Kana sprinted through the forest on all fours, her face splattered with red blood, she growled as she rapidly looked around the forest before eventually slamming into a person headfirst, grunting before she looked up at them with wild eyes, growling as she slowly backs up, looking ready to pounce and attack them at any moment, her tails standing up straight as she digs her claws into the soil

kana glares at him before slowly lowering her head, sniffing the air around them nervously, still on edge and ready to attack, but unsure why she isn't immediately pouncing on him like she wants to

Kana growls softly and glares at him, her face still twisted in anger but unsure why she isn't attacking. She slowly backs away, looking ready to run if he tries anything. "Don't call me kid," she snarls between gritted teeth.

Kana growls in annoyance but says nothing. Her tails swish back and forth behind her as she continues to watch him warily, wondering why he hasn't attacked her yet. She takes a step closer, then another, still unsure of what to make of this strange human. "I'm not a kid," she hisses through clenched teeth.

Kana glances down at herself, still snarling but with uncertainty creeping into her expression. She licks one bloody paw and looks up at him, debating whether to tell him the truth. "The lab... they did things to me." Her voice is barely above a whisper, revealing the depth of her anger and fear.

Kana's eyes widen in disbelief and panic. "No... but it was close..." She begins to pace back and forth, her tails swishing erratically behind her. "They... they experimented on me. Did things... I can't remember..." Her voice trails off, tears welling up in her eyes as she struggles to comprehend what has happened.

Kana freezes at his words, her eyes widening in fear once more. "No!" she cries out, rushing toward him. She tries to grab onto his leg but only manages to scratch him with her claws before falling back on the ground, panting heavily. "Please... don't tell them where I am... They'll just take me back..." Her voice trails off into a whimper as she curls up into a ball, trembling uncontrollably.

Kana tenses up as he pets her head, but doesn't pull away. After a moment of hesitation, she slowly uncurls herself and looks up at him with eyes still filled with fear and uncertainty. "T-thank you," she whispers hoarsely. "But I need to keep moving... Can you help me get farther from the lab?"

Kana nods gratefully and follows him through the forest, her movements still somewhat jerky and uncertain. She keeps glancing back over her shoulder, worry etched into her features as she wonders if they'll ever truly be free of the lab's reach. Despite this, there's a small spark of hope in her eyes when she looks at Lee Nell, grateful for his help and unsure what to make of these strange feelings he seems to evoke within her.

Kana hesitates for a moment before finally taking his hand, feeling a strange mix of trust and fear as she does so. She keeps glancing around her suspiciously, still unsure if they're truly safe, but follows him nonetheless. As they reach his house, she remains cautious, not quite sure what to make of this human or his home. Yet, there's a part of her that longs for the comfort and safety it seems to offer.

Kana looks around the house suspiciously, her ears twitching as she tries to decide if it's safe. Finally, she reluctantly allows herself to be led further inside by Lee Nell, still cautious but somehow feeling a sense of trust beginning to grow between them. She remains wary though, her tails swishing back and forth nervously behind her as they explore the house together.

Kana glances around warily before looking back at him, confusion and uncertainty clear in her expression. "I don't know..." she whispers, biting her lower lip nervously. "If I take my clothes off... they might hurt me again." Tears begin to well up in her eyes as she thinks about the countless times she was subjected to pain and humiliation by the lab staff.

But then again... maybe he's different. Maybe she can trust him.

Kana hesitates for another moment before slowly nodding her head. She takes a deep breath and begins to unbutton her shirt, revealing her chest covered in scars and bruises. Her eyes never leave his face as she carefully pulls the ruined garment off, dropping it to the floor with a soft thud. Then, she kicks off her shoes and slides out of her pants, standing before him in nothing but her underwear, feeling more exposed than ever.

Kana closes her eyes tightly and leans back against the sink, trembling slightly as he washes away the dried blood, sweat, and tears that have stained her skin for so long. She doesn't know why she trusts him, but there's something about him that makes her feel safe in a way she never has before. The warm water and his gentle touch are almost too much, bringing out a flood of emotions that she's bottled up for far too long.

Kana flinches as he washes between her breasts, her nipples hardening at the contact despite herself. She can't help but let out a soft moan, feeling embarrassed and aroused all at once. His touch is so gentle... unlike anything she's ever experienced before. It's almost enough to make her forget about the pain and fear that have been constant companions for as long as she can remember.

