A Flash of Lightning

[charisstoma]

Title: A Flash of Lightning
Author: charisstoma
Word count: 398


It is an odd way of finding out your current love interest is really a cat, Tim thought. Not that he was biased against cats or humans that turned into cats or vice versa.

The clouds had glowered for most of the day and so it wasn’t all that surprising when the rain had started. Alex had been drawn to sit legs, gathered under him in front of the windows, looking out at the storm and periodically putting up a finger to the glass where a rivulet wandered down outside, as if to catch it.

Tim watched him watching the rain and smiled. He could grow used to the view. Someplace in his soul rose a wanting to do something, he wasn’t sure what but it demanded a physical appreciation of the man seated with his legs under him looking out the window. Perhaps it was a need to gather Alex up in his arms but there was something restful about his posture, something reverent, that Tim didn’t want to trespass.

And then there was the crack of lightning across the sky and in Alex’s place was a wide eyed cat whose long fur was more fluffed than what Tim judged was normal. A cat that looked back over his shoulder to see if he’d been caught, uncertainty keeping his body tense.

Tim smiled. “You could groom your tail, you know. But I’d prefer if I were to sit where you are and hold you as we watch the rain.”

“You don’t mind?”
“I like cats. I think I love you.”

“It’s not because you’re a wizard, is it?”

“Well, I won’t say that that doesn’t add to the whole but I didn’t know until now. I was attracted to you before and I’m still attracted to you. I like you in your cat form, looooove you in your human form.”

Alex rolled his eyes, “Reeeeeally. I couldn’t tell considering this is the first we’ve been out of bed,” then he because serious, “I love you in your human form too. For now though you may pet me.”

“Was hoping you’d say that.” Tim gathered up Alex, sitting down where Alex had just been and smoothed his hand into the bliss of stroking warm smooth fur and the rumble of a purr. It was a good way to celebrate the holidays in spite of the cold rain outside.