Nenn frowned at having to miss out on the conversation, but duty called.By the time he found Gusin in the activities room, his symbiotes had begun to heel the gash across his upper arm.Nenn tutted and ran the med-dev over it.He knew better than to lecture Gusin on caution when using sharp weapons.But forced to clean up blood instead of chatting to Tiny, Nenn’s temper was short.
“As Osnir is my witness, Gusin, take better care,” he snapped, spraying the mat and Gusin’s arm with disinfectant before wiping both with a towel.“What is this?The seventh time since we left Ivoy?”He huffed.“I shall teach you to use a med-dev.”
“That would be wise.”Gusin patted his arm where the wound had been.“My thanks, Nenn.”
He marched to the galley, then hesitated at Tiny’s laughter amid breathy whistles of a reed flute.“Juunn,” she said.“I’m so bad at this.”
“I have been playing since I was a child.Anything worth learning takes time,” Juunn said.
“If I tried it, I would be as bad.”Vaen chuckled.
No, Vaen without a scowl?Nenn inched closer to catch that miracle.His grin was broad, changing the usual taciturn into someone…charming.Tiny sat on the table, a reed pressed to her lips.She blew until her cheeks filled will air then blasted out, half making it into the instrument.
Juunn tutted.“You are trying too hard.”He demonstrated by angling another reed so that just his top lip breeched the mouthpiece.“Remember, a gentle approach.”He shifted her reed until it sat just right.“Now try.”
She blew.A long mournful note penetrated the galley.She squealed, bouncing on the spot.Nenn leaned against the bulkhead, crossed his ankles, and gazed upon the sweet joy that she was.
“Good,” Juunn said.“You need to hit each note with consistency.”
She clutched the instrument to her chest and beamed.“I’ll have something to do.I was so worried I’d die of boredom.”
The room fell silent.
“That is possible?”Igar asked, a lump of cyan-colored moss he called patsil in hand.He sat behind her, cradling a plate laden with patsil and white jelly-like lumps of raslu.
She laughed, throwing back her head as she did so.“No.It’s a saying.”
Nenn’s chest cinched in tight.With her throat exposed, vulnerable, delicate, he couldn’t help but run his gaze to her flushed face.Why did she invoke such potent emotions within him?
“Did you say Nenn climbs?”Confusion merged with her good humor.
“Yes, cliff walls.”Vaen stood to one side, cradling a jar of water.With his normal scowl in place, he met Nenn’s gaze.
“He is teaching me,” Juunn said, spinning his reed in one hand.“Would you like to learn?”
“Oh, no,” she said, flicking her wrist.“It’s bad enough navigating the horizontal world around me without adding vertical to the mix.”She waved her arm.“Besides, I doubt I could support my weight.”She lowered her hand to cover her mouth.“Sorry,” she said with a tired smile.“It’s time for bed.Can someone—”
Nenn pushed off the wall and weaved between his males.“I shall escort you.”
“Oh, you’re back.Is Gusin okay?”
“He is.”Nenn grabbed her by the elbow and helped her step off the bench.
“Juunn, thank you.”She thrust out the instrument.
“Keep it, Tiny,” he said, sliding onto the bench beside Igar.
“For real?”she asked.
He grinned.“Of course.How else will you practice?”
“I won’t let you down, Juunn.Good night, all of you,” she called, letting Nenn lead her out of the galley and along the passage to their quarters.“Your crew are so kind,” she whispered, dipping her head to do so.A lock of her hair brushed his shoulder in a tickling caress.
“They are good males,” he said, clasping her hand.Even there, her skin was silky smooth against his.“Had enough to eat?”
“Yes, thank you.”She flashed him a smile when he ushered her into her room.
A glance at her bed had him releasing her.“I…shall leave you.”
