FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Catnundrum

Chapter Two

By Roofles

Samuel was the first one to log out, first one to strip the confining black work shirt off and the first to duck out the back way quickly heading towards his car. Even if management didn't like them doing so he'd complain it was for health reasons. The winter storm was still coming down and it wasn't lessoning up as the hours ticked by; the Siamese cat worried he wouldn't be able to make it home at this rate.

Huffing a bit, Samuel could see his breath was visible in front of his snout. The snowflakes were still beginning to fall from above and he knew a blizzard was inbound for this night. Even he could smell it in the air without needing to see the news on his phone warning for everyone to head indoors ASAP. Snowflakes were sticking to his whiskers making the cat fidget from the cold.

A whisker twitched as his soft icy blues eyes drifted from the dark sky above and down towards the man resting against his car. Snow began to collect on his whiskers as he stood there just staring at the canine having forgotten all about his agreed abound request from the very dog now looking at him.

The German Shepherd was standing there out in the snow without seemingly a care in the world as he had stared up at the dark night sky above. He was getting covered in the white fluff from head to toe and still the dog had just stood there, waiting for the feline. As if knowing Samuel might chicken out of this, Robbie had managed to get out here before the cat did.

Or maybe, the canine just wanted to wait for him. It was hard to tell. It was always so hard to tell what these dogs were thinking around him. The cat's phobia not helping matters any.

Samuel would have to run the German Shepherd over to leave; the dark humorous thought crossing the feline's mind as his tail flicked to the other side. Robbie just wagged his tail with that derpy smile pulling up on his black lip muzzle. The canine none the wiser to the dark thoughts going through the feline's head.

Samuel figured there was a first for everything. Most likely due to the fact the German Shepherd didn't need to change out of his shirt or cloths like everyone else did. It would explain how he got here so fast after clocking out. The natural fit build of the dog stretched the fabric of the shirt out, the seams protesting against his confined girth. Add his thick winter coat into the mix the shirt was barely able to stay on. The dog kept pulling it down in the front and back consciously of the exposure, the first the cat had ever really seen him be. Seeing as how the dog walked around half naked most the time in the break room during his time off.

Robbie ears lifted up and looked over as Samuel took the long way around towards the driver's door giving the dog a good body's length of space where he sat on the front of the car. The long black marked, brown tail began to wag even before the dog moved away from the car. His tail like a feather duster, dusting off the snow on the front of Samuel's old Honda.

The German Shepherd was in the simple dark gray jeans, boots and work shirt. Nothing else. Samuel was always spiteful for the species with lush winter coats like the dogs. His thin straw like fur barely managed to keep him warm during the spring or fall let alone in winter. And even in the heavy sweater he wore, scarf and mittens included the cat found himself shivering from the cold. Winter, was his least favorite season. Holidays included.

"Hey," Robbie greeted him warmly as Samuel was busy fishing in his pocket for his keys. The cat eyes kept darting over to the dog that was just standing there wagging his tail, with that friendly grin plastered on his face. "Wasn't sure if ya' just leave me or not." The dog joked resting on the top of the car a bit. "So I came out early." Robbie explained Samuel's unasked question. The German Shepherd muddy brown eyes seeming to shine in the dim light of the parking lot.

Robbie's arms rested on top of the car, looking over at the feline trying to find the right key to get the car door open. Robbie had such a natural air about him it would put, most, at ease around him. One might even think he were handsome, if he weren't also so terrifying in the dim light.

"Of course. That was my plan all along." Samuel said and Robbie laughed assuming it was indeed a joke. That barking sound made the cats tail pick up its pace, swaying back and forth behind him betraying his worry on the matter. It was lost once more on the dog. "It's open," Samuel said as he ducked inside. Twisting the key twice on his car unlocked the other door as well.

Robbie didn't wait before getting in, seeming to worry that the cat was indeed about to drive off without him again. A joke that Samuel couldn't deny to be reality. If he was given the chance that was. Robbie ending up opening the door, half inside, as he wiped the snow off his arms and legs before shaking off with one foot inside the car. Robbie thinking so long as one part of his body was inside the car the cat wouldn't drive away.

The two waited in silence as the car began to warm up; the inside felt more like a freezer than a car. The cat held the steering wheel not moving or saying anything as he began to shake again from the cold. Samuel just stared at the dashboard unable to help the nails digging into the leather padding on the wheel as the dog looked over at him as the heater continued to fog up the windows around them.

