Just something that came to mind after writing something similarly related. Inspired by a previous story I wrote, and also some fanart drawn by mangakat on LJ of PotC characters as cats.
Disclaimer: I don't own PotC, Groves, or Gillette, because if I did, they'd be doing the horizontal tango all the time. This is purely for entertainment purposes.
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There aren't many things that can make Theodore Groves laugh so hard that tears run down his cheeks and he has to roll around on the floor. Entering Andrew Gillette's cabin, when they are already a few days from port, only to find a disgruntled ginger tabby lashing its tail on the cot in the corner of the room is one of them.
When the enraged feline lunges for him with claws out, it is all he can do to curl into a ball to save his vulnerable bits from being flayed. A particularly painful nick to his ear calms him somewhat and he picks the cat up as he rolls to his back, setting the fur-ball down on his stomach. "Andrew, what on earth has happened to you?"
The being in question meows pitifully, and Theo's stomach jumps in an aborted laugh, yet he allows his crooked grin to appear. His fingers rub along an orange-striped ear, the furry head tilting grudgingly into the touch. "I suppose the best thing is to tell James why his First can't be found – don't you look at me like that, Andrew Gillette. He must be told something. So come on, you. At least I can have you in my arms without being condemned for it right now."
And with those words he scoops up the tabby and stands all in one motion, holding him close as he leaves the cabin and goes to the Captain's cabin, which, after a knock and an immediate "Enter" he pushes open the door and stands before the commodore, a pair of brown, feline eyes peering over his arm.
After his explanation, he sees James almost entirely conceal a knowing grin and mystery in those green eyes, and he grows curious, but doesn't question it when he receives an understanding nod. As Theo leaves the cabin, ginger tabby still bundled close, he wonders just what exactly happened to James all those months ago when he went away.