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INT. MARK AND ALEC'S HOUSE, LIVING/DINING ROOM - EVENING
Alec comes in from outside, looking nervous and closing the door quickly behind him.
He is awkwardly holding his black scarf, all weirdly rolled up, and keeping it close to his chest as if it was something incredibly precious.
ALEC
Mark?!
Mark emerges from the kitchen.
MARK
Hey, babe-
ALEC
Please, give me a hand! I don't know
what to do!
Mark stiffens immediately and reaches him quickly, a worried expression on his face.
MARK
What's wrong?
He runs his gaze all over him, as to make sure he wasn't hurt.
ALEC
Here!
Alec pushes the black scarf into his hands. Mark takes it with a confused expression on his face, looking down at it.
MARK
What-
He freezes.
Right in the middle of the scarf, all wrapped up and perfectly camouflaged, there is an adorable black kitten.
The kitten looks up at Mark and mews.
MARK
Wait- what is this? Why do you have
a kitten?!
ALEC
I almost ran it over with the car! It
was in the middle of the road!
MARK
But... are you sure it was alone?
ALEC
Yes-
MARK
Maybe the mum was around-
ALEC
No-
MARK
Or maybe other kittens-
ALEC
(nervously)
No, Mark! It was alone-
MARK
All right-
ALEC
And it was in the middle of the
fucking road!!
MARK
Okay, okay!
Mark looks back at the kitten and scratches it gently on the head.
The kitten mews again.
ALEC
(nervously)
Is it okay?
MARK
I don't know, let me check.
He delicately unrolls the scarf and reveals the very skinny body of the kitten.
MARK
Oh, poor thing...
ALEC
(nervously)
What's wrong?
MARK
It's skin and bones, it must be
starving...
ALEC
Do we have anything for it?
MARK
I'm sure we can find something...
INT. MARK AND ALEC'S HOUSE, KITCHEN - LATER
The kitten is on the counter, voraciously eating a slice of cooked ham cut into small pieces.
Mark studies it carefully, while Alec looks at it with an anxious expression on his face.
ALEC
Do you think it's going to die?
MARK
No-
ALEC
What if it's too late?!
MARK
No, babe...
He smiles and grabs Alec's chin gently, giving him a small kiss.
MARK
It's just very hungry... calm down
a little, okay?
Alec sighs deeply and nods.
MARK
It will be okay for tonight, but tomorrow
we need to buy some proper cat food...
ALEC
Okay...
Alec leans more on the counter and stares at the kitten intently.
ALEC
It's so tiny...
MARK
Yes...
Mark wraps his arms around him and hugs him from behind.
MARK
Tiny and adorable... like you.
Alec does his best to hide a smile.
ALEC
I'm not tiny.
MARK
Well, you are from my point of
view...
ALEC
Everyone is tiny from your point
of view, you're huge.
Mark chuckles lightly and gives him a small kiss on his neck.
The kitten finishes eating and licks his whiskers with delight.
Alec hesitantly reaches out and scratches it behind one ear. The kitten gladly lets him and starts purring.
Alec smiles a little.
ALEC
It's quite cute...
Mark holds him closer and gives him another small kiss on his neck.
MARK
Yes... let's find something for
it to sleep in.
INT. MARK AND ALEC'S HOUSE, BEDROOM - NIGHT
Mark and Alec are in bed, asleep.
Suddenly, a scratching sound can be heard.
Alec moans a little in his sleep.
After a few seconds of silence, a light mewing comes from the other room.
Alec frowns and pulls himself up a little, very sleepy. He waits, then hears mewing again.
He passes a hand tiredly over his face and gets out of bed.
INT. MARK AND ALEC'S HOUSE, LIVING/DINING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Alec comes into the room, yawning.
A shoe box filled with a soft blanket is on the floor. It's empty.
Alec looks around, trying to understand where the kitten went.
Suddenly, another light mewing comes from under the sofa.
Alec kneels to take a look and finds the kitten sitting on the floor in the far corner.
ALEC
Hey... what are you doing?
The kitten mews.
ALEC
What's wrong, little one?
The kitten just sits there, looking vaguely lost. Alec sighs and holds out his hand towards it.
ALEC
Come on... come here.
The kittens studies his hand and mews again.
ALEC
It's all right.
Alec keeps his hand still, patiently, until the kitten finally moves towards it. As soon as it's close enough, Alec grabs it delicately and pulls it out from under the sofa.
ALEC
Here you are...
He holds the kitten against his chest and scratches its head. The kitten starts purring.
Alec can't help but smile a little.
He sits on the sofa and places the kitten on his lap, stroking it gently.
The kitten cuddles up against his belly and purrs louder.
