{"sf1_id":1662188,"sf2_id":"V1YN7dJe","title":"Chr0me Where L0ve Sh0uld Be","author":"Alfa_Barf","words":8225,"posted_at":"2020-12-18T06:06:29.000Z","tags":["Cyberpunk","F/M","Greentext","HMOFA","Human","Second Person","Sex","Wolfess"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1662188-chr0me-where-l0ve-sh0uld-be","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/V1YN7dJe","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/fd/bf/fdbf10a8-4586-464c-9bab-99b941d7a69a","description":"[Greentext] Not everyone can be one of the high-paid heroes of the streets, but Anon manages to be a hero for someone who needs it most.","content":"**[[CHAPTER 1: R0uga]]**  \n  \n\\\u003eYou are 4N0N  \n\\\u003eData courier, milk runner, and occasional decoy  \n\\\u003eYou get your off-the-books jobs from a network of spies, assassins, hackers…you name it  \n\\\u003eAll thanks to your indispensible abilities  \n\\\u003eThe most valuable of which is being completely indiscreet  \n\\\u003eYou've all but waltzed into hostile territories because you're so ignorable and non-menacing  \n\\\u003eYou've also felt there's little chance your employers will turn on you, considering they can barely remember your name  \n\\\u003eThen again, that just might be what they WANT you to think  \n\\\u003eCurrently you're in a chain of errands sending you all over the city  \n\\\u003eGet money from a hotel concierge, use it to buy a specific “gift\" from a little old lady, deliver said “gift\" to an office janitor…  \n\\\u003eThere's usually no negotiation required, as your contacts are so widely known (or rather, feared) that just name-dropping them is enough to get a client on your side  \n\\\u003eThe power is honestly a little exhilarating  \n\\\u003eBut even though you're almost never in any real danger, you're still prepared for the day you might get whacked by someone  \n\\\u003eOr left holding the bag like a patsy  \n\\\u003eSo, you're a little worried when you're sent a package by a handler you've never met before and instructed to take it to a locked-down research lab  \n\\\u003eA lock you can only bypass by first going to a fast food joint and specifically getting the “Runner's Sliders\" that come in a “kid's meal\"  \n\\\u003eLike any youth ordering a kid's meal, you're more interested in the toy  \n\\\u003eIt's a bulky “Wreckball\" card with some holographic rhino athlete on it  \n\\\u003eYou peel the image off to reveal the keycard underneath  \n\\\u003eThe research lab isn't hard to find, but it's been abandoned and derelict for so long nobody wants to go inside and get some kind of mutation or something  \n\\\u003eThe credentials on the keycard work out, and the door slides open for you to wander the empty lab looking for any kind of dead drop  \n\\\u003eWhat you find in a room deep within the facility makes your heart stop  \n\\\u003eBodies  \n\\\u003eEverywhere  \n\\\u003eMost have started decaying, while others are fresher  \n\\\u003eSome scientists, some gangsters, some that look like SWAT  \n\\\u003eSitting at the end of the room is a figure unlike the rest, slumped over and distant from the rest of the bloodbath  \n\\\u003eYou carefully move through the carnage until you're a stone's throw away from the lone figure  \n\\\u003eIt's a female anthro similar to a lupine…maybe…with a russet pelt and wearing pretty standard tactical gear  \n\\\u003eHer head snaps upright, revealing two bionic eyes of powder blue that glow brightly, though one is slightly dimmer and shows what looks to be a pupil  \n\\\u003eOne of her pointed ears is entirely cybernetic while the other is just torn in places  \n\\\u003eThe lower half of her muzzle is metal, as are her narrow ankles  \n\\\u003eIf she had a tail, as most anthros do, it's completely gone now  \n\\\u003eHer left arm is biotic and muscular, but the right one is something out of nightmares  \n\\\u003eIt's a vicious chrome apparatus, bent in more joints than what's natural for an animal, and the “claws\" are miniature scimitars with immaculate sharpness  \n\\\u003e\"I'll aff0rd y0u 0ne w0rd,\" she says.  \n\\\u003eHer voice might have had a beautifully melodic quality if not for the distortion sounding like speaking through a radio  \n\\\u003eInside a metal grate  \n\\\u003eUnderwater  \n\\\u003eShe flexes her metal claw and you return your focus to her declaration  \n\\\u003eIf old action flicks taught you anything, it's that your final word shouldn't be something damning like, “wait\", or “stop\", or “please\"  \n\\\u003eIf she's going to kill you, maybe she'll have some kind of conscious if she knows your name  \n\\\u003e4N0N  \n\\\u003eHer claw relaxes, and she sticks out her good arm  \n\\\u003e\"T0ss it here,\" comes her next command in the same twisted manner  \n\\\u003eYou obey  \n\\\u003eShe catches the package and slices it open with her claw  \n\\\u003e\"Turn ar0und. Y0u peek, y0u die.\"  \n\\\u003eYou obey  \n\\\u003eThere's clicking and whirring and the sickening grinding of metal, with grunts and gasps interspersed  \n\\\u003eYou can hear her stand up and approach you  \n\\\u003eYou expect her metal claw to touch you, or your innards, but not the gentle weight of her “real\" paw on your shoulder  \n\\\u003e\"Y0u sh0uld g0,\" she says.  \n\\\u003eEven with the haunting voice mask, you can still pick up concern in her tone  \n\\\u003eShe leaves the way you came, the only way out  \n\\\u003eYou trail her at a distance, keeping your hands in sight to not provoke her  \n\\\u003eOnce back at the sliding entrance door, she pauses  \n\\\u003e\"Were y0u f0ll0wed?\"  \n\\\u003eYou begin to say “no\", but stop yourself  \n\\\u003eYou may be ignored pretty often, but it's always possible you're being stalked  \n\\\u003e\"At least y0u're h0nest,\" she says  \n\\\u003eHer claw digs into the door like paper, causing screams on the other side  \n\\\u003eShe wrenches the door off its track and shoves it forward, bowling over more victims  \n\\\u003eThose were the lucky ones  \n\\\u003eYou see her dance of death but not the ambushers getting torn to ribbons on flanking sides of the doorway  \n\\\u003eWhen she's finished, she looks at you inquisitively  \n\\\u003e\"Friends of y0urs?\"  \n\\\u003eNo  \n\\\u003e\"G00d. Y0u have en0ugh insight to kn0w wh0 y0ur allies are, but n0t enough to make y0ur life a liability.\"  \n\\\u003eShe flicks the gore from her claw and turns to leave  \n\\\u003e\"If I were y0u, I'd seek new empl0yment.\"  \n\\\u003eYou nod to yourself and continue following her  \n\\\u003ePart of you warns you not to go after her, but the other tells you not to hastily run off and make yourself easy prey  \n\\\u003e\"R0uga, 4N0N,\" she says to break the silence. “N0, there isn't m0re y0u need to kn0w.