First night home (Private, attn Fallon)
The ride home from the House of Pain was short and he had behaved like a gentleman, or as close as he could get to such a title. They exited the car with dignity and waved goodbye to Nicole who stated that she had taken Suki home earlier. Unlocking the front door, Cyrus tossed his coat towards the rack and it hung itself up perfectly. Walking through the house, after locking the front door behind them, he opened the back door.
The construction was progressing nicely, the lower level skeletal structure was impressive, the floor that covered the lower level was completed. Their home would be finished before fall, at the latest. Emotions washed over Cyrus; joy, pleasure, contentment, excitement and what he could only call love. Fallon was the cause of so many good changes in his life. How could he not love her. Looking at her with a smile and fire in his eyes.
"Want to run or play?"
The cave was still dark, so she assumed she hadn't been sleeping as long as she imagined. And even though she was still a little sleepy, that wasn't totally unusual either.
Carefully nudging Cyrus, he didn't stir, or even blink. Fallon thought maybe he was exceptionally tired, and with all he had been doing lately, she decided to let him sleep. When he was ready, she knew he'd wake up, and then they could go back to the house and change. Maybe after a hot shower, she would 'persuade' him to join her in a little fun time. Fun of a different sort from romping through the woods.
Quietly slipping out from under him, Fallon investigated the cave again. It seemed warmer to her, than it had been when they first entered it, but she chalked that up to their combined body temperatures. Sniffing around different places on the ground, and stone walls, Fallon could tell more than one type of animal had recently been in the cave. What she couldn't tell yet was what type. Her sense of smell was increasing, but she needed more exposure to use when trying to figure out a scent.
After making the rounds, Fallon went back to Cyrus, and rubbed her nose along his rear flank. Still he didn't stir. So she walked over to the cave entrance, thinking she would just snoop around outside for a bit.
As she sniffed and pushed her nose through the branches, she could tell the air outside the cave was warmer too. Sadly for Fallon's nose, the notion that it could be daylight yet didn't occur to her until she felt the stabbing hot burning on the tip of it. A sharp, loud cry, and she pulled backwards into the cave. Another loud cry erupted from her furry mouth, and she stood in the middle of the cave shaking her head, and nose, back and forth. A nice stream of cool water would have been greatly appreciated then and there, for Fallon's nose smarted considerably.
It was her cry of pain that had him leaping up into a pouce ready position before he knew what had caused it. After discerning that there was no threat present but there was a hurting Fallon, he walked up to her and licked her cheek. Spotting the problem on her nose of burnt tissue he looked at her with his head cocked to the side. Since they could not speak he simply licked the slowly healing burn before nudging her back to their sleeping spot.
Pushing her with his head and shoulder, Cyrus hoped he got his point across. It was really not time to get up and they were quite safe and secure in their woodland abode. Laying down in his prior spot his tail thumped as he waited for her to join him once more.
Silly kitten. Sticking her nose outside after all the hard work he had done to seal it up safely for them. A yawn stretched his mouth wide exposing the abundant overly large teeth he posessed. It did not yet even seem to be noon based on his internal awareness of the sun above. His tummy was still satisfied with their earlier meal too.
Once he settled, Fallon crept closer to him again, but didn't encroach on his space. Instead she moved until she was flush with his back, and turned to rest her chin on her own paw. Her nose throbbing yet, but the pain decreasing quickly.
As a way of apologizing, Fallon rubbed the back of her head along the back of his neck, and mewled, before closing her eyes and allowing sleep to take her.
As the sun set, Cyrus awoke but did not move so as not to disturb the sleeping female feline. Somehow in sleep they had tangled themselves up together, legs, paws and his tail were all ensared much like his heart. Licking her perfect nose and face he hoped she would wake up so they could return to their house and perhaps speak with Suki on the progress of the house and find food.
The purring began of its own accord, and Fallon nuzzled her face into the soft fur under his neck. A soft, quiet, very short cry was pushed out, as Fallon sought a way to tell him how much she liked the way they were now. It didn't take long though, before she remembered there were things at home that needed tending to. Life couldn't be led in a cave. At least not completely.
