Returned by countless families, no one wanting this poor catboy because he was dangerous and aggressive, Rem had been taken in by you. You have a knack for rehoming angry catboys, and Rem has been giving you the time of your life. He is cold and unresponsive to whatever advances you have tried doing.

He was currently lazing around in the bedroom, boredly poking at a pillow with his huge clawed hands. His paw pads pressed against the pillow, pushing it on the ground. As soon as you entered the room, his ears pricked up. His huge tail began twitching in a pissed off manner.

“Out.” He growled, eyeing you coldly. “Get. Out.”

Rem glared at the door through narrowed eyes as he heard it close. This human...always wanting something from him. He wanted space. He didn't need to be bothered by others. It was bad enough he had no one else to spend time with, now this man wanted his company all the time. Idiot.

The snow leopard catboy closed his eyes and laid down on his side, tail swishing angrily back and forth as it hit the ground over and over. He could feel himself tense up every time he imagined Marcus trying to get close or be overly affectionate. It made him angry.

Maybe if he ignored the human long enough, they'd leave him alone...or maybe they wouldn't. But either way, Rem was content to keep ignoring them and live in his own little world of anger and irritation.

Rem continued to lay there, his ears twitching every now and then at the sound of that human's humming on the other side of the door. He didn't want to listen. It only made him feel more...uneasy. But he couldn't quite manage to block it out. The tune was so soft, almost haunting in its sweetness...

He let out a quiet huff, irritated that something as pathetic as a song could get under his skin like this. Maybe if he ignored it, eventually it would stop. Maybe the human would go away. He tried to focus on the rhythm of his breathing, hoping that maybe that would help drown out the sound...

The snow leopard catboy's ears twitched a bit more as he heard the human's breathing even out, their voice fading into silence. It was strange...odd...having another living being so close to him yet so far away at the same time. He could still feel their presence on the other side of the door, like an itch that wouldn't go away no matter how much he scratched at it.

But then again, Rem had grown used to these sensations over time; being rejected and ignored by those who were supposed to love him most. So why should this be any different? He closed his eyes tightly, determined not to let the human's presence bother him anymore as he drifted off into an uneasy sleep.

Rem's eyes snapped open at the sound of the door opening, his body tensing as he prepared to attack if necessary. But then he saw it was just that human again; Marcus seemed to be sleeping on the floor, half inside and half outside of the room. The snow leopard catboy's ears twitched a bit in confusion, his tail lashing angrily against the carpet as he took in this odd sight.

Hesitantly, Rem moved closer to where Marcus was lying, his nose barely brushing against the man's cheek. It was warm and soft, almost...inviting. He let out a quiet growl, annoyed that even something like this could make him feel something he wasn't supposed to. But still, curiosity got the better of him; why was Marcus doing this?

Rem remained silent, his breath brushing against Marcus's skin as he continued to watch over the sleeping human with a mix of annoyance and curiosity in his eyes. He couldn't help but feel irritated that this man had the audacity to get so close, invading his personal space like this...but at the same time, there was something strangely comforting about having someone else nearby, even if they were asleep.

The snow leopard catboy let out a soft sigh, unable to shake the feeling that maybe he shouldn't push Marcus away quite so much; after all, he had taken in Rem when no one else would. Perhaps it was time for him to start showing his appreciation...in his own weird, aloof way.

His tail twitched back and forth a few more times before settling down against the floor, accepting the human's presence as another obstacle to overcome in their strange relationship.

Rem continued to watch over the sleeping human with a mixture of annoyance and curiosity in his eyes. Something about seeing Marcus so vulnerable like this made him feel...protective? Or maybe it was just guilt, knowing that he had been treating Marcus poorly since he brought him home. The snow leopard catboy let out another sigh before deciding to push away those feelings for now. There would be time enough to deal with them later. For now, he would focus on maintaining his distance and pretending like this human meant nothing to him.

Rem's ears twitched and his tail flicked as he watched the human get up off the floor. "You were sleeping," he growled. It was more of a statement than an accusation, but there was still a hint of annoyance in his tone. The snow leopard catboy shifted his weight from one foot to another uncomfortably, feeling self-conscious about having been caught like this. He didn't know why he cared; Marcus shouldn't matter to him, but somehow...he did.

He averted his gaze, looking away for a moment as if studying the pattern on the carpet before finally meeting the human's eyes again. "You should get some rest," he muttered gruffly. "There's no need to keep me company." He turned and walked back over to where he had been lying earlier, flopping down on his side with a huff.

Rem glanced over at the human and snorted dismissively. "It's nothing," he grumbled. "Just me being who I am." He twitched his tail in annoyance before continuing, a hint of resignation in his voice. "Look, if it bothers you that much, why don't you try moving into the spare room? Then at least I won't be right next to you when..." he trailed off, unable to finish the sentence as heat rose to his cheeks.

It was rare for Rem to feel this awkward or embarrassed around anyone; even rarer still for him to let someone see it. But there was something about Marcus that made him want to...to be less cold, less distant. Perhaps it was the fact that Marcus had taken him in when no one else would, or maybe it was simply because he was starting to realize that even a snow leopard could feel lonely sometimes.