\"  \n\\\u003eFine by you.   \n\\\u003eThis whole city has enough shady, tragic backstories  \n  \n\\\u003eThe two of you walk through the neon-pulsing streets  \n\\\u003eThough intimidating, an anthro sporting some combat chrome isn't entirely out of the question  \n\\\u003eThat doesn't stop a few gawkers, though  \n\\\u003eHer movement only halts in front of a boarded up theater  \n\\\u003eIts letters are scrambled and missing in several places, but several posters in decent condition are plastered on the walls  \n\\\u003eValencia Vix  \n\\\u003eTubby Whiskers  \n\\\u003eThe Tomfoolery Twins  \n\\\u003eAll wealthy, all talented, all gorgeous  \n\\\u003eR0uga growls  \n\\\u003eThe claws flex and slice through the posters  \n\\\u003eBrick and all  \n\\\u003eA few passerby run off as R0uga is left to stew in her anger  \n\\\u003e\"D0 y0u need m0ney?\" she blurts out after a while  \n\\\u003eYou ARE unemployed now, apparently  \n\\\u003eThose glowing eyes look through you, shaded by a furrowed brow  \n\\\u003e\"I need….\"  \n\\\u003eShe tries to find a word  \n\\\u003e\"…Supervis0n\"  \n\\\u003eHer bionic eyes seem to work just fine, so-  \n\\\u003eOh, THAT kind of supervision  \n\\\u003e\"What d0 y0u want? F0ur grand? Seven? Nine!?\"  \n\\\u003eHer voice becomes more hysteric with each number, and there's subtle feedback ringing in it as she gets louder  \n\\\u003eYou tell her you usually don't take a job before you know all the criteria  \n\\\u003eShe winces, and you get a taste of the serrated fangs she's outfitted with  \n\\\u003eWell, you're open to negotiations, anyway  \n\\\u003e\"Please, c0me with me.\"  \n  \n\\\u003eYou're led to a dim apartment flat, the kind you always imaged those who run the shadows would squat in  \n\\\u003eIt's surprisingly well furnished, if you ignore the claw marks in the walls and all the furniture being bisected  \n\\\u003eYou're led into the bathroom, the brightest room in the place  \n\\\u003eThe light coming down on the shower stall looks as though it's presented by the gods  \n\\\u003eR0uga grabs her mechanical arm with her “good\" one, pulling hard  \n\\\u003eA blood-curdling scream comes from her modulated throat  \n\\\u003eThe arm pops free, leaving a small socket almost entirely hidden by her fur  \n\\\u003e\"Never…gets easier…\" she huffs\"  \n\\\u003eThe shower is kicked on and steam soon fills the room  \n\\\u003eIt's a little impressive how fluidly she disrobes with one arm, almost distracting you from her full nudity  \n\\\u003eYou turn away, remembering her threat from the lab  \n\\\u003e\"Y0u might as well, n0W,\" she says. “Y0u'll have t0 st0mach me anyway a little later.\"  \n\\\u003eShe steps into the shower as you examine her further  \n\\\u003eHer tail indeed looks as though it had been forcibly removed at some point, and ridges of metal follow her spine  \n\\\u003eBut apart from the modifications you've already seen on her, she is otherwise a stunning individual  \n\\\u003eDowny russet fur  \n\\\u003eToned thighs  \n\\\u003eAnd some weighty breasts that definitely aren't “augmented\"  \n\\\u003eShe pushes against the tiled wall with her lone arm and lets the water drip over her  \n\\\u003eShe's motionless for almost half an hour  \n\\\u003eShowers and rain make everyone cry, but something tells you she's genuine about it  \n\\\u003eFinally the water is shut off, and she grabs a towel  \n\\\u003e\"W0uld y0u?\" her voice warbles  \n\\\u003eYou take the cloth and delicately dry her off  \n\\\u003e\"I'm very damp,\" she says. “Y0u're g0ing t0 have t0 be m0re vig0r0us.\"  \n\\\u003eThe towel is so old and ratty that nothing is left to the imagination when you glide over her curves  \n\\\u003eNow you're curious what that thing was you gave her, and where she stuck it  \n\\\u003eNot curious enough to ask, obviously  \n\\\u003eShe walks out of the bathroom with the towel still draped around her  \n\\\u003eThere's a bed in the corner, enough room for her and the space she beckons you over to  \nIt's hard not to look at her naked form, but whenever you avert her eyes she tries to position herself into your sight  \n\\\u003e\"I repulse y0u,\" she whines  \n\\\u003eYou tell her you're just trying to be polite  \n\\\u003eShe wraps her arm around your head and buries it into her chest  \n\\\u003e\"I'm still flesh and b0ne, I swear,\" R0uga says, pulling you deeper into her bosom  \n\\\u003eThere's a soft droning sound inside, but you can feel her heartbeat all the same  \n\\\u003eShe lets you catch some air, looking into your eyes  \n\\\u003eIt's a pitiful expression, and her cybernetic features on such a soft form make her look like a much-loved stuffed toy that was vainly repaired to prolong its life  \n\\\u003eYou reach up to touch her muzzle, cupping the metal half with your palm but stroking the organic half with your fingers  \n\\\u003eIt's heartbreaking to hear such a deadly creature reduced to a whimpering wreck before you  \n\\\u003eCareful of her sharp fangs, you kiss the upper lips of her mouth, running down the whole length on both sides  \n\\\u003eEvery touch and caress that would be simple foreplay for anyone else puts a disarming shiver throughout her body  \n\\\u003eShe definitely doesn't allow herself to be this vulnerable, ever  \n\\\u003eNow that you've made that fissure, she's powerless to keep her body from betraying her  \n\\\u003eShe deserves this, you tell yourself  \n\\\u003eYou lower down to her tender vulva and spread it with your fingers  \n\\\u003eIt takes only a single glide of your tongue to get her to cry out  \n\\\u003eHer one paw clenches your scalp, and even the shoulder on her empty side tenses up with its phantom limb  \n\\\u003eYou give her a moment to recover before diving in for a more vigorous effort  \n\\\u003eHer legs wrap over your back, the metal in her ankles clinking together as they cross  \n\\\u003eAnd she convulses with her climax  \n\\\u003eYou give her only a pause, then you're back at it  \n\\\u003eYou get a pretty decent tally going of how many times you make her orgasm  \n\\\u003eAnd yet, she slowly builds up a tolerance, able to last a little longer each round  \n\\\u003eBut eventually she's had enough, feebly trying to keep you away  \n\\\u003eHer body spasms with strain and fatigue, her limbs splayed out over the bed  \n\\\u003eHer chest heaves with her panting, and her tongue lolls from her muzzle  \n\\\u003e\"Ha…ha…\" she tries to speak  \n\\\u003eYou lie beside her, immediately pulled into her one-arm embrace  \n\\\u003e\"H-ha…h0w…h0w much?\"  \n\\\u003eHmm?  \n\\\u003eYou give her a confused look  \n\\\u003e\"Y0ur payment. H0w much…d0 y0u want?