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“And why do you have that thing? Our lives are busy enough as is right now without having another burden placed upon us,” Apollo’s voice cut through the air, the deep gruffness of it answered by a small mew. The small ginger tabby kitten responsible for the sound peaked its head out from the arms of the pale-haired girl holding it, as if to see what all the commotion was about.
“Hey, don’t be so mean to her, Apollo,” Orchis chided, crossing her arms in defence of the cat. She stood next to Orchid, the near identical girl who currently had a kitten nestled in her arms, purring at the warmth. It was a sight that Apollo could never relish enough. Even if she wasn’t fond of these particular circumstances, after so long being separated from the woman she loved, now, she stood in front of her, alongside the other woman whom she’d come to care for just as deeply, she’d never not cherish them. “She’s going to be staying with us from now on, after all.”
“Mhm, Cat the Second is very happy to be here,” Orchid chimed in, weighing in her thoughts on the matter before going back to snuggling the contented kitten nuzzling into her arms. The name alone nearly caused Apollo to pinch her brow, not sure what she’d expected other than a name reminiscent of Orchid’s beloved cat plush.
“Uh oh, Cat,” Orchis lent over, beginning to give the kitten some greatly appreciated scritches under its chin. “Looks like we caught big, scary Apollo in a bad mood. Don’t worry, she’ll come around. She’s a real softie deep down.” The now queen of Erste made sure to glance over at her girlfriend, giving her an almost pleading look before returning her attention to the purring orange ball in her other girlfriend’s arms. Apollo just stood there for a moment, unsure to react. Part of her still wasn’t sure if it was the right thing, with how much responsibility the three currently carried in their efforts to rebuild the kingdom of Erste alongside Freesia and Adam, but for all the strength she carried after ten years of fighting, she knew deep down that she’d never be able to resist Orchis’ pleading for long. And then, another part of her was fighting not to blush at the teasing words of the far shorter girl. She was Apollo’s love, her reason to keep going, and especially at times like this, her weakness.
“I just, I am unsure if it would be unwise when w-” Apollo’s protests died on her tongue, conquered by the sight of the two whom she loved so very dearly both looking up at her with pleading eyes. Even Cat the Second seemed to get the memo, resting its chin on Orchid’s forearm so it can also look at Apollo as it gives a sleepy yawn. “Fine. If you can both take care of it without it interfering with your duties, I see no reason why not. However, I will have no part in taking care of it, and you should know that.” The stoic demeanour she was trying to put on again melted almost immediately, her heart beginning to thump heavily at the sheer excitement on the girls’ faces.
“Thank you, ‘Pollo!” Orchis exclaimed, rushing forward and pulling on Apollo’s arm to get her to lean down far enough so the excited monarch could stand on her tip toes and kiss her beloved Apollo’s cheek.
“You’re the best, Apollo,” Orchid’s voice was far more subdued than Orchis’, as per usual, but her excitement and sheer joy at getting Apollo’s approval of Cat the Second. However, her actions were much the same, taking to Apollo’s other side and delivering a soft kiss on her other cheek.
The tall, muscular, hardened warrior of a woman stood there for a few moments, completely frozen, her cheeks flushed completely red. Her mouth was ever so slightly agape, only furthering the stunned look. At times like this, she was little more than the shy little girl who first arrived in Erste and was near instantly enamoured by Orchis, except now, there was another woman in life who could render her so stunned. Though, she quickly regained her composure as her girlfriends both beamed up at her. She wasn’t sure how to slip into such a state of comfort like the other two, not after 10 long, painful years, and right now, she was more focused on her duties, or so she told herself to avoid looking at the cute ball of fuzziness which had drifted off in Orchid’s arms. “Well, I, yes. I still have to some duties to attend to. I’ll see you both later.” Apollo began to walk off, though not before grumbling slightly under breath before leaving the room. “Cat the Second is no proper name for a cat, regardless.”