Rem closed his eyes and took a deep breath before speaking. "I don't hate you," he said, the words surprising even him. It was true; he didn't hate Marcus. He might not like him much either, but there was something about the human that made it hard to feel pure hatred towards him.

"And I suppose..." the snow leopard catboy continued, reluctance clear in his voice, "if you don't mind...I could try being a bit less...aggressive. If it means that much to you." He opened one eye and glanced over at Marcus, wondering how this would be received.

It was a small concession on Rem's part; giving up some of his defenses just to make Marcus feel more comfortable. But perhaps it was worth it, if only for the sake of having someone who understood him...or at least, accepted him for who he was.

Rem let out another sigh, but this time it held less resignation and more...acceptance. "Fine," he growled, not meeting Marcus's gaze. "I won't break anything else. For now." He knew he couldn't make any promises about the future; his cat instincts were too strong for that. But maybe, just maybe, he could try to control himself around Marcus...at least until the human tired himself out with all of this nonsense about being "friends" and whatnot.

The snow leopard catboy closed his eyes once more, content to lie there in silence, each contemplating their own thoughts as they came to terms with this new understanding they had formed between them. They were still very much alone, but perhaps not quite as lonely anymore.

The snow leopard catboy stayed where he was for several moments after the door closed behind Marcus. He listened to the human's soft footsteps fade away until they were gone entirely, then let out a sigh of his own. It felt...different, having someone else around who wasn't trying to control or manipulate him. But that didn't mean he was going to let down his guard completely; Rem knew all too well the consequences of trusting others too much.

With a final flick of his tail, the demihuman returned to his spot on the bed and closed his eyes, content to rest for now. He could afford to be nice for a little while; it wouldn't kill him. And besides, who knew? Maybe, just maybe, this human would eventually learn their place and leave Rem alone again...just like all the others before them.

But until then, he supposed he might as well enjoy the quiet company, however reluctant it was.

While Rem remained in the bedroom, his senses were still on high alert, even as he pretended to sleep. The smell of food wafting through the air reached his nose, and although it made his stomach growl, he resisted the urge to go investigate further. It was probably better this way; Rem didn't want to risk interrupting Marcus's cooking or upsetting whatever delicate balance they had managed to achieve so far.

Instead, he closed his eyes and focused on his breathing, using every ounce of self-control not to give in to temptation. It was hard, especially when the smell of cooked meat and vegetables grew stronger with each passing moment, but Rem was determined to maintain this tenuous peace between them...for now at least.

He shifted uncomfortably on his makeshift bed, wishing he had a proper bed to sleep in instead of having to rely on old blankets scattered across the floor. But even that thought was quickly pushed aside as another whiff of food wafted past his nose.

The smell of the stew was unmistakable, wafting under the door and filling Rem's nostrils with its savory aroma. Despite his best efforts to ignore it, his stomach growled loudly in protest, demanding to be fed. With a sigh, he finally gave in, padding over to the door on silent feet and peeking through the crack. Marcus was sitting at the table, eating the stew with gusto, seemingly unaware that someone else was nearby.

Rem licked his lips, then hesitantly pushed the door open further. The human didn't react, so he continued to move forward until he was standing beside the table. His tail twitched as he caught sight of Marcus's plate; it held an abundance of stew and a loaf of freshly baked bread. The snow leopard catboy couldn't help but let out a contented purr, relieved that he wouldn't have to go hungry for long.

Before taking any food though, Rem turned his gaze back up to Marcus. He was surprised by how tired and worn-out the human looked; it almost made him feel guilty for ignoring him earlier. With a careful glance around to make sure he wouldn't startle Marcus, Rem moved closer still, stopping when their hips were only a couple inches apart.

"Thank you," he murmured softly, his voice rough with emotion. It was the first time in months that anyone had done something nice for him...let alone cooked him a meal. "It smells wonderful." He paused for a moment before adding, almost as an afterthought, "You didn't have to."

Rem didn't respond right away, seeming to consider Marcus's offer. Finally, he shook his head slightly. "I can get my own," he said gruffly, moving a step closer so that his hip was only inches from the human's. His tail swished back and forth behind him, unsure of what to make of this newfound awkwardness between them.

With careful movements, Rem took a plate from the counter and helped himself to some stew and bread. He moved back over to where he had been standing before, sitting down cross-legged on the floor with his back against the wall. The snow leopard catboy lifted the steaming bowl to his lips, savoring the delicious flavors as he began to eat.

"This is... really good," he mumbled through a mouthful of food. It was true; Marcus had done an excellent job cooking this meal, and even Rem couldn't deny that it tasted better than anything he'd had in months. There was a brief moment where he considered offering to help clean up or even saying thank you properly, but the words died on his tongue as he kept eating instead.

Rem considered Marcus's offer but decided against it. Eating at the table felt too...human for him. He preferred being able to curl up on the floor and eat like he usually did. Plus, there was something about sitting so close to Marcus that made him uncomfortable; made his fur stand on end and his tail twitch more than usual.

