Thread: Big Bad, Little Red, and the Hunters. (Fates.Gamble and Gunner)

Catty slept comfortably through the night. There was a great deal she was unaware of. The wild animal prowling about her apartment for one. That same creature trying to read her mail and look through her pictures, most of which were just photos of friends and family in cheap DIY type frames. There was nothing extraordinary about anything in the apartment. Right down to the cheap, mass produced art on the walls. The nightlife outside of the apartment, however, was quite lively. Shouting sometimes, sirens every so often. Aeric was lucky that there were no gunshots that evening. It was, at minimum, a monthly occurrence. The apartment was, at least, decently secured with a sturdy deadbolt lock. Apparently she was also greatly unaware of the area she had chosen to call home, at least from an outsider's perspective. Still, as she had told her folks, it was simply cheaper until her bills could be paid. She never mentioned paying Carl's bills to them though. Something to consider at a later date. For the time she slept in her comfortable cocoon of ignorance. A feint light dawned in her room along with strange, soft sounds. Almost like a quarter, accompanied by a piano, were playing in a field near a chattering brook. The sounds so soft at first even Aeric would struggle to hear with his wolfish ears. As time passed the sounds grew louder, the light brighter. In the kitchen the coffee pot suddenly beeped and turned itself on. By 0530 there was a full, dramatic concert coming from her room and a soft yet bright glow from her bedside. Catty yawned widely and reached over, tapping the gentle alarm clock. Such a pleasant way to wake in the morning. She stretched languidly for a moment, very tired from being up so late. Have to go to the gym. No gym, no ice cream... she grumbled as she pushed herself up to her knees. Another long stretch, a lazy feline waking from her afternoon nap. With another grumble she stepped out of bed and shambled to the kitchen, pulling on a thin, fake silk robe. By the time she made it to the kitchen a single mug was ready. A splash of milk, a dash of stevia and she headed to the couch. For a moment she was started at the massive lump on her couch, her heart suddenly in her throat. Oh yeah... she said quietly. How could she have forgotten? Well it was early and she was tired. Catty gave a rueful smirk and she looked down at the massive, black dog. Pets on the furniture had never bothered her. Why shouldn't they be comfy too. What was odd was the fact he had pulled the comforter over her. That was an interesting trick for a dog to do. Sure she had seen it on the internet but never in person. Catty leaned over and gently stroked the top of his fluffy head. Hopefully none of his bandages loosened with a heroic leap onto the couch. Catty went and settled into a chair that matched the couch to fool around on Facebook while drinking her coffee. Nothing like silly cat videos to start the day. Coffee downloaded she got up and went to her room to change and pack. She pulled on workout shorts, sports bra, tanks top, tied her curling red hair into a braid, then packed her bag with everything she would need for work. Before heading out she refilled the water for the dog, put out some more chicken and went back for a couple of farewell pets. With all that done she headed out for the day. It was just after dark when she got back home, her bag over her shoulder and her arms laden with grocery bags. He sure was a lucky pooch. Catty believed in a more natural diet for dogs. I'm home, she called into the apartment as she stepped in then toed the door shut. The grocery bags were full of meats, mostly cheaper cuts but dogs didn't know the difference. Veggies, fruit, other things for herself. Catty was quick to unpack the groceries and started cooking after pouring herself a small glass of wine. She had given him half of her prepped chicken already so she prepped some more while she cooked up some chopsteak for him. Here you are boy, she said as she set down the steak she had cut up into small pieces with some vegetables and roots mixed in for a decent balance. Maybe....if we find out you don't have an owner I should think about naming you... As he settled in to eat so too did she, scratching away on a note pad and googling up names to potentially call him. It would seem Catty was becoming settled into the idea of keeping him. The night wound down in a similar fashion. Catty checked the stitches and bandages, making sure all was well. Surprisingly better than well really. With his performance the other night she half expected him to break more stitches while she was away. You are such a good boy... she praised him as she finished the bandages and stroke his fluffy head. His fur really was beautiful and not just to look at, but to ruffle around and pet. So thick and silky. With him all set she settled in for a quick movie, opting for a Disney flick that evening. Almost ironically Beauty and the Beast. Once the movie was finished the bed time routine followed once more. Though this time she simply draped the comforter over the couch. Well you behaved here last night so I guess it's alright. So long as you're comfortable. That was that. With a few more pets she headed to her room for bed. The same routine followed for the next three days, though not needing to grocery shop she was home before dark. Each day she had something new for him. Actual bowls for his food and water, a handsome leather collar, a leash, some actual blankets so she could take her comforter back. She didn't bother with a dog bed knowing all too well he would probably just keep hopping onto the couch to sleep. Catty didn't try the collar just yet, still not knowing