FSE

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Catundrum

Chapter One

By Roofles

This is an old story I half rewrote, revised and edited for the site after taking it down for the very same reason. It was one of the few older works I had that I was able to salvage.

Once there was a cat named Samuel. He was a Siamese cat. Ever since he was a kitten he wore a roped collar with a golden bell on the front of it; it had been a late present from his departed grandmother. With brown hands and feet, ear tips and tail tip and a brown masked face this creamy tan color cat had a problem he could not, would not tell anyone else. Not a single soul knew his darkest secret, refusing to let others know outside his direct family.

Afraid if he ever said it aloud, he'd be stereotyping his entire breed.

Samuel had an irrational and abnormal fear of dogs. Also known as cynophobia. Combine this with also being a a feline, this only seemed to double the normal affect he suffered from. Be it the time in his life a canine had tried to kidnap him or some deep rooted fear from his ancestry, Samuel had always had a fear and distrust for dogs.

There had never been a single exception to this rule.

This was an issue in and of itself growing up. Something that made trying to live a normal, average day to day life in the hum drum coexistence that was life, abhorrently challenging. All he wanted was to be normal. Samuel wasn't sure how many times he had to relocate, transfer classes or schools throughout his life. He was lucky his parents had been kind of enough to help. His overall stay in schools was rocky at best due to this severe, clinical problem he suffered from. However his problem only grew worse the older he got.

Growing up, Samuel could go to his parents or lie to the teachers in order to get himself excused from class, assignments or anything involving or partnering with canines. Most thought he was just a recluse, not talking to even other students; Samuel terrified anyone would find out. He even had a doctor's note to excuse him if necessary. Though there had only ever been one instance he had used it; after everyone found out about it, Samuel had to transfer schools from the harassment and bullying that soon took place.

They had called him all kinds of names. Spray painting his locker and leaving him one insulting message after another on his desk or slipping notes into his bag when he wasn't paying attention. Samuel had even gotten into a fight. Showing up covered in dirt and blood with matted fur around his eyes was enough to convince his parents to move.

Both his parents tried to help him. Even paying for him to see a specialist on the subject. It hadn't help matters much. All they did was teach him simple coping mechanisms he might be able to use. That or they had wanted to drug him stupid and Samuel didn't like how that made him feel. Feeling numb was nearly as bad as fearing for one's life. At least the latter made him concern for his life instead of not caring at all.

His parents could only support him so far and the older the Siamese cat got the more he began to see he'd have to one day venture out on his own. And sure enough, at the young age of Nineteen he was alone. After his mother got sick, Samuel knew he couldn't burden them any further that what he already had.

Blaming himself for causing the stress that got his mother sick in the first place. He made sure to remain in contact with them after moving out. He had other things to be concerned about such as paying the bills. Easier said than done unfortunately...

Coming into work Samuel shook his hooded head, sending small flakes of snow everywhere. The darker burgundy sweater looked tacky when he first saw it but his natural brown masked face and tan fur worked well with it. Brushing his shoulder off Samuel shivered from the contrast of the cold of the open door behind him and the warmth washing over head. Like a summer breeze the heavy duty heater above the automated doors churned out warm, if somewhat stale, air already melting the snow he was covered in.

Samuel wasn't a long hair breed of cat and would layer himself up in the middle of fall, let alone winter. He wasn't sure how humans managed, being completely naked and furless like that... He shuddered at the thought. Or the strange hairless cat; the Sphynx cat was defiantly a unique and rare breed. And people had complimented him on being a "rare breed," something he found rather derogatory but decided it best not to say anything instead on the matter.

Since he was a child, Samuel recalled people complimenting his eyes. Something about the darker brown masked fur face just highlighted the icy blue eyes of his. People would constantly want to get closer to him and look deep into them; something the feline hadn't been comfortable with even when they weren't canines.

It wasn't snowing hard outside but the parking lot the employees were allowed to use was behind the building. Due to a safety violation or some sort of BS the managers told them they had to use the front door from now on. The long walk around wasn't bad and even refreshing, it was the smoke he needed that had caused him to be as burdened down by snow as he was now.

Samuel nearly running late from his break after sneaking around out back to get a few catnip sticks in. The ratio of tobacco to catnip was a tricky business. Samuel rolled his own cigarettes and with his doctor's note was allowed to smoke even on the job. Though he never told his bosses what he was smoking or showed him the note, keeping it as more of a back up just in case.

Samuel kicked his shoes against the wall hoping to get as much snow off the vans skater shoes he wore. The Siamese cat missed heading down to the skate park, able to take his mind off things whenever he did. The logo branded onto the side of the shoes was of a popular power metal group. It matched the logo on his pants and the sweater he wore. All was free from the store so long as he wore them openly to advertise them around town. Samuel didn't really have a choice in the matter. His feet were already killing him cramped in these human made shoes; his animalian toes were about to snap off as it was inside the tight fit. Glad his nails could at least retract unlike some of the other species out there.

