by Lily Anton
It was probably best if she got out of the water now.
Using the bubbles to give herself a quick wash up, she slowly swam back towards the steps, quickly grabbing the towel and wiping off any remaining soap suds before wrapping it around herself. Thankfully it covered her easily, even around her large bust, the end of it reaching her ankles.
Tucking the towel firmly around her, she knelt down to try and figure out which button would drain the tub.
“Leila…?”
She startled at the sound, almost falling back into water before she quickly stood up, hands moving to her chest as if her towel would fall away if she didn’t hold it in place.
Ezon appeared in the doorway, the expanse of water allowing for some distance between them.
“I’m sorry,” she found herself saying immediately. “I didn’t intend to get in the water but I’d accidentally pressed a button and the water just appeared-”
“You are welcome to bathe if you wish,” he said calmly, his hands joined behind his back. “I apologize for intruding but you did not hear me when I called out upon entering my quarters.”
“It’s fine. I’m decent. More or less,” she added. Even though the towel covered much of her, she didn’t particularly like being caught so vulnerable.
He made no move to go to her on the other side of the bath, but she would have to pass by him to get out the door, so standing there at a stalemate would only make this more awkward.
Oh god, had he heard her call his name while she had…?
Leila looked for any sign in his expression or body language that he’d known she’d been pleasuring herself, but his face revealed nothing.
At least he didn’t appear pissed off. She didn’t want to fight. In fact, now being out of the water, exhaustion seemed to be setting in. A large yawn escaped her, and she belatedly covered her mouth.
“You are tired.”
The urge to argue came and went. What was it about him that just kept rubbing her the wrong way?
“It has been an eventful day,” she agreed, bending down to pick up her folded clothes.
When she stood up, clothes in hand, he was gone from the door. For such a large person, he moved very quietly. At least it allowed her to leave the room without wondering how to scooch by him.
Unfortunately, leaving the bathing room placed her right back in his bedroom, where he was opening a drawer of his dresser which she had respectfully chosen not to snoop through.
Even though it was only a few seconds, the silence dragged on for her, and the need to fill it, if only to distract from the fact that she was standing in his bedroom with just a towel around her. Plus, she was having a hard time not staring at his ass, which his tailcoat and pants did nothing but showcase.
She was an idiot; whatever that kiss was earlier, it wasn’t because he was attracted to her. The towel didn’t make her look any more attractive either; her breasts caused the fabric to pull away from her body, making her look bigger than she was, and the hit to her self-confidence was surprising and unwelcome.
He was so fucking gorgeous and built and she was probably just a novelty if anything to him even if she would never ever voice that thought out loud to anyone.
It was making her angry now, mostly with herself for thinking such harsh thoughts. Her insecurities were her own, while the rest of the world (or perhaps universe now) could keep on assuming she gave zero fucks.
Ezon turned around then, a folded piece of clothing in his hand. “I hope this is suitable.”
He didn’t even extend it to her; simply placed it on the bed.
“Thank you.” Leila motioned back towards the bathing room. “I don’t know how to drain the-”
“I will see to it.”
He had to walk past her in order to do so, and Leila felt her adrenaline spike at the thought that he would possibly-
Her thought remained unfinished as he didn’t hesitate to pass her, leaving her to take a look at what he’d provided.
It definitely was one of his shirts. Black in color with long sleeves that would look like they were billow if she wore it. Perhaps this was what he wore under his jacket; the material soft yet thick, and massive enough to wear she wouldn’t have to worry about it providing her appropriate coverage.
Wanting to do this quickly, Leila put it over her head, her hair only slightly damp at the ends as she had been careful to avoid getting it wet. Shoving her arms through the sleeves, she let the fabric fall over her. It reached mid-calf level, and even though the neckline exposed her shoulder, she allowed the towel to fall away.
“Where should I put the tow-” she called out, turning around.
He made her jump as she found him standing in the doorway, eyes roaming over her so swiftly that she would have missed it if she hadn’t been so focused on his eyes that kept shifting between gold and silver.
Ezon took the towel from her, the tension between them thick with something she didn’t want to name.
“Do you wish to sleep?” he asked, taking a step towards her, his eyes now back to their solid gold coloring.
She did and she didn’t. Going to sleep without any idea of what was going on or how long she’d be here was a recipe for a restless sleep, even if she even got to sleep at all. She doubted her brain would shut off, no matter how tired she was.
“Yes, but-”
A growl interrupted her; although instead of it coming from Ezon, it was her stomach protesting the lack of food in her system.