"Long night?" Robbie asked trying to start up some kind of conversation between the two. He was always the one to begin their short conversations. As well as the one to carry it.

"Something like that." Samuel said finally letting go of the wheel and pulling out the electronic cigarette once more. He brought it up to his lips before his eyes darted over to the dog who had been watching him. "You don't mind do you?"

"Tobacco?" The dog asked.

"Catnip." Samuel said back.

There was a moment of pause before the dog began laughing loudly making the cat pull back a bit. There was a sharp slap against his knee, the corner of the dog's eyes watery up a bit. "Damn if that's not funny!" Robbie said grinning afterwards, ears up and tail wagging. "Who'd have guessed you were such a jokester? You're always so reserved and quiet..."

Samuel didn't feel like correcting him as he adjusted the heat once more. At the same time the dog moved his paw over to do the same. The small touch made the feline quickly withdraw his paw as if it had touched something particularly hot. Flinching away and looking anywhere but at the dog. His nerves getting to him.

Robbie paused at that before withdrawing his own. "Sorry." The dog said looking down at his feet now. "You don't like the whole touchin' thing, huh." The larger dog's ears folded down a bit and his face noticeably dropped. It reminded the cat of a puppy who had just lost his favorite tennis ball in a sewer drain.

"Yeah..." Samuel lied, it was a plausible excuse and it was easy enough to pull off. "Just something you do with someone not everyone, is all." The cat added still seeing the downcast dog's appearance. He really did feel like he was bullying the poor canine at times. Even being the smaller of the two.

His words did lift the dog's heart a bit and as Samuel began driving out of the parking lot; sure enough Rob was his go lucky happy self once more. Panting openly the dog bent over and began undoing the shoes he wore. "These things are killer on my dogs." There was a moment of pause as he slipped his bare feet out before barking a laugh at his own joke, wiggling his toes.

"Har har," Samuel just added looking over every now and then at the dog. Slowing down at a light the cat took the time to look down at the dog's bare feet. The cat frowned, annoyed that the dog was so comfortable around him enough to just take his shoes off. It might've just been a dog thing.

"Don't know how a human can wear these." Robbie went crossing a leg and beginning to rub his feet. A bit larger than normal a dog's paws were still capable of fitting inside a normal style shoe, if it was a large size that was. Samuel could see large pads on each toe, with the exception of his clawed toes the foot itself was human enough just like his own.

Samuel had never the displeasure of getting close enough to other species to discover they too were very humanlike in the end.

"You're own fault for wearing those cloths all day." Samuel pointed out swallowing a bit feeling warmer than the car actually was. First it was too cold. Now it was too hot. Just his luck. He pulled on the sweater he wore, his paws beginning to sweat as he tried to get some circulation flowing in the stuffy car.

"Yeah, better then not though." The dog grumbled and silence fell once more. Rob just resting back looking out the window lost in his own thoughts. The German Shepherd was messing with his phone tossing it between his hands as if wanting to message someone but changing his mind on the matter.

Turning down a side street Samuel nearly pulled over seeing the fast food place he had been planning on stopping at for dinner. McQuakers sold some of the best sea food in town even being a multi-million dollar food chain. It was just in high demand with so many Animalian species diets being solely of it the business was booming.

The worse perpetrators were otters and cats or so Samuel had heard.

"I'd just prefer to go naked." Robbie spoke up drawing the cat's attention away and silencing his own hungry stomach.

"What?" The cat looked at him once more as if he had lost it before turning back into the center lane away from the fast food chain. "The hell are you talking about?"

"Work cloths!" Robbie said as if the cat had been thinking about it the whole time as the dog had been. "They're such a pain! I prefer my shorts any day." Robbie began texting before putting his phone away afterwards seemingly in far better spirits now. Whatever inner turmoil the canine had been dealing with seemingly gone.

Samuel wasn't sure if this was just about clothes anymore or not.

"As long as you're wearing something, heh." Samuel added under his breath making the dog's ear perk up as they took another corner. "You're place is on Seventh right?" He said as if repeating himself.

"Right." Robbie nodded looking around before rolling the window down and sticking his head out. "Just up ahead." He added popping back in. The dog's broad head was covered in snow and his whiskers had several flakes sticking to them as if he had just stuck his muzzle face first into a bowl of frosting.

