vlad_the_impaler | [The count and his cat]

[The count and his cat]

[OOC: An AU pet person tale. Revised version of this thread.]

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It was an abandoned manor before the count decided to purchase the property. The old house was in disrepair and he hired the locals and workers to tear it down, deconstruct the house, to rebuild the old manor anew from the ground up. When he first saw the property, he had an idea to make a hotel/hostel out of it to expand his business. The property was closer to the city on this particular road and he already envisioned how he can make it a business for tourist and travelers to stay abroad.

However, many of the workers brought to his attention that there's a mangy black cat that kept halting construction and chased the workers away. Some were bitten and scratched by the cat, and whenever they hunted for her, she ran away, hidden in the manor or in the park with its trees as perfect hiding places. They figured out that the black female cat took up residence before the count purchased the property, and the old, run-down manor was her shelter to provide protection from the bullying, stronger feral cats that prowled at night in the neighborhood.

One stormy night, the count managed to capture her. She was soaked, starved, injured and very ill, making it very easy to capture her that night. Her left ear was torn, her tail looked had been broken at one point and she was walking with a limp. She came with the count with no resistance, and he took the responsibility to provide for her medical needs, but as for room and board...

After spending several nights with the vet at the clinic, he decided to adopt her for now, and he took her home to his house, which is several blocks away from the original manor. It was one of those houses where well-to-do folks live and pets like her can only dream of living inside one, though people in those types of home tend to adopt pedigrees or pets from the shop, and not ferals or shelter type strays.

He has a spare bedroom where she can sleep, and it was actually a nice, clean room as opposed to an empty room where the old manor smelled of sawdust, tools, vehicles, strange worker men, and the air is stale because the house is old and already infested with pests within the foundation.

"You can't stay at the manor. It's now a construction site, and you can get hurt if you stayed. I paid a good deal of money to get that building fixed and rebuilt." He said with a sigh. He's not good with animals at all, having no time to care for one, but he supposed cats are quieter than dogs. "It's going to be a hotel when it's done." He explains as he provided her dinner served on a silver tray, her first real meal and not scraps from trash bins.

"So, there were cats in the neighborhood that were bullying you and you took up residence in there? Is that why?" The count is named Vlad and is now her new owner. He is sitting before her and he is very well-dressed, wearing a suit and a tie, a businessman that deals and specialized in the business of hospitality.

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When people showed up one day at the place she managed to claim as her own, Rip wanted to drive them out and she tried. From attacking the men to messing with their tools and chasing them off. This was her home.. the only place Rip was safe anymore. She knew every hiding spot, every trail.. every way to get away from the other feral cats that chased her off, bullied her or tried to do worse. Being a female cat was not easy, especially when there were males seeking out females to mate with and her being one off the weakest didn't help. She'd managed to avoid them so far and even hide herself away at the times where she was the most vulnerable to them. Kittens were not something she was ready to bring into the world yet. Not when she could barely take care of herself.

Then one night a storm blew in and with the house under construction, it didn't quite provide the protection she needed like it had previously. By the time someone found her, she was soaked, exhausted and starved... the injuries she sustained from a recent run in with a larger male still lingered, making her limp and kept her in pain. Even her crooked tail ached so when the man approached, she was just too defeated to resist.

The next several days in the vet clinic were a blur to her as she went in and out of consciousness while they treated her for pneumonia and tended to her leg, cleaning out a nasty gash and wrapping it before tending to her ankle. She had a sprained ankle that also needed to be kept wrapped and for her to be careful putting weight on it as it healed. From the torn ear to the previously broken tail...Rip was not in the greatest shape. The Vet even confirmed that she was malnourished from being on her own as a stray though did note that despite how she looked, she might have been a pet at one time when she was younger.

So, it was a surprise when the man that found her decided to adopt her. A collar was given to her with a tag on it that she was supposed to wear at all times and then she was released to her new owner. For now, Rip went quietly, still limping slightly but moving quicker than she had before as she arrived to her new 'home' with her now owner.

She sat across from him and kept her head down as he spoke, her tail curled tightly against her side and showing submission as she listened to what was happening to her home. But, when he asked why she settled there she hesitated before nodding.

"They wouldn't go in there because they thought it was haunted. So... it was safe from them." She glanced towards the food dish, her eyes fixated on it for several moments but afraid to try and reach for it. He wouldn't try and take it away from her, would he? She could barely remember what it was like to have an owner anymore with how long she'd been living on her own.

