Page 24 of Trove’s Purpose

Or maybe it was just nice to be with her.

Chee, though she didn’t consider herself part of the crew, took the question of what to buy and what the other females might like very seriously. She was conscious of others, very thoughtful. She considered things he hadn’t. Things like how the females often liked working out together, or getting them rugs for stretching on, or padding for their hands when it came to the weights.

“You’re very good at thinking of others,” Trove remarked as they walked through the shopping district. All the things he had bought for the ship would be delivered for him, so he didn’t need to rent a hover cart to haul it around.

Now, they were focusing on buying his closet. He would be glad not to be in these ugly jumpsuits any longer. Not only did he not enjoy having his skin and hair being that bright, horrendous color, but the material itself was uncomfortable. It was designed to fit as many body types as possible with few alterations, which meant it fit none of them well.

“Thanks,” Chee said in response to his comment. “I had plenty of practice at my old job. Event coordination is all about considering what other people would want, even if you personally think its wasteful or stupid.”

He hummed in understanding, just enjoying the sight of her face. After the long shopping trip, she had started to relax around him. She wasn’t full on smiling, but there was a slight upturn in her lips. She was looking around, curious and excited, and he reminded himself that, despite how understated her reaction was, this was all still new to her.

He liked her relaxed and at ease around him. It wasn’t quite as good as her ecstasy but considering that he had only seen that in his imagination, he was content with what he had now.

Maybe he could be her friend.

There was no rule or law that stated mates must be romantically entangled. Sure, that’s how most of the bonds presented, but it didn’t mean it had to be that way. He could be her friend. He didn’t even mind tending to her pleasure as she desired. He couldn’t offer her a full matehood, but that was no reason they couldn’t be close still.

Yes, he liked that idea. It would solve the need of his to have her near, it would offer her something, the best he could give her, but keep her free from him.

They’d be mates, but friends only. He would give her that.

And if that was his goal…

“We should find you some clothes as well,” he said, looking up the street, trying to find a clothing store that would sell things more for her body type and style.

“Huh? Me?” She started in surprise. “Oh, I don’t need anything. I brought enough with me.”

“You’ve been wearing the same sweater for days.”

She made a face, fiddling with the hem of said sweater. “It’s comfortable. I like it.”

“What do you like about it?” He looked the garment up and down. Beige, shapeless, and uninteresting – softness was probably the only thing it had going for it. But maybe that was her only consideration in clothing. But if that were the case, he could certainly find her something equally soft but far more flattering to her figure.

However, she plucked at it. “This? It’s comfy, I guess. Not really that cute, but… eh, it is what it is.”

“You don’t like it?”

“I don’t dislike it.”

“Then, why do you wear it?”

“It fits?” She shrugged.

He frowned. “That’s it?”

“What more do you need from clothes?” She asked, but her gaze was cast aside. Not like she really believed in what she was saying, but like she was saying something she wanted him to think she believed.

Trove knew females. He practically made a study of them. He knew their strengths and insecurities. He easily recognized one afflicted with self-consciousness and lack of confidence.

His fingers twitched.

He could fix this. He could fix this right away.

Forcing himself not to react, to remain calm, he asked casually, “What’s wrong with something prettier? I think anything would look good on you.”

She scoffed playfully and said, “With these hips? Yeah right.”

Ding. There it was. Those heavily curved hips that he enjoyed tracking his eyes over were a source of discomfort for her. And judging by the way she chose to try wearing baggy clothing to hide them, he imagined they were because she didn’t know how to dress them.