The warm smell of baked bread filled the house as Francine finished making breakfast. She plated the food and walked to her room. Opening the door, she saw a man sleeping in her bed.
Still sleeping…
She places the food on the dresser and tries to shake the man awake. All that came from him were moans and growls. He slaps Francine's hand away and snuggles into the bedsheets.
"Come on, Liu Kang. You can't sleep in bed all day. I made your favorite toast and jasmine tea," Francine said.
Liu Kang sprang up from the bed and grabbed the plate of food. His appearance had dramatically changed into a zombie form now. He quickly shoveled the food into his mouth and drooled over his fingers.
"Hey, no!" Francine grabbed his hands and put a fork in it. "Use a fork to eat. It's bad to eat with your hands." Liu Kang's nose twitched at Francine's comment as he stared blankly at her.
"Here, let me feed you. I've got lots of things to do today." Francine takes the fork and feeds Liu Kang.
She wipes his mouth with a napkin and takes the plate to the kitchen sink. Slow, heavy breathing came behind her as she washed the plates. Liu Kang wraps his arms around Francine, nibbling on her cheek.
"Pr…etty." Liu Kang said, rubbing the gray sweater Francine was wearing.
"You like it? I got it at the mall!" Francine placed the plate on the drying rack and turned around. "I got it because it has a cat on it that looks like Mimi."
Liu Kang picked Francine off the ground and carried her to the couch. He laid down with her on top of him.
"Ah… Liu, I can't snuggle right now. I have to clean…" Francine tried pushing herself up but couldn't.
Liu Kang groaned and rubbed his nose against Francine's as he held her tighter. Francine pets him and scratches him behind the ears. In response, Liu Kang licks her nose and lips like a dog would lick its owner.
"Lo…ve." Liu Kang said.
"Ya? Love you too." Francine giggled, allowing Liu Kang to continue his licking assault.
"Lo…ve… Fran…cine." Liu Kang gently bit Francine's nose and shook his head.
"That tickles!" Francine pushed her arms under Liu Kang and hugged him. "You're happy today. That makes me happy."
"Pl…ay." Liu Kang said.
"If you let me clean, we can play after, ok?"
Liu Kang sighed but agreed. He opened his arms and allowed Francine to get up. She turns on the TV and leaves Liu Kang to do his bidding.
Mrow…
"Ah…" Liu Kang looked down at the chubby tabby and picked her up. "Mi…mi."
Mew…
Mimi bumped against Liu Kang's head, purring as she did so. A laugh came out of Liu Kang as he rubbed his head against Mimi's.
"Lo…ve." Liu Kang lowered the cat into his lap and patted her head. Though his movements were awkward, he still enjoyed doing simple things.
"You like Mimi, Liu?" Francine said, carrying a basket of laundry.
"Hm!" Liu Kang picked Mimi up and gave the cat to Francine.
"You can hang out with her." Francine walked away from the two into the other room.
"Pl…ay?"
Mew!
Liu Kang groaned, placed Mimi on the ground, and continued petting her, waiting for Francine to finish the chores.
…
"It's a beautiful day, isn't it, Liu?"
Francine and Liu Kang sat on the back porch, the breeze blowing quietly against the two of them.
Liu Kang grunted in response.
"You're getting better at talking each day. I'm very proud of you." Francine rubbed Liu Kang's leathery hand, feeling some exposed bone.
"Ha…ppy. You… ma…ke… happy." Liu Kang nibbled on Francine's head.
"You always make me happy, Liu Kang. Even if you kinda smell like beef jerky."
Liu Kang bit Francine's head harder because of the comment.
"Ow! Sorry, but don't worry. It's good you smell like that."
Liu Kang grunted and kissed the top of Francine's head. He laid his head against hers.
"Wa…nt you… forever."
"Ha! Ok!" Francine rubbed the back of Liu Kang's head, and he purred. "You want to help me put away the laundry?"