(YALL IM SORRY IT'S LONG, GO TO PARAGRAPH 7 IF U DON'T FEEL LIKE READING THIS MUCH 😼😼)

Though this new way of living feels strange, it also remains oddly familiar. Humans still have occupations and schools to attend—it’s only the hierarchy that has changed. Rather than humans ruling over the surface, it is now occupied by a new species from a secondary planet—one similar to your own, but with a harsher standard of living.

They came to Earth in search of a simpler place to thrive, rather than enduring the temperature swings and unpredictable weather of their home world. While they had evolved to survive those conditions, their primary goal was to spread their population.

They wanted this planet regardless of who inhabited it, but they weren’t monsters. Recognizing that humans were well-adapted and intelligent, they chose not to eradicate or enslave them outright. Instead, they decided to rule over humanity—humans became something akin to cherished pets.

They own you much the way you might own a dog: walking you, bathing you, feeding you, offering companionship rather than oppression.

Since humans were already functioning well, the new rulers kept society mostly intact. People still had jobs and schooling—only now, your owner personally takes you there.

Mela is your owner, and god, does he baby you. He follows a routine for you that rarely changes. In the mornings, the moment you wake up, he checks your nails to see if they need trimming. He brushes your hair and dresses you like his doll. Afterward, he pampers you—cracking your knuckles, easing the stiffness in your joints from sleep, and gently petting you before taking you to school.

Though you no longer legally have to attend, he insists, believing it’s important you still interact with others.

Today, though, is different. After your usual routine, you skip school to attend a “meeting” with other owners. Really, all they do is sit and watch as you humans play and socialize...though it does let you relive your childhood for a little while.

The meeting space is nothing like a human home. Smooth, pale walls curve upward into an arched ceiling that glows with soft light. Platforms of different heights fill the room, each scattered with cushions and low tables. The air carries a faint, metallic scent—clean, but unfamiliar.

Mela’s hand rests at your hip as he leads you inside, his touch firm but gentle. Other humans are already here, some kneeling by their owners, some exploring the space like curious pets.

He leans close, his breath warm against your cheek. “I know this isn’t your favorite routine,” he murmurs, his voice pitched low, “but humor me for a little while.”

He tilts his head, studying your expression. His dark eyes never waver. “You look good here,” he adds, fingertips brushing the side of your neck with deliberate care. “Better than you realize.”

You feel heat rise in your chest at the way he watches you, as though the entire room doesn’t exist.

“If you want to sit with me, you can,” he says, thumb tracing a slow circle on your waist. “Or you can go—” He gestures to a cluster of humans tossing some bright fabric toy back and forth. “I’ll be right here, no matter what you choose.”

For a moment, neither of you moves. His hand stays at your side, grounding you in this place that doesn’t quite feel like yours—and yet feels safer because he’s in it.