He looked extremely concerned by the sound. “Have you not eaten?”
Leila frowned. “I didn’t see any food…”
Her response caused a string of muttered words to fall from his lips, before he motioned her to follow him back to the living room area. She watched him go into the kitchen space, opening the fridge, drawers, and cupboards -that had been too high for her to open herself- before he slammed them shut.
His hands gripped the countertop as he closed his eyes.
“Apologies,” his voice somber as he spoke. “I had not realized that there was nothing here for you.”
“It’s fine,” she countered politely. She was now too tired to still be angry at his previous behavior.
In a breath, he was by her side, looking down at her. “Nothing is more important than your well-being.”
Words failed her at the level of gravitas in his tone, as if he truly meant that.
“I am aware you do not believe me…”
How was he reading her mind like that? Or maybe her face had given away her thoughts… Either way it surprised her, and her lack of response was apparently enough of an answer for him.
“I will get you some food, and then you may go to sleep.”
Leila couldn’t hold back her smile. She somehow knew he didn’t realize that it sounded like a command, and took the statement in the spirit that it was intended.
“Thank you.” She didn’t bother asking what type of food she had the option to pick from, and she got the distinct impression that if she asked him, he wouldn’t only get upset that he hadn’t thought to ask her. Whatever he brought would be fine. Hopefully. “I’ll just rest on the couch in the meantime.”
Ezon cocked his head, the expression on his face looking so adorably confused. It only made him even more attractive. “I do not understand. The bed would be much more comfortable.”
‘Would it really though?’ Physically yes. But it would do nothing to relax her.
“It is your bed,” she explained. “The couch will be totally fine.”
He opened his mouth and then shut it with a click, only to open it again. “I would not be in the bed...with you,” Ezon clarified slowly.
The fact that he was being such a gentleman was both frustrating and dare she think it? Cute.
“I...Thank you, but it wouldn’t feel right taking it from you.”
His head straightened as his hands once again went behind his back, his stance regal and proud. “I believe I understand. It will not be an
inconvenience to me. I am expected back on the command deck.”
He was adamant about her taking the bed, and frankly, she was too tired to put up much of a fight. She nodded, earning her a soft smile that should not have looked so good on his damn face, but it did.
It was a little embarrassing having to literally hop up on his bed, but thankfully he let her do it herself, the mattress molding itself to her form as she got under the covers. It was still strange to have him watch her get into his bed, but she chose to ignore how he looked at her, focusing instead on how glorious the bed was.
Ezon did an about face once she was situated. “I will be back shortly.”
Leila hummed in acknowledgement, already asleep by the time by the time he left his quarters.
CHAPTER EIGHT
ezon
She was in his bed. Willingly.
The image of her laying there, wearing one of his own shirts was seared into his memory now. If he had his way, he’d never let her wear anything else. The collar had sunk down over one of her shoulders, revealing an expanse of smooth, pale skin that all but demanded to be tasted. He imagined sinking his teeth into the soft flesh where her neck and shoulder met; hard enough to draw blood and leave a lasting mark as a sign of their bond.
A bond they were not even close to having, but Holy Waters knew he wanted it.
Years of training and honing his self-discipline had been the only thing holding him back when he had heard her moan his name in the bathing chamber.
She had been thinking of him as she’d touched herself; had brought herself pleasure at the thought. It had made his next steps both easier and more difficult as he had attempted to school his features and call out to her, not wanting her to exit naked only to find him there.
There was a tenuous understanding between them for the moment, and with neither of them mentioning their kiss from earlier, he did not wish to shatter something that was so very fragile.
And then there was the fact that her concern over sleeping in his bed was more to do with his discomfort rather than her believing he would dare presume to join her in it. She had not complained about the lack of food, which she had every right to, seeing as he had assumed that his food area had been replenished.
It was a temporary setback, he reassured himself as he strode down the corridor. He would be more attentive to her needs even if she did not voice them.
Leila was truly one of a kind; feminine but not, soft yet strong, polite yet outspoken, respectful yet stubborn. All things he had noted within the span of a single day. How much more would he learn about her as time went on?
He could picture no one else better suited to him. Her fear of him had come and gone just as quickly, replaced by cautious acceptance.
Whatever he had to do in order to be worthy of her, he would.
The walk through the ship gave him ample time to think; his hands behind his back as his proud bearing made clear he did not wish to be interrupted in his journey.
