Despite my exhaustion I slept rather poorly. The shock of the event by morning had worn off so I was sore and hurting everywhere. Moving to upright myself in bed was a chore, though Daniel and Riv both were kind enough to help me and gentle enough to do so without adding to the pain. It turns out one uses their torso a lot and the gashes quite literally centralized on my person would make the next couple weeks a trial.

Fortunately Riv slept well, or so he said. I think he likes the warmth and company, which I can't say I minded or disagreed with. Daniel looked quite tired himself, but was in better shape than I and willing to help with much of the physical work for a while. He took the initiative to make breakfast this morning after helping me down the stairs. I felt rather stupid and weak needing to rely on others for such simple things, but he assured me that all was fine and that he'd give me some mild painkillers to ease the soreness.

That morning he put together an interesting breakfast, and allegedly one of his favorites that he thought would do me well after last night-- buttermilk biscuits with a cream gravy full of some kind of spicy sausage. It was warm, savory, and wonderfully filling-- Riv also seemed to approve. The little boy was glued to my side all through breakfast, loathe to part for any length of time after the previous night. He did willingly participate in helping with the dishes after everyone was finished, though, as I waited on the lounge bench.

Before he left for his shift Kuri dragged my father downstairs, hands and feet bound, and set him aside on the lobby floor. He then turned back to use the other kitchen and prepare for his day, and would be taking him into town once he was ready to leave. I was really not looking forward to this morning, what with the week starting and all, but this was a special brand of tension I just did not need.

Once the two were finished I hoisted myself up with my sore legs, both Riv and Daniel accompanying me to my front desk. Fortunately my work was already behind that desk; I think another trip up and down the stairs would just about kill me. Daniel lifted the arm of the desk and opened the short door so I could take a seat in preparation for Morissey's arrival. Riv still clung to my side, wrapped up in my tail before taking a seat next to me on the desk's floor.

"Heh, what's this, now?" my father laughed from his corner. "Not man enough for a woman, but woman enough for a man?"

I just tried to ignore it.

"Yeah, with how ya look I can't say I'm surprised," he continued. "So precious and frail like the little girl you are. Ever since that whole thing I just knew you'd turn out this way."

I grabbed my pen and flipped through my folder, still trying to ignore it. Nothing worthwhile would come from a verbal exchange, just like how he'd always been. Even then, to use that...event against me, even to this day, hurt like few things could.

"And you think you're a father?" he cackled. "I guess wedging yourself under another man could produce freak kids like that little monster clinging to your side, eh?"

My ears crept back. I could tolerate his verbal abuse, but not toward my child. Unlike him I actually cared about my son and did so regardless of our relation.

"Do you...want me to do anything about this?" Daniel quietly asked from beside the desk.

"No, there is no point," I said, clicking my pen and writing on a personal calendar. "This is how he is and how he's always been. If he wanted help he'd have sought it thirty years ago."

"Hmm."

"Yeah, you there, big guy," the old man called to Daniel from the lobby corner. "Sure it feels real nice between my daughter's legs, don't it? Don't think I didn't notice you sick shits both comin' outta the same room."

Daniel just rolled his eyes and shook his head.

Fortunately Morissey arrived before much more could be said. He looked puzzled at the man on my floor spouting crass obscenities as he advanced toward my desk. I looked to him firmly as I offered the completed folder, but did not fulfill the handoff.

"Before I give you this, I would like to know just what that all is," I glared.

"...What?" Morissey replied.

"...Why was one of your staff trying to poison my child, Morissey?" I growled. "I understand that you don't like him. I understand that your staff doesn't like him. However, might I remind you that this is, in fact, my house and Riv is, in fact, my child."

"Reverend, I think you might be mistaken," Morissey said, looking between my father and I. "I don't...think this is anyone in my staff. I can't say I've seen this person before."

From here I could see my father's face twist into a grin, but I had no idea what that might indicate.

"Then why is he here?" I continued my interrogation. "Why does he know me and my title? Why does he have your staff's clothing?"

He brought his hand to his chin and tapped his foot, trying to think of possibilities.

"There were some people I shuffled around between branches," he recalled. "For some people working the more mundane or very specific work I may indirectly hire them in a manner similar to your...nurse. In those cases I don't often meet those people directly, rather it's an agreement between the organization member and myself on their behalf. The only reason I met your nurse is because he happened to arrive while I was here."

"Is that so?" I asked.

"Yes, Reverend, I would not lie about these things," he assured, his face slightly pained. "I admit, I'm cautious around your charge, but...I wouldn't have thought to do such a thing, or authorize my staff to do so. I'm very sorry this happened."

"Then why does he know me and my title?" I pressed on.

