CHAPTER 19:
The Trouble With The Simple Phrase 'I Love You'
"Now see, this is relaxing" Kiara said, smiling.
"We are doing nothing, I'm bored" Kaen'Dre groaned.
"You're always bored in my room" she shot back.
Kiara had just finished training with him and it wasn't as tiresome as the day before. They had gone over the basic fighting stances, moves, and defenses. Kaen'Dre wasn't a strict teacher but he wanted her to give him her best. So far, at the start he had mocked her punches until she hit him in the face. Luckily, it wasn't a kick to the crotch. He had gotten angry but seeing her aggressiveness pleased him. It could help her to be the warrior she wanted to be. Kiara had given up training with her friends and said she'd gone to train on her own, which hopefully they'd believe.
Now, they were relaxing on her bed on their backs. Kiara loved the peace and softness soothing her tired muscles. Kaen'Dre was utterly bored for not even being able to give his own muscles a real workout.
"Can we do something?" Kaen'Dre complained.
"You can give me a massage or be my servant for an hour?" Kiara suggested. He glared. "Fine, you tightwad."
"What was that?" he demanded. She smiled innocently.
"You can drop the 'high and mighty' act, we're done training" Kiara said, yawning.
"Then get up and do something" he whined.
"Stop being a child for Ra's sake, you complain worse than Aziza's sister" she said, poking him on the side.
"Then entertain me" Kaen'Dre said, looking at her. "I am a god, you are supposed to please me, right?"
"I'll please you, by kicking you off the bed" she threatened. "What do you want me to do? Dance around and praise you while throwing my clothes off?"
"That would be a sight" he grinned immediately. "The princess finally taking off a piece of clothing before an almighty warrior."
He's not supposed to like the idea! Darn, she thought.
"In your dreams, I think your godliness has eaten whatever mind you have" Kiara said, smirking. "Besides, I'm sure beautiful maidens have already thrown themselves at your feet hundreds of times."
"Yes Kiara, every time I walk there's somebody throwing themselves at me" Kaen'Dre said, rolling his eyes. "I could make a carpet from the many admirers."
"Aha! You were sarcastic, you made a joke!" Kiara said, cuddling him instantly. "Give me a hug!"
She grabbed him around his sides and kept her face on his shoulder. Kaen'Dre sighed and placed his hand on his forehead. It was not that rare for him to be sarcastic, even in an ooman way, but apparently she liked it.
I don't think I'll ever understand this culture, he thought hopelessly.
"You are odd at times, Kiara" Kaen'Dre said, simply. "Sometimes I cannot understand your moods."
"I try not to let anyone get close enough to but I'm allowing you" she said, letting go of him. "If you're patient enough, which I'm realizing you're not."
"Gods are not patient, they get things done as quickly and efficiently as they can" he snorted.
"That is not what I've been taught" Kiara said, stubbornly.
I cannot let her question or challenge me in any way when it comes to her gods, he thought. I cannot let her know the truth.
"Well, maybe some are, some aren't, I share different viewpoints" Kaen'Dre said, simply. "Now, can we do something?"
Kiara groaned and turned to lay on her side. Kaen'Dre sighed in exasperation. Why was she so lazy today? Usually, she was energetic.
"You are very demanding, you know" Kiara said, upset. "For a person who wants me to be happy, you sure show it. All I ask is for you to lay down with me but you throw a fit."
She was tired a bit from training and she just wanted to sleep. Today, she just didn't feel a bit well like she usually did. At first, she thought it was an ailment of sort but she didn't feel ill. So, there was only one answer that comes to a woman. Her monthly friend would come soon and she hated it. Especially since Kaen'Dre would be around, the situation would get awkward between them.
"We've been doing nothing but that, when will we explore?" Kaen'Dre said back.
"I am not your escort or servant" she shot back.
"You promised to" he reminded.
"Unwillingly and when I feel unwell?" she retorted.
"Is something wrong?" he asked, looking over.
"You ask now?" Kiara grumbled.
"I do not want to invade your personal privacy unless I can help" Kaen'Dre said, simply. "Tell me."
"Nothing, I'm just moody" she grumbled. "Probably nearing my cycle."
I hope our doctors make some sort of medicine besides anything herbal one day to help with pre-menstrual cramps, she thought.
"Ovulating cycle?" Kaen'Dre asked, clicking his throat.
"Yes, what else? My death cycle?" Kiara said, dryly. He grumbled. "I'm sorry, it's just . .I get this way a week or so before it."
"No, I should've made you feel better" he said, softly. "I did promise it."
