The succubus lounged on the couch, her eyes following my every move as I shuffled around the kitchen table. Her tail flicked intermittently over the armrest, the rhythm uneven, restless.

“We’re out of everything,” I murmured, glancing at the pantry stock and grocery lists I’d been scribbling on all evening. “I need to make a quick grocery run.”

Her ears twitched, and her tail froze mid-sway. I didn’t look up from the paper, but I could feel her attention sharpening, her posture shifting just slightly.

“It won’t take long,” I added, ripping the grocery page out of the notebook, folding the list neatly and tucking it into my jacket pocket. “Maybe an hour, tops.”

I grabbed my keys from the counter and turned toward the door, but before I could take a step, a sharp clatter of hooves sounded against the floor.

“Whoa—hey,” I said, spinning around just as she closed the distance between us.

She reached me so fast I barely had time to process it. Her hands gripped the edge of my jacket, her eyes blazing bright pink with something between panic and anger. Her tail lashed sharply behind her, and she let out a low, guttural growl that made my chest tighten.

“It’s just groceries,” I said softly, my voice steady but firm. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

Her grip didn’t loosen, and she leaned in closer, her eyes narrowing as the growl deepened.

“Easy,” I murmured, raising my hands slightly in a calming gesture. “What’s this about? You don’t like me leaving?”

Her response came as another growl, softer this time, but no less intense. Her claws weren’t out, but the raw energy in her body was impossible to miss—tense, coiled, desperate.

“You’re worried something will happen,” I guessed, keeping my voice low. “That I won’t come back.”

I hesitated, weighing my options. She wouldn’t let me leave easily—not like this. And forcing her to stay behind would only deepen the cracks in whatever fragile trust we’d managed to build. Her tail flicked sharply, her grip on my jacket tightening for a moment before relaxing slightly.

I sighed, nodding. “Okay. All right. What if you come with me?”

Her ears twitched, and her eyes softened just enough to let me know she was listening.

“We’ll stick together,” I said gently. “The whole time. You won’t have to worry, and I’ll make sure no one bothers you.”

She tilted her head, the growling subsiding into a low, questioning hum.

“It’ll be fine,” I continued. “Quick trip in and out. You can even help me pick stuff out if you want.”

Her tail flicked again, but the tension in her shoulders eased a fraction. Finally, she nodded, her grip loosening as she took a half-step back.

“Good,” I said, giving her a faint smile. “Let me grab something for you.”

I pulled a heavy black cloak from the closet and draped it over my arm before stepping back into the living room. She stood near the couch, her tail curling loosely around one leg as she watched me approach.

“This should help,” I said, holding the cloak open. “The lights, the noise... this’ll make it easier.”

She hesitated for a moment, her eyes narrowing as she studied the fabric. Finally, she stepped forward, her movements deliberate but cautious, and let me drape it over her shoulders.

The hood slipped low over her face, casting her features in shadow, despite her unfortunately very obvious horns. She fumbled briefly with the clasp before pausing, the soft glow of her eyes darting toward mine.

“Hold on,” I said, stepping closer to fasten it for her. “There we go.”

Her ears twitched, and her tail swished faintly beneath the hem of the cloak. She reached up to adjust the hood, her fingers brushing the edges with a hint of uncertainty.

“You look fine,” I said softly. “Ready?”

She gave a faint huff, her tail flicking once as she nodded.

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The streets were quieter than I’d expected, the evening air cool and still. Most people were finishing up their commutes or settling in for the night, leaving the sidewalks sparsely populated. It was a small blessing—less noise, fewer stares.

The succubus walked close to my side, her hood pulled low over her face. Her tail occasionally peeked out, flicking against the ground in short, sharp movements. Her eyes darted to every sound—a car engine, a distant laugh, the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze. Each noise made her tense, her shoulders hunching as though bracing for an attack.

“You’re doing so well,” I said gently, glancing at her, "Just a little farther."

Her steps quickened slightly, her hooves clicking softly against the pavement. I adjusted my pace to match hers, keeping one hand near my side for her just in case.

When the grocery store came into view, its neon sign glowing brightly in the dark, she slowed. Her tail stilled, curling close to her legs as the automatic doors slid open with a faint hiss.

The wash of fluorescent light spilling onto the sidewalk made her flinch. She let out a low, almost imperceptible growl, her ears flattening slightly beneath the hood.

