[b]Uber Carry Part 7 – A New Field of Work[/b]

Mr. Hollard was sitting at his desk, when Perry entered the office. The Rottweiler was partly hidden behind the large newspaper he was reading, a thin trail of smoke rising from behind the paper. He'd called for the cat, though apparently not for a ride, but rather to discuss something. Perry slowly approached his boss, when he caught movement from the corner of his eyes.

It was just Limon, though. The fennec fox sat on the guest couch, tapping on a tablet, while several documents lay in front of him on the table. Perry knew he didn't have to put up an act in front of the fox, so when he reached his boss's desk, the slender cat dutifully went down on his knees. "You wanted to speak to me, sir?"

The newspaper rustled as the old dog peered over it. "Yes," was all he said before a long pause followed during which he finished reading an article. Perry waited obediently in his kneeling position until his boss eventually put the newspaper down. Extinguishing his burned down cigar, Hollard finally went on, "I want to get you familiar with a new task that I might have to ask of you in the future." He stood and rounded the broad desk as he spoke. In front of it, the stocky Rottweiler casually leaned against the table's edge, his polished, black dress shoes on the carpet just a few inches from his kneeling employee. He absolutely loved the show of devotion he got from the cat! Nonchalantly Hollard went on, "Work has been piling up lately and I came to realize that I unfortunately can't have Limon around all the time to take care of my daily affairs. The damn fox gotta do some actual work for his money, after all. So I thought, while he's occupied, you could stand in occasionally. What do you say?"

Perry didn't need to think for long. The prospect of working even closer for his boss was a constant incentive for him to give his best. "I'd gladly help you out wherever I can, sir!"

"Good boy!" the gruff dog said with a faint smile. Then he turned his head towards the working fox and grumbled, "Limon! Come here and teach Perry the ropes of my morning routine."

Looking up from his papers, the fennec didn't seem too excited. "Seriously?!" he rolled his eyes annoyed. "I'm kinda busy here right now with the Langley reports. It's really not comp--"

"Right now!" Hollard interrupted him with a loud growl.

The still kneeling cat flinched at the sudden aggression and wondered how Limon found the nerve to stand up to their boss so boldly. Perry would never dare to disrespect the man in such a way! Though eventually even Limon relented.

"Ugh, yes boss..." he muttered and put his tablet down to head over. Still sullen the small fox didn't regard his boss and only acknowledged Perry with a brief glance. "Alright, listen. This is really nothing too complicated. Before he gets here, you put the daily paper on his desk, start his computer and switch on the news channel. Remember to mute it, though, he hates when the TV is babbling in the background," he explained as if the Rottweiler standing right beside him wasn't there. "When he arrives, you greet him properly. He can be a real pain in the ass this early, so you better put on a good show to stroke his ego. Observe..."

Once the attentive feline was shooed out of the way, Limon took his place in front of the dog and likewise went down on his knees. He put his hands on the ground and bowed forward until his nose was on level with Hollard's shoes. Then he gave the right one a firm kiss. "Good morning, boss. I hope you've had a pleasant morning?" He repeated the servile gesture on the left shoe, before he eventually laid down on his back.

Perry watched intrigued when Limon pulled his white shirt up. When his boss however suddenly came forward to stand with both paws on the diminutive desert fox's stomach, Perry was shocked!

"Urrrgh!" Limon's entire belly was instantly flattened beneath Hollard's soles, while the rest of the tiny body went tense. Labored breaths were filtered through his grit teeth as the pain was visible on this face. "Nearrrchk..."

Perry was seriously concerned! He could see how the Rottweiler's shoes literally crushed Limon's abdomen. On either side of their boss's expensive footwear, he could see his ribs and pelvis standing out as the flesh was stretched over his skinny frame. Being aware of Mr. Hollard's enormous weight only too well himself, Perry earnestly wondered how in the world the small fox could endure this. Limon already was so much smaller next to himself. Compared to the dog standing on him, he was outright tiny! And the worst was yet to come...

"Hrmmph... Rrrrrrrmfff!"

