Bonding and Bite Marks

Gentle Purrs

"Lin...What is that?" Naru's brow arched as he entered the kitchen to find Sebastian curled up on his usual stool. John almost laughed it was so comical. He wasn't sure if Naru was scared or just surprised as he froze halfway to his seat with a cup in one hand and a book in the other. Sebastian raised his head and stretched out one leg before hopping down from the stool to approach the newcomer. Naru remained intent at first before raising his head to look at Lin.

"Sebastian." Naru's head tilted at Lin's simply reply until a small bump on his leg startled him. His cheeks flushed slightly as he looked at the lithe ball of fur curling around his legs. His hand twitched on his book slightly, blue eyes blinking. John could read the subtle signs. He wants to stroke him...but he's not comfortable being open about it...It was really quite adorable. He even seemed to go the opposite way as he let out a short huff.

"I don't want cat hair all over my clothes." His voice was smaller than usual, blue eyes shifting to and from Sebastian as he took his seat and opened his book. Lin's expression was quietly amused, and he felt safe showing it since he had his back to the breakfast bar. Sebastian meowed in protest that his seat had been occupied, quickly deciding the best way to correct this injustice was to claim the warm lap that had presented itself.

John watched behind folded hands as the black cat elegantly hopped on Naru's lap. His spine stiffened instantly as he tried to keep his eyes on the book. Many might assume he was afraid, but John could see the anticipation in his eyes. Naru could feel the cool pads of Sebastian's paws kneading his lap, claws occasionally tugging his skin as he found a comfortable position. John watched Naru's cheeks flush, brow twitching as he leaned a little further over the bar to focus on his book. Sebastian was unsatisfied with this development.

"Hey!" Naru chided as a black head popped up against his chest, big yellow eyes staring up at him before turning to the offending item in his pale hands. "How long is this...thing staying here?" he asked with a grumble as Sebastian hopped onto his book and sat down. It was as he sighed and reached out to move him that he noticed how small he was, and how his small bones jutted up through the thick fur.

"Sebastian. He's staying," Lin replied, as if that settled it. John almost felt as if Naru had forgotten the question as he paused with his hand on the back of Sebastian's neck, where he'd been ready to scruff and lift him off. His grip loosened as a low, humming purr escaped the small creature. Sebastian arched up against Naru's limp hand, kneading himself against his gentle fingers. Why do I get the feeling I've been replaced? John smiled warmly as Sebastian stood and pressed more firmly into Naru's hand, demanding attention.

"You're messing up my book." Despite the complaint, his fingers hesitantly pressed down to stroke the soft, glossy fur. Cute. John leaned on his elbows to watch. He wasn't sure he'd ever seen Naru look so gentle. He almost looked like Gene at that moment. I wonder if he's watching this...I hope so...John watched as Sebastian arched his spine and slinked his way back onto Naru's lap, where he looked up expectantly.

"Maybe if you stroke him a little, he'll stay on your lap instead of the book." Naru forced out a sigh that said he was put out by the whole experience as he reached down. John hid his amusement behind his cup as he watched him stroke Sebastian's neck, pretending he wasn't enjoying it as much as Sebastian was. John was surprised when he heard a second purr join that of the cat, though he was quick to school his expression. If Naru realised he was purring and that he could hear it, he'd definitely stop and push Sebastian away. This is probably the most omega thing I've seen him do...His blue eyes were soft, and his whole body seemed relaxed and content.

"Dinner." Sebastian hopped down to the tiled floor to wind through Lin's legs at the announcement, clearly hopeful as he looked up with a trill. "Yes, you too..." he added as he placed a small dish of cat food on the floor. John had been surprised at Lin's thoroughness upon their return. He'd left him at home with Sebastian and returned an hour later with a weekly shop and all that they would need to care for a cat, right down to the flea medication. Sebastian hadn't appreciated the bath, but he'd been content to allow John to comb his fur afterwards, leaving it soft and glossy.