Story Notes:
No sex within the first chapter, but it will be included as the tales evolve. Plus, I am a paramedic in reality and there are some terms from paramedicine used. If you have questions about the field or terms let me know.
Chapter 2
The weeks turned by and for the most part my life remained normal. I still worked my twenty-four hour shift every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday as a paramedic. I still enjoyed cooking, eating out and the occasional drink, as well as a good can of Copenhagen. I still loved movies and a good game of frisbee, or even a quite night at home.
The only thing different about it all was now I enjoyed it with someone else. As of a few weeks ago I'd met a Houndoom to whom I had affectionately named Kahlua. While the circumstances of our meeting was disheartening, I was rather glad she'd come into my life.
My line of work was difficult at times and to have someone to convey my personal feelings to was a blessing. And moreover it was nice to have that person legitimately listen and care for your feelings. If all I had to do was talk to relieve my aching soul when I lost a patient, the Ambulance would suffice just fine.
Ironically enough it was the ambulance that was listening to me that Tuesday morning. My partner, Russell, and I had been dispatched for a traffic accident at one of the busiest intersections within the city. As we sped along I audibly recited the location; not so much for my partner's sake but more for my own, considering I was driving. It's never considered a good show of faith for an ambulance running hot to have to stop and ask for directions.
Thankfully I avoided that situation and as I rounded the next corner our ambulance arrived on scene.
I turned off the sirens and instructed my partner to take the cot and the airway bag out into the field as I communicated with dispatch.
"Med unit Ninety-Seven." I called out over the radio as I took a few quick observations of the scene.
"Unit Ninety-Seven." The dispatcher returned.
I made a few mental notes and opened the channel. "We're on scene," I began, "to a two vehicle collision; Passenger car versus utility truck, occupants trapped. I'm going to need a signal seventy out here immediately."
A few moments passed before the dispatcher's voice came through again.
"Received," she said, "Fire department has been notified, they're advising a four minute ETA."
"Received." I answered.
I took my portable radio off the dash and secured it to my belt as I walked into the scene. My stomach was an unholy symphony of churns and gurgles as I further observed the carnage.
I just held my composure as I approached a small vehicle partially trapped beneath the axel of a large cement truck. The smell of gasoline and ethanol assaulted my nose and despite my own safety I peered in through the back window.
My heart sank. Where once there may have been passengers was now nothing but mangled steel and glass. The upholstery within was riddled with the shattered remains of the inner compartment of the vehicle, undoubtedly slaying the poor souls within.
I sighed heavily as I turned away.
"Russell!" I shouted for him and he came to me. "Put the cot away and get some long boards. We ain't pulling patients outta this one."
He nodded forlornly and did as I instructed, taking the cot away and returning a few moments later with three long boards and some sheets.
I looked at the sheets and gave him a weak smile. At least we would give these poor victims a small bit of decency by covering their bodies.
We readied the boards just as the fire department arrived.
A large man, who I recognized as a lieutenant, stepped out of the engine.
"What do ya need us to do?" He asked curtly.
I explained the situation, and requested that he extricate the victims of the small vehicle and keep them as sheltered as possible. I didn't want their bodies decimated any further.
He nodded his understanding and he and his crew set about the unfortunate task as my partner and I observed.
I turned to Russell as they began dismantling the vehicle.
"Hey," I started, "why don't you go check on the truck driver? I'll bet he's pretty shaken right now."
Without a word he left my side to tend to the man. Though it wasn't his fault, an accident of this magnitude, I'm sure, would be difficult to cope with.
I watched the firemen work for near ten minutes, observing every bite the cutters took and every inch the jaws spread the vehicle. Somewhere in that time Russell returned, though I hardly noticed him.
"Driver's fine." His voice startled me slightly. "Says he just shook up a bit."
I nodded weakly. In my mind I knew that man was a wreck on the inside. But like all men, he was too proud to show it.
The lieutenant suddenly waved Russell and I over.
"Grab a board." I said impassively.
The walk over to him seemed like the longest trek I'd ever taken. The small bit of road seemed to stretch for endless miles, though it was only a few feet at best.
My breath caught as I finally saw the occupants of the vehicle.
