3. Moon Bridge

CHAPTER 3

Max

It was torture for both of us.

By the time the show ended, I felt like I had a fever. The stage and backstage were cleared, and everyone gathered around to congratulate me on an amazing first performance. I could feel Moss's presence everywhere, even if xe was standing a few feet away.

Madam Moonie popped a bottle of expensive champagne and poured everyone a bubbling flute.

"As always, the show was a hit. Thank you to all the performers and of course, our crew. I know this venue has its challenges but we have a beautiful few weeks ahead of us. Here's to our success!"

Everyone cheered and clinked glasses. Stella bumped shoulders with me as we both downed ours.

"Are you leaving with the official?" she whispered.

"Is it that obvious?" I whispered back.

"Zin ran into them," she said.

"It's xem," I said. "Xe, xem, xyr."

"Oh! Thank you," she said. "Good to know. Zin said xe was flustered. And no offense, but you look like a hot mess right now."

"I'm always a hot mess. Now that everything is finished, I'm going to make my stage left." I gave her a hug and kissed her cheek, spotting Toras and Zin over her shoulder. "I think your mates are waiting for you too."

"They are," she snickered. "Have fun, be safe."

With our quick goodbye, I looked up, searching for Moss. Xe waited patiently near the water's edge. I made my way to xem and craned my head back, meeting xyr gaze. "I'm ready. I need to grab my bag?—"

Xe lifted it with a slight smile. "Done."

"Then let's go to my room, drop it off, and I'll pack some other items to wear."

"You won't need clothing."

I wasn't sure xe meant xyr words to sound so sexual, but we certainly both felt it.

"How about you go and I'll meet you? We will take a different form of travel to get to my place…"

I wasn't sure exactly what xe meant, but I wasn't in the right mind to ask. The two of us made our way around the edge of the oasis to one of the massive trees that towered above us like an enormous cathedral, complete in its intricate beauty. The suns had long set, the sky a deep glimmering blue that shone with countless stars and two moons. The crystals that grew cast enough light that we could see.

We went through an entryway, and then up a set of spiraling stairs that led to the third floor. I was practically running to my room, the adrenaline pumping through me, fresh and potent. I already had the high from the performance, but what was happening with Moss and I was something entirely different.

I unlocked the door and we both stepped in. Moss ducked xyr head carefully, making sure xe didn't knock xyr horns on the doorway. I became painfully aware of how messy my space was. The decoration of the room was very natural and contrasted greatly with the random glitter, costume pieces, sequins, and boots that scattered everywhere.

"Ignore the mess," I mumbled, snatching the bag from xem.

Xe waited patiently as I darted around the room, dumping everything out of my bag on the bed, and then stuffing other clothing that was presumably clean into it. I went to the bathroom and grabbed a small cosmetics bag, catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror.

I was really about to take off with an alien because we were both in heat and the only solution was to fuck.

Breathe. It's not like this is the craziest thing you've ever done.

There were many times I'd make reckless decisions. And if this was truly a bad idea, Madam Moonie or Stella would have said something…

I felt the edge of the sexual delirium begging both of us to give in. It was like a carnal pressure building within.

And I needed the release.

Fuck.

I gathered the rest of my things and left the bathroom, shoving them into my bag. This would be a one night stand…three night stand? However long, and then I'd probably not see xem much. We were here for six weeks, but…

I shoved those thoughts away. I was getting way ahead of myself.

When I turned, Moss was right there. Xe caught my shoulders gently, steadying me.

"You are like a little bee buzzing around frantically right now," Moss said softly. "I promise I won't bite you unless you ask."

I went still, trying to keep my heart from bursting out of my chest. I held xyr gaze, letting it calm me. "It's been awhile since I've done something like this."

"For me, too," Moss said. "Even with the heat…if you decide to leave, you can. I'm not going to trap you or keep you against your will."

"Okay," I said, relaxing.

Xe smiled and reached for my bag, picking it up for me. "Come with me. We're taking the Arborian way of travel, which humans don't see much of. My home is about half an hour from here."

"Excellent," I said. "I'm ready."

I hadn't been sure of what to expect, but Moss pulling me onto xyr back like a backpack and telling me to hold on while they scaled a tree in the dark was not it.

Humans could not move like this. I held onto xem for dear life as xe seemed to step on invisible steps, moving with an ease that amazed and terrified me. The crystals below soon became nothing more than a soft glow, and the moons above gave us more light than anything else.

Some of the trees had rooms, and within were the soft amber glow of artificial light. The further we climbed, the sooner they disappeared as well.

It wasn't until we were at the top of this tree that xe slowed, walking on one of the massive branches. It was wide enough to hold an solarcar. I hadn't realized how large the leaves were, either. The wind picked up, swirling Moss's robes as xe continued.

I realized that the tips of xyr horns glowed soft orange flares in the darkness.

The view of this world from up here was breathtaking, even at night. Maybe more so at night. I looked up, seeing the crowns of every tree in the forest that stretched as far as I could see, disappearing in the distance.

"Your eyes can not perceive all of the colors mine can, especially at night," Moss said. "There is a bridge between the trees that will appear invisible. Don't fret."

Xe said that right as xe stepped into the open air. I let out a short scream, but instead of us tumbling down to the iridescent pools below, Moss carried us with ease over the invisible path.

"I can feel your heart racing against my back," xe chuckled.

"Fuck off," I mumbled playfully.

I found the courage to look down again and wished that I could see through Moss's eyes. I wanted to know the colors I couldn't see, to observe the beauty of xyr planet as xe did.

