Saoirse's mind was too busy, too buzzy, to sit and read a book. It was maddening to catch the scent of her owners, to walk into a room expecting Oliver but only finding Katz. There was no such thing as relaxing even after the deal they made.
Currently they were waiting for the storm to die down completely. It was taking its sweet time. If Saoirse didn't know any better, she would accuse Mother Nature as toying with her – like a cat to the prey. In the meanwhile, she had to do something in order to keep herself occupied. Katz seemed perfectly fine reading and toying with a plastic ball – weirdo. Saoirse, however, decided to clean.
It would make Sheila happy when she came back to see everything sparkly clean…even if Saoirse wasn't there.
It would be worth it, she told herself as she picked up the duster. It would be worth going away with that foul man so long as the Terriers were safe. She kept repeating the mantra as she dusted the upstairs. Once she got downstairs, she had felt a sort of calm trance take over.
So much so that she actually jumped at spotting the stranger in the kitchen. The pair stared at each other, one scowling and the other raising their brow slowly. In his hand was a large…spoon. And in hers, a duster.
Before she could think of what to say other than names, he said, "I thought a simple stew would hold us until the storm ends…in case the power goes out." It was a point to mention that it hadn't so far, nothing more than a few flickers. How lucky, she thought somewhat dryly.
Well, how lucky for Katz. No doubt she would be tempted, and he thought the same, to strike him in the dark. Perhaps that was why he was cooking. It was safer that way, least she poison…wait. "How do I know it isn't spiked with drugs?" She asked coldly.
Katz turned back to stir the pot. "I shall taste from it to prove it is not…and you may even pick out your own bowl to ensure no foul play."
Her stomach growled. Well, he got her there. Saoirse set aside the duster and went to grab Sheila's all-purpose cleaner – key ingredient being vinegar – and started to wipe everything down throughout the house.
A life with Katz…what business would he choose as a cover? What would their true business be? Ha, 'their'. She refused to have anything with violence in it. She'd rather report him than…
She looked out the window as the rain drizzled. It felt surreal. Everything. It all felt like a dream. Yet what sort of dream placed the person in such an awkward position, an uneasy one? She closed her eyes and thought carefully, reminding herself of the deal.
And just like that, she saw a ray of sunlight from the clouds.
"I think we should visit Courage." Saoirse said abruptly after the third minute passed of a dry sky. Though she loved this house and everything in it, she wasn't comfortable with Katz being in it…with her.
"Courage?" He raised a brow, arching it just enough to suggest his curiosity.
She didn't look away from the window though. "He's a family friend. A dog, obviously. He has two humns of his own, an older couple." Pause. "I think he might have an idea of who may have stolen the Terriers. Why. Where they…"
Katz held his hand up. Saoirse fell silent, then quickly scowled at her own reaction. "Pack a bag of your clothes."
Saoirse felt her face flare, heat filling her cheeks. "What?! But you said you'd…"
His eyes narrowed, silencing her once more. "I am well aware of the deal I made with you. I do not intend to break it, although perhaps I should suspect you to? I recommend you bring a bag of your clothes and something to entertain yourself with during the journey of trying to locate your…previous owners. I would not be surprised if they were kept out of the city."
Saoirse wasn't sure which part to scowl at further, the suggestion of breaking the deal or his (somewhat rightful) use of the term 'previous'. Before she could open her mouth, he added with cold indifference, "It is best to start your practice of keeping silent when your Master gives an order. And, naturally, completing said order." His sharp eyes met hers.
Gritting her teeth, Saoirse started up the staircase to pack a bag. It wasn't a 'going away' bag, but a 'vacation' one, she decided. When she got to the top stair, however, she paused and glanced down at him. "Bite me." She then proceeded to her room to do as ordered.
After all, he wasn't her Master quite yet.
There had been quite a long discussion, debate really, about who would drive. Saoirse insisted that because she knew where Courage's was, it was best for her to drive. Katz insisted that he should drive because otherwise, he suspected she might accidently get hit – on his side, that was. Right, 'accidentally'.
In the end, Katz drove and Saoirse gave directions. Out of spite, she talked about random nonsense, how to clean and cook, just to have her voice drive him up a wall. He couldn't very well tell her to be silent because then she might not mention a direction, therefore further this long drive.
When they arrived not too long afterwards Katz knuckles nearly white from gripping the wheel so tightly, Saoirse felt accomplished. She looked up at the small house and smiled, delighted at once. As she reached for the handle to push and jump out of, Katz grabbed her forearm.
She looked up and met his gaze, cold. "Remember our deal, dear girl." He purred.
With a scowl, she yanked her arm free and stepped out. Right. Deal. It would be best, she thought, not to mention the deal to Courage. They would just get in, talk to them, maybe have some tea as Muriel always insisted on, and then go to their next stop.
Sounded easy enough…right?
A/N: Short chapter, I know. Sorry about that. I have two jobs and am graduate school so...chaos. Honestly, this will probably be updated every two weeks (because balancing another story as well).
Anyway next chapter will be longer. Courage visit, philosophy, reasons why the Terriers were taken, and more... thanks for the reviews/support!