Catch: The Squeeze

Story by ReynartWrites on SoFurry

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#2 of Catch

It was time to confront the merchant about what he had let slip from his pocket, and just exactly where it came from. The feline thief would be glad to do anything to get this little bit of info out of her favorite customer, but only if he played along.


Business had become muddled at the pawn shop. Lyssa had stolen a very expensive crystal from the merchant that frequented her services, more than just expensive, the crystal was too hot to sell. The feline thief stood outside of the pawn shop holding the crystal up to the light. To think, such a small purple thing could be used for hexes and any magic involving curses. It was incredibly dangerous and even attempting day to day magic of any kind would result in some form of malady. Her rat friend in the pawn shop had also told her that the crystal was military grade and there were only so many here and only so many places it could be made, among a few other details. If this little gem was so dangerous that it could not be fenced properly or even appraised then it simply meant that whoever had a steady supply of them would be in trouble if the right people were to ever find out where this crystal came from. Why, if Lyssa were to be caught even gawking at this thing by some sort of upstart guard or knight then she would be questioned on where she got this little trinket from. Of course, she'd have to tell them that she got it from the last man to grace her lips and to line her pocket with a bit of coin. A small smirk crossed her features as she set the crystal back into one of the pouches on her belt. Drawing her hood back up over her head she began to walk out of the alley and back toward the docks. Time to give her repeat customer another visit.

Through the docks, she found herself back at the city surrounded by rotted wood and colorful crowds of all sorts. Most didn't recognize her beneath the hood of the tattered patchwork cloak she wore, and she preferred it that way. Every day she would switch it up with something different, usually that something looked ratty or some kind of awful and was usually terrible enough to keep eyes off of her and what she wore beneath the cloak, shawl, cape or whatever she had on.

A trip back to the market didn't take long even with the crowds that lined the streets and walkways of the city. Lyssa weaved through without a problem and only once or twice was she stopped by a drunk or beggar asking for coin. Normally, she might simply slip away from those situations, but she was excited to reach her destination and so she had tossed a few coins to whoever had asked and kept on moving toward the market with the intent on reaching where she needed to be before dawn.

Back at the markets, things were still as bustling as she had left them. Everywhere she looked there were stalls and kiosks set up to sell the goods meant for this district. Above them was another shelf of the city that blotted out the sun making it dim beneath the market, but also making it nice and cool. There were guards dotted here and there since this was one of the market districts actually protected because of the product sold. Here you could find yourself a wand that could turn your enemies into piles of ash, crystals, and artifacts that could help you warm or chill water, and so much more. It was here that she would find her own merchant among the mass of people haggling for coin and better deals.

Lyssa found the merchant she was looking for at one of the corners of the open market next to what she knew to be his home. On the counter of the stall there were crystals of all kinds and colors glimmering and glinting in the light provided by the lamps surrounding the market. The merchant himself was a brown furred otter wearing a green vest and trousers that matched the color of his eyes. Why anyone would live next to the market, let alone in one baffled her, but she had to admit that most who lived here and near the markets enjoyed a certain degree of safety even if they had to deal with a bit of noise. Most who lived in the markets had enough coin to afford luxury as well, and her friendly merchant was no different.

When she was just a few steps away from his stall, she brought her hood back to reveal her feline features and turquoise eyes. The otter's own green eyes seemed to sparkle as he caught her in his gaze. His rudder tail flicked back and forth rapidly and what attention he had been giving to some random customer seemed to fade away. Lyssa knew he was busy, and knew that she had all the time in the world, so she browsed some of his crystals, her head tilting from side to side as if she were considering which one of his precious gems to pick. Of course, she knew from just a few glances that his crystals on display weren't his top quality. Keep the mediocre out in the open for customers who didn't know any better, offer the premium grade stuff to those who knew what they were looking for and who were most likely willing to pay that for said premium. It took a few moments for him to realize that she was being polite, but soon enough he returned to his original customer with a few stutters.

Lyssa had to wait for a bit before the window shoppers and actual clientele cleared before he greeted her with his usual fervor, "Ah, miss Lyssa. It is a treasure to see you again, a true treasure. Tell me, are you here for a crystal?" He then leaned over the stall just to whisper, "If you are, then let me show you my good stock, you know that I wouldn't sell you anything less than the best, and at good prices too." He then hopped back to his place and cleared his throat, "Of course, I won't make it easy on you, this I swear!"

