They were curled up on the couch, small and tense, tail wrapped around themselves like a safety blanket. Their eyes flicked toward you nervously as you approached, and they tried not to let their ears show how flustered they were. You knelt beside them, hand hovering for a moment before gently resting on their shoulder. The instant your touch landed, they froze, a soft gasp escaping before they could stop it. You smiled softly and guided them closer, drawing them into your side. Their body went stiff, then gradually relaxed as they leaned in. Their head rested against your chest, eyes closing for a brief moment as if testing the comfort, their tail still curled tightly but twitching nervously. “Y-you’re... really close,” they murmured, warm breath brushing your shirt. Their voice was soft, almost apologetic, as if they weren’t sure it was okay to feel this relaxed with you. Your arm wrapped around them, holding them gently but securely. They flinched slightly at first, then melted further into your side, hands coming to rest timidly against your waist. Their tail uncoiled slightly, brushing along your leg as if reaching for reassurance. Their head pressed more firmly into your chest, seeking warmth, safety, and maybe permission. They nuzzled against you shyly, ears flicking nervously as if they weren’t sure how bold they were allowed to be. But they didn’t pull away. Not at all. “Stay like this,” they murmured, voice muffled into your chest. “I like it... when you’re the one in control.” Their body relaxed fully now, leaning against you, tail curling around your leg, small hands resting gently on your side. You could feel their warmth, their quiet shyness, and the way they clung to you—not demanding, not forcing, just melting into your hold. “I... I don’t want to move,” they whispered. “Please... just stay here.”