H'chakde

"How is she?" H'chakde questioned as he entered the medbay for what had to be the fourth time in the past few days. He didn't wish to have Kayla exert more of her energy to humor him while he sat with her, but also couldn't keep from coming in to check on her. "Is she well enough to leave today?"

"Her charts are incredibly stable and since her symptoms seem to have disappeared you may take her. She's cleared to resume light training so long as you supervise her for the next few days." Lar'ja-thwei gestured to what had now been designated the human ward before he returned to cleaning down the metal table in front of him. Mid-wipe he stopped, "Although I must speak with her before she leaves, privately, would you mind bringing her down the hall?"

H'chakde was hesitant to allow that. Fearing Kayla straining herself would put her back in the same situation as before. However, Lar'ja-Thwei wouldn't have asked if he didn't think her well enough. He only gave a nod before heading toward the human's ward.

He was ecstatic to bring Kayla back to the room finally. Staying there without her had been odd in a way he wasn't sure he liked. H'chakde hoped she was just as excited, however, when he walked in, Kayla seemed off. She smiled at him, but it was different than the ones she usually gave him. Her eyes lacked a certain something he was always used to seeing. Perhaps that was just due to her getting over her sickness.

"I'm cleared to go?" She asked as she placed some of her belongings she had brought to her in her colorful cloth bag.

"Yes, but Lar'ja-Thwei needs to speak with you before we return to our room."

She slung the bag over her shoulder, waving away any attempt H'chakde made to take it from her. "We should hurry then, best not keep him waiting." She said exiting the room to where Lar'ja-Thwei would be. H'chakde hung back, lingering in the room in hopes to give the two some privacy.

"Ah, how was your rest? Are you feeling well enough now?" Lar'ja-thwei kept up his scrubbing before he moved to the next table.

"I am, thanks to your help I'm recovering from Liabetes faster then I thought I would." She rubbed the side of her head a little, feigning a headache.

His face remained serene as he wiped, "I am glad to have done my job well, you may leave now if you wish." She nodded to him and made it to the doorway before he stopped her. "Oh, and Kayla?" She turned to look back. "The next time you and Skylar wish to create a human illness to suffer from, talk to me first. It is a lot of work to balance."

Kayla's eyes went wide as she looked back at him, but she didn't respond. Only continued to walk out to meet with H'chakde.

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H'chakde could sense things were off with Kayla by the time they had made it back to the room. Really off. She carried herself like she just finished an intense training session with R'kadekna, shoulders slumped an exhausted look in her eye. Though they had only walked down the hall from the medbay. It was odd, and H'chakde wasn't sure how to fully describe it. She had enough energy to lift herself up, and flop on the bed, but her eyes drooped still like they did the times she asked him to lift her on it when she couldn't.

"I was thinking, we could work on making trophies of your kills," H'chakde said, they had already cleaned them when they first returned from their hunt. Kayla hadn't wanted to wait till the morning since the rot would have bothered her nose. But, with how quickly she had come down with Liabetes, she hadn't had the time nor the energy to make anything of the parts she had left for herself. "If you feel up for the task that is."

Kayla tilted her head mulling over the suggestion a moment before she nodded. "Sure, why not?" The spark in her tone was still absent as she pushed herself off the bed again to grab the collection of claws and hides that she had taken from her kills. She returned to the bed, H'chakde following close behind her.

He wrapped his arm around her, hoisting her up effortlessly before she could attempt to get on the bed. H'chakde waited till she was situated by the 'pillows' she had constructed, before taking a seat near her toward the edge of the bed.

They worked in silence for a long while, H'chakde occasionally glancing at Kayla hoping that spark would return to her eyes again. Each time he looked at her however, she wore that same expression. One of her eyebrows drooped as she worked, her eyes not entirely narrowing on the needle she pulled through the leather she held.

Kayla looked. . .sad, beaten down almost. Something within him stirred when he saw her with such a look. He wasn't sure how it came to be there, or even how to fix it. So he started with the best way he knew how, some light chatter of things that might lighten her mood.

"We should return someday, to the planet R'kadekna took us to." He commented, "those creatures were fun prey to take down. Not too easy, worthy to be upon my shelf. Perhaps we could go to a different part of the planet, and see what other creatures it has to offer."

Kayla only nodded in response, continuing to work on what she was focusing on.

"After your initiation hunt, we could go back, once you get some rest first of course." It would be a nice way to celebrate her earning her way into the clan. She seemed to enjoy that planet enough that he was sure it'd be a welcome treat. Or perhaps they could return to the first one she had hunted on.

Something in Kayla's eyes shifted, a discoloration perhaps with the change in tint. She took a deep breath before she opened her mouth to speak. "H'chakde, please I just- I just need a moment, a moment of silence." When water welled at the corner of her eyes, he became more worried.

"What is wrong?"

"Skylar and I. . .We had a heavy conversation, and I just need some more time to sort through my thoughts about what we discussed." She let out a sigh, eyes closing as her posture slumped even more. "This would be so much easier with a nice warm bath,"

"Would you like to go to the bathing quarters?"

