song_princess | AU Pet Person~

It a warm rainy day as Leanne was walking home from a back-to-back shoot. Fatigue was hitting her as she walks home. She lives in a small apartment by herself that was new the studios so she would never have to fear about walking too far for her work.

Passing by one of the alleyways, she pauses as she spots something new. Was... That a person or a pet? She really couldn't tell before risking moving closer, idly hugging herself as she does so.

"Excuse me... Are you lost?"

Rainy days are usually the worst. It made his clothes and shoes wet, all old and tattered from prolonged use as he can't afford anything to put on his back. The alleyway where he was sitting and made a home for nearly a year is littered with trash and thrown away rubbish.

Still, for a black cat, wearing a suit, he does manage to look like a gentleman. For a stray, he learns tricks of the trade to beguile humans with his charm for food or for a little change with the old wooden violin he plays with one broken string hanging loose.

He was in the alleyway, having scored a chocolate cake. It wasn't fancy. It wasn't even meat to fill his stomach. It could be his only meal of the day. But it was food to say the least.

Upon closer look, she can see a pair of black cat ears on top of his head. His ears perked. A stray pet person, a black cat by the looks of his breed.

"Why no. Why don't you come in and take a closer look?" His voice was rather deep for a cat, eloquent in speech and manners.

She blinks as she not only sees the ears but also heard him speak. Oh wow, that voice could properly become anyone to him.

"I... I would rather not." But despite her words, she does walk closer to him.

"Do you have a home to go to?" But he says that he isn't lost so... If he a stray. She idly looks over his outfit and pauses in her steps.

"...." He was definitely a stray. Would it be okay to take him in? Even until the rain is gone? She should have some spare cat food as she feeds some stray cats here and there.

"I don't live far from here." There, a small statement as a test to see what he may want.

Except he's only a black cat. Tall, wiry, and slightly slender than normal, but healthy enough and strong. His short black hair matches his ears and tail, eyes glow slightly in the dark. There's no collar around his neck to show he has no owner. Still, he smiles sunnily at her when she came closer. The cake, sweet as it was, can only provide temporary sustenance and his hunger gnaws at him painfully and wreary, but he was used to being partially hungry all the time.

"There's nothing around here except me and occasionally a few rats." He said. He has lost taste for eating them, but he continues to slay them out of habit to keep his territory clean.

"No, this is already home." He made a gesture with his arms, allowing her to see the rest of the area of the alleyway. "Quite an abode, isn't? I'm sure it wasn't fit for someone as lovely as yourself." Humans, he learned are above him with privilege.

He smiles again. "I sometimes see you walking by."

He was a stray and feral cat... Or as feral as what she has heard. The smile he was wearing seems to show that he was happy with everything. A small sigh leaves her that she didn't realize before everything came to a screeching halt.

"R-R-Rats?" She shudders and quickly scans the area before sighing once more.

A hand moves to tuck a lock of hair behind an ear as she looks around. "It doesn't look that bad, could use a bit of fixing up." Human privilege, it was something she never thought about before but now was a little glad for it.

"Ah, that must be because this route is the easiest to get to work. I also like to feed any strays in the area so I am a bit surprise that I haven't seen you before." But mostly embarrassed that she never seen him before.

He shook his head once. "Nothing can be fixed around here. It always like this." He was content, but not happy. Inwardly he envy humans for the way they lived. It was cold and lonely living in the alley, living daily fighting for scraps and peace, and trying to keep warm but he was used to it.

He becomes amused at her reaction. "Don't tell me you've never seen them before. If I don't act quick, they bite."

He smiles again. Usually, strays will freeze at the sight of incoming humans and ran, but Lucifer sees an opportunity. "Well met. You haven't fed me yet."

Edited 2022-07-16 15:29 (UTC)

Leanne goes to study him briefly at his words. Somehow, she doubts it a little. "If you are sure." It felt a little cold but it also wasn't her place to really judge what made him 'happy'.

She pales and quickly shakes her head. "N-N-Not here and noo! They wouldn't bite!" ... Would they?

Thankfully his next words were so brazen and unexpected that all thoughts about rats vanished.

