After spending a few more minutes recovering at the finish line, Winters handed over his tiny passenger to his parents. They seemed happy to have had a chance to enjoy the race on their own and thanked him with a bow. Winters and Veera returned the gesture, waving goodbye to the eager child as he vanished into the crowd with his family.

“So, back to the fire?” Winters asked, a small smile gracing his lips.

“Wouldn’t you like to get some food for lunch? We still have some of that sausage left from breakfast.” Veera replied. Winters slapped his forehead, lightly chastising himself for forgetting something as important as food.

“Absolutely. We’ve got plenty of time, right? Might as well make a bit of a feast out of it!” He suggested, beginning to feel pangs of hunger as his body came down from the athlete’s high and his parasympathetic nervous system took over. Veera signaled her agreement and the two began another rotation around the stalls, making sure to stop at the baker as well as the more ubiquitous produce stalls. Not wanting to rely too much on the generosity of others, Veera called in a couple more of her bets that she’d won the other day. They’d be mostly settled by the end of the festival, but she figured that was for the best. It was a time for celebration, and she and Winters had plans to feed themselves going forward, not to mention that one bet for furniture that she would definitely call in later. Thanks to their lengthy shopping trip, the two found Zolta and Asha already camped at the fire, as well as the two elders who had apparently decided to continue spending the festival with them. Once bread had been sliced, vegetables roasted, eggs cooked, and sausage cut, the new couple settled down to eat.

“So, did the two of you enjoy your first race together?” Veera asked Asha and Zolta. Asha waved her feathers happily.

“Yes, very much so!” She affirmed. Zolta seemed less enthused.

“Wasn’t to your liking?” Winters ribbed his former ‘student’.

“No, it wasn’t that. Asha wanted to be with her friends so it was more of a walk than anything else.” Zolta explained. Asha cut in after giving Zolta a quick nuzzle that seemed to raise his spirits greatly.

“But Zolta was a gentleman and a good sport about it.”

“If I had known my apology would have been taken as an invitation to ask us about our less than day old private life I would have most certainly refused!” Zolta insisted as Winters and Veera chortled.

“Oh Zolta, they’re just envious. You’ve seen how things are going today, haven’t you? Besides, it’s not like we’ve mated.” Asha insisted. Winters took a moment to look around him and noticed that Asha was right. The games and matches he’d seen the day before had been light-hearted, almost playful. Today things seemed more intense, less amicable, antagonistic. It was clear that instead of adopting a new playbook, the men of the village had instead decided to double down on the ‘old ways’.

“You’re not kidding Asha. Oof, that looked like it hurt.” Winters muttered. Veera translated while following his gaze, landing eventually on a sparring ring devoted to unarmed combat. Xan was there, facing off against a guard that had a significant height and weight advantage on him. He’d just been thrown to the dirt, though Winters clearly admired the kids tenacity. He was back up again in no time. Eventually all four of them were watching as they ate; though the one-sided nature of the affair was quickly putting the human off of his appetite. The older guard, maybe two to three years Xan’s senior, clearly understood his advantages and was mercilessly exploiting them. After a few more rounds it became clear that he was intentionally trying to inflict pain. Veera watched nervously as Winters’ expression darkened.

“Thinking of playing father again?” She asked, leaning into him to try to ease his tension.

“No. This is something different Veera.” He told her in a low tone of voice.

“What do you mean, darling?”

“I’d be interfering with a fellow soldier’s chance to learn something that could save his life.” Winters explained. Zolta looked over at him incredulously.

“Russell, whatever you think he’s going to learn, he’s not going to like this. Xan’s always been…single minded in situations like this. I don’t think he’s really thinking at all right now.” Zolta tried to explain his friend to the human. Winters nodded with a sigh and stood up.

“Zolta, I’ll need the translator back then.” Winters took the device and began marching towards the ring, muttering all the way about stupid kids and pathetic thugs. Veera looked on happily.

“I love it when he does this sort of thing.” She said, wincing as Xan took a vicious elbow to the sternum. “Oh dear…”

“I feel bad, Asha.” Zolta confided to his mate.

