Things are tense between them and Aerglo doesn't know why, doesn't know how to help xyr mate. Caelum shies away from xem, and xe is lost.

Caelum can't bring himself to tell Aerglo what happened. He doesn't know why, doesn't know what's holding him back, but he just can't. He sleeps with his back to Aerglo, his mate wrapping xyr arms around him until a warm hand rests on his swollen belly.

He can't help but smile sadly when he feels their baby turn and kick and wiggle about at their sire's touch. He should be happy. He is. He's so incredibly happy, but he's also so scared.

And the closer they get to Aerglo's home, the more his irrational fear grows.

Aerglo sighs, pressing xyr forehead to Caelum's back.

"Please, eno elttil," Aerglo begs, "please talk to me."

Caelum bites his lip, letting a tear sink into the pillow beneath his head.

He doesn't talk, doesn't say anything.

He does slip his hand in Aerglo's hand, their fingers twining and hands grasping at each other atop his baby bump.

It's all he can bring himself to do and Aerglo accepts this, respects xyr mate and his wishes even as xe worries for him and their child.

"I love you, Caelum," Aerglo whispers.

"Love you too," Caelum breathes softly, eyes fluttering closed as he lets himself fall asleep.

And while he sleeps, xe rubs xyr mate's swollen belly, raising a brow when the baby rolls and kicks at xyr palm yet again. Despite xyr worry, it brings a small smile to xyr face. The baby stretching in there, cozy and warm and safe. Another kick and a small hand reaching out and pressing against xyrs.

Aerglo doesn't change forms.

Xe stays as human as xe can for xyr mate's comfort, until Caelum is finally ready to tell xem who hurt him.

•●•●•

Caelum paces nervously, six months pregnant and feeling bloated and just generally big and uncomfortable.

"It will be alright," Aerglo assures.

Caelum faces his mate, biting his bottom lip. He trusts Aerglo, of course he does. He just can't explain it.

Aerglo seems to be under constant scrutiny, especially after refusing to change into xyr original form and instead maintain the pretense of being human. It has irked many on board, many who detest humans for how weak they are and it's truly given both Caelum and Aerglo insight on the ship's opinions.

But Aerglo had stood firm and they bowed to xem regardless.

Now Aerglo looks all the more affirming despite being heads shorter. Xe almost looks regal and Caelum wonders if Aerglo is really just a captain.

Those thoughts, however, disappear when a knock to their room interrupts them.

An alien, the alien that had antagonized Caelum, appears.

Caelum falls silent, head bowed and eyes downcast as they step through the threshold.

Aerglo notices and xyr jaw ticks. So this is the one who has hurt xyr mate.

"My captain," the alien bows, "we have arrived."

Aerglo nods, coldly saying, "dismissed."

The alien looks at xyr captain in surprise before bowing once more and stomping out the room.

"It is xem, is it not," Aerglo states when they're finally alone again.

Caelum's bright eyes look up at xem in his own surprise. His lips part but he doesn't negate it.

"What did xe do?" Aerglo demands.

"No-Nothing," Caelum lies.

But Aerglo hears the lie in the way xyrs mate's heart skips a beat.

Xe approaches xyr mate and sighs, "if xe hurt you, I must know."

"I don't want to talk about it," Caelum mumbles, hand cradling his underbelly, "not right now... we're here right, so we should go... I... I'll tell you later, after you help your people and-"

"And I would feel better if my mate would tell me now," Aerglo interrupts, but xe understands, "I respect your decision, but if anyone or anything upsets you, please do not hesitate to tell me, love."

Caelum nods, pouting as he stares at the floor, huffing when he can't see his feet.

Aerglo, resigned, presses a kiss to plump pouty lips.

An incessant knock interrupt once again and they know they can't stay here any longer.

They're waiting.

Aerglo takes off xyr cape, and clasps it over Caelum's thin shoulders. Wide eyes looking up at xem and making Aerglo smile at the adorable sight. Xyr cape nearly swallowing Caelum's frame and effectively hiding his baby bump.

They open the door and walk hand in hand until they reach the corridor filled with aliens and humans alike. All just a bit ansty and awaiting for the main ship's door to open.

Caelum squeezes Aerglo's hand tightly.

"Will it hurt?" Caelum asks.

"It'll be difficult, it might even burn, but you'll get used to it."

"Okay," Caelum whispers.

And he can't help himself as he hugs Aerglo tightly.

"I'll find you as soon as I'm done reporting," Aerglo promises, "and I'll show you my world, show both of you to my world."

Caelum smiles at that, "we'll wait for you."

Aerglo hesitates, but xe lets go of Caelum and makes to stand at the head of the procession with xyr closest comrades and soldiers.

And breathing one last time, the doors open revealing a bright white light.