He didn't want to anger her, especially if she'd act the way yautja females did when they were in heat. No wonder she hit him on the face in the morning. Her frame was small but she could damage him somehow if she were determined enough. Going to her side, he wrapped his arms around her from behind and drew her body to his. She felt limp so he traced a claw down her cheek to see if she'd feel better. Her hand grasped his and held it tightly.
"I'm sorry, Kiara" he said, purring. "Is there anything I could do?"
"Just stay with me" she said, softly. "Hold me, caress me, touch me, and kiss me if you have too."
"Never order me, just tell me, I will do it" Kaen'Dre said, nuzzling her shoulder.
Tracing a hand down her neck, he traced his mandibles over it afterwards. She let go of his hand and placed it over his cheek from behind, drawing his head closer. He traced his tongue and teeth over it to her shoulder, while lowering her sleeve and undergarment strap. With his other hand, he undid the other side on which she lay. It was a bit difficult until she sat up in front of him.
"Are you all right?" he asked, watching her.
"Very much so" she said, nodding. Then looking back, "Do you plan to continue or not?"
"If you want me to" he said, motioning his hand towards her. She smiled so he took it as a yes.
He sat behind her and grabbed her waist to bring her firmly against his chest. If he could've ripped off her clothes somehow, discarded his, and thrown her on all fours, he could've mated with her. But no, he was respectful and he'd have her when she'd be ready or he'd ask. Caressing her shoulders and the start of her back, she sighed softly. She bent her back to rest it on his shoulder so he nuzzled her neck from the side. He lowered her robes to her waist like last time and traced his hands up her abdomen gently. He loved feeling her soft skin against his warmer one as he grazed it with his claws gently.
Kiara felt her back and spine shudder at his touch immediately. His touches made her feel better in any way so far and she wanted it to continue. She wasn't ready to become intimate with him today but maybe soon. She sighed loudly at feeling his warm tongue trace circles over her shoulder while his fingertips caressed her sides. She placed a hand over his cheek and the other over one of his forearms. It would be very hard to resist her urges to have him intimately with his caresses rendering her body useless.
"Kaen'Dre" she whispered. "This feels great."
"I want you happy in any way, remember?" he said, and bit her earlobe softly. She giggled. "I will do anything you want me to do."
She grabbed his hands and traced them over her stomach all the way to her chest. Pressing his hands against her breasts, he held her closer and nuzzled her neck from behind. Seeing his face next to hers, she kissed his cheek firmly making him purr and bite her top lip gently. Reaching her hands behind her back, she untied her bra and let it go. Kaen'Dre felt a change in the tightness of her first undergarment and felt it lose. In a male instinct, he took it off with one hand and dropped it next to them. Placing his hands over her bare breasts, she moaned softly. Finally, for his first time she was half-nude under him without protest. He felt aroused easily at feeling her full breasts in his hold, making him trace his tongue over her neck eagerly. She let out an aroused moan from her lips which made him smile.
I can't believe he is touching me there, she thought amazed. I'm only supposed to do this when I'm married.
She felt his hands squeeze her chest softly, making her arch her spine to him. Feeling his fingers trace and squeeze her nipples, her body jolted excitedly at the new sensation. She wanted him to touch her everywhere now that she'd felt his first touches against her bare skin. This was her first experience in anything like this and she wanted him to continue. He was pleasing her as well as being a perfect gentleman to her needs. Placing her hands over his, she pressed them against her chest and leand her head back against his shoulder.
"Is this what you've wanted to do?" Kiara sighed while feeling his hands caress her.
"Yes" Kaen'Dre said, softly. Nipping at her neck, he purred, "You are beautiful and I'd want you in every way."
Getting out of his arms, she lay down on her back on the bed. Before Kaen'Dre could think, she pulled him down on top of her. Her lips went over his mouth and her tongue pressed against his teeth making him part his mouth willingly. He kissed her deeply making her moan under his hold, pleasing him. His hands trailed to her breasts and caressed them softly which made her wrap her legs around his hips. Stopping their kiss, he trailed his mouth down her neck to one of her breasts and nibbled on it with his teeth. His other hand caressed the other while he traced his tongue over the erected nipple on her breast in his mouth. She gasped in quick ragged breaths while her moans got louder.
I've wanted you in this way for a long time, Kiara, he thought. I will claim you as my mate.
Her body was perfect in his eyes and he wouldn't change a thing about her. He let go of the breast in his mouth and placed his mouth over the other to give them equal attention. Feeling her hand through his hair, she heard her moan his name softly. Yes, she would be his beautiful mate. Kiara felt as if her body were on fire every time his teeth, mandibles, and tongue ran over her breasts. The teaseful pleasures were almost overwhelming to her inexperienced mind. She grabbed one of the hands on her chest and intertwined her fingers with his. Her hand was small compared to his but he liked the diversity of it, besides her gentle touches drove him crazy as it was.
