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It was odd. How the cat kept showing up. There were no patterns to it slinking on by, demanding to be let in at all hours of the day. Generally, Hob didn’t interact with the strays that hung about. Don’t get him wrong, he did his due diligence, placing food and water out back for them. It just wasn’t good for business to be letting them in. Health codes and all. Morpheus, on the other hand, was obsessed with the cat. He had a soft spot for all the strays, but there was something about the fluffy white beast that he seemed particularly fond of.
“Seems like you adopted the cat at this point. Might as well give him a name,” Hob mused as he placed their mugs down, giving Morpheus a quick peck on the lips. It was a rare sunny day in London, Hob’s least preferred weather type, the heat bearing down quite insufferably. His boyfriend, on the other hand, was preening underneath the beams, his body lax in his seat as the cat purred loudly in his lap. He was insistent on sitting outside whenever the sun was high in the sky, and who was Hob to deny him whatever small luxuries he pursued in his retirement.
“A name?” Morpheus inquired, staring down at the feline with joy crinkling his eyes softly. One arm was entwined about the animal, holding him close to his stomach, his fingers curling gently through the underside of his coat in a to and fro motion. Reaching with his other for his tea, Morpheus cocked his head to the side, looking like an inquisitive cat himself. “I don’t believe he needs one.”
Scoffing Hob pulled his own cup toward himself, already seated heavily in his chair as he peered over at the cat lounging, quite greedily at that, in his boyfriend’s lap. “A cat needs a name. Specially one who wishes to be kept like that one does,” he exclaimed, jabbing a finger toward the beast.
A small tweep came from the animal in question, one green eye opening to blearily stare at Hob. He really was a majestic mouser. Pure white, like freshly laid snow, with the pinkest ears Hob’s ever seen. His eyes were also a brilliant green, not quite emerald, but different shades of the color depending on the light. At first Hob thought he was owned with how clean he was, but the feline was so skinny, and seemed worn out physically, mentally, whenever he came by, as if he carried a heavy burden. Hob started to think that it had what the kids called ‘pretty privilege’, whatever that would mean for an animal, as he was divine for sure, and probably had loads of other people taking care of him way better than any of the other strays on the block. Hob was amazed no one else had scooped him up to claim as their own. Seemed like this one wanted to pick his owner and had found his perfect match in Morpheus.
“Wants to be kept, does he?” Morpheus mused, placing his cup back down after a quick sip. The beast in question peered up at Morpheus, a soft meow being pulled forth before he butted his head into Morpheus’s stomach, purring much louder now as it nuzzled in. Blinking in puzzled astonishment Morpheus gently carded his free hand through the soft fur, making it fluff up more than it already was. “I was not aware he desired such.”
Snorting into his drink Hob gave his boyfriend an exasperated eye roll. “Duck, no offense, but that cat only likes you. I’m sure it takes food and such from elsewhere, or he wouldn’t look as taken care of as he does, but that feline only has eyes for you. If that’s not a cat choosing its owner then I don’t know what is; and if he wants to be owned then you need to give him a name, darling. Can’t keep calling him The Cat, now can we.”
Eyebrows scrunching Morpheus gave a deep hum, contemplative. “This may be true, but I would like to correct you on one matter, my beloved. He likes you too.” As if providing feedback as well the feline gave another meow as he rolled onto his side, head cradled in the crook of Morpheus’s arm as he stared at Hob, giving a slow blink.
What a standing ovation. “Hardly. I feel like he tolerates me at best.”
“Perhaps it is because he does not know you as well,” Morpheus rebutted. “You are, after all, endlessly busy.” The cat gave another slow blink before shutting his eyes, purring once more as he lazed in the sun from his cushy seat.
Sitting in silence for a moment, taking in the view of man and feline, both content in a way only a gentle understanding can bloom from, Hob spoke, “Perhaps,” quietly, as if afraid to disturb the picture in front of him. He let them bask together for a moment longer. After all, Hob wasn’t one to deny Morpheus his little contentments, and perhaps, too, he could learn to give their feline companion more moments of serenity as well.
“A name....” Morpheus mumbled, hand stilling its mindless caressing through the silky coat. “Daniel.”
“Daniel?”
“Daniel.”
“I....” Trailing off Hob blinked. “That’s hardly a fitting name for a cat!” he exclaimed.
“Oh? Then what is?” Morpheus intoned flatly.
“I’m not sure but not Daniel. That’s such a plain name! Something as majestic as he deserves a more befitting designation.”
“I am not taking suggestions on this. His name is Daniel.” Standing up abruptly, keeping Daniel curled close to his chest, Morpheus stepped around the table, giving Hob the most grandiose side eye he’s ever been pinned under. “I will be upstairs, giving Daniel a tour of his new hunting grounds.”
Being left in stunned astonishment Hob watched as his boyfriend left, cat cuddled snuggly in hand, to head for the side entrance to their flat above The New Inn. For some reason he feels like he just slighted the cat, but he wasn’t sure why. Sighing heavily he stood up gingerly, downing the rest of his tea in two quick pulls. Might as well go apologize for whatever he did wrong. He had a nagging suspicion he was going to be doing this a lot with Morpheus, and Daniel, he just couldn’t say for what reason. Best to get started now before he was booted to the couch. Would be just his luck too, being replaced by a cat.