Edited 2018-09-23 16:19 (UTC)

Technically, it wasn't her home so to speak. It was an abandoned property. Pets such as herself cannot legally own a home, so her removal and rescue means she can't go back...at least not yet, not with the current state of the manor, as it's still unstable and the workers are still tearing it down from the walls to the wooden frame that has been rotten from no care and being uninhabited for decades. Still...the count really sympathizes with her homeless situation, and that's why he has her sitting here with him in his home.

A thoughtful look as he listened to the frail cat, who is still nervous about be around him. However, he is actually quite cordial toward to her, and she is pleasing to the eye. Long raven black hair, sapphire blue eyes, and black fur on the ears and tail, and a plain color around her neck to keep her identified. The vet said she's a short-hair mixed breed. "Yes, they thought it was haunted. I was amused that some of my men still believed in ghosts. So you're the ghost behind the incidents. I must say you're a clever ghost."

When he noticed she was too nervous to eat, "Why don't you eat? Would it be easier if I leave the room so you can eat in peace? You need to eat to keep up your strength." The vet instructed him to give her medicine and antibiotics for pneumonia, and within a week or two, she'll be healthy and lively again.

He reached out toward her, even if she's squirming a bit from him, that she's practically shivering from sheer terror and squirming. His big hands begin petting and rubbing her soft ears to soothe her with his warm touch.

"Relax, you can stay here. I'm just not used to...having a cat with me. My brother, Radu, he talks about cats all the time as he's very fond of the Persian types. I don't keep pets as he does because I travel all the time." He said. "It just that you can't return to the manor as it is now. It would take a year for the manor to finish construction."

Then smiling, the type of smile he gives to his clients and guests during his work. "So, your name is Rip? Are you happy with that name?"

For a moment there was a swell of pride at being called 'clever' for running with the ghost stories to try and chase the men off of the worksite. It had worked with the other cats, so why not humans too? At least, that had been her logic and it turns out she had been right. For the most part. This man seemed to be smarter than the workers were.

Which was why she was sitting there with him now, reluctant to eat and listening to him talk. "...I haven't had actual food in...years. I think." and she was worried he might steal it from her if she did try to eat so whether or not he stayed, who knew if it would help. Though, she recognized that she needed food to regain her strength and health. Who knows, if he hadn't taken her in, the workers might have found a body one day instead of a cat messing with their tools.

She was snapped out of her thoughts when she noticed him lean in and started to tremble as her fear of what he might do to her rose. But..all she felt were hands on her ears and after a few moments, she started to relax under his hand. Her tail even relaxing slightly as the crooked end started to flicker back and forth and without realizing it, she was starting to lean into his touch as he spoke. Though,she worried a little about what he might do with her if he traveled all the time.

Would she stay here? Or would she go with him? As for her name though... her torn ear flickered slightly as she looked up to see him smiling at her. "It's the name the other strays gave me because of my ear." She looked a little uneasy. "I suppose I'm happy with it..."

Her tricks and tactics definitely worked and was quite memorable as the workers back at the manor were still talking about it...only to find out it's coming from a cat.

"No actual food? That was horrible." No wonder she's malnourished and underweight. "Well, try not to eat everything at once." The food on her tray is quite solid. But he has no reason to steal it from her since he was the one who made it.

He continued to pet her, to try to earn her trust. He never has a cat before, and it will take him some time to get used to sharing a home with another being. He was used to living alone, and not being home most of the time. This was new and he never shared much with anyone, not since he left his homeland and his family of his parents and brothers behind overseas.

"Well, please enjoy your meal." And if the food doesn't sit well in her stomach, well the nice thing was that her own room comes with a private bathroom.

When she responded to that name. "I think it's a nice name that suits you well. Ms. Rip. Rip." He said slowly. "Well, Rip, from now on, you and I will be friends from now on. Despite what everyone thinks, I think black cats are cute and not a sign of an ill omen or bad luck. After all, you're here with me now, and maybe you'll bring me good luck." He said, and then he pets and rubs her ears, misshapen and torn as they are.

"You can sleep on the bed too." It's a clean, warm full-size single bed, fit for a human, and a neatly folded blanket and pillows. "The bed is all yours to sleep on." He said.

The more he pet her and stroked her ears, the more she seemed to relax. She was just as starved for attention as she was for food from the looks of it as she leaned a little more into his touch and eve started the barest weak purr as she listened to him speak again.

