Donner Sa Langue Au Chat [JT / NDE / R / Closed]

[Luke Clyburn]

Is she crying?

”Go be a gentleman and comfort her. She’s clearly into you.”

The way she acted caught his attention and prompted a raise of an eyebrow. One minute she was smiling at him and the next she was suddenly rubbing her arm against her eyes. This girl had an almost comical amount of mood swings. Luke wasn’t going to just write it off as a “woman thing” when it was probably a combination of things. The stress of her hunger, probably being on her period, birth control, and being in an entirely new environment. Did she have any friends? ”She has you.” Luke wasn’t her friend. He was her mentor. Right? I mean… He cared about her. That much was true. He cared about her enough that he wanted nothing bad to happen to her and was willing to go out of his way to prepare her for the things he was worried she’d be facing in this world. Not like taxes, boys, or how to drive but how to fight and protect herself from the dangers that only existed in the world they occupied.

”I’m so sick of the women you surround yourself with.” Interjected another voice. Some things never changed no matter how much time passed it seemed. It did make Luke wonder though; did she have any friends? He had given her Aura’s contact information, to help Catty get in touch with other Bounts, but Luke couldn’t really imagine the way Aura was now really coming out of her shell and acting like a normal fucking woman. I could introduce her to Shizuka. Luke thought for a second before realizing that if he were to do that, then that would give Catherine even more excuses to be around him. Not that he was complaining, but Shizuka already sucked away a lot of Luke’s limited free time. Clinging to him like a baby koala half the time. Making up for lost time.

Though, the two of them together. They could be good friends. For a brief moment Luke thought about the two of them hanging out. Acting friendly, doing girl things, both of them waiting expectantly on the bed with their bra straps hanging loosely around their arms. Luke inhaled sharply and shook his head free of where his mind was going. ”You fucking pervert.” A deep rumbling voice shouted from in his head, getting Luke to scratch the back of his head sheepishly. I’m not they’re just- Luke started to interject before, ”Very pretty, yes. And you have an overzealous imagination and eager sword.” His other Doll teased with amusement in its voice.

Giving his attention back to his student, and following her like a stalker from a distance, Luke watched as she broke into a dainty jog. Following the girl to one of Karakura Towns many parks, Luke scanned around to see if anyone was around. Not many out at this time of night. A few late white collar workers heading home after a late shift, some loiterers walking, a couple trying to hide what they were doing in a thicker part of the brush, a police officer walking around not really paying attention. It was still fairly lively. But nothing that Luke needed to be concerned about. Nothing that would interrupt what he intended to have Cat do.

A snort escaped from his lips when he heard the Japanese that came out of Cat's mouth. She was looking at her phone too! Luke wasn’t judging her or anything. He knew all too well how difficult it was to learn a new language. She just reminded him of himself back in the day. He remembered the nightmare that was trying to order food at the restaurant, get legal paperwork sorted, and ask for directions. He accidentally wound up in back alleys that were yakuza territory once because of it. The hostess club he got to hang out at that night was a lot of fun now that he thought about it. Not everything wound up with Luke in a fight. But damn did his wallet hurt after that.

Crossing his arms across his chest as he leaned himself up against a park lights pole, Luke watched to see what Cat would do. I guess I should have considered whether or not she has the instincts to do this. Luke suddenly thought, lowering his gaze to the walkway for a moment as he thought. ”What do you mean?” Windstarke would ask, its presence within his mind so strong that it was almost no different than the Doll being physically present beside the Bount. I mean that she’s new to this. Completely. Her growth has been outstanding and ridiculous. It was like, what, two weeks ago that she didn’t have an ounce of talent and now look at her. She’s growing faster than I did. But she’s growing so fast I’m worried her instincts haven’t had time to catch up. Luke replied, returning his gaze to Catty as she sat down beside the spirit.

”You’re saying you think she’s still too “human”. That she hasn’t really awakened to being a Bount yet?”

Pretty much. I’ll guide her along but she’ll have to sink or swim at some point on her own.”

”Just let the little bitch do her thing. She’ll know what to do with her mouth.”

Jesus christ.”

[Catty Noir ♦]

The soul didn't say anything. He didn't move. He just stared at Catty for a while before slowly turning his head to look at the people walking by. Something about the scene seemed so forlorn, and the ghost didn't make it much easier on the Bount's conscience. The face he had was relatively blank, though she wasn't sure if it was due to shock or something else. It was strange, though. Catty could have sworn she sensed some kind of regret coming from him, though she knew she lacked the capabilities to actually feel that for certain. Still, it was hard to shake. This man truly wasn't ready to die yet, but he hadn't had a choice.