The store might be open to all but Samuel knew otherwise. It catered to the popular species and to humans most of all. That was where the business and thus money was at. And in the end, a major retail chain store like the one he worked at cared more for the almighty dollar than getting a cat a decent pair of shoes to wear.

Pulling the hood off, his twin ears were able to poke free standing tall glad to be free and able to breathe from the tight fabric. Most winter wear kept ones extra digits safe and warm from the cold season such as tail and ears. However it was by no means cozy or comfortable. "Better warm than dead" his own mother had always told him. His fur was scrunched up in all the wrong directions by the heavy outfit he had on. The fur on his ears was poofed out almost comically and his short hazel nut brown hair, normally brushed straight, was a tangled mess of knots and curls. Samuel had spent a good portion of the morning getting it straightened out. And now he'd have to spend the little time he had before work to at least try and deal with the whole mess.

Fussing as he was near the entryway, Samuel didn't notice the looming threat with his senses dulled from the smoke he'd just had.

A heavy padded hand landed on his shoulder, sending shivers up his spine. His long tail stuck out as if the poor cat had been electrocuted by the touch, fur sticking out in every angle as the heavy brown fur hand began to brush the snow off his back.

"Sheesh, you look like you've been rolling around in the snow." Robbie said. His voice was husky, even if he was a German Shepherd. His voice was deep almost a growl as he spoke each word, brushing the nearly foot shorter cat off as he roughly manhandling Samuel from behind. Practically assaulting the smaller male in a misguided friendly gesture. That heavy paw landed on his head afterwards, messy up his hair the cold snow from the dog's palm melting into his hair. "There you go little buddy." He gruffed, barking louder with a chuckling laugh.

The usually always friendly dog gave the feline a good shove behind as Samuel was now rooted to the floor, freezing up at the barking sound. Samuel's whole body reacting to it as if Robbie had instead poured a bucket of ice water over his head instead of just barking at him.

"Get in already," the dog laughed again. "Going to let all the heat out." He added guiding the cat away from the mat in front of the door. The twin windowed electronic device closing as they moved away.

Samuel just nodded meekly as if he had just been told he was next in line for the guillotine. That heavy hand never left his back, guiding him further inside before the doors shut on his tail. Something that happened far more often than one might think. The sensors unable to detecting something like a tail or wing still being between them.

"Ah, another beauty of a day! Am I right, little buddy? Make sure to warm yourself up first before clocking in," he garuffed another heavy bark of a laugh. "Don't want you freezing up again!" The dog fussed his hair up before heading past still with that chuckling gut shaking laugh. The large canine just walking straight passed him, missing the fact the cat hadn't been frozen from the cold outside but from Robbie himself.

At times, Samuel was just glad most canines were so dumb.

Samuel was by no means a thin lithe scrawny cat like most his breed were. He was substantial with a more medium-bony nature than most with some meat on his arms and legs. He still had the almost wedge like shaped head, if a bit more evened out (even if he still looked more like a marten than a cat at times). The corner of his eyes still had the "oriental" heritage of his ancestor's home and was proud of it. The almond shaped blue eyes were one of his most defining features and he'd never let anyone say otherwise. A healthy build, with a thin coat made him an outstanding specimen as some had pointed out.

Now if only Samuel could get over his irrational fear, he might actually be able to make something with his life.

The German Shepherd on the other hand was ripped. If Samuel had a runners build, the shepherd was just a meat head. Muscular and buff and it showed through the black work shirt he wore. His biceps barely able to be contained in the already tight fitting large shirt Robbie wore. The rest of him was no different. Strong, thick thighs with a perfectly curved firm rear end. A large scruffy brown, black marked tail could be seen hiked high above that perfectly sculpted rear, wagging as normal as he greeted his fellow co-workers. His head was broad like most larger dog breads with his black ears pointed up. The two half triangular ears able to form the perfect triangle to center in and focus his attention on one individual like a radar dish.

That hyper focus, combined with his large brown eyes, could put a lot of people off ease. Even if they didn't suffer from a medical condition like Samuel did.

"Hey Patch!" Robbie said with a wag and a wave walking down a dalmation's isle towards the back.

The dalmation was already behind the cash register waiting for the dachshund to finish checking out so Patch could sign in. The dog waved a black spotted hand Robbie's general direction without a word as he waited. A large line had formed and the crowd was beginning to get restless in the pre-Christmas rush.

Robbie was already greeting his other co-workers as he headed towards the back room to check in himself. The German Shepherd had been keeping an eye on the door, waiting for Samuel to show up. Worried the feline was going to freeze to death out there with how long he took sometimes. Robbie was never sure how the short fur breeds survived these harsh Montana winters.

Andrew was coming from the back just signing in, putting on a swamp green apron with the store logo on the front the canine turned to regard his friend. The rustic red fur akita was just as large as the German Shepherd and a bit thicker around the stomach, his tail curling up from behind him. He gave the other dog a strong one arm hug, patting his back roughly and returned the greeting.