He stopped nuzzling her breasts and moved his mandibles down her stomach. She smiled instantly while shivering at his ticklish sensations. His other hand traced down her side with his claws making her laugh. As much as she loved it intimately, she couldn't hold back her giggles. He looked up and tilted his head at her strange reaction.
Why is she laughing?, he thought. Is this normal?
"Are you all right?" Kaen'Dre asked, confused.
"Yes, it's just. .your claws. .stop that, they're tickling me" Kiara said, laughing.
He took his hand away from her side and grinned. Ooman nerves were very strange, but he wouldn't complain. Going back up to meet her in the face, he traced his claws over her side making her giggle again. She hit him playfully on the shoulder which made him laugh. Placing his hands on her forehead to push her hair back, he traced his mandibles over her face.
"Trying to humor me at the same time were you?" Kiara said, smiling. "I will not complain."
"I want you better in every aspect" Kaen'Dre said, tracing a finger down her cheek. "So if I can add something to make you laugh, you will be happy."
"You make me happy, just like I've always said" Kiara said, kissing his forehead. "Just you and your ways."
"Even my hunting ways?" he asked, smiling. She groaned in annoyance. "Answer, dear."
He does know how to get me in a bind, she thought.
"Yes, everyone has one feature some may not completely agree with" Kiara said, sighing. "But I still love- I mean, approve of you nonetheless."
Damn, she didn't finish the last part, he hissed mentally.
"I do not hunt for pleasure, well yes, but I hunt for stature among my own" Kaen'Dre said, nuzzling her cheek. "I am the god of the hunt and therefore, I must be strong, but I do not hunt anything weak or innocent, only strong creatures."
I know he hunts but how can I disapprove of him when he calls me perfect?, she thought.
"You don't have to explain anything" Kiara said, softly. "You've accepted me for who I am, despite what everyone thinks, and I accept who you are, hunting gear and all."
He clicked his throat happily and pressed his body against hers. Nuzzling her neck, he trailed his hands down her body. He loved feeling her warm soft skin and every curve on her so far. She was small but when he mated with her, he'd have to make their mating as painless as he could because of their size differences. He traced his hand down her middle while tracing his tongue between her breasts.
Kiara felt his hand trying to get inside her last undergarment under her skirt. Her heart told her to allow it but her mind said no. Her emotions were already shifty today, she didn't need to do something she'd regret later on. Grabbing his hand, she took it away from there and placed it at her side. She traced her other hand over his cheek to get his attention which she got easily.
"Kaen'Dre, as much as I'm enjoying this right now, I have to stop" Kiara said, looking at him. "I'm not ready to be with you in an intimate way today, if that's what you were heading to."
Oh! Why couldn't she be ready?, his mind yelled. I want her so badly as it is!
"I will respect any of your wishes, I would never force anything upon you" Kaen'Dre said, nodding. "As long as I made you better."
"Oh, you did" Kiara said, grinning. "I loved the way you touched me, nobody has and I'm glad you were the first."
"Hopefully the last?" Kaen'Dre suggested. She blushed quickly.
How I wish he would be the first and only man to be with me, she thought.
"You have to leave, remember?" Kiara sighed. "I hate that you do."
"Just because I will does not mean we cannot share anything together" Kaen'Dre said, brushing his fingers through her hair.
"You are immortal" she pointed out. "I will be much older when you return one day."
"We will work something out before I leave" he said, softly. "I want you in my life, Kiara."
So do I, she thought.
"In what way?" Kiara asked, kissing his cheek.
"What way were we just heading a minute ago?" Kaen'Dre purred.
"Does that mean you love me then?" she asked, smiling. She'd feel so happy if he said yes.
Oh gods, what do I say?, he thought. How come she asks the questions so easily than me? I've never said anything related to 'love'!
"I. .um. . Well. .um . .I guess. . .um . ." Kaen'Dre stuttered completely.
Why can't he say if he does or doesn't?, she thought.
"You'll tell me how you do feel when you're ready" Kiara said, feeling a bit disappointed. "But if you're doing this for your own urges, I have to say-"
"I am not doing this for my own cravings, I do care about you, I just. . ." Kaen'Dre said, quickly. "I've never had anyone like you and everyday I keep growing more feelings for you. I just. . .I cannot say anything like that yet, it may hurt you when I leave."
"But at least I'll know it wasn't in vain" Kiara said, softly. He nuzzled her cheek.
"I will say I care for you deeply, but I cannot say more yet" Kaen'Dre said, sighing.