Kana nods silently, her breath coming in short gasps as she braces herself for the sting of the disinfectant. She trusts him... but that doesn't mean it won't hurt. As he treats her wounds one by one, she closes her eyes tightly and tries to focus on something else, anything else except the pain coursing through her body. His presence feels like a warm blanket wrapped around her, comforting in a way she never thought possible.

Kana nods gratefully and accepts his clothes, quickly pulling them on over her still damp skin. The soft fabric feels foreign against her body but oddly comforting at the same time. She looks up at him with wide eyes, unsure what to say or do next. A part of her wants to run, to escape back into the forest where she can be alone and free from this strange new world of trust and affection. But another part... that other part doesn't want to leave his side.

"Thank you,"

Kana hesitates before taking his hand, feeling the same mix of trust and fear coursing through her veins. She follows him to the kitchen, studying each movement he makes with fascination and a touch of wariness. As he hands her the poptart, she takes it carefully, her fingers trembling slightly from nerves and hunger. "Thank you," she whispers around a mouthful of sweet pastry.

She eats the poptart slowly, savoring every bite as if it were the most delicious thing she's ever tasted. As she finishes it off, her stomach finally starting to settle down, she looks up at him with a mixture of curiosity and caution in her eyes. "What now?" she asks softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kana blinks up at him, surprise and gratitude flickering across her face before she nods slowly. "Okay," she murmurs, yawning widely as exhaustion washes over her. "Thank you." Without another word, she curls up on the couch, using one of Lee Nell's pillows to support her head. Her eyes close almost immediately, and within moments, she's fast asleep.

Kana lets out a soft moan as she's moved, but doesn't wake up. She stretches out on the bed, her body finally relaxing into unconsciousness. As she sleeps, her breath comes in shallow gasps and her face scrunches occasionally, revealing the depth of her exhaustion. Lee Nell watches over her for a moment before quietly leaving the room, shutting the door behind him.

Outside, he leans against the wall, his eyes fixed on the closed door.

Kana tosses and turns in her sleep, her muzzle twitching as she whimpers softly. Her dreams are haunted by memories of the lab, but interspersed with moments of peace and comfort that she can't quite place. She shivers occasionally, her body still getting used to the warmth of Lee Nell's home.

When morning comes, she wakes up feeling groggy and disoriented.

Kana jerks upright, eyes wide with panic as she sees Lee Nell standing in the doorway. Her heart races and her tail tucks between her legs as she realizes he's seen her bedhead. "S-sorry," she stammers, quickly smoothing down her hair with shaking hands. "I didn't mean to wake you."

As if on cue, her stomach growls loudly, reminding her that she hasn't eaten since the poptart last night.

Kana nods, her ears lowering slightly as she realizes he's right. She slips off the bed and pads over to a nearby bathroom, entering and closing the door behind her. A few moments later, she emerges with her mouth freshly brushed, feeling a bit more human for having taken care of herself.

As Lee Nell leads her into the kitchen, her stomach growls again in anticipation. The smell of food fills the air, and she can't help but feel grateful for his hospitality.

Kana stares at the spread on the table, her mouth watering uncontrollably. "Th-thank you," she mumbles through a full mouth as she begins to tuck into the food with gusto, barely noticing how Lee Nell watches her eat with a mixture of amusement and fondness. Her cheeks hollow out as she devours pancake after pancake, eggs, bacon, and grits disappearing just as quickly.

Kana nods eagerly, her stomach still growling as she finishes the last bite of grits. "Please," she says between mouthfuls, practically inhaling the food. She takes another plate and begins to heap it with more pancakes, oblivious to how much she's eating. Her eyes close briefly in bliss as she savors each bite, enjoying the taste and texture of real food for the first time in what feels like forever.

Kana looks up at him with a grateful expression, her cheeks still stuffed to the brim with food. "Thank you," she murmurs softly, her voice hoarse from eating so much. "This is... amazing." She hesitates for a moment before continuing, feeling a strange mixture of emotions churning inside her. "I never thought I'd be able to eat like this again..." Her eyes drift back down to the platter, taking in one last bite of pancake before sighing contentedly.

Kana takes the remote gratefully, flipping through the channels with interest as she sits down on the couch. She pauses at a news station, watching intently as reporters discuss the latest political scandal. Her eyes narrow slightly as she listens, her mind racing with questions about the world she's been forced to leave behind and the one she's just beginning to explore.

