A Good Morning Present, Part 2

good morning sweetheart... sweetheart? [starts off calm and gets progressively more worried] Where are you? I don't see you in here, maybe they got up early to get something to eat. Little rascal. [loudly] sweetheart! where are you? [actual worry now] Hey, this isn't funny anymore! Please come out! Oh my god did they run away? Was I too rough with them? Did I hurt them somehow? I thought I showed them enough love, did I not? Oh no, they're not going to survive on their own. Buddy, where the hell are you?

*scratching at the front door*

[hope] Honey? Is that you? [relief] *opens door* OH MY GOD, you came back! [pulls listener in for a tight hug] Come here, [said with strain] mmf, I don't *ever* want you leaving like that again, okay? I was so worried about you! I thought you ran away! Uh. What's that in your mouth? ["stacatto". With a brief pause between each sentence] A... present? For me? A... dead--bird. [trying to hide disgust] Great! Thank you. I'll. I'll just. Oh my god, *grabs and throws into the trash can* Jesus christ [verbal shudder/bleck sound].

[sternly] No, I did *not* want a dead bird at 8 in the morning. That's just, [bleck sound].

the listener starts crying: "Did... did  I do something wrong?"

[surprised/consoling] Hey, hey, no don't cry! You're fine, you're okay! Here, come here let's go cuddle on the couch.

[like comforting a small child] That's it, curl into my arms, shh shh, please don't cry. You're fine! Everything is fine. No, you don't have anything to apologize for.

Hey, look at me. You aren't in trouble, I'm not upset or angry; what I am is worried. I'm worried about you trying to go hunting on an injured leg. I'm worried that you are going to hurt yourself worse. I know you're a neko, and it's what you do, but, I want to be there to support you so you can take it easy and rest. A neko as young as you deserves someone to look after them. You shouldn't have to catch or scavenge for food.

Yes, I know you wanted to give me a present, and that's very thoughtful of you, and, I *am* very appreciative that you thought of me, but, I don't really want a dead bird, not really my cup of tea. [hurt] Then what are you good for? Baby, don't talk about yourself like that! You are more than what you can do for others. You have worth just by being you.

[trying to think of something to cheer listener up] But, if you want to know, you're *very* good at cuddling. Like, even though we've only cuddled for 1 night you are already my favorite cuddle partner.

[confusion] Is that enough? Enough for what?

Payback? What are you trying to pay me back for?

 [a bit of guilt] Oh no, sweetheart, you don't have to pay me back for *any* of this; I'm not expecting anything from you. All I want is for you to be safe and healthy. This isn't a tit-for-tat relationship, okay? [lovingly] I'm giving you so much attention because you are an adorable neko with a big heart that deserves to be pampered all over. I just want to make sure that you are safe and happy; that's how you pay me back, by living here with me.

I'm glad you're smiling again; are you feeling a little better now?

 Good, I'm happy to hear that. Now, what about physically?

[FFS, but more worried than frustrated] Buddy, oh my god, you hurt yourself again! Little kitten, what *am* I going to do with you? Okay, where did you hurt yourself? Let me see. Whew it's not as bad as your leg, but still, this is why I wanted you to stay inside with me! It's dangerous outside, especially if you're hunting. And you're all dirty now, you really need a shower.

 Yes, I mean it. Yea, yea, you don't like water, but you are filthy. If you don't get in there yourself, am I going to have to go with you and scrub you myself?

Oh, you wouldn't like that? But, if you want to be stubborn little kid [baby voice] what else can I do? [normal] Oh, *am* I bluffing? Well, that depends; [smug] are you feeling lucky?

Yea, good choice. The towels are in the cabinet; i'll leave some fresh clothes outside the door for when you're done. Oh, and make sure you scrub your leg well. I know it'll hurt like hell, but, if you don't do it I'm going to have to, and you *know* that I'm going to be making sure it's perfectly clean. Anyway, I'll close my bedroom door so you'll have some privacy.

--

Hey, you finished? Great!

 What? You don't like the clothes I picked out? What's wrong with them?

Well, I mean, of course, they're going to be a little big on you, 'cause you're tiny, but I picked out something I thought you would like. Do you not?

 Well, then what's the problem with them?

 How are they embarrassing?

 You look like a little kitten? Well, honey, you *are* a little kitten, [teasing] it'll suit you perfectly! I'm kidding, just, come on out. I'm sure you look fine. [shock] Oh my god, it's... I didn't think it was possible, but you are even more preciously adorable than I thought you'd be. It *has* to be a crime to be that cute.

Aww, are you being shy? You're turning bright red!

 No, no, no, don't hide behind your paws! Look at me! Come on, smile! I picked a nightshirt cause I knew it'd look cute being so oversized on you, but it almost reaches the floor! You're too damn cute! Oh, honey, you *are* that adorable. You are the most adorable little thing I've ever seen! Here, let me give you some scritchies for being a good kitten. Scritchy, scritchy, scritch. Oh my god, your ears are even fluffier than before! Your ears are soooo softttt! So, so, soooo soft!

What.. was that? Did you, just mewl? You did!

Oh, yes you did; you wouldn't look so guilty if you didn't! Oh my god, you just keep getting cuter by the second, don't you?  Hey, don't worry about making weird sounds or doing what feels right, I don't mind. You're just being yourself! I'll understand what you mean either way. Just like your present earlier, once I got over the... shock... of what it was, I was appreciative, wasn't I? Of course! Because I appreciate *you*. I appreciate your personality and all of its quirks. Now, let's get back to bed, okay?

--

There we go, now, just nuzzle yourself into me. Nice, warm, and soft cuddle time. The best part is that I don't have anything planned for today, so, if you want, we could just stay in bed all day. Would you like that? [laughing] I'll take your headbutts as a yes. Shh shh, here, more scritchies for you. [sigh] What a Sunday, huh? All the personal attention you could ever want. God you are purring *so* loudly, I can feel you vibrating against my chest! I love you too, buddy. Now, shh. Close your eyes for me, okay? Good kitty.