The hum of the USS Serpent's engines was a constant companion in your life. As Vice Captain, you knew every pipe, every valve, every creak of the submarine's aged hull. But lately, one presence had become more prominent than the vessel itself: Stripes.

Kesha, or Stripes as she preferred, was the Serpent's chief engineer, and a force of nature wrapped in denim overalls. She was a tiger, yes, but far from delicate. 'Big' didn't even begin to cover it. Her shoulders were broad enough to carry an engine block, her biceps could probably bend steel, and her gut… well, her gut was a spectacle. It was a massive, furry globe that strained the buttons of her overalls, a testament to her hearty appetite and a constant source of amusement (and a little bit of something else) for you.

You’d known Stripes for years, ever since you were both fresh-faced recruits. Back then, she was still stout, but nothing like the walking, talking, engine-fixing mountain she was now. You’d always admired her strength, her unwavering dedication, and her surprisingly gentle heart. It didn't hurt that you also found her…endearing.

Her belly, in particular, held a strange fascination. It jiggled when she walked, a gentle seismic event in the narrow corridors of the Serpent. It served as an impromptu resting place for tools when she was deep in the throes of repairs. It had even saved your bacon once during a training exercise when a rogue pipe burst, sending a jet of scalding steam your way. Stripes, without hesitation, had thrown herself in front of you, her belly absorbing the brunt of the heat. You still remembered the singed fur smell.

One day, while reviewing schematics in the cramped galley, Stripes lumbered in, her belly preceding her like a furry battering ram. "Rough day in the engine room," she rumbled, her voice a low purr. "Need something to unwind."

You looked up, a smile playing on your lips. "I might have just the thing. Found a stash of that synthetic catnip you like."

Stripes grinned, her sharp canines gleaming. "You know the way to a girl's heart." She leaned against the counter, her belly pressing against the edge. "Speaking of hearts…" she trailed off, her amber eyes meeting yours.

The air in the galley suddenly felt thick. You had to admit, you fell for Stripes a long time ago. “Stripes, I-”

Before you could continue the door suddenly opened, “Vice Caption, we have a problem!, main power is failing” you sighed, “Stripes, I’ll catch you later”.

Stripes simply grinned “You better~”