There was a reason why the number one hires for retail chains were canines. They were able to make friends with even their coworkers! Something Samuel found mind boggling as he reluctantly followed in the German Shepherd's wake, using the canine's size to hopefully hide behind ironically as he tried to sneak his way into the back.

"And there he is!" The akita said as Samuel tried to sneak past into the back room, doing his best at being invisible as possible and failing. Samuel knew he'd make a terrible super hero. "If it isn't my favorite pussy tat." The akita slurred unknowingly before giving him a double armed hug, picking the now frozen Siamese cat up and nuzzling that broad head against the cat's chest and once more sending every finger and toe the cat had splaying out in freight as if he were a cartoon that had been shocked. Flexing as Andrew was, the akita nearly tore through another one of his work shirts as well as nearly snapping the cat in half as he growled playfully against him.

Andrew set him down and headed off without a second thought after. Samuel wish he could press charges but that would cause him to talk to police dogs which, in a way, was far worse. A canine was one thing, a canine in uniform on the other hand was on another level in and of itself.

Samuel only managed to move after the dog had walked past unaware of the cat's frightened disposition just chalking it up to Samuel being Samuel. Or cats being cats as he figured, Andrew having similar experience with most feline's he came across. Unaware it was the fact the canine wanted to hug them so hard as to nearly snap their spines why they resented him so. Rubbing his bruised side the cat headed back into the employee only break room and through the side door into the locker room to change into his work shirt, not one to just wear it around always like the German Shepherd did.

The store given clothes were only for outdoors advertisement. No point advertising something when you were in the store after all. Something Samuel still couldn't follow the logic or reasoning behind. It would just be easier to wear his work shirt as Robbie did all day. Still, that bothered Samuel. The feline was a clean guy or so he'd like to think, not wanting to wear a shirt all day only to get it grimy and sweaty during work.

He regretted it though most days. And his luck was just not in his favor today as he pushed past the loose divider the store used to separate the break room and the store. Robbie wasn't the only one lollygagging around it seemed, Samuel quickly spying two other culprits in the room.

Pete and Charlie were in another heated debate over the latest game. Apparently their two teams had gone against each other and there were some disputes about who had actually won. Which, once more, made no sense to the feline who was just cursing the gods above for this cruel twist of fate. He just wanted a single day of work without dealing or putting up with this shit.

"The ref was a blind dumbass!" Pete, the pitbull, began arguing loudly a deep growling rumbled in his chest. Shirtless the dog was jabbing a finger at the chow chow on the other side of the bench. "Anyone could've seen that Willinsky was down!" The pitbull insisted, jowls rising up to show his fangs.

Samuel could actually feel beads of sweat forming on his brow as he stood there, frozen like a deer in headlights. Even practicing what his therapist had taught him, even after smoking his third catnip stick today Samuel couldn't find the strength of will to move further or closer to the two blocking his locker.

"Yeah, yeah. Keep bitching about it." Charlie, a chow chow, laughed grinning from ear to ear enjoying the other dogs torment. Samuel wasn't sure if he was actually fat or fluffy. The dog was covered from head to toe in some of the thickest fur the cat had ever laid eyes on. It was like a dull sandy brown lion's mane that covered the dog's whole body. His shirt was poofing out in all different angles from the fur tuck in underneath and would look comical if Samuel wasn't trying not to wet himself in fear. Around the chow chow's head was a very mane like circle his face seemingly sunken into because of it, puffed up and out due to the tight work shirt he wore.

"Samuel." Pete barked loudly making the cat nearly spring up to the ceiling like in the old cartoons he used to watch as a kitten, clinging to it for dear life. His nails were out and he had painfully dug into his own arm startled by the dog suddenly calling him. "Was Willinsky down or not?" The pit bull was angry over the conversation but the question hadn't been one of any ill intent.

And still Samuel felt as if the dog was shouting at him.

Samuel managed to look at the dog just enough for the pit bull to slap his paws together and turn back towards the chow chow. "See!" He boomed loudly spittle actually hitting the other dogs face. "Even Samuel agrees with me." Samuel just winced as he watched in slow motion as the saliva hit the other dogs face. Disgusting.

Canines. Canines were just so disgusting the cat wasn't even sure where to begin...

"No fair." Charlie said wiping his cheek off not even paying it any mind. "Samuel always agrees with you. His opinion is biased." Samuel had actually never spoken two words in front of either of the two dogs, just keeping his head down and trying to go about his day in relative peace and safety. It never lasted long however.

"Pard'n me kitty." A, very large, great dane said trying to squeeze past the cat as he came out of the side bathroom. "Don' wan' tah' run yah' ov'r." The dog drooled clapping a paw on Samuel's shoulder making him, once more, grab his own arm painfully and stand a half foot taller.

