Viktor knew that Vok'Rul was talkative.

Before he could understand the alien, he was constantly talking - muttering to himself or speaking out loud to Viktor. It hardly mattered much to him, really. His voice was soothing and a constant reminder that he wasn't back in the arena, stuck in some sick daydream where things were better. No, Viktor enjoyed the low murmuring in the background. It was white noise. Easy to filter out, considering he didn't know the language.

Now, that they had gotten the translation devices working, the alien would not. Shut. Up.

Viktor and Pedro had spent the next hour simply enjoying one another's presence, sprawled out on the dusty ground near the furnace. Viktor had fished out the leftover jerky he had shoved into his pocket earlier and tossed one to Pedro. They both idly chewed in companionable silence, slowly digesting both the food and the sudden influx of information.

At least, it had been relatively silent until Vok'Rul had sat down next to them and immediately launched into conversation.

"Do you think he knows my thing is off?" Viktor asked Pedro when the alien paused to take a breath. Pedro laughed.

Vok'Rul looked sheepish, grinning widely. He took the hint and reached over to flick Viktor's translator on. It started buzzing, just a bit louder than the first time. Thankfully, Viktor's headache had quelled the moment it had been shut off. Maybe their conversation would last a little longer this time. "Can you hear me, little one?"

Viktor nodded, stretching out his limbs before sitting up. "Loud and clear."

Vok'Rul's voice dropped to a whisper, "I apologize, Kohgrash. I was not aware I was being loud."

Viktor grinned with amusement. "It's just a saying, Vok'Rul. You're not really loud."

"Sire, I can bring you a chair," Blacksmith anxiously hovered behind Vok'Rul.

"That is not necessary, Trosk, thank you," Vok'Rul said kindly. Blacksmith made a humming noise, reaching down briefly to pat Pedro on the head before returning back to her workbench. Rukka was nearby, looking fiercely annoyed at the phone in her hands.

"I must apologize to you and your species, my little Kohgrash," Vok'Rul said, voice regretful.

"Uh, it's no big deal," Viktor said, a bit awkwardly. He had no idea how to respond to an apology like that. Three months ago, he would have been righteously angry, liable to launch into a flurry of fists before accepting any sort of apology.

"Please tell me you just didn't say 'it's no big deal' to an apology that was probably about abducting us," Pedro piped up, taking the opportunity to sit up as well, joining the conversation.

"What else am I supposed to say?" Viktor lamented.

"It is an awkward situation," Vok'Rul said with a little bit of amusement. His gaze was fond. "When we found your Solar System, we were surprised that there was even life there! All of the other planets surrounding your star were particularly nasty if the reports I read were true."

"Um, thanks? I think," the teenager said. Vok'Rul immediately started speaking after he finished.

"It was remarkable! Your planet is very unstable compared to ours. Weather beyond what we have ever seen, fluctuating temperatures all across the planet, various habitats, and so much biodiversity! It was incredible to read about. We thought that perhaps the intelligent species had abandoned your planet to move to other, more suitable places. There was a lot of debris surrounding the planet, and the temperatures were uninhabitable in most places. The sheer amount of water on that planet would deem it uninhabitable to most species I've met, even ones that rely heavily on it! Truly, I am impressed that your species, all cute and squishy, were even able to prosper on such a planet-"

"Vok'Rul," Viktor said quickly, fearing that the alien might die from a lack of oxygen. He was hardly even pausing to breathe with how much he was talking. "It is nice and all to hear about Earth, but-"

"Earth! What a charming little name! What do you call the star your planet orbits? The other little planets?"

Viktor blinked, mouth still open from his uncompleted sentence. "Um, we just call it the Sun," he explained. "We have eight planets-"

"We have nine planets, kid, get it straight," Pedro scoffed, crossing his arms. "I won't tolerate Pluto slander."

Exasperated, Viktor shot a look at Pedro. "Pluto is not technically-"

"Technical, smechincal, kid. Pluto is a planet in my heart!"

