For you, Anything
Richard uttered a soft sigh as he stood just outside of the house. The rodent rested a hand on the gate as he looked towards the welcoming lights and sounds. How long had it been since he had attended one of these affairs? The calender said it had only been months, but it felt like several lifetimes ago. He hadn't done much beyond tend to his beloved for months now. Thinking of his dear Catherine, he almost stepped back out onto the walk and headed back towards his home. He certainly didn't like these events, they had always been more of her thing than his.
He knew he looked quite the sight as well. The suit he was wearing had been a little tight on him when he had bought it, but nothing terribly discomforting. Now though, he hung loosely around his frame when he tried it earlier. Spent part of the day tailoring it himself to make it fit. Since his sweet, darling Catherine had fallen ill, he had to develop a good many new skills. He wouldn't have even been out here, except that his beloved insisted that he get out and socialize.
Heaving another labored sigh, the young doctor pushed the gate open and slipped inside. He would go to the party and visit with his neighbors, if only because his dear insisted that he do so. Past the gate, gas lamps illuminated the cobblestone path leading up towards the house. Brightly colored ribbons cordoned off the path, herding him towards a side path that wrapped around the estate. Adjusting his hat, Richard followed the path, which was illuminated by more of the gas lanterns, casting a soft glow to stave off the encroaching twilight. His boots tapped sharply against the stones, the jovial noises becoming steadily louder as he advanced upon the party.
Rounding the house, he saw the party goers gathered about on the back deck, a band playing music crowded in a corner near the house. He paused just outside the brighter circle of light coming from the larger lamps dotting the patio. People mingled about the surface, the scents of food and drink tickling his nostrils, as well as a different chemical scent. Angling his head forward, he peered over the lens of his glasses, spying several smoldering sticks. Possibly some type of repellant to keep the insects at bay. His muzzle scrunched up in a slight smile, wondering if there were such a thing for socialites. Sweeping his gaze away from the sticks, he looked over the gathered masses. There were only a double-handful out at the moment. Some couples were dancing to the song, but the majority were chatting, spreading the latest gossip. Distasteful, if you asked him. He couldn't possibly care less about who had said what about which person, or what someone had been wearing to some event.
What was he doing here, he asked himself, starting to turn away from the party. He had always detested these things. "Richard Ethans, I do hope you're not planning on leaving my party so soon." He froze as suddenly as if he'd been axed, whiskers quivering. It would be impossible to mistake that voice, not in a million years. Turning, he saw a mink standing at the top of the stairs, one hand resting on the railing. Her eyes sparkled as she looked down at him. If she looked at anyone else with those eyes, they could be called beautiful, seductive, he only saw the eyes of a huntress.
He looked at her as she came down towards him, her ivory fur gleaming in the light like freshly fallen snow. As she got closed to him, the mink had to look up towards him, since she stood a full head shorter than he. "After months of not seeing you, you arrive at one of my gatherings, then turn to leave? You wound me." Richard's whiskers twitched slightly; "I am sorry I have missed these social events, I have been indisposed, Elnora." Taking her hand in his gently, he lifted it to his mouth, giving her knuckles a gentle kiss. The mink tittered at him, freeing her hand and slipping it through his arm. "I can imagine, I don't see how you do it." His ear twitched a bit, displaying his passing annoyance. "Spending all day cooped up in that house, with your nose buried in those texts."
Richard followed as she led him up onto the deck, the other guests casting eyes towards him. "I manage somehow, certain things keep me going." Elnora released him once she had steered him to an area far enough away from the stairs that he could not slip away easily. "What are those things, my good Doctor?" she purred up at him, tilting her head back to gaze at him elegantly. Reaching up, he adjusted his glasses; "More than just reading texts. I am working hard to study and understand something I have never heard of before. Also," he cleared his throat, "Not to sound like some novelized romance, it is love that has kept me going. I made a promise to my dearest Catherine that I will see her health restored." The sow looked towards the party, "One can only wonder what magic she has worked to garner such fervid devotion from a handsome, educated man such as yourself." Another ear twitch followed her question, "Perhaps you would know if you did not seem to detest your sister so." Elnora's head snapped towards him, a flicker of anger and jealousy flashing through those eyes. So blue and cold, like the great glaciers that drifted about the ocean. That chilled look was gone in a second, vanishing like a drop of water on a hot pan; "Excuse me for a moment, I need to check to see how the other guests are doing." She flashed a quick smile, a look that pained him so to see; "Don't leave yet."