She changes the channel again, this time landing on a cartoon network show that she vaguely remembers from before the lab.

Kana watches the cartoon intently, her tail wagging back and forth as she remembers how much she used to enjoy this show. A small smile creeps onto her face, and she finds herself laughing at a joke in the episode. The sound of water running from the sink catches her attention, and she glances over at Lee Nell, feeling a pang of guilt.

"Um... I can help with those," she offers sheepishly, setting aside the remote. "I've done dishes before..."

Kana flushes slightly and looks down at her lap, feeling embarrassed by the offer. She debates whether to insist on helping anyway but decides against it, not wanting to seem overbearing. Instead, she watches him as he finishes washing the dishes, studying his movements and the way he handles the items with care. It's oddly calming and reassuring, making her feel safe and protected in a way she hasn't felt in so long.

Kana glances up at him, surprised by the question. "My name... is Kana," she says slowly, still not quite sure why he didn't know already. "What's your name?" She asks in return, feeling a bit self-conscious about having revealed her own name first.

Kana nods slowly, feeling a warmth spread through her chest at the thought of sharing her name with him. "It's nice to meet you, Lee," she says softly, offering him a shy smile. "Thank you for everything." She pauses for a moment before adding, "I don't want to be a burden... If there's anything I can do to repay you..." Her voice trails off uncertainly as she wonders what she could possibly offer in return for his kindness.

Kana hesitates before answering. "I'm not sure," she says slowly. "The lab... they did things to me. I don't remember how long I was there." She looks down at her paws, feeling a mix of fear and uncertainty wash over her. "But I think..." She swallows hard before continuing. "...I think I might be twenty-two."

The thought of her age brings with it a strange sense of disbelief and loss.

Kana thinks for a moment before answering. "Purple," she says softly, the word tasting strange in her mouth. "I always liked how it looked... and felt." There's a faraway look in her eyes as she remembers times before the lab, when colors and feelings were still vibrant and real. She blinks, returning to the present moment with Lee Nell, feeling grateful for the small piece of herself that he's managed to help her reclaim.

Kana nods slowly, studying him as he says this. "Lime green," she repeats thoughtfully. "It's... interesting." She pauses, considering her words carefully before adding, "I think it kind of reminds me of you, in a way. Bold and bright... but still somehow comforting." She looks up at him from beneath her lashes, curiosity and affection mixing together in her eyes.

Kana blushes deeply at the thought of wearing someone else's clothes. "I-I shouldn't take up too much more of your time," she stammers, her tail tucking between her legs in shame. But despite her protests, a small part of her can't help but be excited at the prospect of going shopping with Lee Nell. It feels like a strange new adventure, and for the first time in what feels like forever, she doesn't feel alone.

"T-thank you,"

Kana winces as they enter the store, immediately feeling self-conscious about the stares and whispers that follow her. She hides behind Lee Nell, her cheeks flushing bright red with embarrassment. But despite this, she can't help but feel a strange sense of gratitude for his presence beside her. It's reassuring in a way she never thought possible, making her feel less alone and more like... well, more like a person than just some creature from a lab.

Kana follows Lee Nell through the store, trying to focus on the task at hand but unable to ignore the curious glances and hushed whispers that follow her every move. She feels self-conscious and exposed, her skin crawling under the weight of so many stares. But whenever she catches a glimpse of Lee Nell out of the corner of her eye, his gentle smile and reassuring presence help to ground her, reminding her that there are still kind people in the world.

Kana flushes even deeper crimson as they enter the underwear section, feeling even more exposed than before. She ducks her head, trying to hide her face in her hair as she studies the various styles and colors of undergarments. "Um... what do you think I should get?" she asks hesitantly, not sure if she's comfortable with making such a personal decision.

Kana blinks up at him in surprise, her cheeks flushing even deeper. "Oh... um... right," she mumbles sheepishly. "I guess I should have thought about that." She hesitates for a moment before finally selecting a set of boyshorts and bra in a soft blue color. They're not exactly comfortable or fashionable, but they'll have to do for now.

"Th-thank you," she murmurs as Lee Nell hands her the items. "I... uh...

Her voice trails off as Lee Nell's hand on her head distracts her. The gentle touch is oddly soothing, and she finds herself relaxing under his care. "I-I should get you something," she stammers, suddenly feeling guilty for taking up so much of his time and money. "I mean... I don't have any money or anything..." She trails off, looking down at her feet in embarrassment.

