"Thank you," she replied.
Her hair was smooth like silk.Once he got through the tangled part, it felt soft and perfect.She shifted, so she was closer to him, her hip touching his, and it felt like electricity flowing through him even faster.
His natural Craving roared under his skin, amplified by his own special alterations in his makeup.
Part of him wondered how this little thing with her rigidly straight back, silky hair, and argumentative spirit was turning him into knots in his mind.
Even now, her little grunts and moans as he combed her hair had him tied up in his own mental knots between arousal and protocol.
"What was the purpose of this?"he asked.
"To bring peace between our people.What else would it be for?"
"No, I mean your hair.It was so carefully crafted into this shape."
"Oh.That."
"It seemed ceremonial."
"It was.Is.In honor of your people, we were dressed in our best, most formal clothing."
"Why do you think we would care about that?"He pulled at another section.
She reached up and stroked the already untangled pieces."It is respect.I respect you and your people enough to take such care in my appearance before you see me.The idea is that I wish to show you that you matter to me, so I dress in my fanciest clothing to impress you."
"We do not get impressed by such things."
"Perhaps I chose the wrong word.More to honor the Rhimodians and show them respect."
"It seems unusual and a waste of resources and time to be so concerned about an outfit and hairstyle for us, who care not about those things."He finished combing through her hair and handed her the comb to keep.
She accepted it and ran her comb through her hair herself."Maybe you are right.But it is the Terran Empire way."She rubbed her temples again.
"You are still in pain," he said.
For a second, she looked like she would say something that conveyed her emotions, but she stopped herself and sighed."I am.I am sure there are some medical supplies in my bag from the ship.I just need to find them.Maybe get out of this heavy robe."
"If you would allow it, I can give you a medical dosage of nanites and allow them to repair your damage."
She chuckled."You make it sound like I have all these little leaks all through my body that need patching."
"You do have some internal damage that could be fixed."
"Like what?"
"Your head pain and there were signs of exhaustion and lack of nutrient in your system that the nanites could repair if you would allow them."
"I appreciate your concern about my health, but I will be fine."
"You will.I wish you to rest now, regardless if you get the nanites or not.Your body is desperate for sleep."
"You seem to think I can sleep right now."
He gestured to the boxes."This bed will keep you comfortable.Don't Terrans sleep lying down?"
She smirked."We do.And I appreciate it, but I'm too--" she yawned.
"You were saying?"
