Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

This year, Harvest Day was going to be very different for Mills. For the past two years, he’d been piloting a spaceship, far away from Somaris, with no one around to share in the traditional feast. Now, back home–though, sadly, without his wife–he wanted to celebrate the harvest and usher in the new year with Koa, his now-daughter.

When his mission fell apart, Mills brought the only survivor, a girl named Koa, home with him. Though he had no hope of being both mother and father to the child when his wife left, he persevered, for Koa’s sake. She didn’t speak the Somarian language, had never visited Somaris, and had no understanding of their customs. Even with a translator and the hyperwebs, life was challenging for her. She’d lost her home, her people, and the customs she’d known all her life. With Mills, her new father, she would learn the Somarian tradition of giving thanks for the harvest, closing out the old year and beginning the new. Mills was no farmer, but he respected those who worked the soil, planted, nurtured, and harvested. Like the rest of the Somarians, he planned a Harvest Day dinner.

Recently, Mills had become friendly with his next door neighbor, a pretty woman with soft brown hair and freckles, who’d moved in a few weeks ago. He’d seen her on recycle days, on her way to work, or coming home at the end of the day and they’d exchanged cheerful waves and hellos. Mills decided he should show Koa how to welcome someone to the neighborhood. It was the polite thing to do, he told himself. He felt uncharacteristically eager to meet this neighbor up close.

“We’ll give her a small gift,” he’d told Koa, “to welcome her.” 

He’d pulled an orange senisis fruit out of the cooler and found a pack of tiny fragrant twigs in the pantry. 

“We’ll make her a sweet-smelling ornament. A pomander ball.” He said the words slowly and carefully. Koa repeated them.

They’d sat together at the kitchen table and pushed the sharp tips of the twigs into the tough, pebbly rind. Koa worked diligently, looking up every now and then at Mills, who gave her an encouraging smile. When the fragrant ornament was finished, he’d chosen a time when the woman was at home. He and Koa walked over to knock on the door.

She’d said her name was Rey. Her green-gold eyes sparkled with pleasure when Koa gave her the senisis pomander ball.

Koa had spoken carefully. “Flowerdad and I made it.”

Rey’s eyes went wide. She looked at Mills. “Flowerdad?”

“Koa’s not from this world,” Mills had explained. “That’s what she calls me.”

Koa gave Rey a rare smile. “Flowerdaddy wore flower through the–um–in his hairs for me.” She pointed at her own dark hair and then at her chest.

“Mills wore a flower in his hair for you?” Rey had gazed at him, speculation in her eyes. 

Mills felt his face flush. “She and I were getting to know each other–on the Monster Planet, where we met. It doesn’t have a name–it’s uncharted. She was a passenger on my ship.” He gave Koa a sideways hug and she leaned into him.

“That sounds like an interesting story,” Rey had said, with interest. “I work in the repair division of SomaPods.”

“Ah! I work in Space Traffic Control. Used to pilot the shuttles.” Mills made a snap decision. “Can you join us for Harvest Day? We can tell you the whole tale of our terrible adventure on the Monster Planet.”

Rey agreed enthusiastically. 

Koa clapped her hands. “What is Harvest Day?”

Mills winked at her. “You’ll see.” He found himself feeling excited, almost happy, at the prospect of sharing the holiday with this girl and the pretty woman with the big smile.

***

A few weeks later, Harvest Day was upon them. Everyone on Somaris would be celebrating, including Rey. When she’d moved away from her homeland to take the job at SomaPods, she was sure her Harvest Day would be spent alone–and she’d felt no need to cook anything for just one person. Now, she had a reason to make something special. She put the finishing touches on her sweet carya-nut and bilberry pies. Peeking out the window, she saw the man next door, Mills, and the girl, Koa, outside tossing a ball back and forth. They were laughing together. As if he knew she was watching, Mills looked over at Rey’s house. She wasn’t sure if he could see through her window, but she waved anyway. He waved back. Koa turned.

Mills said something to her and she waved at Rey.

Rey’s heart swelled. He was a good “flowerdad.” She’d seen him at work sometimes, though she worked in a different section of the complex. They would exchange a few pleasantries in the hallway, just like they did at home if they were both outside. She lightly touched the pomander ball hanging from her mantle. It filled her living room with a sweet and spicy fragrance, even after it had dried and cured.

Rey couldn’t deny she was looking forward to dinner with her neighbors. Mills was a very attractive man, tall, broad, with thick dark hair, and tawny brown eyes. Being a father did not make him less sexy in Rey’s opinion. She liked how he interacted with the little girl, giving her lessons, advice, hugging her when she did something well. Rey sighed. She shouldn’t get involved in this unknown situation, but something drew her to the two people. So, against her better judgment, she knocked on their door early, to see if she could help. She juggled the pies as she waited.

Koa opened the door.

“Wait, did you look first?” Mills came up behind her. “It’s good to check to see who’s there.”

“No,” the child said. “I knew it was Rey.”

Mills took the pies from Rey. “Please come in. We’re cooking.”

“I can help,” Rey said. “Put me to work.”

She followed the pair into the kitchen, where savory smells rose from the oven.

Koa sniffed. “Smells good, Rey. You like bird?”

“Obviously, we’re having the traditional roasted waterbird.” Mills opened the oven door and peeked inside. “It’s really starting to sizzle nicely.”

“It’s my favorite,” Rey said. “What can I do?” She washed her hands in the sink.

While Rey picked through and washed brilliant blue stalks eaten every Harvest Day, Mills showed Koa how to peel pale yellow tubers for boiling.

 “Blue stalks washed.” She plopped the vegetables on a towel to dry. “Roasted or boiled?”

Mills looked at Koa. “How did I say we were preparing these?”

“Fried,” she said.

“Ah, good choice. And these?” Rey pointed to the yellow tubers. “Whole or mashed with pink salt?”

“Mashed,” Koa chirped. Her face fell. “We ate them in home.”

Mills watched her intently. “We’ll make them however you want them.” He smoothed her hair down with a giant hand.

Tears rose in Rey’s eyes. She had no idea what happened or how these two turned into a family, but it must have been tragic. The child needed so much love and attention. She was lucky to have this tall man, even if he looked a little grumpy and irritable. Koa turned her whole body into Mills’ chest. He met Rey’s gaze above the girl’s head.

“I don’t have to know what happened, if it’s too painful,” Rey murmured. The man looked like he might cry, too.

He blinked. “Maybe another time. It’s still a little fresh for her.”

“Can I join the hug?” She wanted to comfort both of them.

When Mills held out one arm, Rey walked into his embrace. Koa wrapped an arm around Rey. The rightness of the hug knocked Rey for a loop. She closed her eyes and soaked in the warmth of this little, nascent family unit. There was a lot of healing that needed to occur, she guessed, but they seemed to be on the right track. 

She shouldn’t get involved. Really. But she couldn’t seem to help herself.

***

Mills breathed in the soft flower scent of Rey’s shampoo–or maybe it was just her. He longed to bury his nose in her hair, even as he held his now-daughter to his chest. Though Koa brought peace to his battered heart, he still ached at the thought of his lost family. It had all gone so wrong. He’d lost his wife and daughter, though he didn’t know it at the time, the minute he flew off in the shuttle. The only thing that kept him going was Koa, who needed him as much as he needed her. And this woman, who seemed to fit nicely next to Koa in Mills’ arms, made him want to care about life again. He didn’t know her well, but she just seemed…right, with her big smile and giving spirit.

He hugged both girls a little tighter and patted Koa’s back.

They stood for a moment longer. With a deep breath, Mills let go first. He went to look in the oven, ostensibly to check on the bird again. He needed a moment to compose himself or he would completely break down. He turned back to see Rey trimming the blue stalks. She gave him a small smile, which lightened his heart once again. Mills set Koa to washing tender green lake fronds for a salad. He showed her how to rinse the leaves, toss them, and add curled ferns in for some crunch. They all worked together until the meal was nearly ready.

“Let’s go ahead and set the table.” Mills headed for the china cabinet. 

“I’ve got this.” Rey pressed a hand on his arm and opened the glass door where the dishes were stored. “Koa, do you know how to set a table?”

The girl walked out of the kitchen to stand next to the shelves. “Yes.”

Rey handed Koa three plates. “Let’s see how you do it.”

Mills hid a small smile. Rey was a natural with Koa, who responded well to her direction. He opened the silverware drawer and plucked the necessary implements out of their holder.

Together, they placed the plates, silverware, glasses, and napkins. Koa began to fold the special cloth napkins into a festive design.

“Beautiful.” Mills fingered the elaborate cloth design, which looked a lot like a bird. “You learned how to do this at home?

“Yes. We have a…” she searched for the word, “celebration?”

Mills nodded. Rey agreed.

“We have a celebration on the past for us. Old family.” She waved a hand at the kitchen. “This kind. After food grew. Like this.”

“Like Harvest Day?” Mills said.

“Yes. We made big animal food. Not a small bird. Uh, I don’t know what it is.” She gestured to show a large animal and made a low sound.

