Long ways to go

Felix felt himself warm and cozy under the protection of a nice blanket, arms wrapped around someone comfortable. Shifting forward, he felt something tickling his face to a degree where he pulled back, worried that he might sneeze any moment. Cupping his mouth, he was relieved to find it was a false alarm before realizing what it was. Lying in front of him was a familiar sight, the back of a certain Nekomata's silver hair. Her ear twitched before she moaned to herself, turning around to face him.

Once her eyes blinked in that cute way she always did in the morning, once their eyes met, he felt like suddenly all his emotions had begun to resurface at once. He felt a deep sense of relief and satisfaction, seeing her safe and unharmed. The sight of her sleepy face was adorable and left him blushing in return, the mesmerizing nature of her eyes were impossible for him to look away from. The way she was squeezing her eyes and rubbing them with the back of her paws, there was a pain of something fighting inside of him, struggling for release. His eyes threatened to swell with tears, tears of joy, relief, regret, pain and guilt. He loved seeing her once more, something he was deeply afraid he would never repeat in his life. His fists gripped the bed and he managed to contain himself only barely, not wishing to make a fool or a mess of himself in front of her.

KuliKuli was unaware of all he was going through, though he sensed she was beginning to read a few signs. It was clear something troubled her mate this early in the morning, as she leaned in and placed her paw on his bare chest. The feel of its soft fluffy fur against his skin did help bring comfort to him, somehow granting him the strength to keep composed. Leaning up on her arms, she never broke eye contact with him as her soft pink lips began to speak.

"What's wrong, another bad dream?"

He nodded, sucking in his lips and reluctantly being honest with her. It was a fear of his to be dishonest to her and for her to discover the truth herself, that never ended well before in his past experiences. Then again, she was different, a much kinder, more curious soul who never judged him or saw him as fodder, looking up to him and bringing purpose to his life. He felt happy with her in his life, and now Felix was questioning how he was able to agree to letting them surrender to Perdilius.

"How bad?" She asked, caressing his face with her slender tail.

"The worst, I thought you were gone." He swallowed heavily. "I thought I had lost you, lost your family."

KuliKuli smiled, it brought warmth not only to his spirit but she had a distinct smile which could light up the darkest corner of any room.

"That's silly, I'm right here see?" She flashed a wide smile, revealing her teeth and cheek dimples. Felix smiled before being caught in awe and surprise as she moved in and sat on his lap, her paws resting on his chest. "Maybe I can help give you happy dreams, mew?"

"I love you." He hadn't meant to say it so soon, it just escaped his thoughts as he said the words out to her. There was no regret, only a deep longing for her to stay. It was her turn, she moved her head sharply to spin her hair back and away from obscuring her eye sight.

Leaning forward, she licked her lips and whispered to him, "I... don't."

He waited very patiently at first, but she sat still with that smile to her. Honestly, he expected her to wink or giggle or perhaps even flick his nose with her tail, anything to clue him in on the tease, but nothing came.

"W-what?"

"I don't love you, Felix. Not anymore, not ever." Her words felt like daggers to his soul, and her smile had parted in favor of a cold stare. "Did you ever think I could fall in love with a low slave like yourself?"

"I-"

"Honestly, how could I be so naive to think you could protect me when you never could protect yourself."

"Kuli, stop."

"Kuli, stop. Look at you, pleading and asking nicely. Grow some courage, treat me like your property and make me your slave."

"Kuli, I mean it. This isn't fun."

"You're right, you're no fun." She grinned, moving over to cover his eyes. When she pulled away, gone was the Nekomata sat on top, instead she had been replaced by... her. "Then again, you never were much fun to begin with."

Felix was alarmed, moving his arms forward only to meet resistance. His arms were inexplicably chained, and suddenly he wasn't in there farmhouse bedroom but rather in someplace cold, dirty, rotting and... unfortunately familiar to him.

Her eyes began to emit a blood red glow, her tongue parting her ruby lips as she descended to him, her perfume quite intoxicating when this close.

"I can think of one way you can make it up to me. Who's hungry?"

"No." He whispered, struggling to move his arms, his legs, everything was restrained now and there was no blanket covering his naked self. His body was now laced with puncture marks, notably a heavy amount riddled around his chest and neck. His lean muscle tone had disappeared and reverted back to his skin and bones frame. His eyes widened as her fangs were exposed, drawing a low hiss from within her throat.

"No-no! No!" He screamed as suddenly, without warning she lunged to him and all he saw was black, followed by a sudden gulp.

"No!" Felix sat up abruptly, facing two other women who were staring with faces of concern. Janette moved in and felt his forehead, seemingly hugging his arm to comfort him. She wiped her sweat-drenched hand before hugging him fully, whilst he regained his breath and held her back.

Nyitzcha on the other hand was left standing with her arms crossed, recognizing what the poor man was going through. She bent over and scooped up her flask, passing it to him.

"What's this?"

"'Ere, take it. Helps calm yer nerves."

He popped open the cork and sniffed it, not knowing why as he did it out of instinct. "Lord, yer even behavin' like one. Drink it!"

Startled, he pressed it to his lips and tilt his head back, feeling the red liquid his his tongue. It had a sweet flavor to it, but something tasted a bit odd and left an unwelcomed after taste after a few mouthfuls. He stuck his tongue out and burped.

Nyitzcha chuckled mightily, standing watch over him. "Now yer a real man! Much more husban' material. Come, wipe down n' gimme a hand. We got a long ways to go, best we get a move on now."

She was right, he nodded in agreement as Janette helped him to his feet. She stared for a moment before brushing him briefly and walking away to help Nyitzcha set up the carriage. Felix took another moment before getting another drink from the flask, it certainly helped keep him awake and away from her again.