I don’t have anything made of fur… or whatever this dark green fuzzy blanket is.
I remember where I am as my eyes peel open.
The chill makes me shiver, and being alone in bed doesn’t make me want to go back to sleep.
My heart wants him. My body disagrees.
The last time I got up, Sirin was here to help me. This time, I stumble to the bathroom and don’t bother to turn on the light while I use it.
I’m so tired I nearly fall asleep against the counter, but it's cold too.
I don’t want cold.
I want Sirin.
The light that leaves a little halo around the floor is enough that I don’t fall when I go back to the bed to grab that fuzzy blanket before I head out to look for him… and maybe some of my chocolate too.
Right before I open the door, I hear them.
Voices.
Sirin’s and…
I press my ear to the door, trying to hear if it’s someone I recognize. Phantom, asking questions? Kita, making accusations?
But I don’t know them.
Easing the door open, I peek out. I should have gotten dressed. Holding the blanket to cover my chest, I look for the visitor I assume is there, but there isn’t anyone else in the living room. It’s a Sovian man talking to Sirin through one of the wall screens.
It takes me a moment to realize I can understand him. He’s speaking English… albeit with a heavy accent.
The alien on the screen is familiar, though I can’t figure out why, and when his six eye stalks turn to me, he blushes… not something I thought possible on that particular color of green skin.
He tells Sirin he’s sorry for interrupting and quickly ends the call.
“You were speaking English.” I don’t know whythat’sthe detail my groggy mind latches onto.
“He helps me practice.”
“Oh, that’s nice.” I had taken for granted that he seems to speak it so easily.
“I’m sorry we woke you.” He turns his back on the now dark screen. “Ferrok would apologize too, if he hadn’t been embarrassed enough to flee at the sight of you.”
The name in combination with the face makes it all make sense. “Jade’s boyfriend called you?”
“Yes, though… in my day-to-day, he’s not Jade’s anything. He works for me and since I’m not there…” he waves a tentacle like it’s not important. “He called about something he felt needed my approval. The station never sleeps.”
“Oh.”
I have no concept of time. I don’t know how long I’ve been asleep, what time it is, or even what day it is.
“Did you need something out here?”
I nod and he picks up the bag with my snacks. “Chocolate? Or salt?”
“Those aren’t the only categories they fall into.”
“I know what you look like when you want sour and fruity… those are things you want when you’re already happy. And you’re not happy right now.”