Rey chuckled and Koa grinned.

Making his voice deeper, Mills repeated the sound which made Koa and Rey giggle. “Maybe a big bovidae?” He used his fingers to make horns on his head, which set his little audience off again. He loved the sound of their laughter and Rey’s beautiful smile.

“Picture?” Koa asked. She said the name of the animal in her language. 

“Translator?” Rey asked.

“No known translation,” the stupid thing said.

“Never mind.” Mills grabbed his projector and twisted a button, typed with his thumbs. “Yes, here.” He projected a hologram of a large animal with small horns and hooves, a soft brown color.”

“My world is Exi,” Koa told Rey. “Animals are different, but almost…right.”

“Right. Exi.” Mills poked at the buttons again. A planet popped up. “It became uninhabitable, which was why Koa and her family were in stasis. They were heading to another place to begin again, far from the source of the contagion.”

He homed in on the planet and pulled up the category of hoofed animals. He scrolled until Koa exclaimed.

“That one.”

He stopped on an animal that looked similar to the bovidae.

“Yes. That one.” Koa watched the animal nip at the ground cover. She said its name again.

“We eat the bovidae in winter,” Rey said. “That’s when the roasts will be available.”

Mills added, “If we’re lucky, sometimes we see them in the stores sooner.”

“I’ll make it for you,” Rey told Koa. “For both of you with some pink salt tubers or maybe toasted bulgur."

Koa hugged her. “Thank you.”

Watching the two of them, Mills felt at home. He sighed deeply, as a pang of anxiety swept through him. He found himself wary of feeling good, content–happy, even. He shouldn’t try to replicate the family he once had, his therapist had said. That was gone. He needed to grieve and move on, not revel in should-have-beens or wishes. He took a deep breath. He could use a distraction.

***

With the cooking under control, Mills suggested they go outside for a while before eating. Koa jumped up and down, clapping. “Shooter, shooter.”

“She loves that game,” Mills told a wide-eyed Rey. “I regret having taught her how to play.”

Koa grabbed Mills’ arm. “You like it. You like…” she stopped and swallowed hard. Her face fell.

“I like the game and you , yes I do.” He put an arm around her again.

They all trooped outside, grabbed the hooked, flattened sticks needed for the game of shooter, and set themselves in different corners of the patio in the backyard. Mills captured the small rubber ball first. He rolled it along the ground with his stick. Rey and Koa charged him, trying to steal it from him. He chuckled and danced around them. With a small scoop, he struck the ball so it skated across the concrete into a small net. He raised his hands and hooted his victory. He used to play this game for a shooter league in his youth, back when the world was his for the taking, when a beautiful girl with braided hair cheered for him from the stands.

“Ha!” Rey shouted. “I’m on this!” She poked Koa with an elbow. “He thinks he’s winning, but he’s not!”

Yanked back into the present, Mills realized that his neighbor was no slouch at the game. Rey would not be in the stands cheering for this game–she’d be out on the field playing for blood. She ran and caught the rolling ball on her stick. She scooted it along the concrete as Mills and Koa tried to get in front of her to steal it. They had no chance. She shot it away at the last second toward the net. Koa laughed and ran after it. Mills exchanged a quick look with Rey, both deciding to allow Koa to nab the ball.

And on it went, until they were all glowing with fresh air and exercise. Mills was sure Koa could have played for another hour or two. She was always full of energy, and he was just trying to keep up.

He caught Rey wiping sweat off her forehead. “Does she ever get tired?”

Mills had to laugh. “You’ll know when she’s tired. She drops on the spot.” He put his hands on his cheek and tilted his head, pretending to sleep.

“Flowerdad.” Koa raced up. 

She often checked in with him to make sure he was still there. He gave her a one-armed hug. “You’re getting so good at Shooter. You and Rey have me on the run.”

She beamed at him, then at Rey.

“I’m ready to get some water,” Rey said.

A timer dinged on Mills’ wrist. “Waterbird is done. Let’s go!”

“Just in time.”

Mills chuckled at the note of exhaustion in Rey’s voice. The more time she spent with Koa, the more exhausted she’d be. He had no idea where that thought came from, but he liked the idea of spending more time with his neighbor. He wanted to put his arm around her and give her a hug, but he settled for opening the door for her as they walked into the fragrant kitchen. Her grateful smile and murmured thanks sent his sad heart soaring.

Chapter Text

With Koa’s help, Rey dished up the sides, while Mills used an electric knife on the bird. It smelled delicious. Her friends always made a waterbird each year to share, but this one looked superior. Koa sniffed appreciatively as Mills placed the carved meat and two whole legs on the platter. Rey breathed in and closed her eyes. As a child who often didn’t get dinner, she appreciated good food and friendly company. The bird’s skin crackled golden brown, and the meat looked so juicy and rich that Rey wanted to dive right in. She stole a small piece of crunchy skin and popped it in her mouth. Delicious. Koa did the same. Mills shook his head at the two of them for a moment, then grinned and did the same. 

“You two are a bad influence on me. That is so good.” He nabbed another piece of skin to eat. “You can have any pieces you want, sweetie.” He smiled at Koa.

“Yes, flowerdad.”

“You, too, Rey. I’m not partial to any particular parts of the bird.”

The platter looked gorgeous, the meat piled in neat slices, the legs artfully arranged. “I’m an all-part eater myself,” Rey said. Back in her youth, she could have eaten the entire thing by herself.

“Let’s eat, then.”

They sat at the table together with the bird in front of them, side dishes scattered around.

Rey cleared her throat. “When I was younger, my brother Finn and our friends would say a thank-you to the Somaris soil, water, sun, and air. Then we thanked each other for something, even if we didn’t have a lot. Would anyone like to do that?”

Mills gave her a warm look. “My family had a similar tradition. I was just going to suggest it.”

“Koa, do you have any harvest traditions from Exi to share?” Rey asked as gently as she could. She wanted to honor the girl’s heritage but not send her spiraling into despair.

“We hold hands. Sing a song.” She vocalized some musical notes.

Rey reached out. “Let’s do that after we give thanks. You can sing us the song.”

Koa took Rey’s hand and squeezed it. “I can, um, learn the song.” She vocalized a word.

“Teach,” Mills said before the translator could respond.

“Teach the song,” Koa corrected herself.

One by one, each gave thanks for the food, Shooter, waterbirds, flowers, the chilly sunshine and the sweet air. Then, Mills thanked Rey for joining them. She nodded her appreciation as Koa echoed her father’s words.

“I am thankful for wonderful neighbors, too. I’m new to this area and didn’t know how I would make friends, except for those at spaceship repair.”

Mills raised his eyebrows. “Some really rough people work there. I’m not sure you’d want to make friends with them.”

Rey nodded. “I was transferred away from my birthplace and left friends and family behind. We…lost touch quickly. Everyone is busy. I thank you for taking me in.” She paused, not wanting to dwell on the subject. “How about our song?”

Koa sang a pretty melody in unfamiliar words. She sang it a few times  and Rey picked it up. The words were difficult for her and Mills. He sang the melody in a low, resonant voice but stumbled over some of the tongue twisters. Koa giggled at the mistakes and corrected them as best she could, but Rey couldn’t make her mouth replicate all the sounds. Mills did slightly better.

After a time, he held up his hands in surrender. “Koa, sweetie, our food is getting cold. Let’s finish learning the song later.”

***

The meal had been delicious, the company wonderful. Rey’s pies tasted incredible–and they were gone, down to the last crumb. Mills leaned back in his chair, pleasantly full. They had spoken of nothing but happy topics, though at times, Mills thought he saw a shadow cross Koa’s face. There was nothing he could do but be there for her.

Rey seemed to notice it, too. She told silly stories about her own youth among a group of wild youngsters, while Koa laughed at their antics. Mills stopped himself from telling Koa she wasn’t allowed to run off and do the things Rey described. He couldn’t bring himself to be a big mean father on this day. Perhaps he could caution Koa later, though that didn’t always go well. With advice from therapists, he had learned to handle her tantrums and terrors, but he didn’t like provoking them. Indeed, he had his own version of those to cope with.

He patted his belly. “Clean Up Crew! First one to finish chooses our movie.”

That got Koa’s attention. She rushed to clear the table, put food away, and help load the washer. She squealed as she ran to the living room, having finished slapping lids on leftovers and shoving them haphazardly in the cooler.

Mills shook his head. “I’ll have to reorganize those later.”

“Let her choose the movie,” Rey said. 

“I was going to do that anyway.” He winked at her.

He couldn’t stop himself from trying to make the beautiful woman blush. A soft rosy flush spread over her freckles and she smiled at him. He took a quick breath. That smile almost brought him to his knees. It’d been a long time since a woman looked happy in his company.

Koa put the movie on the big screen and settled into a cushy pouf on the floor. Mills leaned back on the couch, while Rey tucked one leg under herself and sat nearby. He wondered idly if he could convince her to come closer but looked at Koa and abandoned the idea. He shouldn’t begin an affair with a woman, unless he intended to be serious. Koa didn’t need more changes in her life, more losses.

