Domestic (Frye et al., Wolf & Duna): Wolf has to explain about the cat to the missus, Duna Valdileo. She's the Prone on the Ma-non ship with a thing for large humans.
All the good things belong to Monolithsoft.
The dishes clattered alarmingly in the food preparation area. Wolf left the others to discuss the upcoming mission and checked in with the woman making the racket. "Thanks for feeding ..."
"You brought home an animal without consulting me," Duna growled.
Wolf wanted to rub her shoulders, plant a kiss on every freckle along her neck, do something to reduce her fury. He knew that would be the wrong response, but could he help it if she was very attractive when she was angry? "I know. As soon as I'm back from this mission, I'll find the original owner."
"The one that abandoned it?"
"Or a better one," he corrected quickly. She continued sorting the dishes with vehemence. "If it's too much, we can find someone else to take care of it until I'm back. Maybe tell the xeno scouts that it's part of their training. Caring for Earth indigen or something."
She gave a rich snort of laughter, one that rolled straight down his spine. He took a chance and wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his cheek among her major tentacles. They flicked against his face, gentle, loving.
She set the clean dishes in precise stacks, a mere chiming sound now. "Prenar has fallen asleep with the animal in his arms. They are bonded now." She sighed, leaning back against him. "On Tormein, warriors would raise guard animals to protect the most populous villages. They looked something like that creature." She gestured, indicating an animal the height of her hip.
"It's a kitten. It won't grown much larger," Wolf whispered in her ear.
She sighed again. "We once were one with the land and the animals on it."
"I've seen how well the Prone can tame the indigen on this planet. I'm sure it'll work the same for cats."
She turned in his embrace. "And wolves?" she asked seriously.
"You know the answer to that," he answered. He kissed her brow, then said what she wanted, what she needed. "I am yours to command, Duna. Shall we keep the cat?"
"Yes. Prenar will enjoy learning how to take care of it with you."
a/n: Look, I swear the prompt said domestic. Wolf and Duna traveled to Cauldros to rescue Prenar, because a ghost asked them. Story is in Treasure of O'rrh Sim + Xenotober 2020 + AUgust 2022. Someday I'll collect them.
Next up: Boarding School. That'll be a challenge to cheese.