Page 70 of I Think I’m in Love with an Alien

He can’t trust most people. While we’re together, I’ll always be wondering if he’s making the best of a bad situation. If he would have chosen me if he’d possessed other, better alternatives. That’s a shitty way to live. And I don’t even know if he’d choose to stay here, if he had other options.

Does he want to go home? It’s a silly question. I’m sure he does.

That doesn’t mean I’ll cut him loose, however. I’m greedy enough to soak up these moments with him, even if they’re limited. The room is very dark, the blackout blinds still tightly drawn, so nobody can see how he truly looks. In these moments, he’s mine alone.

I blink away the remains of sleep and roll over. Seeker is awake beside me, still on top of the covers. He is indeed quiet in repose. I barely noticed that he was there last night. There are stars in his eyes, pinpoints of brightness sparking around the vertical pupils. I could stare at him for hours, but I’m afraid it might make him feel self-conscious. I don’t want him to feel studied, just…appreciated. Today, the patterns in his skin are a muted lavender, maybe denoting relaxation, and as I gaze closer, I detect a faint shimmer.

“Morning,” he says.

His voice never fails to elicit a response, one that would be embarrassing if it wasn’t also purely involuntary. I can’t decide if it’s most akin to a growl or a purr, but it vibrates at precisely the right frequency, sending shivers down my spine. God, I wish I could rub my face against his throat.

“Good morning.”

Thankfully, it’s not weird or awkward between us. I didn’t cross any lines and I backed off when he expressed hesitation. I roll out of bed and stretch, rotating my shoulders. Ridiculously, I’m a little sore from all the walking yesterday while carting my backpack around. I really should exercise more.

“Hungry?” he asks.

“Starving. How much soy powder do you have left, by the way?”

“Enough to see me through today and tomorrow.”

“What brand is it? I can order some and have it delivered.”

He leans closer to show me what he’s been buying and I place the order, willing my pulse to settle down. I was already ridiculously into him before I knew he was from beyond the stars. The wonders he must have witnessed… I wish I could skim through his brain and see for myself.

Once I finish the online shipping, I get ready quickly. I’ll get dressed in another quick cosplay. Dr. Crusher from Star Trek: The Next Generation. I just need to put on my uniform and a red wig. There, I’m good to go.

Seeker has been using appliances or gizmos that I don’t recognize while I rush around. I suspect one of them must be hygiene-related. I should have asked even more questions last night, but I was super tired.

“Ready?” I tilt my head toward the door. Seeker hasn’t activated his tech camo, so I drink in his natural beauty.

“Tad sent a message. He wants to meet for breakfast at a restaurant nearby.”

I quickly check my phone. “Oh right. They’ve been waiting for a table since the place opened! Talk about going above and beyond.”

“We should hurry,” Seeker says.

I lead the way to the diner nearby. The crowd is stunning after the quiet of our room. Already, the day has warmed up to a shocking degree with the sun beaming overhead. Outside, the con-goers smell like body wash and sunscreen, applied preemptively, while the diner inside delivers the welcome scents of bacon and coffee. Poppy waves energetically from a big table in the center of the room. Her hair is a rainbow today, one of the gorgeous, flowing mermaid wigs that I frankly covet, but I haven’t figured out what costume I’d use it for and I try not to buy things without planning them out.

Along with Seeker, Jaz and Ravik are all hiding in plain sight today, boldly brightening the day with their alien hues. And I’m the only one who knows their secret.

Tad is devouring an impressive stack of pancakes and eggs while Ravik and Jaz abstain. Poppy has fruit and yogurt in front of her, her spoon hovering in midair as I take a seat opposite. They’ve left a spot for Seeker next to me and I smile a little over that.

“You’re the last ones here! Wild night?” Poppy teases.

Poppy practically sparkles today; she seems to be loving Space Con so far. The spark of mischief in her conspiratorial look hints that she’s got big plans for the day, but I’ve already made my own with Seeker. The others are welcome to come, of course.

“Define ‘wild,’” Seeker says.

“Did you do anything I wouldn’t do?” Tad asks.

Seeker pauses. “I don’t know what that entails.”

I’ve noticed that he hesitates sometimes, likely unsure of how to respond to easy jokes. But to him, the humor may not be self-evident.

Luckily, Tad laughs. “Point taken.”

“Anyone have good dreams?” Jaz asks.