The russet-furred feline raised a brow with a big smile, looking him up and down before she spoke slowly compared to his speed, "Good to see you again too Jaq, but no. I don't think I am shopping for anything new in the crystal department, but I would like some information. Coin, I don't have much of and don't want to spend on that either, so instead, I'd like to trade."

He wrung his paws together and tilted his head, the sweat dotting his cheeks as he opened his mouth to stutter out, "I-I see. You know, I don't really know what I know that you would want to know, but whatever could you want to trade for?"

Lyssa stepped around the stall and leaned down to whisper to one of his ears, "Take me into your home and I'll trade what you love so much. I'll even let you keep it all inside and just for one simple piece of information you're sure to know."

If one could catch on fire from being flustered, Jaq most certainly would have. His eyes shook a bit and his body seemed to vibrate as he looked to his stall and then back to her before nodding furiously, "Yes well, of course! I would love nothing more than that...I mean, I thought you weren't unless I paid a heavy...Not to insult you, but, but I suppose if this is what you're desiring, a-and you're sure you're desiring this yes?"

Lyssa passed a paw over his poor little head. He was a kind sort, and that made it just a bit harder to blackmail him, only just a bit. It also begged the question as to why he would have such a dangerous thing on his person in the first place. If he were in some sort of danger that she couldn't profit from dearly, then, either way, she'd just have to find some way to pull him out of it.

With a chuckle, she finally answered, "Yes, Jaq I'm absolutely sure I want this."

The merchant opened his mouth a few times trying to fish something out to say, but instead, he shook his head and with a hurried nod planted a sign over the edge of the stall that said he would be right back. When that was done he cleared the top of crystals, carefully placing them in their containers before stuffing them underneath the stall. After all of that, he looked up at her with a crooked smile and Lyssa touched his cheek gently to urge him on.

Together, they walked to the steps that led up the side of the otter's home to where they found the front door. He led her inside and almost as soon as they took their first few steps inside, Lyssa removed her cloak. Underneath her cloak, she wore a long-sleeved shirt with a vest over it, both grey. Her belt was lined with pouches and a dagger that had luckily been cleaned of blood. Her trousers were similarly just as dull as the vest and shirt she wore. If she would have planned this then perhaps she would have worn something better for the occasion.

Her black-tipped tail flicked back and forth as she left her cloak on a hook near the entrance to follow the merchant further within. She could see the nervous tick of his tail, his paws held together as he continued on and she wondered if she really had it in her to give him such a scare. When they arrived at his room he flicked a crystal light on to reveal a bed large enough to fit two or three people. To complete the mood, he lit a stick of incense and set it on a burner at his dresser and took a deep breath, perhaps to calm himself.

Lyssa had to admit, she did enjoy the scent of lavender, and there was something lovely about the way he was treating her. In the end, she'd have to at least cut him some slack and make sure he earned some form of profit too. The sash-like belt she wore came off and she stood next to him to set it down gently on his dresser. He looked up at her with a little hop and Lyssa chuckled in response.

Jaq's digits were working down one button as he asked, "S-so, information first, or fun? I trust you, Lyssa, you've always provided good service and well, you've also bought well from me too. So tell me, what is it that you want to know."

Whether or not it would sour the mood, she wasn't sure, but there was only one way to find out. From one of her pouches, she plucked the crystal and kept it in her palm hidden out of sight. With her free paw, she cupped his cheek softly and leaned to plant a gentle kiss on his nose before whispering, "You really are such a sweet one, you know that?" He shuddered at her touch while she continued, "I've known abusers, people who skip out on paying and so much more, and they've all paid dearly for their nonsense." He looked like he was about to say something sweet, but she resumed speaking before he could start, "Even among the folk that have just paid me you've been such a good customer to the point where I barely see anyone else unless I'm stealing. You know what I am, you know that I've probably taken from you too, and yet look at you, trying to romance me with lavender and soft sheets? What is it that you want Jaq?"

Jaq leaned to her touch, both of his paws coming up to feel over hers, "Dear Lyssa...I-I would simply like to see you happy. I know...I know you're not meant for marriage or for other things and I know that your heart is not even set on me. I am not a fool and you are right that I know you steal from me." He then seemed to shake just a bit more, "So the Lyssa...Did you take it? And do you know what it is?"

To answer, Lyssa brought up her other paw and let open her digits to reveal the crystal. His eyes did not change and he did not move to take it up. Lyssa then muttered upon seeing him so frozen, "Where did such a sweet merchant get such a horrible item like this hm?"

Jaq sighed, shoulders drooping as his eyes trailed down, "Will you not simply return it? Must you know?"

