Shane
"Curtis, oh god, what should I wear?"
Curtis laughs, falling over onto my bed. I turn back around, looking frantic throughout my wardrobe.
"Go sit on the bed and let me see, what I can do."
Appearing beside me. I walk the few steps to my bed and sit down, frustrated. I look down at my feet and grip my hair with both hands. I'm a nervous wreck, Wiphas is such a big and handsome muscular male, and this will be my first date. I'm just an ordinary small guy. It's a wonder he wants to go out with me.
"Here the red dress shirt and the tight black jeans, that should suffice."
Taking the clothes from him, I walk into the bathroom and shut the door in Curtis's face before he can join me. I can hear his laughter on the other side of the door.
"Ok, I wait here, just get into the outfit."
Curtis says while snickering. Getting into the jeans, they are no longer a tight fit. Huh, I lost some weight then. But that isn't a wonder, after everything we went throughout. Buttoning my shirt, I look into the mirror.
My complete styling takes over half an hour. When I finally emerge from my bathroom, Curtis is lying on my bed, looking at something on his tablet.
"Wow, you look hot, Shane," Curtis says whistling.
"Ah, come on, Curtis, stop joking. How do I look? You think Wiphas will like it?" I ask him high-strung.
"Shane, stop being so nervous. Everything will be alright. You look handsome in this outfit," Curtis says to me,
"Wiphas will be here shortly. Enjoy your evening."
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After we visit the most famous Art Museum of Terra Solaris, Wiphas brings me to my favorite Asian restaurant. Walking into the restaurant, our waiter brings us to a private table in a secluded corner. As an appetizer, we share wan-tan and breaded shrimps with sweet-sour sauce.
"Shane, you have a bit sauce on your lip," Wiphas says while leaning over.
His hot tongue licks over my lip.
"Hmm, this is the best appetizer I ever had," Wiphas says, grinning wickedly.
I blush, then I gather my courage and meet his lips for a chaste kiss.
"Sir's here is your main course. Eight-treasure with fried rice and Gaeng Phed Ped with cooked rice. Enjoy your meals."
Wiphas takes the first bites of his Gaeng Phed Ped, and I can see his eyes cross.
"This is delicious, I love spicy meat."
His reaction makes me laugh, I start to eat my Eight-treasure dish. How I missed this place and their food. We eat in companionable silence.
"So what should we do? I think it's clear that we are attracted to each other. But we don't have to act on it if you don't want to Shane. It's all up to you. We can date and see where it goes if you wish."
I pause with my chopstick half to my mouth.
"I would like to proceed with this between us. Dating sounds like a good idea. But do you have the time?"
"At the moment, we all need to stay here until the investigation is finished. When it's finished, I would typically go back to Xerun. But it's too dangerous for you."
"But I don't want to leave you. I know I can't ask you to decide between me and the rebellion they need you."
"Shane," Wiphas starts,
"From the moment I first laid eyes upon you, I was captivated by you. If I had to decide between you and the rebellion. It would always be you."
By the end of his speech, I'm beet red,
"But I'm just some common guy. Why would you give up all that?"
Instead of answering, he leans over and kisses me deeply for a moment.
"You far more than common Shane, but it's okay. We will slowly get to know each other. Soon you will hopefully see, what a treasure you are."
I look down, speechless. Wiphas resumes eating, and I follow his example. As for dessert, the waiter brings a big plate in the middle is ice cream and around it, dough baked fruits covered with honey and chips of peanuts. The waiter places the plate between us and then gives us each a spoon.
Wiphas starts to feed me a spoon of ice cream. I return the favor with a piece of dough baked fruit. Spoon by spoon, we demolish the dessert. When we are finished, I want to object when Wiphas pays.
"No, Shane, I planned it with some help, and I pay it. You can pay for our next date if that is important to you," Wiphas says to me while holding out his com to the waiter,
"Take a tip of five percent of the total amount."
"Thank you, Sir, enjoy your evening, gentlemen."
