Bit-ter Memories

Interlude

Safe.

He was surrounded by warmth, a pleasant combination of the woolen pocket he was curled up in and body heat from the human carrying him around. The soft, steady hum of the soul above him was soothing. He didn't have to think or move. It drowned out the screaming of his own soul and let him sleep. It was all over, all because of this human who blazed such a brilliant shade of yellow. He couldn't let go. It was a million lifetimes better than anything he had been in before.

He never had to see Tyson again. Never had to sacrifice his very soul and mind to the bastards whims just to protect those who were so much weaker than he was. He was glad that he had decided to finally place his life in their hands. Not that they seemed to realize that he had given himself to them. His human was rather oblivious.

"Smokes? Hey buddy, it's about time for lunch." He lifted his head as _____'s soft voice coaxed him into awareness. Fingers tentatively wrapped around his body, lifting him gently up from the pocket he had refused to move from. He immediately latched onto her hand, unwilling and unable to face anyone right now.

"It's only for a minute. I need to change." He let out a low whine, trying to pull himself back into the safety of his nest. _____ sighed, rubbing a thumb against his spine.

"You can stay in the room with me as long as you don't comment on my ass again."

"But it's nice."

"Smokes!"

"Fine." He grumbled, letting her lift him up and settle him on the nearby table. Chops, a bitty who's name he had only recently learned, had taken advantage of the human's kindness to cling to her like a leech. He was currently watching her as she tugged off her shirt, fingers latched into the soft curve of his socket. Smokes could see the dust falling from between his fingers as he scratched at the inside of his skull.

"Mama could eat more." He had claimed _____ it seemed, though the human had failed, as usual, to notice. Smokes wasn't sure if he really agreed with Chops. The human had more than enough curves for him. Chops' single red eyelight shivered, snapping in his direction. The creaky, jittery way he turned his skull did little to ease his nerves.

"Ya could too."

"I'm not hungry."

"Dat's a load o' bull."

"I don't want to eat right now."

"Dun mean ya can worry Mama by not eat'n 'nough." Needless to say, he didn't like Chops pointing out things he was blatantly ignoring. He simply hummed in response, much to the bitty's annoyance. Eating still felt like a luxury he didn't deserve. He hadn't done anything to earn it. Maybe if he was good ____ would let him work for a snack. He could just imagine burying himself between her thighs and...

"Okay. All set. Let's get you guys fed." Smokes blinked slowly, taking a moment to register her words. He blindly reached up, letting her scoop him up into her arms. She let Chops scurry up into her hood then cast her gaze down towards him.

"You alright buddy? You look a little dazed." So she had noticed. Smokes gave her the cheekiest grin he could muster.

"I'm fine. Just admiring the wonderful pair of peaches you got there." It took her a second, but the lovely shade of red that flooded her face was worth it.