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Jess woke up feeling distinctly off. She groaned— more out of frustration than real pain, though there was some of that as well. After a moment, she lifted the pelt acting as her blanket and rolled onto her side. Jess hastily patted the bedding beneath her lower half. Thankfully blood-free. But given the characteristic ache in her middle and the angry heat in her nether regions, it was unlikely to remain so for much longer.
Frustrated, she ran a hand through her boyishly short, black hair. “Damn it!”
A quick glance at her surroundings revealed that her partner, Ku'thar-Tlik— whom she had nicknamed Ku'thar— was not just absent from the bed, but their bedroom. Yautjaan and Human sleep cycles differed, so this was not an infrequent occurrence. Perhaps he was exercising in the kehrite. Though Ku'thar had developed a fondness for “sleeping in” if it meant that his ectothermic ass got to absorb more of her body heat. Or if their cuddling led to a morning quickie.
On this occasion, however, she was grateful for his absence. It meant she didn’t have to manage his cautious curiosity or protective instincts. In a few days, Jess would finish shedding her uterine lining and could begin her new (and hopefully improved) birth control regimen. With these observations made, Jess quickly left the bed and strode out the door. If the ship weren’t so hot, she would’ve thrown on a pair of sweatpants over her underwear. Hopefully she could make it to the sanitary chamber before this pair was ruined. As a species, Yautja did not tend to be concerned by bloodstains. And she hadn’t yet found their equivalent of Spray ‘n’ Wash, if one existed.
As she was halfway to her destination, the door to the kehrite whooshed open. Ku'thar, breathing more heavily than usual and wearing only his informal athletic loincloth, stepped into the hall. They made eye-contact and Jess tried not to feel caught out. Ku'thar’s ochre-colored eyes crinkled warmly at her. “Gkaun-yte,” he greeted softly, despite still catching his breath.
In spite of her concerns, Jess smiled, her own blue eyes crinkling. “Good morning.”
Before she had a chance to move away, a large and rough, warm hand caught her wrist. “Pauk. You are bleeding!” Jess was jerked to a standstill. Although her 5’9’’ stature placed Jess above average height for human women, she was tiny compared to Ku'thar.
She bit down on her urge to snap at him for the manhandling. If our positions were reversed, I’d be concerned too. Annoyed by the delay and also for having unintentionally caused Ku'thar’s panic, Jess gently shoved his hand. Unsurprisingly, Ku'thar did not let go. Instead, he omitted a low, displeased growl. Then he rapidly scanned her for the “injury.”
Jess pushed more firmly against her partner’s hold. “It’s a small wound, not dangerous with proper treatment. I’m taking care of it right now.” This was not an entirely honest summary, but it should lessen his worry. If pressed, she would explain everything later.
Ku'thar released her but the anxious spread of his mandibles and eyes did not stop. He muttered a rapid series of soft clicks and chirps before switching to English again. “Then I will accompany you to the healing room to ensure you receive the swiftest of care.”
For the second time that morning, Jess groaned (though this time, only in her head). “Thank you, Ku'thar, but that isn’t necessary. I’ll find you when I'm done. Sei-i ?”
“Sei-i.” Ku'thar replied, then rumbled lowly— what she considered his version of a sigh. They locked eyes again briefly before her wrist was reluctantly released. Message received: he expected her prompt return once this was over. Feeling slightly horrible, Jess turned her back on him. But she was soon distracted by a fresh wave of blood soaking into her underwear. Distracted, Jess did not notice the piercing, worried stare that followed her down the hall.
Just as rapidly, Ku'thar-Tlik strode towards the bedchamber to first refresh himself and then wait for Dj'ess to return. Though the urge to seek clarity by observing his Oomani-di via the ship’s gkinmara was strong, he resisted. Ordinarily the young Yautja would not stoop so low as to even consider spying on his mate, but Ku'thar-Tlik was concerned that she had underestimated the severity of this mysterious injury. He wanted to be ready in case his assistance became necessary.
