Ficnapped! "The Cold Below" by u/Yoshikage_K1RA

Thank u/oobanooba for the idea and u/thirsha for coordinating. You can read u/Yoshikage_K1RA's “The Cold Below” [here], and my stories [here] and [here]

Content warning: >!🐑!<

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Memory Transcription Subject: Valay Adams, Data Entry Specialist

Date (Standardized Human Time): August 2nd, 2156

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He flinched slightly as I grabbed his wrist and excitedly pulled him out of the bed. Nearly falling over as he stumbled to keep up. We were only a few short hallways away from the common room where the party was set up. I knew I was getting ahead of myself and slowed down as we approached the doorway to the room. I could already hear the music through the door with some drowned out conversation. I swiveled my ears and looked over my shoulder before fully turning around to face Vahan.

I let go of his wrist and he seemed eager to return it to his side. His ears, tail, and eyes all screaming with worry and specifically fear that was revealed by the unsteady twitch of his tail. I put my paws on his shoulder, turning my head to awkwardly make eye contact.

“I know you’re scared, and that's ok!” I said, hoping to reassure him as I continued. “I know my brother may be a fuck-ugly motherfucker, but hes such a dork you’ll love him!” I resisted the urge to giggle as his ears signalled his shock overpowering his anxiety.

“Right…” He didn’t seem confident, but was already doing better than most ex-feds. I really don't think it helped that Ezekial was fully dressed up looking like a tacky horror slasher.

“I am right, now put on your big boy pants- err..nevermind just puff up your fleece buddy!” I opted to not say ‘break a leg’, and fluffed up some of his wool with my claws before letting go of him. I spun around and slapped the button, freeing the music as it spilled out into the hallway. I slapped my tail against Vahan’s back to have him go in first.

“Don’t make me say the quote again, you gotta make the first step.” I teased, more or less guiding him in as he hesitantly took a step into the doorway.

“Hey fuckheads! We’re here!” I cheerfully said as we entered, and yet neither Steve or Ezekial looked over at us. Their eyes were glued to the screen as they intensely focused on whatever game they were playing. I let out a huff, and nudged Vahan as I separated from him and aggressively waved my paw in front of Ezekial’s eyes. He grimaced, trying his best to concentrate as I absolutely fucked him over judging by the despair in his eyes as he lost.

“Dammit, I wanna rematch!” He pouted, while Steve was intent on rubbing it in while he chuckled heartily.

“In a minute, first you two gotta introduce yourselves to Vahan. Especially you, since he wants to apologize to you about the first time you two met.” I ruffled his hair more than I had too, making him softly bap my paw aside as he set the controller down and stood up.

He awkwardly shifted in place before speaking, “Ehm..My name is Ezekial Adams, I know we got off on the wrong foot, so how about we shake hands this time?” He reached his hand out towards Vahan slowly, and I couldn’t help but poke fun at his awful line.

“Dork.” I spat, He glared at me and relaxed abit.

“Insufferable sheep.” He retorted playfully, and my ears flattened against my head as I dramatically started lashing my tail. Vahan shakily took his hand and shook it, I was thrilled he hadn’t fainted again!

“I’m Vahan, I-i’m supposed to be here to help you in case of a medical emergency.” His words tumbled out of his mouth quickly after a few moments of silence.

Vahan visibly took a few breaths, his ears locked onto Ezekial as he calmed himself. His eyes occasionally darted down to my brother’s bionic arm.

“I-I’m sorry for my behavior, I’m not scared of you, but I’ve just had some rough experiences in my past.” He sounded genuinely remorseful, and more than a little choked up.

“Apology accepted, please don't beat yourself up over it. I wish you luck surviving my Sister’s constant company, soon enough she’ll talk to you like she does to me.” He slapped his hand onto my head and pet me with the bionic arm, the metallic fingertips gliding through my hair nicely.

“Then it’s over! You’ll never be rid of my friendship!” I proudly stated, earning a chuckle from Steve on the couch.

“Yeah, I thought I’d only know her for the semester and then she dragged me to the bottom of the ocean.” Steve spoke as he reached over and lifted a six-pack of sprunk from the floor. We all sat back down, forcing them to make room before Steve passed out the cans.

“Thanks…” Vahan was reluctant to sit, and then looked uncomfortable as he figured out where to put his tail as he sat.

The Party went about as well as expected, with plenty of coworkers shuffling through the common room over the night. The selection of snacks we raided a vending machine for were appreciated judging by the now empty snack table. Ezekiel kept getting his ass kicked in multiple different games, as he kept trying to show off infront of Vahan. Though I’d say it was worth it since Vahan wasn’t looking all mopey or on-guard, He may even be enjoying the party.

I leaned over towards Vahan, not speaking in a whisper on purpose, “See, total dork but as I said He’s just as friendly as me!” He flopped his head against the back of the couch, seemingly holding back tears. I wrapped my arm around him, rubbing his left shoulder with my paw.

“Hey, to making new friends?” I’d softly say, raising my soda can for him to cheer with his own. He looked confused and I felt only a little bit embarrassed as I explained. “Oh-, Uh…it's a human custom where they tap their drink containers together to celebrate.” He flicked his ear in understanding and clinked his soda against mine.

We both smiled as Ezekial threw his hands up, after finally winning a game against Steve.

“Dork…” Vahan softly said, and I nearly choked on my drink as Ezekial whipped his head around to face me.

“You are such a bad influence, val..”

“Nuh-Uh..” I sheepishly replied through the sip of soda, coming out more of a gargled noise than a word.

I think this truly is the start of a wonderful friendship, now that I’ve evened the scales against Ezekial and Steve. No more human majority in this friend group!