FSE

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Jason stalked through the tall grass, listening, breathing the scents around him. His prey was nearby. Silently, he pushed forward, his stealthy movements barely rustling the grass. It could have been mistaken for a light breeze. His prey would never see him coming until it was too late.

Finally, Jason heard the sound of munching, his prey feeding on the very grass that hid him, that his prey thought hid it as well, but the grass couldn't hide it from Jason. Jason padded just a bit farther, and then he could see his prey's long white ears sticking up in the grass, swiveling to catch the slightest noise. But Jason didn't make any, and now he was within pouncing distance.

Jason crouched, and then he sprang. Flying over the grass, he stretched his claws wide to grab his prey. The rabbit's head shot up and her mouth opened in a squeal of terror, but it was too late. Jason had her. His arms wrapped around the rabbit, and she collapsed under his weight. He fell on top of her back, crushing her into the dirt, and reached his jaws for her neck to deliver the killing bite.

"J-Jason, stop! You got me! You're hurting me! Please!" she cried.

Jason jerked his head up to stare down at the rabbit in confusion, "How do you know my name?" he demanded.

"W-what do you mean? It's me, Ellie. W-we live together. We've been friends for years!" she whined.

Jason lowered his head, opening his jaws, "You're crazy, or you think I'm stupid. This is probably for the best. I'm sorry," he finished awkwardly. He wasn't used to chatting with his prey before he killed them. It was weird. He knew her name now, and it made him uncomfortable. There was something vaguely familiar about it and maybe her too, but what she'd said was absurd.

"W-wait! Please! I don't know what's going on, but something's wrong, Jason! Please wait! I-I'll try to prove it somehow. I love you! Don't let it end like this!" she cried.

Jason pushed himself up again, feeling even more uncomfortable. He'd had frantic or hysterical prey before but none who had told him they "loved" him. What if she does know me somehow? Could I have forgotten? Jason didn't remember the rabbit, but maybe it was possible they'd played together when they were young and innocent. It sometimes happened that young animals wandered away from home, and it was generally considered unethical to hunt young prey. They needed to grow up and produce more prey after all. Jason didn't remember it, but he didn't want to end up eating some forgotten childhood friend. She must know my name somehow. I'll find out how before I make any decision.

Jason grasped the rabbit's wrist tightly and stood, pulling her to her feet as well. She stared at him nervously as he examined her. There was something vaguely familiar about her, even her scent was familiar. Still, he couldn't place her.

"You said your name is Ellie?" he checked.

She nodded, "And you're Jason Brown. We know each other. Please try to remember, Jason."

Jason studied her, searching his memory, but he still only had a vague sense of familiarity. Bennett. The name appeared in his mind.

"That's right, Ellie Bennett."

Jason realized he'd spoken the name aloud, but he didn't think her affirmation meant much. She might have latched onto it even if it wasn't her name.

"I don't remember you," he stated.

The rabbit's ears drooped pitifully and tears began to glisten in her brown eyes.

"I-I'm not going to eat you yet!" Jason added quickly. "I don't know how you know my name, but I'm going to try to figure this out. If we've really met, I'll let you go."

The rabbit stepped closer to him until their fur was brushing. She stared up into his eyes sadly. Jason had to resist nervously stepping back. She was prey! He shouldn't be the nervous one!

"I know you're in there, Jason, my sweet kitty. I'll find a way to help you remember, just hold on," she murmured.

I'm the one who caught you. Jason didn't understand what this rabbit thought she could do to help him or why she would even want to. He started when her free arm wrapped around behind his back and she pressed herself close to him, hugging him as tightly as she could. Jason stood in stunned silence for a moment and then gently ran his free left hand over her laid-back ears and down her back. Rabbits had soft fur; he'd felt it many times. He'd never felt it while one was hugging him; none of his prey had ever done that.

"I'll take you home," Jason decided. "If you're telling the truth, I'll escort you back to your home later."

Jason led the rabbit through the meadow and then through the woods to the predator village. Unlike prey, who had to hide their homes, the carnivores built above ground and grouped together in multispecies communities. They agreed to hunt only prey and not each other, and so they lived in peace. Jason and the rabbit got some funny or even disapproving looks as he led her through town. Jason knew other predators probably thought he was going to do untoward or cruel things to her before he killed her, but he avoided their gazes and the desire to protest their judgement. He didn't know how to explain what he was actually doing. Besides, torturing prey wasn't illegal; like killing young prey, it was simply looked down upon.

