fluff, pining
“Mmmn…” Charlie tilts his head into Thandi’s palm as she strokes his hair. He’s gotten used to it, as a panther and a cat, and occasionally she catches him off guard when he’s human and he can’t help but enjoy it.
Of course, once he catches on, he bristles, but Thandi knows him well and starts to scratch. She smiles as the tension drops from his shoulders, enjoying having him lean into her hand. Slowly, she moves to sit next to him, coaxing him to lean on her shoulder so she could pet him more easily.
That sigh of contentment from him makes her glow. Just this alone, and she knew that she was special. Treasured. He would never accept anyone else in her place and oh. As sad as it was to know, it still made her happy.
His arms come around her quietly, permission asked in the form of hesitation. She pats his arm with her free hand and he clings to her. It’s soothing. To be loved. Needed. Wanted.
And so, so upsetting.