YAY FOR NEW COMPUTERS WITH AWESOME KEYBOARDS AND THAT AREN'T DEAD!
Thanks so, so, much reviewangel, one day soon I will shower you with gifts and awesome things!
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When Petra awoke the next day her head was pounding and her mind was foggy and every speck of light made it feel like pins were being shoved in her eyeballs. She groaned loudly and pressed her palms into her eyes to block it out and apply much needed pressure to her throbbing head.
Bee Doop!
The message alert on her phone made her jump nearly out of her skin and the sudden motion made her head hurt even worse, but she reached over to the bedside table and picked up her phone to read the message. It was from Auruo, of course, probably his usual morning greeting.
9:00 AM: You awake in there?
Wait…in there? And then she remembered the previous day like a punch in the gut. Marty. Auruo came over with Idjit. She drank a lot. She tried to kiss him…oh shit!'
"Petra?" Auruo's voice reached her ears and she slowly peeked around her hands and saw him standing in her bedroom doorway, looking kind of sheepish. "Is, uh, is it ok I come in there?"
"Did we do anything last night!?" Petra blurted and Auruo stopped in his tracks to give her a surprised look.
"What if we did?" he asked slowly, one brow raised in a questioning way.
Petra wasn't sure how to answer right away. What if they had? She wasn't sure if she'd be angrier about him taking advantage of her or the fact that she couldn't even remember it to know whether it had been any good!
"I would tell the cops you got me drunk and raped me," she said seriously, giving him her best no nonsense glare.
"Relax, Petra, nothing happened," Auruo rolled his eyes and held something out for her, a bottle of water, "My mother raised me right, I don't sleep with drunk women."
Petra took the water gratefully and chugged half of it in one shot then she gasped in a breath as she set the bottle down in between her legs.
"Did I try to kiss you?" she asked quietly.
"Yep," Auruo didn't even hesitate his answer, "But you failed. Hey, get up, you gotta eat some breakfast because you and I have a lot to do today before work."
She opened her mouth to ask him what he meant by that but he was already out the door and she heard him clanking things around in the kitchen, singing a song she couldn't identify as he worked. She smiled despite her miserable body and rolled out of bed, still clad in her sweatpants and hoodie from the day before.
"Auruo," she called gently, trying not to yell to avoid the pain of her own voice reverberating in her head, "I'm gonna shower quick before breakfast."
"Go for it," he called back from the kitchen.
The warm water felt like heaven on her weakened and tired body, washing the previous day's filth and scent of alcohol off her skin. She scrubbed herself with her sea salt and lily body scrub until she was a bright red color and then she stepped out onto the bathmat and slipped on the pair of shorts and the tanktop she'd pulled from her drawer, wrapped her hair in a towel and piled it on top of her head, and headed for the kitchen.
Auruo turned around when he heard her coming to say something to her but he fell silent at the sight of her, a bright blush creeping into his cheeks as his eyes widened slightly. He scanned her up and down quickly before turning back around to fill their plates with bacon and eggs and toast. Petra shook her head with a smile and sat at the table to wait for him.
"Eat all of this even if you don't feel like it," he ordered her as he set her plate in front of her, followed by a cup of very black coffee. He went back and grabbed his own plate and cup and sat across from her at the table, his hazel eyes studying her face as he chewed a mouthful of toast.
Breakfast passed in relative silence and Petra was already feeling better by the time her plate was empty, she smiled across the table at her friend and he gave her a lopsided grin in return.
"Thank you for being here for me, Auruo," she said quietly, "I…was a wreck yesterday, wasn't I?"
"It's no problem, Petra," Auruo replied easily, he reached across the table and took her plate and stood to take the dishes to the sink, "If you ever need anything, just let me know. I mean that."
And she knew he did.
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"Don't you need to go to work today?" Petra asked as they walked down the hall with Idjit in tow. Auruo was taking her somewhere, but he refused to tell her where and she had agreed to let him drive even so he wouldn't have to tell her the address.
"Naw, got a call this morning saying the cement needs more time to set so construction is off for the day," he informed her with a smile, "So I am yours to do with what you please for the entire day."
Petra didn't say it out loud but she liked the sound of that…
"So where are we going?" she asked again, for the twentieth time, hoping he would crack and accidently tell her his plan. But he just shook his head and made a motion like a zipper over his lips, tossing the imaginary key away.
"It's a surprise," he told her, "You'll see."
"If you plan to drive me out to the boondocks and rape me, beware, I know Kung Fu," Petra teased, surprised that she even felt like teasing considering her previous day.
"Geez, Petra, what is with you and your rape jokes?" Auruo asked her, his nose wrinkled in distaste.
"Oh shut up," Petra groaned, but she knew he was right. She fell silent as they made their way across the parking lot to her car. Auruo whistled appreciatively at her vehicle before sliding into the driver's seat, running his hands appreciatively over the steering wheel.
"Nice ride, Ral," he gave her a playful wink, "Daddy's money?"
"Yes, actually," Petra groaned, "Now, please just drive and let's not talk about socioeconomic classes."
