Can I request a phenomaman x reader where he tries different hobbies from painting to hiking. Poor dude needs to have something to do to get the breakup off his mind.
oh this wet dog of a man...
Phenomaman:
Bro imagine being phenomaman's rebound
You might be the strongest soldier.
I think if you proposed an idea of like. Anything. He would at least try
He might have some concerns with more delicate hobbies like knitting and stuff like that...he thinks he won't be careful enough and he doesn't want to disappoint you...
He has so many questions too so you just have to be really patient with him
Omg don't you dare laugh at him either I'll hunt you down he's really trying his best
His paintings might be terrible but like he's learning and that's what y'all are there for right...
I'm thinking of random hobbies and like can you imagine making pizzas with him omg it'd be so cute
But you're making like mini pizzas for each other, hoping that the other person really likes whatever toppings that are picked out
I'm getting off track like that's actually adorbs. He'd be a little nervous and ask you "(name), do you enjoy these?" and you'd just have to remind him that the point of the activity is that you can't tell him
Hiking would be so funny because if you're not really a hiker, and you just proposed it randomly, he will baby you along the way. Like thanks but come on. It reminds me of that voice line where he was talking to flambae about humans attempting to fly. He doesn't want you getting hurt. Plus he doesn't get why he wouldn't just yk. Float/fly up the trail with you
I think movie night is the easiest one to integrate into your relationship. Show him the classics that he missed out on before he got here. Just. Don't make him watch La La Land. That might rewire his brain
Gardening would also be a good one. I think he would find it to be very relaxing. No one would get away from his plant facts
If you speak a different language, please teach him. It'll be the funniest shit ever. He's so confident but starts off so bad it's hilarious
cw: implied sexual content, referral to pregnancy, Phenomaman just moving in with you without permission lol.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13
[authors note: lowkey not a fan of how i wrote this chapter but i also couldn't figure out how to make it better ha.. oh well]
Ohhh no.
Oh no.
You woke slowly and the very first coherent thought your brain managed was: Why does my entire body feel like I lost a fight last night?
Your eyes barely cracked open. You let out a small groan as you stared at the ceiling, unmoving. Breathing hurt. Your legs ached. Your lower back felt like it had been shattered from the tension and ache.
“Okay,” you muttered to yourself. “Okay. So. That actually happened last night.”
Flashes of last night drifted into your mind. Laughter, the bar, a very determined superhero, your stunned amazement when you realized what exactly was under his suit.
You tried to shift and your body right away told you 'no.'
“Oh..-nope,” you hissed, clutching the sheets as pain flared. “Nope nope nope. We are not doing that.” You collapsed back into the pillows with a defeated exhale. “We’ll just… lie here forever. That’s fine too.”
Your gaze slid to the space beside you, you weren't sure why you were bothering to look because you could feel like he was gone. But.. upon confirmation that he had truly left, your heart had sunk in a way that you didn't quiet understand.
“…He left,” you murmured, disappointment growing unexpectedly in your chest.
Which was ridiculous. You were a grown adult. You’d gone home with an alien hero you met at a bar. This was, by definition, a one-night stand. You shouldn’t have expected breakfast. Or cuddling.
Okay, maybe a little cuddling. But still.
You swallowed and tried to sit up again very carefully.
Your body said absolutely not.
You flopped back with a small whine. “Cool. Great. Fantastic.” You stared at the ceiling until the faint sound of your bedroom door opening made your stomach drop.
Oh great, you thought. Someone broke in and now I can’t even fight them.
“You appear to be attempting to rise,” Katon-Ur’s voice suddenly spoke. “Is there an emergency?”
You yelped, failing for a moment before freezing. “Oh,” you blurted. “You’re- you’re here.”
“Yes,” he replied, blinking in mild confusion. “I live here now.”
You stared at him. “…You what.”
He frowned slightly, trying to think of the proper wording. “That was perhaps imprecise. I am with you now.”
You blinked slightly. “I thought you left.”
“Why would I do that?” he asked, truly baffled with that thought.
You gestured weakly at the empty space beside you. “Because people… leave? After? Sometimes?”
He paused. “We mated last night,” he stated as if it was clear. “I am not leaving.”
You rose a brow to him. “Ah. So this wasn’t a one-night stand.”
“I do not know what that is,” he replied. “But no. We are bonded for life now.”
You laughed, though you weren't sure if it was from shock or disbelief. “For life?”
“Yes,” he nodded. “Much like your planets voles. Or swans.”
Your laughter stopped. “…What.”
“I informed you of this prior to mating.”
You squinted, searching your memory. There had been a conversation. He’d tried to stop your hands so he could explain something. You remembered nodding a lot. You had also been extremely distracted.
“…Mm,” you started. “I was a little busy thinking about the tentacles.”
He nodded solemnly. “That is understandable. They are quite distracting.”
You pressed a pillow over your face and groaned. “This is… a lot to wake up to.”
“I can see that,” he said gently. “You are experiencing soreness.”
“Oh, that is an understatement. I feel like my skeleton has been rearranged.”
He looked alarmed. “I attempted to minimize discomfort.”
“You did,” you quickly reassured him. “You were very attentive. Just- aliens aren’t built like humans.”
“Nor humans like us,” he agreed. “Your resilience, however, was impressive.”
You let out a loud groan towards his words and shook your head. “Please don’t compliment me like that.”
He smiled at you before he ended up disappearing for a moment then returned back with a plate full of food. “I prepared nourishment,” he explained. “The internet referred to it as ‘comfort breakfast.’ I considered messaging Robert Robertson, but I believed him to still be resting.”
You blinked in shock, but slowly murmured out a 'thank you'. No one had ever made you breakfast.
“I will help you eat,” he added confidently. “Fear not.” He scooped up a bite and offered it to you.
And, against all reason you accepted.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Katon-Ur was thriving.
This had been his biological duty since birth. Find a mate. Reproduce. Ensure continuity.
And now he had done it.
The darkness that once clung to him, the lingering ache of Blonde Blazer’s rejection, all of it felt distant. Irrelevant.
He sat beside you as you drifted back to sleep, observing. He did not know much about you. He knew your name, that you were compatible with a bit of help, you had a home and liked fruity drinks. And most importantly; You survived mating despite the strain that it had put in your body. He knew as time went on and the two of you mated more, his body would adapt to yours to make it more.. pleasing. Not as if you weren't thoroughly pleased right now.
But the rest about you, he would learn as time passed.
When you tried to roll over, he intervened instantly.
“No,” he said gently, hands hovering over you to prevent you from moving. “Your musculature requires gradual reintroduction to movement.”
You just let out a small grunt towards him and stayed in place as requested.
By the time you were fully awake, he assisted you with normal tasks. Sitting, standing, stretching, hydrating. Only once he was satisfied that you would be able to go about your day with minimum pain or difficulties did he decide it was time to leave.
