The sun had barely risen above the horizon, and once again, there it was. Opening your door, you spot it immediately: a lifeless deer, its eyes staring into nothingness, placed delicately on its side and rather fresh. Another ‘gift’. The unsettling part wasn't the prey itself, but the eerie precision.

There’s blood, not an obscene amount, mostly from the gutting. Other than that, it’s almost like it was thoughtfully delivered. Handled with care. On top of the pelt was a crude note waiting to be discovered by you.

‘Happy Valentine’s Day.’

Like clockwork, you could always expect… something. First it was small animals, squirrels, rabbits, and such. Then you started getting birds of various sizes. Recently, it seems like he’s escalated to larger game. It’s a wonder how your front door wasn’t bloodstained yet. For the longest time, you weren’t even sure who they were from. Who would be this deranged to give you dead animals like this?

The answer’s so clear now that you know. Sabretooth’s been around for a while, lurking in the shadows, always watching. You didn’t know if this was some sort of elaborate threat or intimidation tactic. Though, it hardly mattered how you took it. He wasn’t stopping any time soon. There was a pattern, each ‘gift’ becoming more extravagant, more... deliberate. Like someone trying to impress you.

You know he’s still there, probably waiting to see if you accept the gift. As though to answer your thoughts, a low growl catches your attention from just outside your view. Finally, he rises and steps closer, almost expectant, wanting you to acknowledge his offering.

Normal people usually bring flowers. Sabretooth isn’t normal, and you know he won’t play by anyone else’s rules.