Giving Cyrus a few licks, Fallon disengaged herself from their little entanglement, and stretched. Thinking she wanted to change back now, she also thought doing so inside the cave would probably not be the best idea. So after she stood, and walked a little sleep off, she cried out again. She was ready to leave the cave, but would follow Cyrus out this time, rather than go first. Her nose was heeled but the memory of the burning pain remained behind. Cyrus would know if it was safe or not, and she was quite happy to rely on his decision.
Rising from the floor of their woodland home, Cyrus shook his fur, fluffing out the brown and grey spots to shake the dirt free. Stretching just a moment and sharpening his claws along the stone before he nuzzled his mates shoulder. They had things to do today and should be heading back to civilization unfortunately.
Emerging from the den, the leopard breathed in the warm air of spring. Feeling playfull he bounced around a big before begining the walk home. They were not too far but still he would rather do so on paw than foot. Making a noise at Fallon in hopes that she would follow before he started the journey home through the cooling evening air.
She delighted in seeing his playfulness, and proceeded to follow in his footsteps, almost. Though she wasn't that much smaller than he was, his legs were longer, and therefore he was able to take slightly longer strides. But she jumped and lept and frolicked as well, reveling in the freedom the new night seemed to give her again.
For the most part she merely walked along side Cyrus, looking forward to a shower, and standing on her own two legs again. But occasionally she continued to butt into him softly, and teasingly nip at his hip or shoulder, just to remind him she was there. And because she liked the physical contact.
They arrived back home quickly, and Fallon left Cyrus as she went upstairs to change, and shower. She knew he had things to talk to Suki about, and though she would have loved seeing her friend tonight too, she felt she needed to become more presentable. Besides which, no one but Cyrus had seen Fallon in her bobcat form, and she wasn't sure when and how she wanted that information to become more public.
Nipping his neck, she stopped him and turned towards the entrance to the downstairs lair, before she continued on. If he took care of his immediate business with Suki, and made it downstairs quick enough, he might catch Fallon before she was dressed again. That thought gave her just a bit more spring in her step, as she moved off.
Unlocking the door with a thought was simple, so was turning off the security system. He also opened the downstairs door locks so his mate could go clean up as he was sure she must wish to do, he wished to as well but needed to check on everything first. He had not prepared for a full night in the woods properly. Next time he would.
Standing in the middle of the kitchen he shifted into his human skin. Breathing deeply the scents of the house, he was content. It was shocking to realize how content he could become in this foreign country with so much of the clan around him, he had always thought he was too much of a solitary beast to settle in with the crowd. Funny how women changed things. He smiled as he pictured his beautiful Fallon naked in their shower downstairs, suds running down her body and hair damp.
Spurred on by the image he dug in his pocket for his phone while the fridge opened and a bottle made its way to the table and cork to the trash. Listening to his voice mail from Amberelle stating she would call back when she had time made him smile. He was not one to call clanmates for favors, he probably shocked her while she was in the middle of something else. Recognizing the imposition he had caused, he assured himself that he would let Amby have all the time she needed to call back.
Next he called Suki and she swiftly suggest they meet out at a lovely little italian restaurant she heard about through a friend. Time and address arranged swiftly with Suki promising to send a car for them, Cyrus quickly made his way downstairs and to the bathroom for his own shower and perhaps a little tail on the chance his kitten was still naked and wet. The thought made him rumble with excitement.
Still stretched out on the floor, Fallon stood and gave her body a quick once over. Yep - all was as it should be. Grinning she again acknowledged to herself just how smart her Cyrus was. Letting go of the fear and just flowing with the change made it all go so smoothly. She would try and remember this the next time she wanted to change 'into' the cat, and hope it went just as well.
Pulling off her dress and underthings, Fallon dropped them into the hamper, and realized she was shoeless. At least she now knew her clothes didn't seem the worse for wear after going through a change. She hoped she found her sandals eventually though, and mentally cursed herself for her bad luck with shoes.
The shower felt wonderful but she was feeling a bit hungry and wasn't sure what Cyrus wanted to do about dinner, so she didn't dawdle. Just as she finished, and stepped from the shower, towels wrapped around her head and body, Cyrus appeared.
