The Scientist

High Hels and Wels

Xavier pov

After everything was opened and the excitement of unwrapping gifts started to wind down, I began packing up my own pile of presents. As I switched out my hoodie for one of the new cat hoodies with the oversized front pocket, I couldn’t help but feel a little amused—and, admittedly, a bit apprehensive. Knowing Hels and Wels, they’d be curled up inside that pocket in no time, especially given how sleepy they were getting with whatever that dried green stuff—apparently catnip—had done to them.

Glancing over, I saw Hels sprawled out on the floor, batting lazily at an abandoned ribbon with a dazed, dreamy look in his eyes. Wels was right next to him, just as captivated, his eyes wide and pupils blown out in that way cats get when they’re either fascinated or about to pounce. Their reactions were almost hypnotic, and as the two of them became increasingly cuddly, I felt grateful they were mostly keeping their attention on each other.

Of course, that peace didn’t last long. Hels, remembering my existence, crawled over and attempted to wedge himself into my lap, curling up like an overgrown kitten. Wels quickly joined, resting his head on my knee with a pleased rumble. They were both in full cat mode, affectionate and, for once, unusually quiet, except for the soft purring emanating from each of them.

Everyone else had started to gather their things and clean up around us, chatting and laughing as they put away the wrapping paper and leftovers. I was focused on keeping these two out of everyone’s way, occasionally nudging them back whenever they got too close to someone’s bag or drink. Hels kept swatting at my sleeve, eyes still unfocused but clearly entranced, while Wels made a lazy attempt at gnawing on my hoodie strings before deciding it was too much effort.

“You two are lucky I wore the hoodie with the big pocket,” I muttered, gently guiding Hels and Wels as they tried to climb into it simultaneously.

At one point, Impulse wandered by, a grin plastered on his face as he watched me struggle with my two accidental companions. “Need a hand with those, Xavier?” he teased, clearly enjoying the sight.

I managed a half-smile. “Only if you have tips for herding cats,” I replied, feeling both amused and a little overwhelmed.

Impulse chuckled, reaching down to scratch Wels behind the ears. “They seem pretty content where they are. I think you’re officially part of the furniture now.”

As I continued trying to gather the rest of my things, Hels, in a rare moment of apparent focus, made a contented sound and finally settled into the hoodie pocket, curling up in a tight ball. Wels followed, pressing himself against Hels in a warm, cozy lump, and I could feel the soft vibration of their combined purring.

For a moment, I just stood there, unsure of what to do with the unexpected warmth from the two sleepy felines nestled against me. It was strangely comforting—almost enough to make me forget my own reservations.

Looking around, I noticed everyone else watching me with knowing smiles, clearly amused at my new role as a “cat carrier.” I wasn’t sure what to expect from this group.

As I took a seat on a quiet corner of the couch, carefully balancing the two sleeping cats nestled in my hoodie pocket, I gave one last glance around to make sure that, thankfully, none of the birds were about to dive-bomb me or attempt to perch on my head. The last thing I needed was a flock of tipsy birds thinking I was a tree. With a sigh of relief, I relaxed a little, sinking into the cushions. I glanced down at the cats in my pocket—Hels and Wels were still blissfully snoozing, their soft purring like a gentle, rhythmic background noise.

Satisfied they were settled, I finally picked up one of the books I’d been gifted. As I flipped open to the first page, I could feel the occasional curious glance from the others, but they seemed to respect my space, chatting quietly among themselves or flipping through their own gifts.