Aliens Hijacked My Heart (Awakened Womb Book 2), page 7
Except, I was still coated in dry sweat from our escapades earlier, so a bath seemed necessary.
“I’d still like to go,” I said. “Even though... it’s pretty comfortable here.”
Linn’ar made a light trilling sound. “Did you enjoy yourself?”
It was a new skill, but I learned not to mask my pleasure or hide the things that made me happy.
“Yeah. I really did,” I said.
“I am glad.”
Linn’ar’s feelers pulsed with glittering pastel colors. It reminded me of what he said earlier, about the glowing particles connecting us. It sounded supernatural, or fantastical—a made-up, impossible phenomenon.
But Levi got pregnant and gave birth to a baby, so was anything impossible here on Eukaria?
I couldn’t see the particles, presumably because of my lack of nictitating membrane, but I believed Linn’ar when he said they existed. He’d never once lied to me, and he never would because he always spoke his mind. I admired that about him. It seemed so freeing.
And if he said I was his filum, then it must be true.
My heart fluttered.
I was getting in way over my head. This was supposed to be a science experiment. I wasn’t supposed to get attached.
But despite my best efforts, it happened anyway.
And I didn’t really mind it.
Yet my original goal still hadn’t come to fruition. I wanted to experience a cis male pregnancy firsthand, to research it in the most hands-on way possible. But when Linn’ar brought up the topic of kids, I hesitated. It felt too real, and way too fast.
Of course, Linn’ar had the solution. He reassured me, promising we could take our time, if we decided to have children at all. His honesty was comforting.
I glanced up at him. His broad, muscular shoulders were a wall keeping me safe. His scaly chest was oddly warm. I didn’t want to leave the comfort of his touch. I felt good when I was with him. I felt like anything was possible.
Could I really go through with a pregnancy? Maybe if it was with Linn’ar...
My heart flipped at the idea. I couldn’t tell if it was excited or nervous. Maybe both.
Dammit, why weren’t emotions easier to understand scientifically?
After rousing, we got ready to leave for the pool. I heard Levi talk about it, but had never been myself. Most of my time on Eukaria was spent in the village learning valuable healing skills from Fhi’ran, or doing my own personal research.
With my tools safely at home on my desk, we left the den—only to run into Levi and Paz. Their sudden appearance startled me.
“What are you two doing here?” I asked.
Their wide, curious eyes indicated they were just as surprised—which was odd, since they were the ones showing up at my door. But I quickly realized they were shocked about something else.
“You are naked,” Paz stated.
Heat flooded my cheeks. I’d forgotten to put my clothes back on.
No, that wasn’t true. I deliberately stayed naked since we planned on going to the pool, and because I was trying to ‘let loose,’ so to speak. Except it was harder to do that when confronted with my previous crew mates and co-workers.
“Yes, I am,” I said.
Paz stared at my lower half until Levi elbowed him in the side.
“Sorry,” Paz said. “It’s just super weird seeing you not dressed up and like... professional.”
“I’m branching out,” I deadpanned.
Linn’ar chimed in, saving me from the agony of embarrassment. “Hello, humans Levi and Paz! What brings you to Jaeyoung’s den?”
Instead of staring at my groin, they now stared at Linn’ar.
I cursed mentally. I practically saw the gears grinding in their minds. I was naked and Linn’ar exited the den with me. The implication wrote itself.
It wasn’t that I was ashamed of my budding relationship—god, it felt weird to even call it that—with Linn’ar. Rather, I wasn’t used to opening up to anybody. Linn’ar was the only person I truly felt comfortable confiding in. Running into my fellow humans in this state felt vulnerable, and not just because I was naked.
“I wanted to drop in and see what’s up,” Levi explained, then turned to me. “We talked yesterday, but I haven’t seen you since then.” A wry grin pulled at the corner of his mouth. “How’s your experiment going?”
“What experiment?” Paz butted in.
I bit my tongue. My initial reaction was to snap that it was none of his business... but I was trying this new thing where I didn’t hide behind sarcasm all the time. Linn’ar’s wholesome genuineness and honesty was rubbing off on me.