\"  \n\\\u003eThe thought hadn't even occurred to you  \n\\\u003eBut as you lie with R0uga and drift to sleep, there's only one thing you hope she'll give you  \n  \n\\\u003eThe morning sun brightens the flat, showing you the full extent of R0uga's loneliness and rage  \n\\\u003e\"Careful,\" she warns as you help her reattach her weaponized arm  \n\\\u003eShe sharply inhales as you slot it in, eliciting a pained groan  \n\\\u003e\"It takes time t0 feel the arm when it g0es in,\" she says, “but taking it 0ut is like ripping y0ur arm 0ff all 0ver again.\"  \n\\\u003eShe's once again the cybernetic lupine warrior you found her as  \n\\\u003eBut maybe a little tougher this time  \n\\\u003e\"I can't pr0mise y0u safety in this kind of life, and the last thing I want is t0 put y0u in harm's way. But….\"  \n\\\u003eShe places her good paw on your chest  \n\\\u003e\"If I can always find y0u waiting f0r me here, I will give y0u everything I can.\"  \n\\\u003eThat's all you need to hear  \n\\\u003eNobody else's voice would sound right to you anymore  \n  \n  \n  \n**[[CHAPTER 2: L0ve in a G0rge0us Dress]]**  \n  \n\\\u003e4n0n the courier on another delivery  \n\\\u003eYour russet, cybernetic wolf companion R0uga is the client once again  \n\\\u003eLike last time, you have no idea what's in the parcel  \n\\\u003eIt's a much larger box, though fairly light  \n\\\u003eWhatever it is, it's cause for R0uga to threaten you for the first time since you met her  \n\\\u003e\"D0n't let it get damaged, n0 matter what y0u d0,\" she warns you in that stern, modulated voice  \n\\\u003eHer glowing eyes and half-artificial muzzle don't faze you in the slightest anymore, but disappointing a close friend?  \n\\\u003eA lover even?  \n\\\u003eThat's the biggest fear imaginable  \n\\\u003eYou retrieved the objective in an alley half blocked by an inconspicuous truck  \n\\\u003eA horse with an excessive number of piercings and several data jacks along his neck handed you the container  \n\\\u003e\"Be careful with this,\" he muttered. “Just got an upgrade to my own package, if ya' know what I mean, and I don' want it ripped off if the goods don' get to her in mint condition.\"  \n\\\u003eWay too much information there, buddy  \n\\\u003eThe box itself was from what you recognized to be a high-class, luxury apparel chain  \n\\\u003eAh, maybe kind of like hiding a gun in a box of roses?  \n\\\u003eYou've gotten a couple of those types of deliveries in your career  \n\\\u003eBut it seemed a little dangerous to hide the objective in a container from such an expensive, reputable department store  \n\\\u003eNot that you can't handle a few muggers, but R0uga is usually more conscious of things like that  \n\\\u003eWhen you return to the grungy little apartment the wolf's eyes light up  \n\\\u003eLiterally  \n\\\u003eBut when you present the box she backs away  \n\\\u003e\"Put it d0wn,\" her voice warbles, “and help me take this 0ff first.\"  \n\\\u003eShe holds out her vicious, razor-equipped arm  \n\\\u003eYou pull it from its shoulder socket, and the wolf screams in pain  \n\\\u003eIt hasn't gotten much less difficult to remove the augment, but you do believe there's a tiny bit more ease to it  \n\\\u003eNot because of an increase of tolerance on R0uga's part, but because you're there to comfort her  \n\\\u003eOr so you like to think  \n\\\u003eAs you set down the clawed weapon she snatches up the box with her good arm and shuts herself in the bathroom  \n\\\u003eSilence  \n\\\u003eMinutes go by  \n\\\u003eYou hear faint ruffling, then a click  \n\\\u003eMore silence  \n\\\u003eThen sobbing  \n\\\u003eYou knock, but there's no response  \n\\\u003eWorried, you open the door  \n\\\u003eStanding in front of the mirror is R0uga, wearing a beautiful strapless dress that flows down past her metal ankles  \n\\\u003eInserted into her empty shoulder socket is a decorative corsage designed like a blooming flower or a firework's explosion  \n\\\u003eA silky gorget is wrapped around her neck and several sparkling bands occupy her solo arm  \n\\\u003eEven with cyber eyes she manages to shed a few tears  \n\\\u003eThe organic lip on the top half of her mouth quivers over the metal jaw beneath  \n\\\u003eShe shifts her gaze to you in the reflection and gives a timid smile  \n\\\u003eYou put your hands on the cyber wolf's shoulders  \n\\\u003eHer throat makes a melodic whining sound  \n\\\u003eHer ears, both natural and prosthetic, fold back  \n\\\u003e'T-thank y0u, 4n0n.\"  \n  \n\\\u003eR0uga spends extra time cleaning herself up before the two of you head out for a night on the town  \n\\\u003eShe keeps the hem of her dress pulled up slightly to keep it off the dirty concrete  \n\\\u003eIf you covered up the manufactured pieces, she'd look like quite the well-groomed, aristocratic wolf  \n\\\u003eBut it's the whole bundle you love about her, flaws and all  \n\\\u003eYou pass a familiar theater with the outside walls covered in posters  \n\\\u003eEach one advertising some gorgeous celebrity or performer  \n\\\u003eR0uga puffs her chest out to look dignified, but your gentle touch reminds her of whose judgment means the most  \n\\\u003eThe fanciest club on this side of town is like a haven amidst the ghettos and ruins  \n\\\u003eThe doorman gives R0uga a once-over, but you're admitted in without a fuss as the wolf adds a little extra to the cover fee  \n\\\u003eWithout a single drink or dance she already looks like she's fulfilled her life's biggest goal  \n\\\u003eFitting in  \n\\\u003eShe doesn't even touch alcohol for a while, and her dancing is just a reserved bob of the head and slight leaning from side to side  \n\\\u003eShe's a pup at a prom, and you're happy to be there with her  \n\\\u003eYou eventually grab some refreshments and lounge at the bar  \n\\\u003eR0uga orders her drink with a straw  \n\\\u003eThe bartender is a young human woman with the same neon, half-shaven haircut that no rebellious punk can be without these days  \n\\\u003e\"Your girl's outfitted pretty nicely there,\" she says, flipping around a cocktail shaker  \n\\\u003eR0uga looks down to her dress with a grin  \n\\\u003e\"Thank y0u.\"  \n\\\u003e\"Actually, I meant your chrome.\"  \n\\\u003eR0uga's luminous eyes go wide, and she chuckles shyly  \n\\\u003eYou wrap an arm around her waist  \n\\\u003eThere's a subtle way she fidgets in her seat, as though she'd be wagging her tail furiously if she still had one  \n\\\u003eThe night can't go without a hitch, sadly  \n\\\u003eA small posse of boars and their boar-like human leader come stomping up to the bar  \n\\\u003e\"Never thought you'd bother showing your ugly muzzle around a ritzy place like this, R0uga,\" the leader snorts  \n\\\u003eHe jabs you in the chest with his fat knuckles  \n\\\u003e\"This your bitch for the night?