...
Almost a year had passed since Jess had met Ku'thar and subsequently decided to stay with him. It had been an easy decision, but did complicate certain aspects of her life. One corollary of that decision was her prolonged absence from Earth. So, Jess had issued a few commands to Ku'thar’s ship’s A.I. prior to indefinitely leaving Wi-Fi range of Earth.
First, she instructed the ship to hack into Earth’s best medical facilities and download as much medical information as possible while simultaneously creating untraceable backdoors in case future access was necessary. Then she created a protocol for the medical suite’s scanners in case they ever detected any abnormalities in her system. They would compare her results to the ship’s freshly pirated database of human biology and offer suggestions based on that knowledge. With some hesitation, she had locked the information about reproduction and psychological conditions behind a privacy shield.
At that time, her connection with Ku'thar was still fragile. Deep, certainly… just new. While she didn’t like contemplating negative future outcomes of their budding relationship, to ignore that possibility seemed unwise. From what little she knew of Yautja culture then, to leave a database of potential “Ooman vulnerabilities” accessible was risky. Perhaps no one in Ku'thar’s immediate clan would act on the information, but Jess also didn’t want to endure more awkward questions when there were already so many cultural divides.
Ku'thar had never admitted to his knowledge of her database (though as the ship’s Primary, he had certainly been alerted to its creation). This had felt quietly supportive. So when things between them progressed to the point of Talking About It, she had shared only the bare, necessary factoids about fertility, anatomy, and potential infections. As had he. The finer details of the menstrual cycle were not omitted out of mistrust— Jess simply lacked the language skills to cover the technicalities. In following months, it had slipped her mind to offer more explanation, or reconfigure her privacy shields.
As her remaining supply of birth control pills dwindled in the ensuing weeks, Jess sacrificed several more so that the medical center could synthesize an alternative. Had she already mentioned the superiority of Yautja technology!? This process was far more convenient than arguing with a gynecologist about the “necessity” of placebo pills or handling pharmacy co-pays.
The only complication had been the medical suite’s safety parameters. It firmly refused to dispense a new prescription with Jess’ existing one still in her system. She had briefly considered trying to override it, but ultimately conceded due to the new Pill’s experimental nature. Jess had switched birth control methods before and knew what to expect.
When her next cycle began— if she even got a period— she would express her disinterest in sex to Ku'thar if he asked and have the ship discretely fabricate some tampons. If Ku'thar was even onboard then. These days, he did not often venture planet-side without her, or intentionally seek out long hunts, but it had happen. It would occur more frequently if they ever settled on his clan’s ship. Access to its greater resources and protection would make Jess’ survival less uncertain if the worst happened.
...
Her morale boosted by the application of a tampon, quick wash, and change of clothing, Jess returned to the bedroom. Ku'thar could be anywhere on the ship, but he was likely still feeling vulnerable. In moments of distress, Ku'thar tended to retreat to their space. No doubt he was unsettled by the scent of her blood and what it implied about her health. After all, an injured warrior was at greater risk of losing a fight. Mortally. Ku'thar always took his wounds seriously, no matter how minor they appeared. Fuck, I really messed this up, Jess concluded uneasily.
Ku'thar was indeed in their bedroom, kneeling upright atop a piece of low, ottoman-like furniture that served as Yautjaan chairs. He had changed into casual wear: metal gauntlet, leather trophy belt, kilt-like shendyt, and sandals. As usual, his black locs were pulled away from his face and loosely bound with a thin strip of hide. The overhead light caught on the series of thin, silver bands adorning them. Jess took a moment to admire Ku'thar’s still form. His skin was a healthy, burnished shade of copper, dotted with faint mossy green striations and darker brown splotches. An irregular pattern of reddish dots ran over the scalier portion of his extremities and back. These colors and patterns faded at his center, becoming a uniform shade of light brown across his pectorals and abdominal muscles.
