9
TILLYI stared up at Valla, admiring the sincerity in her eyes. In the short amount of time that I’d spent on the ship, I’d got used to her blue complexion and strange features. She was slightly colder than me but her skin was soft. Velvety.
The slits in her neck flared slightly as she took in a deep breath, and I could feel her chest rise against mine. Was I really doing this?
The answer to my question had to wait as Valla closed the gap and… caressed my ears. Her long fingers ran over the shell, following the curve to the lobe.
I giggled. “What’s that for?”
Valla looked confused. “I’m giving you an ear tickle.”
“What’s an ear tickle?”
“It’s a gesture of intimacy, reserved for only those closest to you,” she explained, turning her head to the side. “You have my permission to touch