Auruo laughed easily and started driving in the direction of his secret location he swore up and down that she would recognize and love. She was thinking it would be the diner but they were going the opposite direction and so she had no idea anymore where they could possibly be going.
"Ok," Auruo said after about a twenty minute drive or so, "Close your eyes. Because if you don't, you'll ruin the surprise."
Petra rolled her eyes but obeyed, closing her eyes tight and willing herself not to open them until he told her to. She felt them pull into a lot somewhere from the telltale bump of the driveway and then the car came to a stop.
"Don't open them yet!" Auruo's voice was full of excitement and heard him roll down the window slightly before turning off the car, "I'm gonna leave Idjit in here for a bit. Don't move, I'll come around and get you. Keep those pretty eyes closed, Petra!"
Pretty eyes? He was too cute sometimes…
She heard her door open beside her and felt the chill of the September air on her side, and then she felt the warmth of Auruo's hand on hers as he guided her up and out of the car. The door shut behind her and his other hand came to rest on the small of her back, pushing gently in a signal for her to move forward. He was so close to her, his body putting off a heat she felt all the way through her jacket and double layers of clothing, his breath tickled the top of her hair every time he exhaled.
"You smell incredible," his words were a bit of a surprise and she almost opened her eyes to turn and look at him but she continued forward when he gave her another gentle push.
"Thank you," she replied graciously, "I noticed the same about you last night."
"What?"
"What?"
"You're lucky we're here now," Auruo growled lightly in her ear, "Or else you'd have to explain that one. You can open your eyes now."
Thank god! Petra was about to go mad from the suspense and his close proximity combined and she opened her eyes quickly. The first thing she noticed was a sign that read: Karanese Animal Shelter.
Oh. Oh!
"Oh, Auruo…" Petra felt tears stinging her eyes, threatening to spill over and roll down her cheeks, she sniffed loudly in an effort to fight them back.
"Oh, shit, Petra is it too soon? Are you one of those people who needs space for a while before getting a new pet?" he looked very worried, running his hand over the short hairs on the back of his neck.
"No…no, actually…I was so afraid of spending tonight alone after work," Petra whispered honestly, "Coming home to an empty apartment…I can't do that again."
"Then come on," Auruo gave her a light tug on her arm and nodded towards the entrance, "Let's go get you a furry thing to keep you company when I can't be there."
Petra let that one slide and went inside when he opened the door for her, which she thought was very sweet. They went right away to the featured adoption board on the wall and Petra scanned over the pictures with eager eyes. Muffin. Mr. Fluff. Peanut Butter.
"Hello, can I help you?" Petra spun around at the sound a woman's voice and came face to face with a kind looking blonde woman with bright blue eyes.
"I'd like to adopt a cat," Petra informed her, "I had to say goodbye to my cat of eight years yesterday and it's just too lonely in my apartment."
"I understand," and the lady truly did sound like she understood, "Follow me to the back and you can get in there with them all and see who catches your eye."
Petra and Auruo followed the blonde back around the front desk through a door and into a hallway, the last door on the left was labeled: "Kittens" and Petra tapped the woman on the shoulder as she leaned down to unlock the door to the kitten room.
"Um, sorry but, I'd like to see the adult cats," she informed her quickly. The blonde looked at her for a long moment and then her face broke into a huge smile.
"Oh, aren't you just a god-send! Most people want kittens!"
"Petra is definitely not most people," Auruo spoke up and Petra wondered if he meant that as a compliment or a quip at her expense, she assumed it was the former.
A few minutes later found Petra and Auruo standing in a room with a sea of cats at their feet. Tiny paws reached up, seeking their attention and Petra immediately sat down on the floor to be closer to them and was nearly buried in a pile of excited fur until Auruo pulled her back up to her feet.
"See any you like?" he asked her as he scanned the room for potential candidates, "What color do you want? Boy or girl?"
Petra just placed her hands on her hips and gave him a look of disbelief.
"You don't choose a cat for its color or its gender or even how cute it is," she informed him of her expertise, "You choose a cat by its personality and the presence of a deep emotional connection. It's like choosing a lover."
"Well, in that case, see any potential lovers?" Auruo's tone was teasing, but it also held a hint of hopefulness. She noticed he puffed his chest out slightly when she looked back at him. She grinned and gave him a wink.
"Maybe," she said, and it was the truth.
She did another visual sweep of the room and she zoned in on one…
"Auruo, can you get one of the staff in here?" she asked, cocking her head as she examined the cat she had in mind.
Auruo leaned out into the hall and got the attention of another worker, a short, plump dark haired woman with a sour expression.
"Yeah?" the woman asked, her tone not friendly at all.
"Can you tell me about that cat?" Petra pointed at the one she was referring to: a large, slate grey pile with blazing gold eyes that were so wide with fear that she could see the white around them. Its tail lashed angrily and a low growl was emitting from it. Auruo's jaw dropped when he traced the line of sight from her finger to the monstrous cat on the corner of the upper cat shelf.
