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Prologue

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He was green.

He was naked, and covered in wires.

She reached out, so close to the tube that her breath clouded its surface, and brushed her fingers against the glass, more gently than she'd ever touched anything.

His eyes snapped open.

They were fully pink, very large, bug-like—and they locked on hers, small and amber. Her breathing quickened and her heart pounded fiercely against her ribcage. He was alive. She'd had her suspicions, but knowing something was much different than actually seeing it. She meant to lean in closer to the glass, but his gaze frightened her. I came back for you, she said silently. I told you I would. I promised.

Her fingers somehow found the proper button. She'd shut off the security and cameras, and knew no one would come at the sound of the tube hissing as it opened and the fluid sizzled into the drain at its bottom, nor at the sound of his wet body falling against the floor before her. His wires were tangled, but she ripped them away. She knew it wouldn't kill him. She knew he didn't need them to live.

She'd backed away to give him room, and now stood still, her breathing ragged, her heart pounding. He slowly stood and, getting hold of his legs, took a step toward her. Those dark pink eyes never left hers, and where she expected anger she found only emptiness. Her own legs felt too weak to support her.

Three steps were all he needed to reach her, and then his legs gave out. He tumbled on her, and she let him bring her to the floor. Her skin burned at his touch, wet from fluid and cold as his blood. She dared to look into his eyes.

"You're late, earth-female," he hissed. His voice, which she had not heard in years, dripped like honey on her face.

She bit her lip. "I know," she murmured, looking away. "I'm so sorry."

His arms found their way around her, and he held her tightly as he kissed her neck, face, mouth.

"I'm so sorry, Zim."

It was the second time she let him see her cry.