Page 27 of MeK

“I-do-not-require-your-assistance!”Hepractically snarls the words at me, punctuating them slowly likeI’ma complete dumbass.

Squirmingout of his embrace,I’mnot letting myself think any further about how he has continued to hold me close this entire time. “Ofcourse you don’t, o’wise one.You’vemade it plain and clear who the intelligent one is in this group, but with that being said,Ido believe thatRivethas suffered enough of your abuse.Doyou have something sharp?”

“SHARP?!Youwould be the last being in the known universe thatIwould ever hand something to that you could possibly damage yourself with.”

“Lord, help me not to hit him over the head with something,”Imumble to myself asIignore his massive frame looming over me.Rummagingaround,Ifind a small pick-like screwdriver that should be just the right size to do this.Turning,Ifind him practically standing on top of me. “Giveme your hammer.”

“Youwant my hammer?”Heholds it up in front of me.

“Yes.”

Noddinghis head with a smirk on his face, he opens his palm, balancing the handle in his hand.WhatIwasn’t prepared for was the unexpected weight on the other end.WhenIpull it outof his hand,Ipromptly drop it on the ground and unless my ears are deceiving me,IswearIhear him chuckle.

“Doyou require some assistance?”

“Okay, so the damn thing is too big for me.Doyou have one smaller?”

“WhywouldIown a tool that does not suit nor fit me?”

“Goodquestion.Okay, there has to be something in this bag of mixed-up tools you have over here.Bythe way, this building is looking really cool and it’s the first timeI’veseen what you’re working on this close up.”Diggingthrough the largest tool beltI’veever seen,Ifind a smaller tool with a blunt end, deciding worst-case scenario, it doesn’t work.Afterall, he’s waiting for me to fail either way.

Takingmy makeshift tools,Iwalk over to the rivet that he has beaten to crap and place the sharp tip in the center, then tap it quickly, merely to watch it fall out effortlessly.Smiling,Ilook up at him only to see his mouth practically hanging open. “Ta-da, would you look at that?Noteverything needs the living hell beat out of it in order for it to cooperate.Sometimes, you need a gentler touch.”

“IfIhad not seen that with my own eyes,Iwould not have believed it.Howdo you possess this knowledge?Ibuilt this and stillIcould not get that out.Severalof them have been installed incorrectly, andIcannot move forward until they are replaced.Theyare making the panel alignment crooked.”

“MyPapaw.Heshowed me … well, actually he taught me a lot of things, but he loved to tinker in his garage, and through the years,I’vejust picked up the most random knowledge, this being one of them.I’mfree the rest of the day if you’d like some help?”

“Howwould you help me?”

“Well…Ijust did, or do you need me to show you again?”Whenhis eyes flash brightly,Ijust throw the tools on the ground, andIswear he growls. “Fine, you’ve made your point one too many times.Letme just get out of your way so you can proceed as you were.”

JustasIstep away, he acts like he’s going to reach for me, but for some reason, his constant cold shoulder has finally sunk in, andImove away from him, only to trip over his hammer still lying on the ground.Stumblingonce again,Icatch myself beforeIfall, maintaining as much dignity asIcan.I’mnot two steps away whenIhear him groan.Withoutthought,Iglance back, only to see him looking right at me.

“Ifit is not too much trouble,Icould use your assistance.Thereare several of these holding up production, and as much as this is killing me to admit,Iam not equipped with the proper knowledge to get them out, andIcould use an extra set of hands.Constructionof these dwellings needs to be expedited, but numerous factors are hindering my progress.”

“Ibet those words tasted like ash in your mouth, didn’t they?Itold youIwould help, and as much asI’dlike to stomp off,Ido owe you for saving my ass several times already.However,Iwon’t stay if allIget from you are growls and your constant ‘better-than-everyone-else’ attitude.Noone likes to be talked down to,MeK.Imight be a girl, butI’mfar from dumb.”

“Iagree to your terms, andIapologize ifImade you feel inferior as that was never my intention.Ifyou are sure you do not mind working with me for the rest of this rising, let me show you where the next one is.Asyou take them out,Iwill try to realign the exterior panels so that the following ones will popin and fit properly.Ifthey do not seat correctly, they will not provide the adequate protection you will need from the extreme temperature changes this moon is subject to.”

“Leadthe way, big guy.I’myours for the rising.”

Hiseyes flash silver, andIswear the runes covering his luscious frame pulse beforeIsee him gripping his fist, taking a deep breath.

“Youknow,Ican’t believe they don’t issue you sunglasses.Thosepeepers of yours are a light source all on their own.Thatsilver color was quite impressive … how do you change them like that?”Helooks down and then back up at me, andIactually step back as now they’re solid black. “Whoa, ok,Ipreferred the colors!Youjust went from beautiful to scary as hell.”

“Youdo?”

“Yeah, the solid black is kinda creepy.”

“Howodd, the females of my home planet prefer the black.Theshow of emotion is considered a weakness.Whenin their presence,Ialways darken my eyes.”

“Imean to each their own, but honey,Ihate to bring this to your attention, but your eyes are not the only sign of emotion you have on your body.Thosedancing runes aren’t exactly unnoticeable.”

“Therunes my body displays are a mark of my father, and that is the only reasonIam not required to keep them hidden at all times.Here,Ihave more freedoms thanIwould be granted onMeKurem.Evenbeing a son ofDaR,Iam still restricted the same as all others.”

“Placeis a little uptight, huh?Well, look at it this way,MeK.Atleast you still have a home to return to, no matter how ridiculous the rules are.Comeon, we might as well get busy.Daylightis burning!”

Helooks up at the sky and then back at me with a puzzled expression. “It’sanEarthsaying that soooo does not apply anymore since this moon has an extreme dislike for the dark.”

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