Indifferently to the pain he was causing the fox below him, Mr. Hollard casually and recklessly began to wipe his shoes on the fennec's white-furred stomach. Every step left Limon writhing in agony, fists clenched, his back arching against the ground, eyes closed shut then wide open again. It was a macabre sight for the cat. He knew that his boss wasn't exactly the mild-mannered type. And he also knew by now that Mr. Hollard had a particular fondness for harassing Limon – He was usually a lot more cruel and unforgiving with the fox than with Perry. But this looked really... extreme!

After he made sure that his makeshift doormat was thoroughly utilized, the heavy Rottweiler finally stepped off of the groaning fennec. Clutching his abused stomach, Limon rolled onto his side to catch his breath. He became very used to this over time, but it still took him a moment to pick himself up. "Huff-h-have a nice day, sir..." he wheezed, his face pressed to the rough carpet. It took him another minute to regain his composure enough to stand up, but when he did, he focused back on the feline, despite the pain he obviously still was in. His huge ears were a bit red as he spoke, though it was hard to tell whether it was because of the strain, or from embarrassment. "Urrgh... and then..." he grunted as he pushed himself up, "you just bring him coffee."

Perry blinked at the fox, baffled. Maybe he expected there to be more, but the 'demonstration' was definitely over. Helplessly his gentle eyes turned to his boss. He didn't seriously expect thi--

"Now it's your turn!" the dog suddenly commanded.

The cat shivered. "I... I don't think I..." How in the hell was he supposed to withstand this?! Was this crazy fox made of iron? A quick glance, before Limon pulled his shirt back down, proved that he was in fact not. Perry could still see the deep, linear impressions on Limon's belly that Hollard's heels had left – even through his fur!

"I'm waiting, boy!"

Perry swallowed. Of course his boss wouldn't relent. And why should he? Just minutes ago Perry assured him that he would help him out wherever he could! And the tabby cat simple didn't have the guts to reject this man the way Limon seemed able to. Would Hollard even care if he did? Or would he just bark at him like he always did with the fox? It didn't matter. Perry only had one option! "Y-yes, sir..." he whispered and hesitantly got into position.

"You can be a bit vocal," Limon offered from the side, his arms now crossed in front of his chest as he watched the newbie. "He actually enjoys that. But try not to be too loud, this is an office after all. And don't forget to pull your shirt up. He doesn't care whether you have to change afterwards!"

Unsure whether he should be grateful for this advice, Perry merely nodded before he lowered himself back to his knees in front of his boss, just as Limon did earlier. This first part, at least, was easy enough. He had honored Mr. Hollard's shoes and paws many times with his tongue in the past. This was nothing new! "Good morning, Mr. Hollard," he said after gracing the first toecap with a genuine kiss. "I hope you've had a pleasant morning?" As if he was born to do it, Perry devotedly kissed the other shoe as well, though then hesitated awkwardly.

"Go on," the dog said in a calm, but nonetheless demanding tone.

And as always, Perry obeyed his boss's command. Timidly he sat down, then lowered his back to the itchy carpet. The mountain of Rottweiler towering above him made the poor cat tremble. Hesitantly he pulled his baby blue business shirt up to his chest. Fearfully closing his eyes in apprehension, Perry hoped that this wouldn't be as painful as the fox had made it look. Then he felt a cold, hard something settle on his naked belly.

Hollard observed the frightened cat below himself with glee and a hint of pride. It's been a while since he got such a powerful reaction from someone he was about to manhandle. The fennec was as delightful a target as ever, but surely not too fazed anymore, after several years of extensive service under the dog. He was so looking forward to finally breaking in his carry boy properly!

"Mmph..." Perry felt the pressure on his belly increase as the dog's shoe came down harder. The weight already felt a bit uncomfortable, but he knew that Hollard wasn't mounting him as abruptly as he did the fox. Though at some point the massive Rottweiler did lift his other foot from the floor. "Arrrrgh!" Perry let out a surprised shriek of pain when the fine dress shoes crushed his gut. His eyes were wide open now and he could watch the second shoe settle on his stomach as well, compressing his midsection painfully flat to the hard ground. The weight was distributed a little, but the pain was still tremendous. "Gha!" hoarsely the small cat gasped for air and was surprised to find that he could breath relatively freely, save for the pinch in his lower chest where his boss's shoe stood.

