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Growing up isolated in a small village wasn’t the easiest, since your mother fell prey to the Void. Your father chose to keep you hidden from the other villagers due to the fact that you were a girl; he didn’t want you to be a target, especially once you became a teenager. Your overprotective father didn’t always bring out the best in you and you often argued about you venturing out into the world on your own.
So naturally, one day you snuck away from home while your dad was out, a pack on your back and a hood over your head. Ransen wasn’t too far away, only about half a days walk, so that’s where you were headed. Your ears twitched at every little sound as you took off into the forest, you tail swaying behind you as you ran. Once you felt you were far enough away, you slowed to a walk, still peering over your shoulder every now and then to see if your father was coming after you. After a few hours, you figured you were safe.
Never being in the forest before, you peered up at the massive trees, admiring the way the sun shone through the green leaves. Still, you couldn’t wait to get to Ransen, since you knew that seeing and meeting new people wasn’t very likely in the forest. When the first sounds of civilization made to your ears, a smile spread across your face in anticipation. You took off into a run once you saw buildings through the trees, skidding to a stop once the trees vanished and the city came into view.
The rundown skyscrapers, dirt roads, cozy little houses, shopping stalls, and most importantly: other ribika. With bright eyes you made your way into the city, a little shaky from nerves and excitement. As you wandered through the streets, admiring the sites, you failed to see a large male cat stepping onto the street away from a stall. You ran smack into him and it felt like hitting a brick wall, causing you to stumble backwards. “Careful!” a large hand secured around your arm and kept you from falling. Looking up, you had never seen a large cat before, the rounded, striped ears giving him away apart from his muscled build.
“S-sorry.” you managed to stammer as his clawed fingers removed themselves.
He grinned. “New to town?”
At least he was friendly. “Y-yes.” You made sure to keep your voice low so that he wouldn’t figure out you’re a girl, just like your father had taught you.
“Just be careful, there’s a lot of big cats here. But hey, I own an inn if you need a place to stay. Breakfast included!” His smile only made him more handsome as you peered up at him, eyes wide.
“Oh, sure. Yeah I need a place to stay.” you told him, your tail swishing under your cloak.
“It’s right this way.” He then spun around to lead you towards his inn, tiger tail swaying gently behind him.
“Don’t you have more shopping to do?” You cringed, as you had forgotten to lower your voice, although he didn’t seem to catch on.
“No. I’m done for today. I’ve got all my ingredients for dinner.” the tiger replied, walking on. “Name’s Bardo, by the way.” You quickly introduced yourself as well, hoping your name didn’t sound too feminine. Bardo grinned at you over his shoulder before making small talk as you walked, pointing out a few stalls that you “absolutely should visit.”
By the time you got to the inn, you were grateful that it had been Bardo that you ran into first. He showed you to your room and after you had plopped your bag on your bed, he said something unexpected. “You know, you don’t have to hide here. Women are more than welcome, but the cloak is a good idea when you’re outside.”
You were panicking a bit but he assured you once again that it was okay. You relented and dropped your hood; his eyes widened a bit upon seeing your face. “Well, pretty faces are always welcome. Dinner’s in an hour, okay?” You gave a nod, feeling your face flush, as he turned and walked back down the hall. You then found yourself grinning as you shut the door; so far Ransen was great.
A few days later, you had gotten comfortable around the inn and frequently walked with your hood down. Bardo and you had become decent friends and you had accompanied him to market everyday and even helped him prepare a few meals. “So who’s down for dinner tonight?” you asked, slicing up the last of the potatoes.
“Oh, it’s just us two tonight.” he answered, his back to you as he cooked. You blinked, pausing for a moment, before shrugging and continuing on; seemed he didn’t want to talk.
After everything was prepared, he plated two plates then turned to you, who had two glasses of water in your hands. “Alright!” he announced. “Let’s go!”
“W-wait.” you said, following him out of the kitchen. “The dining room’s that way.” Even though you were headed in a different direction, you still followed after the tiger.
“I thought we’d eat in my room tonight, since it’s just the two of us.” You found it odd but followed him anyway, seeing the glowing leaf in the center of the table as he set the plates down.
“This is nice.” you said as he pulled out chair. “Any special occasion?”
“I thought it was would be nice to spend some more time with you.” he said, taking his own seat. “It’s not every day a beautiful female enjoys my company.”
You flushed and found a giggle slip by. “Well it’s not every day I get to spend time with large cat who is also an amazing chef.” That smile of his made you melt, but what made it worse was when he reached over to you and ran his fingers through your hair, narrowly avoiding your ears.
“You’re the one who’s amazing.” Bardo’s voice was so smooth. “I know you’re a guest, but these past few days I’ve always been looking forward to every moment with you. You’re unlike any guest I’ve had.”
You fought back your nervousness and replied “Because I’m a girl?” His hand now plowed back through your hair, pausing to scratch just below your ear. You felt a purr immediately erupt from your throat as you tilted your head to the side.
A chuckle made your ear twitch slightly and you couldn’t help a shiver that ran up your spine. “I suppose that’s one reason.” He just kept grinning at you and scratching gently as you continued to lean over; he could’ve sworn you were going to fall off your chair you were enjoying it so much.
As soon as he stopped, his fingers just running through your hair down to your shoulder, you took immediate notice. “Mmm…don’t stop.” you hummed, your eyes flitting open.
He chuckled again. “Someone enjoys ear scratches. Well here.” He got up and went over to his bed, pulling a brush off his cluttered nightstand. He then pat the spot next to him and you shuffled over, plopping down next to him. “Tail.” he ordered, holding out his hand.
His smile was infectious as you plopped your tail into his awaiting hand. He immediately began to brush it and the sensation was so soothing. “Mmm…not as good as the ears.” you told him to which he looked at you in mild surprise.
“Usually my tail brushes are the best!” He feigned injury before a smile broke back out on his face. “But, I guess I can finish your ears first.” He then scooted closer and suddenly you were very aware of how the side of his leg touched you as he reached up to your ears. Shivers ran over your body as you felt his claws gently start to scratch. Your eyes fluttered shut as you leant into his touch. “Feel good?” You could only nod as you started to purr again.
After a few minutes, he switched ears but you also felt a new sensation as he shifted closer. When you realized it was the roughness of his tongue against your ear, you immediately shrunk, your ears folding back. You pulled back and looked at him, your face churning red as he peered down at you. “Didn’t like it?”
“N-no, it’s not that…I didn’t like it.” Now you couldn’t look at him, fiddling with your claws as your tail swished nervously. You tensed when he said your name and turned your chin towards him with his calloused fingers. He watched his own fingers as they made their way up into your hair towards your ear.
“I guess that means you wouldn’t mind me doing it again?” Narrowed golden eyes met yours as he drew closer. “Or something else…?” he droned, a smirk on his lips.
You knew exactly what he was thinking and it took you all of two seconds to stutter out your answer: “Y-yeah…?” Your eyes fluttered to his lips and his smile widened before he closed the gap. You were sure he could feel the heat from your face when you separated. “I…guess that wasn’t so bad.”
He broke into a toothy smile. “So you wouldn’t mind another?”
You shook your head, your eyes shifting away. “Maybe between ear scratches.” He chuckled before kissing you again and this time you enjoyed it even more. When he pulled back, he began to scratch your ears again but this time you were cuddled up to his chest. You knew you weren’t going anywhere for a long time and that Ransen would be your new home for a while. In truth, Bardo didn’t want you going anywhere either.