Post by Stitchpunk1 on Mar 17, 2010 15:58:46 GMT -5
It was a rather cloudy day out, a light sheet of snow on the ground from the night before. Through the crowds walked a aging man, looking no less than 60 with a bag in his hand. He glanced down a few alleyways, seeming to be looking for something.
A black and white stripped cat peered around a trash bin, looking around fearfully.
The man stopped as he passed the alleyway, seeing the small cat. He smiled a little before kneeling down," Why, hello there little one."
It meowed and walked forward. It knew the man and how nice he was.
He smiled, petting the small striped cat," Well you're looking rather healthy today." he said before reaching into the small bag and pulling out a little fish treat, setting it infront of him," Here you go."
He quickly ate it up, then rubbed against him thankfully.
He gave him a soft scratch behind the ears," Good boy." he said before smiling," Have you seen any dogs around? I'm looking for... Well, he's a bit of a mutt."
He meowed and walked off, stopping once and looking back at him to follow.
The old man smiled, standing to follow the cat.
Not too far off, there was a bit of rustling in a trash can, A small dog standing on the back of a rather big Husky, searching. The husky shifted a bit, growling," Hurry it up! My back hurts!" he complained as the dog jumped a little bit up, putting one of his back paws on the rim," You're such a baby! Findin' food takes time you know!"
The cat stopped peering around the corner at them.
The small dog tugged out a old fastfood bag, flopping off the husky's back. The husky looked to the bag," Aw man! Jackpot!"
The old man stepped around the corner, laughing a bit," And just what are you two doing?". The small dog jumped, yiping a bit before he noticed just who it was. He ran over to him, sniffing at his shoes.
The cat backed away, a bit scared of the dogs.
The man kneeled down, petting the little dog. He laughed when the dog rolled over, letting him rub his belly," Oh 9, you do love your pets don't you?" he asked. The dog, 9, barked happily, jumping up. He smiled, reaching into the bag and pulling out a dog biscuit. That caught the husky's attention. He ran over to the man, tail wagging. The man laughed, fishing out another biscuit," I didn't forget you, 8."
The cat jumped up on the mans shoulder, feeling a bit safer up there.
9 looked up, spotting the cat for the first time," CAT! Cat cat kitty cat! Come down and play!". The man placed a hand on the dog's head," Now now, stop barking at the poor thing."
He tried not to dig his claws into the man as he barked and hid behind his neck a bit
After giving the two dogs their treats, he stood," Now, 9. I need you to come home for a little. Is that alright?". 9 whined, ears back," Noooo... I wanna stay here!". The man laughed a little," 5's at home waiting for you, you kn-" and with that, the dog ran a bit ahead, looking back at the old man and barking," WELL COME ON THEN!".
The cat jumped over to a lid and laid down. He wished he could go with them but his "mother" wouldn't let him.
As the others left, 8 stayed, staring over at the cat.
He didn't notice, too busy licking his fur to get rid of the mans smell so his mother wouldn't notice.
8 snuck over to the cat, staring for a moment before starting to sniff at him.
He jumped back, pressed up against the wall with his tail poofed up.
8 laughed, backing up a little," Skiddish little thing ain'tcha?"
He kept his paw up as a small warning "S-Stay b-b-back."
He got close again, pressing his cold nose against the cat's chest," oh come on. Like you could hurt me. 'Sides, it's not like I'm gonna eat you or somethin'. Cat bones get stuck in my teeth." he joked.
Well that didn't help at all. He backed up as far as he could go and shivered.
8 tried to get a bit closer to him," I ain't that scary, y'know. I'm actually a pretty nice guy onc-" he yelped loudly jumping back as a white cat jumped onto his face. The cat hissed, clawing at the large husky before she was finally thrown off. 8 ran away as fast as he could manage, tail between his legs.
He watched as the dog ran off, still shaking a bit.
The cat shook off a bit of snow on her fur before hopping onto the lid and trotting to the striped cat, licking his head gently," Are you alright? It didn't hurt you, did it?"
"N-No I'm fine."
She smiled a little, nuzzling him," Good."
He nuzzled her back, he was a bit embarrassed that fully grown he still had to have his mother protect him.
She hopped up onto the fence, looking down at him," well, come along 6. Can't leave the twins alone too long otherwise they'll scratch each other up."
He jumped up, grabbing the fence with his front paws and hoisting himself up. He was a bad jumper at times.
She laughed a little, watching him," You still need some practice."
He looked down embarrassed and followed her to their small home.
~The Old Man's home~
The old man smiled as he opened the door, letting 9 run in and shake off the snow on his fur, panting happily.
A brown colored cat was asleep up in a windowsill, he had been waiting for his owner to return but dozed off.
9 sniffed around on the floor before perking up, seeing the cat up on the windowsill. He jumped up onto one of the chairs next to it, putting his front paws on the windowsill and barking," 5!!"
5 jumped up with his tail poofed up. He calmed down when he saw who it was. "9!" He rubbed against him lovingly.
9 laughed, giving him tons of licks," The old man said you were waiting for me!"
5 nodded "You know I miss you when your out for so long."
He nodded a little," Yeah... But it's so much fun out there! And I made a new friend too!"
He tilted his head. "Another dog?"
" Yeah! The old man knows him, but he never came here before. He's a really really REALLY big husky!"
5 jumped down and laid down next to 9, snuggling close. He really had missed him more than he thought when he was gone.
9 laid down with him, licking the top of his head affectionately. He had missed 5 when he was out there...
He purred happily.
He perked up a bit, hearing as the old man poured kibble into a bowl in the kitchen.
The two headed into the kitchen, 5 laying close to 9 as he watched Geri get him food.
As soon as Geri was done pouring, 9 darted to the bowl, eating hungrly. Geri laughed a little," Must be nice having real food for once, 9." he said before going into another cabinet, pulling out three cans of catfood.
A Siamese cat jumped up on the counter waiting for his food. He wasn't eating down on the floor where that dog could steal his food.
The man smiled, opening a can and putting the food on a plate before setting it infront of the siamese," Here you are, 1. Enjoy." he said before opening another can, putting that on a plate and putting it down for 5. He looked around, scratching his head before looking back to 1," Now where is your little friend 2?"
1 just started eating, 2 would come when he would.
He laughed a little, petting 1's head before setting up a plate next to his for 2 when he wanted it. He took a seat, pulling his glasses from his shirt pocket before starting the paperwork he'd left sitting out on the table.
5 finished his up quickly and walked over to Geri, curling up at his feet purring thankfully.
Geri looked down to 5 and smiled, petting his back a little," You're quite welcome 5."
Once 1 was done he hopped off the counter and headed upstairs to try and find 2.
2 was up in Geri's room, sleeping on his back on the desk, purring from the warmth he recieved from the lamp.
1 jumped up on the desk and laid down next to him.
2 opened one eye slightly, looking to 1 and smiling," Well hello there."
1 nuzzled him. "Your food's waiting downstairs."
2 rolled over, stretching a bit before standing up," Well I didn't know it was dinner time just yet." he said, giving 1 a little lick between his eyes.
He licked him back. "And the mutts back."
He laughed a little," Now don't call him a mutt, even if that is what kind of dog he is. He has a name." he said before hopping down from the desk, stumbling a little as he did. He'd always had trouble with balancing.
~That night~
6 had snuck away again, walking down different alleys. He liked to walk around at night on his own, he stopped at a dead end one to lick his fur a bit. He froze hearing a growling sound, looking up there was a dirty dog staring at him snarling.
Just around the corner of the dead end, 8 was asleep behind a few trash bags. His ears twitched and he sat up, hearing the snarl.
The dog ran at 6 barking. 6 looked around to try and find a escape rout only to find he was trapped.
In an instant, 8 tackled the dog, barking loudly at him and biting down into the back of his neck.
The dog yipped then tried to fight back.
8 had a steel grip on the dog's scruff, growling lowly as he shook his head, tugging at him.
It wasn't long before the dog was whimpering in submission.
8 released him, getting off and standing between him and 6. He growled lowly," LEAVE. NOW."
The dog ran off with his tail between his legs. 6 was crouched down shaking from the fright.
8 turned to 6, walking over and laying down to look at him," Are you okay?"
He nodded. "T-Thank you for s-s-s-saving me." He nuzzled him a bit.
He laughed a bit, nuzzling him back and giving him a little lick," No problem."
He smiled when he got the lick, maybe he wasn't so bad.
He got up and leaned forward, gently picking 6 up by his scruff and walking back to the spot he was sleeping.
Once he laid down 6 curled up against 8 purring.
8 chuckled a little, licking the top of the little cat's head.
His tail swished back and forth as he fell asleep.
He laid his head down, curled around the cat as he dozed off.
The next morning the first ones up were two twin kittens playing around. Their mother had abandoned them not too long after they were weaned so they were still pretty small. "Hey where's 6?" The girl said looking around.
The boy looked with her, sniffing a little," I dunno. Maybe he went to get breakfast?"
"Should we wake 7?"
" Probably."
They went over and nudged her with their front paws. "7! 7! Wake up 6 is gone!"
7 woke up a bit, yawning and stretching out," What...?" she asked tiredly. 3 rubbed against her a little," we can't find 6! He's gone!". 7 shot up, looking around and sniffing at the ground. She ran to the window of the abandoned house they stayed in, looking out," He probably left last night, which isn't good because the snow covered his tracks!" Oh, where could her baby be?!
6 was still with 8, sticking close to him as he looked around for food. He didn't know why but there was something about this dog he really liked.
8 watched him from his spot, still a bit too tired to get up and look with him.
After a few minutes he went and snuggled back close to 8.
He smiled a little, licking his cheek gently," No luck? Or you just got cold?"
"Cold." He shivered a bit and snuggled up against him more.
8 shifted a little so that he was laying a bit ontop of 6, making sure he wouldn't crush him in the process.
6 purred and nuzzled him. He didn't know why he was feeling so affectionate towards the canine.
He nudged him a little with his nose," You smell a little funny for a cat... Are you goin' through somethin' or something?"
"I-I dunno." This had never happened to him before.
He licked a bit at him," well I like it. Smells good."
He smiled and rubbed up against him.
He nuzzled him a little," You know, it kinda reminds me of what girl dogs smell like when..."
"When what?"
He chuckled a bit as the cat's innocence," When they're in season. Y'know, in heat?"
He looked confused "Whats that?"
He stood up, going to 6 and sitting down right behind him, a paw on his back," Want to see?". He was sure nothing would go wrong with this. It wasn't like a dog and a cat could have a baby.
"O-Ok."
~Geri's home~
2 yawned, standing up from his spot at the foot of Geri's bed, stretching out.
5 was in the closet digging around in a cloths basket to make a small bed.
2 heard him and hopped down, trotting to the closet and peeking in," 5? Is that you?"
"Yeah it's me." He didn't stop digging at them a bit, trying to make it just right.
He went inside, tilting his head a little," Now just what are you doing in here with our owner's clean linen?"
"I dunno." He dug around more. "I just can't stop."
He sat down, watching him," Well be careful."
He dug around a bit more before curling up on it, his tail swishing back and forth a bit irritated looking.
2 got up, trotting over to the basket and looking up to him," are you alright?"
"I dunno I don't feel good."
He hopped up onto the rim, making sure the basket wouldn't tip before laying down," What feels bad?"
"My stomach." He whined.
" Well, just wait it out... Maybe you got a little bit too much food or something and your stomach isn't agreeing with it."
He nodded and curled up a bit.
He watched over him for a few more moments before hopping down and strolling out, sure that 5 would be fine.
Back outside the twins were trotting along following 7, helping her to find 6.
3 would stop sometimes to hop around in the snow, giggling each time he disappeared into it.
4 giggled, trying to catch 7's tail.
7 was too busy to notice the little kittens' antics, searching desperately for 6. What if a dog had gotten to him?! What if he was in a bloody mess of snow and his own guts because of it?!?!
4 sniffed the air a bit "I smell him!"
7 looked back to her," where? Show me!"
She hopped off heading towards an ally. In said ally 6 was curled up against 8 purring happily.
8 licked 6's head affectionately. That'd been better than he thought!
He licked him back and nuzzled him a bit.
" Glad you liked that."
"There he is~" 4 said from her spot up on a fence, smiling when she saw 6.
7 hopped up onto the fence. She let out a loud yowl as she saw 6 with that husky from before. 8 jolted from the yowl, seeing 7," Oh SHIT."
6's ears flattened and looked up at 7 fearfully. Poor 4 fell back into a pile of snow, the yowl startling her.
3 giggled, pouncing into the spot where 4 had landed, plopping ontop of her.
7 hopped down off the fence, fuming. Her fur stood on end as she glared at 8, letting out a low, threatening meow.
6 backed up, terrified of her at the moment.
8 stood up," I-I was just...". 7 hissed loudly," GET AWAY NOW!!!!" she screamed at him. 8 jolted before running as fast as possible away.
6 stayed in his spot, his ears submissively flat. He had never seen 7 THAT mad before.
7 growled lowly at him, stalking over and biting his scruff, picking him up easily and dragging him back to the twins.
4 giggled when she saw 6 like that. "6 is in trouble!"
3 giggled with his sister, hoppig through the snow over to 7," Lotsa trouble!"
~elsewhere~
There was a pain filled yowl coming from upstairs in Geri's home, startling those who were asleep downstairs.
9 jumped up, barking loudly, thinking it was an intruder.