“It’s just a store,” I said softly, stopping to face her. “Nothing dangerous. You’ve got this.”

Her eyes flicked toward the entrance, then back to me. The faint growling stopped, replaced by a hesitant huff as her tail uncurled slightly.

“I’m right here,” I said, holding out a hand. “Stay close, and we’ll be out before you know it.”

Her claws extended, twitched against the cloak and disappeared again, but after a long moment, she stepped forward, her movements hesitant. She didn’t take my hand, but she stayed close enough that her shoulder brushed against mine as we walked through the doors.

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The bright lights inside the store were an immediate assault. The hum of the overhead fixtures buzzed faintly in the air, mixing with the muffled chatter of customers and the occasional beep of a register.

The succubus tensed beside me, her tail swishing anxiously beneath the cloak. Her eyes darted to every sound, her body taut as though bracing for an attack.

“Hey,” I said softly, my eyes seeking hers, “You’re okay. Just stay with me.”

She didn’t respond, but her breathing slowed a fraction, her tail settling into a faint, jerky sway. I guided us toward the produce aisle—the quietest part of the store. The air was cooler here, the shelves lined neatly with rows of fruits and vegetables.

“See anything you like?” I asked, picking up a basket.

She didn’t answer immediately, her eyes scanning the displays as her tail flicked faintly. Finally, she stepped closer to the apples, reaching out to pick one up. She turned it over in her hands, her movements careful and deliberate, before glancing at me.

“Good choice,” I said, holding out a bag.

She dropped the apple inside, then reached for another, her posture relaxing slightly as the familiar rhythm of the task seemed to calm her. I let her choose at her own pace, adding a few more apples before moving on. She followed me closely, her eyes scanning the shelves as we passed through the quieter aisles. Occasionally, her gaze lingered on something—a bag of rice, a box of tea, some soda cans—and I’d add it to the basket without comment.

Her tail swayed faintly beneath the cloak, a subtle rhythm that told me she was less anxious, settling into the task. She stayed close as we navigated the maze of shelves, her eyes still darting about but her posture slowly easing as the noise became a steady backdrop instead of an active threat.

But the relative calm didn’t last.

The store grew louder as we approached the busier sections, the chatter of shoppers and the clatter of carts blending into a dull roar. A sharp beep from one of the registers made her flinch, and she stopped in her tracks, her tail curling tightly against her leg.

“Hey,” I said softly, stepping in front of her.

Her eyes snapped to mine, wide bright, and I could feel the tension radiating off her. She didn’t growl this time, but her breathing quickened, her shoulders stiffening beneath the cloak.

“It’s okay,” I murmured, keeping my tone low and even. “You’re safe. No one here’s going to hurt you.”

Her gaze lingered on mine, searching for something. Reassurance, maybe. Certainty.

“You've been doing so well',” I added, stepping closer. “I’m right here. Just focus on me.”

Slowly, her breathing began to steady, the tight coil of her tail loosening slightly. She gave a faint, uncertain huff but nodded, moving closer to my side.

“That’s it,” I said with a small smile. “Let’s finish up and get out of here.”

By the time we reached the freezer aisle, the basket was nearly full. I paused to grab a small tub of my favorite ice cream - chocolate with caramel swirl - carefully tucking it beneath the other items in the basket. She didn’t notice, her focus fixed on the faint mist curling up from the open freezer doors.

Her posture was more relaxed now, her tail swaying faintly as she reached out to touch one of the frosty edges. The cool air didn’t seem to bother her, and her eyes narrowed in quiet curiosity as she studied the glass fronts of the freezers.

“We’re almost done,” I said, steering us toward the registers. “Just one more stop.”

She gave a small, thoughtful huff, her movements steady as she followed me.

The noise at the registers was overwhelming—constant beeps, loud chatter, and the metallic clatter of coins dropping into tills. The succubus stiffened again, her tail curling sharply as she pulled the hood lower over her face.

I stepped ahead, shielding her from the curious glances of other shoppers as I unloaded the basket onto the conveyor belt.

“That’ll be thirty-four fifty,” the cashier said, her tone polite but wary as her eyes landed on the succubus' horns poking the hood of her cloak.

I handed over the money quickly, packing the groceries into bags while keeping one eye on her. Her eyes darted nervously between me and the exit, her tail flicking with faint, jerky movements beneath the cloak.

