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Echo was quite busy.
He always seemed to be these days while taking care of the new family of his. But also their overall territory and making sure there was food on the plates. The lot of it falling onto Echo to do as he simply was the caretaker by definition.
The most important task though, that of taking care of the rest of his litters coats fell upon Echo.
And today, as per Echo’s schedule, was grooming day in the household of the Tooka Batch.
Sure, it was always a hassle, as the others, well, part from Omega and Tech were reluctant of the process even if they secretly enjoyed it. But yeah, it was in their nature to be against washing up despite being tookas.
The excuse? Well, because Crosshair, Hunter and Wrecker were different, very much so. At least, that is what they claimed to be. The proof was still out there for anyone to find. But the trio was against anything new really, mostly Crosshair and Hunter.
Omega was as per her usual first, the kitten loving being washed thoroughly.
Echo having an enhanced tongue after his wee accident before joining this batch. But also having gotten special body parts soon after said accident. Echo was also quite quick, very precise and taking care of all the tangles in the fur without any kind of pain.
Prim and proper as Omega left the comforting and warm spot next to Echo, her coat all shiny.
“Next!”
Hunter, Crosshair and Wrecker all shivering in their spots.
“Cowards!” Tech simply retorted. “You do realise it’s a minor inconvenience but mostly enjoyable one even if your fur might be slightly matted.”
Tech being well aware Hunter especially sprouting those bad tangles in his fur, having such long hair and all.
“Well, it’s… it’s… not all that.” Hunter tried to defend himself.
“Yeah, besides Hunter should go next.” Crosshair offered, seeing Hunter already shaking in his paws.
“No, you go next.”
“No you will.”
Echo turned his head, giving a stare to the fighting duo which froze them right in there spots. Yup, he still got it despite his accident, perhaps more so with his new batch.
“I will go next.” Tech offered.
While enjoying the process overall, getting clean and even the attention, Tech had other things to do, so getting next to the spot in front of Echo.
Echo, not wanting a fight again with Crosshair and Hunter. Not really enjoying fights, but also never having understood why the two were so totally reluctant in getting groomed. Even having dragged poor Wrecker to their side while lying to him.
As before Echo joined this litter, he had been a part of another one. Those who had fallen into rank without questioning the need to be groomed with the snap of a, well, cat fingers? But that was before and this was now. And Echo, well, Echo liked his litter clean and cute and shiny and in order!
“Thank you Echo.” Tech always polite and only too happy for the service just given to him by Echo.
“Don’t mention it.” Echo gave Tech another lick, before letting him go, Tech’s face having a very happy expression on it. Smiling as the Hoomans called it.
Echo sighed, knowing what the needed to do. But just as he was about to put his scary face on, Wrecker had already approached Echo, sitting there in silence waiting for his turn.
“Can I go next, Echs?”
“Sure you can. Come on over big guy!”
Wrecker did, basking in the attention, letting Echo groom him properly.
Crosshair and Hunter both having observed Tech and Wrecker, their fighting already forgotten, looked, well, they were rather jealous suddenly of the attention both Tech and Wrecker were getting.
“I am next.” Crosshair whispered to Hunter.
“No, me.”
“Na-ha! It’s me. You will go last cause you’re the dirtiest!” Crosshair mocked Hunter.
“Oh come on Cross! You didn’t want to go before. So why now?”
Crosshair was quiet for a spell, then confessed.
“Look at him.” Pointing at Wrecker still being groomed, Echo surely taking his time while Wrecker was purring loudly. “He is so… so…”
“Content. Happy. Purring.”
“Yeah, I want that too.”
“Me too.”
“So, how do we decide then which of us goes next?”
“Rock, paper, scissors, lizard, Spock?”
They did. And Crosshair won. Going next was his reward.
Hunter, well, Hunter, was secretly happy too. As being last meant Echo could spend as much time as he needed in grooming Hunter.
So, guess despite all their fussing and fighting, it was the best thing ever!