Geri shot up in bed, getting out and into his robe," 5?!"
5 was still in the closet in the cloths basket, he panted a bit as the pain finally went away.
Geri opened the closet door," 5! 5 are you oka- What're you doing on my... Clean... Linen....?"
He looked up, his ears back a bit thinking he was in trouble. A tiny form next to him started squirming and mewing.
He kneeled down, petting 5's head gently," I knew you had been acting strange, just didn't know why... I believe this is my answer." he said, smiling at the little form," It seems you were pregnant."
5 leaned down and sniffed the kitten for a moment before instinctively licking it clean.
He pet 5 gently, watching him," now how in the world did you get pregnant in the first place?"
5 knew how he did. He looked out past Geri, meowing for 9.
9 perked up, hearing 5 and running upstairs, letting out a yelp as he tried to turn into the room but simply slid right past it.
5 watched past Geri, waiting for him.
9 hurried into the room, squeezing past Geri," 5? 5 what is it? What that you who yowled?"
"Yes." He looked from 9 to the kitten.
9 put his front paws up on the basket, looking at the kitten," awwwwwwww~! .... Wait...."
"What is it?" 5 hoped he would accept the kitten.
" is it mine? Cause if it is..." he leaned in and licked the little kitten's head softly," I love it."
5 smiled "It is." He nuzzled 9 lovingly.
9 licked 5's cheek happily before licking the little one," so cuuuuuuuuute~"
The kitten mewed, unable to see yet who was licking him.
He pulled away a little," awwwww~!! That was adorable!"
5 laid down watching 9 and their kitten.
Geri smiled, watching them for a few more moments before standing up," I'll go get your breakfast and bring it to you two."
Downstairs 1 was a bit miffed about being startled and proving not all cats land on their feet.
2 had seen what had happened to 1, and frankly, he was on his side, laughing hard.
1 just sat there with his ears flat, clearly pissed off.
Geri walked downstairs, stopping and looking between the two cats," .... Now just what happened here??"
1 just walked off, his tail swishing irritably.
2 looked up to Geri, meowing at him. Geri laughed a bit," I suppose 1 just doesn't want to talk about it." he said before going into the kitchen and making breakfast.
~Back outside~
The small group of cats just made it back to their abandoned home. 7 carried 6 the whole way much to his embarrassment.
7 went over to 6's little bed, dropping him on it," EXPLAIN. NOW."
"I-I just went for a walk last night! Some stray d-d-dog found me and would have k-k-k-killed me if 8 hadn't saved me!'
" SO YOU STAYED WITH THAT DOG?! 8, OR WHATEVER HIS NAME IS?! DO YOU KNOW HOW WORRIED I WAS?!" she yelled, her fur standing on end, ears flat.
"I-I'm sorry!" He looked down with his ears flat, ashamed of himself.
" You're GROUNDED! You're not allowed outside anymore, until I say you can go!"
"Y-Yes m-m-m-m-mam!" He shook terrible.
She glared at him a bit more before stalking off to her bed, laying down and watching him, tail twtiching.
He laid there shaking, looking at the ground. He curled up in a ball and just laid there.
3 ran over to him, sniffing a little at his head," 6? 6! 6 are you awaaaaake?"
"yes..." He answered, he sounded so sad. 4 looked at 3 confused, why was 6 so sad.
"i cant i'm in trouble..." He just laid there not moving a muscle.
He crawled over a little on 6's back, chewing on his ear," come onnnnnnnn!!!"
"3 no..." He didn't want to move from his spot.
He rolled off him and flopped next to him. He mewed, pawing at 6's stomach," come onnnnnnnn!!!!!!"
6 rolled over, ignoring him now.
3 hissed, hopping up and down a little," You big lump! I'll go play with 4 then!"
He sighed and curled up more.
3 bounded over to 4, tail twitching a little," 6 is being mean... He won't play!"
Her answer to that was pouncing 3 playfully.
He laughed, biting her playfully and trying to pounce on her.
~Elsewhere~
5 moved the kitten, named 45, down to a basket in the living room.
2 was sitting in Geri's lap as he watched tv. He glanced over at 5, tilting his head," Just what are you doing?" he asked, getting off Geri's lap and going to him.
He laid 45 down in the cat basket who meowed, unsure of what was going on. "Just moving him down here where its warmer."
" Moving who d-" he froze, hearing the meow. " Why... Is that..."
5 got into the basket with 45, the kitten crawling over to snuggle against his mother. "His names 45."
He sat up, looking in the basket," awwww~! How cute~! And you had him? Must not have been too much food like I thought then!" he joked.
He laughed and looked down at the kitten who was asleep snuggled close.
" Oh, you're so lucky." he said, sitting back down," I wish I could have a little one of my own."
"Well if I was able to I'm sure you can."
He sighed a little," but I don't know if 1 would approve of a little one. What if he rejected it?"
"Well you'll never know unless you ask."
" But...". He was so unsure of how 1 would react to such a request. Knowing how stubborn that old Siamese cat could be, he'd probably say no even before he had a chance to ask the full question.
"Just ask, he would want one to call his own."
He flattened his ears," ... I might ask him... later."
45 started to squirm around a bit more, 5 smiled watching him.
2 watched them, smiling a little himself. He stood up and started looking for 1. If he was going to ask for a kitten, now was the time!
1 was upstairs watching the snow fall from the windowsill.
2 went upstairs and to 1, seeming confident in himself. He sat down just below the windowsill," ... 1?"
"Hm?" He looked down. "What is it?"
His ears went back a little, losing a bit of his confidence," I-I-I wanted to ask you something..."
He jumped down and sat in front of him. "What is it?"
" I.... um... Well I..." he stammered, unable to get the right words out.
2 nuzzled him back," I-I wanted to ask... If we could have a kit-" he jumped as he heard the door open, followed by loud barking.
1 jumped as well but ignored it thinking it was just 9.
2 glanced back, listening in as he heard Geri talking faintly. He tensed up, now hearing two sets of barks. One was 9... But who was the other?!
The two went to the top of the stairs and peered down.
8 shook off the extra snow on himself as 9 watched him," What're you doing here, 8? I mean, you never come around!" " Friggin' big white cat attacked me when I tried to hang around that little striped cat.'
5 curled himself around 45 protectively, he wasn't sure about this newcomer.
9 laughed," Big white cat? You must be talkin' about 7. She's one of the meanest females out there, man. Must've been messin' with one of her kittens!". 8 nodded a bit nervously," Yeah... Messin' with it...". 9 looked up to him, tilting his head," ... The way you said... AW MAN YOU DIDN'T!". 8 flinched," I couldn't help it! He was in heat and I just... I don't know!" "Dude! If 7 finds out you screwed around with one of her kids, she'll skin you!" " I know! That's why I came here! Seemed safe enough!"
45 started mewing loudly hearing the new voice.
8 perked up looking over to the basket. 9 laughed, smiling," C'mon, I want you to see him." he said, trotting over to the basket. 8 followed over, peeking in," A kitten?"
5's fur stood a little on end, he didn't like 8 so close to his baby.
9 nodded," Yep! mine and 5's kitten.". 8 looked to him," wait... You mean you and this cat....". 9 laughed a little," Yeah!". 8 tensed up," Oh... My god. I am screwed, so hard. SO HARD MAN." he exclaimed, panicking.
1 watched the scene from his and 2's spot. "Just what we need another mutt around here."
2 laughed a little," now now, 1. That obviously is a husky, not a mutt."
He rolled his eyes, "Now what was it you wanted to ask me?"
He looked to him," oh... uh... I-it was nothing."
"No tell me what it was." He hated it when 2 did this.
" it was n-nothing! I swear!"
"What are you so scared about?"
He shook his head, standing up," nothing nothing."
2 flattened his ears a little before hurrying off. He wanted so badly to ask 1, but it was just too hard for him.
He sighed and watched him run off, why was he so scared to ask him something...
8 glanced up, seeing 1 upstairs," CAT!" he shouted.
All of 1's fur went POOF and he ran.
8 chuckled a little," I love doin' that.". 9 laughed with him," yeeaaah, 1's a stick in the mud. Always bein' mean and callin' me a mutt." " 9, you are a mutt." "thats beside the point."
~A little under two months later~
6 was STILL grounded. He was pacing the house a bit while 7 was out with the twins.
Just outside the building, a loud howl came.
He froze when he heard it. It sounded horribly familiar.
A bit of digging came just beside 6 as the dirt floor was slowly pulled away, a dog muzzle sticking under, growling.
6 took off running as fast as he could.
The dog pulled its muzzle out, watching as 6 took off out of the building before running after him, barking loudly.
He ran as fast as he could, jumping over fences until he finally stopped in a yard thinking he outran the dog. His ears went down as his stomach started to really hurt.
Far off, the dog's barking slowly died down as it lost 6, sniffing around before running off to find something else.
6 laid down in the yard, there was no place to hide, the snow had killed all the plant life for the winter. He let out a painful yowl as it got worse suddenly.
Thankfully, the yard he'd gone into was Geri's. Inside, he woke with a start, hearing the faint yowl.
6 was so scared, he had no idea what was going on. "7!" He called loudly, wanting his mother figure.
Even though she was nearly a mile away, 7 heard 6's call. She tensed up before looking back to 3 and 4," come on you two, we gotta get back!"
He let out another very loud yowl before the pain stopped.
Geri, after pulling on his robe, hurried outside and into the yard, looking around for the source of the noise.
6 shivered a bit, scared and unsure of what just happened.
Geri spotted him out in the snow and hurried over," why, 6! I haven't seen you f- ... Why, I don't believe it..."
6 almost jumped when something started mewing next to him, in the snow was a slightly bloody black and white kitten.
He quickly scooped the kitten up out of the snow so it wouldn't freeze before picking 6 up with his free hand, bringing them inside.
6 looked around the home as they walked in. He had never been in a place like this, living on the street his whole life.
He set 6 down near the fireplace, along with the small kitten against him before going to clean his hands.
He got closer to the kitten, licking it clean and dry.
Geri walked back inside the living room and over to 6, kneeling down and petting his head," you poor dear. Very lucky you came to my yard to have this little one."
He nuzzled against the hand. He felt safer here with Geri.
He pet him a bit more before standing," I'll go get you some food, alright?"
A tiny figure watched them before making his way to another room quickly. "Daddy daddy! There's a new cat here!"
9 yawned loudly, glancing over at the little one," huh...?"
He tugged on his ear a bit. "There's a new cat come see!"
He whined, getting up," okay okay, I'll go see..."
45 led him back to the spot and stopped at the corner, a bit scared of the newcomer.
9 licked the top of 45's head before going over," Hello?"
6 jumped and stood in front of his kitten protectively, tail poofed. "S-Stay back!"
9 tilted his head a little," hey... I know you! Yeah! You're that cat that was with Geri before! And your the one 8 keeps talkin' about!"
6 kept his stance, not relaxing in the slightest. "Y-You know 8?"
" 'Course I do! He's my best bud! Heck, he's sleepin' upstairs if you want me to go get 'im."
6 nodded, he couldn't leave his newborn yet.
9 ran upstairs, sliding into Geri's room where 8 was asleep next to the bed. He literally rammed into the husky, making him jump," OW! Geez 9!". 9 laughed," You gotta come see! That cat you like is here!". 8 got up quickly," What?! 6 is here?!"
6 curled back around the kitten, hiding it a bit with his tail.
9 laughed a little as he watched 8 hurry from the room and downstairs. He slowed as he saw 6, not wanting to startle him by running up too fast. He walked over," 6?"
"8!" 6 smiled, he thought he would never see him again.
8 hurried over to 6, licking him happily. He'd missed him so much!
6 purred and nuzzled him. 8's licks moved 6 a bit, startling the newborn kitten and making it mew.
8 jumped a little at the mew," w-what was that?"
6 looked down at it and moved his tail a bit so 8 could see.
8 sniffed a little at the kitten," ... Your mom isn't anywhere near here, right?" he asked," Cause I don't need her killin' me."
His ears flattened a bit at the mention of her. "She doesn't even know where I'm at right now."
He sighed a little with relief," Thank god..." he murmured before laying down, gently licking the kitten.
It mewed, 8's tongue bigger than its whole body. It didn't stop mewing after that though making 6 worried.
8 sniffed a little at it," Why won't it stop meowing?" he asked before standing up. After only a few more moments of its constant mews, he hurried into the kitchen, looking for Geri.
6 licked the kitten trying to comfort it, unsure of what was wrong.
Geri was preparing a bowl of food for 6 when 8 hurried up to him, whining and pawing his leg. Geri looked down," What's wrong, boy?". 8 hurried back over to the doorway, barking for him to follow. Geri followed him, carrying the bowl along with him.
The kitten hadn't stopped meowing, it let out a very long one that sounded so sad making 6 nuzzle it.
Geri kneeled down, picking the little one up gently, looking her over," Why, I see what the problem is." he said before going into the kitchen, 8 following his every move. Geri laid the little kitten down for a few moments as he pulled out a bit of pre-made formula. He'd been making sure that little 45 was getting all he needed, and usually ended up making too much. After a bit of searching, he found a small dropper, filling it with the formula before picking the kitten up again in one hand, pressing the dropper to its mouth with the other.
The kitten started drinking quickly from it. 6 hopped up on the counter watching him feed her.
Geri smiled a little," Just as I thought." he said before looking to 6," You're lucky to have a big dog like 8 warning me of things like this. You had this little one a bit too early. She won't be able to feed normally from you until she gets a little bigger."