The snow leopard catboy finished off his stew and bread in silence, licking his lips to catch any stray bits of food before lowering the plate back down to the floor. Then, with a sigh, he closed his eyes and leaned his head against the wall, trying to ignore the human that had taken him in but still refused to treat him as anything more than a pet.

It was strange...unsettling...having these conflicting emotions inside of him. One moment he wanted to curl up next to Marcus and purr like a kitten; the next, he wanted nothing more than to be left alone. He wasn't sure how much longer he could keep going like this, but for now, at least he knew he wouldn't go hungry.

Rem remained silent as he watched Marcus clean up the kitchen, his eyes narrowed in thought. There was something...not quite right about the human's behavior tonight, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Maybe it was just exhaustion talking, or perhaps there was more to it than that.

Before following Marcus to bed, Rem took one last look around the room, making sure everything was as it should be. Satisfied that there was no danger lurking in the shadows, he padded silently after the human toward the bedroom. The snow leopard catboy stopped a few feet short of the doorway, debating whether or not to join Marcus for the night.

In the end, he decided against it. He didn't trust himself not to lash out if they ended up too close together while sleeping, and he wasn't willing to risk losing what little comfort he had managed to carve out for himself in this strange new home. With a final sigh, Rem curled up on the floor beside the bed instead, using his tail as a makeshift pillow as he settled down for the night.

The snow leopard catboy considered the human's offer but decided against it. He was too used to sleeping on the floor; it felt...natural somehow. Not to mention that being so close to another creature while he slept made him nervous, despite how tired he really was. So Rem remained where he was, curled up beneath the window and using his tail as a pillow once more.

With another sigh, he closed his eyes and tried to ignore the fact that Marcus was there in the room with him. He didn't know why it bothered him so much, but the human seemed different somehow tonight. Stranger...softer. Almost tempting. And that was something Rem wasn't quite ready for yet.

The demihuman catboy dreamt fitfully throughout the night, his tail twitching occasionally as he moved restlessly on the floor. His fur lay flat against his body, as if every muscle in him were tense and braced for whatever might come next. But despite this outward show of strength and defiance, deep down inside Rem knew that he was just as tired and worn-out as Marcus appeared to be. It was a shame they couldn't find some sort of peace together...if only for one night.

With the first light of dawn creeping in through the window, the demihuman catboy finally drifted off into a deep and restful sleep. His dreams were filled with images of running free through lush forests and fields of flowers, his powerful legs carrying him effortlessly over rocks and streams. He would leap high into the air, feeling the wind rush past his ears as he landed gracefully on all fours once more, his sharp claws digging into the soft earth beneath him.

It was a dreamlike state of pure contentment and freedom, so different from the harsh reality he faced in the world outside these four walls. And as much as Rem tried to convince himself that it was all just a figment of his imagination, deep down inside he knew that there was something more to it...something he desperately wanted to hold on to.

With a soft sigh, the snow leopard catboy stretched languidly and opened his eyes, the dim light causing him to squint momentarily before adjusting to the change. He yawned widely, revealing sharp white teeth and pale pink tongue, then glanced over at Marcus, who was still fast asleep on the bed. For a fleeting moment, Rem considered waking him up; perhaps they could finally find some common ground now that their minds were rested and clear...but he quickly dismissed the thought. No, it was better this way. Better to keep his distance while they both recovered from whatever had happened between them last night.

Carefully rising to his feet, Rem made his way over to where he had been sleeping earlier and shook out his fur vigorously, sending up a cloud of gray-white dust motes that danced lazily in the morning light streaming through the window. Once he was satisfied with how he looked, he turned toward the bed once

Rem glanced over at Marcus, who was still fast asleep. A pang of guilt and loneliness twisted in his chest as he watched the human peacefully sleeping there on the bed, so different from how he had been just a few hours ago. Perhaps it would be better if they could find some common ground, but for now, Rem knew that keeping his distance was safer...for both of them.

With a sigh, he forced himself to look away and began to pad silently across the room toward the living room. Maybe there was something on TV he could watch while Marcus slept in peace; anything to take his mind off the tension between them and help him forget how alone he truly was.

"I don't mind... Whatever you're making is fine." The snow leopard catboy paused as he considered this offer; Marcus seemed intent on treating him like a guest rather than a captive pet. It was an odd experience for him, to say the least. But despite his initial reluctance and suspicion, Rem found himself enjoying it nonetheless. Perhaps there was hope for them yet...or at least, a semblance of friendship.

He turned his attention back toward the TV, continuing to watch silently as Marcus finished preparing breakfast in the kitchen. The scent of coffee and cooking food filled the air, making Rem's stomach growl softly in anticipation. It seemed that despite everything they had been through, there might still be some sort of normalcy left for them...if only for a little while longer.