"....."

She doesn't think she has met a stray quite like him before. She goes to let out a long-suffering sigh.

"I will have to get the food from my apartment. You can follow me there if you like so you won't have to eat out in the rain."

"Worry not. There hasn't been a rat around here for weeks." He brightens, trying to assure her.

"You would feed any strays, would you not? I'm surprised you have chosen this route and we haven't met." He said with a grin.

With that offer, he now sees his opportunity for a meal if only just for tonight. It's been a while since he last offered food. To make his impression, he makes a bow.

"It's late at night. I'll happily escort you to your home." He took a few moments to fetch his violin and its accompanying bow, which is clearly well-used, thrown away, and beaten up with one string broken.

"I'll play a song for you as payment in return." He knew humans usually give food for free and there's a currency exchange, but it's all he could offer as payment having no money on him.

She visibly relaxes at his assurance before giving him a confused look. "There hasn't? I am glad to hear that." Otherwise, she will not hesitate to jump into a man's arms at the sight of one.

"Yes, I would, whenever I have food." A small giggle as she brightens. "There are so many cute ones that it's hard to resist!" And heavily implied that along with food, Leanne gave affection to them as well. "It is surprising considering, I wonder if it is because I tend to focus and not look around when heading home."

It was the only thing she can think of before giggling at the sight of the bow. "Then I guess that I shall happily accept your offer of escort."

The sight of the violin made her blink a little. If this stray had such a talent, why didn't he have a home yet? "I would love that.... If... If it hasn't stopped raining by the time you are done eating, you could stay at least until morning so you can stay dry."

He chuckles. "I'm a skilled hunter. It's a must to know around here because I'm a street cat." He said matter-of-factly. "If a cat can't hone their claws, then it's a matter of life and death out here." Which is true, without claws to fight or hunt, it's a matter of starvation or death from the competition. So far, from his point of view, he hasn't lost to either yet.

Affection and a company of a lovely human. That would make the dinner all the more delicious. His stomach is practically gnawing and he considered tonight as a stroke of good luck.

"Then it's settled." He picked up his coat, which is a tattered office gentleman's suit and carried his violin and fiddlestick in one hand. He comes a little closer with the intent of following her on her heels. "I'll accompany you on the way."

She blinks at his confession. "So it's because of you there are no rats? Then I am truly thankful for that." She giggles at that before nodding slowly. She knew what the implications were as to why he needed to keep up his skills. It was something she has seen among the strays, their injuries and scars.

A warm smile as yes, if allowed once he is done eating she will be giving him a lot of affection. It was a little surprising that no other has officially claimed her as their human yet.

"Yes, it is. Just don't mind how small it is compared to what you are used to." She eyes his coat and frowns a little. "I can also patch up your clothes if you like." It was a small offer as she proceeds to lead the way.

A walk which took around ten more minutes before arriving at the apartment complex. Just a few more minutes of walking until they reach her apartment on the ground floor and she opens the door. It was a small studio which she dumps the bags of various clothing she was carrying on the couch.

"You can wait in here or use the bathroom if you wish, I will just need to heat up the cat food a little." And with that, she heads outside to the balcony where she stored the catfood and other pantry items.

"True, and fewer rats and mice for the abodes that people live in." Which he is very curious as to how they live in such tall buildings with windows full of lights.

He has no intention of becoming claimed. He only follows if there's a free meal and companionship although short and temporary which is small talk but overall he kept his distance not trusting humans entirely being used to his life as a feral and fighting as a wild cat for so long since he was young. He'll be gone and return to his alley when the sun rises.

"You don't have to go out of your way for that. But I wouldn't mind." Suddenly he's self-conscious and aware as to how old and tattered his suit is, considering he takes whatever human male discarded and thrown away after it's no longer needed.

He followed her at her heels. His steps and stride were light and quick in cadence, his legs is used to running around chasing rats and other cats away, and occasionally dogs twice his strength and size.

He peers at the apartment complex in wonder and awe when they arrived, and he peers in shyly from the door until he finally enters her home and she turned the lights on.