“I must attend my Dispatch duties,” he said, brushing your hair back. “But I will return.”
“You’re… coming back?” you asked him slowly.
He blinked. “We are mated. Of course I am.”
You nodded slowly. You weren’t entirely sure why you didn’t argue with him, tell him it was just a one night stand so he didn't have to come back.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
The moment he stepped into SDN, he was practically radiating. He didn't look like that depressed alien that had left last night. He looked happy, proud, greeting everyone that he saw with a wide, confident smile on his face.
Robert spotted him immediately and rose a brow when he saw how happy he was. “Hey,” Robert said casually as he passed him in the hall. “How’d the bar go?”
Katon-Ur stopped and turned fully toward him. “It went very, very well,” he said. “I thank you, Robert. I found a mate for life.”
Robert blinked. “Oh,” he said. “…That’s good.”
Katon-Ur nodded. “Very good.”
They stood there for longer than needed. Robert wasn't too sure if he should walk away. But, Katon-Ur began to speak again.
“Actually,” Katon-Ur added, “we reproduced last night.”
Robert made a face. A small, polite TMI and oh-no-I-have-entered-alien-territory face.
“Oh,” Robert said again. “Uh. That’s… that’s good, man.”
“Yes,” Katon-Ur agreed, clearly pleased.
Robert nodded once, turned, and continued toward his desk at a slightly faster pace than before.
When it was time for duty, the Z-team had noticed right away.
Something was… off with Phenomaman
Katon-Ur greeted everyone pleasantly, he complimented Malevola’s efficiency, he even laughed when they were 'teasing' him at some point.
“This is unsettling,” Invisigal muttered.
“Yeah,” Sonar said, squinting slightly. “Why does he look like that?”
Katon- Ur didn't understand. Like what?
Like someone who had successfully fulfilled a long-denied biological imperative and was emotionally at peace, apparently.
When Punch Up finally asked, Katon-Ur answered readily.
“I reproduced last night,” he said.
Silence. Robert quietly swore over the intercom about to tell them to drop it and leave him be when sudden;
“AYOOO?”
“GOOD FOR YOU!”
“Wait-what?”
“Is that what you’re calling it now?”
Katon-Ur tilted his head. “Calling it?”
“You know,” Sonar smirked. “Sex.”
“Oh,” Katon-Ur said and titled his head slightly. “Yes. That I suppose.”
Every time someone asked why he was in such a good mood, he answered honestly.
“I reproduced.”
They laughed harder each time.
No one asked follow-up questions.
No one realized he wasn’t being metaphorical.
No one knew that his species did not confuse sex with reproduction.
No one knew that his physiology did not engage in mating rituals without outcome.
And Katon-Ur, seated as he waited for Robert to call for him again, hands folded, thought only this:
At last. I have done it correctly.
Oh, it had been a long day.
Not unpleasant, far from it actually, but long because all that Katon-Ur wanted to do was go home and be with his mate.
Katon-Ur endured the teasing patiently. Humans joked, teased him, made vague hand motions that he didn't really understand but he accepted all of it because he truly did not understand that people didn't know he was serious.
After all, he had done it correctly.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
When his duties finally concluded, he returned to your home as he said he would do earlier in the day. As he opened the door, not bothering to knock, he saw you. There, cooking at the stove. He blinked in confusion.
“…What are you doing?” he asked.
You glanced over your shoulder and smiled. “Cooking. I figured you’d be hungry.”
His brow furrowed instantly. “You should be resting.”
“I was resting,” you replied easily. “All day. I promise. I just wanted to cook us dinner.”
Us.
You using the term 'us' made his heart thump in a way he didn't quiet understand.
“…Very well,” he said after a moment, nodding once before taking a seat at the table. “If we are mates, then I suppose I should inform you of certain expectations within our relationship.”
You paused, raising a brow. “Oh?”
“Yes,” he said seriously. “You see, unlike human mating structures, my species has very specific traits that ensure long-term satisfaction between bonded individuals.”
“That sounds ominous.”
“It is efficient,” he corrected. “For example, while your free will and emotional autonomy remain entirely intact, the reason you feel… unusually accepting of my continued presence is because my DNA has fully combined with yours.”
You blinked. “…Excuse me?”
“The bonding is biological,” he continued. “Your current lack of desire to remove me from your living space or categorize our interaction as a temporary encounter is a direct result of this.”
You stared at him as you tried to figure out what would even match this. “…Like soulmates?” you asked.
“I suppose,” he nodded, “if one insists on poetic language. Though it is less spiritual and more cellular.”
You hummed, returning to your cooking, seemingly unphased with that. “That actually explains a lot.”
He relaxed slightly that you weren't freaking out. “Good.” He paused before he began to speak again, deciding he better explain a bit more. “And in order to prevent maternal figures from harming offspring or mates during gestation,” he added, “the developing offspring produces a mild state of euphoria within the carrier. This promotes successful incubation and emotional stability.”
You laughed at him. “Well. Good thing I’m not pregnant, then. Though I wouldn't mind a hit of euphoria.” You joked.
He frowned towards you. “We reproduced last night,” he said.
“Yes?” you replied, still aware that he.. well, he knew the difference between sex and reproduction.
“That means,” he continued carefully, “if all proceeded normally, my DNA should have successfully embedded within yours and initiated offspring development.”
You froze. “…What.”
“I explained this last night,” he said in confusion, not sure why you didn't seem to remember this.
You turned slowly to face him. “Katon-Ur.”
“Yes?”
“…Maybe we should have had this conversation when you were still wearing pants.”
He tilted his head, genuinely confused. “I fail to see how fabric would have improved comprehension.”
Katon-Ur is told humans are incompatible with him. Be it mentally, emotionally or even physically. One impulsive night proves that assumption wrong, with consequences neither of them anticipates.
I use 'Katon-Ur' instead of Phenomaman because to be honest, its harder for me to type that than Katon-Ur lol. This is not my long-form dispatch story I am making, I just got bored tbh.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13
Katon-Ur had been depressed lately.
He did not know if that was the correct human word, but it was the one Robert used. Depressed. Feeling like he had sunk at a bottom of an endless dark pit, knowing he had the ability to fly yet not remembering why he should.
First came the separation from Mandy, Blonde Blazer. She had said it kindly, not meaning to hurt him. She said they were simply… incompatible. That she cared for him, deeply, but not in the way humans were meant to care for their partners. But all of this was over sushi at her favorite place so clearly he had done something wrong.
He still did not understand which part of him had failed.
Then came the teasing.
Katon-Ur understood humor. He had studied it. He knew laughter could be affectionate. But this- this was different. The Z-Team exchanged looks when he spoke. No one laughed with him, rather at him. Questioning him on human things that he simply did not know. He knew when he was being mocked, and he had given up the fight.
So, when Robert suggested he go to a bar, Katon-Ur listened.
“Humans go there when they’re sad,” Robert explained to him. “Might help.”