if he was actually owned. She also hadn't settled on a name yet, mostly just calling him Buddy or Boy or simply Handsome. There was a small upset in the routine once night when her cell went off. She answered with a curt, what? A man's voice was on the other end, clearly drunk but attempting to sound apologetic. Yeah...no....no....no you can't come back...no...stay the hell away from me Carl. You didn't leave anything there. No I don't want to talk. Don't call me again, I don't want to talk to you! A loud screech of fucking bitch! came through as she pulled the phone from her ear and hung up, quickly blocking the number. Though when friday rolled around she did as she had said and brought him to work with her. It was a quiet little animal hospital. A few sick animals were kept in the back where she brought him. She weighed him, measured him, took some blood, cleaned his wounds up better, check for a chip. Checking for a chip certainly took the longest of everything. She checked three times before being satisfied that there was no chip. Her eyes lit up in delight, nearly sparkling as she grinned wide. Well...maybe you can stay with me after all! Would you like that boy? Guess I'll have to actually pick out a name for you. The older Veterinarian, Dr. Henderson, comments on the massive black dog his protege had brought in. You are sure that's a dog? Looks more like a wolf...or part bear. Catty just scoffed. You know there are no wolves around here...he's probably a shepard mix...maybe mixed with Leonberger or something. The older gentleman didn't seem convinced. Well we'll know after we get that blood work back. Catty was positively ecstatic as she brought the dog home. It was selfish but she had been hoping there would be nothing and she could keep him. His massive, fluffy presence had been a comfort in the empty apartment. Up until her ex had called she had pretty much forgotten he existed. She promised a very big, very tasty meal that evening as they drove back home. As soon as they arrived Catty started cooking. A great big T-bone for him and a filet for herself. Potatoes, mixed greens. As she cooked she kept going through various names. Most of which were Gods of some sort, from all branches of mythology. She was just setting out his meal when her phone rang. Hey Jess, what's up? She answered as she plated her own meal. Very suddenly she froze up and stared at the distant wall. Wh....tonight? She asked with a puzzled frown. I mean yeah it's been a while but...yeah...yeah cheating. Well sure dancing is fun... Honestly she had been a bit of a homebody for months, ever since starting up at the clinic. Ally and Holly? Yeah of course I want to see them... Catty huffed a small sigh. Clearly trying to get the girl to go out was worse than pulling teeth. Ten? That's really late... she grumbled some. Yeah I know clubs don't open until that late...no it's close enough I can walk....yes I'll bring slip ons I'm not stupid...ok yeah sure see you then. She hung up her phone and sighed a little. She had a big night of watching movies and hanging out with her new dog. Catty looked over at him and smiled a little. I have a sad life, huh boy? Maybe this will be good. We can go to the park or something tomorrow...maybe sunday. There a craft fair and wine tasting there this weekend, dogs allowed. Catty was quick to finish up her meal then headed off to her room to shower and get ready. She was female and of course it was going to take the full four hours. Shower and makeup were easy enough. She was careful to dry her hair, drying each curling lock so it fell in curling, shimmering waves of fire around her pale, soft face. Minimal eye makeup, a soft smokey look that made her blue eyes pop and shimmer like sapphires with soft lipstick and minimal contouring, more highlight than anything. Unlike most redhead she didn't bother trying to hide her freckles with her make up, though they were hard not to cover up. She ran the gambit of outfits, having to step out of her room for the full length mirror near the door. First a very small, strappy black dress with red heels. On the other end of the spectrum she tried jeans and a white, lacy tank top. Far too casual. She tried out a flowy pink number that was just god awful and she change back out of very quickly. Finally she settled on a sheer green, A-line skirt with a white miniskirt underneath. For a top and off the shoulder, poet bell sleeves mid-drift and tall, white pleather gladiator heels. She looked every bit like some celtic faery trying to blend into modern society. Ok...now you behave...I probably won't be gone long... she said with a rueful grin as she gave her dog a quick pat and headed up, leaving her small, flat shoes on the table beside the door. Just like she said she wouldn't. The walk wasn't too long to the night club from her place, only about eight blocks. A block away she could heard the throbbing music. Outside she spied Jess and Holly, both of them tall and lean blondes. Holly in a skimpy red dress while Jess wore a blue micro mini, a black tank top and a white duster. They waited only a little for the others to show before heading in. The music was pumping, lights flashing. The mod pulsating and heaving on the dance floor. The four women waded through the crowd to the bar for drinks. First two rounds of tequila shots then regular drinks. Catty was a fan of wine. This club served sparkling moscato with a splash of pomegranate vodka. It wasn't long before the tequila kicked in, followed by the sparkling wine and Holly managed to drag Catty to the dance floor. The group stuck together, dancing with the heavy beat, laughing and grinning. Even Catty was cutting loose, not exactly the best dancer ever but unabashed with a wild swing of her hips to the music.