Dinner date

I sat quietly for a moment, a sudden calmness consumed the millions of questions spinning through my head. I could only look around the room. Most of the objects were recognizable and seemed quite earthly. There was modern technology that, I could easily identify, and some looked more advanced. If this was really another planet, they seemed to be around the same intellectual level. I remained somewhat skeptical as my brain did not want to accept this change. If I was left in the dark it would be easy to mistake this place for my Earth.

"I had planned to go out yet I think seeing the streets of Nova might be too much. Should we just order in?" Arkis smiled politely. The shock was starting to wear off though I still might freak out if the cat starts talking again. Arkis placed his hand on mine when I did not answer. A sense of calm washed over me beginning from his fingertips. My eyes met his. It was the first time since my arrival, I really looked at him. His eyes a pale blue, twinkled with his concerned smile.

"What is your planet like?" I asked softly. He stood and lead my heart by a thread, to the balcony. The grand doors opened to a pink sunset sky. I leaned on the rail looking out at two suns falling behind tall buildings and cotton candy colored clouds. The skyline was composed of an array of massive architectural marvels. The closest comparison would be New York with elements of modern Tokyo. Despite such a large city, the air was extremely clear. I inhaled deeply. The smell of Arkis infiltrated my senses as he suddenly wrapped his arms around my waist and despite the surprise his presence there was natural. His scent, citrus based, made my heart flutter. Heat rose from where he touched. I stood very still for the first moment not wanting to give too much of myself. Then I melted to his contact. I fell into him like water into a well.

"I had to hold onto you or you'd fly away with your thoughts," he whispered, then finished with a smile, "Nova has weak gravity, if you don't want to fly off into space then I should hold on tight."

"Does that line work on all your dates?" I laughed bitterly. A man as good as him has other lines in the water. That was apparent in several other past relationships.

"You imply there are others but there's only you. Though I have been on other dates through Portal, I was not the initiator of those. Does your world believe in love at first sight?" He asked more seriously.

"Some people do. Why date through Portal? You're handsome enough."

"It's a complicated story. What do you believe?" His eyes changed cold. I felt a deep sadness ride from within as he waited for my answer.

"I used to believe that love at first sight was the only way to fall in love. After being left by someone I fell for so easily for, well, I learned a thing or two. It takes more than initial attraction to create a life long love. Love at first sight also means being love blind."

"Love blind?" He asked simply.

"It's where you choose not to see someone's bad behavior instead you end up being used and cast aside." I looked far into the distance hoping he wouldn't notice the quiver in my voice. At times i felt so disappointed in myself for allowing the hurt and abuse I endured. Even though I no longer loved that man, I hated myself for wanting him to be happy. I hated finding myself looking at his posts because his absence made me lonely.

"I understand your meaning," he said deeply. The feeling of self doubt and anger felt as though they were sucked out of me as I continued to stand wrapped in his arms. Finally after my confidence returned I turned to face him. His half smile glistened in the the now moon lit sky. To my surprise only one moon filled the sky. It was the equivalent size of our super moon. It was also not perfectly round despite tonight being a full moon. With one large crescent shaped crater bitten out of the side, it looked like a half eaten cookie.

My stomach growled loudly under his hand. He laughed a hearty laugh. I was released from him tenderly as he turned to head in. The table had already been filled with a variety of foods. I wondered when he scheduled for room service. So far we spent the evening in each others presence. Arkis ushered me into one of the gold trimmed chairs.

"I hope you like fowl," he opened a large pot brimming with broth and something that looked like chicken. It was served to me in a bowl with seasoned a vegetable resembling cabbage.

"This tastes like kimchi," I said indulgently, "It's a traditional dish from a country called South Korea but recently its become a fad food where I'm from."

"That would make sense since the chef is of South Korea. He immigrated here to be with his mate. I have enjoyed his recipes, whenever possible I have my meals here." He smiled politely as he took in a mouthful.

"Do people often immigrate here rather than Novians to other worlds? Why is it that more people aren't aware of Portal?"

"I rarely hear of immigration to Earth. I suppose it's much more difficult to create and file the necessary paperwork. Your planet has recently been added to the traveler's register. It wasn't far enough along in its technological developments."

"Who determines that? Was Portal created here?" He poured a cup of something sweet smelling. It's fragrance resembled something citrus but it's color was lavender. I sipped from it. It was indeed foreign.

"I suppose Odin's Council. They are the protectors of several million planets across fifty galaxies. Portal was created by them to help planets with over population settle habitable un or under populated planets."

"So there are multi species planets? Odin is an ancient God in my planet. How did his name find it's way here?"

"He was a Novian who lived before the Great Plague. He traveled to many worlds before the plague. I'm sure he journeyed to Earth though I'm not sure how he became a god there. Many of our planets are multi species." Our dinner finally finished he put our plates the side and placed his hands on the table. They looked strong and comforting. I absently placed my hand in his and he gripped me tightly.

"I have so many questions. Don't different species have difficulty reproducing? How does portal work? What about culture?" I asked as the journalist side of me shined. Arkis chuckled kindly and squeezed my hand.

"Well I think I will have to leaving you in a cliff. I want to see you again. Can we meet again this week?" He asked shyly. My hear thumped loudly.

"I- would like that," I choked unexpectedly. I didn't want to leave. However, I knew rushing things would only mean the demise of any future between us. My head was already swirling with new information. I knew it was time to return home and process my thoughts. Arkis scooted my phone across the table. I opened it to the return home feature and pressed it. The door began to shimmer around its frame. Together we walked to it. Once open I took one large step into my reflection. Within an instant, I traveled through the rushing fluid and finally I stood at my front door. Bones rubbed against my feet. Unable to communicate again. I had forgotten all about him as I prepared myself to leave. I sighed with relief that he followed me home.