TLR Chapter 53

Ryan O’Donnell had come off his shift as one of the night security at TLR at his usual time at seven Saturday morning. He had eaten something with Coral then they both slept for a few hours before he needed to be at the shooting range by 12:30 to help Aaron. Saturday was usually their busiest day and he hoped today wouldn’t be any different.

Ryan parked his jeep and smiled as he greeted his range manager. “Hello Aaron, I see you’ve been busy.” He glanced into the parking lot where several vehicles were parked.

Aaron nodded. “Yes, we have.” He and Ryan went out to meet the next group of shooters and help them get set up.

Later that afternoon, just before closing, with the light starting to fade in the sky, Ryan stepped out of his office tired from dealing with all the paperwork needed to run the range.  Aaron was busy watching the shooters, ready to stop the firing at a moment’s notice if there were any safety concerns. Either he or Aaron had been on duty most of the afternoon to observe how the people loaded and handled their firearms as well as making sure they each stood well away from the target areas in case of a stray bullet.

A young Peregrine Falcon, the helmeted look and thick mustache and sideburns of an adult bird were not fully developed yet, soared over the range.  Ryan and Aaron as well as the shooters admired it, then continued to pay attention to the action happening with the last of the marksmen. The falcon, which usually snagged small birds in flight, saw something small moving in the woods, swooped down and grabbed it. It’s little cries were drowned out by the reports of the guns being fired. Its prey, a small kitten was a bit too heavy for the fledgling to keep a grip on and fly so it finally let it go a few feet over the ground.  The kitten dropped onto a pile of leaves, protecting it from the fall. A bit dazed the little creature wandered out onto the range.

Ryan, always observant with sharp eyes at all times while the range was in operation caught sight of something small wandering onto the range. He gasped as he recognized a kitten and hollered, “Cease Fire!!”

After he was sure the members had stopped discharging their weapons Ryan ran out onto the range and picked up the little kitten. It scratched and bit Ryan, but he didn’t let go as he saw blood on it.  He pulled off his T-shirt and wrapped the little thing inside so it would quit scratching and biting and hissing. He carried it off the range back to where Aaron stood.

Aaron looked at Ryan as he gave the shooters permission to continue their target practice. Ry then peeled back a piece of his t-shirt and showed the man what he had. “I have to get it help Aaron. I’m going to call Coral and have him meet me at Shorty’s; he’ll know how to help the little critter.”

Aaron nodded. “All right. Everyone’s set here and I can handle the rest of this.”

Ryan thanked Aaron and headed for his jeep and engaged the blue tooth so he could talk and drive. He put the kitten in his lap and started the jeep, sending through a call to his partner.

Coral looked at his phone and saw it was Ryan calling. He couldn't help but to smile. The boy was getting better at calling to tell him when he'd be home.  He hit the on button.

"Heya, Ry, on your way home?" he asked cheerfully.

Ryan said a bit breathlessly, "Coral? I need you to get Shorty ready for me…I'm bringing a critter to him...I think it's a bobcat kitten." He sniffed as he looked down at the bundle which had blood seeping through the material of his t-shirt.

"Bobcat!" Coral repeated, stunned that his boy would pick up a wild animal, even if it was just a kitten.  He shook his head to clear away the images going through it.  "Yeah, yeah," he said distractedly, "I'll call Shorty now.  And Heath as well.  Be careful with it!" he ordered before cutting off their conversation to call Shorty.

He speed dialed Shorty's number and waited impatiently for the man to answer.

Back at the bunkhouse Shorty picked his cell phone up off the counter and handed the wooden spoon he was using to stir the stew they would eat for dinner to Little Jake.  "Shortelle, here."

"Shorty, I'm glad you’re there!" Coral said, nearly breathless with worry. "Ryan said he found an injured bobcat kitten. He's bringing it to you. I'm on my way."

"Bobcat?"  The vet repeated in disbelief.

"Yeah, he didn't tell me much, only that he'd found an injured bobcat kitten and he was headed your way. I'll be there in a minute."

"Ok, I'll be waiting." Shorty said. 

"Thanks! I'm calling Heath now. Hopefully he can meet us at your place. I want him to check out Ry. Talk to you soon." Coral said as he hung up to call Heath.

“Little Jake, I need to go to my office, can you watch the stew?"