A young woman, no more than her early twenties, sat in the driver's seat, her lifeless body twisted about the steering column, her foot well through the floor of the vehicle. From her mangled body I looked to the passenger seat and found a young man with his head crushed beneath the flattened dash. I quickly looked away and my eyes suddenly found the back seat. The board in my hand slipped from my grip and crashed to the road below as my heart missed a beat. There, blanketed in twisted steel, broken glass, and the remains of the interior of the vehicle, was a little girl no more than five years old.
The world around me stopped. No sound, no people, no ambulance, just me and the little girl. I reached through the exposed vehicle and took hold of her broken body. Tentatively, if not a bit absently, I picked away the debris from around her. And as I pulled her from the wreckage, tears filled my eyes. In the light of the sun, she looked like she would have been an angel. She had long, flowing golden hair that was now stained crimson. Her once blue eyes now stared lifelessly into the unknown. Her once fair skin was now riddled with gaping wounds that oozed her lifeless essence.
I fell to my knees as I held her and my world suddenly returned. The first thing I noticed was a light touch on my shoulder. I turned to face Russell, his bearded face damp with his own tears.
He solemnly shook his head. "She's gone, Henry." His voice sounded harshly. "There's nothing we can do now."
I wished against all hope that he was wrong, though I knew he wasn't. Quietly, I placed the small body on the long board and covered her, giving her a final prayer of peace as I stood to my feet.
"Lieutenant." I said through a hoarse voice. "Let's clean up and get a signal twenty out here and a Justice. We're done here."
He nodded and wiped his eyes. I faintly heard him call over the radio for the police and a Justice of the Peace. Sadly, the only peace the Justice would bring was the ease of knowing that they were indeed deceased, and that we could truly do nothing to save them.
The call took our four departments a little of an hour to clear. The Justice came and pronounced the victims dead, and the police controlled traffic until we left the scene. I didn't know how the other driver was fairing, but a glance as we departed told me his soul was broken.
The ride back to the station was a quiet one, and as we pulled into the bay and secured the Ambulance, the stale silence was deafening.
Thankfully, the rest of my shift went by quickly. Russell and I managed to transfer all of our calls to a sister station, to which they didn't protest. They were glad to take some of the heat off our shoulders, if just to give us time to recover.
I left the next morning at seven sharp, eager to see Kahlua. I sped most of the way, trying to outrun my troubling thoughts.
It was only a few minutes before I was back in the welcoming warmth of my house, and the welcoming paws of Kahlua.
She greeted me with her normal exuberance, which honestly improved my mood slightly. Though, ever the perceptive one, she quickly honed in on my inner anguish.
"Henry?" She asked as I gently held her. "What's wrong?"
I broke down, no longer able to hold my composure and told her everything, unloading all my sorrows onto her strong shoulders.
She listened to my every word and as I finished tenderly licked my cheek.
"I'm so sorry, Henry." She began. "You see a lot of awful things, more than most should ever have to see in their lifetime." She paused and licked a few of my tears away. "But, if you give up, other people suffer, and I know you can't let that happen. You're," She searched for the words, "the strongest man I've ever met, Henry."
I found strength in her words. Kahlua was right, I couldn't give up. I knew the job would be hard from the moment I took it. And, despite the pain, I had to move on because other people still needed me.
I managed a smile. "Thanks hun." I said. "I needed that."
Kahlua smiled and her cheerful exuberance returned.
"Glad I could help!" She exclaimed. "I'll always be around when you need me!"
That felt wonderful to know. At the very least, I'd always have someone to pick up my broken pieces and put me back together.
I got to my feet and emptied my pockets, placing their contents on a small corner table near the door.
"Well," I began, stripping my soiled shirt and tossing it to the floor below, "I'm gonna shower off and we'll see what we can get into."
Kahlua nodded and as I walked towards the washroom I heard her murr softly. Ignorantly I ignored it and went about the redundant task of personal grooming.
I exited in nothing but a towel and went to my room for a fresh set of cloths. Nothing formal, just a simple T and a pair of old beaten jeans.
Returning to the living room I found Kahlua dozing lightly on my recliner. I smiled and tried my best not to disturb her as I went about a few household chores.
Stunningly, and at much surprise to myself, there wasn't much to do. My laundry, which I dreaded doing, had somehow been done. The kitchen, which had been a mess for weeks, appeared spotless. The only thing I had to do myself was put away the dishes, which I found to be clean, more or less, in the sink.
I set the last plate in the cabinet above the stove and returned to the den. By this time, Kahlua appeared to be deep in sleep. She presented on her back, her hind legs resting over the arm of the recliner.