Samuel nearly smacked him upside the head. "Roll the window up!" He hissed shivering as the cold air rushed in and with it the heat pouring outside. "Dumb dog." He added mumbling a bit as Robbie apologized.

With Robbie's winter coat coming in, the German Shepherd wasn't suffering from the cold as many other species would be. Wearing the loose work clothes he still had on was more than enough for him until he got home.

Turning into the driveway, Samuel stopped the car parking it but didn't turn it off as he waited for the dog to get out.

"We're here..." Samuel said, not exactly pleased that he knew where Robbie lived. Out of all the canines he worked with, Robbie was the only one not only to have his number but also knew where he lived in case of emergencies.

The canine had been very insistent on the matter and Robbie had whittled down Samuel's defenses until the feline finally gave in and gave up the information. It was a much bigger deal than either of the two had wanted to admit. Samuel worried that a canine knew where he lived and Robbie knowing he was the only one who did.

That silence fell once more, seeming to be the two's theme song. Uncomfortable silence...

"So...thanks for the lift." Robbie started up once more as their previous topic died down to just smoldering embers. The dog rubbed his thick neck looking over to the side, back at his feet which he twisted back and forth before looking over at the cat. "It looks like a blizzards going to hit..."

The weather? Samuel wanted to say. That's what he wanted to talk about. The weather? The cat had a fresh can of tuna waiting for him at home. And the dog wanted to talk about the weather! Samuel tried his best to keep his face neutral as his whiskers twitched.

"Yeah..." Samuel said in reply leaving it at that.

The German Shepherd scratched the back of his neck once more. "So...you must be hungry." Samuel just gave him that look again without any other reply. "What I'm trying to say," the dog cleared his throat a bit. The bulky dog adjusted himself in his seat repositioning until he comfortable before going on. "I mean if you wanted to like, you know... come inside...for a bite..I have dinner waiting!" Robbie grinned hopefully, tail wagging a bit as he leaned over before pulling back at the withdrawing cat. "Free food." He added. "And drink." The dog insisted. "What's to turn down? And I'll give you your space!" Robbie tossed in for good measure. "My place is big! My roomies aren't home either, I double checked..."

Robbie not about to say he had asked them to vacate for the night so he could bring someone over; if he had said that he knew those two nosey bitches would've stuck around to investigate. Samuel had an issue when it was just the two of them. Let alone if there was a group.

Samuel wanted to refuse, just to turn it down and head off but the dog was practically begging and free food was hard to turn down. If the dinner was already ready he'd go in, have a bite and then leave just as quickly. This way if the dog asked him to go to poker or something he could easily refused without too much guilt. And it would be best to stay on good terms with his coworker...

Not like he had too many good friends as it was and Robbie was a good guy. If a dog. A larger, muscular dog that made him stand on edge every time he was around but still a good dog. Guy. And there was the prospect of free food; something Samuel knew his wallet would be very grateful for.

"Just a drink." Samuel said deciding that was as far as his nerves would carry him. He took another long smoke before turning the car off and getting out joining the dog who lead the way. That long shaggy black marking, brown tail was wagging the whole time.

Samuel kept several paces behind the dog and watched as he headed up the steps. He'd never been to the dog's apartment before. Samuel wasn't even sure if he should follow him up, half a mind just to turn around and leave. That firm rear in front of him was inviting however and what harm could a drink do? Even so Samuel took another long drag before stashing it in his pocket before reaching the top of the steps the smoke mixing with his fogging breath as he let it out trying to calm his nerves down.

The dog's apartment was the third one down and Robbie was waiting for the cat out front. Samuel in turn waited for the dog to head inside before following, once more stopping before heading in. The cold wind howled behind him sending shivers up his spine and it was only the thought of shelter that led him in. The smell of dog was strong inside as the door shut behind him leaving him in the somewhat stale, musky apartment.

It was a classic bachelor pad. The living, dining and kitchen being in the same room with a hallway on the side most likely where the bedroom and bathroom were. A place that wouldn't even have an indoor laundry unit. Shoes were piled up next to the door next to the welcome mat. The garbage to his side was overflowing and the recycling looked as if it hadn't been taken out once this month. A tooth brush was on the counter of the kitchen and several old boxes had been kicked to the side as the German Shepherd had come in.

The cat's heart was pounding as his eyes looked around the dark apartment for any sign of the dog who had seemingly vanished. He kept a hand firmly on the door as he stood his ground thinking more and more that this was a bad idea.

