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"A non-aggression pact?"

"You sound surprised," Aria replied, paws clasped behind her back.

Wren rolled his neck around, tensely. He suddenly felt claustrophobic behind his desk. So, he stood up and paced to the main, panoramic window, here in his ready room. Just beside the bridge. Putting a paw on the bulkhead. The other on his hip. But that position only lasted about five seconds. "I'd been following the intelligence reports, the strange activities along the border. All day long." A pause. "Obsessing." Turning, halfway. Looking back to the snow rabbit. "I had some pretty dark thoughts ... "

"You felt the Federation had been invaded?"

A quiet nod.

"A logical conclusion. Unfortunately, the Federation has never adhered to logic. Or reason."

Rella piped up, from the couch, "Why would the wasps offer a truce with anyone?"

"They are powerful," Aria replied, "but not invincible. If you can conquer a territory without firing a single shot, it saves both time and resources. Besides, isn't it the smartest move? The Federation is bound to destroy itself, eventually. The civil unrest has been growing there for months. The Federation Council knows this. In a state of panic, they see the wasps coming like a storm, and see their own citizens in much the same way ... "

"So, they sided with the other devil?" Adelaide posed, also present for this impromptu briefing.

"I've no doubt that the wasps, in the negotiations ... "

" ... if there were any," Wren injected, darkly.

" ... promised the Federation multiple 'concessions'," Aria continued. "Snow rabbit worlds, for instance. Territory. Technology. Some guise of independence. A 'return to glory'."

"But we don't know for sure," Wren said. "You mentioned the wasps are telepathic? Maybe they're manipulating the Council." He sounded almost as if he was in denial. As he'd told Kody earlier, he'd always subscribed to Federation 'ideals.' Even after they'd betrayed him (and everyone, really), he still wanted to forgive them. But he was running out of reasons to do so.

"Possibly. But, at this point, irrelevant. The deed is done. The wasps clearly want to focus their resources on us," Aria said, of her species' government. "We've been more powerful than the Federation for quite some time."

"How'd you find out about this before I did?" Rella asked, lamely. Some security officer I am.

"I have better ears," was Aria's dry response.

Adelaide hid a smile.

Rella made a face.

The snow rabbit continued, more properly, "The lieutenant-commander and I, and the rogue bat Barrow, were meeting with the High Command. Discussing potential plans involving the 'rogues.' They agreed rather quickly. They'd already heard the news, and I got it from them."

"So, each ship gets, what, three bats? Is that enough?" Rella wondered.

"Should be," was Adelaide's response. "Though we'll have four, including me. With the amplifying crystals they have ... "

" ... those things really work?" The mahogany-furred squirrel sounded a bit skeptical.

A hesitation. "I've never actually used one."

"I suggest you do," Rella advised. "I trust your opinion. I can't say the same for our three 'guests' ... "

"I'll see what I can do," the pink-furred bat replied.

Wren moved back to his desk, big, bushy tail bobbing to and fro. You could tell he was agitated. He sat back down, stiffly, swiveling his chair to the side. Gripping the armrests. Finally saying, "Well, I guess we've got everything under control, then. For now." That last part hung in the air, heavily. They could do all the planning they wanted. But the end result seemed inevitable ...

"I will keep you updated," Aria said, with a nod.

Rella injected, "Update me. I'll update Wren. Anything that involves Luminous' security is under my jurisdiction, first. You worry about your station."

"As you wish." A pause, unable to keep from adding, "Our fates, however, are not so independent. May I remind you that your ship is now a High Command vessel. We are all tied at the hip. Perhaps you should keep this in mind."

Adelaide didn't need to use her telepathic feelers to pick up on the tension between Aria and Rella. No doubt Rella was feeling a little restless. Maybe even jealous of all that was on Aria's plate, so to speak. After all, Luminous had been docked for weeks. A month, even? However long. Aside from the wasp infiltration when they'd first arrived here, there'd been little in ways of security jobs other than simple preparations and drills. Not that the squirrel wanted a disaster to happen, by any means. She just wasn't feeling as useful as she would've liked.

"May I depart?" the snow rabbit asked, looking to Wren.

"Sure," was his casual response. He wasn't really one for pomp and circumstance.

The rabbit was, however, and looked at him, uncertainly.

"Dismissed," the captain translated.

"Thank you." The snow rabbit turned and hopped out the swishing doors. Which soon closed behind her (and her flickering, spade-shaped tail).

"She's pretty hoighty-toighty, if you ask me," Rella remarked, crossing her arms. "Even for a snow rabbit." They were known for being slightly erudite on the exterior. But being pretty wild in private (like in the bedroom).

