I don’t consider myself to be a super vain person on the whole, but like most creatives, I get a lot of encouragement when I hear from those who love and appreciate my work. The storiesI create can never please everyone because enjoyment of such things is always majorly subjective, but the realization that there are other geeky weirdos like myself out there whogetme and my stories is like finding another family I didn’t even know I had. And when I meet people who value my tentacle porn space opera to the point of being inspired to make their own Starblade fan fiction or fan art, it’s both humbling and gratifying. Sure, I get lots of fan mail at the Alliance these days, especially now that Kai’s not keeping it from me—although he still screens everything for my safety, the sweetie pie—this is different. The in-person energy has a totally next-level vibe that I am digging big time.
After two panels, Kai and I wander over to a fan art exhibit for my series. All the pieces on display are being voted on by congoers and the three with the most votes will win prizes. Talk about cool. We stroll through the room, studying the pieces, and I marvel at the sheer variety of drawings, paintings, collages, and sculptures in tribute to my work.
I’m also not terribly surprised that a lot of them veer into NC-17 territory.
Looks like I’m inspiring horny minds on an intergalactic level. Heh.
When we leave the exhibit, we run into Nirblob, who’s practically glowing with excitement. He’s definitely in his element here.
“How are you enjoying your honeymoon? And, of course, Tentacular Tales Con?”
“The honeymoon’s been great so far,” I tell him.
Kai murmurs his agreement.
“We’ve been taking some much-needed downtime to relax and recuperate from… everything.”
Nirblob nods his oversized head sagely. “Quite understandable.”
I smile. “The resort is working wonders on us.”
After I give him a quick account of our amazing spa day together, he rubs his tiny, gloved hands together.
“I also love a good gelatinous mud bath. I will have to make an appointment for myself before we leave.”
We fist-bump. “I totally recommend it, my friend.”
Nirblob shoots a look at Kai, who’s been silently watching our exchange with obvious amusement.
“Have you told River about this evening?”
I look up at Kai questioningly. “Ooh, what’s happening this evening? More surprises?”
“Not exactly…” Kai murmurs. “Remember how I told you the other day that Nirblob and I had coordinated a secret signing event for you?”
I perk up.
Kai grins. “It’s happening tonight.”
I squee and jump into his arms, wrapping my legs around his waist and kissing the bejeezus out of him.
“You’re the absolute fucking best, babe.”
He blushes but smiles proudly.
“Don’t worry,” Nirblob assures me. “We have coordinated appropriate security for the event. I promise you won’t be mobbed by your adoring fans. Well, not too much. The event is limited to ticket holders who purchased the VIP package for the convention. That should keep things manageable. I’ll try to keep the line moving steadily, but I recommend having whatever signing implements you prefer on hand.”
I tighten my monkey-hold on Kai and grin. “This is going to be so fucking awesome. I can’t wait to make my grand entrance.” I shake my head sadly. “I’ll admit, it’s been super hard to hold myself back, even though undercover agent mode was pretty fun.”
Kai laughs. “I appreciate your restraint thus far, my love.”
I poke him in the side where he’s ticklish.
“Hey!”
Nirblob continues, unfazed by our lovey-dovey honeymoon vibes. “We’ll also be broadcasting the event to other convention goers, so those who are not able to participate in the signing can still get a peek at their favorite author.”
I frown. “I wish I had time to meet everyone. I hate to let my fans down, but I also don’t want to take too much time away from my superspecial alone time with my precious hubby-boo.”
