Interspecies Relations
It was a sunny spring day, and Sara was nervous. She paced the house, her little nose twitching, trying to decide what to do. Since the fall she'd been a single mother, an easy task in winter due to hibernation. But now she would be unable to stay home all the time. True bunnies are easy to feed, but with a family of twelve the grass just outside wouldn't be enough. She had to go to work if she was to bring home food and pay for the rent. The problem was if she left, the children would be home alone and unprotected. Taking a last look at them playing in their room, she made up her mind.
"Now everyone listen. Mommy's going to go to work, so you'll be by yourselves. Don't be too loud or you'll attract attention. Never open the door and never, ever go outside. If someone gets in, go down into the cellar and stay in the escape tunnel. If they don't leave, you'll have to run, but I hope it doesn't come to that." Kneeling on the floor, she gave her little ones a big hug, then bravely set out.
Unfortunately for Sara, a new neighbor had moved in just before the cold weather and was also waking up. Jean was a young constrictor and a cunning hunter. One could compare him to the biblical ancestor of all snakes who tempted Eve. His personality was right on the mark. After the long winter spent in a stuffy burrow, he needed food and excersize, preferably but not likely in that order.
While exploring the unfamiliar territory, he happened upon Sara's house, the scent of rabbit all over. Practically drolling, he slithered to the door, knocking politely. From inside he heard movement which came to an abrupt halt. Again he knocked, but still no answer. Clearing his throat, he called out as gently and sweetly as he could.
"Hello? Is anyone home?" Closing his eyes, he flicked his tongue out, trying to sense any occupants. The smell indicated several rabbits lived here, and from the light vibrations that traveled from within, at least one was present. "I'm your new neighbor, I stopped by to say hello."
At last a soft voice answered from within. "You can't come in now. We're not supposed to open the door."
He smiled. So there was a child. And knowing rabbit families, where there's one child, there's usually more. "Can't you just unlock it? Then you wouldn't be opening the door." When they hesitated, he went on. "I'd go, but its still so cold out. Could I just come in and warm up?"
At last he heard the lock click. He carefully opened the door and his eyes lit up. Staring at him from the floor was a dozen tiny bunnies, all cute and fluffy. Quickly he slipped in, closing the door, their big round eyes following him. "Thank you, this is much better. Oh, don't be scared, I'm a friend."
Leaning down he gently patted one on the head. "Are you all alone?" It nodded. "Poor things, no wonder you're frightened. Would you feel better if I stayed here to protect you all?" The bunnies were hesitant, not sure what to do with the reptilian stranger. But still so young, they didn't know yet to fear snakes, and being alone was quite frightening.
"Don't worry, I'll take good care of you. We can even play games. Would you like that?" Slowly they nodded. "Good. How about hide and seek?" The suggestion brightened them up a bit and soon they were scampering about as he counted. The game was perfect, it gave him a chance to stretch, a quick tour of the house, and each bunny found went straight in his mouth and down to his stomach. Soon enough his belly was full of twelve giggling, wiggling little bunnies.
"Alright little ones, settle down now, we're going to have nap time." He went into the children's room, curling up in their big bed. Inside his stomach he could feel them all snuggling together, and soon their breathing grew soft and rhythmic. Smiling to himself, he fell asleep with his arms wrapped around the lump of bunnies.
It was late afternoon when Sara came home with the grocercies. Trying her keys, she was alarmed to find the door unlocked. Fearing the worse, she left the bags in the doorway, going at once to their room to check on them. Seeing the full snake lying in the bed, she screamed, unintentionally waking him. He blinked slitted eyes open sleeping, watching as she dropped to her knees sobbing. Slowly he picked himself up and moved closer, curling his tail about her.
"Hello Mrs. Rabbit. Sorry for stopping by unannounced."
She stared at him with wide, frightened eyes, unable to speak.
"Let me introduce myself. I'm Jean. And you are."
"S-Sara... Miss Sara."
"Oh, a widow?" He grinned. "Then this works out perfectly." He curled his tail gently around her, stroking under her chin with his hand. "Your babies haven't been harmed, and won't be if you agree to my conditions."
She shuddered at his touch, eyes locked on his. "What conditions?"
"I want to take you as my wife. From now on, I will live here with you as part of the family. Don't try to run away from me. You won't be able to take all your children anywhere quickly, and if I catch you, all of you will be eaten. Do you understand?"
Still shaking, she nodded her head. It was terrible, but she had no choice, even though it was quite clear he had not promised their survival for any length of time.
He smiled at her and kisses her cheek. "Then its settled. You hear that, little, ones? You have a new Daddy." Muffled squeals of joy could be heard from inside him, and he lovingly hugged his enlarged middle. "Now you can play in there whenever you want. Right honey?"
Sara nodded. "Yes... dear.
Posted by Diablito
Posted by MisterEbony