Gemma stares wide-eyed at the big, colorful banner for a long moment, then turns to me, her eyes full of tears.
Instantly, my tentacles flail about in concern. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
Have I fucked this up already?
To my amazement, Gemma throws herself into my arms and I stumble backward, managing to catch hold of her so we don’t fall to the ground.
“This whole experience was incredible. One of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten. Thank you.”
I let out a loud sigh of relief. “Thank Thekmis. You had me worried there for a second.”
Sniffling, she chuckles wetly. “Merry Christmas to you too, Luna. I’m so thrilled to be part of the Sleigh Belle family, and I look forward to getting closer with everyone.” She pulls me closer and lowers her voice. “But most of all with you.”
My hearts start doing a traditional Dravethian dance inside my chest.
Then Gemma leans in and kisses me soundly on the lips. For the second time, everything else around me fades away, and all I can focus on is her—the taste and feel of her. The way she very nearly makes love to my mouth, full of passion and determination, has me tingling from the tips of my tentacles to the tips of my toes.
I don’t know if it will always be like this when we kiss, but there hasn’t been anyone who could discombobulate me with only a kiss until now. This is brand-new territory for me andmore than a little terrifying. But the exhilaration and hope I have for what lies ahead far surpasses any fears I have.
We stay on the sidewalk of the lesbian utopia Hallmark Christmas town I created and kiss like we’re mapping constellations with our mouths for a very long time.
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.
—Ch. 5,How to Flirt Among the Stars: An Intergalactic (and Interspecies) Sapphic Dating Guide
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.
