Chapter 11
Starting to think about a real future together with your lady love? Don’t freak out! Is it a bit scary? Sure. But don’t let fear hold you back. Let me take this opportunity to offer a gentle reminder from earlier in this guide—communication is key!
Have a deep conversation with your partner about what you individually want and what you want to share as a couple.
Compromises may need to be made, but don’t sacrifice your personal goals and dreams to be with someone.
If your partner loves and respects you and vice versa, you will unite to make sure you can both get what you want and share a beautiful future together!
That’s right, you can have it all. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Gemma
When our lips are swollen and we’re both grinning like loons, Luna and I finally leave the kickass virtual reality room and our cozy lesbian Hallmark Christmas experience.
If Luna was trying to woo me like a suave badass, she succeeded on all fronts with multiple gold stars.
Was the whole thing kind of cheesy? Yes, but in a way I could appreciate.
All of it was so stinkin’ cute and so very…
Luna. She’s kind of a Christmas mega fan, and I suspect she’ll end up turning me into one before long too.
Knowing she designed that whole simulation for me had me full-on swooning—especially with that parade finale.
I study her quietly as we head back to the Sustenance Bay to help with Christmas dinner preparations.
She’s glowing with happiness right now, her green pigtails bobbing and her tentacles waving gently.
All while wearing a pair of felt reindeer antlers on her head and a ridiculously kitschy holiday sweater featuring a fugly cat—this is a recurring theme with her and Khephren—tangled up in a string of decorative lights.
Somehow, she’s cut slits in the back to accommodate her tentacles.
Who wouldn’t fall for her?
Our whirlwind courtship has been super fucking fast—even for lesbians—but I’m already smitten in a big way. And not because she’s superhot and dynamite in bed, although that doesn’t hurt.
No, it’s more than that. We have fun when we’re together.
I’m relaxed and fully myself when I’m with her, and I get the sense she feels the same.
Simply being able to coexist harmoniously with each other counts for a lot with me.
Madam Aurora was right on the money when she gave me her reading.
Given the nature of my job and how exhausting it can be, peace and harmony in my private life are essential.
I think I could have that long term with Luna.
I’m already starting to have that giddy floating-on-cloud-nine sensation that I haven’t experienced in far too fucking long.
My sensible, mature adult brain tells me I probably shouldn’t rush things too much and instead take it slow and safe.
My inner lovestruck teenage self is telling me to throw caution to the wind and go balls to the wall.
Metaphorically speaking. I’m not entirely sure where that saying came from, but no doubt from a dude.
They are kind of obsessed with their balls.
And damn if I don’t want to start writing her name in my notebook with heart doodles.
For now, I decide to focus on helping in the crew’s communal effort to make an Earth-inspired Christmas dinner. I need time to mull over everything. After all, I’ve barely been on the ship for a whole day.
Ooh, that makes me think of mulled wine. God, I could use some wine right about now.
Thankfully, meal preparation proves to be an effective distraction.
Khephren is over-the-top enthusiastic, and he’s pumping out enough festive vibes on his own to fill the entire room.
Nevertheless, we’re all in high holiday spirits.
There are quite a few hit-or-miss moments when we try to get the ship’s food simulator to replicate mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey for the folks who eat meat, stuffing, and pie.
Right here, right now reminds me so much of Christmas dinners with Nana and Gramps.
As if thinking the same thing, Felix turns to me and we share a look of mutual understanding.
The overall joie de vivre and camaraderie of the moment forces me to admit that I’d become far more isolated than I realized prior to joining the Sleigh Belle.
It wasn’t entirely intentional, I know that.
My work as a medical doctor is demanding, time-consuming, and sometimes very emotionally draining.
I’ve often lacked the energy to socialize with others with any kind of regularity, but that wasn’t the only factor.
Being on the cusp of thirty, I’ve found that most of my closer friends drifted away as their lives took them in different directions.
Some moved across the country or the globe for other professional opportunities.
