Chapter Text
“You should get a pet.” Jesse McCree suggested while he looked around the coffee shop, grinning in satisfaction with a job well done. Everything had been meticulously cleaned and polished. “Y’know, a cute little mascot the customers and I can love on.”
The younger man had helped his longtime friend move in to the new space downtown weeks ago. They had spent a month before the grand opening building most of the shelving and furniture from scratch. Anything they couldn’t build, they repurposed from existing pieces that fit the rustic, eclectic theme of the café. It was a long, tireless process while they made sure everything was up to code, but it had been a fun task to embark on.
Now, they were into their second month of business and business was definitely good. The café was located near the downtown area, bringing in plenty of foot traffic throughout the day and night that kept them busy.
Gabriel Reyes hummed in confirmation from behind the register while he locked up for the night, making sure everything was in order before he turned out the light to his pride and joy; his very own coffee house.
‘Reaper’s Bounty’
Gabriel’s mother had tried to convince her son to change the name more times than one could count, but Gabriel was set on it. The name fit his coffeehouse; dark-polished oak tables with modern lighting and hardwood floors. A few dark wood owl statues meticulously placed around the business, matching the owl logo that went with his coffee house’s name.
The grand opening had garnered front page news in the mid-size town in northern Washington; also home to Gabriel’s mother’s side of the family. Gabriel’s abuela had been so proud of her grandson that she framed the article and encouraged him to display it near the front of the establishment.
With business doing well, Gabriel eventually hired another helping hand in Lena, who was an enthusiastic college student that could whip up a latte in the blink of an eye. He also hired one of Jesse’s longtime friends, Genji, who manned the front register and won customers over with his cheerful smile and green hair.
Outside of the hired help, Gabriel also had his abuela who enjoyed coming in to bake with him. She was retired, but loved spending time with her favorite grandson in his shop (which Gabriel would remind her that he was the only grandson). She helped Gabriel make his pastries in the back kitchen, supervising him while also baking some of her amazing bread for the sandwiches the coffee shop offered.
The move from California to Washington had been a positive change in the coffee shop owner’s life. The world went by at a slower pace, lending well to soothe some of the anxieties Gabriel had felt months ago and was still working with.
Gabriel enjoyed getting to know more about the locals and talk literature when he could while he worked. The older man loved books and graphic novels; found comfort in them from when he was in school, in basic training, and when he was deployed overseas. It was evident by the bookshelves that held some free novels to look through; a sort of ‘open library’ for anyone who wanted to read.
The café owner even thought about eventually hosting a poetry/art night once a month.
Jesse cleared his voice, “Is that a yes or a no? A hum ain’t a confirmation.”
Gabriel glanced up, pulled from his thoughts. “To getting a pet?”
“Yeah, to having a little company around here when it’s quiet. Your counselor said it was a good idea for you to get a pet, and you’re out of your parents’ house now, so why not?” Jesse questioned while he finished re-shelving the last borrowed book. He walked over to the older man, a question on his brow.
“Hm...I don’t really have a yard. I would feel guilty with the lack of space for a dog.”
“So get a cat.” Jesse encouraged. “They’re self-cleaning for the most part, don’t take up a lotta space, can handle their own business in a box, and they’re great companions. I had a cat growing up, and he used to play fetch with me. He was a smart lil whip.”
“Was it you or the cat running to get the ball?” Gabriel snorted. He moved out from behind the register and turned out the front lights. Jesse followed him while they meandered towards the back, turning off lights and double checking that the doors were locked. When they got to the backroom, Gabriel unlocked another door that led to a staircase up into the residence quarters above the café.
“I’m sure you saw the cute pictures of the library cats I sent you.” Jesse continued. “I know you keep saying you prefer to live alone, but having a cat is great and they’re more affectionate than some folks give them credit for. It would be good for you. You always melt when you come over to my place and play with Boomer.”
Boomer was Jesse’s mixed German Shepard rescue. He was a great dog; very excited to greet guests and always wanting to show his love and excitement. Gabriel loved playing with the big canine whenever he came over to hang out. The only thing he didn’t like was the way Jesse allowed the dog to lick all over his face and mouth, getting slobber everywhere. That was something that made Gabriel shudder.
