Stray Dog

On a rainy evening, Ivaylo was walking home hiding under an umbrella. He got a taste for anything sweet, so he stopped at the store next to the apartment building to get something from there.

It was cold outside, so he should choose a warm food item, maybe a bun. The Beastwoman clerk was working again, admiring Ivaylo's handsome face and physique. He was her ideal man; handsome, stylish, and seemingly very rich. She could tell by his working suit and all the accessories he wore.

That Beastwoman tried to make small talk but he ignored everything that she said. It was really upsetting for her, but what could she do? After the pay, she just watched him leave. Suddenly he picked up his pace. Why?! He rushed out of the store to catch up to a human woman... she already knew that one... she hated her! Not again... HER!

Our human girl was startled, as Ivaylo appeared out of nowhere behind her. Ivaylo said nothing just jerked his head towards the door of their apartment building. She unlocked and opened the door to let him in first and she walked after him like a master and his maid. The clerk was glaring at that scene from behind the glass of the store. She was disgusted by even *his arrogant* little attention, that unworthy human was given by that handsome Beastman.

They did all their after-work rituals and were left resting in the living room. The young girl was crocheting at the window seat again, humming some melody and Ivaylo was reading a book with half of his body stuck under the Kotatsu to warm up.

For a moment she stopped and looked outside thinking. She was worried about being seen with Ivaylo in public. That wasn't very ideal for her, since even friendship between a human and a Beastman is frowned upon. She knew very well about that part.

This was the second time Ivaylo did that. Next time, it could lead to something dangerous for her. It wouldn't be the first time... She turned her head to Ivaylo, observing his unbothered reading face. Despite him hating to interact with her, she had to express her worries.

"I would like to ask you a favor... to keep your distance on the street from me. Please?!" That stroke a nerve with Ivaylo. His face became twisted with anger and he stood up. What did she just dare to say to him?! Who did she think she was?! She tried to order a Beastman? A mere human? What a joke!

Ivaylo walked over to her with that turquoise glare and stopped right in front of that sitting area next to the window. The girl got flustered looking to the side and lowering her head. She was frightened by his glare. "I didn't say it to offend you. I just..."

Ivaylo snatched both of her hands into one of his and pressed them over her head against the window coming closer with his face to hers. He was pissed about her suggestion. A human can't command him around, what he can and can not do. He will do, as he pleases...

The door of their apartment flung open and a human male ran inside going right after Ivaylo. He swung a stick at him but Ivaylo dodged it to the side. The male grabbed the girl by her shoulder and yanked her into his other arm with the stick pointing at Ivaylo.

"What the hell is going on?! Why is that monster at your home?!" He began to shout at the girl. Ivaylo knew that stench. He could smell it faintly but for sure, she was often in the presence of that weird human male.

"Do you think, because you are stronger than a human, you can go around commanding us?! I despise your kind! You are just the freaks of nature! I wished you would never exist!" Ivaylo was glaring at that asshole. He could easily take him down with that lousy stick of his... if he wished.

That girl interfered. "Please, stop! Do you remember, I told you about that Beastguy I helped on the street?!" The male's head fell down on her. "The one, who clawed your arm? Don't tell me, it's this jerk?! For fuck sake, why is he here?!"

She continued. "He is temporarily living here... because his job is nearby." The guy rubbed the root of his nose. "God! You are too naive and innocent! You know, you should always keep your distance from those monsters. But you NEVER LISTEN! How many more scars do you need to get to understand?!"

He turned back to Ivaylo pointing again with the stick at him. "Listen up you stray DOG... get the heck out of here! It's her place, so don't use her freeloading! You will leave! NOW!" Ivaylo smirked arrogantly. "Make me!" The man growled. "FINE!"

He ran into the bedroom of the young woman, packing a bag, grabbed her by the arm, and ran outside dragging the poor girl behind him. Ivaylo was surprised. Where will he take her? He followed them outside to the street.

They stopped at the road waiting for a car to pass by. Ivaylo closed in and out of nowhere, he grabbed the girl by the other arm, as the guy was about to cross to the other side. With that scene, they attracted unwanted attention from both, Human and Beastfolk pedestrians. Even the Beastwoman clerk walked out of the store.

The human girl looked around and was scared by the well-known glare of that specific clerk. She was confused, what did Ivaylo want from her? Even Ivaylo didn't understand his current action and he released the grip on her arm looking at his palm.

The man used that little open window of Ivaylo's confusion and crossed the street with the girl in tow and disappeared into the building across the street where he lived. Ivaylo was left there standing in his home clothes, puzzled about what just now transpired.

The girl didn't return for the night and Ivaylo was standing at the window glaring over the street. With his keen smell, he could make out which apartment that rude male lived in. Who the hell was he?! Her lover?! It can't be, then he would want to spend time with her and she never mentioned anybody... well not when she was allowed to speak to him.