At hearing there were two more, Robert’s interest seemed to pique a bit. Hey, he did love cats. He watched as Summer lured them all out—or well most of them—and was impressed at the variety of breeds and colors. “So just four then? See, if this were me, I’d have more than four. But I try to keep a good limit. Though the temptation is unbelievable.” Robert continued to watch Summer, wanting to interact with the cats himself, but seeming to keep his distance, more to give the cats the chance to get used to him first before he even tried to pet them, at the very least.
“This is a limited space,” she pointed out. “A two bedroom apartment is already an extravagance for New York City without overcrowding what are essentially solitary animals.” Another few treats scattered about brought all the cats to her feet, and she pushed Helios back a little, then bodily picked him up just before he stole a treat right from under the tabby’s nose.
“Now Helios, you had your share, you fat greedy furball. Come say hi to Robert.” She half-held the limp heap of fur out to the actor. Helios fixed his blue eyes on Robert’s dark ones and stuck out a paw, just as Phoebe came up from behind and began to inspect his shoes.
Summer laughed. “You must be made of catnip. Here.” Without waiting for an answer, she unloaded Helios into his arms. “I’m going to go wash these scrapes. I’ll be right back.” She disappeared through a doorway half down the hall.
“I own two cats, so I wouldn’t deny that I might smell like catnip. Or other cats. That usually attracts attention.” Even with the action so sudden, Robert got a firm hold on Helios, his attention focused solely on the cat, before turning to the other at his feet for a moment. Unwilling to move, Robert stood there, using a hand to pet Helios as it was kind of hard for him to help himself. “I see why you’re a greedy furball. You seem bigger than the others.” Making sure Phoebe wasn’t in his walking path, Robert eventually made his way to the living area, Helios still in hand. “You know, I might just steal you away for a day or two.”
Helios snuggled up against Robert’s chest, blue eyes blinking sleepily and starting to purr. Phoebe circled around, waiting until Robert sat down before she leaped up next to him, peering inquisitively for a place to sit. The other two quartered the floor for more treats, ears pricking up alertly when Summer emerged from the bathroom.
“I see you’ve been has’d. Kitty has laid claim to you,” she commented, smiling. “He’s going to leave fur on your nice clothes.”