Chapter Text
He was at least twice her size. His body peppered with scales and a long hard tail. Though his underbelly from the neck to his upper thighs were all soft and warm. A long tail, thick at the base with a rounded end, rose from beneath him, slowly curling with curiosity.
His tongue made a brief show, tasting the air for a second. Thick. The room -the air- was thick with tension. Nervous tension. All from her. Or at least it felt that way.
She. She couldn't help it. She hadn't known at all like he thought she did. Only an hour ago, maybe two he had shown her. They were torn.
Still within a sea of misunderstanding. Yet, here they were. In their bedroom, atop the thin sheets and spooning. He grumbled, speaking at last.
“You screamed.”
A simple statement, true, but it still hurt her heart.
“Yes. That was the last thing I expected. That's the last thing I would have ever expected.” She lamented, but still guilt gnawed at her.
“I am scary to you.”
“You were. You tackled me. After…”
“I was trying to be playful.”
“Well it didn't come off that way. If I'd known this maybe it could have been.” She huffed and glared at the side table. “In a different situation, maybe we would've been rutting like animals? Who's to say?”
That at least got a smile out of him. Relaxing him a little. “Are you still afraid?”
“I don't think so.”
“Think?”
“I haven't even gotten a proper look at you. All I know is that you're...uh, much bigger now.”
He gave a little sigh, sagging a little as he allowed her enough wiggle room to slide out of his hold. Nervousness permeated from her. She could almost taste it as she moved to straddle his waist for a better look.
He cupped her back, urging her along until she trembled. “I...I've got this.”
“...good.” He rubbed her thigh with the pad of his thumb, “Don't fear me, Tot. It's just the outside that changed.”
“R-right.” She murmured, raking her eyes along and stopping to stare at his face.
“...”
“...”
“Well?”
“You...like an orca. Or a killer whale. Shark maybe...but on land.”
“Pilot whale, actually.”
“S-sure.” She murmured, her eyes moving south of his biceps. “You've got hands. Five...all five fingers and everything.”
He chuckled, more at her than anything but it was almost endearing. “Yes. Keep on.”
She nodded, ducking her head to hide the blush she sported. Continuing down his body and along his legs, the woman was surprised to find another familiarity.
“T-toes?!” She balked as a choked laugh welled in her throat. “T-Tank. That's why he calls you Toes?!”
He nodded, “I've never minded the nickname. Most of us don't have any toes.”
“T-Tank. Is-.”
“Yes, Tot, Tank is too.”
“W-what's he, uh, take after?”
“Sei.”
“What?”
“A sei whale.”
“O-oh.”
The two fell into a silence, though it wasn't entirely awkward. It was almost thoughtful. Slipping his hands around her waist, he drew her higher up his abdomen, reveling in the feeling of her flesh on his slick skin.
“Tot, look at me...and be honest.”
“Mm.” Her gaze met his, noticeably trying to make sure her gaze didn't waver.
He couldn't be mad at her. She was trying. Still giving her best to him even when she was so unsure. He let out a soft sigh.
“Does this change anything?”
“Rhyne-.”
But she stopped short at the look he gave her. “Please, Faera...please. Can we still be here together?”
“Of course.” She murmured, taking his head in her hands.
“Would...may I be intimate with you? Still?”
“Rhyne, dear god, yes.” Faera chuckled, though it was broken and strained. “Rhyne, I still love you. I'm just a little shaken up.”
“...o-oh.” Rhyne cupped her hips, giving them a soft squeeze, “That's...that's relieving. I thought…”
“I know. Believe me, I know.” Faera murmured and shifted closer to plant a kiss on his muzzle. “I'm sorry for earlier.”
The pilot shook his head and wrapped his arms around her. “Don't be. I'm just happy my starfish decided to give me a second glance.”