6's ears went back a little and he licked her a little as she ate.
He waited until all the formula was gone before pulling the dropper away.
The kitten just sat in his hand content now that she was full. The wind picking up outside as a storm started startled her, causing her to mew for her mother.
Geri smiled softly down at the kitten, picking 6 up with one hand and setting him on the ground before offering the kitten to him.
6 took her and hurried off to the living room again where it was warmer.
Geri held the bowl out to 8," take this to little 6.". 8 bit the edge of the plate, holding it carefully as he walked out after 6.
~Elsewhere~
1 noticed that one of the doors Geri usually locked nowadays was not.
Inside, 2 was fast asleep, curled around what looked to be a little fluffball.
1 slowly walked into the room, he hadn't seen 2 in forever and he missed him.
2 stirred a little but didn't wake up. Though, the little fluffball did, standing up a little and stretching, letting out a squeaky yawn.
1's ears perked up seeing the fluffball. W-Was that a kitten?
The little one looked to him with big golden eyes before carefully stepping over his mother's tail, running over to him. He'd never seen any big cats before that weren't his mother!
1 sniffed him a bit, he smelled just like 2. He looked over at the sleeping cat wondering why he didn't tell him.
The kitten sat down," HI!" he shouted loudly. 2 jolted, waking up from the shout.
1 jumped a bit, not expecting him to talk suddenly.
As soon as 2 felt the kitten not at his side, he got up, looking around quickly. He spotted him and how close he was to 1 before running over, hissing and smacking 1 hard across the face, nails out. The kitten ducked underneath 2, ears flat.
1 was out of the room in a flash, his face bleeding slightly from the sudden attack. What had gotten into 2!?
2 trembled a little, tensed up. He didn't WANT to do that... But he couldn't risk 1 near his kitten. Not yet.
1 wandered downstairs into the kitchen where he hopped up next to the window, trying to ignore the stinging from the wound.
Almost as soon as 1 was at the window, 7 dropped down onto the windowsil on the outside.
All that was heard was a loud THUD, 1 was on the ground, his fur all poofed up. It w
Geri jumped from the thud, looking over to 1," Just what has gotten into y-" he noticed 7 as she pawed and meowed at the window, wanting in. He walked over, opening the window," And who are you?" he asked curiously, smiling," Such a pretty white cat.". 7 meowed at him before hopping inside, sniffing around. She knew she'd smelled 6 around here!
6 looked around hearing 7's meow. "Um 8 I think you should hide."
8 looked to him, tilting his head," Why do you say th-". Geri nearly jumped out of his skin as a loud yelp rang through the house. 7 had tackled 8 and was now scratching at him, holding on by her teeth in his scruff.
"7! 7 stop!" The kitten started mewing, scared with all the loud sounds.
7 immediately stopped upon hearing the kitten, releasing 8 and dropping. 8 backed away fast, pressed into a corner, ears flat against his head.
6 was licking the kitten to calm it, unsure of how 7 was going to react.
7 walked over cautiously, looking the kitten over and sniffing a little at it," ... is this yours, 6?"
"Y-Yes."
She immediately started to purr, giving the little one a gentle lick on the forehead," I knew it. I knew you were going to have a little one. And just who is the father?" she asked.
He was about to say when the kitten interrupted him. "YIPE!" Letting out something that sounded like a newborn puppy bark.
7's ears immediately went back and she glared death at 8.
6 curled up around the kitten, terrified of 7 now. He knew how much she hated dogs and didn't know what she would do to the newborn now.
7 glared a bit more before looking to the kitten," Well..... This little one does need a father... And I'm not up to helping you look after it..."
"So... your not going to kill 8?"
" Nah. I don't feel like it." she said before going back into the kitchen and hopping onto the windowsil, calling for the twins.
Soon the two were scrambling up into the windowsill, looking inside the house in amazement.
7 stood in their way," We're going home. 6 is staying here until it's warm enough.". 3's ears flattened," B-but this place is so nice and warm!"
4 shivered in the wind and pressed against 3 to get warmer.
7 nuzzled them both gently," C'mon, we have to go back before the storm sta-". She let out a slight yowl as Geri scooped her up, along with the twins, setting them inside and shutting the window," Now you shouldn't be out in that storm." he said before kneeling down, smiling at them. 7 backed up, ears slightly back. She never did trust humans. They were worse than dogs.
4 hid behind 7 peering out at him. She had never had a human this close to her.
Geri held his hand out a little," It's alright. You're safe here.". 3 stared at the hand before cautiously going over and sniffing at it. He smelled like those cans with the pictures of kitties on them 7 would bring home! He purred loudly, rubbing against his hand, purring even louder as he was pet.
4 approached him as well, if 3 trusted him then she did.
Geri smiled," Well how cute, you're twins!" he said, reaching and petting 4.
She purred as he pet her.
He stood, walking to the cabinet and pulling out a few cans of food.
They started meowing hungrily at the smell of food.
7 kept back although her stomach growled. Geri smiled a little, setting a plate down with three cans worth of food on it. 3 rushed to it, nearly faceplanting into the food as he started eating.
4 chowed down on hers, they had never had fresh food like this. It was amazing!
Geri looked to 7 and smiled, stepping away from the plate. 7 watched him before looking to the food. She still wasn't so sure about this.
The twins finished their food and looked at 7's wondering if she was gonna eat it or not.
7 wandered over slowly, sniffing at the plate a little. She couldn't help but start to eat quickly.
The two hopped away to go explore their new home.
Geri laughed slightly," looks like I'll have to go to the store and get more canned food."
4 hopped up the stairs to look around up there.
3 followed after, sniffing a little," I can smell another little kitten!"
They scrambled up the stairs and ran to the room they smelled it.
2 laid curled around the small kitten, licking him gently. The kitten mewed in protest," mommmmyyy! Stoppiiiitttt...." he whined. 2 laughed softly," I'll stop when you stop getting yourself so messy, 12."
4 peered around a corner at them.
12 pulled away a little from 2, looking over and seeing 4," HI!" he called happily. 2 glanced back, his fur starting to stand up.
4's ears flattened a bit scared of 2.
2 relaxed a little, seeing that the two were only kittens.
She took a step forward, a bit unsure.
12 climbed away from 2 and trotted over to them, sniffing a little. 3 tilted his head," he's like a little fuzzy!"
4 sniffed him and giggled "He is fuzzy!"
12 nuzzled them both happily before noticing a white blur. She jumped back as 7 stood over the twins, hissing at 12. 2 bounded over, standing over 12 and hissing back at 7.
4's ears flattened and he shook a bit. A second later 1 was standing in front of 2 and 12, growling at 7.
2's eyes widened a bit as he saw 1. 7 growled before backing off, motioning for the kittens to follow.
The twins followed her quickly. 1 backed away from 2 a bit, scared of another smack. "Are you both alright?"
2 rushed to him, pressing up against him, purring loudly.
1 licked him a bit and nuzzled him.
2 licked apologetically at the cut he'd given 1. 12 trotted over, sniffing a little at 1.
1 looked down at the kitten, he leaned down and sniffed him before licking his head.
He mewed, rearing up and placing his paws on 1's face.
1 smiled at him. "Why didn't you tell me?" He asked 2.
2 smiled nervously," Well, I was scared you would reject him..."
1 nuzzled him "I would never do that." He thought "Is that want you wanted to ask me about before?"
".... Yes.... But I didn't know that I was already pregnant."
"You were?"
He laughed a little," Why do you think I disappeared a few days after?"
"I had no idea."
" Well, now you do." he said, rubbing his head gently underneath 1's. 12 tilted his head," mommy, who's this big kitty?" he asked. 2 looked to him and smiled," This is your daddy, 1.". 12 perked up," I HAVE A DADDY?!"
1 smiled and nuzzled the kitten.
12 giggled, nuzzling him back before running around him," yay! Daddy daddy!"
He chuckled a bit watching him for a moment before looking to 2. "Besides the ones you just saw there is another cat in the house, this one has a kitten."
" Another kitten? Why, poor Geri is up to his ears in cats now." he said, laughing a little.
He laughed a bit too.
12 crouched a bit before pouncing on 1's tail, biting it.
1 winced and quickly pulled his tail away, keeping it up high so 12 couldn't reach it.
12 looked up at in before crouching and leaping up, trying to swipe at it.
1 managed to keep his tail just out of reach.
12 mewed at him after a few other tries before flopping over.
He chuckled before lowering it just enough so he could reach it.
In almost an instant, 12 had latched onto it, purring and pawing it.
Later in the night the blizzard had really started up. The winds howled scaring little 45 to snuggle against his mother. 5 licked his head to try and calm him.
9 yawned a little, curled up around 5 for the night. He woke a bit, feeling his moment," Everything okay?" he asked, tired.
"45's scared." The kitten let out a frightened mew when the wind howled louder.
9 leaned over 5 gently, giving the kitten a few licks," awww... It's okay 45."
He looked like a tiny fluff ball he was curled up so tight against him.
9 stood, walking around 5 and flopping back down, pressing 45 gently between them.
He calmed down a bit, feeling safe between his parents.
He yawned a little, giving 45 a little lick," now go to bed, okay?"
"Yes daddy." He snuggled close and shut his eyes.
He smiled, nuzzling 45 gently before laying his head down to go to sleep.
Over by the fireplace 6 was wide awake. He wasn't used to being able to sleep without worry.
8 was curled around 6, snoring as he slept.
He snuggled closer to 8, liking to be close.
He shifted a little as he felt 6 move, opening his eyes a bit and looking to him," You're still awake?" he asked, yawning.
6 nodded, "I don't sleep much."
" Well that can't be good fer yah." he said, giving 6 a little lick," you should get a lotta sleep. Cats need that."
He snuggled close "I cant help it. Living on the street so long I rarely slept."
" Well, now you can sleep all you want." he said, nuzzling him affectionately.
He nuzzled him back, purring.
He glanced over to the kitten curled up against 6," How's the kitten doing?"
"She's doing good, still sleeping." Geri had fed her once more before going to bed.
He smiled," That's good. I was real worried when she started all that mewin' and stuff."
6 licked the kitten a bit while she slept making her purr a bit.
He watched them for a moment," You know, she doesn't have a name yet..."
"Your right she doesn't... what should we name her?"
" beats me."
6 thought. "What about 48?"
" 48?" he leaned over and licked the kitten's head softly," I like it."
6 smiled and licked 8.
8 chuckled a little," You got a real rough tongue on you."
"D-Do you want me to stop?"
" nah, it's alright."
He nuzzled him, purring happily.
He nuzzled him back for a few moments before falling back asleep.
6 laid down and was soon asleep as well.
~That morning~
7 meowed loudly, scratching at the door. She wanted out of this house!
The twins were wrestling around playing, they didn't wanna leave!
3 pawed at 4, trying to bite her ear before looking over to 7," Can't we just stay?". 7 shook her head," No, we can't."
"Why nooooot?"
" this is a human's house! Humans are nothing but trouble..."
"But he's sooooo nice and he gives us food!"
" So he can skin us and use out innards for violins!"
"H-He would do that!?" 4 was always scared easily.
3 used that moment to tackle and pin 4," No way, no way! That old man's too nice!"
4 kicked and bit at her brother trying to get him off. There was a thud as something landed on the windowsill, a gray cat peering in.
7 glanced to the cat and hissed, ears flat against her head.
The other one hissed back, pissed she did that for no reason.
She glared at him, walking over and hopping up onto the windowsil, peering out at him.
He watched her right back, ears up a bit curious of the newcomer.
She tilted her head a little," ... Who are you?"
"C.B. You?"
" 7."
"Geri's new cat?" He wasn't sure if he just adopted her or something.
She flattened her ears," just stayed the night. I'm leaving with my kittens soon."
"That's weird. Never heard of a pet just staying the night."
" I'm no pet! I'm a stray, and proud of it!"
"That's even weirder."
She growled," Whatever. Just where the hell did you come from anyways?"
"Next door, the snake was being annoying so I decided to go out for a bit."
She tensed," snake? What snake?"
"Don't worry she doesn't come out in the winter. Its my masters other pet."
" ... alright then."
He winced when someone yelled for him. He sighed "Gotta go." He jumped to the fence and disappeared when he jumped down.
She flattened her ears as she watched him before jumping down. She hated the idea of a snake being so close, even if it wouldn't come out into the snow. If it was big enough, it could try to eat the twins!
Speaking of the twins, they were in the kitchen with Geri, mewing at him as he got them food.
Geri laughed at the little ones, turning with two little bowls of food. 3 launched at him, latching onto his pantleg and climbing up, trying to get the food.
4 was up on her hind legs trying to see it meowing.
Geri set the two bowls down, 3 leaping from Geri's leg and onto the floor, hurrying to the food and eating.
4 dove into hers, eating quickly.
He smiled a little, watching them before stepping out and walking to the window. He looked out, staring at the next door neighbor's home, worried a bit about him, hoping his house was warm enough, seeing how much snow had fallen.
As soon as she finished 4 trotted after him, pawing at his leg a bit meowing.
He looked down to her and smiled, scooping her up," what is it?"
She nuzzled against him purring, 7 had to be wrong about this human.
He smiled, holding her close and petting her head softly. What a nice little kitten.
4 REALLY didn't wanna leave now. It was cold and scary out there most of the time.
Geri jumped a little as he felt 3 suddenly latch onto his pantleg, climbing up that and his shirt, laying in his arm.