Lyssa smiled, "What will I get out of either and answer truthfully...What will I get if I want in on whatever you're doing?"

The otter shut his eyes, "You'd get much more from working with me this is true." He then pulled away while taking the crystal to move near his bed where he sat at the edge, "You see, I've been buying these crystals to sell them to a foreign region. I'd need to smuggle them either across the border or through a trade ship, both equally difficult. I've been doing this alone and it is admittingly stressful."

The feline's smile shifted into a fang-filled grin, "So...Smuggling hm? I'm a simple thief and at times a tart, but smuggling and protection are two things I think I can do. I've also got a good mind on me for planning, of course, this is all up to you. I don't want to force you into it now do I?"

Jaq looked up to her with blinking eyes, "You're not going to blackmail me?"

Lyssa sighed, "You're far too sweet for that...I prefer, being mutual partners in this."

Silence slid through the air between them as their gazes locked together for just that moment. She was in this for profit and it would be better to have him cooperate. Pushing him and prodding him would only make him more liable to make some sort of mistake, some sort of flub that would end with both of them in a cell, or worse. The silence and furrowed brow was a testament to his consideration of the situation. Giving him a choice meant allowing him the illusion of believing he was the one bringing her into this. That could be dangerous as he seemed infatuated with her and could believe he was protecting her by saying no, but at the same time, he needed help.

Jaq let out a breath before hopping off of the bed and nodding, "I suppose, the help is appreciated. We'll be working closely together on this little project then and begin planning tomorrow. Not today, since the main shipment of cursed crystals haven't arrived yet. We'll go, together, to the docks to collect them tomorrow. I ah...I suppose we'll be meeting either there or here in the morning."

The otter was looking down while trying to fix the button on his vest he had been working so hard on removing. With ginger movements and careful digits, Lyssa moved to take hold of the button for him. Jaq looked at her with a blink as she undid the button, slowly moving her paw to the next one as she began, "A deal is a deal, isn't it?"

Both of the otter's paws moved to grab onto her wrist with a sort of gentle but firm concern as he shook his head, "You don't have to. We're business partners aren't we?"

Lyssa slid her wrist away from his grasp easily and continued down his vest, popping each button before hooking a digit through the waist of his trousers as she moved to plant a soft kiss on his nose, "We're business partners, that's right, but you still paid for something."

She then slid her paw through his pants to give his cock a gentle squeeze to which the otter let out a little pleasant gasp, "Must we really? Lyssa, I really do--"

The feline silenced the lovestruck merchant with a single digit on his lips, claw flicking out as she slid it down to his throat carefully while her paw still worked his shaft to full erection beneath his pants, "Not a word about that Jaq. I will not settle down so easily. Coin is what I need right now. Coin so that I can eat, coin to line my pockets so that I can eventually leave this place and do so much more."

Jaq shuddered as she passed a thumb over the tip of his cock, "Such ambition...I suppose you'll get what you want if you work with me then, but there are easier ways."

Lyssa laughed and leaned down to give his ear a soft nip before she muttered, "What? Live an honest life? I'm not after that. Even when I'm at the top I know I'll be plotting something."

"You're absolutely mad." Huffed the otter.

A sly smirk crossed her features as she took her paw from his trousers to yank them down and push him up onto the bed. She got out of her own clothes bit by bit, revealing her lithe form with a slight curve at the hips. Her tail curled and flicked as she slipped onto the bed to straddle his lap, her paw moving to grip his cock to edge the tip against her pussy as she leaned forward against him, "I am. Danger is exciting, adventure is exciting, and in the end, you're just as crazy as I am for loving this little bit of danger knowing who I am."

That struck the otter quiet. Some considered her mad for the simple fact that she danced with danger and seemed to take some sort of twisted joy in it, but the merchant seemed to be of a similar sort. He had the chance to tell her no, he had the chance to fall in love with whoever he desired, and yet he fell in love with and accepted a dangerous thief with her eyes set on ambitions that could be seen by some as death wishes. Those people who thought of her as crazed might be right, but then again, she didn't care.

Slowly, she brought the tip of his cock up inside of her with a little push and she shivered as she pressed down and felt his length stretch her. He wasn't large by most standards, but it was enough to make her feel something as she slowly started dipping down lower and lower. At this point, whatever the merchant had to say was lost in a grunt as he reached to grip her hips and buck upward to let his body take over. Lyssa could feel the pulse and throb of his cock against her inner walls and she shut her eyes while bringing her arms around him to start rolling and rocking her hips. The otter beneath her pressed his face to her chest, his arms hooking around her hips as he started to buck faster and faster. Lyssa only smiled and let out little sighs as she focused on massaging and rolling his cock inside of her heat.