“What's up Shorty?" he asked curiously.

“Ryan's bring in an injured bobcat, or that's what Coral said." Shorty explained

"Bobcat! Holy crow!  Is he nuts?" Little Jake asked loudly.  His voice drew Jarrod into the kitchen. 

"What's going on? Who's nuts?  What about a bobcat?" Jarrod asked, eyebrows furrowing as he tried to follow the conversation.

"Ask your brother I’ve got to go.  Let Ryan in when he gets here."

"Sure." Jarrod said, waiting impatiently while Jake turned to stir the stew instead of answering immediately.  "So what bobcat? Who's nuts? What'd I miss?!" he demanded.  He quieted quickly as Little Jake filled him in on as much as he knew. 

Ryan drove as fast as he dared. He screeched to a halt in the resident's parking lot. He scooped up the kitten, pulled his keys from the ignition and slammed the door shut, pressed the lock and set the alarm. He then jogged past the stables to the bunkhouse where he knew Shorty would most likely be.  He clutched the little thing to his chest, getting blood on his bare torso.

As Ryan jogged up to the bunkhouse he called, "Shorty! Shorty!"

Little Jake stepped out on the porch.  "He's waiting for you in his office, Ry." He told his friend as he moved back and let Ryan in the room. 

Ryan headed for Shorty's office on the far end of the bunkhouse and burst inside.  The young man had tears streaking his face and holding the bloody bundle close to him. "Shorty!"

“Bring it over here, Ry." Shorty gently instructed patting the table and getting a warm bowl of water from the sink.

Ryan gently laid the bloody t-shirt on the table. "It's hurt Shorty, it's bleeding all over the place. It wandered out onto the shooting range." Ryan told the vet.

"Well, let's have a look," The vet murmured as he carefully pulled the t-shirt away from the kitten.  It was hard to tell with all the blood but Shorty didn't think it was a bobcat but it was hard to tell between the kitten's struggles and the blood matted fur.

Ryan looked on anxiously, "Will it be all right Shorty?"

"I'm not sure Ry.  Did you see what happened to it?" He asked, running gentle hands over the tiny body.  “Did it get shot?”  He asked as he prepared a sedative and then injected into his newest patient.

Ryan shook his head. "No, I just saw it stumble onto the shooting range. I had to order a cease fire so no one would accidentally shoot it."

Coral came running in with Heath hot on his heels. He went to Ryan and pulled his boy close after looking him over for scratches or other injuries because of the blood on his boy’s chest.

Ryan had scratches and bites on his lower arms, wrists and hands. He still looked up at Shorty anxiously as he melted into Coral. " I think it's a little bobcat kitten, Coral."

Coral quickly kissed Ryan on the top of his head and drew Heath closer so that he could take a look at the scratches, still unwilling to release his grip on Ryan.

Shorty had most of the bleeding stopped or slowed down enough to see the injuries.  He found the puncture marks and washed them with antiseptic.

"Looks like a bird got him.  Maybe a hawk or falcon." Shorty explained, while he waited for the sedative to take hold so he could clean the blood off and tend to the wounds.

“I did see a fledgling Peregrine dive for something just before I saw the kitten,” Ryan continued to watch anxiously.  "Is it goin' to be okay Shorty?

Coral leaned in to take a closer look at the little animal.  "Doesn't quite look like a bobcat though... is it, Shorty?" he asked.

"No, Cor, I'd say it, he's, a Maine Coon kitten.” The vet answered.

Ryan wrinkled is nose and brow. "You sure Shorty?" He was keeping an eye on Heath as he was trying to look at the scratches and bite marks.

"Yes, I'm sure.  Bobcats have tufts on their ears too, even at this young age.  But they only have four toes and this little guy has five toes on his front feet.”

"Thank goodness." Coral breathed, hugging Ryan as close as he could with Heath giving him the once over.  

Ryan looked at Coral. "Can I keep him Coral?"

"Well, I dunno, Ry." Coral said hesitantly.  "It's a Maine Coon Cat... kitten, I mean, but it's still feral.  It's going to need shots, and a lot of TLC, a lot of time with you to learn to trust you and to calm down enough so that he doesn't feel he needs to defend himself."