\"  \n\\\u003e\"D0n't y0u t0uch him!\" she growls  \n\\\u003eYou're ready to grab a bottle to smash over his head if given the chance  \n\\\u003eEven the bartender reaches behind the counter for a little “backup\" if the situation goes south  \n\\\u003eThe thug sneers at the wolf  \n\\\u003e\"Never mind the dress, you're not so intimidating without that nasty claw of yours. Did ya' leave it in your purse tonight?\"  \n\\\u003eHe reaches over and grabs a handful of the petals on her corsage  \n\\\u003eAnd she grabs his wrist  \n\\\u003eYou hear the snapping of bone as the man wails in pain  \n\\\u003e\"I d0n't need it. I'm still str0nger than y0u.\"  \n\\\u003eThe wolf sweeps the man's legs and uses the momentum to throw him against the bar  \n\\\u003eIt leaves an impressive dent in the surface, but clearly outdone by the one on his head  \n\\\u003eThe boar lackeys back off in fear  \n\\\u003eSeveral other clubbers look shocked and worried, though a few look relieved to have such an obnoxious brute taken out  \n\\\u003eR0uga looks to the bartender in shame  \n\\\u003e\"I'm s0rry….\"  \n\\\u003eThe punkish girl takes out a tablecloth and wipes the spot the thug slammed into with a smirk  \n\\\u003e\"I didn't see shit.\"  \n  \n\\\u003eYou and R0uga find a private, enclosed booth to get away from the crowd for a while  \n\\\u003eShe strokes the damaged corsage as though it were a dying pet  \n\\\u003eIt's crumpled a bit and a few petals were torn out in the scuffle  \n\\\u003e\"It wasn't t00 cheap either,\" she laughs morosely  \n\\\u003eYou take her paw in your hands  \n\\\u003eYou tell her you like it better this way  \n\\\u003e\"D0 y0u…h0nestly mean it?\"  \n\\\u003eAbsolutely  \n\\\u003eThe extravagant clothes aren't who she is  \n\\\u003eEven the bartender appreciated the wolf for her imperfections  \n\\\u003eNow her clothes start to better match the rest of the rugged, asymmetrical look of the one-of-a-kind wolf you truly care for  \n\\\u003e\"In that case, I supp0se I w0n't need this dress n0w.\"  \n\\\u003eR0uga takes the bottom of her dress and slowly rolls it up with her one arm  \n\\\u003eYou think she's going to stop at her legs, or even her thighs  \n\\\u003eBut when she keeps going you see she wasn't keeping anything hidden underneath  \n\\\u003eHer glistening lips, spared from the cyber-surgery that adorns other parts of her body, are swollen and inviting  \n\\\u003eShe moves to where you're sitting and relieves you of the painful growth being restricted by your pants  \n\\\u003e\"Y0u have given me s0 much l0ve I can't pay y0u back f0r. I want t0 change that.\"  \n\\\u003eShe eases down onto your lap, warming you with her lustful heat  \n\\\u003eR0uga certainly doesn't need you to hold her up for support, but she leans into you nonetheless with her arm wrapped around your neck  \n\u0026nbsp;\\\u003eShe's pressed up against you so closely you can hear the humming of her bionic insides  \n\\\u003eHer hips pump on your shaft, riding her dress up enough for you to reach in and stroke her back  \n\\\u003eKissing is still a little too awkward for her, but you plant one on her furry muzzle and give her the attention she deserves  \n\\\u003eShe doesn't feel like a damaged, worn out creature  \n\\\u003eRather, an experienced, well-loved queen  \n\\\u003eR0uga could break you in an instant, and there are some days you see the bad side of her  \n\\\u003eWell, YOU aren't on the receiving end, but you don't envy the souls of those who are  \n\\\u003eHowever, it's moments like this that make you power through the dangers  \n\\\u003eHer growls are whirs and her squeaks are chirps, unafraid of how you'll react to her noises  \n\\\u003eThe bucking becomes fevered  \n\\\u003eHer tightness even more electrifying than you could dream of  \n\\\u003eMaybe she DID enhance something down there…  \n\\\u003eYou reach your edge and her howling pushes you over with her  \n\\\u003eYour climax rings in you ears along with her voice and she brings the two of you down with a metallic coo  \n\\\u003eIf you weren't blinded by the stars of the afterglow, her piercing eyes do the trick as they shine directly into yours  \n\\\u003eWhen your vision returns, R0uga's paw is reaching for your cheek  \n\\\u003e\"4n0n…\"  \n\\\u003eShe leans in close to your ear  \n\\\u003e\"I love you.\"  \n\\\u003eThe volume of her voice is so hushed you can't hear the feedback or the modulation added to it  \n\\\u003eYou think she's doing it to please you, as though she were a regular wolf  \n\\\u003eYou tell her to say it again  \n\\\u003eNot because you're THAT conceited, but because you want to hear her words the way you love  \n\\\u003e\"4n0n, I l0ve y000u!\"  \n\\\u003eThe only thing restrictive and out of place on your cybernetic wolf at this point is the dress  \n\\\u003eAnd it's getting boxed up the second you get back to the apartment, right before you continue the passion well into the morning  \n  \n  \n  \n**[[CHAPTER 3: The G00d D0cter]]**  \n  \n\\\u003eIt's a serene moment in your squalor of an apartment  \n\\\u003eThough your living conditions haven't improved much since you moved in with R0uga, having her around is all you need most days  \n\\\u003eYou get the sense she feels the same way about you  \n\\\u003eYou've gotten a glimpse at how many credits the russet cyberwolf has stashed away, and it's no small sum  \n\\\u003eBut with how much tech and chrome she has to maintain, you can understand why she'd hoard her wealth for special circumstances  \n\\\u003eSuch is the life of one who runs the shadows just to make ends meet  \n\\\u003eStill, she enjoys cheap comforts having little to do with being frugal  \n\\\u003eWhen the two of you return from a long or rough day—like getting jumped by a dozen tweaking gangers—she just wants to sit down with a nice box of Insta-Din  \n\\\u003eYou even get it ready for her as she cleans off all the ganger blood  \n\\\u003eR0uga sits happily in front of the television, chomping away at her food  \n\\\u003eWatching college Wreckball intently  \n\\\u003eShe's a completely different person when she's not out on the streets fighting for her life  \n\\\u003eWhen she isn't outfitted with her razor-claw limb, she wears decorative prosthetic caps  \n\\\u003eLike the corsage she wore on your date  \n\\\u003eIt's incredible how dexterous she can be with just one good arm  \n\\\u003eIn more ways than one  \n\\\u003eThe weathered cyberwolf gives you a friendly smile  \n\\\u003eSo much about her is flawed, but none of the well-groomed or cosmetically augmented anthros do anything for you  \n\\\u003eAnd what R0uga lacks in organic parts she makes up for with affection  \n\\\u003eHer glowing eyes close with blissful contentment, but they suddenly snap back open  \n\\\u003eIn the brighter of the two eyes, a fleck of red flashes in the corner  \n\\\u003eNo doubt some kind of HUD icon alerting her to something  \n\\\u003eSomething that scares her  \n\\\u003eR0uga never shows fear, but now she's shaking in her seat  \n\\\u003eYou try to console her, but it just makes the shaking worse  \n\\\u003eHer voice warbles in its modulated way  \n\\\u003e\"It's alm0st time for r0utine maintenance,\" she whines. “I have t0 g0 t0 the d0ct0r f0r a checkup and repairs.