After chatting with Levi and Paz, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I didn’t expect to bump into them, but it eased a knot of anxiety in my stomach I didn’t know I was holding. Apparently, being open about your emotions felt good. Who would’ve thought?
“What made you decide to watch Dai’zee?” Linn’ar asked on the way to the pool.
It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. But I didn’t regret it. I craved knowledge in all things, now including childcare.
“I want to see what being responsible for a child is like,” I said. “I didn’t have siblings growing up—biological siblings,” I added, remembering the Maeleon social norm of calling everyone in the village a sibling. “And once I started working, everything else faded into the background. Even if my colleagues had children, I never made time to socialize. So I don’t have much experience with young kids.”
Linn’ar blinked in understanding. “It is a big responsibility. But remember, Jaeyoung. You’re not alone. I will always be with you, and the village will offer its support, too.” He put a gentle hand on my shoulder. “I say this not to pressure you into a choice. Only to remind you.”
I nodded, smiling at the warmth of his touch. “I know. I appreciate it.”
It was dark outside as we walked towards the pool. The air was pleasantly cool, a welcome reprieve from the tropical warmth during the day. Stars glittered in the sky. I’d grown to recognize a couple Eukarian constellations.
It was funny how quickly we adapted to life here. Upon initial landing—or should I say, crashing—Eukaria felt strange, unpredictable, disorienting. But soon we experienced the kindness of the locals and the plentiful bounty of the world. The night sky, which at first felt jarring in the strangeness of its star map, now filled me with comfort.
I gazed at Linn’ar as he walked ahead of me. He played a big role in my comfort here. There was no doubt about that. Having a big, strong alien protecting you, feeding you, keeping you warm... it definitely had its perks.
“Here we are,” Linn’ar announced.
I stopped, my breath catching in awe. The waterfall instilled a magical feeling in me. It flowed down from thick tree roots, collecting in a crystal-clear basin below, creating the illusion of a floating pool. It was presumably beautiful in the daylight too, but there was something special about it in the evening. The black water reflected the night sky and all its stars.
“Would you like to enter?” Linn’ar asked.
I nodded, overwhelmed by the beauty of this place. He led me to the raised side of the pool. I didn’t understand the mechanism of it—the engineer in me wanted to camp here until sunrise and explore all the details when I could actually see them—but my curiosity could wait. I wanted to enjoy this enchanted, private moment with Linn’ar.
He set aside the onesie he was carrying on a dry branch, then offered his hand to me. Linn’ar lifted me with ease, like I weighed nothing, and held me in place until I dipped my foot into the pool.
A contented sigh escaped me. The water was a perfect temperature, balanced between warm and cool. My body relaxed as I submerged myself to my shoulders. I watched the star-mirrored water ripple in waves as Linn’ar joined me. His maneof feelers floated outside the ring of the pool. I wondered if getting them wet would overstimulate him.
“What do you think?” he asked.
“It’s incredible.” I lay back against the natural smooth wood barrier. I felt weightless and calm. “Thanks for bringing me here.”
He made a small chirp of delight. “I’m happy to share it with you.”
I smiled and shuffled closer until our bodies touched. It didn’t matter that we spent the whole day side by side, then napped together—I felt like I couldn’t get enough of him. Suddenly, I understood Levi more. I assumed it was hormones, or just part of his personality, when he acted like a lovestruck teenager, constantly fawning over Zat’tor.
But now, I felt the same way towards Linn’ar. Being with him was justgood.
I closed my eyes, relaxing against Linn’ar’s sturdy body. It was nice to sit in silence and enjoy each other’s company.
I could get used to this. Maybe even for the rest of my life...
“Shall I wash your fur?” Linn’ar offered.
I peeked an eye open to see him gesturing to my head.
“That’s called hair, not fur,” I explained.
“What is the difference?” he asked curiously.
“They’re technically the same proteins, but hair on human heads is fine and continues to grow, while fur is dense and stays at a certain length.”
“Ah, I see. You are very knowledgeable.”
I shook my head. “I can always learn more. There’s so much about Eukaria I don’t know yet.” I smiled at him. “Will you teach me, Linn’ar?”
A happy sound rumbled in his throat as he nuzzled his head against mine. “Yes, absolutely. This would please me.”
