"I'm... different, even on my homeworld. So a lot of responsibility was placed on me from the moment I was born. My father had wanted to retire for centuries but never considered any of my older brothers good enough to replace him—only me. My academics and my skills all surpassed his expectations. The only issue... was my personality."
Serco avoided my eyes when he said personality, a pained expression settling across his face. I wanted to hug him—but I didn't want to interrupt.
"I'm listening," I said softly, making sure my voice was comforting.
"We never got along. So many people around me were jealous and spiteful. My senses are... sharp, so I could pick up the micro-expressions, shifts in tone, blood pressure—everything. I didn't even have to try. So I knew I couldn't trust anyone. Women would throw themselves at me just because I was next in line to succeed my father, and I knew they were all liars, users... trash. So I treated them like trash. My father didn't approve of that."
"Your dad... must be someone important," I said.
He laughed at that.
"My father," Serco stressed the word as if to make it clear this man was not a dad, "is the King of the Southeastern Quarter of Infaniya."
I gasped."That's the largest territory on Infaniya!"
He nodded, smiling, and ruffled my hair.
"Then why are you here?" I asked—then instantly regretted it. "I mean—I'm glad you're here, I just..."
"Only low-ranking Infaniyans get sent to Earth," he finished for me.
"Yeah..."
Serco sighed, thinking for a few seconds before explaining, "My father gave me an ultimatum: either become the man he wanted me to be, or come to Earth and serve as a Guardian."
I frowned. "That's awful."
He laughed again, moving his pillow closer until our shoulders touched.
"I tried. I tried to be what he wanted. I behaved. But he saw through it—said I still wasn't good enough, and banished me anyway. He said this lowly job would humble me... then maybe, one day, I could return."
The idea of him leaving made my chest tighten. I pushed the thought away. I wanted him to be happy. If he was unhappy on Earth, I had no right to be selfish. But still, my eyes started to sting.
Serco placed his hand on mine and gently kissed the top of my head."I would never leave you," he whispered.
My face burned. I hated how he always knew exactly what I was thinking.
"You... did develop feelings for me. But unlike everyone else's... they were genuine. You didn't care that I was a Guardian. You don't want to use me to social climb. You never asked me for anything. You're rare. I never want to lose you."
I pulled my knees up and hid my face against them.
"I'm... I'm glad."
He stroked my hand with his thumb.
"I can't be fooled by others... so I know how you feel about me. And I feel the same."
"I love you!" I blurted, making him laugh.
"I'm not too old for you?"
"You're an Infaniyan... plus, no matter how old you are, it's too late—because I already love you. I couldn't stop even if I wanted to."
He hummed, seeming to absorb my words."So why is Tiren too old for Nacina?" he asked, teasing.
"That's just an excuse so I can tell him to leave her alone! You said he's a jerk, and I believe you."
That made him blush and mumble, "Sometimes... I feel like you're too good for me."
Me?! Compared to him? That was the most illogical thing I'd ever heard him say.
"I... am flattered," I said, completely at a loss.
Then he leaned in and kissed me, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me into his lap until my chest was pressed against his. He kept kissing me, and I melted into it—until he abruptly stopped and looked away. A second later, I heard my mom clearing her throat from the hallway.
I scrambled off him. The door was open?! How much had she seen? My whole body flushed red.
"I was just coming to see if you wanted some snacks," she said, holding a tray. I had told her Serco liked apples, so she'd sliced a few and added caramel sauce on the side.
She set the tray down between us."I'll be back in fifteen minutes, so don't get too comfortable," she warned.
I stared at the wall, frozen. Serco, completely unfazed, started eating the apples.
"This would be better with vodka," he commented.
"Then stop pretending to be underage," I whispered.
He laughed. "Sorry... I heard her coming but didn't want to remove you from my lap."
This guy...
"It's fine," I lied. I couldn't express how embarrassed I was—but truthfully, I wasn't mad.
"My brothers are staying at my house right now," Serco said out of nowhere. "So you don't have to be nervous about being alone together. You should come over tomorrow."
Was that why he hadn't invited me back before—because he could sense how nervous I got when we were alone?
"Tomorrow? I'll have to tell my mom I'm going out..."
"I'll tell her," he said. "There are still things I need to talk to you about. Things I'd rather say where no humans can overhear."
"Okay. I'd be glad to visit. Thank you for the invitation."
He looked relieved. Then he ate the last apple slice, stood up, and said,"I should go."
"Weren't we supposed to be sharing those?" I asked.
"Good night," he said, completely ignoring me.
I pouted."Good night," I echoed.
I walked him to the front door and waited while he spoke to my mom. He asked to take me out tomorrow, but didn't mention I was visiting his house, and she didn't ask for details.
"Just be back by 10 PM. Not a minute after," she told me.
"That's no problem. I'll be on time."
"Alright, I'm trusting you," she added—just to make sure I'd feel extra guilty if I broke curfew.
Serco kissed my cheek, smiled, and waved goodbye to her before leaving.
As soon as the door closed, Mom turned to me."So... are you going to let me know exactly what was going on when I walked in?"
My face burned again."We can't cuddle with the door open or something?" I squeaked.
Mom laughed."You're so serious, honey. I was just joking. Don't worry."
I sighed, relieved, and we both headed to our rooms.