As she stepped over the threshold, his eyes snapped open. Ku'thar’s mandibles briefly clacked together in fond recognition. He stilled, just as abruptly, brow ridge furrowing as he sensed something displeasing. “Dau h’dui’se s’ thwei— You are still bleeding,” Ku'thar said flatly. Jess winced at the tone. It meant he was particularly worried and was working to control the emotion before it dominated him.
When Ku'thar moved to stand, Jess held up a firm hand. “M-di!” He growled and briefly flared his bottom mandibles, but remained seated. Before Ku'thar’s frustration could overcome him, Jess quickly dragged over another chair and sat wearily. Unfortunately, the ship had also refused to provide even a previously tested painkiller while she was “detoxing.” Jess had only infrequently required Midol when she menstruating, and so had no samples to synthesize.
A soft, inquisitive chirp interrupted her spiraling thoughts. When Jess glanced up, she saw that Ku'thar had moved silently to kneel before her. He gazed intently at her torso, head tilted. One clawed hand hovered between them as if desiring to seek the source of her “injury.” It was faint, but Jess could detect his purr as well. Despite her frustration, Jess found the gesture sweet. Even uninformed, Ku'thar was handling this better than some human men might.
As if sensing her focus, Ku'thar looked up, eyes troubled. “Was the ship unable to provide care?”
She shook her head. “The ship isn’t malfunctioning. My ‘problem’ is… structural, not functional.”
Ku'thar’s frown intensified. His next exhale was a rattling hiss. “I do not understand.” Delicately, he placed his hand on her knee.
Jess swallowed, considering how to best explain what she was experiencing. The faint purring continued. Jess pressed her hand against his. “Forgive me, this is— difficult to explain.”
“I require no apology,” Ku'thar replied firmly.
Jess took a moment to center herself. Well, as the Yautja say: thin-de le’hsaun ’aloun’myin-de s’ bpi-de gka-de hou-depaya— it’s all or nothing. “Do you remember our conversation about anatomy?”
Ku'thar’s head jerked in an awkward nod before he cautiously agreed, “Sei-i.”
“This,” Jess continued, gesturing to her lower abdomen, “is related to Oomani-di reproduction. Before, I didn’t fully explain to avoid causing unnecessary confusion…” but also because I didn’t want to discuss periods with you. She sighed, feeling her cheeks flush. This irritated Jess further— she had worked so hard to overcome the ingrained shame surrounding human bodies. In this particular way, Yautja were a more straightforward people.
“You are embarrassed by this topic.” Ku'thar observed bluntly.
Jess frowned, and exhaled sharply. Yes, but I wish I weren’t. “Many humans still think that lou-dte kale matters should be concealed— though that’s thankfully changing. But it’s still hard to overcome such a longstanding cultural taboo.” She hadn’t fully explained misogyny to him— Jess was more interested in learning about Yautja gender dynamics, as the culture leaned matriarchal.
Ku'thar nodded again. He may not understand the specifics, but Yautja also had cultural taboos. “Ki’sei.”
Jess smiled shakily and patted his hand. Ku'thar squeezed her knee gently in return. “So, anyway— people with my anatomy have a reproductive cycle with monthly peaks and lows during our fertile years. If we don’t get pregnant, our reproductive organs prepare for the next fertility peak by expelling unused material in the form of blood. Our hormones fluctuate as well, and there are often other… unpleasant symptoms. This is called a period. The bleeding usually lasts anywhere from a few days to a week.”
Ku'thar blinked, looking somewhat baffled. “So this bleeding is normal. You are not injured?”
Jess grimaced. “I’m certainly uncomfortable, but my physical capabilities haven’t meaningfully changed.”
A soft growl emanated from Ku'thar’s closed mandibles. His head remained slightly tilted. “My people have underestimated Oomani-di s’ thar’n-dha.”
She laughed. “Well you’re not alone in doing so. Ooman men have similar difficulties.”
