Chapter Text
It’s a cold, cold night tonight Pyre thinks sadly. Tucking as far back into his pitiful box as best he could, it did little to help. It was not nearly warm enough, and he did not have any heat stored.
Pyre thinks it’s quite ironic, cat gets kicked out for taking the heat, and is left in the cold to die. Another shiver runs through his body, he does his best to curl as tight as he can. He was lucky to find any shelter at all, he knows. And he is forever greatful, but he can’t help wishing it was different, that it was better. That this entire situation didn’t happen.
Pyre was born with a rare mutation. It’s what the two-legs call a ‘quirk’. He does not understand why the two-legs call them quirks. Are they not simply mutations? Regardless of two-legs strangeness, Pyre’s ability allows him to steal and store heat, and release later on. He quite likes his ability! Even if he cannot store heat forever.
Pyre was the only one of his litter to have this mutation, and he was the first to leave because of it. The two-legs that had taken him where very kind at first. They fed him and they’re den was always warm. The two-legs even had what they called a ‘fire place’. Pyre remembers that it was his favorite spot to sleep. When he was little, he did not require much heat and could sleep inside the burning flames comfortably. Much to the two-legs horror. He still finds their reactions amusing to this day.
But as time went on, Pyre required more and more heat to be stored to stay warm. He could not generate his own heat. He kept taking all the heat he could, and often any room he left was freezing. The humans quickly grew frustrated, being cold all the time. Once, when Pyre was sleeping on their kit’s lap he accidentally took too much heat. He left her so cold, Pyre remembers. The two-legs freaked out, their daughter did not wake up. Pyre was abandoned.
He was eventually taken in again, and similar results led to similar situations. His most recent home had just kicked him out, he had not even hurt the two-legs! Grumbling in frustration, Pyre shivered violently as the wind changes direction. He was so cold, so hungry.
Pyre does not realize he had closed his eyes until they snap to attention. He hears footsteps approaching. He wants to flee, he does not want to be taken in and abandoned again. But, he is so tired. Pyre cannot feel his paws anymore, he doesn’t think that’s a good thing.
Snow crunches under large feet, When had it started snowing? Cracking his eye open, Pyre tiredly watches as a two-leg crouches in front of him. He is too tired to do much more than let out a weak “mrrrp”.
The figure has black fur on its head, and purple markings along its face, neck, and arms. “What are you doing out here? You know it’s stupid to stay in the cold” the two-leg says. Pyre thinks the two-leg is funny, doesn’t it know that he is too cold to move?
The two-leg reaches out for his flank, he briefly flinches, too tired to protest as the two-leg picks him up and tucks him close.
“What am I even doing right now?” The two-leg grumbles. Pyre watches in confusion as the two-leg brings a hand out, palm up. He does not focus on it long as a brilliant bright blue flame flickers to life. It was warm! Pyre struggles weakly against the arm pinning him to a chest. He needed that warmth! Finding purchase on skin and fabric alike, fueled with the need of warmth, Pyre launches himself off the two-leg.
The two-leg tries to pull his hand away, startled by his jump. It is not fast enough and Pyre reaches the flame. Opening his mouth he chomps down, swallowing the flame whole. He does not need to eat warmth to store it, but it is faster.
The two-leg stumbles and falls on its rump in the snow. Pyre is much more graceful and lands neatly, the snow melting under his paws. He turns twords the two-leg, rubbing against his legs in thanks.
“What the fuck?” Is what the two-leg says. Pyre doesn’t think that is how they say ‘your welcome’. Rubbing against its leg rewards him with hesitant pets. Purring happily, Pyre nudges the hand still held out.
Hands grab him and lift him up, Pyre now in line with the two-legs face, makes eye contact. The two-legs brilliant blue eyes are scrutinizing him. Opening and closing its mouth like it cannot form words, “You- Ate my fire.” It finally bites out.
Pyre thinks it’s fire was quite tasty, he now radiates warmth, and is no longer cold and dying. He is forever greatful. Purring at the two-leg, he lets out a “mrrrp” in agreement. The two-leg sighs, looking pained before speaking. “I guess your coming home with me then, cat” he says. Pyre doesn’t think that’s so bad, if he can have more fire.