Guilt washed over Catty the longer she looked at the ghost, and despite the time of night that was approaching, people were still somehow out and about doing whatever it was they wanted to do. She heaved a sigh, not really knowing the best way to go about this. She sat next to the soul for what seemed like forever, though was likely just several minutes passing by. Spectators came and went quickly, completely ignoring the fact that she was sitting next to some invisible being. No one cared. No one dared to look her way. They all had their own lives and she had hers. The ghost's face softened, not being quite as rigid as it had been, though he still appeared as if he were missing something. Or someone.

Catty's mind wandered effortlessly as she started daydreaming, careful to keep an eye on her spectral friend in case he decided to leave. He didn't move. She pulled out her phone and started looking at photos on social media, seeing her friends posting things in a completely different timezone. She hadn't been able to think about it much until now, but after the thoughts she had just a few moments before, it was really weighing on her just how alone she was in Japan. She wondered if this ghost felt that way now that he was dead. Did he remember his life at all? Did anyone remember anything after they died?

After some time of online browsing, the ghost leaned over and started looking at what was on the small screen. Catty picked up on this, smiled, and tilted her phone a bit more so he could see. She was showing off every funny reel she could possibly find on Instagram, and though he never laughed, he did grin. So at least he could be entertained. She didn't think she'd end up becoming familiar with a ghost, of all things, but here she was, desperate to try to help him feel better about his situation. She didn't need to be this way, and she wondered if maybe this would hinder her somehow, but then she had a sudden thought.

"I understand your pain," she said, hushed so those around her couldn't hear. "I am far from home, too. I think I can help you. You may not exist anymore, but you will not hurt. Instead, you will be with me. You can see the world through my eyes. You can help strengthen me. You will not be alone."

The ghost's eyes widened with surprise at her suggestion, though he refused to say anything and remained silent. Catty looked at him, noticing the surrender in his expression as she gave him a light nod. Catty lifted her knees up to hide herself for the most part, giving the ghost a chance to reach out to her with his arm. She cradled it in front of her chest and lowered her head, blocking her face from the outside world so as not to warrant judgement from prying eyes. She remembered what it was that Luke had said, every scene she saw of her parents giving each other affection, opened her mouth, and bit down into the ghost's forearm.

He didn't move, cry out, or make any sound. He sat there as patiently as possible, waiting for Catty to finish. His form began to get lighter and he briefly looked down at his body, realizing he had started to fade away. There were no hard feelings, no anxieties. He had simply agreed to what Catty offered, figuring it would be for the best as he realized his situation. Within a few more moments, he faded almost entirely until he was just a translucent outline of who he'd once been, and Catty's mouth suddenly clasped shut once he disappeared completely. She paused, hugging her knees to her chest, and silently thanked him for his sacrifice. She didn't know if she'd ever get lucky like this again and automatically assumed she wouldn't.

She wouldn't realize it, but due to the spiritual energy she absorbed from the man, her body reacted in regards to her eyes glowing a bright blue. Should anyone get her attention enough to cause her to lift her head, they may just assume the streetlights were hitting her eyes just right enough to make this happen. Within time, they'd calm down and go back to normal. She just needed a few minutes for her body to adjust to the sudden intake. A very pleased Amon mentally cuddled his mother, hoping to make her feel better since he could sense the guilt she still carried. He knew she'd understand this was for the best for her survival, but he was aware that speaking that logic with her at this time would be pointless.

[Luke Clyburn]

It was done. He could see it all from where he was watching. His eyes didn’t miss any detail as Cat sat down beside her prey and, surprising him, started showing the spirit things on her phone. He watched as the apathetic expression on the spirits face brightened, smiling a little even, at what he was being down. Luke’s amber eyes had widened with surprise without his realizing as he watched Catherine actively try to ease the spirits conscious and help him come to accept what was to come. Luke blinked. The spirit offered his arm to her and Catty took it, biting down, and drinking the spirit into her. The spirit vanished completely. Gone. Forever. Now a part of Catty until the end of her life. It was done. Luke didn’t know what to feel. Was this right? He had just set Catherine down a path that she would never be able to get off of. Once she fed she would always need to. To sustain her power, her immortality, and her Doll she would need to consume souls or life energy. She would no longer be a normal human.

But after watching what she had done, seeing that display, some of his anxieties were put at ease. The sound of his footsteps approached Catty where she sat, hugging her knees to her chest, and came to a stop right in front of her. ”That was very human of you.” was the first thing that the master told his student. The tone in his voice was cold like stone. Not showing any emotion. Was he disappointed? Was he pleased? It was impossible to tell with the way he spoke to her. ”This is the life that you and I have to live. When our hunger rises we have to do what you just did. If we don’t we suffer. Our Dolls suffer. That mans life is now a part of yours. Forever. But you have to understand what this means. The spirits that we feed on become a part of us. But this means that we are denying them the afterlife that they are waiting to be brought to.” Luke explained, debating just how much he was going to tell her.

”We as Bount are an end of the line for the souls that we consume. It’s not even limbo. They live on inside us, in a way, but after that there’s nothing waiting for them. Our kind is hated and shunned for this reason. We’ve been hunted, persecuted, and have somehow managed to survive attempted systematic extermination. Because of this simple fact. We devour lives.” Luke explained, hoping to get Catty to understand the gravity of what he was saying. ”Neither you or I chose to be born as Bount, but this is our lot in life. It’s just the way it is. This guilt you’re feeling, if that’s what you’re feeling, is normal. But it means you’re human.” Luke would say with that harsh tone of his. A moment passed. Then another before Cat would feel his butt hit the bench beside her.

”But I think that’s alright.”

Luke would say as he sat down beside her and turned his head slightly to look at her. ”What you did for him… it’s what I try to do as well. I knew I wouldn’t have to worry about you.” his tone became much softer and his lips curled into a small and comforting smile. ”I’m not scolding you. I just want you to understand the responsibility that comes with what we have to do. What we do isn’t a sin. But we have to be responsible about it. You cannot overfeed either. You have to diet yourself. Feed when you need to, not when you want to.” Luke continued to explain. ”There’s something I need you to promise me though. I won’t train you anymore if you don’t. I need you to promise me that you will not hunt the living. Promise me that you will only hunt for souls when you need to feed. Promise me that you will not kill to satisfy your hunger. If you’re defending yourself against someone, that’s one thing, but you must never kill the living to satisfy your hunger. Promise me Cat.” Luke would say to her, suddenly rather serious again as those amber hues of his stared directly at her.

[Catty Noir ♦]

She noticed his feet first. She didn't even hear the footsteps since she was so entranced my her own thoughts. Catty watched Luke stand right in front of her while she sat on the bench, gaze down at the ground, wishing she didn't feel so bad. The tone of voice he used with her, like steel being sliced through with a hot blade, didn't sit well with her at all. She already felt terrible and didn't understand why this was necessary in the first place. She never saw her parents feed off of anything else. She wondered now if it was because they were hiding it from her or something else. That might need to be a conversation for later.

The more Luke spoke, the more upset Catty became. Deep down, she already knew all of this. She knew it the second she saw the ghost beside her disappear. She already understood that there was no chance for him at reincarnation or anything else. His existence was over, and she was the cause of it. For whatever the reason, that didn't sit well with her. Catty closed her eyes as tightly as she could and buried her face within her cradled arms. She didn't even want to look at this guy. He was doing nothing to comfort her, and she certainly needed it. Clearly, he had no tact when it came to women. She wasn't okay. Was that not obvious?

Then he sat down. She felt herself wanting to peek to look at him, observe his expression, and maybe figure out if he was truly mad at her despite his words. She couldn't possibly understand why he would be since he brought her to a dead body, made her sniff out his soul, find it, and end his cycle. Between the two of them, Catty had an infinite number of reasons why she'd be justified if she were angry with him. Yet, here she was, more disappointed with herself. If this was supposed to be something their kind did, why wasn't she more comfortable with it? She was always the type to get excited about trying something. But this didn't sit well with her.

Unfortunately, between the two of them, Luke had more experience than she did. She couldn't understand why he was being so harsh, but she did realize soon enough that he had his own reasons and didn't care to push it. If it were something worth sharing, maybe one day he would. Until then, it wasn't her business. She learned that early on in childhood thanks to her parents' scolding. She was a nosy little girl, after all. She liked figuring things out and was always curious about answers. It got her in trouble. Catty didn't want to risk getting into that same kind of trouble with the only semblance of a connection she had in this town, so she stayed quiet and listened.

His passion was fairly clear, that was for sure. Luke kept talking about how Catty needed to be cognizant of her hunger, not over-do it, and only feed on the dead. We can feed on the living? The thought passed by quickly, but the meaning of her question remained in her mind for quite some time. If she fed on someone who was alive, it was entirely possible that she'd be able to stop before anything ever happened to them. She could pause herself, pull herself away, and allow the person to go free. They wouldn't have to stop existing like this ghost did. Besides, she wasn't a clean up crew. Why was it her job to take care of wandering souls?

"I will not," she answered in return, promising not to kill for food. "But I lied to him."

That was it, then. As soon as she said the words out loud, Catty realized that was the truth. She'd lied to the ghost man, made him feel better, and then cut his entire life off from ever having a chance to happen again. She comforted him just to be the reason he's gone forever. So it was the lying that bothered her. Catty was no stranger to these, of course, and though she couldn't say it was a particularly bad habit, she may use a white lie or two if the situation calls for it. Perhaps that was what this was, in a way, but she felt worse about it because it was as if she gave him false hope. She didn't like that. She also felt like Luke wouldn't understand if she explained it to him.

"Anyway, I cannot sit here and suffer. I do feel better. The burning is gone," Catty said, raising her head a bit to feel her neck with her right hand. "And I do not feel quite as tired. This whole chase sobered me up, as well."

She'd almost forgotten about the several cups of wine she'd had at the bar when Luke met her. Interestingly enough, be it the activity she'd gotten herself into or the feeding she'd just had to do, she didn't feel the effects as strongly as she had while they were sitting and talking and making fun of the bartender. One memory hit her pretty hard, though. Luke had spoken to something that was, without a doubt, not Catty. His words weren't directed at her, and she'd asked about it, but he ignored her. She didn't like that. The sudden remembrance made him stare at him and pout, not intending to let him get away until he answered.

"Lucas, how did you find that body? Who did you tell to find it? I know it was not me, and you dismissed my question when I asked before. You cannot do that again. You must explain yourself."

Catty flung her hand out rather quickly to Luke's wrist and wrapped her fingers around it, gripping semi-tightly. It wouldn't be nearly enough to break anything, but he'd absolutely feel the pressure and he'd have a hard time getting away if he tried. He probably wouldn't want to make a scene, either, since they were still out in public. Catty's bright blue eyes, now fading since she'd been satiated, stared directly into his gaze with determination. She didn't appreciate the secrets. If he really found himself to be a mentor, then it would be in his best interest to explain himself. Something had made it to that dead man before they did.

[Luke Clyburn]

He could tell that he still needed to help her get over this. It was gonna take time though. He didn’t expect Catty to suddenly bounce back after just one conversation. God knows it took Luke a long, long, time to finally become comfortable with what he was. The absolute mess that he used to be. All the horrible conversations he’d had with other Bounts. He was finally in a place of somewhat self acceptance thanks to the system he operated on and being blessed to have someone in his life who could curb his hunger. That was a conversation he’d need to have with Cat at some point. That things weren’t hopeless or all doom and gloom because they were Bount. It was important that they find a romantic partner who could accept and accommodate them.

”Glad to hear I won’t have to chaperone a drunk around.” Luke teased, looking off over his shoulder nonchalantly. He looked off into the distance, contemplating a few things, and decided what would be the best way to teach her what was next. It’ll have to be me. Is there anywhere close by we can go? the man thought to himself and began to get to his feet. But before he could go anywhere a hand would suddenly shoot out like a striking snake and grab him by the wrist preventing him from moving. Luke blinked, looking at the hand, and then looking at the woman with illuminated blue eyes staring at him intensely. Luke stared back, looking at her confused and also like he was lost in her eyes.

Huh… she is pretty.

He thought to himself before blinking, pulled out of where his head was going when he heard the question she presented him with and the demands for answers. Luke scoffed and smiled at her playfully. ”This isn’t how you hold hands, you know? You’re supposed to lock the fingers together. Do you need me to show you how to do that too?” he teased, leaning a little closer to her face. A smirk on his lips as he looked at her. Without the alcohol on her breath he had to admit she smelled good. Did he have a thing for that? He remembered noticing it before when a girl smelled good. ”Cute of you to think I have to answer you, y’know? I could just say magic powers and that would be that.” Luke answered, leaning back away from her and against the park bench since he couldn’t go anywhere now anyways.

”If the answer is really that important…” he started to answer, turning his head to the left and to the right to see if anyone was around. Nobody was near at the moment. The park had cleared out a little bit. ”Go ahead and come out.” Luke said, turning his attention to the right and motioning his head in the direction he was facing. If Catty turned to look she’d, maybe after spending a moment or two looking, would come to notice something. One of the park lights produced a cone of light downwards. If the girl strained her eyes she’d notice, behind the light, a figure in the darkness just watching them. Seemingly standing there. Something humanoid. But completely black. Like, actual darkness black. The figure would back up and seemingly disappear into the darkness.