"Pluto?" Vok'Rul asked cheerfully, looking beyond happy that Pedro was joining the conversation and not simply watching. "What is Pluto? The reports only had four large bodies, excluding the little planet we found you on, of course. There were many small little objects floating around your System."

Viktor sighed good-naturedly. This was going to be a long conversation.

He managed to explain to Vok'Rul - with many interruptions from both him and Pedro - the entire Solar System, though he lacked the minute details Vok'Rul asked him about.

"Why does Venus spin opposite from the other rocky planets?" Vok'Rul had asked. Viktor had shrugged.

"What about your little moon? Does it not have a name?" "I have no idea; we just call it the moon."

"What are hemispheres?" "Umm..."

"Jupiter has how many moons?" "I was just exaggerating when I said a million, Vok'Rul."

Eventually, the questions had gone on for long enough that Viktor was starting to get a headache. "Vok'Rul," he said pleadingly, putting on the best puppy dog eyes he could when he was this tired. "Can we play 20 questions later?"

"What is that game?" Vok'Rul asked, cheerful and oblivious. Viktor collapsed onto the ground with a loud thump, air expelling forcefully from his lungs.

"20 questions is where you take turns asking questions," Pedro said, guessing from context what the alien had said.

"Oh! Thank you, Shrrsk," Vok'Rul reached out to pat Pedro's head, who politely leaned away.

"He won't hurt you," Viktor mumbled from the ground. There was a noncommittal noise from the man.

"Yes! I would never harm a little mammal. Human! That is what you call yourselves, correct?" Vok'Rul beamed with the eagerness of a straight-A student.

"Man, you are chatty," Pedro quipped. Viktor groaned again. Vok'Rul smiled broadly.

"My little Kohgrash, are you hungry? Would you like some food?" Vok'Rul asked, voice lilting in a way that suggested he said this exact phrase often. "I suppose that I can get an accurate answer, now. How delightful. I have many questions about your diet! At first, we thought that you were only carnivorous. Many had reported feeding humans meat with varying amounts of success. We are carnivores ourselves, so it never occurred to us to let you try other foods. It was quite a shock to find you near the trees bearing fruit on that cold night. Do you remember that, Kohgrash? I thought you had poisoned yourself and broken all of your limbs! It was quite scary."

"Yes, Vok'Rul, I remember falling out of the tree and breaking my arm," Viktor said dryly. "And no, I'm not hungry."

"It was unfortunate," Vok'Rul's voice gained an angry edge, though Viktor knew it wasn't directed at him. "I did not catch that traitor until he attacked you once more, weeks later."

Vok'Rul leaned forward and grabbed Viktor, claws gentle. It wasn't unusual for him to suddenly be snagged by the alien for a quick hug, but usually, Viktor wasn't lying on the dusty floor, having suddenly gained an understanding of said alien's language. He had expected the sudden shows of affection to decrease, but he was secretly glad that wasn't the case. Vok'Rul snuggled him close to his chest. Pedro made an exaggerated show of fawning and saying 'aww!' Viktor sneered at him before looking up at Vok'Rul with confusion.

"Rest assured, little one," he whispered, voice firm and full of conviction. "That no one will harm you again. I am sorry that you still suffered under my care."

"Um," Viktor said, embarrassed. "It's fine, big guy," he patted the alien's hand, which was wrapped around his arm lightly. "I've had worse. You could've locked me in a little cage for months on end and made me fight for survival against countless other animals."

His joke fell flat. Vok'Rul face shuttered into a mask of rage for just a brief moment before he was pressing his forehead against the top of Viktor's head. He rumbled wordlessly in his chest, squeezing Viktor almost too tightly, for just a second. Wide-eyed, Viktor helplessly glanced at Pedro.

The man stood up, clapping his hands slightly. "I'm thirsty!" he announced. "Let's go get a drink, kid."

