When Worlds Collide (MxM)

Chapter 8 - Tell Me More

Eira's words rattled in Kade's head long after their discussion.

The servant had become comfortable ever since the fainting accident, and would often talk enthusiastically about strange rumors among the nobles. It was only when Aino returned to the lab that he'd go back to his old meek behavior.

Eira still seemed nervous around the cranky inventor and knew better than to act so lively in his presence. But he swore he wasn't afraid of the man.

Kade meanwhile resisted the urge to ask him anything else about how seasons worked, lest the Terran lose his composure again.

But he still had questions nagging at him. Like, when did the season start? And how could he tell when it affected a Terran? And most importantly, what part of Aino's recent behavior made it look like he was about to go into season?

Kade struggled with his curiosity. If he asked the servants, then more rumors would fly. And he didn't feel comfortable enough to speak to the other nobles after they so openly dismissed him without Toca or Aino at his side.

King Toca seemed to be in favor of the two getting together. So Kade knew the man would get the wrong idea if he asked. Then again, Kade might not even be allowed to talk to the king on his own. He still wasn't sure what his position as Royal Inventor entailed.

So he'd mull over his interactions with Aino instead. Sometimes replaying events from earlier to see if there was anything special he'd missed.

Terrans didn't blush the same way humans did, and Aino had a permanent scowl on his face. So reading the man's emotions was hard. Instead, he had to rely on context clues.

Aino still had to leave the castle to oversee the railroad construction, but whenever he returned he'd check on Kade first thing the next morning. Kade had also caught the Terran glancing at the fruit bowl, as though making sure it was being eaten.

Sometimes the inventor took Tiner to the side to ask her for a report on Kade's well-being. Kade only knew this because he'd eavesdropped the first time.

Aino was concerned about him getting enough sleep. Tiner told him how late Kade had begun staying up, so the Terran would help with the forms as much as possible while in the lab.

Today was one of those days. Kade was going through a pile of paperwork, signing off on expenses, and reviewing the order forms. That was when he felt a presence behind him.

"Did you sleep last night?" Aino asked.

"Of course." Kade nodded, eyes glued to the papers.

He didn't see it, but Aino glanced at Tiner, who shook her head. The inventor's ear flicked in annoyance, and he leaned over Kade's shoulder to get his attention. "I don't appreciate being lied to-"

Kade interrupted him by raising a finger to the Terran's face, touching the man's lips, and silencing him so he could finish reading. Once done, Kade set the form down.

When he was ready to address the two, he found Tiner fascinated by the wall and Aino covering his mouth. His long ears were standing on end, with his eyes looking down at him in shock.

"What?" Was all Kade could ask, sensing he'd done something wrong.

"Tiner, you may take your break." Aino dropped his hand and returned to his usual composure.

Kade's escort did as commanded.

"What did I do?" Kade shrunk in his chair.

Aino's hand half lifted back to his lips, but he stopped himself. "You need to take better care of yourself. There are only three of us who know that you are human, and if you were to overwork yourself, someone else may learn the truth. So I must insist you stop working through the nights."