"Documentation about all staff is hosted in every branch," he replied. "There are copies of your files in other buildings and branches just like there are copies of other staff right here. It's for the sake of recordkeeping and communication, or should people need to move from place to place. Given his...demeanor, it may be possible he got into something he shouldn't have, and if that's the case I'm very sorry."

I sighed. These excuses seemed possible enough to consider and it didn't make sense to blame him exactly for the actions of another without evidence.

Morissey tilted his head once he got a better look at me.

"Was there a scuffle?" he asked.

"That's one way to put it," I responded. "I lost a change of clothes in the process and my child was terrified, but fortunately he was apprehended before he got too far into Riv's room. I needed to visit the infirmary for cleaning. I'm tired and sore, so I apologize for my accusations."

"No, Reverend, I'm sorry any of this occurred," he sighed as Kuri walked back out into the lobby. "I'll give you the next three days off, paid, to allow you some time to recover and won't come by again until Thursday. Please take the time to rest. I'll still leave this work here should you get bored, but know that you are valued in this organization."

I was perplexed, but he offered his hand seemingly in earnest. After a pause I accepted his gesture, shaking his hand. Strangely the redness I thought I'd seen in his eyes lately wasn't visible today, so perhaps it really had just been the warm morning light playing tricks. In fact he looked quite upset by the whole thing, something I didn't expect.

"Here, actually, I would like you to have this," Morissey said, opening his wallet and fishing out a handful of credit bills. "I'm not sure what kind of clothing you lost but this should be enough to cover for it. Again, Reverend, I am very sorry and will be terminating their employment immediately, indirect or otherwise."

He was adamant about my accepting these bills, to which I initially hesitated. He insisted, firmly grabbing my wrist and placing the bills in my hand before he closed my fingers around them. I'd never seen him so shaken before.

Regardless, I was happy to get a little time off, so Daniel and Riv helped me out of the desk. I still took the folder of assignments but figured I could do these upstairs in the comfort of my home office instead. Both of them walked with me to the hallway corridor, all three of us standing in the opening facing toward the other two parties. As Morissey prepared to leave Kuri grabbed the foulmouthed old man, tossing him over his broad shoulder. Morissey looked back to us with an awkward, almost nervous smile before departing, with Kuri following not far behind.

As Kuri walked from the corner to the door my father looked back at me with his red eyes rife with some kind of grotesque, sadistic disdain. I just firmly stared back, Riv snug against one side and Daniel's arm around my back, hoping that this was the last time I'd see him. It was strange, though, how the same person who'd left me money to make my escape had also been like this for as long as I could remember. He was a man I never understood, constant cycling between hot and cold and bouncing from one bad habit to the next.

Just before they left the building I felt an odd, soft sensation against my cheek with a cute smacking sound. My father's face turned from sick pleasure to sheer disgust just as the door swung closed. My ears cocked askew as I reached my hand up to touch where I felt it, Daniel just softly giggling from above.

"...What...was that?" I asked, my voice higher than usual. "Did you just--"

"Worth it," he laughed.

Both of them helped me up the stairs and up to our room, sitting me on the bed. Riv went back into the hall to use the bathroom and grab his art supplies from his bedroom.

"Y'know, Reverend, I can get you those painkillers if ya'd like," Daniel offered. "They're mild and non-addictive, if you're worried about that at all. You can take them as often as one every six hours if you feel ya need it. I'd just need a few minutes to grab 'em."

"I would appreciate that if you're willing," I sighed. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to be a burden and...what I did last night was probably unnecessary."

"Naw, I'd say it was warranted," he chuckled. "You got some saintly patience to put up with that."

I just shrugged.

"Also, if ya'd like I can take that money ya got and head out to get some new sleepwear," he offered. "I can do that after lunch when more things are open. From what I saw that'd more than cover for it."

I reached into my wallet to give him the money Morissey left with me, Daniel stowing it in his own wallet for later.

"Alright, if all you need is some pills and water I'll be right back with those," he said, petting my messy hair a couple times before stepping away.

"Um--"

"Hm?" he turned back around.

"W-Why did you...do that thing downstairs?" I awkwardly asked, looking away.

"I just thought it would be funny," he shrugged. "The look on his face was priceless and I'm sure you'd agree."

"Heh, it was, yes," I admitted. "Just, you know..."

"What?" he chuckled.

"I-I just...didn't think that would be something you'd do, I suppose?" I scratched my head. "Th-Though I guess it was just the cheek."

"Eh, ends justify the means sometimes. I wasn't about to plant one any further than that against your consent. That'd be pushin' it a bit too far even for a joke. Even now I feel a little bad for doing that at all."

"...It's okay, I...didn't mind it."