Finally, Jason arrived at his two-story, white-sided abode. He led the rabbit in through the royal blue side door and locked it behind them. Inside the door, there was a small, cozy living room with with a big, brown armchair and a wrought iron wood stove. The embers had burned out whilst Jason had been hunting, but he would start it again when he had a chance. It was Fall, and it was getting chilly outside. Through the door on the far side there was a short hall leading to the stairs on the right, and across the hall was the butcher room and beyond that the kitchen and dining area. Jason had a large freezer stocked with meat, as he was storing up for the winter when both prey and predators tried to avoid venturing outside. He would be alright missing this one day of hunting, but it might mean some leaner days toward the end of winter. If she's lying, I can still slaughter her, he told himself; although, he wondered if he really would be able to after spending this much time with her. Jason's friends teased him about being soft, and it wasn't necessarily untrue. He knew what he had to do, but he still felt bad about killing prey sometimes. He always tried to make it quick.

"This is your house, huh?" the rabbit asked quietly.

"Yeah."

"It's different. Nothing is like I remember except you. I don't understand," she murmured sadly.

Jason didn't understand either, but he felt bad for her. Maybe she was insane and had merely overheard his name somehow. He didn't know when this could have been, but it was the best explanation he could come up with.

"We'll figure this out," Jason reassured. He wasn't sure why, but he needed to comfort her. "If you're just crazy or misremembering or something, I'll, um," he meant to finish that he'd kill her quickly, but he couldn't. "I'll figure something out," he finished lamely.

He led her over to the chair and let go of her wrist; she didn't try to dash away as he thought she might. He stared at her conflictedly a moment.

"I don't know what to do with you," he admitted. "Should I tie you up? Do you need anything?"

She shook her head, "I won't try to get away. I'm not going to give up on you, Jason. I'll make you remember, and we'll figure out what's going on together." She smiled warmly, "It's a new case, a new mystery. We'll figure it out like we always do."

Jason didn't know what she was talking about, but he couldn't resist smiling back. He liked her. She was scared, but she was determined. He found he believed she wouldn't run away.

"If you need a glass of water, the kitchen is through that door and through the next room across the hall, and the bathroom is up the stairs and to the left," he told her.

He left her standing by the armchair and got more kindling and logs from the bin, and soon he had a fire going in the black, rectangular wood stove. The flames cast an orangey glow across the stone wood floor from the limestone pallet where it stood. He turned around, still couching by the stove, to see the rabbit watching him intently, and he flushed with embarrassment.

"I know my memories are real, Jason," she murmured. "Whatever's changed, I know I can make you remember. I love you."

Butterflies fluttered in Jason's belly, and he turned back toward the stove. She'd told him she loved him again, and for some reason, that had tickled something inside him, feelings or at least memories of them. He wished he knew what they were. He felt a hand on his left shoulder, and turned his head to see the rabbit crouching behind him and to the left.

"Don't you remember that, Jason? Our feelings for each other. I love you, and you love me. Try to remember that."

Jason looked away embarrassedly. He felt hot and bothered by her hand on his shoulder. He'd never felt sexual urges toward prey, but now he felt something like that. His heart pumped fast; he did feel something for her, something powerful but buried. Maybe it was love, but how had he forgotten. He didn't understand, but he knew now he couldn't hurt her.

"I'll take you home tomorrow morning," he murmured. "I don't remember, but I feel I know you somehow. Maybe we met when we were small, and maybe we said things I don't recall. A cat and a rabbit can't be together; I'm sorry."

Her little hand squeezed his shoulder, "We can! I don't want to leave! I don't even know where my home is in this world! Let me stay, Jason! I can't stop loving you, even if you don't remember me. We'll fall in love again!"

Jason turned his head to look at her uncomfortably, "I eat prey, Ellie. Even if I wouldn't eat you, how could you live with someone who eats people like you? How could you love me?"

Her face twisted in distress, and tears began to drip down her cheeks again, "I-I don't know! Everything's wrong, but I still love you! Please don't take this away from me too, Jason! If, if you have to eat prey then, then I, I'll," her voice trailed off, and she paused. After a moment, she shook her head vigorously, "If you have to eat prey, then I'll get used to it! I can't lose you too!"

