The Inheritance (for scarletnym)

[dragonrazor]

A young man sighed, driving slowly to the farm he had just inherited. He wasn't exactly thrilled to having inherited his great-grandparents' farm, though it was very, very spacious. As he drove, his black sedan rumbling along the old dirt road, he spoke on the phone, talking to his sister, who was teasing him about having to become a farmboy now. He stopped for a moment, afraid he'd missed his turnoff, and asked her about road signs. When he spotted the one she mentioned, he pulled the sedan back a few feet, and turned onto the road. He continued down it, noting just how much of the land was his as he drove. The conversation continued until he turned off onto a driveway. The driveway led up to the farm itself, and as he pulled up to the farm, he said goodbye to his sibling, and hung up, looking at the farm. He pulled the car to a stop, and got out, looking around more closely. He looked around, surveying the rolling hills for a moment, and sighed, closing his eyes and remembering what he was doing there in the first place.


Four Days Earlier:

"To my Great-Grandson Frank Verler, I leave the farm and ranch. I do this because I believe you need it more than I ever did. I think you can do wonderful things with it, just remember that the Caretaker is your friend."

Frank was shocked, having expected to get a painting or something. But to be left a farm and ranch...He hadn't expected it, and wasn't sure he had wanted it. He sighed, and started to get up, before being handed the keys and the deed, which he signed slowly. He left, ignoring the looks from the rest of the family, many of whom had wanted to sell the farm.


Now:

He looked around, seeing no one, and decided to shout to see if anyone could hear him.

"HELLO!? ANYONE HERE??" He was almost hoping no one was there. He continued looking around, appraising the farm with an expert eye in regards to monetary value, and then visual appeal, starting to think of living there. He saw a spacious, recently renovated farmhouse. A large barn with three stories. A machine shed, undoubtedly housing the farm equipment. A second, smaller shed, housing garden tools that his great grandmother had used. He frowned at that, knowing they'd probably need to be replaced. Then he looked farther on, seeing orchards, the ranch, and a livery stable. He remembered that they'd kept horses, and that he'd been scared to death of them.

He also remembered that farther down, beyond the treeline after the orchard, there was a lake with a boathouse. He owned both as well, he realized, and he considered what to do with lakefront property. Then he took a deep breath, coughing and wheezing. Too hot, too dusty. He'd have to start up on an allergy medication, he thought. He sighed, and laid down on the hood of the sedan, waiting to see if anyone came back. There was supposed to be a caretaker, after all.

 

[scarletnym]

She stretched, groaning softly from her perch on top of the barn. It was her favorite place to relax, the heat of the tin roof warming her deliciously. Her ears perked up at the sound of the vehicle. She watched the dust as the car made its way down the long driveway. Obviously this was the new owner of the farm, she thought. Whimpering softly, her eyes closed against the memories, knowing she needed to be strong.

Resting against her paws, she sat and waited until he emerged from the car. Definitely a different ride than the old farm truck she was used to. She watched him taking in the sight of the grounds, hoping he wasn't too disappointed, hating to think of the place being sold and demolished. Letting him stew a bit, she slowly made her way off the roof, trotting slowly around the barn.

She stopped a few feet away, watching as he reclined against the hood as she sat, curling her tail about her. Sighing softly, knowing she should get this over with, she cleared her throat and waited.

 

[dragonrazor]

Frank had almost dozed off when the clearing of a throat got his attention. He snorted, sitting bolt upright on the hood, and stared at the young woman who had interrupted him. He was confused as to what he was looking at for a moment, before he realized she was a Zoan, an Anthropomorph. He climbed off the hood of the car, almost scrambling off of it as he tried to make himself a bit more presentable. He grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.

"Ah hah hah...Sorry, guess I got a little bored. This is the Verler farm, right?" He hoped he hadn't made too bad an impression already. He walked around the vehicle and offered his hand. "I'm Frank. Am I correct in assuming you to be the caretaker?"

 

[scarletnym]

She was barely able to keep from laughing, obviously startling him quite a bit. Her head tilted a bit to the side, watching as he worked it out in his mind. She could imagine the initial shock at seeing her, but finally she saw as he put it together.

Taking a deep breath, she watched him move closer, taking in his faint scent. She was happy to find her first reaction to him was calm and accepting. It would have been difficult for her to have to run him off, espcially after the promise she made to her owner...previous owner, she thought.

