup’s messed up.”
There was stray lipgloss on her chin. She wiped it away with one thumb, then rubbed off the smudged rouge on her cheeks. Star kept perfectly still, despite the rapid heart thumping in her chest.
“There you go. All better.”
Another silent, heavy pause filled the room. Venus’s fingers lingered on Star’s face, gently caressing the soft skin beneath her palms.
“Um, Venus...?”
“Yeah?”
She bit her lip, a risky question burning within. Her lips moved, but the words got stuck before she could get them out.
“...Never mind.”
The days on Eros spent with Venus passed by like a rapid summer wind, melting into one another under the hot daystar of Valivipa.
For the first time, Star’s loneliness no longer haunted her spirit. The sadness that had driven her to leave home was now a distant memory. New and unfamiliar emotions blossomed in her heart, growing everyday as the weeks and months flew by. But she kept them inside, too shy to confess the secret feelings that had sprouted within.
They were just friends, right?
She loved her. There was no questioning that. But how... that was something she couldn’t define. Not even in starling tongue.
Star had never been in love before. Was this how it felt? And if she was in love... did Venus feel the same?
There were many times she tried to ask, and many times she failed.
But eventually, the answer came in a way she never expected.
“So,” Venus asked Star one day, when the two of them were sitting together in the pomolyu tree groves in the jungle. “What do you wanna do today?”
Star tossed aside a pile of fruit peels with a bored sigh.
“Is there a place we can go that’s outside of Ubad?”
“What’s wrong? You bored of it already?”
“No, the city is fun! It’s just that... I’m tired of hanging out with other extraterrestrial beings in disguise. I want to go somewhere more quiet, where we can truly enjoy Valivipa in its raw form.”
Venus tapped her chin with one finger.
“Hmm... I know what you mean. Nowadays it’s hard to find places like that. The locals haven’t realized it yet, but Eros is slowly being taken over by interstellar investors. That’s why there are so many extraterrestrials here. If you want to experience the true Valivipa, we’d have to go to the far reaches of the island where the tourists are too scared to visit.”
“Have you been there before?”
“A couple times, yeah. I went to a little beach city called Uluwa on the western side. But it’s been a while.”
“Can you take me there, too?!”
“Are you sure? It’s a long trip. Last time I went, it took half a day to get there.”
“We could take one of our ships and get there in a flash!”
“I thought you wanted the authentic Valivipa experience?” Venus stood up with a laugh. “No spaceships. If you wanna go, we’ll have to take the motorbike. Trust me, it’s better that way!”
“What’s a motorbike?”
It was a long drive, just like Venus said. But the ride was absolutely exhilarating! Star kept both arms wrapped tightly around her waist as she sat on the motorbike’s back seat. The strange vehicle that ran on fossil fuels had turned out to be an excellent method of travel, even if it was a bit archaic.
Turquoise hair flew with the wind as they rode through narrow dirt paths towards the mountain peak. The dawn sky followed along as they ascended. The rice paddies, jungle brush, and wild rivers of Valivipa looked tiny from way up high. Star took a deep breath, drinking in the fresh mountain air that filled her lungs.
After an hour or so of driving, they began their descent down the mountain. She could finally see the beach in the distance. It was just as amazing as Venus had described. White sand beaches. Clear cerulean waters. Trees with sweet, sour fruit hanging from their branches. It made Star a little homesick for Pink Planet.
After reaching the shore, Star climbed off as soon as they parked the motorbike. Venus carried a backpack full of picnic supples while Star led the way towards the shore.
“Over here!” there was a spot close to the water, right beneath the daystar’s warm midday light. They took a moment to rest and eat after setting up the blankets and snack platters. Star hungrily munched on a handful of moonberries while Venus sat quietly, watching the waves ebb and flow.
“You should eat,” Star gently urged, pushing a bowl of sliced solapples into her lap.
“I’m not hungry.”
“But you didn’t eat breakfast this morning. And we’ve been traveling for hours. At least have a little snack.”
