8. Davrik
CHAPTER 8
DAVRIK
I pace the small living area of Alice's research station, my mind racing faster than a quantum drive. The touch of her hand still lingers on my skin, sending jolts of electricity through my body. It can't be. Not here, not now. Not with a human.
But there's no denying it. Alice is my fated mate.
I run a hand through my hair, tugging at the dark strands in frustration. How could the universe be so cruel? To bring me my other half on this desolate rock, someone who can't possibly understand what this means?
"Everything okay?" Alice's voice drifts from the kitchen area. "You've been pacing for a while now."
I freeze, realizing I've been moving without thought. "Fine," I grunt, forcing myself to sit on the small couch. "Just... thinking about the ship."
"Oh." There's a pause, and I can practically feel her disappointment. "Well, if you need any help or just want to talk..."
"I'm good," I cut her off, perhaps too harshly. I soften my tone. "Thanks."
The silence stretches between us, thick and uncomfortable. I want to tell her. To explain why I've been acting so strangely. But how do you tell someone they're your cosmic soulmate without sounding like a complete lunatic?
Especially someone who isn't a Kaleidian. The existence of fated mates is rare enough in the Athenaverse, even with people like mine. Do humans even have such a concept? Doubtful. She'd probably think I caught some weird jungle virus and was having a fever dream.
I close my eyes, remembering the pirate attack that brought me here. At the time, it seemed like rotten luck. Now? It feels like fate had other plans.
"You know," Alice's voice breaks through my thoughts. "I've got some data to analyze if you'd like a distraction. It's probably boring to you, but..."
"No," I say quickly, surprising myself. "I mean, sure. That sounds... interesting."
She beams at me, and my heart does a backflip. "Really? Great! Let me grab my tablet."
As she bustles around, I can't help but wonder. How long can I keep this to myself? And what happens when she inevitably finds out?
For now, I'll have to play it cool. But as Alice settles next to me, her scent washing over me, I know it's going to be the hardest job I've ever taken.
The next day, I wake before the sun, my body still on courier time. The research station is quiet, save for the soft hum of equipment and Alice's gentle breathing from her room. My skin tingles with the knowledge that she's so close, yet so far.
Shaking off the thought, I make my way to the kitchenette and brew some of the strong, bitter liquid Alice calls coffee. The scent fills the air, and I hear movement from her room.
"Morning," Alice yawns, shuffling into the common area. Her hair's a mess, and she's wearing oversized pajamas with little cartoon atoms on them. It's oddly endearing.
"Hey," I reply, trying to keep my voice neutral. "Sleep well?"
She nods, grabbing a mug. "Like a log. You?"
"Fine," I lie. In truth, I'd tossed and turned all night, my mind racing with possibilities and fears.
Alice takes a sip of coffee, eyeing me over the rim of her mug. "So, what's on your agenda today? More ship repairs?"
I clear my throat. "Actually, I was wondering if I could tag along with you. See what this research of yours is all about."
Her eyes widen, and a smile breaks across her face like a supernova. "Really? You want to come with me?"
"Sure," I shrug, aiming for nonchalance. "Beats sitting around here all day."
"That's great!" She's practically bouncing now. "I mean, um, cool. Yeah, that'd be... that'd be nice."
I hide a smile behind my mug. "Just don't expect me to be much help. My plant knowledge starts and ends with 'don't eat the ones that look like they want to eat you first.'"
Alice laughs, a sound that sends warmth spreading through my chest. "Don't worry, I'll keep you safe from the big bad flowers."
An hour later, we're trekking through the dense jungle. Alice chatters away, pointing out various plants and explaining their properties. I half-listen, more focused on scanning our surroundings for threats.
"Oh, watch out for that vine," Alice warns, pointing to a innocuous-looking tendril. "It's got barbs that'll go right through your suit."
I nod, making a mental note. How many times has she been out here alone, surrounded by deadly flora and fauna? The thought makes my stomach churn.
"So," I say, changing the subject, "what exactly are we looking for today?"
Alice's eyes light up. "There's a clearing about a klick from here where I've been tracking the growth patterns of a particularly interesting fungus. It seems to have symbiotic relationships with multiple plant species, which could have huge implications for?—"
She cuts off as a low growl echoes through the trees. I tense, moving closer to Alice without thinking.
"What was that?" I whisper, scanning the foliage.
"Something we don't want to have lunch with," Alice whispers, a tremble in her voice. It seems she's been introduced to this beast before.
I nod, my eyes still scanning the dense foliage. "Yeah, let's move. I'd rather not meet whatever's making that noise."
Alice grabs my arm, her touch sending a jolt through me. "This way. Stay close. We're in its territory, if we leave it'll leave us alone too."
We move swiftly through the jungle, Alice leading with surprising agility. I keep my senses on high alert, ready for any threat. The growling fades, but I don't relax.
"There," Alice whispers, pointing ahead. "That's the clearing."
As we break through the treeline, I'm struck by the sight. The ground is carpeted in a patchwork of vibrant colors - purples, blues, and greens that seem to pulse with life.
"Wow," I breathe, momentarily forgetting my unease.
Alice beams at me. "Right? It's incredible. Now, let's get to work before our friend decides to check out the neighborhood."
"What can I do?" I ask, feeling oddly eager to help.
She hands me a small container and a trowel. "Soil samples. We need to analyze the fungal network's impact on the surrounding ecosystem."
I raise an eyebrow. "So... you want me to collect dirt?"
"Not just dirt," Alice corrects, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "It's a complex microbiome that could revolutionize our understanding of interplanetary terraforming!"
I can't help but chuckle. "Alright, alright. I'll get your fancy dirt."
As I kneel down to start collecting samples, I shake my head in disbelief. How did I end up here, on my knees in alien mud, helping my fated mate - who happens to be a human scientist - collect soil samples?
But watching Alice work, her face lit up with joy and wonder, I can't help but feel a warmth spreading through my chest. She's so passionate, so alive. It's... intoxicating.
"Hey, Davrik?" Alice calls out. "Can you grab a sample from that darker patch over there?"
I nod, moving to the spot she indicated. "You got it, boss. Anything else you need while I'm playing in the dirt?"
She laughs, the sound echoing through the clearing. "Just your charming company. And maybe a few more samples from the areas with denser fungal growth."
"Charming, huh?" I smirk, scooping up another sample. "I'll have you know I'm usually much more charming when I'm not covered in alien mud."
"Oh really?" Alice teases back. "I'll believe it when I see it."
As we continue working, I find myself relaxing, even enjoying the task. Alice's enthusiasm is contagious, and I start to see the beauty in the intricate patterns of fungal growth.
Maybe being fated to a dirt-loving scientist isn't so bad after all.