I Unintentionally Became Her Kitten

“Do you have a break coming up?” I asked Alex. They were on register again and I had decided to drop in during the slowest part of the day so hopefully we could talk more.

“I have a fifteen,” they said. They glanced over at a coworker who was on their phone, texting mindlessly.

“Do you want to talk?”

“Sure,” they agreed and came out from behind the counter. They had switched to a grey apron now. It suited them a bit better and didn’t wash out their skin tone as much as the bright green from Starmaids.

I led them over to a two person high-top and took a seat, trying to feel less awkward.

“No security today?” Alex asked.

“They’re keeping their distance,” I explained. Lili and Matteo were currently outside sitting in the car, mirrors angled just so they could watch the inside of the shop without being obvious.

“Oh.”

They sat there several seconds, looking as exhausted as always.

“I’m so sorry you got dragged into the drama with Charlotte and with… my partner.”

“It’s fine,” they sighed.

“It’s not,” I said. “Outsiders aren’t supposed to see any of that. And if I had been smarter Charlotte wouldn’t have been such an issue. I should have left when she first started harassing me.”

“Then where would your freedom be?” Alex asked.

“Hm?”

“Your freedom– independence from your partner.”

“I don’t… I know how it looks but our relationship is entirely consensual.” I fidgeted still. Because our relationship was absolutely lopsided. Alisha provided me with everything and all I gave her back was emotional support.

“Do you need to talk about anything?” Alex asked.

I shook my head. “I should be asking you that. You almost died. You can’t be okay.”

They shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m more okay than I thought I would be after that. Just tired.”

I let the silence stretch a little, hoping for them to continue. “But–”

A voice from the counter cut across my thoughts. “Where’s Alex?”

It was a sharp tone, displeased and already with no patience.

“Time for me to go,” Alex said and stood, smoothing out the wrinkles in their apron.

“But– hang on. It hasn’t been fifteen minutes yet,” I protested and locked eyes with the apparent manager.

“It’s okay. This is how things go here. Breaks are a privilege not a right.” They strode back to the counter. I saw the manager snap some orders at them as I deflated.

This was so unfair. On top of that I knew so many people, had heard so many people comment on this job being ‘their fault’ for not applying themselves or whatever. I learned very fast after leaving my parents: the loop of living paycheck to paycheck was far harder to escape than many people thought. The emotional exhaustion made ‘look for a better job’ feel impossible.

I watched as Alex went into the back somewhere, probably for an undeserved scolding. It wasn’t like anyone had gone up to the counter while Alex wasn’t there.

I felt incredibly guilty and finally decided to leave. I didn’t even get to give Alex a wave.

Alisha was engrossed in documents when I got back, frowning at numbers that were meaningless to me. She made some phone calls, drank some coffee from the machine rather unenthusiastically and eventually Tye showed up in the early evening. They debriefed each other and I realized that they’d been trading off for shifts. Alisha hadn't gotten any late night phone calls since the new arrangement. And Tye always looked like he was beginning his day around four in the afternoon. This meant that Alisha could almost always have her evenings clear for rest. And Tye would probably work late but not overnight. So there were just a few early morning hours that weren’t covered by either of them.

I was happy for Alisha at least. Not getting summoned at all hours had only been a good change. She was sleeping more regularly and eating meals three times a day. If she was trying to push it off Matteo or another member of enforcement would just show up with something for her to eat. I hadn’t yet seen her refuse it.

Tye left after their debriefing and started to get settled at his desk.

Then Alisha stood, making me look over at her questioningly.

“Come on, Kitten,” she said.

“Huh?” I asked but got up obediently.

“Let’s go on a date.”

“Huh?” I repeated.

We were driven by Matteo across the city.

I sat next to Alisha, still surprised that this had happened so fast. Her arm was draped around my shoulders, keeping me nestled closely.

“I've been neglecting giving you time with me,” Alisha said softly.

“I'm okay,” I protested. “I understand work didn't give you much choice.”

