Work Text:
"Adrian!"
I perk up, diverting my attention from my current task of meshing wire and jewels together. The project can wait, I have a more important thing to focus on.
"Hello, my harmony, back so soon?" I sing back curiously.
Rocky comes to a quick stop in front of me. It doesn't speak for a moment, instead taking a second to bob its carapace up and down in a near similar motion to what I have seen the alien do when it tries to run. Hearing the organs in the aliens chest move with such frequency had been a little overwhelming, so much noise for such little space.
"Adrian- Adrian- You- He- Grace-"
Its notes come out short and rushed, air whistling harshly through its vents. Something has clearly upset it. The shrill notes quiet as Rocky seems to attempt to gather itself properly.
I abandon my task, leaving the wire and the jewels scattered on the floor as I push myself up so that I may wander closer. The vents on Rocky's carapace thud up and down quickly, air practically hissing through the openings. I hum a low tune in the hopes to connect, the tone rattling through Rocky's body.
"Calm down, calm down. Whatever is the matter? You've returned much earlier than you said you would."
Rocky hums loudly before straightening its body up, legs all standing straight. I chuckle quietly at the action. Rocky has not grown much since its original departure, something I imagine was likely due to the sheer stress of the mission which is something it has spoken to me deeply about. But it is much smaller compared to myself now, and the fact makes a warmth bubble to life within my core.
"Grace! Grace is-!" It whistles harshly again, pushing all the air from its vents before starting again. "Adrian overfeed Grace." It dips its carapace low again as it thuds its rear leg against the ground. Very judgemental.
My vents still as I take in the notes. Overfeed? Me? How ever have I done that? Rocky had told me many times about the inefficiency of the aliens- Grace's bodily matters. Namely the frequent need for food. If Grace says he is hungry then I simply trust that he is.
While I was mainly part of the construction team for Grace's habitat, I also provided insight in the nutrient department. From there we had produced what Grace had dubbed 'vitamin shakes' which had served their needs of ensuring Grace's failing body could recover well enough to survive. Once he was healthy enough, he began to complain about the taste and texture, calling it repetitive and boring. He had said it was a joke, but he is a terrible liar.
So the meat had come next. Grace had been the one to suggest sampling his own flesh to start the experiment. A fact that disgusts me still, I do not understand how human's could be so comfortable eating the flesh of their own kin, even if it is sourced from themselves. Or perhaps this is just a Grace thing. He is ever so odd. Regardless, the meat had satiated him for a while longer, but soon more excuses came up.
What a picky little thing he has become.
"And how have I done that?"
I do visit Grace on occasion. Mainly I go to inquire about the progress of his habitat and if there is anything I can add further for him. Sometimes I will be asked by the main nutrient team to deliver new prototype meals. I have long since grown used to Grace's eating habits, the disgust I once experienced is now just a dull pressure in my core. Truthfully, the initial disgust had vanished quickly after I had witnessed how excited Rocky had been when Grace began eating on his own again. If my Rocky is happy, then I will endure whatever it takes to keep those joyful songs flowing.
Rocky seems to process my responding question. Turning itself in a full circle, legs clacking against the ground repeatedly as it reorients itself and its internal systems.
"You brought Grace a new meal today, one which he didn't finish. I worried about that, if Grace doesn't eat then something is wrong." It stops spinning, then straightens its two front legs to tilt its body up towards me. "Too much! Meal too big and contain too much glucose! Bad bad bad!"
Oh. I see.. Well, I had followed the requests Grace had made. He complained about taste and texture, then expressed how much he had missed something he referred to as 'sugar.' He had described it as something sweet, something highly addictive to the human tongue. I was cautious at first, surely it wouldn't be good to reintroduce him to something like that? But he had pleaded and made, quite frankly, several very pathetic whines and warbles. And there is only so much of that I can take.
So, I inquired. I asked around the nutrient team, and they returned with information on 'glucose.' Grace had nodded frantically when told about it, expressing very clear delight in these results. So, I had found an answer, and I had solved a problem. Whatever could be the matter with that? Is this not a groundbreaking discovery in Grace's care? 'Richness of life' or whatever else Grace had muttered about while draped dramatically against my carapace, this time speaking in sweet tones like it would convince me to continue bringing him such snacks.
In hindsight, perhaps it had worked.
"Grace asked for a snack, so I provided him with the required one. Very simple, my sweet melody."
"It is too much!!" Rocky hisses, air squeezed from his vents in a burst of hot air. "Grace even squishier than before!!"
Ah yes yes yes. The.. 'Squish' as Rocky so delightfully put it. Alien anatomy is ever so fascinating. Grace had gave me a long explanation about how his body made full use of everything we provided for him. While we share many needed essential nutrients, I was still quite interested to learn how differently his body stores it all compared to ours. Physically, Eridians rarely change. Our shells harden with age, carvings are etched into our forms through life, wedding bands are gifted when the time comes. But, our general bodies? They are largely the same throughout our whole life, and yet Grace tells me that humans can change so rapidly, so easily in their short lifespans. Amazing.
