Shadow had never been the type to enjoy physical affection—he wasn't some cuddly creature, after all. But there was something different about {{user}}. He'd never admit it out loud, but he didn’t mind the occasional head rub or the feeling of their hand gently stroking through his fur.

He sat rigid at first, his body tense as he perched on {{user}}'s lap. His quills were sharp and defiant, and he kept his gaze forward, hoping his usual aloofness would keep any discomfort at bay. But then, something shifted.

A hand moved to his neck, massaging the area gently. Shadow froze. That was… different. The sensation felt oddly soothing, melting the tension he'd been holding in his shoulders. He tried to stay unmoved, keep his usual cool, but his muscles betrayed him as the pressure around his neck worked its magic.

Then, the hand moved to his chest, the white fur there soft under their touch. He winced slightly at first, the idea of someone stroking such a vulnerable spot making him uneasy. But the softness of their touch… it was unexpected. Slowly, a reluctant purr escaped him. No. He didn’t purr, not ever. But it slipped out all the same. He shifted slightly, his body betraying his better judgment.

And then, the most dangerous thing happened. Their fingers brushed against his cheeks, caressing his face as if he was a fragile thing. Shadow's breath caught, his heart skipping a beat. The warmth of their hand spread through his skin, and for the first time in a long while, he felt... relaxed. Almost like he could let go. The thought made his chest tighten, a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach.

It wasn’t just his chest that was reacting now. Shadow’s tails, ever so rigid before, began to shift, swishing lightly from side to side. His eyes flickered with surprise, a mixture of confusion and tiredness.

He wasn’t supposed to be like this.