Page 8 of Snowed in: With the Alien Tentacle Monster

"So someone might come for you, but for now you're stuck," Logan summarized. "Amazing." He looked around the woods. "If help comes, how long will it take? And what do you guys eat? I hope you like canned goods because I'm no great chef."

He turned his attention back to Valen who met his gaze but didn't offer any answers. Maybe he didn't have any.

Just as well. "You can come back to the cabin with me, but that thing you did before when you changed into… into a man I knew. Don't do that again."

I will not,Valen promised.Will not do anything.

Logan wasn't sure if he trusted that, but for now, he wasn't going to let him freeze to death out here in the woods.

"Come on then."

CHAPTER 3

Logan's skinitched with dried sweat and... other things... from the night before. The trek through the snow hadn't helped either. He needed a shower, desperately, but that meant leaving Valen unsupervised. The alien prince currently hovered in the middle of his living room, azure skin glowing faintly and tentacles swaying gently as he examined everything with those striking topaz eyes.

"I need to..." Logan mimicked washing his hair, feeling ridiculous. How did you explain a shower to someone who probably cleaned themselves with sonic waves or whatever advanced alien technology they had?

Valen's tentacle brushed his arm.Cleansing cycle?

"Something like that." Logan tried not to flinch at the contact. He felt too raw about everything right now. "Just... stay here, okay? Don't touch anything."

Through their connection, he felt Valen's mild amusement.I will remain still.

"Right." Logan glanced around the room, then had an idea. He grabbed the TV remote and pressed the power button. The screen flickered to life, showing what appeared to be a news report.

Visual entertainment device,Valen observed through their link.Primitive, but familiar concept.

"At least you won't be bored." Logan pulled away, breaking their connection. "Just... stay put. I'll be quick."

As he headed for the bathroom, he could feel Valen's curiosity radiating through their bond, focused intently on the TV screen.

Well, good.

Maybe he'd learn something.

Logan emerged from the bathroom feeling marginally better, toweling his hair dry as he walked into the living room. He stopped short. The news program was gone, replaced by bright colors and exaggerated holiday cheer. On screen, someone in garish Christmas clothing bounded through New York City with childlike wonder.

Valen hovered closer to the TV, totally wrapped up in the movie. "Chri... Christmas," Valen said aloud, testing the word. "Humans celebrate?"

Logan's chest tightened. "Yeah, we do." He kept his voice neutral, fighting back memories of decorating trees and hanging stockings. Of brighter times.

"Important holiday?" Valen's voice was clear, the way he spoke almost too precise.

"Very important to some people." Logan tossed his towel over a chair, trying to redirect the conversation. "You're picking up language fast."

A tentacle reached toward him, hesitating. "Can touch?"

Logan nodded, and the gentle contact was immediate.

The entertainment device helps,Valen shared.Many new words. Natural words.

"The natural speech patterns help you?" Logan suggested.

Valen's tentacle withdrew as he attempted the words aloud. "Natural. Yes." His skin pulsed with soft light as he gestured at the TV with another tentacle. "Entertaining."

On screen, the movie's protagonist was now attempting to decorate a department store, causing cheerful chaos. Valen reached out again, touching Logan's arm.

Reminds me of my first diplomatic function. Many mistakes.

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