13. First Date

CHAPTER 13

Moss

I couldn't stop adjusting the robes I wore. I smoothed my hands down them once again, feeling a flash of nerves as I waited. The reservation was made and I was early to pick up Max.

Everything would be fine.

Right?

The heat had ended, but that didn't mean that I stopped constantly thinking about being with him. Last night, I went to the show and watched him perform. The energy had been something to witness, the crowd completely seduced and enamored, even with his injury–which had definitely made me overreact.

And all I could think about was how much he already meant to me.

I'd gone to sleep with him on my mind and then woken with him on my mind. Both of us had work to attend to today, and the hours had passed by slower than ever. I'd been counting down the minutes until I got to see him again.

Now, we had our first date. Maybe we'd done things backwards, but I didn't care. I was looking forward to spending time with him, courting him, and spoiling him.

Our first date.

I was most definitely overthinking things. It was hard not to. I had feelings for Max. There was no doubt about that. But, I felt like I had done things backwards. In my society, it was common for someone to go into heat immediately and then to court each other, and yet I worried that I hadn't done enough to earn Max's affection.

"I gotta say, you don't look well, friend."

I looked up, startled to see an alien that was as tall as me wearing nothing but a hat, boots, and pants that did not cover his backside. He offered me a tip of his hat, two of his four arms crossed over his chest.

"I'm just waiting," I said. "I have a date."

"Oh, you're the one who took off with Max. The gals have been giggling about the two of you."

The gals? His accent was unlike anything I'd ever heard outside of a movie. I wanted to ask him more questions, but I didn't have the chance to. Max came bounding out, wearing a glittering blue shirt and black high-waisted pants. He also wore a set of boots that made him a little taller.

Seeing him was a breath of fresh air. I smiled as he came up to me, enjoying the way that he beamed.

He's so cute.

"Are you ready?" I asked.

"Yes," he said. "More than you know."

That made me happy too. I glanced up at the alien again, giving him a slight nod before hooking my arm with Max's.

"Have fun."

"Bye, Raider," Max chuckled.

I raised a brow as I led Max away. Max let out a soft chuckle again, looking up at me.

"He's mated to Mari," he explained. "The two of them are on their honeymoon, but were stopping by to say hello. I missed performing on stage a little bit even though it hasn't even been that long."

"Would you miss it?" I asked. "Even if you were just on a little vacation?"

"Yes," he said wistfully. "I think I would always miss it. Being on stage is something that I've dreamed about my entire life, and I've finally been able to do it. And with the Galactic Gems. I've been dreaming about being in their troupe for years. I started as an intern. I got lucky considering what happened."

"What happened?" I asked.

Max made a noise, wincing. "It was a lot. The old assistant for Madam Moonie poisoned two performers. She tried to blame everything on me, using me to do tasks for her that I didn't realize were to make those things happen. That was when Stella had first met Zin and Toras, her mates. We got to the bottom of it, though, and after that situation, I became an assistant to Madam Moonie. And then after the last galaxy, she decided to give me a chance to be on stage. And now here I am."

I growled at the thought of someone framing him for such a crime. Especially knowing he would never do such a thing.

"You're a natural star," I said. "I don't know much about dance or the world of burlesque, but I know that I could watch you perform for hours and never be tired of it. I was enamored even on the first night."

Max blushed. "I didn't even think you were paying that close attention the night we met."

I scoffed. "How could I not?"

I let out a little laugh, thinking about it now. How cranky I'd been. Disgruntled that I had to go to a show to try to argue with a human about money. Little did I know, Max would change my entire world.

I was certain that he was my mate. Even after the heat, that much was clear. But I didn't want to pressure him into making a decision, especially now that his career was beginning.

What would it look like? I wasn't sure how the two of us could make it work. My life was very much rooted on this planet, and his was meant to be in the stars.

Could I leave it all behind?

It wasn't that my job was my life. It was just all I really knew.

A breeze lifted, sending ripples across the oasis waters. I raised my head up, soaking up the view of the massive trees that were my home. The crowns of leaves rustled, creating a soft sound that was so familiar.

Max slid his hand into mine, as best as he could anyway. My hand swamped his. He held onto me as I led him to the water's edge.

"Where are we going?" he asked.

"I made a reservation," I said. "There is a restaurant on the other side of the oasis. We will sail over to it, and enjoy our meal. I think that you'll like this place."

I held onto his hand, helping him into the boat. It rocked back-and-forth for a moment, and then I followed him, settling at the front. The moment we were both inside of it, it began to move to its own accord.

Maxed gasped, looking around. "The boat didn't work for us like this the other night," he said. "We had to have someone row."

I winced. Someone should have told them how the boats work. Although I wasn't sure it would work the same for humans, but for Arborians, the boats were in tune to our world and to our thoughts. It knew where I wanted to go, and therefore would take me there. Like the invisible paths that ran through the treetops, there were certain things on our planet that did not work for humans or even other beings. Our scientists believed it had to do with the crystals that surrounded the bases of our trees, while other people believe it was spiritual.