Ku'thar laughed throatily at that, but his gaze retained its curiosity. “I have not witnessed you bleed in this manner before. Is there— treatment, for your reproduction?”
Jess nodded. “Yes, the concept is called birth control, but—” she cut herself off. Ku'thar was intelligent and patient. But he also had a streak of Yautjaan pride. He knew that she had made concessions to join him. Ku'thar had also altered his lifestyle for her comfort. Still, I don’t want to imply that this is his fault. “Since we’re not living on Earth, I don’t want to rely on its technology. That includes medicine. So I thought it would be smarter to have the ship start synthesizing my birth control. Last month, I stopped taking it in order to switch medications, so nothing’s stopping my period right now.”
Ku'thar’s eyes narrowed contemplatively. “Because too much medicine is dangerous?”
“Yeah. What I’m doing is called a ‘detox.’”
“Before, you said that this thwei-de has other unpleasant symptoms. Can they also be treated?”
Something about the question, the way he asked it, maybe, triggered a soft pang of suspicion in the back of her mind. Still, Jess answered: “For the most part, yes.”
Ku'thar nodded, something coy in the angle of his mandibles. A small thrill coursed through Jess. Likely sensing this, Ku'thar purred louder, while also chattering eagerly. “If you would permit it, I would like to attempt something.”
Jess shook off her distraction, one eyebrow raising in confusion. That lingering suspicion grew. But so did her curiosity. A faint flutter of heat stirred in Jess’ core. “Try what?”
Ku'thar chattered again. Oh, he’s definitely up to something. Jess didn’t yet have a ton of intimate experience with Yautjaan hunt-planning— Ku'thar seemed to enjoy her taking the lead— but she had fond memories of those occasions when it was used for her benefit. When he spoke next, Ku'thar’s head and eyes were lowered, words carefully enunciated to ensure her comprehension: “Dau thwei h’dui’se s’ c’ntlip— I would like to taste you.”
“Oh!” She absolutely found the idea intriguing. In fact, Jess was momentarily distracted by vivid mental images of how Ku'thar would look, coiled between her thighs. How it would feel when he used his thin, warm tongue on her clit… At the same time: he was not fully aware of what he was offering. While Yautja were carnivorous, and thus used to blood, that did not mean that Ku'thar would enjoy this kind of exposure to it. Furthermore, a not insignificant part of Jess cringed while picturing those fangs around that part of her body.
Of course, since he seemed so set upon this particular scheme, Ku'thar did not make her deliberations easier. His hand gently nudged at her knee— wanting to issue a challenge, perhaps, but unable to properly do so from his position— while his purr increased in volume. Her face heated as Jess blushed again. She glared self-consciously as Ku'thar’s mandibles rapidly clacked together. He was laughing. Well. If he wants a challenge then he can have it!
“Since you seem so eager, I’ll let you experience period sex. But, I have some ground rules.”
About five minutes later, Jess finished telling Ku'thar what he should expect. Then they gathered the necessary supplies— though Yautja didn’t have towels or baby wipes, so she’d had to make some substitutions. Ku'thar reminded her that he was not offput by blood but still obligingly retrieved his “worst” fur for her to recline on. Fortunately, the kehrite housed many objects, including a flexible piece of equipment rather like a yoga mat. Ku'thar cut it to her specifications without blinking. After that, Jess removed her tampon and stripped.
As she got into position, Jess was struck by another bout of nerves. It’s only Ku'thar. He asked to do this, she reminded herself. After a calming deep breath, Jess felt her nerves subside. It was now or never. “Alright, I’m ready.”
Ku'thar moved with deliberateness as he approached the bed and climbed toward her. Jess absently appreciated the demonstration of his muscularity before being pulled back into the moment. Meeting her gaze, Ku'thar placed the pieces of exercise mat on top of her thighs and carefully lowered his head. Soon after, Jess felt the pressure of his upper mandibles against the padded squares as his bite force pinned them in place. The same process was repeated with his lower mandibles. Jess hoped that this would both protect her and also ease Ku'thar’s inevitable muscle strain. Then she gently readjusted the rolled up fur serving as pillow, so she was more readily able to watch.