She had food now.. and a bed. A place to stay and a Master that liked black cats instead of wanting to harm them, something she's encountered all to often since she was young. Rip vaguely remembered a time when she wasn't out on the streets but, she had been very little then and once she drew older, that went away and she found herself in the cold, starving and fighting for her survival.. not well, but, trying at the very least.

Eventually, she would pull away from him and turn her attention to the meal. For a moment she just stared at it before slowly moving closer and starting to eat. Her senses on full alert just in case he changed his mind.. even if she felt he wouldn't.

This was going to be quite the adjustment for both of them. She wasn't used to being around humans and he wasn't used to being around cats or even having comforts anymore. Though, she only got partway through the food before she started feeling ill and stopping. Her stomach was going to be sensitive for awhile since it's been so long since she's been properly fed... so small meals were going to be the only thing she could manage for awhile. But, it was something and at least she was making an effort to eat?

Vlad patiently and observed if she could eat anymore. Though she wanted to throw up from unable to tolerate solid food, then he'll be patient as he had seen her worst since the day they first met. It maybe some time for her to adjust in the comforts and warmth of his home, where fresh food and a nice clean bed is provided, and even a bathroom where she can shower and get clean.

When she ate partially and she seems to unable to eat anymore and seeing she looks ill. Vlad gently scratched behind her ear. "It's all right. Just rest." And taken the food away, but left the glass of water and a lactose free milk shake in case she wanted to drink as she needs fluids.

"If you wanted to use the bathroom and shower, I bought the shampoos and soaps that I hope you might like. There's also towels and pajamas in the closet too." Warm clothes that he bought for her to wear around the house as a few days ago he bought in advance before he brought her back from the vet. She is still remarkably thin and underweight for a cat, and Vlad hoped to fill her up, but he won't push her to eat if she can't.

As a gesture of comfort, he stroke her ears and her back, making her relax to his touch. She is safe and protected here, and Vlad is changing his mind in keeping a cat, as more and more, he truly wanted to keep her and have her stay by his side.

"Let me know if you want your medicine. You can sleep and don't worry, you're here to stay with me. I'll be in my office to do some paperwork and accounting for work."

It's a wonder what a gentle touch could do to relax her as Rip gently set the remainder of the food aside. With her stomach protesting, she didn't dare try and take more and his reassurance that it was okay at least soothed her anxiety about being forced to eat when she didn't think she could.

Rip leaned a little more into his touch and once his hand traveled to her back, she arched it slightly, pressing her thing body against the warm hand as it traveled across her. The weak purr was getting a little stronger as she nodded, accepting that there were finally warm clothes and a shower she could use.. it's been so long...

"Thank you...clean clothes...food..." She ducked her head a little. It was more than she could ever ask for. "Maybe.. after a shower? Let the food settle a little.. then, I should be able to keep it down." Hopefully. She glanced from him to the bed, reluctant and hesitant. Part of her still didn't believe the bed was meant for her.

But, he was insisting, right? Then hopefully she would rest easier and her recovery from her sickness and injuries would be quicker than it would have been out on the streets. "...Are you sure you want to keep me? I'm not..I'm just a stray. Nothing special."

He did insist. If there is anything she wasn't ready for, he's pretty open for her to ask. She was ill and to him, she's here now with him, still frail and still weak and not strong enough to trust him yet as her true owner. Part of her is still feral and stray.

He stood by the doorway and at her question. "I think I would like to keep you and if you wanted to stay. Outside it's cold and you could die easily. You may not feel special, but with medicine, food, and care, there's more to the future to look forward to."

Being gentle, "You could sleep on the bed. You're safe. As for the incident at the manor, I'll take care of it."

He really did want to keep her. She felt something warm blossom in her chest.. a rare spark of hope that maybe things might turn out alright. Hope was a dangerous thing to have and she was very reluctant to even believe its a possibility.

But, he was offering her food, shelter..even a bed and a bathroom. Rip glanced up at him as he stood by the doorway, her ears flickering back and forth with indecision. She was too weak to be on her own, she knew that. She needed what he was providing her...

And yet, she still felt an inkling of distrust from all her time on the streets and the vague memories of life before then. Whoever owned her last had abandoned her young and Rip wasn't sure she'd be able going through that again..

"If you're sure..." She hesitated before slowly getting up and limping towards the bed. Sleeping did sound nice right now..

