#watermecha

They sit next to each other, the clinic full enough to leave them no choice. A comfortable silence lingers between them, until Robert is the one to break it.

He talks about Beef's long history of crimes (stealing chicken, eating cat's food, inhaling anything that touches the floor before anyone can stop him.)

Herm listening, a soft sound of laughs comes out whenever Robert tried to slip in his dry humour.

then he explains the cat is old, stubborn, refuses to eat unless it’s warmed just right, and that his grandma is worried sick.

and suddenly the cat wake up, standing slowly before sniffing Herm's finger then licking it.

"A-are you hungry, Misty?"

thats when Robert didnt thought much, handing the ginger haired guy something in his hand.

“I’ve got treats. ...Diet ones. Vet-approved.”

Herm hesitates, then accepts one… for the cat. The cat barely sniffs it and turns away.

They share a look. Then a laughs.

"..Yeah. Figures."

They talked until one of them got called. Both of them think this is just one time thing of meeting.

That's until they meet eachother again on another one. Another appointments of their pets.

“Hey. Misty is under the weather again?"

"Y-yeah. An- another diet talk a-again?"

Their appointments overlap. Herman overhears the vet gently but firmly telling Robert that Beef needs stricter routines.

Robert nods but looks genuinely guilty.

Later, Herm comes out of the exam room looking wrecked. The cat’s condition isn’t fatal, but it is serious.

After that, they got dismissed. Herm totally doesnt feel well after hearing the news about Misty.

Robert, without thinking, says:

“Hey. Want company?”

They start running into each other regularly at the clinic.

Robert starts walking his dog more seriously.

Herman starts cooking special meals for the cat.

They begin exchanging tips, then numbers, then late-night “is this normal??” pet texts.

Sometimes Robert offers to help Herman carry supplies.

Then they would get coffee “just to kill time.”

It becomes a routine.

_______________________________________

honestly idk what is next.