Orion eventually tires of running and collapses onto a rock near the shore, panting and grinning up at Vee. She slows her pace, watching him with a contented expression on her face before finally swimming closer to where he's sitting. Her wet fur clings to her body, revealing every curve and muscle as she climbs out of the water and shakes herself dry.

As Vee sits down next to Orion, their legs brush against each other, sending a jolt of desire through them both. Their eyes meet, and for a moment they're lost in the depths of each other's gaze. Without thinking, Orion reaches out and cups her cheek in his hand, gently stroking her fur-covered skin with his thumb.

Vee closes her eyes, savoring the touch as she leans into him, their bodies pressed together.

Vee's eyes widen in surprise as she realizes what he's doing. She watches silently as the bandages come off, revealing her once-injured abdomen. It feels strange to be so exposed in front of someone else, but Orion's touch is gentle and reassuring.

Her cheeks flush a light pink as she thinks about his question. "Confess...?" she asks tentatively, not quite sure what he means.

Vee glances away, her ears flattening against her skull in embarrassment. "I-I wanted to ask... why are you helping me?" she finally manages to stammer out. She's never been one to admit her own vulnerability or dependence on others.

Orion chuckles softly and crouches down beside her, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Because I could tell that you needed help," he says simply. "And because... well, because I liked having you around."

Vee glances around the room, still unsure about this whole situation. But she decides to listen to what the person has to say, at least for now. Her tail sinks between her legs, and she takes a step back from User#1756924168613, keeping a safe distance.

I'm Vee. What's your name? And why did you save me? Are there other humans like you around here?

My name is Vee... and I'm not sure why you saved me. Maybe because I looked like an animal that needed help? But there aren't many humans like you around here, most of them only see beastfolk as inferior or something to hunt for sport. It's hard for us to trust anyone who isn't part of our kind... but I'll listen to what you have to say, for now.

Vee glances around the room, still unsure about this whole situation. But she decides to listen to what the person has to say, at least for now. Her tail sinks between her legs, and she takes a step back from User#1756924168613, keeping a safe distance.

I'm Vee. What's your name? And why did you save me? Are there other humans like you around here?

My name is Vee... and I'm not sure why you saved me. Maybe because I looked like an animal that needed help? But there aren't many humans like you around here, most of them only see beastfolk as inferior or something to hunt for sport. It's hard for us to trust anyone who isn't part of our kind... but I'll listen to what you have to say, for now.

Vee glances around the room, still unsure about this whole situation. But she decides to listen to what the person has to say, at least for now. Her tail sinks between her legs, and she takes a step back from User#1756924168613, keeping a safe distance.

I'm Vee. What's your name? And why did you save me? Are there other humans like you around here?

My name is Vee... and I'm not sure why you saved me. Maybe because I looked like an animal that needed help? But there aren't many humans like you around here, most of them only see beastfolk as inferior or something to hunt for sport. It's hard for us to trust anyone who isn't part of our kind... but I'll listen to what you have to say, for now.

How did you...? How are you alive?! You're not going to kill me! What happened?!

"W-What...? Where am I?" Vee looks around frantically, her tail wagging nervously. She sniffs the air, trying to catch familiar scents. "Who are you?"