After paying, we leave the restaurant, and we walk down the street. Looking up, I can see the beautiful starlight, how I missed this viewpoint in the last weeks. I enjoy our walk in the crisp night air. My stargazing gets interrupted by our transit arriving. Getting in, I cuddle close to Wiphas. I look up at him. Our gazes meet, and Wiphas leans in stealing quick kisses. Making me hot and bothered, to tease back, I try to squeeze his thigh. When my hand feels inward of his leg, I brush with my fingertips over something hot and substantial. I pull my hand back like I was burned.
Wiphas only chuckles whispering into my ear,
"I should make you finish what you started. But I'm a nice and patient alpha."
"What if I don't want to wait?"
Wiphas inhales sharply at my words, his pupils dilate, growling he replies,
"Not today, Shane, but soon if you want to."
Absorbed in Wiphas, I do not realize that we already arrived back at the mansion. Our driver coughs to get our attention,
"We arrived gentlemen, enjoy your evening."
Embarrassed, I hastily get out of the car, nearly dripping in progress. Again Wiphas strong arms catch me. Heading inside, I start to yawn, realizing it getting late. Walking together up the stairs, we stop at my door. I turn unsure,
"Could you… I… Please don't go."
I stumble over my words, trying again,
"You keep the nightmare at bay."
"Only if you behave."
"I promise."
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After waking up again in Wiphas arms, we all had breakfast together. Afterward, we are finally on our way to meet with the investigators. Sitting inside the transit beside Wiphas, my hands sweat, I'm nervous. I don't want to know what side business my father had. The one taste I got still makes me shiver. We stop, arriving at our destination. I look around, it's a big complex. Off to the site, recruits train. We are at the main complex of Fort Berlin. We head inside, General Griffin leads us to the investigation unit.
"This is Detective Haruto Takahashi and his partner Detective Fernando Ruiz," General Griffin introduce,
"This is Shane Barker and the Xertian Rebels, Wiphas their leader, Suri First Officer, Orin communication Officer, Krelak Weapon Specialist, Doctor Jikin, Shuu an engineering apprentice, Halam and Davac both Security Officers."
"We should take the conference room five."
The Detectives leads us into the conference room. They first ask me questions about my father, his business partners, anything I know. Sadly I don't remember much. I have always tried to ignore my father since my mother's death. We didn't have a great relationship. I try to tell them everything I remember. Afterward, I feel empty. It was getting easier when we got to the recent happenings. I fade out of the conversation when the detectives ask the rebels about their involvement. I just want to forget I ever had a father like that.
-------
It's late afternoon when the detectives have everything they need from us at this point in the investigation.
"We are at the starting point of our investigation. Please be available for further questions. And please refrain from sharing anything about this investigation. We don't want to tip them off," Detectives Ruiz says.
"We will be in contact with you if we need anything. Good day gentlemen," Detective Takahashi adds.
Leaving the conference room, I discover Sam waiting for us. He jumps up from the chair and rushes to our side,
"If you would all follow me, I was tasked with bringing you back to General Griffin's Mansion."
Obediently we follow him. I'm exhausted and hungry. There are three small transit's waiting. Sam tries to separate me from the rest. I start to feel unease till Wiphas enforces that he will stay beside me. Sam doesn't seem happy about it, but he gives up trying. We lift off and start our way back. Halfway into our journey, I notice that Sam starts to sweat and gets more nervous by the minute. Before I can turn to Wiphas, I suddenly get pulled behind him. Between the wall and him, I can see him shifting, and I hear Sam curse.
"Hand him over!"
"Never," Wiphas growls back.
The transit slows and stops. Looking around Wiphas midsection, I can see men outside waiting, weapons drawn. I grip Wiphas Shirt tightly in my shaking hand.
"You think the General didn't notice?"
Sam starts laughing, suddenly his voice changes. I look at Sam or where Sam just stood. Instead, a rough-looking human stands in his place. I recognize the wristband he wears, a masker. With the help of this little tool, you can create a perfect image of another being. Together with a voice changer, you can imitate any person. I gasp shocked.
"You may deceive Shane, but you underestimate our sense of smell."
"Yours? I only see you standing in our way! The rest of your crew should be already with your godforsaken ancestors," the human shouts.
Wiphas starts laughing, did he lose his mind? I ask myself, but in the next moment, I can hear screams from outside. Checking the front window, I can see the rest of the rebels besides Shuu shifted and fighting the ambush.