"Kid! You have been called that quite a bit, my little Kohgrash. What does it mean? Is it another name for you?" Vok'Rul asked, standing up with Viktor in his arms. He dutifully followed Pedro to Blacksmith and his living area.

"My legs work just fine, you know," Viktor informed him.

"I quite like carrying you. You are so warm!" Vok'Rul cooed.

Viktor huffed, but since he also liked being carried by the alien, he wouldn't protest. "Um, kid is just another word for child. Youth. Stuff like that."

"Interesting! Our young are just called hatchlings," Vok'Rul said, looking down at Viktor in concern when the human started spluttering. "Are you alright?"

"Hatchlings? So you do come from eggs!" Viktor said excitedly.

"Eggs?" Pedro's voice came from ahead. Viktor had to twist in Vok'Rul's arms to see him. The top of his head was visible as he gathered his water dish. "Damn. Like little snakes?"

"I do not know what snakes are!" Vok'Rul cheerfully informed them, as if he were beyond happy that he didn't know things. "But yes, we come from eggs. Do you not?"

Viktor was saved from having to explain the horrific ordeal that was live childbirth when Rukka and Blacksmith appeared. Viktor had the delight of understanding their conversations, now.

"Rul, we should be leaving, now. It's getting late, and I need to return to Nohkka and Kac," Rukka said, glancing briefly at Viktor. There was a shimmer of curiosity in her eyes.

"Let me down," Viktor said, squirming from Vok'Rul's hold. He dropped lightly on his feet and went over to Pedro. "Hey! We're leaving soon."

Pedro scooped him up in a bone-crushing hug, and Viktor made a senseless wheezing noise. He heard Blacksmith say, "be careful, Shrrsk!" and Vok'Rul's rumbling chuckles.

"My ribs," Viktor gasped through a smile.

"Whatever, Viktor. Let me hug you," the man said into his hair. Eventually, he stepped back, grinning. "I'm real happy, kid."

"Me, too. We did it! I can't believe it," Viktor exclaimed. He threw his hands in the air, splaying them for a double high-five. Pedro obliged.

"I'll see you later, kid. Make sure you guys come back if there's anything wrong with the devices. Me and Blacksmith will probably be making more. I'm not sure what the future will hold, but... for the first time in a long time, I'm hopeful."

***

The devices were flicked off during the ride back. The headache that had developed during Vok'Rul's interrogation had diminished by the time they got back to the mansion. At least they weren't too intense. It was just a thick band of pain around his skull.

"Pora, Kohgrash," Vok'Rul said, jerking Viktor out of his thoughts. He was still in the car.

The entire ride back home, Vok'Rul had tried to switch on Viktor's earpiece, eager to point out certain things. He told the alien in no uncertain terms that his headache was still bothering him and that he'd turn it back on when they got home. Vok'Rul seemed apologetic and gingerly pet his hair, muttering a "flakmmn."

Viktor hadn't gotten the chance to show Pedro his Rubik's sphere, but it was a good pastime while he unwound from the throbbing pain in his head on the ride back. He fiddled with it idly, lost in his thoughts.

While Viktor was terribly happy about how the devices had worked out, and even more so now that he could effectively communicate with Vok'Rul, he couldn't help but feel... nervous.

He had no idea what was in store for the future. Pedro had seemed hopeful, but he didn't have the oppressive cloud of fear over his head.

The more Viktor sat in his thoughts, the more he realized that not all of his problems were going to be solved now that he and Vok'Rul had an avenue of communication. He was still viewed as an animal on this planet. A reactive, violent animal. There would be no way that Vok'Rul and Rukka could prove their sentience in a day, even with the proof that Viktor could understand them. Who was to say that Vok'Rul wasn't just making it all up?

Not to mention, getting more devices for everyone on the planet could take years. It had taken almost two months for this version to get developed. Neither Viktor nor Vok'Rul were certain how long they would last before the headaches came quicker and the pain more unbearable.

