Mera

MERA

I was completely wrong.

It turned out that Kovas really did like ice cream.

In a quiet corner of the bazaar, away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds, we took our time tasting each one, trying to describe the way that the Moonlight Madness felt like tiny explosions on the tongue, or the Razanberry Fusion made my whole mouth pucker, but seemed sweet to him.

A perfect afternoon.

After we threw the cups into a recycler, I wrapped my arms around his neck. "Thank you for not giving up on me." Stretching up on my toes, I kissed him, wishing I could push all of my love through touch alone. "I know I've been distant lately."

"I told you before, and I meant it." His strong arms around my waist lifted me up until our eyes were level. "I love you. Whatever you want, I'll make sure you have it. Even if what you want is time."

He kissed away the tears from the corner of my eyes. "What is wrong?"

"Nothing," I promised. "I'm just happy."

He didn't look convinced, so I kissed him again. "Just believe me. You make me happy, even if I show it in weird ways."

The sweet embrace turned passionate, the hunger for Kovas that always smoldered inside me flaming up into a wildfire.

Eventually, we broke away from each other, panting.

"Right now I can think of other ways I'd like to show how happy you make me," I added. "But we need to go home first."

"Quickly," Kovas agreed, pulling me tightly against him so I felt his hard length straining against his pants. "Very quickly."

On our way back towards the Fallen Star, a flash of white caught my eye. A long, thin body, iridescent white fur streaked with grime, coiled up underneath a refuse bin.

"Oh, poor baby." I moved towards it, but Kovas pulled me back, his eyes wild, lips curled into a snarl.

Pressing my hands to his chest, I was shocked to feel the racing of his heart. "What's wrong?"

Slowly, he calmed, his breath returning to normal as he studied the creature. "A tcharvala. One was part of the trap Conii set for me. A hologram of an Ondisari child holding his pet." Kovas swallowed hard. "It didn't look well. I got distracted. I shouldn't have."

Watching his lips pressed into a thin line, my heart hurt. I wasn't the only one with invisible scars from our time with Conii. I should remember that.

"I hate that it was used to hurt you," I said softly, leaning in to rest my head against his chest. "But I love that you're like this?"

"Like what?"

"Kind."

He sputtered with laughter. "No one has ever considered me to be kind before."

Hugging him, I settled into his warmth. "Of course you are. If you weren't, your attention would never have been caught by a child or a sick animal."

He didn't answer, but I didn't really expect him to. It was enough that he heard me.

Instead, I studied the creature. I'd heard of tcharvala's, but never seen one. Even with the filth smeared in its fur, I had the urge to pet it.

"Do you think it will be all right?"

"What?"

"The tcharvala." I looked around. "It can't be easy for it to survive down here. Maybe we should catch it." Heat stole across my checks. "I know I said we should get back, but …"

"How many times do I need to tell you before you believe me?" Kovas's hand cupped my cheek. "Whatever you want."

Apparently trapping stray animals is pretty easy when you have the speed of a Vinduthi. In a matter of moments, the critter was curled up in Kovas's arms.

"Hi there, little guy," I crooned at it. "Want to come home with us?"

"Falcor," Kovas said. "My father had a hunting bird, just this color."

"Falcor it is," I agreed. As I rubbed its ears, Falcor began to purr, the calming sound washing over us both.

Another quick round of shopping in the bazaar saw us staggering home with bundles. Blankets and bowls, chopped insects that the Ondisari weaver promised us were our new friend's favorite food.

Shiny things for it to play with, soft toys to cuddle, a little bag to carry the tcharvala in that slung across Kovas's shoulders.

"Kovas." I tapped his arm, pulling his attention from a display of more playthings. "It's enough. If you're like this with a pet, what are you going to do when we have a baby?"

His body went rigid, the purple tentacled doll in his hand falling to the table as he slowly turned towards me, his face slack with shock.

Oh shit.

Maybe we should have had a talk about whether or not he even wanted kids before I blurted something like that out.

"Mera, really?" His whisper was almost lost in the noise of the crowd. "You would have a child with me?"

This time it was my turn to reassure him.

"Whatever you want, I promise."

His eyes glowed as he swept me into his arms, the sound of his laughter ringing through the marketplace.

But his words were meant for me alone. "Yes, I want a family with you." He nuzzled my ear. "Should we go home and get started?"

An excited squeal cut through his words, and we looked down to see the tcharvala watching us with bright eyes, purring more loudly than before.

"Just as soon as we get this little one settled in his own space," I said. "We can think of it as practice."

Kovas scooped up our parcels and summoned a flitter to take us home. "Everything should be perfect for you," he growled as he held me close. "Therefore, I think we should practice all night. And maybe for the next day as well."

And much to my delight, we did.