After which, the months that followed, life with the enigmatic count has been routine. Vlad's life is a completely eccentric one, but stable almost everyday. It is full of peaceful quiet nights where the man spends time on his leisurely hobbies or in front of the computer conducting his business. A predictable schedule. There are days he talk and there are days he spoke little, but he appreciate her company all the same.

He rose every evening and sleeps in the morning when day comes by the hour. His work is to buy properties, fixes them, and then once he finished rebuilding them, he then sold them at a higher price. The abandoned building where he found her was fixed and he sold it off eventually. It wasn't even much of a job anymore and more like a game to him, but it was his business.

Each month, he brought her to the vet to heal her injuries especially her limp and close up the gash wounds to change dressing and give medicine. Perhaps she won't walk the same, but he was hoping she gets better in time.

Why he cared so much on a small creature is beyond him, as he has learned to care for another without expectation from his cold dead heart that is no longer beating. Humans, he don't care much even though he respected them, but animals, he's connected to them very fondly. Being sentimental is something he will never admit. There are times he felt it was pathetic of him for being sentimental caring for another life. But his cat is the reason why he isn't bored with his vampiric life, after having lived so long and remember too much. It has been very lonely. Everyone in his life has been dead for ages, including him.

Even so, never again she has to fear fighting for her life, because he kept her by his side. If anything, she becomes his friend. So, one day, when all of her injuries are healed and she no longer has to go see the doctor, because she was declared being recovered, she'll find a gift, a velvet black box being laid on her personal bed where she earned the right to keep it and sleep on it.

"Open it." He said. When she opens it, the box reveals a sapphire blue collar. It's a nicer one than the current one she's wearing, with a silver tag dangling in the front with her name and ID. He has her registered with him as her owner.

"It's yours. It's a gift." He then looked away, side-eyes, not wanting to reveal his weakness that he does have feelings for her. "If you wear it, that means you can stay with me like this."

With a thought, a pause, a beat. "That means everyday." Hopefully, she'll figure out what that means to her.

At first, Rip stuck close to her room and made herself scarce. She was unsure if this was real just yet but, as the months passed, she became braver and left her room. Each night she would edge a little closer and observe the strange man that took her in and cared for her.

And every month, she grew stronger. Each vet visit heralded good news for her health as her sickness worked its way out of her system and her wounds healed nicely under his care. She may not be able to run like she used to but, over time the limp became less and less. Her body filled out with the decent food she was getting regularly and there was a nice shine to her long hair now that she was able to keep it properly. Over all, her transformation from a scrawny injured cat to a healthy one was startling.

Sure, her ear was still torn and her tail crooked but, they were minor imperfections to the beauty she was growing into with proper care.

And as she became healthier, she spent more time around her eccentric Master. She would watch him at the computer some nights and other nights, she would curiously observe his hobbies and even.. venture to help him with one or two if he allowed her to. As the nights progressed, she became bolder and more familiar with him, even smiling a little and purring more often from gentle touches whenever he decided to grace her with them.

Even with his withdrawn demeanor, she was learning to appreciate her owner...though, once the vet gave her a clean bill of health, she wondered if that was it. She'd watch him repair and then turn around and sell properties. He wouldn't do the same to her, would he?

She.. wasn't sure. It was a quiet fear of hers as they came home from the vet. However, seeing a velvet box on her bed, she was reluctant to open it as she glanced towards him and then focused back on the box. Once she finally did open it, her eyes widened and her ears perked up at the sight of the beautiful sapphire blue collar and silver tag. There was an ID number on it..

Was he..? Her heartbeat sped up as the meaning of what he was offering her sank in. Rip was at a loss for words as she nodded as she gazed at the collar for a few more moments longer. Even with her attention on it, she caught the glimpse of him watching her out of the corner of her eye. He cared, didn't he.

After a few silent moments she removed the plain collar from around her neck and gently picked up the new one to slip in its place and secure. The silver tag rested against her chest like it belonged there as she wore it proudly for him to see. "I think.. I'd love to stay with you like this."

She has grown beautiful over the months that he took notice. He lets her roamed around his house and learned to remember to feed her and provide her clothes. As a cat, she pretty much doesn't have to do much of anything other than greeting him and asked him what she wants and in return, he gives her pets between her ears and touches, though his pale, bony hands are forever cold, lacking no warmth.

However, she is still a pet to him. The idea of a relationship has never crossed his mind in ages even if she's a female, although people have that type of companionship with their pets and it was a norm. He has grown accustomed to this quiet life for so long, that Rip was the first living soul to share a home with him and he has grown fond of her.