Even if they could get everyone some translation devices, Viktor was sure not everyone would believe it. If a new species was introduced on Earth from Outer Space, and they were seen as animals for the entire year they had been on the planet, and suddenly claimed sentience? Viktor wasn't sure what he'd think. Especially if he hadn't had one of them as a pet.

But that was Earth. Trying to mold this planet into having similar Earth customs was a little bit ridiculous. The aliens hatched from eggs! It was crazy! Viktor wondered what color they were, how they felt like, how big they were, and how long did they stay in there?

He was getting distracted. He needed to steal some more paper from Vok'Rul to write down all of his questions. Well, he supposed, looking up at the alien who was still looking at him curiously from outside of the car, he could just ask now, couldn't he?

The thought, even with the fear and nervousness hiding behind it, made him giddy.

"How do you turn this on?" Viktor asked the alien, awkwardly shoving the sphere into his (thankfully large) sweatpants pocket. Vok'Rul crouched down and grabbed his hand in his much larger claws. Carefully, he guided Viktor's hand to the earpiece and Viktor felt the slightest of indents within the metal.

Vok'Rul said something, twisting Viktor's finger clockwise around the indent. The translator started buzzing. "Can you hear me?"

"Yes," Viktor grinned, pulling a matching one from Vok'Rul. That would never get old.

"Let's go inside. I have to send that report before Rukka slices my horns off," Vok'Rul told him secretively.

"Does that... happen?" Viktor asked, only a little uneasy.

"Yes," Vok'Rul said, a bit too casually. His worry only spiked.

"Ooohh-kay," he said, hurrying to keep up with Vok'Rul's much longer legs as they made their way inside of the mansion. He hopped onto one of the stone walls of the flower beds lining the mansion, flinging his arms out to steady himself. He unsteadily walked across it, leaning side to side and watching his feet. "Does bodily mutilation happen often oorrr - AH!"

A startled yell wrestled its way past his lips he was grabbed unexpectedly from behind and lifted into the air. Whoever's claws were holding him were long, sharp, and Viktor had the delirious thought that he'd be skewered right behind Vok'Rul's back. He heard Vok'Rul turn around with a confused, concerned noise. He brought his knees up before kicking whoever was holding him right in the abdomen. They dropped him onto the ground abruptly. Viktor landed in a heap, barely giving himself any time to register the pain from a drop onto hard stone before he was moving away from the threat.

"Just what do you think you are doing?" Vok'Rul's voice was cold, steely. Viktor could barely get air past the large, panicked lump in his throat. He wheezed for breath, scrambling over to Vok'Rul's side.

"My sincerest apologies, your Majesty," the alien who had grabbed him - one of the many staff Vok'Rul had on hand in the mansion - groveled pitifully, bent over in a low bow. Though, it could've been due to the vicious kick Viktor had landed on its ribs. Their voice was fearful, probably because of the glower Vok'Rul was pinning them to the ground with. "I - I was simply afraid that he might fall off the flower bed walls."

"So you assume it was your place to touch him? To grab him unawares?" Vok'Rul growled."He has extreme mind sickness and is very afraid of our species. You are lucky he did not turn around and bite you!"

Viktor managed a strangled protest. He wouldn't just bite random people! Though, he has bitten some aliens before... but whatever. He could still hardly catch his breath after being given the fright of his life. Vok'Rul's hand descended on his head, lightly, and Viktor flinched. It only seemed to anger the alien more.

"Of course, Sire. It was a grievous mistake. I - I am extremely regretful. Please, forgive me," the alien held up well in the face of Vok'Rul's wrath. Viktor could only see the faintest of shaking coming from it.

"It's okay," Viktor managed to squeeze past his lips. He took several deep breaths until his heart started to descend to a steadier pace. There was no danger here, there was no reason to be afraid. It was just some well-meaning alien trying to help. "I'm fine."