Watching Elnora weave her way back through the crowd, smiling and laughing as she paused briefly at each group to chat, made his heart sink. While his darling and her sister could be so vastly different in the terms of their personalities, save for their coloring they were nearly identical in stature. Biting his bottom lip, he turned from the sight of the hostess. With arms dangling lifeless at his side, the doctor ventured over to the refreshment table. As he approached, a server immediately began to pour him a cup of punch, offering it to him with a practiced smile. He took it with an equally practiced smile and thanks before sipping from the glass.
He had been worried about what the drink would be, but a measure of relief went through him when he tasted a familiar mix of a punch. As welcoming as the drink was, it only served to further sadden him. The mix was a recipe passed through the mink's family. His Catherine had made the brew on many occasions. Every sip made him think of his mate, resting at home while he was out here. Looking at the cup, he cleared his throat softly. Elnora had used a touch too much whiskey in it. If he weren't careful, the punch could get the better of him. The food on the table only got a passing glance from him. His appetite had abandoned him some time ago. The center piece of the table was a clockwork swan that seemed to react as if it were truly a living thing. A passing curio, nothing more.
Richard turned from the table and was intercepted by the looks from several people. His ears flicked back against his head for a moment, nodding towards the other party goers before moving towards the railing again. He knew every one of these people, some of them more intimately than their own spouses. Before he had stopped seeing regular patients, he had seen several of them come in with one aliment or another, of the sexual nature.
Before he had even gotten up to the railing, an arm slipped around his again, a soft body butting against his gently. When he looked over, his heart stopped for a moment when he saw his Catherine there, smiling up at him. The moment passed far too quickly, and Elnora purred up at him; "Are you enjoying yourself, Richard?" She linked her arm with his and began to guide him through the crowd again. He took another drink of the punch before responding; "You should remember that I've never been fond of these events." She laughed softly, tossing her head back and leaning her head against his shoulder, "I remember all too well." Looking up at him, her eyes sparkled in the light as they gazed up at him adoringly. Richard shifted uncomfortably under her stare and lifted his glass to take another drink. Almost as soon as the glass touched his lips, the sky light up bright as day. All eyes were drawn upwards to the heavy clouds that waited above them. Seconds later, thunder rolled across the party.
Elnora chittered in annoyance then looked at him, "Had hoped it wouldn't start." Taking a step away from him, she crossed her arms in front of her and smiled. Guests and band fell silent, eyes turning towards the hostess. "I'm sorry about this, everyone; I had been hoping that the weather would be generous and hold off until the party was done. If everyone would be so kind as to head indoors, we'll take the festivities there!" Smiling at him, she shooed her hands towards the building; "That includes you." Then she was off, heading to one of her servants to arrange having everything taken inside.
Now that she was gone again, he began to ponder leaving before it began to rain. Fate, it seemed, had other plans. The figure of one of his older friends separated from the crowd, the fox smiling at him as he tipped his head forward. "I had wondered when you would get back out into the world of the living, My boy." Richard instantly relaxed when he saw he gentle smile of Tids. Jeremy Marcus Tiddlesworth, or just Tids as his friends called him, was a university man and easily ten years Richard's elder. He breathed a soft sigh of relief, "It is relaxing to be away from home, but my mind keeps turning back to Catherine."
He fell into step alongside the vulpine as they moved towards the house. Tids looked over at him; "How is she, by the way? I do miss chatting with her, bright girl." The younger doctor shook his head slowly; "She is stable, but it is the best that I can do. Her body is so terribly weak." The older male waited in silence, listening. He continued with a soft sigh, "Thankfully, her mind has remained sharp. When she is awake and I am reading to her, I can still see that spark that first drew me to her." Tids murred, "That is a good thing then, hopefully you can keep her sharp until you figure out what is the matter."
