Gift

Boulanger: “The Chateau Lafleur merlot! How sweet. You remembered.”

42: “Of course, Miss.”

B: “Come. Sit and share a glass with me.”

42: “B-But Miss Zero said--”

B: “Miss Zero said you are to attend to my desires, yes? I desire you to sit and share in one of life’s little pleasantries.”

42: “...I guess if Miss Zero says it’s okay...”

B: “...how does it taste?”

42: “...like... sour grapes?”

B: “Oh mon dieu, what have they been teaching you in this place? Go on. Try again. Use all your senses this time. Lead with your nose, it informs the pallet.”

42: “It smells... It smells like cherry? Or maybe olives?”

B: “Merveilleux! Tellement mieux ma chérie! The vines used to make it are grown in soil that was once used for years to produce fruits. It imparts that acid and sweetness you smell.”

42: “You can tell where a wine was grown based on its taste?”

B: “Bien sûr! It’s takes skill and practice, but it is something that can be learned over time. One sip can transport you halfway across the globe.”

42: “It can?”

B: “I know the wine is from France. Pomerol. I know it is a warm climate - you can taste the sun in the tannins - but the taste is supple. Therefore, there must have been considerable rain that year. The flavor is intense, but you can still detect the subtle tones beneath it of the oak barrel it was aged in. Yet the oak flavour is faint, implying it was a re-used barrel, typical of a small batch producer, like Chateau Lefleur.”

42: “You sure do know your wine Miss. Boulanger.”

B: “To know wine is to know life itself. At first glance, it appears to be nothing more than bitter sour grapes. Yet behind every glass, there lies secret sweetness and history for those who take the time to appreciate it. Much like people, really.”

42: “If you say so... it still just tastes like bad grapes to me.”

B: “A tragedy, but one I can learn to accept. Come, finish your drink then join me by the bed at your leisure. I have had my fill of savoury meats and wish to consume my sweet dessert before the night grows too late.”

42: “Ready whenever you are, Miss.”

B: “Good girl. On your front, spread your legs, and try to relax. I have a gift for you.”

42: “-hngg!”

B: “There. How does it feel?”

42: “T-tight...and heavy.”

B: “Very good. I’ve been told you have a fondness for wolves, so I saw fit to grace you with a luxurious tail of your very own. It becomes you.”

42: “T-Thank you Ms.”

B: “Now be a good pet; keep your head down and hold on to the sheets will you?”

42: “Yes Mi—ah!”

B: “My my. Do you get this excited for all your clients or just me?”

42: “J-Just you...”

B: “Oh, you are sweet indeed. I’m flattered. Good pets deserve rewards after all.”

42: “...!”

B: “Drink deep of yourself, ma chérie. Let’s see if your taste deepens over the course of the evening, shall we?”