"Did we really love each other?" Jason murmured embarrassedly.

"So much, Jason! I still love you! Please don't make me leave!"

"I, uh, I guess if you don't have anywhere to go, then you can stay," he mumbled.

Part of him wanted this uncomfortable issue to be over, but a bigger part couldn't deny the strong feelings awakening in him for this rabbit he'd only just met. Maybe she was right, and he'd forgotten somehow. Will I fall in love with her, and what will that mean? He'd certainly have to hide his relationship with the rabbit. Some rich predators kept prey as pets, and while Jason wasn't wealthy, he could pretend she was his pet. He certainly couldn't let people know he was in love with a rabbit if that's what this was. He wanted to deny it, but he felt more and more certain that she was special to him somehow.

Jason stood, and she stood too. He turned to face her, "I, um, I have to make dinner in a bit. I have some carrots, but not much else you can eat. I'll get more for you tomorrow while I'm out hunting. You'll have to stay in here and hide if anyone comes to the door, understand?"

She nodded, "I understand, Jason, thank you."

"Is there anything you need?" he asked again awkwardly. He really didn't know what to say to a rabbit, especially when his emotions were swirling like they were. He was so confused.

"Would you hold me?" she asked softly. "We could sit in the chair together and you could hold me. Maybe you'd remember then."

Jason's heart leapt into his throat, and he didn't know how to respond for a second. "Y-you want me to, uh, to?"

"Please, Jason. I want to be in your arms. I don't know what's happening, but I want to feel things will be alright."

Jason wanted to comfort her; he knew that much. He nodded, "Okay."

"Sit down, and I'll sit in your lap," she instructed.

Obediently, Jason sat in the soft recliner. The rabbit climbed up and turned around to sit in his lap, her soft rear on his thighs and her scut pressed against his belly. She leaned back against his chest and lifting one of his arms and then the other from the armrests, wrapped them across her lap. The top of her head and her long ears brushed his cheek, and her scent like sun-warmed marjoram filled his nose. She was pressed so close to him, her body flush with his, and yet she was so calm. Prey were always scared. Even she had been scared, but now she wasn't. It was strange, and yet it filled him with happiness. Gently, Jason hugged the rabbit to him, feeling her body secure in his arms, and she sighed contentedly and turned to nuzzle his neck.

There was no denying his feelings now: Jason loved her. He couldn't remember why or how, but he knew that he did. Love burned inside him hotter than the fire in the wood stove. He loved her completely, hopelessly; there was no taboo that could quench it. He only wondered how he had forgotten. He wanted to hold her forever. He rubbed his cheek against her long ear.

"I love you, Ellie," he murmured. "I love you more than anything. I don't remember anything else, but I remember that."

Ellie clasped her hands with his, "It'll come back, Jason. We'll figure out what's gone wrong. As long as I have my sweet kitty back, that's the most important thing."

Jason held Ellie tight, their radiating love warming their hearts as the fire did their feet. They had each other, and Ellie was right: that's the most important thing.

After a while, they got up to prepare dinner. Jason grilled some meat while Ellie steamed the carrots with sage and savory. She kept a damp dish cloth over her nose, and he caught her giving the flesh disconcerted looks multiple times, but she didn't say anything. Jason was still confused about how he'd come to be in love with a rabbit, and while he occasionally had flickers of memories of their life together, they didn't make sense. Jason watched her curiously as she ate the sliced carrot at dinner, but she avoided watching him.

When they were done, Jason cleaned up and disposed of the bones of the prey he'd eaten. He'd carefully selected a squirrel instead of another rabbit, but he knew he had a few in the freezer. How would Ellie react when he ate them? Moreover, he didn't really have the option of deciding not to hunt certain prey, particularly as winter approached. He'd inevitably bring home a freshly slaughtered rabbit, and then how would she react? What if it was someone she knew?! It just didn't make sense for them to be together, but that ship had sailed. They were together; Jason's feelings had been reawoken. Ellie said she didn't want to leave, and he didn't want her to. They'd figure out how to deal with things.

When he was done, Jason asked Ellie what she wanted to do.