Katon-Ur had nodded solemnly and thanked him before he left for the evening.
The bar was… loud to say the least. Everything smelled of alcohol, sweat and what may be sugar. There was loud music playing, people were chatting, laughing and dancing. Still, despite feeling strange and like he stuck out like a sore thumb, he sat where the bartender gestured and accepted the drink placed in front of him.
The liquid burned, but it helped. He didn't quiet understand what was going on but the drink made his thoughts feel.. blurry. For once he did not feel the crippling sadness. Instead, he was feeling a bit more.. social than before.
He attempted conversation with those who came near him, as one was meant to do.
He complimented a woman’s hair- truthfully, not in a way to flirt. Rather, because her hair did shine beautifully in the bright neon lights. But the woman blinked at him, laughed at him and wondered off with her friends. Katon-Ur asked a man what drink he would recommend since this was his first time at a bar alone. The man stared at Katon-Ur before he stood up and just walked away without saying a single thing.
This happened again. And again. And Again.
Eventually, Katon-Ur stopped trying. There was no reason to keep trying.
He stared down at the glass in front of him, watching the ice melt. On his planet, he was considered unattractive. This had to be his issue, he must have been unattractive on this planet as well which is why no one wanted to sit with him and talk.
The drinks began to not help anymore as his thoughts got a bit too loud again. Mandy had once told him that his body might not be compatible with humans. That his species was… different. That intimacy, as humans understood it, might not be possible.
They had made love, she had said.
Katon-Ur had believed her. He had thought that holding someone, hugging them, that meant they had been fully and completely in love with one another.
He was contemplating leaving when someone had finally sat next to him. He blinked and turned his head and there he saw you.
You did not speak at first, rather you simply ordered a drink, thanked the bartender, and rested your elbow on the bar as you didn't stand and try to leave.
He glanced at you once, then looked away again, afraid you might leave if he acknowledged you. Humans did that sometimes. This had happened to him all night.
But, you just sat there and sipped your drink while he sipped his.
Minutes passed with no talking but... Finally, he cleared his throat, unsure as to why he suddenly wanted to talk.
“I apologize,” he said slowly. “If my presence is… undesirable. I can relocate.”
You turned to him before giving him a slight smile. “Oh,” you said softly to him. “No. You’re fine. I just wanted to sit.”
Katon-Ur kept his gaze forward as he spoke, playing with his drink. "No one has wanted to speak all evening. All that I wish to do is speak. I have been having a.. difficult time."
You rose a brow before giving him a smile. "What's wrong?" You questioned softly.
"I have been.. broken up with." He said sadly before he took a breath. “She said the separation would be… beneficial, for the both of us,” he murmured. “That it was not a failure. Yet my chest has been hurting ever since. Constantly. I have also not slept well in many rotations.”
You gave him a sympathetic smile. “I can tell,” you said softly. “Your eyes look like you’ve been losing fights with your pillow.”
He blinked before his lips had ticked into a smile. “I was unaware this was visible,” he admitted softly.
“Oh, it totally is,” you replied. “But… breakups are hard. Like, really hard. Especially when you didn’t want it to end.”
He nodded, fingers tightening slightly around his glass, knowing not to squeeze too hard or it would shatter.
“But,” you continued gently, “at least now you both get the chance to find people who actually make you happy. You want what’s best for her, right?”
Katon-Ur was quiet for just a moment before he sighed. “I suppose so,” he said finally. “Yes. I do want that.” He paused. “I just wish that I could have been what was best for her.”
You gave him a small smile as you reached over, gently placing a comforting hand on his wrist and rubbing it with your thumb. “I know,” you said quietly. “Most of the time, we are doing our best. It just… doesn’t always line up with what the other person needs.”
“That is… a very cruel truth,” he said quietly as he glanced towards your hand.
“Yeah,” you replied, giving his wrist a gentle squeeze before pulling back. “Humans are good at telling cruel truths.”
He exhaled sharply, suddenly feeling a bit more relaxed than before. “Thank you,” Katon-Ur said earnestly. “For speaking with me. Most simply mock me for my.. misunderstanding when it comes to human feelings.”
You shrugged to him before you smiled. "What about we get you another drink? You seem like you might like something fruity." You offered.
His eyebrows ticked up before he nodded. "I accept any suggestion."
"Let's get you a Malibu Sunset, I think you'd like that." You ordered him one and you one as well.
The drinks began to flow between the two of you and Katon-Ur began to be a little bit more.. open. Slightly oversharing.
“She ended our partnership because we were deemed incompatible,” he said quietly, eyes dull as the drinks began to make him feel things that he didn't want to feel.
You tilted your head toward him, taking a bite of the fries you had ordered and offered him a bite too. “Incompatible how?”
He hesitated, trying to figure out how to explain it where humans can understand. “Emotionally,” he said first. “I believe. I process affection differently than humans. I am not good at showing affection that humans want..” He then paused the took a breath. “But it was also when it came to mating.”
You blinked. “…Mating?”
“Yes,” Katon-Ur replied. “You see, my alien genitalia is not compatible with that of human genitalia. So I have been told.”
“…Interesting,” you said slowly. You could feel something growing in you. It wasn't disgust, it wasn't terror. Rather it was simply.. curiosity. Which, unfortunately for everyone involved, flipped a switch in your brain that should probably remain off.
Katon-Ur mistook your tone for concern.
“We had made love twice,” he added, voice full of disappointment. “Yet that was not enough.”
Your brow lifted.
Made love.
Okay. That usually meant sex. But something in his tone and the fact that he just said his genitalia wasn't compatible with humans made it so you tried to imagine what his definition of that phrase might be. But, you decided that you should focus. This poor guy was clearly hurting and you worrying about his dick wasn't helping.
“Well,” you said gently, “maybe you were just incompatible with her. That doesn’t mean another human wouldn’t be… compatible.”
He sighed, shoulders slumping forward. “I hold doubts,” he admitted. “You see, my penis is three ten-”
“Whoa, whoa- okay,” you cut in quickly, holding up a hand. “I do not need details. I believe you. Fully.”
He froze then visibly deflated more. “I am so sorry,” Katon-Ur said at once, mortified. “I did not intend to make you uncomfortable. Robert told me humans discuss their anatomy freely, but perhaps I misunderstood the context.”
You let out a soft laugh. Not mocking or teasing him, rather you just thought this entire situation was growing funny. “It’s okay,” you reassured him. “You didn’t do anything wrong. Just… maybe save the alien blueprint for, like, a third conversation.”
He nodded solemnly, hands folded together like he would make a single mistake and scare you off.
“Understood,” he said. “I will restrain my honesty.”
You smiled at him softly.
And that made his heart tighten awkwardly. He didn't quiet understand it. But it made him feel.. good, almost comfortable.
The drinks had started to blur together, hours began to pass between the two and things began to get more comfortable.