“It’s not your fault that Vash’s son is cruel Zolta, nor is it your fault that Xan cannot understand when he’s been beaten.” She assured him sagely.

“Yeah but-”

“No buts, my love. Besides, if he’s caught Winters’ attention, perhaps this will work out for the best. Now finish your lunch. We won’t have produce this fresh again until summer!”

“Yes dear.” Zolta demurred, watching as Winters stepped into the ring, holding his hands up in a T formation. He wasn’t sure what it meant, but it had drawn the attention of a few more onlookers. Veera giggled at Zolta’s new demeanor.

“Good job Zolta, you’ve learned fast. Yes and dear are now the two most powerful words in your vocabulary.” She insisted.

“Oh, does that apply to Winters as well?” Zolta snarked back, hoping he wasn’t the only one. Veera was about to reply in the affirmative when a flash of memory hit her, his teeth clamped down on the sensitive flesh of her ear. She moaned involuntarily.

“No…that man is a force of nature.” She whispered, leaving Zolta and Asha staring at one another.

It was easy enough to get the translator into Xan’s ear as the kid was laid out in the dirt, clutching his chest and clearly disoriented. Io provided a preliminary diagnostic.

‘From what I can tell he may have a bruised rib sir, perhaps deep tissue bruising as well. It’s hard to be sure without the more powerful sensors on the Aegis. He should not fight again.’

“You know I can’t stop him if he chooses to, but thanks Io. I’ll take it from here.” He shot a look at the Cauthan that Xan had foolishly chosen as an opponent, noticing Vash looking on with distinct pride. Only that imbecile would react that way. Maybe that’s his son? Well, he doesn’t have his dad’s beer gut at any rate, though the cruelty is clearly genetic. Winters fumed in his mind. A few of the females surrounding the pit seemed awed by the match, but just as many were turned off by the abject brutality inflicted on Xan. As the young guard stirred, Winters leaned over him and helped him into a sitting position. The crowd began chattering and whispering, wondering what the human was doing interfering in such a contest. Xan looked like he was about to protest.

“I know that look soldier and I outrank you, so stow it!” Winters began, arresting what he was sure would have been an angry accusation about ‘interference’ or some other teenage hotheaded nonsense. He changed tone, addressing the young guard gently. “Listen Xan, I don’t know what compelled you to challenge that guy but who taught you how to fight like this?”

“Uh…Antoth? We all learned.” Xan explained, still clearly woozy. Winters continued to support him, kneeling at the kid’s side with a hand on his back.

“Geez, what happened to adaptation on the battlefield, Xan? Look at your opponent. He’s got you beat on height, strength, and reach and you’re just charging him looking to score a lucky shot? That sort of attack would get you killed against a real opponent. I’m sure your head is ringing but try to focus up and think. What is your advantage in this situation?”

“I…uh…I’m short?”

‘Oh, mein gott. I think you need to end this now sir.’ Io advised, shaking her head and thinking there might be a possibility of mild concussive trauma as well.

“Understood. No Xan, not exactly. You’re faster, more nimble, harder to hit. Next time you’re up against an opponent like this get behind him and stay out of range; use your size to your advantage. Strike the unprotected flank, the back of the knee, the heel; anything you can do to make it an uneven fight. But for now you need to get out of here. You’re in no condition to fight. Do you understand me?” Xan seemed to wake up as he realized Winters was kicking him out.

“I can’t! I need to-”

“You need to take care of yourself or you’ll be of no use to anyone, soldier. That includes your lady. I’ll ask again. Do you understand me? Don’t make me find your captain because I can guarantee he’ll say the exact same thing.” Winters told the kid firmly.

“Well now what’s going on here? Human, you’re welcome to do whatever you like to the mutt but I just can’t have you poisoning the minds of our young protectors, to say nothing of denying my son the glory in combat he’s earned!” Winters stood to face Vash, who was flanked as usual by his entourage.