“It’s going well.” I cleared my throat. “We’ve made... decent progress.”
“What’re you guys talking about?” Paz demanded.
Levi’s brow furrowed as he glanced between Paz and me, making a “what, you didn’t tell him?” expression.
I sighed, then explained in a single breath, “I’m researching human-Maeleon fertilization, Maeleon physiology, the new discovery of a nictitating membrane and the visibility of filum particles, all of that.”
Paz blinked rapidly. “Okay, barely understood a word you just said, but cool.” The realization hit him a second later. “Wait, did you say fertilization? Are you and Linn’ar—?”
“Yes, we’re engaging in intercourse, if that’s what you’re asking,” I stated.
Linn’ar puffed up proudly beside me. He seemed happy that I was honest about it, which filled my chest with warm fuzziness. His authenticity was endearing.
Paz grinned. “Well, well, how the tables have turned. I remember how pissed you were the night of the feast, when you were crazy horny but wouldn’t let Linn’ar help you.”
“As I recall, you didn’t allow a Maeleon to help you, either,” I countered.
“True.”
Linn’ar gazed fondly at me. “Jaeyoung was not ready that night. We are taking things at his pace.”
I shot him an appreciative look. I liked that he stood up for me.
“Well, I’m happy for you,” Levi said with a smile. “It’s about time you took a break from working all the time and focused on yourself.”
“It’s been difficult,” I admitted. “But Linn’ar is helping me see life in a new light.” An idea floated into my mind. “By the way, Levi...”
“Hm? What’s up?”
“If you and Zat’tor want a day to yourselves, we could babysit Dai’zee for you,” I offered.
Levi paused for a beat. “Really?” He broke into a knowing grin. “Sure, that would be great. How’s tomorrow?”
I glanced at Linn’ar. “What do you think?”
“Oh, that would be wonderful!” Linn’ar said, clasping his claws together. Excited flashes of bright color pulsed along his feelers.
“Tomorrow it is,” I told Levi. “Drop her off at any time.”
After chatting with Levi and Paz, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I didn’t expect to bump into them, but it eased a knot of anxiety in my stomach I didn’t know I was holding. Apparently, being open about your emotions felt good. Who would’ve thought?
“What made you decide to watch Dai’zee?” Linn’ar asked on the way to the pool.
It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. But I didn’t regret it. I craved knowledge in all things, now including childcare.
“I want to see what being responsible for a child is like,” I said. “I didn’t have siblings growing up—biological siblings,” I added, remembering the Maeleon social norm of calling everyone in the village a sibling. “And once I started working, everything else faded into the background. Even if my colleagues had children, I never made time to socialize. So I don’t have much experience with young kids.”
Linn’ar blinked in understanding. “It is a big responsibility. But remember, Jaeyoung. You’re not alone. I will always be with you, and the village will offer its support, too.” He put a gentle hand on my shoulder. “I say this not to pressure you into a choice. Only to remind you.”
I nodded, smiling at the warmth of his touch. “I know. I appreciate it.”
It was dark outside as we walked towards the pool. The air was pleasantly cool, a welcome reprieve from the tropical warmth during the day. Stars glittered in the sky. I’d grown to recognize a couple Eukarian constellations.
It was funny how quickly we adapted to life here. Upon initial landing—or should I say, crashing—Eukaria felt strange, unpredictable, disorienting. But soon we experienced the kindness of the locals and the plentiful bounty of the world. The night sky, which at first felt jarring in the strangeness of its star map, now filled me with comfort.
I gazed at Linn’ar as he walked ahead of me. He played a big role in my comfort here. There was no doubt about that. Having a big, strong alien protecting you, feeding you, keeping you warm... it definitely had its perks.
“Here we are,” Linn’ar announced.
I stopped, my breath catching in awe. The waterfall instilled a magical feeling in me. It flowed down from thick tree roots, collecting in a crystal-clear basin below, creating the illusion of a floating pool. It was presumably beautiful in the daylight too, but there was something special about it in the evening. The black water reflected the night sky and all its stars.