"Do you have cards?" she asked.

He did, and they sat at the kitchen table playing gin together. Everything was so surreal. It felt familiar but wrong at the same time. How could he causally sit and play cards with prey, with a rabbit he'd caught with the intention of eating? Yet he felt they'd done this before. He wasn't focused on the game, and he lost quite badly. Ellie teased him for it, and that was also familiar and strange.

"Can I take a shower?" Ellie asked when they finished.

Jason gave her a disturbed look, "Why would you want to get all wet, especially right before bed?"

"Don't you have towels?"

"Yeah, but-"

"You can lick me the rest of the way dry if you want."

Jason's ears flamed hot with embarrassment, "D-did we do that before?" Couples did things like that, but he'd only met this rabbit. Despite his feelings to the contrary, it was awfully soon.

"You were anxious to do it before," she stated.

Jason's blush intensified, "W-was I?"

"You don't have to," she replied. She sounded disappointed.

"I-if I did before, then I will," Jason affirmed. He didn't want her to feel he didn't love her like he should. He didn't know how his feelings could be stronger. He was nervous, but part of him did want to groom her. "I-I can do the whole thing. You don't need to get wet," he added awkwardly.

Ellie grinned, "You want to then? That's my silly kitty. You like to lick me, even my butt."

Jason was truly mortified by the casualness with which she said it. How did she remember these intimate details when he had no memory. He was beginning to feel at a disadvantage, something he'd never felt with prey. Disturbingly, it excited him.

Ellie stood up and started toward the door, "Well? Come on, kitty."

Embarrassedly, Jason followed her up the stairs. She had a little trouble figuring out which room was the bedroom, at first stepping into the bathroom. It made Jason even more confused. How did she know so much and so little? Maybe she's a really good actor. It was a disturbing thought. Could she have tricked Jason into his acceptance of her story? It was plausible, but with the feelings he felt, he couldn't believe it. Those were real; she wasn't lying. Besides, it would be too dangerous to keep this up. She couldn't fool me forever; she'd have to get away. Jason would certainly feel a fool if she was gone in the morning, but at this point, he was willing to risk it. She'd certainly have a funny story to tell her friends after he got done giving her a tongue bath though.

Ellie sat at the foot of the bed and smiled at him warmly, "Alright, I'm ready, kitty."

Jason sat close beside her and wrapped his arms around her gently. He touched his nose to her ear and breathed her familiar scent, and then he began to lap her fur. Ellie closed her eyes as he moved over he face and head. She watched him affectionately as he lapped her arms and torso and then her legs and feet. Jason could smell a sharp scent coming from her loins, and somehow, he remembered what that meant. This rabbit wanted him. She didn't just love him platonically; she wanted his tongue inside her. As Jason moved back up her second leg, his heart pounded faster. He stopped with his head between her thighs and opened his mouth to taste her sharp scent. Images, confusing but clear, flashed through his mind. They'd done this before, many times, but for him it still felt like the first. He pressed his muzzle into her moist labia and reached his rough tongue between her folds.

Ellie moaned, and her arms wrapped around his head, squeezing him into her vulva. Jason lapped greedily: her tangy juices more delicious than any meat he'd ever tasted. Was this Elysium? Maybe these impossible, wonderful things were happening because he'd died and been rewarded. Ellie's juices flowed as her moaning intensified. At last she squealed and gripped him tight between arms and thighs before flopping back was an elated sigh.

"Thank you, Jason. You haven't forgotten how to please me," she breathed.

Jason smiled to himself with pleasure. He finished cleaning up her vulva and then gave her anus a good licking too. When he was done, he stood.

"I'm going to brush my teeth now. Do you want me to find you a toothbrush?"

Ellie nodded, "Do you need privacy, or can I come with you?"

"Um," Jason hesitated. In fact, he needed to clean certain sticky regions of his own anatomy, but he also needed to use the toilet. "I need to use the bathroom. You can use it first if you want."

Ellie hopped up, "Alright, I need to use the bathroom too. Show me where that toothbrush is, and then I'll try to be quick."

Jason found her a fresh toothbrush, and then he waited in the hall while she used the bathroom. He heard the toilet flush and the sink running, and then she finally emerged.