Katon-Ur was not intoxicated in the way humans described it, he was still fully aware of his surroundings but his internal restraint systems were… malfunctioning. His thoughts were still blurry but yet clear enough for him to know that he wasn't do anything he'd regret. He didn't mourn for a long lost relationship at this point.
You, however.. the booze had gotten to you. You were leaning on your hand, staring up at this celebrity hero that you suddenly felt lustful for. And.. curiosity got the better of you.
“So,” you said lightly, “to talk about our topic earlier.. when you say your species is different… how different are we talking?”
He hesitated for a moment. “My reproductive anatomy is… complex,” he said carefully.
You rose a brow to him. “Complex how?”
He glanced at you, then around. Suddenly aware of the surroundings but.. shame was not something he knew of. “My species possesses three reproductive appendages,” he explained. “They are flexible and adaptable. Comparable, I am told, to tentacles.”
Your lips parted slightly to think of what to say but instead just said. “…Okay.”
“One,” he continued, “is responsible for actual reproductive material. The others serve secondary functions that are needed. Guidance, stabilization since on our planet gravity is different, and pleasure responses, depending on the species of my partner. It is rare that we mate outside of our own species but we have evolved to take that into consideration.”
You stared at him, processing every little thing he was saying.
“And,” he added, because apparently tonight was about giving you entire alien sex-ed “certain adaptations include barbed structures meant to encourage successful reproduction, similar to Terran felines. I have been told it can be painful at times, but it is not every time it happens.”
“…Wow,” you said slowly.
Katon-Ur nodded, shoulders slumping. “Yes. This is typically the moment when humans disengage from the conversation.”
You blinked. “No, I’m- I’m not going to do that, I'm the one that asked.”
He looked up at you, surprised again.
“But,” you added quickly, holding up a hand, “we’re gonna stop right there. We are in public and I don't know if anyone else wants to hear this.”
His mouth snapped shut immediately. “I am so sorry,” he apologized quickly. “I have once again exceeded acceptable conversational boundaries.”
You laughed, shaking your head. “You didn’t do anything wrong. I asked as I said before, but we just need to be cautious as to what we say in public.”
He exhaled, mortified at his own self. “I will cease speaking,” he promised.
You smiled at him, soft and reassuring.
“You don’t have to do that,” you said. “Just… maybe next time we save sex ed for private.”
He nodded solemnly. “That seems wise.” There was a pause between the two of you again before he finally spoke, “Mandy said it would never work. That humans would not want such a thing.”
You rose a brow. Perhaps it was the booze, perhaps it was honesty but.. you felt the need to talk. “Maybe,” you said slowly, “she just didn’t want that with you.”
“That is… statistically possible,” he admitted.
Katon-Ur was not certain when it happened. Only that your knee now brushed his when you laughed, that your voice dipped when you spoke to him, that your eyes lingered in a way that made his pulse do alarming things.
“You know,” you said, swirling what was definitely your last drink, “you’re actually really easy to talk to.”
He blinked. “I am?”
“Yeah,” you smiled. “You’re honest. and kind. It's refreshing.”
“I have been told honesty is… intimidating,” he admitted.
“Only to people who are boring,” you replied as you leaned closer. “So,” you said casually, far too casually, “if humans are supposedly incompatible with you… how do they actually know?”
He frowned slightly, furrowing his brows at you. “I was informed.”
“Right,” you said. “But like- no one actually tested that, right?”
“I do not follow.”
You hesitated, then laughed, rubbing the back of your neck. “I’m saying,” you explained, “maybe it’s just… theory. Maybe it’s different depending on the person.”
Katon-Ur studied your face, gears clearly turning very, very slowly. “You are suggesting experimentation,” he said.
“Wow, that makes it sound way more serious than I meant,” you said, grinning. “But… yeah. Kinda.”
He was quiet for a moment.
Then you shifted, hopping off your stool and slinging your jacket over your shoulder.
“My place is close,” you added lightly. “If you wanted to… keep talking.”
He tilted his head, clearly confused. “I will accompany you,” he said, “but I require clarification.”
You paused. “Okay… what do you need clarified?”
“Why,” he started, “would you wish for me to go with you?”
You met his gaze, the booze stronger than your shame. “Because,” you said, “I’m curious whether humans are actually incompatible with you or not.”
His eyes widened. “…You wish to mate with me?”
“Yeah.”
Katon-Ur straightened, suddenly very serious. “That is a significant step for two individuals who have only just met,” he said.
You laughed. “Hey, I don’t do this with everyone.”
“I would hope not,” he replied immediately. “I suppose we can proceed. Yes. I have never mated with anyone before. This will be… thrilling.”
Something about the way he said that made your stomach flutter.
“Great,” you said, smiling. “Then let’s go.”
He rose beside you, heart racing with anticipation.
At last.
A chance to see if he was truly incompatible.
A chance to fulfill a biological function he had long assumed would never be his.
A chance to finally reproduce.
And as the two of you stepped out into the night together, neither of you realized just how wildly different your definitions of mating truly were.
You learn a little too much about Phenomaman's people.
cw: implied sexual content, referral to pregnancy, uhh sex ed I guess?
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13
Your dinner plans were abandoned at this point. The stove was off. The spatula lay forgotten. You had both migrated to chairs, you curled slightly forward, fingers laced together, knee bouncing in a way that suggested your brain was running laps without you.
“Okay,” you said, voice a bit higher than you meant it to be. “Okay. Hypothetically.” You started. “If I took a pregnancy test, would it… work?”
Katon-Ur paused, thought for a moment than frowned. “I have no idea.”
You stared at him like he was insane.
“On my planet,” he explained, apologetic, “we do not utilize chemical indicators to determine pregnancy. Maternal figures simply know.”
“…Know,” you echoed.
“Yes.”
“That’s horrifying,” you muttered. “Okay. Fine. So- what’s the first sign?”
“Bloating,” he answered promptly. “Mild abdominal distension. Increased warmth. Heightened emotional euphoria.” He paused as he thought for a moment. “Euphoria is typically the earliest indicator,” he added. “Though it usually does not begin for one to two weeks.”
You nodded slowly. “Okay. Okay. That’s… time. I don't know if I like that or not.” You took a small breath. “And,” you said, swallowing the lump that had been growing in your throat, “if I am pregnant… how long does it last?”
“Comparable to human gestation,” he replied. “Nine to ten months.”
Okay, well you could live with that. At least you weren't going to be pregnant for like three years if you did get pregnant, right? Or pregnant for a week then suddenly have a baby. Your thoughts were absolutely insane at the moment. A half-human, half-alien baby. Tentacles? Gravity-adapted bones? What if it glowed? What if it floated? What if-
Katon-Ur leaned forward slightly. “If you are carrying my offspring,” he said gently, “I will provide full support and guidance.”
You blinked as he snapped you out of your own thoughts.