“Would you like to enter?” Linn’ar asked.
I nodded, overwhelmed by the beauty of this place. He led me to the raised side of the pool. I didn’t understand the mechanism of it—the engineer in me wanted to camp here until sunrise and explore all the details when I could actually see them—but my curiosity could wait. I wanted to enjoy this enchanted, private moment with Linn’ar.
He set aside the onesie he was carrying on a dry branch, then offered his hand to me. Linn’ar lifted me with ease, like I weighed nothing, and held me in place until I dipped my foot into the pool.
A contented sigh escaped me. The water was a perfect temperature, balanced between warm and cool. My body relaxed as I submerged myself to my shoulders. I watched the star-mirrored water ripple in waves as Linn’ar joined me. His mane of feelers floated outside the ring of the pool. I wondered if getting them wet would overstimulate him.
“What do you think?” he asked.
“It’s incredible.” I lay back against the natural smooth wood barrier. I felt weightless and calm. “Thanks for bringing me here.”
He made a small chirp of delight. “I’m happy to share it with you.”
I smiled and shuffled closer until our bodies touched. It didn’t matter that we spent the whole day side by side, then napped together—I felt like I couldn’t get enough of him. Suddenly, I understood Levi more. I assumed it was hormones, or just part of his personality, when he acted like a lovestruck teenager, constantly fawning over Zat’tor.
But now, I felt the same way towards Linn’ar. Being with him was just good.
I closed my eyes, relaxing against Linn’ar’s sturdy body. It was nice to sit in silence and enjoy each other’s company.
I could get used to this. Maybe even for the rest of my life...
“Shall I wash your fur?” Linn’ar offered.
I peeked an eye open to see him gesturing to my head.
“That’s called hair, not fur,” I explained.
“What is the difference?” he asked curiously.
“They’re technically the same proteins, but hair on human heads is fine and continues to grow, while fur is dense and stays at a certain length.”
“Ah, I see. You are very knowledgeable.”
I shook my head. “I can always learn more. There’s so much about Eukaria I don’t know yet.” I smiled at him. “Will you teach me, Linn’ar?”
A happy sound rumbled in his throat as he nuzzled his head against mine. “Yes, absolutely. This would please me.”
I found his hand beneath the water and laced my fingers with his. Despite his claws, it was easy and comfortable. His large, scaly hand enveloped mine in a protective layer. I was never a dependent person, or someone who relied on others. But Linn’ar opened up my vulnerable side. For the first time in my life, I felt content to unfurl my soul and rely on someone else—and I liked it.
“Tilt your head back,” Linn’ar instructed.
I followed his command. Linn’ar cupped water with his free hand and doused my hair with it. It was nice and cool against my scalp. I didn’t realize how badly I needed a cleansing bath.
He continued pouring water over my hair until it was soaked, then gently carded his fingers through it. The feeling of his claw-tips skimming my skin made me shiver. He was always so careful with them, and the light grazing sensation felt strangely good.
“Do you enjoy this?” Linn’ar asked.
“Yeah. Quite a bit.”
I nuzzled his shoulder, then caught myself. I wasn’t a nuzzler. I’d never nuzzled in my life. Yet here I was, cuddling up to an alien like a kitten in an electric blanket.
Well, I guess I was a nuzzler now.
10 / Linn’ar
“Greetings! Hello! Trick or treat!”
The sound of Zat’tor’s voice at the door woke me. I roused to discover I was in Jaeyoung’s den, with him curled up in my arms. I remembered that we stumbled back here after our relaxing night at the pool.
Jaeyoung’s reflexes were slower than mine and he got up slower than I did. “What is he talking about?” he grumbled, rubbing his eyes. “Trick or treat? It’s not even Halloween...”
Levi’s muffled voice came next. “No, no. The first two are fine, but the last one isn’t relevant right now.”
Jaeyoung huffed as he sat upright. “Why are those two—” Realization struck him and his eyes widened. “Oh, right.” He quickly got up and shimmied into the onesie. “Be there in a sec!” he called to our visitors.
