Page 23 of Solar Bound
"No," he answered, surprising himself with the immediacy and certainty of his response. "Your energy signature creates resonance patterns unlike any I have encountered. The connection between us is significant. I do not wish to sever it."
A smile slowly spread across Dani's face. "That might be the most romantic thing an alien warrior has ever said to me."
"It is factually accurate," Solar insisted, though he recognized her attempt at humor.
"So if you don't want to go, don't go," Dani said simply. "Stay here. With me."
"Remaining would mean abandoning my responsibilities to the Solarus Zone," Solar pointed out, though the argument felt hollow even as he made it. "And potentially stranding myself on Earth permanently."
"Would that be so terrible?" Dani asked softly. "Earth has sunlight. And fire dancers. And coffee."
The offer was tempting in ways Solar had not anticipated when beginning this mission. Earth, for all its primitive technology and chaotic social structures, offered freedoms unknown on Zorveya. Here, he wasn't merely a component of the Solarus military apparatus. Here, with Dani, he was simply Solar, valued for his individual energy signature rather than his tactical utility.
"I must speak with Eclipse and Lunar," he said finally. "This decision affects all three of us, and there are strategic considerations regarding Milano's interest in our presence."
Dani nodded, accepting his response without argument. "Okay. But promise me something?"
"What?"
"Don't leave without saying goodbye." Her voice remained steady, but Solar detected subtle changes in her energy pattern that suggested emotional vulnerability. "If you decide to go, I want to know. No disappearing acts."
"I will not depart without informing you," Solar promised, recognizing the importance of this commitment to her. "Regardless of the final decision, you deserve direct communication."
"Good." Dani leaned forward and pressed her lips to his, a brief contact that nevertheless sent energy spiraling through his system. "Now finish your coffee before it gets cold. Then we can figure out how to disguise a glowing alien long enough to get you back to your friends."
Solar complied, finding the cooling beverage less appealing but still functional as an energy source. He put his finger into it and caused the liquid to come to a rolling boil. Much better.
As he drank, he watched Dani move around the apartment, gathering clothing and offering suggestions for concealing his true form.
Her adaptability impressed him. Most beings would react with fear or confusion to the revelation of alien life, yet Dani approached the situation with practical problem-solving and humor. It was a warrior's response, facing unexpected circumstances with calm assessment rather than emotional chaos.
"There's a hooded sweatshirt in my closet that should fit you," she called from the other room. "With sunglasses, we might be able to get you across town without causing a scene."
Solar set aside the empty mug and rose from the bed, his natural golden light now clearly visible beneath his skin. The complete failure of the skin-suit created tactical disadvantages, but he found himself unconcerned by the vulnerability. Here, with Dani, concealment seemed unnecessary.
A memory surfaced from his training. Adaptation to changing battlefield conditions was the mark of a superior warrior.
This situation was not a combat in the traditional sense, but it certainly required adaptation. Milano's hunters, Galaxy Brides' extraction timeline, and his own unexpected connection to an Earth female were all variables requiring strategic reassessment.
Dani returned with clothing, her expression determined. "These should work. The hoodie is extra large, and these sunglasses are the darkest I've got."
Solar accepted the offerings, examining them with curiosity. The garment was black with faded text across the front reading, "Firewalker Festival 2019." The material was soft but substantial enough to block some of his light emissions.
"This will restrict visibility," he observed, holding up the dark glasses.
"That's kind of the point," Dani replied with a smile. "Better for you to bump into things occasionally than for everyone to see you're literally glowing from within. Around here, you can get away with looking like you have body paint and tattoos as long as you limit the swirling beneath your skin, but your eyes will give you away. I swear they hold an entire universe inside of them. Human eyes could never do that."
Solar conceded the logic and began dressing in the Earth clothing. The loose-fitting garments were more comfortable than he expected, though still restrictive compared to the freedom of his natural state. Once fully clothed, with the hood pulled forward and the dark glasses in place, he turned to Dani for assessment.
Her expression was a mixture of amusement and approval. "Not bad. You look like a hungover rock star trying to avoid paparazzi."
"This is an effective disguise?" Solar asked skeptically.
"In Duskrock? Absolutely. Half the tourists here are trying to look mysterious and spiritual." She approached, adjusting the hood slightly. "Just keep your hands in your pockets and try not to set anything on fire."
"I maintain precise control of my thermal emissions," Solar informed her with dignity.
"Tell that to my curtains." Dani nodded toward the window, where the edge of one panel showed distinct scorch marks.
