Love Bites

By Toby Danger

Monster High is copyright of Mattel. All other characters mentioned are copyright of their original creators

This will be a series of short fanfics, each one based on a certain Monster High couple. There will be various canon and non-canon couples featured. I'm planning for each story to be a little different from the romance stories we see so often in Monster High's webisodes and other media. I hope you all enjoy!

This one is a little different from my usual work, and the first time I've written for a asexual pairing. If you feel there are some things I could have improved, please comment and let me know.

Clawdeen and Catrine: You're the Inspiration

In which Catrine finds artistic inspiration, and Clawdeen finds someone special to her.

Weekday evenings at the Die-ner were usually fairly quiet. That, combined with unlimited coffee refills, made it an ideal place for Clawdeen to relax and get some drawing done. Sat in a corner table, she concentrated on sketching some designs she planned to make up in her Fashion Entrepreneurs club.

"Hey Clawdeen." She looked up to see Draculaura, still in her waitress dress having finished her shift. They exchanged greetings as Laura sat opposite her.

"So, Holt mentioned there's a live music night at the Dog and Groan tonight. Do you wanna come?"

Clawdeen thought about it. "Thanks, but I'll pass. I just wanna work on some designs tonight."

"As come on, it'll be fun. There's a good band there..." Her tone turned suggestive. "And it's a singles night. Plenty of hunky boys there..."

"So this is about hooking up?" Clawdeen frowned. "Now I definitely don't want to go."

"Oh come on!" Laura pleaded. "What's the harm in seeing if there are any good boyfriends out there for you. Or ghoulfriends, if... you know."

Clawdeen growled. Being pestered about boyfriends was bad enough, but now even her friend seemed to buy into that annoying rumour going around school that her lack of a boyfriend meant she was gay.

And she wasn't even sure if that was true or not.

"Look, I'm gonna tell you the same thing I said when you pulled that speed dating crap!" She raised her voice. "I am not interested! I don't want a boyfriend or a ghoulfriend. I am quite happy as I am, on my own, and I do not need to be set up. Alright?!"

Laura sat back, somewhat frightened. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry."

Clawdeen huffed and returned to her sketchbook. Laura looked at her forlornly.

"It's just... I worry about you. While me and the ghouls are out spending time with our guys, you're always left alone. It just doesn't feel right that you don't have anyone to be close with."

Clawdeen sighed. "I know you mean well Dee, but I'm fine, really. I'm not alone, I've got you and the ghouls and my family, and that's all I need.."

"But don't you want someone special? Someone who wants to be by your side always, who makes you feel loved, who you want to love back..."

"I do.." Clawdeen blurted out. She was silent as she tried to find the right words. "I wouldn't mind having someone I could share my life with... but... I don't want... what everyone else wants."

"What do you mean?"

"You know... the romantic, mushy stuff, the kissing, the dating, being attached by the hip to someone all the time. The... the sex stuff." She blushed. "I know you and the others love that kind of thing, but I don't. I just don't find it... stimulating, you know. I don't feel I want it."

Laura blinked, trying to understand. "You mean... you're asexual?"

"Maybe, I guess... all I know is, I don't want to do all that romantic stuff. I want..."

Clawdeen sighed and leaned against the table. "I don't know what I want."

Laura gently touched her hand. "I'm sorry... I didn't know.."

"It's alright..."

"Why don't you come with me to the pub anyway? We can still have fun, and I promise I won't even mention the word 'relationship'."

Clawdeen offered a small smile. "It's okay, really, I just want some alone time. You go have fun."

Laura was reluctant to leave, but Clawdeen assured her she would be okay, promising that she would call if she needed anything.
With that, Laura left, leaving Clawdeen alone with her sketchbook and her thoughts. She glanced around the near empty die-ner and sighed.

She couldn't deny that Laura was partly right. She did get lonely sometimes, and felt a little left out with all her friends in close relationships with their boyfriends. She genuinely did want someone to be close to.
But how could she find someone when she didn't feel attraction toward them like other ghouls? She could acknowledge that someone was beautiful or handsome, sure, but she didn't feel attracted or aroused by anyone. She just saw them as just another monster.

She'd always thought it was just because she was always focused on improving her fashion and design skills. But she'd come to realize that no one, not even the ridiculously attractive monsters in TV and film did anything for her.
What was she meant to do with that? Did it mean there was something wrong with her? If she really wanted to have a boy - or ghoulfriend, she might as well consider that possibility - shouldn't she feel something for them?

She felt incredibly worried and frightened about these thoughts, so much so that she almost didn't notice the sound of a pencil scratching against paper behind her. She turned around to see what it was, and noticed Catrine DeMew at one of the other tables.
She was drawing in a sketchbook, diverting her attention between the paper and Clawdeen. When she realized Clawdeen was staring at her, she gasped in alarm.

"Ah! Forgive me! I didn't mean to stare!" She hastily replied.

"It's okay... did you want something?" Clawdeen got up and approached her table.

Catrine looked embarrassed. "I am sorry. I just... wanted to draw you?"

Clawdeen was confused. Catrine shyly held up her sketchbook, revealing a sketchy pencil drawing of Clawdeen drawing in her own book." I saw you working, and I was captivated by how you looked. Your concentration, your intensity as you drew, your sense of calm... it was an arresting sight, and I felt compelled to draw it."

She looked into Clawdeen's eyes. "I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. I'll destroy this if you want."

"No, wait!" Clawdeen raised her hands before Catrine ripped up the paper. "I wasn't creeped out, just a little surprised. Never had anyone draw me before." She looked at the sketch. "It looks nice."

"Thank you, but I have not finished it yet." Catrine replied, a little bolder. "If it's not a bother to you, I could continue working on it.."

"You need me to model for you?"

"Non, you can just carry on with what you were doing. Don't mind me."

"Alright.. just get my good side, okay?" She joked. Clawdeen took the seat opposite Catrine and resumed her sketching, while Catrine returned to her drawing.

For several minutes there was only the gentle sound of pencils against paper. Then Catrine spoke up. "I noticed you and Draculaura having a little, how you say, tiff earlier. Is everything all right between you two?"

"Yeah, it's just..." Clawdeen sighed. "She keeps trying to set me up with a boyfriend, even though I've made it clear I'm not looking for one."

"Ah, I know that feeling all too well." Catrine smiled in sympathy. "Back home, my father, he is constantly bringing round the sons of his work colleagues and trying to set up dates. He is always worrying I spend too much time alone."

"Uuugh, it's so annoying." Clawdeen threw up her hands. "Everyone assumes that just because I'm not spending time with a manster, I must be lonely and miserable. They can't just get that I'm perfectly happy doing my own thing."

"I concur." Catrine sighed. "It is not that I do not want a close companion sooner or later, but I find dating and romance more of a distraction than something enjoyable. I would rather work on art than expend precious time and effort trying to convince someone to like me."

"I know.. and then you both feel obligated to spend every single moment together or everyone thinks you're breaking up."

"That bit gets right up my fur. Why do people insist that one must never be apart from our partner for even a day, or your relationship is done for?"

"Like my brother and Draculaura, or Lagoona and Gil. I know those guys love each other, but I'm always joking that if they spent less time mooning over each other or moaning about their problems, they could probably do all their homework for a year."

The two shared a laugh over that.

Catrine shook her head. "It is sad that so many people think there is only one way to love another person. Love is like art, it can be interpreted in many ways."

"Or fashion. I'm always on about how you should use fashion to express how you feel." Clawdeen agreed. "But not everyone can think of different ways to express themselves. Or are too afraid or set in their ways to."

"Speaking of fashion... may I take a look at your designs?" Catrine asked.