Samuel couldn't move and the canine just gave him a look. With a shrug, the great dane literally moved the cat aside, swinging him open like a door in an old saloon and with that Dusty moved past heading towards the back where he worked in stocking and unloading the crates from the trucks. He was built for the role, literally. The great dane being the largest canine in the store.

"Oh, hey Samuel." Robbie popped his head back in. His mahogany brown jowls were drooling a bit from the smell of roasted pheasant on the other side of the store cooking. Robbie licked over his own broad black bumpy nose with his tongue. Samuel could only fear however, not having the dogs keen sense of smell, that it was because of him that the dog was drooling hungrily so. "Mind giving me a lift home today?" Samuel was just staring at those dripping jowls. "I got a ride in with Donald. He's got this thing with his sis though afterwards. You know the one. No, not that one!" Robbie laughed as if Samuel had spoken a word this day. "The other, other, other one. Help a doggie out?" Robbie begged afterwards, lower lip quivering with large almond shaped, deep brown puppy dog eyes before laughing again. That barking sound that made the smaller cat jump. If he tried Samuel was sure his whole muzzle could fit inside that snout of the dog's.

And he wasn't sure why the thought of it was both rousingly terrifying.

Samuel was about to say something or other but only managed to open his muzzle before the dog cut in. "Thanks man! I owe ya' one." And with that the broad head of the dog vanished back out into the store. And the cat just folded his ears glaring after him wanting nothing more than to start hitting his forehead against the wall.

"You never give me a lift home," the chow chow pouted as he headed past the cat who was still trying to form some kind of logical reason he couldn't take the dog home. Charlie seemed to take the fact Samuel hadn't taken him home far harder than the single fact the feline had never spoken two words to the dog since he began working here.

Samuel jumped back to the present as the dog past by him, bumping into his shoulder and literally causing the feline to jump back several paces as if he had just been burned.

"Don't worry about it," Pete said with a wink moving past and out. "Charlie will get over it," the dog said trying to reassure him on something that hadn't even crossed the cats mind.

It was an odd thing really in the end. All the dogs seemed to favor him, this might've been due to the time he saved their asses when they were caught smoking in the stock room. And not the cigs Samuel did either. The dog's always had that upbeat, more than friendly nature that rubbed the cat the wrong way. Seeing as how every time one touched him Samuel had to stop himself from clawing their eyes out. It was at least one thing he had learned from therapy. DON'T claw someone's eyes out just.

Shivering again Samuel shook himself off, wiping his long sleeves with a hand then the other before holding himself and shivering once more. The cat licked the back of his hand quickly, grooming himself out of nervous habit several times as he walked further into the room and thus further away from the canines out in the store. Brushing the side of his cheek with the back of his hand, Samuel smoothed his whiskers out before moving on. His tail wouldn't stop twitching for the rest of the day, and unlike a dog it wasn't a good sign. Samuel swore he was losing years off his life from working here. The cat very well couldn't afford to keep switching jobs. Again and again he had done it to the point only a giant retail store would hire him due to his bad track record. And when he tried to talk to HR about switching his schedule up he soon learned that the golden retriever that had bought him a coffee on the first day was in fact the HR rep.

And thus, Samuel had never seen nor talked to HR ever again...

Thankfully Samuel worked in electronics section of the large retail store in the far back corner and away from the other departments. Sadly his degree being used to sell children the latest pocket monster game instead of creating the games he had wanted too since he had been a child. However he knew very little about the technical aspect of the job ironically and ended up referring most customers to his coworker, Henry.

The husky was...like any other husky Samuel had ever met. Way too happy for his own good. One of those people you end up just despising for their boundless energy and go lucky, upbeat nature. And Henry was no different.

Bouncing on the end of his toes as if he were a kangaroo the husky jumped over to greet him warmly. "Afternoon, Samuel!" This was followed by another hug. Dogs were always such touchy feeling creatures, Samuel could never fathom the need for it and wished he could say something about the matter instead of freezing up each and every time. His silence only encouraged this dog. Where a normal sane person would've realized to back away, these canines took it as more of a reason to talk instead as if speaking Samuel's piece for him. "Hi. Hey. How's it going? How's your day? Good to see you! It's been so long since we last saw each other. I was worried, concerned! Did you eat properly today, do you need me to buy you lunch? I'll buy you lunch!" The dog soon followed up with trying any form of greeting he could manage before Samuel returned the acknowledgement. Dogs could be so needy.

The husky desperately seeking praise from the only person in the store who hadn't given him some yet.

"Hi." Samuel said in the begrudging tone he always used. Not to be rude or disrespectful but in hopes these canines would get the picture. They never did. His ears were back, eyes glaring daggers and tail tip flickering. Even with the tip of one sharp fang showing and his claws jutting out of his fingers, these dogs really didn't get it.