Orchis and Orchid stood hand in hand outside the door of the king’s study, wanting to ask Apollo to help them look for Cat the Second, as well as just for a chance to spend a little more time with her. It had been a week or so since, but Apollo was still so focused on her duties. Her efforts on the reconstruction, when not doing some of the more strenuous manual labour with her well-built form, were relegated to reading everything she could on running and rebuilding a kingdom. For someone whose alter ego as the Black Knight struck fear in many at just the mention of her name, she was still that same nerdy bookworm at heart. Orchis’ hand stilled as she went to knock on the door. Something wasn’t quite right. Too much shuffling about and noise coming from the room of a woman who could sit still for hours straight poring over a dusty book filled with archaic knowledge. With a nod of confirmation from Orchid, instead of knocking, Orchis’ hand went to the doorknob, and gently opened the door to see whatever was causing the ruckus inside stealthily.
The inside of the study was strewn with cat toys. From balls to toys on strings, fake mice and fish, and even a cat tower that had somehow been snuck in here without anybody else noticing. And lying in the midst of it all, cuddling a purring ginger kitten that was as happy as one could be, was the ever-fearsome Apollonia Vaar.
“Is someone enjoying this? I think she is,” Apollo’s voice was about as soft as could be, a gentle affectionate tone usually reserved for her girlfriends. She snuggled the cat a little closer, eliciting a louder round of purrs as Cat the Second nuzzled into her chest. Orchid and Orchis couldn’t help but stare, in a mixture of shock, trying not to laugh, and a tender affection at seeing their usually stoic partner like this. “We still need a better name for you though. Maybe Mango, or Chevy, or at least something. Even Junior sounds better than the Second.”
“Apollo?” Orchid’s voice cut through the air, and in an instant, Apollo froze. Her cheeks reddened, and she looked completely stunned, almost mortified for a moment. She rose to her feet quickly, though not before making sure to gently put the kitten down, which promptly nuzzled against her leg before strutting over to the other two women for some more affection. After quickly trying to brush some ginger fur of her shirt, as if that would hide what just happened, before turning to face her girlfriends as Orchis tried to hold back giggles.
“I um, yes? Hello as well, its um, its good to see you. As always,” Apollo’s words were a mess, stammering over herself as she tried to play off her clear affection for the kitten they’d both been there to witness only moments prior. She needed to compose herself, to explain the situation properly, but that was easier said than done, especially considering she had to try and do so when met with radiant sight of Orchis giggling. It took a few moments for Apollo’s heart to cease fluttering and her thoughts to grow past anything beyond the sight before her, but she managed to clear her throat and collect herself. There had to be a proper way to explain things where she could maintain some dignity after being so against the idea of a cat only a week ago, but the words that escaped her lips were far from a thorough, or even believable explanation. “I was simply taking a short break from my research, when I found that infernal animal rummaging through the books, so I decided to send it on its way.”
“Send it on its way? Is that what this is?” There was a teasing lilt to Orchis’ voice as she gestured around the room, before picking up and dangling one of the many toys, much to the cat’s delight as its pupils began to dilate again and it prepared to pounce. “I do remember a certain someone saying having a cat was unwise. And yet, neither Orchid or I bought these toys for it, let alone were we cuddling with it on the floor.”
“I. um, I jus-”
“You don’t need to justify it to us, dear.” Despite the hint of playfulness still in her tone, Orchis’ voice was more reassuring than anything. “You don’t have to be the big mean you that you were anymore. Its no big deal that you like the kitten, and I’m just content seeing my lovely, devoted knight acting so cute and happy, even if she wants to hide it from me because she’s embarrassed. You’re just as cute and shy as when we first met sometimes, I swear.”