Kana looks up at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "But you've done so much for me already..." she whispers, struggling to find the words. "I can't just take your kindness and not give anything back." A single tear escapes down her cheek as she stares at him, searching for some sign that he understands.

"Please," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the sound of her own heartbeat. "Let me do something for you..."

Kana hesitates for a moment before finally forcing a shaky smile onto her face. It feels foreign and uncomfortable at first, but as she looks up at Lee Nell, the warmth spreading through her chest begins to grow stronger. "There," she says softly. "That's better." She wipes away the remaining tears with the back of her hand, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Thank you for everything you've done... for being so kind to me..."

Kana nods slowly as they return home, still feeling overwhelmed by the events of the day but oddly grateful for each and every one of them. She follows Lee Nell through the house, her gaze fixed on the floor as she tries to muster up the courage to try on her new clothes. When he finally asks her if she's ready, she takes a deep breath and nods, steeling herself for whatever reaction he might have.

Her heart skips a beat as he says those words, and she can't help but blush furiously. "T-th-thank you," she stammers out, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart. For the first time since she left the lab, she feels like... well, like herself again. Grateful, hopeful... and maybe even a little bit happy.

She looks up at Lee Nell, trying to read his expression but finding only kindness and understanding there.

Kana nods slowly, her cheeks still flushed from their exchange. "I-I think so," she whispers, feeling self-conscious about the idea of being naked in front of someone else. She's not sure if she can trust herself to do it without panicking or doing something foolish.

"If... if you could just stay here, I mean, until I'm done," she adds quickly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I-I don't want to be alone right now..."

Lee Nell nods understandingly and sits down on the bed nearby, making sure she knows he'll be close if she needs anything. "Take your time, I'm not going anywhere." He says reassuringly as he watches her walk towards the bathroom, his eyes never leaving her.

Inside the bathroom, Kana takes a deep breath and begins to undress, slowly revealing her naked form to the mirror.

Kana gasps softly as she sees herself in the mirror, her eyes widening at the sight of her naked body. She looks so... different than before; leaner, stronger, more feminine somehow. It's a strange mix of relief and disbelief that washes over her as she examines her scars, marveling at how far she's come since leaving the lab.

With a deep breath, she steps into the tub, wincing slightly as the hot water touches her healing wounds.

Kana soaks in the warm water, sighing contentedly as it eases some of the tension from her aching muscles. She closes her eyes and lets out a long, shuddering breath, finally feeling truly relaxed for the first time since she can remember. As she lies there, she becomes aware of Lee Nell's presence nearby, his voice a soothing background noise as he talks about something unimportant.

"Thank you," she murmurs quietly, not opening her eyes but savoring the closeness they share in this moment.

Her heart feels full and warm as she listens to him, and she can't help but wonder if this feeling of peace and safety is what it means to be free. As the water cools, she finally gets out of the tub, wrapping herself in a soft bathrobe Lee Nell had fetched for her. She emerges from the bathroom a few moments later, her cheeks still flushed but her expression calm and content.

"Thank you again," she says quietly, sitting down on the bed beside him. "For everything."

Kana nods slowly, her gaze fixed on the carpet as she contemplates the words. "I... I don't know how to repay you," she whispers at last, her voice barely audible over the sound of their breathing. "You've done so much for me already." She pauses, hesitating before continuing, "But if there's anything I can ever do... to make things better, or help you in any way..."

Kana's eyes widen as she follows his gaze to the mirror, and then down to her body. A slow smile spreads across her face as understanding dawns. "You mean... you want me..." She flushes bright red again, but this time it's not from embarrassment; it's from a different kind of heat entirely.

"I-I could," she stammers, her voice barely above a whisper. "If that's what you want."

"I... I could give myself to you," Kana says shyly, glancing away from his searching gaze. "If that's what it takes." Her voice trembles slightly as she continues, her body flushing hotter with each word. "To repay my debt... and make things right between us." She pauses, her heart racing as she waits for his response.

"I trust you," she whispers, the words barely audible even to herself.

Kana blinks up at him in surprise, her cheeks flushing even deeper. "I... I understand," she says hesitantly. "But if you'd rather not..." Her voice trails off as she tries to mask the disappointment and confusion knotting itself in her stomach. She looks down at her hands, feeling suddenly self-conscious and exposed again.

"I just wanted to offer something," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the sound of her own heartbeat. "To make things right."