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The next morning I slowly blinked awake, my vision awash in a dimly-lit sea of black cotton. Its familiar scent and the warm arms still wrapped around me reassured that my friend was still here; that despite my problems and insecurities he was still willing to stay, to spend his time in here with me. This would take acclimating, but I was...open to this, to some positive change.

It was still so strange to me that he was fine with this whole thing. How or why anyone would be alright waking to something like me just didn't formulate in my head, but...he wanted me to trust him, so I would try to believe him.

From above came a soft nudging of a snout against the top of my head, his nose rubbing through my hair and tickling me a bit. It was such an odd gesture I couldn't help but quietly chuckle, figuring he must still be asleep. Admittedly it was a pleasant feeling, all things considered, and soon my ears had dipped by reflex as it continued with my eyes gradually closing.

"...Mornin', Reverend," Daniel mumbled.

My ears perked back upright. Maybe he wasn't as asleep as I thought. As much as my head was telling me to pull away and hide my body refused to cooperate, very much wanting, perhaps even needing this experience. Rather, I found myself clinging to his shirt and burying my face in it, my body contrarian to my mind. I had no idea what I was doing.

The larger man lightly laughed and reached up to comb his fingers through my messy hair.

"I'm...sorry if that was weird, the snout-rubbing thing," he said, a little embarrassed. "It's an odd habit, I guess. I can try to work against that if you'd prefer."

"...I don't mind it," I quietly said into his shirt. "I just...thought you were still asleep, maybe."

"Eheh, well, um...mostly not," he said from above. "Groggy, sure, but not completely down."

"...And...you're still okay with my being here in the mornings?" I asked, muffled.

"Of course I am," he answered. "Though I've been wondering if...you felt the same about my bein' here."

"Pardon?" I asked, pulling my face away from the shirt.

"Mm, well, I ain't really much to look at-- kinda weirdly tall for what I am, not in the best physical shape, got these bare hands and feet on me. My shape and size and such are pretty imposing at best and...unattractive to most at worst. I know I sound pretty bad compared to those here. I try not to let it bother me, but been wonderin' how you felt about it given these latest developments."

I thought back over the weekend, how strangely comfortable and safe I'd felt. I did remember how taken aback I was when he showed up to my door, but also how quickly that melted away only minutes later with how he interacted with Riv. His standing up for Riv and I against those construction workers was another matter, how there's a surprising amount of strength behind that shape and size he worries about.

"...I like you as you are, Daniel," I softly said, squeezing the fold of shirt in my hand.

"...Do you really?" he asked in disbelief. "It's fine if you don't, I'd just try to--"

"Yes, really," my face returned to the shirt, feeling awkward as my ears reclined. "...You're big and strong, but kind and careful. Your hands are firm but soft, just like how...you look at me. Your voice is deep but unaggressive, with a twang that just tickles me. I...actually think you look quite handsome; your stripes really make your eyes stand out. I feel safe and cared for with you here, and I know Riv does, too."

I received no response. Slowly and cautiously I parted from the shirt to look up at him-- he was looking down to me with a tender face and glossy eyes, a small smile creasing his lips.

"That's...prob'ly the nicest thing anyone's said to me," he shyly looked away. "...Thank you."

"I wish it could have maybe been...a partner to tell you those things," I said. "Maybe it would mean more than it does from me."

"Honestly, Reverend," he softly hugged and held me in place, "...like I said last night: As weird as it might be, I think I have all I need right here. I think above all, what I really want is just...this, right here, with someone who cares about me. It doesn't matter in what way."

I returned my head to his chest and slowly closed my eyes, my own slim arms vainly attempting to reciprocate.

"...I'm so glad you put up with this," he continued, chuckling. "Never thought I'd see the day anyone would, and it's been...a real nice change."

I rubbed my small hand over his large arm, brushing my fingers through his fur. Somehow I never noticed until now just how soft it was.

