averagemedium | [Off-Comm Threads]

You'd just have to help entertain me!

[Really, the description of the whole experience just made him want to start knocking jars over. Maybe he could teach the kitten when Ryan wasn't looking...

For now, though, he just leans into the nuzzles with a small laugh, though when he turns his attention to the kneading, he's working a finger underneath those tiny paws after a moment, barely feeling the pinprick of claws himself. The smile he gives the cat is aggressively friendly.]

Nope~ Not even you're allowed to hurt him.

[There's still something about that sort of protectiveness that warms him, produces a little spark of affection and fond attachment-- even if his answer's almost (but not quite) gently chiding.]

She's still tiny, love, she's not going to hurt me much. Besides, she'll get better about learning when to use her claws. Won't you- god, just look at them, they're so little.

[It's just about outright adoring, voice pitching slightly higher as he croons to the kitten.]

I know, but you have to teach them when they're young. Or else they grow up with bad manners.

[Not that he'd mind that himself either. If anything, the harder the cat scratched or bit, the more likely he'd bleed, and it's not like it'd ever be deep enough to hurt.

But the crooning is even more endearing somehow, and Henry latches on a bit tighter for a moment.]

Ooor we could make a vicious killer out of her! You've seen the way she tears into the fake mice I make.

I don't think she'd get along with Frisbee very well then, would she? Poor guy's already worn out with how much she wants to play. Bet you if he knew what being neutered meant he'd be glad for it, now that he's been around a kitten.

[That tighter cling gets him another, firmer nuzzle, a kiss pressed to his forehead. Ryan nods in the direction of the bed as he starts to step away, slowly, trying not to suddenly dislodge him; he's not bothering to put the cat down either, just bringing her along.]

At least he doesn't bully her, huh? If anything, I think it goes the other way. You picked out a pretty tough kitten~

[And he's helping to support any cat wriggling when Ryan starts moving, in case she decided that nope, moving around wasn't a thing that was allowed.

Not that Henry lets go of Ryan either in the process, still keeping a hand on him, still hanging close, even as he finds a spot to settle on the edge of the bed.]

She's pretty opinionated, huh?

[It's fond, his smile warm as he settles into place on the bed and cradles her close, his fingertips rubbing behind her ears. She yawns, stretches, and starts to knead at him again to get comfortable in this new spot.]

...we really do need to name her, though. I can't just call her 'kitten' forever- I mean, not that she'd know, but it'd just be strange not to give her her own. [And there he pauses for a moment, humming thoughtfully under his breath.] D'you want to pick one? I already named Frisbee, and- well, she's our cat too. You should get to name one of them.

[Settling warmly next to him, he alternates between watching Ryan with the kitten, scratching a little at her himself, and nuzzling absently at his shoulder.]

Are you sure? I mean, I don't mind, but...

[He's a little surprised being given the option, considering, well... himself.]

I'm sure. We'll call her whatever you want.

[Ryan nudges affectionately at him, giving him a reassuring little smile.]

Neither of them is just mine, yeah? So it's only fair- and besides, fair or not, I want you to.

Hmm...

[And he's quiet for a bit, coaxing a few purrs out of the kitten, while keeping up the attention. But eventually he laughs, nudging Ryan more firmly as he grins up at him.]

Howzabout 'Catherine'? 'Cause it has cat in it, you see.

[At least it's not something like 'facekiller bloodmouth'.]

[See, he was totally expecting something like that- 'Catherine' is a surprise, and he blinks down at Henry for a moment before a quiet little laugh slips out.]

--think it fits her, too. I know there's been at least a couple royal Catherines where I'm from, and she is kind of a little princess, isn't she?

[Ryan gives her another scritch, listening to her purr; it stops and starts, in the way that small cats do, but that's no less adorable.]

Definitely a Catherine.

Eh, really? Then it really does work, huh?

[He's pleased that it seems to be acceptable; going with a non-bloody name was probably the right idea. And it's not as if the kitten minded either way, as long as the attention continued. Letting her chew on his finger, the purrs turn occasionally gurgly.]

I'm sure she'll live up to it. I mean, she's already got you doing whatever she wants, right?

She doesn't either, look who's letting her use them as a chew toy!

[It's only teasing, with a hint of a laugh to it as he presses another quick kiss to the side of Henry's face. Of course the cat's going to get spoiled, between the two of them (but especially himself.)]

You know you've got me wrapped around your little finger, though.

I do, huh? I don't usually try to chew your fingers off, though.

[But he's already leaning into the kiss, before tilting his head to press another small one to the side of his neck, followed by some even smaller nibbles. He doesn't bother pulling back as he continues.]

...I could, though. If you wanted. Or you could, I bet I wouldn't even feel it.

...not quite what I meant.

[He's tilting his head to the side to let him continue nibbling there, voice a murmur, eyes sliding shut. Attention, a cat still purring in his arms- this is about as contented as he gets.]

You know I'd do just about anything for you, yeah?

[He was relaxed and warm and comfortable, the company was good, and he had nothing to worry about. Or think about, and Henry makes an agreeable sound as he nuzzles his way down Ryan's neck.]

Mm. The same goes for you, you know? I'll kill a~nyone you want.

[And more than that, but he assumed that went without saying. It was easier to focus on the murderous aspects.]

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