This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/hfy by /u/CrackHeadSchzioMarin on 2025-12-13 13:27:48+00:00.

First: Chapter 1

Previous: Chapter 8.5

After Ae was told politely to leave, and by politely meaning being forced out by heavily armed guards, Oril decided to follow Ae for answers, and by extension, the rest of her friends. Though she didn't really mind them. Right now, surely Ae had a reason for what he did…he always had!

“Ae! What was that?!” She asked, making sure to keep her distance.

“It was nothing.” He said, coldly.

“It clearly WAS something!” Oril asked, now this time annoyed and concerned.

“Minor altercation.” He said vaguely again before going quiet.

“Ugh! Ae! What— where— tell me what happened! Also where are you going!”, She said, trying to keep pace with his speed while keeping distance from him, trailed closely behind by her friends of course.

“Returning back to our dorm unit. Not much to do now is there?” He said without even breaking pace or even glancing at her face.

Oril said nothing to that. Standing where her last step was placed and allowing Ae to continue walking on his own. It was so annoying…she did nothing wrong…infact, she did everything right. Why did he always have to act like this? WHY DID SHE CARE?! He wasn’t her responsibility but being around him always made her feel…special.

She sniffled, and an appendage was placed on her shoulder, the smooth and soft sensation clearing coming from Kai. “Hey, why don’t you join us in our apartment? Maybe even talk about whatever you want?” Kai said in a motherly tone.

She turned to Trisha, wiping water from her eyes. The face Trisha wore was solace and comfort, bearing a smile with no teeth so as to not look threatening.

“I’d like that.” Oril whispered.

…

Ae marched through the busy city street, watching with amusement as everyone around him parted, giving a clear path wherever he went. It was honestly quite empowering seeing them scared of him and to intentionally avoid him.

Then one of them didn't, how could it? It's back was turned to him and what little footsteps Ae’s boots made were practically silenced by the background roar of the crowd.

Ae’s left body hit the side of the being who dared stand in his way, he expected at least some resistance or something a bit more solid but, to his surprise, it felt like hitting a large mattress. He didn't see the sentient fall, but he certainly heard it as it fell to the ground with a surprised scream.

Yet Ae didn't falter, his pace remained and his glare unyielding as the crowd around him redoubled their efforts in avoiding him.

Eventually, Ae made it back to his dorm unit. Alone.

…

“I-I don't know… I guess he's always like that.” Oril said while sitting on the couch in her friends’ apartment.

“Why do you even care? As you said he's not your man.” Trisha said lazily as she tossed another fried Kulsa ball into her jaw.

“I…” Oril hesitated. She knew Ae wasn't her responsibility, yet it just felt right. She loved being around him, despite his…lack of emotion.

Maybe she was starved of male contact and she just jumped at the opportunity. Maybe she was this desperate for male attention, she hadn't even considered the warning signs…like Ae being an predator…an apex predator at that…would he even be attracted to different species? Fuuuccckkk.

“Listen, Oril, we know you want him.” Trisha said calmly and Oril’s feathers began to rise on end with embarrassment. “But you gotta take it slow. If he ain't yours, don't act like he is.”

At that Oril fell silent, deep in thought. She knew Trisha was right, Ae wasn't her responsibility, hell, Ae event stated he could handle himself. But then why did it feel so wrong when she wasn't with him. She thought back on the times they interacted with each other, they were friends…friends? Were they even considered friends?

‘this would be so much easier if Ae showed emotion.’ Oril said to herself.

“But aye, you still got us!” Kai said walking into the living carrying a tray full of various snacks. “What dont we watch a movie huh? Night’s still young.” Kai said and Oril smiled.

One thing was for sure, she had to talk to Ae. She didn't know how she would start, but she had to try. But for now, that can wait till tomorrow.

For a moment, the thought of Ae slipped her mind.

Next: