Jealousy

Omaki pulled into the underground garage of the Taming Tower. He got out the car, giving a slight pull of the chain attached to his new pet. He led Vincent to a private elevator.

"Once we get to my apartment, I'll have my attendent Ru make you some breakfast" Omaki said.

Vincent, who had been feeling a bit depressed, perked up immediately. "Breakfast?". In truth, he was famished. He started feeling a bit more eager to get to his new home.

Omaki studied him. "When was the last time you had anything to eat?"

"The night before last, when you bought me that meal," Vincent replied, quietly.

Omaki felt a surge of pity for the mongrel. "Is it hard to find food, generally?" he asked, gently.

Vincent shrugged. "I've gone as long as three days without eating before and half the time my meals are instant noodles or similar when I can get them."

Most food items in Ceres were sold on the Black Market at inflated prices. It wasn't generally a big deal for mongrels who could often make good money by stealing from Midas tourists, but for Vincent, who was reluctant to resort to that, was lucky if he made enough money doing odd jobs to afford even the cheapest food.

"You don't have to worry about going hungry with me. I'll make sure you get plenty of food. You'll be even more beautiful once you've filled out a bit."

The elevator had stopped on Omaki's floor and they stepped out. In the distance, Vincent could hear screaming and he shuddered, pressing close to Omaki as if for comfort. Mercifully, there seemed to be no one about on this floor. They walked through a doorway and Vincent gaped, overwhelmed by the luxury of the place. He had thought the room above Depravities was the most luxurious place he had seen but this place made that room seem downright seedy.

"Good morning Master!" a young man in a skin-tight bodysuit greeted the Blondie.

"Ru, this is my new temporary pet, Vincent," Omaki explained. I want you to treat like you do Enyu".

Ru looked surprised at this announcement but nevertheless, bowed and replied, "Yes Master".

"Give him some breakfast and then show him to a guest room. Where's Enyu?" Omaki inquired.

"He's taking a shower. He's been there for a while so he should be out soon."

"Good, send him to me when he's finished".

Ru smiled, knowing that Enyu was not going to be happy with this new edition to Omaki's household. Enyu was in love with his master and was jealous anytime Omaki showed interest in anyone else. His master had said Vincent was a temporary pet. So did that mean he was not planning to replace Enyu?

Ru led Vincent to the table,which was already set, food covered with warming domes.

Vincent, who was so hungry he felt light-headed, sat down grateful as Ru fixed up a plate for him.

The first bite sent him into pure bliss. He had never tasted anything so delicious! He began wolfing down his breakfast, scooping large spoonfuls of scrambled eggs into his mouth, take a big bite of bacon, tearing a large chunk out of a pastry and washing it down with a large gulp of juice.

"Calm down Vincent, there's plenty more. You don't have to eat so fast," Omaki chided softly, though he felt more pity for the young man than ever. He was clearly starving. He would eventually have to teach Vincent better table manners but for now, he couldn't really fault the poor mongrel.

Vincent slowed down a bit, chewing each bite, though it was difficult to pace himself. "It's all so delicious! What are these?" He pointed to a pastry that was covered with some kind of shiny brown stuff and had a sweet, creamy filling.

"Those are krevlians" Ru replied.

"But what is that sweet brown stuff on it?" Vincent inquired.

Omaki looked confused. "It's chocolate frosting".

"Chocolate? I've heard of that. My mother used to tell me about it", Vincent said.

"You've never had chocolate before?!" Omaki was thunderstruck. He had always taken such things for granted. It had never occurred to him that there were people so poor that they had never even had a chance to try something as common as chocolate. Omaki decided right then that he was going to treat Vincent to the most luxurious, exotic foods he could find.

Vincent leaned back in his chair, comfortably full for the first time in his life.

At that moment, he heard a voice call out cheerfully, "MASTER! You're back!". An attractive young man with long reddish-brown hair skipped into the dining room, but instantly freezed when he saw Vincent. The young man stared at the chains Vincent was wearing and his nakedness and widened his eyes, and then instantly narrowed them.

"Who is this?" he demanded.

"Enyu, this is Vincent. He is my temporary pet. He will be living with us for a year. I expected you to treat him nicely," Omaki replied, watching his pet carefully to see his reaction.

"PET?!" Enyu was beside himself with rage and jealousy. "How can you take another PET?! Am I not enough for you?!"

"Calm down Enyu!" Omaki snapped. "You know better than to talk to me in that tone!"

Enyu turned angrily and stomped off to his room, then the sound of crashing came from his room.

Omaki sighed. "I was afraid of this. He's throwing a tantrum. Ru, go ahead and show Vincent to his room while I tend to Enyu".

"Yes Master".

Omaki left the dining room.

Vincent had sat quietly at the table the whole time, his eyes wide, afraid to make a sound.

"Uh-oh, I didn't realize Omaki's other pet would react like this. You sure everything will be alright? He won't try to attack me, will he?"

Ru led Vincent to an empty room. "Don't worry about him, he'll get over it", he answered.

The door open and Vincent stepped inside, feeling a little awed. This whole room was for him? His old apartment wasn't even this big!

"Just stay in here for a while, Master with call you when he's ready for you. If you need anything, just use the intercom on the bedside table". With that, Ru turned and left, the door shutting behind him.

Vincent slowly made his way to the bed and sat down, placing his backpack on the floor. He ran his hand over the soft quilt covering the bed and let himself slop backwards so he was laying full length on the bed, marveling on how comfortable it was. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad being Omaki's pet, though the malevolently jealous look Enyu had given him made him uneasy.

Sighing, he closed his eyes, feeling so wonderfully comfortable and full, that he decided to take a nap, despite it still being morning.

He'd worry about Enyu later.