Venus tensed up, avoiding Star’s gaze. But that didn’t deter the young starling.
“You don’t have to eat a lot, but at least try some of the starfruit,” she handed her a juicy, yellow slice. “Galaxia grew it in her greenhouse. It’s a special heirloom variety from Pink Planet I grew myself. Please try it?”
Venus finally looked back at her, eyeing the peeled fruit in her palm. Resigned, she accepted and took a small bite. Golden eyes widened as the sweet, sour flavor graced her tongue.
“This is delicious.”
“I told you!” Star beamed. “You can have more if you’d like!”
“Okay, okay. I’ll have a few more.”
After the two ate their fill, they stood up and walked hand in hand towards the ocean. The clear waters lapped at their ankles with each step. Now waist deep, they surrendered to the gentle flow of the current.
“It’s so warm!” Star fell backwards into the water, letting it the surface carry her as the waves ebbed and flowed. “I’ve missed the ocean so much.”
Venus floated beside her. “You have beaches like this on Pink Planet, right?”
“Yeah, but I like this beach a lot better.”
“Why?”
The waves lapped at their bodies, pushing them further towards one another as the breeze carried Star’s words. She moved closer, pressing her body against Venus until their warmth intertwined. A sweet, floral scent mixed with the salty sea air billowed around her like smoke. As if she was inhaling her very essence.
“Because on this beach... you’re here with me.”
Venus’ irises fixated on hers, locking them both in an unbreakable gaze. The blonde slowly wrapped both arms around her shoulders. Their foreheads touched, faces close enough to feel each other’s breath.
And then, they kissed.
Star’s eyes fluttered shut as she felt Venus’ soft lips against hers. The sensation of butterfly wings flicked across her chest, and a fire kindled in the depths of her stomach. A strange new warmth blossomed in her chest and expanded towards Venus like a bridge, glowing brightly on the surface of the cerulean water. Time came to a stop, and for a moment, all that existed was the two of them.
They only parted when hit by a sudden wave, dousing them in deep sea water. The starlings stood up and ran to the shore, coughing, gasping, and laughing as they collapsed onto the beach blankets.
“Are you okay?” Star wrapped an arm around her waist.
“Yeah! I’m fine,” Venus returned the gesture, resting both hands on Star’s hips.
Another second passed, and their lips found each other’s once more. Venus kissed a path down her neck, lingering at the collarbone when airy moans escaped. Star’s hands ran down her chest and stomach, stopping between soft thighs she’d been longing to touch.
“...Wait.”
“What’s wrong?” Star stopped immediately. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah... I mean, no...” Venus’ expression turned dark. “I’m sorry. I don’t know if I’m... if I’m ready for that.”
“Hey. It’s okay. We don’t have to if you don’t want to.”
“Are you sure...?”
“I’m sure. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”
“But... aren’t you disappointed?”
“Disappointed?” Star let out a laugh. “Venus, I just got to kiss you! There’s nothing disappointing about that!”
“Do you know how long I’ve been wanting this?” she whispered, planting kisses on the shell of her ear. “Even if all we ever do is kiss, I’ll be the happiest star in this whole galaxy!”
The older starling’s eyes filled with tears. Speechless, she leaned forward and kissed her deeply.
They sat together with blankets wrapped around wet shoulders, watching the daystar dip beneath the horizon. The sky was dyed shades of golden yellow, deep orange, and violet purple. And when the stars began to dance in the skies, they finally packed up to head home.
“...There! All done. You wanna take a look?”
Star held up the mirror, allowing Venus to get a full look at her new hairstyle. The upper half of her kinky blonde hair was now neatly wrapped in two space buns atop her head, while the lower half fell freely over her shoulders. The style emphasized Venus’ heart shaped face, bringing out her true shining beauty. She beamed, emanating a certain brightness that had been missing before.
“Ahhh! This is so cute! I love it!!” Venus hugged Star with a huge smile.
