I got rid of this chapter for some odd reason. I actually quite like it so I've added it back in. The original chapter 15 is Quick Hunting but I turned it into chapter 15.2 for updating purposes.

.

.

.

Scar awoke earlier than Lex as usual. He blinked as he looked down at her small form in his arms. It set off all the alarms inside him and he quickly slid away from her. Lex didn't wake from his hurried escape and stayed sound asleep much to which he thanked Paya for.

Leaving her to rest, Scar bathed, dressed, and headed for breakfast.

"Where's Lex? Still asleep?" Molten clicked questioningly.

"Yes, she's not supposed to leave the room. I'll need to bring her food before she wakes."

"What are you? Her mother?" Jag clicked in amusement but Molten trilled in laughter, not bothering to hold back.

"I will take her food," Night kindly offered.

"My door is locked. Do not worry, I've got this." Scar stuffed the rest of his meat in his mouth, grabbed a tray for Lex, and practically sped out of the room. The whole time he felt Night watching him.

C'jit.

Other than Celtic, Night had proven time and time again he could see through Scar's weak defense. More than any of the others, Night called him out on his true intentions. He hadn't hidden his desire to see Lex and perhaps Miana again, but Night had easily called it to attention, pushing until he got a desirable answer.

Why see the human again? Because she impressed him. And Night always quickly added that he sought her out to see if that ideal held had any truth to it.

It had, of course.

Scar scurried down the hallway slightly embarrassed and agitated. Once he reached the room, he set the food next to her on the bed and left for the kehrite to train. He stayed in there until it was time for lunch in which he checked on Lex. Except she wasn't there.

The tray missing and steam from the washroom told him she must have gotten up just a few hours ago. Growling, he headed to the cafeteria.

Few Yuatja were in there at this hour but enough that it made Scar uncomfortable for Lex to be alone. Upon reaching the large room, Scar's fears were confirmed. Lex stood, a full tray in hand, by the end of the food line surrounded by a few large Yuatjan males.

Lex calmly paid for her food, not taking notice of the attention she accumulated. When one touched her hair and lifted it for a sniff, Scar noticed how rigid she became and even more so the twitchiness of her hands.

Growling lowly, Scar appeared by the group. The closer he got, the further the others stepped back until finally, they were a comfortable space away. Lex finished paying for her food and Scar followed her to her table.

The group stood back watching in slight interest. They did leave and never approach the duo again.

"Why'd you leave the room?" Scar startled himself at how calm he sounded. He certainly didn't feel calm.

"I got hungry, obviously. And I was getting stir crazy sitting in that room. I'll admit I got dizzy a few times but it felt nice to stretch my legs out." Lex didn't look up and just ate her food.

"You should have waited."

"What are you, my dad? I'm not helpless you know. I can't just rely on you the entire time."

Scar sat back in defeat. He still wished she waited but she had a point. She needed to stretch her legs out and she could handle herself well.

"Jag and Molten are about to have a match later on. Would you like to come?" Lex looked up, slightly surprised he didn't push the issue about her leaving the room.

Smiling, she nodded and Scar waited for her to finish her food.

"I hear a hunt is coming up." Lex ran her fingers along the cool metal wall as they walked. Surprised at the coolness that tingled her skin. The humidity kept her warmer than usual, but not the walls...

"H'ko."

"What?" Lex snapped and looked up at the male with clear irritation.

"You heard me."

Balling her fist up, Lex ground her teeth. Lex unballed her fist and relaxed, taking a deep breath.

"Watch the attitude, Scar. If I want to go on a hunt, I will. End of discussion." Not even bothering to look at him, she made her way through the foggy and dim lighted hallways until she reached the room.

Jag and Molten were warming up with holograms while others chatted excitedly about the upcoming sparring match. In complete silence, Scar stood next to her and together, they watched the fight.

The fight came to a close, Molten overpowering Jag in the end. Lex clapped with the others in congratulating the smaller Yuatjan's win. Since she had met them, she noticed how Jag always seemed to be winning their fights, especially when it came to food.

Molten stood, chest puffed out in pride, and helped Jag to his feet. He still bled, deep cuts across his chest and arms.

Both Jag and him left the kehrite to bandage up.

The duo didn't speak as they left. Lex restricted in the kehrite to only watching and Scar not wanting to leave her alone.

Scar waited for her to sleep before he sat next to her. His claws skimmed through her hair, massaging her scalp and detangling her hair.

I shouldn't have acting the way I did. What's wrong with me? She can handle herself.

"I'm sorry, Lex."

I'm acting like her master... Or - or her parent! It's unacceptable. But I don't like her out of my sight.

Pulling her to him once again, he continued to stroke her hair until he too fell asleep. When he awoke the next morning to find Lex snuggled in his arms again, he wasn't surprised. Gently, he pulled away from the human and prepared himself for mealtime.

Scar waited on Lex, busying himself at his desk before they both headed to the large dining area.

Night continuously shot Scar looks as they ate. He observed how his friend remained quiet, answering in short bursts and never more than necessary. Sometimes, his feet would shuffle on the floor before he could stop himself and when he was too busy trying to keep his feet still, his tusks clicked against each other.

Quiet.

Nervous.

Agitated.

Night quietly chuckled at the thought, his deep trill unnoticed by the others.