Page 50 of Farborn

I reluctantly pack the rest of my things. I put off doing even that because I didn’t want to admit I’d be saying good-bye to Olarte, no matter how temporary.

“I did mention I’m rich, right?” I tell them.

They smile. “You did. At least you can be certain I am not a digger of gold.”

I snort. “Gold-digger.”

“Yes. That.” They kiss me. “I will walk you to your ship.”

And they do. At the airlock we kiss once more. I smile up at them. “Don’t go falling for any other slippery humans while I’m gone, huh?”

They smile. “The only slippery human I want is you.”

I just know I’m going to cry myself to sleep tonight. “Love you,” I say.

They kiss me one last time. “Love you, too. Be careful.”

“I will.” I take a deep breath. “Love and well wishes,” I say. “Stars and sunrise. Hopes and health. May truth walk with you.”

“As does my heart,” they reply, stroking my cheek. That’s a traditional farewell they taught me a long time ago.

But now they know I mean it from the depths of my soul.

They step back as I grab the handle of my porta-sled and head through the airlock.

* * * *

It’s going to be ten.

Freaking.

Weeks.

Until I get laid again.

Although, compared to the past two years, that should be fucking easy to deal with.

I honestly cannot tell you how long it’s been that Iwaitedfor another partner like this.

Because that would benever.

Like, seriously, never.

That means this is…what…real, or something.

Right?

Or am I just a stupid asshole?

Other than our pledge to be exclusive, we don’t have any kind of official agreement, or contract, or whatever, but Olarte is the only one I can think of.

I haveneverfelt like this before. Not even a holo brothel for me, despite Olarte telling me they’re okay with that since it’s basically fancy, VR-assisted masturbation and they don’t consider it cheating.

I’d rather lie in my bunk and close my eyes and think about Olarte while I stroke my cock.

This whole situation vaguely terrifies me, in some ways. My parents were in love. It might be over twenty years since I lost them, but I have zero doubt in my mind that they were absolutely crazy in love with each other up until the moment they died.

I wish I’d had them in my life longer. There’s so much I wish I could ask them: how they met, their favorite memory of their courtship, their wedding, their childhoods.