LunarReunion

by Shona Husk

  His arms remained around her waist while one tentacle brushed the tear from her cheek so softly she barely felt it. “Both. I don’t want to leave with you thinking I’ve forgotten about you.”

  “That would have been easier. Now I know you want me as much as I want you.”

  He rested his forehead on hers. “I can leave the APM. You can stop flying.”

  She closed her eyes. She knew that. She’d thought of it before. “And do what?”

  “We’ll find something. We could go to Lekithia.”

  She shook her head. No, she wasn’t ready to go home and she knew that going to his planet wasn’t an option, like the Amayans the Klokians didn’t tolerate aliens very well—that and most aliens didn’t tolerate Klokian rules very well. “There are still places I want to go.”

  “Then go there with me. I want to see the galaxy with you.”

  He made it sound so easy, so tempting. “And how will we eat? We still need chits.”

  “Are you allowed family on the liner?”

  “Yes, but only married. No formal union, no travel. There was a problem with people claiming partner status for every fling.” Usually they tried to get the partner working too. They didn’t like dead weight on board. “You’d find life on a liner dull.”

  “I’d have you… Besides, aren’t you transferring to the Adventure Bird? My cousin can do the paperwork. I can use it to get out and join you.”

  In his arms she wanted to believe it was that easy and that everything would work out, but she couldn’t. Nothing for them had ever been easy. “We’d be married before we even knew if it was going to work out. That’s crazy.”

  “How else are we going to get the chance to find out?”

  “I don’t know. Can we start by booking leave and spending time together?” It wasn’t what she wanted, she wanted everything now, but their relationship was so fragile it needed time to grow. Maybe they needed time to grow too.

  “Where’s the next stop on your cruise?”

  “Commerce fractar 6.” While it was a commerce station, there were shuttles to the planet below and it was a layover of five days to give people plenty of time to shop and look around.

  “Ugh. I totally understand why you want to switch to the Adventure Bird.”

  She smiled. “Meet me there. We can talk further, make plans. And I can see if there are any vacancies on board.”

  “Good idea. I can look at the paperwork for getting out.”

  She lifted her head and looked him in the eye. “Don’t jump yet. I don’t want to be blamed for you giving up a promising career.”

  “I won’t. I don’t want to be stranded without a job and without you. I love you. It just took me six years to realize that.” His hand slid lower to cup her butt and pull her close. There was no doubt about how much he wanted her, but he only placed a light kiss on her lips that left her wanting more.

  She wriggled her hips, enjoying the feel of his erection pressing against her but knowing that neither could act on it in such a public place. “I loved you the moment you boarded my ship, but I knew I could never have you.” However, now he was here, trying to find a way to be with her. It would be worth the wait, and for once she was looking forward to going to Commerce fractar 6.

  He smiled, his teeth dark against his skin and his tentacles brushing against her face. “At least it’s not going to take us another six years to get together.”

  “I’m not sure I could wait another six years.” Her fingers made patterns on the back of his neck and tangled in his tentacles. When one brushed her lower lip, she flicked her tongue along its rough surface.

  He drew in a breath but didn’t pull away. “How much longer do you have?”

  “Half a tric.” Not long enough to hire a room and make it worthwhile. She sucked the tentacle into her mouth and watched his reaction more closely. His eyelids lowered and his breathing quickened, and she was sure she felt his cock harden.

  “Turn around.” When she hesitated he turned her so she was facing the window and the ice planet below.

  “We can’t do anything here, anyone could come up.” And yet the thrill was there. They’d played strangers, and now they were lovers.

  “Who says we’re doing anything, we’re just looking out the window.” But his hand was sliding over her hip and between her legs. The length of his cock was pressed against her ass.

  He pressed his fingers against her clit and she had to bite her lip to keep from moaning aloud. She was still sensitive from before, but that didn’t stop her from wanting more and wishing she had longer before she needed to be back on the liner. Yet she didn’t want to be caught either…and he was in uniform.

  “Do you want me to stop?” he murmured in her ear.

  “No… But it doesn’t seem fair.” She’d be getting off and he wouldn’t be.

  “Trust me, I’ll make up for it later.” She heard the grin in his voice and then he eased his hand into her pants. The contact of his fingers on her slick flesh made her jump. Then he was circling her clit and dipping into her slit as if they were alone and not standing on the viewing deck.

  Her breathing became faster and she wanted to grind against him but that could get messy. “Are you sure?” Her voice was soft and breathy.

  “Oh yes. I want to hear you come one more time.” His voice was a low growl as he buried his face in her hair, but it sent shivers of heat through her body.

  She closed her eyes, no longer caring about the view of the ice planet below, only about what he was doing to her. His other hand traced around one nipple until it peaked and pressed against the thin fabric of her top. She couldn’t help but move as the tension built. Her legs felt weak, she needed him in her. His fingers slid in at just the right moment, every movement rubbing her clit. The friction of his skin was almost too much. She tipped her head back against his shoulder.

  “That’s it, come for me.”

