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“Kendra is a problem?” Sala grinned. “Or is she the solution?”

“You’ve seen the recordings that My Single Alien have put out.”

“Of course. So, Kendra’s got your pickle in a twist?”

“If you mean the permanent erection I have when I’m around her, then yes.”

“Indeed, I do. What about this other female, the one your family has arranged for you? Does she make you hard?”

“I remain flaccid in her presence.”

Sala winced. “Flaccid is bad. Flaccid is terrible. The start of a relationship should never involve the word flaccid.”

Faron had to agree. “It is different with the human.”

“Is your family pressuring you to choose the female who leaves your dick looking like a tired mouse?”

“My dick has never looked like that, but you’re close enough.” Faron studied Sala’s expression. “You are surprisingly astute.”

“You aren’t friends with me just because of my good looks.” Sala grinned. “Lillips are known for our advanced emotional intelligence.”

“You are not an unattractive male. Your probing into my feelings is usually unwelcome.”

Sala chuckled. “You give the best compliments. Look, it’s simple. I know things operate differently for you, but this human has given you a taste of something you like. You will never get that with your Tolong female. You’ll get straightforward, emotionless sex. You will get some pleasure from having lots of children, but as for your family, from what I know of them, they are fucked up. Do you want to be a part of such a screwed-up group?”

“That’s what I’m considering. My family is a big part of my life. A Tolong always obeys their elders. It is what we are trained to do.”

“Family is so much more than the people who raised you. It’s about the people who surround you now and support you. It’s the people who tell you when you’re being a dick and help you figure out how to be less of a dick.”

Faron’s brow wrinkled. “Am I being a dick at the moment?”

“A massive one, especially if you’re messing around with this human and not being honest with her. You pride yourself on being honest. It’s one of the many great things about you.”

“Can I change to make Kendra happy?”

“You can, and your real family will help you become a better version of yourself, so you can make Kendra happy if that’s what you want.” Sala shrugged. “See how emotionally astute is that? But it’s not about making your family happy or making Kendra happy. It’s about what makes you happy. Can you get what you want without hurting anyone?”

Faron glanced at him. “I’m not sure. Do I have to change?”

“I’ve seen changes in you since you met that cute human. She’s good for you. She could be your new family. She could be what’s missing in your life.”

“I was not aware I was missing anything.”

Sala laughed. “We don’t realize it until someone points it out. We also have the huge disadvantage of being guys. We’re clueless about most things. But you’ve been more relaxed since you started hanging out with Kendra. She brings out good things in you. Why turn your back on that for a life of coldness and conformity?”

“If I choose Kendra, my family will never see me again.”

“Your family treats you like shit. You’ve never told me how you got those marks on your arm and back, but they’re old scars. They were done to you, and I’ve got a good idea who did it. You deserve better than that, my friend. You deserve balls deep, scream inducing, gut clenching love. You won’t find it with a cold fish on your home planet. You need to take a chance. You need to fuck over your logic and follow your heart.”

“I attempted that.” Faron squinted at Sala as he tried to understand the cold fish comment. “But my heart is just an organ that keeps me alive.”

“Fuck, yes! Your heart keeps you alive. And your heart is telling you to grab that girl and not let go. Make sure she knows that you want her and only her. Ignore all the bullshit blackmail from your family about the right thing to do. Love is not logic. Love is what you’re feeling when you think about this human. How does she make you feel?”

Faron pressed his fingers against the bridge of his nose. “Good.”

“Screw good. Good is used to describe a not bad mug of replicator coffee and a stale doughnut. Try again.”

“Kendra makes me feel... awake.”