The continued reassurances and words of love from her beloved did little to help Apollo compose herself, only leading to her cheeks reddening further, and the soft watering of her eyes from sheer joy at being able to remind herself this was her life now. Away from the wars and death and violence, and just getting to enjoy the company of the ones whom she loved. Her eyes drifted between Orchid and Orchis, both so similar in appearance, but so very different outside of that, and both of which had an equal claim on her heart. That tender shock hung in the air for a few seconds, before Apollo was brought back to reality as the excitable kitten pounced at the dangling toy, missing and instead catching her boot. She took a deep breath, clearing her mind and her eyes to glance at the ginger ball of energy that now found joy in chewing on the leather of her boot, before returning to look at her loves with nothing but tenderness in her gaze. “I suppose, I may have been too harsh on the cat at first.”
“Its okay, ‘Pollo.” Orchid wasn’t usually one to speak much, though as she grew more comfortable in her new life as herself, they became more frequent. More than that, whilst they’d once been quiet, little more than a whisper, now she expressed herself more confidently, and at times like this, there was an unmistakable cheer present in her tone. Like there was nothing but pure happiness in moments like this, and for the three of them, that was beyond true. “Thank you for looking after Cat the Second. I’m glad you both are getting along.”
“Yeah. Getting to see two of the cutest things in the world right next to each other is a nice plus.” Orchis couldn’t help but add that, infatuated as she was with the sight of Apollo’s cheeks flushed red. She knew it wasn’t hard to cause such a thing with how much love Apollo clearly had for her and Orchid, but it didn’t stop her from doing it again and again.
“I, um, yes.” For as much as she wanted to stay focused on the conversation, a part of Apollo hoped she never got used to her queen and girlfriend’s teasing, because each and every time her cheeks went bright red it felt like she was falling in love all over again, and there was nothing in the world like that feeling. Nothing like getting to enjoy the love of the two women she had devoted her life to. The women she one day wanted to vow to love forevermore and to protect and to relish. But that was thoughts for another day. Now, there were more important matters, one such being the kitten that had curled up to sleep at her feet, clearly having grown quite fond of the former Luminary Knight. Now, she just had to find a way to voice her concerns in the best way possible. “Its just, I’m not sure I like Cat the Second. I mean, as a name.”
“You don’t like it?” The sound of worry, bordering on dejection in Orchid’s voice made Apollo’s heart sink. It made her want to rush over and wrap her arms around her, to apologise and comfort her for hours on end until she made sure Orchid was okay. She felt like she had to move, but also felt frozen, only managing a single step towards her, making sure not to wake the cat.
“I didn’t mean it like that, I just wanted to, I mean that I just thought it wasn’t quite right. That she could do better with a name that’s just her own too,” Apollo struggled over her words, caught up between wanting to comfort her and her newfound affection for the cat. Her eyes shifted between Orchid and Orchis again. The woman she loved since she was a child, and the near identical doll of her that Apollo had come to love too as Orchid became more of her own person. That guilt that had been gnawing at Apollo for a long time now, after seeing Orchid as nothing more than way to be reunited with Orchis again, dismissing her, not even giving her a name for a long time, because that would mean she’d have to accept that she’d lost Orchis. It felt silly, but maybe, part of that guilt resurfaced when looking at a cute little kitten, with no name but one also belonging to a stuffed animal. “I don’t want to say you picked a bad name; I just want her to be her own thing.”
“You really are a softie, aren’t you? My cute, sweet, sunlight. And my prettiest flower too,” Orchis reached over and gently squeezed Orchid’s hand with those last few words, trying to reassure her girlfriend’s dismay. Her eyes lingered on Apollo though, a soft concern in them as if she could see right through her gruff exterior, into the guilt and regret swirling within her. And it only took that short look for Orchis to realise why Apollo was so set on giving a new name to the kitten. Though, she did also want to make sure that Orchid didn’t feel dejected, and at times like this, the diplomacy that came with being queen came in most useful. “Though, maybe Apollo is onto something, Orchid. Cat the Second is a bit of a mouthful. Maybe a nickname could help.”