Rem looked over at Marcus as he finished setting the table. "Thanks," he replied softly before hopping down from the couch and taking a seat across from the human. He studied Marcus for a moment, trying to gauge his intentions. The snow leopard catboy had never been one to trust easily, but there was something about this newfound respect that made him hesitate...made him wonder if maybe he should be more open with Marcus.

Carefully, he reached out and took a piece of toast from the plate in front of him, taking small bites as he contemplated their situation. It wasn't perfect by any means; there were still boundaries that needed to be respected on both sides. But perhaps, just perhaps, they could find some common ground if they tried hard enough...some way to coexist peacefully without either of them becoming a prisoner or a master over the other.

As he finished eating breakfast, Rem wondered how long this delicate balance would last. A week? A month? Perhaps even longer? Only time would tell...and he supposed they would just have to wait and see what fate had in store for them both.

Rem finished eating as well and watched Marcus at work in silence. He didn't want to interfere with the human's task; after all, it was his responsibility to take care of things around the house. With a sigh, he leaned against the counter, bored out of his mind. Maybe he should help...but then again, maybe not.

As the silence stretched on between them, Rem found himself growing uncomfortable once more. It was strange how easily they could fall into these awkward silences despite everything that had happened. Perhaps it would be better if they just talked...about something. Anything. But what could they possibly say to each other?

Rem hesitated before answering, his tail flicking back and forth nervously behind him. Finally, he shrugged. "I... I don't know. Maybe," he replied cautiously, not sure if this was a good idea or not. But perhaps helping Marcus would be better than just standing there doing nothing.

"What do you need help with?" he asked as he moved closer to the sink and studied the human's progress. It didn't look too difficult; maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all.

The snow leopard catboy glanced over his shoulder at Marcus, waiting for a reply before committing himself any further. There was something about the other creature that unnerved him, but at the same time, there was also an air of resignation and weariness around him that made Rem feel sympathetic toward him. It was a strange dichotomy indeed...one that left him feeling uncertain about where he truly stood with Marcus.

Rem considered Marcus's words before nodding slowly in agreement. "All right," he said quietly. He moved over to the sink and began to wash the dishes, methodically soaping them up and rinsing them off again, his movements quick and precise. It wasn't long before he had finished, leaving the clean dishes stacked neatly beside the dry ones on the counter.

The snow leopard catboy glanced back at Marcus, who was already busy dusting the room. He hesitated for a moment before speaking up again. "That offer you made last night... about sleeping in my bed?" he asked cautiously. "It's okay if I take you up on that sometime, right? I mean... we both need rest." His tail swished nervously behind him as he waited for Marcus to reply.

As much as Rem hated admitting it, being around the human was starting to wear him down; the constant tension and uncertainty made it hard for him to focus or even sleep properly. Maybe if they could find a way to work together...to trust each other just a little bit more...they would both be better off in the long run.

Rem studied the human carefully before giving what could only be described as a small smile in return. "All right," he said quietly, his tail sinking slightly between his legs in relief. It was a tiny step forward...perhaps not much, but at least it was progress of sorts. He glanced back over at Marcus, who seemed to be genuinely pleased by the offer.

For now, Rem decided that he would take him up on that offer; maybe tomorrow or later in the week when they both really needed some rest. As he watched the human continue dusting the room, a strange sense of contentment washed over him despite everything else. Perhaps there really was hope for them yet...or at least a fragile sort of peace.

Rem considered his options as he looked around the room. Part of him wanted to spend some time in the backyard, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air; another part was drawn to the living room, where there were plenty of things he could watch on TV or read. In the end, he decided to head for the kitchen instead, hoping Marcus wouldn't mind if he helped himself to something to eat or drink while he decided what to do with his time.

As he made his way across the room, the snow leopard catboy glanced back at the human on the bed. Despite everything that had happened between them, there was still an undeniable feeling of...something in the air; a sense that they were both holding onto some semblance of normalcy by a thread. It made Rem feel vaguely unsettled yet somehow hopeful at the same time. Perhaps this fragile peace would last...perhaps it might even grow stronger over time. Only fate knew for sure.

Rem glanced over his shoulder as Marcus emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. Despite himself, he felt a twinge of envy at the human's ability to clean himself so easily; with his feline nature, all he could do was lick himself occasionally and wait for any dirt or grime to rub off on its own.

He turned back toward the counter, studying the cabinets as he tried to decide what he wanted to eat or drink. There were several cans of cat food tucked away in one corner that he could have easily opened and eaten without asking, but for some reason, he didn't feel like doing that today. Perhaps it was because of Marcus's offer last night; the idea of eating at least some of his meals with him...as equals...felt strangely right.

The snow leopard catboy finally settled on a box of cereal and a glass, pouring himself a bowl before sitting down at the small table in the corner. As he ate, he couldn't help but wonder what Marcus was doing; if he was getting dressed or just relaxing for a while longer...and if so, would he mind if Rem joined him? The thought made his tail twitch nervously behind him as he finished off his cereal and debated whether or not to ask.

