Since learning about Levi’s condition, Jaeyoung spent much of his time in the healer’s den. He was hungry for knowledge, a trait I found admirable. He and Fhi’ran had become friends, bonding over their shared interests.
Levi walked hesitantly into the den. The healers, engaged in a heated discussion about herbs, stopped when they saw Levi.
“Wow,” Jaeyoung said, eyes widening. “You look different.”
Levi blushed. “I know.”
Jaeyoung approached him, examining his changes. “I’m shocked you’re showing this much. It’s only been a week. Fhi’ran told me Maeleon gestation is quick, but this is unheard of.”
Levi rubbed his arm and glanced nervously up at me. I held him closer.
“Sorry,” Jaeyoung said, his expression softening. “I wasn’t trying to make you nervous.”
Levi huffed. “It’s hardnotto be when you’re a big pregnant man carrying an alien baby that’s apparently growing at hyperspeed.”
“The baby’s growth is rapid,” Jaeyoung agreed, “but I haven’t seen any alarming signs. You haven’t felt any sickness or discomfort lately, have you?”
Levi shook his head. “Aside from carrying this new weight, no. Not even morning sickness.”
“Then I’m not concerned. You seem as healthy as ever.” Jaeyoung grinned. “Maybe even healthier. You’re even developing a tan.”
“I’m outside in the sun a lot more lately,” Levi confirmed. “Zat’tor said the baby needs it.”
“My sibling is correct,” Fhi’ran said. “Maeleon young crave sunlight. It can even speed their development.”
Levi snorted. “Does that mean I can pop this thing out ASAP if I sunbathe for a week straight?”
“As a scientist, I would be interested in the results,” Jaeyoung said wryly. “But as your doctor, I’m going to suggest you don’t do that.”
“Noted.” Levi angled his head. “So, you’re really not worried?”
“If I was, I’d tell you. Fhi’ran, I trust you have no concerns, either?” Jaeyoung asked, facing him.
“I do not,” Fhi’ran said. “I am eagerly awaiting the little one’s arrival.”
Levi smiled, the corners of his eyes wrinkling. He placed his hands delicately on his belly. The fabric of Linn’ar’s onesie stretched over it. I suspected Linn’ar would need to weave more soon.
“Us, too,” he said. “I never thought I’d have kids until now—or that it was even possible to carry a baby—but here we are.”
A sudden blaring noise shook the den. I scowled. I remembered that foul sound from when Levi’s Earth device went off and summoned the facsimile of a man who’d grouched at him.
But it wasn’t Levi’s device ringing this time. He’d turned it off and left it that way. Either that or it was broken.
Jaeyoung jolted at the sound. He pulled his own device out of his pocket, swearing under his breath. He pecked at it with his fingers until a screen came up, featuring the same grumpy man from before. However, the man’s cheeks were now an inflamed shade of purple. He didn’t look happy to see a familiar face.
“Admiral,” Jaeyoung said in greeting.
“What in the hell’s going on over there?” the man spat.
Levi shrank from the vicious demand, huddling closer to me. I tightened my grip on my filum. How dare this screen-man make him feel unsafe?
Jaeyoung didn’t react to the rude greeting. “Whatever do you mean, sir?”
“Yourcaptainhasn’t contacted base in over a week,” the man roared. “Where is he? What the hell is he doing?”
A deep growl vibrated in my throat. The way he spoke about Levi was despicable. Why did he think he was so superior to him? Was this normal back on Earth?
“Captain Levi is diligently making connections with the locals,” Jaeyoung said evenly. He didn’t mention the crash, so I assumed he was playing along with the original mission Levi mentioned earlier. I respected his ability to remain calm in the face of that brute. “That was the point of our peace mission, was it not?”