I gently placed a hand on her stomach.
"Thank you." I whispered in her ear.
A smile spread across her muzzle.
"You're welcome." She said to my slight surprise.
Knowing that she was actually awake, I pressed the idea of breakfast on her, to which she responded by jumping from the recliner and making for the door.
I laughed hardily and grabbed my keys. We made for town and stopped at a quiet diner famous for serving Pokémon as well as humans. Needless to say it was a bit of a trainer hotspot and as we entered, we observed several trainers and their Pokémon enjoying their ample sized meals.
The hostess greeted us with her practiced smile and seated us immediately. At my request we were sat at a booth near the window. A little sunshine always made for a good atmosphere.
I browsed over the menu and eventually settled on some hashbrowns and eggs with a hot tea to drink. Kahlua, being carnivorous, settled on a hardy breakfast of steak and eggs, with a simple saucer of water to wash it all down.
We idly conversed while we waited.
"So," I began, "I found the house rather clean this morning."
Kahlua smiled and her tail thumped against the booth's cushion.
"I just wanted to help you out a bit." She said. "Well that and you seem a bit lazy when it comes to the upkeep of your den, and I don't like to live in filth!"
She stuck her tongue out at me as I blushed.
"Ya, I guess you're right." I said placing a hand behind my head as I often did when embarrassed. "Thank you though."
Kahlua's smile broadened.
"You're welcome, Henry." If she could blush I would've sworn I saw it.
A thought came to mind and before I could stop myself, my mouth was running.
"How'd ya do it all without hands?" I blurted out thoughtlessly.
Kahlua seemed taken aback slightly, if not a bit insulted and I immediately regretted my lack of discretion.
"Well," She said callously and placed her forepaws upon the table and flashed her teeth, "I'm a bit more dexterous than I look!"
For as cold as she had sounded, I didn't fail to denote the rather sensuous movement of her left paw down the length of her body as it returned to rest.
The act confused, if not, aroused me slightly; however, I made to push the adulterous thoughts aside as I didn't find them appropriate at the time.
Thankfully, before my mouth could get me into further trouble, our breakfast arrived. I was starving, having little to eat but peanut butter crackers while on duty. With the first bite I felt like my mouth was having on orgasm, the explosive flavors assaulting every taste bud I had.
To myself I thanked the Lord for something so good and quickly shoveled another bite into my mouth.
Kahlua ate just the same, taking large portions into her maw and sighing in content between mouthfuls.
As we finished, I almost felt sorrow that the experience was over. However, the satisfaction of a full belly greatly overshadowed that feeling.
Our waitress returned and offered dessert, to which I declined. I may have enjoyed my meal, but I made certain to order enough to fill the tank to the top. Kahlua too declined, mentioning that she felt full to bursting.
The waitress smiled and left the ticket and she departed. I paid the total and was sure to include an ample tip. I was always grateful to those who fed me.
I glanced to Kahlua.
"Ready to go?" I asked.
She simply nodded and we made for the door.
The staff of the diner voiced their farewells as we exited. Unfortunately, my attention wasn't to walking and before I made it to my vehicle, I ran headlong into somebody.
We stumbled back and the man I had run into stared me down. I returned the glance. He happened to be much taller than I, though had only half my build. His clothing was casual, consisting of a solid white T-shirt and a pair of khaki slacks. A tattoo of an angel was emblazoned about his right eye and cheek, and a small diamond stud was secured to his left nostril.
"Sorry partner." I apologized. "I have a bad case of the stupid feet!" My hand went for the back of my head again.
The man seemed to ignore me, however. He gaze became transfixed upon Kahlua and she shifted uneasily.
My hand fell back to my side and I eyed the man more cautiously. The movement brought the man's attention back towards me.
He smiled broadly. "No problem mate!" He exclaimed in his thick Australian accent and clapped my shoulder roughly. "Have a bit of that problem me'self."
His friendly demeanor put me at ease.
"Birds of a feather!" I said extending my hand. "Henry."
He clasped my hand in his burly grip.
"Steven, nice to meet ya mate." He said giving my hand a single shake before releasing it.
We conversed casually for all of a few minutes before we went our separate ways. As Kahlua and I left, I observed him on his cellular phone.
He waved us off and I returned the gesture before accelerating away from the diner.
"Friendly fellow." I said aloud.