It had been fine just a second ago. Out in the open, in the fresh air even with the snow falling. Coming inside however was another story. Samuel could feel his claustrophobia kicking in making him wish he'd only been cursed with one phobia over several.

The overhead light turned on making him wince and looking away before blinking several times. The now shirtless dog gave him a wave before disappearing around the corner. Samuel could feel his face turn red under his brown masked face, the inside of his ears feeling rather hot. The front of the dog's pants had been opened and his pink heart dotted boxers were visible.

The apartment was cold however like the outside and it soon cooled the feline's fervor as Samuel took the time to cool himself off. Swallowing audibly in the silent room, Samuel took a few more steps in keeping his coat and shoes on making sure it was clear he hadn't any inclination of staying long.

He knew this was a bad idea as he careful made his way through the small walk way of trash provided for them to move through.

"Pizza will be ready in a bit." Robbie said popping out suddenly and making the cat jump back in alarm, fur standing out as he stood awkwardly trying to hide the fact he had been scared by his sudden appearance. And here Samuel thought he was the sneaky feline.

"P-pizza?" Samuel swallowed before smoothing his fur out. He licked the back of his hand brushing his whiskers with it, a nervous habit that he'd developed over the years. "And here I was under the impression you actually had a proper dinner ready." Samuel couldn't keep the snide remark to himself.

Rob watched the cat as he groomed his whiskers before perking up as the cat looked at him, tail wagging. Samuel had waited for Robbie to get offended, instead the canine had just enjoyed watching the cat groom himself... wondering if Samuel would let him do that for him someday. "It's meat lovers." The dog just answered.

"Touche." Samuel conceded. Who didn't love a meat lovers?

"Chicago style." The dog grinned toothily sending that shiver up the cat's spine. "Cheese crust and all." The canine nodded as if this somehow was a very special treat he had arranged for Samuel's visit. Robbie was clearly impressed by his choice in dinner and seeing as how Samuel wasn't paying for it, the cat could live with that.

"You had me sold at meat lovers." Samuel said quickly trying to smooth his fur back down once more with the back of his brown 'gloved' fur hand. The wool mittens having been taken off and stuffed into his coat pocket. The cat needed to lick his fur when he was nervous like this.

"I got a few beers as well. Cold." The dog frowned a bit afterwards. "I'm going to turn the heat on." He added watching the cat shiver a bit more. That broad head poked around the corner. "Feel free to make yourself comfortable." And then vanished down the hallway once more.

Samuel just stood where he was not about to move and allow the dog to sneak up on him again. Someone his size shouldn't be able to be that sneaky. So he'd stay for a slice or two of pizza, grab a beer and call it good. That was fair, reasonable. His therapy group would be so proud. Having dinner with a dog? The other cats wouldn't be able believe it! Samuel chuckled to himself, shaking his head at the thought.

Even Samuel couldn't believe he was here. All it took was nineteen years for him to be able to be in the same room with a dog without throwing something, throwing up or trying claw their face off. Progress.

The Siamese cat walked further into the apartment a bit poking his head around the corner to make sure the dog wasn't about to pop out again. The walls had a few pictures on them and in the main living room there had been some holiday decorations set up. A small twig of a tree was resting on the table in the dining room, lights strung around it. There was a large sock stocking nailed above the wide screen tv resting on a small black TV stand.

The sound of heavy steps made the cat's ear lift up and turn down the hall before his eyes soon followed glad this time he heard the heavy canine coming.

The German Shepherd was shoeless, shirtless and in a pair of shorts but shook his head. "Sorry. The heater seems to be on the fritz again." The dog scratched the loose neck skin looking off to the side thinking it over."I never use the darn thing. You can borrow a coat if need be." He looked back at the cat. "Or I could bring out the big woolen blanket I use." He offered quickly wagging his tail some more as he shrugged with a grin. "Might smell of dog though."

"No. I'm good." Samuel said twitching his nose before looking behind him at the kitchen. The smell of cooking cheese and meat was enough for him to stick around a bit longer, thankful it was stronger than the natural scent of male dog in the room. Cold or not at least the warm pizza would be nice - he rather have anchovies though. "I don't plan on staying that long." He added looking back over.

Samuel couldn't exactly afford to eat well every day like this and the rare occasions he did was when he visited his parents place. Being a single bachelor living on his own was difficult enough without having to pay for things like food or electricity.

