Paperboy. (h.s. au)

42.

"Can't I just give it some crackers in a bowl or something?"

"What are you even saying? Of course not."

"Well, I read that they're a good substitute."

"Where'd you read that? In a book on how to kill pets? We're getting her kitten food, you fool."

Harry exhales deeply, "I just didn't know how expensive these things were. I mean, I've already spent fifty dollars in this!" He shakes his head.

Harry and I have gone out on the town in search for kitten supplies. We've driven from store to store picking up various items for Harry's new kitten and newest rescue, Rain.

Now, we're weaving through aisles of a pet store, throwing the necessary things in the cart Harry let me push.

"It's not my fault you bought that rhinestone collar, fluffy bed, and glass food and water bowls. She's already spoiled, and it's been a week." I roll my eyes at the proud new father, spoiling his kitten with the best.

"Only the best for my cat," he gushes.

"And the best is crackers in a bowl?" I whip back at him.

Harry goes to grab my shoulders from behind but I race ahead, turning around the next bend to get away. I quickly put several of the many cat toys back onto the shelf before he notices.

I'm all for playing with kittens, but no animal needs as many toys as Harry plans on getting for his. The poor thing wouldn't know what to do with itself, it would be too overwhelmed. I can only imagine how Harry would treat a child of his.

"Hey! Don't put those away! Rain might like those," Harry hurriedly places the things back inside the shopping cart as I huff.

"Fine, buy them, but don't complain when you've gone broke for a kitten," I give up, smiling.

"Jealous?" Harry giggles, leaving a quick peck on my cheek.

I scoff in response, but stifle a smile. Harry continues, "I appreciate your help, but I will treat my kitten as I please," he almost sings. "I'm afraid there's nothing you can do to stop me, my dear."

It's been a week and Harry has been with the cat constantly. It's adorable, he even brought her over to my house to "visit" my family and watch movie. Unfortunately, the kitten fell asleep and we were forced to watch instead of her.

Harry now wears tiny kitten scratches and cat hair like accessories. It's kind of cute, actually. Not the scratches and nicks, but how much he adores her.

It's always nice to see someone you care about so happy, even if it is just for a kitten.

We finish shopping and head to the check out line. Harry unloads the contents of the shopping cart as the lady behind the register rings them up.

When she finishes, she says, "thirty-eight fifty," and Harry winces, but pays anyway.

"New cat?" She asks. I shake my head slightly, knowing what she's just done before she does.

"Yes," Harry says enthusiastically, "Do you want to see?" He whips his phone out as she hands him his change and shows her. "Her name is Rain." He leans over the counter top to make sure she sees the pictures. The clerk, clearly unenthused, gives a nod and a halfhearted smile at the pictures. Either this happens a lot, or she just doesn't care. Or both.