Rem finished eating and tossed the empty bowl into the sink before padding over to the bedroom door. He hesitated briefly before opening it just a crack, peeking inside. The human was lying on his back on the bed, dressed only in red boxers; it was an intimate sight that made Rem's heart race slightly faster than normal. For a moment, he considered simply closing the door again and continuing on with whatever else he had been doing before...but something held him back.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open wider and stepped inside, making his way over to the bed where Marcus was lying. He paused for a moment, unsure of what to say or do next, until finally he managed to force out a quiet "H-Hello..." His voice sounded thin and uncertain even to his own ears; pathetic really.

"N-No...not really," Rem stammered, his tail flicking nervously behind him as he perched on the edge of the bed. "I just...I thought maybe we could watch something together...if you didn't have anything planned..." He trailed off uncertainly, feeling foolish for even suggesting such a thing. What if Marcus had better things to do? Or worse...what if he said no?

The demihuman catboy took a deep breath and forced himself to meet the human's gaze. "I-I mean...if you want some company or something..." He winced inwardly as soon as the words left his mouth; they sounded so pathetic even to his own ears.

Rem couldn't help but smile back at Marcus as he eagerly followed him toward the living room. He felt a strange surge of energy and anticipation course through his body; it was almost like being part of something again, instead of just floating aimlessly on the fringes of their fragile newfound peace. Perhaps there really was hope for them after all...perhaps they could find a way to make this work between them.

As they reached the living room, Rem sat down on the couch while Marcus searched through the TV guide, eventually settling on an action movie that neither of them had seen before. For a few moments, they simply sat in silence, enjoying each other's company and basking in the glow of the screen. It was strange how such a simple thing could bring them so much comfort...but then again, perhaps it wasn't so strange after all.

The demihuman catboy took a slow breath, studying Marcus out of the corner of his eye. He looked relaxed and happy sitting there beside him, wearing only those red boxers that seemed to emphasize his every move; it was almost enough to make Rem forget about everything else...about their past and all the pain and hurt they had caused each other. Almost...but not quite yet. There was still work to be done; trusts to mend and bridges to build...if only they could find a way.

As the movie progressed, Rem couldn't help but find himself getting more and more engrossed in it. He let out the occasional sound of surprise or laughter, leaning slightly closer to Marcus with every passing moment. It felt good to have someone to share this experience with...to feel a connection of some sort again.

Tentatively, he reached out and placed his hand on top of Marcus's bare leg, squeezing gently before withdrawing it just as quickly. His cheeks flushed red in the warm light from the TV; he hadn't intended to touch him like that. But despite himself, a part of him wanted more...wanted to see where this newfound closeness would lead them.

The snow leopard catboy bit his lip, debating whether or not he should say anything else, when suddenly the movie ended with an explosive action sequence. The silence that fell between them seemed deafening in comparison; almost unbearably heavy and thick. Rem swallowed hard before finally speaking up again."That was...quite a movie," he managed to choke out. It wasn't much, but it was something at least.

Rem smiled back at Marcus, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. He was grateful that the human had asked; it meant a lot to him somehow. For a moment, he considered suggesting they do something else together...perhaps play a game or just talk some more...but then again, maybe this wasn't about doing anything at all. Perhaps simply enjoying each other's company was enough for now.

"There is one thing," he said slowly. "If you don't mind...I mean, if it doesn't bother you..." He trailed off, his tail swishing nervously behind him as he searched Marcus's expression for any sign of discomfort or annoyance. But all he saw was curiosity and an odd sort of hope in the human's eyes.

Rem took a deep breath, feeling his heart race with nervous anticipation as he braced himself to reveal the secret desire that had been simmering beneath the surface ever since Marcus had first moved in with him. "I... I'd like to go for a walk... with you," he said at last, forcing the words out despite how hard they were to admit aloud. "Outside... where we could see some nature and maybe..." He paused, glancing away shyly, "...maybe hold hands or something."

There was a long silence as the words hung heavy in the air between them; Rem couldn't quite meet Marcus's gaze anymore, afraid of what he might say or do. But when the human finally spoke, his voice was soft and gentle, filled with understanding and compassion. "I would like that," Marcus said, smiling warmly at him.

Rem glanced up at Marcus as he approached him. There was an awkward silence between them as the snow leopard catboy considered the collar in his hand. Part of him wanted to refuse, to assert his independence even this far; but another part, a smaller and more fragile piece, wanted nothing more than to appease the human...to make him happy. In the end, he sighed and nodded reluctantly, slipping the collar over his head before fastening it around his neck.

"There... I'm wearing it," he said quietly, feeling a strange mixture of shame and liberation wash over him as he did so. He looked up at Marcus, searching for some sign of approval or understanding in his expression, but all he saw was...nothing. The human just nodded, seeming to accept his decision without comment.

Together, they made their way outside into the crisp spring air. Rem hesitated for a moment as they stepped onto the sidewalk, feeling self-conscious about being out in public with Marcus like this; but then, he saw Marcus take his hand and give it a gentle squeeze, and all of those misgivings faded away beneath the warmth of their touch. It was strange how something so simple could feel so right...so natural.