“See? I told you I was good at styling!”
“Thank you. This means more to me than you know.”
Venus leaned forward and planted a kiss on her cheek. “Now, are you ready?”
“Ready for what?”
In the palm of her hand was a small pile of dried mushrooms. “For an incredible experience.”
“What’s this stuff?”
“Something that’ll take you on a magical journey,” she smirked. “We’ll go together.”
Star hesitantly accepted the dried mushroom, taking a small bite into a cap. It tasted like dirt and soil, leaving an earthy taste in her mouth after swallowing.
She felt normal. Nothing seemed to have changed. The starling looked down at the palms of her hands, observing the grooved lines and the glow radiating from beneath her skin. Seconds passed. Or maybe minutes. Time began to distort until suddenly, her senses ignited, painting the world in colors once unseen. They bled into her field of vision, amplifying every perception. The soft music playing in the background of Venus’ bedroom plucked chords in Star’s mind; the notes vibrated against every nerve. And Venus, her beautiful face gazing back with utmost tenderness, appeared to her like a being out of a dream. Their foreheads pressed together, and soon their lips followed.
Every touch felt electric, reverberating through her body like a shockwave. Hands wandered under skirts, caressing the softest parts until rivers ran down their thighs.
Breaths intertwined as she began a steady pump. In and out, in tandem with melodic moans. Lips kissed scattered paths across every inch of skin, fingers sinking into the softness of hips and thighs. The lines between them blurred until it felt like they had become one. There was no beginning to Star. There was no end to Venus. There was only the love between them, and the ripples of pleasure washing over their bodies.
Hours passed. Morning turned to night, and when darkness fell upon the world, the two starling lovers collapsed onto the bed and into each other’s arms.
Today was the day.
Star was finally going to confess.
She had been planning this for a while. The anniversary of the day they met had arrived, bringing with it the perfect opportunity to reveal her hidden feelings.
Heart pounding with anticipation, she led Venus to a secluded spot in the jungle, next to the waterfall where they bathed together nearly every day. Waiting there was a soft blanket spread across the grass, a bottle of aged solapple juice, and some sliced starfruit.
“What’s all this for?” Venus laughed.
“Sit with me. I’ll tell you.”
When Venus sat down, she gently took her hand, intertwining their fingers together.
This confession was coming straight from the heart. One that had been desperate to escape for quite some time. Keeping it inside any longer was impossible.
“Venus, I’ve been meaning to say this for a really long time. But... this last year we’ve spent together here in Valivipa has been the happiest I’ve ever been in my whole life. You’re my best friend, but you’re also way more than that. And I...”
Her eyes squeezed shut as she swallowed the last her nerves.
“I love you. I think you’re the one. My ♪♫♩♪♫♬.”
Silence fell between them. Star hesitantly opened her eyes, curious to see Venus’s expression.
But what she saw caused her heart to shatter.
Venus’s smile was gone. Her eyes had lost their spark. She pulled away, muttering to herself with arms wrapped around trembling shoulders.
Star had never seen her like this before. It was as if a totally different person was sitting beside her. Someone who was drifting further and further away.
“Wow. Um...”
“Did I say something wrong...?”
“No, no. That was really nice. But-”
“But... what?”
“It’s just a lot to take in.”
“...I’m sorry...”
“No, don’t apologize, I just... I don’t... I don’t want that anymore.”
“Why not?”
“Because...”
Venus stood up with her back to Star.
“I’m sorry. I should go.”
“Wait, Venus!”
It was too late. She had already gotten up to leave. And when Star followed, her footsteps quickened until she was running at a brisk pace.
Eventually, Venus disappeared into the darkness of the jungle, along with Star’s hope for an answer.
Star searched for Venus everywhere.
Asha’s parking spot. Ubad’s crowded streets. The hidden waterfalls deep within the jungle. The nightclubs where the two of them used to dance. She was nowhere to be found.