Seeing she accepted it and appreciated his gift to wear around her neck, he even smiled a little. Now she's stuck with him.

"Mm. Since you recovered, if you have gotten stronger, then I would like to take you to my homeland. I'm in the mood to travel soon. I am planning to go there for vacation for the holidays." He said. "During wintertime, it's magical to go there. There's a lot of castles and forests. I can show you the castle where my ancestors and I myself used to live long ago in my younger days."

Reaching out, he pets her between the ears. "You can also go out on my night hunts with me. If you feel up to it, you can join me tonight." For him, night hunts mean taking a nightly stroll through the woods that is on the outskirts miles away from the neighborhood until morning.

As he reaches out to pet her, she leans into his touch. Her purring louder and more pleased than ever as he offered to bring her along on one of his night hunts. Honestly, it's something she's been curious about for some time. Now that she was healthy enough though...

Rip nods slightly as she glances up to him. "I've never left this land before so, seeing something new would be welcomed." Plus, it meant traveling with her Master and learning more about him. "And I'd love to join you tonight."

She nuzzles her head against his cooler hand. The lack of warmth radiating from him didn't seem to bother her in the slightest. It just meant Rip would stay close to provide heat if he wanted it without much thought to anything else just yet. This was all still new to her so thinking of being anything other than company for him hadn't quite occurred to her just yet.

Though, with her being healthier, it might sooner or later. She was a feline after all.

Now that she recovered and ready to accompany him, Vlad puts on his black robe, a coat with long ends that reaches his down his ankles. He used to wear red, but he can't recall what it looks like. It was gone a long time ago. Even though he's old, he has forgotten. His memory wasn't sharp and clear as it used to be, lost over the mists of time.

Some exercise would do good for him and his pet. But it's also for his mind. Long walks through the forest gives him some mental clarity.

"Hm. Let's go."

It night out, a perfect dark. The autumn nights is cold and crisp with leaves turning golden and fallen, but not bare yet. The moon is low in the black sky with a deep shade of orange. He carried her in his arms, princess style, by carrying her in his arms, an arm beneath her legs and cradle her head in the other arm.

Carrying her in tow, he simply flew through the night, sailing through the sky leisurely over a sea of houses through the darkness with dots of street lamps on the roads. His coat whipped behind him like they're his wings. He landed on the outskirts of the forest, which is miles away from his home. He must have flew many leagues.

"Let's walk. There's nothing to be afraid in the forest. Sometimes, there's a wolf or coyote, but no beasts shall harm you when you're with me."

At that, he lets her down on the ground and take his stride slowly as he enters the woods.

When he first picks her up, there's a small bit of protest before she settles in his arms and leans her head against his shoulder. The scent of autumn hangs heavily in the air and the beauty of the low orange moon was breath taking as he started to take flight.

Rip wasn't sure what to expect but, the thrill of flying through the air in his arms was an experience she would never forget. It brought her delight to be this close to his larger form as the winds passed around them as his coat acted as his wings.

Once they finally landed, she was looking around curiously, taking in the sights of the forest many miles away from their home. She's never been this far out of the town before so the sight of such fresh new territory to explore nearly had her dashing off at first.

Her feet hit the ground and she had to force herself from giving into run off and explore like any cat might. However, she was his companion so she had to stay at his side.. and once he mentioned wolves and coyotes, she knew the safest place was at his side.

"Then I wont stray far from your side." She moved to follow after him, diligent and eager to see what the forest had to offer to her nearly glowing sapphire eyes in the moonlight.

For him, it's comforting to hear that, that she won't stray from his side. Loyalty and companionship is a rare thing to him these days. He can't recall who is his last one centuries ago though Seras is close to the only child he has left. While he cares for her, he didn't expect anything in return if any at all. He was used to his solitary life, where he spent a majority of his life to studying his books, delving in the clumsy practice of meditation, and repenting on old sins that will never go away by itself by just simply self-punishment on his own. She was a distraction to his century-old issues of buried deep wounds where the scars are no longer visible but many, but it's a welcoming one.

They walked together side by side. He was silent at first, and then he hums an old Romanian folk song from his homeland, at least one of the few things he must relearn in order to remember because it's also one of the many things he also forgets.

They haven't encountered any wolves or coyotes so far. Just an owl that flutters so silently down on its hunt and swooped down to catch a prey, a rodent that she wasn't able to detect first and caught it before the owl does.