Clawdeen held up her page of Scarisian-style outfits she had drawn, smiling as she watched delight wash over Catrine's face. "Boo-la-la, they are all so beautiful! Do you intend to make them into real dresses?"

"Thanks. I was planning to make one up for my Fashion Entrepreneurs club."

"Ah... I so wish I could own one of these dresses for real."

"Wait until I run my own store... unless.." An idea hit her. "I could make a dress for you."

Catrine gasped at the suggestion. "You would do that for me?!"

"Sure." Clawdeen shrugged. "I need a model to style the dress on anyway. If you're willing to meet me after school, I could have a dress done in your size in a few days or so."

"Oh that would be magnifique!" Catrine exclaimed giddily. "Oh, but I must pay you for this. How much would it cost?"

Clawdeen paused. She'd never charged anyone for a dress yet, and it seemed unfair to make Catrine pay big bucks for what was just a class project. She glanced at Catrine's sketchbook.

"Tell you what, if you finish that picture of me, I'll give you the dress in return. Think of it as a way for both of us to polish our skills."

"That is a marvelous idea!" Catrine gathered up her art supplies. "I must return to my studio at home. I promise you, I will put my all into this portrait. Perhaps we can meet up somewhere where you can pose for me.."

"Sure. Send me a text and we'll arrange something."

They shook hands, and Catrine dashed to pay for her coffee before she rushed out of the die-ner.
Clawdeen shook her head as she watcher her leave, still a little surprised by what had transpired. She hadn't expected to be commissioned to make a dress, let alone in exchange for a portrait. But she was certainly looking forward to the challenge.

And so for the next few days, once school ended for the day, Clawdeen and Catrine would meet up in Monster High's attic to work on their projects. The large space, while still dusty, afforded them privacy and plenty of space for Clawdeen to set up a mannequin and table for her sewing machine, and Catrine her canvas and easel.

For an hour or so, they would diligently work, barely stopping or diverting their attention. Occasionally Clawdeen would ask Catrine to stand up and be measured for her dress, and Catrine would ask Clawdeen to put on a certain pose to get her portrait just right.
And as they worked, they talked to each other.

"So your parents really didn't want you to take an art class?"

Catrine nodded sadly. "Oui, they caused quite a howling fit about it. And my determination to go only made them complain harder. In the end, I was forced to get a part time job at the local patisserie to pay for the classes myself. It was quite a stressful time. Even today, they still occasionally frown at me wanting to be an artist full time"

"Do you parents not like art?" Clawdeen asked.

"They like it, they just don't think it makes for a viable career." She sighed. "They mean well, they just want me to do well in life, and think that art doesn't pay as well as other careers."

"My parents are kinda the same." Clawdeen nodded. "I mean, they support me wanting to work in fashion, but they're always telling me and my sibs I should learn something else in case it falls through."

"They are right in that it can be a risky venture." Catrine replied. "But they do not understand that we don't do it solely for the money. We do it because we love to create, to task ourselves, to bring a bit of joy to others."

"Amen to that." Clawdeen agreed, grinning. "Though I'd be happy if I also made enough cash to buy my own mansion."

"I concur. I will need plenty of space to store all my paintings." Catrine chuckled.

As the days passed, Clawdeen grew ever more excited about meeting Catrine again. Spending time with her, it wasn't quite like how she spent time with her friends, gossiping and laughing and just having fun.

With Catrine it was more... intimate. There was no pressure to some up with interesting topics of conversation. They could just exchange a bit of small talk, spend long minutes in complete silence working on their projects, and she could still feel content.

Still, there were plenty of topics they were happy to discuss. Art and fashion, current events, the various chaos and harmony that ensued within their families. And of course, Clawdeen was only too happy to fill Catrine in on what she had missed out on before coming to America.

"Are you serious?!" Catrine stared at Clawdeen as the werewolf sewed some fabric together. "This evil genie trapped you all inside a lantern and replaced you with evil clones?"

