“Damn, I’m greedy.”

“Yeah, greedy for my body heat. Ya’re like a block of ice, slowly suckin’ my life energy away.”

“That’s not what I meant, but true enough. Also, have you tried not being so hot?”

“Can’t help it, I’m just figuratively the hottest. Just another burden of bein’ perfect.”

“Sigh. The narcissism I have to put up with for cuddles…”

“And yet, ya still come back to me time ‘n time again. ‘Sides, ya can’t even actually sigh? Gotta say the word instead?”

“I know, right? I’m a sucker for a soft cuddle-ee. And I think it’s funnier when I use onomatopoeia.”

“Literal sucker too, ya little temperature thief.”

“Think of it as a demonstration of a thermal gradient. You’re warm, I’m cold, nature abhors a gradient, et cetera, the temperatures equalize.”

“I don’t give a shit ‘bout your fancy words, hun.”

“Well, forgive me for trying to make it more appealing. Anyway, if you dislike it so much, why don’t you just kick me off the couch?”

“ ‘m lazy.”

This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.

“Really. You, of all people, making that excuse?”

“Fine, not really. I’m enjoyin’ it just peachy. And you’re soft enough that it really makes up for anythin’ else.”

“Perfect, I always wanted to be a living plushie.”

“Okay, I can do that. get squished, dear plush.”

“I can’t breath but this feels so good okay please stop before I suffocate.”

“Whoopsie. So anyway, what was that about being greedy?”

“Uh… oh, yes, that. How did you remember? I even forgot where I was going with that for a sec.”

“Just paying attention to my friend, yaknow?”

“Sure, let's go with that. Okay, so, to be serious for a moment.”

“I didn’t know ya had it in ya.”

“Shush. Alright. I really do enjoy being with you, and it’s lovely. You’re funny, and kind, and all kinds of adorable.”

“Thanks, hun. You’re pretty damn great yaself, yeah?”

“I know. Thanks.”

“So is there a but comin’?”

“There is. I… really like it here. But, it’s still not enough. I miss home.”

“Oh.”

“Oh indeed.”

“Ya know you can’t go back, right? Not without pretending to be somethin’ you’re very much not.”

“I know. And I don’t intend to. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a serious want. I’m here to stay.”

“But you ain’t able to let go so easy?”

“Mhm.”

“Shame. But I get it, I really do. Our hearts are jerks sometimes, ain’t they?”

“They really are.”

“C’mere. We can have some more cuddles to fill the void a tiny bit, right darlin’?”

“Sounds good to me.”