He sighed. The movie played and Mills had no idea what was happening in it. He watched Rey’s expressions and the back of his daughter’s head, instead. He drifted along in his own thoughts, feeling content, pleasantly full, and a little sleepy. It had been a wonderful day, better than he expected.

When the movie ended, Koa jumped up to turn off the screen. “I’m going to draw Rey a picture,” she announced.

Rey looked intrigued. “I want to see it. What will you draw?”

“It’s a secret.”

Koa took art supplies out of the drawers in the china cabinet and set them up on the clean table. Rey sat with her. Mills watched them put their heads together and talk in low voices. 

“I think this might be more of a surprise for your dad than for me,” Rey said.

“Flowerdad.” Koa jumped up and brought him a paper. “Look.”

He stared at the page. It was a stylized drawing of him wearing a bright pink flower in his hair, as he had done on that strange world before it blew up. Next to him, Koa had drawn Rey with another flower and a smaller being, presumably herself, with a big pink flower in her hair.

“Flowerfamibly.”

“Family,” Mills said absently, softly. His heart was in his throat. He was going to fucking cry. Blinking, he looked up to see Rey with actual tears in her bright eyes.

“This is beautiful, baby.” He set it down and opened his arms. Koa cuddled next to him.

“Flowerfam-i-ly. With Rey.”

“With Rey,” Mills echoed softly, not really thinking about what he was saying.

Rey walked over slowly. “Flowerdad,” she said. “FlowerKoa.”

Koa looked up at her. “Flowermom.”

When he heard Koa’s words, Mills lost the battle right then and there. Even with a hand pressed over his mouth, he couldn’t stop the sobs wrenched out of his soul. He held Koa tightly as Rey sat down next to her. He recovered himself enough to hold out a hand, which Rey took in hers. She laid it against her cheek. When the tears abated, Mills wiped his eyes with a soft tissue.

“Flowerdad, are you okay?”

Mills nodded. “Yeah, it happens sometimes.”

“We know,” Koa said, looking at him with her wise eyes. “Rey knows, too.” She checked with the woman next to her.

“I really do know.” She looked at him for a long moment. “Believe me. I do.”

He didn’t know what she meant, but her empathy moved him. He took her hand again and squeezed it. She returned the gesture and they held hands loosely for a long moment, eyes locked on one another.

“I’m tired now,” Koa piped up. Mills knew what it meant. She wanted to sleep but didn’t want to be by herself.

“You want to sleep on the pouf for a while? I can carry you to bed later.”

Koa nodded. “I come back here. Flowermom, will you stay?”

Mills added, “She doesn’t want you to leave while she’s getting ready for bed.”

To her credit, Rey said she’d stay.

As Koa was getting ready, Mills felt compelled to say that Koa had suffered the loss of her parents and was concerned about others leaving unexpectedly.

“Someday, you can tell me what happened in more detail. If you want to.” She gazed into his eyes with sparkling hazel eyes. Once again, he felt like could get lost in them.

“I will. Just not tonight.”

Rey nodded her understanding.

Koa came back with a blanket and curled up on the pouf. Soon, she was breathing deeply.

Rey watched the child sleep. “She’s almost too big for that chair. She’s becoming a young woman.”

“Yes, she is. She said she’s ten years old. We celebrated her birthday a couple of months ago.” He paused, unsure of how to proceed. “You and I don’t know each other well, but I’d be grateful if we could be friends. For her sake. She needs a woman’s influence.”

Rey smiled. “I think she’s already adopted me. I’m Flowermom, now.”

Mills hesitated. “Please, do me a favor and keep her heart safe, if you can. You can tell me to go to fucking space, but…” He trailed off.

“I’m your neighbor–and your colleague. I’ll be here.” Rey touched his arm. “I like both of you, and I don’t see that changing.”

“We’re sad people.” He wanted to warn her.

“I am, too, in my own way.”

He tilted his head to one side, wondering what her story was.

“Someday.” She smiled a little wistfully. “You can tell me yours and I’ll tell you mine. Tonight, let’s just be.”

***

Rey watched a range of expressions flit over Mills’ face: relief, curiosity, acceptance, hunger. If she didn’t know better, she would think he was attracted to her. She couldn’t help but find him unbearably sexy, but she’d put her libido on ice and didn’t think it a good idea to thaw it out.

He slipped his hand into hers. Their gazes met, locked, just like before. There was something about him that compelled her to stare. His eyes dropped to her lips. It was too soon, way too soon, she thought. But he was leaning toward her. He stopped, dipped his head, and blew out a long breath.

“I want to kiss you. I shouldn’t.” His fingers entwined with hers, more tightly than before. “It’s so fragile, what I’m doing here. You don’t even know what I went through. I fought these fucking awful monsters for Koa. I protected her with my life and I didn’t even know her.”

Rey’s heart went out to him, this scared, brave man who’d risked everything, even though he probably didn’t have to. “I would fight fucking awful monsters for her, too. She is precious, just a child.”

“I lied to her to get her to come with me to find the shuttle. I’m not proud of that decision.”

Rey couldn’t imagine what the hell happened on his mission. Monsters? A dangerous rescue? Whatever poor decisions he’d made seemed immaterial. He’d rescued Koa. 

“I’m not your judge. I wasn’t there.” Rey paused. “She seems to have forgiven you. Maybe you should forgive yourself.”

He dropped her hand suddenly. “You’re a wise woman. I’ve been working on it. I have many things to grieve for.”

“Then, let’s just be friends. I could use one, and I bet you and Koa could, too.”

“Yes,” he said. “We could.” He rose. “I’m going to carry her to bed.”

“I should go,” Rey said.

“Wait, please. I’ll only be a minute. I’ll see you out.” He bent and lifted Koa as if she weighed nothing.

He was incredibly strong. Rey knew that she absolutely needed to leave before she asked him to lift her into his arms and carry her to bed, too.

He walked back in the room. “She’s all settled.”

“I–” Rey started. She blushed, having been caught thinking about having hot sex with this beautiful man. “I should get my pans.”

“Sure, of course,” he said.

She retrieved the pans and walked back into the living room. “I’d love to get together again. Now that it’s the new year, I’ll watch for a bovidae roast and then you two can come to my house.”

He watched her. “Sure. I would enjoy having dinner together in this new year. I’m sure Koa would, too. I’ll talk to her in the morning.” He glanced at the pans. “Will there be more pie?”

Rey gaped at the slow smile that spread over the man’s somber face. She sucked in a breath. He was so handsome, so tall and broad, capable. Her imagination flooded with images of him giving her babies. He could do it, she knew in her bones. He was a Provider. A Father. Rey’s mouth went dry.

She smiled back, pushing down her thoughts of having her own little family. It was too soon to contemplate such a connection. From the other room, a loud cry chased all the dangerous thoughts out of Rey’s head. She and Mills ran to Koa’s room. He was on the bed, holding the weeping girl, before Rey could get into the room. Koa clung to him until she saw Rey standing near the doorway. Reaching out a hand, she called Rey over to the bed. “Flowermom.”

Mills stretched out a hand with a pleading look. Rey took it and wrapped her arms around Koa. Sitting on the bed, they snuggled together, while Koa calmed. Though unable to pronounce all the words, Rey remembered the melody of Koa’s song and hummed it. Mills picked up the melody and sang the words as best he could. Koa smiled a little as both adults attempted to handle the unfamiliar language.

Soon, she drifted off to sleep again.

***

Mills settled Koa back into the nest of blankets and pillows. He and Rey left the room quietly, shutting the door behind them.

“I need to go and let you take care of Koa in case she wakes again.” Her soft whisper caught him off guard.

“Sure.”

He leaned against the closed door for a moment to gather himself. His heart broke for Koa, and while he was grateful to Rey for helping calm his child, he felt anxious all over again. This pretty woman was worming her way into their hearts–very quickly. She’d sung Koa’s song, knowing it was exactly the right thing to do. Mills would not have thought of doing that, himself.

When Rey whispered that she should go home, her eyes were sad. He didn’t know what she was thinking, but he wanted her to stay–not for Koa but for himself. Yet, it was a terrible idea to get too close too soon. What if she decided that he and Koa were too difficult, too sorrowful? He followed her into the living room, racking his brain for something to say.

“Rey?”

She stopped at the doorway.

He dug his nails into his palms. Generally, he was a decisive man and he thought it best to tell the truth. “Thank you for what you did for Koa. I–I want you to know that I feel something for you. I said I wanted to kiss you, but I didn’t because, well, because of what just happened. She needs a lot of help right now.”

“I know,” Rey said. “It’s fine. Come for dinner. That’s all I’m asking.”

He gazed at her pretty face and wondered if she’d be willing to– He tried cutting the thought of them together, with her carrying his baby, out of his head. He couldn’t. He saw himself giving this woman children, as he had his last wife. But it was hard to trust anyone. Alya stabbed him in the heart, and she was long gone, away from the pain of losing their daughter, Nevine–and away from having to raise a different child.

