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Viktor stirred in his bed uncomfortably. His legs and arms aching in a much more different way. His legs felt like they were being pulled on forcefully, and his arms felt more scrunched together. Viktor was trying to gain some consciousness, letting out a strained growl. A growl. He felt it then. He was small. Tiny. The blanket that evenly covered his body now drooping over him like an oversized sweatshirt.
Viktor attempted to sitting up, but his body twisted and recoiling, making him land on his hands- Paws? He stared at what he saw below him. Paws. It was paws. Tiny, little, cat paws. He opened his mouth, or muzzle, to scream, but all that came out was a pathetic 'mrow.' He froze in place, feeling his beady eyes go wide. Viktor looked around the room, noticing the fact that everything was bigger than him.
Viktor felt panicked. There's no way this is actually happening. He skittered, jumping off his bed but landing on his face. He hissed like a loser, getting up and limping over to his standing mirror.
Once Viktor was in view, he stared into his reflection. Only being met with the gaze of a sharpened-pupiled feline. His lower jaw dropped down. It's fur, or his fur was short, and brown. His tail stained with a lighter brown end. The very tip of his ears was darker, and his eyes were golden brown, more-so golden. His mind was running with thoughts. Was he still smart? Considering the fact he was now a cat.
Viktor has been through many things but defying the laws of nature and having his body rearrange into a cat was something he'd never even think to experience. Viktor just stared, glaring into his tiny eyes. He took notice of the fact that the mirror than him, watching as his ears slowly pinned backwards, his inner ears pointed outwards in opposite directions. He felt his tail twitch. Not only was he a cat now, but he still had that damn limp, and he still felt incredibly like shit. He let out yet another growl, limping away miserably.
He was lucky to have left his bedroom door open overnight, or else he would be stuck in here. Like, forever. Maybe not forever, but you get the point.
Viktor strolled down his hallway, slowly trying to adapt to his enhanced senses. He could hear buzzing from a fly. He could hear his slightly unsheathed claws latching onto the loose threads of his carpet and making faint tearing noises. He could smell everything, too. It wasn't delightful. The food in his fridge being mixed together into one scent... gross.
Viktor walked over to his kitchen counter, gazing up at the now skyscraper looking surface. He blinked, grumbling a meow of frustration before he tried to jump, but instead, he just fell back down weakly and landed on his bad leg- Paw. Viktor felt his ears go flat against his head before he just quit, not even wanting to try anymore, and instead he just curled up on the cold surface of the kitchen. He slowly lowered his fluffy head, feeling his feline chin rest against the ground.
This was terrible.
Viktor lied there for a few moments, only listening to the obnoxious buzzing. He let out an annoyed huff before lifting his head, feeling his stomach rattle hungrily. Viktor licked his teeth, flinching at the sharpness and oddly cleanliness of them. He stood up, taking a few steps before stopping.
Wait.
Was there a cat out there in the multiverse who became him?
Viktor grimaced at the thought, only mentally, though, his newfound muscles not totally capable of advanced facial expressions. He continued on, limping tiredly over to his front door, staring up at the knob with hysterical despair. Viktor letting out an exasperated meow, shaking his head in a rapid motion. He slowly stood on his hind legs, wobbling and biting down on his sharp tongue as he felt all the weight rush into his bad paw. Viktor reached his paws high, pawing at the doorknob furiously. It was a struggle. His paw pads brushing against the metal knob, doing nothing but making it rattle.
After... quite a few moments of trying Viktor leaped up, up, and away, his paws wrapping around the knob in a quick motion. He hung there for a moment, eyes wide before he felt the doorknob twist. A spark of relief ran through his tiny body. He picked his hind legs up, placing them flat against the door and kicking off of it. He was pulled back as his door creaked open. Viktor felt so relieved, at least he could go outside.
He undid himself from the doorknob, landing on the ground and keeping his bad paw off of the surface, limping around the door. His fluffed body wormed its way out, and he felt so good about himself. That's when an arrow hit him right where it hurt. Jayce. It must be late. And Jayce is probably all alone in the lab with two cups of coffee, one of them halfway done and the other not even touched. Viktor felt a pang of guilt before he looked at his opened door, mentally slapping himself as he realized her needs to actually close the door now.
Viktor sauntered over to the door, staring at it before he got onto his stomach, leaning over flat on his side. His head the cement of his staircase before he slid his brown paw underneath the wooden door. His shuffled his paw around, pushing his paw pads against the bottom of the door from the inside in hopes to get in closed.
After a few scratches and hits, he finally got the door to click shut. Viktor took his paw out from under the door, sighing softly to himself, but in an animal way.
Before he could even relax, that when something dropped onto him. Thick and wet.
Drip. Drip. Drip. Dripdripdripdrip.
