Chapter Text
Herman had been asking Johnathan for a pet for weeks now. He knew it was because Herman would get lonely when Johnathan was at work during the day but even so…their tiny studio apartment hardly had room for the two of them, much less any other living creatures. Nonetheless it didn’t stop Herman from begging him day in and day out for a pet. Particularly, a cat.
Between the two of them, they didn't have a lot of money. Sure, Johnathan had a steady job as a dock worker but it didn't pay all that well and Herman would sometimes do odd jobs for the neighbors when he could if he wasn’t looking through the help wanted ads in the papers. But for the most part Herman had decided to task himself with making the apartment feel more like a home. It wasn't ideal…but it was something.
Now what Johnathan had originally figured is they could put aside a little fund to buy a cat from a local shelter. They had an empty coffee can that they'd put coins into each day. It was a goal to work towards for both of them…something to look forward to.
Well that little plan went out the window when Johnathan was walking home after picking up some pork chops at the butcher's for dinner. As he wandered through the park he heard a tiny meow from beneath a bush near the pond. He paused, bending down to see what was making the noise when a little orange kitten popped out from the bushes. “Oh…uh…..hello….” He said, watching as it tried to groom itself.
He looked around for a mother, but none was to be found and he didn't see any siblings either…could this kitten have been abandoned? He gently held out his hand, which startled the kitten and sent it tumbling backwards nearly into the water had Johnathan not been quick enough to catch it by the scruff.
“That was close.” He breathed out, “Nearly gave yourself a free bath, there.” The kitten hissed and tried to swat at the strange looking man that was holding it captive, only succeeding in making him chuckle. “Easy there, you little firecracker. I won't hurt you.” Johnathan hummed, gently setting the kitten down, “though I think I know someone who would absolutely love you.”