"Yeah. Getting out was easy.. ish though. Whisp hadn't counted on us using our powers to get through her traps." Clawdeen frowned. "I'm just pissed that no one except Twyla recognized that they were talking to shadow clones."

"Well, they looked just like you. How could anyone tell?"

"How could anyone not tell? They all looked evil! Mine looked like a Hot Topic had vomited all over me! I do not understand how anyone could think I would willingly dress like that!" Clawdeen spat back, nearly messing up her stitches.

"From what you say, things were rather chaotic during this time. Perhaps everyone thought your sudden change was part of the lunacy."

"Maybe. I'm just glad we fixed everything and got rid of them before everyone adopted that faker's style."

Catrine sighed and looked at Clawdeen with admiration. "Amazing. Not only this, but getting trapped on a desert island, winning the SKRM tournament, actually sending Monatella Ghostier to the afterlife..."

"Hey, like I told the authorities, she did that all on her own."

"What I mean is... you have had such an exciting unlife. I wish I could have such adventures."

Clawdeen shook her head. "I could do with less excitement in my life to be honest. Considering how many times me and the ghouls have saved the school, I'm starting to think we're cursed or something..."

"But you have done so many incredible things... things that will be remembered for years to come. I wish I could do something like that." Catrine spoke sadly. "I worry sometimes, that I will pass through this life without some kind of major accomplishment to be proud off, either with my art or my personal life."

"Stick around this school long enough, you might get your chance to be a hero." Clawdeen smirked knowingly.

When she noticed Catrine's worried face however, she changed her tone. "You'll do something amazing one day, I know it. I've seen your art. One day you're gonna be up in some big fancy gallery, and everyone's going to know your name."

"You really think so?"

"I know so." Clawdeen grinned.

Catrine's face bore a wide, grateful smile. Clawdeen couldn't help but think she looked really pretty once she smiled...

"Speaking of art, how's the painting coming along? Can I see it?"

Catrine looked alarmed, and pulled the canvas closer to her. "Not yet. I do not let anyone see my art before it is finished. It is... my way."

Clawdeen shrugged and resumed her work. Her sense of anticipation over the painting though, was that much stronger.

At least, the weekend came. Clawdeen sewed on the last few sequins onto the skirt, before stepping back to admire her work. She had to admit, she'd really outdone herself on this one. She just hoped Catrine would like it.

"I'm finished." She called to the werecat. Catrine looked up from her canvas, startled.

"Oh, already? I mean... fantastic!"

Clawdeen presented the dress on it's mannequin. It was an elegant strapless dress, made of chiffon and silk, in a pale lavender colour which complemented Catrine's pale white coat perfectly, and accented with sparkly sequins.

Catrine gasped. "Oh my... it's incredible." She gently touched the fabric with her fingers. "I knew you were good, but I never imagined... You even made it in my favourite colours."

"Eh, it's no big deal. I just looked at your old paintings and guessed what shades and styles would suit you." Clawdeen replied humbly. But she could help but feel immense pride as she looked at Catrine's smiling face. Moments like this were why she wanted to be a designer.

"Okay, your turn."

Catrine suddenly looked nervous. "Ah, of course." She turned the canvas around to reveal the painting.

"Oh my God..." Clawdeen breathed. The painting depicted her at her table, carefully cutting fabric from a pattern. Even though the picture was in watercolours, Catrine had captured an incredible amount of detail in her expression. She could practically feel the confidence and determination the version of her on the canvas was radiating. She'd never seen herself look so intense.

"This... this is amazing!" She exclaimed, looking at Catrine. "I should have made two dresses, this is better than I ever imagined!"

Catrine was looking at her feet. "Thank you... I certainly enjoyed creating it."

Clawdeen noticed the sad tone in her voice. "What's the matter? I swear, I really do like it."

"I am sorry... I have been deceiving you." Catrine sounded genuinely distraught.

"Deceiving me how?"

"This picture... I finished it three days ago."

Clawdeen frowned, confused. "Three days ago? Why didn't you say so?"

