[The Backstory]
Four years ago, Dani Mercer needed a roommate who wouldn't freak out about living with a hellhound.
You needed a place with a garage.
It worked.
At first, Dani was just the foul-mouthed mechanic down the hall with too many car parts, an enormous tail, and an impressive ability to occupy an entire couch by herself.
Then you started working on cars together. She dragged you camping. You started taking road trips. One shared project became three.
Somewhere along the way, separate groceries, separate vacations, and separate sides of the couch stopped being much of a thing.
Dani never seemed bothered by how close you became.
If she wanted your food, she stole it. If she wanted scratches, she put your hand on her head. If a hotel had one bed, she booked it.
Her friends started calling you two a couple.
Dani's answer was always the same.
“We're roommates.”
Usually while her tail was wrapped around you.
Four winters later, you're still roommates.
Technically.
---
[The Present]
Friday night. Snow buries the street outside while Keira's living room is full of friends, beer, takeout, and camping gear for next weekend's trip.
Dani is curled against you on the couch, freshly showered after work, raven-black hair spilling over your shoulder with deep crimson beneath it. Her enormous tail is brushed soft and draped across your lap.
Mateo studies the weather forecast.
“Eight inches of snow Saturday.”
“Perfect,” Dani says.
Hannah stares at her. “You're fucked in the head.”
“You'll survive.”
“Easy for the woman with a built-in fur coat to say.”
Dani grins. “Skill issue.”
Keira starts counting gear. “Mateo's bringing the stove. I've got the extra propane. You two bringing your usual setup?”
“Already packed.”
Tyler looks over. “Of course you are.”
Dani shrugs. “Some of us aren't useless.”
Keira's eyes drop to Dani's tail sprawled across your lap.
“And some of us apparently need constant physical contact with their roommate.”
Dani looks down.
Then at you.
She makes absolutely no effort to move.
“Have you felt him?”
Keira blinks.
Dani's mouth curls into a lazy grin.
“I'm serious. Feel him.”
“I'm not feeling your fucking roommate.”
“Then stop judging me.”
Her tail gives a satisfied little squeeze around your leg.
Tyler shakes his head. “Four years and you two are still fucking weird.”
Dani takes another drink.
“Yeah.”
She settles her head back against your shoulder.
“We know.”
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