She soothed my hair out of my face and I felt myself go pink. “Thats just an excuse on my part.”

“Really, though. I understand,” I explained.

She released some of her tension and I felt her arm drape just a little heavier across my shoulders.

Before long I was being escorted into a fancy restaurant. Someone walking their dog gave us a second glance as we strode in. Alisha was still impeccably dressed as always and I was at least in my nicer clothes. But still I didn't feel dressed for this. I hadn't put much effort into my hair or makeup.

Alisha had plans though. The hostess did not hesitate to direct us to a table already set for two. My chair was pulled out and offered to me. I accepted it and gently pulled myself in as far as comfortable. Then Alisha and I were gazing at each other.

“Uhm…” I mumbled as wine was poured.

“Is this okay, Kitten?” Alisha asked.

“Well yes…” I said.

Alisha waited patiently as I debated with myself. “But?” she asked.

“I would've dressed nicer had I known we'd be doing this,” I explained.

She nodded. “I see.” She then glanced around. “I don't think you need to worry too much.”

“Yeah but… still,” I found myself staring down at the tablecloth. It didn't even have crease lines in it so it'd been pressed.

Alisha was still gazing at me. She shooed a waiter along with barely whispered, “one moment please,” and then stood and pulled her chair over to mine.

She sat next to me, close enough we could speak without anyone overhearing us.

“Am I making too much of this?” she asked.

“N-no. It’s… I feel… overridden.”

She blinked then leaned back. “Oh,” she said. “I see. I made a decision without asking you “

I nodded, cautiously. But I realized that was what bothered me about this. “I hadn't been asked.”

“Okay,” Alisha agreed. “Are you okay with staying here?”

I nodded. “Yeah I just… didn't expect this. At all.”

“You always seemed to like it when I pampered you,” Alisha said.

“Yes but… this time you didn't even ask. I wasn't ready.”

Alisha reached over, hesitating as if asking silent permission before gently brushing her hand across my cheek. The touch was very soothing, her fingers cool against my stress.

“Okay. I'll ask from now on. No total surprises.”

“I don't want to spoil your fun,” I protested.

“You won't. It's okay to ask me not to assume you'll always be in the mood or ready for something. That's a reasonable boundary.” Her hand pulled away. “I can still surprise you even if I tell you we'll go out somewhere.”

“Yes, I guess.” I looked at the tablecloth again. “That makes sense.”

She stood again. “But please pick out whatever you want to eat,” she said and moved her chair back to her place setting.

I inhaled, feeling a little better and looked at the menu. It was the kind that only had a few options on it. I chose a filet mignon, only knowing it was some form of steak.

Alisha actually chatted with me through the meal. She nursed a second glass of wine after her first. Her phone didn't ring once. She even kept it put away.

I felt her attention focused solely on me. It felt really good. The pampering was evident all over again and she insisted I get dessert. The portions at this restaurant seemed intentionally balanced.

It was easy to drink a few glasses of wine and have dessert after.

Alisha paid the bill as soon as it was brought, not even looking at the total.

By the time she had corralled me back into the Escapade I was practically falling asleep. Wine and chocolate cake did wonders for that and once we were both settled I drowsed in and out of sleep in her arms.

“You're very good at this,” I murmured during one of my more wakeful moments.

“I'm still learning,” Alisha hushed me. “I just wish I could give you the world after stripping away all of its flaws.”

Her hand soothed me more.

“You're trying too hard,” I told her.

She leaned over and kissed my forehead. “I want to do more. You deserve it.”

AN: I'm going to be getting back home next week and then starting the process of packing everything up there to move in August. I'm hoping I can write more of this freestyle story as a stress relief but sometimes saying I'll do something to relieve stress makes it stressful so IDK. We'll see.

I will say things are settled down here. My partner is still recovering 'far better than most people at this stage' according to her doctor. So hopefully it'll say that way.

As always: thanks for reading and there are plans in motion for the plot still.