Ryan's face fell. "You can't just let him go back into the woods to be hurt by some kind of bird again can you?"

"No, sweetheart, I couldn't do that to him." Coral assured the younger man, "But this kitten is going to need to get used to you... us.  Give him time." Coral said, trying to hide a smile.

"Ryan, sit still so I can bandage your arms," Heath instructed.

He pouted at Coral. "They'll scab over in time."

"And don't argue little boy." Coral added.  "Some of those scratches are pretty deep.  Just do as you're told." he said quietly.

Ryan said, "They're all right Heath. They don't need bandagin'.” 

"Heath, is Ry going to be ok? Is he going to need...?"  He mouthed the word 'shots.' at Heath and looked for a response.

“He should be ok, Coral.  The scratches aren’t deep enough to need stitches and the kitten is young," the young doctor answered. "We need to watch them for infection but I think you'll be OK, Ry." he added.  "But if you see any inflammation I want to see you in my office.  I do want to give you an antibiotic injection now Ry."

Ryan tried to pull away from both men.  “Doc, I don’t like shots.” He whined.

“We know, Angel, but it’s important that Heath gives you the shot.  And thanks, Heath. I know it's just a kitten but Ryan always comes first, even over a cute little kitten." he said, nuzzling Ryan's ear.

Ryan grinned. "So we can keep him Coral?!"

“Well, I guess that depends on if you let Heath give you the shot without any fuss.”

“That’s not fair.” The injured boy pouted.  “But if I can keep him it’ll be worth it, so go ahead.” He said closing his eyes tight.  He didn’t even complain when the doctor ask him to drop his jeans.  He didn’t feel the needle pierce the skin on his hip and was shocked when the doctor said he was all done.

"Your butt’s probably going to be tender for a couple of days, Ry, so use some ice if you need to.

“’Kay, doc,” Ryan said.  “It didn’t hurt at a..Hey, that hurts,” he cried grabbing his hip.

“It’s the antibiotics, Ry.  It should ease off in a few minutes.” Heath explained.

“You should have warned me first.” The young man whined then looked up at Coral.  “So can we keep him?”

"It'll take time, Ry, but I think we can get him to come around, especially with you taking care of him.” 

"Ryan," Shorty firmly said. “He is going to need to stay here for a few days until he is out of the woods, so to speak.  He'll need round the clock care from the wounds and because he looks to be about four weeks old and not weaned yet.  I'll give you a couple of books to read on the breed while he recuperates."

"That'll give you some excellent bonding time." Coral said thoughtfully.  "You can give him his bottles as soon as Shorty clears him."

Ryan frowned at Shorty's words. "I don't wanna let him stay here I want him to come home with Coral and me."

"You want what’s best for the little guy, don’t you, Ry?  You can stop by any time you want to see him." Shorty added.

Ryan smiled. "'Kay and can I feed him too?"

“That reminds me, hon, what are you going to name him?"  Coral smiled.

He looked at Coral and said with mischief in his green eyes, "Coral Junior?"

Coral grinned and gave Ryan a playful swat on his backside.  "Too confusing, besides, there's only room for one Coral around here and that's me." He teased.  "He's kind of small, call him Shorty." he laughed.

"Maine Coons are awesome Coral. This one is young enough to come around fast. They have an amazing personality.  They're friendly, loving, goofy, sorta like your partner there." Shorty laughed.

"Well, can't name him Ryan Junior.  How about Goofy?" Coral joked.

The vet didn't want to tell Coral just how big the kitten would get.

Shorty picked the kitten up and placed him in one of the small portable holding cages.  "He's going to sleep for a while until the sedative wears off so why don't you two go home and get cleaned up.  Maybe get something to eat?" Shorty said.  "Little Coral will be waiting for you in the morning." The vet laughed.  "But Ry, not too early because I'll probably be up feeding and watching him most of the night."

“You aren’t goin’ to leave him in your office all night are you Shorty?”  Ry worried.  “What if he wakes up?  What if he needs you?”

“No, young man, I’ll bring him with me and he can sleep in my room tonight.”

The vet walked over to one of the book cases in his office and pulled out two books for Ryan; Care & Keeping of Your Maine Coon Cat and Top 10 Maine Coon Cat Questions.

"Don't worry about a name right now hon.  Get to know him, and then I'm sure you'll find the perfect name for him."