INT. MARK AND ALEC'S HOUSE, BEDROOM - NIGHT
Mark turns on his side in his sleep and instinctively extends an arm towards Alec's side of the bed.
His hand wanders over the mattress for a few moments, feeling nothing but cool sheets. He frowns a little and opens his eyes.
Alec is not there.
He pulls himself up and looks around, confused.
MARK
Babe?
Nothing.
He gets up.
INT. MARK AND ALEC'S HOUSE, LIVING/DINING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Mark comes into view with a sleepy and vaguely questioning expression on his face.
He looks around for a moment, then his eyes fall on the sofa and he stops.
Alec is snuggled up against the corner of the sofa, asleep, while the kitten is curled up on his lap.
Mark can't help but smile a little to himself.
He reaches the sofa quietly and crouches down. He looks at them for a moment, then places gently a hand on Alec's thigh.
MARK
Babe?
Alec moans softly.
Mark strokes his thigh lovingly and smiles more.
MARK
Hey...
Alec sighs a little and opens his eyes. He blinks, then finally notices Mark and looks at him, sleepy.
ALEC
Oh... hey...
MARK
What are you doing here?
Alec stretches and looks down at the kitten on his lap.
ALEC
Uhm... the kitten... it was feeling
alone.
Mark can't help but give him an amused look.
MARK
Oh, yes?
Alec nods, rubbing his eyes.
ALEC
Yes...
Mark lifts a hand to his face and strokes his cheek lovingly.
MARK
Okay... but you can't stay here
all night.
Alec moans and snuggles up more against the corner of the sofa.
ALEC
(sleepy)
It's okay...
MARK
Babe... you need to sleep in a proper
bed.
Ales sighs slightly.
ALEC
But... the kitten-
MARK
Take it to the bedroom... it can
sleep with us.
ALEC
But it's so tiny... what if we move
in our sleep and crush it?
MARK
Okay, then... we can put the box at
the end of the bed. So it will sleep in
there and be safe, but won't feel all
alone.
Alec seems to think about it for a moment, looking not particularly convinced.
ALEC
What if it gets out of the box and
wanders around and we move in
our sleep and crush it?
Mark gives him a fond look.
MARK
Babe... is there a version of this where
you find any option, other than sleeping
on the sofa, acceptable?
Alec looks suddenly a little embarrassed.
ALEC
I'm just saying... I didn't save it from
the road only to crush it to death in
my sleep.
MARK
You are not going to crush it to death.
ALEC
How do you know?
Mark smiles softly to him.
MARK
(patiently)
All right, how about... we take a chair
to the bedroom, place it next to the
bed and put the box on top? You can
have it close to you, so you can check on
the kitten, cuddle it, but it won't be in bed
with us so... no danger of being crushed.
Alec seems to consider that, but then he looks unconvinced again.
ALEC
What if it falls down?
MARK
It's a cat... I'm sure it will be fine.
ALEC
But what if-
MARK
Okay, move... make some room for me.
Alec gives him a questioning look.
ALEC
What?
MARK
(amused)
I'm not going to be able to convince
you, and I'm not going to leave you
here alone all night, so we will both
sleep on the sofa and no one will be
crushed because there is no fucking
space to move.
ALEC
No, I-
MARK
(smiling, teasing)
Come on, kitty.
Alec blushes.
ALEC
Don't call me kitty.
MARK
(teasing)
Why not? It suits you.
Alec blushes more and moves.
ALEC
Shut up.
Mark chuckles and sits on the sofa. He puts a large cushion against the corner of the sofa and leans against it, spreading his legs to make some space for Alec.
MARK
Come here...
Alec immediately settles between his legs, holding the kitten carefully, and snuggles up against his broad chest.
Mark grabs the soft blanket resting on the backrest and pulls it over Alec, covering him lovingly and holding him close.
Alec sighs relaxed at that and holds the kitten on his lap, stroking it. The kitten starts purring.
Alec rubs tenderly his face against Mark's chest and looks up at him.
ALEC
You really don't have to sleep on
the sofa for me...
MARK
(smiling)
Oh, babe... I'd throw myself into the
fire for you, I think I can handle
sleeping on the sofa.
Alec looks at him with deep love at that and snuggles up more against him.
ALEC
I love you...
MARK
I love you too, you sweet thing.
Alec lays a tender kiss on his neck and moans softly, relaxing against his warm body.
ALEC
You are so comfortable...
Mark chuckles a little and strokes him lovingly over the blanket.
MARK
I'm glad you are enjoying this.
ALEC
Yes... it's relaxing...
Mark runs a hand through his hair.
MARK
Do you think you'll start purring
too?
