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Gendry

I sit down with a deep sigh, sinking into my seat as I stare out the window. I watch as the only place I’ve known as my home grows smaller and smaller.

“You sure about this? You really don’t need to come along.”

I look over at Christian, a human who came to Deltourah three years ago during the very first Human Layperry Exchange program. He’s always been closed off and prickly but right now, I can only describe him as worried. He’s best friends with Miles, another human who came during the HLE. At the end of three years, they were allowed to either stay, or go back to Earth. Miles decided to stay. Not that I thought for a second that Miles would be traveling back, not with his new baby and his mate, Timalah.

“I am sure,” I tell him with a nod. “Not only did I promise Miles that I would keep an eye on you, but I also wish to experience Earth.”

“It’s nothing special.”

“That cannot be true,” I say right away, my brows wrinkling. “Otherwise, why would you want to go back?”

Christian looks away, staring out the window of our ship. He crosses his arms over his chest. “There’s nothing on your planet for me.”

I stare out the window as well. I want to push the issue, but I keep my thoughts to myself. He’s leaving behind his best friend. He’s also leaving behind our leader, Ghenie. As much as Christian and Ghenie seem to butt heads, they also have undeniable chemistry. I might not be the most experienced in relationships and feelings, especially where humans are concerned, but I do know there’s something going on between them. That something seemed like foreplay to me, someone looking in from the outside.

“I think you’ll be coming back with me when this year is over,” I tell Christian. “As much as you think you don’t belong, you did. People will miss you and I have a feeling, you’ll realize you miss them too.”

“Wanna bet?”

I tilt my head to the side. “What does that mean?”

“We’ll make a wager. If I end up going back to your planet, I’ll give you something. And if I end up staying on Earth, you’ll give me something.”

I think about it for a moment before nodding my head. “Okay. What sort of thing will you give me?”

“Whatever you want. Normally, on Earth, we would bet something like money.”

I hum. “I do not want money.”

“If I win this bet,” Christian says, finally turning and looking up at me. “I’d like for you to give Miles the biggest, longest hug. Like really stay hugging him until he’s uncomfortable.”

“Why would you wish for me to do that?”

“Because he would secretly love it. And it would be a hug from me but through you. I’m not into that mushy stuff so it’ll be special.”

“Okay,” I say slowly. “Deal. If you win, I will hug Miles for you. If I win, I would like for you to give Ghenie a kiss. Right on the mouth.”

“ What ?” Christian’s body goes tense, his eyes narrowing at me. “Why would I do that? Why do you want me to kiss him? What the hell, Gendry!”

“Right on the mouth,” I say again, feeling proud of myself for coming up with such a good reward. “Do we have a deal?”

Christian stares up at me for a long time before he finally sighs. “What the hell,” he murmurs to himself. “It’s not like you’re gonna win anyway, so why the hell not.” Christian holds out his hand for me to shake. I grasp his hand and he pumps our hands up and down a few times. “You have yourself a deal.”

We both sit back in our seats, watching as the stars fly past us, white blurs across the window. Nerves nip at my stomach but at the same time, I’m also filled with excitement. What is Earth like? How will the humans react to my presence? Will I be able to make new friends while I’m here?

Everything is going to be so different and new. Miles gave me some insight on what to expect, but I have a feeling there was no way for me to properly prepare for what I’m going to experience. I have my implant behind my ear to help me communicate and understand what the humans are saying and I’ve taken as many lessons as Miles was willing to give me. I know the basics. Thankfully, I was able to bring one communication device with me so if I have need, I can let a human borrow it to make communication easier. Hopefully that will be enough.

“You nervous?”

I shrug. “A bit, but more than anything, I am excited. I’m sure I will learn a lot during this year.”

“Maybe you’ll find a nice human to settle down with,” Christian says with the tiniest bit of a smirk. “Who knows, maybe you’ll be the one ready to stay on Earth when this year is over.”

I can’t imagine something like that happening but then again, I didn’t imagine myself coming to Earth at all. I was more than content to stay on Deltourah . I was raised a warrior and that life is the only life I’ve ever known.

Now, I’m stepping into the unknown instead of preparing for my duty of protection. It’s scary and new and exciting all at once. It feels like stretching a sore muscle, uncomfortable but knowing in the end, it’s for the best.

“If everyone is like you, I know I’ll be embraced with open arms.”

Christian snorts before turning away from me and leaning his head against the back of the chair in order to sleep. I keep staring out the window, wanting to catch the first glimpse of my temporary new home. Maybe Christian is right and I’ll meet a nice human while I’m here. Or maybe I’ll be stuck with a neighbor who’s grumpier than Christian. Either way, I find myself excited at the prospect.

No matter what happens, this will have been a worthwhile experience.