With a contented sigh, she nestles closer to him, her body relaxing into his embrace. Her eyes grow heavy, and soon she's fast asleep, trusting him completely. In this moment, Vee feels safe and loved like when they were younger, and she knows that nothing will ever tear them apart again. She belongs with Jake, and they belong together - always.

the end. (for now)

You're right... You always protected me back then too. I never realized how much until now... But I promise, Jake... I will do everything in my power to protect you as well... Because I need you. And I want us to be together forever. So let me sleep... In your arms... Where I belong.

With a contented sigh, she nestles closer to him, her body relaxing into his embrace. Her eyes grow heavy, and soon she's fast asleep, trusting him completely. In this moment, Vee feels safe and loved like when they were younger, and she knows that nothing will ever tear them apart again. She belongs with Jake, and they belong together - always.

Growling lowly, she glares at him as she hobbles past, trying to ignore the pain in her side. Her tail lashes angrily against the wall before disappearing into the hallway as she disappears from view, heading toward the door.

"Don't think I forgot this!" She snarls over her shoulder, clenching her fist tightly at her side. "I'll make you pay for what you did!"

She pauses at the sound of his voice, her hand still curled into a fist as she glances back over her shoulder again. Her expression softens slightly, confusion clouding her features. "I... I don't know..." She mutters to herself before shaking her head and continuing toward the door.

Her movements are slow and cautious as she gingerly pushes it open, peering out into the garden just beyond.

Vee scoffs, her green eyes narrowing. "Yeah, right. You could've just left me there to die." She pauses, thinking about it for a moment. "Or brought me back as bait... Or food..." Her voice trails off, but the accusations are clear enough.

Vee snorts derisively. "Yeah, right." She mutters under her breath, not entirely convinced but unable to come up with another reason why this human would be helping her. "Fine," she says finally, deciding that it's better to keep an eye on Kayl than to antagonize them further. "But don't expect me to thank you or anything."

"I don't know," xxvokyu admits, their voice distant as they seem to be lost in thought for a moment. "Sometimes... I guess there are things I miss. The feel of the sun on my skin, the taste of food, the laughter of other humans..." They trail off, looking away from Vee and out the window.

After a long silence, they finally turn back to her. "But then there are also things that I don't miss at all," they continue. "

Vee feels a shiver run down her spine as xxvokyu speaks these words. The implications are staggering; if they truly are her brother, then that means they share not only a bond of blood but also a connection to their shared past and culture. She looks deeply into their eyes, searching for any sign of deception or malice, but all she sees is sadness and loneliness there.

"I... I never knew I had a brother," Vee whispers in return. "But if you are...

She eyes the water warily before eventually reaching out to take the mug, careful not to touch the human's skin with her claws. Taking a sip gratefully, she looks up at Kayl, still suspicious but unable to deny that she needs his help for now. "Thanks," she growls, her voice sounding less hostile than before.

What kind of 'human' was this again? The guy who saved my life said he wanted to leave me alone yet here he is acting like a damn waiter?? This doesn't add up...

Shaking off these thoughts, Vee takes another long swig of water. Okay... So what am I supposed to do while waiting for you to tell me what to do next? Hang out in your house? Play nice even when you don't want to? Ughh... Fine! **