Walking deeper into the woods, Vlad stopped as he sensed a good prey for her practice to hunt on.

"Shh. Step lightly. Rip, look over there. That's a hare."

Just as he said, a lone hare hopped over in their line of sight, with long powerful hind legs, long ears, and twitching long whiskers, and short grey hair. Out of amusement, he decided to give her a playful challenge, a game of catching prey.

"They're very fast and they can outrun a wolf. Think you can catch it?" After all, her feline instinct to hunt is natural.

The sight of the owl capturing its prey was quite a sight to see and one Rip doubted she'd be forgetting anytime soon. Even she had to admit the bird of prey was a better hunter than her in her current state.

However.. when he drew her attention towards the hare within their line of sight, her ears perked up. They twitched slightly, taking in every sound around them as he gently spoke and gave her quite the challenge.

Could she capture it? Maybe... She wasn't sure just how fast she was anymore after letting her leg heal. Perhaps this was the time to find out as she glanced up towards her master and then back to the unsuspecting hare.

"I can definitely try." Her tail swished gently behind her as she takes a hesitant step away from him as she turns her attention more and more on the hare, letting her feline hunting instincts take over as she silently edges closer and closer to her prey.

With a nod, he stood back and watches his dear pet makes an attempt for her first hunt in ages. He crosses his arms and watches her intently, in a stance to get ready to sprint and pounce. It's a simple exercise for her legs that haven't been in shape from not being used often.

The hare didn't expect anything. Her footsteps are quiet. The key is not making a sound. It's long ears twitching, listening as it nibbles on the grass and makes a hop across, searching for food.

Rip kept her body low as she edged forward while the rest of the world fell away as her instincts took over. Every sense she had was aware of her prey, taking in ever little twitch of his whiskers or flick of the hare's ears.

Her legs were definitely not what they used to be but, she hoped that there was at least enough strength in them for this hunt. It's the first one she's participated in since... Rip couldn't remember. It's been a long time of her just trying to defend and feed herself.

Now that she didn't need to do that, it was almost a relief to be able to do something like this. At some point she pauses, her entire body going still as muscles tense up, ready to pounce on the unsuspecting hare.

The anticipation hung in the air as she waited for the right moment and when it came.. she spring. Rip leaped to pounce the hare, hands and claws extended but, the hare was quicker. She growled as it took off and quickly righted herself to take off after it.

She chased the rabbit as best she could, but, try as she might, her legs weren't as strong as they once were and she lost the hare in the under brush. When she finally came to a stop, she was panting and leaning against a tree while muscles in her legs and lower back starting twitching.

She may be healthy now but, Rip was out of practice and it showed.

"S-sorry.. I tried."

There's a first time for everything. That's why night hunts like this take time to practice and learn. Vlad needs no practice. He has mastered completely everything up to the point, it's no longer necessary for him to hunt at all. Just a stroll to pass the time even though time no longer existed for him.

She was clumsy and slow even during the chase. That's to be expected. The hare sensed her first by the sound she made and the hare ran so fast, accustomed from running and making many escapes in the wild.

"Mn...so you tried. This is a start. Between you and me, you don't have to apologize for trying."

As she was leaning against the tree, catching her breath and her wind. Vlad pushed her glasses up since it was slipping and then cupped her chin, so he can see her eyes looking at him.

"..." His expression doesn't say anything. If a heart can race and speed up except the irony is that his heart is already dead. But something else in his heart is awakening and revived by just simply watching her trying her best.

Without saying a word, he gently presses her body against the tree without using any strength at all other than to hold both of her arms to support her to make her stand on her feet, giving her his strength. He then leans forward, tilting his head aside to gently kisses her on the lips. His lips thin and cool, and holds it briefly so she can realize what's happening, that he's really kissing her.

She was relieved that he accepted her apology and nodded, focusing more on catching her breath than paying attention to him coming closer to her.

So it took her by surprise when he gently leaned in to push her glasses up before tilting her chin up to look at him. There was confusion in her wide sapphire eyes as he gazed down at her expressionlessly. It really didn't register what he was doing with her until he had her pressed against the tree and felt his strength surround her.

It was comforting to feel him hold her like this and surprising when he leaned in closer. The kiss took her by surprise, causing her to freeze as her heart sped up. The running had left her heart racing but this made her feel like it was trying to escape he ribcage!

