Changes...
I shivered with excitement. Jaeyoung might already be pregnant.That’swhat he was recording so diligently.
“This is unbelievable,” he murmured, his hand flying across the page. “I wish I had access to my higher-tech tools back on Earth. If Iamalready pregnant, I want to record every little detail”
I tilted my head. “Do you think of Earth as your home? Do you miss it?”
He broke his frenzied focus to look at me. “Do I miss my research lab? Yes. Do I miss eatinggaraetteok? More than anything. But Eukaria is my home now. You’re my home, Linn’ar.”
Warmth flowed through me. Although Jaeyoung hid his feelings in the past, I could tell he wasn’t doing it anymore. His statement was the truth.
“What isgaraetteok? I could try to make it for you,” I offered. “It may not be the exact same recipe as the one you consumed on Earth, but I will do my best.”
He paused, then stroked his chin. “Actually, that might not be impossible...” He broke into a grateful smile. “How about this? After today’s research, we hunt for ingredients to makegaraetteoktogether.”
My feelers glowed with radiant joy. “Oh, that sounds wonderful!”
“I think so, too. Now, take this measuring tape and wrap it around my waist, would you? Let’s see if I’ve gained an inch or two overnight.”
After helping Jaeyoung conduct a basic exam on himself in the den, we headed for Fhi’ran’s den. He tucked the notepad into the pocket of his onesie and headed across the village in cozy style.
“I wonder if I’ll have to adjust it to accommodate your belly,” I said.
He blushed at the idea. “I don’t know. I’m still not used to that whole concept, to be honest. Seeing it happen to Levi was surreal. This might sound selfish, but it was easier to accept because it washim, not me.”
A trill of laughter escaped me. “Are you still thinking of when I called you selfish?”
“Maybe,” he said, arching an amused brow.
“I do not think it is selfish to be intrigued at your friend’s miraculous change,” I said. “You said your kind cannot be pollinated on Earth, yes?”
“That’s right.” He glanced at his stomach, hidden beneath the onesie’s fluff. “It was a huge shock when it happened to Levi. I still can’t believe how short the gestation was, and how easy it was for him to deliver.” He shook his head. “We don’t usually possess that biological capacity. Maeleon pollen changes us. That’s my theory, anyway. I’ll gladly eat my words if someone else comes up with a better one.”
I nuzzled his hair with my cheek. “Your theories are my favorites.”
He chuckled. “Thanks, Linn’ar.”
When we arrived at the Healer’s den, the scent of dried herbs filled my nostrils. It always smelled pleasant and inviting.
“Hey, Fhi’ran,” Jaeyoung called out. He sounded happy to see his mentor.
The slim purple Maeleon’s mane of feelers flashed. He turned around, flashing his teeth in a grin. “Jaeyoung. Welcome. How has your experiment been?”
I caught a glimpse of pink in Jaeyoung’s cheeks.
“It’s uh, beengoing,” he said.
Fhi’ran glanced at me for a straightforward answer, which I proudly gave: “I pollinated Jaeyoung last night!”
My filum sighed. “Guess there’s no point in hiding it. But yes, it’s true. We’re actually here to see the flower.”
“Ah, yes. Wait a moment,” Fhi’ran instructed, then disappeared into the back of the den.
“Do you know about the flower?” Jaeyoung asked me.
“You mean the pollenairus flower, correct? The one that only blooms upon contact with a pregnant individual?”
He nodded. “That’s the one. After Levi’s delivery, Fhi’ran taught me about it. The lecture was fascinating. I couldn’t believe such an amazing plant exists here.”