The older man had to admit though, the pictures of lazy cats lounging on bookshelves was heartwarming and settled well in his thoughts. He could imagine a handsome little black Tonkinese cat, or perhaps a refined Russian blue roaming around his own store and the image made him smile. It would give him someone to talk to when business was slow, as well as provide some companionship.
Sure, he would have to post at the front of the store for anyone who was allergic to cats, and the feline wouldn’t be allowed behind the counter where drinks and food were being prepared, but those seemed like only slight cons when compared to the pros of having a little guardian for the café.
“See!” Jesse nudged him with his own grin while Gabe considered the images on the phone, “Adorable, huh? They’ll be good company for you and bring good luck for the store.”
“What if I want to get a black cat? Aren’t they supposedly bad luck?”
“Any cat is good luck.” Jesse shook his head, waving the thought away. Gabe entered into his upstairs apartment, holding the door for Jesse to trail in after him.
Gabriel was considering the request seriously, especially when he looked around at his newly moved-into apartment. Everything had been unpacked and set up, but there was a feeling that something was missing.
Perhaps it was a roommate that could come and greet him by the door every day when he got home. Gabriel had to admit that sometimes, it did get a little bit lonely. Especially at night when it was just himself, a book, and the couch with the TV buzzing in the background.
Jesse took off his shoes and made way towards the kitchen. “I’ll make us a few sandwiches, jefe. How about you look up our local shelter to see who needs a good home? I know there are a few residents who might fit the bill.”
The older man did just that. He sat back on his couch, his slipper-clad feet resting up on the footrest while he browsed the internet until finding their local shelter page.
“Shelter is open from 10-3.” He stated. “Looks like a nice place. They said it’s a no-kill shelter, too.”
“Yeah, in smaller towns like this they have the capacity.” Jesse added. “Still, an actual home is better than that place. I volunteer there every other Sunday and there’s a few strays who’ve been there for a while. Dunno if you want a younger or an older cat, or if maybe you want to get two?”
“It’ll all depend on their temperament.” Gabriel scrolled through the pictures of the cats up for adoption, wondering how he could ever choose when all of them needed a good home. “I’ll see about getting a second cat later on…for now, I don’t want a full blown cat café just yet.”
“Now that’s a golden idea.” The scruffy haired man snorted. “Y’know, we could just adopt the whole shelter and run a cat café instead. Think of how much fun that would be!”
Gabriel shook his head. “You would be in charge of litter duty if that were the case.”
“Fair enough!”
Jesse brought out two plated sandwiches and chips with a glass of peach tea for them both.
“Just say the word for when you’re ready to bring home a new lil family member, and I’ll accompany you.”
Gabriel smiled, clinking glasses with his friend. “Deal.”
The rest of the evening involved Jesse and Gabriel watching cat videos and cat how-to’s broadcasted on the shop owner’s flat screen. By the time ‘Cats 101’ came on, Jesse bid his boss farewell for the night, leaving the older man bent over his notebook where he was compiling a list of what he needed buy.
He had considered having a pet before, but now that Jesse had wormed in the idea of a friendly feline, it wouldn’t leave. Gabriel knew that having a small companion would do him some good, and he hoped that in return, he could provide a good life for a cat in need. He had always been an animal lover and the prospect of a pet gave him something positive to look forward to.
*
It seemed especially appealing when later in the night he awoke on the couch sweating and gasping, bile burning in the back of his throat like fire. It felt as if a pair claw tipped hands were retreating from their hold on his throat, allowing him back into the real world to take in a solid breath. He clenched his teeth while he sat up sluggishly; mind burning from a nightmare he couldn’t fully recall other than the smoke and the sounds of frantic yelling and static.
Gabriel blinked at the glow of the TV’s screen, mouth suddenly too dry when the familiar itch began to writhe in his fingertips. His mouth felt too parched, mind too full and pounding. He carefully got up to stumble into the kitchen raggedly, hands anxious to find some relief.
