Raina slowly tiptoed away from the door. It was close to midnight and she had nearly finished cleaning all of the aquarium. She had had the job for over a month, generally helping with daily tasks and occasionally heading a full scrub down of the facility. There was no worry about public access, but the scientists and various employees till made a mess.

It wasn’t the most glamorous job, but it was a step in the right direction for Raina’s passions. She wasn’t sold yet, but her love of the ocean did help motivate her to continue working hard. The beauty brushed a strand of purple hair away from her eyes with her forearm. Now, there was just one last tank to clean: the giant octopus’.

Raina wasn’t scared of the large cephalopod by any means, but she had heard a lot of rumours. Most were no doubt false and just to scare her. However, she couldn’t help but feel slightly nervous about her current situation. Everyone else had left for the night, leaving her the last one to close up shop.

The octopus, lovingly named Big Red for its size and color, had kept itself rather secluded for a couple weeks. It came out for food, but often stayed hidden under a rock, quite opposite to the energetic activity it had for months prior. Even now, it was clear that Big Red was staying put under the rock, no where to be seen.

Raina was still cautious though, slowly approaching the large tank. It was ground level thankfully so all she had to do was step down onto a platform. She didn’t really have to clean anything here per say, the natural anemones and other plant life in the tank helped with that. Not to mention all the automated cleaning systems of the facility to make sure everything was perfect. All Raina had to do was check this tank’s individual system.

However, the simple task was easier said than done at the moment. Raina was no coward, but the eerie silence and the fact that no one else was around the facility at all, set her on edge. She proceeded to take off her shoes and socks, dipping her toes into the warm water. Contrary to most octopi, Big Red did not take well to cold water and seemed to prefer nicer temperatures.

Dashing away her fears, Raina stepped down onto the platform. She was slightly shorter than most of her coworkers, so the depth and water level reached past her hips. A few curses were muttered under her breath as she waded toward the tank’s monitoring system. Why it was situated on a pole in the center of the platform instead of a panel to the side was anyone’s guess. Either way, Raina didn’t appreciate it.

She began inspecting the readings, momentarily forgetting that she wasn’t the only one in the tank. After a few moments though, something snaked around her waist to instantly remind her. Raina felt herself tense up immensely as just one of Big Red’s tentacles gripped her. Even though she was wearing a shirt and shorts, she could feel the suckers cushion her belly.

The surprise and near shock left her speechless and practically paralyzed as she stood stock still. Big Red’s tentacle slowly wrapped more around her waist, another pair soon joining around her arms. Raina felt herself tugged backwards, but she didn’t struggle at all. Instead, she let herself float. The tentacles didn’t feel predatory at all and she didn’t want to possibly cause the octopus to think of her as prey should she thrash.

Raina glanced back, unsure of if she’d be in danger or not. However, Big Red was positioned on the platform as well, just staring at her. In a strange sense, she felt like the octopus was smiling at her. The tentacles pulled her back gently, wrapping around her more and more. Raina was twisted around, facing forward to the mass of tentacles and octopus. Oddly enough though, she felt rather calm.

The beauty’s waist was already covered by the three tentacles, but the octopus continued wrapping around her. The large suckers made its grip even tighter, Raina knew she couldn’t escape on her own. She’d just have to hope that Big Red would eventually let her go. At the moment though, she was subject to the wrapping tentacles. Two had coiled around her legs, binding them together already.

The octopus seemed to plop its body on the platform, almost laying back to wrap up Raina more. Tentacles practically overlapped down around her lower body, encasing her so much that nothing but octopus was visible. The beauty gulped, watching Big Red’s last three tentacles snaking toward her. Slowly, they gently wound their way around her chest, one even coiling her neck and framing around her head.

Eventually Big Red’s tentacles stopped, but more than likely as Raina had nothing left to be covered. She was enveloped by the octopus, not an inch of her body save her face showed. It was completely quiet in the tank now, a calm contrast to the situation. The tentacles remained tight around her, but gently squeezing in soothing massage-like motions.

Raina smiled down at the octopus. “Guess you just wanted a good cuddle, huh?” she asked jokingly. The soft kneading of the suckers continued, making her feel more and more relaxed.

Yawning, she said, “Well, I’m gonna get some shuteye then. Good night, Big Red.” With that, the beauty leaned her face against the tentacle nearest her, falling into a peaceful sleep soon after. Content as well, the octopus fell asleep, still keeping Raina nicely wrapped up in tentacles.

Just a dumb short story I had on the back-burner for a while. Nothing special, but I hope it's a semi-decent read. Thanks for tuning in. Awesome art by battleferrets: https://www.weasyl.com/~battleferrets http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee283/rogernikks/commissions%20x3/unnamed%2011_zps7c3rkyw7.png