Clouds

Your story is not unlike mine, but I hope you don't hate me for it.

Several months had passed since the town had relocated to their new home of Dawnspring. The abandoned canyon town with a small oasis was perfect for them to get away. It was a dry, humid heat where they lived and was less comfortable to exist in than in Auridon. However, he was determined to be happy in their new home.

The mer had sold his island getaway and found a new home about half an hour from town. It was lucky enough to have a small walled-in courtyard entrance and just enough room for him to be content. He was living alone, well...not anymore. Aria had aided him in capturing a clouded leopard cub to raise as a companion. The little cub was a bit more than he had bargained for. A feisty little thing without the strength to back it up.

If you've never seen a clouded leopard cub, they look as if they've been squished down and then shocked with electricity. Truly a hilarious little ball of fuzz that gurgles and screeches at the sight of anything unfamiliar. Seiverin found himself laughing more often at the little feline's sense of bravery. Anytime his hand reached for a pet, the cub would "roar" and take a swipe at his hand. But when he visited with food, it's as if nothing in the world scared it. Those were the few moments he could lightly stroke its ear or pat its back.

A few days had passed before he learned the cub was a female. He couldn't quite decide a name for her yet, but he knew at some point it would come to him. He would lie in the middle of the grass in the yard and allow the cub to freely roam and explore. Seiverin also found himself nearly falling asleep a few times doing this. He often wondered if this would be the closest to fatherhood he'd ever be. One day while staring at the sky, that question lingered even heavier in his mind.

"Imagine being as adorable and tiny as you are and not giving a shit about the world. What a life."

A few chirps and gurgles were heard as he stared up at the slowly moving clouds. The leopard cub was wobbling about the yard not far from him.

"Would you consider me your dad or your master? Do I want to be your dad? I don't like feeling that I own you. I want you to just enjoy your life, but grow and become my companion."

Three short chuffs came from his left and seemed to be growing a bit louder. He couldn't help but glance over and notice the cub inching her way towards his ear to sniff it. A wide smile followed realizing she had come to him on her own accord.

"I smell funny, huh? Yeah, some folks say that about me. I hope you like my scent, because I read somewhere that's a thing with some animals."

He turned his head back and continued watching the clouds. Before long, the leopard cub made her way into the crevice of his shoulder and burrowed into his neck to rest. Seiverin found himself holding in a squeal of excitement. He took a few long breaths and calmed himself, choosing not to make any sudden movements lest he ruin the moment. A calm breeze drifted past as his eyes closed.

"Do you like looking at clouds too?"