Alec blushes again and looks up at him.
ALEC
Oh my God, stop!
Mark chuckles and holds him closer. He kisses him sweetly on the tip of his nose.
MARK
Try to get some sleep...
Alec gives him a small kiss on his lips.
ALEC
Yes... you too.
They hold each other close and close their eyes.
The kitten keeps purring.
CUT TO:
INT. MARK AND ALEC'S HOUSE, KITCHEN - MORNING
A couple of shopping bags and some packs of very expensive-looking cat food are on the counter.
The kitten is eating its food with relish.
Alec is crouched down next to it and studies it with interest, while Mark is preparing some tea.
ALEC
Do you think it's male or female?
MARK
Male... I checked this morning.
ALEC
Oh! Did you?
MARK
Yep.
(smiling)
You should give him a name.
Alec looks up at him, unsure.
ALEC
I'm not really good at that...
MARK
Oh, come on... I'm sure you can come
up with some cute name for a black
kitten.
ALEC
Can we just call him cat?
Mark just chuckles and shakes his head.
ALEC
Okay, well... what would you suggest?
MARK
I don't know, something fun, like...
Liquorice.
ALEC
Oh my God, no.
MARK
Okay... Charcoal, then.
Alec chuckles.
ALEC
I'm not calling him Charcoal,
that's ridiculous!
MARK
Hey, at least I'm making an
effort here.
ALEC
Why do pets' names always have
to be silly?
MARK
He's a 800g kitten, how do you want
to call him? Bruce?
Alec chuckles again and looks up at him.
ALEC
Is that a reference to Bruce Wayne?
MARK
(amused)
No, I was just looking for a very
unsuitable name for a cute kitten.
Alec thinks about it for a moment.
ALEC
"Bruce" is nice.
MARK
Oh, God-
ALEC
No, I like it!
MARK
Jesus Christ, Alec-
ALEC
I like it. We'll call him Bruce.
Mark chuckles.
MARK
All right, whatever you want...
He hands him a cup of tea.
MARK
Here, babe...
Alec stands up and takes the cup.
ALEC
Thank you, love.
He leans against the counter and takes a sip, continuing to study the kitten.
ALEC
I think we should buy him a proper
bed and some toys...
Mark gives him an intrigued look.
MARK
Where is all this interest coming from?
You never struck me as a cat person.
Alec shrugs a little.
ALEC
I don't know... I almost killed him,
I guess I feel a little guilty.
MARK
Right... that explains taking him home
and feeding him. It doesn't exactly explain
sleeping on the sofa to keep him company
all night and suddenly deciding to adopt
him.
Alec blushes a little.
ALEC
Well...
He hesitates for a moment, then clears his throat.
ALEC
He's cute!
Mark smiles in amusement and nods.
MARK
Yes... he is.
He places his mug on the counter, then walks past Alec and pats him playfully on his butt.
MARK
Come on, then... finish your tea and
let's go. We have some shopping to do.
INT. PET SHOP - DAY
Alec walks down the aisles, checking out some toys. He takes a small pack containing a few colourful little balls and studies it carefully, then puts it back in place, unconvinced.
Suddenly, something tickles his ear and makes him jump in surprise. He turns around and finds a pink feather waggling in front of his face.
He instinctively steps back and waves his hand to push it away.
Mark, holding a feather wand, chuckles and moves the feather away from his face.
ALEC
What are you doing?!
MARK
I was just checking your feline
reflexes.
Alec tries to hide an amused smile.
ALEC
Stop treating me like a cat.
He takes the feather wand from his hand, checking it out.
ALEC
This is nice.
MARK
(teasing)
I thought you would like it.
ALEC
Yes, I do...
Mark can't help but chuckle again. Alec looks up at him, blushing.
ALEC
I mean, for Bruce!
MARK
(amused)
Of course.
ALEC
Stop it!
INT. MARK AND ALEC'S HOUSE, LIVING/DINING ROOM - EVENING
Alec is sitting on the sofa, bobbing the feather wand and smiling in amusement to himself.
The kitten, on the floor, looks at the pink feather with interest and performs a very uncoordinated, little jump to catch it. He fails.
Alec smiles more and keeps swinging the wand. After a couple of attempts, the kitten manages to catch it; he holds it tightly with his little claws and bites it with satisfaction.
Mark comes in from another room in that moment; his hair is slightly damp and he looks like he just got out of the shower.
He looks at Alec and the kitten and smiles.
MARK
Ah, here's my sweet kitty, playing
with his new little toy...
He drops on the sofa and points to the kitten.
MARK
... and the cat seems to like it too!
Alec chuckles.
ALEC
Stop calling me kitty!