"Mama has to be wrong about this human." She said to him.
He nodded," This human is all nice and warm. Not mean, like mama says. I like him!"
4 didn't even think of the trouble she would be in if 7 caught them in the humans arms.
Geri jumped a little as he heard a growl, 7 jumping up onto the windowsil and glaring at him.
4 shook in his hold.
Geri smiled a little, using his free hand and reaching out to her. She pulled back, hissing, tensing up as his hand was set on her head. She immediately relaxed when he started to scratch a small spot behind her ears, making her purr.
The twins looked at each other then 7 in amazement.
7 hated this but loved it all at once. She wanted to pull away, but he was just so good at finding those little spots she liked to be pet!
They giggled watching her.
7 flopped down, purring as Geri scratched her stomach a little," Such a sweet cat. It's a shame you've grown so cold towards humans during your life on the street."
"And you said he was mean!"
7 glared up at her," Hey, I'm not used to humans being so nice."
"You said he was gonna make us into violins!" Whatever those were.
" That was before he started petting me!"
They giggled watching her be pet more.
She put her paws on his hand as he tried to pull away. He smiled a little," How sweet." he said before noticing something a bit off. Little black dots crawling all over 7.
4 started to scratch behind her hear, making a few fleas jump.
Geri smiled a bit nervously, setting the twins down with 7," I'll be right back for you." he said before hurrying upstairs.
4 tilted her head, "Wonder whats wrong."
After a few moments he came back down and scooped up the twins, carrying them upstairs to the bathroom.
They looked around excited, not knowing what was gonna happen.
Geri kneeled down infront of the tub, setting them gently in the water. 3 immediately tensed, his back paws slipping," w-what is this?!"
"I don't like this!" She tried to climb out but it was too slippery. "Mama!"
7 was in the doorway within seconds, glaring at Geri. Geri picked 4 up gently, pouring water on her before scrubbing a bit of shampoo into her fur.
She mewed and squirmed to try and make him stop.
" shhh, shhh it's okay. It's just a little flea bath." he said before setting her back in the water, picking up 3 and scrubbing him.
She shivered in the water "Mama make him stop!"
7 ran over, leaping at Geri. Geri had set 3 down before turning and grabbing 7 right out of the air, putting her in the water as well, pouring water over her back. She yowled, struggling to get out.
The two cowered in the corner away from her.
Geri scrubbed her down, making sure to get every inch of her, the fleas dropping off quickly.
4 swat at them as they floated by, the tub filled with black dots.
3 scratched a bit at himself, making the fleas fall off him.
4 shook her fur out a bit, a few more coming off her.
3 gasped," 4! I'm not itchy!"
"Neither am I!"
He looked at the water before splashing around in it," h-hey! This is kinda fun!"
She splashed some at him.
He laughed, splashing her back. Geri smiled at the two before rinsing 7 off, setting her outside of the tub. He rinsed the twins before setting them next to her, looking for a towel.
4 shook a bit, cold now she was out of the warm water.
Geri picked up both the twins in one towel, rubbing them dry.
When he put them back down their fur poofed out.
3 laughed, looking at 4," You look so silly!". 7 meowed loudly as she was picked up, but started to purr as Geri dried her.
"So do you!" She giggled.
Geri set 7 down who purred, trotting from the room happily, happy she wasn't itching anymore.
The twins quickly followed her.
Geri smiled, watching them before getting up and going to the room 12 and 2 had been staying in.
1 was in there with them, laying next to 2 as they watched 12 play with a toy Geri had left in there.
12 giggled, batting the toy back and forth, chasing after it happily. Geri walked in and smiled," Well, I'm glad you finally let 1 see his new son.". 2 looked up to him and mewed.
1 heard the bath water being filled and was a bit worried, he hated baths so much they always made his fur poof up after he was dried.
Geri smiled a little," now I know you won't like this, but I need to give you all baths. Those new cats had many fleas on them.". 12 tilted his head," Whats that?" he asked, running up to Geri and mewing at him. Geri kneeled down, picking him up," I don't need you itching." he said, smiling. 12 just mewed, nuzzling him.
1 sighed, he HATED baths.
Geri looked to 1 and laughed a little," Would you prefer me to get the flea spray instead?"
His ears flattened and he got up to follow Geri to the bathroom.
2 got up, stretching a little before he followed them, rubbing a little against 1," it isn't so bad."
They followed Geri in, assuming 12 wasn't going to like this one bit.
Geri set 12 down next to 1 and 2 before draining the water, rinsing down all the suds and dead fleas before starting to refill the tub.
1 took a quick look in the tub and saw all those fleas.
Geri reached over, petting 1's head," That's why you need a bath. Just in case." he said before stopping the water. He picked 12 up, smiling a little," You're first, little one.". 12 looked around before he set his eyes on the water. What was that??
"It's alright 12." He saw how panicked the kitten looked.
12 looked to him," B-but what is i- MOMMY!" he screamed as soon as he was set in the water, Geri pouring water on his back. 2 flattened his ears a bit. He wouldn't dare hurt Geri, but he did want to save his child.
"We wouldn't let him do it if it would hurt you." 1 said trying to calm 12.
12 mewed loudly, squirming under Geri's hold as he was scrubbed," But it feels so weird!! I don't like this!!!"
"It will be over soon."
Geri waited a few moments, letting the soap soak in before rinsing him. He mewed loudly as Geri picked him up, grabbing a towel and drying him.
"See that didn't take long."
Geri laughed a little, setting 12 down. With all that fluff, 12's face was hardly visible.
1 went up to Geri, might as well get this over with.
Geri smiled, petting 1's head," that's a good cat." he said before picking him up and setting him in the water. He laughed a little as 12 smacked his face against the tub, not being able to see where he was going.
1's ears were flat but he didn't fight Geri at all.
Geri scrubbed him, smiling a little," good boy, good boy."
He glared a bit up at him, Geri knew he hated baths.
Geri finished washing him before picking him up and setting him outside the tub, drying him.
When he was done his fur went POOF.
2 snickered a little before he was picked up, set gently in the bathtub. He actually didn't mind the water, purring as he was washed.
1 sat, trying to unpoof his fur.
12 ran into 1, stumbling back afterwards," ow!"
1 chuckled, "Just wait for it to go back down."
12 looked around," daddy? Is that you?" he called, running around the room," daaaaaddy!! Daaaad-" he mewed loudly as he smacked into the door.
1 went over and licked him "Just sit still."
He cuddled close to 1, purring a little. 2 was soon done with his bath and dried. His fur was too short to fluff out, so he looked just about the same after his bath.
Lucky, 1 thought seeing 2's fur didn't poof.
2 trotted over to them, rubbing a little against 1," See? Not so bad."
"Speak for yourself." His ears went down a bit.
He laughed a little," oh shush up, you old fluffball."
Just a room away poor 45 could NOT stop scratching. The fleas had already gotten to him.
9 whined, watching his poor little one itching up a storm. Geri stepped in, smiling a little," oh you poor little one." he said, scooping 45 up.
He kept scratching in his hold.
Geri walked into the bathroom, setting him in the water gently. 9 followed him in, tail wagging a little.
The second he touched that water he freaked out. "NO I DONT LIKE THIS! MOMMY! DADDY!"
9 flattened his ears and ran over, nudging Geri," Stoppit! Leave him alone!". Geri looked down to him and smiled nervously," don't worry, he's fine. It's just a bath." he said, scrubbing the soap into him.
45 mewed frantically "DADDY MAKE HIM STOP!" 5 ran in hearing him mewing.
9 whined. He wanted to help 45, but he couldn't just take him from Geri! Geri set 45 down gently in the water to let the shampoo set.
5 jumped up so he sat on the edge. "Its ok sweetie." 45 just shook, terrified.
Geri held him still, rinsing off the soap before picking 45 up out of the water, drying him.
5 watched him from his spot, he wasn't sure if he had fleas too and didn't wan to give it to him.
Geri set 45 gently down on the ground before picking up 9 and setting him in the water. 9 LOVED baths. He played with the water, splashing it around as Geri washed him, laughing at the dogs antics.
The splashing caused 5 to slip and land in the tub.
9 stopped for a moment, staring at 5 before starting to laugh.
"Its not funny!" He tried to climb back out.
Geri reached out, picking 5 up and setting him in the water," no no, now that you're in, you can't come back out until you're done." he said before rinsing off 9 and setting him down outside the tub, drying him.
5 shook, the water was a bit cold.
After drying 9, Geri went back to the tub, draining the water out a bit and filling it up a little with warm water, pouring it on 5 a little. He started scrubbing the shampoo into 5's fur.
45 hurried over and snuggled close to 9.
9 sat down and licked 45's head," it's okay. It was just a little bath. I bet you're not itchy anymore."
He thought for a second. "I'm not!"
He laughed a little, licking 45's head. Geri finished washing 5, taking him out of the tub and drying him.
Drying was the one thing that 5 loved about baths.
Geri finished, smiling," There you go, 5. All done."
He meowed and rubbed up against him.
He smiled, scratching 5's head softly.
He went over and picked 45 up by his scruff, heading back to the room.
9 trotted after them happily. Geri stood up, heading downstairs. Now only 6, 8, and their new kitten needed baths.
6 was still in his spot next to 8, the kitten crawling around a bit.
Geri walked over and knelled down, picking the kitten up gently, figuring he would give her a bit of breakfast before bathtime.
She mewed being picked up suddenly.
8 perked up, growling for a moment before seeing it was Geri, relaxing. Geri smiled, petting her head," it's alright, sweetie. It's just time for breakfast."
6 followed Geri into the kitchen, he didn't like to be too far from his baby.
Geri pulled out the dropper, filling it with a bit of formula before holding it up to her mouth.
She quickly started eating.
Geri looked to the sink, relieved that there were no dirty dishes in it so he could wash her down here.
6 hopped up next to it, panicking a bit not knowing what Geri was doing with her.
After she was done, he set her gently next to 6, filling the sink with just a little bit of water before knelling down, grabbing a shampoo bottle from under the sink. 8's ears flattened," Oh great... A bath."
"But that's not a bath!" The only kind 6 knew was the tongue kind.
8 looked up to him," Kid, you're gonna learn the real meanin' of a bath soon enough.". Geri picked 48 up gently, setting her in the water.
48 started mewing loudly when the water touched her, she had no idea what was going on. 6 paced on the counter, wanting to help her.
Geri rubbed the shampoo on her as gently as he could, smiling a little," You're okay, little one. It's alright."
She kept mewing, terrified.
He let the soap sit for a few moments before rinsing her off with the faucet. He held her close as he got out a dishtowel patdrying her.
She shook a bit in his hold, cold now from the bath.
Geri walked to the living room, setting her down next to the fireplace before going and picking up 6, walking upstairs.
6 meowed and struggled, wanting to go back to 48.
" It's okay, it's okay." he said, walking into the bathroom and kneeling down, setting him into the bathtub and starting the water.
"No she needs me!" He kept struggling.
8 walked in, carrying 48 as gently as he could in his mouth. He laid down, setting her down. Geri glanced over, smiling a little," Good boy." he said before going back to 6, pouring water on his back.
The kitten shivered before letting out a 'yipe' sound again.
Geri jumped, looking back at 8. 8 looked down to 48, licking her head a little. Geri stared for a moment before laughing," well, I suppose that explains who the father is."
6 shivered in the bath, he did not like this at all.
Geri scrubbed the shampoo into 6's fur, letting it sit for a few moments before rinsing it out and taking him out of the tub," there you go." he said, grabbing a towel and drying him.
As soon as he was done drying he hurried over to 48.
Geri motioned for 8 to come over, smiling a little," You're the last one." he said. 8 walked over, hopping in the tub, flinching a little as the shower was turned on. He whined, getting scrubbed.
48 started mewing, hearing her fathers whines.
Geri smiled a little," Your little daughter's worried about you." he said, laughing a bit to himself before rinsing 8 off. 8 stared at him for a moment before shaking, splattering water all over him.
6 shook a bit himself, the water making it over to him.
Geri laughed, moving aside so 8 could get out of the tub before grabbing a towel, drying him off.
6 laughed a bit, 8 was a bit poofy after he was dried.
8 glared a little at him," Hey, not my fault my fur goes nuts after baths."
6 picked 48 up by her scruff and headed out of the bathroom with her. He stopped outside of it, smelling more cats close by.
12 was pawing around in the hallway, his fur finally settling down from the bath. He glanced over to 6, jumping a little as he spotted 48, running over.
6 set her down smiling at 12 "Hello there."
12 giggled," Hi!" he exclaimed before looking down at 48, sniffing a little at her.
She sniffed back a moment. "YIPE!"
All of 12's fur went poof and he darted away, smacking into a wall.
1 went out into the hall "12?" He saw him all poofed up "What happened?"
" Puppy kitten!" he shouted.
1 shook his head and picked him up by his scruff to take him to the room. Running around like that he would fall down the stairs.
He squirmed a little in his father's hold before relaxing, trying to look around.
He plopped him down next to 2.
12 stood up to go off and find that kitten again, but 2 pulled him close under one paw, licking his head softly.
6 peeked his head into the room with 48 in his mouth. He hadn't seen the other cats around here yet.
2 glanced up at 6 and smiled," Hello there."
He set 48 down "H-Hello."
2 stood, stretching out for a moment before walking over," And just when did you get here? It's been a while since I've seen any new faces here."