Hollard stood still for a few moments, allowing his subordinate to get familiar with his heft. Slowly the panicked panting and groaning hushed to a labored, heavy breathing below his paws. When he looked down, he found Perry's cute, little face, distorted with pain, a pleading glimmer in his eyes. The Rottweiler smiled. "Good boy!"

Perry was glad for his boss's assurance, though, honestly, it didn't help much, considering he knew what was about to come next. "Ah-aurgh!" He tensed when the huge dog on top of him moved again. First the weight shifted to his lower belly, crushing his guts so flat that he felt a sharp twinge. Then Hollard dragged his shoe over the feline's upper stomach, before planting it again and shifting his weight once more. "Aaurrgh!" Perry cried when the unforgiving shoe trampled him right below the ribs. Then the other sole was wiped clean on him, utilizing the squealing boy as doormat, just as the fox had been before him. Though, even if Perry wasn't aware of it in his current agony, the Rottweiler did in fact treat him less reckless that he had Limon.

"Don't overdo it," the fennec mumbled to his boss, observing the rookie's performance, his short arms crossed in front of himself.

Hollard seemingly didn't head the advice, wiping his shoes three more times each on the tabby cat's light brown belly fur until Perry was a yammering, writhing mess. But in reality the boy came off quite well. Compared to him, Limon had been put to use at least twice as long. Which was saying something, considering the fox was barely half of Perry!

Eventually, though, the dog stepped off of him. Gasping in pain, Perry clutched his sore abdomen and rolled himself up, trying to hold back a tear. He completely forgot to wish his boss a nice day, too! "That wasn't even half bad, for your first time," Limon suddenly said, crouched down to check up on him. The cat wasn't sure whether he should be proud of that. 'Not half bad' was usually not enough to satisfy his boss.

The Rottweiler only rumbled to Limon's words. "Hm, we'll definitely have to practice this some more."

"S-sorry..." Perry sniffled, pushing himself up a bit. He bowed his head down to the ground, where his boss's torturous shoes stood side by side. The ache in his stomach was still there and made him cringe when he bend his back. "I'm sorry I couldn't live up to your expectations, sir!" He felt honest shame for not being able to offer his body longer to Mr. Hollard. This man deserved to clean his shoes properly and Perry failed!

Though, his boss was gracious. "Don't worry about it. We'll make a good doormat out of you soon enough. I know you have it in you, carry boy!" He laughed gruffly. "Now. Go and relax some. We'll try this again later."

Perry shuddered at the thought of it. "Yes, Mr. Hollard. I will give my best to satisfy you. Thank you very much for this opportunity to serve you even better!"

While the Rottweiler smiled, Limon rolled his eyes annoyed. "Don't suck up to him too hard. His ego's already bloated enough." His remark was ignored, but the fennec was sure he'd get reprimanded for it later on, so he added, "I don't want the boss to get used to it, lest he expects this shit from me as well!"

"Oh, and Perry..." The cat looked up at his employer expectantly. "See me after my lunch break. My paws need care!"

The feline swallowed, then nodded. "As you wish, sir." Though Mr. Hollard was already returning to his desk.

"Come, I'll bring you to the front room," Limon offered, helping the larger cat up.

Perry accepted the unusually kind gesture from the fox. Did he really perform this pathetically in Limon's eyes? He straightened up some, trying to look tough. But this tiny, skinny fennec was taking being trampled to the ground a lot better than himself, he had to give him that. Once they were close to the door, he whispered, "Seriously, I don't get how you can endure all of that."

The sleek fox grinned. "Years of experience!" he revealed with a hint of pride.

A sudden call from the office, cut their conversation short, "Limon! What's taking you so long? Do you expect me to sit on this sodding hard chair all fucking day long?! Get over here! I need to plant my ass on something soft!"

Grumbling the fox turned to the cat once more, before ushering him out of the room. "Speaking of which, looks like I'm in for some more experience. Try not to be as stiff next time. Tense your abs, but don't go rock solid. Feel him move and let your body react, rather than fighting him off. Makes it a bit more bearable." With that Limo turned around , pulling the doors shut behind him. "Yeah, yeah, I'm on my way, boss. Yeesh, can't you even exist for two minutes without having me around?!"