"That's Bastard," the worker informed her dully, "As you can see, he's mean and hates everyone. I wouldn't pick that one if I were you. Anything else?"
"No, thank you, I've heard enough," Petra dismissed the worker with a false smile and the dark haired woman left with a shrug.
"Petra, are you crazy?" Auruo asked, his voice a bit higher pitched than normal, "That thing looks like it could kill us!"
"Calm down," Petra giggled, watching the grey cat's body language. Already, since the dark haired worker had left, his hackles had fallen and his eyes were not as wide, his tail was still. "Watch the master."
Petra stepped forward and headed for the cat, not making direct eye contact with it but focusing her eyes on its back instead. She kept her pace slow but not too slow and she spoke softly and kindly and genuinely, her hand up in a relaxed reach towards the cat to let it know her intentions ahead of time.
"Hey there, handsome boy. Bastard, well that's a really dumb name for such a pretty boy. Is it alright if I pet you, baby? You want to come home with me and my friend, Auruo?"
"Petra…" Auruo warned her warily from behind.
But she ignored him and continued her approach…and the cat accepted her hand as she slid it over its head and scratched him gently behind the ears. Then, lo and behold, Bastard stood on his feet and stretched a mighty stretch, revealing just how large of a cat he truly was and then loud out a friendly vibrating meow, his loud purr filled the room. Petra laughed and reached up with both hands, pulling him down off the cat shelf and holding him close to her chest…and the tears came. Big, fat drops fell from her lashes and down her face onto the grey fur in her arms, her heart swelled with love for her new companion and there was no doubt in her mind he was the right choice.
Auruo stood there watching in disbelief and then he smiled a massive smile and stepped slowly and carefully around the cats on the floor and made his way to her side, wary of upsetting the cat in her arms. But Bastard just watched him with mild interest and meowed in greeting when he stood beside Petra.
"Wow," he whispered, genuinely impressed, "You really have a way with them, huh?"
"He hates that lady," Petra informed him, "As soon as she left he started to relax. Cats are all about body language and I didn't see anything about his that I wasn't feeling towards her myself."
Auruo laughed loudly, sending some of the skittish cats running for the hidey holes.
"Well, sounds like you are two of a kind then. Come on, let's sign the papers and get your little Bastard home."
"I'm not keeping that stupid name," Petra muttered grimly as they left the room with her brand new friend.
Auruo had insisted on paying the adoption fee no matter how long and hard Petra argued against the idea. When he signed the papers and the lady handed him the cat, Petra reached out for him, but Auruo turned away and held him out of reach.
"Now, Petra, I bought this cat so technically it belong to me," he informed her, his eyes held a playful glint, "I'll give him to you if you do something for me."
"What might that be?" Petra squinted her eyes, wary of his request.
"Go on a date with me."
Petra's worry disappeared and she smiled sweetly up at him, then she motioned for him to come closer and lean down so she could whisper in his ear, which he did and she cupped her hand over her mouth and pressed her lips ever so gently to the tip of his ear in a small kiss before whispering:
"How about we skip the formalities and just get down to the being a couple thing?"
The grin that split Auruo's face was the biggest she'd ever seen on him yet and he held the cat out to her eagerly.
"You drive a hard bargain, but I accept!"
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When they arrived back at the apartment, Auruo announced he had to leave so he could get ready for work at the club that night.
"You and Bastard have a good afternoon and I will see you tonight at work," he told her as he clipped Idjit back onto her leash. He stood back up and looked down at her with a smile. "Petra…you meant what you said earlier? You really do want to be my girlfriend?"
"Of course I do!" Petra was surprised that he was doubting her, "Why wouldn't I?"
"It's just…" he rubbed the back of his neck again, a nervous habit of his, "I can't hardly believe it. Hey, I'm a pretty lucky guy."
"Yes you are," Petra giggled, "Now you better get going because it'll be six before you know it. But…first…"
And she wasn't sure where the boldness came from, but she knew one thing…she wanted to do this even more than she had last night. She grabbed him by the front of his shirt and tugged insistently until he came down to her level and she captured his lips in a kiss before he even knew what was coming. His eyes went wide for a brief moment and she felt him smile into her mouth before he joined in with matched enthusiasm. This was so good, Petra thought to herself, his lips were steady and sure and surprisingly soft…Auruo Bossard was an A-class kisser, and she would know because college had been a very experimental time for her. No one had ever kissed her like this, there was something he put into it that no one before him had.
When they broke apart, Petra kept her eyes closed and her lips parted for a long moment, savoring the sensation to keep it locked in her memory. When her eyes fluttered open, he was looking back at her with a matching expression of a hormone induced high.
"Wow," he whispered, "I really need to leave now or I'll never want to."
Petra giggled and turned him around gently by the shoulders and pushing against his back to move him in the direction of the door, effectively kicking him out.
"Maybe I'll give you another one tonight," she said with a wink and then she shut the door before he could even respond, but she didn't miss the look of excitement in his eyes at her words.
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Sorry the ending was a bit rushed, my husband is nagging me to go to sleep :/
