It was comforting to feel the warmth on his thigh. He looked down to see her nuzzling into him. She is such a sweet girl. So full of child-like delight at the simplest of things.
'Sometimes, it is not worth being strong…' Oh how he longed to touch her face, to give her extra comfort in her slumber. The poor girl was full of boundless energy and he could not give her the attention that she deserved to help her get rid of it. He couldn't even play a game called Tag with her. He had tried, for her amusement, and it had resulted in a horrific bruise on her arm.
'I must protect her at all costs…' he thought with a grim look on his face. This is what he could do for her. He could protect her; he could take care of her. She meant the world to him.
Of course, that is all he could be to her. Her protector. He knew of her red feelings for that unworthy slime. Her, how did she put it… otp? He didn't blame her… that fool could do things for her that he wouldn't be able to do. He could touch her, hug her, and hold her, all without hurting her. 'Not me. I can only hurt her… as I have once before…' He cringed at the memory of snapping her back. Her pained wail would never leave his mind, for as long as he shall live.
He was broken anyway. His teeth, his horn, and at times, his bones. Pain that he only deserved for what he had done to her. At times he wondered if he was only punishing himself, allowing his battle made robots to harm him. But a part of him could not deny that he enjoyed what happened after his fights. When she would run up to him and help him with his wounds.
So she still hung around him. She would ask him for his permission to do things that she clearly wanted to do. He was grateful that she did, he managed to keep her safe from harm, many times. And now, she rested, quietly against him, as she always did. He considered himself lucky that she still wanted to be near him and rest.
However, if she knew what went through his mind at times… the sinful dreams he had of her. She would cringe from his presence; she would run from him as a frightened animal would. He couldn't risk that. He would hide his heart, as he did every day. He would hide his red feelings for her, she would never know, no one ever would.
He heard a soft mewling noise, and was broken from his thoughts. She rolled onto her back and looked up at him with a smile. "Morning Equius~!" He gave a small smile "Nepeta, it is not morning, it is the afternoon." She scrunched up her nose, "You know what I mean." He chuckled "Yes I suppose I do. Did you enjoy your…cat nap?" She stretched out and grinned "It was purrfect." She stood, her tail flickered playfully. "*The furry feline quirks her head* Purrhaps the stoic man would like to hunt out some prey with her?" He sighed and stood "That sounds e%quisite. Shall we journey to the kitchen?" She squealed in delight and ran ahead.
'Yes, it is better this way. She shall never know.'
And ignoring his aching heart, he followed her.