Fight, Flight, or Gut You Like A Fish?

Oh how the tables turn

》Y/N pov《

Time feels like it's going in slow motion as I reach for the gift Ayull is presenting me. The cloth is soft and cool to the touch, underneath I can feel the imprint of something small. As I take the object into my hands I feel that it is light. The others stand and watch with bated breath, I take my own deep breath as I lift the cloth. 

I look down to see something beautiful.

Decorated with bones, rocks, feathers, charms, and leather, is a long necklace. It's impossible to deny how lovely it is, the way the light dances across the surface. The way each and every object sits in uniform. As I run my hands over the beads each and every texture plays wonderfully with the next. All the colors and shapes look amazing together. My eyes land on a trio of charms, they seem to be carved totems of some kind. They look like Veta, Ayull, and Bahtoh, each one is painted in the color I called them. Despite its size, the whole thing is light. 

》Ayull pov《

We sit in silence as Y/N inspects the gift. It is a simple, but uncommon courting gift. Each charm, or decoration, is representative of a trait. One of their traits. The stones represent their use of the environment, not to mention their own durability. The feathers represent their grace, and their wisdom. The charms of me and the others is to represent our integrity, our want for them to be with us. The bones are from the bad-blood 'oomans they killed. The different fragments of bone are to represent their lethality, their brutality.

My eyes, however, are not focused on the gift. I am instead focused on Y/N. The way their eyes wander in curiosity, amazement. Their hands sweep over each decoration, their face is soft in appreciation. And their scent. I can smell nothing but joy, curiosity, and excitement. 

Besides me I can practically feel Bahtoh and Veta's happiness. Veta's eyes are alight with hope, and his breathing is soft, as if he's scared they'll disappear. Bahtoh can barely contain his purrs.

' I hope they don't regret their decision.' 

》Y/N pov《

"It's gorgeous! Did you make this?" I look up towards Ayull, his eyes meet mine.

"Of course I did. I thought it'd be preferred over another knife." He shrugs. 

Bahtoh and Veta come close, then they all crouch down to my level. A chorus of purrs swarm me as I'm encased in a group hug. The heat from all of their muscles feel nice, not to mention the vibrations from their purrs.

"This is great and all, but this necklace is huge." Bahtoh chuckles as he pulls away.

"That is because it isn't just a necklace to be worn about." Bahtoh places his hand over mine. "This is meant to be worn over armor, or into battle. Being decorated with one of these is a symbol of strength, capability, and your fight for survival."

"I never would have guessed… wait did you say armor?" 

"Of course, you did not think we would leave you in hand-me-downs?" Veta quirks his brown in question. "No, we will be outfitting you with proper armor soon." 

I can feel the smile growing on my face, heat rising to my cheeks. 

"This is- amazing. You guys are amazing… Thank you." 

》Veta pov《

"Why do you thank us? We should thank you, after all you have accepted our courtship." I see their blush as they look towards their hands.

"Still, thank you." 

"You are welcome." The rumble of my purr courses throughout my body.

I can feel the months of anxiety fall from my shoulders. The feeling of acceptance, and trust is warm and comforting. Not to mention the change in Y/N's demeanor. Already they are showing more trust in us; they no longer startle at our touches, and the smell of calmness suits them well. I can feel Ayull relax beside me, and for the first time since Y/N was brought aboard, he seems truly at peace. 

'Truly this was a good idea.'

》Bahtoh pov《

"As much as I'd love to stay here with you, we should make our way back to the nests." Ayull glances at me.

"I thought Veta would be the first to point out the late hour, you surprise me Bahtoh." Ayull chuckles, as Veta feigns being offended. 

"Wait… are we all going to- to the same room?" Y/N's heart rate increases, as does the blush on their face. 

"Would you like to?" Veta asks sheeply.

"I- umm."

"We will leave you in your own room for the night," Ayull interrupts. "We have to ensure our room is presentable for our mate." 

Instantly the smell of nervousness, and list fill the air. Informing us that Y/N is very flustered. What could have caused this? I wonder; was it Ayull saying it needed to be tidy? Or was it the term… mate?

I know Veta and Ayull smell it as well. The deep purr coming from Ayull doubles, while Veta's face goes stern as stone.  The scent is sweet and powerful, making that much harder not to pin and take them now. 

'This was an amazing decision.'

》Y/N pov《

I don't know if it's the realization that I'm now dating giant killing machines, or the fact that they wanted me, but my nerves are buzzing. But in a good way. Like that feeling after watching a really good movie, or when you feel that first drop on a rollercoaster.  Excitement courses through my veins.

'This was the best decision of my life.'

》 ??? Pov 《

"Commander the Colonel would like to see you about the… problem." Damn, how is this possible!? No matter how many times I blink the pictures are still the same.

Humans have only achieved intergalactic travel within the last five years, hell we haven't even told the public yet! But somehow, there's been a breach.

Ever since we landed at that damn market everyone's been up my ass for answers. As if it wasn't a miracle we managed to figure out the alien technology. Let alone that we were able to find security cameras.

Taking a deep breath, while trying not to rip my subordinates a new one, I leave the office. The cold halls greet me as soldier after soldier salutes my rank. The typical squeaking of shoes, and the distant roars of our newest "guest", feels like nails in my head.

'I need a smoke.'

Knocking on the door I wait for my que. "Enter." And there it is.

"Commander, at ease, I would like to know how the fuck! This happened." Colonel's cold eyes meet mine as he slams the photos onto the table. 

"Sir, we have people evaluating the situation, but this will take time-" All he does is huff and dismiss my claim.

"I don't care who is looking into it! This is your assignment, and I want you to to tell me: 

How did a civilain make it to space!"

Duhn duhn duhn!!!
Ooh how the plot thickens!
I can't wait to read your opinions and questions about this chapter!
Have a lovely day :)
- author