“A nickname? That would be nice, I think. You and Apollo are both so smart, Orchy!” In her excitement at the idea, Orchid leaned over and placed a small kiss on Orchis’ cheek, before standing in front of Apollo and giving her that same sweet look she’d done so many times before. Apollo, of course, relented instantly to receive the same treatment, enjoying the fleeting feeling of that soft little kiss, and then also feeling her expression soften more as Orchid knelt down to play with the sleepy kitten at her feet. “Cat the Second is getting a nickname. Aren’t you a lucky thing?”
“Yes, she is. I had a few ideas, but I think-”
“How about Sunny?” Orchis interjected, cutting off her pretty knight’s words. “That way I can have the three lights of my life right next to each other right now.” The quick flash of a teasing smile stopped Apollo’s heart for a moment, before she managed to recover. She was beyond thankful for Orchis’ interjections, having put her wanting a name for the cat much more eloquently, and seeing Orchid also light up was another bonus.
“Sunny… Sleepy little Sunny,” Orchid interjected, a small nod from her affirming her like for the name as she continued to play with the cat, giving it pets and affection everywhere she could. “Cat the Second is also Sunny now.” Orchid’s voice was absolutely certain, as if that was now an absolute truth of the world.
“I suppose I don’t quite mind Sunny either then,” Apollo spoke softly, a smile on her face as she knelt down to join Orchid in showing Sunny lots of affection, planting a small kiss on Orchid’s cheek as she lent down. She could hardly help herself, not when seeing the other woman so engrossed and happy with showering the kitten with love, and it only caused the look of joy on her face to grow further.
Orchis couldn’t help but stand there and smile too, a soft sigh escaping her as she tenderly watched her girlfriends just being so caught up in a moment of happiness. It wasn’t hard to see how much Apollo was struggling, from the pained looks, to the guilt in her eyes, to the shaking in her sleep and the nightmares, so seeing her like this, if only for a moment, was like heaven. Though, she certainly has no complaints either, as Apollo stood up and made her way to Orchis’ side.
“Why Sunny, if I may? You seemed set on it, my queen,” Apollo’s voice was soft, not wanting to disturb Orchid in her moment of focused contentment. Apollo reached out to wrap her arm around Orchis’ waist, but her hand stilled just before it could make contact. Was this right? Okay for her to do this? Would her grip be too rough? Would it hurt Orchis? Would she even want this affection? Those thoughts swirled through her mind, the panic and protectiveness that had come to pervade her every waking moment since being reunited with her love, and finding this peace with her girlfriends, all for fear of losing everything again like she did all those years ago.
Those feelings were quickly assuaged however, as Orchis took her hand and made sure it was firmly planted on her hip, before returning the gesture to her beloved. “Its okay, you don’t have to worry about things right now. I like my pretty knight so much better when she’s all happy and carefree,” Her voice was that perfect mix of soothing and teasing that she knew would calm Apollo down at least a little, as it had so many times before. Seeing her Apollo like this made Orchis just want to hold her until the end of time, making sure she never had to be hurt again, but instead right now, she settled for a bit more teasing to ease her love’s worries. “And as for the name, it just seemed right. Its silly, really, but I remember when we were kids you read me a book about primal beasts, and there was this one who could use the sun and light named Apollo too. And I thought seeing my pretty little kitty all happy like that in here, I just couldn’t think of something better because Sunny was there too.”
It took a few moments for the teasing to register in Apollo’s mind, but it had its intended effect, her cheeks going cherry red and her mouth hanging half-open in her flustered state. Being royalty, Orchis had been privy to all manners of beautiful things; the fine arts, plays, everything one could think of. And yet, nothing could ever hold a candle to the sheer radiance of her Apollo so flustered and shy like this. It made Orchis’ heart swell, which was only furthered by watching her other love being so cute playing with the kitten.
“I’m not… I don’t… I’m not like a cat…” Apollo managed to mumble out those words, stumbling over herself a few times in the process. There wasn’t a cell in her body that knew how to respond to such teasing, and yet, it was the best feeling in the world, like she was floating in her queen’s love. She felt the urge to wrap her arms around her, and so flustered, she didn’t have time to doubt herself, holding Orchis close and tight like she’d never let go in a million years.