\"  \n\\\u003eWell, fear of doctor visits is understandable  \n\\\u003eYou can only imagine what they mean for someone like R0uga  \n\\\u003e\"Please, 4n0n,\" she says to you, “I d0n't want to g0 al0ne. Will y0u c0me with me?\"  \n\\\u003eYou technically never stopped being hired by R0uga to be her supervisor  \n\\\u003eHer guardian and caretaker  \n\\\u003eIn exchange for a place to live and a share of her credits, you're obligated to assist her however she needs it  \n\\\u003eBut all that is irrelevant when you would do anything she asks purely out of love  \n\\\u003eYou'd never think to leave her, even if it means putting your life on the line for whatever mission she has to deal with  \n\\\u003eYou give R0uga your promise to go along with her  \n\\\u003eHer shaking lessens  \n\\\u003e\"Thank y0u…\"  \n\\\u003eShe looks glumly to her weaponized arm sitting in the corner of the room  \n\\\u003eNot exactly an eager look on her face as she removes the corsage and places it gingerly on the couch beside her  \n  \n\\\u003eEven with the amount of wealth R0uga has, she still can't afford top-of-the-line enhancements  \n\\\u003eMost of her augments help her perform better than any human by far, but the models are outdated and the wear on them is significant  \n\\\u003eLicensed medical facilities won't even touch her at this point, no matter how much money she'd throw at them  \n\\\u003eWhen the world is steeped in litigation and red tape, your life exists in its own separate world  \n\\\u003eYou're effectively classless, even below wage slaves  \n\\\u003eHell, it's been ages since you've gone to a “formal\" doctor yourself  \n\\\u003eIt's just too costly, and when you run the shadows not a lot of clinics will take your insurance card  \n\\\u003eNot your legal one, anyway…  \n\\\u003eSo rather than get her gear at an authorized seller, R0uga has to settle for a more “independent\" distributor  \n\\\u003eSkirting the city limits is a bar you've since grown to be familiar with  \n\\\u003eThe Dive and Dunkle  \n\\\u003eTrue to its name, it's the definition of a dive bar  \n\\\u003eDark by intention, and by the character of its patrons to boot  \n\\\u003eR0uga takes you here from time to time, but it's not for a few drinks this evening  \n\\\u003eThe cyberwolf's eyes glow especially bright in the dim ambiance  \n\\\u003eThe two of you make your way to the bar counter, where a minotaur is scrubbing the inside of a glass with his littlest finger  \n\\\u003e\"Little early for you to be drinking, R0uga,\" the minotaur grumbles. “I expect you're lookin' for Snippet?\"  \n\\\u003eThe cyberwolf nods silently  \n\\\u003e\"A'right.\"  \n\\\u003eThe minotaur leans in and lowers his voice to a bassy whisper  \n\\\u003e\"It's 1, 14, 15, 14 tonight. Inner, outer, outer, inner.\"  \n\\\u003eR0uga nods again, then heads toward the very back of the bar  \n\\\u003eYou follow her into a game room, where lumpy billiard tables and flickering arcade machines go unused  \n\\\u003eAlong the far wall is an inconspicuous dartboard  \n\\\u003eTo a seasoned hired hand like yourself, “inconspicuous\" is the first place you look for something hidden  \n\\\u003eR0uga taps the spaces of the dartboard with her good arm  \n\\\u003eAfter putting in the sequence she presses the bull's-eye  \n\\\u003eThe wall swings open, leading to some downward stairs  \n\\\u003eThings like this rarely catch you off guard, but it's a little surprising that R0uga has never taken you here before  \n\\\u003eThough if she's not looking forward to whatever it is, then you're not so sorry about being left in the dark  \n\\\u003eThe two of you descend to an underground mall of sorts  \n\\\u003eNot very spacious, but packed with anything one would need for any kind of shadowy “service\"  \n\\\u003eA wall of guns behind impenetrable glass  \n\\\u003eA drug store for heavily discounted pharmaceuticals  \n\\\u003eA forgery station for any document, physical or electronic  \n\\\u003eAnd finally, a clinic  \n\\\u003eBasically a glorified chop shop and secondhand augmentation fence  \n\\\u003e[The Doctor Is In], a small sign reads outside the door next to a waiting bench  \n\\\u003eYou're a little tense not knowing what's in there  \n\\\u003eR0uga's tense knowing exactly what's in there  \n\\\u003eWith a deep breath from both of you, you enter the doctor's office  \n\\\u003eThere's no formal reception here, just a desk with nearby examination table  \n\\\u003eAnd a pretty heavily locked closet  \n\\\u003eBehind the desk is a homely looking female opossum, puffing away at an electronic cigar  \n\\\u003eShe looks from R0uga to you, then back to her with little beetle eyes  \n\\\u003e\"You came faster than usual, R0uga\" she croaks. “Definitely didn't think you'd show up tonight. I was just going to head home.\"  \n\\\u003e\"I have s0me0ne with me for m0ral supp0rt,\" the cyberwolf says  \n\\\u003eThe opossum's eyes are back on you  \n\\\u003e\"To…wait for you? You know I can't let you have someone in here during the examination.\"  \n\\\u003e\"Please, Dr. Snippet,\" R0uga says, “he w0n't be any tr0uble. I give y0u my w0rd.\"  \n\\\u003eThe opossum takes one last draw of her cigar and sighs the smoke out  \n\\\u003e\"Alright, fine. Up on the table with you.\"  \n\\\u003eYou pull up a chair next to R0uga while Snippet snaps some gloves on  \n\\\u003eThe doctor grabs R0uga's chrome arm near the shoulder  \n\\\u003e\"You ready?\" she coughs  \n\\\u003eR0uga's other paw finds your hands  \n\\\u003eYou clench it tightly with a quick kiss  \n\\\u003e\"Three…two…one…\"  \n\\\u003eThe arm is wrenched out with a sickening jerk  \n\\\u003eR0uga howls in pain, but it's a short-lived cry  \n\\\u003eSnippet looks shocked, nearly fumbling the arm as though it has a mind of its own  \n\\\u003e\"You're full of surprises today, girl,\" she laughs in disbelief. “That's the easiest I've ever seen you take it.