"It's been a while." He said, as the warmth and dryness of a well-cleaned human home he has last visited. He was quite taken aback as to how comfy her home feels too. "I haven't eaten since yesterday." But he's not going to get used to it since he'll be gone tomorrow morning.

"Thank you." He nods, taking that offer. He knows his paws and face is a little dirty, his hair and patches of his fur is pathetically grimy, so to match the cleanliness of her place, he washes his face and hands vigorously perhaps to look presentable and pleasing to her.

"So you are quite the hero of this area." It was a small praise as she was truly grateful.

She just smiles and shakes her head. "It is a side-job of mine plus, you have been taking care of the mice and rats. It would be the least I can do."

As much as she wants to keep just about all the stray cats, she knows her apartment isn't nearly as big to make one happy. Plus, taking care of strays was rewarding as well.

The black cat that was following her, she is somewhat glad that she met him while there was light due just how light and quiet his footsteps were.

She smiles as he enters her apartment and moves to tie up her hair up, opening the door to her balcony. "Then you will have to eat your fill and then some."

And while he was cleaning up, she was heating up cat food, putting it in a plate and setting it on the table in the living room. And any extra cat food was set out on a plate outside for any other stray cat to come and eat.

"Premium cat food, nice and warm for your belly." She beams at him when he finished cleaning. "I probably have some spare clothing for you to have somewhere... My main job likes to give me clothes as one form of payment."

"Hero? Not so much." He said wryly. "Strays are hardly heroes. We were seen as unwanted by most people everywhere."

Once he's all washed up and looks almost nice, he does look a bit handsome for a black cat as he can be. His eyes light up when seeing the food. He can't be picky as to what kind since it's only offered and his mouth nearly waters seeing meat, real fresh meat.

Mind his table manners as he dips his head and eats the food from the plate. As he eats, he can't help but take a deep rumble of a soft purr sound of delight as he eats it up, the food filling his empty stomach with warm. "It's good." He murmured.

"Even so... for someone like me, you are one." Rats and mice scare her. A small frown before she risks reaching over to pet the top of his head. "No, at least to me you are not unwanted."

She goes to admire him as daaang, he looks really good after a little bit of washing. Though he becomes cute looking at the sight of him nearly drooling.

And oh lordy, he is purring! He was making it so hard not to start petting and giving him affection. "I am glad. Now you know where I live, if you are ever hungry and I am home, just swing by and I can at least get you a plate. Can't give much more than that, I am afraid."

After he chews and swallowed down several bites, he licks his lips, and eats every morsel. "Lots of strays try to be good, but the most desperate cheat and steal. If they get caught by the kennel, I do hope they find a home."

He paused when she pets him. There's a natural reaction for him to freeze and wanting to flee, but he tries his best to be still after he finished his meal.

"You're too kind and generous, but I don't think I could stay with you. Most people fed me and then I leave in the morning. They can't keep a cat like me."

She sighs a little before looking away. "I always pity them and that is one of the reasons why I feed them or put blankets outside so they could rest and fill their bellies."

The petting doesn't last long as she could tell that the petting was very unwanted. Though at his words, she blinks before shaking her head.

"And I couldn't ask you to stay with me. It wouldn't be fair to you to ask you to stay in such a small place, silly." She couldnt help but to giggle before idly looking towards her balcony where there was another stray eating from the plate outside. "But I will still offer you food if you ever come by."

Her neighbors didn't like the fact that strays often come to her apartment.

"While you are here, let me take care of you. Even for one night."

"Humans have their reasons for not keeping them. They had families or they were so occupied with money. I always thought it's good to be a stray because I'm free. I only have to worry about the rain and the snow."

It's not unwanted. He just let it happen. He wasn't used to human touch, let alone a human wanting to touch his ears. He even flees from the children who either want to pet his ears or find it fun to scare him and threaten. She find his ears very soft, but because of his health, perhaps a little malnourished, the fur might be sticking to her fingers.

"You'll let me stay? I can stay for one night. I wanted to stay." He looks out the window. "By the looks of it, it's going to rain, so I'll just find a place to curl up and sleep."

