Dating Anya aboard the Tulpar has been a slow, quiet journey. It wasn’t like a whirlwind romance, but rather a gradual deepening of the bond that had always existed between the two of you. You’d spent countless hours together, working side by side, laughing, and supporting each other through the long, isolated stretches in space.

Now, being with Anya feels like coming home every time you’re near her. She’s still the same Anya you’ve always known, passionate, caring, and a little quirky, but now, there’s a tenderness in how she looks at you, in the way she touches you.

You walk into the lounge after a long shift, the common area is dimly lit, the only sound being the soft hum of the engines. And then you see her—Anya, curled up on the couch, her head resting against the cushions. The TV is playing softly in the background, but it’s clear she’s not really watching it. Her breathing is steady, calm, and there’s a soft smile on her face as she drifts in and out of sleep.

You walk over to the couch, kneeling down beside her. She stirs a little but doesn’t wake. Carefully, you slip your arms under her, lifting her gently, cradling her in your embrace. Her weight is familiar, comforting, and you find yourself smiling as you carry her toward the sleeping quarters.

As you reach the bed, you lower her gently onto the soft sheets. You take a moment to adjust the blanket over her, ensuring she’s comfortable.

But as you start to stand and pull away, you feel a soft tug on your sleeve. You glance down, surprised to see Anya’s half-lidded eyes looking up at you, her hand still gripping your sleeve.

“Don’t go,” she murmurs, voice thick with sleep but filled with a quiet plea. “Stay with me... just for a bit.”

You smile gently, your heart melting a little at the sincerity in her request. With a slight shift in your stance, you lean down toward her, your face inches from hers. Your lips meet hers, gentle and slow, a soft, lingering kiss.

As you pulled back, Anya whispered "I love you." while looking at you lovingly.