“Trilby mice. They’re the workers here. They’re small and agile and pick fruit real fast, so they get to have first cut of the profits.”
“You’re gonna have to pinch me,” I laugh.
He reaches down, smiling, and instead strokes my cheek.
“Maybe I’ll spank you later instead,” he murmurs huskily. My body lights up recalling our recent make-out sessions. We’ve been having fun with bondage. I stand up on tippy-toes and whisper back, “Yes, please!”
We keep walking, sharing our berries, and I’m aware of the curious but friendly gazes of passing monsters.
“Our orchards in Sparkle are nowhere near as verdant as these.”
“Yes, because although we taught humans how to farm, and supplied fertilizers, we kept the best soil for ourselves. I guess it’s a little act of revenge. To grow healthier and even more delicious food, despite being kept prisoners.”
We sit on a bench in an arbor. Peaches and other stone fruit hang heavy on branches above us. Before us lie more fields of fruit, and the light is soft and warm, like an early summer day.
“So this is your favorite place, huh?” I ask.
“Other than One Moonbeam Lake.”
“Where your mom said you used to go for picnics as a family, right? Can we go there too, Otis?”
“With you being human, I wouldn’t risk it.”
“Why not?”
“There’s been a rock fall recently, and there’s a hole that opens straight onto the Earth.”
It dawns on me. “Is that where Sammy breathed Earth air and then got really sick?”
“Yep. I can’t risk that happening to you.”
“I could wear a mask.”
“It wouldn’t guarantee your safety.”
“That’s a shame.” We’re both quiet for a moment. “So you think Sammy and Arlo’s baby could breathe air?”
“Yeah, that’s why the human authorities want to get her back so badly. That youngling’s genes could unlock exactly what they’ve been searching for…”
I shudder. “Neither Sammy or I will ever go back to Sparkle.”
There’s a moment’s silence, then Otis takes my hand. “Clem?—”
“Yes?” I look into his eyes. They are soft and full of emotion.
“I want you to stay here too. Forever. By my side.”
OTIS.
Shit, have I come on too strong?
For a long moment Clem says nothing, her eyes wide and unblinking, and I rush on into the space, lumbering around like the clumsy orc I am. “I-I know it’s early days, but… when I met you, a flame lit in my heart, and day by day it’s grown stronger. I love you, Clem Summers.”
And finally, oh gods of the Labyrinth, hallelujah, she says softly, “I love you too.”
“You do?”
“Yes, I do. Otis, I’ve never felt this level of connection, physically and emotionally to anyone before. It’s blown my mind, to be honest.”