[b]Uber Carry Part 8 – Workplace Hygiene[/b]

When Perry entered the office, his boss sure enough was still absorbed in a conversation with some clients. A group of three: two red pandas, the older on clearly being the big-wig here seeing as he was closest to Mr. Hollard and the one doing the most talk; and a tanuki, who looked a bit like an accountant or maybe lawyer with his large, round glasses, perfect suit and tie and a suitcase with some documents on his lap. The conversation was lighthearted, most of the business talk already out of the way, while the two older gentlemen occasionally drifted off to chat about mundane things.

Softly the cat closed the door behind himself, making his presence known as little as possible. He wore his carrier harness, this time over a white business shirt, considering the foreign guests. Apparently they were a bit more restrictive with their dress code, so Hollard found it wise to adapt. Perry was instructed to enter the Rottweiler's office at this particular time and simply stand at attention a bit to the back, so that's what he did. Usually he was not present when his boss was talking to clients. At the rare occasion that he was tasked to carry one of them, he waited outside at Mr. Hollard's secretary's desk and was called in via the intercom. But again: when in rome...

As he waited, the cat took stock of everyone in the room. The older red pander, sitting as straight as a broom stick, spoke in a heavy accent, though it was apparent that he was trying hard to pronounce his words clearly for his host's sake. The other panda, younger and slimmer, was a bit reserved. Maybe a family member tagging along to learn the ropes? The tanuki, however was clearly an attendant. He sat a bit behind the other two and was mostly concerned with his documents. Hollard was sitting behind his large fine wood desk, looking mighty regal in his blue suit. Limon was also present. Unlike the big shots, though, he stood rather than sat at his boss's side, which honestly was a bit weird considering the fennec was practically Hollard's second-in-command. Though as Perry knew by now, the Rottweiler was very fond of degrading Limon, so this probably was just another of their power games. The way he stood there, small, insignificant, dressed to the nines with his hands attentively folded behind his back, he certainly looked even more obvious like menial entourage than the deskjockey tanuki. Though something was odd about the fox...

Since the clients sat with their back to him, Perry took a closer look, since he didn't have anything better to do safe for counting the panels on the ceiling over again. Aside from standing a bit stiff, which likely was the result of standing at all for the duration this meeting already took, Limon looked a bit distant. He probably tried to give a smile, which was a bit hard to tell with the face mask, but his eyes stared right past their guests.

Limon and Perry were the only ones wearing a face mask, by the way. Since the infection numbers steadily rose through the past few months, it was now mandatory to wear face masks at work. But of course rules only apply to the rich and mighty when they benefit them!

"Limon!"

Perry blinked, focusing back on the admittedly rather boring conversation. It seemed the fox got distracted a bit as well, since Hollard had to repeat himself.

"Limon, would you please be so kind and bring Mr. Hirano a glass of water?"

The fennec bowed silently to the guest, before walking over to the seating area where a tray of glasses and a carafe of water stood at the ready. Perry wondered whether this bow was also part of the show to appeal to the foreign men. Hollard had once explained to him that, in his line of business, it was often essential to make clients feel like they are on equal footing with you. And to accomplish this it was important to know your opponent's origin, history, affiliations, motives and so forth. He also said that some people need to be patronized, but Perry didn't want to recall the whole lecture right now, even though he had paid close attention to it.

Meanwhile, Limon returned with a full glass and offered it to the older red panda, quite formally with another bow and, the cat assumed, a smile hidden behind the mask. Then he resumed to his position at the CEO's side like a loyal servant. Did he just stand there the whole time only on the off chance that someone needed him to pour a glass of water?!

Either way, for the lack of something better to do, Perry continued to observe. And once he found the desert fox staring off into the void again, he focused a bit more closely on him. It wasn't apparent on a brief glance - which probably was the only thing he received from the delegation, let alone Hollard - but the fox actually didn't look all too well. His face seemed a bit swollen, his distant eyes glazed and he was clearly forcing his huge ears to stay upright. He breathed a bit labored, the white face mask over his muzzle collapsing and puffing out rhythmically against his nose, kinda like he was hot. He was also sweating a bit, despite the office being air conditioned. Perry only hoped he didn't catch the virus!