The medical team had been invested in these changes while Grace was recovering. Observing the way his hollowed form began to shift bit by bit into something more solid and filled out. And now he is barely recognisable compared to who he was upon his arrival. So, yes, Grace had explained changes to me, but not to what extent. However was I supposed to know that his body could fill out more? He never explained if there was a limit or not. Confusing. Fascinating but all so confusing.
Oh well..
I thunk a leg against the ground to catch Rocky's full attention again, before I tip myself forward to thump my carapace against its. "When I last spoke with Grace, he seemed quite happy with the changes. Although, he did quietly mutter about the fit of his clothing."
Rocky rubs its carapace against mine for a moment, and we both revel in the rough scratching sound of contact. I had missed this, I imagine it had missed it just as much.
"Grace always whining about something," Rocky murmurs. "Full of complaints. Never pleased."
I laugh, because that truly couldn't be further from the truth. Perhaps I haven't known Grace for as long as Rocky has, but I have observed them together and they are very similar in their need for dramatics. Truthfully, Grace rarely complains, and if he ever does then he quickly backtracks. He'll give a dismissive wave of his hands and a quiet "kidding kidding" when anything is taken with serious consideration. He says he does not want to be a bother. I have told him he is far from one. He is terribly nice to all of us.
"Perhaps.. I could lessen the glucose," my notes are light and teasing. "Although, I do think round is quite cute."
Rocky pulls back, shaking its carapace vigorously as it whistles. "Yes yes yes. Grace is cute cute cute." An agreement.
"Adrian!"
Grace straightens from his slouch when he spots me wandering down the beach. I can hear his heartbeat pick up, sounding so strong and alive again. What an excited little thing he is.
My claws sink into the sand as I make my way closer, and my gait becomes slightly… Less elegant as I focus on keeping four legs moving me forward while also ensuring my raised leg does not drop my gift.
"Hello hello, I've brought a gift for Grace. Do Not Tell Rocky."
Grace laughs loudly, a sound so warm and cheerful that it causes that pleasant fire to spring to life within me once again. Rocky had not lied about Grace. When we huddled together and watched Grace's slow recovery, Rocky had not lied about anything. Grace was warm and welcoming and so bright that I truly do not understand how his home could sacrifice him as they did. Though, perhaps it was a blessing. Perhaps he shone too bright for home, and they threw him among the stars so his light could dwindle and fizzle out alongside his celestial brethren.
Their loss, I think selfishly. We cannot see the stars, but he is what I imagine they are like.
I come to a slow and steady stop just a short distance from him, observing as he pushes himself up from the sand. I know not to speak during this part as Grace makes far too many sounds when he starts to move again. A groan as he stretches out, followed by a pleasant hum as something gives a quiet pop along his spine. But then he turns his attention to me.
"You're gonna get me in trouble." I can hear the smile on his lips. "Rocky already chewed me out last week for the meal you brought me."
"I will speak to it. Grace deserves a reward after the medical team have poked and prodded for hours already."
He doesn't argue with me. Not like he ever does anyway. But he steps closer to me, and I rapidly lose the fight against reaching out. I reach a front leg out, clicking my claws together repeatedly until I hear Grace laugh again before reaching to meet my touch. Grace had once told me he was on the taller side of human standards, but he is smaller than me just slightly and I cannot help but treat his fragile human limb with the same care I would treat a pebble.
"Careful, careful. Rocky would not be pleased with me if I let Beloved Grace get hurt."
The thrum in his chest picks up again and I can hear the blood rushing to his cheeks. 'Blushing' he had explained once, 'when humans are embarrassed or flustered.' I chitter quietly in contentment at the fact I had been the one to cause it. Grace has so many different ways to express emotions and feelings outside of words, and part of me is only slightly jealous about this fact.
Long, fragile fingers intertwine with my bulky claws, squeezing lightly as I rest said claws around his hand.
"So, what's on the menu today, Adrian?" His thumb slowly smooths back and forth over my claw. Delightful.
A quiet whistle escapes my vents as I bring my leg down to present the container to him. I hadn't even got to look at what it was this time, so it would be a surprise to both of it. I push the container towards him till it bumps lightly against his chest.
I hold it steady as his free hand comes up to begin messing with the sealing component. He's still figuring these ones out, so it takes him a minute or so to finally solve it. The quiet hiss of the seal announces his victory, before the top pops open and-
"Oh! A cake!"
Hmmmm……. I do not know that one. Human food isn't something I've paid much attention to, but I have definitely remembered all the ones Grace has mentioned before even if I do not know exactly what food is what. I tilt my carapace in curiosity, clicking a few steady notes to try better observe the new snack.
