Advent Of A Gunslinger

“Hm?” one of his ears flicked in response to the question, “I’m afraid I don’t follow…”

“It was never required of you to step in and help deal with my problems and yet…”

Mio shook his head. “I didn’t do that for that alone. I did it because you were there for me, Spitha. When no one else was. I thought I’d be dying alone on this planet because of my ideals, thinking about how much of a pipe dream they were. But you showed me that I still have potential.”

The dragoness almost scoffed in response as she slumped over with her chin resting on her claws. “...really? Me? Show you something? Stop joking around, Mio. I’m not capable of such a thing.”

“But you are,” he insisted, “Yes. Nobody’s perfect. Despite that, you’ve pushed through and faced your traumas head-on. All I’ve done is run from them. But you...the fact that you were willing to return and confront the man that ruined your life is something I have an insane amount of respect for.” He mewled a bit as he praised her actions, “That showed me that I still have a chance to repair that godforsaken place. Even though you were living in it, many others like you with good hearts also live here. And I won’t rest until each and every one of them get to live in a place that’s free of such...desolation and conflict. Like Panthera here.”

Mio’s words soothed the dragoness’ aching heart. She wrapped one of her arms around him, and pulled him in for a close hug. “...You’re a good man, Mio. No--a great one. Thank you for listening to me and helping me realize where I went wrong.”

The tom was pressed tightly against her chest, and couldn’t help himself. He purred, and nuzzled his head affectionately against her body. “Hey. I only did what I thought was right. You did all of the work yourself.”

“Maybe. But I’d be lying if I said I would’ve been able to come to this conclusion all on my own,” she flashed a gentle smile while rubbing one of her claws atop his head. “Now...I’m able to think more clearly.”

“That’s good to hearrrrrr…” he purred even more while nuzzling into her hand, “What’s yourrrr plan from this point?”

“I want to interrogate Ron myself,” she decided, “He needs to pay for what he’s done. Though...I am somewhat tired...maybe I should lie down to rest…” she muttered with a little yawn, and soon realized that she had been hugging Mio against her bosom the entire time. “...Ah!” She let him go and covered her face with her hands. “...I’m so sorry. I just wanted to hug you, I...I didn’t realize...please forgive me, Mio…”

Once he was released from her grip, the tom caught his breath. “Ahem...no it...no need to apologize at all. I...actually didn’t mind it to be honest.” Then, he yawned as well. “Ah...suppose it’s because I’m also tired. Your...erm...you...it--it reminded me of being on pillows,” he said in reference to her breasts in a roundabout way.

Spitha lowered her hands from her face, blushing somewhat, but more willing to speak. “...You think so? He’s never told me such a thing before…” she muttered as she broke eye contact, looking away in a self-conscious manner.

Mio already knew who she was referring to, and refused to let that man’s name rile him up any further. Instead, he focused on her well-being and spoke honestly. “I mean it, Spitha. The way you hugged me just then. I felt...safe, for lack of better term. As if I could relax and let my problems drift away.”

“...R-really?” she mumbled while slowly turning her head in his direction.

“Yes,” he affirmed with a nod, “Really.”

Silence. Then, Spitha started to giggle to herself. “Oh...you…”

“What’s the matter, ma’am?” he asked, flicking his tail.

“It’s funny you say that because…” she fidgeted as she sat there, twiddling her thumb-claws, “...I actually rather enjoyed hugging you. I felt...cared for. You’re one of the few people that have taken the time to help me feel like I matter. I couldn’t be more grateful…”

The tom gave a slight purr with his best smile. “W-well...I’m glad you feel--”

“How do I say this without sounding weird?” “Mio…” she cut him off and turned her head again, glancing at him shyly from the corner of her eye. “Would you like to...embrace me again? A-as we nap. So we can rest…”

“How do I respond to this without sounding weird…” He scratched the back of his head, and responded. “S-sure. Ahem--I mean, I’m willing to slee--er, relax with you if you want…”

Spitha nodded, and looked at him with her arms open wide. “Absolutely...come here…”

Mio removed his suit and glasses, placing them on a nearby coat rack. Then, he joined Spitha on the bed as she lied down on her left side. Then, she pressed him against her body so that they were effectively cuddling each other. She even went as far as draping her right leg over his legs to keep him firmly in place while hugging him protectively against her chest.

“Mm...this...feels nice…” the dragoness sighed with a relaxed trill. “How do you feel...Mio?”

“...Zzzzz…” the tom was already fast asleep and snoring quietly, soundly. Spitha’s bosom served as the perfect set of pillows for him to rest into as he finally was able to settle down with a clear head.

“...” Spitha paused, then looked down at him with a loving smile on her face. “Sleep well, my sweet man…” she said right before smooching him on the forehead and soon falling asleep herself.

About ten minutes passed since then, and Mau soon appeared--peering his head into the slightly ajar door to the guest room. “...Hel--oh…” he caught himself right before he called out to them, and gently shut the door. “Guess I’ll speak to them later.”

“What’s going on, sweetie?” Bombay said as she rounded the corner, and snuck a peek into the room right before her husband could close it all the way.

“Shhh,” he urged her to stay quiet as he walked away from the door. Once they were back in the living room, he spoke openly. “I went looking for them, but it appears they’ve fallen asleep together.”

“Awwrrrr…” Bombay purred with a satisfied cat-grin while clasping her paws together. “I knew this would happen the moment they showed up here. He’s a loving, but vulnerable man in need of a strong wife. And she’s a sweet, but troubled woman in need of a determined husband. It’s a perfect match.”

Mau scoffed at his wife’s ‘predictions,’ but couldn’t deny that there was some merit to them. “Pfft. You saw all that in another one of your palm readings?”

“That I did. The writing was on her claws as soon as I saw them.” she confidently replied as she sat upon the couch next to him, “But more importantly...given the evidence we have in regards to Klugetown, what should we have the troops do?”

The king-tom sighed as he sat back against the couch. “That...is the question.”