There were times when she spotted her slipping into dark alleyways or turning around corners that Star couldn’t reach in time. But the flashes of yellow and gold faded away almost as quickly as they appeared.
Despite that, she continued her pursuit. Even if the answer wasn’t what she wanted.
One day, in a moment of pure coincidence, they finally crossed paths in the jungle. Star was walking back to Galaxia when she saw the older starling before her, ambling down the same path. They stared at each other for a few long seconds before Venus turned heel.
“Venus, wait!”
Star grabbed her hand before she could get too far.
“I’ve been looking all over for you! Where have you been?”
“That doesn’t concern you.”
Her voice was cold and distant. Yet, Star could sense there was something beneath. A deep, hidden fear that Venus was battling.
“Yes it does! You’ve been avoiding me and I want to know why!”
“Because I don’t want to be around you anymore! Don’t you get it?”
Harsh words pierced through Star’s heart. She slowly let go, cheeks damp with tears.
“But... why? What did I do wrong?”
“Just forget about me,” Venus muttered, a strained expression haunting her face. “I’m not worth it.”
“I can’t do that! Not after everything we’ve been through!”
“I just don’t feel the same way, okay? If you want an answer, there you go!”
“Then look at me. Look at me and tell me you don’t feel the same.”
At first, she refused. But Star waited patiently, and eventually Venus surrendered. She turned around to face the girl who had unearthed her deepest fear.
“I... I can’t...”
Tears broke free, falling onto the ground below. Star quickly pulled her into a tight embrace. She held her lover in a firm grasp hugging tighter when Venus began to tremble.
“Please, just talk to me. It isn’t like starlings to hide their feelings from one another.”
“I’m scared. I’m really, really scared.”
“Why? Are you afraid of me?”
“No... I’m scared of getting hurt again.”
Star cupped her cheeks with both hands, thumbs wiping away stray tears. Their foreheads pressed together as she spoke.
“I would never hurt you! At least not on purpose!”
Venus shook her head, struggling to release the words that weighed so heavily on her heart.
“Even if you don’t mean to, it’s inevitable. Every time I get close to someone, they end up hurting me...”
“But isn’t it more painful to lock yourself away?”
When she remained silent, Star continued.
“I know that I might unintentionally hurt you. That’s normal in any relationship. But if and when that happens, I’ll apologize and we can talk it out. Then we can heal together.”
“You haven’t been around other starlings for a very long time. I know how hard it is, pretending to be someone else, trying to fit in with people whose nature is so different from our own. But Venus, you can be yourself with me! I don’t want you to hide yourself away when we’re together.”
“I’ll hold your heart very gently, just like a newborn star. Not too tightly, because I don’t want you to feel trapped. But firm enough so that you know I’m always here for you. You can always come back to me, whenever you feel lonely or sad, and I’ll stay with you until the very end. Let me be your home.”
“Star...” Tears rolled down Venus’s cheeks. Star leaned forward, kissing all of them away.
“It’s okay if you’re still scared. I’m scared too. I’ve never been in love before. But we don’t have to be scared alone. We have each other.”
“I don’t know if I’m brave enough to love again.”
“Then I’ll be brave for the both of us.”
“Star...”
“Please, don’t run away from me anymore. I love you.”
Star clung on tightly, fearing that she’d slip away once more.
It was true; both starlings were afraid of these new, unfamiliar feelings. But Star had pushed past her fear for the sake of love. Venus wanted the same.
But as old memories resurfaced, her inner light was smothered by the darkness of the past.
Chapter 4
Content Warning: This chapter contains sensitive content that may upset some readers, such as discussion of an eating disorder, the depiction of an emotionally abusive relationship, coercion into sexual acts, and a graphic description of a violent sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised. You may skip to the next chapter if you do not wish to consume this material.
She hadn’t always been like this.
At the start of her space voyage, she was just as eager as any starling setting off into the universe on their own for the first time. On her 1000th birthday, she left home and set course for wherever the cosmos would take her, per starling tradition. She, too, had been wide eyed and naive, secretly yearning for the special person whose soul matched hers.