Vok'Rul gave a wordless growl at the alien, who cowered, before relenting. He turned toward Viktor, crouching down and holding his arms out slightly. Viktor quickly took the offer for what it was and soon, Vok'Rul was walking into the mansion with him in his hold. The alien did not get up from the ground until they were both inside.

Instead of turning left, Vok'Rul took the hallway that lead to the kitchens. His shoulders were held stiffly, and his tail tip was twitching with irritation. Viktor was quiet for a moment before he piped up, voice quiet and unsure, "What is mind sickness?"

Vok'Rul stopped walking completely, and Viktor had to hold on tightly lest he fall right out of his arms. The alien cleared his throat awkwardly before he started walking again, much slower. "It is an illness, most commonly seen in those who have experienced traumatic events."

Viktor nodded, "Like PTSD."

"P-T-S-D?" Vok'Rul asked, sounding out all the letters slowly.

"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder," he explained. Even talking about it made him a little ill. "It's something that happens to soldiers and stuff. Like after they go through a war. And I don't have mind sickness, or whatever you call it." His voice was defensive, body coiled stiffly.

Vok'Rul hummed in thought, maybe a little disbelievingly. "It is seen in many abused animals, Kohgrash."

"I'm not abused!" he shouted. He recoiled, shocked at his own volume. "I'm - I'm just not," he said, quieter.

"Let's say that's true," Vok'Rul said gently, stopping his pace and setting Viktor on the ground. The alien crouched in front of him, holding his forearms in his larger hands. He felt vulnerable in the open hallway, and quickly glanced around, eyes flickering to find an exit. "Let's say that is true. Why can you not look Thruul in the eye?"

Viktor opened and closed his mouth like a dying fish. He tried - desperately - to not think of the ringmaster and horrifically failed. His ugly face swam inside his head. "Uh, clearly... that is because..." He couldn't come up with anything that wouldn't make him seem weak. "Listen," his voice grew sharp, shoulders hunching protectively. He tugged his arms away and thankfully, Vok'Rul released him. "I'm not gonna stand here and -"

"Are you talking about me, my lord?" Thruul's voice was strange, filtering in through his earpiece and translating at the same the familiar growls and grunts went into his other ear. Viktor couldn't help the flinch that shuddered through him, too wired up from the previous conversation. "Aw, Kohgrash, how are you? I won't hurt'cha! We're friends, now, aren't we?"

"No," Viktor snapped, arms crossing over his chest tightly. His fingers were gripping the sleeves of his sweater, white knuckle.

"Kohgrash," Viktor glanced away from Thruul to see Vok'Rul frowning at him. "Be nice."

"Go fuck yourself," was his grumpy reply.

"Thruul," Vok'Rul greeted, a slight sigh in his voice. "How are you, my friend?"

Viktor was suddenly, forcefully reminded of Thruul's huge, obvious crush on the alien when he smiled slightly, tensions from the day dropping from his shoulders at the innocent question. Then, he remembered he couldn't even tease Vok'Rul for his obliviousness. As much as he and Thruul were on unsteady ground, he didn't want to accidentally strain their relationship.

These translators were a blessing and a curse.

Thruul started rambling about the kitchens, the staff within them, and the food. Vok'Rul stood up and started to lead them to the kitchen. He had offered to carry Viktor, but he had declined with a grouchy look."And then Vrrenk told me that he could chop thinner slices! It was absurd!"

"I do not know why you do not find another cook to assist you," Vok'Rul said, amused.

"Vrrenk will not poison you, even if he is a pain in the horns. It is surprisingly difficult to find someone willing to work here without wanting to assassinate you, my lord," Thruul grumbled, displeased. Vok'Rul sighed, a rueful chuckle leaving him.

"You're telling me."

Vok'Rul and Thruul started to go into the kitchen. Viktor, who didn't really enjoy the sounds of all the pots, pans, and other assortments of utensils, lingered out in the hallway. Vok'Rul paused, likely remembering when Paper Alien had given him a concussion. "Do you not want to come in, my little Kohgrash?"