It took another twenty minutes or so until the conversation finally came to an end. Some pleasantries were shared, hands shaken and eventually Mr. Hollard guided the trio over into Perry's direction. "This is my personal carrier, Perry," he introduced the cat, visibly proud to show off his handsome, young pack mule. Perry imitated the fox and bowed his upper body slightly, remaining silent as his boss went on. "I'd like to offer his services to you, in case you feel inclined. He's a very diligent boy and will carry you everywhere you need!"

The older red panda, this Mr. Hirano, looked the lanky feline up and down. His expression was hard to read, but eventually he bowed to Perry, then to Hollard and spoke in a heavy accent, "I am very honored by your kind proposition, but I must decline. My own legs may be getting old, but they will serve me just fine. Furthermore I need Chikao at my side."

Surprisingly Hollard left it at that and, after a few more words, accompanied the delegation through the front room, to see them off. Perry stayed behind and waited, now a bit more relaxed since the clients were out of his fur. He wasn't really too fond of being lend out to clients as a mount, he much preferred to work for Mr. Hollard directly. Though unfortunately the Rottweiler really seemed to enjoy bragging with his personal carrier and unlike Mr. Hirano, many people took him up on his offer.

Before his boss returned, Perry took another look at the fennec, who had remained at the desk. His condition seemed to have worsened. His ears were drooped, the fatigue now obvious on his face and his right hand was trembling. Perry pondered whether he should head over to check on him, but at that moment, Hollard returned and closed the double door behind himself. The feline stood up straight, ready to serve his boss, though the dog went right past him back to his desk. Since he was not dismissed, Perry followed him, halting in front of the large table.

As he approached, Limon's tired, glassy eyes followed the Rottweiler pleadingly, though he too was ignored. Casually their boss sat down with a long sigh and began to push some papers together that lay spread out in front of him. "Ghmm..." A pathetic, muffled sound escaped the unwell fox when he turned towards the sitting dog. He puffed heavily through his nose.

Hollard seemed to notice. "Ah, right. I almost forgot about that," he mentioned, not even giving the fox beside him a wary glance. He paused for a moment, then added, "Well, I guess you've behaved well enough to be released. Isn't that what you want?"

"Hmm-hrmm..." With hopefully raised ears Limon nodded awkwardly stiff, his whole upper body bobbing with the motion.

Finally Mr. Hollard regarded his subordinate, turning a bit in his chair. "Beg for it!" he ordered in his deep, gruff voice.

With tears in his unfocused eyes, Limon looked at his boss, his large, triangular, yellow ears folding down flat against his skull. He let out a ragged breath through his nose, then dropped to his knees right where he stood. He didn't speak, though. Only a forced, wet groan escaped his groveling form when he pressed his forehead against the enthroned Rottweiler's knee. Perry could see Limon's hunched back under the tight business shirt, heaving weakly with faint breaths.

Hollard savored the sight for a few moments, his sharp, overbearing eyes pinning the pleading fennec. A grin flashed over his rough featured face. "Good fox!" he sneered, basking in Limon's subservience. Then he reached down, feeling at his knee until he found the collar of Limon's shirt. He tucked the knot of his red tie lose a bit and slit two of his thick, rough fingers underneath. "See? It's so much more pleasant around here if you keep your pertly, little muzzle shut for a while, don't you agree?" Slowly he dragged his two fingers upwards over Limon's throat, then the underside of his muzzle, until he stopped beneath the fox's chin. Limon trembled the entire time, his small back convulsing as if he was retching. Eventually Hollard's fingers pulled the fennec's head up by his chin until they met eyes. The Rottweiler's features were electrified with pure dominance and superiority, while Limon's eyes welled up, pleading for mercy.

Perry was confused about what was going on between the two, but he observed curiously. It wasn't until Hollard pulled the mask off the shuddering fennec's face that Perry realized something was odd. Limon's muzzle was sealed shut by a few stripes of duct tape!

