Page 68 of Reluctantly Abducted
"Because of the exposure to alien technology?" I ask, though I suspect that's not what he means.
Owen laughs softly. "No, because of you. Because after meeting you, Earth felt... incomplete somehow."
The admission sends a wave of emotion through me so strong that my bioluminescence flares brightly enough to cast shadows. "I experienced a similar sensation," I confess. "As if something essential was missing from my environment."
"And now?" he asks, his eyes searching mine.
"Now I feel... more complete," I say, the words inadequate for the sensation but the best I can manage.
Owen doesn't respond verbally, instead pulling me closer for another kiss, this one deeper than the last. My hand, still under his shirt, splays against his chest, feeling his heartbeat accelerate to match my own.
When we separate, both slightly breathless, he smiles. "We should probably get some rest," he suggests. "We've got a big day tomorrow."
"We do?" I ask, not having planned any specific activities.
"Well, I'm assuming you're going to want to run some tests, take some measurements, do whatever scientific things you need to do for this assessment," he says with a teasing smile. "I know how thorough you are with your research."
I start to explain that bond formation isn't something that can be measured with traditional scientific instrumentation, then realize he's joking. "Yes," I agree, matching his tone. "Very thorough assessments. Multiple data points required."
His laugh is warm and genuine. "See? You're getting better at this."
"At what?"
"Not taking everything so literally. Playing along."
I find I'm pleased by this observation. "I am attempting to be more... flexible in my interactions."
"It suits you," Owen says, standing and offering his hand. "Now, about that rest..."
I take his hand, but instead of leading him to the guest quarters he used before, I find myself saying, "My personal quarters are more comfortable."
Owen's eyebrows rise slightly in surprise. "Your quarters? Not the guest room?"
"Yes," I confirm, feeling an unusual nervousness. "If that's acceptable to you."
A warm smile spreads across his face. "More than acceptable," he says, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "Lead the way."
As we walk through the corridors, I find myself experiencing an unexpected mix of anticipation and anxiety. My personal space is exactly that—personal. I've never shared it with anyone before. The decision to bring Owen there feels significant in a way I hadn't fully anticipated.
Outside my quarters, I hesitate briefly before opening the door. The space reveals itself—more sparsely decorated than the guest quarters, but with personal touches that reflect my scientific interests. Specimens from various research expeditions are displayed with careful precision. A large data terminal occupies one corner, while a sleeping platform larger than the ones in the guest quarters dominates the opposite wall.
"So this is where you hide away," Owen says, looking around with obvious interest. He moves to examine a shelf of collected specimens, his fingers hovering near but not touchinga crystalline formation from the northern continent. "It's very you."
"Is that a compliment?" I ask, genuinely unsure.
He turns to me with a smile. "Definitely. Organized but interesting. Full of things worth discovering."
The observation sends a pleasant wave of bioluminescence across my skin. I move closer to him, drawn by an impulse I don't try to analyze. When I reach him, my hand finds its way under his shirt again, seeking the warm skin beneath.
Owen's breath catches slightly, but he covers my hand with his own, holding it in place. "Are you sure about this?" he asks, his eyes searching mine. "We have time. We don't need to rush anything."
The question surprises me. "You're concerned about moving too quickly? After what we did in your shower mere hours ago?"
A small laugh escapes him. "That was... spontaneous. Heat of the moment. This feels different." His expression grows more serious. "This is your space, Ry. Your private domain. I want to be sure you're comfortable with me being here."
The consideration in his words touches me unexpectedly deeply. "I am sure," I tell him, moving my free hand to touch his face. "I want you here. In my space. With me."
His expression softens, and he leans into my touch. "Okay," he says simply. "But we can still take it slow. We have time."
