Page 46 of LeX

“Hopefully, you always see me in such light.”

Shereaches up, grabbing my braid and pulling my head down gently, her lips seeking mine just asIam pulling her closer. “Oh, get a room you two, no fornicating in the gardens, unless ...Comehere my little morsel.”

WhenMandystarts laughing,Ryliepulls away with a small smile on her face.Sheglances over atRafewho now hasMandypinned to the wall, his hands slowly sneaking up her shirt.Gigglinglike two younglings,Imotion forRylieto come with me as we sneak out of the observatory.Oncethe door shuts behind us,Iam just getting ready to ask her what she wants to do next whenIhear her stomach growl.

“Forgiveme mate,Ishould have fed us before we left our rooms.Iforget you need to eat slightly more thanIdo.”

“Whyis that?Imean shouldn’t that be the other way around?You’rebigger.”

“Ithink my system has simply become accustomed to being in a constant state of hunger, asItend to forget to eat often.”

“SoundslikeIneed to add making you eat regularly to my list of things to do.Maybemake it my mission to fluff you up a little.ThoughIbelieve as your doctor,Imight need to do a closer inspection.Becausefrom here, it’s looks as if there’s not an extra ounce on your frame.”

“Mymother’s people are built smaller and without my father’s bulkiness.Ican hold my own simply because my size makes me quicker, but if another with the mass ofSoLis up against me, myodds would not be favorable.Butyou are welcome to explore me at your next convenience.”

“Iwill remember that later when you try to run from me again.Nowfeed me beforeIcollapse.”

Grabbinga lift, we head up to the top floor ofFalcorwhere he hosts diverse groups of shops and dining of many different varieties, as he employs all species.

“Wheredo you want to eat?”

“Ok, let’s get this straight right now.Youpick andIwill find something.”

“Well, that does not seem fair.”

“Maybenot, butIam trying to eliminate the biggest issue of every couple, no matter what planet, race, or species.Let’stry this,I’ma woman and simply incapable of picking my own food.”

“Thatseems irrational to me; you are a highly intelligent individual.WhywouldIbelieve those words?”

“Becausethe moment you ask me whatIwant,Ibecome a blank slate with no idea how to proceed, so now nothing sounds good.So, to stop all this nonsense before it starts, lead on andIwill follow.Anyway, how willIknow whatIlike or don’t like here?Youdon’t have a favorite pizza or burger joint onboard, do ya?”

“Ido not believe so, no.”

“Thenlet’s come back to this discussion at a later time, whenIhave more knowledge to bring to the table.”

Slightlyconfused,Ihead into one of my favorite spots and a dining bot greets us as we walk in. “MedicLeX, are there only the two of you dining this rising?”

“No, there will be four.”Rafe’sboisterous voice booms behind us.Turning,Imust stop myself from growling whenIseeRafeandMandystrolling up.Rylierubs my arm when she feels me tense up.HowamIsupposed to court her properly if we are always surrounded by others?Insteadof letting it bother me further, we all walk into theBelvedere.Ipicked this establishment for the view above and below us as the majority of the tables sit upon a clear floor.

WhenRyliehesitates to walk forward,Istop.Rafewalks around us, pickingMandyup with one arm as he strolls behind the dining bot that is showing us to our table.

“WowLeX, is this safe?Imean,Ilove looking at the stars and all, but this is a little intimidating.”

“Wouldyou prefer we dine somewhere else?Ithought the unobstructed view would please you.”

“No, and it does.Idon’t want to seem like a big baby, butInever dreamedIwould be walking in space if you catch my meaning.”

Holdingmy hand out,Iwait patiently for her to come to me on her own. “Whenyou are lost or unsure just look at me,Rylie.Iwill always be there to guide you.”Iwatch as so many emotions flow across her beautiful face beforeIsee her determination push her steps forward.Hersmall hand is swallowed by my own asIlead her slowly to whereRafeandMandyare sitting waiting on us.Sheonly relaxes when seated, but her gaze is scanning everywhere all at once.

Mandyreaches over, grabbingRylie’shand in her own.Sheis so excited she is practically bouncing in her seat. “Isn’tthis the freakiest, coolest thing everRylie?”

“Ido prefer solid ground under my feet, but yes, you’re right, the view is stunning.Inever dreamed anything like this was possible.”

Afloating menu pops up in the air in front of us andIseeRyliehesitate asIknow the dishes are all unfamiliar. “Wouldyou like me to order for you?”

“Please.”

“Isthere anything in particular you do not like?”

---