This woman, with her lovely, caring soul, stood in front of him. Mills desperately wanted to kiss her. His mind cycled through need, desire, fear…

Rey took the decision from him. Tucking her pie pans under one arm, she tiptoed up to touch a light kiss to his cheek with her sweet, soft lips. Mills clutched her shoulders, then made himself unclench his hands. He would hurt her if he wasn’t careful. But he wanted more, so much more. She took pity on him as he stood shaking, trying not to beg her. The next kiss was on his lips, just tender press. Desire roared through him and he caught her around the waist to pull her toward him.

She squeaked but didn’t stop him. With a wild look to see if she was okay, he smashed his mouth against hers, hungrily, so very hungrily. He didn’t want to frighten her, but he needed to taste her. The pie plates thunked on the rug as she wound her arms around him and opened her mouth under his. She dug her hands through his hair to pull him closer. He didn’t hesitate. It was a new year and Rey was life.

When he finally came back to himself and pulled away, his breath came in short, sharp pants, so great was his need. That’s what scared him most of all. He didn’t want to need her so badly.

“I’m sorry,” he muttered.

“I’m not.” Her eyes were clear, her lips moist and red from his searing kisses. “I’ll see you around.” With that, she retrieved her pie pans and left.

Mills staggered to his room, fell on his bed, and cried heaving sobs yet again for all that he had lost.

The girl that he saved slipped into the room. “I heard you crying, flowerdaddy.” She sat on the bed. “It’s ok. I’m here.” And she sang him the song.

***

Back at home, Rey plunked the pie pans down in her kitchen and stood, hand against her lips. What the fuck had she done? Dismayed by her own passion, worried about Mills and Koa, she made herself a cup of tea and drifted to her couch. It’d been a minute since she’d felt anything for anyone. Sure, she had friends, but lovers had been few and far between. Few men in her field saw her as a potential partner, instead considering her as a rival and an interloper. Most of them were idiots, anyway. Pilots were above her pay-grade, usually, and they tended to be more arrogant than the mechanics. And then there was the problem of her being from an orphanage. She sighed. She’d stayed in her lane with the friends she’d known all her life, and then, she’d left them for a promotion in a new place.

She sipped her fragrant Jasminum Flower tea, which suddenly reminded her of Koa and Mills. Flower family. She couldn’t imagine what they had gone through together. And now Koa, that sweet girl, was trying to adopt Rey.

And Mills? He was trying not to frighten her with his burgeoning… uh, interest. She’d felt him hardening against her as he kissed her so desperately. She herself wanted so much more. He was everything she’d ever dreamed of. If circumstances were different, she’d scoop him up in a raging heartbeat. Still, she remained wary–she didn’t want to be used as the means to drown someone’s overwhelming grief. She sighed, rose, and rinsed out her cup. It was going to be a long night.

Chapter Text

The next weekend, Koa made it her business to stop by Rey’s cheerful house. Rey answered the door and saw the girl standing there. There was a shout behind her. Mills waved from the yard, where he was raking leaves, cleaning up debris, and trimming bushes. 

He called Koa’s name. “You’re supposed to be helping me out here!”

Koa turned and waved back at him. “I do cookies with Rey!” Her voice carried through the yard.

Rey narrowed her eyes at Koa. “You should help your flowerdad.”

“Learn me the cookies.” Koa stuck out her lower lip, looking every inch the pouty ten-year-old.

“Teach me,” Rey corrected. “Only if you rake leaves with flowerdad for a while.”

“Shit,” Koa said, emphatically.

Rey stared at her, then burst out laughing. “I know that had to be Mills talking.”

She sent Koa home and went into the kitchen to see if she had cookie ingredients, including sweet altissima, the foundation of all baked goods. Fortunately, she did. Five minutes later, Koa ran back into the house. 

“Done,” she said.

Rey gave her a suspicious look. “Uh huh.” She went outside and headed for the next door yard, where Mills continued to rake.

“You can ask him!” Koa danced along.

“I will.” Rey stopped in front of the man with a red leaf in his hair. “You have a leaf.”

“Yes, I know. The child needs to decorate me for some reason.” He snorted and gave Rey a half-smile.

Koa giggled behind Rey. “Leafdaddy.”

Rey grinned at him, while he rolled his eyes. “I’m just checking to see if Koa can come and bake cookies. You can have some, when we’re finished. Has she done enough yardwork?”

“If you mean, none , then yeah I guess so.”

“I pushed the leaves.”

“You put one in my hair and gave them a few kicks.” He looked stern, but then melted in the face of Koa’s smile. “Go on. Bake cookies.” His gaze shifted to Rey. “I’ll be over in a while.”

Rey couldn’t tear herself away for a moment. He was too beautiful standing there with his leaf. She almost sighed out loud but caught herself just in time. They locked eyes. Rey licked her lips, reliving that torrid kiss. He stared at her mouth for a moment.

“Go on.” It was a soft command. 

Rey fled before she threw herself into his arms and kissed him again in front of the entire neighborhood–and Koa.

The girl was a quick study in the kitchen. She’d obviously made cookies before, perhaps with different ingredients. Rey suspected that this “lesson” was Koa’s way of getting out of yard work instead of any real need to learn something new. Maybe she craved some girl time after having lived with her new father for a while. Whatever the reason, they spent a nice afternoon, stirring dough, creating fun shapes, and getting covered in altissima powder.

When the cookies were cool, a freshly-showered Mills made his way over to say hello. Koa proudly handed him a cookie, which he proclaimed delicious. He took another and shoved most of it into his mouth. Though Mills didn’t touch Rey, he watched her and every time she looked his way, she caught his gaze. It’d been so long since a man showed interest in her that she found herself beaming and blushing. She wasn’t sure if Koa noticed the byplay, and she guessed that Mills kept it low-key on purpose. Still, Rey enjoyed the company, the help in the kitchen, and even the sneaky looks.

Leafdaddy must have been tired because after they shared a meal of oryza, root vegetables with fried bean curd and a few more cookies, he fell asleep in Rey’s big recliner. When she showed him how to put his feet up, he did so with a low groan. Not more than five minutes later, he was out.

Rey turned off the show they’d been watching. Koa snuggled closer to her. It was quiet in the house, except for Mills’ soft breathing.

“I didn’t sleep.” Koa took Rey’s hand in her own and looked at her fingers. She rubbed Rey’s callouses, seemingly fascinated with the patterns left by mechanical work.

“Mills stayed up with you.” It wasn’t even a question. Rey knew it was true.

“Yeah, stomach hurt. I have…translator?”

It came online, when Koa said the word. “Menstrual cycle, also called period. Monthly bleeding for women.”

“I have mens–” She hesitated, trying to get her mouth around the word.

“A lot of us just say ‘period.’ Do you have supplies?” No wonder the child had wanted cookies. Rey craved sweets on her period, too.

Koa stretched. “It’s okay. Flowerdad got shit today.” She smiled. “He took me to store, let me pick. He watched. He said he buy girl shit when he buys food.”

“He’s a good dad.” Rey had a lot of respect for a man who would be there for a woman on her cycle, especially if the woman was his daughter. “Also, not so much with the word ‘shit.’ It’s not polite to swear all the time.”

Koa tilted her head to one side. “Flowerdad does. He is more good than other…” She stopped and pressed her lips together. “He likes you. I like you.”

“I like both of you, too.” Rey wondered how much she should say about Koa’s past. She thought about her own situation, her loneliness, fear, and mixed feelings when something good happened and she wasn’t sure how to handle it. “I think it’s okay to love your flowerdad as much as you want to. Just because we love someone doesn’t mean we forget about others. If your first dad was someone you loved, that’s good. Flowerdad doesn’t replace him. More love is better!”

“First dad was gone many days. Not like flowerdad. He is there now. Here, I mean. Here now. He changed jobs. He was a pilot, but he’s a–something else–instead. He stays here. Doesn’t fly.”

“Space Traffic controller.” A deep sleepy voice drifted over from the chair. Mills stretched. “This chair is way too comfortable.”

“You’re awake!”

Mills looked offended. “I wasn’t asleep at all. I was resting my eyes.”

“We heard you snoring,” Rey countered. Koa giggled.

***

“Naw, not me.” He pushed the footrest down and hauled himself out of the chair. He thought he might have to purchase one for himself, then discarded the idea. He’d rather come over to Rey’s cheerful house with its homey touches, if she’d let him. Really, he wanted to kiss her sweet lips again. Instead, he plopped on the couch next to the girls.

“Yeah, I decided I was done with space travel,” he told Rey. “I sacrificed too much. Fought too many monsters, nearly died, almost got Koa killed, and I’m finished.”

“Shit,” Koa said in agreement.

Mills had to laugh. “That was one of the first words girlfriend here learned.” He reached over to give her a little punch on her arm. “Rey’s right. That’s not a polite word.”

“The next and most obvious question…” Rey pinned him with a look. “Is why do you say it, then?”

