Page 19 of Testing the Kot'oll Officer

Watching Vatok crouch low to take care of a stubborn little fluff, his four arms stretching out in attempts to pat everyone, sparks a warmth that blossoms in my chest. I’ve seen glimpses of this side in the bar—his sense of humor tempered with the iron-strong facade of a police officer—but here, amid the joyful noise of the shelter, there’s joy radiating from him that makes my heart flutter.

Could I really be falling for him?

I shake my head as if to dispel the thought, but my pulse quickens and an undeniable thrill lights up my insides whenever we share a laugh, whenever his molten bronze eyes lock ontomine for just a moment longer than necessary. It’s like a spark has ignited that I can’t seem to extinguish.

“Look out!” he shouts playfully as a zebaba makes a daring leap toward my face. I duck just in time, laughter erupting uncontrollably.

“I’ll save you.” He gestures dramatically, losing his balance briefly before righting himself, his smile a beacon of warmth.

“You should definitely add that to your officer skills list—‘savior of cute beings’,” I laugh, wiping away a tear from the corner of my eye.

But the thought that he might just be playing along lingers in my mind, swirling amidst my budding feelings. Is it even fair to entertain this attraction?

With that small uncertainty looming over our spontaneous camaraderie, I throw myself into the task at hand as a distraction. “Alright, you furry troublemaker, time for your bath!”

Vatok stumbles toward me, the zebaba is following him everywhere by now. "This is such a trip."

My phone buzzes and I check on it. "Dammit... It's almost time for my shift in the bar."

He looks out the window. The afternoon is almost over and the sky is painted with orange and purple. "So... time in the shelter is over, huh?"

"We can be here next time. Aldriana and the others can always use help."

He tilts his head to the side, seemingly thinking over something. He has four zebabas in his arms, one arm per zebaba. At least we know what he's here for, otherwise, he may look like he's trying to sneak these home. "I suppose."

We pack up and wave goodbye to Aldriana, who will be staying until closing time. As we head outside and the wind outside kisses my face, I can't help but wonder... Vatok...

He lets out a breath while I sigh. He asks, "Is everything fine? Are you tired?"

I shake my head. "No, I'm fine. It's just..."

"Coming down from the high?"

I don't think that's the case, but I don't know what that is. "Maybe.”

“You seem to thrive in chaos, Julie. Perhaps that’s why this place suits you, just like the bar.” There’s a hint of admiration in his tone that makes my heart flutter.

“Chaos fuels my creativity."

“Quite the adventure,” he chuckles, shaking his head as if still trying to process the frenzy we just escaped. There’s a softness about him now, one that draws me closer. “I’m not sure how I ended up in the middle of a fluffy tornado.”

“Admit it, you loved every moment,” I nudge him playfully. “Especially when you fell on those blankets.”

He groans dramatically, but there’s laughter dancing in his eyes. “If that makes me a softie, then I wholeheartedly accept.”

As we stroll side by side, I catch the curious looks of several passersby. Some humans glance at us with confusion, others contain amused smiles. Vatok is an imposing figure next to me—four arms, tall stature, and confidence that commands attention. I can’t help but beam with pride, feeling strangely lucky to be walking beside him.

“Are we... a sight?” I venture, my voice laced with curiosity.

He raises an eyebrow at me, trying to suppress a smirk. “You might say that. But I'd think they wonder whether it's the evil kot'oll putting his hand on a beautiful woman.”

"Geez, do you look like a bad guy?"

"Or maybe a human that's being escorted."

“Well, not everyone gets to have a fabulous police officer guiding them through a fluffy animal storm.”

“Or a bartender who charms the entire galaxy. We might be quite the dynamic duo.”

---