》Y/N pov《
After a good laugh, Veta insisted that Bahtoh put me down, and when he did, Veta tackled him. Ayull had to step out of the way as they wrestled. Both went tumbling into the water, sending limbs flying. They chirped and growled as they chased each other farther into the water.
Ayull chuckled beside me, watching them wrestle in the water. The look in his eyes is the exact opposite from when I last studied them; before they looked pained and filled with hate. Now, they are full of fondness and adoration.
But the tension between us is anything but fond. His words still echo around in my head. The pure anger he felt towards humans feels like venom in my skin.
Ayull sighed before turning his full attention to me. "Follow. We have some exploring, and I have some explaining to do."
"Lead the way." I shrug, awaiting his orders.
He leads me out of the water and along tall orange rocks. This whole planet feels peaceful - the hot sand beneath my feet, fresh air filling my lungs, and the sounds of nature. A perfect paradise.
Ayull helps me to climb one of many rock walls. The top is flat like a plateau and overlooks a different body of water. This one much larger and deeper than the one Veta and Bahtoh were wrestling in. The water is much darker, making it stand out against the bright rocks. We both sit at the edge a few feet apart, our legs dangling over the lake.
"I have something to admit, Y/N." Ayull sighed - tossing a rock into the water. "I am not the best at emotions, especially my own."
His sudden statement catches me off guard, making a startled laugh leave my lips. "I kinda picked that up."
He hums, and we lapse into an awkward silence. Without much else to do, I stare into the dark water. Every now and then, a shimmery fin or cluster of bubbles would grace the surface. But that left plenty of time for silence.
The sun is hot against my back, the rock is cold against my legs, and I can't help feeling clammy. Veta has said before that Ayull has a rough history with humans, that he tends to get lost in the past. But I hope- I feel that Ayull wants to connect. He just can't figure it out.
I doubt I could.
》Veta pov 《
"Is that what you call a pounce? Seems like you're in more need of training than Y/N." I taunt Bahtoh from above a stone pillar surrounded by water.
We've chased each other from one pool to the next in a never ending- playful- brawl. I am in the lead currently as Bahtoh has yet to knock me off my feet the past few rounds, and by Paya, is it getting to him.
Bahtoh snorts as water runs down his face, "Oh, I'll show you a pounce, treasure.~"
He leaps at me, or rather the pillar I stand on, he hits and shakes the rock. I lose my footing as the slim structure starts to crumble away, Bahtoh takes this opportunity to strike. He grabs my ankle and yanks me down, sending me to a watery doom.
Bahtoh follows my descent into the water, not giving me a chance to counter.
"I've got you now, Hidden Blade." Bahtoh mocks me with my title as he grasps my waist.
He brings me above the water and holds me to a wall. His chest presses against mine as he growls in victory.
Wrapping my legs around his waist, I pull myself impossibly closer to him. My eyes stared into his. "Not quite yet, Crimson Hunter."
I run my hands down his back, massaging the knots and scars as I go lower and lower. Bahtoh quickly loses his defense as he purrs and leans into me, his hands relaxing around my waist. He's so cute like this. It's a shame I still want to win. I lean in close, feeling his growl vibrate through the both of us.
"Catch me if you can." With him distracted, I shove him back into the water as I catch myself, turn, and run.
I hear him sputter and begin to run after me. But I won't be so easy to catch this time - I dive into a low pool, and my vision is subtly blurred. However, I can easily see the underground cave or tube more like it. I know where this tunnel leads, and there is no way Bahtoh can beat me there.
》Y/N pov《
Ayull is still at a loss for words as the sun moves over our heads and begins to set - it seems to move much quicker than earth's sun, and definitely much faster than this conversation is moving. It's strange to see him so uncomfortable. Usually, Ayull is the most composed of the aliens- yet he still fidgets with the buttons of his gauntlet. Unfortunately, the awkward silence is getting to me.
I know this is a delicate situation, I know he could kill me if I'm not careful, but I can't just wait for him to speak his piece .
I need to know. "Do you hate me?"
"No." The answer was instant and seemed to even surprise Ayull as he snorted at himself. "No, I do not hate you… it is complicated."
"Then please, help me understand. I want to understand." Almost on instinct, my hand reaches over and holds Ayulls', his hands are warm and rough - covered in scars that have layered over the years.
"It is not a happy story like the ones Veta and Bahtoh tell you."
"That doesn't matter. I want to know about you - not just as a person I live with, but as the alien I am dating." I can feel the heat rising in my face as I add: "Or mating as you put it."
He glances at where our hands meet and squeezes my hand in his. Ayull takes a deep breath before staring at me with his bright eyes. "It happened a long, long time ago."
Wow. Would ya look at that; a cliff hanger. Now who would've do that?
Me. I did.
Love yall
- the Author