Then, two seconds later, something would weigh down on the bench from behind as this thing suddenly leaned over Catty’s shoulder. A completely faceless entity. It’s head leaning over her shoulder as a long, muscular, arm pressed itself into the park benches seats. Five, long, blade like fingers made up the hand. Each finger stretched out and curled around the bench. Slow, hollow, breaths escaped from the broad chested creature as its featureless face turned slightly to look at Catty. ”Cat, meet Jager.” Luke said with a calm smile on his face, crossing one leg across his knee as he sat. ”Cat?” the Doll would respond, seemingly staring at the girl, before slowly pulling away from the backside of the park bench and sinking into the darkness beneath.

”I promised him I’d start going on walks with him at night. He’s been who I’ve been talking to. He’s been out and about the entire time.”

[Catty Noir ♦]

Too close!

His face was barely inches away from her own. His words teased her. Catty's cheeks burned intensely and she knew she was probably bright red. She knew how to hold hands. He knew she knew how to hold hands. This wasn't about holding hands. This was about his attempt to dominate her. She was falling for it and she didn't even know how to resist it. But what she'd felt back in the bar was just hunger, wasn't it? That typical Bount need to feed? Wasn't that it? That had to be it. She had desperately wanted something more than life itself in that moment, and she swore she felt better after consuming the soul only moments before, so why did this feeling return?

Catty couldn't form words. Not properly, anyway. She'd tried to say something but stuttered out some vague form of the word 'cute,' trying to ask him what he meant by that and not at all succeeding. He had such a distinct scent. He clearly used a masculine body wash, something that Catty occasionally enjoyed sniffing at the grocery store for fun, but his whole body gave off this mature, clean aroma. She'd tried to lean back and away from him, but there was only so far she could go on the bench before she felt like she'd risk falling. Her hand had let go of his wrist extremely quickly after his advances. She didn't know what to do.

Despite that, he answered her. He actually answered her. And even more importantly, he showed her. From the depths of the shadows located not too far from the bench birthed a creature that startled Catty enough to make her gasp audibly. Faceless, like a ghostly creature, though more frightening. So much so that any heat she'd felt immediately disappeared and was replaced by a sudden anxiety. Entirely-too-long fingers wrapped themselves around part of the bench, causing Catty to carefully inspect each one for as long as they were in front of her. He didn't say much - just questioned her name. Well, a version of it. But just like that, he was gone.

”I promised him I’d start going on walks with him at night. He’s been who I’ve been talking to. He’s been out and about the entire time.”

"Ah, I see. A dog, then?"

Catty's joke, though she meant it as one, came out as more of a disturbed whisper. Luke had something like this? Was this his Doll? That would mean he had two... Bount could have more than one Doll? Did Catty know this? She wasn't sure if Luke ever specifically mentioned anything in particular about the ones he had. Catty remembered the large reptile from the first time they ever fought, though she was extremely injured and couldn't remember much outside of Amon's memories. Even so, his memories shared many details about that specific creature. It was quite the force, maybe similar to some type of major storm. And that was terrifying.

"You must be a busy man to have so many children, Lucas. Amon refers to me as his mother. I imagine all Dolls are practically our children."

Wait. Catty whipped her face away from Luke's to hide the red that grew again upon her cheeks. She couldn't believe this! She'd been in complete control all night, but the closeness... and the fact that he initiated it! She couldn't stand that. She couldn't handle it. Catty had so many more questions and wanted to ask them all but struggled to come up with any proper way to make the words come out. Slamming her palm against her forehead, the woman squeezed her eyes shut tightly in hopes that she'd escape the absolute awkwardness that was her practically accusing him of sleeping around often.

"I did not mean it that way," she said, turning back around to Luke with pink cheeks. "But you cannot blame me. Even if I had another meaning behind my statement, you do look as if you have little trouble with women." Je ne voulais pas dire celà! "Allow me to try that again. You are handsome, and therefore I tried to make a joke... Je baisse les bras. Je ne sais pas comment parler aux hommes séduisants."

She meant it as a compliment to him, but it became abundantly clear that he managed to fluster her and she couldn't get it out of her system. She'd been around men before. She wasn't a stranger to them. She didn't even totally see Luke in that way. But he'd just gotten so close... And she almost wanted to test his limits and see exactly what he meant when he offered to show her how to hold hands. Did he mean literally, or was this figurative? He was clearly messing with her... Should she tease back? She'd been doing that all night. It wouldn't be much of a chance from her previous behavior. Yet this time, something about how he sounded, the proximity, all of it made her look at him a bit differently.

