Page 284 of Light Leech

“Yeah, back when I was at Reef.”

“So you can use them to get back in?”

“Then to this Zhou du,” Boyband added.

Naoma’s pinched brows made her look like she was on the edge of refusing, but she nodded and said, “I’ll do what I have to.”

“Pulse,” Boyband said. “What’s the plan?”

She shrugged. “We have to get in somehow. Might as well begin with a simple homecoming.”

“It’s about time the Neon Idol reappears in the Republic. Are we all coming along or are we sticking to smaller groups like we had with Water Hills?”

Naoma nodded, eyeing me for a moment, then focusing back on the others. “If I can manage to repair old relationships, I should be able to slide us into this private club or whatever.”

“Cult,” Boyband said.

“Sure. Correct me if I’m wrong, Petya, but I feel like we should have Abbas and Akna continue keeping eyes on Haven, keep Ralia here to make sure everything is going smoothly with your minds in the core, then–”

“I go with you to Reef and Pet finishes the thing here with Ral? Boyband asked.

“Well… Ralia, do you need Petya here with you?”

She looked at me and Naoma, eyes shifting as if picking up on what I thought might be happening. She grinned and with tension in her cheeks, I could tell she was doing her best to control her glee. “Nah, Pet and I are connected in the core and we probably will be for a while, light lines no longer needed. You know, it might be a good idea to split us up so our split groups know what is happening as soon as we eject from the core, if that is any time soon.”

“I… thought so, too.”

“I’m sure you did, babe. Let me see, Boyband could help me out, keeping an eye here and hiding himself from Reef in case we need to try entering another way without exposing his connection to you.”

“Right.” Naoma’s voice was unsteady with a nervous joy.

Ralia raised her eyes and shot right for the target. “You just want some alone time with Petya, don’t you?”

I had never seen Naoma so nervous. Her cheeks were red and she let out a nervous laugh. “I mean–”

“It is the most practical pairing,“ I said, feeling warmth rise in my cheeks as well.

“Right,” Naoma said as if it was the most obvious fact in the world.

“Love it. No need to justify it with any more logic. Let’s bring you two back together after we so rudely split up your sweet time a couple days ago.“ Ralia said. “I won’t make you kiss in front of us, though I would love to see it.”

I couldn’t look at Naoma. Of course I would have welcomed any sign of affection, but I didn’t want her to feel any more uncomfortable than we already were. I didn’t even know if she would want it. Self-doubt came at me with its familiar barrage, but her desire to spend time with me was enough to hold them back.

Rather than dwell on it and overthink the entire situation, I let my mind rest. Whatever would come, would come.. Hell and pain would accompany us as long as Gongtide continued to fight, but with Naoma, I could endure it all.

“Zeg,” Boyband groaned. “I’m gonna be sick with this lovey guk.”

Akna glared. Was that jealousy? She scoffed. “Says the kid rubbing his meat.”

“Think before you talk next time, hun,” Ralia said.

“Oh, don’t worry, Ral, I thought it through.”

Boyband flipped her off and continued to pet David, whispering words of affirmation to combat his pleading for death

“What about me?” Kuni asked.

Naoma ruffled his hair. I had seen Boyband do the same thing and earn a smack. Kuni looked up at her and smiled. “You’ll stay and take care of Boyband.”