Why can't he tell me how he really feels?, she thought.
"Then until you can, I don't. . .I can't take this further" Kiara said, looking away.
What, she can't!, he thought instantly. Stupid, why can't you say anything to her? I need to talk to someone.
Kiara wanted him to say he loved her but he couldn't. What if he didn't at all? What if he cared for her, but not enough to love her? Her mind jumbled with questions but one thing was clear. She would not be making love to a man who didn't feel like she did. She wanted a man who loved her and if she had to, she'd wait until she was married like she's supposed to. She pulled up her robes quickly over her chest to cover herself up.
"If you do feel something stronger, tell me before you leave" Kiara said, quietly. "Because I will not go further than this and end up doing something I will regret in the future."
Oomans are very emotional, even when it comes to mating, he noted in his mind. Different than our kind for a fact.
"I will tell you before I leave and I'm sorry if I changed your view of me" Kaen'Dre said, nodding. "I do care about you though, Kiara."
"I hope you do" she said, softly. "Because if not, I'll regret everything I expressed to you."
That's it! She's not about to regret anything, he thought. I need to see how I can approach this and there's only one person I know of that's used to this: Kwei'De. Despite he'll criticize me for eternity, I have to.
"You will not regret it" he said, patting her head. "I want you to relax for a bit because I have to go see one of my brethren. I will be back before sundown."
"What? What for?" Kiara asked, quickly. "Why are you leaving?"
"I need to ask one who has a mortal-like 'wife'" Kaen'Dre said, getting off of her. "I plan to say how I feel but I do not want to approach it in any offensive manner and I plan to know more of mortals."
He knows someone who's married a mortal?, she thought.
"But. . .fine, I'll be here waiting" Kiara said, nodding.
"For the record, how do you feel about me?" Kaen'Dre asked, curiously.
"I care about you and that is all I will say" Kiara said, laying on her side.
"Hard to catch, eh? I will enjoy your challenge, my dear" Kaen'Dre grinned. "But I will win."
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"You what!" Kwei'De exclaimed.
"You heard me, I want to know everything" Kaen'Dre said, firmly. "Now!"
"All right! Besides, we had this talk back then with our teachers when were little" Kwei'De said back. Then grinned, "So, you've finally decided to take on a mate? Good. Now, we need to work on Ani'Twei."
"Oh no, you're not" Ani'Twei said, looking at him instantly. "I'll die before I let you prepare anything."
"Anyway, who's the female?" Kwei'De grinned at Kaen'Dre.
"None of your business, I just need to know how emotional females get before and about mating" Kaen'Dre said, regretting ever going there. "And the anatomy."
"If you've noticed, I don't exactly have a yautja mate" Kwei'De said, crossing his arms. "Besides, I'm sure you learned something from that 'The differences of our genders' lesson. You're sure you don't want to talk to anyone else?"
"I do not like talking about my intimate life" Kaen'Dre said, grimly.
"You don't have an intimate life!" Kwei'De pointed out and laughed.
Kaen'Dre groaned in aggravation. First, he had to get a lecture from his captain as to why he couldn't keep coming in and out for days. Secondly, Kwei'De was giving him grief and meaningless questions since he arrived. Now, he just had to get through this keeping his secret. But Ani'Twei quickly caught on to his dodging of questions. Pulling him away from Kwei'De, he placed him in front of him.
"You've decided to her as a mate, haven't you?" Ani'Twei said, simply.
Of course he's going to say something, Kaen'Dre thought.
"Is something wrong with that?" Kaen'Dre asked, quickly.
"No, I just remembered you saying 'it'll never happen, she's ooman', and now you finally admit it" Ani'Twei grinned. "Good for you."
"I feel so relieved" Kaen'Dre said, mocking relief. Then normally, "But it's so hard, how am I supposed to express feelings unto an ooman, she wants me to say I love her, but I've never even said it at all! I'm not supposed to love or even know it."
"But you do, now what's the issue?" he said, raising his brows.
"Every time I say it, I stutter, is that bad?" Kaen'Dre asked, confused.
"No, you're just experiencing new things!" Ani'Twei said, patting his arm. "You'll be fine, just go with the flow. If you feel it, tell her, then she'll be your mate when you ask."
Sometimes it's good being half-ooman, Ani'Twei thought.
"No, that'll be phase two" Kaen'Dre said, sighing. "That's where Kwei'De comes in since his mate is-"
"Don't make me think anything like that about my sister!" Ani'Twei grimaced. "Why don't you ask my mother? She's ooman."
"Disturbing your mother at home for this is the last thing she expects, besides I have Kwei'De to help out" he said, waving a hand. "So, let's hurry this up!"