Catty took a deep breath. "Okay, Luke." The way she pronounced his name was so undeniably French. "So you have two babies. Who else... She closed the small distance between the two of them as he still sat on the bench. This time, she leaned over him, her face inches from his, her fingers touching his chest just below his sternum and then training up to just above his heart. "...do you have in there?"

[Luke Clyburn]

Luke blinked. Hearing her refer to his Doll as a “dog” didn’t sit right with him. It was an incredibly quick flash of irritation. Something that didn’t last a thousandth of a second. But in that briefest of instants he wanted to reprimand her. Make her correct herself. She had no right disrespecting his Doll like that. No, not after everything it had gone through for him. But he knew she didn’t know. She had no idea. She’d never know what Jager used to be like. What his personality was like before that battle. She’d never fully understand what being released for three, long, years did to the Doll. But it was because he knew she was ignorant that he didn’t stay mad. He’d let that comment slide. For now. If she made it again then he’d quickly correct her. How he’d do that? That was open to ideas.

She was flustered. Seems like his teasing had gotten to her. That, and her referring to the Dolls as their children. Luke snorted a little, his lips curling into a smile, as he chuckled lightly to himself as he watched Cat have a mini panic attack over her little slip of the tongue. Leaning back on the bench, his hand now free of her grasp, Luke let out arm go around the backside of the bench while he rested the other one in his lap. He just watched her. Entertained. She was acting all flustered and cute. I guess she’s feeling better. Luke thought to himself, feeling a bit of relief. It seemed like only a minute or so ago that she was distraught and upset over the feeding. But now she was flustered, blushing, and acting like herself again. He was glad.

”Hah you think so, huh?”

He asked in response to her comment about his luck with women. How little she knew. She had no idea how many nights he spent dealing with some pent up frustrations all on his own. There was a time the man swam in beautiful women who all either hated him or wanted to kill him. Though suddenly that attitude had been changing ever since he had woken up from his dirt nap. He was suddenly in his popular era if recent things were taken into account. Plus, there was something important he was working on again with someone very important to him. He wondered what she was doing tonight. Maybe out with friends? Without realizing it Luke had looked away from Catty and at some random part of the ground. He darted those amber eyes back to her and just smiled again, letting out an exaggerated exhale from his nostrils at her comments. She was cute when flustered.

”Maybe. But I’m very picky, you know? And thank you. I’ll hold onto that compliment for the rest of my life. It’s not everyday a pretty French girl says something like that.”

He joked back with a laugh. He really was happy to see her acting like herself again. Maybe, you know, just maybe they could be friends after all. ”Maybe this… master and student thing doesn’t need to be the way this works out.” Luke would say outloud, mostly a mumble to himself rather than something he said outloud. It helped he said it while Cat was rambling in her dead language. I guess now’s the time I teach her about that. Is there anywhere close by though? Luke wondered to himself as he reached into his pocket to pull out his phone and start browsing. Karakura Town didn’t have many of them. Plus they were nowhere near what you’d consider Karakura’s red light district. While the Bount knew the city like the back of his hand, streets and all, actual stops and locations were still something he was learning.

What Luke didn’t expect though was the sudden change in Catty’s tone and enunciation. The Bount would blink, turning his attention from his phone to see the French woman leaning closer to him. Oh no. There was a thought that occurred in his head. Had he maybe pushed a little too far? Maybe teased a little too close to the sun? Or was she just playing chicken with him? Luke’s amber eyes blinked as he looked into hers, the inches shrinking between them, as she touched her fingers to his sternum. A small bead of sweat descending from the side of his forehead to the top of his jawline. Hah… you want to play huh? Luke thought to himself as his lips twitched into a entertained smirk. For way too long, way too long, he had always been the plaything for women. He hadn’t had any game, always flustered, always too embarrassed to go all the way. It had caused him to strike out so many times.

But you know what? Luke wasn’t that man anymore. His confidence had been trained, hardened, and reinforced by one specific woman who taught him everything he knew and ever needed to know. For a long time Luke considered talking to women an even more terrifying ordeal than a battle to the death. But you know what? It was his turn to play. If Catty wanted to play, then Luke would play her game. Luke would place the hand he’d had draped over the back of the bench on her back between her shoulders and drag his fingernails down just hard enough for her to feel it beneath her shirt.