Ryan nodded to Coral. "'Kay, I'll just call him kitty for now." He took the books Shorty gave him and smiled. "Thanks for these Shorty." He leafed through them and his green eyes grew wide. "Umm...Coral?"

"Yeah, Ry?" Coral asked.

“Look at this...he's goin' to be a real big cat."

Coral looked over Ryan's shoulder and read the paragraph that Ryan was pointing to.  His eyes widened and he looked at Shorty in surprise. "Well then, you're going to need to come up with a name he'll grow into." he laughed.  "Thanks for the heads up there, Shorty."

Heath smiled, “Good thing you already said Ry could keep him, Coral."  He chuckled

"How could I say no to this?" he said, turning Ryan's face to his to plant a chaste kiss on the younger man's lips.

Ryan smiled and returned the kiss and snuggled into Coral.

"Come on, Angel. Let's leave your little bobcat in Shorty's capable hands for the time being.  Time to go home for dinner.  Shorty, call us any time if there's a problem."

Ryan said, "Good night Shorty, and I'll try not to come over too early."

"Good night, Shorty, and thanks for everything." Coral said, taking a reluctant Ryan by the shoulders to lead him home.

"Coral, don't forget to call me if you see any swelling or inflammation on Ry's cuts." Heath said as he left the bunkhouse with the other two.

"Will do, Doc. Thanks again for rushing out here.  I'll keep an eye on him."

<<<<>>>>  

The next morning, Coral noticed that the scratches on Ryan's arms and hands were slightly inflamed. Not one to worry, he gently washed the sensitive areas and put some Neosporin with pain relief on the scratches and re-bandaged Ryan's injuries, much to the boy's displeasure.

Ryan pouted. "You do know that was all for nothin' don't you Coral? As soon as I wash my hands the stuff will all be gone."

"Doc gave you some antibiotics yesterday, so you should be fine. But it's better to be safe than sorry." Coral replied with an understanding smile. "And we'll reapply and rebandage you each time. Now, I have some heavy duty work gloves here. We're going to go visit your kitten but you're going to wear these gloves, at least until he gets used to your touch. You're going to hold him and feed him so you'll need the extra protection."

Ryan both pouted and was ecstatic at the same time. A pretty good feat. He didn't like having to wear the work gloves, but loved the idea of feeding and caring for his kitten. "Do I have to wear the gloves?"

"Yes, until little... what did you decide to name him, by the way? Coral asked but continued before Ry could answer.  “Anyway, until he gets used to your touch he'll be scratching and biting. I'm pretty sure Shorty cleaned the little guy up but you don't need any more scratches in the meantime."

"I'm going to call him Castiel. I thought I'd name him after one of your angels."

Coral grinned. "Another angel in the house. I like that. Castiel... it means Shield of God. Considering how big this guy is supposed to get, it's a fitting name. Are you ready to go now?"

Ryan nodded. "Yeah...how big will he really get Coral? Will he get too big and we won't be able to keep him? Can we even keep him at all?" Ryan asked one question after another nervously.

Coral put his arms around Ryan and hugged him reassuringly. "From what I read these cats can grow up to be at least 35 pounds, about the size of a small dog. And don't worry; the bungalow is big enough for the three of us. Yes, we can keep him, as long as he can be gentled."

"That's your job." Coral smiled. "There's an old Chinese proverb: if you save someone's life, you are responsible for them forever."

Ryan relaxed into Coral's arms. "He's goin' to be a really big cat...will everyone be scared of him?" He asked anxiously. "Will I be able to let him outside or walk with him? Will James say I have to get rid of him? Coral...I'm scared of what's goin' to happen to him!" Tears began to leak down Ryan's face. "He's so small now and was so bloody when I found him..."

"As long as the cat... Castiel, doesn't attack the mail man, I'm sure James won't have a problem with him." Coral smiled.

Ryan sniffled and hid his face in Coral's chest. "'Kay, can we go see him now?"

"It'll all be alright, Angel." Coral said gently, raising Ryan's hands to his lips to kiss the exposed knuckles. "We can go see him now."

Coral took Ryan by the hand and the two of them walked to Shorty's office. Jarrod met them at the door.

Ryan said, "I'm here to take care of Castiel.  Where’s Shorty?"