Distracted by the turn of events. Wiphas moves unnoticed in front of the impostor and grips him by the neck after hitting his weapon out of his hand.
"Give me one reason to let you live," Wiphas growls into his face.
I can see a puddle forming under the impostor. The pilot tries to draw his weapon, but Wiphas throws a knife. Targeting the pilot's throat and killing him quickly. I can see the impostor face getting red, I think Wiphas is cutting off his air supply. It doesn't take much longer for the impostor to slump in Wiphas grip. Unconscious, Wiphas drops him to the ground.
"He is lucky, the General will want to question him. You will stay here while I help my men with the trash."
Before he goes to help his man. Wiphas produces makeshift binds out of two seat belts. Securing the impostor. I wait patiently more than happy to stand on the sidelines. The rebels make short work of the ambush. Most of the men flee when they realize that they stand no chance. Doc and Shuu are the first to board the transit.
"Shane, are you injured?"
"Not even a scratch."
I can see Doc visibly relax at my words. He turns to the unconscious impostor while Shuu drags the dead body of the pilot of the transit. Leaving a red smear on the floor, I turn green, and my feet wobble. Doc guides me to a seat,
"Shane, deep breaths. Come on breathe with me slowly in and out."
Shuu comes back, and Doc starts glaring at him.
"Sorry, but I needed to move the body out of the way. I can't fly this thing with a dead body in the seat."
Coming out of it, I realize that Doc isn't the only one besides me. Wiphas clasped one of my hands, snapping me out of it with his touch. I look around. Everybody looks fine, I'm relieved. Shuu operates the transit, and we take off, heading back to the mansion, this time, we complete our journey without any issues. Halam and Davac going first the impostor between them, hauling him off to the guards.
"Shane!" Curtis screams,
"Can't I leave you half a day alone without someone attempting to kidnap you again?"
From his tone, I know he is joking, but he still looks worried. I hug him,
"It isn't like I ask them to kidnap me."
I try to joke back, but I still feel jittery after my last encounter.
"Lucky for me, I had Wiphas and his men with me. I would love to know who was behind this. I'm getting tired with all this shit."
"You and me both," General Griffin answers before Curtis can.
"I already informed the Detectives, the one you left alive will be transported there under heavy guard. For the others, we put out the necessary information, they will not be able to leave this solar system."
Curtis drags me off, not caring what the general has to say. We walk into the kitchen where Miguel waits for us with cups of freshly brewed tea. I take the cup he offers me, chamomile tea is not my favorite, but it's the right tea for this situation. I take a healthy sip of it, thinking back. One part of me wishes just to forget everything, but the other part of me knows that never meeting Wiphas would have been a sad and lonely life.
After drinking tea with Curtis and his father, I retire to my room. Inspired by my muse, I start to paint. Getting lost in the strokes of my brush. Turning the once white canvas with the help of my oil paints into a piece of my soul. Closing my eyes, I still can see him, fierce and protective. Saving me from an unknown danger. Before loving and carefree on our date, his kisses all-consuming. Warmth fills me, and I paint like possessed.
When I'm finished, I come out of my trance-like state. Looking at my canvas, I feel like seeing it for the first time. I gasp, looking at the picture I created. Hands of different colors try to reach the person holding a baby to his chest before for them stands a shifted Xertian protecting them. Looking closer, I recognize myself and Wiphas.
"Wow, did you just paint that?" Wiphas ask from behind me.
I jerk at his voice,
"You nearly gave me a heart attack, I didn't hear you enter."
"Huh? I knocked three times, and when I got no answer, I got worried. So I entered your room. I'm sorry for scaring you thought."
"Hmm, I didn't hear a thing."
"Now that I have your attention, I was sent to pick you up for dinner. Miguel made his famous Marmitako and Crema Catalana for dessert. I was told by the general that his soldiers would kill for it."
I start to laugh,
"Yes, Miguel is famous here at Fort Berlin for his traditional Spanish food."
Getting up from my stool, I stretch out my limps, tidying up my paints and cleaning my brushes. I go and wash my hands and make myself presentable.
I finish fast. My hunger already rising, together we join the others for dinner.