“Because.” He gritted his teeth to look scary and glared at the two female persons. “I am a grown man who fights monsters. I get to say whatever I want.”

“I fought them, too.” Koa’s logic was unassailable. He had to marvel at her raw courage. He’d had another girl-child who had died, though it hurt him to think of her. Koa and Nevine were a lot alike, though Koa was much tougher overall.

“Please tell me the story,” Rey said. “If you’d like to.”

Mills looked over at Koa. Did she want to talk about it? She nodded and began to talk, slowly at first, then with more enthusiasm. He added details, remembering how frightened he’d been. To her credit, Rey listened without interruption until they wound their tale down.

“That sounds like a lot,” she said, mildly. “I’m very glad that you’re both here and okay. Was the planet destroyed entirely?”

“I don’t think so, but it may as well have been. No one but the monsters were there, anyway. Not inhabited.” He remembered something Rey had told him. “And you? You said you had your own story.”

Rey’s expression shuttered. Koa took Rey’s hands. “Yes, tell us.”

“If she wants to,” Mills admonished. He didn’t want to force Rey to reveal the cause of the shadows in her eyes.

“I fought a different kind of monster,” she said, softly. She squeezed Koa’s hands. “You’re so lucky to have Mills. Believe me.”

Koa opened her mouth to say something, but Mills tapped her elbow. She turned to look at him. He shook his head briefly to silence her. She got the message.

Rey sighed, closed her eyes briefly, and folded her hands on her lap. “I lost my parents when I was very young, younger than Koa. I barely remember them. I was placed in a facility–one that Koa might have gone to if you hadn’t taken her in, Mills.”

He knew about those places, which was why he’d been so insistent about adopting Koa himself. There weren’t enough private foster homes for all the children who needed them. In a civilized society, there shouldn’t be institutions where kids are simply dumped; however, that was the reality on Somaris.

“As you know, those places can be brutal. Mine was decent enough, until a man named Unkar Plutt took over as manager. He was stingy and mean. Education dwindled, our work increased, and we starved. He was quick with a strap or a cane. I once caught him beating someone younger than me, a little girl.” She paused, clearly lost in the memory.

Mills held his breath, wondering what kind of evil went on in those places.

“Anyway, I went a little crazy and attacked him. Then he beat me. Every day. I fought him every day. I snapped his stupid cane in half, threw his fucking strap down a garbage chute. I was done dealing with that guy.”

“Shit,” Koa said.

Rey laughed. “An appropriate use of the word. My brother, who isn’t actually my biological kin, was able to sneak me out, along with a few others. It was like a jailbreak.”

“Like those other stories you told about living on the streets?” Of course, Koa remembered those, Mills thought. All the hijinks would appeal to her.

“It wasn’t much fun, to be honest. I exaggerated for entertainment.”

Mills shot Rey a grateful look. He didn’t want Koa to go running off, looking for a grand adventure. They’d had enough of that on Planet Monster.

“We fought other street kids, we ran from security, and many days went to bed hungry.” Rey sighed. “I’m all right now. I was always good at mechanics, fixing things, and I was able to get an education in the home before it got too bad there. Finn, Poe, and I picked up as many skills as we could on the streets.”

“Plutt was your ‘monster’?” Koa made quotation marks with her fingers, though Mills had no idea where she learned to do that.

“Yes.”

No wonder Rey connected with Koa immediately. Once she realized that the girl had no family and was living with, well, a foster dad, she was all in. Mills found himself thinking about a small girl with big hazel eyes who didn’t have a parent to love her. She’d fought her monsters and made it work with a found family. He admired that tenacity and will to survive. He’d seen it in Nevine during her illness and now in Koa. For the latter, her will was forged in fire.

Later that evening, after leaving Rey’s home, Mills peeked in Koa’s room to make sure she was sleeping soundly. Those menstrual cramps last night had her doubled over until the salicylates and heating pad kicked in. He would protect her with his life–and, now, he’d protect the other one, too. He was ready, he decided. He just had to make sure Koa was, too.

***

Rey had said farewell to the little flowerfamily after dinner. Mills carried Koa on his back, while she whooped and whistled. She called out what were obviously commands in her language. Mills turned around to give Rey a wave.

“Help me,” he said. “I’m her beast.”

“You’re doing fine,” Rey responded, laughing.

Now, Rey stood on her back porch, looking at her yard. She would have to rake soon, instead of baking cookies. She wondered if Mills could help her. A noise next door caught her attention. A back door closing, a low whistle from the porch and an answering one from upstairs. Mills and Koa communicating, perhaps a little evening game.

Rey cleared her throat. “Is she okay?”

Mills looked over, with his hands up to his mouth. He produced a whistle, then listened for the answer. He waved at Rey.

“Yes, we’re just saying goodnight. I’m trying to help her get to sleep in her own room. She can still ‘talk’ to me, but she stays there.”

“She’s getting over her trauma.” Rey understood that feeling of insecurity and sleep. She tended to sleep very lightly in case something bad happened and she had to be up and out immediately.

“Working on it.” He smiled.

The whistles upstairs became short and sharp. A small voice called out the window. “Night, Rey.”

“Night, baby,” Rey called, waving up at the window.

Koa disappeared with one last hoot.

Rey breathed in the frosty night air. Though chilly, she couldn’t make herself go inside. She hugged herself as a light wind sent more leaves drifting down into her yard. A movement caught her eye.

Quietly, Mills vaulted over the railing of his back porch. Rey’s mouth dropped open. She’d never seen someone move like that, like he was on a mission, like he was coming for her. A second vault and he landed on her porch. With a small cry, she flew at him. He lifted her against his body and crushed her right before his mouth found hers. He kissed her like a hungry beast, nipped her lips–their teeth may have clinked once. His tongue was deep inside her mouth and she massaged his shoulders, feeling every taut muscle. He was huge, he was warm, he wanted to be hers.

Rey breathed hard when Mills pulled back. He leaned his head back and sighed. Slowly, after one more squeeze, he dropped his arms. Rey stepped back.

“There’s no rush,” she gasped, though her body was on fire. “Take your time.”

He stared at her with an equal mix of desire and sorrow. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed his eyes. “Wait.” He swallowed and pressed his lips together. “Please.”

Rey nodded at him and watched him vault back over the two railings and go inside.

***

A coward. A fucking coward. Mills stood in his kitchen, raking his hand through his hair, waiting for his body to stop throbbing, his dick to deflate. He wanted Rey so badly. He thought for sure he was ready. But the thought of Koa upstairs, still trying to go to sleep alone, stopped him in his tracks. His body taut, senses filled with Rey’s sweet scent, tongue tasting her essence and wanting more… and then a soft whistle came from above him. He didn’t think Rey heard it, but he’d heard that whistle when they were on the Monster planet and he knew all its iterations. She was trying to go to sleep while he was kissing their neighbor and contemplating taking her to bed. 

Maybe he wasn’t as ready as he thought. For one thing, Koa must have been watching them. He wasn’t sure what the whistle meant and he needed to check with Koa and her therapist before getting in deeper with the lovely Rey. He didn’t like the idea of taking his friendship further while Koa was watching so closely, especially if she felt insecure or somehow traumatized. He really wanted to do what was best for Koa. He sighed and paced up and down the kitchen. There was another thing that stopped him. Though his body was ready, so very ready, he didn’t trust himself entirely. He didn’t trust the happiness that welled up in him when he thought of Rey’s smile and the way she opened her arms to hold him. He worried again that he might overwhelm her with his… fuck him…with his love or with his pain. Or with his being. Could she handle it? He hoped so.

Chapter Text

He should have called the therapist right away. Mills cursed himself for being a giant junglefowl and not checking in. After kissing Rey on the porch, he should have made the phone call the very next day. That would have been the smartest thing to do. But the next morning, there were other things to do and it never happened. Now, a couple of weeks later, well, he regretted the lost opportunity to find out Koa’s thoughts before the bovidae shit hit the fan.

The day had started well enough. Finally, Rey had found bovidae in the stores. She’d invited Koa and him over for roast and buttery yellow tubers on the weekend. They’d gone over early to help cook and play some games. He’d decided to give Rey a hug and a peck on the lips, something he’d never done before. Koa watched him do it and said nothing. They settled in.

Throughout the afternoon, Rey made it obvious to both him and Koa that she was more than a friend to Mills. She stroked Koa’s hair, then put an arm around Mills’ waist briefly. He pulled her close and hugged her. Every time Rey touched him, he responded in kind, kissing her cheek or sometimes her lips. Nothing intense, just small intimacies here and there, as if they were a couple. They’d been tiptoeing around each other for weeks, getting together for game nights or movies, but keeping their distance physically. He had to stop himself from being alone with Rey–though they often talked at work–because he was afraid that if he kissed her again, she’d end up in his bed. Though Mills wished he didn’t need to go slowly, he still thought it was best for everyone. Somehow, that day, it felt right to begin opening the door to their relationship. Maybe he was just tired of hiding his joy at finding someone.

