Hitting the mat for the millionth time today was frustrating. The impact of her back falling against it was lessened by the numbness that had crept into her nerves. Loss after loss had demoralized her in a way but Rhage insisted that this was how she would learn. Something about failure being a good teacher.

Artemis groaned as she picked herself up off the mat, sending an annoyed glare in the direction of her mate. He stood a few feet away drinking from a metal container.

He hadn't even broken a sweat!

The kehrite felt hotter due to her working up a sweat, the square room empty of anyone but Rhage and her. This was one of several training areas and he had ordered this one to be clear for them. Having so many eyes on her would've made her nervous. As always, he was going out of his way to ensure her happiness.

The walls were padded with one covered in various training weapons, each one blunt. She recognized various swords, combi-sticks, glaives, throwing stars, whips, and many other ones that she didn't have a name for. The mats were black that covered the black walls. It was all utilitarian as all the Yautja architecture seemed to be. Made to favor function over form. A part her did admire the brutalist design, however.

It was cleanly made of straight lines and no clutter. Just how she liked interior design.

"Babe, can we just call it quits for the day? My body is like..." she wiped sweat from her upper brow, taking deep breaths through her nose to calm her breathing, "on its last legs. I'd kill for a shower right about now." For emphasis she stuck out her bottom lip a little and put on her biggest puppy-dog eyes she could muster. It usually worked on him, this pathetic act, and she hoped it would this time.

Her huge mate was a sap. She loved every minute of it.

The Elder Yautja turned gracefully towards her, holding the container in his hand. His eyes widened at the sight of her standing there covered in sweat and giving him that certain look that he couldn't resist saying no to. The cogs in his head seemed to be moving at lightning speed because he eventually sighed.

"Two days. Two days to rest. I...have been hard on you today, flower." Rhage came to rub her shoulder and lead them out into the hall.

"Me and the couch are going to be well acquainted the next two days." Grumbled Artemis as they entered the lift, leaning against the wall with a sigh.

The dark grey lift with ambient lighting seemed to move slower somehow. A slow snail pace. It was torturous. Extending the time it took to get back to their quarters where she could shower, snuggle her mate and baby, and get some relaxation. Some rest and relaxation was in her grasp. She just had to get there!

"Mate, relax." His fingers gently massaged her shoulders. "You did much better than the previous day. It may not seem like it, but you are improving. I am proud of you." Her large mate knelt to rub their foreheads together, the equivalent of a Yautja kiss.

She couldn't help the small smile that spread across her face at his soft words. His rumbly voice soothed the self-doubt that had crept into her mind. The inadequacy melted into a mild burn.

"I'm trying. I just hate losing."

"Maybe I will let you win..."

The lift reached their floor and the pair exited. Eventually they came to their door and Artemis quickly went to check on Orion, the pup having been babysat by Kato. She walked into the bedroom to find the lights dimmed. Lying on the couch was Kato, stretching his mandibles wide open in a yawn. He lied on his back with Orion on his wide chest, a thick arm around the infant. Orion slept on his stomach, his feet and arms curled up towards his body, a cloth diaper wrapped around him.

Artemis waved to Kato as he sat up with Orion in his arm. The infant was passed to her and she quietly thanked him. He stretched again when he stood before talking to Rhage while Artemis carried Orion to his crib.

She nuzzled her sleeping son, giving his soft little head kisses before she laid him down. He continued sleeping through every motion. Life had become easier once he had turned five months old just a week ago. The little guy slept through the night and needed a few less feedings now. Rhage and her both kept careful watch as he grew, finding interesting features that were slowly taking shape.

His little nails were becoming blunt claws, that according to Rhage, would grow sharp once he was older. The claws would be on his toes, too. He had patching of green scales around his body and a head full of dark curls. Rhage liked to pet Orion's head to feel the softness. The Black Blade's Human Specialist, Greppa, had given them a report after a scan that indicated he may develop sharp canine teeth in the place of human incisors and various other things that would prove his Yautja parentage of Rhage. The rest was a mystery that only time could tell.

Once she had showered and changed into clean clothes, she returned to the living room where Rhage, Kato, and Dhare stood around the dining table. They turned to greet her, Rhage pulling her into his side.

"Thanks for babysitting, Kato. You're really sweet." She patted him on the shoulder as he walked away.