"Yesterday." He said a bit nervously, he wasn't that good around new cats.
He smiled," Well, welcome."
48 mewed hearing the new voice.
A black and white stripped cat peered around a trash bin, looking around fearfully.
The man stopped as he passed the alleyway, seeing the small cat. He smiled a little before kneeling down," Why, hello there little one."
It meowed and walked forward. It knew the man and how nice he was.
He smiled, petting the small striped cat," Well you're looking rather healthy today." he said before reaching into the small bag and pulling out a little fish treat, setting it infront of him," Here you go."
He quickly ate it up, then rubbed against him thankfully.
He gave him a soft scratch behind the ears," Good boy." he said before smiling," Have you seen any dogs around? I'm looking for... Well, he's a bit of a mutt."
He meowed and walked off, stopping once and looking back at him to follow.
The old man smiled, standing to follow the cat.
Not too far off, there was a bit of rustling in a trash can, A small dog standing on the back of a rather big Husky, searching. The husky shifted a bit, growling," Hurry it up! My back hurts!" he complained as the dog jumped a little bit up, putting one of his back paws on the rim," You're such a baby! Findin' food takes time you know!"
The cat stopped peering around the corner at them.
The small dog tugged out a old fastfood bag, flopping off the husky's back. The husky looked to the bag," Aw man! Jackpot!"
The old man stepped around the corner, laughing a bit," And just what are you two doing?". The small dog jumped, yiping a bit before he noticed just who it was. He ran over to him, sniffing at his shoes.
The cat backed away, a bit scared of the dogs.
The man kneeled down, petting the little dog. He laughed when the dog rolled over, letting him rub his belly," Oh 9, you do love your pets don't you?" he asked. The dog, 9, barked happily, jumping up. He smiled, reaching into the bag and pulling out a dog biscuit. That caught the husky's attention. He ran over to the man, tail wagging. The man laughed, fishing out another biscuit," I didn't forget you, 8."
The cat jumped up on the mans shoulder, feeling a bit safer up there.
9 looked up, spotting the cat for the first time," CAT! Cat cat kitty cat! Come down and play!". The man placed a hand on the dog's head," Now now, stop barking at the poor thing."
He tried not to dig his claws into the man as he barked and hid behind his neck a bit
After giving the two dogs their treats, he stood," Now, 9. I need you to come home for a little. Is that alright?". 9 whined, ears back," Noooo... I wanna stay here!". The man laughed a little," 5's at home waiting for you, you kn-" and with that, the dog ran a bit ahead, looking back at the old man and barking," WELL COME ON THEN!".
The cat jumped over to a lid and laid down. He wished he could go with them but his "mother" wouldn't let him.
As the others left, 8 stayed, staring over at the cat.
He didn't notice, too busy licking his fur to get rid of the mans smell so his mother wouldn't notice.
8 snuck over to the cat, staring for a moment before starting to sniff at him.
He jumped back, pressed up against the wall with his tail poofed up.
8 laughed, backing up a little," Skiddish little thing ain'tcha?"
He kept his paw up as a small warning "S-Stay b-b-back."
He got close again, pressing his cold nose against the cat's chest," oh come on. Like you could hurt me. 'Sides, it's not like I'm gonna eat you or somethin'. Cat bones get stuck in my teeth." he joked.
Well that didn't help at all. He backed up as far as he could go and shivered.
8 tried to get a bit closer to him," I ain't that scary, y'know. I'm actually a pretty nice guy onc-" he yelped loudly jumping back as a white cat jumped onto his face. The cat hissed, clawing at the large husky before she was finally thrown off. 8 ran away as fast as he could manage, tail between his legs.
He watched as the dog ran off, still shaking a bit.
The cat shook off a bit of snow on her fur before hopping onto the lid and trotting to the striped cat, licking his head gently," Are you alright? It didn't hurt you, did it?"
"N-No I'm fine."
She smiled a little, nuzzling him," Good."
He nuzzled her back, he was a bit embarrassed that fully grown he still had to have his mother protect him.
She hopped up onto the fence, looking down at him," well, come along 6. Can't leave the twins alone too long otherwise they'll scratch each other up."
He jumped up, grabbing the fence with his front paws and hoisting himself up. He was a bad jumper at times.
She laughed a little, watching him," You still need some practice."
He looked down embarrassed and followed her to their small home.
~The Old Man's home~
The old man smiled as he opened the door, letting 9 run in and shake off the snow on his fur, panting happily.
A brown colored cat was asleep up in a windowsill, he had been waiting for his owner to return but dozed off.
9 sniffed around on the floor before perking up, seeing the cat up on the windowsill. He jumped up onto one of the chairs next to it, putting his front paws on the windowsill and barking," 5!!"
5 jumped up with his tail poofed up. He calmed down when he saw who it was. "9!" He rubbed against him lovingly.
9 laughed, giving him tons of licks," The old man said you were waiting for me!"
5 nodded "You know I miss you when your out for so long."
He nodded a little," Yeah... But it's so much fun out there! And I made a new friend too!"
He tilted his head. "Another dog?"
" Yeah! The old man knows him, but he never came here before. He's a really really REALLY big husky!"
5 jumped down and laid down next to 9, snuggling close. He really had missed him more than he thought when he was gone.
9 laid down with him, licking the top of his head affectionately. He had missed 5 when he was out there...
He purred happily.
He perked up a bit, hearing as the old man poured kibble into a bowl in the kitchen.
The two headed into the kitchen, 5 laying close to 9 as he watched Geri get him food.
As soon as Geri was done pouring, 9 darted to the bowl, eating hungrly. Geri laughed a little," Must be nice having real food for once, 9." he said before going into another cabinet, pulling out three cans of catfood.
A Siamese cat jumped up on the counter waiting for his food. He wasn't eating down on the floor where that dog could steal his food.
The man smiled, opening a can and putting the food on a plate before setting it infront of the siamese," Here you are, 1. Enjoy." he said before opening another can, putting that on a plate and putting it down for 5. He looked around, scratching his head before looking back to 1," Now where is your little friend 2?"
1 just started eating, 2 would come when he would.
He laughed a little, petting 1's head before setting up a plate next to his for 2 when he wanted it. He took a seat, pulling his glasses from his shirt pocket before starting the paperwork he'd left sitting out on the table.
5 finished his up quickly and walked over to Geri, curling up at his feet purring thankfully.
Geri looked down to 5 and smiled, petting his back a little," You're quite welcome 5."
Once 1 was done he hopped off the counter and headed upstairs to try and find 2.
2 was up in Geri's room, sleeping on his back on the desk, purring from the warmth he recieved from the lamp.
1 jumped up on the desk and laid down next to him.
2 opened one eye slightly, looking to 1 and smiling," Well hello there."
1 nuzzled him. "Your food's waiting downstairs."
2 rolled over, stretching a bit before standing up," Well I didn't know it was dinner time just yet." he said, giving 1 a little lick between his eyes.
He licked him back. "And the mutts back."
He laughed a little," Now don't call him a mutt, even if that is what kind of dog he is. He has a name." he said before hopping down from the desk, stumbling a little as he did. He'd always had trouble with balancing.
~That night~
6 had snuck away again, walking down different alleys. He liked to walk around at night on his own, he stopped at a dead end one to lick his fur a bit. He froze hearing a growling sound, looking up there was a dirty dog staring at him snarling.
Just around the corner of the dead end, 8 was asleep behind a few trash bags. His ears twitched and he sat up, hearing the snarl.
The dog ran at 6 barking. 6 looked around to try and find a escape rout only to find he was trapped.
In an instant, 8 tackled the dog, barking loudly at him and biting down into the back of his neck.
The dog yipped then tried to fight back.
8 had a steel grip on the dog's scruff, growling lowly as he shook his head, tugging at him.
It wasn't long before the dog was whimpering in submission.
8 released him, getting off and standing between him and 6. He growled lowly," LEAVE. NOW."
The dog ran off with his tail between his legs. 6 was crouched down shaking from the fright.
8 turned to 6, walking over and laying down to look at him," Are you okay?"
He nodded. "T-Thank you for s-s-s-saving me." He nuzzled him a bit.
He laughed a bit, nuzzling him back and giving him a little lick," No problem."
He smiled when he got the lick, maybe he wasn't so bad.
He got up and leaned forward, gently picking 6 up by his scruff and walking back to the spot he was sleeping.
Once he laid down 6 curled up against 8 purring.
8 chuckled a little, licking the top of the little cat's head.
His tail swished back and forth as he fell asleep.
He laid his head down, curled around the cat as he dozed off.
The next morning the first ones up were two twin kittens playing around. Their mother had abandoned them not too long after they were weaned so they were still pretty small. "Hey where's 6?" The girl said looking around.
The boy looked with her, sniffing a little," I dunno. Maybe he went to get breakfast?"
"Should we wake 7?"
" Probably."
They went over and nudged her with their front paws. "7! 7! Wake up 6 is gone!"
7 woke up a bit, yawning and stretching out," What...?" she asked tiredly. 3 rubbed against her a little," we can't find 6! He's gone!". 7 shot up, looking around and sniffing at the ground. She ran to the window of the abandoned house they stayed in, looking out," He probably left last night, which isn't good because the snow covered his tracks!" Oh, where could her baby be?!
6 was still with 8, sticking close to him as he looked around for food. He didn't know why but there was something about this dog he really liked.
8 watched him from his spot, still a bit too tired to get up and look with him.
After a few minutes he went and snuggled back close to 8.
He smiled a little, licking his cheek gently," No luck? Or you just got cold?"
"Cold." He shivered a bit and snuggled up against him more.
8 shifted a little so that he was laying a bit ontop of 6, making sure he wouldn't crush him in the process.
6 purred and nuzzled him. He didn't know why he was feeling so affectionate towards the canine.
He nudged him a little with his nose," You smell a little funny for a cat... Are you goin' through somethin' or something?"
"I-I dunno." This had never happened to him before.
He licked a bit at him," well I like it. Smells good."
He smiled and rubbed up against him.
He nuzzled him a little," You know, it kinda reminds me of what girl dogs smell like when..."
"When what?"
He chuckled a bit as the cat's innocence," When they're in season. Y'know, in heat?"
He looked confused "Whats that?"
He stood up, going to 6 and sitting down right behind him, a paw on his back," Want to see?". He was sure nothing would go wrong with this. It wasn't like a dog and a cat could have a baby.
"O-Ok."
~Geri's home~
2 yawned, standing up from his spot at the foot of Geri's bed, stretching out.
5 was in the closet digging around in a cloths basket to make a small bed.
2 heard him and hopped down, trotting to the closet and peeking in," 5? Is that you?"
"Yeah it's me." He didn't stop digging at them a bit, trying to make it just right.
He went inside, tilting his head a little," Now just what are you doing in here with our owner's clean linen?"
"I dunno." He dug around more. "I just can't stop."
He sat down, watching him," Well be careful."
He dug around a bit more before curling up on it, his tail swishing back and forth a bit irritated looking.
2 got up, trotting over to the basket and looking up to him," are you alright?"
"I dunno I don't feel good."
He hopped up onto the rim, making sure the basket wouldn't tip before laying down," What feels bad?"
"My stomach." He whined.
" Well, just wait it out... Maybe you got a little bit too much food or something and your stomach isn't agreeing with it."
He nodded and curled up a bit.
He watched over him for a few more moments before hopping down and strolling out, sure that 5 would be fine.
Back outside the twins were trotting along following 7, helping her to find 6.
3 would stop sometimes to hop around in the snow, giggling each time he disappeared into it.
4 giggled, trying to catch 7's tail.
7 was too busy to notice the little kittens' antics, searching desperately for 6. What if a dog had gotten to him?! What if he was in a bloody mess of snow and his own guts because of it?!?!
4 sniffed the air a bit "I smell him!"
7 looked back to her," where? Show me!"
She hopped off heading towards an ally. In said ally 6 was curled up against 8 purring happily.
8 licked 6's head affectionately. That'd been better than he thought!
He licked him back and nuzzled him a bit.
" Glad you liked that."
"There he is~" 4 said from her spot up on a fence, smiling when she saw 6.
7 hopped up onto the fence. She let out a loud yowl as she saw 6 with that husky from before. 8 jolted from the yowl, seeing 7," Oh SHIT."
6's ears flattened and looked up at 7 fearfully. Poor 4 fell back into a pile of snow, the yowl startling her.
3 giggled, pouncing into the spot where 4 had landed, plopping ontop of her.
7 hopped down off the fence, fuming. Her fur stood on end as she glared at 8, letting out a low, threatening meow.
6 backed up, terrified of her at the moment.
8 stood up," I-I was just...". 7 hissed loudly," GET AWAY NOW!!!!" she screamed at him. 8 jolted before running as fast as possible away.
6 stayed in his spot, his ears submissively flat. He had never seen 7 THAT mad before.
7 growled lowly at him, stalking over and biting his scruff, picking him up easily and dragging him back to the twins.
4 giggled when she saw 6 like that. "6 is in trouble!"
3 giggled with his sister, hoppig through the snow over to 7," Lotsa trouble!"
~elsewhere~
There was a pain filled yowl coming from upstairs in Geri's home, startling those who were asleep downstairs.
9 jumped up, barking loudly, thinking it was an intruder.
Geri shot up in bed, getting out and into his robe," 5?!"
5 was still in the closet in the cloths basket, he panted a bit as the pain finally went away.