"It's not like you to be jealous," Wren mentioned.

"I know ... " A sigh. A head-shake. "She just brings out a competition in me. Just one of those things, I guess."

"I like her," Adelaide said, with a cheeky smile.

Rella cast a glance at the bat. It was well known that Field was bisexual. Maybe Adelaide was, too.

Adelaide gave a chitter at Rella's surface-thoughts, but didn't address them aloud. Only said, "I'll defer the bat assignees to you, then. I've already met them."

"Alright. If I need you, I'll give you a call."

"Sounds good." The pink-furred bat stretched her winged arms. " ... mm ... with that, I'm going off duty. I don't know about you two." A fanged smile, lowering those wings. And making for the door. "See you tomorrow."

"See you," Wren said, with a nod, as Adelaide left the room. Leaving just him and his mate. "Well, what now? We're off duty, too. Shall we lament?"

"No. I'm not sad." A pause. "I just feel like beating someone up," she confessed, honestly.

"Not me, I hope." A faint smile, though, as he said this. "Last time you said that, I ended up flat on my back and out of breath." A cheeky pause. "On second thought ... "

Rella's tail unfurled to full staff. "Oh, I'm full of aggression tonight, Wren," she warned, playfully. "No second thoughts. We tussle."

"Don't I give the orders here?"

"You're gonna get ridden into complete submission," she continued, ignoring him. Her bark was worse than her bite. She just liked to pin him down in personal combat drills.

The walnut-furred squirrel raised a paw. "Am I allowed to turn the tables at all?"

She smiled, now, for the first time since she'd walked in here. Her buckteeth flashed. "If you think you can."

"As long as I've had to wait for this, you're lucky I don't ravage you," Pyro told her, only half-teasingly, his more aggressive instincts beginning to surge. "Surprised I have any self-control left." They were in her bed, in her quarters. Soon to be his quarters, too. They were discussing such details while removing their clothes. Pyro wanted Dotna to move into his quarters. I'm the male, after all, he reasoned. And a predator.

"But I outrank you," she replied, tossing her bra. She was already in the fur. That was quick.

"Does that mean I have to call myself Pyro Chipmunk instead of Pyro Wolf?" Wrinkling his nose. "Is that how inter-species name-things work?" He wasn't entirely clear on that. He did know that offspring coming from interspecies mate-ships usually had the father's species listed first. But since he and Dotna couldn't reproduce, they wouldn't have to worry about little 'wolf-munks.' Though, really, that would be so damn cute. He kicked his pants off, chuckling.

"Hadn't thought about it," she continued, with a smile. "I mean, I'm certainly not calling myself Dotna Wolf."

"Why not?" he pouted. There went the boxers. The shirt. There went everything. "Adelaide's dominant over Field, but she's still Adelaide Mouse."

"Since when? No one ever calls her that."

"I saw it printed like that on the crew roster," he insisted, smartly, puffing up his bare, grey-furred chest. "Doesn't matter if it's never used out loud."

"Think it does. Let's be practical." A wry, challenging smile. Both of them were on their knees, now, rubbing, nuzzling each other intermittently.

"Well, I'm a predator, you know," he cooed. "You gotta throw me a bone on something. I mean, if we're not even moving into my quarters ... "

"I've had my quarters since Luminous launched. And they're bigger," she said, reasonably.

He waved his paw. "Bah. Can't make it look like I 'swooned' for prey. Well, not so easily, at least."

"Throw you bones, though? I thought that was dogs."

"Ha, ha. I'm definitely not a dog." Flexing for show. "Are dogs as intimidating as this?"

"Maybe."

He shook his head. Not true.

"Convince me with what?" she asked, backtracking again. Barely able to keep track of the conversation. Flirting fast and furious. "What are you bringing to the bargaining table?"

A flash of sharp teeth. His red eyes glowing. "My penis."

"Why am I mating you, again?" The chipmunk had chittered with mirth, giving him a firm shove. Quickly adding, as she stole a look between his legs, "Don't answer that!"

Bouncing on the mattress, he pointed down, announcing, "I was gonna say ... "

" ... yeah, you just said it."

"Did I?" He stroked his chin.

"Can't be your answer for everything." A squint, beginning to straddle him. "I'm pretty sure I want you for more than that."

"Oh? Do tell," Pyro urged, laying back. "I could use some ego-stroking."

"You'll get stroked, wolfy," the chipmunk lazily promised.

"Oh, I do, I do think," Pyro crooned, "I've finally met my match." God, she was perfect.