Suddenly there came a knock on the door, a quick rapping that could only be one person. Before I could react the door swung open, a small boy peeking out around the side. His eyes were wide and excited, his mouth a big grin. Riv looked at us from his post, tilting his head given the sight.

Daniel and I lay there, frozen and unsure how to proceed with Riv's piqued curiosity.

"Daniel?" he called from the door.

"Yes, Riv?" he nonchalantly asked from the bed.

"Why're you in Father's bed?" Riv inquired.

I awkwardly looked up to the larger man still hugging me.

"It's a nice, large bed and doesn't hurt my neck or back to sleep on," Daniel answered. "Your father was kind enough to offer I occupy some of the empty space."

"Oh, okay," Riv shrugged. "Father, when's breakfast?"

"U-Uh, give me...just a few minutes to g...get ready for the day, Riv," I nervously stuttered.

"Okay!"

And like that he was off, leaving the door partially open. Daniel just laughed as he got up and slid off the bed, taking me by the hand to help me up. He sauntered over to head back to his temporary room and change into work clothes, giving me privacy to do the same. Taking a few minutes to quickly put myself together and comb my hair I was ready for the day, leaving my room and apparently leaving myself open to attack from a small child.

"You sure are energetic this morning," I laughed, running my fingers through his long hair. "I suppose being stuck in bed for a week will do that to you. Have you used the bathroom yet this morning?"

"Mhm!" he smiled, his little fangs poking out from behind his lips. "It's basically normal again."

"Very good, I'm so glad to hear that," I sighed, rubbing my snout atop his head. "Once Daniel is finished we can all head downstairs for breakfast. Should be any minute now."

Like clockwork the other door opened, releasing the dressed nurse into the home. A quick turn to his left and he offered his hand to Riv, my taking the other, and we descended the stairs to invade the kitchen. We made haste to assemble a simple but filling breakfast of bacon, eggs, sausage, and half an apple with a glass of milk to drink. Fortunately we had all gotten up early enough to take the extra bit of time, enjoying each other's company as we sat and ate at the table. It wasn't long before we were finished, Daniel offering to wash the dishes so I could head out to the lobby to start my shift.

Before I did so, though, there was something the youngest in the house should probably know about first. Riv was wrapped around my waist before I could leave the kitchen while Daniel was washing up the skillet in the sink.

"Oh, Riv, I just thought I'd let you know..." I trailed off to gauge his attention.

"Hm?"

"Um...Daniel will be liv...living here with us from now on, just like Kuri" I continued. "...I hope this is alright with you."

"Really?" he asked, eyes wide and ears perked. "Where's he gonna stay?"

From behind Riv I could see Daniel turn slightly toward us with a slight grin.

"...He'll be staying in...my room, with me," I hesitantly said. "N-Nothing else will really change, though, okay? He just...just won't be leaving at night anymore."

Without a word he parted from me to hug around Daniel's waist, taking the man by surprise. While I wasn't too worried about what Riv might think, there's always that nagging insecurity in the back of my head, if the actions I take for our future are the right ones or not. Daniel laughed and dried off a hand to rub Riv's back, his face baring the same tenderness as it had this morning. Without getting to know him at all it...really wouldn't have occurred to me that these were things he wanted, daresay needed. It's funny, really-- the caregiver needing some of the same care he gave.

With a bump of my snout against the boy's head I left and headed toward the lobby. I grabbed his schoolwork from behind my desk, flipping through some of the pages to assemble a variety of tasks, and set them on Riv's table. It wouldn't be long before he'd come bounding in to get these out of the way.

Shortly after I took my seat Riv took his own, ready to get started on his assignments for the day. I rummaged around my desk for the extra work I took and completed for the weekend, setting it atop the rim of the desk. It wasn't long before Morissey arrived, picking up the folder and offering me more for the day. I was relieved to see a normal amount of work in my hands after the heart attack that was Thursday's assignment.