A smile formed on Henry's muzzle as his tail began to wag and eyes lit up making the cat feel guilty for thinking of him so poorly. A loveable bastard, literally as he didn't have a father. Samuel still always tried to keep a good arms length from the dog who, if allowed any closer, would feel the need for that physical contact. Touching, hugging, nudging and basically everything but holding the cat's hand at this point.

Hell, just the other day Charlie had copped a feel of Samuel's ass and was sure the dog would've done the same to his front of Robbie hadn't stepped in sooner.

Samuel just adjusted the shoes he wore not saying anything more to that face as Henry practically skipped off towards the registered to help a rather disgruntled looking orange tabby. The shoes were plain like his pants. A dull dark gray. Work clothes were just so... boring. Underneath on the bottom was a design of a cat paw, pads and all. Though they were green rather than pink or like his own gray ones. It happened to be his favorite color though. Otherwise his work shoes were normal save for the extra room provided for his claws if need be; something he had gotten thanks to legal rather than the corporation giving two damns about him or any other feline. At least he wasn't unlucky enough to be a animal with unretractable claws.

The thought was somewhat amusing, if dark. Thinking of all these canines suffering from "dull nail syndrome" due to the tight shoes they were forced to wear during working hours.

Samuel spent most the afternoon going about the usual. Stocking a few things, checking orders, helping customers, avoiding the canine workers that felt a strange need to contact and interact with him like the plague. Samuel could see this was the case with all of them and each other as well and he was by no means special. It was rather obvious as to why someone would hire a dog over another species to work in retail. Every breed just had that helpful nature about them, even if a few of them in question would love nothing but to maul the face off of those annoying stupid costumers that always popped up once in a while.

"And another thing!" The old bat of a woman protested, shrieking as she cradled a child in one arm, rocking the other back and forth in his stroller and ignoring the screaming crying third child at her side. "The box said it was good until the Tenth. Well I tasted it on the Tenth and it was bad! I used it on my sandwich and it was terrible! Why can't I return it?"

Samuel didn't want to point out that food wasn't even job, let alone just how stupid she was or how she shouldn't legally be able to bring forth one child let alone three into this already overcrowded world of theirs. Samuel was about to lose it when she brought up the fact she had not only eaten a banana in the store without paying but wanted to give him the discarded banana peel when, for once he was thankful, the husky popped up just as he was about to slap the woman upside the head and tell her to get her tubes tied.

"Samuel, it's your break. I can cover this." Henry beamed before turning towards her. "How can I help you?" And then she began all over again shrieking practically as she repeated herself. The nutella she had bought was too good for that woman.

The Siamese cat quickly snuck away before he could be pulled into another fiasco. He hated working in public service. Some people were literally too stupid to deal with. Or help. Darwinism was such a lie in this day and age. The stupid people seemed to be proliferating while everyone else died out.

Rolling a shoulder, with a grumble the cat popped into the break room glad to see it was empty for a change. Grabbing his lunch Samuel took the farthest seat as he got his phone out, rolling it skillfully between his fingers before sitting back and kicking his feet up on the chair next to his own. A bit dismayed to see he hadn't gotten any messages or text the cat just began playing one of the games on it. A small mouse ran around on the screen and he had to grab at it. Not proud of it, the cat still enjoyed the game nonetheless. It had the red light and strings of yarn and mice that ran around. How could he possibly not enjoy it?

If it wasn't still snowing outside Samuel would've retreated to his car for lunch. It was warm inside however and the cat tried to ignore the rest of the world around him as he played his game. Tried as he might, it was impossible to catch the mouse without paying the micro transactions the game offered. That wasn't the point though. It was the chase the cat enjoyed...

Samuel quickly stashed the phone as one of his brown ears popped up hearing the sound of others coming in for their break. Samuel quickly began focusing on his battered cod fish salad. It was a little strong on the vinaigrette and was pungent even to his own nose let alone the two canines who walked in. So of course they would notice and speak up about it as if Samuel would honestly care about what they had to say about something they wouldn't have any of.

"Put the lid back on that thing, pew!" The pit bull waved a hand in from of his snout, scrunching up his brow and faking a few gagging sounds. Samuel wondered if he doused himself in this stuff they would then leave him alone. It was a tempting idea...

The German Shepherd, of course, took the seat next to him pulling it out so his own feet fell off and tossing one of his bare paws up onto the table and eyeing what it was the cat was eating. Robbie always took his shoes off whenever he got the chance much to Samuel's dismay. The canine's stomach grumbled despite the smell and the dog licked his chops. "Wha cha' got." The dog said friendly enough even if it had a bit of an undertone to it. A hungry one at that. The low growl being out of hunger instead of anger.

"Fish." Pete spoke up taking a seat across from the two and leaning over to get a look. "And salad. Bleh. Don't know how you eat that stuff."

Samuel had a few choice words to reply to that but didn't find his voice too. So he just nodded trying to shrink in on himself and take up as little space as he possibly could, hoping the dogs would go about their business. Or leave. Or he himself would just cease to exist entirely, that would work too. Any of the above would be acceptable at this point.