"And I've met mine ... " Oh, she'd been in the mood all day. All this while, in fact. Finally, she'd come to her senses and stopped hesitating. She was almost trembling, now. That's how badly she wanted him. Ever since they first met, fighting wasps in the darkened corridors of Luminous, with his tragic, exotic past and roguish wit and laidback attitude? How could a female resist?

He nipped at her pelt, erotically. "You sure we can't do it in the armory?"

"Pyro ... "

"Wren and Rella do. You know that, right? I've smelled it."

She did know that, in fact. "Not tonight. We'll confine our explosions to the bedroom."

"Music to my ears," he murmured. Panting, he sat up and pitched his grey-furred body forward, like a burning building, broad paws spreading, sliding across her back. She was lighter than him. Thinner than him. He laid her down in one smooth motion (she helped by swinging her legs out from under herself) on the strewn sheets. Her pretty head sinking onto a pillow, immediately. And, then, of course, he eagerly covered her body with his. Their pelts meshing. "Chipmunk pillow," he mumbled. He ran his fingers through her tail-fur. The brushy, striped appendage was flowing off to the side.

"Wolf blanket," she breathed.

"I never thought I'd end up mating prey," he confessed, candidly. "A rodent, especially ... "

" ... same here. I mean ... well, predator ... "

" ... maybe opposites really do attract," he reasoned.

"I don't think we're that opposite," was Dotna's reply.

"Well, opposite enough, I hope." A bit of cheek in his tone. "After all, I want my puzzle piece to snap together with yours."

She tried not to laugh. "You're being silly, now."

"Think I'm punch-drunk. Think you're responsible." Nosing her neck, errantly. Taking in her scent and holding it. Committing it to memory. His olfactory senses were so advanced. "You smell so good ... "

" ... no lollygagging," she pressed, airily. Her legs began to open. Soon, her thighs were wrapped around his hips. Her nutty-brown fur meshing intimately with his slate-grey.

"Tail-wagging? What?" he echoed, playfully. His tail was, indeed, wagging. Whish-whish-whish.

"I'm a security officer. Don't make me hurt you ... "

"Thanks for reminding me. Seeing you hunt, when I first came aboard ... you're so hot when you're on the prowl," he whispered. Powerful nose bumping against her own. A sly smile. And those red eyes sparkling like mulled wine. "Dotna ... "

" ... yeah?" Her breath was baited. She felt him stir, stiffly. Felt the tip of something beginning to poke about. Her heart was hammering in her breasts.

"Here ... here we go!"

"Tried to think of the furthest place from war and politics. And I know squirrels are comfortable in forests." The white rabbit was speaking from experience. "Or, uh, is this a 'woods?' I can never tell."

"Woods," Ketchy answered, with a nod, brushing a tree-trunk with her paw-pad. Sycamore. Chalky to the touch. "I appreciate the sentiment." Her body posture, though, exhibited obvious muscular tension. "Where are rabbits most comfortable, by the way?"

"Meadows, I guess? Anywhere, really," Kody responded. "We're quite adaptable."

"I was waiting for you to say 'beds' ... "

"I considered it." An honest smile. "I was trying to be polite. I'll change my answer and go with 'dens'." He adjusted the backpack he was wearing. Sweat dripping off a whisker-tip. The holo-suite's climate control for this program was on a 'summer' setting. It must've been eighty-odd degrees Fahrenheit. "You visit the holo-suite often?" he asked, as they strolled along a narrow 'cow path,' under some low-lying branches. On a short incline overlooking a creek. None of it was real, of course. The mind knew that. But the body was completely fooled.

"Me?" The squirrel just nodded, quietly. "More often than I'd like ... "

"Ah." He understood. "You've never borrowed any of my programs, though. A lot of crew-furs do. Or did." A few mated couples still regularly asked for some. "Most of them have 'characters' in them. This is just an environmental one." A deep breath. "No reason to be ashamed about using them," he added, glancing up at the canopy. "It's a good form of release."

"Not good enough," she confessed. "I mean ... " A hesitation, paws moving to her brown-furred cheeks. A plain brown. She rubbed at them, whiskers twitching, not saying anything further.

"Go on," he prodded.

An embarrassed head-shake. "I can't."

"I'm a doctor," he reminded. "And a rabbit. And sorta courting you. I'd hope you can trust me ... "

A sigh. " ... just ... holograms are programmed to like you, to please you. And they do. And, then, you turn the program off ... " She straightened her posture, taking a deep breath. " ... I like illusions. I just don't like when they burst. Makes me feel like I'm investing in the wrong things."

"It's just a little fun."

