[Steamturtle]

I had had a horrible week. Adopting Nathaniel was probably the only thing that made this week better, but he wasn't cooperating at all. Couldn't he see I only wanted to pet his nose? To show him I cared?

I had been trying since I had adopted him to just simply touch him, but he wasn't having it. Every time I got close, he would run off or simply move from my hand. He got off with Fen, Undae, and Dexter, but he seemed to very much dislike me. I didn't know what else to try; I had tried giving him treats, simply standing there and chasing him. Nothing would work.

That day just started out horrible. I came to the barn, hoping to give it one more shot. The only one awake was Nathaniel, "King Nathaniel" as I had started calling him. He watched me with unseeing eyes as I stepped toward his stall.

"Well, are you going to be nice?" I asked him. His expression remained unchanged. As blank as ever.

Taking this as a sign he might allow me, I slowly moved my hand toward his nose. He snorted slightly, but didn't react. Not until my hand was hovering over his nose. He snapped at me, coming within inches of my fingers.

I brought my hand back and glared at him. He looked almost pleased with himself. I was infuriated.

"You know what," I hissed at him, glaring fiercely, trying to keep tears back. "Fine. If you don't like me, I'll just take you back to the adoption center. Maybe -" I hiccoughed, tears beginning to roll down my cheeks "-maybe someone else will love you. Because I can't take it anymore!"

I stormed over to one of the chairs in the old barn and slumped down. My face was in my hands, unwilling to show my tears. I barely registered a small click of a stall latch, and didn't pay attention as soft footfalls approached me. I froze as I heard a deep breath above my shoulder, and was slightly afraid.

I braced myself for the unknown, but instead of attack...he rested his head on my shoulder. I was shocked as he nuzzled my neck ever so slightly, as if to say, "I know. It's hard. But it'll be okay, I promise."

I wrapped my arms around his nose and cried, and he stood there, allowing me, as the sun rose. I'm sure my other Neras were quite confused, but they would understand soon enough. I just rested my head against Nathaniel's and held onto him.