Eros was her tenth planet. It was just supposed to be another stop along the way.
But then, she met him.
Rubio was his name. As an extraterrestrial investor that had acquired property in Denpasa and amassed a great fortune from his tourist business, he was one of the most sought after bachelors on Planet Eros. But his refusal to settle down with one person shrouded his name in infamy. Handsome, tall, and wealthy, it seemed as though nobody could ever truly tie him down.
Venus was also alone. She stood out as a strange being on the outskirts of society, a person that had not been chosen or accepted by another. It made it difficult to assimilate into the culture, and led to many lonely nights in the jungle. So when they locked eyes at Club Monaco that one fateful night, she believed her search was finally over.
He was sitting alone in the booth, surrounded by bottles of expensive wine as nocturnal beats blared through large speakers. His bronze skin and silver hair stood out amongst the crowd, a spectacle that caught the eye of many. Too shy to approach, Venus resigned herself to admiring from a distance.
But all of a sudden, beautiful hazel eyes fell upon her form. And in that moment, he decided the she would belong to him.
Rubio pursued her fervently, showering Venus with gifts and treating her to lavish dates in expensive restaurants and luxury bars. It was the first time she’d been given special treatment. Inexperienced in love, Rubio was all she knew. He was affectionate and charming, like a prince straight out of a fairytale, and catered to her every need without complaint. The first few months of their relationship felt like a dream, or a wish that had finally been granted.
However, she soon learned that he was not the man she thought.
“You’re starting to get fat,” he absentmindedly commented one day while they were at lunch in the city. “Lay off the carbs today, will you?”
“What?” Venus looked at him with confusion.
“Listen, you don’t need to stuff your face every time we go out. It’s unbecoming of a lady.”
When there was no response, sharp eyes shot daggers at her from across the table.
“Don’t give me that look. I’m just concerned is all.”
Tears suddenly broke through, falling onto an unfinished plate. Her companion groaned in annoyance.
“Why are you crying? Come on, enough with that. I’m sorry, alright? Jeez...”
Rubio didn’t like tears. Venus quickly learned to stifle them, along with her appetite.
“This is your natural hair?” he scoffed when he saw her tight, coiled kinks for the first time. “No wonder you always wear it straight. It looks like ramen noodles.”
“...You don’t like it?”
“It’s alright, I suppose. But I prefer women with fine hair I can run my fingers through. You look better with it straightened, anyway.”
That was the last time she had freed her natural hair... until she met Star.
As time went on, Rubio’s mask slipped further and further. No longer was he the kind, thoughtful man she had known. His sweet words turned into sharp venom, lashing out with a critical tongue whenever Venus did something against his wishes.
“Normally I don’t wait this long for my women to put out,” he said one night in a cruel, snarky voice. “Come on. What are you holding out on me for?”
Venus wasn’t sure how to put this into words. Not in a way that wouldn’t upset him.
“...I’m just not ready yet.”
“When will you be ready? If you really loved me, you’d do this with me.”
Venus did love him. She loved him very deeply. Wasn’t it clear with every kiss, touch, and quiet confession whispered over pillowcases?
Unfortunately, it was never enough.
His desire was relentless. He beat her down for months until Venus begrudgingly agreed to try, despite her fears and anxieties.
As soon as the words left her lips, Rubio took what he had wanted from her all along.
She was torn down the middle, ripped in two by a painful burn that penetrated every nerve. It didn’t matter how loud she cried, or how many tears fell from her eyes. He just wouldn’t stop. Fingertips gripped so hard they left bruises, violent hands folded and pinned so hard she felt like her bones would snap. She tried to fight, but her small frame was no match against him. All she could do was wait until he had his fill.
She squeezed her eyes shut and prayed for a quick end.
Please, please, please.
Just stop.
Stop!
It hurts.
It hurts.