"I know. I know ... " Whiskers twitching. " ... but nothing's ever that simple with me. I'm neurotic. I always wig out, and ... "

" ... never seen you wig out," he interrupted, quietly. His bobtail flickered once or twice.

"We've not spent much time together." A pause. "It'll happen. Just wait for it."

"You seem awfully sure of that," Kody told her. "Maybe that's your problem: too many self-fulfilling prophesies."

"Maybe," she whispered, slowing her pace. Ducking under a low-lying branch. "Where are we going, exactly?"

"Don't know your way around a woods?" he teased.

"Your woods. Not mine."

"Mm. True. But I don't use this program often." A pause. "Haven't in a few years, anyway."

"With Wren," she guessed.

"Well." He appeared momentarily sheepish. "Not gonna lie," was all he said. "After he and Field and I all fell apart that first time, I couldn't bring myself to use it. I stored it away. But now that we're all together and friends? I thought I would bring you." He had other forest simulations. But this was the best. The most sprawling and private.

"You've probably bred with more furs than I've been on friendly terms with," she guessed.

He didn't deny that. He couldn't. Only assured her, "Contrary to my reputation, I'm quite passionate. I'm not seeking pleasure solely for myself."

She bit her lip. "I feel like I'm being a prude. I shouldn't judge you. And after what I did with Pyro, I don't know why I'd act like I prefer chastity ... " She swallowed. " ... I don't, just to be clear."

"I didn't think you did."

"I just get too emotional about it ... "

"You think with your heart," he breathed.

"A little." She'd stopped moving. And was leaning against a tree. Ash, this time. "Your confidence is attractive to me," she blurted. "The way you carry yourself. How you handle pressure situations. Your sense of humor. I wish all that was contagious, and I could just soak it in." She paused, sniffing the air. "Maybe that's why I've been eying you all of a sudden. Well, that," she reasoned, "and because you're available. Most of the crew paired off weeks ago." Or was it months, now? How long since they'd left the Federation Home-world? "I feel like I've aged years since we started this 'mission'," she added.

"Yeah. I know exactly what you mean." He hesitated. Opened his maw, and then shut it.

"What?" Ketchy blinked.

" ... just something ... haven't really told anyone. Adelaide knows, cause she knows everything." Pause. "When I was captured by the Arctic fox terrorist cell, they sorta ... " He rubbed his neck, painfully. Speaking slowly. " ... raped me."

"Oh." Her whiskers twitched. "I'm sorry."

A sigh. " ... I mean, I only mention it cause you said you'd felt like this mission had aged you. When that happened, after that ... I felt different. Things changed. At least a little bit. I began to feel lonely. I never did before. I even started pining for Field again. I just don't understand it ... " He slumped against a tree-trunk. A honey-lotus.

She put a paw on his arm, tenderly. "Well, there's also the fact that you were close with both Wren and Field, and they're both heavily-invested in their mates, now. They have less time to spend with you." She didn't like to think about him being in pain, which is why she didn't address his statement directly. Other than to say, again, "I'm sorry."

He nodded. "I'm alright. I just needed to tell someone." He looked to her, sincerely. "I know you think you're the only one who tortures themselves. But you're not."

She looked into his eyes.

"Maybe we can get rid of our demons together."

"Yeah," she whispered, hopefully. "It's gotten to the point where I just tell myself it won't work out, even as I hope otherwise."

"Back to the self-fulfilling prophesy," Kody noted.

She nodded and swallowed. "I don't know how to do this. I don't know how to 'date' or 'mate' or ... " Well, she did know how to copulate. But that required energy. Which made her say, "Um ... I hope this isn't a stupid question, but I'm hungry, and I didn't bring any food."

He tapped the side of his nose, in a playful sign of secrecy. "You're forgetting my backpack. I brought us a picnic."

"A picnic?"

"Well, an array of light snacks. Didn't want to get too full." He eyed her a bit.

"Let me guess: you're saving room for dessert."

"You said it, not me," he quipped.

She tried not to laugh. But did so, in spite of herself. He was a charming individual, if not a tad predictable. He made her smile.

A flourish-y bow, flickering his bobtail for show. "Glad to be of service."

Ketchy blushed.

"Hope you don't mind pistachios."

"Pistachios?"

"Well, squirrels like nuts, don't they? So, I brought some." A sly pause. "With the picnic, I mean."

"Right," was her delayed reply. "I assume you brought carrots, too? I mean, cause rabbits ... "

" ... uh-huh." He winked at her. "Carrots and nuts."

She blushed, holding back another smile. "You're incorrigible."

"So I've been told," Kody replied, proudly, as they entered a small clearing. It was almost time to eat.

" ... come in."