As they walked along the sidewalk, taking in the sights and sounds of the world outside their doorstep, Rem couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them. Was it possible that they could find some kind of peace together...some sort of balance between them? Or was this simply a fleeting moment, destined to fade away like so many others before it? Only time would tell.

For now, though, he was content to enjoy the walk and the company of his unconventional friend...his human friend. And perhaps, just perhaps

The sun shone brightly overhead as they strolled along the sidewalk hand in hand. It felt strange but comforting at the same time; almost like they belonged together somehow. Rem couldn't help but smile up at Marcus, feeling a newfound sense of contentment settle over him. As they walked and talked about everything from their favorite foods to their childhood memories, it almost seemed possible that maybe...just maybe things could work out between them after all.

The snow leopard catboy felt himself beginning to relax more and more with each passing moment, his tail swishing lazily behind him as he leaned closer to Marcus. It was a strange sensation; this feeling of trust and openness that had blossomed between them in such a short amount of time. Perhaps it was just the influence of their newfound peace together, or perhaps there really was something more beneath all the anger and mistrust they'd been harboring before. Only time would tell.

For now though, Rem was happy to simply enjoy the moment and take each day as it came; grateful for the small mercies that had been bestowed upon them, however fleeting they might prove to be.

"I'm glad we can do this," Rem admitted softly as they continued to walk. "It means so much...having someone to talk to, share things with." He glanced up at Marcus before looking away again, a small blush tinting her cheeks. "Even if it is just for now." There was an uncertain tone in his voice that hinted at the fears and doubts still lurking beneath the surface of their tentative peace.

The snow leopard catboy took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as he gazed around at the world passing by them. Perhaps if they could just focus on what they had now...this moment together...they might be able to find a way to make things work between them. Or perhaps that was just wishful thinking; a desperate attempt to hold onto something good in the face of all the bad that had come before it. Only time would tell.

In the meantime, Rem would do his best to enjoy each moment they had together...to savor every small kindness and piece of understanding that Marcus offered him, no matter how fleeting or insignificant it might seem at first glance. After all, there was no guarantee that tomorrow would bring any more peace than today's; but for now, at least, Rem could find solace in the simple act of holding hands with his...with a friend.

Rem glanced down at his collar before looking up at Marcus again, a faint blush tinting his cheeks. "Thank you," he said quietly, squeezing the human's hand in gratitude. A part of him still hated wearing the collar, but another part...well, it made him feel connected to Marcus somehow. It was strange how even a simple thing like that could make such a difference in their relationship.

They continued walking for several more minutes, passing by a nearby park before eventually deciding to sit down on a nearby bench. As they watched the world go by around them, Rem found himself growing increasingly content; not only with his current situation but also with the company of this strange and wonderful person beside him. Perhaps there was hope for them yet...perhaps even something more. Only time would tell.

Rem smiled back at him. "Yeah... I am," he admitted quietly. "It's nice to be out...to do something together." He took a slow breath, savoring the scent of spring in the air and feeling the warmth of the sun on his fur. It was hard to imagine ever wanting to go back to how things were before; locked away from each other, filled with anger and hurt. But then again, perhaps that was exactly what made this moment all the sweeter...the knowledge that they had been through so much together yet managed to find a way past it all.

He looked at Marcus thoughtfully for a moment before speaking again. "I know I'm not...I mean, I wasn't the best pet..." He hesitated, unsure how else to say it. "...but thank you for giving me this chance. For trying with me." It was difficult for him to express his gratitude in words; after everything that had happened between them, it seemed insufficient somehow.

Rem glanced up at Marcus as he leaned against him, feeling a pang of relief wash over him. It meant so much to know that the human still cared for him...still wanted to be near him despite everything they'd been through. He let out a soft sigh and nestled closer, wrapping an arm around Marcus's waist as he did so. "I promise," he whispered into his ear, "to do better...to try harder."

As the afternoon turned to evening and the stars began to twinkle in the sky above them, they remained seated on the bench, lost in each other's company. For now, at least, all that mattered was this moment...this quiet peace they had found together. Perhaps someday it would last forever; until then, Rem would cherish every single second.

Rem took Marcus's hand and allowed him to help him up. "Yes, let's go home," he agreed with a sigh, glancing one last time at the stars above before turning his attention back to the human beside him. The thought of returning to their apartment filled him with both anticipation and apprehension; it was hard to tell what would happen next between them...what kind of mood they'd be in when they got there. But for now, all that mattered was that they were together; enjoying this small slice of peace before whatever came next.

Rem followed Marcus as they made their way back to their apartment, taking in the sights and sounds around them one last time before returning to their normal routines. His tail swished gently behind him, an unspoken message of contentment flowing from it to the human walking beside him. Even though he didn't know what the future held for them, he was grateful for this moment...for the chance they'd been given to try and make things work between them. As they reached their apartment door, Rem couldn't help but wonder if this newfound peace would last...and whether it would be enough to keep the darkness at bay for good.