"Ah, thank you, Reverend," he said, receiving the folder and taking a quick glance through the pages. "As I'm sure you're curious, I have not heard back from all places quite yet. Those I have do not currently have any residents needing space, but those are only the towns most nearby and there aren't many."

"Oh, well, that's alright," I said, opening today's folder. "The spaces upstairs are ready for whenever any might arrive. I'm a patient person."

"Your patience is appreciated," he slowly nodded. "Again, I'm very sorry for what occurred last week. I was going to split the work between a couple people, but...you were awfully persistent. I hope, at least, that the gift was enough of a compensation for all the time and work involved?"

"Y-Yeah, that was...certainly something," I said sheepishly, thinking back to Friday night. "Thank you."

"Oh, not at all," Morissey smiled. "Your hard work is appreciated and has not gone unnoticed. I see, too, that your...charge is feeling better?"

"Yes, Riv is doing much better now," I smiled, looking over to the little boy solving his math problems. "We're very fortunate to have Daniel here with us. He's been a fantastic help and great support."

"Is...that so?" he asked, almost incredulous.

"Of course," I assured. "He's been a very valuable part of this home so far and, should he be willing, I'm sure he will be for many years to come. I believe in him."

"Hm, well," he said, turning back toward the door, "I have been given no reason to doubt you thus far, despite some of your...oddities."

"...Oddities?"

His gaze migrated to Riv as his ears began to flatten. Apparently he was referring to my tendencies in keeping Riv out in the lobby, of course to the dismay of his staff. I'd heard many a gripe and just-loud-enough whisper in complaint over this but I was simply not willing to budge.

"...Morissey, this is my house," I said, irritated. "I will allow my child to sit up front with me and work as he pleases. He's not bothering anyone and he is very well-behaved, more so than many his age. Should your staff have an issue they can simply work away from the lobby; there is nothing in here for them anyway."

I was...not quite sure where that all came from.

Morissey looked back to me with a face of uncharacteristic surprise, more so than he expressed upon meeting Daniel. His ears were raised high and his eyes quite wide, that strange redness again shining in the morning sun. I returned his expression with a firm, unwavering stare from behind my desk.

"...Very well, I apologize," he said in a low voice, trying to regain his composure. "I will see you tomorrow and let you know if I receive any reports that may interest you."

"Thank you, Morissey," I exhaled. "I'm sorry about that. Please have a good day."

Morissey left, and though he didn't say anything I couldn't help but wonder if I had damaged my employment in any way. With the town's current climate I was not likely to find alternative work should this contract fall through, thus I really could not afford any infraction too drastic. It seemed that just allowing Riv around his own home was enough to make these staff uneasy and it was so far unrelenting.

As I set forth to get started I was piqued by an unfamiliar rhythm of footsteps. Looking up and over to the hallway corridor was that one shy daytime worker, carrying something in her small hands. I couldn't quite make out what it might be from here, but quietly watched as she slowly, very slowly walked over toward Riv's table.

Riv would occasionally look over from the movement, but upon taking notice that it wasn't me or Daniel he started showing signs of discomfort. As he did, she advanced more slowly, finally stopping a couple feet from where he sat. She extended her hand over the table, setting down a small object in front of him. The staffwoman brought her hands up to her face in wait as Riv finally conceded, looking to the object set in front of him.

"...For me?" he asked.

She shyly nodded with a small, unsure smile.

It was one of those little root beer candies Daniel carried on him.

"...Thank you," the little boy said, cautiously reaching for the candy.

As Riv picked it up she extended one of her hands slowly toward him. His met hers and she gently shook his hand before turning back around for the hallway. She briefly turned toward me before she disappeared through the corridor, parting with a small wave.

"Well...that was something I never thought I'd see," I chuckled to myself as Riv opened the wrapper.

I turned back toward my work below, grabbing my pen and finding my place.

...Maybe some of them would come around after all.

