Page 66 of Invasion of Sorority Z

I sniffle, trying to push down the panic rising in my chest. The plant isn’t touching me anymore, and I repeat that to myself over and over. I never have to touch it again. I know what it looks like, I don’t need it to survive, I don’t have to overcome it, I can avoid it. Again and again I silently coach myself that the touch isn’t permanent, it’s over, and I no longer need to worry about it.

Sweat beads on the back of my neck, a cold chill racing through my veins, making my stomach roil. “It’s okay, it’s okay,” I whisper, slurring a bit. It’s the only words I can force from my lips to calm Marrec.

Even blinded by my own severe discomfort and impending sobbing, I can feel his worry. It surrounds the pair of us, tightening around our bodies with each heavy intake of breath he sucks back.

“My Stee-vee,” he breathes, clutching my shoulders. “It is like the dirt? Worse than the dirt?”

My head bobs, the sway of my hair offering a short breeze to my dampened skin. “Worse.”

The dirt, I had to overcome. The dirt was already a mild discomfort for mebeforeI had to expose myself to it nearly every day. The flower… the flower is like cotton balls. They have always had a sickening texture to me, causing full bodied reactions and distress.

My teeth ache, my muscles feel weak, and my heart hammers hard inside my chest. But as his big, comforting presence continues to loom over me, chips of panic are broken off and thrown away. His hands hold me tighter, like he’s resisting the urge to bury me into his hold, unsure how he should help me through this. He’s cautious, even in his worry. He’s perfect, and the thought makes me sigh, lifting my chin up, tilting my head back to the sun.

Gaining a bit more control, I finally ask, “W-water?”

My mate jumps into action, leaving me for only a moment. He returns without my water bottle, but with a large oval plant. I’m puzzled for only a second, when he snaps it open, breaking it into two half bowls. Each side is filled to the brim with water, and without asking any questions, I set a hand into each, moaning with relief at the touch.

No longer does my body feel like it’s been robbed of all moisture as the cool liquid surrounds my hands, my fingers swimming around with renewed strength. Another sigh leaves me as my stomach settles, and my legs begin to feel stronger, holding me steady.

“Better,” I tell him. “So much better.”

And it is better. I can focus on the touch of the chilly water, and the words inside of my head are no longer solely working toward calming me down. For how revolting that felt, this panic attack is certainly one of my smaller ones, and having Marrec by my side is a huge part of that. He makes me feel safe, even from seemingly invisible threats. Even from my mind.

“My mate, tell me you are okay, please.”

“I’m good, Marrec,” I promise, still keeping my hands submerged. “I dropped it pretty fast, it could have been worse.”

“They will no longer exist here,” he vows, hissing the words like a threat. “I will have every single one of them removed.”

I can’t help the little chuckle that leaves me. “It’s not necessary, Marrec. Now I know not to touch them.” Blowing out a breath, I continue, “Honestly, it’s good to know there are things here to avoid. I was beginning to think that everything on this planet was custom made for my sensitivities. I mean, really, even your skin is never dry enough to give me chills, and that happens with nearly all humans. At least now I’m certain that this isn’t all a big dream, because I wouldneverput those in a dream.”

“I will rid the forest of them all the same,” he argues, leaving no room for his mind to be changed. “They do not need to exist here, they have no purpose. They do not eat anything, and nothing eats them. They will never be close to you again. Ever.”

I nod in agreement. It’s probably for the best. Trying to lighten the mood, I ask, “So, what am I sticking my hands in?”

Still yet to smile, Marrec looks down to the plant between us. “It isGil’en. Similar to Urth coco-nuts. But it is bitter so we do not eat it. The water is thought to be healing to burns, but it is also just water. Many animals will crack them open for their thirst.”

“Well, thank you for getting one so quickly,” I say, smiling up at him. “I feel a lot better now, I’m sorry if my scream scared you.”

“No apologies, my mate,” he tells me softly, setting the not-coconut halves down to pull me in for a hug. “If you are hurt, I am glad for your screams. It drove me to get to you as fast as possible. I will always take fear if it means helping you when you are in need, my blossom. Always.”

I know that Marrec doesn’t fully understand the scope of my difficulties with certain sensations and textures, hell, a whole metric ton of humans don’t understand it. Even still, he’s so amazing about it. He’s patient and thoughtful, he doesn’t doubt my feelings or reactions. Marrec is just so…good.

“I love you,” I tell him firmly.

His smile finally returns. “All my love is for you, my blossom.”

“Tell me something good,” I request. “To make me feel even better?”

He smiles. “Rem has contacted me. S’rah wishes to brunch.”

“Tomorrow?” I ask, excited by the idea.

“In two days,” he corrects. “Do you wish to do this brunch?”

“I wish tohavebrunch, yes.” I smile so hard that my cheeks ache. “Did Rem explain what brunch is, or did he simply request it?”

“He did not explain.” I figured as much. “But from his words, I think that I know. It is a meal, yes?”

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