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“What,” Martin said, “is that?”
Will looked from the animal in his arms to his partner. “They called it a pig.”
Martin didn’t think the creature bore any resemblance to the pigs they kept outside. It was much smaller, and covered in fur. It looked more like a rat, or maybe a rabbit, but at the same time, not like either of those things. Whatever it was, this creature looked like it was meant to live indoors.
Will had just procured them a pet.
Martin wasn’t sure how he felt about pets. He’d never been permitted to have one growing up, and, secretly, he worried that he might somehow be the sort of person to get hopelessly attached to a ridiculous little animal.
He’d thought about a cat, but cats were useful. This… this creature certainly didn’t look like it’d keep mice at bay.
“That’s not a pig,” Martin said instead.
Will examined it, as if he were confused. “Well, maybe not a typical pig, but that is what they called it. They’re meant to be a companion animal.”
Of course it was. “And you saved it from some horrible fate, didn’t you?”
“I don’t know about horrible fate, but I wanted to give her a good home.”
Martin did not ask how Will knew it was a her. It hardly signified. The pig, or whatever it was, was clearly staying. “Don’t you think Daisy will terrorise it?”
Will waved his free hand. “She’s just as soft as you are.” At Martin’s look, he continued, “Deep down.”
Martin snorted. That was one way to put it.
“I thought about a cat, but I thought you might enjoy something a bit less aloof, and a dog felt like far too much.”
“So you settled on this pig.”
“Exactly.” Will’s grin still made Martin feel all sorts of ridiculous things. “If she doesn’t work out, we can take her back.”
They both knew that would never happen. Will would never, and Martin would honestly never let him. Maybe he was softer than he liked to think.
“Go on, then,” he said. “Tell me what we have to do for this pig.” He pretended to be annoyed, but he knew Will could see through him.
He always did, and it was part of why Martin loved him so much. Love was terrifying, and he sometimes still felt as if he didn’t deserve it, but here and now… he was a selfish bastard, and he’d take whatever love Will was offering.
Even the pig.
It was rather cute, anyway.
“Is this when I should tell you Daisy’s got another outside?” Will smiled. “Apparently they’re best kept with friends.”
“If we end up with a litter, so help me, Will…”