“Having a human offspring is daunting enough,” he continued. “But I cannot imagine navigating the upbringing of a hybrid without preparation.”
The way that he said it made you feel.. safe. In a weird sort of way. You huffed out a weak laugh. “You say that like it’s a group project.”
“It is,” he said immediately. “A very important one.”
You shook your head, giving him a small smile. “I don’t even know if I’m pregnant yet.”
“True,” he nodded. “But if you are, you will not be alone.”
You sighed, leaning back in your chair. “…God,” you muttered. “I went to a bar because I was curious.”
“And now,” he said softly, “you may have discovered purpose.”
You groaned, covering your face. “Oh God.. that was bad. Don't say stuff like that.”
He nodded his head and smiled towards you.
The two of you sat there for a moment before you felt your hands start to run through your hair nervously, your fingers wringing together as you tried to think of what to say. “So,” you said, finally breaking your own silence. “you’re sure there’s no way to, I don’t know, undo this?”
Katon-Ur watched you patiently. “I apologize,” he said gently. “I should have been clearer.”
“Clearer how?” You questioned.
“I assumed,” he continued, “that we would discuss reproduction in greater detail before engaging in it. However… you were very eager.”
Your face went bright red. “Oh my god,” you blurted. “No.. don’t- don’t say it like that.”
He blinked. “…Did I say something incorrect?”
“No! I mean- yes? No?” You waved your hands helplessly to try and reduce your blushing. “It’s just… embarrassing.”
“Embarrassing,” he repeated slowly. “I do not personally find anything shameful about two individuals mating and reproducing. It is the highest expression of trust, praise, and affection.”
You groaned, dragging a hand down your face. “Please. Please stop calling it reproducing.”
He stiffened slightly. “I apologize. What terminology would you prefer?”
“…Sex,” you muttered.
“Sex,” he repeated, nodding. “I suppose I can utilize that term if that make you comfortable.”
You relaxed for just a moment.
“But,” he added thoughtfully, “I feel it is important people understand that we did not merely enjoy ourselves.”
Your head snapped up. “Oh no.”
“We created life,” he said calmly. “That distinction matters.”
“It absolutely does not need to be announced to anyone,” you said immediately. “Especially not at your job. That's not.. appropriate.”
He frowned. “Why would that be inappropriate?”
“Because humans don’t go around telling coworkers they successfully impregnated someone after a bar visit!”
He tilted his head. “But would humans not be celebrating that they achieved their biological duties?” He questioned. “I simply thought that it would be something to rejoice in regardless of the circumstances in which we have met.”
You stared at him suspiciously. “…You told them, didn’t you?”
“I informed them that I reproduced,” he said, confused. “They seemed amused.”
You stood up from where you sat and let out a small groan before you dramatically fell onto the nearby couch.
He rose and moved toward you, kneeling down next to you. “I did not intend to distress you,” he said softly. “If you regret this-”
“No,” you interrupted quickly. You paused, then sighed. “I don’t regret it. I just… wish the instruction manual had been included.”
He nodded solemnly. “That is reasonable.”
You leaned back, staring at the ceiling. “Next time we do… sex,” you said pointedly, “we talk first.”
“Agreed,” he replied. “Fully clothed.”
“Thank you.”
“…However,” he added, “I still believe reproduction should be celebrated.”
After a few minutes of you sulking on the couch, you returned back to the table where you decided it was time to actually eat. You made dinner. Why not enjoy it? But.. instead of actually eating, you sat across from him and picked at your food. Your mind was rushing around in nervous circles as silly as it sounded.
You didn’t really have much to say. You thought that the silence was getting awkward.
Katon-Ur, however, did not seem troubled by silence. He ate, enjoying the earth food that you had created for the two of you before he looked up towards you. “You know,” he said, “once I am able to detect an offspring, it becomes my sole duty to protect you and the offspring.”
You paused mid-bite, slowly looking up at him. “Your… sole duty?”
“Yes.” He tilted his head slightly. “On my planet, paternal figures can smell the presence of their offspring before birth. It produces a protective pheromone response.”
You stared. “You can… smell it.”
“Yes.” He paused. "When we were first a species, the pheromone that would release would occasionally get mixed up with our 'fight' response. So.. many of times, the paternal figure would kill the maternal figure."
“That’s-” you gestured vaguely with your fork, “not very comforting.” You sighed out.
He laughed softly. “Not all of my kind attempts to kill their mates or offspring,” he assured you. “Much like humans… some are simply bad. The protective pheromone response is helpful in ensuring the safety of all.”
You let out a small laugh. At this point, what else could you do?
He smiled at you, then began to speak again. “If you are carrying my offspring- which I assume you are, given that I barbed you last night, I will ensure your protection. As well as the child’s.”
You froze. “…I’m sorry,” you said slowly. “I beg your entire pardon. You did what to me?” You questioned.
He blinked. “Barbed you.” He said in confusion. “It occurred after I dispensed my reproductive fluids,” he explained. “I did not move for approximately three minutes. We were barbed together. I wished to reduce discomfort so I stay still.”
You stared at him. “Oh,” you said faintly. “…Wow.” Your voice cracked slightly. Not from tears, not because you were going to cry but rather just pure awe and shock. And also wondering just how you didn't notice. “I thought that you just… really enjoyed it.”
“I did,” he replied immediately. “Had I not, I would not have barbed.”
You opened your mouth, then closed it, then let out a long sigh. “Okay,” you said. “That’s... that’s enough new information for one meal.”
He watched you with concern written on his face. “Are you distressed?”
“No,” you sighed. “Just… learning things retroactively.”
“That is understandable,” he said gently.
“Next time,” you said, “we’re having several conversations before pants come off.”
He considered this. “Agreed,” he said solemnly. “Though for the record-”
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13
While Katon-Ur was at work, You’d taken the day off. A real one. Not one of those 'I'm not working but I will respond to emails' day. A mental health day. Which really it was a mental health day and not you just wanting an extra day off as your employer so rudely suggested when you called off. You had been up till 3 in the morning most of the time now staring at the ceiling, pondering what you were supposed to do. How to make it better. What the hell you were meant to do with a half-human-half-alien baby.. if you were pregnant, that was. So, you decided that you'd leave the apartment for the afternoon.
You were doing okay, or so you thought at least. You were lost in your own thoughts. Wondering streets you hadn't been down in a long time, doing a bit of window shopping and lingering far to long on the baby shops. But.. there was just one thing getting in your perfect, relaxing day.
You stopped mid-walk and slowly looked down - towards your damn shoe that had came untied yet again. “…UGHHH, not again!” you muttered, crouching down for the fourth time in what had to be twenty minutes. You yanked the laces tight, fingers fumbling with far more irritation than the task deserved. “I just tied you. What? Do shoe laces expire or something?” You grumbled.
You were silently cursing to your own shoe lace, not knowing somewhere nearby.. someone had been lurking.