They followed the crowd into the house's ballroom as the servants were turning on the interior's electrical lights. More clockwork curios sat atop tables set around the room. Tids took a glance at them; "Amazing what they are doing with those now, isn't it? One wonders when they will start to build greater things out of those springs and gears." Richard paused to look at what appeared to be a fish tank, metallic fish moving about their paths, being held in the air by hair-thin wires. "I have heard talk that they are creating mechanical limbs and even organs. Can you imagine that? A heart run by the same mechanisms you would find in your pocket watch." Tids rubbed his muzzle in thought, fingers brushing across graying fur. "I would largely be worried about having to wind it. Not to forget that metallic parts tend to rust and corrode."
Moving in a slow path around the room, the pair fell into discussion on various topics. While it was obvious that his friend kept the topic away from the subject of Catherine, Richard was honestly thankful for the company. Several times Elnora would circle in, give the pair a look, then move away again. After several times, Tids changed the direction of their walk, venturing out into the halls. "Perhaps you know of a place where an older gent can rest his bones for a bit?" The rat nodded, reaching up to run his fingers through his whiskers; "If I am not mistaken, there should be a study right down here."
Only a short walk brought them to the study that he remembered. The room was dark, but after groping about briefly, he found a switch for the lights. Tids watched as soft light poured from the bulbs; "Those still amaze me. Remember when most rooms had to either have gas lighting, a candle, or just venture forth and hope you didn't hit anything." Richard stopped near the door, his features softening as he looked around with a soft sigh. The rat doctor could remember so many happy hours he'd spent here, courting Catherine and speaking with her father.
He cleared his throat softly and made for the table near the fireplace. Rain beat against the windows, flashes of lightning peeking around the drawn curtains. Tids watched him, the fox having already claimed a seat for himself. "Have a lot of memories tied up in this room, don't you?" Sinking into one of the other overstuffed chairs, he offered a sigh; "Catherine was in this chair here when I proposed to her." Looking down, he felt a lump form in his throat as his fingers traced the armrest. Richard swallowed to keep the lump from moving up any further. "So many good memories, it is easy to balance them against the bad." His long time friend leaned forward; "I'm sorry I haven't come to visit, but I don't think I could stand seeing her if she is as bad as I imagine her to be."
Richard nodded, closing his eyes, "It was hard for me at first, but as long as I see that spark in her eyes, I know that her mind is still active and well." Tids nodded then lifted his eyes higher, looking past Richard. Turning, he looked at what had gotten the fox's attention and saw Elnora walking into the room. She flashed a quick smile, "So this is where you two have gotten." She looked from the doctor over to the todd; "Your wife was looking for you, I believe she might be wanting to leave before the rain gets worse." The fox chuckled; "Of course, she would decide that as soon as I take a seat." Groaning, he pushed himself up; "Take my advice and don't grow older." Standing, the doctor offered his hand to his friend; "Do come by sometime, I'm sure Catherine would love to see you again." Tids shook his hand and smiled a little before shuffling off.
The two of them stood in silence for a moment after the older male left. Richard looked around the room, trying to think of something to say. Quick movement brought his attention back to the sow as she came in close. His back arched and stiffened as her hand found it's way to his groin, her body pressing firmly against his. "How long has it been since my sister touched you down here." Richard's mouth worked as his heart leapt right up into his throat. "Months and months, far longer than a person like you should be left along." Her voice was a low purr as her hand worked up and down against his body. It had been far too long, and her touch was more than enough to get his body to start responding. He watched, stunned, as she dropped to her knees in front of him and began to work on opening his pants.
Richard lurched backwards, knocking the chair over backwards. His leg twisted under him as he went down with the chair. Scrambling to his feet, he backed away from Elnora as she knelt there with a surprised look. He ignored the ache that was already starting to build in his leg and backed towards the door. "That was more uncalled for and definitely not befitting a lady. I am a married man, my dear." He dipped quickly to pick up his hat, placing it back on his head quickly. "I believe I have overstayed my welcome, Elnora." He tipped his hat towards her; "I shall not mention this transgression to anyone. Good morrow."
