Chapter 4
by Zzilly14
I couldn't believe what Dominique had just told me. Sure, she wasn't the Queen of Nice, but I was shocked to hear the things she admitted to. I didn't know what to tell her after all that... And the poor gal was clearly upset.
"You're amazing," I stated.
"What?" she wondered, looking into my eyes with confusion.
"You've clearly been through a lot. And you've done some horrible things. But now you're headed in the right direction. I think it's amazing, and I'm proud of you for trying to do the right thing."
She gave me a soft smile before playing with her mashed potatoes. "I want to apologize to you, Clem."
"What for?"
"Your job."
"Hey, it's paying me a good deal of money..."
"But the working conditions can be better. I was... using you, Clem. And I'm sorry."
I laughed, "No problem, Dominique. But I thank you for coming out and saying it. Hey, can I get a snack machine in my office now?"
"No," she replied.
"Huh?"
"I'm firing you, Clem. Now before you say anything... yes, it does seem unfair. But I'm recommending you to the New Amsterdam Theatre..."
"Where Lion Ling's playing?" I asked excitedly.
"Yes. They could use someone for backstage work, and although it doesn't pay as good as I do..."
I cleared my throat. "Why are you firing me? I don't understand."
She gazed into my eyes, her pupils reflecting the chandelier above us. "It's against company policy to date fellow employees. Even though I'm the CEO of Nightstone and could change the policy... I don't want other employees to do the same."
I coughed. She wanted to date me? Like on a regular basis? Was that what she was implying?
"Are you okay?" she asked with concern.
"Dominique... are you saying that..."
"Yes, Clem. I like you. We can start off slow, if you..."
Her sentence faded as I stood up and walked over to her. She smiled and stood up as I took her in my arms.
"I'm warning you," I smiled awkwardly, "I may not be the greatest kisser in the world."
"Shut up and do it already," she demanded.
So I did.
...
Clem kissed me. And I'm not afraid to admit that it was... nice. My hands stroked his dog-like ears, and I could've sworn I heard him purr.
"Sorry," he blushed when we parted lips. "I can't help it when someone..."
I played with his ears again, and he purred once more.
"I think it's cute," I giggled.
"Oh... well then. Still hungry?"
"Not really."
"Me either."
We kissed again, this time a little more passionately. A few minutes later we took a pause for breathing purposes.
"Wow," Clem said. "This is fun."
I looked out the window and noticed it was getting lighter.
"It's almost sunrise," I warned him.
"That's okay. You'll still be you, except... different."
"Yes," I replied, "but I'm not sure if you want to see me change. It's... painful. And I'd imagine it'd be painful to watch."
He gently stroked my cheek. "If you want me to step outside, I will. But I really don't mind staying."
I nodded and kissed his cheek.
...
I stood in awe as Dominique began to change. As the sun's rays hit her, her wings shrunk into her back, talons became feet, and the blue skin melted into peach. The whole time she was moaning and clutching the side of her head.
Finally, moments later, she was a human. Her eyes looked into mine and she blushed.
"Well, as you can see, it's done."
I smiled, "You're still beautiful. And hey, the dress is still intact."
Her cheeks reddened even more as she put her hands on her bottom where her tail once was. "For the most part."
I stepped towards her and kissed her on the lips once more - a soft, gentle kiss. "Want some breakfast?"
"Didn't we just have dinner?" she smirked.
"A demon's got to eat, you know. And I think there's still some steak left over..."
"You know," she laughed, "that sounds like a nice idea."