---

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Description
The next morning I slowly blinked awake, my vision awash in a dimly-lit sea of black cotton. Its familiar scent and the warm arms still wrapped around me reassured that my friend was still here; that despite my problems and insecurities he was still willing to stay, to spend his time in here with me. This would take acclimating, but I was...open to this, to some positive change.

It was still so strange to me that he was fine with this whole thing. How or why anyone would be alright waking to something like me just didn't formulate in my head, but...he wanted me to trust him, so I would try to believe him.

From above came a soft nudging of a snout against the top of my head, his nose rubbing through my hair and tickling me a bit. It was such an odd gesture I couldn't help but quietly chuckle, figuring he must still be asleep. Admittedly it was a pleasant feeling, all things considered, and soon my ears had dipped by reflex as it continued with my eyes gradually closing.

"...Mornin', Reverend," Daniel mumbled.

My ears perked back upright. Maybe he wasn't as asleep as I thought. As much as my head was telling me to pull away and hide my body refused to cooperate, very much wanting, perhaps even needing this experience. Rather, I found myself clinging to his shirt and burying my face in it, my body contrarian to my mind. I had no idea what I was doing.

The larger man lightly laughed and reached up to comb his fingers through my messy hair.

"I'm...sorry if that was weird, the snout-rubbing thing," he said, a little embarrassed. "It's an odd habit, I guess. I can try to work against that if you'd prefer."

"...I don't mind it," I quietly said into his shirt. "I just...thought you were still asleep, maybe."

"Eheh, well, um...mostly not," he said from above. "Groggy, sure, but not completely down."

"...And...you're still okay with my being here in the mornings?" I asked, muffled.

"Of course I am," he answered. "Though I've been wondering if...you felt the same about my bein' here."

"Pardon?" I asked, pulling my face away from the shirt.

"Mm, well, I ain't really much to look at-- kinda weirdly tall for what I am, not in the best physical shape, got these bare hands and feet on me. My shape and size and such are pretty imposing at best and...unattractive to most at worst. I know I sound pretty bad compared to those here. I try not to let it bother me, but been wonderin' how you felt about it given these latest developments."

I thought back over the weekend, how strangely comfortable and safe I'd felt. I did remember how taken aback I was when he showed up to my door, but also how quickly that melted away only minutes later with how he interacted with Riv. His standing up for Riv and I against those construction workers was another matter, how there's a surprising amount of strength behind that shape and size he worries about.

"...I like you as you are, Daniel," I softly said, squeezing the fold of shirt in my hand.

"...Do you really?" he asked in disbelief. "It's fine if you don't, I'd just try to--"

"Yes, really," my face returned to the shirt, feeling awkward as my ears reclined. "...You're big and strong, but kind and careful. Your hands are firm but soft, just like how...you look at me. Your voice is deep but unaggressive, with a twang that just tickles me. I...actually think you look quite handsome; your stripes really make your eyes stand out. I feel safe and cared for with you here, and I know Riv does, too."

I received no response. Slowly and cautiously I parted from the shirt to look up at him-- he was looking down to me with a tender face and glossy eyes, a small smile creasing his lips.

"That's...prob'ly the nicest thing anyone's said to me," he shyly looked away. "...Thank you."

"I wish it could have maybe been...a partner to tell you those things," I said. "Maybe it would mean more than it does from me."

"Honestly, Reverend," he softly hugged and held me in place, "...like I said last night: As weird as it might be, I think I have all I need right here. I think above all, what I really want is just...this, right here, with someone who cares about me. It doesn't matter in what way."

I returned my head to his chest and slowly closed my eyes, my own slim arms vainly attempting to reciprocate.

"...I'm so glad you put up with this," he continued, chuckling. "Never thought I'd see the day anyone would, and it's been...a real nice change."

I rubbed my small hand over his large arm, brushing my fingers through his fur. Somehow I never noticed until now just how soft it was.

Suddenly there came a knock on the door, a quick rapping that could only be one person. Before I could react the door swung open, a small boy peeking out around the side. His eyes were wide and excited, his mouth a big grin. Riv looked at us from his post, tilting his head given the sight.

