<div style="text-align: justify;">If someone asked Marissa, she wouldn’t have said Nanook was manipulative either. She was truly grateful to him for what he had done. Of course, it was a very odd - to say the least - way of solving her problem. But it had dealt with her other half, so Marissa was not about to complain. Sure, she knew it was a complete turn in her life, but she was willing to take it, if that meant that she would have control over her days and nights back.<br/><br/>The lessons Marissa would have to learn to fit into this new life would probably be hard and violent ones. But yet, it was better than not owning her own life in the way it was before. At least, now, she knew she was in control, even if she had to live a double life in a different way. When Nanook said he wished humans could wag their tails, Marissa couldn’t help but laugh. “That would be a sight to see, indeed!”, she replied, still laughing between words. “But I don’t think it would look too proper, so a smile will do. I like hugs too”, Marissa completed, finally managing to slowly stop laughing.<br/><br/>Focusing back on the idea of a date, Marissa nodded. “Sure, why don’t we plan it for as soon as I’m done with your suit?”, she suggested. If Marissa were to be honest, it had been a long time since she had gone on a date. After the other one had taken a part of her life over, Marissa had withdrawn for a part of what made a normal life, afraid that ‘she’ might hurt someone’s feelings. God knew it had already happened with friends, and she would have hated for it to happen with someone she cared more deeply about. Now, though, that part of her life was in the past, and she could get back to a normal pattern. At least more normal than the one she previously had, that is.<br/><br/>Feeling Nanook hold her tight made Marissa relax a little. It felt good to know that he wouldn’t have considered her weak if speaking about her past gave her a hard time. That made her feel safe, and more secure to talk about everything for the first time. When Nanook released her, Marissa also exhaled softly. It was something she didn’t really think before doing, but something within her had a need to mirror some of Nanook’s actions.<br/><br/>When Nanook offered her to speak on the bed, Marissa blinked a few times in surprise. His second sentence made her understand his offer, though. It did make sense that she would feel more comfortable there. With a smile, Marissa nodded gently. “That would be nice. Thanks for being so considerate”, she replied, moving to take off her shoes.<br/><br/>Nanook’s question about what he could do to make her more comfortable made Marissa nibble on her lip for a few seconds. It was a habit of hers, something she always did when pensive. After a while, she nodded. “Just stay near, so I can... hold your hand, or anything, if you don’t mind that”, Marissa requested very quietly.<br/><br/>Marissa wasn’t that sure about where she should begin telling her story either. It wasn’t something she was used to doing, something she had ever done before. No, it was just something that she would have to figure out. After some time thinking and getting her memories in order, Marissa decided to start from the beginning - the first memories she had - and build up from there. It should be easier to work this way.<br/><br/>Marissa could imagine that questions would be a part of the process. Of course, she didn’t really know exactly which questions Nanook wanted to ask. Those would have to be asked, in case he really wanted to, after she finished her narrative, or while she told it. Marissa wouldn’t have minded if Nanook broke into her narrative to ask questions, not at all, to be honest. It might even help her get back on track.<br/><br/>With a deep sigh, Marissa walked to Nanook’s bed and laid down, waiting for him to get close so she could start telling him everything she could remember about her past.</div>