The Illusion of Danger

Chapter 17

After getting dressed and changing the bedding, Mordecai and Rocky curled up under the duvet to keep each other warm. There weren't many more words shared between them considering how tired Mordecai was after such an evening.

Even though the curtains were closed, the morning light still managed to shine in through the fabric, ultimately waking the tuxedo.
Squeezing his eyes shut a bit tighter, he processed the face that was pressed into his chest and sighed, pulling the blanket up a bit higher so that it would shield his eyes from the bright intrusion of the sun.
They had a relatively late night so once they finally settled, it was nearing three o'clock in the morning.

The tabby stirred as the blanket was pulled up over his face. The chest against his cheek was was so warm and cozy, it was difficult for him to open his eyes, so he didn't. Instead, he buried his face further into the soft fur on Mordecai's chest and began to purr.

Bringing his hand up, he gently scratched behind Rocky's ear as he began to purr in response. This was what he found himself missing every morning when he awoke. The warm body acted as a natural heating pad.
Kissing the top of Rocky's head, Mordecai took a moment to wake up just a little bit more before turning slightly and reached for the pocket watch on his nightstand.
Because his eyes were closed and his face was still covered by the blanket, he accidentally knocked it to the floor.

"Damn..."
The black and white cat groaned, leaving his arm to hang off of the side of the bed.

Rocky heard the watch fall on the floor. Although he was concerned the item may have broken, he really didn't want the tuxedo to leave. Wrapping his arms around the older man he moaned.
"Don't leave... you're so warm and comfy..."

"I have to check the time..."
Mordecai sighed but remained stationary regardless.
"Maybe I don't..."
His brows furrowed and returned to holding the tabby close to him.
"Because it's late September... the sun doesn't rise until nearly seven in the morning..."
He mumbled to himself and cracked his eyes open and poked his head out from under the blanket just enough to look at the curtains.
"...given the brightness, I would say it's about... seven-thirty... give or take."
He concluded, pulling the blanket back up to cover his face again.
"Plenty of time..."

"Yay."
Cheering sleepily, the tabby continued to purr. Rocky snuggled closer and wrapped his tail around Mordecai.
"I really love waking up with you, Mordecai. Thank you again for inviting me to stay the night."
He kissed the older man's chest repeatedly.

The black and white cat hummed in reply, his tail wrapping around Rocky's in return.
"Thank you for agreeing to it."
He said, pressing kisses to the tabby's forehead every time his chest was kissed.

Rocky loved how much affection he was receiving from the other man. It looked like Mordecai was definitely warming up to the idea of a relationship, or just affection and love in general.
"When do you need to get up and ready for the day?"
The tabby mumbled into his fur.

"Ten at the very latest..."
Mordecai purred in reply, running his claws carefully up and down Rocky's back.
"I really should pick that up though..."
He said, cracking his eyes open for a split second, but even that was a difficult chore, so he closed them again.

"You don't have to pick it up... we have... time..."
Rocky giggled at his pun, hugging Mordecai tighter.

Mordecai shook his head and groaned.
"Terrible..."
Regardless, he hugged back just as tight and nuzzled his snout into the top of the tabby's head.

"If you get up, I'll miss you too much anyway."

"Don't be ridiculous. It'll only be for a moment, then I'll come right back. I won't even be leaving the bed."