Post Contract Celebration
Chapter 4: Epilogue
When Ily had the capacity for conscious thought again, she came back to a relaxed, comfy, warm body. Someone had pulled the blanket over them. Of course, there was only one other someone around, so it was hardly a mystery. Underneath the blanket, Xiv had cocooned her in their gooey body up to the neck, a green warm burrito encasing her in a very thorough hug.
As Ily stirred, Xiv contracted slightly, a gentle squeeze, and sprouted something that could become a head. Features emerged and gained detail as the protuberance nuzzled into Ily’s neck.
“Hey, feeling better?” they softly asked.
Ily considered it, eyes closed, taking stock. She floated pleasantly, physically and mentally, unhurried. Unworried. Savoring it for a bit before responding.
“Yeah.” She sighed happily. “Yeah, I am feeling better. Thank you.” She looked back and finally Xiv didn’t see other things whirring away behind her eyes. Just a warm look full of peace and love and gratitude and appreciation.
If green goo could have blushed, it would have.The cocoon tightened and Xiv squirmed gently against her, all of her.
“Oh I’m so glad!” They met Ily’s loving gaze with their own apparent eyes. “That’s all I wanted.”
“That’s because you’re the best.” Ily serenely stated, relaxing and laying her head back. “Actually,” she added, “there is one more thing you could do”.
“Oh?”
“I love having you wrapped around me, but I want to wrap my arms around you too,” Ily blithely requested.
“Oo, yes!” Xiv squealed in enthusiastic approval, and pulled the rest of themself together over to one side, reforming their usual shortstack shape. They were on their side and pushed all of their now firmer, generously plush backside up against Ily. Ily rolled on her own side and put her arms around her happy, gooey little spoon. Ily smiled and held them close, pulling her legs up and nestling together. Her chin rested on the top of Xiv’s head.
“Mmm,” Xiv snuggled into Ily’s arm in the cozy bed.
“Mhm,” Ily agreed happily, both finally content.
There may have been a cold, infinite void outside and a thin layer of tech creating a livable bubble for them to through it, but within that bubble they both had the warmth and comfort and love of another.
And if that wasn’t enough, what was?
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