His ears folded back and he shirked away a bit as the dog was far closer than he had been before. Damn him and those sneaky paws, Samuel cursed able to feel the dog's natural warm body heat washing over him as if he had just opened the oven door. And with it that strong smell of male.

Robbie had been working a long day and hadn't bothered to shower yet or rub the soapless deodorant through his fur. In fact the canine showed no signs of making himself more presentable for the feline.

"Too bad." Rob said with a shrug as if not too concern about it. His tail had stopped wagging however. "My roomies are out and who likes eating dinner alone?" Robbie said, changing and drawing the subject back to what had caught Samuel's attention in the first place.

"Well I can stick around for a slice or two." Samuel offered once more feeling guilty on the matter.

This wasn't the first time the dog offered to invite him over or go out to a bar (the cat would die before ending up in Collars and Chains though). Let alone the invitation of poker night Robbie had offered him today or game night last week... or during the super bowl. The cat had turned him down dozens of times already. Samuel figured the dog would get the picture sooner or later but it never seemed to discourage the canine who had slipped past him and into the kitchen. Samuel shivered in the contrast of the cold room and the warmth of the dog moving away.

For a split second, Samuel wanted to reach out for that warmth but found his hand quickly withdrawing on its own accord. If only he wasn't so broken... maybe a great guy like Robbie would actually like him. Maybe he could have a normal life. Make normal friends. Maybe even find a date that wouldn't eventually give up on him because of his edition.

It was only a matter of time before Samuel went too far and Robbie would cast him aside like everyone else had done...

Pulling a few plates down, Rob got an oven mitt out and was already licking his lips as he opened the oven butt up in the air wagging back and forth happily at the prospect of food. Samuel just moved around to take a seat on one of the stools, getting a good view of that firm ass up in the air.

The dog turned around to grab a few beers from the fridge, the action made the cat stand up quickly and the two stopped to just look at each other. Samuel had to take a second to smooth his fur down again. Maybe this really wasn't a good idea.

Even with someone as great and incredible as Robbie was, Samuel just couldn't help himself.

"You alright?" Rob asked with a weak, nervous chuckle hoping the cat wasn't dismayed by his offer of dinner. Rob was aware of the fact the cat had begrudgingly come along with this and was surprised the cat had stuck around as long as he had. For a long time Rob figured Samuel hated the dog or something.

"Y-yeah, just fine. Really." Samuel said taking another smoke and blowing the vapor out to the side. "Just fine." He repeated closing his eyes and rubbing the base of his short snout. His soft icy blues looked up at and into the deep muddy pits of the dog's own eyes who had been watching him.

"Long day?" Rob asked again clearly asking about the deeper meaning behind it.

"It's been rough." The cat replied with an equally weak chuckle. Samuel wasn't about to go into details however. How could you possibly tell someone something like that? That he was literally terrified of the guy who had been nothing but friendly with him since the very first day they met.

Robbie had even been the one to train Samuel for the job. Something the cat had found to be remarkable. He was the first canine he'd ever met that didn't make the cat just up and bolt on the spot. Still, there was a limit and Samuel was clearly pushing it.

Maybe if they did this for the next five years, Samuel might be able to shake the dogs hand one day. Maybe. Most likely not...

And with that a heavy wet blanket of silence fell over the two of them again once more. Samuel toyed with the electronic cigarette between his fingers as the dog drummed his fingers on the counter each looking in opposite directions.

"So... You've been eating pizza long?" Rob asked mentally kicking himself afterwards. There was literally only so much you could start a conversation with.

"No. First time." Samuel replied. The dog was startled before laughing weakly taking a moment to realize he was joking. "Maybe I should just go." The cat stood up once more but the dog waved his hands quickly to stop him as his own fears began to uproot.

"It's almost done, it's almost done!" Rob insisted turning around to read the light. "See. Five more minutes." The dog quickly brought the beer out. "Beer solves everything!" The canine said a lot louder than he meant too, forcing the smile on his face as he desperately tried to make this work out.

"They should use that as a slogan." Samuel rolled his eyes not taking the bottle from the dog. Rob took a moment and just set it down on the counter. Only then did the cat take it.

"Are all cats so off-putting?" Rob chuckled watching the cat. It was such a difference from the guys he worked with, knew and had grown up around. Like a whole different...species, Rob frowned at the thought. Ok, bad example. He could smell the fact the cat was agitated, then again he was always that way. He could also smell the fact Samuel did, to an extent, enjoy his company.

