A journey into the imagination.

Spring just let out another meow. Not in pain or frustration, but almost as if trying to convey something to the boy. Something that only Eugenie seemed to have understood as she let out a sigh when Pinocchio brought the cat closer to his face.

“What are you doing?” Eugenie said, startling Pinocchio from his trance as he, annoyingly, still held Spring by the armpits.

“Oh! Uh.” Pinocchio looked between the two. “Bonding. I think.”

“Bonding?”

Pinocchio nodded and gave a light shake. “She used to hiss at me, now she lets me hold her.”

That was true. Eugenie recalled Pinocchio’s first impression with Spring being… hostile. One sided, but hostile nevertheless. But with each return visit, the more Spring seemed to have warmed up to Pinocchio. However, at the rate that he’s jiggling her, the greater the chance he will revert any and all progress.

“I think we’re bonding.” Pinocchio then said. “She’s meowing and vibrating.”

“Purring.” Gemini chirped. “Remember?”

“But she’s vibrating.”

“That’s how purrs work, pal.”

She chuckled slightly. It was rare to find any levity in the hotel during these trying times. Eugenie walked over and gave Spring a light scratch at the top of her head.

“Spring doesn’t want you holding her like that.” She then said, “In fact, you don’t hold a cat like that. Ever.”

“Ever?” He raised a brow.

“Ever.”

“Why not?” Pinocchio asked, tilting his head slightly.

“Because it’s uncomfortable for her. Actually, she has been meowing at you about it.” 

“Oh.” He watched Spring’s eyes locked on him, letting out another meow as her tail swished back and forth. “Um, so… how should I hold her?”

“By the butt.”

Pinocchio stared at Eugenie in confusion before eyeing his legion arm, wondering how to balance her on one hand. The silence between the two lasted a good minute before Gemini chirped himself into the conversation.

“Mind showing him, Eugenie?” Gemini asked. “I think pal here is wondering in the literal sense.”

Eugenie nodded and extended her arms out for the cat. Pinocchio, following along, handed her over and watched as the weapon technician had one arm support Spring’s bottom and had the other arm on Spring’s back, cradling the cat almost like a child as the feline placed her paws over Eugenie’s shoulder.

“See? The butt.” Eugenie said, smiling at the purr and light mew from Spring. “Want to try?”

Eagerly, Pinocchio nodded his head and extended his arms out for her.  He was unable to hide his smile as he copied exactly how Eugenie held the cat just moments ago and seemed to have perked up at Spring’s purring. 

“There you go, now she’s happy.” Eugenie placed her hands on her hips, satisfied with her tutelage. 

“How do you know?” Gemini asked.

“Her tail isn’t swishing and her ears are forward.” Eugenie explained.

“Oh, wow, I didn’t think you understood cats.” Pinocchio sounded impressed. “Um, do you know why she’s vibrating?”

“Purring.” Gemini corrected.

“Purring.” Pinocchio echoed.

Eugenie gave a light scoff. “She’s comfortable, something about you has her relaxed.”

“You can tell?”

“Of course.”

“How?” Both Pinocchio and Gemini asked.

“When you have someone as curious as Spring hanging around your desk all the time, you pick up a few things. Such as what she likes to play with, what noise or smell she likes or dislikes, and how she prefers to be held.”

Pinocchio hummed in understanding, lightly rubbing his other hand on her soft fur. 

“So… what does she like to play with?” Pinocchio asked.

“Why are you asking?”

“I want to bond with her more.” Pinocchio answered earnestly. 

“You mean you want to play with her?” Eugenie smirked.

“No.” A pause. “...M-maybe…”

Another pause.

“Yes.”