Katon-Ur was mid-air when he saw you. Now, he wasn't stalking you. That would be insane. No, Robert had dispatched him to help grab a cat from a tree. Robert had said something along the lines of; “Yeah, yeah, just check it out, grab the cat for the old lady,” clearly more invested in his coffee than whatever was happening. Overall it had been a fairly boring day, which was always a good thing in the long run.
But then, as he flew in the sky, he saw You.
Walking all alone in the open with no immediate protection nearby you. And, based on the way you suddenly stopped and hunched over only one thing had popped into his head:
Distress.
Katon-Ur immediately redirected, diving downward with alarming speed.
Back at SDN, Robert looked up just in time to see Phenomaman veer wildly off-course on the screen. “…What are you doing?” Robert asked, squinting at the screen. “That’s not even remotely where I sent you.”
“My mate is in danger,” Katon-Ur said quickly.
Robert blinked just barely. “She’s what?”
You had just straightened up when a shadow passed over you. Before you could even process it, boots hit the pavement behind you with a loud thud.
“What is distressing you?” A voice suddenly questioned
You screamed and jumped, “HOLY SHIT-” Your foot slipped, your balance going with it and suddenly you were falling backwards, arms flailing - But you were immediately caught. Hands steadied you before you hit the ground, one braced carefully at your arm, the other hovering at your back like he was nervous that he would crush you if he touched you too hard.
“I apologize,” Katon-Ur said quickly. “I did not intend to frighten you.”
You stared at him, heart absolutely pounding. So loudly that you could hear it in your ears and you wouldn't be shocked if anyone nearby could hear it too. “WHERE did you come from?!” you gasped. “Do you just - drop out of the sky now?!”
“…Yes,” he said, after a pause. “I can refrain if that is undesirable.”
You let out a shaky laugh, pressing a hand to your chest. “Maybe.. maybe a warning next time?”
“Understood.” He hesitated, then added carefully, “I feel it is important to inform you that I was not stalking you. I was performing my assigned duties and observed you from a distance. I was giving you space, as suggested by Robert Robertson.”
“…That's great to know,”
Back at SDN, Robert had already pulled up a street cam feed to see exactly what was going on. “Oh my god,” he muttered, watching the seen unfold. “Okay. That’s on me.” He sighed before he pressed a button. “Flambae.”
“What,” Flambae snapped back.
“Cat in a tree. Two blocks east. Go.”
A pause. “…You’re kidding.”
“Nope.”
“Ugh. Fine.”
Once your heart rate dropped below active cardiac event, you straightened and brushed yourself off.
“Are you harmed?” Katon-Ur asked you softly.
“No,” you said quickly. “No, I’m fine. I just - my shoe.” You gestured downward towards your shoe that had came untied yet again.
He followed your gaze. “…The footwear was the cause?”
“Yes,” you sighed. “Apparently it’s out to get me today.”
He frowned, clearly unconvinced. “You should not be alone in an uncontrolled environment.”
You blinked in confusion. “I’m… walking downtown.”
“Threat vectors are numerous.”
“Katon-Ur,” you said gently, “I just needed fresh air.”
He went quiet for a moment. “…You left without informing me,” he said softly.
“I know. I figured I’d be okay and you were at work. We both need time to ourselves.” You reminded him softly.
“I feared you were injured,” he admitted. “Or in distress.”
“I mean,” you said, attempting a smile, “I was- but only because of the shoelace.”
That seemed to ease him, just a little. He stared at you for a moment longer before he took a breath. “I will remain nearby until you wish to return home.”
You laughed quietly. “Yeah. I figured that much. We’ll talk, okay?”
Katon-Ur nodded. “Understood.”
And back at SDN, Robert leaned back in his chair and sighed. “…Alright,” he muttered. “I’m just gonna assume he’s not coming back tonight.”
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13
The past few days had been… a lot.
Too many thoughts. Too many what ifs. Too much pacing, stress-cleaning, staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m., trying to outside to get fresh air but being stopped by Katon-Ur. Katon-Ur noticed, of course. He always noticed. He just didn’t know what to do with it.
On his planet, stress like this was usually resolved with meditation, ceremonial grounding, or a council of elders. None of which were particularly accessible on Earth. He had kindly suggested Yoga to you, as he heard that it was a mixture of meditation and similar to ceremonial grounding but you had told him that you didn't think that would help right now.
So, he was lost. Completely and utterly lost.
So when he arrived at SDN on Monday morning, he did the most logical thing.
He found Robert.
Robert was mid-coffee, scrolling through his phone on his break when he Katon-Ur had found him.
“Robert Robertson,” Katon-Ur said solemnly.
Robert looked up and blinked. “…Oh. Hey. Big guy.”
“I require guidance.”
“Yeah, okay, sure. That sentence never leads to anything weird. What’s up?” Robert rose a brow.
“My mate is experiencing significant distress,” Katon-Ur said. “I have attempted comfort, reassurance, and environmental optimization. None have resolved the issue.”
Robert squinted. “…Your mate?”
“Yes.”
Robert thought for a moment. “Wait- like… the girl from the bar?”
Katon-Ur nodded. “Correct.”
“Huh,” Robert said, “Didn’t realize that was still a thing. Thought it was more of a… you know. One-time fling.”
Katon-Ur frowned. “We are mated for life.”
Robert choked on his coffee. “I’m..- sorry?” he coughed.
“Mated. For life,” Katon-Ur repeated patiently, as if Robert were the alien here. “The bond is permanent.”
“…Okay,” Robert said slowly. He didn't even know what to say to that.
“What troubles me,” Katon-Ur continued, “is that her stress has increased since our reproduction.”
Robert froze. “…Your what.”
“Our reproduction,” Katon-Ur said again. “As previously discussed.”
Robert stared at him. “…So she’s,” he started carefully, “what. Regretting… having sex?”
Katon-Ur’s lips tightened again. “We did not have sex.”
Robert lifted his hands. “Okay, hey, that’s usually just what humans call it-”
“I am aware of the linguistic distinction,” Katon-Ur snapped, irritation flaring. “We did not engage in recreational sexual activity. I deposited my reproductive fluids into her. We reproduced.”
For a moment, Robert regretted everything that had led up to this moment in his life. “…Wow,” he said faintly. “Okay. That is- extremely specific.”
“You implied confusion,” Katon-Ur said, clearly still frustrated. “I am not confused.”
“No, no, I-” Robert exhaled, rubbing his face and fully setting his phone down. “Nope. That one’s on me. I fully accept that you know exactly what you did.”
“Good.”
Then there was silence because in all honesty.. what were you supposed to say after that?
Robert finally looked towards him. “…So. She’s pregnant.”
“Maybe, we are not sure yet.”
“Okay.. And stressed about that?”
“Yes.”
“And you came to me. Out of every person?”
“You are human,” Katon-Ur said simply. “And you have previously demonstrated competence in emotional navigation.”
