**Chapter 1: Love in the Time of Sneezes**

The sun was setting over the ravaged landscape of Third Earth, casting a warm orange glow over the ruins of the once-great planet. Courtney Chetwynde, the determined and strong-willed ally of the Halla, stood amidst the rubble, her eyes fixed on the makeshift hospital tent in the distance. She was supposed to meet Mark Diamond, her on-again, off-again beau, there to discuss the latest plans for rebuilding their adopted home. As she approached the tent, Courtney couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. She had worked tirelessly alongside Mark and the others to bring Third Earth back to life, and it was starting to show. But, unbeknownst to her friends and allies, Courtney had been struggling with a mysterious illness for days. She had woken up that morning with a tickle in her throat and a stuffy nose, but she was determined not to let it slow her down. "Hey, Court!" Mark called out, spotting her from across the tent. He strode towards her, a concerned look on his face. "You look a little... peaked. Are you okay?" Courtney forced a bright smile onto her face. "I'm fine, Mark. Just a little... allergies, that's all." She tried to brush it off, but Mark's eyes narrowed. "Allergies?" he repeated, his voice skeptical. "You've been sniffling all day, and your eyes are all puffy. What's going on?" Courtney's smile began to falter, but she refused to give in. "It's nothing, Mark. Really." She tried to push past him, but he caught her arm, his touch sending shivers down her spine. "Come on, Court," he said, his voice low and gentle. "Let me take care of you. You've been working non-stop for weeks. You need a break." Courtney's resistance crumbled under Mark's persuasive gaze, and she allowed him to lead her to a nearby bench. As they sat down together, Mark wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "Ah-CHOO!" Courtney's eyes widened as a massive sneeze ripped through her, and she felt a rush of embarrassment. Mark's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "Ah, I think it's official," he said, teasingly. "You're not just allergic to dust, you're allergic to being around me." Courtney rolled her eyes, laughing despite herself. "Shut up, Mark." But as they sat there, Mark's arm still wrapped around her, Courtney felt another sneeze building. She tried to stifle it, but it was no use. **A-CHOO!** This one was even louder than the first, and Courtney felt her face heat up with embarrassment. Mark chuckled and pulled her closer. "Don't worry, Court," he whispered, his breath tickling her ear. "I've got you." As they hugged, Courtney felt another sneeze building. She tried to warn Mark, but it was too late. **A-CHOO-OO-OO!** The sneeze exploded out of her, and Mark laughed, holding her tight as she shook and trembled. "I think I need some tissues," Courtney mumbled, her voice muffled against Mark's shoulder. Mark smiled, pulling back to look at her. "I think you need some tea, and a blanket, and a lot of care and attention." Courtney's heart skipped a beat as she met Mark's gaze. She had been trying to keep a brave face, but with Mark's eyes shining with concern and affection, she felt her defenses crumble. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting Third Earth in a warm, golden light, Courtney knew that she was in trouble. She was falling for Mark Diamond, hard and fast. And with her current condition, she was completely at his mercy. But as Mark took her hand, leading her towards the hospital tent, Courtney couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. What would happen next? Only time would tell.