There was a desire to grab his keys and drive to the nearest convenience store, but he diverted.
Instead, he opened the fridge and pulled out a carton of chocolate milk. He took long gulps of the thick drink, washing away the acrid taste from his mouth and hating himself more for wishing it was the comfort of burning alcohol coiling down his throat instead.
After the last drop slipped past his lips, he threw the empty carton into the trash and leaned against the sink, head hanging low. He splashed cold water on to his face and for the first time noticed just how cold his sweat-soaked skin was.
He was shaking uncontrollably.
He hated nights like this, but his counselor had reminded him again and again that this was a lifetime process; that he needed to be more mindful of the ebb and flow of positive and negative energy.
Gabriel took deep, slow filled breaths and closed his eyes. He called to mind the sound of his mother’s voice when she sang in her garden, her spade digging into the rich soil to plant new life while also uplifting the weeds. He kept her image in his mind- her gloved hands turning over the dirt and spreading out fresh store-bought plant food.
Her hands spread out the dark umber soil flecked with white and the image began to change when the consuming static began to fill his ears once more.
The soil lightened to the hot desert sand, choking and unyielding. The gloved hands burned and charred while they overturned the earth and began to unveil the remnants of a corpse, slipping past the blood and muscle that melted from bone-
“Fuck-!” Gabriel inhaled and pushed away from the sink.
Frustrated with his head and the images that plagued him even years after the incident; he wandered into his room in hopes that a hot shower would calm his mind. While he undressed, he avoided his reflection in the mirror where the scars glared back at him.
He didn’t want to read into their stories tonight.
He didn’t want to trace his failures.
*
*
Jesse picked him to go to the shelter the following week after Gabriel had done enough research and shopping to ensure he was both capable of having a pet, as well as had the right environment for one. When he ran the proposal across to his counselor, their face had lit up with encouragement for him to pursue having a small pet.
A ‘comfort companion’ was what his counselor had called it.
There were specific places Gabriel could go to get a service animal, but he was more interested in a cat and there were plenty of felines who needed a good home at the shelter. He had made the promise to himself to go to the shelter, and he was adamant about seeing it through.
Thus, he and Jesse rode in the cowboy’s old pickup truck with the windows rolled down to let in the cool breeze.
Gabriel had butterflies roiling in his stomach while his hands fiddled with his phone. He was nervous and excited to meet all of the cats. He was anxious on whether or not he would connect with any of them or feel the same love he had felt for his childhood dog, Bruce.
(The dog’s full name had been ‘Bruce Wayne’ and had been a handsome chocolate lab mix that lived to a ripe old age of fourteen.)
“You gettin’ cold feet over there?” Jesse hummed while he tapped on the steering wheel.
Gabriel huffed, “Just drive.”
Jesse whistled along with the radio while he parked the car. They entered into the shelter and wrote their names on a sign-in sheet while a staff person welcomed them and led them towards the back where the cats were.
“Hey fellas.” Jesse cooed when he came into the room, his face lighting up with a smile while he began to visit the regulars and greet the newcomers. A chorus of meows echoed throughout the room, bringing a smile to Gabriel’s own face while he observed the different residents.
“Are there any particular traits you’re looking for?” The shelter volunteer, Vanessa, asked.
Gabriel shook his head. “Not really. Just looking for a cat that is mostly well behaved and is already litter box trained.”
Vanessa beamed, “Well, you might want to look at the older cats then. The kittens are quite rambunctious.” She gestured towards the cages further down where some of the older residents were lounging or sleeping. Gabriel was glad to note that the facility was clean and it seemed like the cats were all very well taken care of.
“Are there any older cats who’ve been here a while?” Gabriel questioned while he walked slowly, glancing at each of the cat’s nametags. Many of the felines looked to him with curious eyes.
“Well, we do have one resident who’s been here for a few weeks already. He had ringworm so he was in quarantine for a while, but he just got clearance from the vet for adoption.” Vanessa pointed to a corner cage. “He looks a little rough around the edges, but I promise he’s a very sweet cat.”
As they got closer, the feline immediately pulled in his attention.
On the bottom shelf of the cage there was a medium long-haired white cat.