Luke could hear his heartbeat in his ears. ”Who knows? If you play your cards right..” Luke whispered in response, his hand rising from her back and making its way to where her neck met her torso ”maybe there’s room for you. Or maybe..” his hand found itself sliding sensually up along her neck. His thumb planted just by her ear. ”it’ll be you with something new… inside you..” Luke didn’t pull her. He applied no pressure. If she pulled away he offered absolutely no resistance. He just wanted to see who would call chicken first. Luke closed the distance, the merest of inches, between their faces. His eye lids closing partly, his intentions clear, as he let their lips touch. Depending on how she reacted, depending on what she did, he’d press against them even harder. He didn’t do anything extra. Didn’t try to push the envelope any harder than he needed to. He just wanted to win this little game they were playing.

[Catty Noir ♦]

She saw the sweat. She noticed every bit of the emotion on his face, or what she thought was the emotion she was expecting until he smirked at her. She thought she had him in her clutches and could get information out of him, or literally anything that she could use in the future to defeat him one day. What Catty didn't expect was the expression he made. He looked sexy. She hated admitting it. His hand crept up behind her back as he dug his nails into her before dragging them down, eliciting a short, unintentionally pleasured yelp. She immediately covered her mouth with both of her hands, but he didn't stop. He persisted.

He whispered something to her. She barely heard it. Her breathing became heavier and she completely understood why. She didn't mean for things to go this way, but she found herself incapable of getting away, as if he were too strong to let her go. This strength, this invisible force, prevented her from escaping as if he were the only thing on this planet controlling her. Even Amon's voice had been silenced, either out of concern for his mother or because he knew she wasn't willing to listen. Catty felt Luke's hand move along her neck and her own hands lowered a bit until both were planted firmly on his thighs, squeezing them tightly enough for him to figure out immediately what she was feeling.

Aside from blinking occasionally, her gaze didn't break from his. He looked so smug and confident even as the distance between their faces got smaller and smaller by the second. It occurred to her entirely too late that the reason she felt like she had been trapped there was actually due to her own self-demise. He had nothing to do with it. His grip on her wasn't a grip at all, but a gentle nudge. A nudge so careful that when she felt his lips touch hers, even if she was too stunned and surprised to do anything at first, she allowed her eyes a chance to close as her arms snaked around his neck to hold him there.

I should not be doing this.

Yet she didn't let go of him.

I need to stop him.

But she didn't even try to.

If this is his way of taking advantage of me, then...

Then she was going to let him. Catty pushed her lips against his in response to him. He felt warm, especially since every ounce of blood in her body was actively gathering in the center of her chest. She felt the heat start to burn a hole straight through her, and even further down, just below her stomach, there was that stupid ache that she'd mistaken for hunger earlier that night. He tasted good. It was as if she could still catch the hint of alcohol that he had indulged in what felt like hours ago but had probably only been several minutes, perhaps a single hour in itself. She finally pulled herself away, heavy-breathed, hating the fact that she had to break from him and hating even more than she felt this way.

"I am sorry," she said, not bothering to push herself away from him much at all. "I did not mean to do that. Or maybe I did... I do not know. But..."

Even as Catty spoke, she couldn't figure out what words to say. She was still breathing heavy, her chest moving appropriately, but if Luke looked at her, he'd notice something. Along with her very red face since she was clearly a bit embarrassed, she was also smiling. The smile she wore wasn't necessarily because she was happy, or because she was trying to distract him from some awkwardness. Instead, her smile was just as challenging as his smirk had been earlier. It was as if she was telling him without even saying the words that she wanted way more than what he'd just done. Whether she felt like that was right or not didn't matter, and the nails that dug into his thighs only enforced that.

[Luke Clyburn]

He wondered why he did it. Was it really just because he wanted to get back at her for all the teasing and frustration she put him under? Had Luke actually just wanted to play a game of chicken? Finally give what he’d been constantly taking? Test the limits of his confidence and flirting? Or were all of those excuses he was coming up with to try and just get around the real answer? Maybe he just wanted to kiss her. She was beautiful. He wasn’t ignorant of that fact nor this weird level of chemistry they had for each other. He thought he’d have found her personality annoying and unapproachable but he found it entertaining and easy to bounce off of. Ever since he realized the potential she possessed when he helped her awaken her Doll he had started seeing her differently. As someone that, y’know, maybe it would be alright for him to approach differently.