“Ah Vash, you colossal shitstain. So glad to see you again!” Winters replied politely in a deferential voice accentuated by a bow. Xan’s eyes looked like they were about to pop out of his head. He was the only one who’d heard the human’s offense translated. “Xan, you will concede defeat. Now.” Winters returned to his serious tone.

“Yes sir.” He looked absolutely depressed, but after a few moments rest Xan seemed to have internalized Winters advice. Standing shakily he bowed to Vash’s son and conceded, stepping out of the ring and returning the translator. Winters decided to take another swing at Vash, knowing he was being petty.

“Well there you go tubby, daddy’s little boy got to beat up on a sixteen year old. How very proud you must be.” His sarcastic tone clearly broke through the language barrier this time around as Vash turned back to observe him with a critical eye. Winters supposed the priest was trying to look intimidating. ‘Trying’ being the operative word when Winters had at least eight inches of height on him. Nevertheless, the priest rebuked him.

“You would do to watch your tone while you are our guest human; lest you or your new…wench…incur the wrath of almighty Seil.” Vash advised. Winters felt the fury rise up within him. Vash had unknowingly insulted both Jess and Veera in the same sentence. The human was momentarily thankful he’d left his pistol in Veera’s house.

‘Fight me you worthless bag of meat! I’ll tear you to pieces!’ Io shrieked, sporting a set of imposing fur and leather armor that would have looked at home on a barbarian out of mythology. Clearly she felt the same rage he did. Winters conveyed the sentiment gladly.

“Fight me you coward!” He roared, causing Vash to jump in spite of himself. “Oh that’s right, you can’t…can you?” He looked between the two sun guards who had moved to shield their ruler. “Which one will it be then?” He pointed between the two of them. After a brief moment one moved forward.

“I would fight you human. We have much to settle.” The guard spoke evenly. Winters was surprised when he motioned to the translator. With a shrug he handed it over.

“You need to speak to me?” Winters asked warily, not wanting to entertain anything more than was absolutely necessary to embarrass Vash again.

“I should like to discuss the terms of our battle. I fight for our lord, but also for myself. I wish to test my skills against yours, to become a better warrior. Will you fight me in the ring?” The guard requested. Winters had to admit he was taken aback. Vash might have been a cockroach, but he couldn’t deny he was impressed with the guard before him. The other looked completely disinterested, clearly an individual very in tune with Vash himself. The one who had volunteered to fight him looked at him as an equal though, someone against whom he could test his strength and improve himself. Winters nodded, unable to deny that kind of request from a fellow soldier. During their conversation Veera had joined him at his side, staring down the sun priest with a preemptive glare before asking her boyfriend what was happening. After a brief explanation she looked at him with concern.

“You’re sure about this?”

“You’re worried about me?”

“Of course I am Russell! This isn’t some small fight to look pretty. They’re the best warriors in the village…but I do trust you. Do you want me to place a few wagers?” Veera asked, placing a hand on his face tenderly in an effort to convey that she was always concerned foremost with his safety, not the betting. He nodded, feeling his body preparing itself for combat. He was excited. Veera seemed to feel it too as time passed, her eyes burning as she gazed at him. Knowing Vash and many others were looking at them, she wrapped her arms around Winters’ neck and set his heart aflame.

“Kiss me.” She demanded softly. He complied with gentle fervor, taking her lips hungrily. It was a flagrant display of dominance, him over her, them over the rest. In that moment as Vash spluttered and fumed, the Cauthan learned what it meant to kiss. When he and Veera parted, Winters nodded to his would be opponent who walked off towards one of the rings with weapons, completely unfazed. Before following, Winters addressed his girlfriend.

“I’m going to be sure to remember that one, but can you keep Xan with you for now? Make sure he doesn’t run off and do anything stupid? Get Zolta and Asha to help. Make sure you’re all in the front. There’s a lesson I need to teach him.” He was all business now. Veera felt those wonderful electric pulses arc through her thanks to his kiss and dominant attitude. She nodded crisply.

“I will. Go get ready, I’ll handle the rest. Io?”

‘Yes Veera, I’m here.’

“You ready for some more betting?”