The doors swished open, into the bulkhead. Letting in the corridor-lights.

"Oh. Adelaide," Barrow said, sitting up in a chair. Tossing the computer pad he'd been staring at. It landed on the couch with a smack. "I was just about to fix supper."

"You cook?" She padded forward, in her bare foot-paws. The doors shutting behind her.

"With the help of my friend, Mr. Food Processor." A fanged grin. "You're looking awfully pink tonight. Like cotton candy. I bet you'd melt in my mouth."

She chuckled, taking no offense. "Not quite."

"What can I do for you?" He spread his winged arms.

"Just checking in on you. Seeing how you like your accommodations."

"Ah, ah ... " A raised, webbed finger. " ... you're not used to being around other bats, are you?" I know what you want. You didn't go and see the other two. Just me. Speaking telepathically, now, directly into her mind. No use hiding it. I knew you'd get curious.

"I'm not curious." She sounded slightly defensive.

... but you want to 'sample' the crystal.

"Use your voice, please."

Why?

"Because I only tele-speak with my mate."

"Only?" A raised brow. "You've not spent much time with your own species. That's fine. I guess it happens, now and then. But there's so much you've missed. I could teach you things ... make you feel things," he promised, trailing off.

"I've undergone symbiosis with Field. We're linked."

"I know how bat sexuality works. I am a bat." An 'on display' twirl.

"I love him," she emphasized.

"I bet you 'lurve' and 'luff' him, too, and all those cutesy, squeaky things. Lucky mouse."

She made a face, and her swept-back, angular ears cocked into 'echo-burst' position. As if she were prepared to go off on him. "Are you done teasing me?"

A simple nod. "I'll get you one of the crystals."

"Don't you already have one?"

"Yes. But it bears my telepathic imprint. Unless that's what you want." His smile returned. Why was it that doctors were always so flirty? Him, Kody, etc.

"I want my own, if possible."

"They're incredible aphrodisiacs. Thought you didn't need that, though." A wink.

"I don't," she insisted. "Our chief of security wants me to be familiar with their capabilities before we use them in a 'crunch-time' situation."

"She trusts your opinion more than mine."

"Do you blame her?"

Barrow didn't respond to that. "Just don't get too reliant on them. They, uh ... they're quite taxing."

"Sounds dangerous."

"Only a little," he admitted.

"And as a doctor, you don't think that's a problem?" Adelaide asked, showing some concern.

"Ex-doctor. Thought you knew that. I sorta lost my license."

"Why's that?" She raised a brow.

"I'm a bat."

"You saying you were discriminated against?"

"I'm saying that a medic who knows your physical and mental secrets is a liability. Especially if you're in a position of power." A pause. "I was working at a hospital on the Furry Home-World, in the capital. Various senators as my patients. A few of the predators decided I'd begun 'knowing too much' ... they couldn't kill me, of course. I was in too public a position, myself. They just discredited me. It's what inspired me to become a rogue."

"Sorry to hear that," Adelaide replied, softly.

"Best thing that ever happened to me." His chest puffed out. "Made me realize that our species has a truly untapped potential. I wouldn't have begun exploring that if I hadn't been pushed outside the lines." An audible breath. "What about you?"

"What about me?" Adelaide echoed.

"How'd you end up as an Ops offer on the infamously exiled starship Luminous?" "It's not too interesting a story. Not compared to yours," she added.

"Try me."

She began to drift behind him, to a window. "I grew up moving around. My parents, rather. From continent to continent, and me with them. I was always one to flap and fly, as a result. Space was perfect for that."

"But space has no air. Without air, what are wings good for?"

"Metaphor," was Adelaide's smart response.

Barrow's eyes glinted. He liked that answer.

"As for 'operations,' I'm more dominant than not. I know what I want. I know how to get things done. That's what this job is all about. Making sure the little details get taken care of."

"You like it when things run smoothly."

"I don't like discord, no." She gazed at the snow rabbit Home-world. And then saw Barrow's reflection, suddenly, in the windowpane. (Though it wasn't merely glass. It was a composite material. And there were force fields on either side of it.)

"Fair enough," Barrow said, softly. "What else?"

"Another time," Adelaide deferred, turning around. He was about to get flirty again. She could sense it. "You said you were about to fix supper. I've yet to fix mine."

"Ah ... well, that, and your mouse is waiting, huh?"

A nod. "No offense."

"You'd rather screw him squeak-less than talk to me. Yeah, I get it," Barrow said, chuckling. "Though all my invitations still stand. And, hey, if it makes you feel better, your mouse can join us. No one's left out that way."

