Fight, Flight, or Gut You Like A Fish?

Oh yeah it's all comming together

》Y/N pov《

I don't know what those strange chicken strips actually were,  but they tasted delicious. So good in fact, that I might have overdone it. My stomach feels warm and full, my head is light. I feel like a turkey on thanksgiving.

"Alright it's time for you to rest." Veta stands, already clearing the table.

"But I wanna hang out with you guys more, it's not everyday I see an alien's face." I huff, trying in vain to convince Veta.

"You have all the time in the world to spend with us, but only after you rest." Veta purrs, snapping towards Ayull. "And I will not sway like last time." 

Both Ayull and Bahtoh chuckle. Their mandibles seem to bounce, and their eyes soften. Their faces are so alien and yet totally normal. I can't help the smile that comes to my face. 

"Come on, it's time to rest." Ayull taps my shoulder.

"Fine." I hop off the chair and take his hand.

》Bahtoh pov《

As Ayull leaves with the 'ooman, Veta cleans the kitchen, I make my way to the kennels. I walk through the quiet halls thinking of what to do once our 'ooman wakes. 

'Perhaps start the training? Eat some more? Ask more questions?'

As much as I'd like to start the training, we have yet to discuss that with them. They could always eat, but I don't want to spoil them…too much. Perhaps I could ask my own questions. 

'What thoughts caused that attack? How do I help? Have you had partners before?' 

They shouldn't have to go through that again, not alone at least. The fear I felt when they started to breath fast, I saw their hands try to clench and claw at each other. When they hugged me I was engulfed by their stress, fear, and all emotions in between. As they fell asleep in my arms I felt comforted that I was sending them away to a land of dreams, a land that they can form. 

But still; I never want them to be alone, I never want to be alone.

The sound of paws on metal snaps me from my thoughts. In the crates, or kennels, are some of my oldest friends. Our hounds. We have four in total, and some on the way. Paika is our eldest, bravest, and our most loyal hound. I believe she will be a great mother. Our other hounds are warriors just like her, though they don't have the experience she does.

All of the hounds perk up As I enter the room, Mața is our youngest male. His new wounds from our most recent hunt are already healing in lines down his hide. Koroľ is our eldest male, his deafness has only heightened his other senses. Making him a lethal weapon. Dòntia is our other female. She and Paika have an amazing bond. Mostly due to Dòntia's amputated limb, she was stuck in one of our own traps and Paika saved her. Together our hounds are an unstoppable force. 

"Not without your food though." I chuckle as they all jump and purr with excitement. 

I gather their meals and open their kennels, letting them out to roam the room. Instead of going straight for the food as usual, they come towards me. Paika sniffs and nuzzles into my palm.  Next thing I know I'm being tackled to the ground by all of them. Koroľ stands on my chest pressing his nose to my chest plate. Mața and Dòntia inspect my sides. 

"What is with all of you?" I laugh ad their cold noses run along my skin. "You're all acting like you've just met me, as if you don't know my scent." 

That's when it hits me; 'They smell Y/N.' With how much time I've been spending with them their smell has stained my armor, and now our hounds are confused. 

They'd never smelled a happy 'ooman on me before, and now it's something they have to deal with. 

"You have a new friend to meet it seems." I chuckled as the dogs hopped off me.

I sit there a while and watch them eat, the raw meat and vegetables go quickly. In a few moments all that's left is bone, which will be gone by the end of the day. 

Paika makes her way back over to me, she nips and pushes my hand until I follow her. She takes me to her, much larger, kennel. Inside she has built a nest of her blankets and random things she's brought in from hunts. She growls at me as I lean in to inspect it.

"You have built a wonderful nest." I slightly bow my head to show her I approved. 

Hell-Hounds are prideful and smart creatures, if I were to disrespect Paika in anyway the whole pack would shun me for days. Especially since she's pregnant, and the alpha. 

Paika purrs and moves the nub of her tail, the other hounds gather behind me staring at the nest. Mața takes a step to close and Paika swipes across his snout. He takes a few steps back and bows to Paika as she circles him. 

"Go easy in em' Paika, he's still a pup." 

She simply huffs and gives Mața a curt nuzzle. All of the hounds retire to their kennels, not before running their faces over my hands. As they slowly fall back asleep I exit with new plans for Y/N.

'Perhaps they'd like some company.'

》Veta pov《

With the dishes cleaned and the food put away I make my way to the work bench. I have a new set of arrow heads to sharpen, and a canon to calibrate. I pass by the kennels on my way, a loud chorus of purrs is all I can hear. The workbench is a small area within Ayull's forge, as I walk along the walls I reminisce about the memories here.

Ayull made those gauntlets as a courting gift for Bahtoh, those saw blade cuffs were mine. A giant shield made out of the head of a queen we all killed. Ayull is a true craftsman. 

Two new pieces catch my eye. One is a large club made of a tree branch and a rock at the end. It's decorated with lovely strips of leather. The other price is much smaller, and didn't seem to be finished. 

'Ayull you clever cjit.'