Very hesitantly she started kissing him back. Rip spent so much time avoiding male cats that she didn't realize that there might be other males that might... be interested.

The kiss is over and breaks, allowing her to breathe again. Tilting his head aside to nuzzle her gently against her cheek. Normally after a kiss, humans get warmer. Not him. He is no longer warm, but perhaps a tender part of him that he only shows to her can be. His pale skin is smooth and cool like marble stone.

"You didn't capture that doe. But it looks like I captured you instead. This is fine."

He found her warm, her pulse quickens with blood, and that brings him pleasure that a kiss can spark a beat of life.

"So, try again." He whispered. "Kiss me again..." He kisses her again, this time with more passion as he slowly slides his tongue inside, gently coaxing her lips, not pushing, not being forceful, gently as possible to open her lips to taste her, going slowly. Her kisses are warm, getting him warmer too.

Something else is growing warmer and stirring too. In his loins. With want.

Despite his skin being cooler, Rip found it pleasant against the warmth of her own. She instinctively nuzzled back as her eyes fluttered shut. Older, more primal instincts were starting to rise to the surface to replace the ones used for hunting..

She felt her cheeks heat up at his words, a blush gracing her naturally pale freckled cheeks as her ears flicker forward and then back. Rip's unsure of what's happening but, she also wasn't protesting.

Having him this close was reassuring and his scent was flooding her senses. Even now she could catch the hint of desire in the air and it was intoxicating..

He wanted her to kiss him again, well.. "As you wish.." she was less hesitant this time, though not as passionate as he was. Rip was letting him explore with his tongue, mapping the contours of her mouth as her own slid along his to test and tease. It's not hard to see that she's inexperienced when it comes to this.

But, she's trying as he gently coaxes more out of her until she finally has to pull back to breath a little. Her face is flushed and her eyes lidded as she gazes up at him. There was definitely something passionate starting to stir between them..

He held her in place, watching her reactions, receiving positively of his affections. Her blush over her pale cheeks, the way her eyes fluttered when their lips and tongues connected. He was excited from the kiss, kissing her softly, then more kisses followed on her throat, minding the pressure and the graze of his fangs, then kissing her soft lips again.

He held her arms briefly in place, then their kisses disconnected, so she can breathe properly again. He relaxes and finally lets her go. Although he felt excited and aroused even the feeling the stirrings in his loins, they're in the middle of nowhere in a dark forest, and he felt her shiver with pleasure. As fun it is, the forest is for midnight strolls and he's more considerate and careful where they should make love if she wanted to mate with him, treating her delicately.

There are time and place. "Rip, it's cold out here." He said. He is smiling softly, denying himself the giddy feeling that flutters. "Let's go back home. There's nothing else to see out here. We can come back another night for your training to get strong"

He's going to pick her up again in his arms to carry her off through the night and with her in tow, he flies toward back home.

Rip's mind was a whirlwind when he finally spoke again. All she could do was nod in agreement before she fount herself swept up in his arms again. Whatever this was..Rip likes it. He was being gentle with her as they headed home.

While he was in her arms, his scent flooded her senses and drawing her in as her own arousal at being close to him in this situation started to make itself known to her.

He loves her, but she's still a cat and still young. Falling in love, he strictly forbidden himself to ever feel again that way again. After a string of failed romances that happened a century ago, ending badly and too often he gave in to rage and violence and murder, he vowed he would never hurt or broke their heart again (but...he did with full regret of his choices and paid the price as a consequences). All the fight, rage, and sorrow left him...and it wasn't worth a risk to be a public menace so...he worked hard for this peaceful persona for this era.

He carried her to her bedroom, which in desperate need of new furnishings and repairs, which the count put on order for her to be tailored to her preference and gently lowers her on the bed.

The best thing he could do is offer her a safe home, a place of safety, be a provider to her needs, and give his affection, despite his difficulty showing it, he likes kissing her and felt a mutual attraction, but all the same suppressing his emotions. "We can train another day. We can work on your reflexes for our hikes. Maybe a running and jogging program." He offered, trying to make up a distraction.

If she's in heat and aroused, he picked up on that, but only if she wants it. "It's a good night." He said. "Tomorrow, we can stay up later until the sun rises, but I would need you to do tasks for me in the afternoon." The usual tasks such as cleaning the home, calling people for his business through the phone, accounting, and just daily chores and eventually a computer if he purchased it.