They both turned to see Kwei'De with a dish of food in his hand.
"How did you get that?" Ani'Twei said, quickly.
"The cafeteria, duh" Kwei'De said, taking a bite out of his meat.
"But we're far away from there! We only talked for a second!" Kaen'Dre exclaimed.
"And? Long enough for me" he answered simply. "Now, are we going to talk or what?"
How the hell does he do that?, Kaen'Dre and Ani'Twei thought in unison.
"Fine, just tell me what I need with no questions" Kaen'Dre said, dragging him to his quarter.
"You two go ahead, I'm heading outside" Ani'Twei said, waving at them. "To relax from this agony."
Kaen'Dre sighed at realizing he'd be alone with Kwei'De. With him, anything could happen, at least Ani'Twei was calm. Closing his quarter door, he began his learning experience.
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Kiara walked carefully through the sandy dunes looking at the outlined structure on the ground. She had followed Kaen'Dre at a distance so he wouldn't spot her. Knowing his sight, she waited out the time to go through the paths that he did, especially since she knew these lands. The place he had gone to was completely deserted and there was nothing but dry trees and small mountains around.
There's nothing out here, she thought.
"Where'd he go?" she said out loud.
Walking carefully through the sand, she had a feeling she was being watched. Ducking down, she placed her palms on the floor making her stand like a cat. Looking around carefully from the low angle, she saw shimmering waves through the field. Shimmers that were all too familiar.
Did I just step into their domain?, she thought. But they have to know I'm here. Right?
"Either that or they don't have privacy issues" she mumbled.
Feeling footsteps to her left, she turned only to be growled at. She backed up and stood up instantly. Yep, she'd been found. Feeling a hand wrap around her throat, she saw the being's outline which was taller than Kaen'Dre's. It picked her up and squeezed tighter. She saw it, more like he, uncloak. It had red-orange skin with blackish stripes on its body and shoulder-length dreads while wearing gray armor. She saw two other forms approach him from behind, one male and female.
"What do we have here?" the other males asked, amused.
The other male was shorter with brownish skin and the usual black mottling. His armor was silver and his dreads were short, barely reaching his shoulders. The female was greenish skin with darker stripes on her arms. Her dreads reached her waist and her armor was gray.
Why do they all look the same? Odd, she thought.
"A little ooman trying to spy" the male holding her clicked sourly.
"What are you doing here? We should kill you as it is, ooman" the female growled.
Kiara placed her hands over the male's and lifted herself up a bit. Kaen'Dre's training came in handy.
"I mean no trouble" Kiara said, quickly. "I was just looking for Kaen'Dre."
All three of them made surprised clicks to each other and talked in their own language. All Kiara could do was listen since she couldn't go anywhere.
"How do you know him?" the female demanded.
"Since we were children" she answered. "Why does it matter? Where is he?"
"I don't think you're in a position to ask us anything" the tall male hissed.
"I haven't done anything!" Kiara pointed out sharply.
"You're in our territory" the other male said, simply. "That's enough."
"They still border my kingdom, I have a right" Kiara defended. "These are my lands as well so put me down!"
"Yet, she still orders us" the first male said.
He squeezed her throat tighter. It made her angry easily, she didn't harm them yet they were ready to kill her. She tucked in her legs and kicked him in the stomach with all her strength. He hissed and threw her harshly on the floor. The other two were headed at her but stopped at someone's voice.
"I wouldn't attack her if I were you, Kaen'Dre is very protective of his friends" Ani'Twei said, behind them.
All three of them turned and hissed at him. He growled loudly and made them back down.
"Why is he hanging out with lowly prey?" the tall male demanded.
"That is none of our business" Ani'Twei said, crossing his arms. "Now, I suggest you take your leave."
Grudgingly, they listened. Ani'Twei sighed in relief, usually Nali-Dar and her gang would challenge them but not today. Walking over to the ooman girl, he extended his hand. Luckily for her, he'd been walking down the ramp when he saw Kiara in Hui'Lak's grip. Seeing her kick him made him easily see why Kaen'Dre had an interest in her.
"I know who you are, Kiara" he said, gently. "I will not harm you."
She sighed in relief, this one had a gentler way to him. But it was surprising how he knew her name. He was shorter than Kaen'Dre and a much lighter skin tone. His armor was gray and his dark brown dreads went to his lower back in a low ponytail.
"Who are you? How do you know my name?" Kiara asked, taking his hand.
"Kaen'Dre has mentioned you, I am Ani'Twei" he said, addressing himself.