Viktor lifted his head up, eyes wide as he saw the gray clouds, and then a large rain dropping falling down directly into his eye. Once it landed, his closed his tiny eyes, hissing in annoyance as he leaped into the air, pawing at his face with urgency. Viktor felt the pace of the rain continue to get faster. His fur began to get heavier, more damp. He meowed restlessly, settling on his paws before leaping down the steps, limping with speed as he searched for shelter.
What felt like forever, Viktor ended up finding a small box that could fit his smaller self. He hurried over to it, leaping into the box standing on his side and taking shelter. It was cold. So cold. Viktor curled up into a ball, fur wet and body weak.
He must've fallen asleep, because Viktor opened his eyes and gained senses again at the sudden shouting.
"No, I swear I saw it! I was looking out the window and I saw its small body run across the street!"
Viktor perked his head up, ears going into a straight point. That voice. That voice was Jayce.
"Maybe you're tired, Jayce. I'm sure it was nothing," A feminine accent replied.
Jayce and Caitlyn.
Viktor quickly got to his feet, following the voices with ambition.
"I'm not crazy. We won't be out in the rain any longer, Cait, I swear! I just need to find this cat," Jayce whined like a toddler, looking around frantically.
Cait sighed, holding the umbrella over her and Jayce like a responsible older sister, funny thing, Jayce was older than her. Even though she was doubting her 'brother', she still looked around before spotting the eyes of a wet feline. She stared at it, her own eyes going wide before he nudged Jayce, pointing.
"You mean that cat?" She questioned. Jayce's head immediately snapped into the direction Caitlyn was pointing, and he immediately gasped at the sudden realization. He didn't even reply to Caitlyn, instead, he hurried over to Viktor, or in his vision, the random cat.
"You poor baby!" He cried sympathetically. Viktor watched as Jayce's hands reached out to him gently. He let out a small meow at the feeling of Jayce's slightly wet hands make contact with his heavy and itchy fur.
Viktor didn't even have time to react much, he was immediately brought against Jayce's chest, his partner holding him like his life depended on it. Cait watched as Jayce walked back over to the shelter of the umbrella, his hands scratching Viktor's neck with care.
"I guess you aren't crazy," Cait scoffed before turning around, "Let's hurry. I don't want to be out here any longer." Jayce blinked before stumbling after the blue haired enforcer, continuing to scratch Viktor's fluffy neck with affection.
Viktor couldn't help but purr like a well-loved count. He was cringing.
A few moments had passed, and Viktor had already settled in on a couch in a lounge near the lab. Cait was sitting at a wooden table on a chair, and Jayce was on the couch with Viktor. He wasn't next to Viktor, though, he was more-so underneath him. Jayce curled Viktor up in a blanket, roughly drying him off before he even did so. So now, Viktor was trapped under the tightness of the cloth, placed on Jayce's lap as Jayce's thumb, index finger, and middle finger scratched at his semi-dry fur with ease.
Cait was jotting down some notes Jayce said about things he wanted to note down but was too busy scratching Viktor's head. Viktor felt much more at ease, in deep contrast compared to the events that happened earlier today. Viktor had perked his head up slightly before feeling himself shake at his stomach rumbling again. That's right. He had eaten nothing today. I mean, even as a human, Viktor doesn't eat much, but he eats sometimes only because Jayce is always pestering him about it. He doesn't have much of an appetite, but he had picked up on the fact that has a feline, he was drooling for food. Unpleasant food.
Jayce looked down at Viktor, blinking, "You okay there little guy?" He questioned. Viktor turned his head, staring at Jayce before opening his mouth, clamping his jaw together. He did that a few times before meowing. Jayce looked shocked, his eyes staring at the cat.
"Cait, Cait, this cat just told me it's hungry," Jayce said, pointing at the cat. Cait looked over, raising a brow, "Well, I didn't hear another voice," She played, tipping her head to the side before chuckling, "I'm joking. I thought he'd be hungry. I texted Mel to bring some cat food over here not too long ago. She should be here shortly," Caitlyn hummed in response.
Viktor pinned his ears back at the thought of eating actual cat food. Also remembering the fact that Mel had a cat of her own. It was a fluffy white one with heterochromia, Jayce has brought it into the lab a few times to take care of it. The cat's name was Highness. She was a beauty to behold, in all honesty. Viktor enjoyed having her in the lab, she was always on his lap, curling up and appearing as a snowball.
Soon enough, the door to the lounge opened slowly, and there stood the councilor herself. She smiled softly at Cait, and nodded at Jayce before looking around, two bowls in her hand, "Where's the cute one?" Mel giggled before spotting Viktor, eyes going wide and sparkly.
"He's adorable!" She smiled wide, walking over to Jayce and sitting down next to him. He cupped Viktor's face, gently petting the top of his head. Jayce scoffed in agreement, "Right? He's a charm," He hummed before frowning slightly, "Viktor would've loved him."