"Most are, yes." Samuel admitted knowing that the dog had every right to think so. Rob tolerated him far more than the cat tolerated the dog which was saying something. Even in society there was a huge rift between the two species. "I just...don't like-," Samuel stopped covering his mouth quickly with a hand, wide eyed now.

"Dogs?" Rob finished for him folding his ears down. His heavy, broad shoulders fell and his flexing chest deflated leaving a hunched over German Shepherd standing there. Robbie had suspected as such and now, having it confirmed before his very eyes was very heart breaking.

Robbie wanted to give Samuel a chance. Not just because he was a cat or a good looking guy or that he was a coworker... Robbie honestly wanted to think Robbie was just putting a front on in front of the other guys. The German Shepherd knew they could be a lot and not everyone could handle a bunch of canines.

"It's not like that." Samuel insisted but at the same time couldn't deny it either, unable to even look over at the dog now as his own burned hotly in frustration.

"You can go." Rob said turning around to get the pizza from the oven as the timer went off. His tone alone betrayed his deflated ego on the matter. Kicking himself once more thinking there was actually anything else here.

Once more Samuel felt guilty as the dog bent over to retrieve the cooked dough, cheese and meat. The dog was a bit surprised and bewildered to see the cat was still there when he turned around, nearly having the pizza slide off the pizza stone. An ear lifted up but the dog didn't press the matter. At first. Rob just set the pizza down taking off his mitts slowly.

Slicing the pieces evenly he set two onto a plate. "I thought you didn't like dogs. Or do you just like pizza more?" Robbie voice was snide and the look on his face wasn't exactly the playful dog Samuel had always seen him as.

Samuel silence had hurt the dog and Robbie was restraining himself from getting mad or angry at him now.

Samuel winced at the comment and nodded in his humility. Pains of guilt told him it wasn't right to stay and eat his food if the cat was just going to treat him like this. Samuel knew it was stupid, dumb and unreasonable but when those eyes looked at him his heart began to race and his whole body was on edge, tense and for lack of a better word frightened. Like a corner animal. That was the only way he could describe it. Fear.

Samuel moved to leave when a plate was placed in front of him, stopping the cat. His stomach growled as he frowned down at it.

"I invited you in for dinner. Might as well have some. Before you go." Rob said his voice losing any trace of that once upbeat friendly tone; it only put the cat more on edge. There was a low growl to it and Samuel felt threatened in that moment. If he ate the pizza it would confirm to the canine what Robbie had suspected and if he didn't, Samuel would only further insult the dog in his own home.

"I'm sorry," Samuel said getting up and heading out. He wrapped the scarf around his neck a bit more. "It's not what you think." He added looking at the dog before heading over for the door.

"And what is it I think? That you've just been playing with a bunch of dumb dogs like us? Some kind of...of...cat joke?" Rob growled getting angry, frustrated over the matter. It was a poor stereotype for a feline to pick on a canine. And also a very accurate one.

Something about a cat teasing a dog was just a fact of life. Something Robbie had experienced in his life and still the dog tried to give Samuel the chance. Not wanting to believe every feline on the planet could be like this.

"Like hell." Samuel wanted to snap back but lost his voice half way through.

The dog was glaring at him feeling betrayed on this whole matter. One thing about wearing your heart on your sleeves, you're just as easily hurt. The cat's hands were shaking and his breathing was heavy as if he had just gotten done with a triathlon. Swallowing he just turned away planning to leave it at that.

"And after everything I've done for you too!" Rob barked. The very sound made Samuel's legs freeze up and the cat was stuck where he stood wishing he had never come into this place. Or ever talked to Robbie to begin with... "Covering your shifts? Helping out on your reports? I even got the other guys to easy on you! Not an easy thing! I had to stick my neck out for you and you just... just..." Rob just growled deeply, fists clenching tightly as his hackles rose up increasing the dog's already massive size. "Well what are you waiting for?" Rob said taking a step closer, closing the already minimal distance between the two.

The dog lifted his hand up planning on opening the door for him but the cat winced sharply, flinching away if just slapped. Waiting for it. Feeling it without Robbie ever touching him as the cat recoiled violently, nearly falling over in the process.

