I want her to have something that's completely and utterly hers. I don't mind missing out on some card games with the crew if she gets to spend quality time with them. This is her moment, and I just want to enjoy her delight.
With the sound of Ruthie's laughter ringing in my ears, I snuggle deeper onto the rec sofa and close my eyes for a quick nap.
STRAIK
When I find my wife, she's passed out on the rec couch, utterly oblivious to the loud card game going on at the other end of the room. There's a puddle of drool under her cheek, her face squished on one side, and she looks so beautiful it makes my heart ache with happiness. That's mine, I want to tell the universe. That's my beautiful, perfect mate and she's carrying my baby.
My beautiful, perfect mate smacks her lips in her sleep and goes back to drooling.
I smile indulgently and move over to the couch, carefully hefting her into my arms. She mumbles something against my neck and goes back to sleep, and I head out of the rec room with her, nodding at the others.
As I head down the hall, I run into Dopekh. His collar is open and his face is flushed, his hair mussed. At the sight of me, he straightens, his hand going to his uniform as he desperately tries to cover his neck and hide the bite marks there. I say nothing as I stride past, but he falls into step next to me.
Kef, is this going to get awkward? Is he going to apologize that he's transferred his affections to someone else? "Is there something you needed, Dopekh?"
"Ah, no, of course not, my lord. I just…" He pauses in his speech, even as he continues to walk at my side. "I just wanted to know if we might have room for another crew member at a later point. When all this is done. A male crew member." The words tumble from him, awkward and painful. "I don't think he knows a lot about ships but he's willing to learn. He's good with a blaster so he could do security, too. I could act as a mentor, and he's not a'ani but he is a clone. Of sorts. Kinda. And he could room with me, you know. It wouldn't be a problem—"
I pause and turn to Dopekh. "Are you asking if your new paramour can come serve on the ship?"
He shifts on his feet, awkward as ever. "…Yes?"
I bite back a sigh. "The one that bit your neck? What do you plan on mentoring him in? How to chew properly?"
Dopekh turns even redder, his face falling. "It…I was just suggesting it, sir. I won't trouble you again—"
"That's not what I meant," I say, lowering my voice to a whisper so I don't wake up the female sleeping in my arms. I adjust Ruth's slack body, amazed at what she's able to sleep through. She mumbles something against my neck but remains sleeping, and I focus back on Dopekh again. "I'm not chastising you. If anything, I'm grateful that you've recovered from your recent heartbreak. But if you want something, speak plainly."
He nods, adjusting his collar again. "I would like to have Salvotor join us on the Eye, sir. You don't have to worry about him being a distraction. He can be discreet, and you know I will do my job. I just think it'd be good to have another pair of hands for security, with both Ruthie and your wife to protect, and with the child on the way."
I narrow my eyes. I didn't tell the others about the baby, did I? Then again, Sakkar knows, and he probably told the others. Kazex, too. And the way Ruth's been puking, I don't suppose it's much of a secret. "More security is an excellent idea, actually. Can the other crews spare him?"
"He'll enquire discreetly, sir." Dopekh's face creases in a broad smile.
I'm not sure “discreet” is in Salvotor's lexicon, but if he's a good guardsman and it makes Dopekh happy, then I don't mind another skilled body. "See that he does. If he can't be spared, it might be better to hold your feelings until we bring down the slaving ring. We need everyone focused for the next while. But I am glad to know that you've found a new focus for your affections. It can't be easy having feelings for someone unattainable."
Dopekh freezes in place, his back stiffening. "N-no, sir."
I nod at him. "Your secret is safe with me, Dopekh. Do not worry. We won't tell the others about your past feelings for me."
He blinks. Twice. "Sir?"
It feels good to get it out in the open. I give him a benevolent smile and tip my chin at the female in my arms. "Now if you don't mind, I need to get my wife to bed."