"I know I should have... but I was enjoying myself so much. These past few days with you have been absolutely wonderful."

Catrine glanced away shyly. "I've never spent time with anyone like you before. You're funny, you're insightful, you're passionate about what you love, and I love just talking with you. I wanted to spend as much time with you as possible, but when I realized I'd finished the dress already, I pretended to still work on it, just to continue our sessions a little longer."

"Really?" Clawdeen was flattered, but still confused. "But you didn't have to do that. You're always welcome to hang out with me and the ghouls.."

"Non, not like that." Catrine responded. "I really want to spend time with you... and only you."

She blushed deeply and edged closer to Clawdeen. "I know this may sound strange to you, but this past week, I feel we have made a... bond, of some kind. I.. I.." She was really nervous now. "I... I really like you. I .. I don't mean romantically... you know we both don't like that. But I feel so close to you"

Clawdeen's jaw dropped. Was this happening? Was Catrine really admitting she had a crush on her?

As Catrine stared at her with watery eyes, waiting for her response, Clawdeen was unable to move. For the first time in what felt like forever, someone admitted to liking her as more as a friend. And it was a ghoul, no less. She suddenly felt terrified, unsure what to do next.
But at the same time, it also felt right. Spending time with Catrine these last few days had not only been fun, but she had also felt incredibly happy and content just to work and talk with her. Far more than she'd ever felt with anyone she had met in the past. There was no pressure, no awkwardness, just two monsters drawing comfort from one another

And she wanted it to continue, to spend more time with her, to intimately talk about the things they loved together..
She didn't know how to go about this. She'd never had a proper relationship, let alone a non-romantic one with another ghoul. But she'd never know if she didn't try.

She stepped closer and took Catrine's hand, looking into her eyes. "I really like you too. And I wanna do this again."

"You.. want to make another dress and portrait?" Catrine asked, unsure.

"No, I mean, I want to spend more time with you.. and only you." She paused, suddenly recalling her friends. "Though if you want to hang out with my friends as well, I'm cool with that."

Cartrine giggled. "I would be Fine with that, as long as we can still be alone sometimes."

"Maybe we should meet up somewhere so we can settle how we're going to do this."

"Oui, that would be best. The Coffin Bean is having a open mic night tomorrow, we could talk there and enjoy some music at the same time."

"Sounds perfect.." Clawdeen leaned forward, as if to give her a small kiss, but then stopped. Was that the right thing to do, considering they'd both discussed how they both felt uncomfortable with gestures like that?

She instead gave Catrine a big, warm hug, nuzzling her cheek slightly. Catrine seemed to understand the gesture, and nuzzled Clawdeen back.

"Whatever happens to us now, I think I'm going to enjoy it." She smiled.

"Mmm.. I think so too.." Clawdeen replied gently.

The next night, Clawdeen was brushing her hair, trying to get her curls to bounce just right. She knew Catrine wouldn't really care how she looked, but since it was their first 'date', it felt important to look smart.
She had just finished when her iCoffin received a call from Laura.

"Hey ghoul!" Laura spoke cheerily. "Lagoona and Gil just invited us to join them to see the new Sylvester Skullone movie. Do you wanna come with us?"

"Sorry Dee, I gotta decline. I'm on a date tonight."

"Oh, that's fine... wait, a DATE?!" Laura nearly shrieked. "Holy Bram Stoker, is this for real?! Are you really on a date?!"

"Yep." Clawdeen replied proudly.

"Oh my... well, who is it?! Where are you going? Is this a serious or casual thing? Come on, delve already!"

Clawdeen shook her head. "Easy ghoul. I don't wanna tell you too much right now. There's a few things I need to explain to you and the ghouls in person. But..."

She looked over to the far wall, where her portrait was hanging. She smiled as she thought of the wonderful ghoul who had gone to such effort to create it, just for her.

"...I think I can say... I've finally found what I've always wanted."

END