#lighthearted shenanigans

“It seems the universe has a cruel sense of humor,” he murmured as you sat curled up in his lap, your tiny paws kneading the fabric of his coat. His feathery wing twitched behind his ear, a subtle tell of his unrest. “Even in this form, you seek comfort.”

You meowed pointedly, earning a soft chuckle from him.

The situation was frustrating, but if nothing else, being a cat meant you could curl up against Sunday’s warmth, nestled beneath the folds of his long scarf. You weren’t sure if it was your imagination, but each night you spent snuggled against his chest, his arms wrapped protectively around you, his hold grew just a little bit tighter. He wouldn’t admit it, but he feared losing you entirely.

Then, one evening, as you rested against his shoulder, his quiet voice barely above a whisper, you felt an odd shift—a warmth rushing through your limbs, a sudden weightlessness that made you blink.

And then, just like that, you were back in your human form—wrapped tightly in his embrace, limbs tangled as you pressed against his chest. His breath hitched, eyes wide as realization struck.

“Ah,” he said, his voice laced with an unreadable emotion. “...I suppose I should let go now.”

But for a moment, he didn’t.

The darkened halls of the Afterlife Judiciary/Palace of Justice echoed with the rhythmic clicking of boots. Noah sat lazily on his throne-like chair, his sharp teeth glinting in amusement as he flicked your tail with a gloved finger.

“You’re absolutely pathetic like this, you know that?” he purred, a sadistic glint in his one visible eye. You swiped at his hand in protest, earning a chuckle that sent shivers down your tiny feline spine.

Despite his cruel words, he was oddly possessive of you in this form, carrying you around in one arm or letting you perch on his shoulder as he doled out his merciless justice. He claimed it was just convenient, but you knew better.

At night, when he thought no one was watching, you’d find yourself nestled against his chest, his fingers buried in your fur, his steady heartbeat lulling you to sleep. He’d call you a nuisance in the morning, but his actions told a different story.

Then, one fateful evening, he was cradling you absentmindedly while reading through case files when a sudden surge of energy rippled through you. A blinding flash later, you found yourself sprawled across his lap, back in your human form, hands gripping his coat for balance.

Noah blinked.

Then, slowly, a wicked smirk spread across his lips. “Oh? Now that’s interesting.” His fingers traced your jaw, sharp and teasing. “Guess I’ll have to figure out new ways to keep you on my lap.”

“Now, now, little thing. If you wanted my attention this badly, you could’ve just asked.”

Aventurine lounged on an opulent couch, a glass of rich crimson wine in one hand, while his other traced circles on your feline head. You huffed, swishing your tail as he laughed, his golden accessories jingling with the movement.

He had taken your transformation with surprising ease, treating you as if this was just another high-stakes gamble the universe had thrown his way. You’d caught him betting with himself about when you’d turn back, whispering outrageous odds under his breath.

But despite his teasing, he never once let you stray too far. You always ended up curled on his lap, his warmth radiating through his elaborate suit as he hummed in amusement.

Then, one evening, as you stretched across his chest, his fingers lazily stroking your back, you felt the familiar warmth take over. A rush of sensation overwhelmed you, and suddenly—

You were human again.

And somehow, still sprawled across Aventurine’s lap.

He arched an eyebrow, a slow grin creeping onto his face. “Oh? Didn’t think you’d be so eager to stay close, darling.” His fingers trailed up your spine, amusement flickering in his eyes. “If you wanted to be in my arms so badly, you could’ve just said so.”

You smacked his shoulder. He only laughed.