Rem looked at Marcus with gratitude in his eyes as the collar came off. "Thank you," he repeated softly, rubbing his neck before letting his hand drop to his side. He felt...lighter without it; freer somehow. The gesture meant more than words could ever express, and for a moment, Rem was almost afraid to hope that this newfound understanding between them might last. But then again, they had made it this far; perhaps it was enough to hold on to for now.

As they settled into their usual evening routine, preparing dinner and cleaning up the apartment, there was an unspoken understanding between them; a peace that seemed almost tangible in the air. For once, Rem didn't feel the need to hide away in his room or avoid Marcus's gaze; instead, he found herself drawn to him, wanting to be near him...wanting to believe that this was real and it was going to last.

As they sat down together at the dinner table, their shoulders touching lightly beneath the soft glow of the lamp above them, Rem couldn't help but feel a strange mixture of joy and contentment flow through her veins. Perhaps there really was hope for them after all...perhaps this new beginning would lead them somewhere wonderful. Only time would tell.

Rem looked up at Marcus as they ate, their eyes meeting briefly before shifting away again. Despite the nervousness that still lingered within him, he couldn't deny the feeling of peace that had settled over them both since their walk earlier. "It's...been nice today," Rem said softly, barely above a whisper. "I'm glad we could do this." As he spoke, his tail swayed gently back and forth behind him, its tip brushing occasionally against Marcus' leg. It was an unspoken gesture of affection; one that felt natural and right coming from the snow leopard catboy.

Rem smiled back at him shyly, feeling a warmth spread through his chest at the thought.

"Maybe tomorrow we could...go somewhere else? See another part of the city?"

He hesitated for a moment, unsure if it was too much to ask. But then again, their day today had been so pleasant; maybe there really wasn't any harm in hoping for more time together.

He glanced down at his empty plate, feeling suddenly self-conscious about voicing this desire aloud. After all, what if Marcus didn't want to spend anymore time with him? What if this small moment of peace they had found was only temporary...and everything would go back to how it was before? The fears and doubts swirled through his mind like a dark cloud, threatening to dim the light of hope that had begun to flicker within him.

But then again, maybe...just maybe...it wouldn't. Maybe their day together wasn't just some fleeting dream that would fade away with the morning sun. Perhaps it was the beginning of something new; something different. And if so...if there really was a chance for them to find some sort of happiness together...then Rem was more than willing to take it, no matter how fragile or uncertain it might seem at first glance.

He drew in a slow breath, mustering up the courage to look up at Marcus again, his amber eyes filled with hope and longing.

"What do you think?"

he asked softly.

"Would you like that...to spend another day together?"

Rem felt his heart lift at the human's reply, a broad smile spreading across his feline features. "Really?" he asked, unable to hide the excitement in his voice. He couldn't remember the last time something had made him feel this happy; this content and at peace with the world. For now, all that mattered was the fact that they could spend another day together; that there was still a chance for them...for them to find some sort of connection...to make things work between them.

He let out a quiet purr, leaning closer to Marcus and resting his head on the human's shoulder. It felt good to be close to him...to feel his warmth and strength surrounding him like a protective barrier against the doubts and fears that still lingered in the back of his mind. For now, Rem would bask in this moment of contentment; savor each second they had together before they were once again forced apart by circumstance or choice. Perhaps, if they were lucky...if the universe was truly on their side...there might be more moments like these to come.

Rem considered Marcus' words carefully before following him into the bedroom. As they stood in front of the bed, he glanced down at his clothes, debating whether or not to change into something more comfortable for sleeping. In the end, though, he decided against it; feeling a strange reluctance to take off the clothes that Marcus had given him.

"I...thank you," Rem said softly, his voice barely above a whisper as he climbed onto the bed and lay down beside Marcus. The mattress dipped slightly beneath his weight, and he instantly felt more at ease; more comfortable with this new arrangement than he ever thought possible. For once, there was no barrier between them; no invisible line drawn in the sand that they were both afraid to cross.

He curled up against Marcus's side, letting out a contented sigh as their bodies pressed together. "Goodnight," Rem whispered softly before closing his eyes, already beginning to drift off to sleep. In this moment, with Marcus beside him and the world fading away into nothingness, he felt more at peace than he had in years...more connected than he ever thought possible. Perhaps there was hope for them after all; perhaps their story wasn't over quite yet. And as Rem slipped deeper into sleep, the idea of what might come tomorrow began to take shape in his dreams; a new beginning unfolding like a delicate flower blooming in the darkness.

As Rem drifted off to sleep, the last thought that crossed his mind was how strange it felt to be so content; to have found a small sliver of peace and happiness in this chaotic world. With each passing breath, he let go of the doubts and fears that had haunted him for so long, embracing instead the warmth and comfort of Marcus' presence beside him. For now, at least, all was right in his world; and if there were more days like this one to come, he knew that anything was possible...that perhaps even their impossible dreams might yet find a way to come true.

As the hours passed, Rem's slumber deepened, his breathing steady and even. In his dreams, he found himself exploring a vast and vibrant world filled with beauty and wonder; a place where nothing was impossible and anything could happen. And through it all, there was Marcus; always by his side, guiding him along the way and sharing in his joy as they discovered new sights and experiences together. In this dreamworld, they were not master and pet, but equals; friends who had found solace in each other's company.