His ears were standing tall, tail stiff as a bone and pupils thin and catlike. His claws kept popping out and in. All signs that he was nervous agitated and shouldn't be bothered like a corner animal. The other two either didn't notice or pay it any mind however.

"So how's it going with Sheila?" Robbie asked crossed the table still with a leg up on it as his eyes looked over every now and then to the cat's food stomach growling hungrily. The dog worked with the Akita in food service but never brought a lunch with him. Samuel wasn't sure when he had taken off his shoes but the dog was bare foot and felt the need to kick his other leg up, resting back as he did so and now just staring at his meal. Drool trickled from his lips.

"Eh, she keeps getting on me about the stupidest things. Do the dishes, put away the laundry, don't leave pizza out it'll attract ants." The pit bull mimicked in a very surprisingly female voice for a man his size and girth. "Blah, blah, blah! If she wasn't putting out twice a day I'd kick her out already." He added with a wink. "California King size bed man, it'll save even the worst relationships! Plenty of room to romp and just as much to sleep soundly without having to touch afterwards."

"How long has it been since she moved in?" Robbie asked lifting his shirt up a bit, popping his fly open and scratching his mahogany, reddish brown stomach. Samuel was sure he had been flexing the whole time. Either way it was impressive. The cat felt rather meek and helpless in comparison.

"A week." Pete grunted back frowning now as he rested against the table, a little further and he could practically bump his nose against the shepherds padded feet. Samuel was the only one to seem to notice this however. These dogs didn't really understand the concept of personal space as he was sure Pete was now just breathing in the other canine's paws.

"What about you?" Robbie asked nudging the cat's side. Samuel's nails dug into the padded palm of his hand as he just grumbled a bit in reply. One of the German Shepherds ears lifted up. "Come again?"

"That's what she said." Pete laughed crudely to himself as he began picking at the can of dog food he brought with him. The pit bull didn't even bother putting it into a bowl. He just popped the lid open, grabbed a spoon and began shoveling it into his mouth hardly chewing the already wet squishy food.

"N-nobody." Samuel replied a bit louder clearing his throat and with a nervous shaking voice. After he spoke Samuel mentally kicked himself realizing that if the two were to kill him now no one would even know about it. A very odd random fearful thought that always seemed to cross the cat's mind at least one time or another during the day.

They could just maul him, Samuel wouldn't even be able to scream before the two dogs would bury him like a bone out back. Samuel wished at times like these he didn't have such a vivid imagination.

"Why don't you two go out?" Pete pointed out making both of them choke on their own reply as they stammered a response.

"I c-can't!" Robbie insisted with no reason as to why as Samuel just froze up once more whenever he was put on the spot like this. It happened more than one would think. "I got thing and stuff and things to do!" The German Shepherd just rambled on and on becoming more incoherent as he went.

Samuel noted how the canine hadn't pointed out they were both males. Samuel unsure how Pete knew he was gay or maybe the dog just thought all felines were, it was hard to tell with him.

"Why not?" The pit bull frowned, scrunching up his brow and looking between the two as the gears in his head tried to move without getting anywhere. "You're both single. Gay. So why not?" Pete just shrugged. "Or just fuck, that's cool too. No judgment." The pit bull just wagged seemingly the most interested in the two getting it on instead of the two who would be doing the fucking.

"W-who said I was g-gay?" Samuel asked and got no reply. "I could pull off bi!" He insisted rather loudly which only furthered the flush filling his own ears. One of those things that weren't very secretive around dogs who could literally smell all the tell tale signs. Samuel always felt that whole personal space violation when around the dogs even when they weren't touching him.

Even if the cat just walked in the room every nose would sniff at him as if that, in a way, was a form of greeting.

There was a silence that followed before Pete began once more. "Soo....anyways, why don't you? Be a cute couple." The dog had offhandedly made the comment but the cats nerves were already on edge with the German Shepherd so close as it was (practically trapping him in the corner), able to smell the dog's natural musk and feel the heat coming from his muscular body. Heart pounding in his chest as the walls seemed to close in around him. "Or just become fuck buddies?" Pete offered not even as a joke.

"With a dog?" Samuel said louder than he meant too and another long awkward silence ensued falling on the room like a wet blanket. "I got to go." Samuel quickly said pushing himself up and moving past before the German Shepherd could stop him. That cat could be quick when he needed to be. Samuel still had easily Ten minutes plus to go before his break ended. He needed a smoke just as bad as his first day working here. It was literally the only thing that got him through his work days.

"Good job, dumb fuck." Robbie growled grabbing his coat from the hook and following after the cat who had gone out the back door into the back alley behind the Mega Mart. Robbie gave the confused pit bull a finger before jumping out back after him, propping an old milk carton they used to keep the door from closing.