Once she had settled, Ku'thar’s warm gaze drifted up and met hers. He uttered a rumbling purr, and Jess shuddered in growing anticipation. She smiled. “Are you comfortable enough?”
One sharp-clawed finger tapped affirmatively against her calf in response. Good.
The moment ended when Jess felt the familiar, uncomfortable sensation of warm blood trickling out of her vagina. Ugh. She nearly squirmed in discomfort before remembering herself. The pressure from Ku'thar’s mandibles suddenly increased and his grip on her legs also tightened. A faint rumble emanated from his chest. While it did not sound displeased, Jess was still concerned. A wave of convoluted emotions ran through her. What if it’s too much? Will Ku'thar stop if he doesn’t like it—
The hot, forked tip of Ku'thar’s tongue lapped against her vulva and Jess gasped. Her focus was abruptly magnetized toward absorbing the very pleasant sensation. Ku'thar let out a rapid series of clicks and a faint, warning growl as her legs jerked. “Sorry!” Jess exclaimed. Ku'thar purred, obviously intending to reassure her. Instead it sent a wave of tingling excitement up her spine and Jess nearly shivered. Right. I have to stay still.
As Ku'thar resumed his ministrations— avoiding penetration as well as her clit— it became difficult for Jess to discern whether the increasingly wet sensation she felt was the result of her growing arousal, blood, or Ku'thar’s hotter-than-human saliva. Despite the musky, metallic scent beginning to fill the air, the heat of his tongue was melting her. Jess groaned as it flitted over her opening. Her hands clenched in the fur, squeezing rhythmically. Abruptly, that thin, alien tongue teased over her inner labia and Jess felt herself clench, wanting more pressure, more sensation. Ku'thar rumbled again, fingers squeezing painfully against her legs before rapidly easing their grip. She’d have bruises when they were done. Jess was unbothered by the thought.
Then Ku'thar’s tongue finally entered her, and Jess’s buttocks tightened. “Fuck yes.” However, the relief was temporary. Ku'thar abruptly withdrew his tongue, and began tracing the inner edge of her labia minora instead. Jess squeezed her eyes shut in frustration.
Just as this newest form of teasing became truly irritating, Ku'thar changed course and licked up, up, up. The extreme tapered edge of his tongue slid under her clitoral hood. Later, Jess was not too proud to deny that the sound she made was more mewl than whine. “Ooo-hhh.” A muscle in her thigh spasmed, and Jess’ right food jerked a few inches. Ku'thar pricked her calf with the tips of his nails rebukingly. She laughed breathily. “Sorry, baby.” He grunted, and the pinpoint pressure of his talons retreated.
Probably wanting to avoid more disastrous spasms, Ku'thar proceeded delicately. The feather-light taps against her clit did not make Jess jolt but they did drive her to press her head back against the bed. “Shit, baby… that’s— uh uh. So good.” The ministrations continued.
Sometime later, Jess felt almost too warm, and flushed all over. Her abdominal muscles were locked in a semi-permanent clench. Her legs ached from the prolonged pressure, holding her position, and Ku'thar’s grip. While she couldn’t see what was happening down there, Jess was nearly certain that she’d dilated enough to take two of Ku'thar— which would certainly be a feat. Spasmodic twitches rippled through her thighs. She became aware of an animalistic panting, and hazily recognized that it was her. But as she tried to regulate her breathing, Jess realized that she simply couldn’t and passively decided to stop trying.
