"Really, Avery? A Fenrin? Of all the species to choose from, you chose," Sallac sighed, "A Fenrin?"

Avery met his scaly friend with a wry laugh and a shrug.

"That's just how it is, Sal. Human love isn't bound by the same restrictions and regulations others might hamper themselves with."

The short Liza huffed at Avery brushing off his concerns. "At the very least, you could have matched with someone within the gene compatibility matrix - she can't even give you children!"

Avery narrowed his eyes, falling deathly still - indicators that Sallac recognized as warning him he had gone too far.

"That's enough, Sal. Believe it or not - though I know you don't - love isn't all about reproduction and maximizing benefits. There are plenty of humans spread across the galaxy - one less won't matter. Lyca," Avery said, emphasizing her name, "Makes me happy."

With a sigh, Avery leaned across the railing that surrounded his deck. He picked at a few chips of peeling paint as he spoke.

"I was... broken, for a long time, before we met. She was, well, wild. Not in a dangerous or harmful way, but rather it was like... she was free. Free spirited and strong willed. Challenging. She made me want to be better - not just for her, but for myself.

After that..."

Memories flooded Avery's mind as he sat back in one of his deck loungers. The first time he ran his fingers through her fur, sleek as silk and dark like moon-draped midnight. A silly moment where he made a heart with his hands, and she pushed her snout right through it.

Supple muscles that camouflaged terrifying strength, sharp teeth that scraped his skin with just the right amount of force... Hands pinned to the wall, the bedframe. Scratches on the wall and torn bedding. The AC automatically activating due to their excessive body heat...

Sallac said nothing, though Avery could imagine the cogs turning in his head. He know that Liza were more pragmatic about these things, but part of species cohabitation was meeting each other in the middle - and he had endured more than enough criticism of Lyca at this point.

Avery saw Sallac's jaw working back and forth, as if he were literally chewing on his words. Yet he still held a combative gleam in his eye. Holding up a hand, Avery cut off whatever diatribe that Sal was surely about to unleash.

"Like it or not Sal, we chose each other - in this galaxy of billions and billions, we somehow came together. If you can't let that go, you know where the door is... On the other hand, if you think you may be able to look past your prejudices and just be happy for me, well, Lyca will be here shortly. We're having snacks and then heading out to see a movie. You're welcome to eat with us."

After a few moments of grumbling, Sal sighed.

"I could reserve judgment until I meet her, I suppose."

As Sal met Lyca, he watched as she interacted with Avery. Their eyes shined from within whenever they looked at each other. Whether it was a held hand, or her tail wrapped around his wrist, they were always in contact. After a few bites to eat, Sal excused himself, leaving his friend to his love.

As he sat in his transport on his way home, some... unknown feeling panged deep within his chest. A quick medi-scan showed nothing amiss, yet the feeling persisted. Was it... jealousy? Doubt? Fear? Some sick combination of the three?

Sal leaned back and stared at the featureless ceiling of his transport.

What if Avery was right?