The snow continued to fall from above the cement parking lot primarily used by the trucks and for the employee's to park at. The door behind the cat didn't have a handle and he'd have to go all the way around to get back in but didn't care, not even looking over his shoulder as he moved out into the snow covered back parking lot. The cool air was nice, refreshing from that stifling room and he was already slipping the Electronic cigarette into his mouth.

Samuel couldn't exactly afford to smoke catnip sticks every time, let alone what that would do to his work mentality. He barely could get through a day let alone if he was too stoned to move.

Pressing the button he took a slow long breath of the vapor before letting it go. Holding it in the Siamese cat closed his soft icy blue eyes and just savored it. Puffs of smoke escaped his black nose and out into the night air. He touched the metallic nose ring he had in, one thing he was thankful for working in this place. They didn't give a shit about how you look. So long as you wore the designated outfit and showed up on time they couldn't give two shits if you shaved off half the fur on your face. The fact he wore his bell or the music cat notes tattoo running down his left arm; none of it mattered. It was a verse from his favorite sonnet. All of these things the managers could care less about. Show up even a minute late for work however? You were out on your furry rear end.

Taking another breath his eyes opened up at the sound of heavy steps crunching in the snow from where the break room door was. At first he figured it to be the night guard, seeing as how the sun was probably already set. This was more hopeful thinking than not. Samuel hated the evening shift, at least Eddie the guard allowed him back here whenever he liked. But sure enough it was the German Shepherd that came into view underneath the dimming back light of the store.

Robbie had been the first person in the store to talk to him. To address him and accept him into their little group. It was thanks to him that the other dogs accepted the feline. Samuel was sure it was some strange form of pact mentality but when Robbie stood up for him the others backed down. Even beginning to treat Samuel friendlier after; unlike the other places the feline had worked at. It was one reason why, if the only reason, Samuel was able to still be working here with these canines.

At least these ones were nice...

"Hey." Robbie waved making sure he was noticed before coming any closer. "Sorry about him." He jabbed a figure over his shoulder to illustrate who he was speaking of as if it weren't already blatantly obvious. Robbie did it more so unsure what else to do with his hands. "I know we pick on ya' sometimes," he cleared his throat a bit unsure of how to proceed never one for these kind of confrontations. "I mean a cat with a bunch of dogs?" He chuckled. "Sounds like a bad sitcom." His laugh was forced even to his own half folded ears.

"Look, I just need some space. Okay?" Samuel voice was as rough as usual trying to sound as off putting, if not insulting, as possible. And cut the dog like ice feeling guilty over the whole matter as it was.

The dog took a timid step closer making the cats tail begin to sway quickly, those icy baby blues never leaving the dogs face even as Samuel took another long smoke. He knew the smell kept the canines at bay, warding them off with the smell of it.

"Sorry. Really." Robbie withdrew his step forward. The dog didn't turn to leave, just rubbing the back of his thick canine neck. "I'd understand," he spoke slowly not meeting eye contact as he shifted his cold feet on the ground wishing he had brought his shoes out. His bare feet were getting cold and the soles of his feet were getting dirty from only gods know what was back here. "If you don't want to give me a ride tonight. I understand. I won't blame you for that, Sam..." Robbie finished looking up at him with those large almond shaped, deep brown eyes like pools of mud.

Samuel never took his eyes off him but his ears did relax and he could feel his claws retracting. "I never said that." He swallowed afterwards seeing the dog look up at him with his whole face now and that cold shiver run down his spine, his fingers and toes breaking out into a cold sweat as was normal whenever he was around the dog. Oddly enough only around this dog. He was also the only one he managed to form two sentences around.

It was a miracle in itself. Samuel blamed the fact that, from a logical point of view, Robbie had only ever been on his side. The German Shepherd's protective nature keeping the other dogs from picking on him too much. Friendly teasing or banter was one thing, being slammed against a locker was another. Something that had happened back during school.

In a weird twist of fate, the feline afraid of dogs was wishing he had gone to school with this one. He was sure if Robbie had been there during those days, Samuel would've been safe...

Robbie smiled, tail wagging madly even if he was trying his best to hold back. "Hey, thanks man." The dog stood there with that smile, wagging his tail (something the cat always found amusing). "So," Robbie spoke up resting against the wall after a minute passed by in silence. He leaned against the wall, flexing again Samuel was sure, as if trying to act cool. "What's the deal with the bell?" He pointed at the dull brass bell.

Samuel raised an eyebrow at that.

"Not to be rude or nothin'!" Robbie quickly said waving his hands as if trying to put out a fire before it began. "A cat's curiosity is all!" The dog winced after he said that. "Sorry, I mean-," he stammered a bit looking as if he were the one sweating now.

"A childhood present is all." Samuel answered still looking at the dog as if he had just begun speaking in tongues.

"Cool! Cool. That's...cool." Robbie mumbled a bit mentally punching himself for the stupid response. "I have something like that. This old tennis ball when I was a pup," once more Samuel just looked at him as if he had gone mad. "It's all chewed up now and gross n' stuff but it's like...yeah..." Robbie trailed off unsure where he was even going with that. Trying to relate to the cat was difficult. The dog wasn't even sure what he liked or disliked.

