My Glorious Purpose

A Pet (Edited)

(Tera's POV)

I wake the next morning in my bed wondering why I have such a bad headache. Then I remember my little episode in the bathroom after training. I push my thoughts back down before my emotions can resurface and quickly shower and dress. Before I open my room door, I hear a scratching sound coming from outside. Curious, I open my door, but no one is there. I'm about to head down to the kitchen, when I feel something brush up on my leg. I nearly jump out of my skin, but when I look down, all I see is a cat. I frown. I didn't know Tony had a cat. I've been living here for months and this is the first time I've ever seen a cat—or any animal for that matter. I crouch down to pet it. It has beautiful black, silky fur. It looks up at me and I gasp. It has the most startling green eyes I have ever seen. Bright and intelligent. I scratch behind its ears and it purrs in response.

"Ah! Lady Tera! I see you have awoken from-"

I look up to see Thor, he's walking towards me with a smile that is quickly slipping away. He's looking at the cat in front of me.

"Hey Thor! Did you know Tony had a cat?"

He looks at me. "I don't believe he belongs to Stark."

"Oh." I pause. "Wait. How did you know it's a 'he'? Have you seen him in the tower before."

"Well, actually, I- um. I have the ability to determine an animal's gender simply by being near them," he responded, not quite meeting my eyes.

"Really? I didn't know you could do that."

"Yes, well, I am not one to boast my powers."

"Yeah, that's true."

"Now, let us go break our fast. I have discovered the most brilliant invention Midgard has to offer!"

"Oh?" I ask, raising a brow. "And what's that?"

Thor punches his fist in the air. "Pop Tarts!" He runs down the hall, to the kitchen, fist still raised.

I shake my head, laughing.

I turn my attention back to the cat.

I open my arms, inviting him to jump in, but he raises his nose in the air.

"Okay, fine. Suit yourself." I stand and follow Thor to the kitchen. I'm halfway down the hall when I see the cat walk next to me, nose and tail proudly in the air. I enter the kitchen to find the whole team already eating. I grab the cereal from in front of Clint and pour myself a bowl. The cat gracefully leaps onto the counter and starts eating from my cereal.

Clint almost falls out of his seat, but I just sigh and put myself another bowl.

"When'd you let the kid get a cat, Tony?" Steve asks.

Tony spins around, holding a coffee pot.

"Oh um, hmm I don't remember," he says in mock contemplation. "Oh wait yes I do. Never!"

"So how'd you sneak it in here?" Nat asks me.

"Okay first of all, he's not my cat," I tell her. "Second of all, I found him outside my door this morning."

Bruce reaches out to pet him, but the cat tenses and starts hissing at the doctor.

"I believe the feline does not like you Banner."

"Yeah I got that Thor."

Tony walks around the counter and tries to move the cat, but before Tony can grab him, he pounces on Tony and shreds his shirt.

"Okay so we have a cat that doesn't like any of us." Nat says.

"Not true," I tell her. "Look."

The cat jumps back on the counter and starts rubbing his cheek on my hand, purring contentedly.