Adelaide scrunched her muzzle.

"I'll 'acquire' you a crystal by tomorrow."

"Thank you." She turned, went a few steps, and the doors swished open for her.

Barrow watched her go, lustfully. _Have fun ... ? _

I always do.

"Such a satisfying sound." The squirrel snapped open the pistachio shells, one by one. Collecting a few of the nuts in her paw-pad. And then tossing them into her muzzle. "Peanuts, too." Chew, chew. "Any nut. Just removing the shell, getting to the 'meat,' you know? You have to work to eat it. You have to be productive. Makes it all the more filling."

"They're just nuts," Kody remarked, playfully.

"Yeah, but I think too much. I mentioned that before, didn't I?"

"Maybe. But it's easy to see, now." The rabbit pushed his fork into some lettuce leaves. He was enjoying a salad in a small container. "I suppose I think too little, in comparison?"

"I never said that."

"Well, others have. So, I'm used to it."

"Too much thinking is a result of having weak confidence. If you're sure of something, you don't need to think about it. So, really, you should take that as a compliment." She heard a raucous sound from not too far off. "Blue jays. So aggressive."

"If a holographic blue jay steals and eats a 'real' pistachio replicated in a food processor ... " Kody trailed off. " ... how should that question go? Help me out here ... "

"If a holographic blue jay steals and eats a real pistachio replicated in a food processor, does that pistachio really get eaten?" Ketchy posed, dramatically.

"Good question."

"You're the one who put it in my mouth," she told him.

"Still. As for the answer, I'd say: one makes one's own reality."

"Sounds a bit too easy."

"It is," Kody confessed. Putting his salad down, the rabbit reached for a canteen of water. "Are you ever sure about anything?"

"I'm sure that I'm unsure about myself."

"Well, aside from that ... " A swig of water.

"I don't know," she admitted, quietly, crunching on some granola clusters, now. And nodding at an uncut peach. "You gonna eat that?"

"We can go half-and-half, if you'd like," Kody answered.

The squirrel nodded.

The rabbit took the peach, then, as well as a butter knife. "Always liked apples more than peaches. But, sometimes, I get in a mood, you know. Wanted something really juicy."

Ketchy wondered if that was an innuendo. It was hard to tell, with him, what was or wasn't.

"I don't know how often you hear this, but I think you're pretty," he told her, as he sliced the peach, put down the knife, and twisted the fruit. It pulled apart into halves. He gave her the side without the pit.

" ... thanks."

"I mean it."

"If you wanna see a pretty squirrel, look at Rella."

Kody wondered if he was being passive-aggressively baited into admitting that Rella was hot. But, if so, he was smart enough not to fall for it. Only replying, without denying that, "I've not got eyes for Rella. I've got eyes for you."

Her cheeks flushed beneath her fur, and she looked down, taking a bite of peach. It was juicy, yes. Very. The nectar dribbled down her chin, immediately. She wiped it away with the back of a paw.

Kodiak watched. She was cute, really. In a simple, honest way. She wasn't perfect and unobtainable. She was on his level. "I just wish you'd feel better about yourself. Your attitude affects your self-image."

"I know," she whispered, taking another bite of peach. She closed her eyes, chewing and then swallowing.

Kody flicked the brown, wrinkled peach pit off to the side, and began to partake of his own halved fruit. Slowly, his lips closing upon the surface. Hiding the obvious motions of his tongue. He sucked on it for a few seconds before taking any actual bite. It was a sunset yellow, the skin dappled with red wisps. A slight, breathy tang, but with a mostly-sweet aftertaste.

The squirrel opened her eyes and watched him eat. The way he was going after that peach made her sweat. She had to look away before she started to breathe heavier. Was he eating it that way on purpose? Was he seducing her? Maybe she was imagining it. But when she looked back at him, his eyes were waiting. She swallowed the last of the fruit. He'd already finished it, ravenously, making no moves for more food. He nodded at her, instead. "Not hungry anymore?" he asked.

"I, uh, can't eat when I'm nervous."

"Why are you nervous?" Kody whispered, smoothly.

"Because I can tell you're still hungry. I know you're a rabbit. And I ... " She was panting, now. " ... uh, you said it yourself. You packed light. We're almost out of food."

"Are we?" The rabbit smiled. The way he was eying her. It was very animalistic. "Are you sure about that?"

The squirrel, feeling fluttery, never felt more confident than when she uttered back, "No ... "

A squeaky moan, soft and urgent, her paws clutching tufts of the wolf's back-fur.