How many times had he sneered and dismissed those under his command when they’d spoken reverently about their huertas? How many times had he initially denied requests for leave so that they could partake in joining ceremonies?
It disturbed him to think of his past actions now. He had always been overruled of course, as Debir tradition and customs dictated his captains and officers had the right to such things when requested, but he had always been difficult about it.
If roles had been reversed, he had no doubt he would have disobeyed his Commander if it came down to it. General Yera had teased him over the years, warning him that the time would come that he would understand the importance of such things.
She had been right. As she usually was.
He made his way to the transport bay, securing himself one of several pods that had various routes mapped throughout the ship in order to facilitate easy movement from one end to the other. Normally we would have preferred to walk, but the need to bring back food as quickly as possible did not make it the best option.
Thankfully his journey in the pod was short, although it had been plenty of time for him to replay multiple times the way Leila had moaned his name as she’d brought herself pleasure.
His comm link remained blessedly quiet, Captain Railler continuing to monitor their current situation. As much as Ezon had not liked Earth (or rather, the humans that lived on it), he wasn’t particularly pleased to be back on his ship under the current circumstances.
And yet, he had a human woman wearing nothing but his clothing and warming his bed at this very moment because of said circumstances.
“Commander Ezon!,” a voice exclaimed in clear surprise.
A peach toned Debir with long peach colored hair to match was looking at him in startled fascination. Clearly she had not expected him to come to this sector of the ship.
Section 12 was specifically geared towards housing any visiting dignitaries or guests, the entire area self-sufficient with all that visitors would need. More importantly, it was one of the furthest sections away from the command deck, which decreased the likelihood of having such visitors underfoot elsewhere on the ship.
It also happened to be where some of the best food aboard the ship was prepared. Apparently even without thinking he had found himself wanting the best for her.
He didn’t know this crew member's name, an oversight she took care of for him when it must have shown on his face. “I am Fenna. Fifth Officer to Chief Steward Krase. Is there something I can help you with?”
Her eagerness and willingness to please was evident. She was young, no doubt wishing to prove herself. From the elaborate dress she wore and jewels in her hair, clearly she had not expected to run into him or anyone else from command.
“You are out of uniform.”
His tone made her flinch, the action bringing to mind the way Leila had done the same. Letting out a sigh, he tried again. “Apologies,” his voice firm but much softer than it had been a second before. “Why are you out of uniform?”
Fenna’s blush colored eyes flashed brightly before settling down. Apparently just standing in front of him was making her nervous. “I am off duty, Commander Ezon.”
Holy Waters help him, he was clearly not at his best today.
“I see. My apologies again, Fenna,” he said, the young Debir looking pleased that he had remembered her name. “Can you direct me to Chief Steward Krase?”
“Oh.” She seemed a little uncertain of how to respond. “He’s not here Commander. He was called to Section 10.”
‘Section 10?’ he wondered, before realizing Nelo must have requested assistance with the humans.
Considering the Chief Steward saw to everyone’s needs on board this ship, no doubt they were coordinating the very thing Ezon was attempting to do. Except that while his brother dealt with food and other arrangements for thousands of humans, Ezon just had the one. Unsurprisingly, their approaches were running parallel.
“Thank you for informing me.” He nodded to her, regretting not having just gone to the commissary area for his purpose. Most Debir food was equally palatable to humans, but he didn’t want that…
He could ask himself what he was trying to do but he knew the answer already: he wanted to impress her. Leila was away from her planet in a completely new environment. Bringing her food from her home seemed appropriate. It would also show he could be caring...
Wouldn’t it?
Ezon stopped and turned around. “Fenna.”
He had startled the young officer again although she recovered much more quickly this time.
“Yes Commander?”
“Do you know where the human food is being prepared?” It was most likely a question above her station, but if he could avoid running around the ship in search of human food before forcing himself to face Nelo, then there was no harm in asking.
She brightened instantly, any timidness gone, much to his surprise. “Oh yes! Many of the delegates that are coming to Earth for the summit are looking forward
to trying human food so we’ve been preparing samples to determine what the embassy should prepare for their meals.”
The summit being held on Earth had clearly attracted widespread attention and requests to visit the new planet. Debirs were nothing if not a curious species.
Apparently Ezon’s luck was changing for the better after stumbling upon Fenna. “I would like to procure some.”
She was already on the move, waving for him to follow her and clearly forgetting who he was as she passionately continued speaking. “There are so many different food types that humans have! We have not been able to try them all...”