Daniel and I lay there, frozen and unsure how to proceed with Riv's piqued curiosity.

"Daniel?" he called from the door.

"Yes, Riv?" he nonchalantly asked from the bed.

"Why're you in Father's bed?" Riv inquired.

I awkwardly looked up to the larger man still hugging me.

"It's a nice, large bed and doesn't hurt my neck or back to sleep on," Daniel answered. "Your father was kind enough to offer I occupy some of the empty space."

"Oh, okay," Riv shrugged. "Father, when's breakfast?"

"U-Uh, give me...just a few minutes to g...get ready for the day, Riv," I nervously stuttered.

"Okay!"

And like that he was off, leaving the door partially open. Daniel just laughed as he got up and slid off the bed, taking me by the hand to help me up. He sauntered over to head back to his temporary room and change into work clothes, giving me privacy to do the same. Taking a few minutes to quickly put myself together and comb my hair I was ready for the day, leaving my room and apparently leaving myself open to attack from a small child.

"You sure are energetic this morning," I laughed, running my fingers through his long hair. "I suppose being stuck in bed for a week will do that to you. Have you used the bathroom yet this morning?"

"Mhm!" he smiled, his little fangs poking out from behind his lips. "It's basically normal again."

"Very good, I'm so glad to hear that," I sighed, rubbing my snout atop his head. "Once Daniel is finished we can all head downstairs for breakfast. Should be any minute now."

Like clockwork the other door opened, releasing the dressed nurse into the home. A quick turn to his left and he offered his hand to Riv, my taking the other, and we descended the stairs to invade the kitchen. We made haste to assemble a simple but filling breakfast of bacon, eggs, sausage, and half an apple with a glass of milk to drink. Fortunately we had all gotten up early enough to take the extra bit of time, enjoying each other's company as we sat and ate at the table. It wasn't long before we were finished, Daniel offering to wash the dishes so I could head out to the lobby to start my shift.

Before I did so, though, there was something the youngest in the house should probably know about first. Riv was wrapped around my waist before I could leave the kitchen while Daniel was washing up the skillet in the sink.

"Oh, Riv, I just thought I'd let you know..." I trailed off to gauge his attention.

"Hm?"

"Um...Daniel will be liv...living here with us from now on, just like Kuri" I continued. "...I hope this is alright with you."

"Really?" he asked, eyes wide and ears perked. "Where's he gonna stay?"

From behind Riv I could see Daniel turn slightly toward us with a slight grin.

"...He'll be staying in...my room, with me," I hesitantly said. "N-Nothing else will really change, though, okay? He just...just won't be leaving at night anymore."

Without a word he parted from me to hug around Daniel's waist, taking the man by surprise. While I wasn't too worried about what Riv might think, there's always that nagging insecurity in the back of my head, if the actions I take for our future are the right ones or not. Daniel laughed and dried off a hand to rub Riv's back, his face baring the same tenderness as it had this morning. Without getting to know him at all it...really wouldn't have occurred to me that these were things he wanted, daresay needed. It's funny, really-- the caregiver needing some of the same care he gave.

With a bump of my snout against the boy's head I left and headed toward the lobby. I grabbed his schoolwork from behind my desk, flipping through some of the pages to assemble a variety of tasks, and set them on Riv's table. It wouldn't be long before he'd come bounding in to get these out of the way.

Shortly after I took my seat Riv took his own, ready to get started on his assignments for the day. I rummaged around my desk for the extra work I took and completed for the weekend, setting it atop the rim of the desk. It wasn't long before Morissey arrived, picking up the folder and offering me more for the day. I was relieved to see a normal amount of work in my hands after the heart attack that was Thursday's assignment.

"Ah, thank you, Reverend," he said, receiving the folder and taking a quick glance through the pages. "As I'm sure you're curious, I have not heard back from all places quite yet. Those I have do not currently have any residents needing space, but those are only the towns most nearby and there aren't many."