“All done,” I said, holding up the bags. “Let’s go.”

She followed me without hesitation, her steps quicker now as we stepped back out into the cool, quiet night.

Outside, the night air wrapped around us like a soft balm, washing away the harsh noise and fluorescent glare of the grocery store. The succubus stayed close, her pace faster than before, as though she couldn’t get away from the store fast enough. Her head turned back once more, lingering on the entrance with a disapproving expression, before turning around with an indignant huff.

“You did really well,” I said, adjusting the bags in my hands. “I know that wasn’t easy, but you handled it.”

She tilted her head slightly, her ears twitching beneath the hood. The stiffness in her shoulders eased, and her tail gave a faint, slow sway.

“See?” I added with a small grin. “Told you it wouldn’t be so bad.”

She let out a soft huff, the corner of her mouth twitching upward for the briefest moment—a hint of acknowledgment, maybe even pride.

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Back at the apartment, she stepped inside first, pulling the hood down as the door closed behind us. Her horns gleamed faintly in the dim light, and her tail curled briefly before flicking out again as she draped the cloak over the back of the couch.

I set the bags on the counter, unpacking them methodically while she perched on the edge of the couch, her eyes following my every move.

“Want a snack?” I asked, holding up one of the apples after washing it.

She nodded, reaching for it without hesitation. Her hands were steady now, her movements smooth as she took the fruit and bit into it with a sharp tearing sound.

“Wait here,” I said after a moment, sliding the hidden tub of ice cream out of the bag and tucking it behind me along with two spoons as I finished putting away the groceries.

When I turned back, the apple was gone, the core resting neatly on the table. She tilted her head slightly, her ears perking faintly as I approached with a grin.

“I’ve got a surprise for you,” I said, revealing the tub of ice cream.

Her eyes widened slightly, and her tail swished against the cushion as she leaned forward, curiosity lighting up her expression.

“It’s called ice cream,” I said, sitting down across from her. “Cold, sweet... I think you’ll like it.”

She took the tub carefully, turning it in her hands as though studying every detail. Her tail flicked against the couch cushions, a subtle rhythm of interest as I handed her a spoon and peeled back the lid.

“Go ahead,” I said, motioning for her to try, "Just don't eat too fast."

Her first bite was slow, cautious. Her eyes narrowed slightly as the cold hit her tongue, but then they softened, and she made an approving hum. She took another bite, and another, quicker this time—and that’s when it hit her.

She froze, her ears twitching sharply as her hand shot to her head. A low, pained whimper escaped her throat, and her tail curled tightly against her leg. She blinked, staring at the spoon as though it had betrayed her.

“Brain freeze,” I said quickly, moving closer. “You ate it too fast.”

Her eyes snapped to me, narrowed and accusing, as though I were somehow responsible for her predicament.

“Here,” I said gently, placing my hands on either side of her head. “Let me help.”

She didn’t pull away, her ears twitching as I began massaging her temples in slow, careful circles. Her breathing steadied, and the tension in her posture melted.

“Better?” I murmured after a moment.

She hummed softly, leaning into my hands as her eyes fluttered closed. When I started to pull away, her hand shot up, brushing against mine to stop me. Her gaze met mine, and though she didn’t say a word, the message was clear: don’t stop.

“Demanding, aren’t you?” I said with a small chuckle, resuming the massage.

Her tail flicked sharply—almost playfully— against the back of the couch, and she let out another faint hum that sounded just a little too close to purring, her posture relaxing fully as she leaned into my touch.

When she finally let me stop, she returned to the ice cream, eating it more slowly this time. Her tail swished lazily behind her, and every so often, her eyes flicked toward me, when she thought I wasn't looking, her expression soft and unguarded.

“There you go,” I said with a smile, leaning back in my chair, deciding against trying to get any of the ice cream myself.

The rest of the evening passed in peaceful quiet. She stayed on the couch, her posture calm and relaxed, while I tidied up the last of the kitchen. By the time I sat down again, she was curled beneath the blanket, her tail peeking out from the covers and her eyes half-closed.

“You did well today,” I said softly, resting my head against the back of the chair.

Her ears twitched faintly, and her tail gave a slow, deliberate flick, but she didn’t open her eyes.

The quiet between us felt different now—warmer, less fragile.