My Pet Human {UNDER SERIOUS EDITING}

Chapter Nine: 'A New Home'

Ben placed his pet gently onto his bedside table as he lay down onto the soft mattress of his bed. Colton couldn't help but smile as the Laquanian's eyelids drooped to a close. To him, Ben seemed so innocent; it gave him an entire new outlook on his race, which had been as destructive and brutal as ever back at the Institute. His owner on the other hand acted almost as if he cared about his wellbeing. It was a strange notion indeed, especially after so long without any real connections.  

You had friends, 238821. A voice in his head insisted suddenly, followed by a sharp pain that reverberated through his skull. Colton shook it once in attempt to clear his scattered thoughts, yet the feeling still lingered. It was as though someone was in there, talking to him.

After a pause, Colton turned his focus back towards the bedroom. From his standing position beside Ben, Colton had a clear view of every single item there; items that would appear as mundane for his owner, yet a complete fantasy for Colton himself. It brought an unpleasant feeling to his chest at the thought of Ben growing up peacefully with a loving family and access to the outside world, while humans like him could only dream of being that sheltered.

You were sheltered. The voice in his head told him, louder this time. Colton was almost glad when his owner stirred and sat back up, rubbing his eyes. "Sorry, Colton. I'm really tired." He smiled. It was common knowledge that the Laquanians slept for longer periods of time than their human counterparts, as their sixty to seventy foot tall forms reacted more strongly to gravity. It meant that the little things that humans took for granted like running and even breathing were more of a challenge for the giants. He'd been told that they slept for as long as fifteen hours during the night, whilst his race only required six or seven.

"It's okay." Colton replied with a bow of his head. The Institute had taught him so many times that bowing was a sign of respect, and of course, Colton wasn't one to stray from what he knew.

You used to know more...

Colton was so distracted by the thoughts that when Ben's hand came out to rub the top of his head lightly with an index finger, he visibly flinched back. His owner's expression instantly melted into worry.

"Colton- I'm so sorry." He withdrew his hand. "I know that must be really degrading and all, so-"

You think? The voice taunted.

"It's..." Colton felt himself agreeing, though he knew more than anything that it wasn't his place to stop Ben. "It's okay." He mumbled. "You don't have to apologise."

 As Ben lay back down to rest, he scooped his pet up in his cupped hands and placed him gently atop his chest. Colton stood up, feeling the warmth radiating off of the larger being's skin, though the soft material of Ben's shirt coaxed him into lying back down. He'd never had the opportunity to sleep on something besides the cold metal floor of his tank back at the Institute.

"You're so cute!" Ben stifled a giggle. Colton stumbled a little on his bare feet as his owner's giant chest vibrated with the laughter. He was hesitant in replying at first, but after a pause the human took a deep breath and decided to test his logic that his new owner was 'nice'.

"Is it because of my size?" He ventured. It was practically a crime to talk back in any way to an owner, and Colton regretted speaking as soon as the words left his mouth. In response though, Ben's hand came out of nowhere and Colton felt the now familiar pressure of a finger stroking his hair. The sudden weight made him lose footing and collapse onto his owner's chest, his cheeks heating up in embarrassment.

"Pretty much." Ben's smile had returned.

He wouldn't think that if he knew what you've done in the past. The voice said. Colton tried to ignore it as he sat with his legs crossed on his owner's broad chest.