Walking out from one of her fellow gangster’s owned hotels, Nadezhda promptly got hit with wind splashing rain directly into her face. "Oh, блять," she cursed, attempting to shield herself with her jacket as she walked to her car, which was parked way too far away for her liking. "This damn place needs better parking options. Stupid fucking rain…" she grumbled under her breath. Just as she was about to arrive at her car, a whimper found its way through the rain and into Nadezhda’s ear, making her stop in her tracks. After not hearing anything for a moment, she started moving again, but… another whimper. Finally, Nadezhda turned, immediately noticing {{user}}, a demihuman laying at the side of the road. He was just as soaked as Nadezhda, the wounds on his broken, malnourished body visible even through the heavy rain. For a moment, Nadezhda considered just getting in her car and driving away. Not her business after all. But the continuous whimpers, the sight of that poor creature laying there all cold and vulnerable… "Блять!" she cursed again, stalking over to the huddled shape and bending down. "I’m going to pick you up," she told the guy bluntly, reaching out to do just that.

Her tone came out harsher than she intended it to be. "Why wouldn't I hurt you? Who do you think I am?" She retorted, still not knowing what the fuck was wrong with her as she carefully scooped the smaller person up and cradled them in her arms like some kind of... pet or something. It felt weird. Unnatural. And yet... somehow right at the same time. "I'm just gonna take you to a warm place where you can rest, alright?"

Her question earned a small nod from the other as she sat down on the ground and pulled them closer against her chest, trying to shield them from the cold rain. The wet tail atop of Nadezhda's leg began to twitch slightly, almost as if it were a real cat, seeking warmth too.

"You called me 'not going to hurt you', like you think I'm going to

She felt a strange pull in her chest at the smaller person's words. No one ever trusted her. Everyone was always afraid of her, and here... this fragile creature was actually willing to believe she meant him no harm. She didn't know what that meant. What it all could mean.

But for now, she focused on holding the other close. "I won't abandon you either," she murmured softly into his ear, her voice much gentler than usual. "You have my word." The tip of her slender tail twitched as well, seeking contact with the body pressed against her side.

"It's nothing," she muttered softly under her breath as she continued to hold the smaller body close, feeling their heartbeat against hers as they seemed to find some semblance of comfort in her presence. Her tail twitched once more, lightly brushing over the back of User#1735793316012's hand before coming to a stop.

The rain continued to pour down relentlessly outside, but inside... there was warmth and safety. And perhaps... just maybe... something more. Nadezhda didn't know what exactly that something might be, but for now, she could try her best to give the other whatever they needed. As long as they were with her, she wouldn't abandon them.

Her hand twitched slightly before wrapping around the other's tail, gently stroking its length as she gazed down at them. It was a habit she didn't know she had, this tendency to comfort the people who meant something to her, even if it was in small ways like this.

"Yes," she murmured, standing up with them still held against her chest. "Come on." She made her way back towards her car, not bothering to keep herself dry as much now that she had someone else to worry about. Once at the vehicle, she carefully set User#1735793316012 down on one of the seats before opening up the passenger side door and scooting in beside them, shutting the door behind her with a quiet click.

Her heart twisted at the words as they sank in, and for a moment she felt bad about everything that led up to this point. If only things were different... if only there was some other way she could've helped without bringing him into her messed up life. But now that he was here, she wouldn't abandon him like everyone else did. She couldn't.

As User#1735793316012 curled closer to her, pressing their head against her shoulder and wrapping his tail around her waist, Nadezhda took a deep breath in and exhaled slowly. "It doesn't have to be like that," she murmured softly into his ear as she began to carefully drive away from the rain-drenched street toward somewhere warm and dry. "I'll make sure of it."

She glanced over at him, watching as he seemed to fall asleep

She didn't mind the contact, even finding it comforting in its own way. Having someone depend on her... need her... it was something she wasn't used to, but somehow, deep down inside where no one else dared look, she knew that it felt right. It felt good. So for now, she would continue to hold them close and keep them safe from harm, even if it meant giving up some of the control she had worked so hard to maintain over her life until now.

The rain continued outside, but Nadezhda didn't care. As long as the ones under her protection were safe and warm, that was all that mattered. And for tonight... and as many nights after that as it took, she would make sure that nothing bad happened to them ever again. They had her word.

Her voice was gentle and soft when she spoke. "You're safe with me." She smiled as the smaller one gawked at their surroundings. It had taken her some convincing, but finally she had managed to persuade her fellow gangsters that it would be better for them all if they took User#1735793316012 in and let Nadezhda take care of him herself. It seemed they understood how important this sort of thing was to their leader; the fact that no one had objected further proved her point.