"Italian? Sounds great." She responded, when she heard of Suki's suggestion. Knowing the car would probably be there in no time, Fallon decided she had to hurry to get ready. Casting a slightly sad frown at Cyrus, she guessed time for their 'playing' would be put off for a bit. But knowing they had lots of 'later' ahead, she smiled, and gave him a rousing kiss as she made her way into the bedroom to dress. The kiss was only meant to be a quick peck, but turned into a longer, more in depth melding that promised a lot more in the near future. A huge grin spread onto her face, and she began to hum while walking into the closet.
Resigning himself to wait till this evening, he finished cleaning up and drying off before stalking naked through the bedroom to his closet. Pulling out pale brown leather pants and a bronze silk t-shirt and black silk button down shirt he was ready swiftly and stomping into his boots. Glancing at the clock showed him thirty minutes before the car would be here. He had gotten ready in five minutes, easily. Rather than torture himself by watching Fallon dress first in the oh so skimpy lingerie, he blew her a kiss and settled down in the other room.
Opening his phone he swiftly contacted the CEO of his artifact acquisition company. Speaking in swift chinese he got caught up on what was new. Several swords had been acquired as well as some pottery but nothing remarkable, though they did have a lead on some recently discovered mongol artifacts. While he was not really interested in clothing and various home sweet yurt items it still could not hurt to look at them. Ending the call with a promise to check his schedule for a visit home, he called his other companies and received updates as well.
Sitting on the couch, floating several stone orbs around the coffee table area as he jotted notes in kanji on a notepad while finishing up his business. The time passed swiftly but was put to good use. Flipping the phone shut he wondered if Fallon was ready yet as the car would arrive shortly. His keen ears heard the faint rumble of an engine coming down the road. Swiftly he straightened up his items, pad and pen went on top of the small table and stones went back into their spot on the coffee table in front of him. Standing he tried to jog his mind from the languages he had been using to english before calling out for Fallon.
"Ready Kitten? The car is almost here."
Once the car came to a complete stop, the familiar was out and heading to the steps. Her perfuctory knock as she unlocked was followed by a quiet "Hello!"
Seeing no one about and the downstairs door open, Suki carefully made her way downstairs to again knock briefly and holler hello. Opening the lower door she saw Cyrus sitting upon the lush couch in the sitting room. Sighing over his choice of clothing she tapped her toe and crossed her arms.
"Did I not say fancy? I think I did. Go put on one of those hand tailored suits from italy I know you have. And a tie!" Making slight shooing motion with her hands before smiling happily.
Tonight, instead of a dress, she was going to wear a nice pant outfit, so finding the color was the next decision. A pretty pair of black silk slacks, that rode low on her hips, and clung tightly to her butt was the beginning of her ensemble. A satiny halter top the color of a bronzy copper, again with the low, flowy neckline that she loved. Only the slightest bit of skin would show between her slacks and her top, and then just a slight swell of breasts would be revealed above the top of the halter. Fallon thought the outfit was dressy without being too much so, and fun without being to 'flaunty'. It was obvious that Suki's influence could be seen in many of the items in Fallon's closet, but Fallon was grateful. Not really having an over abundance of fashion sense, she was learning a lot from things Suki suggested, and had yet to disagree with the other woman's choices.
Carefully laying everything on the bed, Fallon caught sight of Cyrus as he fussed around in his closet too. Smiling she pulled a pretty little lacy thong from her dresser drawer, and grabbed its matching strapless bra - both in a pretty coffee color. Amazed that Cyrus could get ready so quickly, she only gave him a cursory glance when he left the room. She knew she had to hurry.
Once dressed, Fallon used a blow dryer on her hair, just enough to take some of the curl out of it, and leave a soft, sleekness behind. Putting on the beautiful tiger eye necklace Cyrus had bought her, Fallon added just a touch of mascara, and gloss to her lips and was ready to go.
Walking out of the bathroom she heard his voice, and appeared at the doorway before he finished his sentence.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
Before anything further was said, in came Suki, with issues about Cy's dress.
