Page 15 of All You Need is Alien Love
Evan smirks with obvious satisfaction.
“But he’s also really inexperienced,” I hasten to add. “And he’s gone through some pretty tough shit. Being disowned and nearly murdered by his father for being only half-Vroknu and forbeing gay, then becoming a refugee who’s had to flee to another planet, can’t be easy.”
The scowl on Evan’s face is terrifying. “His dad is a piece of shit.”
“Agreed. Yet despite everything that’s happened to him, Zion’s kept his sweet nature and optimistic outlook. He’s one resilient guy. I’m honestly impressed with how well all the Vroknu refugees have been adapting to life here on Earth. They’re much stronger than some of those warrior-or-die fools on their home world gave them credit for. It’s really admirable how they’ve stuck to their convictions and forged their own paths forward. Watching them blossom into their true selves has been beautiful.” I’m suddenly choked up and fight back tears of pride.
“Things are so much better for them now.” Evan frowns. “Even if they have to conceal themselves from humans most of the time.”
“I know. It’s really unfair. But there is hope. In fact, Nirblob’s working on some technology that might be of use to our Vroknu friends.”
“What? Really?” Evan studies me eagerly.
“Apparently, it’s some device that can be worn to camouflage the extraterrestrial colors of their skin to the human eye. It’s quite promising according to our R and D department. They’re already studying it and plan to help Nirblob develop the official prototype.” I shake my head in wonder. “I’ve only recently learned that Nirblob is actually a rather brilliant inventor, not just an overzealous fan of my stories and an avid Lord Vardox cosplayer. He has hidden depths I’m only starting to discover. If his device is successful, it could mean many of our other-worlder friends will be able to go out into the world without fear of being discovered.”
Evan clasps his hands tightly over his heart. “Dios mío, I pray that it happens. Zion and his colorful friends are such sweetie pies. They deserve to be able to experience more of this planet and what it has to offer.”
I grin. “Fess up, bro. A big part of you just wants to be able to show off Zion once you two get together.”
Evan’s grin is even bigger than mine. “You better believe it! I’ll flaunt that tall hunk of sexy man-candy like there’s no tomorrow.” His expression softens. “It’s more than that, though. Call me a sentimental bitch, but I care about these guys. I feel a bit like a mother hen trying to protect her young. After all, I took them under my wing when they first arrived and taught them how to dance like pros.” His expression turns rueful. “It’s a shame they didn’t want to keep doing that alien revue show.”
Secretly, I agree. “Yeah. They could have made serious bank if they’d continued. But it was clear it wasn’t really their passion. After all they’ve been through, I don’t begrudge them the desire to pursue their individual dreams. The Rec Center has become a crucial place for them and other new intergalactic transplants to find community and nurture their hobbies and passions.”
“Yet another one of your brilliant ideas, hermano,” Evan says with pride and high-fives me.
We head back to the living room and curl up on the couch once again.
“Speaking of the Rec Center, how are your dance classes going so far?”
Evan’s face brightens until it practically glows. “Sowell! There are some real standout talents.” He flashes me a grin. “We might be able to find some other folks to do another alien-themed revue show soon. Ones who are really committed to flaunting their physiques and putting their fullthrustinto it, if you know what I mean.”
I snort with laughter. “Good to know. Benji’s been offering some of his art classes and from what he tells me, they’re going really well too. The Vroknu twins show real talent. Benji wants to put on a solo show for them to try and sell some of their work to folks he knows.”
Evan’s eyes widen. “Whoa. Benji doesn’t usually extend that kind of offer to many people.”
I nod in agreement. “For all that he’s a mellow stoner hippie, he’s always very serious when it comes to art. It’s probably a big part of what’s made him so successful over the years.”
“No doubt.”
“The Rec Center is even more popular than I anticipated. I’m already working on recruiting some other folks from the Alliance to offer some onetime workshops and other events for folks in the near future.” I rub my hands together with glee before grabbing a handful of potato chips from the bowl on the table and munching away. “We’re just getting started!”
Evan tilts his head and considers me. “That’s great, but I notice you’ve been avoiding our earlier topic. So, getting back to this Sanctioning Ceremony business. Are you feeling ready for what’s ahead?”
Curses! I thought I’d successfully managed to reroute our conversation away from that topic. Should have known Evan wouldn’t let me off that easy.
I gulp. “Uh… I think so?”
Evan snorts. “That sounded like more of a question than an answer.”
I crunch a chip and then worry my bottom lip with my teeth. “It’s going to be an interesting three days, let’s just put it that way. This Iyaran ceremony is all kinds of bizarre, and slightly new-agey, but I’m trying to roll with it. After all, I’m sure there are many things we do that are strange to Kai’s species.”
“From what you’ve told me, it sounds a lot more like some kind of gauntlet you have to complete in order to be recognized as his husband. Is it a form of alien matrimonial hazing?”
It’s my turn to snort. “It kind of feels like that at times. There’s just so much I have to prepare for, and the fact that I’m not an Iyaran complicates things more.”
Particularly since I don’t have the same extra appendages.
But I have a plan for that.