Turning on his heel, he left the still stunned mink sow in the study as he headed for the front door. His mind was a blur as he ventured out into the rain, vaguely remembering that he said a polite farewell to one of the servants he recognized. The pouring rain quickly cooled his head and body, bringing sense back to him. By the time he reached the end of the block, the disbelief of what Elnora had done and how he responded hit him fully. He knew full well that she had wanted to be his, and that him picking Catherine had wounded her. Lowering his head, the doctor continued down the walkway. The rain, which had been a welcoming shock to his system, was quickly turning into a nuisance. By the time he reached his own house, his clothing was soaked through and weighing him down.
His boots slapped wetly against the paving stones as he made his way beyond his gate and up the path. Darkness reigned here, but he easily found his way through the storm around to the kitchen. Pushing his way inside, he stopped at the mud room and began to strip off his soaked garments. He'd deal with them in the morning, but right now he wanted to get them off his body before he fell ill. The clothes formed a soaked mound on the floor as he undressed in the dark. A shiver raced up his spine when he finally stood bare in the room.
As bare as the day he was born, Richard ventured through the house. His body wound through the home he knew as well as he knew his own name. There was little need for a light, especially since he had yet to spend the money to have his home wired for electricity. One of the many modern conveniences he had promised Catherine before she fell ill. All in due time, once she were well and able to move about freely once more.
He made his way to the upstairs bedroom quickly, feet automatically picking their way past the more noisy floorboards. The young doctor slowed long enough to light a lamp on the bedside, squinting against the sudden flare of the match. Lighting the lamp, he put the glass back into place before dropping the match into a dish with countless others. He kept his gaze from the bed, especially after the feelings that had been stirred that evening. It had always been more than large enough for Catherine and he, now it simply felt empty. Biting his bottom lip, he went to the bath room to get a towel and dry himself off. Once he was dry and had a drink of whiskey to warm his blood, he would feel far better, he promised himself.
Indeed, he did feel far better once the clinging damp had been rubbed from his fur. Looking a tad more scraggly than usual, he left the bathroom with his robe wrapped around him. Normally, he didn't imbibe in alcohol more than the occasional social drink; and he had done plenty of that earlier with that punch. Tonight just felt like a night where he would need a little nip to help himself sleep. He kept a small decanter just for such a purpose, seated atop a chest of drawers. The rat stopped for a moment as he removed the stopper, looking at the glasses. One was turned upright, something he was positive that he never did. He shrugged it off after a moment, convincing himself that it was just due to the long days that he'd been having as of late.
Just a little of the amber liquid found it's way into the glass, it was all he would allow himself. With the stopper back in the decanter, he drank down the liquor in a couple draws, feeling a warmth spreading through his body in mere seconds. "Must be a rough day for you to imbibe this late in the evening, or are you that chilled that you need it?" Richard jumped in shock, the glass falling from his hand to shatter against the floor. He spun and looked at Elnora with wide eyes, hissing; "What are you doing here? If you wish to apologize, come back in the morning. I am very tired." She came out of the shadows that clung near the door, the doctor's cheeks flushing when he realized that she sore nothing more than a seductive smile. "I didn't come here to apologize, I just wanted to make you an offer that you most certainly won't refuse." He hissed as he backed away from her, "I most certainly will refuse! Your sister has my devotion and love. I will not allow myself, nor do I... I..." He staggered a little as his head began to spin slowly.
Crossing over to him, Elnora placed her hand on his chest and pushed him back towards the bed. Richard stumbled, tripping over his own tail before slamming down into the mattress. "You are acting like you have a choice. I told you that you won't be able to refuse what I'm offering. Simply because I plan on taking it." He tried to get his arms under him to push himself back up, but his limbs moved as if they were in syrup. Sliding onto the bed, she tugged the covers back before turning to him again. "I have been educating myself recently, reading every book I could get my hands on." She reached under his arms and lifted him up, huffing as she tried to pull him higher onto the mattress.
The sow strained and pulled the limp rat higher onto the bed, moving around him to try and work him at different angles. She panted at him; "I've always loved you from the moment I set eyes on you. You would have been mine if Catherine hadn't stolen you from me!" Her voice developed a little growl at the mention of her sister. "She'll be out of the way soon enough though, then I can finally have you all to myself." Richard fell heavily onto the bed as she dropped him back down, his head resting on his pillows. His body was unresponsive, even his mouth refused to work, all he could do was follow her with his eyes as she sat on the bed and began to undo his robe. "I am sorry for drugging you, Richard, but you wouldn't listen to me unless I did. The powder I placed in your glass should wear off by morning, do hope it didn't ruin the taste of your whiskey."