‘Always.’ Io affirmed violently.

“I must admit human, I find myself excited at the prospect of facing you on even terms.” The sun guard told him as they selected weapons, simple staffs with leather grips encompassing the middle half. Winters nodded.

“I suppose my armor might have been a bit of an advantage.”

“It was also very heavy.” The guard let out a low chuckle.

“Would you have regretted it? If I hadn’t stopped you?”

“That’s not for me to decide, human. It was an order.”

“I see.” Winters said no more, understanding now what kind of individual his opponent was. His desire for an even match and improvement of his own abilities was noble. His inability or unwillingness to question orders left a bad taste in Winters’ mouth. As they stepped into the ring, Winters spotted Veera and walked towards her, glad to see that she’d collected the three young ones. The crowd that had assembled was larger than the one that had gathered to watch him and Antoth by a few times over. Word certainly traveled fast.

“You’re ready?” Veera asked as he approached her, looking calm and collected. He removed his vest and handed it to her. Veera smiled roguishly as Asha let out a small squeak. Zolta groaned.

“Don’t worry Zolta, humans are monogamous too.” Winters chuckled. “Besides, I can barely handle Veera as it is. Girl’s a fireball.”

“I’m right here you hyrven!” Veera shouted, shooting him a wicked look.

“I’m a pyromaniac Veera, remember?” Winters replied coolly with a wink. Her expression melted instantly as she wondered how in the name of the goddesses he always knew just how to turn the tables on her. Winters was about to continue when Antoth’s voice reached them over the din.

“Would you mind explaining why you decided to pick a fight with these guys…again?” The guard grumbled, walking up to him. “There’s only two of them in the whole village for Uthos’ sake, how do you manage it?!”

“What? You don’t want to referee a match for the ages?” Winters asked skeptically, unable to conceal slight satisfaction at yet again inconveniencing the guard captain.

“I’d rather be fighting in it, but I suppose we had our contest. I’ll content myself with keeping the two of you in line. Now then, you agreed on terms?”

“First to five wins. Intent to injure, maim, or kill results in automatic forfeit.” Winters recited, earning a nod from the guard captain and an unsettled gasp from Veera while she translated.

“Good. Last thing I need is a corpse to deal with. Whenever you’re ready then.” Antoth concluded, walking away to take a neutral position between the two combatants. Veera looked at her human.

“Please be careful.” She whispered, all traces of humor gone from her voice. He nodded, matching her serious attitude.

“I will be Veera. I have every reason to make it home tonight unscathed.” He assured her before turning to face the sun guard. Seeing his foe was ready, the burly Cauthan began walking to the center of the ring where Winters met him. After striking their forearms together, they parted to a comfortable distance, waiting for Antoth. Once the guard deemed them ready he held up his hand and the crowd fell silent.

“Begin!”

The crisp sound of wood on wood reverberated around the arena as Winters and the sun guard fought. For the first few rounds the seasoned warriors felt one another out; trying to discern the strengths and weaknesses of their opponent’s fighting style. To civilians or inexperienced warriors, it looked like they were going all out. As a result the square was immediately filled with boos and cheers as blows were landed and missed. By the time the score reached three to two in Winters’ favor, the HEL Jumper had learned a few things, running them over in his mind as he and his opponent took a mutually agreed upon break. The first was that his opponent actually had an advantage in terms of strength. Winters’ Omega division training had conditioned him for a variety of combat and survival scenarios, a well-rounded ‘education’. He was strong, but not to the exclusion of all else. Flexibility, speed, and endurance were just as important. His opponent was even more muscled than Antoth. The second lesson, as a result, was that the sun guard preferred a combat style consisting of long sweeping attacks that magnified the force of the blow thanks to the long reach of his weapon. They were blows that Winters could not afford to take lightly and demanded his attention to block or dodge. Fortunately Winters had received instruction in fighting both with and against blunt weapons that relied on the same principle, maces and the like. He had in the end eschewed that fighting style in favor of the classic sword and board, which affected his own style in the fight, a mixture of short slashes and stabbing motions. For a couple rounds he had been able to hide it, using stabbing motions almost exclusively. To his opponent’s credit, that plan of attack had not worked for long, only scoring him a single point before he had to bring in a larger repertoire of techniques. His third conclusion was that given the circumstances and score, it was time to give Xan a demonstration of his earlier lesson. He stretched his arms, wincing slightly. The two rounds he’d lost would likely leave small bruises but Io assured him there were still no problems.