Mr. Hollard held the locked snout in his palm for a moment, staring Limon down. "If you want to be released, then wag your tail like a good, obedient, little fox!" Limon huffed two times, visibly upset about the procrastination, but eventually he complied, swishing his short, bushy tail left and right over the carped behind himself. The dog chuckled as he tightened his grip around the desert fox's nose, squeezing his muzzle shut while he began to pull the duct tape off.

"Hgmhn!" Limon winced when the last bit of tape was ripped off his snout, his entire body tensing up as if he was about to throw up. Perry was riveted by the macabre sight and flinched in synch with the fennec, imagining how painful it must be to have the sticky tape removed from your maw. He twisted his whiskers in disdain. Though that wasn't even the worst of it!

Next Hollard forced the fox's jaws apart and Perry could see a strange, colorful object between Limon's teeth. The dog grabbed it and... Perry's eyes bulged at what he witnessed. His boss slowly pulled a fucking twelve inch, neon violet silicon dildo out of the retching fennec's throat!

"Ghu-huffff..." Limon gasped loudly as he sucked air into his deprived lungs. Weakly he slumped forward, steadying himself against the Rottweiler's knee, wheezing and coughing. Hollard allowed it and, in fact, put his free hand to the back of Limon's head, rubbing him kindly behind the ear. "I... I, ghu... fuckin' quit..." he stammered into his boss's thigh, not bothering to get up yet.

Continuing to caress the spent fox, Hollard chuckled amused. "Here we go again. Can't you even keep your trap shut for five minutes without having something in your throat? Maybe I should fill you right back up again, huh?" he said, pulling Limon's tiny head a bit closer to him, right against his crotch. "And besides, you're not going to quit. You love your job!"

"I, khf... love my salary!" he countered, unfazed about the region his face got shoved.

Perry just observed the scene awkwardly, only now realizing how long Limon must have had this thing stuck in his throat. Though when his boss's glance eventually dashed over to him, the cat quickly averted his eyes. Fuck! Why the hell did he have to get a hard on now?!

After a few more minutes, Hollard simply pushed the exhausted fox away without warning, sending him right to the floor. "Alright, guess you're knocked out for a bit. Go and have a break, or whatever. And Perry!" he turned in his chair, suddenly throwing the purple dildo into his direction. The cat only barely caught it, the smooth silicon still slick in his paws. It had some serious girth to it too! "Be a good boy and put this away. Then get over here and on your knees. I feel like stuffing another throat!" he commanded, rubbing the bulge between his legs so the cat could see it.

Perry swallowed. "Y-yes, sir! I'll be right at your service!"







[b]Uber Carry Part 9 – Misconduct[/b]

Perry was currently on call, sitting in the staff room with half a cup of coffee and two salmon canapés left, while browsing through some new songs to pass the time. It wasn't exactly his break time yet – not that that would stop Hollard from demanding his services – but around this time the Rottweiler was usually busy with actual work here in the office and didn't need to go anywhere. And as long as Perry didn't leave the building, he was generally able to reach his boss everywhere in a reasonable amount of time, if he did get called, so he could allow himself to slack a bit every now and then.

Though of course he was always at the ready for his boss! Mr. Hollard's schedule often changed on short notice, or he could suddenly require his carry boy for other activities, so Perry was always mindful. And as chance would have it, right now was such a case where he suddenly got summoned. A message appeared at the top of his screen and the cat tapped on it. "Front Room Now! There's Work For You," it read, sure enough coming from no other than his boss. Like on their own accord, his thumbs swiftly typed in a, "Yes, Sir!" to acknowledge the order.

He quickly stuffed the salmon treats into his muzzle, tipped out his almost cold coffee in the sink and went over to his locker with a swishing tail. Perry was always happy when he was called. His work wasn't always easy, sure, but he was very glad to be able to work for a boss like Mr. Hollard!

Skillfully he slipped into his carrier harness and pulled the straps taut over his naked body. As long as he stayed in the staff room, Perry didn't bother to put on a shirt anymore. It only cost time to get out of it. And leaving it on was not an option either. For one the cat didn't like to wear clothes under his gear. The more important reason, though, was that Hollard preferred him topless as well!