"Catsiel?" Jarrod laughed delightedly.  "Cute name.  Shorty had to go out on a call but said you can go right in," he told the other boy, "There's bottles for the kitten made up in the fridge. All you have to do is warm one up and it'll be ready to feed."

Ryan looked at Jarrod and then Coral. "Warm it up? How? How warm?"

"Run it under warm water in the sink. Skin temperature. If it feels too hot to you, then it'll be too hot for the kitten." Jarrod explained. "So make sure you test the formula on your own skin before you try to feed the kitten. OK?"

Ryan looked confused. "His name is Castiel not Catsiel and um...how do I test it on my skin? Should I take it and put the bottle on my arm?"

Jarrod shot Coral a look that asked 'is he serious?!'  And then looked, confused and speechless, at Ryan. Was the kid joking or what? He wondered.

Coral smiled and winked at Jarrod, and waved a 'Don't worry about it,' at Jarrod before turning back toward Ryan.

"No, it's like having a baby, Ry." Coral said.  "You warm up the formula and shake it up to make sure there are no hot spots.  Then gently dribble a bit of the formula on your inner wrist to check how warm the formula is. Right, Jare?" Coral asked, looking at Jarrod for corroboration. 

Jarrod grinned. "Yep, exactly like an infant. Need a hand, Ry? Most people do the first time." he offered.

Ryan looked a bit scared. "I never had a baby before! I don't know how to do that!” He said in a panic, then hearing Jarrod's offer nodded. "Yes, please."

Jarrod took Ryan's gloves and put them aside for a moment, then went to the refrigerator to take out one of the premade bottles. "Come with me." He said to Ryan.

Ry followed him to the sink where Jarrod proceeded to run the bottle under hot water, turning it around and around and gently shaking it.  The young man watched carefully as Jarrod prepared the formula.

"See? Just like how I'm doing it. It feels right, so now I'm going to drop a little bit on my wrist." He did so and smiled, then dropped a little bit on Ryan's wrist. "Can you feel it? Not too hot, not too cold?"

Ryan smiled. "Yes, I can, and now I see what you mean." He took the little bottle from Jarrod. "Now, can I feed him?"

"First put those gloves on. He may be little but he's got really sharp claws and teeth. You're going to approach him slowly, and speak softly. You may not be able to actually hold him today; it all depends on the kitten...on Castiel. He might let you hold him. If not, just slowly take your hands away and offer him the nipple. He's hungry, and the more you feed him, the more used to you he'll become, and the more he'll depend on you for his care."

Ry put on the gloves and cautiously approached the cage. He opened it and put his hand inside.  The kitten hissed and batted at his hand with claws bared. The young man jumped a bit, but said softly, "Castiel, I have milk for you." He offered the nipple to the kitten which, after a suspicious sniff, latched on and began to drink.

Ryan grinned. "Well would you look at that?" He said softly and looked at Jarrod and Coral.

He was met with matching smiles from the two other men.

"It might be a little too soon, but draw Castiel toward you little by little, and see if he'll let you scratch under his chin while he drinks." Jarrod said softly.

Ryan carefully drew the kitten nearer by leading him with the bottle. He reached around and gently scratched under his chin. The cat's eyes widened for a moment, but he didn't let go of the nipple, eating hungrily.

"There you go." Jarrod whispered, still smiling. "The more you feed him the more he'll depend on you, and the more he gets to trust you the closer he'll let you get, and the more physical contact he'll allow. You're doing great."

"Talk to him." Coral suggested softly. "Let him get used to your voice."

The young man smiled and whispered back. "Thanks, he's really a nice cat." He frowned a little at the stitches he saw. "Shorty had to stitch him up?"

"Yeah, Castiel needed a few stitches, but he'll be good as new. I’ll introduce you to Rocky when you're done here. Ok?" Jare said to get Ry’s mind off the injuries.

Ryan nodded. "Hey there little Castiel, that's a good boy." Ryan said quietly to the kitten.

"Listen to that." Coral whispered. It was then that the three men could hear the little kitten purring.

Ryan grinned and spoke softly again to the little kitten while continuing to feed him and scratching under his chin. "Who's Rocky?

