Page 54 of Technically Abducted
His bioluminescence flares with what I now recognize as pleased embarrassment. "Nereidans are adapted for aquatic environments. It's simply natural movement for us."
"It's not just natural, it's art. The way you move, the way the light follows you..." I trail off, not having words for what I just witnessed.
Tev'ra dives again, this time staying closer to where I'm hanging onto the edge. The light patterns swirl around me, beneath me, and I realize I'm not afraid anymore. How can I be afraid when there's something so graceful just below me? When I can see exactly where he is at every moment?
When he surfaces this time, he's close enough that I can reach out and touch his shoulder. His skin is warm and incredibly soft under the water, and when I make contact, his bioluminescence flares gently beneath my fingers.
"The bioluminescence," I say. "It's like having a lighthouse right here with me."
"Is that helpful? Knowing where I am at all times?"
"Very helpful." I trace my fingers along his collarbone, fascinated by how the light patterns respond to my touch. "And beautiful. God, Tev'ra, you're so beautiful in the water."
His skin brightens with pleased embarrassment, and he moves even closer, close enough that I can feel the warmth radiating from his body in the cooler water.
"You're not afraid?" he asks softly.
I consider this, still touching him, still marveling at the way his bioluminescence pulses beneath my hands. "I'mterrified," I admit. "But you're here, and I can see you, and that's... that's enough."
Tev'ra reaches up to cup my face with one wet hand, his thumb brushing across my cheekbone. "You continue to amaze me."
Before I can ask what he means, he's kissing me. Soft and sweet at first, then deeper as I respond. The empathic connection flares between us, carrying his wonder at my trust, my growing sense of safety despite the deep water surrounding us.
When we break apart, I'm breathing harder.
"I want to try something," I say, surprising myself with my own boldness.
"What?"
"Can you... can you float right here? Right next to me? I want to try leaning back, but I want to be able to touch you."
Tev'ra nods immediately, positioning himself so he's floating on his back right beside where I'm gripping the edge. Close enough that I can rest my hand on his chest if I want to.
Slowly, carefully, I lean back slightly, testing my grip on the handles. They hold perfectly, supporting my weight without strain. "I never thought I'd feel safe in water over my head."
"You're safe," Tev'ra says simply. "I would never let anything happen to you."
The absolute certainty in his voice makes something settle in my chest. I believe him. Completely.
Emboldened by his presence, I lean back further, letting the water support more of my weight while I maintain my grip on the edge. Like this, I can look up at the artificial stars—my stars—while feeling the gentle movement of the water around me and the solid warmth of Tev'ra floating beside me.
My free hand finds his chest, palm resting over his heart. I can feel the steady rhythm beneath my fingers, different froma human heartbeat but equally reassuring. His bioluminescence pulses gently under my touch, creating ripples of light that dance across the water's surface.
"This is nice," I admit, surprised to find it's true.
"You're choosing to trust me over your fear. That matters," Tev'ra says, his own hand coming up to cover mine on his chest.
"I'm just stubborn," I correct.
"No," he says firmly. "You're brave."
He rolls slightly toward me, careful not to disturb my position, and leans in to kiss me again. This kiss is different—slower, deeper, flavored with the clean taste of the mineral water. The empathic connection carries his pride in my courage, his amazement at my trust.
When we separate, he doesn't move away. Instead, he stays close, floating beside me as I gradually relax into the strange sensation of being suspended in deep water while feeling completely safe.
"Can you swim around me?" I ask. "Like, in a circle? I want to watch you move."
Tev'ra's smile is brilliant as he begins to swim in slow, graceful loops around where I'm holding onto the edge. His movements send gentle currents against my skin, and the play of bioluminescent light following his path through the water is mesmerizing. It's like being surrounded by a living galaxy, stars made of light and water and this incredible being who makes me feel brave enough to float in the darkness.