A short elevator ride later, Perry hurried down the hall and finally entered the front room to his boss's office. The Rottweiler was standing beside the seating area, where two used mugs lingered. "Ah, there he is!" Hollard announced, gesturing towards the approaching feline. The second man in the room turned to take a look and Perry was struck with awe.

Hollard was already a stocky chunk that made the cat's bones ache. The horse, Ashton Crawford, the heaviest person Perry had ever carried on his back to date, was an even more excruciating challenge and drove Perry to his physical limits. But the guy standing beside his boss right now, was surpassing both of them with ease! It was an elephant. Taller than Hollard by easily a foot, probably taller than Ash too. And with his thick gut, covered by a fine black suit, he could be as heavy as the dog and stallion combined! Forcing a smile, Perry approached the two cautiously.

"This is Perry, my personal carrier," Hollard continued, beckoning the wary cat closer still. "Perry, this is Charles Thatcher, a dear associate of the company."

Perry swallowed and widened his grin as he extended a hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Thatcher!"

The elephant's long trunk twitched as he returned the smile. "Same here," he spoke in a deep voice, almost crushing Perry's petite fingers in his huge, thick hand. "It's always nice to meet someone from the team. James spoke quite fondly of you!"

Perry flushed a bit, wondering what it was that his boss has said about him. Though before he could answer, Hollard spoke up, patting the smaller cat on the shoulder. "Well, sure! My carrier is an assiduous worker. Never let me down! Ain't that right, Perry?"

"S-sure..." he nodded awkwardly, blushing deeper at his employee's words. 'My carrier'. That sounded very right in Perry's ears. "I'm always doing my best, sir." He didn't lie, Perry always went all out for his boss and took every extra mile to please the demanding Rottweiler. But even his utmost best was subject to certain boundaries! Nervously he glanced over to the elephant again and felt his hackles rise. Good god! This guy must weigh at least five, or six hundred pounds, maybe more!

"Aynway. Charles, if you wan--"

"Mr. Hollard!" Perry suddenly squealed, doing something he had never done before: interrupt his boss. In front of a client at that! Both men looked down at the fidgeting tabby cat, surprised and, in Hollard's case, admonishingly. Perry swallowed, steeling his nerves. "Sir, I am terribly sorry to interrupt, but please could I speak you alone for just a moment? It's very important!"

The brusquely Rottweiler raised an eyebrow, but despite the fact that this sort of impertinence was a novelty for Perry, he played it cool. "Now, If it's really that important?" he muttered and Perry nodded only, ashamed. "If you would excuse us for a second, Charles? Please, have a seat. It won't take long."

The giant elephant nodded understandingly and Hollard walked off towards his office. Perry silently follwed him, averting his eyes in shame from the pachyderm they left behind. Once inside, Perry softly closed the doors behind him. When he turned, he met his boss's sharp eyes, his strong arms folded in front of his chest, one foot tapping on the ground. Perry shuddered as he meant to speak, but once again the dog beat him to it.

"What is the meaning of this?" he asked in a stern, but not outright hostile tone. "What could be so important that you had to drag me away from a guest? Do you even know who Charles Thatcher is?!"

Perry tried to collect himself. Mr. Hollard has been strict with him before, but never because of something like this! Facing the massive dog's disdain was an intimidating feeling. "I..." He stopped, then quickly came a few steps closer and finally went down on both his knees right in front of his boss. He put his hands to the floor and bowed down until his forehead touched the scratchy carpet. "I-I'm sorry, sir! I am terribly sorry for being so insolent! I know very well that I inconvenienced you and your guest, Mr. Hollard. B-but... but I had to interfere. I'm awfully sorry, sir!"

The towering Rottweiler took a deep breath as he watched the groveling tabby cat before his feet. Boy, did that make him feel mighty! Seeing how this adorable, young lad kneeled and begged him for forgiveness. Completely genuinely and with true awe! He savored the moment for a while, the elephant waiting outside be damned. Limon never acted like this anymore. Not this sincere at least. Not this pure.

With a low rumble, Hollard cleared his throat. It made the cat flinch. "And why did you 'interfere'?" he demanded to know, pronouncing the last word like an accusation.