"Sorry if I smelled it up for you," she apologized. She glanced at his pelvis. "It looks like someone else enjoyed our fun. I'll do my part too if you want sometimes. You don't have to do everything unless you want to."

Jason blushed and nodded. He stepped into the bathroom, which did smell of fermenting vegetables. He sat on the edge of the tub to give himself a few laps around the genitals and then pooped and brushed his own teeth. He would brush them again after he groomed himself.

Ellie was propped up on a pillow at the head of the bed when he returned. She looked much more comfortable than when he'd first brought her home, and he couldn't help thinking how strange it was to see a rabbit lying in his bed like she owned it. She watched affectionately as he groomed himself, and when he returned from brushing his teeth again she grinned.

"Ready to curl up together, kitty?"

"You, you really want to sleep with me?" Jason asked uncertainly.

"Of course! What's better than curling up in my sweet kitty's arms?"

Jason thought it was an odd thing for a rabbit to say, but he was getting used to the insanity. Maybe he was the crazy one. Ellie thought this was all perfectly natural. She pushed down the covers and slid underneath, turning onto her side before patting the bed invitingly.

"Come on, kitty."

Jason was beginning to get the idea that he was the submissive member in their relationship, and surprisingly, this pleased him. If he was in love with a rabbit, then she ought to lead him around like she owned him. What kind of predator let themselves fall for prey? He wanted her to make him her obedient kitty, to punish him for his weakness and transgressions against nature.

Jason climbed into bed next to her and scooted close to her back. Wrapping his right arm over her and his left under her neck, he pulled her close.

She sighed contentedly, "That's me sweet kitty. I love you, Jason. Have you remembered anything more?"

"Only snippets. It's confusing; I don't understand them. But I know I love you. Thank you, Ellie. Thank you for believing in me and having the bravery to try to reach me. I'd do anything for you. I want to be yours."

"You always were an obedient kitty," she teased.

Jason blushed at having even these desires confirmed by the rabbit. She knew him so well it was almost scary.

"Don't worry, Jason," she murmured. "Your memories will come back, but even if they don't, it won't change how I feel. I'll always love you."

Jason nuzzled her between the ears, "I'll always love you too."

* * *

Ellie awoke and, to her surprise, found a small brown rabbit in her arms. Had she awoken in yet another reality? What was going on, and where would it end? By how the rabbit fit in her arms and against her chest, she could tell they were much smaller than her. Was she a mother now? She gently petted the rabbit's head.

"Hey, I think it's time to get up," she murmured. She didn't want to unnecessarily upset whoever it was, but when the rabbit's eyes opened and fell on her, they popped wide with shock. They squirmed out of Ellie's arms and rolled and scrambled over to crouch on the edge of the bed, watching her nervously. Ellie could see the rabbit was male. He looked fully developed.

"Who are you?" he squawked.

"Huh? I'm Ellie!" If he didn't know who she was, then who was this?

"Ellie's a rabbit!" the rabbit protested. A look of terror came over his face, "What did you do to her?!"

"I'm her!" Ellie returned. "What do you mean she's a rabbit? We're both rabbits!"? The rabbit stared at her in confusion a moment and then looked down at his hands and feet. He jerked his head around to look at his scut, and then his hands went to his ears. "I, I'm a," he stammered. He stared at Ellie in fear, and then toppled off of the bed, landing on the carpeted floor with a thud. He leapt up and began to slowly back toward the door. "Y-your Ellie," he whimpered.

"That's what I-"

"You did this!" he cried. "You made me a rabbit and, and you a, a," he didn't finish, stopping in the door way. "You tricked me! I won't let you eat me!"

"Eat you?!" she gasped. "I'm not going to-"

"Cats eat rabbits!" he protested. "You made me like this, so you could eat me instead!"

Ellie stared at him a moment longer, trying to figure out who he was. She noticed his unusual sea green eyes. "Jason?! H-how did-? I didn't! What am I?"

"Don't play dumb!" he squeaked irately. "You're a cat! You did this!"

Ellie looked at her hands. She flexed her fingers, and razor-sharp claws extended. She ran her tongue over her sharp fangs and felt her pointy ears. "I'm a cat," she muttered confusedly.

Jason took another step backwards through the door. Was he going to bolt? Where would he go?

"Jason, stop!" Ellie cried. "Wait! You can't go outside! I-if you do some predator will get you!"