Daniel knelt down to better face me from the edge of the bed, putting his hand on one of mine.

"Hey, I'm sorry for what I did if it made you uncomfortable, Reverend," he said quietly. "I just thought you'd maybe like to stick it to him a bit is all, one little harmless jab. I guess in hindsight that wasn't very kind or fair, so I hope you can forgive me."

"Daniel, I'm not upset," I assured, tugging at a lock of my hair. "I was just...curious about the motive, is all."

"Just a joke, but you sound almost disappointed," he smiled slyly with an eyebrow raised.

"...Please, that'd be strange," I said barely audibly, looking to the hallway. "...Was it...really just a matter of my consent, now?"

"...Well--"

I raised my own eyebrow as he broke the eye contact, turning his head toward the hall. Maybe those words could've been picked a little more carefully.

"I'll...go get those painkillers--"

Before he could stand back up I leaned forward and pecked him on the cheek just as he'd done to me. His ears perked high and he froze, pausing briefly before looking back at me and raising his hand to where I'd got him.

"Now we're even," I smiled, my eyelids heavy.

"...R...Right, I'll be...r-right back," he stammered as he rose back up to his feet, quickly leaving the room.

I just laughed, propping up the pillows against the wall and reclining. As much as I was used to working, I was definitely looking forward to these few days off. Before long the bed was invaded by a small child and his art supplies, a rigid book under the paper to keep it firm as he drew. The one shy dayworker came by, much to my surprise.

"Oh, hello, do you need something?" I asked from the bed.

"N-No, just...you weren't at the front desk, so I was worried," she replied from the doorway. "Did something happen? Y-You look like you got in a fight."

"Ah, well...someone had been peering into Riv's room occasionally and we think we caught who was doing it," I said. "That same person tried to get him seriously ill but we managed to intervene before it could happen a second time."

"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that, but I'm glad i-it was stopped in time," she said with a tiny smile. "...I, um, admit that some of those times may have been from me, though."

"What? Why?"

"W-Well, for a long time you didn't completely close the door, so when I...saw it completely closed, I wondered if something had happened," she bashfully recalled, rubbing her arm. "I only opened it to check on him and make sure everything was alright, I never went inside. Sometimes I get here earlier than the others for my shift for the extra money. I'm very sorry! I swear I didn't mean to worry or upset you."

"It's okay, it's okay," I reassured her. "That's...actually quite relieving. So far you're the only staff here who's humored us at all and I thank you for your concern. Do you have a name or anything so I know how to refer to you?"

"Y-You can call me Heather, if you need a name."

"That's a pretty name," I smiled. "I'll remember it, and thank you very much for your care. I did notice that you've tried to reach out to us recently, just as people, and it's very much appreciated."

She smiled shyly and fidgeted with her hands.

"If you need me, Heather, I will be primarily up here until Thursday," I said. "Do still let me know if anyone comes to the door, regardless, and thank you for your time and work here."

She quickly bowed her head and waved to Riv before taking her leave, disappearing down the hall. It was only a minute or two later that Daniel would return, carrying a small bottle of painkillers and a glass of water. Likely still feeling awkward, he wouldn't so easily look at me but would still often smile. I couldn't help but find it cute in a way. Downing one of the pills I decided to take a stab at some of this work, if only to pass the time.

As the day went on Daniel left to repurchase some sleepwear for me, coming back with two sets and still with some money to spare. I guess Morissey really was sorry if he overpaid by that much. I'd also tell Daniel about Heather's peeking into Riv's room, from which he felt relieved in a similar manner as I. Much of the day carried on about the same as it would on a weekend, minus Riv working on some schoolwork in the afternoon.

When it got late we put Riv to bed in our large one, occupying the small staff room just outside. Even if we had a likely cause for the spying, I wasn't comfortable yet with having him occupying his own room again. Something like this would take some time to recover from for all parties involved. Kuri was still more than willing to keep watch in the meantime, a security that meant a lot to all of us.

Daniel lounged on the sofa with a book as I sat near him with my clipboard, poking at some more of the work.

"Still feel awkward?" I asked, breaking the silence. "Sorry about that, if so."

"Nah, it was fair," he softly laughed, sitting upright and setting the book on the table. "Sorry for how weird and embarrassing it prob'ly was for ya."

"Those things should probably be reserved for a partner or something," I laughed. "They'd be a lot more meaningful that way."

"...Was it bad?" he asked.

"Hm?"

"The...experience, I guess?" he rubbed the back of his neck. "Not really the reason behind it or anything, but the...um, action itself."

That was not the response I expected.

"I wouldn't say it was bad, no, but...I'm not sure where you're going with this," I replied, piqued.