"I suppose so." Kahlua replied distantly.
I frowned at Kahlua's distress as it worried me; though, instead of pressing the matter and possibly agitating her further, I let her be and simply opted for a quiet drive home.
We soon arrived and I helped Kahlua from my vehicle. She exited and without a word between us we went inside.
The awkward silence to ensue tore at me. I felt as though I'd done something wrong, but wasn't sure how to make amends for it. On several occasions that night I tried to apologies; however, every time I made to speak, my voice would catch in my throat, and all that would come out was a faux cough.
After the umpteenth failure of the night, I simply sat myself upon the couch and laid back, thinking to myself as Kahlua dozed on the recliner.
My gaze found her and I sighed. What had I done that upset her so much? Was it my lack of tactful speech within the diner that morning? Was it the odd Australian man I had inadvertently bumped in to? Or had I done something I was ignorantly unaware of? My thoughts bothered me to the point that I honestly felt sick.
At last fed up with the sickening feeling in my stomach and the stale silence that soiled my house, I went to Kahlua and placed a hand upon her flank.
"Kahlua," I said, finally finding my hidden voice, "For whatever I've done or whatever happened, I'm sorry." She didn't move. "I just don't want you to see you so upset anymore. I've grown so accustom to seeing you happy that it honestly hurts me to see you like this. So please, whatever it is, tell me how I can fix it."
Kahlua sat silent for the longest time. The only recognition I had that she was even living was the feeling of her chest rise and fall with her every breath.
Feeling more torn than I had before, I removed my hand and made to retire to my room. Thankfully, just as I turned my back, Kahlua voice cut through the silence.
"Please," She said, "Don't be sad. You haven't done anything wrong." That much was a relief to hear, but she still appeared upset. "It's just," she paused and again looked distant, "that man from earlier, I can't place it, but he looked familiar, and not in a good sense."
I furrowed my brow and nodded. He was an odd character, though I personally didn't find him to be too hostile. That aside, he did seem to have frightened Kahlua and in that regard, I didn't care too much for the large Australian.
My hand returned to Kahlua's flank to provide her a little comfort.
"Don't worry," I began with a smile, "I won't let anything happen to ya! So long as you keep my bed warm for me that is!"
I ruffled her fur a bit and at last the exuberance I was accustom to returned to Kahlua. Her tail thumped roughly against the cushion of the recliner and her odd smile broke out across her lips.
"Always will, Henry!" She barked and suddenly lunged from the chair and into my chest. Sadly, I wasn't well balanced to begin with, and with her sudden addition to my unsettled footing, I fell flat on my back, taking Kahlua down with me.
I felt winded as I struck the floor below, but not nearly so much as when I opened my eyes. Kahlua had landed atop me, her forepaws positioned on either side of my shoulders and her back paws rested on either side of my thighs. Her eyes were closed ever so slightly and her lips were parted just so that only the tip of her tongue was visible. Her cheeks blushed into such a furious crimson that even I could detect it beneath her midnight colored fur.
An odd musky smell suddenly assaulted my nose, though it hardly bothered me. My senses were a melody of confusion and excitement. I struggled with my inner being for the right thing to do. A vast part of me wanted to kiss her, though I wasn't entire sure why. The other was afraid of the repercussions of kissing a Pokémon. As far as I knew, that was rather frowned upon, and may be grounds for counseling, which would jeopardize my job standing.
So instead I waited, waited for Kahlua to make that decision for me. And as she slowly lowered her head, and pressed her tender lips to mine, that decision was made. My fear quieted into nonexistence and I enjoyed the small bit of love that Kahlua had to offer.
It had been so long since I had felt that kind of affection. I had endured so much tragedy in my life that I could never find the courage to find a wife. All I had was given to endure the heartache of my line of work.
I placed a tender hand to her cheek and my other to her back and invited her tongue to meet with mine. The taste of her maw was spectacular, a mix of sweetness and mint. And the feeling of her tongue as it passed by my teeth and the roof of my mouth was a new experience all together. I noted all of the interesting features to her mouth as well, taking in the bumpy feel of the groves atop her maw and the razor sharpness of her canine teeth. I took note of small glands fixated behind her molars and assumed they were responsible for her fire-breathing capabilities.
Sadly the moment didn't last and as her lips left mine I felt longing for it to return.