The first thing he noticed about the cat was that he had two long diagonal scars across his face. One scar began at the top of his head and pressed down between his eyes and over his nose. The second scar was across his lips. There was also a nick in his right ear and the top of his canine teeth poked through his lips. The volunteer hadn’t been kidding when she said the cat looked a little rough.
The cat sat in what Gabriel called the ‘turkey pose’, with his front paws tucked underneath a thin body and a somewhat fluffy white tail wrapped around his left side. The old cat regarded Gabriel with little skittishness and blinked up at him. Deep, ocean blue eyes were unwavering when Gabriel tried to poke his finger through the cage gently to see if the cat would come to him like the kittens had seemed inclined to do.
The cat craned his head closer, sniffing the human’s scent curiously.
“Hey little man.” He greeted, smiling.
Gabriel looked over to the information card curiously.
The cat’s name was ‘76’, named for the USA when he was found on July 4th in an alleyway, hiding underneath a dumpster by one of the local restaurants. He came in malnourished with a wounded paw, ringworm, and an eye infection that were all cleared up from a local foster group who cared for him under the veterinarian’s guidance.
He was an older cat, around 7-8 years old; neutered, microchipped, and with a laidback temperament. He was in need of a forever home where he could live out his senior years.
The negatives seemed to be that he was prone to trying to escape his residence, so it was highly recommended that he remain an indoor-only cat.
Looking at the feline in question, Gabriel could see that the years of life living on the streets was evident on the cat’s body. He was still a handsome cat, but he reminded Gabriel of an old soldier coming back home from a war.
The feline eventually closed his eyes and laid his head down to reposition into a more closed-off pose.
Something clicked, and Gabriel’s heart beat faster.
He’s the one.
Jesse was still cooing at and playing with the small kittens a few cages over. Gabriel cleared his voice. “I think I'd like to adopt this guy over here.”
The brown haired man sauntered over with a smile that slowly melted away when he saw the tousled old cat in the cage. “A white cat, Gabriel? You really think that’ll go good with all the black that you wear?”
“He needs a home.”
“Everyone here needs a home.” Jesse gestured back towards the kittens. “Look, they have a few cute little dark haired ones over here.”
Gabriel frowned. “No, I’m good.” The more he looked at the old white cat, the more he could imagine their calm demeanor bringing some life into the bookstore. “He’s the right choice, Jesse. Look how much personality he has.”
“He’s sleeping.”
“A kitten would be crawling all over the place. I need a skilled mascot.”
“He looks like one of those back alley brawling cats.”
“He’s been here since July.” Gabriel pointed out, “And it’s almost October.”
Jesse sighed. It was obvious Gabriel had made his choice, even though the feline was old and Jesse hoped it had a few more years of life left in it. Gabriel had been devastated when his tomato plant died, so a pet? Much worse.
“Have you decided?” Vanessa asked, trying not to seem like she was hovering although the spark of excitement in her eyes told the old veteran she’d been listening in.
“Yeah, I think this old man here would be perfect.”
The younger woman brightened. “We have a meet and greet area just back here.” She motioned to a small sitting room with a few cat toys inside. “I’ll secure 76 out of his cage so that you two can get acquainted.”
Jesse led Gabriel into the meet and greet area while Vanessa retrieved the cat. Gabriel stood anxiously, arms folded while he paced.
“Calm down, mi amigo. It’s not like you’re adopting a human.” Jesse chuckled. “You look like a new parent.”
“Sure feels like it.” Gabriel sighed.
Vanessa came back into the room, holding the cat carefully in her arms. 76 didn’t writhe or try to get away from her while she held him expertly. “Like I said, he’s a very sweet boy. He’s never bit or scratched any of us, and he loves chin and belly rubs.”
She placed the cat down on the ground where he stood on on all fours and made a long stretch. Vanessa handed over a small container of cat treats to the older man.
Gabriel crouched down, shaking the treats. The cat’s ears perked up in interest and he sauntered over to Gabriel with interest, sniffing at his fingers.
“Hey little man.” Gabriel grinned.