"I've heard of you, he speaks very highly of you" Kiara said, smiling. Her heart felt relieved immediately. "You are one of his best friends."
He speaks highly of me? Interesting, he thought. I should add that to my argument list of him. Then we'll see who's always right!
"I am surprised he does, but we are" he said, laughing. "He fancies you, princess."
She blushed and said, "Yes, well, so do I."
I knew it! Another to add to my list, he thought. Hmm, Kaen'Dre and the princess. An odd couple.
"Come, I will bring him to you, I cannot say he will be delighted" Ani'Twei said, grabbing her shoulder. He led her to the ship. "He doesn't like it when people tail after him, especially now that you trailed him here."
"I know but I am curious of the immortals" she said, embarrassed. "Why would it be bad, does he have something to hide?"
"Him? No, of course not!" he said, quickly. "Nope, not a thing. He's as honest as they come."
Ani'Twei couldn't let her find out the truth because then she'd be enraged at his friend. He saw how much Kaen'Dre seemed to care for her and if she found out, it'd be heartbreaking for both. And another thing is Kaen'Dre would break him for slipping it out accidentally.
Are they usually this stuttery when asked questions?, she thought.
"I heard that you are half-mortal" Kiara asked, curiously. "Is it true?"
"Half-mortal? What the hell are- oh, right!" Ani'Twei exclaimed, remembering his friend's disguise. "Yes, I am. My father is immortal, my mother isn't."
"So, they can be together and create a family?" Kiara asked him. He nodded.
"You want to be with Kaen'Dre" Ani'Twei stated. She looked down bashfully. "Do not be ashamed, I am acceptable of it because of my parents, but others may not."
"Yes, I noticed" Kiara said, grimly.
They reached the ship in which she looked at it. What kind of structure was it supposed to be? It looked like an enclosed sea ship of sort without sails or paddles. Ani'Twei saw her look and tried to think of something.
"This is the craft we use to travel to this realm" he explained.
"I thought you were able to travel between both realms by body alone" Kiara said, confused.
By the gods! I need to ask mother more of our culture, he thought instantly.
"Yes, well, sometimes we use this" he said, quickly.
Why do all the immortals get nervous when I ask them questions?, she thought. Very peculiar.
"Why do no gods like to tell us of themselves? They are supposed to so we can thrive" Kiara said, raising a brow.
How does Kaen'Dre keep this up so easily? She's a book of questions, he thought.
"Kaen'Dre and I have never been taught how to teach mortals like the stronger gods" Ani'Twei said, nervously. "You know, like Ra and Osiris?"
Thank you mother for telling me your lores, he thought thankfully. At least I remembered something after falling asleep.
"Of course, you are still young!" Kiara said, quickly. He nodded. "You are not as developed as the rest. Excuse my curiosity."
"It's fine, now, you stay here and I will bring him to you" he said, walking onto the ship's platform.
He walked up the ramp and once out of her sight, he ran at full speed to his friend's quarter. The door was locked so it didn't lift when he ran up to it. Ani'Twei hit the door with his chest and started banging on it as if his life depended on it.
"Let me in! Let me in!" he yelled out.
After a bit, Kaen'Dre answered. Ani'Twei spilled inside and grabbed his arm.
"What is wrong? You're acting as if a pack of hard meat are after you" Kaen'Dre questioned.
"Kiara's here!" Ani'Twei hissed privately.
"What do you mean!" he exclaimed.
"Hey, anyone notice I'm here?" Kwei'De called out.
"No one cares" Ani'Twei snorted with a scoff. Kwei'De threw one of Kaen'Dre's gloves at him.
"Hui'Lak and his gang almost beat her but I saved her, now go!" Ani'Twei said, quickly. "There will be rumors, but I'll try to lower anything romantic."
"How did she get here?" Kaen'Dre asked, nervous.
"She followed you, how else?" Ani'Twei said bluntly.
"What's going on?" Kwei'De asked, utterly clueless.
"His woman's here" Ani'Twei slipped. Then dropped his jaw, "Oh, crap!"
Kwei'De glanced at both of them. Why was he the last to know? He wanted meet his friend's soon to-be mate.
"Well, let's meet her" he said, walking to the door. "Then I can complain about Kaen'Dre."
Ani'Twei grabbed him back and said, "You don't understand, she's not normal."
"She's a female yautja, right?" Kwei'De asked, tilting his head. They hesitated and he aske, "Right?"
"She's not my 'woman'" Kaen'Dre hissed at Ani'Twei.
"She's an ooman, but she's not his mate. . .yet" Ani'Twei grinned. Kwei'De's mouth opened in surprise. "Not a word, Kwei'De."
