Wave to the Sky (Omegaverse)

Chapter 16: Pottery Session

Alon's PoV

"Come here, Tigger," I called out to the cat, crouching down. "Here, Kitty-kitty. Do you want to come home with me? Do you need someone to take care of you? We can be friends if you want."

Tigger just watched me, unmoving, his gaze fixed on me.

"Well, I tried," I thought, about to stand up when something unexpected happened – Tigger started walking towards me.

"Is this real?" I wondered aloud. "This isn't a dream, right?"

Stopping two feet away from me, Tigger prompted me to reach out my hand to pet him.

"Please, don't bite," I silently pleaded, testing the waters. What could be worse than what happened last night anyway? Wait, who was that guy again? My memory from last night was hazy; all I remembered was his blonde hair.

"What was he thinking? Why did he do that? Didn't he know I could get pregnant?" I questioned myself, bewildered by my own thoughts. How could my heat cycle be triggered so randomly and in such an inappropriate place and time?

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't realize my fingers were already touching Tigger's head until he began to purr, pulling me back to reality.

"Oh, my!" I exclaimed with joy, petting him more. "So, we're buddies now." Scooping him up, I headed towards my flat.

Upon arriving, I spotted Mrs. Gibson in her usual spot, tending to her flowers and chatting away.

"Did you just get back?" she inquired.

"Yeah," I confirmed. "I had to work at a party on a cruise ship at the dock."

"You're such a hard worker," she remarked.

"Well, money doesn't grow on trees, does it?" I replied rhetorically. "I'm tired of living paycheck to paycheck."

"Is that the feral cat from the alley?" she noticed Tigger in my arms.

"Yes, it is," I confirmed. "Aren't you afraid it might bite you?" she asked.

"Why would I be when he's already comfortable in my arms?" I retorted, glancing at Tigger. "Right, Tigger?"

"Tigger?" Mrs. Gibson repeated, surprised.

"Yes, that's the name I've given him... or her. Anyway, its name is Tigger. Can I keep him?"

"Well," she replied, weighing her decision about allowing me to keep the cat. "As long as you keep that cat away from my plants, then it's fine. But if I catch it anywhere near my babies, I'm sorry, but I'll have to ask you to kick it out."

"I understand," I agreed happily. "I thought I'd be caught between a rock and a hard place."

"What's that supposed to mean, young man?" she inquired.

"Well, I was planning to sneak Tigger in if you didn't allow me to keep him as a pet," I confessed. "But I'm glad that's not an issue anymore."

"Anyway, I know you're tired. Why don't you go inside and rest?" she suggested.

"Thank you," I thanked her. "For letting Tigger in."

"No worries. Just remember our deal."

"Will do," I assured her, passing her and entering the doorway. I wondered if Tigger would settle in comfortably at my place. Making my way through the hallway and up the stairway, I walked past my neighbors' flats until I reached mine. Balancing Tigger in one arm, I fumbled for my keys.

"So, Tigger, welcome to your new home," I greeted the cat as I placed him on the floor. At first, he just looked around, taking in his surroundings. It would take him some time to get used to this new place, but at least now he had a home, no longer scavenging for food in the garbage. "On that note, I think it's bath time for you. And for me, too. I smell... awful."