The stinging pain on your side makes your head go numb. You should be used to it by now, but pain is always agonizing. In this moment, curiosity is the only thing keeping you conscious... Why did Khor'Vel went back to wearing his helmet all the time? You have never seen him so restless, stressed, worried even.

Sometimes he would pace around the ship or just... Stand there, menacingly in your room like a damn ghost haunting you while you slept. It was kinda creepy, and he didn't care that it made you uncomfortable. Honestly? It was bad enough you had been stabbed on the side in your last hunt, having Khor'Vel elevating your anxiety levels definitely did not help.

He was silent, always silent. But not this silent- he would at least try to talk to you in your language. But now? All you could hear were clicks and hisses, like a crocodile walking in circles because it ''caught'' zoochosis.

On top of that, you can't see his face to have the slightest idea of what was going on through his mind. Was he angry at you that you almost died? Worried? Sad? Does he know you can tell his emotions by the little changes in his almost inexpressible face? Maybe, and It's pissing you off.

You know you should rest, you really should. But you were worried- deep down, you didn't want Khor'Vel to hate you. Things were going great, right? Specially after that time the two of you invaded that ship to recover the stolen yautja pups. Since that day, he seemed so more intrested in you. He seemed like he was putting on the effort to understand the little human he took under his wing. The coldness of his skin... Was nothing like the warmth he was showing you.

Then everything changed again. Cold, distant, stressed... Why? Did you overestimated him? Did you—.

THUMP

You yelped at the noise. When the FUCK did he enter your room? Or better yet— why is there a decapitated head on the floor?

"Showing me your new trophy? You could've knocked, you know?"

Khor'Vel stood there silently for a moment, waiting for you to realize. He stared, seeing how your eyes widened and you glanced between the head and him

"Is that-"

He interrupts you

"Nothing that threatens you remains"

Khor'Vel said firmly, mandibles clicking underneath the helmet. The intensity of the clicking and hissing were enough for you to know- he was angry, agitated

"You were hunting for it? Is that why you were so stressed?"

Khor'Vel closed the distance between the two of you. Even kneeling, he's taller than you. Khor'Vel reached a hand toward your face- making sure to curl his fingers so only his knuckles brushed against your cheek, not his talons. He learned to touch you. Softly, carefully, just like you did to those yautja pups. He thought that's how humans do it.

You were speechless at his tenderness and care. Sure he has been taking care of your wound and keeping you safe... But this. This was different. But it also wasn't enough, you wanted that damn helmet off. The "purring" that came from deep within his chest told you he was comfortable enough with you. But when you tried to reach for his helmet, he jerked his head back

"No"

There's no anger in his voice. Just that low, guttural yet warm voice of his speaking broken english to you