Throwing a hand out casually, he grumbled to himself before responding, "Tare and I are looking to adopt, so it is only apt that I learn how to handle pups."

A hand flew over her heart in surprise before wishing him good luck on his way out of their quarters. Dhare and Rhage patted each other on the shoulder, Rhage heading to take a shower and leaving Dhare alone with Artemis, the two gazing at one another.

She folded her arms across her chest with a smirk, "You called me step-mom, Dhare..."

Gold eyes narrowed at her slightly with a chuff. The Elite snarled low in his throat, clearly not comfortable with being called out.

"Sei'i. I have. I worried I would face harsh repercussions should you die."

"Mhmmm. Okay, big guy." It was adorable how he behaved sometimes. He was seven-hundred something years old but behaved like a teenager on the occasion. Men, well males in the case of Yautja, were the same no matter where one was at. They all behaved like children to a point. "Thank you, Dhare."

He turned his intense gaze to her, cocking his head to the side sending his chest length locs cascading to the side, the jewelry in them tinkling against one another. He had added new bands and a string of beads on the left side of his head.

Each color was meant to attract a mate, according to Khaj when she had spent time in the med bay. Different ones also symbolized rank and accomplishments. Dhare had added a string that said he had held a seat in government — blue, yellow, orange, and green with a singular rune carved into each. The sight was quite pleasing and stood stark against his black locs.

"Thank you for being there. It's nice to have family again." The deep gratitude she had towards her step-son was more than he would ever know. "If you do find that woman and you need help, don't hesitate to call me. I could help however you need it. Remember my offer, mister." She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist, squeezing him a little. His body tensed slightly and only relaxed when she released him.

Dhare took a few steps back, "I will, Artemis. Your wisdom would be welcoming in understanding the females of your species." He turned on his heel with a smirk and saying his parting words, "Until I return, take care of that old male. Someone has to."

The old man jokes were aplenty when it came to Rhage. Yeah, he was almost a thousand years old, but he could satisfy her just like a young person. He was the love of her life. The one who had saved her from a life of being a science experiment, debased and dehumanized, to giving her a life that she never would've known possible. Along his side she had seen many new worlds and would see even more.

Artemis made her way to the window to observe the planet that the clanship approached. It was a purple and orange planet with a pale atmosphere. The sight was wondrous.

A wall of heat appeared behind her accompanied by the arms of Rhage pulling her into his body. She leaned her head back and placed her hand over his, smiling up at him. He was fleshly bathed and warm. His scent washed over her, calming her nerves.

"I love you, Rhage."

Her Yautja mate rumbled happily behind her, "I love you, Artemis. My flower. My goddess."

Of course he had to outdo her. The thought had her giggling.

"I'm glad it was you I got stuck with. I wouldn't have it any other way."

Lime-green eyes met dark blue. Human met Yautja. Two souls connected on a level that hadn't before. Their love swelling and growing, more than had thought possible. An interspecies relationship between two very different beings.

Rhage purred, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he gazed at Artemis. She turned to better look at him as he knelt before her so they were eye to eye, his hands taking hers in his. As always, his dwarfed hers, but neither minded the difference.

"Artemis, I pledge to protect and love you for as long as we both live. When you die, I die. Where you go, I go. Where you slumber, I slumber. Better together, you and I." His deep voice rumbled in her chest as she smiled at him, the colorful planet a beautiful backdrop to their right. "I will give you all the young you want. You will always be happy. I cannot wait to spend eternity with you, mi'esui."

Her heart nearly fluttered out of her chest at the rush of emotions flooding her mind at that moment. Artemis felt complete and whole. Loved and cherished.

"You are my everything, Rhage. I would love to spend eternity with you and grow a family together. You and I against the universe." She collapsed against him in a tight embrace, resting her cheek against his bare chest.

He enveloped her in his arms and nuzzled her gently. They stayed together like this in each other's arms for some time, just enjoying the shared intimacy. Eventually he gathered her into his arms and carried her to bed where they snuggled.

Artemis looked forward to the future. Days where she could relax with her mate and son, exploring the universe with them and their expanding family. Bliss was all she felt as she slowly succumbed to sleep, the training of the day returning to her body. The gentle rumbling purr of Rhage surrounded her in a comforting cocoon.

It was nice to finally get some rest.

🥹❤️