Page 17 of Stardust Paws and Alien Claws

DOANOR

The Koloss hummed steadily as we sliced through the inky void of space, stars streaking past the viewports. My footsteps echoed down the narrow corridor, but I barely noticed the sound, lost in my thoughts.

This fake relationship was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. Cassidy’s warmth, her infectious optimism...it drew me in like a moth to a brilliant flame. I couldn’t deny the growing attraction, the desire to make this ruse a reality.

Cassidy was seated at the small table we shared, her tousled blonde hair spilling over her shoulders as she worked on a datapad. I cleared my throat, feeling oddly nervous. “Cassidy? Can we talk for a moment?”

She looked up, her sparkling blue eyes meeting mine. “Doanor? Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine.” I forced a smile, trying to steady my voice. “I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner with me tonight? Just us?”

She blinked, clearly taken aback. “Alone? But...we’re just pretending, remember?”

“I know, but...” I searched for the right words. “We should practice our act. Make it more convincing.”

Her eyebrows raised. “If you insist, Captain.” She set aside her datapad and brushed past me, our bodies almost touching, sending an unexpected bolt through me.

I busied myself in the kitchenette area of our quarters, feeling her eyes on me as I prepared a more elaborate meal than usual. I activated the auto-chef, selecting a menu that included braised synth-meat with a glaze of Andromedan honey, accompanied by a medley of hydroponic greens and litanium-infused potatoes. The aroma of exotic spices filled our quarters as the meal materialized on the plates.

I set the plates on the table and took the seat opposite her.

“So...” She toyed with her fork. “What made you decide we needed to ‘practice’?”

I met her gaze, my throat tightening. “I...I want this mission to be a success. We can’t afford any slip-ups.”

“Right, of course.” A faint blush crept into her cheeks as she looked away.

We ate in awkward silence, the simmering tension almost palpable. As she rose to leave, I reached out and gently grasped her wrist. “Cassidy...”

She froze, eyes widening. “Yes?”

My thumb traced small circles over her soft skin as I drank in her features, her slightly parted lips. “Thank you...for indulging me tonight.”

A tremor ran through her, and she swiftly pulled her hand away. “Don’t...don’t make this harder than it already is,” she whispered, cheeks flushed, before fleeing. Heading back to the safety of the lazamai enclosure no doubt.

Alone once more, I let out a frustrated growl and raked my fingers through my tangled hair. This was going to be more difficult than I’d anticipated.

The next morning, I found Cassidy in the galley, humming softly as she poured a steaming cup of caffeen. The simple domestic scene tugged at something deep within me.

“Good morning,” I rumbled, trying to ignore the sudden fluttering in my chest.

She started, nearly spilling her drink. “Oh! Doanor, you startled me.”

“My apologies.” I stepped closer, unable to resist being near her. “Did you sleep well?”

A faint blush crept over her cheeks. “Well enough, I suppose.”

My gaze drifted over her lithe form, taking in the way her shirt hugged her curves. “You look...radiant this morning.”

She blinked rapidly, flustered by the compliment. “Th-thank you. You’re in a good mood today.”

“I’m simply appreciating the beauty before me.” The words slipped out before I could stop them.

Cassidy’s blush deepened as she averted her eyes. “Doanor, we can’t--”

“Can’t what?” I stepped even closer, invading her space in a way I knew made her flustered. “Admire one another?”

She swallowed hard, her chest rising and falling with each breath. “We’re supposed to be faking it, remember? This...” She gestured vaguely between us. “This isn’t part of the act.”

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