Viktor's right here you big block. Was the only thing Viktor could think of as Mel placed a bowl of dry and wet cat food mixed. Viktor stared at it before watching as she placed down a bowl of water on the ground.
Mel gazed up at Jayce, tipping her head to the side, "Oh, right. Where is Viktor?" She asked, raising a brow. Jayce shrugged, a puppy pout on his face, "I don't know!" he whined, "He didn't show up today. At all. And his coffee is still on his desk in our lab," Jayce sighed, "I really hope he's okay."
Viktor could only look at Jayce with a somber gaze. Gods, did Jayce really care that much? He could feel his partner tense up. Mel sighed, "I'm sure he's okay. Maybe he's feeling sick and decided to stay home. There's a possibility he forgot to tell you," Mel shrugged.
Jayce looked at Mel before nodding slowly, "Yeah. Yeah, hopefully."
Viktor flicked his ears, turning his head away from Jayce before crawling off his lap and towards the food. He didn't want to eat it. But he kind of had too, or else he'd die like this. Die as a cat who isn't able to give Jayce a kiss. He'd die before even ever saying goodbye.
Maybe this was just overthinking. Viktor leaned towards the food, sniffing it, and he felt his fur bristle up at the feeling of eyes on him. Well, only Mel and Jayce, Cait was busying clicking a pen which really bothered Viktor, by the way.
Viktor leaned closer to the food before squinting, he opened his mouth slowly, sinking his muzzle into the bowl and clamping his teeth around a piece of wet food. His body shivered. To be fair, the smell was horrid, but the taste wasn't bad. Maybe his taste buds were just shittier because of his form, but due to his hunger, he dug into the food the moment he took that first bite.
Mel smiled, scratching Viktor's neck before standing up, "At least he eats," she exclaimed. Jayce chuckled with a nod, "Yeah. At least," he stared at Viktor, smiling thoughtfully, "Y'know, he kind of reminds me of V," he hummed.
Mel snickered, "Does he?"
"Yeah. I'll call him that. V. This cat is now the equal to Vitya," Jayce smiled like a child. Caitlyn looked over, scoffing, "You're a huge sap, Jayce," She called him out on that. Viktor turned his head to look at Jayce, his tail swooshing against the cushions of the couch with amusement.
Jayce rolled his eyes, "Shut your mouth," he muttered before looking out the window. It was getting dark out. Jayce looked down at Viktor, petting his back and running his fingers through his fur. Viktor's back twitched, staring at Jayce like a hissy kitten.
"It's getting dark. I should head to bed," he sighed before looking into the eyes of the feline, grinning, "I can take V with me," Jayce added. Caitlyn nodded and Mel just giggled before beginning to walk away, "Well, I shall be on my way now. Take care of 'V', Jayce," Mel called out before waving to Caitlyn, leaving the lounge. Caitlyn waved back before standing up from her seat, "Anyways, I'll be off, as well. I take it you'll be fine with V?" Caitlyn asked. Jayce nodded grabbing Viktor by the abdomen and holding him like a specimen.
"Yep! See, got him all handled," He chirped, holding Viktor out as if he was simba. Viktor had a stoned look, eyes glaring at Caitlyn. Caitlyn laughed, packing up her things and nodded, "I wish I could say I trust you," she mused before turning around, waving at Jayce, "Goodnight, Jayce!" She beamed before leaving the lounge as well.
Jayce sat there with Viktor slouched pathetically in his grasp. He examined Viktor, blinking, "You're really cute. I might just keep you forever," Jayce grinned from ear to ear, turning Viktor around so his face was facing Jayce. Jayce's eye glistened before he planted a little kiss on Viktor, or the cat's forehead, holding him close. Viktor's tail flicked to the side, ears pinning back as his pupil's sharpened.
He meant it in a human loving pet way, you dumb idiot. Not in any other way.
An hour or so later, Jayce was on his bed, flopping on his back and staring straight up at the ceiling. Viktor was curled up at the end of the bed, listening to the crickets and the weak rain from Jayce's open window.
Silence was corrupting the atmosphere, and Viktor felt at home. Safe with Jayce by his side. He perked his head up, looking around before focusing on Jayce. He looked beautiful. The way the moonlight from his window landed on him so perfectly, lighting up his features with softness, making him look like a god. Viktor slowly stood up, stretching and limping over to the Jayce. Jayce's head turned, looking at the cat with a curious gaze.
Jayce couldn't say anything, because without a second thought Viktor crawled onto Jayce's chest, curling up into a ball of fluff on top of the broad man. Jayce blinked before chuckling, picking his hand up and petting Viktor with gentleness.