Or, really, anything about him.

As a dog this was a very unfamiliar territory. Dogs were always more than happy to tell each other everything in their daily lives. From what they liked or didn't, to who they were with or what they had done. Hell Robbie even knew what the pit bull had for dinner last night and the last time he let one rip. And the cat now before him? He didn't know heads or tails about him other than what he could smell from him. Which was a lot in and of itself, the shepherd had to admit.

"Yeah...." Samuel just took another slow drag before letting the vapor out.

"You don't got tah be nervous, you know." Robbie spoke up though it seemed to be rather forceful as if the dog had been wanting to say it for some time but had been unable too. He swallowed loudly, clenching his hands into fists several times before beginning once more. "I mean sure Pete's a dumb ass and Charlie is a bit rough around the edges, Dusty looks mean but he's just a big softie. Andrew is smaller than you!" Robbie laughed at that made it ok somehow. "Patch...well Patch's an ass. You get used to that though."

Samuel didn't answer still feeling the fur on the back of his neck on edge as those eyes looked at him, staring with an almost understand warmth and yet missing the whole picture to begin with. Sure they were nice and sweet now, the cat knew. But in a flash a dog could change like that. A saint bernard one second and a hell hound the next.

The German Shepherd's jowls hid most of his bottom jaw and every one of those 42 flesh ripping teeth. His head was big as it was and with such a broad neck and shoulders, almost twice his weight Samuel was sure he wouldn't stand much of a chance if Robbie ever attacked him. Samuel might get one get scratch in if he were lucky. Being almost a foot taller than he was didn't help matters. Intimidating was an understatement. Which was why Samuel hated the fact he couldn't but find the dog, in his own way, attractive. A good looking guy was a good looking guy after all. But there was more to that.

Robbie was warm, bright, friendly and helped keep Samuel sane despite being a dog. Robbie had waited just this morning for the feline before clocking in and Samuel was sure Robbie would've gladly been late to work if it meant he'd be able to check in with the feline.

"I mean we know," Robbie winced again wishing he hadn't said we. "I know... you're nervous around us." The dog wasn't about to point out it was because he could smell it. Telling someone you were sniffing them usually got a poor reaction from other species. And the fact he was always sniffing the cat would probably be counterproductive to trying to put him at ease. "And it's cool!" Robbie assured him not wanting to make Samuel look like a freak because of it. "Most everyone nervous around big dogs like us," he tried to reason out logically. Robbie realized just how poorly he was doing this however. "But if you ever came to poker night, I'm sure-"

Samuel cut in though unable but too. "Poker night with the guys?" The cat made sure not to say dogs but it was way too obvious for the feline what that scene would look like. It was like the start of a bad joke. A very bad joke in his case. It would be like walking into a wolves den covered in lamb chops. Not a pretty sight, plus it'd mess with his fur.

"Well...yeah. You don't like poker?" Robbie asked folding his ears back, eyes going a bit wide and looking at him as if he had just been told they had run out of dog food.

"Oh no," Samuel chuckled a bit surprised by his own voice and if only for a second he took his eyes off the dog taking another smoke, he could feel his pupils easing up back into more opal shapes. "I do. I do." The cat said looking back up. Samuel smiled at the look that crossed the dog's face. It was as if they didn't even care that others knew how they felt, like wearing ones heart on their sleeves. Samuel almost envied them for it. Almost.

A face that looked sad, depressed and heartbroken one second was filled with life the next. Ears up, whiskers out, maw open panting softly with eyes shining in the dull light above, tail wagging none stop. Robbie's breath, like Samuel's own, was visible in front of his muzzle as he panted. "Good! So you'll come over right?" Robbie swallowed before adding on. "Sometime I mean." The nervous German Shepherd shifted his weight from one pay to another.

"Sometime. Maybe. Sure." Samuel replied, folding his ears back and looking away as he took another smoke. It was a lie he knew but was sure the dog bought it. The cat always felt a bit bad for being able to trick a dog so easily. Like throwing a tennis ball without ever letting it go from your fingers. Both enjoying and feeling bad about it at the same time as you watched the dog chase after it. Ever the optimist because, maybe, one time Samuel would throw him a ball...

"Great," Robbie muzzle opened a bit more his drool covered teeth visible in the light as the end of that soggy red tongue stuck from the end of his muzzle curling at the end as he panted. Robbie slobbered, licking his chops before swallowing once more. Samuel shivered as he watched the display. "I'll see you after work then!" The dog waved turning around and planning to head back in.

"Yeah." Samuel muttered watching the dog closely the entire time.

In that tight black T-shirt with the red lettered logo on the front, in dark gray jeans and bare foot the 6'5 German Shepherd left the 5'8 cat behind to smoke a few more times before following him into the store. Knowing, tonight, he'd have to bring the canine home...