She was a bit taken back as he extended his hand, not expecting the decency he was showing. Her paw raised slowly, allowing his warm hand to hold her for a short moment. Pulling back, she rose up tall as she answered, "You are right, this is the Verler Farm. Pleasure to meet you, Frank. I'm Dawn and you would be correct. I've been the caretaker here since the farm began."

Knowing it was still ultimately his decision on whether she was allowed to continue, she tried not to show her nervousness. "I hope that things are to your liking, I've tried to keep things going since...until your arrival."

 

[dragonrazor]

Frank could almost feel the palpable fear of something in her. He frowned, then the frown was gone again as she answered his question. He smiled, and nodded. "Pleased to meet you, Miss...?" He realized he didn't know her name, and left it to her to tell him. Then he looked at the house.

"Well, I'm going to need to know everything you can tell me about the place, I suppose. And food would be a good idea. I didn't get a chance to eat breakfast yet, and it's pushing..." He looked at his watch, then swore violently. "Is it really that late? It must have taken me longer to find this place than I thought. I missed lunch too."

 

[scarletnym]

Grinning a bit, she replied, "I'm Dawn...no miss necessary." She watched as he moved his gaze to the house, wondering just what he thought of the old, but well kept farmhouse.

"I figured you would be arriving late," she said as she turned. "I prepared an early dinner, if you want to grab your things and follow me. I'm not a pack mule after all." Chuckling softly, she trotted slowly to the house, her tail held high.

She turned at the top of the steps, seeing him gathering his things and proceeded into the house. Letting out a soft breath, she relaxed a bit. He didn't seem quite that bad and certainly was easy on the eyes. She thought this just might work out.

 

[dragonrazor]

Frank nodded slowly, running his mind over her name a few times. Dawn. It fit, he thought, as he moved his car into a different spot so it wasn't so in the way. Then he grabbed his bags and started inside. "The rest of my stuff should be coming in a few days."

He grinned sheepishly, following her up the steps to the porch. He stopped, frowning, realizing she was staring at him. He blushed, and cleared his throat. "Sorry to be so much trouble. I know you're used to things happening a certain way here, and I'm just a wrench in the works." He rubbed the back of his head, then nodded slowly.

"Lead the way, Miss Dawn."

 

[scarletnym]

She led him into the kitchen, motioning to the large table off to the side. "Have a seat, I'll fix you a plate." She moved easily around the kitchen, fixing him a plate of homemade stew, fresh baked biscuits and seasoned green beans. "If you're up for it after you finish, I have apple cobbler."

She sat down across from him, her tail swirling around her. Watching as he ate, she couldn't help but appreciate his good looks. Trying for conversation, she asked, "So, what do you think of the place?" She hoped he wouldn't find her upkeep of the farm lacking.

 

[dragonrazor]

Frank raised an eyebrow, then took a seat, and waited. When the plate was before him, he ate quietly. He smiled, motioning for something to drink, as he looked at her, then swallowed a few bites before speaking. "C'est magnifique. You definitely know your way around a kitchen." He grinned, then sobered up at her question.

He tilted his head, considering it, then looked her in the eyes. "Depends. Are Grana's tools still in the shed? Are they in good condition?"

OOC: I'm using grana as a mixture of nana and great grandmother, I guess. yes, I just made it up.

 

[scarletnym]

She smiled at him, rising to pull the glass pitcher of home made iced tea from the fridge. Pouring him a large glass, she replaced the pitcher and set the glass in front of him. Returning to her seat, she chucked. "I should hope so, I'm the only cook this place has had from the beginning. I'm glad you like it."

Her tailed switched once before she spoke, "Yes, the are all in the shed. They are in quite good condition. As they were also my responsibility, I believe they will be up to your standards. Why do you ask?"

She picked up his plate, seeing he was through and cleaned it quickly before setting it in the strainer. Turning she leaned against the sink, waiting for his answer.

 

[dragonrazor]

Frank grinned, sipping the tea quietly for a few moments. Then he wiped his lips with a napkin on hand, and turned to look at her, studying her for several long moments. "That's a relief. I was worried that they'd been left in disrepair all these years."

He tilted his head, smiling. "So where did the old man find you? I don't remember ever seeing you any time I visited as a kid. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't forget such a strikingly beautiful woman."

