A splash from the center of the pond made Xylo glance over. Selena smiled at him. Something wrapped around his vines beneath the surface and yanked. Xylo gasped and swallowed a mouthful of water. As he choked, struggling to free his vines, his body was propelled through the water. Just as his vines were released, Selena grabbed his arm with both hands.
Her face beamed with happiness and he was struck by her beauty.
“It’s true. You really can’t swim.”
Odelm’s head broke the surface beside Selena, the ripples rocking Xylo’s body in the water. Odelm’s faded violet hair wreathed his head as he tilted it toward Selena.
He smirked. “It seemed you could use some help. And Selena could use the flotation device since she seems to be starting to tire.”
Concern flooded him. “Are you? Why did you not get out sooner?”
Selena rolled her eyes and slapped the water’s surface, sending a large spray of water into Odelm’s face.
“Female...”
“We went over this. Se-lee-nah. It’s Selena.”
“Your nestqueen is an interesting female, Xylo.”
Xylo tried not to feel threatened by Odelm and Selena’s playful behavior. Odelm had just made it clear she had not court-bonded with him. He must not hold Selena to their species’ standards. Perhaps they were good for one another. Odelm could keep her company while Xylo was busy with his research, and she seemed to be bringing Odelm out of his shell.
While he wanted to be able to make Selena happy on his own, he could not think of a better potential nestbrother. Odelm was an honorable male who had been treated badly; Xylo wouldn’t prevent Selena from spending time with him. Perhaps it was the fate the Stars willed, though Xylo would allow whatever formed between them to happen organically. Selena did not need anyone else dictating to her.
“I granted your wish, Selena, and I am out here to help keep you afloat. But do you think we can now go back to shore for dinner? Surely, you are hungry?” Xylo hoped she would agree to head back.
Selena bit her bottom lip. “Odelm, do you think you could tow us back to shore?”
Xylo glanced at the male in question, whose eyes twinkled with mirth, and added, “I am useless out here. Care to help us out?”
Odelm burst out laughing, causing waves to ripple the water around him. “I did not think you would ask. Are you sure it will not hurt your pride?”
“If I were worried about my pride, I would not be out here.”
Odelm smirked. “Sure, I can help. Just do not make this a daily occurrence.”
“I do not plan on it. This was a one-time deal.” Xylo looked over at Selena. “Unless she changes her mind.”
“Now I know you weren’t exaggerating about the Wudox not being able to swim well, I’m ready to go in.” Her grip on Xylo’s arm tightened, and her blue-green eyes locked on his. “Thank you for putting up with my experiment. I appreciate it.”
“Hold onto him tight, Selena. I am going to pull you both in.”
Xylo wrapped his arm around Selena, pinning her to his side. She gasped, then her arms circled his stomach. He twisted his top two vines around her lower torso, securing her to him.
Xylo nodded to Odelm. “Ready.”
Odelm dove. His tentacles grabbed hold, and Selena gasped as they lurched into motion. She laughed with delight as they sped toward shore.
Water splashed in her face, and she coughed.
“What’s in the water that tastes so bad?”
“That would be salt. It is like Earth’s oceans. I think you probably read about those in your studies?”
“Yes, but it’s disgusting!”
“You aren’t supposed to drink it, Selena,” Xylo chuckled.
Odelm released them, and they drifted the last few tiqs to shore. Xylo stood, hip height in the water, untangling himself from Selena. He watched as she flipped her hair back, pushing it out of her face, using her hands to wring out the excess water.
Odelm joined them as they made their way to shore.
Selena stopped in front of Kaede, her hands on her hips.
“Kaede! Why didn’t you join us?”
Kaede closed his display and looked up at Selena, placing his gloved hands on his knees.
“Some of us have work to do. I’m still setting up security aboard ship.” Kaede grabbed Selena’s gown and stood up. “Are you going to get dried off and dressed for dinner?”
He waited for a response, holding out the gown to her. As she tried to grab it, Kaede jerked it out of reach, holding it above her head. Selena hissed, causing Kaede to laugh.
“No fair!” she growled.
“Who said anything about fair? I’m just having fun as you wanted,” Kaede teased. “Besides, you’re soaked. You can’t put this on wet.”
Selena turned to Xylo. “How am I going to dry off? Do you have any towels nearby? I don’t want to walk around naked, wet, and barefoot on the metal floors.”
Xylo peered at Odelm, who shrugged in reply. He looked over at Kaede, eyeing his cape.
“Forget about it.” Kaede cut him off before he could even ask.
Xylo considered.
“Circuli can absorb water through our vines and tentacles. It is part of how we both taste and absorb liquid nutrients. So, I should be able to dry you off with my vines. And if you ask Odelm, he may offer his assistance.”
His solution caused Selena’s cheeks to deepen in color. He wondered at the cause. It was a common ability, often used to regulate body temperature or ingest nutrients and fluids. There was nothing to be awkward about. It was a nestmate’s job to take care of their nestqueen.
Selena eyed Odelm as she bit her bottom lip. “If you don’t mind, Odelm, I would appreciate it. Care to help out one more time? Or have you had enough hanging out with this ‘female’ today?”
Odelm glanced at Xylo and smirked. “I will aid you in drying your nestqueen. It is getting late, and I have a performance after dinner.”