"I'm not your little anything!" he snapped, glaring at the alien. He immediately felt guilty when Vok'Rul's face fell. "Sorry, I didn't mean that."

"Wow, he is pretty grouchy today! What did you do to him?" Thruul asked, noticing that both of them had stopped walking into the kitchen. "Come here, Kohgrash!" he gestured with his hands the same way the ringmaster did. Viktor unconsciously bared his teeth in denial.

"Don't provoke him, Thruul. He got grabbed by one of the servants outside." Vok'Rul's voice was grumpy.

"Hm," Thruul hummed, matching Vok'Rul's frown. Viktor had to look away. "Oh! You were at Trosk's forge, weren't you? Are those translators working?"

The change in topic was appreciated by Viktor and Vok'Rul, who immediately perked up with excitement. He grinned widely at Viktor, carefully holding out his hand to the human. Viktor, still feeling a bit guilty from snapping at the alien earlier, took it. Vok'Rul scooped him up in his arms easily, bringing him up to eye level with Thruul.

"Hello, Kohgrash!" Thruul said cheerfully. Viktor squinted at him.

"It worked, Thruul! Kohgrash is intelligent, just like I told you all!" Vok'Rul exclaimed, dancing around the hallway with excitement. Viktor had to wrap his arms around the alien's neck in order to keep himself attached to him.

"I'm gonna fall off," Viktor whimpered, maybe just a little fearfully. Vok'Rul was twelve feet tall.

"I won't drop you, little one!" Vok'Rul rumbled, stopping his impromptu romp around the hallway. When Viktor glanced over at Thruul, his face was nothing but fond.

"So," Thruul cleared his throat, eyes gaining a glimmer of curiosity. The alien tilted his head, peering at Viktor. The human tried not to give in to the urge to hide his face in Vok'Rul's clothing. Thruul looked exactly like how the ringmaster would when he had been appraising Viktor before fights, minus the dismissive, cold eyes. "He can understand what I'm saying?"

"Yes!" Vok'Rul affirmed. "Would you like to hear him?"

Viktor made a noise, of what he did not know. Protest? Fear? He didn't know if he wanted to speak to Thruul. Vok'Rul hadn't extended the offer to Rukka!

But Vok'Rul was already pulling the translator out of his ear and handing it to Thruul. "Vok'Rul," Viktor said nervously, not liking that the alien couldn't understand him anymore.

"It's okay, Kohgrash," Vok'Rul reassured him, running his claws up and down his spine and holding him tightly. His voice was filled with excited nervousness. It did nothing to reassure him. It just made him more worried.

Thruul reverently put the device in his ear, and Vok'Rul turned it on for him. Viktor's mouth was closed tightly. He barely dared to breathe. He eyed Thruul, stomach twisting.

"Can you hear me, Kohgrash?" Thruul's voice was hesitant, shy. So unlike the boisterous, too-loud volume he had come to expect from him. Viktor didn't respond. "Are you sure, my lord? I don't mean to doubt you, but..."

"Kohgrash is just being shy," Vok'Rul said, jostling Viktor slightly. He shot the alien a glare. Shy! As if!

"If you talk to me, I'll give you some more of that meat you seem to like so much!" Thruul bribed enticingly. Viktor heard Vok'Rul make a strangled noise of protest.

"Really?" Viktor blurted out, unbidden. His expression grew hopeful before he remembered he was supposed to be angry.

Thruul grinned, mouth stretched wide. "Ha! You really can speak! I owe you a meal, my lord."

"When did you feed him meat?" Vok'Rul lamented.

"None of your business," Viktor sniffed. The thought of getting another slice of that delicious meat had his stomach growling, despite his nervousness about speaking in front of Thruul. "I'm hungry. Food, food, Vok'Rul." His earpiece crackled as he spoke the aliens' language.

