Dangerously Close (Aris x Reader)

59) Cat

I was up before him for once. Something I didn't mind one bit as I lightly ran my hands through his hair, listening to his soft breathing.

Seeing as he fell asleep staring at the canopy wall, simply holding my hand, I tried not to adjust my knees so much so they wouldn't dig into his back. I didn't want to wake him. Not yet.

In the soft light I was able to recognize something new about him. I hadn't really thought about it before, but it makes sense that he has freckles on his back, scattering along his skin like constellations in the night sky.

Taking the tip of my finger, I traced the pattern his skin held. They're lovely. Absolutely lovely.

As he groaned I pulled my hand back, holding in a sigh. As I did he turned to face me, giving me a tired lopsided grin.

Without a word I touched his cheek, once again finding the patterns he holds.

“You alright there?”He asked a little groggily.

“Stars,”I whispered.

“Hm?”

“Your freckles. They're stars,”I clarified, starting to trace his forehead.

“You appreciate the stars now?”

“Yeah. I’ve always wanted to touch them.”

“And now you can.”

“Mhm,”I nodded, my fingers traveling to the other side of his face. He shut his eyes, letting me put my hands wherever they felt the need to go on him. “Beautiful,”I whispered.

“So are you,”He smiled.

“I’m going to love you until I die,”I promised.

“As long as that isn't anytime soon, that's more than alright with me.”

× ~ × ~ × ~ ×

Thomas was doing something today. Probably with Brenda to be honest, but that’s his business. Besides, he’d tell me eventually. He always does.

I don't mind. That leaves me with Mary.

I already know our friendship may not make the most sense to some people, but I couldn't care less. She’s the closest thing I have to a mom since . . . that night. She's also one of my first friends who always knows what to say.

“I was kind of worried about adjusting to a routine and all that, but I like the predictability. It’s nice,”I said, taking another bite of my sandwich.

“Well, stability is a good thing to have in life.”

“Even if you yourself aren't?”

“Yes. Even if you aren't. Maybe it’ll balance you out just enough.”

“Just enough to not be unstable or enough for nobody to notice?”

“Better than both of those. Enough to be safe no matter what you are.”

Yeah. That is a pretty nice thing to have.

× ~ × ~ × ~ ×

I did my best to wring out my hair with my hands. For some reason the towel was just not soaking up all the water tonight. I didn't exactly appreciate that, but it's not the end of the world I guess. Just annoying as hell.

Sighing, I walked into my home. Of course I was greeted with the familiar sight of my lover.

I just had to wonder about the black cat on his lap that he was lovingly petting.

“Aris? What-how?”I sputtered out, trying to think of a single question out of the dozens running through my head.

“It's a girl,”He said simply, not answering a single one.

“Aris, why’s there a cat in our room?”

“I found her in the kitchen today, and she sort of followed me around.”

“Did you name her?”

“No. I wanted to do that with you.”

Did this boy just decide we have a cat?

As he scratched by her ears she started purring, closing her eyes as she stayed in her spot. She looked about five years old if I had to guess.

“What's your plan for keeping this thing?”

“It's not a thing. It's a very intelligent animal. And she’s been just eating whatever I have.”

“Right. And ya’ just brought home a random cat that could have some kind of disease, that you've figured is ours now?”

“She does not have a disease,”He insisted.

“Right. Well, you enjoy your cuddle buddy,”I sighed, moving past him, taking the side by the canopy.

“Our cuddle buddy,”He said firmly, plopping the furry feline by my stomach. She looked around in confusion with her bright green eyes that glowed in the dark. Finally, she just settled on staring at me even as I avoided looking at it.

“I can't believe you brought a cat home,”I mumbled, adjusting in my spot as he wrapped his arms around me, one of his hands patting the creature that was already curling into my side.

“You’ll love her before you know it,”He insisted, pulling me a little closer to him.

I have never had a pet before for obvious reasons. I also never thought I’d get one, much less as a random surprise with no idea where it actually came from.

He likes it though so I guess I have a damn cat.