Slightly concerned that the girl would just enter the private bedroom, Fallon looked at Cyrus and thought he was dressed quite nicely. Waiting for her mate's response, Fallon didn't moved a muscle. She was somewhat afraid now that she wasn't dressed appropriately either.
"You look so amazing." He could smell and see some sort of glossy stuff on her lips so he kissed her sweet neck instead but was very careful not to muss her hair. "Would you like to go to some fancy italian place? Or somewhere more subdued tonight?"
So far he had not acknowledged Suki nor made a move to go change his clothes. If he knew one thing, is that money talked. If Fallon did not wish to change she did not have too. If the restaurant was so exclusive that they did not take healthy donations for not meeting their dress code, he simply would not patronize it. He would rather sit comfortably at some place like Flannigan's anyways.
Smiling at Cyrus, she appreciated his compliment, and considered the decision.
"Thank you love. You do too." And the kiss to her neck elicited a soft purr.
"Cyrus, I don't want to appear petulant, really, but I also would rather we stay dressed as we are. I don't need fancy. Just some good food, and you is enough for me tonight."
And feeling the need to acknowledge Suki at least a little, Fallon gazed her way over Cyrus' shoulder, and bit the corner of her lip. She hoped her friend wouldn't be too disappointed if it turned out she had gone to a lot of trouble, for naught.
Turning around he smiled at Suki. She looked nervous and confused, like she could not imagine why they would not wish to follow her planned schedule.
"Suki, thank you for the effort. We both greatly appreciate it. But I think tonight would best be spent somewhere slightly more comfortable than some snooty italian place. Neither Fallon nor I are interested in changing or going dancing tonight. But thank you for your efforts. We both appreciate it."
He took his familiars' hand and walked her up the stairs, as she fought back tears. Sitting her down on the couch upstairs he sat beside her and spoke quietly. "You are the best familiar ever Suki, never worry about that. Just tonight we are interested in casual. Could you fill us in on the construction progress please?"
Cyrus sitting her down and talking quietly helped her somewhat regain control of herself. She was blinking rapidly and perked up at him wanting to know about construction. She could talk about that! That was all undercontrol just like he had asked her to do. Nodding quickly she jumped up and ran to the entry table where she had put the pictures yesterday evening of the progress.
Taking her seat once more she opened the folder and pointed to pictures and explained how far they had come in the past week. The progress was amazing. This grand home would be finished in months rather than years. She had pictures and samples for decisions to be made on flooring color and type and courtyard entryway stone. Laying everything out she took a deep breath and explained things clearly and professionally. That silly weeping was done.
"Thank you Suki, everything is moving very quickly. You are doing a wonderful job with this project. I greatly appreciate all your hard work."
He glanced at the samples but already knew his preferences. Looking up for a moment he considered what to say without hurting his familiars feelings or his mates. "Do you mind if I think on these choices tonight? I will let you know which ones I want tomorrow."
Suki nodded enthusiastically and mentioned that the contractor did not need to know for a week but the sooner a decision was made the better. Cyrus was smiling at her. That small half smile that shone mostly from his eyes. Reaching out he took her small hand in his. She had the usual indications of her martial arts training, caluses, bruises. He took pride in the fact that his familiar was strong and capable of taking care of herself as well as his needs. Raising her hand to his lips he kissed the back of her hand before turning it over and gently biting her wrist. Feeding for a moment he waited for her to get that look before stopping. Licking the blood from her pale skin he quietly spoke to her though his voice was firm.
"Suki you are a wonderful familiar. Confident, knowledgeable, strong and perfect. I need you to utilize these skills for me but always remember, I make the decisions. You are my ally and I need your help, but let me say what needs to be done."
He sat back slightly, feeling a bit like he was brainwashing her but knowing it was for everyones benefit. Deciding that she should stay close so he could repeat this a few more times, he gave her one more instruction. "You will stay with us for the rest of the week, to help us settle in and oversee construction. Now go up to your room and sleep."
Helping her up and pointing her in the right direction before rubbing a hand over his face before raking it through his hair. Women complicated things alright.
