Page 63 of Invasion of Sorority Z

I am nervous this day. More nervous than I have been before any battle, after any injury, or during any dangerous journey. I feel as if my hopes have all stacked themselves up inside of my chest and have reached so high that they are nestled into my throat, making it more difficult to breathe easily.

The Urth female Anna has assured me through Drak’s communication system that this is a good idea.Sickeningly romantic, she called it. The declaration made my stomach twist with acid until she clarified that it was not an insult.It is a good gift, she vowed.Stee-vee will love it.

I have not given many gifts in my lifetime. I have given my winnings, and given many Aprixians the feeling of safety, but that is much different than this. This is for my heart blossom.

The idea for this gift giving came into my mind back on Urth, and I have been planning and executing it since then. I believe my mate will find it most enjoyable, but only if I have done it just right.

After one last survey of the now filled and finished room, I leave gently shutting the door behind me. Stee-vee is in our washing unit when I return to the sleeping section of our home. It is a stall much like her Urthshower, but built with the same wood I crafted this home with. I have noticed that my mate prefers to clean herself here and relax in the bathing pool.

My mate’s sweet hums fill my ears, trickling along with the soft patter of rainfall, and I lean against the wall farthest from her silently, not wishing to interrupt this time. Humans must bathe more often than my fellow Aprixians and I, since they have pores and sweat naturally. It is good that my planet has an abundance of water, and we will never run out of it. Though, if we did, I would find more of it for my Stee-vee.

The rainfall ceases and a small gasp bursts from her lips. “Marrec,” she says in surprise, having turned to see me. “How long have you been watching me?”

“I have not been here long,” I tell her, offering a smile as I take a long look down her form. She is glistening from the water, her skin flushed from its warmth. It takes every bit of strength inside of me to resist offering to lick each drop of liquid from her flesh. “I have something to show you, but it will require you to dress.”

“Oh?”

“Mm,” I hum in agreement. “It is making me wonder if I should perhaps ignore the surprise in favor of other activities. Activities that do not require coverings.”

I watch as her nipples pebble with excitement, or likely, a small chill. It only tests my resolve further.

“Take pity on me, my mate?” I ask, nodding toward her drying cloth. “A male can only exercise so much restraint before he is lost with need.”

“You must really want to show me this surprise if you’re asking me to cover up,” she notes playfully, slowly covering her lovely body with the cloth. “Gimme five.” Swaying her hips as she passes me, she douses me in her fruity scent and disappears into her little closet of coverings.

I have learned that this ‘gimme five’means she will take a small amount of time to return to me, and this occurrence is no different. Hair still damp around her shoulders, she emerges in a blue dress with her hands firmly on her hips.

“I’m ready to be dazzled.”

I hope to do this dazzling to her, and now my treacherous nervousness has returned. Swallowing it down, I reach for her hand. Fingers intertwined, I lead her from our room to the outside, and down one bridge to the next section of dwelling. I stop as we reach the door.

“Isn’t this one of the empty rooms?” Stee-vee asks.

“It was,” I confirm, and take in a shaky breath of air. “It is no longer empty. I wanted to do something for you, my mate. It is done now; do you wish to see?”

Her lips part, eyes sparking with anticipation. “Um, of course I do!”

“Close your eyes,” I instruct. Without question she does, fluttering them shut so that her eyelashes rest upon her cheeks.

Knowing that my nerves will not calm until she has seen my work, I open the door, swinging it wide. Carefully, I guide my mate into the room, trying not to hold my breath.

“You may open them,” I tell her, watching her face as I do.

Stee-vee is smiling as she obeys, opening her eyes to take in my gift. Her face stills in all movement, as if she is utterly unsure of what she is witnessing.

The library I have crafted for her has nearly every inch of wall area dominated by shelves. Shelves that are decorated, filling every bit of space with books. Where there is no shelf, there is a singular fireplace, mirrored by a customized seating area. There are many pillows and blankets atop the cushioned bit of floor, and some unlit scented candles on a small wooden table.

The many stacks of books, though, seem to have most of Stee-vee’s attention. She scans the large shelves, and puts a hand to her chest.

“You did this for me?” Her lips tremble and gentle tears roll down her reddened cheeks.

My hands cup her lovely face. “I did.”

“They’re all mine?”

“All yours.”

“Just for me?” she asks as if she cannot believe it.

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