Broken

.26.

"Liv." Just hearing his voice was enough to make me feel better. I let out a shuddering breath, holding the phone to my ear tightly. The roughness of his tone still sent goosebumps across my flesh, as if the hundreds of light years that separated us were nothing more than a foot of space. I missed him and just being allowed to hear his voice was enough to ease that ache slightly. It had been a week and I missed him more than I had ever thought was possible.

"Rhex." My voice was a faint croak. It had been a long week without him. The Learning Centre had only done so much and while Ani was great for keeping some of the feelings away, she couldn't do it all. I had missed him and his presence and while the intensity of it scared me, the feeling of abject loneliness almost tempered the fear. He was my soulmate and I knew I would have to grow used to the intensity of the feelings I had for him.

"How are you?" His voice slid over me making me shudder. I curled up in the chair, pulling my knees up to my chest. I was thankful for the translator as I spoke to him. I wanted to close my eyes and just curl up with the sound of his voice rolling over me. It was so calming and peaceful.

"I've been better." I gave a small, almost raspy chuckle. I had only felt worse as he moved further and further away from me. I had stabilized somewhat yesterday, the symptoms hadn't gotten any worse, which I was thankful for. I assumed he made it to his training base.

"I know. Me too." He let out a heavy sigh and I could almost feel the weight of it pressing down on me. There was a faint moment of silence as I shifted, resting my chin on my knees and curling up a bit further in my chair. I wanted to urge him to keep talking but I didn't know how. Words felt strange in my mouth, how could I have pleasant conversation with him when I missed him to the point where I wanted to cry?

"I miss you." They were the only words that could roll off my tongue and I said it quietly and I felt almost a bit embarrassed at the admission. He was my mate but I wasn't fully aware of what that had meant for my emotions. Everything was different with him, stronger and more potent.

"I miss you too." He gave a small cough and I could hear people chattering in the background. There was a loud bark of laughter and I hoped that he had someone to help him out through the separation like I did. "What is your favourite colour?" The question caught me off guard and I couldn't help how I smiled at it.

"Light green." It had used to be ruby red but Rhex had changed that. He was changing a lot about me but I was finding I didn't particularly mind. I just hoped that I was changing him as well. It was selfish of me but I wanted him to think of something and be reminded of me.

"That does not have something to do with my eyes, does it?" There was a faint note of teasing to his voice and I felt my cheeks flush bright red. I glanced around and Ani was moving around the room as if not paying attention but I knew her. Her ears were wide open.

"Maybe." I said it quietly so she wouldn't hear but she whirled around.

"Look at you! Your face is all red!" Ani sidled closer to me and I waved her off, trying to hide my embarrassment. Ani would never let me live it down. She was a pest but she was for a reason. I appreciated her for doing what she did.

"Go away." I shoved at her playfully, wanting her to leave me alone for a moment. She was stuck to me like a barnacle, not that I minded. She was a very good friend. It felt nice to have a friend so close. I wanted Ami'la to be with me as well but she was busy with her work. I was happy that Ani was with me though, I wouldn't have switched her with anyone else out there in the universe.

"Who is that?" Rhex sounded curious and I gave a small chuckle as Ani pouted, her bottom lip sticking out. I stuck my tongue out at her in faint teasing.