“You’re doing wonderfully!” Veera encouraged him. “Just two more hits and you’re done!”

“Thanks feather kitten. I’ll do my best.” He turned to look at Xan. “I want you to watch the next round very carefully, Xan. I want you to see what happens when a nimble opponent allows himself to be cornered.” The young guard nodded as Veera looked between the two of them wide eyed.

“Wait, you’re not saying…Russell! Don’t even think about it!” She cried.

“I know how to protect all of my vital areas Veera. I promise you I won’t take any hits that would put me out of commission. Besides, sun guard or not he’s fought honorably so far. I don’t think a cheap shot is coming. Doesn’t mean I won’t look out for it.” He tried to reassure her, knowing he wouldn’t be able to. In the end she closed her hands into fists and swallowed hard.

“Selah, darling.”

“Thank you Veera.”

‘You big, stupid, noble human.’ Io accosted him gently as he readied himself.

“Not you too!” Winters lamented.

‘You think I worry any less than she does? I feel every hit you take!’ Io insisted. ‘However, unlike Veera, I am military hardware. I understand the need for sacrifice. Where do you plan to take the hit?’

“Below the ribs, obliques or abdominals I hope.”

‘Good. Your core is strong. Here he comes!’ Io advised as combat begin anew. Winters allowed his opponent to slowly back him up to the edge of the ring where his only option was to stand and fight. Winters did so, parrying and striking but not making a move to escape. He could tell it was angering the sun guard.

“You think you can toy with me human? You think my best is not worthy of you?!” He raged, blows coming harder and faster. Winters guarded his head and chest well, knowing that a misplaced blow would likely crack a rib. Eventually he saw a blow he wanted to take. He tried to flex and relax the right muscle groups, feeling time slow as his opponent’s staff smashed into his right side. In spite of himself, he grunted and hunched over in pain as the sun guard scoffed and withdrew, satisfied to have drawn even and impressed upon the human that he was not to be trifled with. In the audience many gasped and cried out at the sound of the vicious strike. Veera sobbed at the pained look on his face before looking down at Xan. The young guard was cringing and looking away. Asha and Zolta, to their credit, shouted encouragement to the human, urging him to rise to his feet. Furious, Veera grabbed Xan by the head, not sparing his feathers, and forced him to look at Winters who had taken a knee, one hand on his staff, holding himself up, while the other clutched the point of impact.

“Don’t you dare look away!” She hissed, barely keeping her claws at bay. “He took that blow for you!”

“I…I’m sorry Veera. I will learn.” Xan replied, immediately chastised. They all cheered as Winters got back on his feet with a pained expression and pointed his staff at his enemy. Veera felt worry gnaw at her chest.

“That’s the last time you land a blow on me sun guard. Come!” Winters challenged, rushing his opponent and smirking as his brash attack took the sun guard by surprise. I guess I can play that round off as luring him into a false sense of security. Winters considered as he began raining down quick blows, holding his staff in the middle and alternating between the left and right end for his attacks. He did his best to randomize them and not look at the point of attack with his eyes, choosing instead to focus on his opponents hips and weapon. He’d never been particularly skilled with the staff, but he had enough experience that his sudden change in style forced his opponent to play only defense. It secured him another point, putting him up four to three as he landed a blow on his opponent’s left shoulder. By that time Winters had backed the guard almost to the edge of the ring before drawing apart again, resetting for what he intended to be the final round.