After taking a deep breath through grit teeth, the groveling cat admitted his fear, "Sir, I... you know I'm always at your service. I'll do everything I can to satisfy you! But... but I can't do this. Please, you have to understand!" He shuddered, pressing his forehead harder against the floor as if that would help his situation. He had never before rejected his boss like this. Perry felt awful!

"The  heck are you talking about, cat?!"

"Your guest. Mr. Thatcher..." Perry's fur bristled at the mere thought of the absolutely massive elephant. "I... I c-can't carry him! I'm sorry, but this is too much. I interrupted you, so you couldn't offer him my services. I-I didn't want to reject you in front of a client, sir, but I have to refuse. Y-you have to understand, I can't carry an elephant on my back. I'm sorry! I'm very sorry, Mr. Hollard!"

The domineering dog grumbled from above. "And what made you think I called you to carry him?"

Perry gulped, then craned his neck to look up at his boss confused. "B-but..." Did he make a mistake? But it was pretty obvious wasn't it? "You texted me that there was work for me. You didn't tell me to leave the harness behind. A-and then you introduced me to Mr. Thatcher. I-I thought... you was going to..."

"Tsk! Stupid cat" Hollard muttered annoyed, then lifted his right leg in the air. Firmly he pressed his shoe into the pleading face that stared up at him and trod down. "I was just about to see Charles off. I called you because I have an appointment at FinCo Ventures!" He put a slight growl into his voice for good measure as he twisted his paw on the feline's head. He had never before disciplined Perry physically before. Not like this anyway. But he certainly wouldn't let the opportunity slip! Getting a bit more hands-on with the cat was something he'd wanted to do for a long while now, but so far he'd restrained himself. Perry was a soft boy, not nearly as resilient and stubborn as the fennec. He  needed some time. Time to adjust. Time to learn. And he needed to build enough trust. But Perry was a fast learner and maybe it was about time to take off the gloves. "Did you seriously think I'd make you carry this giant? A man over five times your weight? Did you honestly think I'd endanger you like this? Perry..." he sneered as he pressed his sole a bit firmer still to the boy's face. "I care greatly about your wellbeing! You're not some exploitable beast of burden to me. You are my personal carry boy!"

Perry was initially shocked when Hollard's hard shoe sole landed on his face. But he didn't resist and let the man push his face to the ground. There, squished between his boss's shoe and the scratchy carpet, he endured the reproach. He deserved all of it! "Hm-mrgh..." Even the way Hollard's heel painfully scraped over his nose when he ground his paw into his face. Perry shuddered with fear, but at the same time he wanted his boss to step down harder. He wanted to suffer for his mistake! "F-forgurwe me, sir. Rmph! Off couwse I know wmt you care aboot me. I was scared. I jmpd t' conclusions. I'm sowwy!"

Eventually Hollard removed his foot from the begging cat. "You'd do good to remember this the next time you're about to do something stupid again like dragging me from a guest!" In a silent request he shoved the tip of his shoe right under Perry's nose. The boy got the hint and began immediately to lick it clean. Hollard grinned. "But I'm also proud of you. You spoke up when you felt uncomfortable. That's important." He paused for a moment, letting the kneeling cat lap at his shoes for a moment. "Perry, I want you to know that you can trust me!"

The cat hesitated for a moment, tasting the scorching leather on his tongue. He realized that those last words carried a lot of meaning. Slowly Perry looked up and a faint smile crept onto his cheeks as he met the unusually kind eyes in Mr. Hollard's gruff, weathered face. "I do trust you, sir!"

They looked at each other for a while and there was indeed some sort of understanding moment between them. Eventually, though, the Rottweiler broke the glance and gave Perry a nudge with his foot. "Good boy, now get up," he murmured, possibly a tiny bit embarrassed. Then he quickly added, "But don't think this was the last of it. You embarrassed me quite a bit out there and I can't let that slip. You're going to make up for this later, is that clear, carry boy?!"

Back on his paws, Perry nodded politely. "Of course, Mr. Hollard. Again, I am terribly sorry for my misconduct. I will accept any form of penalty you see fit, sir. Thank you for being so understanding and for giving me the chance to better myself!"

"Alright..." the dog rumbled dismissively as ever, while adjusting his tie. "Now let's get rid of this trunk face so I can finally ride you to FinCo!"