Still with a soften expression, he kisses her again on the forehead, but not pursuing further only to check in. "Only if you desire it, but I can wait. Forgive me for..." Making her feel for him? He recognized her love and acknowledged it, he can slow down if needed to be. He trails off to exact his feelings. "But I do like you."

Her mind is still trying to catch up to everything as he whisks her away home and settles her back into her bedroom. Her thoughts were racing, though her instincts were very happy at his displays of affection so far.

She finally tunes back into what he's saying as he mentions an exercise routine to help her hone her reflexes and rebuild her strength once more. If he desired her to hunt with him, then she would need that. Rip had a long way to go before she would be a deadly feline huntress that walks at his side.

But, this is a start...And she's stull blushing as she leans in a little closer to him, seeking out his touch. "Of course. I'm always happy to do my part to help out around here." Even if it meant cleaning and doing phone calls for him. She was still learning accounting so she wasn't quite able to help with that yet. Eventually though, she was determined to be as helpful to her Master as she could be.

Though, if he kept on kissing her like that, Rip might...add another, pleasurable task to her list. If, he wanted her to grace his bed at some point. She finds, that the idea appeals to her. Her instincts were already recognizing him as a strong, worthy male just from the way he's taken care of her over the last several months. "I would like that..staying up until sunrise with you." Rip smiles slightly before leaning in and giving his cheek a quick peck. "Well, that's good.. I like you too."

Rip's definitely braver with her feelings and with her instincts starting to make themselves known, he might just have to deal with her being in heat and aroused. She was already slightly interested from tonight, especially with that kiss making her aware that he cares for her.

"Right, good night Rip." He said, and pushing his feelings aside, maybe he wanted time and space to think about it. He didn't have a good history of maintaining relationships, even though technically, everyone is long, long dead centuries ago and he made his choices.

For the next following days, the vampire kept himself busy. He kept himself focused on rebuilding the manor and the property. At night, he was seen pulling out the weeds, working on the garden. At other times, he does the fixes around the home himself, doing the construction and carpentary himself working on fixing the roof, the windows, installing the bathroom, and then when it comes to painting, waiting for it to dry.

Through the week, her heat is calling to him, but each time, he wants to, his undead heart slams shut. "I going to paint. I need to fix this and that. I'm going out to the warehouse to get something." He would say when he's this close to her, a mild touch to her hair, holding her wrists, and while he's nonverbal, he would like her attention. But all the same, his behavior is erratic too. He chases the interested male cats off the yard who wanted to chat with her and afterward, he becomes sullen and irritable that he made it his deal to terrify them off, spooking them.

The manor is still under construction, but it will be operable soon, and he'll probably run a small business here for a while, but he has no idea what's the direction of his business is going.

But affection he doesn't know how to give. He learns to touch and pet between the ears, give a kiss when she wants it, but when it comes close to wanting to go to bed.

Eventually, he gave up, unable to resist her heat and her warmth any longer. He just laid his head tiredly on her shoulder, messy black hair against her skin.

"I tried to resist you." He said. "But I don't think I can. I just want to be sure if I'm the one you wanted to go to....bed with."

Over the next few days Rip tried to gain his attention, desperately seeking his affection. Despite the few little touches here and there, he kept himself busier than usual. After a few days of trying, her instincts were becoming unbearable! Rip spent a lot of her time feeling distracted and restless.

Any task he gave her would be left partially finished. Her focus just wasn't there and it only seemed to get worse as time went on. Eventually Rip started leaving the house and chatting with the various male cats that would seek her out. Rip made a point to never leave the property and the males seemed to know better than to come into her master's territory so they spent time trying to tempt her away until her owner started to chase them away.

When he started to do that, she started to become sullen and withdrawn as her instincts continued to rage and drive her mad! Every little touch and scrap of affection she could gain from him felt like torture to her!

Rip had almost given up when he finally gave in and held her close. His words sent a shiver down her spine as she nods against his messy black hair and nuzzles against his cheek. "Stop resisting, please.. it's torture to me." She whimpers softly as she presses herself close to him. Even his scent was driving her heat mad with the overwhelming desire to be close to him and to have him grace her bed. "I'm sure I want to go to bed with you. You're the strongest male.." She starts to purr softly. "You are stronger than the ones that try to tempt me and you care." Which made him even more appealing.

She nuzzles against him a little more. "You...won't just bed me and then leave me."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[The count and his cat]

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-five years later oh no...-

-better late than never?-

-returns with lifetime starbucks-

-yum starbucks!-