“Tch…well I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, that’s what I’d do.” He muttered, noticing his opponent had stayed put at the edge of the ring. His speed and agility would be ill suited to assaulting a fixed position. For a moment Winters waited, hoping to confirm his suspicions. As he expected, the sun guard didn’t move. “Damn, I really need to end this now.” Winters grimaced as lancing pain radiated from what he was sure was a very nasty bruise. It was pulsing in time with his heartbeat and growing stronger as he rested. Deciding on his plan of attack, Winters kicked off and sprinted at his opponent.

“That won’t work again human!” The sun guard roared, preparing a defensive stance to counter what he assumed would be another rapid flurry of short, weak blows, holding his staff like a two handed sword in order to increase his reach. It was a decent plan, Winters admitted. At his speed, a rapid change in momentum would be inadequate to dodge if he happened to reach striking distance. Gotcha. With a grunt, Winters hit the dirt in a slide, moving under his opponent’s attack. As the vertical strike came down at him, Winters tilted his staff, allowing the left side to plant in the ground to the side of his body while holding up the right side firmly. As the incoming attack glanced off and to the left, Winters grabbed his staff with both hands and used it to multiply his remaining momentum as he pushed off the ground into a close range shoulder bash that struck before a guard could be raised. With a surprised grunt the sun guard was thrown back and out of the ring, the crowd parting quickly to avoid the action. As the guard raised his head and made to stand he was greeted by Winters’ towering figure above him, the end of his opponent’s staff thrust just short of his now exposed neck.

“That was for you, Shifty.” Winters dedicated his winning blow under his breath. His foe dropped his weapon.

“That was very well done. I concede. Your fighting style is…quite erratic, human.” The guard admitted as Winters helped him up, concluding the match with the Cauthan bumping of forearms to show that they each considered it a fair and honorable contest. The human wanted to say something more, but decided not to, instead taking back his translator with gruff thanks. In the end he was sure that Vash would always be able to find those willing to carry out his more distasteful orders, it didn’t matter who. Winters shot a withering look at the sun priest, making sure he understood the situation. It was currently two nil in favor of the human, technically three nil if he counted his escape from the Lancer. Seil couldn’t touch him. As the crowd began milling around again, eager to talk, settle bets, and move onto other activities, Winters turned around and walked across the ring to where Veera awaited him, handing off his weapon to Antoth who gave him a stern nod of congratulations. Winters felt bad when he arrived. He knew he was broadcasting the pain that he felt. Veera clutched her hands together over her chest as her plumage vibrated.

“Sorry Veera.” He smiled shyly at her before she drew him tentatively into an embrace, making sure to avoid any movement that might cause him additional pain.

“You had me so worried.” She admitted in his ear. “I know we just started…being together, but…”

“Shhh, don’t say that Veera. I am sorry for being stupid and noble, but I can’t deny it’s a nice feeling too, knowing you care so much. Time doesn’t matter. No one says we have to be anything more or less than we want to be. I know I’d feel the same or worse if I saw you get hit.”

“Alright then, darling. I don’t know how, but you always seem to know what to say. No sense in fighting what’s already done. Shall we head back to the fire? I want to check on you all the same.” Veera insisted before withdrawing and addressing the three youngsters with them.

“We’re going to head back to the fire. Xan, you’re welcome to join us if you like. Zolta, Asha, what will the two of you do?” She asked. The three deliberated for a moment before deciding to head off on their own, allowing Winters and Veera some time to themselves following the excitement of the match. Before leaving, Xan bowed deeply to Winters.

“I won’t forget your lesson. Thank you human. When I recover I will redouble my training.” Winters returned the bow and nodded, signaling that Xan was free to go and enjoy the festival anew, which he did, though with a slight limp. Zolta and Asha departed soon after, hand in hand.

“You know I’m going to have to stop you from fathering them all if you make getting hurt a habit.” Veera joked as she slung his arm over her shoulder, allowing him to partially support himself on her as he walked. It was completely unnecessary, but it warmed his heart nevertheless.

“Duly noted, though I can’t say I’d planned any of that. I knew Xan was hotheaded and overconfident but…I couldn’t help but feel a bit responsible, you know?”

“Because of what happened with Zolta and Asha, you mean?”