  The shudder rippled through her body and her core clenched on his fingers. He kept playing with her clit until the last wave had finished and she was panting as though she’d run a lap of the Moon. He kissed her cheek and then her lips when she turned her head.

  “Now, that was a goodbye.” Filid was smiling.

  “I hope your greeting is just as good.” She grinned and ran her hand up his cock, still hard and unsatisfied. No one had disturbed them, could she take the risk and drop to her knees?

  He shook his head as if he’d read her thoughts. “I’ll claim that on fractar 6.” He smoothed his hand over her braid. “Go, before I change my mind and make you late.”

  She gave him one last kiss, safe in the knowledge that she’d see him soon and sure that this time they would fight to make it work.

  Chapter Four

  For the first time in her life Silva had looked forward to going to fractar 6. Best known for its location on the major trade route, it had everything any alien could ever want except style, looks or even a hint of pleasantness.

  If Decadent Moon was licking the glitter off on an almost naked dancer’s body, fractar 6 was licking the sweat from the hairy butt crack of a cleaner who thought taking a shower would reduce his potency as a lover. The Warabi thought the molds growing in their hair were a sign of strength and virility. They made Silva want to gag. She forced a smile as she walked past one that was cleaning the gray metal floor of the station.

  There were no bright colors or seductive ads, no shows designed to tease and tantalize. Sex was for sale, but instead of feeling like fun on Decadent Moon it kind of felt sticky here. The shops were full of goods from around the galaxy, but there was nothing that she wanted.

  However, with nothing to do but wait for Filid, she looked around the shops. It was better to be moving than sitting and waiting and wondering why he wasn’t here. She’d been here for three days already. The passengers were either shopping on the station or had gone down to the planet. Some had left the cruise, others would join, as this was a major stop.

  Around her
people haggled for the best price as if this was a market on Lekithia and every chit mattered. The people here had the chits to fly. They didn’t realize how lucky they were. It added to her bad mood.

  Perhaps she should have stayed on the entertainment levels and had a few more drinks. But she was tired of knocking back advances from other males and the offers to buy her a drink. There was only one person she wanted and he wasn’t here.

  Where was he?

  They’d had something. Hadn’t they?

  The excitement she’d had when she’d first arrived had vanished after a day. Now she was nursing a hurt that was far greater than the one caused six years ago. She’d believed that he’d wanted her and was willing to try to make it work.

  Why confess to remembering her if he’d then planned to throw it away?

  It didn’t make sense.

  Perhaps he’d gotten back on his ship, reconsidered and decided she wasn’t worth it. He’d had her and now the need had been sated. She couldn’t say the same.

  But off Decadent Moon their hastily made plans were bound to unravel, weren’t they? He’d stayed in the APM this long, so why would he leave now?

  Why would he leave for her?

  Because he loved her. Because she loved him. That should matter.

  She wandered around for a little longer, enquired at the exchanger but no message had been sent ahead for her. If she knew which ship he was on, would she have sent one? A reminder that they were supposed to be meeting? No, he would come. She had to believe that, and she would until she got back on the Lunar Bird and flew away. Only then would she put him from her mind for good.

  On the viewing deck she found a spot where she could watch the docking and undocking of the small ships, and the planet beyond. Partially shrouded in with clouds, the greenish water and yellow land masses were tempting her to visit. That’s where she would’ve gone for the few days she had off if she hadn’t been waiting for Filid.

  Not because there was anything exciting to do there, but it was always nice to feel ground beneath her feet and swim in the ocean. And while the atmosphere was thicker than she was used to, she could get by without a breather. Just. The one time she’d gone hiking down there she’d worn one because she had no desire to pass out on a strange world where less than ten percent of the population spoke the common language of Allied Abbreviated.

  She shook her head. For a planet on the main trade route, the citizens liked to keep their culture protected. Many other planets had become a giant melting pot of everything and anything. Perhaps there was something to be said for staying with your own species. But whenever she closed her eyes, Filid was there with his white skin, blue eyes and tentacles reaching toward her. She shivered remembering the touch of his rough skin on hers. Her toes curled in her boots as longing slid deeper into her blood.

  At least she had the memories.

  * * * * *

  Filid presented his identification to security, half expecting them to stop him and arrest him on the spot. It wouldn’t have surprised him if the APM had given notice to fractar 6. Security waved him through as if there was nothing wrong.

  He let out the breath he’d been holding. The last three days had been tense. But then he’d never left his post before. He’d absconded without leave from the APM. They’d denied his request, short notice, non-family member—there’d been a litany of reasons. Most of which he’d agreed with, but this was his last chance with Silva. Even though he knew where she worked and could track the liner she’d never forgive him if he didn’t meet her here.

  It might already be too late.

  And he probably wouldn’t have long before the APM caught up and arrested him—they knew where he was going after all. That wasn’t going to look good on his record. But right now he didn’t care. He just needed to find Silva.

  From the central walkway the solid gray structure of fractar 6 loomed above him, and below. It was huge. Full of people, shops, bars and whores. APM ships stopped here for resupply and recreation leave. The nearest ship would already be on its way to collect him. Usually it was his job to be making the arrests. He didn’t look forward to being on the other side.

