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Albert walked through the barracks as the morning sun streamed through the windows to inspect everything to make sure they were in order. This was a monthly routine he had himself do so they had what they had in case they needed something or if there was an attack the things they need will be in the proper place instead of running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to find it. Nothing was amiss as far as he could tell and opened the door to the training grounds outside and that was when he heard some high pitched noises coming from the side of the building. He inspected it and found a wooded crate with 4 baby kittens on top of wool blanket in it. They were wobbling and stumbling as they tried to walk while crying for their mama. Two of them had orange tabby markings while the others were white with orange patched.
He knelt down and petted one with his finger which made the little one turn around to sniff it, but wasn’t steady enough and fell over. This reminded him of the time when he was younger and his family’s cat at babies underneath a table in the kitchen. He and Johan spend hours with them, giving them names and petting them until the cook kicked them out so the mother could have some peace and quiet to nurse her babies. The memory made Albert smile as he continued to lightly scratched their little heads.
The door opened and Wolff came out. “Oh, hey, Commander. I see you found the little rascals,” he said, standing by Albert.
“Are they yours?”
“No. I found them in the woods under a fallen tree a couple of days ago in the rain. I figured I couldn’t just leave them, so I brought them and the mother back with me. I know I should’ve asked permission first, but…”
“It’s fine. As long as they don’t cause trouble, I don’t see a reason why they can’t stay.”
“I saw her catch a mouse not too long ago, so she’s earning her keep at least.”
If that’s the case, then they’re staying. They did have a bit of a mouse problem as of late and the traps they set out were practically useless. Having a hunter around and 4 more in the making will definitely be of value.
“I just hope some of the men don’t go over board,” Wolff muttered.
“Over board with what?” Albert asked as she stood up.
“You know, we have cute kittens here and women love cute things. Some of the guys might try to bring some ladies out here to show off the animals.”
Wolff continued to talk, but Albert wasn’t listening since he was in thought. Women like cute things, didn’t they. Does that mean Sei would like them as well? Is she a cat person? If so, then that would mean he could see her smile and fawn over them with her cute expressions. He was done with paperwork for the day and Sei might be done too. It wouldn’t hurt to go over there and check and, even if she was still busy, he’ll get to see her so the trip wouldn’t be for nothing.
“I’ll be going out for a moment, but return shorty,” Albert informed his underling and left. When he left, however, he didn’t notice Wolff’s knowing smile and a low voice saying, “Best wingman ever.”
Albert hastened his horse more then normal on his way to the lab, but as the building came into sight, he slowed down because he didn’t want to seem too eager to visit. The door opened and Sei came out not wearing her white lab coat and looking as lovely as ever. She turned his way and her face lit up in a smile and waved. “Good afternoon, Commander Hawke,” she said.
He stopped right beside her. “Good afternoon, Sei. Are you done for the day?”
“Yeah. The Director thought it’ll be a good idea for me to work only half days to conserve my energy since they’ll be an expedition soon. I’m on my way to the library for some studying.”
Excellent.
“I can take you there if you wouldn’t mind a detour. There’s something at the barracks I need to show you.”
“What is it?”
“I can’t tell you. It’s a surprise.”
That made her pout a bit. “I don’t like surprises.”
“You’ll like this one,” Albert chuckled and held his hand out to the brunette to take.
The Commander let her through the building to the ground and when they approached the door, there an adult orange tabby cat scratching at it, trying to get out.
“I didn’t know you had a cat,” said the brunette, looking at it with interest. “Has it always been here? I’m sure I would have seen it by now.”
“She’s only been here a couple days. Wolff found them in the woods and brought them back.”
“Them?”
Albert smiled and opened the door. “Just outside.”
At the sight of the animals, Sei’s face lit up like a thousand lights. “Baby kittens!” she exclaimed, kneeling down by the box to coo at them. She picked one of them up and booped noses with it. “You are just the cutest thing.” The continued to smother it with love before a loud meow was heard from the mother wanting her baby back. “Alright. I wasn’t going to take him, I promise,” she laughed, giving the baby back.
The cat didn’t seem to trust her as she groomed her baby between her paws as if to rid of any human germs it had gained from being held.
“Do you like them?”
She nodded. “Very much. I’ve always wanted a cat, but pets weren’t allowed in the apartment where I lived in my world.”
“Then, would you like to take one when they’re old enough?”
She gasped, looking at him wide-eyed and open mouthed. “Can I? Is that okay?”
Albert could see she was practically vibrating in hopes of obtaining what she wanted while looking at him in hopes of making her wish come true. He’s seen this side of Sei many times and it never fails to make his heart race and give her anything she wanted if she could always be like this. If taking one of them made her this happy, who was he to say no?
“Of course,” he said, smiling. “All we really only need a couple of them so-”.
His words were stopped by Sei putting her arms around his neck, giving him a hug and thanking him profusely.
Albert.exe has stopped working.
It ended all too soon when she pulled back with a wide, happy smile and glowing eyes. “I need to go ask the Director if it’s okay to have a cat at the Institute,” she said and stood up and jogged to the door. “I’ll tell you what he said when I see you next. Thank you so much again, Commander Hawke!” And she was gone.
The bang from the door broke the blonde from his shock. Did...did that just happen? Did the woman he’s been head over heels for give him a hug? And he didn’t nothing about it?! Albert felt a blush cover his cheeks as he rubbed the back of his neck, but he didn’t feel embarrassed though, he felt quiet giddy and a smile that he couldn’t help form on his face. ‘I’ll be ready next time’, he thought, happy that things turned out the way they did and the future visits from his dear Sei.