"He's hungry, my lord. Do you want this back?" Thruul easily evaded the question, gesturing to his ear.

"I gathered that from his annoying cries. Just like a hatchling, Kohgrash," Vok'Rul teased him, pressing his face on the top of Viktor's head.

"You're annoying," Viktor quipped back maturely, shoving his hand against the alien's cheek and pushing him away. He twisted out of his grip, landing on the floor with an unsteady thump.

"He is not good at landing," Thruul remarked.

"Vok'Rul is literally twice my height?" he whirled around, offended. "See if you can do any better! Though, you'd probably like the chance to jump into his arms, huh?" Viktor couldn't help but snub the alien.

Thruul stammered, face going slightly purple with embarrassment.

"What did he say?" Vok'Rul asked, delighted at seeing his friend like this. He quickly got suspicious, though, upon seeing Viktor's evil grin. He peered down at the teenager sternly. Viktor squinted back, a bit distrustfully. "Kohgrash, are you being nice?"

"Yes," he said, hearing his own voice filter into his other ear with 'teyk.' That was weird.

"Nothing, my lord! Let me make you that meal, yes?" Thruul quickly saved face, quickly leading the charge back to Vok'Rul's wing. Viktor backpedaled out of the way quickly. "Oh! Sorry, Kohgrash." He reached down to pet his hair.

"Touch me and I will bite you," Viktor said half-heartedly, giving the alien a weak glare as his stomach lurched with fear at the sight of Thruul's long claws coming toward him. Why was he so easily frightened, lately?

"Of course!" Thruul responded cheerfully, retracting his hand.

By the time they got back to the wing, Thruul's embarrassment and Viktor's uneasiness had faded. Viktor got to enjoy a delicious piece of meat and listen in on Vok'Rul and Thruul's conversation and be able to understand them! His ire and nervousness from earlier had vanished, leaving nothing but contentment and eagerness in their places.

Eventually, though, Thruul gave the earpiece back to Vok'Rul and Viktor had to turn his off. He had been steadily ignoring the headache brewing in his skull, but by the time the sun had started to set, it was all he could do to keep his head up. The pain was nearly overwhelming.

Thruul said goodbye, tentatively reaching out to Viktor. He glared but hadn't protested when the alien brushed his claws gently across the top of his head. Vok'Rul's happy smile made it worth it. He guessed.

There was a brief hesitation on Vok'Rul's part when they went to sleep. He seemed conflicted, and despite his better judgment, Viktor flicked on the translator for a moment, just to hear what he had to say.

"It pains me, Kohgrash, to keep you on such a bed when you are an intelligent creature," Vok'Rul frowned at his bed, nestled between the wall and the dresser.

"Better than my old bed, dude. I don't care. Toss me a pillow? The blanket always uncurls." Viktor responded curtly, a smile playing on his face. Had that been the entire reason he had been difficult about him sleeping in the same room that one night? Because he didn't want him to sleep on a pet bed? This thing was comfortable as hell! It's way better than straw.

Viktor, half-asleep and a bit out of it due to the pain in his head, got a face full of pillow.

"Sorry, Kohgrash! I thought you heard me," Vok'Rul apologized earnestly. Viktor waved off his attempts at petting his face.

"Switching off," Viktor yawned, twisting his finger clockwise on the device and hearing the buzzing go silent. He plucked it out of his ear, reaching up to drop it into Vok'Rul's outstretched hand.

Vok'Rul said what he assumed was the word for goodnight, followed by a "Kohgrash'mrr'k," and followed the human's lead in collapsing into bed. The day had been full of excitement, and they were both tired, even if the alien needed less sleep. Viktor fell asleep easily, especially with his new pillow. It smelled like Vok'Rul.

He wondered what tomorrow would bring.

***

Vocabulary:

flakmmn: sorry, informal

'k: little, usually added onto the end of a name or object

'mrr: my/mine, usually added onto the end of someone's name (Kohgrash'mrr)

pora: come