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"You've been here with me the whole time." It is not a question. Even unconscious, I was aware of her presence. "Th-thank you," I say, struggling with the words. It's not often I express gratitude, especially to a female, but I can't deny her loyalty as she remained at my side.
Cora brushes tousled ebony locks from her face. "I didn't want you to wake up alone."
Warmth blooms within me, filling my heart near to bursting. Aside from awakening my sivot, I don't know why this little human causes such a reaction in me. Her very presence is intoxicating, shifting something deep within me that has been buried for far too long. Her gaze upon me is a drug I cannot quit.
"Rest," she says, her voice tinged with concern. "Qhix said the medical cuff works faster to heal you if you're sleeping."
"Stay with me?" I ask.
Vulnerability is something I swore to never fall victim to again, yet with her it feels like a haven. A few days ago, I would have called myself weak. Today, I know I am stronger because of her. This tiny human female—my starfire. My mate.
"I'm not going anywhere." Cora takes a seat on a stool next to my cot.
As I close my eyes, her presence beside me offers a sense of comfort I've never known.
* * *
The humof the ship's engines reverberates through my body, pulling me back from the depths of unconsciousness. As my senses return, I become aware of the warm weight of Cora's hand resting over mine. A simple gesture that constricts my chest.
"Navik," Cora murmurs, her voice hoarse with exhaustion. "You're awake."
I open my eyes to find her still seated on the stool, slumped forward on my cot. Despite her fatigue, she manages a weak smile. It's clear that she has taken on the role of protector while I've been incapacitated.
"How do you feel?" she asks, pushing herself up despite the heaviness of her limbs. "You look fully healed."
"Groggy, but more like myself, but you look like bliking dund."
"Such a sweet talker," she smirks.
I scoot over on the small cot to make room for her. "Come here, starfire. You need proper rest."
Cora hesitates for a moment, then climbs onto the small cot with me, tucking herself against my side. She sighs in contentment as I stroke her hair, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine as she drifts off to sleep.
The hum of the ship lulls us both into a deep slumber, and I can feel Cora's body relax against mine as we drift away together.
* * *
I waketo the winding down of the ship's engines and know what it means. I sit up slowly, testing my strength before swinging my legs over the edge of the cot and standing. The medical cuff has done its job to heal me fully.
Cora stirs beside me, her eyes fluttering open as she wakes. She stretches her arms above her head with a yawn, then looks up at me with a sleepy smile.
"We have arrived on Neptus." I frown knowing our time together grows short. Soon, I will have to return her home.
Cora sits up and rubs her eyes before slipping off the cot. Her body brushes against mine as she steps away. I can't help but notice the curve of her hips and the way the inky blackness of her silky hair tumbles down her back.
I reach out a hand to pull her back with intentions of rolling her beneath me and feeding my cock inside her tight sheath when the med bay door slides open to reveal Qhix. I growl over his insufferable timing.
“What do a Moktian, a Wetokian, and a Yulineon all have in common?” Qhix saunters inside, tossing me new pants and two pair of boots. One pair for me and a smaller pair for Cora.
“You know I hate riddles, Qhix," I scoff, catching what he tosses.
“They all want your head on a spike.”
"You're not funny," I huff. "Shall we list all the enemies you've made over the years as a Maverick?"
"Let's not." Qhix hikes a thumb at the cleanroom door Cora closes behind her. "Best not to scare the female. You look as good as new. Surprising, considering what your sivot looked like after your trek through Yeet's acid air."
"I can imagine."