Watching him put on the covering filled me with joy. I was happy to see him wearing the garment we created together. It looked adorable on him, and it fit perfectly.
Jaeyoung rushed to the door with uncharacteristic enthusiasm and threw it open. Zat’tor and Levi stood on the other side—but they weren’t alone. Little Dai’zee was with them.
I joined Jaeyoung, who I noticed was fidgeting more than usual. Was he nervous about babysitting?
“I see you’re dressed today,” Levi said with a grin. He wore a pink onesie, too, the one I gifted him a while ago.
“Yeah, well, it’s a big day,” Jaeyoung said.
While the humans chatted, I greeted Zat’tor with a clicking trill and a wave of my tentacles. My sibling returned the gesture. Dai’zee was propped up in his arms, and she wriggled in his grip, reaching out curiously. She looked like a Maeleon, her body a bright leaf-green, but she had Levi’s human eyes.
Zat’tor offered her to me. I knew he trusted me intrinsically to watch his offspring because that’s what Maeleons did. Whenever there were young ones in the village, we shared responsibility for their care.
But Jaeyoung seemed unsure of himself. He looked at Dai’zee like he was afraid of hurting her by accident. He just needed practice.
“You gonna be okay?” Levi asked. “You look like you’re going to pass out.”
Jaeyoung huffed. “I do not. And we’ll be fine.”
“I know you will, otherwise I wouldn’t leave my kid with you,” Levi assured him, smiling. “Besides, Linn’ar knows what he’s doing. Right?”
“Oh, yes,” I chirped. “We will have lots of fun today. Do not fret.”
Zat’tor pointed at his offspring’s mouth. “Her sharp baby fangs are coming in. Do be careful she doesn’t bite your fingers off.”
Jaeyoung’s brows rose, his scientific curiosity reignited. “Born without teeth and they grow in later...”
“Hey, do not study my infant,” Levi ordered. “You’re babysitting, not conducting research.”
“Not even casual observations?”
Levi rolled his eyes. “Fine. Casual observations only. When you have your own, you can do all the research you want.”
Jaeyoung’s cheeks turned pink. “When I have my own?”
But Levi and Zat’tor were already leaving. Levi grinned and waved at Jaeyoung, and I had a feeling he teased him on purpose.
“We’ll pick her up at sunset!” Levi called.
After they left, Dai’zee kicked her legs and scanned the den with curious green eyes. She didn’t care that her parents were out of sight.
Jaeyoung noticed, too. “No separation anxiety,” he murmured. “Most human infants her age would wail if their parents disappeared. She must be used to communal care.”
My filum amused me. Two seconds into babysitting and he was already making casual research observations.
“Would you like to hold Dai’zee?” I offered.
Jaeyoung hesitated. I saw the intrigue in his face, but it was mixed with reluctance.
“I’ve never held a child before,” he admitted. “What if I drop her, or she suddenly jumps and falls?”
While he spoke, Dai’zee sat calmly in my arms. It made his anxiety sound comical. But I wanted him to take it easy, one step at a time.
“She seems content,” I reassured him. “And Maeleons—including infants—are quite hardy. Even if she fell, she could use her tail to balance and break the fall. She would be fine.”
Jaeyoung still looked horrified at the thought of dropping her. “A falling human infant is a big deal. It’s just... hard for me to reconcile.”
I glanced down at Dai’zee, who didn’t so much as squirm. As far as infant-holding experience went, she was the perfect introduction.
“I have an idea,” I said, walking behind Jaeyoung.
“What are you doing?” he asked nervously.
I lifted Dai’zee up over his head, then down to his chest level. He automatically raised his hands to hold her. Once I handed her over, I braced Jaeyoung’s arms with my own to support them.
“There,” I said. “Now there’s no way Dai’zee will fall.”
“You’re sly,” he grumbled, but there was a light tone in his voice. I practically felt the budding joy radiating from him. It was clear he loved holding Dai’zee.