It HURTS!
An eternity passed until it was finally over. He finished inside, then flopped over and passed out, leaving a bruised and battered Venus lying awake beside him.
What just happened?
Was that what it meant to make love?
It didn’t feel right.
Something was very, very wrong.
But when she brought it up, he dismissed it with a sneer and a wave of the hand.
“What, are you saying I raped you? Don’t be stupid. A boyfriend can’t rape his own girlfriend. Besides, you said you wanted it. Now get dressed, we’re going to the lounge tonight.”
Venus didn’t feel like going out. But she followed Rubio’s orders as always, in fear of what would happen if she didn’t.
After that night, she refused whenever he asked. That pain was something she never wanted to experience ever again. Of course, he didn’t take kindly to it. When Rubio didn’t get what he wanted, the nasty side of his personality came out in full force. His callous words burrowed into her mind like parasitic worms feasting on her spirit. Each one an open sore that never fully healed.
“Who would want someone like you?”
“You should be grateful I’m giving you the time of day.”
“You’re lucky I love you so much. What other man would put up with this bullshit?”
“I’m all you’ve got. Don’t ever forget that.”
“Nobody else will ever love you.”
She believed him. Until that night in the heart of Club Monaco.
Earlier that evening he had left the condo in a rush with some flimsy excuse. Something along the lines of “I need some time alone.” Venus couldn’t remember. The only memory she had of that night was the image of Rubio with another woman, in the same booth where they had first crossed paths. A thin blonde sat atop his lap, kissing him passionately as large hands roamed over her body, slipping under her skirt to take what belonged to him.
Even after Venus revealed herself, he showed little remorse.
“What did you expect?” the man laughed. “I wasn’t gonna wait around forever.”
That night, she packed up her belongings and left the house key behind, fleeing the island of Denpasa.
She found refuge in the jungles of Valivipa, where she could truly be alone. Her solitude became a source of comfort, a promise of peace and safety that had been stolen by companionship. In the clear lake beneath the roaring waterfall, she scrubbed her raw skin in hopes of washing away his sins.
Looking back, she should have left the planet. But leaving meant that things were really over between them. And despite everything, she couldn’t let him go.
The dream of her ‘someone just for me’ had been shattered. Venus sunk into disillusionment, a frightening condition that all starlings feared. It was pain incomparable to anything else.
For many, many years, she was alone. She built a cage around her heart, holding it prisoner while keeping everyone at bay. It was easier that way. There was no pain in solitude.
But then, Star came along.
The young starling was a reminder of who she once was, bringing back the light and hope that had been lost long ago. When they were together, Venus came alive, the pieces of her shattered soul born anew. Through Star’s eyes, she once again saw the beauty and wonder of the universe.
But the fear was too great. Loving someone was handing them a sword. One that could easily kill as soon as they found an opening. Venus couldn’t handle another wound.
It was just as Rubio said. Nobody else would ever truly want someone like her. Even Star’s love would eventually fade, once her rose-colored vision faded to reveal Venus for the worthless creature she truly was.
Venus couldn’t bear the thought. Instead, she created a coffin of her own making, shutting herself away despite Star’s efforts.
But in the end, that choice became her greatest regret.
Chapter 5
“How much longer are you going to stay on Eros?”
“Mm, I don’t know. To be honest, I don’t really want to leave, but at some point I have to move on.”
“Yeah... I should probably go soon, too. I’ve already stayed too long.”
Neither of them could avoid the difficult conversation any longer. It arose as the two starlings waded through the jungle back to Asha. They had spent enough time dancing around the subject and could no longer put it off. Both felt the gentle beckoning call to return to their voyage through space and complete their journeys.
Silence fell between them until Star finally broke through.
“Venus, I have a crazy idea.”
“What is it?”
She suddenly stopped, almost causing them to run into each other. Turning around excitedly, she cried out, “Come with me! Let’s continue our space voyages together!”
