sixwordstories | (no subject)

That's a matter of training, my dear.

Good. It sounds like you need a friend, and dogs are experts at that.

He usually does whatever I say. He is being stubborn.

I have friends...

A dog is better for unconditional love, though, eh? Not much can match it.

[Reynard approaches, kneeling down by the dog, offering his hand out for inspection and even scratching behind his ears if allowed. An animal probably won't mind his cold skin too much.]

What have you done to make him worried for you, hm?

[After Cassie nods her permission, the large dog is very affectionate and happy for the attention. ]

I... was ill. He managed to lead a helpful neighbor to my apartment. He has not left my side since then.

Do you want a dog?

I'm not sure a dog would take to me. I'm not quite human, after all.

He needs a good home.

I don't think I would be one. I'd probably feed it scraps of human if I paid it any attention at all.

His favorite is bacon.

I'd feed him human bacon as a treat, then.

[The dog nudges Cassie, and lays down right by her feet]

I never thought of human bacon... I didn't realize that it existed.

Humans and pigs are quite similar, so a man's belly produces bacon just like a pig belly.

I think... I would have to prefer pork, but I will abstain from it in the near future.

What for, hmm? It's highly unlikely to be human flesh--unless you get it from me, I suppose.

There's no reason... I haven't had much of an appetite lately.

That's unfortunate. You could use a bit of fattening up, you're much too thin. *His smile is especially creepy just now.*

I've gained two pounds since October. [The dog growls at him, but Cassie doesn't really react]

Only two? *He tsks. If she thinks she's going to die soon, she really ought to be eating more.

*It makes sense to him, okay?* I don't think your dog likes me much. *It can probably tell that he's hoping for a taste of her.*

Ah. Then you have two choices. Train him to do as you say despite his worries, or prove to him that you're not going to get ill again.

I will have to convince him... I tried to give him to a family and he refused.

He only attacks if someone tries to hurt me. You will be fine. *because Cassie trusts Ives no matter what. *

...I think I may not quite be myself.

I'll do my best not to get him upset with me.

Yes, I can tell. You're usually much more cheerful and kind. *He grins.* You still haven't introduced me to your lovely boss. We should do that soon, hmm?

[Reynard shakes his head.] If you want to train a dog well you have to understand that they have hierarchy, and you must always be in charge. If you want him to give you space you have to insist on it. If you want them to go to another family, you mustn't buckle.

[Standing again he rests his hands on his hips.] It always feels harsh, but structure is comforting to them.

I understand. I will try again.

I never should have taken the job. I don't need any more work.

Cassie nods. She'd do anything Ives said at the moment

No time like the present, hmm? *He knows it's probably not fair of him, and that she'll be upset once she's herself again, but it's far too tempting for him to refrain. Hey, he never claimed to be a good man.*

...Follow me. [She shows the way to the nursing home. She really will hate herself once she is back to normal]

*He'll be nice enough to kill quickly, at least, if only for her sake. There's one swift snap as the man's neck breaks, and then Ives starts to butcher his meat.* You might want to look away for this bit.

Yes, sir. [She obeys, and looks down at the floor as she waits]

We're friends, you need not call me sir. *He does approve of her looking away, though. The fewer bad memories she has the better.

*Before too long there's nothing left of her irritating boss save a full hunting bag and a satisfied sigh.* Ah, delicious. I'll eat well the next few days.