"Please don't hurt me!" Samuel practically yelled eyes clenched shut, cowering back into the corner and visibly shaking from head to toe as thick tears ran down his face. He used both arms to cover his face trying not to look at the dog. Trying to think he was anywhere else but back there, at school, being picked on and beat up by all the large canines.

"Holy fuck..." The dog cursed every trace of anger leaving him as his fur deflated in the instance see that kind of reaction. "Dude, shit. I wasn't going to... I was just getting the door. Shit, you thought I was going to- Fuck, dude..." Rob just reached out a bit unsure what to do. His natural instincts made him want to comfort the cat.

To grab hold of him. Hug him, squeeze him, protect him. It was a dog's nature and Robbie was trying to stop himself from just pouncing on him and doing just that.

"Please don't," Samuel cowered hating himself for it, how his body reacted, how he felt and unable to help it at the same time. His claws were out and he was trying not to claw at his own face or arms as his whole body shook.

"Whoa, easy. I'm not going to do anything, little buddy." Rob tried to laugh. To make this a joke, to lighten the mood but he just stood there feeling worse about what he had inadvertently done.

Samuel panted a bit, breathing heavily and holding his chest trying to even his breaths out from the panic attack, as the dog eased up giving him some space. "S-sorry, I just...just..." The cat tried to apologize wincing once more at the dog's movements. The tears burning his cheeks as his claws sprung out. "Shit. Shit shit shit shit SHIT!" He cursed biting his finger trying to calm down until blood was drawn.

Everything had been going great. Nervous as hell but great! And now here Samuel was trying not to throw up as he shook violently once more, holding himself. The pain of his nails digging into his skin brought some clarity back as he steadied his breathing, keeping his eyes closed and just trying to calm down.

"Fuck..." Rob wanted to reach out, say something, do something but just stood there cursing his own inability to do anything. His fingers curled into a fist. It shook, he shook. Angry, angry he hadn't noticed the signs before this happened.

"Sorry." Samuel said breathing a bit more consistently, evenly and paced. "I got this problem...with dogs..." Samuel confessed planning on never seeing the dog again. He'd switch jobs, again. Hoping it wouldn't be an issue, again. And hoping he'd be able to pay the bills, again...

Even IF someone would hire a cat afraid of one of the largest majorities of the populations. Let alone for his lack of experience in anything but retail... Most people in his shoes worked in isolated careers, something he wasn't lucky enough to come across. Samuel had even looked into being a mortician but had nightmares about zombie dogs coming after him and had to scrap the idea.

"I'm seeing a group about it..." Samuel tried to explain further still unable to meet the dog's eyes and shaking, not from the cold.

"Shit, dude. I didn't know. I mean I didn't mean to, it's just." Rob wanted nothing more than to apologize with a hug, a touch, something physical and kept reaching out before withdrawing. A low whine escaped him hating himself for not being able to do anything but that.

It hurt. It hurt to see someone in this much pain and be only able to stand there and watch.

"No, it's my fault. I mean how could you know?" Samuel swallowed once more. "Could I get that b-beer now..." He asked meekly shirking back a bit as the dog nodded and heading around to grab the cats untouched drink.

Rob offered it to him. Samuel just gave him that pleading look. With a nod, Robbie set it on the ground. Unable to just take it from the dog, Robbie had set it down on the table and moved back before Samuel took a long drink to wet his parched throat.

"I'm sorry." Samuel apologized yet again. Ashamed. The only word possible to explain it in this day and age. "I... I got this condition and just..." Samuel shivered wanting to reach back to grab his wallet.

"I don't need money, dude!" Robbie almost laughed, holding up both hands to refuse whatever Samuel was doing.

"No...no, I got a card." Samuel sniffled putting the wallet away. It was dumb trying to show people that card. His therapist had recommend him use them and it only made Samuel feel like shit whenever he tried too. "Sorry..."

"Look. I never meant to frighten you or anything, really." Rob tried to explain waving his apology away wanting to apologize himself. "It just was...it wouldn't be the first time the fact I was a dog caused...issues." Rob said feeling self conscious himself in this matter now as he scratched a hand over his bare exposed chest. His dull nails getting lost in the thick fur.

"You're telling me." Samuel laughed weakly heading around, hugging the wall the whole time, before taking a seat to give his wobbly legs a break. "Ever since I was a kitten I couldn't be in the presence of a dog for long..."

Rob was about to point out he worked primarily with dogs before Samuel went on.