"Just...i-intrigue for later, maybe?" he stuttered. "Admittedly I'd, um, never done that with anyone outside of...family, I suppose. Affectionate household and all."

"Well," I chuckled, "those gestures hold more meaning between partners. Likewise, I hope your experience was not bad, either, as I just wanted to be playful."

"Heh..."

"Is...there some reason you're so hung up on this?" I finally asked. "You don't usually chew on matters this long so I'm a bit surprised."

"N-No, I'm alright--"

"You're a horrible liar, you know," I tugged on his rolled-up sleeve. "You want me to trust you with talking about things, but I'd like you to try the same. Please tell me what's on your mind."

He took a deep breath and followed up with a sigh.

"...It's as I said, I'd never done that before," he repeated. "I didn't want to...sour what we have here by doing something like that, I guess. I like ya a lot -- you're my best friend -- and I'm not sure what I'd do without that at this point."

I tilted my head. Putting down my clipboard I turned to face him, his elbows on his knees and hands folded together in front of him. His face bared an expression of worry I wasn't quite used to, my looking upon it immediately dropping my ears. With a small sigh I reached my hand out to stroke the long fur along the edge of his jaw.

"Daniel, I assure you everything between us is just fine," I softly said. "I didn't mean to make you worry about it, I just want you to share those things with someone you really care about."

"...I did, Reverend," he said, his eyes to the floor.

"What?" I cocked my head even further. "But I'm not a...we're not...I don't understand."

"I know you're not, and I know we're not, but...I care about ya, enough to wonder if I'd done something to ruin what we have here. If I did, I...would be crushed, honestly."

I wrapped both of my small arms around one of his and hugged tightly.

"I assure you that everything is fine between us," I said, resting my sore face on his shoulder. "I'm sorry to have worried you."

"...Do you...care about me?" came that inevitable question. "It's...fine if you don't, but...figured I'd ask."

I paused, an odd nagging in the back of my head knocking on my proverbial door. The more I tried to ignore it, the louder it got, until I finally opened that door. I could...so faintly make out a message...

..."Be happy, honey. That's all I want for you."

...Esmé?

"...I do, Daniel," I said. "I just don't want you to feel bound to me just because of proximity. You have a whole town here, a whole bunch of women here whom I'm sure you'd get along with very well--"

"It's...okay to say 'no', you won't hurt my feelings," he sighed. "I like what we have and I don't want to jeopardize that. I've...n...never done with anyone the things I've done with you and I'm happy enough just to have some outlet for my affection, one that seems to appreciate it as much as I do."

"But...I didn't say 'no', did I?" I squeezed his arm. "Of course I care about you, you're my best friend, too, and seeing you this upset just eats at me. Just...as much as my father liked to state otherwise, I'm...still a man, as are you, and...you know."

"It's funny, really," he exhaled, "I never really wanted...'that' kind of relationship with anyone. I just wanted what I...what I have with you-- someone to care about, who cares about me back; who lets me love on them and loves on me back. Did I...go too far, Reverend?"

It was strange. I never sought companionship before or after Esmé, she being the only one I loved and who loved me back. I'd at least had those experiences while Daniel never had. Likewise, I'd never...had 'that' kind of relationship, nor did I even desire it from anyone. Esmé understood this even back then, never minding, so...maybe such things were possible. While no, I never sought anything from other males, I never really sought anything from...anyone, thinking back. Esmé, bless her, was a person in a chance encounter, but first and foremost she was a person-- being female was a characteristic, not a deciding factor. It was...her personality, her understanding, and her affection that drew me. As she told me so long ago: A body is just a feature of a person.

...Wise beyond your years.

I think that...denying myself a happy life with someone I cared about, and who cared about me, was upsetting you more than the alternative, wasn't it? I was so afraid to...to seem like I was replacing you, the life we shared, that even the thought of sharing my life with another was one I couldn't fathom.

But...with your encouragement...

...with your blessing, I...would try.

I reached my hand under his chin and around to his far cheek, gently pulling his head down against mine. We stayed this way for a moment, his head leaning on mine and just enjoying each other's presence.

"...We should get to bed," he said, uncharacteristically monotone.

He tried to stand, but I still clung to his arm so he hadn't a choice but to sit back down. I righted myself to sit up again, but still leaned on his side.

"...Do you need something?" he asked flatly, his ears fallen.

"...Yes, I think I do," I replied.

He hesitantly turned his head to face me, his bright orange eyes glazed over in a sullen fog. I never thought I would impact a person to such an extent, let alone someone this close to me. Bringing my hand back up I gently pulled his face near mine, nudging the side of his snout with my own. I combed through that soft, long cheek fur with my small hands as he slowly closed his eyes.

"You."

---