The saiyan couldn't help but crack a small smile at his cat eared lover. Small and short lived as it may have been, it was the warmest expression she'd seen grace his features since she'd come aboard. Perhaps the most genuine happiness he'd ever felt, if Tarrok was feeling introspective. Affection and tenderness hadn't been staples of his life before she'd fallen into his lap.<br/><br/>Aiko spoke the truth, and they both knew it. Tarrok cupped her cheek in one hand, and leaned his head in for a kiss. This was his woman, not for any claiming of ownership but because her heart had been freely given. Not for power, not for simple lusts but because she knew he would cherish it so much.<br/><br/>The saiyan just let himself submerge into that kiss. Something so simple, so chaste even compared to how they were minutes before, but it meant the world to him. Tarrok's free hand slid to her back, just at her waist. Slowly, gently, he gave little strokes to her cheek.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"You know, I never thought one job could be such a big deal down the line. Almost ended up not taking it, because it looked so easy. I'm glad I did take it up, though."</span>Tarrok whispered.<span style="color: #0080FF">"I'm glad you ended up as part of my life, Aiko."</span>