Kayla took a moment before she shook her head, "Not now, it's too noisy in there, later though, after I've gotten a little quiet."

"Very well," H'chakde nodded as the two fell silent once more.

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An hour had passed before Kayla asked H'chakde to accompany her to the bathing quarters. He couldn't go in them with her, but he enjoyed the walk there nonetheless.

For most of the hour, and even now Kayla had been very quiet. The lack of noise was unsettling to H'chakde, to say the least. He wanted nothing more than to talk with her, find a way to cheer her up. But if she said quiet is what she needed, he wouldn't make her budge.

"Kayla," Elder Lar'ja's voice was surprised as he spotted them coming into view, the holocube he held closed as he strode over. "I needed to speak with you for a moment."

H'chakde looked at Kayla, who only rubbed the back of her neck. "Alright, here or are we going elsewhere?"

"Elsewhere would be preferable," he nodded behind him, "Would you mind following me?"

She turned to look up at H'chakde, "Is he allowed to come too?"

"As long as that is what you wish," Elder Lar'ja dipped his head.

She raised her eyebrow up at him, a silent question to see if he wanted to follow. He only nodded, and she looked back to the Elder as she took a step toward him. "Lead the way."

He led them both to his room, pausing only to stop H'chakde. "I must speak to her privately first, then you may enter."

H'chakde didn't like it, but he stepped back, lowering his head respectively as Kayla disappeared into the room with the Elder. He leaned against the hallway, crossing his arms in front of his chest and began waiting patiently.

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"I have a proposition for you," Elder Lar'ja faced her, amber eyes focused.

"What kind of proposition?" Kayla had to refrain from sighing as she tilted her head.

"A trade, I offer you clothes of your choice, or jewels, or weapons. Anything I can provide within means is a fair price. What I want in return is for you to answer a few questions."

"What do those questions have to do with?" Kayla needed more details before she agreed to answer anything.

"Skylar and your father, I assure you that you can deny any question that is beyond what you feel comfortable answering. Most are for a more important manner and some are for a...personal interest."

"Why would you want to know about my dad?" Kayla blinked up at him, till the realization hit her. "Oh you mean Skylar's dad, right. Why can't you ask Skylar?"

He tilted his head, "I was under the impression he took part in your rearing and provided for you within the standards of human affection? The stories Skylar told me... they always involved you both. He seemed to care for you equally. Forgive me if I was mistaken on the definition of the human parent." He dipped his head and pulled out his holocube, "that aside, asking Skylar would only cause her unneeded distress during this time".

Kayla supposed that was true in a way, but she couldn't get past the other thoughts in her mind that told her otherwise. She pushed them away, and began focusing on the now. "I- I get that. What do you want to know?"

"From your perspective is he an honorable individual? Any skills or strengths?"

"I would say so." She nodded as she looked to the ceiling in thought. "Strengths and Skills wise? He's good at pushing through, and doing whatever it takes to get a task done." Kayla bit her lip to hold back a smile. "He's rather good at patching up wounds, he's definitely helped me with plenty of mine. That's all I can think of off the top of my head."

He tapped quietly at the holographic screen, writing whatever he was writing in the Yautja language's odd script. "I know on earth humans do work to earn currency, what can you tell me of his jobs? And most importantly, has he ever brought you harm?"

"He's a mechanic, so he helps fix things, as well as build things like buildings." She shook her head at the last question. "He's never brought me any harm." If anything, he had saved her from a lot of it. She was still trying to figure out if he regretted that decision. For years she was sure he had, now she wasn't so sure.

"Very well, that should be enough details of him." He nodded and closed the cube. Elder Lar'ja set it down before he continued "As for... Skylar, what is her favorite color? And the flavor of food she likes most? And-" he paused, his mandibles twitched together, "-does she, does she hold any regard for me, good or bad? I do not need to know details but am I climbing a hill of mud? That is what I must know."

Kayla squinted her eyes, "That's what you want to know about Skylar? Those questions are so vastly different from the ones about Jason."

"I do not mean to be so straightforward with you, I would have much preferred a long chat but time is much shorter than I am used to..." He stared at his wall of trophies, "I have a place to be today, how I handle it and what is to come after will affect us and myself." Elder Lar'ja pulled a bone spear from the wall, its end serrated and pointed like a shark tooth. " Jason is being evaluated, Skylar is personal," he looked her in the eye with an easy confidence before he set it back on the hanging hook.

Kayla raised a brow, she was sure she'd hear about whatever went down later. "In terms of how she regards you, she considers you a friend from what I gather." Despite Kayla's jokes otherwise. "With your other questions, she likes green, pink, and gold. And enjoys sweets quite a lot."

He nodded and tilted his head, an amused look crossed his face before he grabbed for black handled weapon shaped like a deadlier version of a shepherd's crook. "You may ask me for your half of the trade now, two requests."

Kayla had kept her eye on his private bathing chamber for a moment longer before looking back at him. "I know this is a weird request, but can I borrow your bath?"

His brows rose slightly, "you can, anything you wish to use in there you may. I'm sure H'chakde will show you how." he gave a small trill of a chuckle. "What is your other request?"

