A Fox and a Tiger

A softer side

Ace didn't think Ahri would return so quickly. She thought the girl left and wouldn't come back until later in the night. Ace certainly didn't expect the girl to come back naked.

What made things worse is that Ace forgot to lock the door so she wouldn't get interrupted by anyone when she shifted into her beast-like form.

It's a 'must do everyday' kind of thing when you are a shifter. In order to keep the body of a beast, you need to shift and stay in that shifted state for a while. It's a blessing and a curse for those who have it.

That's one thing a shifter must do unless they want their shifting abilities to remain in hibernation which is a painful process where the bones and muscles stiffen and that person will not be able to move for a long period of time. If they try, it'll sound like branches creaking when blown by the wind. It's like lock-jaw but it won't kill you.

The two stare at each other for what seems like forever, until Ace made the first move.

She quietly approached the girl. Her instincts telling her to be cautious of Ahri. It's not her fault. It's just the animal inside of her. It would be best if she got both sides aquatinted with her new roommate.

Ahri clutched the towel tightly. She was afraid again of the giant animal and Ace could see that.

Ahri pressed her back against the door and squeezed her eyes shut. She was scared that Ace would do something bad to her. Ace wasn't the most gentle this morning with her when climbing back onto the bed which is why Ace is taking things slow... well, slower this time.

She stood in front of the fox and lowered her head down to her eye level.

Ace pressed her nose against Ahri's cheek. She inhaled the fox's scent. She smells fresh, Ace thought. Like lemons and oranges on a sunny day.

Ace continues to sniff Ahri carefully. She doesn't want to wander into deep waters. Plus, it's a good way for Ahri to get used to being around a big animal.

The tiger takes a few steps back and sits down. She quietly waits for Ahri to say something.

Ahri, though, is too stirred up to speak. It's understandable. It's not normal for predators to just come up and sniff smaller beings. She thought Ace was going to eat her, but the tiger didn't do that the first time or the second time, so maybe the third time would be the charm.

When Ahri didn't speak, Ace frowned out of disappointment and hopped into the bed and plopped down, releasing a heavy sigh.

It took Ahri a moment to recollect herself. She gathered some clothes and slipped into the bathroom.

What does she want from me? Ahri thought as she slipped on her clothes. I know we're roommates and all, but has she heard about personal space! Gods, she was sniffing my body. My... exposed body. The thought sent a shiver up her spine. I hope to gods I don't have a pervert for a roommate.

Ahri shook her head. It doesn't matter, It's almost over and I can put this whole day behind me.

The fox stepped out of the bathroom while putting on the finishing touches to her braid. She'll take her hair out before she leaves for dinner in two hours.

Ahri was happy that mostly everything went smoothly today, except for this morning and a few minutes ago. She does kind of feel bad for Ace. It's not really her fault having to shift into her other half.

Ahri peeked at her clock to see what time it was. Instead, she sees Ace poking at the picture of her friends and family.

"Hey," Ahri yelps which startled the large cat. "Be careful with that!"