Abruptly, Ku'thar pressed his flattened tongue directly against her clit. He began a steady up and down motion. For the first time in recent memory, Jess felt noticeably more wet. Her mouth slammed open as her eyelids fluttered with nearly overwhelming pleasure. It was as if another notch was turned on the crank inside her, winding her muscles impossibly tighter. She was trembling now, fine shudders running down her spine, curling her toes, fluttering her lips. Ku'thar’s tongue burned. Given his proximity, he certainly sensed her orgasm approaching and seemingly had no qualms about its imminently arrival.
The pressure of his tongue became shockingly firm for a species that could barely touch its own hard palate.
“FUCK!”
Jess’ foot finally slipped as she came. Ku'thar slid forward, his surprised exhale fluttering her pubic hair. Her muscle contractions were so hard they were nearly painful, but the liquid rush of pleasure that flowed up her spin and slammed into Jess’ brain quickly drowned out the discomfort. Having regained his balance, Ku'thar flicked his tongue once more over her opening and Jess felt the chaotic onset of an even deeper pleasure and contractions. Liquid spurted from her hole, rapidly soaking her thighs, and— oh, no, Ku'thar’s face.
He reared back in surprise, snarling, and Jess’ legs flopped atop the warm puddle. Still breathing heavily, she rapidly absorbed the wild, bewildered mess she’d made of Ku'thar. His mandibles glistened with a primeval blend of blood and her juices. Droplets also coated his chin and neck, she noted with faint chagrin. Jess normally wasn’t a squirter. I didn’t warn him about that! Ku'thar blinked, seeming to regain his senses, and tugged up a corner of the ruined fur to scrub at his face. Then he flexed his mandibles, and turned an inquisitive look toward her.
Buzzing with post-coital hormones, Jess chuckled. She raised a slightly shaky hand to stroke his cheek. “That was— beyond wonderful. Sorry about the surprise at the end. Doesn’t usually happen.”
“I enjoyed the rigors of this hunt, including the unexpected.” Ku'thar’s mandibles clacked as he laughed smugly. Jess sighed, unable to truly resent his gloating. He deserved it.
She stroked his cheek again, but was soon distracted by the rapidly cooling mess coating her thighs. Jess glanced down and grimaced. Looks like at least three people died here. “Not to wrap things up too quickly, but I would really like to clean up before I end up on a most wanted list.”
Ku'thar’s mandibles shuddered— perhaps finally feeling fatigued. “I would also like to cleanse myself.”
Before Jess could do much more than begin to wriggle forward, Ku'thar swept her up in his arms. She squeaked slightly in surprise. He chuckled. “As your thwei-de is continuous, it would be wise to reach the cleansing chamber quickly.”
“Ah. Yeah. Carry on then.” Jess pressed her cheek against Ku'thar’s chest. Her flesh vibrated slightly with the strength of his purr. She hummed in response, beginning to feel a bit sleepy.
“Want me to return the favor after we’ve showered?”
“No. My goal was to provide pleasure. I received enough satisfaction from doing so.”
Jess quirked a brow, but relented after a moment. “Would you be opposed to taking a nap?”
Ku'thar clicked aloofly. “Yautja do not participate in these indulgent periods of short rest. However— physical contact with a mate is always encouraged. It deepens the bond.”
That’s Ku'thar for: I want to cuddle. Jess pursed her lips, repressing a grin. “Great.” She twisted slightly to press a kiss to his pectoral. After a beat, she lay her head against Ku'thar’s warm chest. “Remind me again how your people say, ‘I love you’?”
Ku'thar’s purr ramped up for a moment before quieting. He said something in his native tongue with soft deliberation and Jess repeated it. One of Ku'thar’s hands ran through her hair. Jess squeezed his shoulder. They reached the bathroom in a state of quiet contentment and quicky cleaned up. Once Ku'thar changed the bedding, Jess fell bonelessly into it. Ku'thar followed, pulling her against his warm side. Jess sighed happily, and groped around until she felt his hand. Ku'thar squeezed back obligingly.
As her consciousness faded, Jess thought she heard him say, “Pleasant dreams.”