Chapter 7: No Means No

"But I don't want to stay in here! Russia!"

Russia just groaned, using his paws to cover his ears, little it did top block out the whining. How little that work. But it never hurts to try.

"Russia . . . "

The kit's words slowly became hard to understand, soon becoming mumbles.

"Your master said so, no leaving the crate."

"But!"

"No means no, little one."

The kit choose not to speak this time, curling in more in his resting spot. Glaring harshly at the tiny bars blocking his way to freedom. Finding it useless to blame it on Russia, it wasn't the larger cat's fault he was in here.

It was his so-called master.

"I don't like that human."

"Your mind will change when he'll feed you, pampering you, flooding you with toys."

Russia eyed him, seeing the kit's ears flicked now and then. A true sign that what he said before was right on the tip of the nose.

"Russia?"

He gave a purr-hummed to the kit, before answering with. "Da, Latvia, what is it?"

"Can you move closer. I feel lonely."

Without answering back, he did so. Mindlessly having his tail enter the kennel. Not taking notice of whiskers brush against his tail as thanks. Mostly glancing at the humans rushing about the house. All changing clothes, which meant, Russia's master's master is coming over, again. Just as that day when Latvia was peacefully taken in.

"Hate wearing this thing."Latvia's owner said, with a frown, fixing his tie in front of a mirror. "I wish Ivan would just . . . "

"Don't say anything you're going to regret later, Raivis."Toris called to him, rushing down the stairs, passing by him. Tray in hand.

A high-quality golden plate.

"Can't be any regret, with how we got to pamper the guy. And poor Ivan."

"Poor all of us."

"Quiet both of you."The servant called out to the two, finishing up in the kitchen. "For the sake of staying out of trouble. Hush."

"Yes, sir."The other two answered back together.

Perfect timing, as the bell ranged.

"Raivis?"

The one called out, turn to the voice.

"Y-y-yes s-sir?"Raivis asked, already working on his stutter.

"Please take the cats to the playroom. Safety."

"I-I-I un-n-nders-s-stand."

And went to take care of it.

"Be ready, we're being moved."

"Kay."

Latvia took in mind, as he was in the kennel. Russia walked ahead, very much aware of what was going on. His eyes wandered when his master gave soft kinds words to him, trying hard, very, to calm him. Latvia not knowing, he, himself, was a little worry about what was going on. He would asked Russia about it later.

"Okay. Here we go." Raivis stated out with, placing down the kennel.

The young man eyed the larger cat, who was heading over to one of many floor tunnels. Soon looking back to his pet, deeply pouting of the sad look he was getting from his kitten.

"Don't look at me like that, Ramzi." Raivis said to his pet, stroking fur, little he could, through the bars.

When seeing the petting did the little comfort it could do, stood up, rushing to the door. Giving words to the felines that he'll be back to treat them later. If they stayed out of trouble. He knew one would, and mockingly glared at the troublemaker, willing to deal with it later. With that in mind, closed the door and hurried to help the others.

"Humans. Odd."

"Hmm? Are they?"

"Now and then." Russia stated, moving away from the furry tunnel and snaked over to Latvia.

"Are you odd?"

"What makes you think?"

Latvia shook his head, slowly standing up and moved the bar door. Sleepily looking at Russia. The medication working a fine course.

"He put something in the milk, again?"

"It's to make you feel better."

"I-I-f so, why can't I leave?"

"I have no idea."

"L-l-liar!"

The shout was quick but also slurry from the drugs. Eyes dialect, barely able to see the iris color anymore. The look Latvia gave could almost be seen as a blank, zoned-out, gaze.

"No. Your tired. Sleep. You'll feel better later."

"B-b-b-but . . . "

"For my sake, as a friend, please do."

"F-f-friend?"

"Da."

"Da . . . "

Russia gave a sigh, glad to see the kit asleep. After what has been going through the other's tiny body, it must have been over-worked. Next trip to doctor, he'll be fine. The older cat can handle that. Seeing as the smaller one refused to listen to reason.

"You'll be the end of me." Russia, eye-wide from the words that left his mouth.

Meanwhile, down on the hall. Rounding the corner. Chatting, loud and forceful spread in what was left in the quiet house. One voice could be heard as an older, wise, precise man, as the other seem to have lot work to catch up to the other.

When agreement happen; the shouts were softer, still noticeable, but far to hard to miss. As well as clatter of cups clinking together. Laughter as well, if the time matter.

When disagreement happen; objects would break. The shouts would increase to where could be mistaken as thunder shocks. Clatters of books and maybe a body rammed into something. Swears as well, if the time called for it.

Whatever happen though, those down stairs didn't miss it.

"They just seem to get worse now of days."Eduard said, eyeing above him, fixing another cup a tea. In hopes to calm him. Not working so far.

"The first aid-kit is full, right?"

"Yeah, got everything two days before."

"Right."

"Poor Ivan." Raivis called out, frowning as he polished the silverware, for the fourth time in the last hour.

"Raivis, why don't you go outside and tend the gardens. Spare the silverware."

"R-r-right. I'll get to it."

The sound of harsh clattered came when a knife felled from his hand, along with a cloth as well.

Only thing left to see was his retreating back as he headed out the back door of the kitchen to the gardens. Saying to himself and others that he needed some air.

"Eduard, don't you think we should . . . "

"No Toris, no."

"Just thought I ask."

"And I wish you would stop. There is no point in asking."

"For the sake of this household and those who live in it. Have a right."

"If you don't like it. You are free to move out."

"No, I would never do. And I know you would never, ever, ever do that."

Eduard glanced over to Toris, who he saw a small smile. To which was kindly answered back with another as well. Knowing if Raivis was with them, his would even add more to what they all shared.