The mink purred as she opened his robe up, hands pushing it back and caressing his torso. "Mm, you've lost weight, but I think you have put on a little more muscle." He tried to pull away from her as her hand ventured down between his legs again, but his body was helpless. Her soft fingers curled around his manhood and began to stroke it slowly. "Oh, a natural man. Somehow I'd always imagined you'd be cut;" he felt his body respond as nature intended, firming up against her grasp. All he could manage was a groan as she pushed back his foreskin and leaned over him.
Closing his eyes tightly, he tried to deny the jolt of pleasure that struck his body as she closed her mouth around him. He hadn't partaken in any release, beyond the manual kind, for countless days now. Each time her tongue or teeth brushed against his overly sensitive head, it would make his unresponsive body twitch. She nipped at his foreskin and moaned, "Oh my stars, you are big too." Richard held back another moan as she pushed her head down, forcing his length all the way down into her throat. Her esophagus fought the intrusion for a moment before she pulled back, coughing. "Thought I could manage," she muttered more to herself.
Evidently, trying to take him that deep decided something for her. Crawling atop him, her smaller body easily straddled his hips, pushing the silky fur of her pubic region against him. "You don't know how long I have waited for this," came a breathless moan as she almost laid on top of him. Fingers guided his length up, pressing his tip against her tightness. "I've even saved myself for you..." she breathed into his ear, rubbing him against her entrance. As she pushed back, the mink sat up slowly, biting her bottom lip as he stretched her slot. He could feel her hymen break as the mink sat fully on him. Elnora's claws bit at his flesh as she hissed against the pain, biting her lip.
The scent of blood mixed with the scent of her arousal and musk as she lifted up off him slowly. She began to ride him with short, rocking motions. Her motions and breathing became more excited as the pain faded away, leaving only a budding pleasure. He closed his eyes and begged his dear Catherine to forgive him. There was little he could to do ward off the pleasure he was feeling. Elnora's enthusiastic actions were quickly bringing him towards his release. Her hands grabbed at his shoulders, fingers digging into the flesh there as the bed creaked from her repeated bounces. He looked up at the mink as she rode him, her body veiled in a soft glow from the lamp, making her almost seem angelic.
Pert breasts rubbed against his belly as she lay against him, rocking her body back and forth over him, rolling her hips into each push. Her tongue bathed his neck as she moaned his name out. She repeated it over and over, chanting it as her voice rose higher and higher. His eyes squeezed shut as he felt his body give in to her primal demands. His testes, backed up with seed, pulled tight against his body as he fired his load into her body. Feeling him start to finish inside of her, the sow let out an excited squeal, taking him all the way to the hilt and shoving against his groin.
She stayed atop of him for a long while, head resting against his chest as she breathed heavily. It was only when he started to slip out that she moved. "Gotta tend to my beloved first," she purred, voice carrying volumes of contentment. Richard's body twitched as she cleaned him off with her careful tongue, getting every inch of his manhood and groin before she retreated to the bathroom to clean herself up. When she returned moments later, she snuffed the lamp and joined him in the darkness. Pulling the blanket up over their bodies, she tucked herself against his side and fell asleep with a purr. He closed his eyes, feeling tears running down his cheeks as he silently begged forgiveness for the betrayal of his body.
He woke when Elnora stirred from bed, remaining perfectly still as she slid from bed and padded across the room. The doctor remained still, pretending to be asleep, as she ventured into the bathroom. When she was finished, instead of returning to the bed, she headed for the door and started downstairs. Rising slowly, he moved to follow her, moving slowly as his body remained a tad unsteady under him. He pulled his robe around his body slowly, cinching the belt against the morning chill as he shuffled down the stairs.
It wasn't hard to find the mink, the scents of her musk and the night before formed a trail through his house. The door to the ward, which he used for patients that he preferred to keep close by when he had been taking them, stood ajar. He moved in, as silent as any specter of the night, and listened to the purring voice from the other side. "Guess what I did last night, Dear sister. Hmm, no guesses then? I have done what you haven't been able to for months, I have satisfied your husband in bed." Her laugh sent a chill up his spine, making his fur stand on end for a moment. "Not entirely your fault, I suppose. I am just surprised that you have held on this long, dear Richard must be a better doctor than I thought." Her voice carried a hint of embarrassment, "Not the first time he has surprised me in the last day.
