The Unusual Guardian

Chapter 15: Sensual Awakening

As soon as we arrive home, Erik preps for a bath. Not for him, but for me. He searched for a small basin and filled it with heated water (which took a while and was not easy to retrieve).

He dips a finger in to see if it would burn him. He glances up at me. "The water is not hot enough to burn you, my dear. Your bath is ready."

If I was human, I would be undressed and diving into the water...but...as a cat...

Doesn't he know that cats despise water?!

I turn around, and a game of chase then ensues. Erik, being sneakier than any cat alive, grabs me and lifts me into the tub. I grasp onto him, making him hiss. "Don't scratch me."

I didn't, but I'm not letting go, either. I begin crying long, mournful cries in hopes that he may spare me; although, admittedly, I am a filthy mess. Erik, the stubborn mule that he is, wins this round. I am dumped into the water. Oh, it was toture in that tub. If I was human I would lament and purr prettily; as a feline, Erik received only hisses. His hands were gentle on me, and they were pleasant, it was just that damn water! Being taken out and towel-dried was my second favorite part of this action; my first was when he gave me milk after getting dried.

Erik gazes down on me, fondly. "I almost lost you today, my dear." His hand leisurely scratches down my spine, which no longer hurts. "Get some rest." Erik moves to his piano. Eager to hear some music, I scuttle to get close to him. A sudden neediness to get in as close proximity to him as I can, I jump onto the bench and curl up next to his thigh. Erik does not object. I fall asleep to his composing a somber and peaceful tune.

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I hear Erik pouring water into the bath when I wake up. I jump off the seat, adrenaline rushing. I did not realize how late it was. Uh oh! I can feel my bones realign. I am transforming! I run-somewhat awkwardly-to the other side of the dining table, just in case Erik decides to come out of the bathroom. I was never awake when this happened before. It feels odd.

Now, completely nude and human, I am on a desperate quest for clothes. I spy a robe draped across his bed. No doubt that is for Erik tonight. I don't care. Covering my body with my hands, I sprint across the room, snatching the robe and wrapping it around my body.

Now what? I bite my lip. I guess I should do my "job".

I enter the bathroom without knocking. It felt natural for some reason. Why am I being so daring? Is it the feline still in me? Erik is already sitting in the tub, head against the edge, eyes closed. He's naked! Completely naked! So what are you doing here!? Since I am supposed to be his 'servant' in a sense, I better play the part.

"Is there anything I can help you with, sir?" That wasn't supposed to sound like it came from a porn film, but it did.

Erik jolts upright. "What are you doing here!? Do you know the definition of privacy?"

I am back away enough so I can't see anything. Only his neck and head-which is still covered by the mask-are visible. I told him this. "Oh, well aren't you a model of virtue," is his snide remark. I should have expected this response from a man who doesn't like being caught off guard.

"I was wondering when you were going to show up." I look back up, surprised by this admittance. "I was wondering if you were going to go back out on your promise and I was going to have to kill you after all."

"Is there something you would like me to do, sir?" I ask.

Erik smirks, and I sense something spiteful. "Servant things."