Chapter 17 #6
Berryn barely spared me a look. "Sit over there," she said, sounding upset as her mandibles clicked unhappily.
She gestured without looking to a stack of crates.
"And stay out of my way." At a quick glance, it looked like she'd broken a few glasses and, when I went to go help her clean up, the look she shot me was absolutely acidic, so I just moved off to the side and out of the way.
By the time I settled in, carefully placing the framed photo by my hip to keep it safe from Berryn's apparent clumsiness, Elethenn had vanished out back, hopefully to get groped by a good-natured gaanith who I knew would at least treat him right.
Elethenn deserved that. He needed someone kind and thoughtful.
You could not ask for a kinder partner, Elethenn had said, and he was right.
Even when Araxis had been hurting me, he'd been kind about it.
And even though I'd been difficult since then, he'd been patient and gentle.
I smiled to myself, shaking my head. I mean, it wasn't a surprise Elethenn might be drawn in. Who wouldn't be?
I had to stop thinking about Araxis before I got too doe-eyed while watching some people beat each other up, so I glanced down at my wristband, fully expecting to settle in with some translation exercises Inmadra had sent me at the end our lesson.
Instead, a pink message notification was blinking on my wristband, and I had to fight to smother a sudden, delighted grin.
I pulled up the interface and sifted through the string of messages that had come through from Araxis, as if thinking about him had somehow spurred him to write.
I might not have bitten through my tongue, but I am afraid that the sheer idiocy of some of what I had to listen to has permanently rendered me more stupid.
Then, Hm, this is likely the kind of thing I should not put in writing. You see? The effects were immediate.
Then, I like your human symbols, especially when they don't make sense. They're very endearing, although you need no assistance in endearing yourself to me.
Then, I could meet you where you are, if you would care for my company. I am not far, just in Generation Ward.
Then, I do not mean to intrude. Your time is your own.
Then, I should have thought more carefully before making the offer. Of course I am overstepping. Enjoy your evening, and I will see you at the creche. Perhaps you will consider taking a shuttle home, or you could tell me when you leave so that I know when to look for you.
You do not need to do either. You are capable of determining the best course of action. I look forward to hearing about your evening when you're home.
All of it was followed with a heart, glowing softly on my interface.
I stared at his messages, sucking on my lower lip and fighting the smile that wanted to break free. It was like I was a teenager again. Better: I'd been terrified every time I'd so much as looked at Desmon. With Araxis, I didn't need to be scared.
It would be stupid to tell him to come here, wouldn't it?
We weren't going to stay. Probably not, anyway.
We were just getting some information; well, that, and Elethenn was hopefully putting Tam's prehensile tail to good use.
And while we could stay, it wasn't like there was anything special down here.
Just... the place I'd been spending all of my time.
I'd wanted so badly for Araxis to invite me in, back before we went to the judiciary ship.
And I didn't think he'd ever demand anything of me – honestly, he'd probably move heaven and earth to avoid that – but maybe…
maybe he wanted to be let in too. Maybe he'd like that.
He'd said he wanted to know everything about me. Maybe I could start here.
And while there was a part of me that felt strangely protective of this little sliver of independence I'd carved out for myself, I realized with some surprise that I did want him here.
I wanted to see him; I wanted to laugh with him; I wanted to be out with him, here in this grimy part of the station.
So before I could hesitate or change my mind, I wrote back, sending it off immediately.
Come and find me! I wasn't going to stay, but Elethenn maybe has a thing for/with my coach Tam, so I bet he'd like to stay for dancing even if he won't admit it.
Please come. It's not too much. I always want you near.
And if you come, we could walk back to my place and I can show you the supremely unimpressive apartment I rent in order to wash blood out of my hair and/or practice serving tea.
Would you believe that I've only jerked off, like, twice there?
Real shame. We should fix that. Does watching me jerk off break courtship rules?
Could I watch you jerk off? What if we do it at the same time?
Please help me with all of my important cultural questions. Xx
I tapped a couple of times to attach the location of the gym as I grinned like an idiot at the message interface, unreasonably pleased with myself and currently imagining the various expressions flitting across Araxis's angular features when he got my message – he would absolutely blush that pretty pink; he'd probably bite at his lower lip; start and delete a dozen responses, all while scrambling to reroute his shuttle and come join me in Radiant Ward – so I didn't notice Dreyko approaching until he was looming over me.
I blinked up at him, jerking out of my reverie (about mutual jerking off). Above me, Dreyko's features were tight, his mouth twisted into an unhappy shape. "This is kind of awkward," he started, "but, uh – that friend of yours…"
A wave of cold effectively doused the warmth in my chest and I was on my feet immediately. "What's wrong with Elethenn?"