“Exactly. It’s pretty hard not to notice how things changed once it was pointed out. I feel like I ruined the festival for some of them.” Winters admitted. Veera didn’t immediately correct him, posing a question to him instead.

“Was it worth it to see Zolta and Asha come together?”

“One hundred percent worth it.” He grinned at her, hissing in pain as they sat down on their bench. “Alright, maybe not that much?”

“We’d better get this shirt off then.” Veera advised clinically. After a moment she realized what she’d said and looked away from him, her feathers all aflutter.

‘Veera, I can confirm that there is nothing life threatening about the injury. However it may be wise to at least observe it. Human males do not possess any sex organs above the waist.’ Io advised, bolstering the Cauthan’s courage while heightening her embarrassment. Winters barked in laughter before hissing in pain.

“Ladies, it’s really not that big of a deal.” He said, grabbing the hem of the garment and lifting it off his body. He didn’t blame Veera for her reticence at all. He was the one with experience, the one who’d had past relationships before. Veera had none of that, though her actions the night before were certainly to her credit in his mind. All the same, she seemed unwilling to look at him, staring very pointedly into the fire pit. He found it endearing.

“Feather kitten, it’s alright, really.” He assured her, grabbing one of her hands and stroking it with a thumb. “There are many occasions in which it is completely natural and socially acceptable for human males to be in public without a shirt.” He saw her take a peek out of the corner of her eye before snapping them back to the fire. With a firm smile he captured her chin with a finger and turned her head back to face him, feeling a bout of male pride as her gaze immediately dropped to his chest and core muscles. He was sure others were staring too, but he was ‘injured’. They could go to hell. He was enjoying being a bit of a showoff.

“Wow…” Veera breathed, shocked at his hairless form and the two small discolored circles on his pectoral muscles. Were it not for the large, angry, red, blue and black mass on his right side, she would have asked him about the curious points of his anatomy. Instead she silently admired his obvious strength before turning her attention to the large bruise. “Could you lift your right arm?” She asked. Winters complied immediately, making an uncomfortable noise as the muscles in the area stretched. Veera began describing what she saw, knowing she had the best view. “Well, I can see exactly where the staff struck you. That part is a bit lighter than the rest, mainly red with some blue. The areas just to each side are the worst; those look very dark, blue and black. Right now it’s…” She held up her hand, fingers splayed out and hovered just over the area. She matched them to its width. “…about this wide on the long axis. Is there anything else I can do?”

‘No Veera, that is all. I might ask you to please check on it every so often and inform us if there is significant swelling in the area. The Lieutenant can obviously do so as well but you will always have the optimal perspective. If there are no complications from excessive swelling, this wound will likely heal on its own time.’ Io explained, thankful to have a second pair of eyes to compensate for the lack of sensors she suffered when outside the Aegis. Veera seemed to relax at that, an opportunity Winters took to lower his right arm slightly so he could scratch her behind the ears. Veera gasped pleasantly and leaned against him, placing her left arm behind his back and her right on his chest. After confirming she wouldn’t apply any pressure to the bruised area she allowed herself the undeniable pleasure of snuggling against Winters’ solid frame.

The fur of Veera’s head and forearms was soft and pleasant against his bare skin. Even the parts of her that were covered benefitted from the extra cushion provided by the layer of hair. An unbidden thought sprang to Winters’ mind as he considered what it would be like to hug her fully, with no extraneous fabric in the way. He shook it off just as quickly, reminding himself of Veera’s hyper-virginal state. He had claimed the right to every single one of her firsts. Satisfied with that fact, he simply enjoyed their embrace as her presence helped dull his pain. “Do you have any idea how comfortable you are?” He asked pleasantly, continuing to attend to her ears with lazy, unstopping movement.

“I suppose I take a lot of it for granted. We’re all rather fluffy in this village, Russell. I’m glad you like it though…” She trailed off, inwardly thrilled to hear his words. It was the first time she could remember him explicitly identifying one of her ‘xeno’ traits as something beneficial to him, specifically. The thought elicited a rumbling purr from deep in her chest.

“I do, very much Veera.”