“I want you to be whatever will make you happy.” She shrugged. “In the end, I am a monster fucker at heart.”
Twenty
Ashley
Ashley couldn’t help but feel nervous as she and Xizi walked down the hallway. She observed the different aliens who passed by, noting their various appearances. Some were nagas, while others were null Swynewi, like Xizi’s new form, floating effortlessly in the air.
Despite the variety, they all seemed to disregard Ashley and Xizi as they passed by.
Xizi squeezed her hand, sensing her unease. “Don’t worry, my enax,” he said. “They are simply going about their day, like we are.”
Ashley nodded, grateful for his reassurance. They continued down the hallway, and Ashley noticed that some of the aliens were staring at her curiously. She couldn’t blame them—after all, she was a human and likely one of the first they had ever encountered.
As they entered the commons, Ashley was surprised by how much it resembled a typical cafeteria, with long tables and chairs scattered throughout the space. However, the food being served was far from typical—it ranged from strange, pulsing blobs to colorful, glowing fruits.
Xizi led her to a table, and they sat down to enjoy their meal. Ashley felt a bit overwhelmed by everything—the aliens, the food, the fact that she was on a spaceship in the middle of space.
“Are you okay?” Xizi asked, sensing her unease again.
Ashley nodded. “It’s just a lot to take in. But I’m glad I’m here with you.”
Xizi smiled at her, and Ashley felt a warmth spread through her.
Ashley kept stealing glances at Xizi. She realized she was going to have to get used to seeing him like this, just as he was getting used to being in his new form. She was grateful that he seemed to be patient and understanding, but she knew that it was going to take time for her to fully adjust to every form he decided to take.
Ashley had to admit, he was still incredibly handsome. His emerald skin seemed to glow under the light, and his buzzing wings were mesmerizing to watch. It was like seeing a new side of him, one that she couldn’t resist.
And yet, she didn’t know if there would be a form in which he took that she wouldn’t be able to find attractive in some way.
As they made their way to the food dispenser, Ashley took in the sights and sounds around her. The aliens spoke in languages she couldn’t understand, but she could sense their excitement and chatter.
Xizi reached for a cup and filled it with a sparkling blue liquid. “Try this,” he said, holding out the cup to Ashley.
She hesitated for a moment before taking a small sip. The liquid was sweet and tangy, like a mix of berries and citrus. Ashley had to smile as she took another sip, enjoying the taste.
Ashley turned to see Dia rushing in, hugging her tightly. “Ashley! Oh my god, I’m so glad you’re okay!” Dia exclaimed, pulling back to look at her friend. “Who’s this?”
Ashley turned to see the emerald null Swynemi standing behind Dia, and she realized he had to be Fybl, undergoing a transformation for their own safety. “Dia, this is Xizi,” she introduced him, knowing they’d already met but wanting to put on a show for the onlookers. “Xizi, this is Dia, my best friend.”
Xizi bowed slightly to Dia, his wings buzzing softly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said, his voice musical.
Dia’s eyes widened as she took in his appearance. “Wow, he’s beautiful,” she said, reaching out to touch one of his wings. “I couldn’t believe space fae existed, but it seems you found one as well.”
Xizi didn’t flinch at the touch, instead allowing her to explore. Ashley couldn’t help but feel a bit of jealousy at the way Dia was so at ease with Xizi’s new form. She knew she needed to get used to it, but it was still an adjustment.
Xizi chuckled. “We’re not that different from humans, really,” he said. “Just with a few extra features.”
Dia was Fybl’s enax, and she was just being extra friendly. She would revert to her normal self once the novelty of their mates’ abilities wore off.
Furthermore, she was aware that her best friend would never make a play on anyone she was with.
“I can’t believe it,” Dia said, grinning widely. “We are living amongst aliens… while fucking aliens.”
“I know, I keep thinking this is some dream and I’m going to wake up disappointed.”
“Thankfully, it isn’t,” Dia replied, stepping away from Xizi to wrap her arm around Fybl, who mirrored her.
Ashley smiled, happy that Dia was taking everything in stride. She knew it would take time for her to adjust to this new world she found herself in, but having Dia there with her made it a little easier.