76 rubbed his cheeks and forehead along the veteran’s hands, a soft purr rumbling from his chest. He felt some moisture and glanced down with a raise of his brow.
Vanessa tried to repress a laugh, “He does happen to drool a little when he knows food is coming. The vet said it’s completely normal, though.”
Pulling a treat from the container, Gabriel offered it to the purring cat who took it from his fingers delicately before munching away. He ran his hand down 76’s side, brightening when the cat arched into the touch.
“He’s not afraid of people, is he?”
“No, not at all. The foster family he was with also had kids and they said he did great with the little ones.” Vanessa explained. “He does get a little spooked out by loud noises, but he’s good with people and with dogs.”
A paw pressed against his knee. 76 pushed up on his hind legs, sniffing at where Gabriel had the container of treats. With his free paw, he tried to pull in the human’s wrist to get more of the tasty food.
Jesse laughed, “I’d say he has no fear.”
Gabriel offered the white cat another treat. 76 gobbled it up excitedly, his purr rumbling from deep in his chest. Every time the human pet along his fur, the cat seemed to press into the touch, appreciating the attention.
“He’s the one.” Gabriel stated, dark brown eyes soft with fondness. He couldn’t explain it in words, but it just felt right to choose the old stray and give him a second chance.
Much like Gabriel had been given a second chance at life.
“I’m glad. He’s been here a long time and deserves a good home. I think he’ll be very happy with you.” Vanessa agreed. “I’ll go ahead and get the adoption papers ready for you. I’ll be back in just a moment.”
“Hopefully he’s loving you and not just the treats in your hand.” Jesse tilted his head.
“He will live like a king.” Gabriel set the treats on the side table and scratched underneath the cat’s chin. 76 sat down, pushing his head up and into the massage with a content rumble.
“Well, I suppose he is a Reyes now, huh?”
“He definitely is.” The old veteran praised his new little family member, excitement alight in his brown eyes every time those dark blue eyes gazed back up at him.
He had never seen such peculiar shade of blue eyes on a cat before.
*
*
Gabriel fretted the whole way home on whether or not he had enough supplies for his new fluffy roommate. The cat in question seemed to glance at them in concern from within his new pet taxi, pushing himself to the very back of the brand new carrier Gabriel had purchased for him. He didn’t meow or make any snarling noises in protest, instead leveling everything with a cautious gaze.
“We can’t call him ’76.” The younger man glanced over to Gabe, who was sitting next to the pet taxi, both of them seatbelted.
“I’ll think of a name eventually. I need to get to know him first.”
Jesse nodded, “He seems like a sweetheart, despite how torn up he looks. He fits the theme of the coffee house. Too bad we couldn’t get a bird, though.”
“A bird would definitely bite." Gabriel tapped lightly on the pet carrier. "This week I’ll build a few perches for 76 to climb up and lounge on so that he is comfortable in the cafe. Cats like height."
“It's a good idea. I think you were wise getting an older cat. Sorry I was against it at first…I guess I had my mind set on one of those little black kittens.”
Gabriel smiled, “They were cute, but this old tom has been through a lot. I figure he could use a nice retirement.”
“I won’t tell anyone what a softie you are, Gabriel Reyes.” Jesse glanced down at his phone and smirked. “I’ll walk you two upstairs and then I have to get going for my date.”
“With Genji’s brother, right?”
“Yeah. His name’s Hanzo. You met him before- he had the dragon tattoo on his arm and the piercing.” Jesse tapped at the bridge of his nose.
“Oh yeah. He’s the one that you messed up his order and had to redo it again because you were ogling him.” The older man raised a brow, “Where are you taking him?”
“He wanted to see a movie and grab a bite to eat. I’m nervous as all hell, though.” The brown haired man confessed, “Full moon in a few days is making me twitchy, but Genji said his brother is cool with dating someone like me.”
Gabriel reached across the distance and lightly punched at the other’s shoulder. “You've got this. Just don’t go howling at the moon or slobbering on him and you should be fine.”
“Asshole.” Jesse shrugged him off, laughing.
“Just offering my sage advice, pendejo.”