Geri opened the closet door," 5! 5 are you oka- What're you doing on my... Clean... Linen....?"
He looked up, his ears back a bit thinking he was in trouble. A tiny form next to him started squirming and mewing.
He kneeled down, petting 5's head gently," I knew you had been acting strange, just didn't know why... I believe this is my answer." he said, smiling at the little form," It seems you were pregnant."
5 leaned down and sniffed the kitten for a moment before instinctively licking it clean.
He pet 5 gently, watching him," now how in the world did you get pregnant in the first place?"
5 knew how he did. He looked out past Geri, meowing for 9.
9 perked up, hearing 5 and running upstairs, letting out a yelp as he tried to turn into the room but simply slid right past it.
5 watched past Geri, waiting for him.
9 hurried into the room, squeezing past Geri," 5? 5 what is it? What that you who yowled?"
"Yes." He looked from 9 to the kitten.
9 put his front paws up on the basket, looking at the kitten," awwwwwwww~! .... Wait...."
"What is it?" 5 hoped he would accept the kitten.
" is it mine? Cause if it is..." he leaned in and licked the little kitten's head softly," I love it."
5 smiled "It is." He nuzzled 9 lovingly.
9 licked 5's cheek happily before licking the little one," so cuuuuuuuuute~"
The kitten mewed, unable to see yet who was licking him.
He pulled away a little," awwwww~!! That was adorable!"
5 laid down watching 9 and their kitten.
Geri smiled, watching them for a few more moments before standing up," I'll go get your breakfast and bring it to you two."
Downstairs 1 was a bit miffed about being startled and proving not all cats land on their feet.
2 had seen what had happened to 1, and frankly, he was on his side, laughing hard.
1 just sat there with his ears flat, clearly pissed off.
Geri walked downstairs, stopping and looking between the two cats," .... Now just what happened here??"
1 just walked off, his tail swishing irritably.
2 looked up to Geri, meowing at him. Geri laughed a bit," I suppose 1 just doesn't want to talk about it." he said before going into the kitchen and making breakfast.
~Back outside~
The small group of cats just made it back to their abandoned home. 7 carried 6 the whole way much to his embarrassment.
7 went over to 6's little bed, dropping him on it," EXPLAIN. NOW."
"I-I just went for a walk last night! Some stray d-d-dog found me and would have k-k-k-killed me if 8 hadn't saved me!'
" SO YOU STAYED WITH THAT DOG?! 8, OR WHATEVER HIS NAME IS?! DO YOU KNOW HOW WORRIED I WAS?!" she yelled, her fur standing on end, ears flat.
"I-I'm sorry!" He looked down with his ears flat, ashamed of himself.
" You're GROUNDED! You're not allowed outside anymore, until I say you can go!"
"Y-Yes m-m-m-m-mam!" He shook terrible.
She glared at him a bit more before stalking off to her bed, laying down and watching him, tail twtiching.
He laid there shaking, looking at the ground. He curled up in a ball and just laid there.
3 ran over to him, sniffing a little at his head," 6? 6! 6 are you awaaaaake?"
"yes..." He answered, he sounded so sad. 4 looked at 3 confused, why was 6 so sad.
"i cant i'm in trouble..." He just laid there not moving a muscle.
He crawled over a little on 6's back, chewing on his ear," come onnnnnnnn!!!"
"3 no..." He didn't want to move from his spot.
He rolled off him and flopped next to him. He mewed, pawing at 6's stomach," come onnnnnnnn!!!!!!"
6 rolled over, ignoring him now.
3 hissed, hopping up and down a little," You big lump! I'll go play with 4 then!"
He sighed and curled up more.
3 bounded over to 4, tail twitching a little," 6 is being mean... He won't play!"
Her answer to that was pouncing 3 playfully.
He laughed, biting her playfully and trying to pounce on her.
~Elsewhere~
5 moved the kitten, named 45, down to a basket in the living room.
2 was sitting in Geri's lap as he watched tv. He glanced over at 5, tilting his head," Just what are you doing?" he asked, getting off Geri's lap and going to him.
He laid 45 down in the cat basket who meowed, unsure of what was going on. "Just moving him down here where its warmer."
" Moving who d-" he froze, hearing the meow. " Why... Is that..."
5 got into the basket with 45, the kitten crawling over to snuggle against his mother. "His names 45."
He sat up, looking in the basket," awwww~! How cute~! And you had him? Must not have been too much food like I thought then!" he joked.
He laughed and looked down at the kitten who was asleep snuggled close.
" Oh, you're so lucky." he said, sitting back down," I wish I could have a little one of my own."
"Well if I was able to I'm sure you can."
He sighed a little," but I don't know if 1 would approve of a little one. What if he rejected it?"
"Well you'll never know unless you ask."
" But...". He was so unsure of how 1 would react to such a request. Knowing how stubborn that old Siamese cat could be, he'd probably say no even before he had a chance to ask the full question.
"Just ask, he would want one to call his own."
He flattened his ears," ... I might ask him... later."
45 started to squirm around a bit more, 5 smiled watching him.
2 watched them, smiling a little himself. He stood up and started looking for 1. If he was going to ask for a kitten, now was the time!
1 was upstairs watching the snow fall from the windowsill.
2 went upstairs and to 1, seeming confident in himself. He sat down just below the windowsill," ... 1?"
"Hm?" He looked down. "What is it?"
His ears went back a little, losing a bit of his confidence," I-I-I wanted to ask you something..."
He jumped down and sat in front of him. "What is it?"
" I.... um... Well I..." he stammered, unable to get the right words out.
2 nuzzled him back," I-I wanted to ask... If we could have a kit-" he jumped as he heard the door open, followed by loud barking.
1 jumped as well but ignored it thinking it was just 9.
2 glanced back, listening in as he heard Geri talking faintly. He tensed up, now hearing two sets of barks. One was 9... But who was the other?!
The two went to the top of the stairs and peered down.
8 shook off the extra snow on himself as 9 watched him," What're you doing here, 8? I mean, you never come around!" " Friggin' big white cat attacked me when I tried to hang around that little striped cat.'
5 curled himself around 45 protectively, he wasn't sure about this newcomer.
9 laughed," Big white cat? You must be talkin' about 7. She's one of the meanest females out there, man. Must've been messin' with one of her kittens!". 8 nodded a bit nervously," Yeah... Messin' with it...". 9 looked up to him, tilting his head," ... The way you said... AW MAN YOU DIDN'T!". 8 flinched," I couldn't help it! He was in heat and I just... I don't know!" "Dude! If 7 finds out you screwed around with one of her kids, she'll skin you!" " I know! That's why I came here! Seemed safe enough!"
45 started mewing loudly hearing the new voice.
8 perked up looking over to the basket. 9 laughed, smiling," C'mon, I want you to see him." he said, trotting over to the basket. 8 followed over, peeking in," A kitten?"
5's fur stood a little on end, he didn't like 8 so close to his baby.
9 nodded," Yep! mine and 5's kitten.". 8 looked to him," wait... You mean you and this cat....". 9 laughed a little," Yeah!". 8 tensed up," Oh... My god. I am screwed, so hard. SO HARD MAN." he exclaimed, panicking.
1 watched the scene from his and 2's spot. "Just what we need another mutt around here."
2 laughed a little," now now, 1. That obviously is a husky, not a mutt."
He rolled his eyes, "Now what was it you wanted to ask me?"
He looked to him," oh... uh... I-it was nothing."
"No tell me what it was." He hated it when 2 did this.
" it was n-nothing! I swear!"
"What are you so scared about?"
He shook his head, standing up," nothing nothing."
2 flattened his ears a little before hurrying off. He wanted so badly to ask 1, but it was just too hard for him.
He sighed and watched him run off, why was he so scared to ask him something...
8 glanced up, seeing 1 upstairs," CAT!" he shouted.
All of 1's fur went POOF and he ran.
8 chuckled a little," I love doin' that.". 9 laughed with him," yeeaaah, 1's a stick in the mud. Always bein' mean and callin' me a mutt." " 9, you are a mutt." "thats beside the point."
~A little under two months later~
6 was STILL grounded. He was pacing the house a bit while 7 was out with the twins.
Just outside the building, a loud howl came.
He froze when he heard it. It sounded horribly familiar.
A bit of digging came just beside 6 as the dirt floor was slowly pulled away, a dog muzzle sticking under, growling.
6 took off running as fast as he could.
The dog pulled its muzzle out, watching as 6 took off out of the building before running after him, barking loudly.
He ran as fast as he could, jumping over fences until he finally stopped in a yard thinking he outran the dog. His ears went down as his stomach started to really hurt.
Far off, the dog's barking slowly died down as it lost 6, sniffing around before running off to find something else.
6 laid down in the yard, there was no place to hide, the snow had killed all the plant life for the winter. He let out a painful yowl as it got worse suddenly.
Thankfully, the yard he'd gone into was Geri's. Inside, he woke with a start, hearing the faint yowl.
6 was so scared, he had no idea what was going on. "7!" He called loudly, wanting his mother figure.
Even though she was nearly a mile away, 7 heard 6's call. She tensed up before looking back to 3 and 4," come on you two, we gotta get back!"
He let out another very loud yowl before the pain stopped.
Geri, after pulling on his robe, hurried outside and into the yard, looking around for the source of the noise.
6 shivered a bit, scared and unsure of what just happened.
Geri spotted him out in the snow and hurried over," why, 6! I haven't seen you f- ... Why, I don't believe it..."
6 almost jumped when something started mewing next to him, in the snow was a slightly bloody black and white kitten.
He quickly scooped the kitten up out of the snow so it wouldn't freeze before picking 6 up with his free hand, bringing them inside.
6 looked around the home as they walked in. He had never been in a place like this, living on the street his whole life.
He set 6 down near the fireplace, along with the small kitten against him before going to clean his hands.
He got closer to the kitten, licking it clean and dry.
Geri walked back inside the living room and over to 6, kneeling down and petting his head," you poor dear. Very lucky you came to my yard to have this little one."
He nuzzled against the hand. He felt safer here with Geri.
He pet him a bit more before standing," I'll go get you some food, alright?"
A tiny figure watched them before making his way to another room quickly. "Daddy daddy! There's a new cat here!"
9 yawned loudly, glancing over at the little one," huh...?"
He tugged on his ear a bit. "There's a new cat come see!"
He whined, getting up," okay okay, I'll go see..."
45 led him back to the spot and stopped at the corner, a bit scared of the newcomer.
9 licked the top of 45's head before going over," Hello?"
6 jumped and stood in front of his kitten protectively, tail poofed. "S-Stay back!"
9 tilted his head a little," hey... I know you! Yeah! You're that cat that was with Geri before! And your the one 8 keeps talkin' about!"
6 kept his stance, not relaxing in the slightest. "Y-You know 8?"
" 'Course I do! He's my best bud! Heck, he's sleepin' upstairs if you want me to go get 'im."
6 nodded, he couldn't leave his newborn yet.
9 ran upstairs, sliding into Geri's room where 8 was asleep next to the bed. He literally rammed into the husky, making him jump," OW! Geez 9!". 9 laughed," You gotta come see! That cat you like is here!". 8 got up quickly," What?! 6 is here?!"
6 curled back around the kitten, hiding it a bit with his tail.
9 laughed a little as he watched 8 hurry from the room and downstairs. He slowed as he saw 6, not wanting to startle him by running up too fast. He walked over," 6?"
"8!" 6 smiled, he thought he would never see him again.
8 hurried over to 6, licking him happily. He'd missed him so much!
6 purred and nuzzled him. 8's licks moved 6 a bit, startling the newborn kitten and making it mew.
8 jumped a little at the mew," w-what was that?"
6 looked down at it and moved his tail a bit so 8 could see.
8 sniffed a little at the kitten," ... Your mom isn't anywhere near here, right?" he asked," Cause I don't need her killin' me."
His ears flattened a bit at the mention of her. "She doesn't even know where I'm at right now."
He sighed a little with relief," Thank god..." he murmured before laying down, gently licking the kitten.
It mewed, 8's tongue bigger than its whole body. It didn't stop mewing after that though making 6 worried.
8 sniffed a little at it," Why won't it stop meowing?" he asked before standing up. After only a few more moments of its constant mews, he hurried into the kitchen, looking for Geri.
6 licked the kitten trying to comfort it, unsure of what was wrong.
Geri was preparing a bowl of food for 6 when 8 hurried up to him, whining and pawing his leg. Geri looked down," What's wrong, boy?". 8 hurried back over to the doorway, barking for him to follow. Geri followed him, carrying the bowl along with him.
The kitten hadn't stopped meowing, it let out a very long one that sounded so sad making 6 nuzzle it.
Geri kneeled down, picking the little one up gently, looking her over," Why, I see what the problem is." he said before going into the kitchen, 8 following his every move. Geri laid the little kitten down for a few moments as he pulled out a bit of pre-made formula. He'd been making sure that little 45 was getting all he needed, and usually ended up making too much. After a bit of searching, he found a small dropper, filling it with the formula before picking the kitten up again in one hand, pressing the dropper to its mouth with the other.
The kitten started drinking quickly from it. 6 hopped up on the counter watching him feed her.
Geri smiled a little," Just as I thought." he said before looking to 6," You're lucky to have a big dog like 8 warning me of things like this. You had this little one a bit too early. She won't be able to feed normally from you until she gets a little bigger."
6's ears went back a little and he licked her a little as she ate.
He waited until all the formula was gone before pulling the dropper away.
