Vaughn had anticipated Mao’s return to his side, flicking through the television until he settled on Ghost Adventures, because it was stupid and easy to have on in the background whilst he ate. One handed now, because the other was occupied petting Mao’s head, scratching gently between his ears. It was nice having company, even if said company couldn’t reply right now, and he wondered why he hadn’t considered getting a pet up to this point. Possibly because his shift work meant that he wouldn’t be here at regular times, and it wouldn’t be that fair- but here they were. Unconventional but reasonably content.
“I’ll leave the window downstairs open for you whenever you want to come in,” Vaughn said. “No cat flap. We’re not in a serious relationship yet,” he added, nudging a bit of chicken to the side of his plate and picking it up to offer it to Mao. No, they certainly weren’t. He wasn’t feeding a demon cat guy with his fingers. And yet? Vaughn really needed to work on his wording. Just because Mao was in innocent cat form right now it didn’t mean he wasn’t sassing Vaughn in his mind. Or considering him a crazy, lonely batchelor.
“If you want me to drive you back to wherever it is you normally live then just- let me know or something. Or if you just want me to let you out you can sit by the door- that’s usual cat signals for free me, right?” he said, resuming his petting now that the chicken was gone. “Whatever you want. I’m working the same shift tomorrow- so you know when I’m here and when I’m there. Just...don’t steal my stuff. Not that I have anything worth much.” All the while Vaughn continued his gentle petting, hardly sounding threatening in his asking. As though just asking Mao to take off his shoes when he came in.