"I've been taking classes in order to help...with my issue. It's far more common than you'd think." Samuel swallowed before taking another long drink. "Smoking helps. And I normally change jobs...and apartments...or towns," he said in no more than a whisper reflecting on it. "But it's impossible to get away from... it."

Rob didn't answer. Instead he silenced his grumbling stomach with a slice of pizza, folding it in half before shoving it into his muzzle. He always ate when he was uncomfortable. Which explained the other three pieces he was shoving onto his plate. This was one uncomfortable evening.

Robbie had been hoping for a breakthrough between the two of them. In a way, he had succeeded. Just not exactly how he had expected it to go. Robbie had planned to make the pizza, get a few drinks going and then in a safe, comfortable environment have Samuel talk to him. About what? Anything, everything or just nothing at all.

Samuel had a nice face, a soft voice and when he wasn't shaking in fear... he was actually rather fun to be around. The other dogs got to be a bit much even for Robbie and it was nice to have a friend who was on the calmer side... or so he thought, before all this.

"Give me a moment and I'll leave." Samuel said taking out his cigarette again to smoke on. "Medical issues catnip," he chuckled looking at it. "Barely helps, it's been so diluted." There was a moment or so and Samuel took a bite of the cooling pizza on his plate. "Should try and eat something..."

"So..." Rob began as he always did. "Afraid of dogs, huh?" The German Shepherd ears were up, tail wagging slowly behind him as he rested against the counter helping himself to another slice of pizza.

"It's the barking." Samuel said frankly annoyed by the blunt statement but trying to not let that bother him. "And the way you...dogs look when you're angry... Jowls lifted, teeth bared, face scrunched up with that...that look in those eyes." Samuel grabbed his arm already feeling his fur standing up once more. He wiped his eyes off. "I don't mean to trouble you with this. It's a problem I have to deal with..."

"Well if I can help." Rob offered after finishing a second piece and beginning on a third. Or was that the fourth or fifth? Samuel wasn't sure as the canine just smiled at him now. "I'm more than happy too." He said with a mouth full of food.

"Help?" Samuel lifted an ear and eyebrow up looking at him. "How you could possibly help?"

"Well I mean I'll be good." The dog smiled wagging his tail with that friendly expression again. Samuel hated it. Dogs could be so fickle. "I won't bark anymore, promise. And it's said you're suppose to face your fears." At the look he got the dog added "and what better way with a big fluffy, cuddly guy like me!" And he jabbed a finger against his bare, muscular chest before opening his arms up as if offering for the cat to just jump into his arms on the spot.

Samuel chuckled, a single laugh before looking down at his plate and picking at it. "I should get going." The cat said getting up and heading once more for the door.

Rob stood up a bit more planning on seeing him off but stopped a good arms length away not wanting to frighten him again. The dog doubted he'd ever get that picture out of his mind of the frightened cat. It pained his heart. "Sorry, for what I did." Rob made sure to apologize before the cat opened the door.

Robbie was sure he'd only see the cat in passing after this day.

Samuel shook his head. "It's my fault. I shouldn't have come." That pain only stabbed at the German Shepherds chest again at those words. "Don't tell anyone, please..." Samuel couldn't meet those eyes.

"That should go without saying." Rob said with a nod and a tail wag. His voice was somber and there was a slight whine to his voice.

Samuel turned to go before stopping. "And...thank you, Robert." Samuel said his full name with a nod before opening the door. The feline planning to try and save some face by exiting as quickly as possible only for the chill wind to freeze him on the spot.

A cold harsh wind blew in and snow hit the cat in the face making his whiskers stand out. Samuel couldn't even see past the railing as the snow swept by the two of them as the storm picked up. The howling wind was all they could hear standing there, slack jaw as they stared out into the snowy winter land that had fallen.

"Looks like a blizzard." Rob pointed out standing behind him and peering out. The dog tried to sound concern or worried but the look on his face was something else as he grinned toothily at the idea of the cat sticking around.

Now that Robbie knew Samuel didn't hate him, just all dogs, the canine didn't mind trying to take his chance again.

"No shit, Sherlock." Samuel scowled with folded ears contemplating if it was better to head out into the snowstorm and test his luck or to stick here with this horny, stinky canine standing next to him. Only at that last thought did Samuel jump back away from the door and the canine.

Rob just smirked at that, shutting the door as he turned around the feline trapped in here with him...