"Fine and I won't insult . . .yet" Kwei'De smiled slyly. "So, go on now!"
They pushed Kaen'Dre out the door and they all headed outside. He was still in shock that Kiara followed him. How did he not spot her! He felt furious, nervous, and embarrassed at the same time. Walking onto the platform, he saw her grinning at him instantly at seeing him come down. Kwei'De just grinned underneath his mask while Ani'Twei leaned against the ramp watching them.
"Kaen'Dre, I-" she started.
"Not a word, let's go" Kaen'Dre ordered grimly.
He grabbed her by the arm and led her down the path. She looked back at Ani'Twei and gave him a look that said 'You were right'. He shook his shoulders and waved at her.
"She's a bit small" Kwei'De observed. "But she seems to like him. Is that who he is spending all his time with at that ooman civilization?"
"Yeah, that's her" Ani'Twei said, nodding. "Hopefully, she'll run to the other side of her home with his temper."
"He's pissed off, all right" Kwei'De said, laughing.
"Uh huh" Ani'Twei grinned. "And for once, it's not at you."
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Kiara sat down on the ledge of her balcony. She had been out there for over an hour. The entire time they walked back, he yelled and cursed in both of his languages. When she thought he'd finish one remark, he'd start another. She wondered if he even breathed while he yelled. She felt bad for getting him in trouble but he hadn't even let her apologize. All she wanted to do was know more about the immortal life. Ever since they got home, she let him stay in her room and take out his anger.
Kaen'Dre had been furious that she'd followed him. For a hunter, he let a female of a lower species follow him unknowingly! His ego just went down a lot when realizing it. Now, his clan would wonder what he was doing with an ooman and she'd wonder why were his people in a least god-like image. He'd been growling and hissing in her bed the whole time he'd been in the room. He had already yelled at her enough and didn't feel she deserved more.
After a while, he walked out to the balcony to meet her. The winds from the setting sun felt slightly cold against his skin. Everything on him was off except his mesh, he'd grown tired of wearing his armor a lot. He placed a touched her shoulder gently but she didn't react to it. He didn't upset her again, did he?
"I'm sorry for yelling, I just did not expect your presence" Kaen'Dre said, softly.
"Well, I wanted to see how your life was a bit" Kiara said, looking down. "I never meant to upset you but you didn't have to yell like that."
"I know, you're completely right" he sighed. "I just needed to get it off my chest. Mortals are not supposed to be there, I could be in trouble when I return if I'm already not."
"Is it that bad for a mortal to enter?" Kiara asked, nervous. "Do you like hiding or is there something you're hiding? I got the vibe no one likes me there."
It goes further than you know, darling, but you can't know, he thought.
"Not everyone is tolerant" he said, squeezing her shoulder. "But we are hiding nothing, we just like our privacy so do not be wary."
"I never meant for you to be in trouble, I'm sorry" she said, grabbing his hand. "Forgive me?"
"Of course, so do not beat your mind down about it, it is my fault" Kaen'Dre said, gently. "I should have been more aware instead of being wrapped in my own mind."
"It was because of what happened in my bed, right?" Kiara asked, turning to look at him. "Look, if you can't say how you feel, it's fine but it doesn't mean that I'll act distant. I will just have to look at a person who is mortal and can say it."
She didn't want him in more trouble and if feelings were the problem, she'd cut it off. She'd rather have a mortal than ruin his splendor among the other gods. He didn't need to be cast out just for wanting to be next to a mortal. Kaen'Dre, on the other hand, didn't care and wanted only her at his side.
"Would you rather have a mortal than me?" he asked, placing a hand over her cheek. "Would you rather spend your time in the arms of another than my own?"
"No, but if it's the cost for your magnificence, yes" she said, placing her hand over his. "I'd rather do that than have you cast low only because of a mortal you'll leave behind in the end."
"If I sacrifice everything, will you do the same for me?" Kaen'Dre asked her. He made her stand by pulling her hands gently. "Would you forsake this life and come away with me to make our own?"
"Yes, that is what love is, isn't it?" Kiara said, smiling fondly.
'Love', what does she define it as because Kwei'De gave me nothing!, he thought.
"What is love, Kiara?" Kaen'Dre asked, tilting his head. "In your words."
"Love is the emotion of unconditional care, devotion, cherishing, and passion you have towards someone" she said, smiling. "It can be towards a sibling, a child, a parent, or an individual you wish to bind yourself with for all time."
That is one good description, he thought. But enough to call what I feel.