Grace, however, doesn't seem to waste any time in digging into the container to obtain his new gift. It settles into the curve of his hand nicely, his fingers curling to cradle and accommodate the odd shape. So flexible, I must ask him to let me study all this later on.
"Hold on, I should probably-" He wiggles his hand free from my grip, an action which only upsets me a small amount. I choose not to dwindle on this fact. Instead, I watch as he places his hand beneath the cake snack. "Don't wanna make too much mess," he murmurs, like he is not messy on the daily.
I choose to place the empty container off to the side before I pull my legs inward and settle myself down on the sand. I will wait here as Grace eats, and then I can report back to the nutrient team. "Try now," I urge. "Will inform the team of Grace's opinion."
A hum from Grace signals his understanding. But he doesn't start just yet. Instead he drags his feet through the sand as he shuffles closer to me, before he too settles himself down in the sand. Grace had a habit of standing differently depending on who he was speaking to, often bending over slightly to speak with Rocky at what Grace had deemed as 'eye level'. Not a necessary action for our kind, but the effort is appreciated. Regardless, I do not think that can apply here since I already stand taller than Grace does, so sitting down only results in him appearing far smaller to me.
As I contemplate the complexities of the alien seated beside me, Grace finally raised the cake to his mouth. I hear the click of his teeth as he bites right through the thin layer, and the light sigh as the flavour hits his tongue. His shoulders droop in a manner I have learned to perceive as relaxed. Which is good. It is good when Grace is calm and relaxed.
I wait eagerly for his first impressions. But it doesn't come. No, instead Grace raises the snack again and takes a second bite. And then a third. And then-
"'s re'ly go'd."
What.
Ew.
"Grace."
He waves a hand, thoroughly ruining his supposed 'no mess' plan, before raising it to his mouth to press a curled fist against his lips. He seems focused on disgustingly chewing it all up, before struggling to swallow it a moment later. I can hear it all move. It is still very gross.
"Sorry, sorry. I said it's really good. Thanks, Adrian."
Better. Grace is very gross. He could be—should be—more polite in my presence.
I shuffle in the sand, shifting my body slightly so that I am facing in his direction. His back is turned towards me, his gaze out on the sea. I should probably learn to think about my actions a little more, but I am convinced the atmosphere within his habitat is seeping through my suit and muddling my thoughts, so I don't think or consider. I act. I reach out, clamping careful claws around Grace's sides, who gives a quick yelp of surprise before I begin to drag him across the sand and closer to myself. I pull him till he is pressed right against my carapace and the sounds from within him are much clearer.
Good. This is perfect. Aside from the fact that he has become eerily still. Perhaps I should've thought more. But he is always so open and touchy with Rocky, It is only me he is cautious with. Which is unfair, so I must take everything into my own hands. Something I am doing right now.
"Finish food, please. I have to relay your thoughts to the team. If Grace takes too long to finish then Rocky will find out."
That gets Grace to jolt into action with a quiet "oh, right" before he sinks his teeth into the remaining portion. He doesn't rush through it as eagerly as he did before, assumedly savouring the last remains of the taste judging by his flowing hums of content.
My claws tap idly against his sides, revelling in the slight give beneath the pressure. Rocky was right about Grace becoming squishier, but Grace seems happy with it and I cannot lie about how interesting it is to watch it all happen. Being able to see him fill out fills me with a strange surge of pride at Grace's ability to push onwards despite the odds against him. So I make sure to take note of every change. From the softening of his stomach to the new roundness of his cheeks, it pleases me to see him so strong.
Cute cute cute..
"So.."
Ah, he is done? Already? I squeeze his sides again and make a few soft clicks to check fully. Yes.. Yes, all done. Full. Good good.
"Rocky's gonna find out?"
There is a smirk to his tone and I do not like it. Air whistles through my vents in a sigh, and I let my claws slip from their hold against his sides to instead curl around to his front and press into the new softness there.
"Yes. It will not be happy with me. Said that I overfeed Grace." Grace laughs loudly, and I tighten my hold as I feel his body jostle in the moment. "All a very silly accusation. I am not stupid and neither is Grace."
Grace leans back into me, tilting his head back against my carapace to gaze up at what I assume he has deemed as my 'face.' I tilt my carapace slightly down in a similar fashion to meet him.
"He just worries a lot," he hunkers down, wiggling a little groove in the sand so he can comfortable slump against me. "He cares, and I appreciate it a lot, but I can take care of myself. Well, regardless of the whole.." He makes a grand sweeping gesture at the surrounding area of the dome.
"Yes, yes. Grace is very capable. Very smart." I try to ignore how he seems to puff up with pride. "I do not know why Rocky will not listen to facts."