Just as she was, he was a little sad when the feeling of the cold night air replaced the warmth he was feeling on his lips up to that point. He opened his eyes back up to see her. He looked at her, taking in her facial expression, and couldn’t help but smile to himself a little. Given the fact she didn’t retreat, and even wrapped her arms around his neck to hold him still, it seemed that maybe her flirting had been just a bit more than simple teasing. Or she was a pro at these games. But given the fact she was blushing and smiling at him, Luke was sure he was right on the money with this one. His hand still touching her face, Luke pulled his fingers along her cheek until slowly dragging his index finger down her bottom lip.

”Don’t apologize.”

Was all he’d comment. There was an excitement building in him that needed to be mitigated or else his pants were going to grow incredibly uncomfortable. ”I meant to do it.” he’d say, alleviating her of any blame or burden. ”Just like this…” he’d say in a low whisper before closing the gap between them again and kissing her once more. Deeper this time. A wider kiss. One that aimed to slip something past her lips and mix together with what was in hers. A louder inhale from his nostrils as he pressed against her, more hungry than before. She wasn’t the only one who wanted more. He read her signals loud and clear. That smile she gave him told him all he needed to know.

Luke kept himself attached to her for a few more moments, making sure to make the most of those seconds he gave her a kiss named after her home nation, before finally separating from her. Hers wasn’t the only face that had grown red. Luke’s breathing became heavier. Slower. He stared into her eyes after the separation before finally gulping. Nope. This wasn’t good. ”Do you wanna go somewhere?” Luke would ask. His hands having found their ways to her sides, wanting to do way more than just keep themselves there. ”There’s a place nearby. There’s something else I need to teach you. About feeding. But not here. Somewhere behind closed doors.” Yeah, training. Bount training. That’s what this was about. That’s all this was about. Luke was just being a good mentor.

[Catty Noir ♦]

Luke's finger touching Catty's bottom lip made her breath catch. The words he spoke were meant to calm her, but all they did was light a fire within her. She wasn't sure if it was because of the lighting or maybe she was going crazy, but she could not stop looking at this man's face. His eyes were alluring. She'd never seen anyone with such a color before that she could remember, and the moonlight seemed to brighten them even more. The park's lights dimmed a bit, possibly to account for how late it had gotten, and the pool of strangers around them started to dry up little by little. The timing was impeccable, because Luke clearly wasn't done with her yet.

The kiss he gave her this time was harsher, hungrier, and overwhelming. His tongue mixed with her own as she returned the favor, almost as if there were a contest to be won, or perhaps her way of proving to him just how French she truly was. She didn't even understand why, but his taste was amazing. Her thoughts started racing, threatening to escape in the form of spoken words, but she held them back as much as possible. She didn't want Luke to hear what it was going on inside her mind. Catty's brain was nothing but a jumble of phrases having to do with wanting him, wishing he'd touch her more, and telling everyone else to leave so they could use this park bench as what it was never intended for.

His departure came too quickly, and Catty touched her forehead to his as the two of them dealt with cooling off some of the residual feelings that flared between them in that moment. She didn't have nearly enough confidence to say anything to him after that. She'd briefly been with people in the past, but in terms of other types of physical activities between partners, she was extremely inexperienced. The skills she had didn't really include anything specifically used for actual bedroom action. So when Luke asked if she wanted to go somewhere, every nerve in Catty's body felt an electric shock all at the same time as she willed herself to say no.

"Oui," she responded with a nod.

Shit, she swore internally, hating the fact that she was so easy to convince.

”There’s a place nearby. There’s something else I need to teach you. About feeding. But not here. Somewhere behind closed doors.”

This dull ache that she felt just below her stomach was unbearable. She didn't have any control over herself anymore. Catty smirked, the look in her eyes showing how absolutely ravenous she'd become. "If this is some way for you to tell me that you want me to taste another part of you, then I must confess that I was already planning to, Luke."

Catty placed her hands lightly on top of his own, giving them a light squeeze in order to force Luke to do the same. She quietly exhaled, sliding his hands down to her hips. Her eyes darted down to look at the position of his hands on her body, then a blink hid how they moved when she went back to looking at the man next to her. She may have been nervous, and she may not have ever been physically intimate with anyone before, but something inside of her was almost literally itching to figure out everything about Luke. She just wouldn't tell him about that detail. She could figure it out. I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it-

"I will learn anything you teach me." Even though she didn't want to, Catty stood up and invited Luke to do the same. A bit of surprise hit her suddenly when she felt something pool below her, and she became very self-conscious despite knowing he wouldn't be able to tell. Mustering up the willpower to not give herself away, Catty shifted a bit until her right side was pressed against Luke's left. "Where are we going, mon cher?"