While Koa set the table that evening, Mills poured drinks for everyone, and Rey brought the food in from her kitchen. They sat together and ate, sharing stories of their week, and laughing, as they often did on weekends. Mills felt more relaxed than he had in a while. He was looking forward to lying in the big chair and watching a movie together. Maybe Koa and Rey would fit in there with him. The idea had possibilities.

Then, out of the blue, as they were cleaning up, Rey’s doorbell rang.  

Mills frowned. “Expecting someone?” He handed her a wet dish. Koa looked around from covering leftovers.

“No.” Rey wiped her hands on a towel. “I’ll be right back.”

When she returned to the kitchen, her face was pale. “Mills.” 

Her voice sounded very odd. He understood why when he looked behind her.

His ex-wife stood in the kitchen doorway.

“Hi, Mills,” she said softly.

His tension ramped up three-hundred fold. Immediately, Koa and Rey caught the vibe. Koa ran to Rey’s side and they put their arms around each other.

“Hi,” Mills said, sounding harsher than he to. “What’s going on?”

She gestured. “Your vehicle is in your driveway but you weren’t there. I came over here to see if you were all right.” She dropped her hand. “And here you are.”

“Yes, we all just had dinner.”

“Oh,” she said. “Well, I dropped by…that is, I came back to the city to…” She looked at Koa, who had no expression on her face.

He'd seen the look before. Koa shutting down, retreating into herself.

“Let’s talk out here.” Mills ushered Alya out into the living room. “Are you here for a reason?” He didn’t mean to sound brusque, but it was strange. He remembered their big blow-up when he came home with the child. They’d argued over and over for days.

“You can’t just replace Nevine,” Alya had shouted. “With an alien.”

He’d replied that he understood that, but the girl had nowhere to go, no one to help her. And he’d be damned if he’d leave her somewhere after fighting monsters for her, with her. Alya hadn’t understood. Struggling with her own pain and grief, she had packed up and left. 

While Mills didn’t blame Alya for her attitude, he wouldn’t have changed a thing about his decision. He was not going to hand Koa over to anyone else, no matter what. They’d bonded in that horrible place. He was her father now and that was it. In fact, he had the adoption papers to prove it. Alya had been furious, hurt, betrayed.

Mills raked a hand through his hair. He felt sorry for Alya. His ex-wife looked so shocked that he and Koa were at another woman’s house, eating dinner. She hadn’t seen it coming, even though some might say it was inevitable.

“How is Koa?”

“See for yourself,” he said. “Koa? Can you come out?”

Slowly, Koa walked out of the kitchen with Rey on her heels.

“Alya, this is Rey.” He would have added that Rey was an orphan, but it wasn’t his story to tell.

The two women, so very different, nodded at each other warily.

Koa clenched her fists. “I have new family.” She almost spat. 

Alya reached out to touch Koa, but Koa moved away. “I can see that.” She dropped her hand.

“It’s us three.” Koa pointed to Rey and Mills. “We are flowerfamily.”

Mills sucked in a breath and exchanged a long look with Rey.

“Koa,” he began gently.

“No,” she shouted. “We are family. Us three. She not want me.” Koa’s language skills dropped in times of stress.

Mills took a step forward toward his daughter. “It was a complicated situation.”

Koa shook her head and glared at Alya. “Flowermom and flowerdad are bonded, uh, married. They kiss and touch. They… fuck. They together now. Family.”

“Shit,” Mills raked a hand through his hair. He rubbed his forehead.

Alya staggered back a step. “Really?” She looked at Mills.

His heart sank. He was not ready to acknowledge the bond, even though he knew in his heart it was true. He loved Rey as much as he loved Koa. But he definitely wasn’t ready to say that to his grieving ex-wife.

Koa was now shouting. “Mills! You married to Rey. You fuck.”

Rey stood frozen with her hand on her mouth.

Mills felt sick. She always called him flowerdad these days, never by his given name. “Koa, don’t say that word. We’re not formally married,” Mills said. “We haven’t registered.”

Alya looked at him. “But, informally, you’ve connected. Of course you have. I remember your vigorous energy . Of course you fuck her.”

“Alya, please.”

“No, it’s fine. I was just checking since I was here.”

“They did it. They connect together, like a …” Koa said an unintelligible word. The translator kicked in and said, “Married couple, who are trying to reproduce. There is no one-to-one correspondence in translation. To breed refers to animals on Somaris.”

All the eyes turned toward Mills, as if he was a prize stud. Rey with a shocked, rather pained look. Alya, much the same. Koa, defiant. 

“Family,” Koa whispered.  She looked around at the circle of grownups.

No one said a word.

And she bolted out the door.

***

Mills ran after her, shouting his child’s name. Rey stood in her own living room, looking at the woman who had birthed Mills’ first child and lived with him for years.

“Koa is upset,” Rey said. What else was there to say? Indeed, Rey herself was upset. How did Koa get the idea that she and Mills were married and having sex? Especially since they’d held off becoming lovers and focused on developing a friendship.

“Yes, she is,” Alya answered, a thread of sarcasm in her voice. “I don’t know what’s going on here, but I’ll tell you, Mills is taking on more than he can handle. He blames himself for not being there when our daughter passed. They tried everything to cure her, but it didn’t work. Nothing worked.”

Rey walked toward the anguished woman in front of her. She quietly put her arms around Alya. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“That doesn’t mean you should take him on.” Alya stepped back, refusing to be comforted. “He came home different. Obsessed with this alien child. She’s not from here and she’s definitely not our daughter.”

“Well, she is his daughter. That’s what he believes, anyway.”

“He is deluded,” Alya said flatly. “He’s substituted this girl for his own.”

“That’s his right,” Rey said. “He risked his life to save her and she has no one.”

Alya glared at her. “I get it. He’s good inside you. I know. He does things that make you want more.”

Suddenly, Rey understood. “Do you still love him? Do you want more?” The woman might have come back, thinking Mills was finished trying to help Koa.

“Not if he’s going to keep that girl.” She shook her head. “Fuck, I was a fool.”

Rey was so confused by this attitude. Why would someone refuse to help a child in need? She would have dropped everything. Of course, Rey hadn’t lost a child herself. She took a breath. She wanted to give Alya the benefit of the doubt.

“Maybe you were a fool. I don’t know. But Koa needs Mills and he needs her. Do you know what they went through together? I wish you could have welcomed her into your home.”

Alya’s face fell. “I just… couldn’t.” She looked up at Rey. “He wasn’t here when it happened. He didn’t have to watch our baby die. He just left.” She choked. “I made him do it. I made him leave to get us money for the cure. But it didn’t work. It didn’t fucking work.” Alya scrubbed furiously at her face.

“I’m so, so sorry,” Rey whispered.

“Yeah, well, fuck you.”

They seemed at an impasse. Rey couldn’t comfort this woman, who was so deeply hurt, and wanted nothing to do with a girl who needed a mother–or a man who loved another child.

Alya blinked away more tears. “Sorry, sorry. None of this is your fault. I guess it’s for the best. I’ve begun to make a new life. I don’t know why I came back. Sometimes, I really miss him.” She sniffed. “And I fucking hate him.”

It wasn’t hard to imagine that both were equally true.

***

Mills ran out of the house and leapt off the porch. He saw no one outside. That girl was good at hiding. He barreled down the street, calling her name. Then retraced his steps more slowly and went the other direction. No sign of her. He walked back checking dark shadows between houses.

He cursed himself for not speaking to Koa’s therapist about the relationship between him and Rey. He should have checked in with Koa herself about it. It felt so incredibly delicate to him. One misstep and he’d lose his happiness once more–and he honestly didn’t think he could take it.

A small sound came from the window above him. Her room. It was her whistle. He raced inside and took the steps two at a time.

“Koa.”

She met him at her door. He took her shoulders and glared down at her.

“Don’t run. You’re going to get into trouble.”

“No monsters here.” She rolled her eyes at him.

His jaw dropped at her audacity. “It’s not nice. You scared me and Rey. And your attitude hurts my feelings.” He gave her a little shake.

Koa bared her teeth at him. “I don’t care. Rey is not flowermom. The other one is not flowermom. There is none.”

He pulled her into a hug. “I’m flowerdad. Rey isn’t married to me. You know that.” He stepped back and knelt. “I want her to be. She’s nice.”

“You don’t want other one?” Koa touched his hair.

He took her small hand. “Alya?”

Koa nodded.

“I used to, but now I like… love Rey. If she’s willing, we’ll marry sometime.” He searched his daughter’s face. “You have to be patient. This is not just something you decide like that.” He snapped his fingers. “And it’s not something you get to announce, like it’s done. And…”

She raised her eyebrows.

“And what Rey and I do in private is none of your concern.”

“I know what you do,” Koa said. “Rey told about fucking. The sex classes at school started.” She paused and then recited, “‘The male has a thick stem that penetrates the female deeply to deposit sperm in her uterus. He stores the sperm in two soft pouches under the stem. The process is pleasurable for both as they connect their bodies like a piston inside a cylinder. Individuals form a strong connection through this act, often choosing to bond with one another after its completion. They will seek pleasure repeatedly, for reproduction and to reestablish their bond.’ I know this shit from before.” She shrugged.