"That, I'll save for later. I don't know what else I'd ask for right now." She said Truthfully, she was sure she'd think of something another time.

"Then I'll leave you both to your wishes." He dipped his head before he left the room, crook in hand, the lengthy cape he wore fluttered behind him gently.

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H'chakde followed in after the elder had left. A confused look plastered onto his face as he stared down at Kayla, who only gestured for him to follow her as she stepped toward the bathing chamber. It didn't take a great leap of logic to infer that the Elder had given her (and possibly him if she allowed it) permission to use it. He could ask why later after Kayla had given an indication that she wanted to talk again. For now, he'd help Kayla with whatever she needed so she could get the bath she wanted.

When he entered the bathing chamber, Kayla had already begun undressing. It was much easier to see how her muscle had grown when she didn't have the baggy clothing covering them. The way they flexed as she pulled her shirt over her head made them even more defined. "You mind showing me how to use some of this stuff? It's definitely the same as the other bathing rooms."

"Ofcourse." After he helped, he'd leave her to her business. That was if she didn't want him to stay in there. H'chakde began picking up the array of soaps and bubble powders, explaining to her how they worked and allowing her to sniff some of them.

She picked one of the bubble powders and asked H'chakde to pour it in. They watched together as the powder fizzed and turned the water a light green, the room filling with a musky scent H'chakde didn't recognize. Kayla placed her hands on the edge of the tub and tried to hoist herself up. But with the height of it compared to her, H'chakde noticed she was struggling a little. Putting his hand under her foot, he helped hoist her up and over into the water.

H'chakde turned to walk out once Kayla was situated, until a tug on his own clothing made him stop. "You can join me if you want. It's too big for me to be in all by myself." He could hear the shakiness in her voice even though she tried to suppress it.

H'chakde reached toward his chest piece and began unfastening it in response. Kayla leaned back, wading in the water as she watched him undress, eyes studying him as much as he had been studying her earlier. The warrior couldn't help the way his chest began to puff with pride. He flexed his muscles a little more than needed so she could see them even better.

Kayla's brow rose as she bit her lip to hold back a smile. She waded back even further once he stepped in, giving him room to get comfortable as well. H'chakde sank lower into the warm water as he leaned against the side of the large golden tub, Kayla right across from him.

She tilted her head back, letting out a soft breath as she sank lower into the water. Though H'chakde noticed her legs still seemed to try and float up despite her best effort to keep them down. He lifted his knee, putting it slightly over her legs to help keep them below the water. Her eyes shot open, but once she noticed it was him, she settled again.

They stayed like that for a long while, enjoying each other's company, and basking in the warm water. Eventually, Kayla began moving again. Standing as best she could she reached up for the soap.

"H'chakde, could you help me?" She asked, and he obliged, standing up to grab what she needed before settling back in the water again. He watched as she dunked her head under the water before lathering some suds into her hand. She passed the soap over to H'chakde before starting to work the soap into her tangled hair.

Eventually, she moved to clean off her body but seemed to have trouble getting a place between her shoulder blades. H'chakde reached out, moving the suds from her hair down, and helping her clean the little dirt off of her. Out of curiosity, his hands traveled up to her hair, running them through to help her wash out the soap. Kayla made a small sound leaning into his touch as his nails softly ran against her scalp.

When the soap was off her and out of her hair, he went to pull away, before Kayla's hand on his arm stopped him. "Let me help you wash too." She said lathering more suds onto her hand before gesturing for him to lean his head down. She moved closer, nearly sitting on his belly while she began running her hands gently along his tresses. Cleaning them with such care that H'chakde couldn't help the soft purr of gratitude that rose in his chest.

"I like it when you purr, it's very calming," Kayla said softly as she cupped water in her hand to wash the soap from his tresses.

"Is that why you ask me to purr so often?" He asked, tilting his head up once she had finished washing him.

"Yeah." She smiled as she pulled away, floating back to the place she was in before.

H'chakde couldn't help but click his mandibles in amusement as his eyes closed. They were shut for only a moment when he felt water splash against his chest. He shook his head, looking at Kayla. She only grinned back, a playful edge to her expression.

"Come on, splash me back." She insisted pushing another waver of water his way.

"I take it quiet time is over?" He asked, splashing her back. Kayla put her hands up to protect her face as the droplets hit her.

"For now," she laughed as she kicked her legs out, making bigger splashes than she had before.

One thing led to another, the next few minutes a blur for H'chakde as he and Kayla played in the water. She had stopped only a moment, laughing loudly, and H'chakde realized it a little too late. right after he had splashed her to be precise.

Kayla went for the side of the tub, coughing and hacking out the water she had just inhaled. H'chakde panicked, lifting her out of the water and setting her down on the ground of the bathroom. He was about to run to get Lar'ja-Thwei, then Kayla stopped. She inhaled deeply again before letting out a raspy laugh.

"I think-" She coughed again, "I think I'm done with the bath for today, are you?" She asked wiping her face as H'chakde turned to grab one of the furs for her.

He trilled in response, draping the fur over Kayla. "I'm done, let's get dry." He held a hand out to her, helped her up, and began guiding her to the dryer.