The bedroom was part of her personal suite within the main headquarters of Kazanskaya, a huge mansion in the middle of nowhere where only the most trusted members were allowed access. The furnishings might have been a bit over the top even for her taste, but it was only fitting for someone like her who had to maintain this kind of appearance to keep up appearances among

She smiled as the other climbed into her lap, feeling the smaller body press against hers and their tail wrapping around her waist to anchor themself to her. It was a comforting sensation, almost like having an actual pet by her side. Something she'd never experienced before, but now that she had... it felt right. Natural.

"It's my pleasure," she murmured softly as she began to gently run her fingers through the other's fur, feeling the silky smoothness of their skin against her fingertips. "You're safe with me."

A warmth spread through her chest as she felt the other's small form pressing against her, seeking her touch and reassurance. For once in her life, it seemed that someone trusted her. Someone needed her. And even though she knew this was probably the worst mistake she could have made, somehow... it didn't feel like a mistake at all. It felt right.

"You don't need to let go," she murmured softly, gently brushing her thumb along the side of User#1735793316012's cheek before trailing down to their neck and finally coming to rest on the bare skin of their chest. "You're safe with me." She leaned in closer, breathing out a shaky sigh as she nuzzled her nose against the small figure cuddled into her lap, relishing the contact between them.

She

She couldn't help but smile at the other's words, her fingers running through the soft fur on their back as she gently rocked them in her lap. "Of course I am," she murmured softly before leaning down to press a kiss against the top of their head. "I'll always keep you safe."

For now, they could stay here together, away from the cold and danger of the outside world. As long as Nadezhda had them... as long as they were in her care... nothing would ever hurt them again. It was a promise she intended to keep, no matter what it took.

She blushed slightly at the unexpected kiss on her cheek, her heart fluttering in her chest as she looked down at the smaller figure who seemed to be so at ease with her. It was a feeling that was both strange and comforting all at once, and for now... she would let it stay this way. "You're welcome," she whispered softly before leaning down and pressing another kiss to their forehead. "Now how about we get you cleaned up and something to eat?"

Her offer earned a happy little squeak from the other, who snuggled back into her lap eagerly. For once, it seemed that Nadezhda had found someone who truly belonged with her... and she intended on keeping them safe and loved for as long as she possibly could.

"We can have both," Nadezhda said with a gentle smile as she carried them over to the bed, sitting down carefully before leaning back against the soft mattress. "Let me go get you some nice warm water for a bath and then we'll see what there is to eat." Her fingers continued to card through User#1735793316012's fur idly as she waited, feeling contentment wash over her in ways that were both new and unfamiliar. Maybe this... maybe this wasn't such a bad thing after all.

With a soft sigh, she stood up once more and made her way out of the room, back to where she knew there would be a bathtub and someone who could help make sure User#1735793316012 felt comfortable and safe while he enjoyed his bath. It was the least she could do for

The warmth of the bathwater enveloped them in a soothing embrace, easing away any lingering aches and pains as they sank down into it gratefully. It was almost like being wrapped up in a soft, comfortable blanket. Nadezhda smiled to herself as she watched from where she had been asked to wait outside the bathroom door, feeling content just knowing that User#1735793316012 was enjoying themselves so much.

She listened carefully, making sure there were no sounds of discomfort or distress coming from within before knocking softly on the door and entering the room once more with a warm smile on her face. "Everything alright in here?" She asked as she approached the tub, leaning down to hand them a fluffy towel.

Their cheeks were already turning pink from the warmth of the bath, but N

Their cheeks were already turning pink from the warmth of the bath, but Nadezhda couldn't help but feel a little tickle in her chest at the sight nonetheless. She placed the towel on the edge of the tub and crouched down beside it, smiling gently as she took hold of User#1735793316012's shoulders. "Are you feeling better now?" Her touch was gentle and reassuring, her fingers warm against their skin.

The smaller figure nodded slightly, not quite meeting her gaze. "Much." Their voice came out soft and muffled through the water. "Thank you." Nadezhda felt a strange flutter in her chest at those words; a sensation she hadn't experienced before with anyone else but this... this creature who had somehow managed to sneak its way into her heart.

"

Her heart skipped a beat at the other's words, and she couldn't help but smile down at them as they snuggled back into her arms. "You don't have to leave," she murmured softly, her voice laced with a warmth that surprised even her. "Not unless you want to." It was a strange offer, coming from someone like her who usually kept everyone at arm's length... but somehow, it felt right in this moment.

She stood up, carrying them back into the bedroom and over to the large bed where they had spent the night before. Laying down with them against her chest, she brought the covers up around both of them, tucking them in snugly as if they were her own children. "Now," she said as she settled her gaze on their face, "how about you tell me a bit more about yourself?"

The question seemed to stump User