The Cabin

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕊𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 | ꜱᴜʀᴘʀɪꜱᴇꜱ

Archer was acting fucking weird, and it was freaking Julian out.

Today was supposed to be Julian's last day at the cabin. He was due back in the office on Monday, with tomorrow set aside for unpacking and then returning to his old life. Something ached in his chest at the thought of leaving this place. He had poured so much hard work into the cabin; it truly felt like it was his now, more than ever. The cabin had become Julian's heart, especially after he had bonded with it through his rock bottom this summer.

He'd already packed most of his things and planned to head out first thing in the morning. But Archer was making things way worse.

The cat kept meowing, louder than usual, which was strange considering how quiet Archer had been when hiding in the garage. It felt like Archer was torturing Julian on purpose. At one point, Julian swore the cat fucking howled, pacing around the guest bathroom by his litter box.

He needed to talk to Owen. Owen always made everything better, just hearing from him calmed Julian down. Owen texted him every day, often multiple times a day-first thing in the morning, with random updates, and always a goodnight text. Julian used to think he'd never want a relationship like that, but he loved it. He loved that Owen thought about him so much. Every text or call was a reminder of how much Owen missed him, how excited he was to share his thoughts. Julian felt incredibly lucky to be that person for Owen.

But right now, he was freaking out about the cat. He needed to stop swooning over Owen and get his shit together. Owen was cute, with those incredible eyes and soft hair, and that vanilla scent that drove Julian wild.

Julian pressed on Owen's contact, his profile photo popping up. He couldn't wait to see him every day once he got back, to do all the things he'd been fantasizing about all week.

Oh my God. He was insane.

He needed to focus.

Why couldn't he focus?

He dialed Owen.

"Hi, Julian Moore. From next door. I changed your name in my contacts to that, by the way-" Owen answered. He was absolutely adorable, and Julian loved him to death, but he had to cut him off in his panic.

"Owen! I'm freaking out about Archer."

"Why...? What's wrong with Archer? Julian?!" Owen's voice was tinged with panic.

"I don't know. He's acting so fucking weird. Meowing loudly, acting really nervous. Do you think it's because I'm packing? Maybe he's worried about leaving. Or maybe he has PTSD related to packing? We don't know his history. He could be scared of the suitcases and duffel bags..."

"Wow, you really are freaking out... You're actually rambling right now."

"Owen... I'm really worried about Archer."

"Aww, Julian..."

"Shut up, dude."

Owen laughed. "He's probably fine. It's weird to be the one saying this, but... Relax."

"Uh... Owen."

"Yeah?"

Julian was silent for a moment. "Owen, Archer is having kittens."

"...What."

"Archer is having kittens, literally right now-"

"I heard you, Julian! Oh my God!!"

Julian was frozen in place, watching Archer give birth on a pillow in the living room cat fort, while Owen freaked out in the background.

He heard Owen close a car door.