Our eyes met again and I knew something between us had changed. Whether it was for the better, or for the worse, I was glad that I had finally felt the love I had secretly longed for for so longChapter End Notes:Ch 3 coming, I'm just really busy, and I've run some very hard calls lately, a few patients didn't make it so bear with me
The only thing different about it all was now I enjoyed it with someone else. As of a few weeks ago I'd met a Houndoom to whom I had affectionately named Kahlua. While the circumstances of our meeting was disheartening, I was rather glad she'd come into my life.
My line of work was difficult at times and to have someone to convey my personal feelings to was a blessing. And moreover it was nice to have that person legitimately listen and care for your feelings. If all I had to do was talk to relieve my aching soul when I lost a patient, the Ambulance would suffice just fine.
Ironically enough it was the ambulance that was listening to me that Tuesday morning. My partner, Russell, and I had been dispatched for a traffic accident at one of the busiest intersections within the city. As we sped along I audibly recited the location; not so much for my partner's sake but more for my own, considering I was driving. It's never considered a good show of faith for an ambulance running hot to have to stop and ask for directions.
Thankfully I avoided that situation and as I rounded the next corner our ambulance arrived on scene.
I turned off the sirens and instructed my partner to take the cot and the airway bag out into the field as I communicated with dispatch.
"Med unit Ninety-Seven." I called out over the radio as I took a few quick observations of the scene.
"Unit Ninety-Seven." The dispatcher returned.
I made a few mental notes and opened the channel. "We're on scene," I began, "to a two vehicle collision; Passenger car versus utility truck, occupants trapped. I'm going to need a signal seventy out here immediately."
A few moments passed before the dispatcher's voice came through again.
"Received," she said, "Fire department has been notified, they're advising a four minute ETA."
"Received." I answered.
I took my portable radio off the dash and secured it to my belt as I walked into the scene. My stomach was an unholy symphony of churns and gurgles as I further observed the carnage.
I just held my composure as I approached a small vehicle partially trapped beneath the axel of a large cement truck. The smell of gasoline and ethanol assaulted my nose and despite my own safety I peered in through the back window.
My heart sank. Where once there may have been passengers was now nothing but mangled steel and glass. The upholstery within was riddled with the shattered remains of the inner compartment of the vehicle, undoubtedly slaying the poor souls within.
I sighed heavily as I turned away.
"Russell!" I shouted for him and he came to me. "Put the cot away and get some long boards. We ain't pulling patients outta this one."
He nodded forlornly and did as I instructed, taking the cot away and returning a few moments later with three long boards and some sheets.
I looked at the sheets and gave him a weak smile. At least we would give these poor victims a small bit of decency by covering their bodies.
We readied the boards just as the fire department arrived.
A large man, who I recognized as a lieutenant, stepped out of the engine.
"What do ya need us to do?" He asked curtly.
I explained the situation, and requested that he extricate the victims of the small vehicle and keep them as sheltered as possible. I didn't want their bodies decimated any further.
He nodded his understanding and he and his crew set about the unfortunate task as my partner and I observed.
I turned to Russell as they began dismantling the vehicle.
"Hey," I started, "why don't you go check on the truck driver? I'll bet he's pretty shaken right now."
Without a word he left my side to tend to the man. Though it wasn't his fault, an accident of this magnitude, I'm sure, would be difficult to cope with.
I watched the firemen work for near ten minutes, observing every bite the cutters took and every inch the jaws spread the vehicle. Somewhere in that time Russell returned, though I hardly noticed him.
"Driver's fine." His voice startled me slightly. "Says he just shook up a bit."
I nodded weakly. In my mind I knew that man was a wreck on the inside. But like all men, he was too proud to show it.
The lieutenant suddenly waved Russell and I over.
"Grab a board." I said impassively.
The walk over to him seemed like the longest trek I'd ever taken. The small bit of road seemed to stretch for endless miles, though it was only a few feet at best.
My breath caught as I finally saw the occupants of the vehicle.
A young woman, no more than her early twenties, sat in the driver's seat, her lifeless body twisted about the steering column, her foot well through the floor of the vehicle. From her mangled body I looked to the passenger seat and found a young man with his head crushed beneath the flattened dash. I quickly looked away and my eyes suddenly found the back seat. The board in my hand slipped from my grip and crashed to the road below as my heart missed a beat. There, blanketed in twisted steel, broken glass, and the remains of the interior of the vehicle, was a little girl no more than five years old.