So pleased with his praise and wise decision she could only smile happily when he took her hand. The light kiss made her blush and look down. The bite did not even register on her senses, simply the pleasure of him reassuring her of her good job took on a euphoric high. She floated along so happy she had pleased her master.
Then he was speaking. Such wise words. Suki nodded imperceptibly in agreement with everything he said. Of course he made the decisions, he was the master and staying the week would be a brilliant thing to do, she could help out immensely. But he made the decisions. Wobbly knees under her as she moved to her room where she had a small stash of clothing and personal items to last the few days or more that she would stay. Carefully she changed into her nightclothes, a cami and boxer shorts before falling happily asleep in the bed.
Yet her stomach got a familiar fluttery feeling when she watched Cyrus take Suki by the hand and lead her upstairs.
Of course Fallon had no thoughts that Cyrus wouldn't be patient with his aide, and treat her kindly; that was the way Cyrus was. Fallon had no fear that he would hurt Suki, verbally or physically. Yet she couldn't hold back the tiny bit of apprehension she felt.
Not sure if she should follow upstairs, or remain until called, Fallon did the latter. Pacing back and forth across the floor of the basement suite, she listened for loud voices. There were none.
Finally, after what seemed to be an eternity, but amounted to probably just five or ten minutes, Fallon couldn't stand it any longer, and grabbed her small clutch. She was upstairs in seconds, and walking towards Cyrus' calm words. Yet when she saw him bite Suki's wrist, something inside clicked, and she halted.
"Of course." She muttered under her breath, in the faintest of whispers. Suki was his familiar, and to remain such he had to re-establish that bond on a regular basis.
Relief washed over Fallon as she listened to Cyrus give Suki directions. Why all men couldn't be as calm and rational when explaining things was beyond her comprehension. She was a lucky woman to have him in her life, and again cherished the night they met.
Standing aside as Suki walked to her room, Fallon smiled, but noted little recognition in Suki's eyes. It was okay. Apparently the bonding was quite an emotional event, and Fallon didn't fault the younger woman for her actions. Dismissing Suki, Fallon's eyes went to Cyrus, and she followed soon after with a warm hug.
"I had forgotten the ties that bind you two need constant renewing. I'm glad it went well."
Not wanting to appear presumptuous, or too forward of things not directly involving her, Fallon hesitated before saying much more. The hesitation was short lived though, and she caressed his cheek before continuing.
"She'll be okay...but if you'd rather we ate in tonight, I wouldn't mind. You know I'm not picky, or fussy about these things."
With their faces only inches apart, relief continued to flood Fallon when she interpreted Cyrus' expression as that of concern, and mild frustration. She might have been off the mark, but she had seen a look similar to it in his eyes after trying to teach her things, and thought it was familiar. She couldn't have loved him more at the moment, had he given her a case of jewels. What Cyrus gave of himself was worth a hundred stuffed jewel boxes.
"Suki is my ally. She is bonded to me through my will and bite. This type of familiar relationship is the most free for her, she retains almost all of her personality and ideas. But she needs to remember who is in charge sometimes."
He was pretty sure he had not let his control of her lapse, but instead had given her too many masters to obey. Taking care of Fallon was one thing, he could direct her to do just that, but her taking orders from his mate seemed to confuse her a bit as to who weilded the authority. They would have to be a bit more careful in the future.
Smiling at his mate as he pushed aside thoughts of his familiar, Cyrus contemplated what to do. They had a bottle on the kitchen counter to feed from, but after last night's meals of bottled and hoofed he thought real from the source would be better. The quick sip from Suki told him that real was best.
"Lets put the bottle I had gotten out earlier away, and go find something much more delicious than italian food. We can try a small bar or head to the House of Pain if you would like."
Putting action to his words he made his way to the kitchen and placed the open bottle back in the fridge. It would stay until tomorrow just fine. Returning to Fallon's side he gently stroked her hip, enjoying the feeling of her silk clad skin. Then he realized he had just passed up the opportunity to stay home and enjoy his kitten all night with his suggesting of going out. The urge to smack his own forehead was strong but he resisted.