Qalu wondered if that was a conscious choice, if he had had decided to change the distance between them or if he was simply…drawn, as she was. It was impossible for her to regret the moment they’d shared at the museum. In fact, certain disorderly aspects of her would enjoy repeating the experience. And more, oh, please, more.

But no, we can’t. I shouldn’t. I’m his maker in a sense. He relies on me. In a situation where there was an imbalance of power, certain lines must not be crossed. Yet she didn’t want to discourage or shame him either.

What should I do with these feelings? What can I do?

Somehow she focused, quickly setting up an account. She didn’t need to provide the login data, as he was scanning as she worked, and his memory functions were excellent. Then she moved to permit him access. “Do you know your friend’s residential codes?”

“I do. Even if they’ve changed residences, the kith will forward correspondence.”

“Then I’ll leave you to compose a message. If you need anything, let me know.”

Qalu searched for Aevi and spent a good long while stroking her, whispering to her, and generally appeasing her. Afterward, she sliced up her favorite fruit and played a game with her, until Aevi got tired, demanded belly scratches, and then curled up for a nap.

Eventually, Helix appeared with a thoughtful mien. “You said anything.”

“What?”

“To let you know if I need anything.”

“Yes, I did say that. What is it?”

“I have questions about what happened in the museum. About why I wanted to do that. But first…” He hesitated, seeming shy, and it was adorable. “I was wondering if we could do it again. I am curious if the sensations can be reproduced.”

“You’re asking to do it again? As an experiment?”

This is a bad idea. Yet it was better to do it in the privacy of their home where nobody could make him feel ashamed of such innocent curiosity.

“With your permission.”

In answer, Qalu stepped closer, leaving the rest up to him. Everything should be his decision, the experiment his to control. Normally, she didn’t crave close contact, but now, she trembled in anticipation, primed for his touch by the memory of how powerful it had been before. Helix moved incrementally, until he was near enough for her to admire the shimmers of blue in his scales.

His head tendrils flexed and quivered, pressing forward until they wrapped around hers. Not just one this time, but many, undulating softly, and the pleasurable rush nearly took the strength from her lower limbs. At once, shocking pleasure shivered down from her head, her neck, her back, and he didn’t withdraw. Qalu thought he might not even realize how close they were, but their chests touched, points of heat through the padding of their swators.