The world around me stopped. No sound, no people, no ambulance, just me and the little girl. I reached through the exposed vehicle and took hold of her broken body. Tentatively, if not a bit absently, I picked away the debris from around her. And as I pulled her from the wreckage, tears filled my eyes. In the light of the sun, she looked like she would have been an angel. She had long, flowing golden hair that was now stained crimson. Her once blue eyes now stared lifelessly into the unknown. Her once fair skin was now riddled with gaping wounds that oozed her lifeless essence.
I fell to my knees as I held her and my world suddenly returned. The first thing I noticed was a light touch on my shoulder. I turned to face Russell, his bearded face damp with his own tears.
He solemnly shook his head. "She's gone, Henry." His voice sounded harshly. "There's nothing we can do now."
I wished against all hope that he was wrong, though I knew he wasn't. Quietly, I placed the small body on the long board and covered her, giving her a final prayer of peace as I stood to my feet.
"Lieutenant." I said through a hoarse voice. "Let's clean up and get a signal twenty out here and a Justice. We're done here."
He nodded and wiped his eyes. I faintly heard him call over the radio for the police and a Justice of the Peace. Sadly, the only peace the Justice would bring was the ease of knowing that they were indeed deceased, and that we could truly do nothing to save them.
The call took our four departments a little of an hour to clear. The Justice came and pronounced the victims dead, and the police controlled traffic until we left the scene. I didn't know how the other driver was fairing, but a glance as we departed told me his soul was broken.
The ride back to the station was a quiet one, and as we pulled into the bay and secured the Ambulance, the stale silence was deafening.
Thankfully, the rest of my shift went by quickly. Russell and I managed to transfer all of our calls to a sister station, to which they didn't protest. They were glad to take some of the heat off our shoulders, if just to give us time to recover.
I left the next morning at seven sharp, eager to see Kahlua. I sped most of the way, trying to outrun my troubling thoughts.
It was only a few minutes before I was back in the welcoming warmth of my house, and the welcoming paws of Kahlua.
She greeted me with her normal exuberance, which honestly improved my mood slightly. Though, ever the perceptive one, she quickly honed in on my inner anguish.
"Henry?" She asked as I gently held her. "What's wrong?"
I broke down, no longer able to hold my composure and told her everything, unloading all my sorrows onto her strong shoulders.
She listened to my every word and as I finished tenderly licked my cheek.
"I'm so sorry, Henry." She began. "You see a lot of awful things, more than most should ever have to see in their lifetime." She paused and licked a few of my tears away. "But, if you give up, other people suffer, and I know you can't let that happen. You're," She searched for the words, "the strongest man I've ever met, Henry."
I found strength in her words. Kahlua was right, I couldn't give up. I knew the job would be hard from the moment I took it. And, despite the pain, I had to move on because other people still needed me.
I managed a smile. "Thanks hun." I said. "I needed that."
Kahlua smiled and her cheerful exuberance returned.
"Glad I could help!" She exclaimed. "I'll always be around when you need me!"
That felt wonderful to know. At the very least, I'd always have someone to pick up my broken pieces and put me back together.
I got to my feet and emptied my pockets, placing their contents on a small corner table near the door.
"Well," I began, stripping my soiled shirt and tossing it to the floor below, "I'm gonna shower off and we'll see what we can get into."
Kahlua nodded and as I walked towards the washroom I heard her murr softly. Ignorantly I ignored it and went about the redundant task of personal grooming.
I exited in nothing but a towel and went to my room for a fresh set of cloths. Nothing formal, just a simple T and a pair of old beaten jeans.
Returning to the living room I found Kahlua dozing lightly on my recliner. I smiled and tried my best not to disturb her as I went about a few household chores.
Stunningly, and at much surprise to myself, there wasn't much to do. My laundry, which I dreaded doing, had somehow been done. The kitchen, which had been a mess for weeks, appeared spotless. The only thing I had to do myself was put away the dishes, which I found to be clean, more or less, in the sink.
I set the last plate in the cabinet above the stove and returned to the den. By this time, Kahlua appeared to be deep in sleep. She presented on her back, her hind legs resting over the arm of the recliner.
I gently placed a hand on her stomach.
"Thank you." I whispered in her ear.
A smile spread across her muzzle.
"You're welcome." She said to my slight surprise.