 

[scarletnym]

She was a little annoyed at the implication that she would allow any part of the farm to come to ruin. "Well, I guess you can set you mind at ease then." Making no move to return to the table, her tail twitching as she tried to calm herself. This man didn't know her so how could he possibly know what a stickler for details she was.

She couldn't help but laugh at his obvious flirting. "Why thank you, " she replied. "The 'old man' wished for me to remain hidden when you were a child. Your parents were not very keen on having me around their son." She grinned at him as she wandered back to join him at the table. "He actually found me at another farm. I was one of ten and certainly not needed or wanted. There was talk of just tossing me out and letting me fend for myself." She smiled softly, remembering the day fondly. How he had come and taken her away, teaching her to work on the farm, giving her a new and better life.

"Your grandfather was a wonderful man. If it weren't for him, who knows where I would have ended up." Her eyes teared up a bit as she thought of him, quickly wiping them away. "So, what are your plans for the farm, now that you are the proud owner...and of me I suppose."

 

[dragonrazor]

Frank raised an eyebrow at her twitching, lashing tail. Then he smiled at her retelling of how she came to be upon the farm. He frowned slightly at mention of his parents, and nodded slowly. "It's...Well, my parents were not exactly the best of people. Very intolerant."

At her question, he frowned deeper. He considered that for a moment, unsure what to do. Then he remembered the looks he'd gotten from most of the people at the reading of the will. The only one who hadn't glared at him as if he were a plague was his sister. He looked at her for a moment, speaking slowly.

"I believe...that considering everyone else wanted the farm to sell it.... I think maybe it's best kept out of their hands. Of course, I don't trust them not to continue attempting to get their hands on it. We might want to keep our eyes open. In the mean time, I suppose I should familiarize myself with as much of the property as possible, huh?"

 

[scarletnym]

Shrugging, she no longer cared about what people thought of her. She watched his face fall, curious as to what his plans were for the farm. "You are probably right, if they want to see that badly, I'm sure they will continue to try and convince you." She fiddled with the buttons of her shirt, wondering just what they would do if he decided not to sell.

Taking a deep breath, she could see he was interested in keeping the farm, which meant her keeping her job, her home. Smiling, "Yes, I supposed you should. Where would you like to start? Perhaps the shed?" She laughed softly, her tail swirling around her jean covered thighs.

 

[dragonrazor]

Frank frowned at the teasing, then grinned. "Depends. That's not a ploy to get me hidden away for your own purposes, is it? And if it is, does that involve seeing what's under the clothes?"

He stood up, and stretched, finishing off the iced tea, then bowed slightly, indicating that she should lead the way. "I should probably ask this now. Is there cable out here? I use high speed internet, and wanted to know if I'd have to switch to satellite or something. And you don't mind that I collect swords, do you?"

 

[scarletnym]

She broke out laughing, tears forming as she tried to catch her breath. "That's a good on, Frank." Finally getting herself under control, "It will take a lot more than that to see what's under these clothes, my dear."

She put his glass in the sink and led him out the back door of the kitchen, toward the shed. Turning to gaze up at him, she smiled. "We don't have cable but your grandfather installed satellite internet a while ago. It works quite well actually. I don't watch much television so cable didn't seem worth it."

Her eyebrows raised slightly at the mention of swords, curious to see what he will think of his grandfather's study. Keeping that tidbit to herself, she smiles, "I don't mind swords as long as they are not trying to chop something off of me."

 

[dragonrazor]

Frank followed her, grinning at her reaction and her teasing. Her explanation made him nod, and he tilted his head at the part about something being chopped off. He shrugged, and regarded the property as they walked, then turned his attention back to her. "No, most of them are fakes. The few real ones I just display. I collect them."

He nodded again, thinking. "Satellite internet, huh? And yeah, there hasn't been much worth watching on TV lately. Is there anything important I should know?"

He listened as she kept talking, following her with his eyes drifting to her tail every so often. He was rapidly coming to the conclusion that that tail alone made it worth keeping the farm. He had a feeling he'd have a lot of work ahead of him, however. At the very least, going through the books would probably take days, if not weeks.

 

[scarletnym]

She grinned, wondering if he would know how to handle a real one. Giggling softly she nodded, "Yes...I believe your grandfather did as well. He may even have a few stored in the barn if you are interested."

