Cuddles

Pulling apart the blanket from her bed, Janette felt strength and spirit drain away. Today was a unwarranted, the debacle leaving them in a rough spot and her mind felt exhausted thinking over the many things this event left them in. The hunter now knows where they are, and so he may be coming back at any unspecified time. The diversion was semi successful in keeping them apart and unfocused, they aren't some sort of well trained team after all.

But he was, she was aware of what Monster Hunters undergo for their training since childhood. This man won't be a pushover, unfortunately he has proven that. Now, it left her thinking twice about Felix's words. His optimistic attitude did help sell that idea, that fantasy of winning, but given the current circumstances she felt victory to be much more unlikely now.

"Why does it always suck to know when I'm right?" She sighed, her dress slipping to the floor leaving her in undergarments.

"I get that." She spun around which caused the Nekomata to yelp and jump away from the parted door. Her shoulders dropped when she realized who it was, with Syri brushing away the hair concealing her face. "Sorry, I didn't mean to snoop. I was coming to see how you are doing."

"Just about as well as anyone here." She responded, sitting back down with her hands on her thighs.

Syri nodded and stepping into the room, paws cupping her breasts. "Sorry, I'm not bothering you am I?"

Janette shook her head. "Why the modesty? The whole cover up thing, I mean." She specified when the cat girl gave a puzzled look.

"Oh, Mother says that some people don't like it when you walk around naked, so I figured maybe not doing that anymore." She mumbled at those last few words.

"I don't mind, I've seen plenty of you already. Did she tell you to cover up for me?"

"N-no! But well, I didn't want to be rude to you and not know... so..." She lowered her head, hiding away a nervous blush which made Janette smile momentarily.

"If you want, I can lend you some clothes but I'm not covering you up if you don't want to. Do you?" She resumed her shyful nature, silently shaking her head. Thought so. "And no, you're not bothering me."

"Hm?" She looked up at her.

"I said you're not bothering me, and thanks for checking."

"Oh, y-yea. You're welcome." She smiled, she has a very cute smile which complimented those lovely emerald eyes of hers. Definitely hypnotic by nature, just like her mothers eyes. "Is it uh, c-can I uh..."

Janette raised her eye as the Nekomata struggled to speak.

"I uhh, oh. Uh....erummm..."

"What, what is it?" She chuckled lightly.

"C-can I sit down... n-next to you?"

Janette shook her head and patted the sheet next to her, prompting her to sit. Even though they were close, she noticed her two tails were tightly wrapped around her waist and that her paws were trembling lightly.

"Hey, you okay?"

"Uhh, n-no I'm not. I-I'm scared."

She nodded, scooting up to her and holding her waist which seemed to calm her a bit. "Hey, we're getting them back okay?"

"D-do you believe that?"

That question settled inside her, she hesitated briefly before asnwering, "Yes, I-I do."

"Are you scared too?"

She nodded. Syri lifted her head and looked into her eyes.

"Can I sleep with you tonight, p-please?"

Without answering, Janette pushed her back against the bed, scooping her legs up and under the blanket before joining her. "Try not to scratch the bed, okay? They don't make them in this color around here."

Syri smiled softly and nodded. "Thank you."

"Shush, go to sleep." She nodded and leaned in to peck her on the lips before turning around, leaving Janette stunned momentarily. Once it passed, she scooted in and wrapped her arms around her in a spooning position, holding her and enjoying her warmth.

---

Opening her eyes, Janette felt that odd tinkle in her tummy telling her to use the restroom. Breaking away from her partner, she gently made her way down the hall to her destination. Afterwards, she approached the kitchen for a glass of milk, gulping it down and wiping her mouth before hearing someone approaching. She held her breath until finding Emyri peak around the corner. "Hey, sorry I heard some noises."

"It's-It's fine, yeesh."

"Scared you?" She nodded which brought a smile from her. "My apologies, that was not my intention. We're all a little tense tonight."

"Yea."

"Is Syri with you?"

"Uh, yea. Yes she is." She answered honestly, trying to read the room.

"Is she sleeping?"

"Yea."

"That's good, I was worried she maybe couldn't. She's been with Dimyri her whole life, they held each other when Nityri was gone. It's going to be hard for her to get through this."

Janette nodded in agreement.

"Look after her for when I'm not around, okay? She's the youngest, and I don't know how she will handle the world when she is alone. She's a sweet girl, just a little codependent."

Janette shook her head. "She can pull through, she's smart and sly and very observant, I think she may surprise you."

Emyri smiled. "I think she already has."

"What?"

"Nothing, nevermind. I'm going back to rest okay? Sweet dreams, Janette."

"Goodnight, Emyri." She said, watching her turn around and walk away. Huh, she remembered her name. For some reason that surprised her.

Shrugging and heading back to her room, she slipped back into bed listening to her cat girl's soft little sighs. Pulling her back against her chest, Janette leaned in and kissed her shoulder before laying her head against the pillow, slowly allowing for the night to overtake her as the sound of crickets and frogs outside put her to sleep.