Pyro's sliding, vibrating chest was lowering, pressing. Body grinding to hers, squishing her breasts (upon which the nipples got even harder), spearing her body repeatedly. But he soon eased up. If only for a moment. " ... fun?" he murmured. His 'cool guy' demeanor extended even to lovemaking. Somehow, he was keeping his composure, even though his pleasure-level was approaching a classification of 'ecstasy.'

A sweaty nod, with a dazed smile. " ... mm-h." The chipmunk felt a little out of it. He was doing all the work, but she didn't care. Let him.

"Good," he panted, gripping her hips. And beginning to outright pound her, growling from the throat. Letting loose, now. The animal coming out completely. His knot visibly swelling, smooth and pink, decorated with popping capillaries, battering her vulva like a firm balloon. His thrusts working to make her wetter, to loosen her up. Just a few ... more ...

... Soldotna squealed.

The knot popped in, audibly. With a 'slop!' sound.

The mattress bounced.

Pyro's tongue rolled out of his toothy maw. He was whining from the throat. "Ah-h ... ah, yeah ... "

Soldotna trembled, her vagina throbbing, clamped so tightly around his organ. Stretched beyond any previous point. She could scarcely believe it.

On instinct, the wolf continued thrusting. He couldn't help it. He was so close. Moving only by millimeters each time, seemingly, but, oh, how those millimeters felt. He soon tingled all over. Here it was ... oh, god ... he couldn't pull back. Couldn't pull out. Couldn't move! The wolf, red eyes glowing, lifted his head and let forth a low, lingering howl.

The chipmunk was simply overcome. She peaked, too. There was no other word for it. Her wet walls began to undulate, even without room to do so. They flitter-fluttered, and even her arms felt the spasms. She hugged and re-hugged the wolf, unable to keep from twitching. Her clitoris was practically buzzing, sending potent doses of pleasure to every limb, and there was even a split-second gush of fluid, which trickled out in wayward rivulets.

The knot, however, did its primary job. His semen, thicker in consistency than her nectar, remained secured within her body. Not a single drop escaped. It pooled at the base of her cervix, waiting to be drawn by the gravity of her womb. It was safe to say their mate-ship had been officially consummated.

Soldotna swallowed and huffed a few times. She didn't ask how long they'd be stuck like this. A long time, she was guessing. But, right now, eternity wouldn't faze her. She just rubbed the wolf's back. Her wolf's back. "That was worth the wait."

Pyro could only smile, goofily, awash in a sort of afterglow. Nuzzling her cheek with his nose. "You're tellin' me, hun ... "

Ketchy's toes curled in the holographic dirt. Fingers, meanwhile, in his white head-fur. She was quivering in about ten different ways. " ... m ... m-m." Licking her lips, too. Reveling, breathlessly, as he brought her to a sweet, simple climax with a direct tongue-blow to her clitoris. She could hardly comprehend it. He'd won her over, and it was happening. And it was wonderful.

"Spicy," the rabbit breathed, approvingly, breathing upon that sensitive nub. Blowing a jet of air. And hotly mouthing her tufted groin-fur, wetting full patches of it. "Mm, and much better than the peach." Oh, his own arousal. He ached with it. "Should've warned me. I might've burned my tongue." His eyes darted upward to her own.

" ... oh-h. You're a flatterer, Kody. I ... "

" ... yes?"

"I didn't think I would feel comfortable with this." She breathed in, deeply. "You have a way of putting me at ease."

"I'm very proud to hear that." He slid forward. He breathed upon her belly and kissed the lower hemisphere of her right breast. "I didn't think our 'date' would go quite this well, myself. I was hoping to get this far, but ... " A mumble, slipping over a nipple. He nursed from it for a little bit. And then slipped off it. " ... was afraid of jinxing it," he finished. His paw went to her opposite breast, which he groped.

The squirrel sighed, her tail flagging off to the side.

"That thing is adorable, you know."

"My tail?"

"I've always admired squirrel tails. I guess you could say I 'have a thing' for 'em. That's the first sight I ever saw of Wren, in fact. His tail sticking out of an access tube. Rump at first sight."

Ketchy giggled. "I can't imagine you and him. I mean, to me, he's the captain. I'm a little intimidated by authority."

"Well, technically, the doctor can declare anyone on the ship unfit for duty, so if he gives you any problems, just let me know." Kody was glad that Ketchy was getting more comfortable with his well-known past. "Being a captain has made him more responsible. I guess we've all changed ... "

" ... hopefully, for the better," she added.

"Speaking of change ... would you mind being on your belly?" Kody whispered, against her shoulder. He nibbled there. "On fours? Thought I'd ask before I rolled you over."