"Rocky is the raccoon that Shorty found out in the woods. His tail had been caught in a trap and it looked like it had nearly been severed off. Shorty brought him back and he's nearly healed. He's going to have a little bald spot on his backside, but Shorty says Rocky is nearly ready to go back to the woods."

Ry smile. "Aww..." Then he stiffened and chanced a look at Coral. He began to wonder if he'd have to let Castiel go back to the woods.  The kitten stopped purring and batted at Ryan's hand that had stopped scratching.

Coral saw the look on Ryan's face and said, "No, Castiel is going to stay with us. He's already bonding with you, and it would be criminal to send him back out there. He wouldn't be able to defend or provide for himself."

"We had some raccoon cubs last year that'd lost their mama." Jarrod said. "Shorty nursed them and sent them to a preserve when they were big enough. He'd never send a baby out by itself."

Ryan relaxed then and whispered to the kitten "You get to stay until you go to kitten heaven."

The kitten began to purr once more as Ryan scratched him under his chin. When he finished the milk he took his teeth and lightly bit on Ryan's gloved finger.

The young man stared at the cat. "He's tryin' to bite me!" He said quietly, but a bit worriedly.

"Babies bite." Jarrod smiled as he closed the door to the kitten's cage and took the bottle to be rinsed. "It's one of the ways they get to know their surroundings. It's completely normal. And I don't want you to think you can just grab him next time but I really think he liked you, and not just because you were feeding him." Jarrod laughed.

The other young man smiled. "You really think he liked me?"

"If he didn't the bite would have been stronger, and he'd have added claws to it." Coral said, grinning. "My little wild cat has a little wild cat of his own."

He turned to Jarrod and asked, "When do you think Shorty will let Ry take Castiel home?"

"Probably a week, maybe less, depending on how quickly Catsiel... I mean, Castiel, comes around."

Ryan laughed. "Now what are you goin' to do with two wild cats?"

Coral leaned down and whispered very softly in Ryan's ear. "I know what I'm going to do with one as soon as we get home. I'll worry about the other one later."

A blush spread over Ryan's face as he listened to Coral and a big silly grin spread over his face as well. "When should I come back to feed him again?"

"If you can get here every three hours..." Jarrod began.

"Ry can't be here every three hours, Jarrod, much as he'd like to be..." Coral began.

"Well," Jarrod smiled, "I can understand that, but he should be here as often as he can."

Ryan protested. "Of course I can come every three hours."

"I have a better idea, Ry. One that will work for both of us." Coral said, quietly but firmly. "You can come out here and feed Castiel as often as you are able between work and sleep until Shorty gives the ok for the kitten to come home with us... perhaps even sooner than he'd predicted. Then Cas will be home with us and we can take turns feeding him. After all, although he's your responsibility, he'll be living with the two of us, so he's got to get used to me as well. Do you think Shorty will go for it Jare?"

"It makes sense, Cor. And as Cas gets older he won’t need to be bottle fed as much." Jarrod said thoughtfully. "Once the stitches are out... I dunno for sure though. We'll have to talk to him about it when he's here, ok? I don't want to make any promises."

"Ry? Sound like a doable compromise?" Coral asked. "Provided Shorty ok's it?"

Ryan sighed, but nodded. "All right."

Coral wrapped Ryan in one of his hugs and kissed the top of his head. "I know you want Castiel home with us now, and I know you want to be able to be here every three hours to feed him. I don't think that Duke will be angry if Castiel's feeding schedule happens to overlap with your rounds. It doesn't take long to feed him, right?"

"It's probably the best we can do. He's such a cute little critter though."

"Yes he is, just like his owner." Coral said with a grin. 

Jarrod blushed but remained silent. "Well you two let me introduce you to Rocky and then you can head out. I have to lead the next trail ride otherwise I'd show you the rest of Shorty's rescues. Maybe another time?"

"Sounds good." Coral said.

Ryan said, "I want to see the raccoon and yeah, then we can go home but who’s going to stay with Cas?  You can’t leave him alone.”

“Little Jake’ll watch him.  He just came in from feeding and was up getting cleaned up.”  Jare explained.  “Shorty asked him to stay with your baby till he gets back.”

Rocky was asleep when Jarrod brought the men over to see him. "He's up all night." Jarrod explained, "We keep his water dish full and sometimes put clams or small fish or fruit in there, so that when he gets out he'll know where to find food and be able to provide for himself."