I explained that to Max, enjoying the way his expression changed from frustration to awe.

"Wow. That's amazing," he said. "We don't have anything like that on Earth."

I was curious about his planet. "What is it like? I've never been to Earth. Or your galaxy."

"It's…still recovering from a lot of past damage. Humans are very destructive. We didn't care for our planet the same way you care for yours. But, it's beautiful. I grew up in a small coastal city before we moved to one of the other planet settlements. I haven't been back in some time. Have you been to any other planets?"

"I've been to the ones in our own system," I said. "Several of the planets are just as stunning as ours, although they differ in many ways. Still, home is my favorite."

"I can see why," he agreed. "I've been to a few other planets and systems now, and this one has always been my favorite."

"Why is that?" I asked.

"There's something about it… It's magical. I don't know if it's the trees, the waters, the crystals, or the sky. But it calls to me. Maybe it's because of you."

My heart fluttered.

I felt the same way. I smiled as we drifted to the other side of the oasis. I leaned over the edge, staring down into the waters, and watching as fish swam by. His gaze followed mine, and he made a little sound of surprise.

"I didn't see these the other night either."

"They only appear during the day," I said. "They go down deep at night and stay away from the surface while it's dark. Their cycles are interesting."

Max smiled and then leaned back in his seat. He turned his gaze across the waters. The sun was setting soon, dipping us into a sort of twilight that I loved.

I felt my nerves rising up again and did my best to squash them. I hoped he liked the food at the restaurant. They did have a human menu, which I had double checked for, because I was worried he might not enjoy the cuisine.

The boat drifted to the edge, slowing as we landed. I carefully stood, balancing with ease and practice as I stepped out. I turned, holding out my hand to help Max. He wobbled for a moment, and ultimately, I decided to pick him up and lift him out of the boat. He blushed again, his cheeks turning dark pink.

I fought the urge to pinch them, amused by him.

Others around us gave us curious glances, and I knew that we had to be an odd pairing. It wasn't very often that a human ended up with one of us. Other aliens? Yes. But Max was special.

I led him towards the path that wound between several of the massive trees. It was a short and peaceful walk. The crystals were beginning to illuminate, casting their beautiful glow over everything as we made our way to the entrance at the base of one of the trees.

We were greeted by another Arborian. I waited patiently as they checked my name on the list, and then they led us through the restaurant. Others were seated at their tables, ones that were close to the floor. The scent of the food wafted through the air and my stomach growled.

Max made a small growl too. I glanced at him, and then realized it was his stomach as well.

"Hungry?" I asked.

"Very."

We were led to the opposite side of the restaurant to an opening outside. This was a large deck, one that hung over a cliff that hovered over another oasis. One of the largest in the forest, and really more of a lake. He sucked in a breath, his eyes widening as he stared out.

"This is amazing."

We took our seat beneath the branches, the peaceful sounds of leaves brushing against each other from the breeze making me feel at ease. Surrounded by all of the natural beauty, all I could do was focus on Max and how lovely he was. A stab of desire rolled through me and for a moment, I wished we had indulged our desires before coming to eat.

But, maybe we would save that for dessert.

He caught me staring at him and raised a brow, his lips tugging into a smirk.

"Anything to drink?" our waiter asked.

"Water for both of us, and I will have an iothie."

"Right away." They left the two of us alone.

"What is that? An iothie?" he asked.

"It's a mix of different algaes that are very good for my kind. It has a lot of energetic benefits, which I could use."

He wiggled his brows. "Energetic, huh?"

I winked at him as he leaned over, his hand slipping into mine on top of the table. The public display of affection turned me on. I caught other people staring at us, but I reveled in the attention. I loved the idea that his hand in mine meant people might think we were together, that he was mine.

"Thank you for taking me on a date," he whispered. "I hope you don't feel like you have to."

"And I hope you feel like you didn't have to come. I wanted this. I want to know you more. I know that the way we met was unconventional, but…" I'm falling in love with you.

I couldn't bring myself to say it out loud. I was falling in love with him. And I was worried about scaring him away. And along with that, I wanted to bend him over the table and claim him in front of the entire restaurant, just to show the whole world that he belonged to me. And that I belonged to him.

My tentacles stirred, and I sucked in a breath, urging my senses to relax.

"I like you," I finally whispered.

Max laced his fingers with mine. "I like you too. More than like you, considering everything that we've already done together. I have a question."

"Ask me anything," I said softly.

"How do Arborians mate? From what I've heard, usually it's from a bite for other aliens? But we have bit each other, and are not mated unless we are and I just didn't realize…"

Oh. I forced myself to take an easy breath, even as the nerves shot through me. Mostly because I wanted so badly to complete a mating ritual with him.

The thought of it alone made me hard.

