Page 34 of A Mate for Haax

My brows furrow. “The cave of the mural back at the compound?”

“The one and the same.” He looks out the window. If we were back home on Earth, I’d say it was probably mid-afternoon, but I have no idea what time their sun sets, if it even does, here. “Well, let’s get you some food, and then we can head out.” He holds his hand out to help me up, and I slide mine gently into his. “We can play with this stuff later.” He winks with a sly grin, which has me laughing.

“My, my, you are a naughty alien.”

“Only for you, my mate. Only for you.” Haax leans in to kiss me, and I get lost in the way his tongue plays with mine, begging for more connection, and I give it freely. The ridges move along mine and cause a sensation unlike any other kiss I’ve ever experienced. I like kissing Haax. Okay… I just like everything about him.

A few minutes later, we’re in Haax’s kitchen, although he calls it something else. I didn’t hear exactly what he said because I was too mesmerized by the space to listen. He fires up the food simulator, and, a few minutes later, the yummiest tacos I’ve ever seen appear before me.

“What are these?”

“Tork tacos with cheese, the sauce called barbeque, pineapples, and onions.”

“So, like Hawaiian tacos?”

“What is this Hawaiian you speak of?”

“It’s a state in the United States on Earth. Very pretty place. Is tork like some sort of pig or wild hog?”

“Yes. Some of my unit mates and I went out hunting the week before arriving on Earth. We have stored it to use for many months. They live deep in the jungle and are a feral thing. We will avoid that part when we go on our jungle tour.”

“Will I get to see your unicorn?”

“Absolutely.”

Out of nowhere, a flash of burnt orange crosses before me. “Um… Haax?” I say nervously.

“Yes?”

“I think there’s something in here with us.”

“Oh, that is just fuzziwitts.”

My eyes widen. “What the hell is a fuzziwitts?”

“I believe humans would say they are a cross between your squirrel and a lemur. Small furry creatures. The one who stays here, I found in the jungle shortly after its mother had been killed. I brought it home to save it, and, well, it just kind of stayed. You will get used to it. There is a small door on the back of the house where it can come and go.”

“Is it a she or a he?”

“I don’t know. I have never gotten close enough to get a good look down there.”

I tilt my head to look at him. “Is that its name, fuzziwitts?”

His brows furrow in confusion. “It does not have a name, it is just a fuzziwitts.”

“You need to give it a name, Haax. Give the little creature an identity.”

He smiles at me. “Well, if it means that much, you may name it.”

“Thank you. Will he… it… come out. Like, is it friendly?”

“It acts like an Earthly dog.”

He lets out a high-pitched whistle, and, sure enough, the little creature comes scurrying into the kitchen. When it sees me, it freezes long enough to look over at Haax. My eyes find Haax, too. It’s like he is asking for permission. To do what… I’m not sure.

Haax nods, and the little creature bounds towards me, plops down into my lap, and raises on its hind legs. Small webbed hands grab a hold of my cheeks as it inspects each inch of my face. It sniffs me as well. I must pass the test because, shortly after, it sits itself on my shoulder with its arms wrapped around my neck; almost like it’s giving me a hug.

“Well, aren’t you just the cutest little thing?” I coo at it, and it lights up from the praise. Its eyes remind me of that one little lemur in Madagascar who has the biggest, saddest eyes. It’s the little guy who can’t stop praising King Julian. The creature curls up and bundles itself against my neck like it’s going to take a nap.

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