He pointed toward the small bald spot near Rocky's tail. "Shorty says that this is better than tagging him to keep tabs on him. We'll always know it’s Rocky."

Ryan grinned. "He looks like Castiel."

Coral and Jarrod laughed and Jarrod clapped Ryan on the shoulder in a friendly fashion. "Well guys, I gotta run. See you later, Ry? It's your day off today, right?"

Ryan nodded. "Yes, I don't have to go to work until tomorrow night."

"I'll ask Shorty to email you Castiel's feeding schedule. Whenever his feedings correspond to your availability you can come over and feed him. Sound good, Cor?"

"Sounds good to me, and I know I'm not going to get any arguments from Ry about this. See you later. Tell Shorty thanks."

"Will do. Bye for now, guys." Jarrod said, saluting with his hat and heading out of the office.

"Come on, Ry, let's go have something to eat and then you can come back in a few hours and feed Castiel again. OK?"

Ryan smiled. "I don't think Duke will mind me swinging by and feedin' him either like you said, Coral, during my rounds. It doesn't take that long."

"No it doesn't." Coral smiled. "And it's for a good cause."

Ryan grinned. "I think Duke has a soft spot for animals too."  Then he nodded. "'Kay, let's get somethin' to eat."

Coral tipped Ryan's face up so that he could lean down and plant a gentle kiss on his boy's lips. Then he took Ry by the hand and led him toward their bungalow, planning a several course meal that would, if done right, result in two desserts.

<<<<>>>>  

Close to three hours later the two men walked up the steps to the bunk house.  Shorty met them at the door.  “Good to see you two, you're just in time for your baby’s feeding.”

“Castiel. Ryan named him.”  Coral told the vet.

“Yeah,” Ryan grinned, “like the angel.  Can I feed him now, Shorty?”

“Sure, he’s in the kitchen and while you do that I have some news for you,” the vet revealed.

The two older men followed Ryan into the kitchen and watched as he pulled the bottle from the refrigerator then warmed it and tested it on his inner wrist for temperature like Jarrod had showed him.  He open the cage door and started to reach in when Coral cleared his throat.  Ryan blushed then picked up his gloves and put them on.  This time when he reached into the cage little Castiel batted at the gloves playfully.  When Ryan offered the bottle to him the little kitten guzzled the warm milk.

“What did you want to tell us, Shorty?” Coral asked.

“After you two left last night I remembered that one of my former clients called me to tell me they had lost a pregnant cat.  A Maine Coon Cat. They had asked me if I had come across one and at the time I had told them no.”

Ryan froze at the news then looked to Coral for help. 

Coral saw the fear in his boy’s eyes.  “Do you think it’s the mother?” He questioned the man leaning on the counter across from him.

“I know she is, Cor.” He answered with an eye on Ryan.  “I went out to the shooting range this morning and with Aaron’s help we found cat and her litter.  She had three female kittens.  I took them back home.”

“W…what happened?”  Ryan stammered.  “Do they want Castiel back?”

“Well, that’s a funny thing, Ry.  Once I explained you had found this kitten and brought him to me, then told them about the damage to his coat, they thought it would be a good idea to give him to you.” Shorty grinned.

“Really?  He’s mine?”

“He’s yours,” the vet said pulling a transfer of ownership from his pocket. He handed the paper to Ryan and smiled.  “We will have to neuter him when he’s a little older.”

“I would have insisted on that anyway, Shorty.” Coral said.

“Why did they give him to me?”

“He isn’t show quality anymore but he will make a great pet.” Shorty explained.  “They were so happy to get the mom and the other kittens back they decided to reward you with this kitten.  Ryan, if little Castiel had been born at their cat kennel he could have been worth hundreds of dollars.  The kennel is in the business to make money so they couldn’t afford to keep a kitten they couldn’t sell.   They want me to bring you to the kennel when Castiel is better, to show you around.

Ryan hugged Shorty. “Thank you Shorty.” He grinned over at Castiel. “Hey Cas, you’re mine legally and forever!”

The little kitten meowed.  Ryan laughed and glanced at Coral.

Coral hugged Ryan and gave Shorty a grateful look and they all watched the little furry creature eat and knew he’d be another great addition to TLR