“Aw, a clingy kitty too,” Whilst her tone was teasing, Orchis wasn’t one to complain about the opportunity which presented itself, wrapping her arms around Apollo in turn. The two stayed like that for a few moments, relishing in the comfort and warmth of each other’s present, before noticing Orchid had moved to stand next to them, having left Sunny to lie down and nap. There was hardly a moment to think, seeing their girlfriend like this and not being involved, and so she was also drawn into the loving embrace, the three of them holding each other with all the care they could muster.
“I love the both of you so much,” Apollo whispered, unable to help herself from tightening her hold on them ever so slightly at those words, her deep voice growing soft and vulnerable. “Without you, I would be lost, and every moment I spend with you is a gift.”
“Love you too, obviously,” Orchis stood up on her tip toes as she spoke, supporting herself with Apollo’s body so she could reach up high enough to press a kiss to the far taller woman’s jaw, before leaning back down and planting a kiss to Orchid’s cheek. “After all, what sort of queen would I be if I didn’t love both my knight and the prettiest flower in the skies?”
“Mhm,” Orchid giggled in response, appreciating the praise and affection. She leaned towards Orchis again, giving her that same soft expression she always gave them when she wanted to show her affection; wide, soft eyes, the perfect mix between a shy smile and a pout, and just a gaze full of love. After a small nod from Orchis, she pressed a soft kiss to her lips, before letting Apollo lean down to do the same to her. Orchid had been so shy for so long, but the more time she spent with them, the more comfortable she grew with showing affection like this. “You both are the best.”
And so, the three stayed like that for a long while, showering in each other’s love and the gentle atmosphere. They only moved after quite some time, picking up the kitten who had brought this moment to them, and returning to their chambers for a long day be spent by simply enjoying one another’s presence and affections.
By now, things had settled down in Erste. They had a queen again, and a king to be, and for a first in the history of the kingdom, and by the royal decree of Queen Orchis, a wife of the monarchs too. Apollo, Orchid, and Orchis had come to settle more into their new, more peaceful, lives, and more into the comfort of their relationship with each other. Apollo sat in her study, reviewing some financial documents on behalf of Orchis, all the while Sunny, that ginger ball of affection, sat purring in her lap. By now, it had been nearly a month since they’d got her, and now she practically followed Apollo everywhere, having grown attached to the woman who couldn’t help but spoil the kitten at every opportunity. A bustle sounded from the hall outside, and Apollo smiled softly. Orchid and Orchis had gone out to do something they had said was extremely important, and such sounds signified their return.
“Come in,” Apollo knew just when to say it, the door swinging open to reveal her girlfriends, no, fiancées, holding each other’s hands tightly, with the cutest smiles on their faces which only caused Apollo’s own grin to widen ever so slightly. She neatly tucked the stack of papers into a drawer, before letting Sunny down from her lap so Apollo could stand. There was so much energy coming from the two women in front of her, that the future king of Erste couldn’t help but be especially endeared in this moment. “Its always good to see you two again.”
“Hi, ‘Pollo!” Orchid exclaimed as the two women approached their lover, their hands still linked, and as they reached Apollo, they each took one of her hands in theirs.
“C’mon, we need to show you something,” They tugged on Apollo’s hand as Orchis spoke, not really giving her a choice in the matter as to whether to follow or not. Not like Apollo would have ever been able to refuse either of her fiancées, let alone both at the same time. Besides, she was more than curious as to where they were taking her, wandering through the halls of the palace towards one of the parlours, by the looks of it. As they entered, it seemed wholly the same, much to Apollo’s confusion.