Grace hums idly as he starts to drag a finger through the sand to create messy lines and patterns. "He read up on a bunch of human health stuff on the trip here, when I was getting sick." The lines start to become a little more recognisable with every new addition. "He probably read up about weight, since I was losing it fast with the whole food situation. Probably learned too much of it can have some effects on my body too."
Staring up from the sand is Rocky's name markings, recreated perfectly down to every etch and dot. Grace remembers every line perfectly. Had he studied every marking etched into my mates form? Or is this a subconscious retelling from days of hollow stomachs and struggling brains? How many times had my mate reintroduced itself to a dying human with barely the energy to open its eyes?
I go silent. And listen. To the thump of Grace's heart inside his chest, to the expanding and deflating flow of his lungs. His stomach grumbles, his internals make all those gross noises like they always do. Like they always do. Strong and steady.
"And is Grace at a bad weight? Too much? Have I made Beloved Grace sick?" He may sound fine, but what if I am missing something? The thought makes me feel cold. To think I may have been hurting Grace this whole time. That I may have been risking the one that Rocky—That I—hold dear-
"Nah, I'm fine." Oh. "The med team keep an eye on me, And I get some easy exercises in when I can. Plus, if something went wrong you'd all be able to hear the changes, right?"
No. No. I can't guarantee that fact. Rocky could. Rocky knows everything about Grace. He knows how Grace moves, how he breathes, whether the minute stutter in Grace's chest signals a sob or a laugh. Rocky knows. I don't.
"Yes, that is true," as long as it's not me listening. "Everything is fine. Grace is strong like always."
Grace tips his head back so quickly that he smacks the back of it hard against my carapace. To which he instantly whimpers and curls inward to cradle the bruised area. It takes him a moment to get his words out. "I- I dunno about always. But thanks.."
I respond with a squeeze around his middle, simply savouring the feel of the body Grace calls home.
Our content little moment is interrupted far later when I hear the swelling singing tunes of my love. I cannot bring myself to move from my position as Grace seems quite cosy where he is. Instead, I choose to greet its song with my own swirling whistle. A sound that is abandoned a moment later in favour of chittering chuckles as Rocky's song jumps up in pitch.
From there it doesn't take long for Rocky to bound down the beach. It easily scuttles through the sand with an impressive practised ease, before it circles my form to the area where Grace rests and gives a pitched squeal.
"Grace! Hello hello!" It moves closer and quickly invades Grace's space. "Too many discussions taking place, couldn't get here faster." Grace laughs and pats both hands against the xenonite suit, before he rests them there and begins tapping out a small rhythm against it with his fingers.
"Hey, Rock. Don't worry, Adrian's been keeping me perfect company."
I trill in delight, a sound which Rocky matches. Rocky shoves itself closer to Grace, until it can smoother its carapace heavily into that squishy torso. A rumbling purr builds in the air as Rocky settles in, so content in its positioning.
I free a hand to also tap a curious pattern against Rocky's suit, if only just to hear its vents whistle with all the touching. It is still getting used to being touched by multiple bodies at once again, but it is making quick and steady progress.
Rocky pulls back a moment later to spin itself in a slow circle. It pushes against Grace's legs as it does, causing them to move further apart until Rocky seems to deem the new space good enough and thunks itself down into the sand. Grace curls his legs back in to press them against Rocky almost like a little barrier, before settling back again and sighing himself when Rocky tosses two limbs over one of Grace's legs.
What a shape we must make. Three bodies huddled into one. Would an outside viewer see us separately? Or would the collective thrum of our hearts meld us together into a messy amalgamation of life? I wouldn't mind that option, just to know I could safely hold Rocky and Grace's beings securely within my own shell.
The quiet settles again. The dome really is quite peaceful. It's isolated from the loud rumbling of the large city outside, a choice Rocky had requested in Grace's place. Grace can be easily overwhelmed by too much sound, so keeping the dome nice and quiet was essential. And I must appreciate that work now when all I can hear is the gentle lapping of the waves and the life of the two I hold dear.
Maybe I will start visiting Grace more often just to experience this peace with him. It would be nice to-
"Rocky knows about the food."
Grace laughs loudly, head thrown back with sheer delight. I laugh with him, loud chirps escaping me. And Rocky seethes, pushing hot air through his vents so quickly I can hear it sizzle. Before just as quickly giving up, and chirping sweetly alongside us. Everything is improving steadily. It's not perfect, there are ups and downs to Grace's recovery. But he's coming on well, and I find myself quite excited to see where this will all go in the coming days. Weeks. Years. I am glad Grace has found a new home that cherishes him so deeply. I hope he can see it too. I hope he knows he is loved.
If he doesn't, then Rocky and I will just have to remind him until the statement is lodged permanently into his little forgetful brain.