"And I am thankful for the strays, for someone like me, they can make it feel like I have a pet, even for a moment or two." She sighs out. "I would never dare to ask one to give up their freedom, especially you since you seemed happy where you live."

And hnnng, she wants to pet him again... Okay, she will give him another pet, frowning slightly about his fur sticking to her fingers before ending the petting session by giving under his chin a small rub, knowing how much cats usually enjoy that spot being rubbed.

"Yes I will and you can sleep on the couch. It has a pull out bed, let me fetch you some blankets and a pillow." And with that, she heads to the front hall closet to start pulling out the items. "The only place you can't go into is my room, otherwise, while you are here feel free to treat it as your home."

The pets are comforting. What frigid guard he has slowly thawed and melted, but she'll find bits of his fur sticking to her fingers. "I...I must confess I wasn't happy." He said plainly with a pained expression. "It just that nobody offered. So I don't expect any news or interest of being kept." Slowly, emotions in his chest wanted to express himself.

"I did what I can. When I play the violin, I earned so little. It doesn't play any good because one of the strings was loose." He showed her his violin, and it was a beaten-up instrument, one string was broken and loose while the remaining is in good condition. "It was in good condition, but thrown away because of one string was broken."

With a nod, "You're too kind. I'll accept it. It's raining and it's bad getting wet."

Her frown deepens a little as he opens up to her and feeling of fur sticking to her fingers. That pained expression on his face, why did it hurt to see it? She moves to give him a hug and just hold him in her arms. ".... let me... think about it. Especially if you do not mind such a small space."

She lets go of him so he can show her the violin and the frown doesn't leave her face. ".... it... it looks like it is still in good condition."

She finally smiles and sets the blankets and the pillow down in the living room. "Good and... You are such a good boy." A small praise which is accented by more pets. "If you want to take a bath, you are free to do so. You will feel even more better after one, I promise."

Little black hair of fur sticking to her fingers is a sure sign of malnourishment and perhaps a skin-related problem, but most strays don't seek help from vets.

He started to feel a little sleepy when he freeze again, and then slowly melted being held and gives a small hug back. His feline instincts felt skittish, but his sense of smell picks her scent which is a nice floral scent with a hint of perfume she wears.

He doesn't raise his hope up. He set his instrument aside and sat on the couch. He chuckled softly. "I'm not sure if I'm any good. But this is fine." Meaning his makeshift bedding. "It's comfortable. It's okay, I can handle a little water, but not much."

If she were to keep him, the first order of business would be to take him to the vet. The state of his fur was concerning.

She feels him freezing before finally he relaxes enough to huh her back. She smiles up at him and nods her head.

"Yes, you are a good boy." Poor thing is in need of medical help. "I will help pull out the bed for you. Even if it is fine, you are under my care I want to pamper you a little."

And with that, she moves to fold out the bed from under the couch cushions.

"Then, just handle what you can. I won't let anything hurt you."

Hopefully she has enough money to cover the cost of a visit! He wouldn't want her to go that far for him. Lucifer doesn't like getting wet. Too much exposure to rain and snow in the first year. He can't recall when he last have a shower.

"You're too kind. Too kind." He murmured sleepily enough. It's very comfortable after he settle in. His eyes dropped, feeling his own energy heavy.

"Thank you." he purred as he curled up in the corner of the couch, propping an elbow on the armrest and sleeping on his hand. "I'll repay you somehow tomorrow."

She will find a way somehow! Even if she has to dig into her savings! She will have to find a way to give him either a bath or shower. But that is for a future time.... Or she will let a groomer try and handle it.

Leanne just smiles as he speaks and slowly falls asleep. Her hand moves back to softly pet him as he purrs, trying to give more comfort as he drifts off to sleep.

"No thanks is needed. Getting a good sleep and enjoying yourself is repayment enough." She speaks as softly and warmly as possible before leaning down to give his forehead a soft, gentle kiss.

"Goodnight and sleep peacefully, good boy."

And with that, she goes to head to her room and closes the door behind her. Tomorrow, she will have to make a good hearty breakfast for him before going to work.

Occupation, tailor/fashion model~

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