Xizi nodded, glad to see her enjoying the food.
Xizi felt a surge of relief at her response. He had been worried that she wouldn’t like the food, and he would have to find something else for her to eat.
He knew that it might take some time for her to get used to the cuisine of his people, but he was determined to make sure that she was comfortable and happy during their journey.
“I’m glad you like it. I know how picky humans can be sssometimes,” he said, reaching out to take her hand. “I want you to be happy here, with me.”
Ashley squeezed his hand, her expression softening as she looked at him. “I am happy,” she said. “We will get through this.”
Xizi felt a surge of warmth in his chest at her words. There was something about her that drew him in, that made him want to be close to her, to protect her.
“I’m glad,” he said softly. “I want to make sssure that you’re always happy.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, enjoying each other’s company and the strange alien food. Even though it wasn’t the best thing he’d ever eaten, it tasted like something gourmet compared to what he’d been given in order to survive.
Xizi leaned back in his chair, studying her as she took another bite. He felt a sense of contentment wash over him, knowing that he’d found his enax and she was real.
Xizi feared if he looked away, she would disappear.
“When do you think we’ll be able to leave our cabins now that they’ve given us a check-up?” Ashley inquired, stabbing a piece of meat with her utensil. “Do you think it’ll be anytime soon?”
Xizi studied her, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous light. “Are you getting bored being cooped up in here with me already?” he teased, a hint of playfulness in his voice.
Ashley rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at the corners of her lips. “Maybe just a little,” she admitted, leaning back against the pillows. “I mean, I love spending time with you, but I’m getting antsy. I want to explore this ship and see what’s out there.”
“I don’t know,enax.” He sighed as he placed his utensil on the table. “The commanders haven’t given us a timeline yet. But I promise you, we will be able to explore the ship and see the other aliens soon.”
Ashley nodded, taking another bite of the purple goo on her plate. “I just don’t want to be stuck in this cabin forever,” she said, a hint of frustration in her voice. “And I want to talk to Dia, and meet Eva, since I’ve been her fan for a long time.”
Xizi understood her restlessness. He had spent so long trapped in his lab cell, he knew how it felt to want freedom. “I know,enax. But we have to trust the commanders. They rescued everyone from Earth and deserve our patience.”
Ashley sighed, placing her fork down. “I know you’re right. It’s just hard to sit and wait when we don’t know what’s going on.”
Xizi leaned over and placed a hand on her knee. “I promise you, myenax, we will be able to leave our cabin sssoon enough. But for now, let’s enjoy each other’s company and rest. We have a long journey ahead of usss.”
Seventeen
Ashley
Ashley nodded and sat up, still feeling a bit groggy from the medpack’s effects. She looked at the clothes in front of her curiously, wondering what they might look like once she put them on. “I guess I should try them on,” she said, glancing over at Xizi who was watching her intently.
Xizi nodded back at her, his eyes filled with pride as he watched her move toward the clothes.
Ashley began to change, feeling a bit self-conscious as she did. She wasn’t used to being watched by anyone, let alone an alien. But she knew that Xizi meant no harm, and that he only wanted what was best for her.
She quickly changed into the outfit, admiring herself in the mirror. It hugged her curves in all the right places, and the bright red color made her feel daring and adventurous.
Xizi’s eyes lit up when he saw her, and he couldn’t resist wrapping his arms around her and kissing her passionately.
Ashley melted into the kiss, feeling a rush of desire and excitement. She knew it was crazy to feel this way about an alien she barely knew, but something about Xizi drew her in, and she couldn’t resist him.
As they pulled away from each other, Xizi’s eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. “I think we need to celebrate your newfound sexiness,” he said, winking at her.
Ashley laughed, feeling a warmth spreading through her body. For the first time in a long time, she felt truly alive, and she knew it was all because of Xizi.
She pushed him away, her gaze never leaving his.
Ashley strutted back and forth in the cabin’s living space, feeling bold and confident. She could feel Xizi’s gaze on her as she moved, and it only made her feel more powerful. She spun around to face him, giving him a playful grin.