Robert laughed. “That might be the nicest incorrect assumption anyone’s ever made about me.” He then let out a long sigh. “…Okay,” he said finally. “So. Human answer?”
“I welcome it.”
“She’s probably freaking out because this is terrifying,” Robert said. “Unexpected pregnancy is one thing. Like one really bad thing, but then there is life-bonded mate, whole future got flipped upside down. That’s… a lot for one person to take in.” He explained slowly. Then he let out a small sigh. “More than likely, she needs space to panic, reassurance she’s not trapped in a future she probably hadn't planned, and try to reassure her that you're not going anywhere.” He then paused. “Assuming, of course.. you're planning on staying around.”
“As mentioned, we are mated for life. I will be there for her.” Katon-Ur repeated.
“And,” Robert continued, glancing up at him, “maybe don’t keep phrasing it how you do. Reproduction is.. very clinical. Maybe say 'Made a baby', or.. google some terms?”
Katon-Ur considered that. “…Understood. I thank you, Robert Robertson.” he said sincerely.
Robert gave a smile. “Yeah. Anytime. Please don’t ever say ‘reproductive fluids’ to me again.”
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13
Katon-Ur did not sleep. He did not require sleep in the human sense, but he did require to 'recharge' every now and again and he had found laying beside you at night to be the perfect way to get to the much needed meditative state.
Tonight, it never came. Every time his thoughts drifted, they returned to the same place.
You. How terrified you were to be carrying his offspring. Even more awe that you carried his offspring.
By the time morning came, he was already standing near the doorway, fully dressed for work, though he had not moved in nearly twenty minutes.
You were still asleep. Curled under the blanket, using a hand to block the sunlight.
He remained there, silent, watching.
He did not leave for work. He could and he should, but every instinct told him distance was wrong.
Your eyes opened faintly towards him. “…What are you doing?” you mumbled.
He straightened himself up. “I did not wish to wake you.”
You pushed yourself upright slightly, though then you fell right back onto the bed. “You’ve been standing there, haven’t you?”
“…Yes.” He admitted sheepishly.
You exhaled and rubbed a hand down your face gently. “You have work.”
“I can remain.”
“You shouldn’t.”
It was clear by how he stood that he was hesitate to leave your side. You stared at him for a moment before giving him a faint smile.
“I’m okay,” you said gently. “I just need a day to… think about all of this.”
“You are certain you will remain safe?” he questioned t o you softly.
“I promise. I’m not going anywhere. The farthest I'll go is the couch, and I will only sit there in.. denial.” You said with a small chuckle leaving your lips.
Katon-Ur squinted his eyebrows towards you. “…Denial is not a recognized recovery strategy.”
You gave a tired smile. “It's good to have right now, then maybe I'll get over this quicker.”
That seemed to help him accept it, though he didn't exactly like that explanation. He stepped forward finally and rested his hand lightly over yours. “I will remain reachable at all times.”
“I know.”
He took a breath. “…I would prefer not to leave.”
Your fingers squeezed his. “I know. But you still have to save the city.”
After a long moment, he nodded once, then he left before he could force himself to stay any longer.
When he arrived at SDN, he couldn't get his mind off of you. He was worried for you, he was worried how you might be feeling right now. He didn't even greet anyone as he normally did.
For approximately twelve minutes, Katon-Ur stood alone in the office that he normally waited in for Robert to call in him.
He couldn't pace, he couldn't sit. He was too stressed.
His eyes glanced towards Robert who was sitting at his desk.
“Flambae, east side containment only. Do not engage until Punch Up arrives. It should be an easy enough mission though.” He said before he glanced at the other screen and let out a loud sigh. “Invisigal, stop climbing things that are actively exploding.”
“It’s called strategy.”
“It is called paperwork I really don't want to do.”
Katon-Ur made his way over towards Robert and then just.. stood there, staring at Robert.
Robert glanced at him once, then twice. He tried to look back at his screen but his eyes finally fell to him for a third time. “…You’ve been here a while,” Robert said without turning fully toward him. “Mission queue’s light. I’ll assign you shortly.”
“Understood.”
Five more minutes passed. Katon-Ur did not move, he just stood there stiffly.
Robert rubbed his temple. “…You’re radiating anxiety,” he muttered. “I can physically feel it. Maybe I have powers I didn't know about.” He muttered.
Katon-Ur stared forward at the screen before he took a breath. “…I require guidance.”
Robert didn’t look up from the console. “Uh… little busy right now, big man.” He said as he continued to hack some camera that Invisgal asked him to take a look at.
When he didn't move, Robert let out a loud sigh. “…Alright, What’s wrong?”
Katon-Ur had froze for just a moment before he inhaled. “I have impregnated [Name]. I am uncertain how to properly assist her.”
Robert's fingers froze, and right away his headset had crackled.
“YOU WHAT?!” Invisigal’s voice echoed suddenly.
Robert shut his eyes. “…I forgot I was unmuted.”
Immediately voices started overlapping.
“PHENOMAMAN GOT SOMEONE PREGNANT?!”
“Good on him!”
“Why are we celebrating this?”
“Congratulations.”
Robert rubbed his face. “We are not doing this over team comms,” he muttered. He pointed toward the hallway. “Empty office. Now.”
Katon-Ur followed immediately.
The door shut.
Robert leaned against the desk, arms crossing. “…Alright,” he said. “Start from the beginning.”
Katon-Ur clasped his hands behind his back. “She is distressed.”
“Yeah,” Robert said dryly. “Most humans don’t take surprise intergalactic parenthood all that casually.”
Katon-Ur frowned slightly. “I do not understand how to comfort her correctly. She does not wish to celebrate. She does not wish to plan. She wishes… distance from the concept.”
Robert nodded once.
Katon-Ur tilted his head. “On my world, this is sacred. A continuation of existence. A success.”
“And on this one,” Robert replied, “it’s also medical risk, financial panic, identity crisis, and about fifty irreversible life changes hitting at once.”
Katon-Ur took a breath. “…I may have made an error.”
Robert immediately shook his head. “No. Don’t do that part.” He assured him. “You didn’t do something wrong. Humans just don't take pregnancy as calmly as your people do, typically.”
“I remained calm to avoid worsening her distress.” Katon-Ur explained.
“Good instinct,” Robert said. “But calm isn’t the same as understanding.”
“Explain what you mean.”
Robert exhaled.
“Her life just stopped being predictable. So every instinct she has is trying to get one piece of certainty back.”
“…And I should provide this?”
“You already are,” Robert said. “By not pushing. By staying steady. That is a good thing to do.” Then Robert added: “And for the record? The fact you came here asking how to help instead of assuming you knew… you’re doing better than most human fathers.”
“…That is reassuring.” Katon-Ur said with a small breath.
Robert picked up his tablet again. “Good. Because you’re still on patrol in five.”
Katon-Ur didn’t move. “…I would prefer to remain nearby her.”