Mark gives him an amused look.
MARK
Why am I under the impression
that you actually like it?
Alec does his best to hide an amused smile.
ALEC
I have no idea.
MARK
(teasing)
So, you don't like it?
Alec blushes lightly and hesitates for a moment.
ALEC
Shut up-
MARK
(teasing)
God, I can read you like an
open book.
ALEC
Oh, fuck off!
Mark chuckles and playfully grabs Alec's legs, pulling him towards himself and making him lie down on the sofa.
Alec gasps in surprise and drops the wand on the floor, chuckling. The kitten attacks it immediately and starts playing by himself.
Mark smiles and bends over Alec, running his large hands over his thighs.
Alec slides his hands over his shoulders, smiling back.
ALEC
(amused)
What do you think you are doing?
MARK
The idea was to make love to you
on the sofa.
Alec blushes a little and smiles more.
ALEC
(amused)
Will you stop calling me kitty?
MARK
(teasing)
Absolutely not. In fact, I'm also
planning to buy you a collar with a
little bell.
Alec chuckles at that.
ALEC
You are such an idiot.
MARK
(teasing)
I'll let you choose the colour.
Alec chuckles more.
ALEC
Fuck off-
They kiss.
CUT TO:
INT. MARK AND ALEC'S HOUSE, LIVING/DINING ROOM - LATER
The kitten is sleeping on the floor, purring quietly. The feather wand is next to him, defeated.
Mark and Alec are lying on the sofa, naked. They have just made love.
Mark is lying on his back, while Alec is comfortably sprawled on top of him, with his forehead resting against his neck.
They both look incredibly relaxed.
Mark runs sweetly a hand over Alec's back, drawing small circles on his soft skin with his fingers.
Alec smiles and lets out a soft sigh.
ALEC
All right... I do like it when you
call me kitty.
Mark chuckles lightly.
MARK
I knew it-
ALEC
However... I am not 100%
sure that the cat is the most accurate
animal version of me.
MARK
(amused)
Oh, it's not?
ALEC
No.
MARK
What is it, then?
ALEC
I don't know... some animal that is
fast and good at hunting maybe.
MARK
That's a cat.
ALEC
No, I mean... some other animal.
MARK
Like what?
ALEC
Like...
He takes a moment to think about it.
ALEC
A hawk.
MARK
(amused)
A hawk?
ALEC
Yes.
Mark chuckles and holds him close.
MARK
All right-
ALEC
It's more appropriate. I'm a cop...
it's not a job for kittens.
MARK
(teasing)
No, it's definitely a job for hawks.
ALEC
(determined)
Yes. I think it suits me better.
Mark chuckles again.
MARK
I'll keep calling you kitty.
Alec smiles and nuzzles his neck sweetly.
ALEC
I know you will.
Mark runs lovingly a hand through his hair.
MARK
What animal am I?
ALEC
(without hesitation)
A bear.
MARK
(amused)
Oh, yes?
ALEC
Yes.
MARK
What kind of bear?
ALEC
Which kind is the biggest?
MARK
I think that's the polar bear.
Alec considers that for a moment.
ALEC
No, you are a brown one...
(teasing)
I mean, you could be a polar bear...
when your hair becomes completely white.
It shouldn't take you too long-
MARK
(amused)
You little shit.
Alec chuckles.
Mark smiles and holds him closer.
MARK
Well, I guess that is actually quite fitting.
It's not the first time people have referred
to me as "bear"...
Alec pulls himself up a little and gives him a curious look, studying him.
ALEC
This is some sexual thing I am
not aware of, isn't it?
Mark chuckles and strokes his cheek lovingly.
MARK
(amused)
Not necessarily... it's just a way people
sometimes refer to big, hairy gay men.
ALEC
You are not that hairy...
MARK
No, but I guess everything else guarantees
me the category. You know... the beard,
the 280 pounds, being six-foot-seven...
Alec smiles in amusement.
ALEC
Yes, I suppose you are right.
He lays back down, nuzzling his neck tenderly and sighing in relax.
ALEC
It's a curious pair, though... a
hawk and a bear.
MARK
You are a kitty.
Alec thinks about it for a few moments.
ALEC
Can I, at least, be an adult cat?
MARK
(teasing)
When you will act like one.
Alec chuckles.
ALEC
Fuck off...
He snuggles more against his strong body.
ALEC
All right then... a kitty and
a bear.
Mark smiles and holds him close.
MARK
So be it.
ALEC
Please don't tell Ellie...
MARK
(amused)
I won't...
(beat)
the collar I'm going to buy for
you will speak for itself-
ALEC
You idiot...
They hug each other tightly, smiling.
CUT TO:
THE END