Two of the moons were close together while the third seemed to orbit on the other side of the sky, much smaller but still beautiful. Moss stepped onto another wide branch of a new tree and continued on the trek.

"I'm sorry that you have to carry me," I said.

"I like carrying you. It would have taken us much longer to get to my home otherwise. As you've seen, our transportation methods are a little outdated, but…we don't want to pollute our planet or over build."

"I can see why," I said.

"The transportation situation wouldn't have been so bad, but your Madam Moonie happened to talk to one of my new people who is known to be obstinate."

"Madam is very commanding in her presence. Anyone who opposes her is typically crushed."

Moss chuckled. "I can see that. She is very strong."

"I think she dated an Arborian once…"

"Perhaps. Many of us have moved to other planets and galaxies. And as we mate with others, they come here too."

I thought about this being my home for a moment. I was a flash of glitter and gold in a world of wood and leaves. And there was nothing wrong with that, but would I fit in?

Why am I thinking about this?

The wind picked up again, but this time, it carried a soft tune. I raised my head, looking out and wondering where the sound came from. It sounded like an ocarina.

"When the wind traverses through certain trees, it creates a song," Moss said softly. "Many of us believe it is the melody of those long gone comforting us or encouraging us."

The melody was warm and gentle. When I breathed again, I felt myself relax even further.

Moss went from tree to tree. Eventually we passed other Arborians too, and I expected for them to look at me strangely, but they didn't.

"We're almost there," xe said softly.

The trees were a little different in this area, I realized. They were more spread out and even larger than the ones around the Crystal Oasis. There were more windows and openings too, and I could occasionally see into those simply living their lives.

"Do you stay up very late?" I asked.

"We sleep on a three Earth-day cycle," xe answered. "Now the trick is to sync your cycles in your friend groups." Xe snickered and I smiled.

Moss climbed further up until xe stopped at a doorway with a door that was barely discernible from the tree itself. Xe pressed xyr palm to the rough bark and it glowed, the door sliding open. Xe stepped inside and let me down.

The door slid closed behind us, blending in with the walls of the tree. The lights came on automatically, blooming through xyr home.

"Wow," I whispered, looking around.

Moss's home was the perfect blend of natural modernity. It was very open, but warm. There was a living area with a comfortable looking hammock and wooden stools with cushions. A kitchen led to a balcony with transparent doors that looked out to the rest of the forest.

"There are two bedrooms and a bathroom."

"This is beautiful," I said.

My home was on the ship. A tiny room of metal, pipes, and costumes. I loved it because it was mine and I'd earned my spot on the Galactic Gems, but I appreciated this home as well.

"Are you hungry?" Moss asked. "I can cook. Or are you sleepy? Do you need a shower? Or water?"

I slid my arms around xem with a snort, pressing my face against xyr chest. Moss let out a soft hum and rested xyr chin on the top of my head.

I wasn't sure where the intimacy was coming from, but I still held onto xem, basking in xyr presence and drinking it in.

"How large is your shower?" I asked.

"It's difficult to explain. I'll show you."

Moss lifted me and carried me princess style down a hall and to a room that made my mouth drop.

"How are there hot springs in the middle of a tree?" I asked.

Steam curled up from a pool at the center, which had the same glowing water as the oasis'. The ceiling was covered in crystals.

Moss smiled. "You're making me feel quite proud of our little world."

"I want to see your bedroom," I said.

Xe turned and carried me to another room. The lights came on, a soft amber glow around a massive round bed in the center. I looked up and realized that branches grew through the ceiling, leaves blooming here and there.

"When the sun is up, it casts light in here," Moss said. "It's my favorite room."

"I can see why," I whispered.

Moss stood still for a moment and then carried me to the bed, settling me down on the edge. I grabbed xyr robe and tugged xem forward on top of me. Xe planted xyr hands to either side of me, xyr lips hovering above mine.

"That was absolute torture," I rasped. "We should have fucked in the dressing room."

"We wouldn't have stopped," Moss teased gently. "You'll grow tired of me, I'm sure."

I wasn't so sure. What had started out as one of the most awkward encounters of my life had turned into something that was hot and new and alluring.

A stark purple line ran from xyr bottom lip and down xyr chin, and xyr neck, disappearing behind xyr hammered gold necklace. I leaned forward and traced xyr bottom lip with the tip of my tongue. When Moss sucked in a breath, I realized that xe had sharp canines, reminding me of a vampire.

"Max," xe whispered.

"Touch me," I rasped. "Take me."

All of the pent up passion caught fire. Moss grabbed the front of my shirt and tore it free, xyr massive palms running over my chest as our lips met.

The taste of xem alone made my cock harden. I thrust my hips up, grinding against xyr body. I grabbed the robes and tugged at them, only for Moss to lean back and reach into them, unlatching the fabrics.

They slid down, pooling at the floor around xyr feet.

"Holyfuck," I mumbled.

I loved Moss's robes. However, they hid all of xyr muscles and strength of xyr body, which I was now drooling over. My cock strained against my pants as Moss tilted xyr head, xyr horns beautiful and drawing my gaze before I refocused on xyr tentacle cocks.

Moss reached for my pants and undid them with ease. Xe pulled them off, followed by the tight boxers I wore, piling the last of my clothing on the floor with xyrs.

"I'm going to devour you," xe murmured.

"Please," I huffed. "I need to feel you. I need to touch you."

Moss leaned down and kissed me, gently at first, and then it turned into a raging heat, one that would surely burn us both.