My best friend from medical school went back home to Minnesota to care for an aging and sickly parent, and several others partnered up, a few getting married and having kids.
In very short order, our ability to see one another on a regular basis slipped away.
I suppose I’m at the age where the dynamics of one’s inner social circle can change radically.
It’s not as though we stopped being friends or didn’t stay in touch, but our communication hasn’t been as frequent, and it became much harder to see each other without taking PTO and traveling.
I’d initially hoped to make some friends at the urgent care clinic, but found most of the veteran staff there were a lot older than me, and the younger ones often came and went too fast to form any friendships.
Hell, I hadn’t even been spending time with Felix as much as I used to, although part of that was on him as well. Being a veterinarian can be just as time-consuming as being an MD. We were both in desperate need of a change.
Now, here with new friends, a love interest, and my dear brother, I bask in the warm glow of belonging and admit to myself how much I not only wanted but needed this kind of connection with others. I’m all kinds of sentimental and sappy today, but I’m rolling with it for a change.
When we sit down to enjoy our meal, Khephren clinks his glass to get everyone’s attention.
“During this most magical of holidays, I think it’s only right for me as our ship’s captain to express my gratitude and yuletide cheer.
” He shifts his gaze to look at Sasha with big freaking hearts in his eyes.
“I’m so thankful for my amazing husband, Sasha, who came into my life on Christmas a year ago.
For me, this holiday will always be one I love and celebrate in full force. ”
Sasha leans over and kisses him on the cheek. “That was beautiful, babe. I love you too.”
“And you love Christmas too,” Khephren says hopefully.
Sasha’s lips twitch. “Uh… yeah. Sure.”
Khephren throws himself in Sasha’s arms.
“He’s a lovable drama queen,” Luna whispers to me softly, then snickers. “Or just a queen.”
Khephren returns to his seat and lifts his glass, his cheeks flushed. “I’m so delighted to be able to spend this holiday here on the Sleigh Belle with all of you. To many more Christmases together!”
We all join in on the toast, then dive into our meal.
It’s going to take me some time to get used to the food offered aboard our ship.
The simulator is convenient, but it’s definitely better at some things than others.
New goal: broaden my culinary horizons and try out more extraterrestrial food that Luna thinks I’d enjoy.
As I eat, I take the opportunity to covertly study my brother’s new boyfriend.
I’ll admit, when I first met Najar, I was a little concerned, but I’m starting to see behind his gruff and stoic exterior.
Whenever he looks at Felix, every part of him softens in a way I haven’t seen him do for anyone else.
He also shows a steady but quiet attentiveness to Felix and his needs, which reassures me about where their relationship is going.
“You look really happy. I’m super glad,” Luna whispers to me.
I grin. “And you look absolutely adorkable in that sweater.”
She beams with pride, and I can’t help but hope moments like this will be part of my daily future.
When we’re stuffed to the brim and chatting happily, Felix throws us a curveball.
“I wanted to talk with all of you about an idea I’ve had.” His eyes dart in Najar’s direction, and the big golden alien nods at Felix encouragingly.
“I’ve already spoken with Najar about it, and he’s supportive of what I’m hoping to do.” Felix swallows hard and then blurts out, “I want to get involved in abandoned animal rescue at intergalactic space stations!”
Najar nods, expression serious. “There’s a clear need and very little that’s currently being done.”
Felix nods enthusiastically. “It’s been niggling at my mind ever since we rescued Cosmo, and now I want to be proactive and do something about it.”
Hearing his name, the adorable fluffy blue foxhound emerges from under the table where Khephren had not so secretly been sneaking him food. He jumps up into Felix’s lap and gives him a lick on his chin.
My brother pets Cosmo gently. “He’s only one of many abandoned pets that I’ve discovered are often left at intergalactic space stations by travelers. But it’s far from an ideal environment for them to survive and thrive.”
I curse under my breath. “Fucking hell. I guess there are assholes everywhere.”