“And what am I supposed to be seeing here, my loves?” Apollo raised an eyebrow as she spoke, a slight chuckle in her voice. Perhaps this was just a way to get her out oof the study and scouring over paperwork to spend some time together, not that she’d mind. If anything, that would be perfect. As much as she was willing to do whatever for her wives-to-be, Apollo could only handle so much paperwork in one sitting, and cuddling with the two she held dearest seemed like the perfect remedy for that boredom. If she hadn’t known they were both out and about, she might have tried finding at least one of them much for that purpose, acting almost like the ginger cat slinking right behind the trio to see what all this fuss was about.
“Just wait here for a moment,” Orchis spoke up, giving a small nod to Orchid, who reluctantly detached from the chain of linked hands to go fetch something from the next room over. After a few moments and some shuffling about, with Orchis clearly excited, Orchid returned, and in her arms she carried a black, long haired cat. The cat had clearly been through its fair share of things, a scar over its left eye and missing one of its front legs, but it looked absolutely content in Orchid’s arms. It didn’t look too old, but definitely an adult unlike Sunny, who seemed just as surprised and interested in the new arrival as Apollo. The tall woman opened her mouth to speak, but was quickly interrupted by Orchid speaking up, her tone mixed with affection and sheer joy.
“Meet Ammy!”
“A second cat…” Apollo half murmured to herself, definitely surprised, and unlike last time, she couldn’t play off the grouchy demeanour. They’d all seen where that ended up, with Sunny, despite her name, practically being Apollo’s shadow by this point. As much as Orchid and Orchis would’ve loved the kitten’s attention, it was hardly her fault for growing attached to the woman who so frequently spoiled her with treats and affection and toys beyond belief. And so Apollo approached Orchid and the newest member of their little family, gently stroking under the cat’s chin, much to its delight, already having seemingly taken a liking to the future king. “Ammy, you said her name was?”
“Short for Amaterasu,” Orchis chimed in, having moved over to join the little entourage and give her share of affection to the newly adopted Ammy. “We’ve been seeing her for a while in a shelter, just to make sure she was warmed up enough to surprise you. And as for the name, I couldn’t break the theme, could I? I read up a little, and found stories of another primal beast who had ties to sunlight, and well, I just had to have my three kitties match.”
“I um, I see,” Her cheeks still flushed red, as it seemed they always would at Orchis’ teasing, but at least Apollo wasn’t a complete mess anymore when faced with it. She looked down at Ammy, feeling a pang of sympathy at the sight of its injured body, even with its contented purrs filling the air. Orchis and Orchid had thought about it when they first saw the cat, having been reminded of their protective lover at the first sight of it, and couldn’t not give Ammy a new home after that. “We’ll give her a good home then.”
“Of course,” Orchis’ voice was soft, smiling softly as she leaned her head against Apollo’s arm, enjoying the sight and atmosphere surrounding her. She couldn’t believe how lucky she was. To have such perfect, sweet, amazing women whom she’d soon be marrying. There was nothing more she could ever wish for, and it just made her overflow with love in that moment, so much so that she couldn’t help it as her voice grew softer, more serious and tender. “I love you two so, so much.”
“Course I love you too. And you as well, ‘Pollo. And Sunny and Ammy too.” Orchid was quick to chime in, her voice sweet as always when it came to her loves. She gently set Ammy down, who was quickly approached by Sunny as the two cats began to investigate and greet each other, all so she could give Orchis a tight hug then a kiss on the cheek, before widening her embrace to include Apollo as well.
“My love for you both shan’t ever cease, and moments like these only ensure that,” Despite the seriousness of her words, the look on her face was as soft and loving as could be. She held the other women tight, moving them all slightly to sit down on one of the nearby sofas together. This moment was everything they ever needed. Just time spent together snuggled close together, whispering sweet nothings like there was nothing in the world but them. The two cats they’d given a home, included in their love and fledgling family, did much the same, having already grown fond of each other as they lazed together in sun filtering in through a nearby window. There was nothing but happiness, peace, and love in that room, and with the soon to be married fiancées and their soon to be growing family there, the palace of Erste would radiate that love for a long, long time to come.