"It's not just about sharing a bite," I said. "To be mated to one of us, and for us to be mated to someone else, there is a ritual of sorts that tie us together on a different level."

"Like our souls?"

He sounded very doubtful. I understood his doubts, even if I did not have them myself.

"Yes," I said.

"How does it work?"

I was about to answer him, but then the waiter came back. He sat our drinks down and gave us an expectant smile, waiting for us to order.

Max winced. "I haven't looked at the menu yet," he said. "But I'd like to try your food, not the human menu."

"May I order for you then?" I asked.

He nodded quickly. For a moment, I got lost in his eyes, and nearly forgot where we were. The waiter cleared his throat, waiting patiently.

I rattled off several menu items, some of which were my favorites and others that I hoped Max would enjoy too. The waiter nodded and left us alone again, the two of us letting out a nervous laugh.

What was it about going on a first date with someone that was so nerve-racking? I knew that he liked me. I knew that he wanted to be with me. Both of us knew that we had compatibility, and yet…

My stomach couldn't stop flipping back and forth. My heart couldn't stop hammering in my chest.

"The ritual is very intimate," I whispered. I leaned forward, keeping my voice low. "First, we start by ingesting a sort of medicinal plant. It changes your headspace and can make you see things. And then you mate, then you share your mating bite, and then you simply accept each other as mates. Once you do so, truly do so, something happens. I don't know how to explain it, other than something changes on a quantum level that perhaps we still don't understand. Our scientists have tried to figure it out many times, as have others from other planets. But, no one knows. I just know that's how it's done, and that's how it's always been done. It's very sexual, very private, very intimate."

"Sounds very lovely." He stroked the top of my hand with his thumb, letting out a soft hum.

"I…" I almost asked him if he wanted to do it. But instead, I bit my tongue, looking away from him as I blushed. Heat crept down the back of my neck and down my spine.

"Moss."

There was so much longing in his voice. I refused to look at him, not able to. Because if I did, everything would be so clear. Even if we didn't always understand each other's expressions, it would be so painfully clear that I was in love with him already.

"Moss, if you want this, we can talk about it."

I felt a pinch of pain. Because it wasn't that I didn't want to talk about it. It's that I wanted him to want it too.

"I don't want to make you feel like you have to do anything," I said. "Fate or no fate."

He scowled. "I don't feel like I have to?—"

And of course, the waiter interrupted us again. I fought the urge to snarl, holding myself together as he placed our food on the table. It was a full spread of different vegetables and delights from our planet. The scent made my stomach growl again, and I reached for my drink, taking a large sip.

I could feel the replenishment through my system immediately, and realized that in my heat, I had forgotten to eat. That was fairly common, our bodies could hold nutrients for a very long time. But I definitely felt the hunger now.

"Enjoy," the waiter said.

"Gods, this smells delicious," Max said.

Whatever had happened between us just now had passed, the two of us now entirely focused on the food before us.

"I should've asked if you have any allergies," I said.

"I don't," he said giddily.

He took a plate and started piling different types of food onto it. I couldn't help but chuckle as I watched him. He was mixing things that definitely did not go together, however, I was not going to correct him. He would figure it out.

I did the same with my plate, piling it high. I took a small saucer and filled it with a sauce. I took a pair of utensils and dipped the first bite of food into it.

He paused to watch me, paying attention to how I did things. I did everything slowly, feeling a sense of warmth as he copied me.

"These are braised mushrooms from the Horned Valley," I explained. "They've been seasoned in a sauce for several cycles, and then cooked on an open flame. They pair best with the sauce, at least in my opinion."

I took a bite, letting out a soft sigh of enjoyment.

Max did the same, and his eyes widened with pure delight.

"It doesn't taste like a mushroom," he said. "I mean, I've had mushrooms. And this is…this is so much different. I don't know what to compare it to."

"It's one of my favorites." I picked up another piece of food, a lime green disc with a flaky edge. "I don't know what to compare it to for you, but we call it stome and it comes from the stamen of a plant from a different region of the planet."

I dipped it into the sauce again and ate it. It was crunchy and flaky and slightly sweet.

He took a bite too, and made a face and he chewed.

"No?" I chuckled.

"It tastes like butter," he said. "Which was not expected. But it's good too."

I grinned. I've never sat down at a meal with someone who had never tried our food before, but it gave me a different sort of enjoyment getting his reactions.

"One day, we'll do this with earth foods," he teased.

"I won't eat meat, though."

"Believe me, there are plenty of other things."

The two of us continued to eat, trying different items until both of us were so full we could barely move. The waiter came back and cleared plates, packing everything into a container for me.

"I've heard about Arborian wines," Max said.

"We can stop and get a bottle if you want," I offered.

"Can I come home with you tonight?"

Home.

I nodded. "Please."

I wanted him. Desperately, hungrily. The idea of us working off our full meal together pleased me.

I stood up and held out my hand for him. "Wine, home, and…"

"Bed," he said with a smirk.

"Bed, indeed."