Asha had never received laser therapy, but it was much better than being stuffed in "The Machine". After treatment, the pain in her shoulder was nonexistent. The doctor informed her that her shoulder wasn't at risk for popping out of place again and that she could get back to training. Problem was, she didn't even want to move. Her muscles felt like they'd been in a hot tub for hours.

She slid out of the seat like a piece of wet puddy, "Thanks again."

As soon as she stepped out of the medical room, her brown eyes zeroed in on Uh'luka. He was against the far wall, away from the others. He straightened when he spotted her. Asha rolled her eyes. Apparently she hadn't lost him in the city this time. Knowing there was no getting rid of him, she let out a sigh and began stretching.

Asha was getting used to being stared at. Most of the time she was observed from a distance, however, the mating season made males braver. They steadily grew closer, staring at her with hungry fascination. The other female received onlookers as well, but she didn't tolerate it like Asha. The yautja female growled once and the group of males hovering around her dispersed.

Asha didn't mind them until they started impeding her warm-ups. She turned the other way to extend her leg out all the way. When she twisted around, a pair of scaled feet were in view. She twisted the other way, hearing her back pop. A male shuffled closer, almost stepping on her hand.

She glared up at the young male, even knowing that he wouldn't recognize human facial expressions. Actually, making eye contact seemed to encourage him. The young male reached out to touch her long hair. When she pulled her face away, she lost balance and bumped into a male behind her. He purred, slow and steady.

Her first reaction was to shy away. But she wasn't on Earth anymore. She wasn't on that hunting preserve either. She was on Yaut, a planet where only the tough got what they wanted. Asha reached out to shove the young male's shoulder. Her resolve weakened though, and her fingers barely applied any pressure.

The male made a low hum. He widened his stance and threw his chin up, egging her on. Before she could make a fist, the instructor strutted into the room. The other males turned away and paired up. Incidentally, the male she'd challenged became her sparring partner.

Asha bit her lip and turned to find Uh'luka. He already had a partner though. He'd chosen the only other female in the class, a beautiful blue and bronze-skinned yautja. Asha's mouth opened slightly as her arms dropped to her sides. The instructor began speaking, but Asha's eyes lingered. She had to force herself to turn back to her own partner.

As usual, the instructor hovered around her the most, correcting her form. She was more distracted than usual with Uh'luka there. Asha went through the motions, glancing over her shoulder at Uh'luka when she had the opportunity. She tapped out of most holds and backed away from strikes rather than block. Still, she was learning. Once in a while, she even got in a lucky shot.

The young male was getting cocky. He didn't bother to turn his head and look at her as he fought. He used one hand to bat her away. Asha suddenly grabbed his arm and held on as she dropped to the mat. She wheezed as his body rolled over her. Asha was able to pin his arm behind the males back before he even knew what had happened.

She stood panting over her opponent. When she glanced up at Uh'luka he wasn't so much as looking in her direction though. Her grin slipped into a frown. The instructor gave nothing more than a small nod and continued walking.

Her partner leaped to his feet. He took steps in a wide circle around her, and Asha turned with him. That put Uh'luka directly behind her partner and in her line of sight. Uh'luka got used to not having weapons at his disposal. He'd grown accustomed to tackling, grappling, and throwing his opponents with his sheer strength instead. When he flung the female into the wall though, she merely used it to her advantage. She pushed off the wall to put more power into her strike.

When Asha's attention returned to her partner, he was just throwing a punch. She turned her head right into it before her mind could register the blur of green scales. All of her opponents knew to exercise restraint because she was human. Still, it was enough to bust open her lip. A dot of blood hit the mat before she covered her mouth with her hand.

Uh'luka grabbed his partner's fist and twisted, dropping her to the mat before he stomped over to Asha. He didn't even try to look at her wound before he turned on the male with a throaty growl. He shoved the younger male's shoulder, making him stagger. The smaller male growled, neither turning away to dismiss the challenge or striking to initiate it.

When Uh'luka's arm tensed, Asha stepped in, "Uh'luka, don't!"

She stepped right behind him. As he brought his arm back to throw a punch, his elbow hit her eye with enough force to knock her head back. Asha cried out, and tears immediately sprang forward. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block the pain. It pounded inside her skull. Uh'luka turned around to examine her, but she jerked her chin away.

Uh'luka followed her into the small room. Asha lifted her hand to the medic, "Um, hi again..."

The male huffed and turned to his equipment as Asha hopped up onto the chair. Uh'luka leaned in to examine her again and she slapped his hand away. His fingers lifted to her eye once more, and Asha remained still at first. When all she could see was a blur of his black nails though, she swatted them away.

The medic turned back to scan her eye, "A class for pups may be more appropriate for you."

Asha forced a smile as the cold metal of the device touched her cheek.

"No cracks in the bone."

Asha kept her gaze on the floor as she hopped down from the seat.

The medic held out a canister of healing salve.

"No thanks." She headed for the door.

She tried not to let his words get to her, but her jaw tightened. Her hands balled into fists as she walked home, well aware that Uh'luka was on her heels. The more she thought about what the medic had said, the more upset she got. She smacked her hand against the front door and slid it open with a snarl.

"Asha, I was looking for you." Ain was sitting on the wall dividing their property.

She looked up before she could stop herself, then quickly covered her black eye.

"Are you ok?"

She slipped into the house without bothering to answer him.

Asha went right for the couch and flopped down. Uh'luka sat beside her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw his green skin slowly easing closer. She brought her leg up on the couch, creating a barrier. Asha tapped her fingers on the armrest as she stared at the single seat, debating whether to move.

His elbow touched her and she let out a breath that ended in a hiss. Just in case he didn't get the signal, she turned her face away to ignore him. She wasn't a yautja female though. She wasn't intimidating. She wasn't respected. The cushion shifted as Uh'luka pressed closer.

She threw her hands up, "Look, I know it was an accident and I don't blame you. I just need a minute, ok?"

Uh'luka didn't say a single word or move away, he just continued looking at her.

Her tongue pressed against her teeth. She couldn't stay angry though. After a minute, her jaw relaxed and she let out a sigh. She straightened her leg and let it slide off the couch. She slowly turned her head until she could see Uh'luka out of the corner of her eye. When he glanced at her, she dropped her gaze.

Asha tapped her toes in the carpet for a moment, then leaned closer. She hesitated only for a second, then pressed her cheek against his bicep. A flood of warmth burned her cheeks. At first, she couldn't tell if it was from him or her. But while her embarrassment faded, his warmth did not.

She lifted her arm to drape it across his chest. He had a strong heartbeat. She could feel it pounding through his chest, which was rising and falling quickly. His muscles remained rigid, but Asha melted against him. She shut her eyes with a smile.