The kitten just sat in his hand content now that she was full. The wind picking up outside as a storm started startled her, causing her to mew for her mother.
Geri smiled softly down at the kitten, picking 6 up with one hand and setting him on the ground before offering the kitten to him.
6 took her and hurried off to the living room again where it was warmer.
Geri held the bowl out to 8," take this to little 6.". 8 bit the edge of the plate, holding it carefully as he walked out after 6.
~Elsewhere~
1 noticed that one of the doors Geri usually locked nowadays was not.
Inside, 2 was fast asleep, curled around what looked to be a little fluffball.
1 slowly walked into the room, he hadn't seen 2 in forever and he missed him.
2 stirred a little but didn't wake up. Though, the little fluffball did, standing up a little and stretching, letting out a squeaky yawn.
1's ears perked up seeing the fluffball. W-Was that a kitten?
The little one looked to him with big golden eyes before carefully stepping over his mother's tail, running over to him. He'd never seen any big cats before that weren't his mother!
1 sniffed him a bit, he smelled just like 2. He looked over at the sleeping cat wondering why he didn't tell him.
The kitten sat down," HI!" he shouted loudly. 2 jolted, waking up from the shout.
1 jumped a bit, not expecting him to talk suddenly.
As soon as 2 felt the kitten not at his side, he got up, looking around quickly. He spotted him and how close he was to 1 before running over, hissing and smacking 1 hard across the face, nails out. The kitten ducked underneath 2, ears flat.
1 was out of the room in a flash, his face bleeding slightly from the sudden attack. What had gotten into 2!?
2 trembled a little, tensed up. He didn't WANT to do that... But he couldn't risk 1 near his kitten. Not yet.
1 wandered downstairs into the kitchen where he hopped up next to the window, trying to ignore the stinging from the wound.
Almost as soon as 1 was at the window, 7 dropped down onto the windowsil on the outside.
All that was heard was a loud THUD, 1 was on the ground, his fur all poofed up. It w
Geri jumped from the thud, looking over to 1," Just what has gotten into y-" he noticed 7 as she pawed and meowed at the window, wanting in. He walked over, opening the window," And who are you?" he asked curiously, smiling," Such a pretty white cat.". 7 meowed at him before hopping inside, sniffing around. She knew she'd smelled 6 around here!
6 looked around hearing 7's meow. "Um 8 I think you should hide."
8 looked to him, tilting his head," Why do you say th-". Geri nearly jumped out of his skin as a loud yelp rang through the house. 7 had tackled 8 and was now scratching at him, holding on by her teeth in his scruff.
"7! 7 stop!" The kitten started mewing, scared with all the loud sounds.
7 immediately stopped upon hearing the kitten, releasing 8 and dropping. 8 backed away fast, pressed into a corner, ears flat against his head.
6 was licking the kitten to calm it, unsure of how 7 was going to react.
7 walked over cautiously, looking the kitten over and sniffing a little at it," ... is this yours, 6?"
"Y-Yes."
She immediately started to purr, giving the little one a gentle lick on the forehead," I knew it. I knew you were going to have a little one. And just who is the father?" she asked.
He was about to say when the kitten interrupted him. "YIPE!" Letting out something that sounded like a newborn puppy bark.
7's ears immediately went back and she glared death at 8.
6 curled up around the kitten, terrified of 7 now. He knew how much she hated dogs and didn't know what she would do to the newborn now.
7 glared a bit more before looking to the kitten," Well..... This little one does need a father... And I'm not up to helping you look after it..."
"So... your not going to kill 8?"
" Nah. I don't feel like it." she said before going back into the kitchen and hopping onto the windowsil, calling for the twins.
Soon the two were scrambling up into the windowsill, looking inside the house in amazement.
7 stood in their way," We're going home. 6 is staying here until it's warm enough.". 3's ears flattened," B-but this place is so nice and warm!"
4 shivered in the wind and pressed against 3 to get warmer.
7 nuzzled them both gently," C'mon, we have to go back before the storm sta-". She let out a slight yowl as Geri scooped her up, along with the twins, setting them inside and shutting the window," Now you shouldn't be out in that storm." he said before kneeling down, smiling at them. 7 backed up, ears slightly back. She never did trust humans. They were worse than dogs.
4 hid behind 7 peering out at him. She had never had a human this close to her.
Geri held his hand out a little," It's alright. You're safe here.". 3 stared at the hand before cautiously going over and sniffing at it. He smelled like those cans with the pictures of kitties on them 7 would bring home! He purred loudly, rubbing against his hand, purring even louder as he was pet.
4 approached him as well, if 3 trusted him then she did.
Geri smiled," Well how cute, you're twins!" he said, reaching and petting 4.
She purred as he pet her.
He stood, walking to the cabinet and pulling out a few cans of food.
They started meowing hungrily at the smell of food.
7 kept back although her stomach growled. Geri smiled a little, setting a plate down with three cans worth of food on it. 3 rushed to it, nearly faceplanting into the food as he started eating.
4 chowed down on hers, they had never had fresh food like this. It was amazing!
Geri looked to 7 and smiled, stepping away from the plate. 7 watched him before looking to the food. She still wasn't so sure about this.
The twins finished their food and looked at 7's wondering if she was gonna eat it or not.
7 wandered over slowly, sniffing at the plate a little. She couldn't help but start to eat quickly.
The two hopped away to go explore their new home.
Geri laughed slightly," looks like I'll have to go to the store and get more canned food."
4 hopped up the stairs to look around up there.
3 followed after, sniffing a little," I can smell another little kitten!"
They scrambled up the stairs and ran to the room they smelled it.
2 laid curled around the small kitten, licking him gently. The kitten mewed in protest," mommmmyyy! Stoppiiiitttt...." he whined. 2 laughed softly," I'll stop when you stop getting yourself so messy, 12."
4 peered around a corner at them.
12 pulled away a little from 2, looking over and seeing 4," HI!" he called happily. 2 glanced back, his fur starting to stand up.
4's ears flattened a bit scared of 2.
2 relaxed a little, seeing that the two were only kittens.
She took a step forward, a bit unsure.
12 climbed away from 2 and trotted over to them, sniffing a little. 3 tilted his head," he's like a little fuzzy!"
4 sniffed him and giggled "He is fuzzy!"
12 nuzzled them both happily before noticing a white blur. She jumped back as 7 stood over the twins, hissing at 12. 2 bounded over, standing over 12 and hissing back at 7.
4's ears flattened and he shook a bit. A second later 1 was standing in front of 2 and 12, growling at 7.
2's eyes widened a bit as he saw 1. 7 growled before backing off, motioning for the kittens to follow.
The twins followed her quickly. 1 backed away from 2 a bit, scared of another smack. "Are you both alright?"
2 rushed to him, pressing up against him, purring loudly.
1 licked him a bit and nuzzled him.
2 licked apologetically at the cut he'd given 1. 12 trotted over, sniffing a little at 1.
1 looked down at the kitten, he leaned down and sniffed him before licking his head.
He mewed, rearing up and placing his paws on 1's face.
1 smiled at him. "Why didn't you tell me?" He asked 2.
2 smiled nervously," Well, I was scared you would reject him..."
1 nuzzled him "I would never do that." He thought "Is that want you wanted to ask me about before?"
".... Yes.... But I didn't know that I was already pregnant."
"You were?"
He laughed a little," Why do you think I disappeared a few days after?"
"I had no idea."
" Well, now you do." he said, rubbing his head gently underneath 1's. 12 tilted his head," mommy, who's this big kitty?" he asked. 2 looked to him and smiled," This is your daddy, 1.". 12 perked up," I HAVE A DADDY?!"
1 smiled and nuzzled the kitten.
12 giggled, nuzzling him back before running around him," yay! Daddy daddy!"
He chuckled a bit watching him for a moment before looking to 2. "Besides the ones you just saw there is another cat in the house, this one has a kitten."
" Another kitten? Why, poor Geri is up to his ears in cats now." he said, laughing a little.
He laughed a bit too.
12 crouched a bit before pouncing on 1's tail, biting it.
1 winced and quickly pulled his tail away, keeping it up high so 12 couldn't reach it.
12 looked up at in before crouching and leaping up, trying to swipe at it.
1 managed to keep his tail just out of reach.
12 mewed at him after a few other tries before flopping over.
He chuckled before lowering it just enough so he could reach it.
In almost an instant, 12 had latched onto it, purring and pawing it.
Later in the night the blizzard had really started up. The winds howled scaring little 45 to snuggle against his mother. 5 licked his head to try and calm him.
9 yawned a little, curled up around 5 for the night. He woke a bit, feeling his moment," Everything okay?" he asked, tired.
"45's scared." The kitten let out a frightened mew when the wind howled louder.
9 leaned over 5 gently, giving the kitten a few licks," awww... It's okay 45."
He looked like a tiny fluff ball he was curled up so tight against him.
9 stood, walking around 5 and flopping back down, pressing 45 gently between them.
He calmed down a bit, feeling safe between his parents.
He yawned a little, giving 45 a little lick," now go to bed, okay?"
"Yes daddy." He snuggled close and shut his eyes.
He smiled, nuzzling 45 gently before laying his head down to go to sleep.
Over by the fireplace 6 was wide awake. He wasn't used to being able to sleep without worry.
8 was curled around 6, snoring as he slept.
He snuggled closer to 8, liking to be close.
He shifted a little as he felt 6 move, opening his eyes a bit and looking to him," You're still awake?" he asked, yawning.
6 nodded, "I don't sleep much."
" Well that can't be good fer yah." he said, giving 6 a little lick," you should get a lotta sleep. Cats need that."
He snuggled close "I cant help it. Living on the street so long I rarely slept."
" Well, now you can sleep all you want." he said, nuzzling him affectionately.
He nuzzled him back, purring.
He glanced over to the kitten curled up against 6," How's the kitten doing?"
"She's doing good, still sleeping." Geri had fed her once more before going to bed.
He smiled," That's good. I was real worried when she started all that mewin' and stuff."
6 licked the kitten a bit while she slept making her purr a bit.
He watched them for a moment," You know, she doesn't have a name yet..."
"Your right she doesn't... what should we name her?"
" beats me."
6 thought. "What about 48?"
" 48?" he leaned over and licked the kitten's head softly," I like it."
6 smiled and licked 8.
8 chuckled a little," You got a real rough tongue on you."
"D-Do you want me to stop?"
" nah, it's alright."
He nuzzled him, purring happily.
He nuzzled him back for a few moments before falling back asleep.
6 laid down and was soon asleep as well.
~That morning~
7 meowed loudly, scratching at the door. She wanted out of this house!
The twins were wrestling around playing, they didn't wanna leave!
3 pawed at 4, trying to bite her ear before looking over to 7," Can't we just stay?". 7 shook her head," No, we can't."
"Why nooooot?"
" this is a human's house! Humans are nothing but trouble..."
"But he's sooooo nice and he gives us food!"
" So he can skin us and use out innards for violins!"
"H-He would do that!?" 4 was always scared easily.
3 used that moment to tackle and pin 4," No way, no way! That old man's too nice!"
4 kicked and bit at her brother trying to get him off. There was a thud as something landed on the windowsill, a gray cat peering in.
7 glanced to the cat and hissed, ears flat against her head.
The other one hissed back, pissed she did that for no reason.
She glared at him, walking over and hopping up onto the windowsil, peering out at him.
He watched her right back, ears up a bit curious of the newcomer.
She tilted her head a little," ... Who are you?"
"C.B. You?"
" 7."
"Geri's new cat?" He wasn't sure if he just adopted her or something.
She flattened her ears," just stayed the night. I'm leaving with my kittens soon."
"That's weird. Never heard of a pet just staying the night."
" I'm no pet! I'm a stray, and proud of it!"
"That's even weirder."
She growled," Whatever. Just where the hell did you come from anyways?"
"Next door, the snake was being annoying so I decided to go out for a bit."
She tensed," snake? What snake?"
"Don't worry she doesn't come out in the winter. Its my masters other pet."
" ... alright then."
He winced when someone yelled for him. He sighed "Gotta go." He jumped to the fence and disappeared when he jumped down.
She flattened her ears as she watched him before jumping down. She hated the idea of a snake being so close, even if it wouldn't come out into the snow. If it was big enough, it could try to eat the twins!
Speaking of the twins, they were in the kitchen with Geri, mewing at him as he got them food.
Geri laughed at the little ones, turning with two little bowls of food. 3 launched at him, latching onto his pantleg and climbing up, trying to get the food.
4 was up on her hind legs trying to see it meowing.
Geri set the two bowls down, 3 leaping from Geri's leg and onto the floor, hurrying to the food and eating.
4 dove into hers, eating quickly.
He smiled a little, watching them before stepping out and walking to the window. He looked out, staring at the next door neighbor's home, worried a bit about him, hoping his house was warm enough, seeing how much snow had fallen.
As soon as she finished 4 trotted after him, pawing at his leg a bit meowing.
He looked down to her and smiled, scooping her up," what is it?"
She nuzzled against him purring, 7 had to be wrong about this human.
He smiled, holding her close and petting her head softly. What a nice little kitten.
4 REALLY didn't wanna leave now. It was cold and scary out there most of the time.
Geri jumped a little as he felt 3 suddenly latch onto his pantleg, climbing up that and his shirt, laying in his arm.
"Mama has to be wrong about this human." She said to him.
He nodded," This human is all nice and warm. Not mean, like mama says. I like him!"
