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They were at their townhouse in DC for once. Ronan hated it here, but this was technically Adam’s homebase for work and it was situated on the outskirts of the city, buried in foliage, secluded and quiet despite the location. Some might call it magic…
Their bedroom was cast in a warm glow from the sunroof overhead. Ronan had melted into the sheets the night before, the crisp white sheets, the down comforter, the always-fluffy pillows, the bed just enveloped him. He woke early in the morning to Adam’s arms wrapping around his waist, a gentle squeeze, before slipping back into a deep sleep. Ronan always slept better here.
He woke slowly, paralyzed from whatever he brought back with him from his dream. He didn’t have any worry, his dream had been pleasant, uneventful, warm summer memories replayed from years ago, Adam’s hand holding his, Opal’s hooves stomping around the dirt of the Barns. Still, a part of him would always be vigilant despite that. He felt something soft cupped in his hands. Almost like a cotton puff or ball of yarn. He felt Adam stir beside him, somehow always in sync with his sleep cycle.
Adam reached over to sling an arm around his waist, bury his head in his shoulder, grumble a “too early” complaint. Then Ronan heard him inhale sharply, his arm must have brushed against whatever he brought back with him. Or maybe Adam could just feel how coiled tight his body was.
Ronan watched Adam sit up, gentle fingertips skimming up his forearms and prying open his tight grip. His eyes widened and his lips made a small oh shape. Ronan came back to himself abruptly, gasping.
“What is it?” He sat up, keeping whatever it was close to him, far from Adam. The ball of fluff moved and his hands opened, dropping it into his lap. Adam reached out to scoop it up before Ronan could protest.
“Ronan Lynch,” Adam whispered in awe, holding the creature up to his face. “Did you dream the cutest kitten into existence?”
Sure enough, the ball of white fuzz had tiny ears poking out, a small pink nose peeking through, and when Adam pressed the fur to his cheek, Ronan caught the widest blue eyes blinking back at him.
Mrrp, the kitten chirruped, nuzzling at Adam’s cheek.
Ronan’s cheeks burned. Every dreamt creature was enamored with Adam from the start.
“I think this is the most telling thing you’ve ever brought back,” Adam teased, easing the kitten from his face and settling them gently in his lap. “And you dreamt up a shit ton of rose petals the first time we-”
“Okay, shut up, smartass,” Ronan interrupted, squeezing his eyes shut in embarrassment.
“Fluffy kittens are roaming around in those dreams of yours?” Adam continued with a huff of laughter. The kitten was attempting to climb up Adam’s shirt to be held again and Adam obliged. “Big bad Ronan Lynch dreaming of the cutest kittens in the whole world and-”
“Whoa.”
As Adam eased the kitten off the blanket and raised them up, their fur became a mottled gray and then black, their eyes a mustard yellow, their back paws, buried in fur, were tipped white, the pads of their feet were bubblegum pink.
“Cool party trick,” Ronan praised, reaching out his hands to take the kitten. “Can you be a bit more badass though?” he spoke to the kitten, ignoring Adam’s laughter. “You’re ruining my street cred.”
Seeming to get the message, the kitten jumped out of his grip and tumbled off the bed onto the floor.
“Ronan!”
They looked over the side of the bed to see the kitten transform again, this time their fur faded away and was replaced by bright orange and yellow flames. They were a little fireball with a feline face. Features that were once hidden by fur were now hidden by the blur and heat of the flames. Surprisingly, the fire was not spreadable; the kitten did not leave scorch marks on the floor, the rug, or the bedpost as they brushed up against it. The kitten purred happily, wide red eyes looking up at Ronan for approval.
“Nice.”
The fire went out. Ronan leaned over the bed to scoop up the kitten with a wide grin and held them out to Adam, who was only barely shocked by the shapeshifting elemental creature, but took the now fur-covered kitten back slowly.
“What’s her name?” Adam asked.
Ronan hummed, laying back against the headrest as he thought. “I think TORCH - all caps.”