  If Silva had accepted his rushed proposal, then the APM might have granted him leave to see his partner. It would have made things easier but then it wouldn’t have meant anything. He didn’t want to marry her because it was convenient. When he married her it would be because he loved her and it would be something they both wanted.

  This wasn’t going to be the extended break he’d been looking forward to. He’d be lucky to have a day with her. And he still had to find her. There were so many people, so many thoughts that he couldn’t reach out and find her in the swirling, almost solid mass of emotions that buffeted him.

  He glanced around, read the signs in Allied Abbreviated and tried to get a feel for the different levels of the station, but he still had no idea where to start looking, and running around the station wasn’t going to find her fast. He needed to bring her to him.

  He turned around, keeping an eye out for anyone who looked like security or was in the blue of the APM. All those times he’d been the one going after an absconder and now he was the one with the clock running down. Anxiety tightened his stomach. He could fail. This could all be for nothing. He didn’t like the feeling at all.

  With a rough plan in mind he went up two levels to where the jewelry stores were and bought a heart stone. Pale blue and almost spherical, it fit in the palm of his hand. Under the supervision of the seller, a Vink who could tune their body to any crystal, he poured everything he felt for Silva into the stone. The love, the fascination with her hair, the joy at seeing her again.

  He kept the fear that he’d blown his last shot into the flux to himself.

  Then he got the heart stone gift wrapped and asked for directions to the nearest exchange office. They held messages, as well as other items, and were used by people who couldn’t afford a personal courier. They were less secure, and often used by criminals, but he would be waiting nearby for Silva to collect.

  He’d spend more chits since arriving here than he had on Decadent Moon. Once he’d have never thought that possible. People saved up for years to spend up big on the Moon. Yet here he was on fractar 6, and he’d quite happily spend every chit he had to find Silva. The only question was would she make it to the exchange before the APM caught up with him?

  This was one of those times he wished he didn’t stand out quite so much. Unfortunately Klokians still drew attention because there were so few in space. As he waited an alien looked at him and his tentacles as they walked past. A child pointed and was hushed by its mother—whose embarrassment, tinged with curiosity, washed over him.

  The whole time, he was scanning the area for Silva, with his eyes and with other senses. If she got close he’d be able to feel her. Time seemed to stretch out. There was the very real risk that she’d already returned to the liner. Should he pay the exchanger to send a message to the liner just to be sure? Why hadn’t he thought of that straight away?

  He was about to turn and spend some more chits when he felt a shimmer of familiar thought brush over him. Confusion and annoyance, hurt. Silva. He turned but couldn’t see her yet as she was hidden by the people walking along. Then she was there, at the counter of the exchange to collect. She didn’t look thrilled to have been called up—Filid considered it a miracle she’d been on the station and had looked at the message boards. Maybe she had still been hoping he’d show, even though he was late.

  Filid watched for a moment as she collected the gift, her scowl softening to sadness. She didn’t want a gift. She wanted him.

  After a glance around she spoke to the exchanger, who just shook its head. Then she took a few steps out of the way, plucking at the ribbon as if she wasn’t sure she wanted to open it. That was when he moved forward.

  She saw him as soon as he did. Anger and happiness radiated from her.

  He was late. And the APM military police was on
his trail. Hardly the things happy reunions were made of. Why did they have to keep settling for almost and second best? He wanted it all, with her.

  She put her arms around him, as if she couldn’t believe he was actually here. “I though you weren’t coming.”

  “I’ll tell you once we get out of sight.” He kissed her to stop any questions.

  She squeaked and pressed against him, her body molding to his in the way he’d dreamed. Her tongue flicked against his in a way that made him regret being three days late and knowing he wouldn’t have as long as he wanted with her before he was caught.

  “Can you get a room with your chits?” he whispered in her ear.

  Silva drew back and looked at his civilian clothing. “What have you done?” But he could tell she’d already worked it out. Her eyes widened. “Oh, Filid.”

  “I had to.”

  She took his hand and they moved with the crowd, up another floor until they found a hotel. They could have gone down to where rooms were let by the tric—and he might only have trics before the APM got him—but Silva obviously felt the same way as he did as she led the way to a quieter, more expensive area of the station. This was the kind of place where paying extra was worth it to avoid hugrix lice and other things that thrived on body heat and warm flesh. A few hours of luxury with Silva were worth whatever was being charged.

  He ran his hand up her back as she booked and paid. It wouldn’t stop the APM from finding him, merely delay them a little longer.

  She opened the room, dragged him in and let the door slide closed before questioning him. “Tell me you didn’t really abscond?”

  His gift was still in her hand, unopened. Her concern was only for him. How had he spent so many years not looking for her?

  “My leave was denied.” He traced her jaw, unable to keep his hand from touching her. “I knew that if I didn’t make it I’d never get another chance.” He kissed her softly, taking his time to relearn the shape of her mouth and the way her lips moved against his. “I’m sorry I was late.”