Knowing that she was actually awake, I pressed the idea of breakfast on her, to which she responded by jumping from the recliner and making for the door.
I laughed hardily and grabbed my keys. We made for town and stopped at a quiet diner famous for serving Pokémon as well as humans. Needless to say it was a bit of a trainer hotspot and as we entered, we observed several trainers and their Pokémon enjoying their ample sized meals.
The hostess greeted us with her practiced smile and seated us immediately. At my request we were sat at a booth near the window. A little sunshine always made for a good atmosphere.
I browsed over the menu and eventually settled on some hashbrowns and eggs with a hot tea to drink. Kahlua, being carnivorous, settled on a hardy breakfast of steak and eggs, with a simple saucer of water to wash it all down.
We idly conversed while we waited.
"So," I began, "I found the house rather clean this morning."
Kahlua smiled and her tail thumped against the booth's cushion.
"I just wanted to help you out a bit." She said. "Well that and you seem a bit lazy when it comes to the upkeep of your den, and I don't like to live in filth!"
She stuck her tongue out at me as I blushed.
"Ya, I guess you're right." I said placing a hand behind my head as I often did when embarrassed. "Thank you though."
Kahlua's smile broadened.
"You're welcome, Henry." If she could blush I would've sworn I saw it.
A thought came to mind and before I could stop myself, my mouth was running.
"How'd ya do it all without hands?" I blurted out thoughtlessly.
Kahlua seemed taken aback slightly, if not a bit insulted and I immediately regretted my lack of discretion.
"Well," She said callously and placed her forepaws upon the table and flashed her teeth, "I'm a bit more dexterous than I look!"
For as cold as she had sounded, I didn't fail to denote the rather sensuous movement of her left paw down the length of her body as it returned to rest.
The act confused, if not, aroused me slightly; however, I made to push the adulterous thoughts aside as I didn't find them appropriate at the time.
Thankfully, before my mouth could get me into further trouble, our breakfast arrived. I was starving, having little to eat but peanut butter crackers while on duty. With the first bite I felt like my mouth was having on orgasm, the explosive flavors assaulting every taste bud I had.
To myself I thanked the Lord for something so good and quickly shoveled another bite into my mouth.
Kahlua ate just the same, taking large portions into her maw and sighing in content between mouthfuls.
As we finished, I almost felt sorrow that the experience was over. However, the satisfaction of a full belly greatly overshadowed that feeling.
Our waitress returned and offered dessert, to which I declined. I may have enjoyed my meal, but I made certain to order enough to fill the tank to the top. Kahlua too declined, mentioning that she felt full to bursting.
The waitress smiled and left the ticket and she departed. I paid the total and was sure to include an ample tip. I was always grateful to those who fed me.
I glanced to Kahlua.
"Ready to go?" I asked.
She simply nodded and we made for the door.
The staff of the diner voiced their farewells as we exited. Unfortunately, my attention wasn't to walking and before I made it to my vehicle, I ran headlong into somebody.
We stumbled back and the man I had run into stared me down. I returned the glance. He happened to be much taller than I, though had only half my build. His clothing was casual, consisting of a solid white T-shirt and a pair of khaki slacks. A tattoo of an angel was emblazoned about his right eye and cheek, and a small diamond stud was secured to his left nostril.
"Sorry partner." I apologized. "I have a bad case of the stupid feet!" My hand went for the back of my head again.
The man seemed to ignore me, however. He gaze became transfixed upon Kahlua and she shifted uneasily.
My hand fell back to my side and I eyed the man more cautiously. The movement brought the man's attention back towards me.
He smiled broadly. "No problem mate!" He exclaimed in his thick Australian accent and clapped my shoulder roughly. "Have a bit of that problem me'self."
His friendly demeanor put me at ease.
"Birds of a feather!" I said extending my hand. "Henry."
He clasped my hand in his burly grip.
"Steven, nice to meet ya mate." He said giving my hand a single shake before releasing it.
We conversed casually for all of a few minutes before we went our separate ways. As Kahlua and I left, I observed him on his cellular phone.
He waved us off and I returned the gesture before accelerating away from the diner.
"Friendly fellow." I said aloud.
"I suppose so." Kahlua replied distantly.
I frowned at Kahlua's distress as it worried me; though, instead of pressing the matter and possibly agitating her further, I let her be and simply opted for a quiet drive home.
