They had no outdoor gear to speak of, just food, water, and their swators. She’d thought procuring such items would raise red flags, so they ate nutrition cubes and sipped their water. Afterward, they huddled together, leaning in for warmth with Aevi curled into Qalu’s chest, chirping her contentment. It was so easy to be a Pherzul. Her belly was full and she’d treated the trek like the promised adventure, scampering here and there to investigate new sights and smells while Qalu constantly checked behind them for any signs of pursuit. Helix was tense too and he must be weary from porting their packs, but he didn’t complain.

“Are you sore?” she whispered, not wanting to wake Aevi.

“Is that the word? Yes, I think so. It’s not as strong as the pain from before, but…”

“You’re not used to hauling heavy things. It’s muscle fatigue. Turn around.”

She took comfort in the swift way he obliged, as if he trusted her that much. While her knowledge was basic, she applied pressure where it ought to relieve the strain. Press and release, down the smooth muscles of his back and shoulders. Don’t think about how attractive he is. This is a medical treatment. But she wasn’t a doctor, and he was beautiful. Even in the dark, he shimmered with it, and she closed her eyes against his allure.

“Incredible,” he said softly. “You keep teaching me lovely things about this body.”

His head tendrils fluttered, as if even this innocent touch might be arousing him. And that possibility stirred her as well. Her own tendrils quivered, flowing toward his, but she didn’t let them make contact. With effort, Qalu pulled away.

“If you exceed your normal range of activity, there may be discomfort,” she said, taking refuge in instruction. “But once it passes, you may find that you’re stronger and have more endurance.”

“So surpassing my limits could be considered a worthwhile endeavor.”

“Just don’t push too much or you’ll suffer for it.”

“Understood.”

She didn’t expect to sleep, as they were pitifully short of creature comforts, but eventually she dozed. When she woke, she found Helix wrapped around her from behind, sheltering her as she was holding Aevi. Though she knew she should pull away, she savored these moments. They hadn’t been curled like this when she drifted off, so it must have happened as they slept.

Even when he’s unaware, he reaches for me.