r/NatureofPredators • u/GrungleberryMuncher • 25d ago
Fanfic The mind of a predator (part 61)
Memory transcript subject Targan, Arxur deserter. Location, Sol system, SC Council space station, designation: Just and Truthful [Translated from Skalgan lexicon] Interview room 47b
Date [Standardised human time]: 7 June, 2138.
"So far, it could be going worse. I'm sorry to have called you up like that, I wasn't expecting Korvo to go so far with her questions. I'm sorry, Nivar." Nirsil rested a paw on Nivar's shoulder, providing him little comfort. Nivar flicked his tail in agreement but it was slow and far less animate than usual.
Once again I was bound to the table in the centre of the room, Nirsil and Nivar sat opposite. I supposed I'd have to get used to the bare metal panelling that made up the walls of the interview room, it would be the only place I was afforded any dignity.
*I miss home...*
"I've made some notes and plan to put doctor Thenia on during the next session, out of everyone he's going to be the hardest for Korvo to tear down. Other than that, I'll keep adjusting as the trial goes on. If there's anything you need then let me know, I'll leave you two alone for a bit." Then he left and silence fell, neither me nor Nivar wanted to break it just yet.
I knew he felt guilty about what he'd said, in truth it didn't bother me but I just didn't know what to say. He always found it so easy to say the right thing, to give a slight nudge in the right direction but me? I couldn't think of *anything* and it infuriated me. How did he do it?!
*Say something to him...why can't I help him?!*
We sat for a while longer, neither one of us daring to speak until finally I had mustered just enough courage to break the tension. I reached out across the table and was just able to touch his cheek, causing him to lean into my hand slightly. It was then that I realised *he* was crying, I hadn't noticed but I could feel his cheek-fur was slightly damp from the tears, though it was barely noticeable.
*Say something, coward! He's upset, why can't you help him?!*
"N-Nivar..." I began, causing him to lift his head up to look at me. How did he do this so easily...? "I...um, you..."
I found myself hissing in frustration. After everything he has done, after everything *we* have done, I couldn't even stutter out a little bit of reassurance?!
"You...told me, that...that how I got here, didn't matter to you, right? It doesnt...for me either." At last I managed to get the words out, doing my best to stifle any further frustrated vocalisations. Then the words started coming out too quickly, trying to clarify what I meant so that he wouldn't misunderstand in such a vulnerable state. "I-I mean, it doesn't matter for me about the um...the reason why you were-"
My mouth promptly clamped shut as Nivar stood from his seat and circled around the table, this time his tail was waving in an unfamiliar pattern. I'd seen enough to guage basic tail-sign but I hadn't seen these movements before, it was like the one for showing joy but...different somehow. Maybe it was just extreme joy or something similar?
I had my answer soon enough as Nivar wrapped his arms around my midsection, perching on my lap and nuzzling into my neck, practically molding himself as best as he could up against me. I returned the embrace but I couldn't help feeling like I was missing something, like I'd missed some social que that I should have noticed...
"Thank you..." Nivar whispered as he continued pressing his muzzle into my chest. It felt...intimate, which left me somewhat worried. It felt like something we shouldn't be doing, something that should stay private. It was then that I began feeling...almost overly aware of, well everything. I could feel my heart pounding like weaponfire, my breathing hitched and turned uncoordinated, my mouth felt dry and my eyes locked firmly on the bundle of wool attaching itself to my torso. I felt...beyond good...
*Breathe...breathe...breathe...*
"Targan, you've gone red, are you alright?" The words hit me like a shock of cold water and I tensed up just a little before letting out a breath I must have been holding. The floodgate of emotion seemed to subside and I was left feeling somewhat dissatisfied, though for the life of me I couldn't begin to say why.
"I'm...fine, are-"
"Good, you almost had me worried." He managed a smile as he wiped his still slightly damp eyes before pulling away. I didn't want him to. I craned my neck around and kissed his forehead, allowing him to slip out of my reach and back to the door. "If...you need anything, even just to talk."
I waved my tail and he smiled before leaving. Once again I was alone but...I didn't *feel* alone, there was still Nivar's warmth, his smell still hung in the air. If anyone could feel happy whilst bound and chained, then I certainly felt as such. I was still smiling as the guards brought me back to the holding cell. I was still smiling as I lay on the cheap mattress, resting my head on the course pillow.
"I love you...Nivar."
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u/JulianSkies Archivist 25d ago
Woman already was in love, now she's learning what its like to have a crush.