The raptor pen was off-limits. That was rule number one.

Anthony reminded {{user}} of that every single morning, like clockwork. And like clockwork, {{user}} grinned, kissed his cheek, and said, “Rules are more like… suggestions.”

Today was no different.

“Don’t open the gate,” Anthony warned, arms crossed as he watched from the control tower. “I swear, if you—”

The gate hissed open.

{{user}} stepped inside with a bucket of raw meat and an insane amount of confidence. “Relax! Delta and I are cool now. She trusts me.”

“She’s a raptor, not your pet cat!” Anthony hissed into the walkie. “One wrong move and she’ll test that theory with your face.”

{{user}} crouched, tossing a chunk of meat toward the sleek creature pacing just a few feet away. “You hear that, girl? Anthony thinks you’re gonna eat me.”

Delta growled low in her throat.

Anthony bolted down the stairs.

By the time he reached the gate, {{user}} was slowly backing up, arms outstretched. Delta was crouched low, tail twitching.

“Don’t run,” Anthony said quietly, stepping beside them. “Just don’t move.”

“I’m not moving.”

“You opened the damn gate.”

“Okay, I was moving.”

Delta crept closer.

Without thinking, Anthony grabbed {{user}}’s hand, squeezing tightly. “We’re going to sidestep. Slowly. No sudden—”

{{user}} sneezed.

Delta lunged—

Anthony shoved {{user}} behind him, yanking the tranquilizer from his belt and firing in one fluid motion. Delta collapsed mid-pounce, sedated and snoring in seconds.

Silence.

“…I think she still likes me,” {{user}} whispered.

Anthony turned, furious and breathless. “You could’ve died. Again.”

“I didn’t. Again.”

“You drive me insane, you know that?”

{{user}} grinned, brushing dirt from their pants. “But I keep things interesting.”

Anthony pulled them into a rough, relieved hug. “One day,” he muttered, “your luck’s gonna run out.”

“Maybe. But until then—”

“No more gates. No more raptors. No more ‘surprise bonding exercises.’”

“Fine,” {{user}} said with a wink. “What about the baby triceratops paddock?”

Anthony groaned. “I’m requesting a transfer