Mills blinked, with his mouth hanging open. He pressed his lips together.

“Okay, yes, all true. However, the act is private between individuals, not up for discussion. If you have questions we can speak hypothetically.”

“Translate.” The word came out of the translator in Koa’s language. “All right, flowerdad.”

Mills gave Koa a squeeze around her shoulders. “Let’s go back. Rey will be worried about you.”

“Consequences.” She said the word slowly as if it was hard to pronounce.

Mills thought about it. The therapist had told him to hold Koa accountable when she made mistakes. “We’ll see what Rey says first. And you definitely need to discuss this whole thing with your therapist. I need to talk to mine, too.”

Alya was still there when they returned. Koa shrank away from her. Rey stepped in front of Mills and drew Koa to her. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I am sorry ran away.”

Mills gave Koa a thumbs up. She was getting the idea of making restitution for mistakes. Of course, she probably already learned that from her parents, but her grief and shock made her contentious at times.

“Just as long as you’re okay.” Rey gave Koa a big smile, which had the same effect on Koa as it had on him. Koa wrapped her arms around the woman.

Alya cleared her throat. “Well. I think it’s time for me to go.”

Mills said, “Let me walk you out.”

Alya gave him a wan smile. “I’d like that.”

They walked out to her vehicle in silence. Mills looked at the woman he had so much history with. Nothing could erase that, nor the bitter pang of loss. He had loved her deeply and raised a child with her. He knew he’d be working through that grief for a while. But, he realized, he couldn’t heal alongside Alya, especially if she couldn’t embrace Koa. She would have to take a different path.

He took a step toward her. “Come here.”

She melted against him, her smell, her body so familiar to him. He pushed back tears. If he began weeping now, he might never stop. It was time to move on, move forward. Not to forget. Never. He would never be able to do that. But he could save someone’s life and he would find happiness.

He watched as Alya drove away, never even looking back in the rear view mirror. That was okay. She needed to move forward, too.

***

Rey sat with Koa, who was drawing more pictures. Flowers, birds, animals, odd-looking toothy bird-like creatures with red eyes. Monsters, she realized. No wonder this child wanted to glue herself to Mills. And now to Rey.

He came back in and sat with them. No one spoke for a while. There was only the noise of rustling paper and scratching of colored utensils.

“Koa would like us to be married.” He looked at Rey. “It may be too soon for a decision, but I’d like you to know I’d love to marry you. I’ve been falling in love with you.”

His hand opened, palm up, on the table. Rey placed her hand in his.

“I would love to marry you, too. I love you, too. And Koa. I would like to be her flowermom.”

Koa didn’t look up, but Rey saw a small smile cross her lively face.

“Family,” she said. “I stay alone tonight. You both fuck private.”

Rey’s face turned red. “That’s not necessary.”

“I’m old enough stay alone.”

Mills let go of Rey’s hand. “No, Koa, if you have one of those nightmares, you need us close by. And let’s not call it fucking, please. It’s called having sex or, better, making love.” He sent Rey a very private look.

Koa straightened her shoulders. “I call Lane.”

Mills raised his eyebrows. “Lane?”

“My friend on school. He will answer. He doesn’t sleep.” She gathered up the utensils and put them in their box.

“He?” Mills’ voice lowered.

Rey put a hand on his arm. “She can have male friends, Mills. I have a close one who is like a brother to me. The one who got us out from under Plutt’s rule. His name is Finn and he’s married to another friend, Poe.” She grew thoughtful. “I should call him.”

“Not right now,” Mills said.

“Who?” Koa asked.

“Both of you.” His frown deepened. “It’s time to go, Koa.” He rose, gave Rey a hard possessive kiss. “Goodnight.”

Rey had to giggle. He was such a flowerdad.

Chapter Text

Tweens knew too damn much, Mills decided. Koa was all about giving him knowing looks after she got ready for bed.

“You should call her over,” she said for the four hundredth time, wearing her pjs and leaning against the doorway. “I won’t mind.”

“Koa-Flower, you mind your business.” He gave her the sternest look that he had, which usually shut people up. He’d done it on the Monster Planet to this little wide-eyed child and she’d stared at him and said, “shit.” Then she’d made him wear a fucking flower. 

He shook his head. “You just go to sleep and leave the adulting to the adults.”

She smiled at him. “All right.”

“Koa.” He cupped her face and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I love you, my daughter.”

Without warning, she threw herself into his arms. “I love you…” The word she said was unfamiliar, but he knew what it meant. She called him father.

Then, she jumped in bed, plopped down, and closed her eyes. She gave a loud snore. Mills had to laugh.

“Night, sweetie.”

“Night, flowerdad.”

 He turned off the light and crept out of the room. Mills waited exactly an hour before he called.

***

Rey finished locking the house up for the night. She felt restless from all the drama of the day and all the emotions that had been brought to the surface. Maybe it was time.

It was a number she’d never forget. The man who was her brother, her family. She called it before she decided against it.

Finn answered with a cheerful greeting. He saw Rey and his expression softened.

“Baby girl,” he said. “Where the fuck have you been?” The question was soft, not as mean as it sounded.

“I’ve settled in. I’m all right.”

“I don’t know why you disappeared. We would have helped you.”

His husband, Poe, appeared behind him. “Rey, baby! We’ve missed you so much.” He blew her loud kisses.

Rey smiled with tears in her eyes. “I’m an idiot. I thought it was better to cut the ties, to end it all cleanly. Then I wouldn’t miss you so much.”

Poe swore in Womari, his native language. The translator beeped.

“No, I don’t want to know,” Rey told it.

“You really don’t,” Finn said. “What’s happening? Where are you?”

Rey gave her friends the particulars, ending by saying she’d met a man.

“Do tell!” Poe pushed Finn over further to stick his big handsome face in the camera.

“He’s a former pilot who crashed on an uncharted planet. He and a little girl–Koa from Exi–were the only two survivors. She lost her family.”

Finn and Poe exchanged glances. “Ah,” Finn said. “I see.”

“What do you see?” Rey glowered at him. “I’m not… in love with him just because of her. Actually, I love both of them. They’re a package deal.”

Finn’s gaze softened. “Of course you would love them. That makes sense.”

“He wouldn’t let them take her to a facility.”

“Good man,” Poe interjected. He squeezed Finn’s shoulders.

“He really is. I want to marry him and raise Koa as ours.”

The two men clapped and hooted. “Congratulations!” Finn was beside himself.

“Invite us to the wedding,” Poe said.

“Or else!” Finn glared at her, then grinned.

With tears in her eyes, Rey agreed, and hung up after sharing all the news.

The unit buzzed, signaling an incoming call. Mills. Three words.

Rey ran next door.

When Mills opened the door, he stepped forward and scooped her up without warning. Her breath caught. He held her there for a moment, giving the front door a kick and poking the lock with his elbow. Then he carried her down the hall.

“If I kiss you,” he whispered at the doorway of his bedroom, “I’m not sure I will want to stop. Tell me now if this is what you want.”

“Koa’s asleep? I wouldn’t want to scare her.”

“She’s asleep.” He paused, waiting for her answer.

Rey closed her eyes. This man was as necessary as the air she breathed.

“Yes,” she breathed. “Please. I want everything with you.”

***

Mills laid Rey down on his big bed. For a long moment, he watched the expressions on her face. He wanted her to be sure. He didn’t want to stop. He wanted to make her his.

So he began with a soft kiss on her forehead. She closed her eyes. He kissed her eyelids, then her nose, each soft, sun-kissed cheek. She dug her hands in his hair and lifted her mouth. She tasted like sweet heaven, like the sweetness of the pies she made. He couldn’t get enough of her lips. He placed a hand on her face, fingers trailing her down her neck. Her earlobe was delicate, her skin so very smooth. She slipped her tongue into his mouth and he groaned.

He nuzzled her slowly, trying to not rip off her clothes and bury himself inside her, as he longed to do. He would frighten her with his roaring passion. But she began to pull at his clothes impatiently and had his cock out of his pants before he could protest. Her hands were warm around him and he fought not to spill on her.

He gritted his teeth. “Slow, baby, slow. It’s been a while for me.”

He shucked off his pants, shoes, and socks. She was pulling her shirt and jeans off herself.

“Let me, let me.” He took her hands in his for a moment. He wanted to unwrap her like a gift.

He slid the straps of her bra down and kissed her shoulders. Then he unsnapped her bra and drew it off her body.

She lay, silky hair tousled, eyes bright, lips swollen, and creamy breasts–all for him. He pressed kisses all around her jeweled nipples, while she arched into him. He took one ripe bud into his mouth. She nearly came off the bed, groaning his name. He suckled each of her breasts in turn, while she writhed.

“I want more,” he said. “More of you.”

“I want to taste you,” she whispered, stroking his burning cock. “So much.”