Her bottom swayed as she made her way to the shed. "Let's see...I suppose there are a few things that are important." She began to go over the daily upkeep of the farm, small things but they seemed important to her.

"Oh...the attic floor has always been my quarters, if that is alright. I have a bedroom and bath up there." She hoped she wouldn't have to give up her sanctuary, she loved sitting on the window seat and staring out onto the farm.

Arrived at the shed, she unlatched the door and reached in to turn on the light before stepping back to allow him entry. "Here we are."

 

[dragonrazor]

Frank smiled at that, and nodded. He followed her, watching her tail twitch as she walked. "Yeah, I'll have to look."

His eyes were almost constantly drawn to the movement of her hips as she walked ahead of him. He listened as carefully as he could to her description of the daily chores and other such things. When she spoke of the attic being her place, he nodded again, and brought his eyes up to her face just as she turned around to present the shed to him.

He stepped into the shed, studying it. "Hmmm. Well, I see nothing out of sorts."

 

[scarletnym]

She looked over at him, wondering just what he was thinking this place should look like. "Were you expecting anything less?" Pulling the shed door closed tight, she turned and began walking to the barn, not waiting for him to catch up.

"If you are looking for things to be run down and falling apart, you will be sadly mistaken. Just because your grandfather was no longer here, does not mean I would let his place fall to pieces." She threw open the barn door and sat atop the pile of haybales in the corner, her arms crossed as he entered.

"Feel free to look around closely for any signs of disarray." She knew he probably didn't mean anything by it, but his attitude seems to irk her.

 

[dragonrazor]

Frank raised an eyebrow at her very irritated response. He followed her, tilting his head, and sighed. He'd made a bad impression already, he realized. He shook his head, and cleared his throat. "Keep in mind I don't know very much about farms. I have no clue what to even look for."

He looked her up and down pointedly, then grinned cheekily. "Now, if we were in a place where I was supposed to pick out something kinky for you to wear, or what positions to put you in, that I could handle."

 

[scarletnym]

She tried to be understanding, knowing he probably had never even been on a farm before. His next comment caught her off guard, a small grin splitting her full lips.

"Do you always use such wicked humor to calm a girl?" She couldn't help but chuckle, wondering just what he would chose...she shook her head, pushing the thought from her mind. This was not the way to start out with the new boss.

She jumped down from the haybale, her tail swishing slowly as she approached him. "I doubt you would be a much better judge in that arena, but as we are not choosing a delicious wardrobe or kinky positions...perhaps you ask a few questions and I'll...direct you."

She grinned wickedly as she walked away, her hips swaying seductively as she moved farther into the barn.

 

[dragonrazor]

As the gorgeous border collie woman moved up to him, telling him he should ask questions and she'll direct him, Frank laughed. He brought one hand up and gave her arse a firm squeeze, before watching her walk away. The sway of her hips had him hard as a rock in his pants. He'd definitely have to do something about that later. Probably hours with a porno collection, he thought.

Then he grinned again. "You keep that up and I may have to bend you over some of those hay bales. Unless you'd prefer a spanking for being naughty." He followed her, asking questions about the financial aspects of taking care of a farm, since that was about the only thing he could understand about it.

 

[scarletnym]

Looking back over her shoulder, she gives him a wicked look before turning around. She couldn't help but smile when she faced away from him, secretly liking the way it felt. It had been so long since she had been around someone who took an interest in more than just her work.

She laughed, "I doubt that you could even guess what I would prefer." Moving through the barn, she began to answer his questions. By the time they were finished, he had a pretty good grasp of just how well off he was now. The farm was making money each year and his grandfather had a large sum put away for the daily maintenance. Interestingly enough, that sum of money was significantly larger than the farm would ever need to run even on its most expensive day.

 

[dragonrazor]

Frank grinned at her cheeky, laughing response. He was definitely enjoying the farm so far, he decided. The more he heard about the finances, the more he frowned. He had to wonder why the farm made so much money, and why so much of it was put away for maintenance of it. He looked at her, watching the sway of her hips as she walked, trying to figure that out. Then he shrugged, figuring the old man had probably put it in some books somewhere.

When they'd completed the tour, he smiled, looking at her. "So, what now? I suppose I should probably take a shower to rinse the dust off from the trip, huh?" He turned towards the house, firing over his shoulder. "You're welcome to join me if you want." It was said only half teasing, since he definitely wouldn't mind sharing the shower with her.