“What? You know that defeats the purpose, right? We’re supposed to travel alone.”
“Who cares! It’s like you said, we can do whatever we want!”
“But if anyone finds out, we’ll get reprimanded!”
“Who’s gonna tell?”
“Star!”
“Come on, just think about it! You and me, the endless sea of stars, adventure around every turn! Think of all the cool places we’ll see, all the people we’ll meet!”
“It does sound nice...”
“And the best part is, we’ll be together.”
She took her hands, eagerly awaiting her answer. Venus, unable to resist a hopeful gaze, conceded with a sigh.
“...Let me think about it some more.”
Star leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“I’m gonna run back to Galaxia quick and grab something for us. You go on ahead, I’ll be there soon!”
Star rushed off, leaving a flustered Venus in her wake. The older starling let out a small laugh as she processed the impulsive parting words.
Star... she was out of her mind. That was certain. But Venus was even crazier for considering it. Two starlings on their space voyage together? Ridiculous. And yet, she found herself drawn to the idea.
Maybe this was the right choice. To escape from this prison with someone she loved.
These thoughts occupied her mind as she finally made it back home to Asha. However, something there made her freeze in place. Standing in the clearing was a familiar face, the sight causing a painful jolt to strike through her chest.
“Darling,” the man approached with a charming smile. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”
“...How did you find me?”
“I have eyes everywhere, remember? It wasn’t easy, though. You’re quite elusive when you want to be.”
“What do you want, Rubio?”
Sharp hazel eyes scrutinized her from head to toe. He was quiet for a moment, hands shoved into the deep pockets of his designer suit.
“To apologize. For everything.”
Still suspicious, she kept her distance. He sighed, face contorting into a serious expression.
“I know my past actions hurt you deeply. And for that, I am sorry. If you give me another chance, I promise that I’ll be better to you.”
Venus glared at him. “Why do you need me? What happened to that other girl?”
“She was just a fling. She means nothing to me.”
“Could’ve fooled me.”
“Look, it was a mistake. The worst one of my life. I’ve regretted it every single day since. You’re the only one I’ve ever truly wanted in this world.”
He pulled a small gift box from his pocket and held it out. “Here. It’s your favorite.”
“I don’t want your gifts.”
“Baby, come on...”
“You think this makes up for everything you’ve done to me?” she snapped. “I won’t let you buy my forgiveness anymore.”
He fell silent for a moment, letting her words linger in the air. After some time, he spoke again with a bit more gentleness.
“...You’re right. I must show it with my actions and changed behavior.”
He placed the box back in his pocket and took her hands, holding them gently as he spoke with soft tenderness.
“Come back to me. I promise things will be different this time. Let me make up for my wrongdoings.”
“But...”
He leaned in close, his breath mixing with hers, and she didn’t pull away. Large hands grasped hers tightly, holding them against his broad chest.
“Please,” he asked again, eyes filled with longing. “I can’t live without you anymore. Everything feels meaningless when you’re not around.”
Venus fell silent.
This was how things always went, wasn’t it?
Sweet, thoughtful actions always followed wicked words. He’d soothe her wounds with a heartfelt apology and promises of change. And she’d fall for it every time.
“Don’t you miss me, too?”
“I do miss you!” she cried. “I miss you every day! I loved you, Rubio... all I wanted was to spend my life by your side!”
“You still can. Let’s leave this place and make a new home. Together.”
“I...”
He closed the distance between them, leaning down as one hand rested on the back of her head. She could have pushed him away, but instead, she surrendered, unable to fight against the conflicting emotions arising within.
This was wrong.
She knew it was.
After everything he had said and done, he wasn’t worthy of her forgiveness or her love.
But despite all that, she just couldn’t stop loving him.
She closed her eyes, allowing their lips to meet as they once did long ago. The feelings she thought were gone broke through like water in a dam, drowning her as she succumbed to his seduction. Before she knew it, their hands met each other’s bodies, soaking up this moment of reunion she had been dreaming of.