4 didn't even think of the trouble she would be in if 7 caught them in the humans arms.
Geri jumped a little as he heard a growl, 7 jumping up onto the windowsil and glaring at him.
4 shook in his hold.
Geri smiled a little, using his free hand and reaching out to her. She pulled back, hissing, tensing up as his hand was set on her head. She immediately relaxed when he started to scratch a small spot behind her ears, making her purr.
The twins looked at each other then 7 in amazement.
7 hated this but loved it all at once. She wanted to pull away, but he was just so good at finding those little spots she liked to be pet!
They giggled watching her.
7 flopped down, purring as Geri scratched her stomach a little," Such a sweet cat. It's a shame you've grown so cold towards humans during your life on the street."
"And you said he was mean!"
7 glared up at her," Hey, I'm not used to humans being so nice."
"You said he was gonna make us into violins!" Whatever those were.
" That was before he started petting me!"
They giggled watching her be pet more.
She put her paws on his hand as he tried to pull away. He smiled a little," How sweet." he said before noticing something a bit off. Little black dots crawling all over 7.
4 started to scratch behind her hear, making a few fleas jump.
Geri smiled a bit nervously, setting the twins down with 7," I'll be right back for you." he said before hurrying upstairs.
4 tilted her head, "Wonder whats wrong."
After a few moments he came back down and scooped up the twins, carrying them upstairs to the bathroom.
They looked around excited, not knowing what was gonna happen.
Geri kneeled down infront of the tub, setting them gently in the water. 3 immediately tensed, his back paws slipping," w-what is this?!"
"I don't like this!" She tried to climb out but it was too slippery. "Mama!"
7 was in the doorway within seconds, glaring at Geri. Geri picked 4 up gently, pouring water on her before scrubbing a bit of shampoo into her fur.
She mewed and squirmed to try and make him stop.
" shhh, shhh it's okay. It's just a little flea bath." he said before setting her back in the water, picking up 3 and scrubbing him.
She shivered in the water "Mama make him stop!"
7 ran over, leaping at Geri. Geri had set 3 down before turning and grabbing 7 right out of the air, putting her in the water as well, pouring water over her back. She yowled, struggling to get out.
The two cowered in the corner away from her.
Geri scrubbed her down, making sure to get every inch of her, the fleas dropping off quickly.
4 swat at them as they floated by, the tub filled with black dots.
3 scratched a bit at himself, making the fleas fall off him.
4 shook her fur out a bit, a few more coming off her.
3 gasped," 4! I'm not itchy!"
"Neither am I!"
He looked at the water before splashing around in it," h-hey! This is kinda fun!"
She splashed some at him.
He laughed, splashing her back. Geri smiled at the two before rinsing 7 off, setting her outside of the tub. He rinsed the twins before setting them next to her, looking for a towel.
4 shook a bit, cold now she was out of the warm water.
Geri picked up both the twins in one towel, rubbing them dry.
When he put them back down their fur poofed out.
3 laughed, looking at 4," You look so silly!". 7 meowed loudly as she was picked up, but started to purr as Geri dried her.
"So do you!" She giggled.
Geri set 7 down who purred, trotting from the room happily, happy she wasn't itching anymore.
The twins quickly followed her.
Geri smiled, watching them before getting up and going to the room 12 and 2 had been staying in.
1 was in there with them, laying next to 2 as they watched 12 play with a toy Geri had left in there.
12 giggled, batting the toy back and forth, chasing after it happily. Geri walked in and smiled," Well, I'm glad you finally let 1 see his new son.". 2 looked up to him and mewed.
1 heard the bath water being filled and was a bit worried, he hated baths so much they always made his fur poof up after he was dried.
Geri smiled a little," now I know you won't like this, but I need to give you all baths. Those new cats had many fleas on them.". 12 tilted his head," Whats that?" he asked, running up to Geri and mewing at him. Geri kneeled down, picking him up," I don't need you itching." he said, smiling. 12 just mewed, nuzzling him.
1 sighed, he HATED baths.
Geri looked to 1 and laughed a little," Would you prefer me to get the flea spray instead?"
His ears flattened and he got up to follow Geri to the bathroom.
2 got up, stretching a little before he followed them, rubbing a little against 1," it isn't so bad."
They followed Geri in, assuming 12 wasn't going to like this one bit.
Geri set 12 down next to 1 and 2 before draining the water, rinsing down all the suds and dead fleas before starting to refill the tub.
1 took a quick look in the tub and saw all those fleas.
Geri reached over, petting 1's head," That's why you need a bath. Just in case." he said before stopping the water. He picked 12 up, smiling a little," You're first, little one.". 12 looked around before he set his eyes on the water. What was that??
"It's alright 12." He saw how panicked the kitten looked.
12 looked to him," B-but what is i- MOMMY!" he screamed as soon as he was set in the water, Geri pouring water on his back. 2 flattened his ears a bit. He wouldn't dare hurt Geri, but he did want to save his child.
"We wouldn't let him do it if it would hurt you." 1 said trying to calm 12.
12 mewed loudly, squirming under Geri's hold as he was scrubbed," But it feels so weird!! I don't like this!!!"
"It will be over soon."
Geri waited a few moments, letting the soap soak in before rinsing him. He mewed loudly as Geri picked him up, grabbing a towel and drying him.
"See that didn't take long."
Geri laughed a little, setting 12 down. With all that fluff, 12's face was hardly visible.
1 went up to Geri, might as well get this over with.
Geri smiled, petting 1's head," that's a good cat." he said before picking him up and setting him in the water. He laughed a little as 12 smacked his face against the tub, not being able to see where he was going.
1's ears were flat but he didn't fight Geri at all.
Geri scrubbed him, smiling a little," good boy, good boy."
He glared a bit up at him, Geri knew he hated baths.
Geri finished washing him before picking him up and setting him outside the tub, drying him.
When he was done his fur went POOF.
2 snickered a little before he was picked up, set gently in the bathtub. He actually didn't mind the water, purring as he was washed.
1 sat, trying to unpoof his fur.
12 ran into 1, stumbling back afterwards," ow!"
1 chuckled, "Just wait for it to go back down."
12 looked around," daddy? Is that you?" he called, running around the room," daaaaaddy!! Daaaad-" he mewed loudly as he smacked into the door.
1 went over and licked him "Just sit still."
He cuddled close to 1, purring a little. 2 was soon done with his bath and dried. His fur was too short to fluff out, so he looked just about the same after his bath.
Lucky, 1 thought seeing 2's fur didn't poof.
2 trotted over to them, rubbing a little against 1," See? Not so bad."
"Speak for yourself." His ears went down a bit.
He laughed a little," oh shush up, you old fluffball."
Just a room away poor 45 could NOT stop scratching. The fleas had already gotten to him.
9 whined, watching his poor little one itching up a storm. Geri stepped in, smiling a little," oh you poor little one." he said, scooping 45 up.
He kept scratching in his hold.
Geri walked into the bathroom, setting him in the water gently. 9 followed him in, tail wagging a little.
The second he touched that water he freaked out. "NO I DONT LIKE THIS! MOMMY! DADDY!"
9 flattened his ears and ran over, nudging Geri," Stoppit! Leave him alone!". Geri looked down to him and smiled nervously," don't worry, he's fine. It's just a bath." he said, scrubbing the soap into him.
45 mewed frantically "DADDY MAKE HIM STOP!" 5 ran in hearing him mewing.
9 whined. He wanted to help 45, but he couldn't just take him from Geri! Geri set 45 down gently in the water to let the shampoo set.
5 jumped up so he sat on the edge. "Its ok sweetie." 45 just shook, terrified.
Geri held him still, rinsing off the soap before picking 45 up out of the water, drying him.
5 watched him from his spot, he wasn't sure if he had fleas too and didn't wan to give it to him.
Geri set 45 gently down on the ground before picking up 9 and setting him in the water. 9 LOVED baths. He played with the water, splashing it around as Geri washed him, laughing at the dogs antics.
The splashing caused 5 to slip and land in the tub.
9 stopped for a moment, staring at 5 before starting to laugh.
"Its not funny!" He tried to climb back out.
Geri reached out, picking 5 up and setting him in the water," no no, now that you're in, you can't come back out until you're done." he said before rinsing off 9 and setting him down outside the tub, drying him.
5 shook, the water was a bit cold.
After drying 9, Geri went back to the tub, draining the water out a bit and filling it up a little with warm water, pouring it on 5 a little. He started scrubbing the shampoo into 5's fur.
45 hurried over and snuggled close to 9.
9 sat down and licked 45's head," it's okay. It was just a little bath. I bet you're not itchy anymore."
He thought for a second. "I'm not!"
He laughed a little, licking 45's head. Geri finished washing 5, taking him out of the tub and drying him.
Drying was the one thing that 5 loved about baths.
Geri finished, smiling," There you go, 5. All done."
He meowed and rubbed up against him.
He smiled, scratching 5's head softly.
He went over and picked 45 up by his scruff, heading back to the room.
9 trotted after them happily. Geri stood up, heading downstairs. Now only 6, 8, and their new kitten needed baths.
6 was still in his spot next to 8, the kitten crawling around a bit.
Geri walked over and knelled down, picking the kitten up gently, figuring he would give her a bit of breakfast before bathtime.
She mewed being picked up suddenly.
8 perked up, growling for a moment before seeing it was Geri, relaxing. Geri smiled, petting her head," it's alright, sweetie. It's just time for breakfast."
6 followed Geri into the kitchen, he didn't like to be too far from his baby.
Geri pulled out the dropper, filling it with a bit of formula before holding it up to her mouth.
She quickly started eating.
Geri looked to the sink, relieved that there were no dirty dishes in it so he could wash her down here.
6 hopped up next to it, panicking a bit not knowing what Geri was doing with her.
After she was done, he set her gently next to 6, filling the sink with just a little bit of water before knelling down, grabbing a shampoo bottle from under the sink. 8's ears flattened," Oh great... A bath."
"But that's not a bath!" The only kind 6 knew was the tongue kind.
8 looked up to him," Kid, you're gonna learn the real meanin' of a bath soon enough.". Geri picked 48 up gently, setting her in the water.
48 started mewing loudly when the water touched her, she had no idea what was going on. 6 paced on the counter, wanting to help her.
Geri rubbed the shampoo on her as gently as he could, smiling a little," You're okay, little one. It's alright."
She kept mewing, terrified.
He let the soap sit for a few moments before rinsing her off with the faucet. He held her close as he got out a dishtowel patdrying her.
She shook a bit in his hold, cold now from the bath.
Geri walked to the living room, setting her down next to the fireplace before going and picking up 6, walking upstairs.
6 meowed and struggled, wanting to go back to 48.
" It's okay, it's okay." he said, walking into the bathroom and kneeling down, setting him into the bathtub and starting the water.
"No she needs me!" He kept struggling.
8 walked in, carrying 48 as gently as he could in his mouth. He laid down, setting her down. Geri glanced over, smiling a little," Good boy." he said before going back to 6, pouring water on his back.
The kitten shivered before letting out a 'yipe' sound again.
Geri jumped, looking back at 8. 8 looked down to 48, licking her head a little. Geri stared for a moment before laughing," well, I suppose that explains who the father is."
6 shivered in the bath, he did not like this at all.
Geri scrubbed the shampoo into 6's fur, letting it sit for a few moments before rinsing it out and taking him out of the tub," there you go." he said, grabbing a towel and drying him.
As soon as he was done drying he hurried over to 48.
Geri motioned for 8 to come over, smiling a little," You're the last one." he said. 8 walked over, hopping in the tub, flinching a little as the shower was turned on. He whined, getting scrubbed.
48 started mewing, hearing her fathers whines.
Geri smiled a little," Your little daughter's worried about you." he said, laughing a bit to himself before rinsing 8 off. 8 stared at him for a moment before shaking, splattering water all over him.
6 shook a bit himself, the water making it over to him.
Geri laughed, moving aside so 8 could get out of the tub before grabbing a towel, drying him off.
6 laughed a bit, 8 was a bit poofy after he was dried.
8 glared a little at him," Hey, not my fault my fur goes nuts after baths."
6 picked 48 up by her scruff and headed out of the bathroom with her. He stopped outside of it, smelling more cats close by.
12 was pawing around in the hallway, his fur finally settling down from the bath. He glanced over to 6, jumping a little as he spotted 48, running over.
6 set her down smiling at 12 "Hello there."
12 giggled," Hi!" he exclaimed before looking down at 48, sniffing a little at her.
She sniffed back a moment. "YIPE!"
All of 12's fur went poof and he darted away, smacking into a wall.
1 went out into the hall "12?" He saw him all poofed up "What happened?"
" Puppy kitten!" he shouted.
1 shook his head and picked him up by his scruff to take him to the room. Running around like that he would fall down the stairs.
He squirmed a little in his father's hold before relaxing, trying to look around.
He plopped him down next to 2.
12 stood up to go off and find that kitten again, but 2 pulled him close under one paw, licking his head softly.
6 peeked his head into the room with 48 in his mouth. He hadn't seen the other cats around here yet.
2 glanced up at 6 and smiled," Hello there."
He set 48 down "H-Hello."
2 stood, stretching out for a moment before walking over," And just when did you get here? It's been a while since I've seen any new faces here."
"Yesterday." He said a bit nervously, he wasn't that good around new cats.
He smiled," Well, welcome."
48 mewed hearing the new voice.