Jason froze. "O-oh Zeus," he whined. "You trapped me. I'm trapped in here with you."

"Jason, please listen," Ellie pleaded. "I'm not going to hurt you! I didn't do this! I don't know what happened, but I wouldn't hurt you! I love you! Everything I said yesterday was true!" She crawled toward the edge of the bed. "Don't be afraid. We'll figure this out, and I'll protect you, just like you were going to protect me."

"S-stay away!" Jason whimpered. "I-I don't believe you! You did this! You trapped me, and you're going to eat me!"

Ellie slid her feet over the edge of the bed and stood but didn't approach him. He was terrified, and she didn't want him to run outside where some predator would catch him.

"I'm not going to hurt you," she repeated. "I would never hurt you. Please don't run. I don't know if I can save you if you run outside. Someone might kill you."

"I-it's either someone else or you," he whined.

"If you believe that, then choose me. You know another predator would kill you; they won't know it's you. I know you're kind, but I also know other predators can be cruel. If you can't trust that I won't hurt you, trust that I'll be merciful, like you would have been."

Jason stared at her fearfully, "Y-you are going to eat me," he whined.

Ellie shook her head, "I'm not going to hurt you. Please try to believe me; give yourself a chance to live. You remember how we feel, don't you? Trust in that. Trust that I love you like you love me."

"I-I remember, Ellie," he whimpered. "I love you."

"I didn't do this, Jason. Please trust me. Come to me, and I'll show you you're safe."

"I-if I come, you might eat me," he whined.

"What will happen if you don't come?" Ellie pressed.

"Y-you'll catch me or, or someone else."

"Trust me, Jason. If you're right, you'll die anyway. Trust me, and give yourself a chance."

Jason took a step toward her, "Y-you'll make it quick?" he whined.

"I'm not going to hurt you, but yes, I'd make it quick."

Trembling, he took another step, "I-I don't want to die, Ellie."

"You won't," she soothed. "I'll protect you, but you have to trust me. I can't protect you if you run away."

He took another step, and she opened her arms.

"That's it, Jason. Come to me, and you'll see I won't harm you."

He took another step, and she took a step too. He froze, and she thought he might bolt. But then he took another nervous step. Ellie stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. She hugged the much smaller rabbit to her chest.

"I've got you, Jason," she murmured. "You're safe now."

"Y-you're really not going to eat me?" he whimpered.

"I'm not. I didn't do this, Jason. I wasn't lying to you. If I were lying, I could admit it now. I'd know you wouldn't be taken by another predator. I'm not going to hurt you. Trust me."

"I-I believe you, Ellie. I'm sorry."

She stroked his long ears, "You were scared. You don't need to be sorry about that."

"W-why did this happen?" he whined.

"I don't know. It's just as strange as before. Really, we don't even know what's going on outside. Whatever else has changed, I'll protect you."

"Thank you, Ellie," he murmured. "I hope the outside is how you remember it, where predators don't have to eat prey."

"I hope so too. I don't want to eat other prey either."

Jason looked up at her nervously, "What if you have to?"

"You'll still be safe. I'll try to see if I can buy some bugs from the insectivores, but you'll be safe no matter what."

"I'm sorry, Ellie," he murmured. "I know it will be hard for you."

Ellie stroked his ears, "It was hard for you too. Don't worry. Tomorrow morning, things will probably have changed again, but if they haven't, there might be one or two positives about how they are now."

Jason looked up at her in confusion, "Really? What?"

Ellie grinned, "Well, we don't have to worry about who's the pet anymore. You're all mine now, Jason."

Jason looked up at her nervously, "It's so surreal. Yesterday, I caught you, and now, you have to protect me. I want to be yours, Ellie. I want to be your toy."

"Good bunny," she teased. "You'll like being mine, Jason. I'll make you feel good and struggle too. You'll enjoy every minute of it."

Jason pressed his nose into her chest fur and sighed contentedly. Ellie petted his head. Jason was hers now. Inside, he was still her kitty sweetheart, but as a bunny, he was at her mercy. He'd been obedient before, but now she could really take control. She knew he'd enjoy being her toy; it was what he'd really always wanted. Ellie hoped they were back in the world with lab-grown meat, but if they never swapped species back, that would be just fine.