"Oh, well, that's alright," I said, opening today's folder. "The spaces upstairs are ready for whenever any might arrive. I'm a patient person."

"Your patience is appreciated," he slowly nodded. "Again, I'm very sorry for what occurred last week. I was going to split the work between a couple people, but...you were awfully persistent. I hope, at least, that the gift was enough of a compensation for all the time and work involved?"

"Y-Yeah, that was...certainly something," I said sheepishly, thinking back to Friday night. "Thank you."

"Oh, not at all," Morissey smiled. "Your hard work is appreciated and has not gone unnoticed. I see, too, that your...charge is feeling better?"

"Yes, Riv is doing much better now," I smiled, looking over to the little boy solving his math problems. "We're very fortunate to have Daniel here with us. He's been a fantastic help and great support."

"Is...that so?" he asked, almost incredulous.

"Of course," I assured. "He's been a very valuable part of this home so far and, should he be willing, I'm sure he will be for many years to come. I believe in him."

"Hm, well," he said, turning back toward the door, "I have been given no reason to doubt you thus far, despite some of your...oddities."

"...Oddities?"

His gaze migrated to Riv as his ears began to flatten. Apparently he was referring to my tendencies in keeping Riv out in the lobby, of course to the dismay of his staff. I'd heard many a gripe and just-loud-enough whisper in complaint over this but I was simply not willing to budge.

"...Morissey, this is my house," I said, irritated. "I will allow my child to sit up front with me and work as he pleases. He's not bothering anyone and he is very well-behaved, more so than many his age. Should your staff have an issue they can simply work away from the lobby; there is nothing in here for them anyway."

I was...not quite sure where that all came from.

Morissey looked back to me with a face of uncharacteristic surprise, more so than he expressed upon meeting Daniel. His ears were raised high and his eyes quite wide, that strange redness again shining in the morning sun. I returned his expression with a firm, unwavering stare from behind my desk.

"...Very well, I apologize," he said in a low voice, trying to regain his composure. "I will see you tomorrow and let you know if I receive any reports that may interest you."

"Thank you, Morissey," I exhaled. "I'm sorry about that. Please have a good day."

Morissey left, and though he didn't say anything I couldn't help but wonder if I had damaged my employment in any way. With the town's current climate I was not likely to find alternative work should this contract fall through, thus I really could not afford any infraction too drastic. It seemed that just allowing Riv around his own home was enough to make these staff uneasy and it was so far unrelenting.

As I set forth to get started I was piqued by an unfamiliar rhythm of footsteps. Looking up and over to the hallway corridor was that one shy daytime worker, carrying something in her small hands. I couldn't quite make out what it might be from here, but quietly watched as she slowly, very slowly walked over toward Riv's table.

Riv would occasionally look over from the movement, but upon taking notice that it wasn't me or Daniel he started showing signs of discomfort. As he did, she advanced more slowly, finally stopping a couple feet from where he sat. She extended her hand over the table, setting down a small object in front of him. The staffwoman brought her hands up to her face in wait as Riv finally conceded, looking to the object set in front of him.

"...For me?" he asked.

She shyly nodded with a small, unsure smile.

It was one of those little root beer candies Daniel carried on him.

"...Thank you," the little boy said, cautiously reaching for the candy.

As Riv picked it up she extended one of her hands slowly toward him. His met hers and she gently shook his hand before turning back around for the hallway. She briefly turned toward me before she disappeared through the corridor, parting with a small wave.

"Well...that was something I never thought I'd see," I chuckled to myself as Riv opened the wrapper.

I turned back toward my work below, grabbing my pen and finding my place.

...Maybe some of them would come around after all.

---

Previous: www.deviantart.com/silasagnost…
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My roommate is still without a job, so if you enjoy my content please consider supporting it and helping us out. It's been a rough year.

www.patreon.com/ratte
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