“I won’t survive it.” He gave her a small smile. “Let me taste you instead.”

Her breath hitched. “Mills.”

He drew her body down toward the edge of the bed and knelt in front of her open legs. She moved her limbs restlessly.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” He held her open and looked at her sweet, plump lips, wet with desire. Her clit was beginning to peep out of its hood. He traced a finger through her moisture and touched the small, swelling bud.

She gasped and tried to close her legs. He placed his hands on her thighs. He wanted to lick her, revel in her hot taste. He couldn’t wait any longer. He dipped his head and licked her with the flat of his tongue, covering as much of her pussy as he could. She was delicious. She wiggled under the clamp of his hands. He continued his long, slow licks, ending each with a flick to her clit.

She jumped when he teased it.

He decided to get down to business. He was going to make her come with his tongue. Opening her folds with his thumbs, he concentrated his movements on her clit, which was now out of its hood and extra sensitive. He tried a few techniques, circles, side-to-side, above, below. She let him know what ones she liked best and he repeated them until she stiffened. He saw the tell-tale blush of orgasm blooming on her chest, neck, then face. She cried out but slapped her hand over her mouth to muffle the cries. He laid his tongue lightly on her clit to wring the last aftershocks out of her.

“Don’t move,” she whispered. “Just don’t.”

He didn’t until she moved herself.

“So good.”

He crawled up to her. “I’m glad.”

“Will you go inside? You can come inside me. I’m protected.”

“I am, too.” He’d updated his birth control on a whim, though he hadn’t expected to be having sex any time soon. “For now.”

Rey blushed at the thought of creating a child with him. “For now.”

She scooted backwards and opened her arms. “If you want to go inside now, I’d like that. I will suck on you another time.”

Mills thought he would explode, then and there. Another time. She would go down on him. He would die.

“I’d like to be inside you now, and you can do whatever you’d like to me anytime.” He gave a shaky laugh. “I’m ready.”

He knelt between her thighs and rubbed his cock at her entrance, closing his eyes. She made a lovely, mewling sound as he began to slowly push up inside her.

Her warm, wet pussy nearly did him in. He ground his teeth and concentrated on staying quiet so as not to wake his daughter. That cooled him off enough to push forward until he was balls deep inside this lovely woman. She looked at him with a glazed expression.

He kissed her, holding onto his desire to pound her into the mattress. “Are you doing all right?”

“Yes,” she breathed.

He pulled out and pushed back into the clinging warmth. Heaven, just pure bliss. She wrapped her legs around him and grabbed his ass. He didn’t care, he just thrust a little deeper, harder, and then, because he couldn’t help himself, he thrust faster. She met every push, every move, with enthusiasm. The soft noises she made told him she was enjoying it. She was digging her nails into his ass, which kept him from emptying himself inside her immediately. Soon, though, he could tell he wasn’t going to be able to last longer. Maybe when they made love again, he could do more positions, he would make her come on his cock. But this time he was going to rocket to the heavens.

The overwhelming desire moved up from his balls as they slapped against her sweet round ass. It ran upward. He was flushed, he was on edge, then he was coming so hard it nearly knocked him out.

He laid on his elbows, panting. “Rey, my sweet girl.” He kissed her face, lips, eyes, nose. He buried his face in her fragrant neck.

***

Rey stroked her big man’s muscular back, down to his ass. She pushed her hands through his soft, wavy hair, enjoyed the feel of his mustache against her neck. He rubbed his face against hers as if marking her. She was his. He was hers.

Finally, he withdrew from her body to throw himself down beside her. His big paws reached for her and she pressed her body against his. He was a furnace. He was smooth and hard and freckled. His freckles were bigger than hers, dotted on him the spicy brown juncea seeds she loved on her oryza. Hers were smaller, scattered like a dusting of ground cinnamomum powder. She looked into his tawny eyes, which sometimes seemed brown and sometimes, in the outside light, looked amber with flecks of green.

He stroked her hair and she touched his face, memorizing every single feature, which, by themselves, were a little too this or that. Time had given him lines etched beside his eyes, on his forehead. She could tell he worried too much. She smoothed her fingers over each line and wished to take away his cares.

He would protect her, like he did Koa, he would be there no matter what. But she was a fierce advocate herself, no frail flower. She would stand in front of any monster for both him and that child.

And be grateful for everything they brought into her life.

Epilogue

Koa had a secret. She hugged herself, feeling giddy with excitement. She caught the eye of Rey’s brother, Finn. He winked at her, since he was in on it. His husband, Poe, grinned. They were very nice people and Koa liked them a lot. She wished they lived nearby because Finn liked to bake cookies, too.

“Hey, wild thing, it’s time to go!” Poe held out a hand. He’d also helped her get the gifts ready. The three of them headed for the foyer to meet up with Mills and Rey.

It was their wedding day. And Koa had a surprise for her flowerfamily.

Two weeks ago, Koa had enlisted her art teacher, a dour man named Hux, to help her. He’d eyed her with a frown when she laid out her idea, but she saw a flicker of interest in his eyes. Then he’d melted like hot fat on a skillet and jumped in to help. He was in the crowd of well-wishers at the wedding. She saw the back of his head with its smooth red hair, when she peeked out at the crowd.

“Koa.”

She turned to see Poe with the tray covered and ready to go. She gave him a thumbs up just as her flowerdad came in the door of the community hall. He looked very nice in his pressed black tunic and polished boots. His hair was brushed and lay in neat waves–as opposed to his usual ruffled mane. He winked at her when he saw her.

“Look at you, baby.” He gave her a quick hug. “You look beautiful. All grown up.”

Koa twirled in her blue velvet dress. “Thank you.”

Poe and Finn shook hands with Mills, while Koa watched for her flowermom. The door opened once again and her flowermom flowed in. Koa caught her breath–she heard flowerdad do the same. 

Rey wore a long white gown of some floaty material, thin and sparkly, with beautiful fuschia flowers somehow painted or stamped on it. Koa wasn’t sure how it was done. The top of the dress was just plain white with small cap sleeves. Her flowermom looked like a princess.

Her dad and mom stood together in the foyer for a moment, staring at each other, lost in their own world. Koa knew they were in love by how they looked into each other’s faces. And she was in love with them.

Up front, the officiant took her position. Finn whispered to Rey, while Poe slipped off to find his seat. Somarian wedding music began to play.

Koa’s beautiful flowermom held out her hand. “Ready, sweetie?”

Koa nodded. “Pretty dress.”

“Thank you.” Rey smiled that special smile that Koa loved so much.

Mills stood next to Koa on one side and Rey on the other. The three of them clasped hands and slowly walked toward the front of the hall. They stood together for a few minutes, then Koa remembered she had to step back. She didn’t mind, though, because she was looking for Finn to bring in the surprise. She caught Hux’s small smile. The man’s face might crack if he full-on grinned, she thought. He gave her a rather solemn nod.

The officiant finished saying some words and gestured to Koa. Both parents turned to gape at her as she stepped forward. Finn was on the move up the aisle with the silver tray.

“I lost my family,” Koa said firmly to the assembled guests. “It was an accident. It was very hard because we crashed on a planet full of big monsters.” She made claws with her hands and growled. “I was alone except for this man.” She pointed at Mills. “He saved me. He fought the monsters and I fought them, too. He was so sad because he lost his daughter. I wanted to make him feel better when he cried for her.” She paused. “And before the flying fire fell onto the planet, we escaped. He brought me home, took me in, and cared for me. He gave me a home. We met Rey, who fell in love with us. Please, Finn, show the gifts.”

Arriving at the front of the hall, Finn turned and pulled off the white satin cloth that covered the silver tray. Resting in a nest of green satin were three silk flowers, fuschia pink.

“Flowerdad, flowermom, I made these. For your wedding.” Koa lifted each large flower. She looked at Mills. “Flower.” She reached out to him like she’d done on the Monster planet. The first time, he’d eyed her suspiciously, ducked away from her. He’d refused the flower. She’d looked at him, trying desperately to connect with her protector. The second time, he’d let her tuck the flower into his hair.

On this day, without a word, he crouched down. The rest of the world fell away and it was just the three of them. Koa settled the flower in Mills’ hair. She stroked the dark waves after pinning it in place. “You’re my father.”

“Yes,” he said, looking into her eyes. He took her hands. “I am.”

Koa turned to Rey, who was pressing her lips together and digging her nails into her palms to stop herself from crying. A tear escaped.

“Don’t cry,” Koa said. She lifted a flower. “This is yours, flowermom.”

Rey knelt while Koa pinned the flower behind Rey’s ear. Koa patted her. “You’re my mother.”

Another tear rolled down Rey’s cheek. “Yes, I am.”

Koa turned to the small group of onlookers and pinned the last flower in her own hair. “I’m flowerKoa, daughter. We are flowerfamily.”

And with that, Koa knew they would continue to grow and flourish together, living and loving, cooking waterbird, raking leaves, baking cookies, and, best of all, playing Shooter.