"Either way, I am willing to bet you never thought that your own sister was causing your sickness. I doubt Richard even considered it either, all the books I read clearly stated that heavy metals are hard to detect." The bed creaked and the voice dropped lower. He had to peek through the door, feeling a rage building in his gut as he spotted the naked female leaning over his Catherine. "All those little candies you so loved were the cause of your death." She laughed again, "Never even thought twice about their odd taste when I told you that they were foreign, did you?" He thought back to the night before, how the lamp had given Elnora an angelic glow. If this sow were an angel, she had fallen so far it was surprising she could see light.
The mink stopped for a moment, looking at her sleeping sister, eyes flicking across the features. He shoved the door open, letting it slam against the door. Elnora jerked, tail turning into a bottle-brush as she looked towards him. "Amazing likeness isn't it? I hand-crafted every detail down to the tiniest part" She looked at him, confused as he nodded towards the bed, "Too many people love Catherine, I had to make a clockwork counterpart for her. Something for people to pay tribute to while I worked on her real body." He could see the wheels turning in Elnora's head; "If this is nothing more than a mannequin, where is the real Catherine?"
Wordlessly, he motioned for her to follow. He moved away from his offices and the wards, instead taking a short jaunt to the kitchen, and from there down into the cellar. Elnora was silent as she followed, waiting in the darkness as he lit a lantern. Together, they ventured to a back corner where a door waited, a light peeking out from under it. He opened the door and stepped aside. Confusion reigned on her face as she stepped into the room. It took the mink a moment to realize what she was looking at, but when she did she had to cover her mouth to keep from screaming.
Catherine lay on a bed, a single light glowing at her side. Richard stepped into the room behind Elnora, turning a valve. Steam poured through pipes, powering a generator that turned on several electrical lights in the room. The mink female lay on a bed, machinery hooked to her body. The devices clicked and ticked and tocked steadily as they worked to replace the organs that had failed her. One served as her heart, pumping blood into another that functioned in place of her lungs. More than half her body was consumed by the devices. Hoses and metal crawled across her, as if symbolizing the very disease that had ruined her health. Elnora trembled as she looked over her sister, tears gathering in her eyes. He sat the lamp down on a work table, picking up a vial and a syringe seated there, several weeks of dust coating their surfaces.
Jabbing the needle through the cork, he explained calmly. "There was little I could do to save her body; but I have managed to preserve her mind." Looking at Elnora, he could see the disgust and shock on her face as she watched the billows pump slowly, breathing for his beloved. "I had no idea what was causing her malady, and have been wondering how I was to repair her body. Truthfully, I have been waiting for science to progress enough for me to save her. It seems my plans have changed recently, however."
Richard didn't lunge or make any sudden movement. As calmly as if treating a patient, he wrapped his arm around Elnora's neck and held on tightly. She utter a strangled gasp as he plunged the needle into her neck and injected its contents into her, plucking the needle away before she could tear her flesh. The female fought against his hold, but the sedative quickly began to take hold and her struggles grew less vigorous. Leaning his head down, he whispered into her ear; "I am truly sorry, Elnora, but I must have my Catherine back. It is only fitting that since you saw her body destroyed and ruined, that you give her yours in return." He felt tears from the female mat the fur on his arm as her body slowly went limp. "I will endeavor to make this as painless as possible, but it will hurt. For that, you have my apologies." Kissing her cheek, he held her as she slumped in his arms. He whispered softly into her ear, his voice soft and gentle as he cradled her. Sorrowful tears stained his cheeks as he let the needle fall from his grip.
Hefting the female was no major difficulty, her body as limp as a rag doll in his arms. As he crossed to the table, he could hear Catherine's angelic voice purring at him. "You will save me," was all she said. He looked over at her with warmth and love in his eyes, "I swore I would do anything to see you well again, my love." There, he knew he saw her smile and breathe a little easier! Proof that his love still lingered within the shell of her body. He laid Elnora on the table before venturing to gather his tools.