Author's Note: To anyone who is an artist, I AM NOT ACCEPTIN' OFFERS. SORRY.

Tears in the Garden

Dr. Viper kept his word of granting his fiancée Rosella access to his home which was hers. Frankly, nothing about it disappointed her. It was as big as he said it was, his garden the most beautiful she had ever seen and his library with enough books to last a lifetime.

His… pets were the most interesting. With his power of science and sorcery, he worked to have loyal guards and allies he found in plants and animals whom he gave intelligence and special abilities to so they could understand him and communicate as well as keep their home protected.

The one in charge was the doctor's right-hand mutant Malcho, an anaconda with purple skin and a flowing mane and large eagle wings and scaly plumage and feather tail.

He was the one Rosella got along with the most to her future groom's deep satisfaction and surprise that she was open-minded to befriending a sentient anaconda.

She was intimidated by the good doctor at first, though, which didn't surprise him, but he was patient and diligent in earning her trust.

Honestly, he could tell she was different from other kats and thankfully nothing at all like her father. Rosella was growing to like Dr. Elrod Viper herself and feeling less frightened.

He was not only intelligent and appreciative towards nature, but after paying attention to everything about his actions and his dedicated care to his creatures and normal plants and herbs, his character was like no other tom's.

One night, he asked her for a get-together in his ballroom which had been empty for the longest time. She knew he wanted to bond some more.

Her heart raced, but she accepted though she didn't know if she was nervous about making a good impression or about attending a party since she always tried to avoid them.

He could read her anxiety and assured her it was nothing fancy or big. He didn't care that much for parties, either. All this would have were music, beverages, conversing and hopefully waltzing.

That all sounded reasonable enough to her and she agreed. She wondered how he would dance, though. He was very good with his tail, but his lower waist looked too hard to make moves on the dance floor, but she was sure he must have practiced, hardworking as he was.

She dressed in a gown (the kind Princess Ariel from Disney's The Little Mermaid wore dining with Prince Eric on her first night) he had sown for her with help from his staff, then she shyly came down the stairs with Malcho seeing her down, his company making her feel better to her gratitude which he welcomed her for.

The violet's serpent presence was so comforting, she didn't mind letting the doctor who waited patiently downstairs in the foyer see her, his eyes wide as he admired the way she glowed.

Rosella blushed when he complimented her fervently, his hands together as he proclaimed, "Oh, you're so beautiful!"

"Thank you, doctor," Rosella replied softly, still addressing him formally even though they were getting along very well.

She did, however, gladly let him kiss her left hand. His long lips and appendages were cool, but tender and steady.

Then, she held his right arm as he led the way into the grand ballroom, Malcho watching with a pleased grin, his wings folded as they entered the room that was sparkly clean and polished, shining like the stars outside the very tall glass balcony doors. (The same ballroom as the one from Disney's The Beauty and the Beast)

"My staff deserve the credit for sssprucing the ballroom," the doctor said, wanting her to understand the value of his allies.

"I see," she commented, impressed. "Pray, how come until now none of you all frequent this place?"

"Never had much ussse of it. Besides, plants and animals, even mutant ones don't care for dancing much, even though plants love music. Speaking of which, I'd like to show you something."

Both kats stood still before a stage was revealed, plantimals holding instruments made from leaves, twigs and strings. Rosella was amazed they learned how to play but was even more pleasantly surprised when they played songs she knew and even the songs her mother used to sing and play when she was a child.

"Oh, doctor, you've even taught them my mother's songs?" she smiled elatedly.

"Of courssse. you sung them for my normal creations in the garden, I thought it would be fitting for this night," he explained, his eyes closed, his right hand motioning to the band.

"Well, on behalf of my mother, thank you all very much."

The moment of the dance happened at last, the alchemist bowing as the she-kat curtsied, the latter wondering how this was going to go.

She got the surprise of her nine lives when he proved himself to be a decent dancer. It was obvious he worked hard, which she should have expected.

After a few minutes, the red-haired girl paid attention to his passion touch from his bony, scaly but tender and patient fingers.

She knew his feelings were absolute, but what did she feel about him lately? He was different in a very good way, indeed… Maybe this could work.

Deep in her heart, she wished to be set free, but Dr. Viper, Malcho and everyone were the only friends she had since her mother passed on.

The music ended and the dancers bowed to each other. She took his left arm as he led her to the garden outside to stroll together.

"You dance well. You've practiced?"

"For years, yesss. I mean, with the sort of torso like mine, I had to."

"…You've really been looking forward to this, haven't you? And I don't just mean the dance."

"Hm," he grinned calmly, "I have…" He slowly reached his right hand to her hands around his arm. He suddenly stopped, holdings her hands in both of his as he spoke softly, "You are happy living here, aren't you? I know what you've been wishing for freedom deep down for the longessst time, but I'd hoped thisss would be an escape from… your former home."

"Leaving my old house was the bright side but having friends and a beautiful home have been healing years of wounds."

She smiled warmly as she patted her right hand on his left one, his heart fluttering.

"And I do appreciate being treated fairly and talking to someone I can relate to," she added.

"As do I," he said with completely unfazed sincerity.

His touch did make her feel very appreciated… and feel like a real feline being, a feeling she knew her dear mother never had…

As much as she had desired freedom, she did have something that healed her aching heart at long last and she he felt this way as well.

He massaged her small fingers, making her mind feel numb, her eyes half-closed as she gently gripped his hands, tears falling down her face.

"Rosella?" he asked softly, concerned.

"I'm all right," she whispered honestly. "It's just… I feel more at peace than I have since my mother…"

He nodded, understanding her completely. "So do I, Rosssella."

To his astonishment, she lowered herself to lean against his chest, her hands on his shoulders as he looked at her with slightly wide eyes.

Then he leaned his right cheek on top of her head before tenderly holding her, his left hand stroking her long hair.

I'm sorry this is mostly a filler. I hope to turn up the heat in the next chapter. I hope you like the Beauty and the Beast references in this. See you all next time, and God Jehovah bless.