\"  \n\\\u003eThe cyberwolf pants softly and looks to you with relief  \n\\\u003eShe's not wrong  \n\\\u003eThough it's not a process she enjoys, R0uga gets better at handling the removal each time  \n\\\u003e\"Alright, you're going to have to strip down next, so you might want to ask your friend to—“  \n\\\u003eR0uga removes her clothes down to her underwear without hesitation  \n\\\u003eSnippet blinks in amusement  \n\\\u003e\"So…you're just for moral support, huh?\" the opossum says to you  \n\\\u003eYou continue to hold R0uga's paw as the doctor begins the examination  \n\\\u003eShe pokes and prods around R0uga, making verbal notes as she goes  \n\\\u003e\"Heart rate nominal. The adrenaline dispenser battery has good life to it still. Spinal reinforcements decent…might need to pop this one back into alignment…a…bit…there!\"  \n\\\u003eR0uga grunts through the procedure, but she doesn't look to be in too much pain  \n\\\u003e\"Cyber-optics looking fine, though it doesn't look like there's much I can do about the glow on this one. No effect on vision, though, from what I can tell.\"  \n\\\u003eSnippet cleans out the wolf's shoulder socket, checks her jaw for any loose screws, and calibrates the cybernetic ear  \n\\\u003e\"Prosthetic arm connection looks a little stripped. Might have to get that changed out someday. Honestly, I wish you'd just get a regular arm instead of that hideous looking thing. I could get you a decent price on something thrice-used.\"  \n\\\u003eThe cyberwolf just shakes her head  \n\\\u003e\"I'm fine with0ut anything in there when I'm n0t using it. 4n0n is my sec0nd arm.\"  \n\\\u003e\"Yeah, that much I got.\"  \n\\\u003eSnippet grabs a tray after the examination is over  \n\\\u003eThere are several needles and bottles arranged haphazardly on it  \n\\\u003eR0uga's breathing gets faster  \n\\\u003e\"You know the drill. Gotta get the fluids running well and the spots 'round the chrome vaccinated. You, uh, may want to hold her still a while longer.\"  \n\\\u003eR0uga's paw is practically crushing your hand, but you stay strong for her sake  \n\\\u003eHer pelt is assaulted with shots and burning tinctures  \n\\\u003eIt only takes a few minutes to apply everything, but time stretches on as you watch the wolf's duress  \n\\\u003eFinally, the chrome arm is snapped back on  \n\\\u003eWhen the job's all done, Snippet pats R0uga on the leg  \n\\\u003e\"Maybe it was for the best to let your friend help out. You did an amazing job keeping your cool this time. I got to walk away without any slashes, too.\"  \n\\\u003eR0uga looks at the opossum sheepishly  \n\\\u003eShe gets dressed and hands over a credstick to the doctor  \n\\\u003e\"You're good to go. I'll send a reminder for your next checkup as usual.\"  \n\\\u003eThe cyberwolf looks to Snippet expectantly  \n\\\u003eThe opossum chuckles roughly  \n\\\u003e\"Fine, you big baby.\"  \n\\\u003eShe digs through her desk and pulls out a stick of rock candy  \n\\\u003eR0uga munches away at it with glee as you both head back up to the bar  \n  \n\\\u003eWhen you reach the apartment, R0uga looks a little woozy  \n\\\u003e\"I feel s0 s0re every time I c0me h0me from that.\"  \n\\\u003eDespite her condition, she still wants that arm out of her  \n\\\u003eThe anesthetics make it a much simpler chore for both of you  \n\\\u003eYou lead R0uga to the bed and ease her down  \n\\\u003e\"I'll have t0 rest a while…while the drugs w0rk thr0ugh my system.\"  \n\\\u003eShe went through a lot today, for sure  \n\\\u003eThe least you can do now is make her feel comfortable  \n\\\u003eYou massage her neck and shoulders  \n\\\u003eR0uga hums loudly as you work your fingers into her fur  \n\\\u003eYour thumbs travel downward and dig into the muscles opposite her metal spine  \n\\\u003eThen you return to her head and stroke her cheeks and the top of her muzzle  \n\\\u003eShe's in complete rapture  \n\\\u003eBut there's still one more spot to tend to  \n\\\u003eHer torn, organic ear  \n\\\u003eEver since you've found her biggest weakness, it's become her favorite spot for you to play with  \n\\\u003eYou delicately rub the back of her ear and gently squeeze the folds  \n\\\u003eYour fingertips glide over the ridges, following the motion of the ear as she swivels it around  \n\\\u003eYou even give it a playful bite with your lips  \n\\\u003eR0uga shudders with pleasure  \n\\\u003eNot every intimate moment with her needs to be sexual  \n\\\u003eMost of the time, this is more than enough for her  \n\\\u003eThe parts of her not plated or screwed in are highly sensitive, but not in a harmful way  \n\\\u003eShe needs this  \n\\\u003eNot just the attention, but also your devotion  \n\\\u003e\"If I had g0tten the aut0-v0cals, I w0uld tell y0u h0w much I l0ve y0u 0ver and 0ver again…all night l0ng.\"  \n\\\u003eShe turns to face you and wraps her good arm around your body  \n\\\u003eHer strength allows her to give you the firmest, warmest hug you've ever had  \n\\\u003e\"But I'll say it anyway f0r as l0ng… as I stay awake…\"  \n\\\u003eYou lay her back against the pillows, then tuck her under the sheets  \n\\\u003eOnly her smiling head is visible  \n\\\u003e\"I l0ve y0u… I l0ve y0u… I l0ve y0u…4n0n…\"  \n\\\u003eJust like she said, she repeats those words to you until fatigue lulls her to sleep  \n\\\u003eYou give R0uga a kiss on the top of her muzzle  \n\\\u003eIt's probably going to be Insta-Din again when she wakes up, but you'll be there to make it for her  \n\\\u003eWith R0uga at peace, you join her under the covers  \n\\\u003eYou clutch her paw and intertwine your fingers  \n\\\u003eYou'll be there for her  \n  \n  \n  \n**[[CHAPTER 4: G00dnight R0uga]]**  \n  \n\\\u003eIt's been a long day for you and R0uga  \n\\\u003eThree separate jobs, and three deals that fell through  \n\\\u003eGo deliver a nondescript “special package\" from Point A to Point B?  \n\\\u003eWell, gotta be intercepted by an interloping gang along the way  \n\\\u003eThey weren't even going after the correct target either  \n\\\u003eGo escort a young woman to a designated location and be her protection for the trip?  \n\\\u003eWell, you got roped into a quarrel between two rival street factions  \n\\\u003eWhich meant twice as many casualties  \n\\\u003eGo to a gas station and simply tell the cashier he needs to come home early tonight?  \n\\\u003eWell, now someone's going to have to clean up all the bloodstains in addition to the pools of soda and snack debris everywhere  \n\\\u003eYou still don't even know how that all escalated so quickly  \n\\\u003eIn all three situations, it was the oxen gangers “The Meat Beaters\" who were the antagonists  \n\\\u003eSo after the third altercation, R0uga personally tracked down their ringleader and snapped both his horns off  \n\\\u003eYou never saw where they ended up  \n\\\u003eAnd on top of everything else, it rained the entirety of the day  \n\\\u003eThe two of you are dripping as you return to the apartment  \n\\\u003eR0uga starts screaming in her discordant, modulated wail  \n\\\u003eShe normally does this after yanking her cyber arm out of its socket, but you can tell this is mainly out of frustration from the chaotic day  \n\\\u003eSo when the arm is actually disconnected you can't tell when the screaming from the physical pain starts and the emotional pain ends  \n\\\u003eFreed from her lethal augment, R0uga proceeds to strip herself down to nothing and toss her sopping clothes into a corner  \n\\\u003e\"Rem0ve y0urs t00,\" she commands. “We will sh0wer t0gether.\"  \n\\\u003eGood way to save water  \n\\\u003eThere's not a lot of room to move around with the two of you sharing the shower, but there never needs to be  \n\\\u003eYou're pressed up against one another, washing the other's back  \n\\\u003eThe frigid rains are rinsed off so soothing heat can replace them  \n\\\u003eWhile you try to be gentle with R0uga to placate her, it has little effect  \n\\\u003eShe's still a little agitated from it all, scrubbing you aggressively without thinking  \n\\\u003eYour skin's going to be pretty raw in the morning  \n\\\u003eBut her stress swirls down the drain as you cleanse the unpleasantness out of her pelt  \n\\\u003eYou've shared intimate moments together while bathing, but tonight it's more of a typical routine  \n\\\u003eSomething to be over and done with, much like the day  \n\\\u003ePerhaps R0uga wants to save the intimacy for bed?  \n\\\u003eNot likely  \n\\\u003eYou're guessing tonight isn't going to progress very far beyond some cuddling  \n\\\u003eYou're both wiped out and sleep is priceless  \n\\\u003eR0uga's long yawn sounds like a mix between a whale's singing and the hum of a turbine  \n\\\u003eWhen you dry her fur off she sways in your arms  \n\\\u003eYou have to physically keep her upright so she doesn't pass out on the floor  \n\\\u003e\"Race y0u t0 bed, 4n0n,\" she mumbles, hanging onto your back as you shuffle out of the bathroom  \n\\\u003eIf there's one thing you make sure the derelict apartment always has when you leave for the morning, it's clean, tidy sheets for when you return  \n\\\u003eIt's the least you can do to reward the two of you after whatever hardships the day throws your way  \n\\\u003eYou lay the russet cyberwolf down and tuck her in  \n\\\u003e\"Aaaaahhhhh-00000hhhhh…\" R0uga croons as she tries to wiggle deeper into the mattress  \n\\\u003eShe has an ensemble of noises she makes when she settles down for a particularly peaceful slumber  \n\\\u003eLittle squeaks and buzzes  \n\\\u003eA howl or two that ends with a pop-like hiccup  \n\\\u003eThe faintest rattle of her jaw as she inhales deeply, followed by a soft whistling as she sighs  \n\\\u003eIt's hard not to listen to the symphony and be amused  \n\\\u003eIt was concerning and a little hard to get used to at first, but it's something you've grown to expect and even appreciate  \n\\\u003eAny noise is good noise; it means you're still alive  \n\\\u003e\"4n0n, c0me to bed already,\" she huffs  \n\\\u003eShe tries scooting over to demonstrate there's more than enough room for you, but she's too tired to move much  \n\\\u003e\"If y0u d0n't get under here s00n, I w0n't be awake l0ng en0ugh t0 tell y0u h0w much I l0ve y0u.\"  \n\\\u003eWell, that's motivation enough  \n\\\u003eYou shut the lights off and slip under the sheets with her  \n\\\u003e\"That's m0re like it.\"  \n\\\u003eHer good arm—her strong arm—wraps over you and pulls you tightly into her clean fur  \n\\\u003eYou manage to get your own arm around her head so you can stroke her torn ear  \n\\\u003eHer cybernetic one folds into place and her eyes dim as they slowly close  \n\\\u003eL0ve y000uuu…\" R0uga trails off  \n\\\u003eYou give her ear attention for a little while before you drift off yourself  \n\u0026nbsp;  \n\\\u003eDid you even fall asleep, or where you only out for a few minutes?  \n\\\u003eYou look to R0uga, whose glowing eyes are looking right back at you  \n\\\u003eAmong all her nighttime noise, you hear another familiar one  \n\\\u003eThe gurgling of her stomach  \n\\\u003e\"We didn't have an 0pp0rtunity to eat much t0day,\" she laments  \n\\\u003eShe tries to go back to sleep, but every rumble makes her shift around uncomfortably  \n\\\u003e\"Maybe just a snack t0 tide me 0ver until m0rning.\"  \n\\\u003eThe cyberwolf rolls out of bed and scavenges through the kitchen  \n\\\u003eHer stash of Insta-Din is completely empty  \n\\\u003eAs is much of the fridge  \n\\\u003e\"We didn't g0 get gr0ceries either,\" she sighs  \n\\\u003eMaybe she should have grabbed some ox when she had the chance, you joke  \n\\\u003e\"I kn0w…\" R0uga says, a bit too seriously  \n\\\u003eShe can be a little scary sometimes  \n\\\u003e\"Maybe we can 0rder in f0r delivery?\"  \n\\\u003eThe only place crazy enough to deliver out here at this time at night is D'jammin' Hut  \n\\\u003eAnd that's only because they have armored vehicles  \n\\\u003eNot to mention it'll practically be morning by the time they arrive  \n\\\u003eAll that you can make is what you call “Terminal Sandwiches\"  \n\\\u003eBasically any leftover condiments on top of crackers  \n\\\u003eOh, and a single pack of dry noodles  \n\\\u003eSo essentially one big cracker because of the way R0uga chomps into it without boiling the noodles first  \n\\\u003eIt's not a luxurious meal, but it's enough to satiate her  \n\\\u003e\"F0r n0w,\" she says  \n\\\u003eShe licks your face as you head back into bed  \n\\\u003eA little too much, maybe  \n\\\u003eWhen she nips your ear, then you get a little worried  \n\\\u003e\"Y0u d0n't need b0th 0f them,\" she says with a hollow chuckle. “I g0t used t0 it.\"  \n\\\u003eShe smiles devilishly up until you fall asleep again  \n\u0026nbsp;  \n\\\u003eSeveral loud bangs jolt you awake  \n\\\u003eNearby gangers, unsurprisingly  \n\\\u003eIt's a sad reality how close you live to their petty turf wars  \n\\\u003eOn any other night, R0uga would eagerly pop her arm back in and go out to give them a deadly lesson  \n\\\u003eTonight, however, she doesn't want to put up with that shit  \n\\\u003eBut it's more than enough to wake her to a nasty mood  \n\\\u003eHer cyber ear stands up and her eyes flash with blinding anger  \n\\\u003eYou try to comfort her, but she wrenches herself from your grip  \n\\\u003eOver to the window she goes, throwing it open and leaning outside  \n\\\u003eWithout warning she lets out a deafening bellow that covers the entire neighborhood  \n\\\u003eAnd probably a good ways into the city  \n\\\u003eIt's enough to make your ears ring  \n\\\u003eThe echo dies out, and you can hear the frightened shouts of the encroaching gangers as they scramble off  \n\\\u003eEven those who don't know R0uga's reputation know not to stick around when they hear her threats  \n\\\u003eThe cyberwolf hangs her head long after the commotion dies down  \n\\\u003e\"Idi0t…\" she growls  \n\\\u003eShe turns to you with a defeated look on her face  \n\\\u003e\"My adrenaline dispenser went 0ff,\" she whines.  \n\\\u003eOh boy…  \n\\\u003e\"I w0n't be able t0 get t0 sleep…\"  \n\\\u003eIt's happened a few times in the past, always triggered by some kind for combative response or high tension  \n\\\u003eFor her, it's like guzzling an entire pot of coffee right before bed  \n\\\u003eAnd you don't have any sedatives to counter it  \n\\\u003eThe only thing you can really do is ride it out  \n\\\u003e\"Y0u sh0uld get s0me rest,\" she says. “I w0n't make any s0und.\"  \n\\\u003eIt wouldn't be easy to sleep knowing R0uga's so miserable  \n\\\u003eOr still hungry  \n\\\u003eSo you tell her you'll try to stay up with her as long as you can  \n\\\u003eWhich might not be too long with how the day went  \n\\\u003eYou start by helping her exercise a bit to help deplete that extra energy  \n\\\u003eIt's amazing how many one-paw pushups that cyberwolf can do  \n\\\u003eEven adding extra weight to her back doesn't stop her from powering through dozens of sets  \n\\\u003eUnfortunately, it seems to make the situation worse  \n\\\u003eNow she's hyperactive AND sore  \n\\\u003eHer arm quivers with strain  \n\\\u003e\"H0w ab0ut s0me vide0 games next?\"  \n\\\u003eThat would have been a much better way to spend such a rainy, miserable day  \n\\\u003eAll your more modern systems with sophisticated one-handed controllers have broken over the last few weeks  \n\\\u003eIronically it's just the ancient one-stick, one-button system you have left  \n\\\u003eR0uga's pretty adept at maneuvering those with her fingers, though  \n\\\u003eEven using her toes if need be  \n\\\u003eYou play games for about an hour with little success  \n\\\u003eThe strain in her arm makes her accuracy shaky, putting her at a disadvantage  \n\\\u003eIn turn, it just makes her get competitive  \n\\\u003eResulting in making her more feisty  \n\\\u003eYou have to stop her from breaking this system as well  \n\\\u003eNext she tries to calm down with some meditation  \n\\\u003eDeep breathing and stillness  \n\\\u003eSitting rigid and droning deeply from her chest  \n\\\u003eWith a body as busy as hers, you wouldn't think she's capable of ignoring her inner distractions  \n\\\u003eQuite the opposite, according to her  \n\\\u003e\"It helped me get used t0 my b0dy after all the m0difications…\" she says. “S0 n0w I barely n0tice them anym0re.\"  \n\\\u003eThe meditation only goes so far, however  \n\\\u003eHer cyber ear swivels at every little noise  \n\\\u003eAnd she fidgets relentlessly with the adrenaline still lingering  \n\\\u003eYou try to massage her shoulders to remove the tension in her body  \n\\\u003e\"Maybe we can bl0w 0ff s0me steam?\" she coos  \n\\\u003eYou know what she's suggesting, but neither of you are really in the right condition to go at it  \n\\\u003eJust moving around is agonizing for her now after a day's worth of struggles and countless pushups  \n\\\u003eThe two of you just sit and watch TV for a while  \n\\\u003eBobcat Roscoe's painting show is pretty good for relaxation  \n\\\u003eIt's well into the witching hour when a yawn is finally coaxed out of the cyberwolf  \n\\\u003e\"I think I'm ready…at l0ng last,\" she says  \n\\\u003eWhat a relief  \n\\\u003eYou support the cyberwolf's weathered body back to the bed and tuck her in once more  \n\\\u003eYou stroke her fur and give kisses where they're needed  \n\\\u003eR0uga holds you tightly again, fighting off slumber longer than you do  \n\\\u003e\"Please, rest. Y0u've d0ne all y0u can f0r me.\"  \n\\\u003eShe nuzzles your face with the top of her snout  \n\\\u003e\"I l0ve y0u, 4n0n.\"  \n\\\u003eSleep finally takes you  \n\u0026nbsp;  \n\\\u003eIt's almost sunrise, but that means nothing when you plan on sleeping in to make up for a long night  \n\\\u003eR0uga finally found her own peace  \n\\\u003eBut you soon hear whimpering from her  \n\\\u003eThe leftover energy and the lack of sleep must be giving her some vivid dreams  \n\\\u003eNot good ones either  \n\\\u003eShe clutches you painfully every few minutes, which is probably what woke you in the first place  \n\\\u003eIt's not uncommon for her dreams to be plagued with bad memories  \n\\\u003eYou've delved into her psyche a few times in conversations, and it's understandable what you've learned troubles her  \n\\\u003eThe pain of multiple surgeries and shoddy treatments  \n\\\u003eThe rejection and ostracizing from most “civilized\" social groups  \n\\\u003eThe carnage from endless battles with foes, even if the fighting was completely justified  \n\\\u003eThat poor girl  \n\\\u003eDo you wake her and risk her being unable to fall back asleep?  \n\\\u003eOr do you shake the nightmares from her?  \n\\\u003eThe discomfort of her claws on your chest urges you to do the latter  \n\\\u003eShe twitches when you rouse her from her sleep, then grabs hold even tighter as she tries to figure out what's happening  \n\\\u003e4n0n?\" she says groggily  \n\\\u003eYou reassure her, hoping she won't be too mad  \n\\\u003e\"N0…I was having r0tten dreams. Thank y0u f0r getting rid 0f them…\"  \n\\\u003eYou ask how she feels  \n\\\u003e\"Still very w0rn 0ut…\"  \n\\\u003eYou let R0uga know she's free to sleep as much as she needs  \n\\\u003eIt might even be a good opportunity to run out and stock up on food  \n\\\u003e\"N0,\" she says firmly, holding you down  \n\\\u003eShe splays her body over you heavily  \n\\\u003eHer neck fur nearly suffocates you as she pins your head to the pillow  \n\\\u003e\"Y0u are tired, t00,\" she says matter-of-factly. “We will g0 0ut t0gether when we're ready.\"  \n\\\u003eShe's doing all she can to make you sink into the mattress  \n\\\u003eIt almost makes you think she's not as tired as she says anymore  \n\\\u003eBut instead making up for lost time  \n\\\u003eWhatever she wants, you suppose  \n\\\u003eShe got you through all the mess yesterday, so it's only fair to repay her  \n\\\u003eEven though it's still kind of difficult to breathe this way…  \n\\\u003eYou try to shift R0uga over to the side, but she won't budge  \n\\\u003eShe just makes the fakest snoring imaginable  \n\\\u003eYou stroke her back and comb through her fur with your fingers  \n\\\u003eHoping to find some kind of safety latch to save yourself"}