" ... is that your, uh, favorite ... "

" ... it's what I want, right now," was his slightly evasive answer. "My feral side is feelings its oats."

She was already sweating, of course, but it intensified as he said that. Fur beginning to visibly mat. And she rolled, in the dirt, in the grass. He didn't even have to prod. She briefly glimpsed their clothes (tossed asunder, resting by some brambles) out of the corner of her eye.

The rabbit fondled her soft, furry ass. (He desired her too much right now to call it anything else.) Fingers splayed, he eventually strayed to stroke her tail-fluff. He felt up, up toward the arched tip, combing the fur as he went. Held it against his cheek for a moment. And then let it go. " ... I'm not a wolf, but ... wolves," he panted, "are about force. They use their cocks like battering rams."

" ... well, uh ... what do you use yours like?"

"That'd be telling," he cooed, against her nape. Oh, he sucked on the back of her neck as his hips came flush with her slanting behind. He had to dip and course-correct a few times. Rodents were never ones to keep very still, were they? But he poised himself at the entrance of her feminine temple, nonetheless. Giving it a few more seconds (in case she wanted backtrack) before going for gold. He slipped into her velvety passage as slowly as his willpower allowed. Inch by inch. By inch. Seven inches ... a little over, before topping out.

A tiny gasp, shifting her hips. On her elbows and knees. She hung her head, eyes watering shut.

Neither spoke.

Both were in shock. Was this really happening? Were they seriously doing this? Him and her?

Kody decided to find out first. Pulling his hips back, back. One simple motion. His previously dry flesh glistening, now. With a sheen of nectar. Five inches back, he stopped, changed gears, and pushed right back in. Her pussy giving a soft little 'squish' ... she was wet. Oh, yeah. This was real.

The squirrel, delighted at how romantic this had become, pushed her rump back at him. Unmistakable body language.

The rabbit more than obliged. His essence soon finding a rhythm, and it built. And built. Powered by his hips. Until he was penetrating her repeatedly, providing them both with a constant source of ever-sensitive friction.

Soon, the squirrel had her forearms on the dirt. Very nearly her forehead, too. Directing all her energy on her back half.

He saw, as he bred her, that tail drifting to and fro, enticing him. He licked his way up her spine. Sucking on her nape. Nipping at her pelt, rocking, crashing his hips against her, faster, harder. Beginning to grunt like an animal. "M-hn ... hn ... "

Ketchy squeaked submissively, eyes open enough to catch the golden evening-light piercing through the foliage. Splashing about her wild, wavering whiskers. How long they kept going, she wasn't sure. Eventually, she just closed her eyes and moaned. Each time. With each of his thrusts. As he brought her closer and closer and ...

... as he instinctively wedged himself as deep as possible, ceasing all movement, paralyzed with sensitivity. It felt electric. He couldn't move it another inch without it becoming too much. He reached under her, attentively, though, to fumble and tap at her clitoris. Using his middle finger.

She welcomed this, whole-heartedly, her bushy tail wrapping around his back like a blanket.

His lungs expanded. Ears twiddling, he ejaculated. Spurt, spurt. Each one a pleasure-burst. " ... oh. OH-h ... uh ... " His big bare foot-paws pushed against the ground. "Mm ... "

She whimpered beneath him, quivering in anticipation. Holding her breath. Then falling off the edge as her vagina, due to his ministrations, followed suit, rippling around him. An intense, glowing warmth seeping into every far corner of her body. She found, by the end of it, she was drooling.

They stayed in position for a full minute afterward, recovering their breaths.

" ... I'm not sure what to say," Ketchy finally whispered, to the accompaniment of crickets. Sleeping with Pyro had been a chemical-induced accident. This wasn't. This felt very different. There was no hangover, this time. Just an incredible amount of positive emotion.

"Well ... " He nosed her neck, happily. " ... say you liked it?" he prodded, hopefully.

"I liked it," she echoed. "A lot."

"That I made you feel wonderful?" Beginning to smile.

"You did ... "

He pulled out of her, wetly. Rolling her onto her back (which is where she'd started), pinning her arms above her head and straddling her waist.

" ... are ... are we mates?" she asked, uncertainly. She shyly made eye contact.

"Do you want to be?" he asked her, evenly.

"I'd like to say yes, but ... "

" ... not on the first date? I'm with you there," he replied. "But I'm going to keep courting you. And making love to you." He smiled as he told her this. "It doesn't matter what we call it. We'll just enjoy it and see where it leads, okay?" A very rabbit-y philosophy.

"Agreed," she breathed back.

He kissed her, then, deeply, mouth to mouth, spending what seemed to be a lifetime on her lips.