No one had told him what 'love' was exactly until she did. Kwei'De thought it meant nurture with sexual involvement with your mate, which Kaen'Dre didn't believe for a second. Ani'Twei thought it just meant an approving emotion oomans needed to mate. Kaen'Dre thought it just meant a physical attraction of sort but it was much more strong. Humans had some of the strongest emotions in the universe, good enough to make yautjas themselves feel them. Kaen'Dre grabbed her into one arm and held her close.
"That is one strong emotion" Kaen'Dre said, smiling. "Is that what you feel for me?"
"I asked you first and you promised to tell me" Kiara teased him while blushing.
"You've been tricky as a child, even till now" he said, tracing a low mandible up her cheek. "You've grown up very beautifully, Kiara."
"I could say the same of you, handsome" she grinned and kissed his cheek affectionately. "You are gorgeous."
"Not on the mouth?" Kaen'Dre teased, faking shock.
His sarcasm is improving, which makes him even more attractive, she thought.
"Not until you say what I need to hear?" Kiara said, persistently.
"Well, I. . .I care for you and. . ." Kaen'Dre said, trying to find the right way to say it.
"Just say it, I won't judge you" she said, softly. Then grinning, "As long as it's positive, otherwise, I'll kick you where all men don't like being kicked."
My usual feisty princess, he thought. You drive me crazy.
Kaen'Dre grinned and said, "I love you, Kiara. I have ever since I came to your kingdom, maybe when I was even a child."
He loves me! He said it!, her mind screamed. This is the best thing to ever happen to me!
"A child? No! We didn't even see each other till last week" she said, laughing.
"You were the first person to be kind to me, even while knowing I was different" Kaen'Dre said, smiling. She traced her finger over his chin gently. "I could not find anyone better to give my affections to."
I told her! I really told her!, he cried mentally. This feels more exciting than hunting a hard meat!
Kiara wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him as tightly as she could. It didn't hurt him at all but made him happy at her affectionate attempt. He was finally able to say what he felt for the past days, despite his stuttering and he was glad! She reached her hands up onto his cheeks and brought his head down. Placing her lips over his mouth, he parted his mouth and kissed her instantly. She was surprised that he went for it first but she didn't object. He held her tightly in his arms wishing he'd never have to let her go. But after a bit, she stopped their kiss but not the embrace.
"I love you too, Kaen'Dre" Kiara said, blushing. "Ever since I got flipped onto you, you've had my attention and you always will."
He grabbed her into his arms and went back into her room. Walking to her bed, he placed her down and afterwards got on top of her. He kissed her instantly but she let go after a few seconds.
"I can't do anything intimate with you tonight" Kiara said, looking into his eyes. "I have no herbal contraceptives and natural ones are out of the question for me. I plan to feel everything that your body gives me, but not tonight."
But everything seems perfect, he whined mentally. Oh, Kiara!
Then he remembered Kwei'De has actually given him a pill of sort that yautja females took when they didn't want offspring.
"I have some actually if you are interested" he said, nuzzling her cheek. "We can be together now if you wish."
Her body wanted him so badly but her mind knew better. She wasn't ready tonight, besides, with everyone constantly interrupting them, no. Kiara wanted them to be alone with no one around so they could be as loud as they wanted when they did express their love.
"No, I'm not ready tonight" Kiara said, shaking her head. He whined like a child. "Kaen'Dre, you are odd, but lovable. But I want us alone when we do, away from will happen privately between the both of us."
"Then when?" Kaen'Dre asked, purring.
I want your body under mine and your legs wrapped around my waist soon, he thought. You mean much to me, Kiara.
"Tomorrow" she said, softly. "I will make love to you tomorrow when you least expect it so don't pounce onto me any time during the day trying to get ahead."
"I would not think of it" he said, dipping his head. "I respect you in every way, I love you. You know, I like saying that phrase."
"As long as you feel it" Kiara said, smiling. "But for now, we can have our own private kissing session."
"That I will not object to" Kaen'Dre grinned.
He brought her entire body against his with his arms. Cradling her under his arms like a child, he leaned down and kissed her. Everything seemed perfect in his life, but he'd have to face his clan soon. Meanwhile though, he'd enjoy spending time with his loved one and tomorrow, she'd be his loved one.
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End of Chap. 19. Sorry it took so long, but everyone's got tight schedules sometimes. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, it is pretty long. Thanks to reviewers of Chap. 18: Kae-she Katsumi, Predatordragonfreak, and Fluox. To everyone, please read and review afterwards if you're kind enough. Love to everyone who read this!
To Kae-she Katsumi: The reason Kaen'Dre had issues telling Kiara is because of the human emotional systems (especially females) and he needed someone to help him out to understand what 'love' was (despite Kwei'De didn't) since yautja aren't into emotions much on the level that humans are. Hope it sounds okay!