That’s when she heard it. A quiet shuffling, followed by the sound of broken glass. Venus pulled away, eyes set on a heartbroken Star who was standing only a small distance away.
“Star!”
The young starling turned heel and ran, prompting Venus to follow. Rubio’s voice rang out, but it was nothing but a whisper in the wind.
After a great chase, she managed to catch up. But the grief-stricken Star refused to listen.
“Leave me alone!” she yelled, stomping through the thick brush.
“Wait!” Venus grabbed her hand, holding it tightly. “Just listen to me!”
“How could you throw me away so easily? Did I really mean that little to you?”
“I’m sorry... I’m so, so sorry...”
Star could barely speak through her tears. But the words that managed to escape spat out like venom.
“You’ve never said you loved me. Not even once. But with him, it came so easily...”
“Star, I-”
“Why don’t you just go, then? You’ve made it clear I’m unwanted!”
“That’s not true! Please, just let me explain!”
“I can’t forgive you!”
“But, Star-!”
“No! There’s nothing you can do to fix this!”
“Please don’t leave me! I love y-”
“I don’t ever want to see you again!”
Star yanked her hand away and ran off, vision blurred as she bolted through the trees and bushes.
Anger, betrayal, despair. An amalgamation of feelings exploded within, twisting at her core until it felt like she couldn’t breathe. Once Star made it back to the ship, she closed the doors behind her and fell to the floor.
Nothing in her life hurt as much as this. Witnessing her lover commit this betrayal had destroyed her completely.
Why?
Why did this happen?
What had she done to deserve this?
Is this what it meant to love and be in love?
Star pleaded for an answer, but all she heard was silence.
Morning came after a long, lonely night filled with tears and regret. After cooling down, Star sought out Venus to apologize.
There were a lot of heartless things she’d said in anger the night before, some of which had become fuddled in her memory. Now that the rage had quelled, she wanted to talk things out and apologize. Heart filled with remorse, she hoped that they could rectify things now.
But when she arrived at Asha’s parking spot, or at least, where it should have been... there was nothing but an empty space.
“What?!”
Star rushed forward, but it was just as she feared.
Venus was gone.
But... why?
How could she leave without saying goodbye?
They had gotten into a terrible fight, yes, but would she really leave like this without saying a word?
The tears came flooding back, falling into the palms of her hand.
This was all her fault.
She had said something that couldn’t be taken back, and broken the promise they’d made to stay together forever.
Star sat there for some time, mourning her loss until she couldn’t bear it any longer.
Galaxia was in working condition once more. The year spent on this planet had provided more than enough time for her hardware to regenerate.
There was nothing left. It was time to go.
Star prepared for takeoff as she’d practiced many times before. Each step took a lifetime to complete. Her body felt as heavy as cement. Every movement took a great deal of energy, and by the time they had lifted into the air, she was completely spent. But eventually, she managed to return to the stars, plagued with memories of her lost love.
Eros was now just a blink in the distance. Her time with Venus, too, was now nothing more than a painful memory. One that would haunt her for many, many years to come.
Big, big thanks to Michaëlle Abraham for acting as my editor and proofreader for this novelette! Your attention to detail, critical feedback, and helpful writing resources ensured that this was ready for production. I cannot thank you enough for the time and effort you have dedicated to this project, the emotional support as I struggled with my insecurity, and the gentle encouragement to share my art with the world. I am a better writer, and a better person, because of you.
Post-Story Discussion Questions:
After learning about what happened to Venus, does that change how you perceive her as a character? Why or why not?
How might Venus’s past explain her current thoughts and actions?
Venus and Rubio had a toxic, abusive dynamic. Why do you think she went back to him?
At the end, Star and Venus went their separate ways. In your opinion, who was at fault for the split? Explain your reasoning.
Do you think Star and Venus’s relationship was doomed from the start?
Is love enough to save somebody who doesn’t love themselves?
Please share your thoughts in the comments!