"Y'know, V, it feels like you were sent to me to tell me that Viktor is okay. And I believe that, I hope Viktor is fast asleep and comfortable," Jayce closed his eyes in the middle of his sentence, hand lazily petting Viktor's pelt.
Viktor stared at Jayce, eyes blinking tiredly. It's nice to know Jayce cares. Because of that, maybe he could sleep a little more peacefully tonight.
Viktor stirred awake, the sunlight from outside blaring into his face mercilessly. He mumbled nonsense to himself, eyes blinking open. His eyes were narrowed. He attempted to lift his head, but was immediately blocked by rough hands.
Oh.
Oh no.
Oh, God, no.
Viktor felt heavier. He felt human. He felt his face, his normal eyes, his ears that were now on the side of his head. But most importantly, he felt Jayce's hand buried in his hair, his other hand holding onto Viktor's waist as if he was a teddy bear. Viktor woke to it instantly, shuffling a little in attempt to get out of Jayce's grasp. This was the worst smart to turn back into human. He didn't even bother to think about how he was quite literally just a cat.
In his tired and exhausted attempt to get away from Jayce, he froze in defeat when he felt Jayce's mutter something quietly. Viktor blinked, eyes going wide, gritting his teeth.
He is going to meet his demise. Sooner, or later, and I think the first option is most reasonable.
"V?" A clueless voice said, slightly louder than a murmur. Viktor felt the hand on his head loosen its grip. He turned his head, staring at Jayce with his baby browns. Jayce stared back, awkward blinking between the two.
"Oh- Oh, you're... V. You're the real... Viktor?!" Jayce finally processed after a harsh 30 seconds, sitting up, forcing Viktor to get up as well. Viktor stumbled back a little, flopping his bum down on the end of the bed, staring at Jayce. He looked at himself, he still had his clothes on. The pajamas he wore before he went to sleep the night he became a fucking cat.
Jayce was clutching onto the blanket, his eyes shot wide, "What the ffffuuu- How'd you even get in here? What's- Where is V?" Jayce seemed to be going in a spiral. Viktor just stared awkwardly, slowly turning his head to the side, then back at Jayce.
Jayce locked himself back on Viktor, "Vitya, how the fuck did you get into my room and why the hell we're you cuddled up against me. What is going on," Jayce was wide awake now, pushing his back against the headboard. Viktor chuckled nervously, "I am not quite sure on how to make this simple," Viktor side glanced Jayce, "I don't know if this is believable or not but I kind of, sort of, most definitely am V," Viktor scrunched up, one eye squinted in a reluctant expression. Gods, it felt nice to have himself back.
Jayce frog blinked, his lips curling up, "Excuse me?" He quizzed, leaning his head forwards. Viktor shrugged with a nod, feeling like an utter psycho. "Be- Before you say anymore! Ehm, you found me out in the rain, you were with Caitlyn. You took me to the lounge where Mel brought food for me, and by the way, that food was... terrible," He shrugged lying through his teeth, "And, you named me "V"... after, well, myself-"
"Okay okay! I get it!" Jayce waved his hands, groaning softly, "Viktor- Vitya, how is that... How is that even remotely close to possible? And what's worse is that I weirdly believe you?"
Viktor sighed relief before tensing up again, "But still," Jayce began, "How do you just- Become a cat- And you look okay with it?"
Viktor blinked, raising a brow, "I was not okay with it, Jayce. I wanted to shoot myse-"
"Okay, pause, no self-deprecating comments around me," Jayce put a finger up. Viktor scoffed, knowing his 'self-deprecating comment' was, in reality, a lie. Being a cat was comfortable. Sort of.
Jayce pinched the bridge of his nose, "Oh, God, this is so confusing," he muttered. Viktor looked at Jayce before gazing through the doorway of his room and towards the door of his apartment in all.
"I can leave?" Viktor said more-so firmly and awkwardly, not at all in a shy, insecure way.
Jayce shook his head vehemently, "No! I mean- No, it's okay, I'm just... lost. I still don't understand how you turned into a cat. In what world is that possible? Well, psh, this world, obviously, right?"
Viktor stared at Jayce as he rambled on about the possibilities of someone turning into a cat, and he couldn't help but feel his lips tug into a smirk. Jayce ranted, asked questions that he didn't even let Viktor answer. He was going all scientist smart, listing ways on how that could've even happened.
Viktor just stared like a teenage girl in love, chuckling slightly. Honestly, he didn't care about anything Jayce was saying.
He could only think to himself, that even when Viktor was a cat, Jayce had still felt a little bit of Viktor from the feline.
That should say a lot, right?
It doesn't matter. As much as Viktor enjoyed being human, he wanted to stay a feline. For the sole purpose of staying close to Jayce, yet, fuck, he hated opening doors.
Never will he look at them the same.