Robert glanced up, then sighed. “I’ll keep you in-sector assignments today.”
Katon-Ur exhaled a breath that he didn't know he was holding. “Thank you.”
Robert waved him off. “Go save something small and try not to overthink for at least twenty minutes.”
As Katon-Ur left, Robert tapped his headset. “You can all stop pretending you weren’t listening.”
Immediately, chaos erupted again.
Robert muted it again as he walked back to his desk. Yeah, he was going to get some coffee.. and maybe sneak out to drink this afternoon.
(totally didn't put the wrong part at first.. totally didn't. If you saw that.. no you didn't.)
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13
The apartment was quiet when Katon-Ur arrived. Far to quiet for Katon-Ur's liking.
He noticed it immediately.
The lights were on, shoes by the door, bag hanging up in that rack that you had him set up. Everything that indicated that you were home.
But you were not at your desk. At this hour, you were always at your desk.
His steps slowed as he walked down the hall. “[Name]?” he called gently.
No answer.
He had began to panic for only a moment until he heard a faint, strained sound from down the hall.
He stilled, the moved quickly.
By the time he reached the bathroom door, the sound was unmistakable.
He hesitated only briefly before knocking. “[Name]?” His voice softened purely on instinct. “May I enter?”
There was another sound, weaker and that was all the approval that he needed.
He opened the door.
You were hunched over the toilet, one hand gripping the edge, the other bracing against the wall. Your shoulders trembled slightly, breath uneven.
Katon-Ur crossed the room in an instant, dropping to one knee beside you. “Are you alright?” he asked, concern immediate on his face.
You nodded weakly, not lifting your head. “I’m-” you swallowed hard, wincing. “I’m fine… I think it’s just… morning sickness or something…”
Katon-Ur’s brow furrowed as he recalled the sun setting and the fact he was off work. “It is evening.” He informed you.
Despite everything, you let out a small, breathy laugh. “Yeah… I know… it’s just called that. It can happen anytime.”
He processed that for a moment, then nodded. “Understood.” His hand hovered awkwardly for a second before he gently gathered your hair, holding it back from your face.
“…Thank you,” you murmured.
He did not respond verbally, but his grip adjusted slightly, to make sure that your hair stayed away from your face.
When your stomach finally settled enough for you to breathe again, he released you immediately, stepping back just enough to give you space.
You moved to the sink, brushing your teeth with shaky hands, rinsing your mouth, trying to steady yourself.
Katon-Ur watched, unsure how to help. “Would you like water?” he asked after a moment. “It may assist with the discomfort.”
You nodded. “Yeah… that sounds nice.”
He left without hesitation and when he returned, glass in hand, he stopped in the doorway.
You were hunched over again.
Without a word, he set the water down on the counter and moved back to your side, kneeling again like he had never left.
One hand returned to your hair. The other hovered near your back before settling there. “I am here,” he said quietly.
Time blurred at this point. The minutes stretched and stretched until you didn't know how long you had been sitting here.
At some point, your composure cracked. Frustration turned to exhaustion, and exhaustion turned to overwhelmed tears.
“This sucks…” you mumbled weakly between breaths, voice weak from getting sick. “I hate this…”
Katon-Ur’s hand stilled for just a second at the sound of it. “…I understand,” he said softly.
You leaned slightly into him without thinking.
It was nearly an hour later before your stomach finally began to settle.
Your body sagged with exhaustion.
Katon-Ur exhaled slowly, happy that you had finally stopped being sick. “I am sorry that the baby is causing you so much discomfort.”
You shook your head weakly, wiping at your eyes. “No… no, it’s not your fault… it’s just… a thing babies do…”
He nodded to you slowly. “I wish there was a way I could assist you.”
You gave a small, tired smile. “It’ll pass… soon enough… Normally it doesn't happen this soon but I am guessing it is earlier since.. it's not fully human.”
He nodded, not wanting to confirm nor deny that since even he didn't know. His eyes shifted towards you again. “Would you like to leave the bathroom?”
You glanced around, then shook your head slightly. “I… don’t feel like moving right now…”
“That is acceptable.” Then, without hesitation, he shifted, sitting down beside you on the floor.
You blinked, looking at him. “…What are you doing?”
“I am remaining with my mate while she is unwell.”
Before you could respond, he gently guided you toward him. Until your head rested against his chest, your body half draped across him instead of the cold tile. His arm came around you instinctively, anchoring you in place.
You went still for a moment. “…Oh,” you murmured softly. “…okay… this is nice…”
He hummed quietly in response, his hand rested against your arm, thumb moving slightly in absent circles on your arm.
Neither of you spoke after that.
The bathroom remained quiet, save for your slowing breaths and the faint rhythm of his.
Your breathing had evened out against his chest. The tension that had held your body tight for the past hour had finally eased. Your weight against him had softened, no longer braced or resisting.
He glanced down.
You were asleep.
He did not move at first.
He simply… observed.
Your face, now relaxed. Your grip on his shirt, loose and absent. The faint traces of exhaustion still clinging to you even in rest.
“…Good,” he murmured quietly.
But then another thought followed.
You two were on the floor. The cold floor. This was unacceptable for his mate.
Katon-Ur shifted slightly, careful not to wake you. One arm slid beneath your legs while the other supported your back. He effortlessly lifted you up from the ground.
You barely stirred, your head settling instinctively against him as he rose to his feet. He adjusted his hold immediately, securing you closer to his chest as he carried you out of the bathroom and into the bedroom.
He gently laid you down on the bed, His hands lingered for just a second to make sure you were stable before he reached for the blankets, pulling them gently over you.
Only once he was certain you were settled did he allow himself to sit beside you.
His gaze drifted to your stomach, his eyes narrowing for just a moment. Then, slowly, almost cautiously, he placed his hand there.
“Infant,” he said quietly. “Stop causing your mother discomfort.” His tone wasn't harsh or cruel, rather the opposite. Just an alien father attempting to connect. “You are meant to bring her joy. Currently, you are not succeeding.” His lips twitched slightly. “That is not acceptable.”
His thumb shifted slightly against your stomach.
“You will correct this.”
The faintest crease formed between his brows.
“She is… important.”
You stirred, just slightly.
Katon-Ur’s attention snapped back to you immediately.
His hand moved from your stomach to your arm, gently rubbing it to keep you asleep. “Shh,” he murmured softly. “Return to rest.”
You settled again almost instantly.
Satisfied, he allowed himself to relax. He laid down next to you fully, draping one arm around you carefully.
You responded instinctively, curling into him without waking, your body finding his like it already knew where it belonged.
He adjusted slightly, lowering his head to rest near your shoulder, his hold on you secure but gentle. “I will attempt to make this easier for you,” he murmured quietly, more to himself than anything else. “…I do not yet know how.”
His fingers shifted faintly against your arm.
“But I will learn.” He closed his eyes. “I will make you feel better.”