We soon arrived and I helped Kahlua from my vehicle. She exited and without a word between us we went inside.
The awkward silence to ensue tore at me. I felt as though I'd done something wrong, but wasn't sure how to make amends for it. On several occasions that night I tried to apologies; however, every time I made to speak, my voice would catch in my throat, and all that would come out was a faux cough.
After the umpteenth failure of the night, I simply sat myself upon the couch and laid back, thinking to myself as Kahlua dozed on the recliner.
My gaze found her and I sighed. What had I done that upset her so much? Was it my lack of tactful speech within the diner that morning? Was it the odd Australian man I had inadvertently bumped in to? Or had I done something I was ignorantly unaware of? My thoughts bothered me to the point that I honestly felt sick.
At last fed up with the sickening feeling in my stomach and the stale silence that soiled my house, I went to Kahlua and placed a hand upon her flank.
"Kahlua," I said, finally finding my hidden voice, "For whatever I've done or whatever happened, I'm sorry." She didn't move. "I just don't want you to see you so upset anymore. I've grown so accustom to seeing you happy that it honestly hurts me to see you like this. So please, whatever it is, tell me how I can fix it."
Kahlua sat silent for the longest time. The only recognition I had that she was even living was the feeling of her chest rise and fall with her every breath.
Feeling more torn than I had before, I removed my hand and made to retire to my room. Thankfully, just as I turned my back, Kahlua voice cut through the silence.
"Please," She said, "Don't be sad. You haven't done anything wrong." That much was a relief to hear, but she still appeared upset. "It's just," she paused and again looked distant, "that man from earlier, I can't place it, but he looked familiar, and not in a good sense."
I furrowed my brow and nodded. He was an odd character, though I personally didn't find him to be too hostile. That aside, he did seem to have frightened Kahlua and in that regard, I didn't care too much for the large Australian.
My hand returned to Kahlua's flank to provide her a little comfort.
"Don't worry," I began with a smile, "I won't let anything happen to ya! So long as you keep my bed warm for me that is!"
I ruffled her fur a bit and at last the exuberance I was accustom to returned to Kahlua. Her tail thumped roughly against the cushion of the recliner and her odd smile broke out across her lips.
"Always will, Henry!" She barked and suddenly lunged from the chair and into my chest. Sadly, I wasn't well balanced to begin with, and with her sudden addition to my unsettled footing, I fell flat on my back, taking Kahlua down with me.
I felt winded as I struck the floor below, but not nearly so much as when I opened my eyes. Kahlua had landed atop me, her forepaws positioned on either side of my shoulders and her back paws rested on either side of my thighs. Her eyes were closed ever so slightly and her lips were parted just so that only the tip of her tongue was visible. Her cheeks blushed into such a furious crimson that even I could detect it beneath her midnight colored fur.
An odd musky smell suddenly assaulted my nose, though it hardly bothered me. My senses were a melody of confusion and excitement. I struggled with my inner being for the right thing to do. A vast part of me wanted to kiss her, though I wasn't entire sure why. The other was afraid of the repercussions of kissing a Pokémon. As far as I knew, that was rather frowned upon, and may be grounds for counseling, which would jeopardize my job standing.
So instead I waited, waited for Kahlua to make that decision for me. And as she slowly lowered her head, and pressed her tender lips to mine, that decision was made. My fear quieted into nonexistence and I enjoyed the small bit of love that Kahlua had to offer.
It had been so long since I had felt that kind of affection. I had endured so much tragedy in my life that I could never find the courage to find a wife. All I had was given to endure the heartache of my line of work.
I placed a tender hand to her cheek and my other to her back and invited her tongue to meet with mine. The taste of her maw was spectacular, a mix of sweetness and mint. And the feeling of her tongue as it passed by my teeth and the roof of my mouth was a new experience all together. I noted all of the interesting features to her mouth as well, taking in the bumpy feel of the groves atop her maw and the razor sharpness of her canine teeth. I took note of small glands fixated behind her molars and assumed they were responsible for her fire-breathing capabilities.
Sadly the moment didn't last and as her lips left mine I felt longing for it to return.
Our eyes met again and I knew something between us had changed. Whether it was for the better, or for the worse, I was glad that I had finally felt the love I had secretly longed for for so longChapter End Notes:Ch 3 coming, I'm just really busy, and I've run some very hard calls lately, a few patients didn't make it so bear with me