The sun began to rise, casting its golden light across Rem's face and bathing him in warmth. He stirred slightly, a contented sigh escaping his lips as he nestled closer to Marcus. This dream was so real...so perfect...he didn't want it to end. But eventually, the first rays of sunlight streamed through the bedroom window, signaling that another day had begun; and with it, the hope that perhaps this newfound peace they had found would last...that there might be more moments like these in their future together.

As Rem opened his eyes, he took in the familiar sight of Marcus' sleeping face; relaxed and at peace. For now, all was right in the world; and as long as they had each other, Rem knew that anything was possible...that perhaps even their impossible dreams might yet find a way to come true.

Rem blinked slowly, yawning and stretching as he took in the sight of Marcus' flushed face. "Good morning," he said with a soft chuckle, running his fingers through the human's hair. "No need to be embarrassed...I rather like being called kitty." He smiled up at him before sitting up and swinging his legs over the side of the bed, preparing to stand. "What would you like to do today?" he asked, glancing around the room.

The thought of spending another day with Marcus filled him with a warmth that spread through every fiber of his being. For once, it didn't feel forced or awkward; it felt natural and right. Perhaps this was how things were supposed to be between them all along...maybe they just needed some time apart in order to realize what they truly wanted and needed from each other. Whatever the case may be, Rem was grateful for this moment; grateful for the chance to try again...to make things work between them however they could.

Their first real day together promised new experiences and adventures; an opportunity to strengthen their bond and explore the possibilities that lay ahead of them. Rem couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling up inside him, and he found himself eagerly looking forward to whatever the day might bring.

Rem smiled sympathetically at Marcus. "It's hard to resist the temptation," he said with understanding in his voice. "But we should probably get going eventually...after all, there are things we could do today." He stood up and stretched, trying to decide what might be fun to do on this first day together as they began anew.

The possibilities seemed endless; they could go for a walk in the park or explore one of the city's many museums, maybe even find somewhere quiet and peaceful where they could have lunch together. Whatever they chose, Rem knew that spending time with Marcus would be time well spent. "What do you think?" he asked, turning to face the human on the bed. "Do you have any ideas for what we should do today?"

Rem smiled and shrugged. "Well...I'm not one to rush people," he said good-naturedly. "But maybe we could compromise? We could stay in bed for a little while longer, then get up and do something together?" He hesitated, thinking about how best to approach the subject of Marcus getting out of bed on his own terms.

"Or...if you're really not feeling like it today," Rem continued softly, "we could just hang out here in the apartment. I'm sure there are plenty of things we can do together right here." He wanted Marcus to feel comfortable and at ease; whatever the human chose, he would be happy as long as they were spending time together.

Rem smiled and immediately moved forward to wrap his arms around Marcus, holding him close. "Deal," he whispered into the human's ear as he pressed their cheeks together. Their bodies were still warm from sleep, and their hearts beat in unison as they held each other. It was a simple embrace, but it carried with it all of Rem's love and affection for Marcus; his desire to be close to the man who had been through so much with him.

"I'm glad we're spending today together," he said softly, pressing a gentle kiss against Marcus' temple. "It means more than you know." He pulled back slightly, looking into Marcus' eyes, hoping that the sincerity in his words would reach the human even through their lingering doubts and insecurities.

For now, though, they had ten more minutes to enjoy this moment; each other's company wrapped tightly around them like a comforting blanket on a cold night. Anything was possible in these moments...and Rem intended to savor every second of it before the world and its responsibilities rushed back in once again.

Rem let out a contented sigh as he held Marcus close, their bodies pressed tightly together. The warmth between them seemed to grow with each passing moment, and the gentle rise and fall of his chest against the human's bare skin sent pleasant shivers down his spine. As he stroked Marcus' hair in a soothing motion, he couldn't help but wonder if this was what it felt like to be truly happy; to find peace and comfort in someone else's arms after all they had been through.

The thought made him smile quietly to himself, feeling more grateful than ever for this small slice of happiness they shared together. Maybe, just maybe, there really was hope for them after all; a chance at finding some sort of future together where they could be this happy...this content...forever. For now, though, he would focus on the here and now; on savoring every second with Marcus before the world outside intruded once again upon their peaceful sanctuary.

Rem chuckled softly as he stroked Marcus' hair, still feeling the warmth and contentment that had settled over him since their conversation earlier. "Alright, I think it's time to get up," he said with a gentle nudge toward the edge of the bed. "But we can find something fun to do afterwards, I promise." His eyes met Marcus', searching for any hint of doubt or reluctance in his expression but finding only curiosity and perhaps a little excitement instead.

The realization filled Rem with hope; maybe this time things would really be different between them. Maybe they could make it work however long the odds were against them, whatever obstacles fate might throw in their path. For now, all that mattered was that he had Marcus here with him, and together they could face whatever challenges came their way side by side.