She could enjoy herself here with this merchant, she could let herself enjoy his reward just as much as he was enjoying it, perhaps though, just a bit less. Claws grazed at her hips and sides as Jaq felt over her body while continuing his feverish thrusting inside of her. Lyssa didn't expect him to last long, but she at the same time there was something so fantastic in the way that he seemed to worship her body. His thrusts were quick and his face was buried against her chest, but the way he seemed to tremble and shake simply from the barest of touches and movements made her feel powerful.

To his credit, it seemed he was lasting longer than usual. His grip had shifted to her rear where he seemed to enjoy kneading and toying with her rump. There was a part of her that wanted to giggle in reaction, but instead, she simply smiled and continued to rock herself up and down on his lap. Every movement brought a little twitch from his cock inside of her and she could feel thick drops of pre sliding down his shaft to paint her inner walls with the stuff. It wouldn't be dangerous to let him cum inside of her, she had the solution ready and even if she didn't it would feel too good at this point to stop.

A purr escaped her lips along with a little moan as she started getting into the swing of things. She rolled her hips eagerly, his cock grinding against her insides pushing her to pant. Her ears drew back as she felt pressure start to grow inside of her. Lyssa was starting to get so close to where she wanted to be, so damn close. With toes curled she doubled the speed of her movements to tried and get herself off, the merchant beneath her reacting by gasping as she tightened her hold around her. It was with that extra bit of speed and pressure grinding up against her insides that she felt her climax bubbling ever so closer against her gut. A sudden shock of warmth flowing through her insides brought her exactly what she needed as she continued rocking her hips through her orgasm. Her toes splayed out before locking back in and her eyes shut tight as she let out a hiss from the pressure and pleasure shaking her body.

When it was over she slowed down until her rocking stopped and she let go of the otter who was panting wildly, chest rising and falling rapidly as he laid back on the bed while his eyes were locked on hers. Recovering from her pleasure, she shivered and let out a breath. Looking down at him, she could see there was something in there wanting for just a little more. With a sigh, she leaned down, her mouth just over his as she whispered, "Maybe just this once."

Their lips met together for a few moments. She let his paws reach up to cup her cheeks as she let him take in every little moment of their mouth's melding together and parting to let their tongues meet before she slowly pulled away. When the moment was over, she asked, "Satisfied?"

Jaq sighed with his eyes closed, "Yes." When she began to slip away from him, he opened an eye, "Will you be staying over?"

Lyssa slipped away while controlling a shudder from the warmth sliding down her thighs. She moved to her belt where from one of the pouches she pinched a few herbs and brought them to her mouth. As she chewed she thought about his question, her tail flicking from side to side before she finally answered, "I'd owe you for lodging, and I'd rather not pay just yet and I think I've already traded enough, so I'll meet you here in the morning."

A gut feeling told her that he would try to argue or press the issue, but instead, he remained quiet as she got dressed. When she was ready to go she noticed that he was sitting there on the bed watching her intently. In her paw, she held the cursed crystal and as she stepped past the bed she lobbed it up in the air for the otter to catch it. Jaq was quiet, even as he caught the crystal.

When she stopped by the door he finally said, "Tomorrow morning then. The shipment will be here just before noon. They'll come in crates and the sailors from that ship will help us carry them in. I have a good reputation with the guards at the dock so we shouldn't have any problems. If there are any knights roaming for any reason at all, we may have problems."

Finally, it seemed that her friend was accepting her involvement in this, "I'll be prepared for any trouble then, but I think it would be better if I wandered nearby in earshot just in case if anything goes wrong. They might think things have changed if I'm with you."

Jaq nodded, "Yes...Smart, very smart indeed. I trust if you see any knights or stray guards coming to check you'll distract them yes?"

Lyssa chuckled, "Of course." Before she stepped out of the door she paused, "Oh...and Jaq?" She turned her head to see him looking at her with raised ears, "I'll discount our next meeting since you got me off."

Once she saw the blush beneath the fur of his cheeks, she laughed and sauntered through the door. Retrieving her coat she moved to leave his home and enter the loud world of the city. She slowly slipped back into the crowds with her hood back up and with her mind running through all the possibilities, and all with an air of excitement. How much coin would she make from this? And more importantly, where would this little adventure take her?