*
*
The first thing 76 did when Gabriel opened up the carrier door was to sniff around the floor and loop back to brush up against both Gabriel’s and Jesse’s legs.
“He’s mighty affectionate, isn’t he?” Jesse chuckled with amusement.
Gabriel smiled proudly and knelt down, giving the old white cat some cheek and chin rubs. Once satisfied with the attention, 76 began to wander around the living room, inspecting the area with his nose while his tail swayed behind him with interest.
He especially seemed to like the cat tree. He hopped up the new piece of furniture to the top where it looked out the window. The cat seemed pleased while he stretched and clawed at the play structure.
“He takes ownership like it’s no one’s business.” Gabriel observed with pride. He ran his hand down 76’s back. “See? Good boy.”
“The fact that you got a white cat that’ll get hair all over your black shirts still eludes me.” Jesse shook his head.
“He’ll be king of the whole building, my lil soldier.” Gabe cooed. The cat arched his back and meowed in response, satisfied with the praise.
“Well, I’ll leave you two love birds to it. Congratulations on being a cat dad!” Jesse saluted and headed out, Gabriel’s “Good luck! Don’t fuck it up! Wrap it up!” trailing after him. He flipped Gabe off while he descended down the outside stairs.
The old veteran turned to his cat.
His cat.
His new family member.
76 was glad to be lavished with chin and head rubs, the cat eventually turning on his back so that Gabriel could gently run his hand from the cat’s chest to his fluffy stomach.
A new home.
*
*
*
Jack had never meant to cause trouble.
He also had never meant to get caught, but living life on the streets eating garbage and food scraps did little to lend to exuberant health and energy. Especially when the weather was so warm and humid out, causing his fur to snarl and his body to feel overheated. He had been doing his best to take care of himself, but he was so tired and it was so hot…
All he had wanted was a cool place to rest his head and sleep.
His health was getting worse and he knew he was running out of time.
He thought he was at death's door when he had fought off another feral cat and seriously injured himself in the process, cursing the world when then fire and bombs hit the sky and he scurried to hide from the torment on his senses.
He was too weak to fight off the human who pulled him from underneath the dumpster and took him to the shelter. He had tried to escape at every opportunity he had, but he was too weak to manage more than annoyed growls and twitchy movements.
Perhaps it had all been a small blessing.
Now he was in a nice home, laying atop a brand new cat tree while a human spoke quietly to him, running his fingers along his skin in gentle touches.
The kindness was appreciated after so long on the streets. He also enjoyed the quiet of the home where the smell of this new man lingered about, calm and masculine. He could also scent something else, his ears twitching when he glanced behind the human to a movement in the shadows.
It was unnerving and his eyes quickly dilated, alarm ringing in his senses.
He had seen ghosts in homes before. Those who were unable to pass to the next life and lingered on with their families or in the homes they had passed away in. He was used to ghosts, but this entity was different. Ghosts came off hazy and gray; a smell of frost accompanying them.
Whatever this thing was had a hint of putrid sulfur and death to it.
He moved back on to all fours hurriedly. His caretaker, Gabriel, wad calling after him when he jumped down quickly and scampered off down the hall, eyes tracking the slight movement.
The hell? Jack thought, mind filled with churning concern. It couldn’t already be happening…I just got here.
Jack turned into what he assumed was the human’s bedroom and stopped cold, hair standing on end when he saw the dark wraith like outline of a figure in the corner of Gabriel’s room. It hovered there, regarding the small cat carefully with glowing red eyes.
Though, the shadow figure knew that Jack wasn’t just a cat.
“76?” Gabriel’s voice came from the hall. Jack glanced back when the human came into view. “What’re you doing, just sitting there?” Gabriel snorted and scooped up the cat into his arms. “C’mon, you need a bath. I also have a new collar for you, big guy.”
Jack wasn’t a fan of getting wet, but he was too concerned about whatever it was that was also living in Gabriel’s home to care in the moment. He glanced back to the corner, trying to wiggle out of Gabriel’s hold to get a better look.
Whatever the dark figure was, it was gone.
Its scent still burned in his nose like a warning.