Chapter 13

As they entered the kitchen, Taryn’s eyes widened at the sleek and modern design. The countertops were made of a smooth, reflective material that seemed to change color with the light, and the cabinets were filled with unusual ingredients she had never seen before.

Excitement bubbled in her chest as Losax led her to the cooking area, where he had set out a selection of ingredients for their Extraterrestrial Cuisine Challenge. Taryn eyed the assortment with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Some of the items appeared to be vibrant and fresh, while others were oddly shaped and carried an unusual aroma.

With a playful glint in his eyes, Losax asked “Shall we begin?” Taryn nodded eagerly, ready to embrace the challenge.

They took turns selecting ingredients and preparing dishes for each other to taste. As they cooked, Losax explained the origins and uses of the ingredients, sharing stories of how they were used in Naar’s cuisine. Taryn listened intently, her curiosity piqued as she learned more about his world.

For one dish, Taryn used a vibrant green vegetable that had a texture similar to seaweed. She seasoned it with a tangy sauce and offered it to Losax to taste. He took a bite, his expression thoughtful as he savored the flavors.

“Interesting,” he said, nodding. “It has a zesty kick to it, almost like a citrus fruit, but with a hint of earthiness.”

Taryn smiled, pleased with his assessment. “I’m glad you like it,” she said, eager to see what he would prepare next.

Losax chose an ingredient that resembled a small, spiky fruit. He expertly peeled it and mixed it with a sweet glaze, creating a dish that looked both unusual and intriguing. Taryn took a bite, her eyes widening at the unexpected burst of flavor.

“It’s like a mix of tropical fruit and honey,” she exclaimed, delighted by the taste. “I never would have imagined those flavors together.”

He grinned. “I looked up Earth recipes and tried to find similar ingredient from Naar to make dishes I thought you might enjoy it,” he admitted.

As they continued the challenge, they took turns preparing dishes and tasting each other’s creations. Some were delicious, while others were comically unappetizing. They laughed together as they navigated the culinary adventure, their bond growing stronger with each shared experience.

After the cuisine, they moved on to the next part of their date night—the dance of gravity. Losax led Taryn to a special dance hall designed for the ritual, where different gravitational forces created a unique and playful environment.

The room was adorned with soft, colorful lights that shifted and swirled in mesmerizing patterns. The floor was made of a smooth, polished material that reacted to their movements, allowing them to float gracefully in the air.

“This dance is a traditional ritual on Naar, meant to celebrate the beauty of movement and connection,” he explained.

Taryn watched in amazement as Losax demonstrated a few dance moves, effortlessly gliding through the air as if he were weightless. She laughed as he performed a few playful spins and twirls, his movements both elegant and comical.

As they danced together, their bodies moving in harmony with the changing gravitational forces, Taryn felt a deep connection forming between them. Their first date night was turning out to be not only entertaining and memorable, but also an opportunity for them to truly bond over unique experiences on Naar.

As the soft music played, Losax and Taryn twirled and danced gracefully through the air in zero gravity, their movements fluid and effortless.

Losax held out his hand to her with a playful smile, inviting her to take the lead in their dance. Taryn’s excitement grew as she navigated through the weightless environment, guided by Losax’s gentle touch and support.

Each twist and turn brought them closer together, both physically and emotionally. Taryn felt a sense of freedom and exhilaration as she laughed with joy in Losax’s arms.

Their dance tested their ability to adapt and communicate, but it also brought them closer in a way Taryn hadn’t expected. As they floated back down to the ground, their laughter filled the room, and her heart swelled with warmth and affection for Losax.

In the quiet moments that followed, Losax took out a small ornate box from his pocket. Inside was a stunning nebula pendant, its colors swirling and shifting like the cosmos itself. He presented it to Taryn with reverence, expressing his desire to build a cosmic bond between them.

Taryn looked up at him. “If I accept this, it counts as one of the three mating gifts, correct?” she asked as if to confirm the implications of her decision.

Losax nodded. “Yes, that’s correct,” he said, his eyes locked onto hers. “I want you to be sure, Taryn. This is a meaningful step for both of us.”

She took a moment to consider the significance of accepting the gift. He felt a deep connection with her and a growing trust that had been cultivated over their time together. His heart told him that she was ready to take this step.

With a gentle smile, Taryn turned around and presented her neck to him. “You may put it on me,” she stated.

As he secured it in place, her heart raced with emotion. The pendant rested just above her major organ, a tangible representation of their growing connection. Taryn reached up to touch the pendant as they gazed into each other’s eyes.

Her gratitude was obvious as she looked at the beautiful gift he had given her. The delicate curves of the silver necklace glinted in the moonlight, as she traced the intricate design with her fingers. “It’s stunning,” she breathed.

His eyes softened as they met hers, filled with contentment and hope. “I’m glad you like it,” he replied sincerely. “It suits you perfectly.”

Feeling a playful spark, she took a step closer and asked, “Are you familiar with the Earth custom of kissing?”

A knowing smile played on his lips as he nodded. “Yes, I am. Would you like me to demonstrate?”

Her curiosity piqued, Taryn eagerly nodded. “Please do,” she whispered.

Without hesitation, Losax pulled her into his arms. She savored the feeling of having him so close. She leaned in slowly, relishing in their eye contact before his lips finally pressed against hers.

Their kiss was gentle yet full of emotion, deepening the connection they shared. As they parted, Taryn felt a sense of breathlessness and bliss, completely lost in the moment.

The kiss was tender and unhurried, each moment stretching into infinity as they savored the delicate touch of their lips. Taryn’s hands found their way to Losax’s shoulders, gripping them lightly as if afraid he might float away like a feather in the breeze. The warmth of his body against hers, the electric spark of their kiss, made her heart race and her mind swirl with emotions she could barely contain.

When they finally pulled apart, Taryn’s cheeks were flushed, her breath coming in soft gasps. Losax looked at her with a mixture of adoration and wonder, as if he couldn’t quite believe his luck. The restaurant’s ambient lighting cast a gentle glow around them, making the moment feel even more surreal and dreamlike.

“I could get used to that tradition,” Losax said, his voice low.

Taryn laughed softly. “I’m glad you approve. There’s plenty more where that came from.”

Losax’s gaze lingered on her face. Taryn could feel his feelings for her radiating through him. She couldn’t wait to see where their next adventure would lead.