Timothy Drake Chapters
Ch2
Birthday Presents
Tim was set to pick Catarena up at Wayne Manor for their dinner. Tim went all out and even had a surprise for the end of the night. He hadn't planned on telling her what he'd done to himself but he would play it by ear.
Even though Catarena would not approve of this being a date Tim didn't care if he played it like one. It was her Birthday after all and she deserved to be treated well. Tim was spiffed out in a sharp looking but basic suit and tie. They were going to a fancy Wayne owned restaurant and they had to look the part. Alfred opened the door of course and welcomed him in. Tim's eyes immediately fell on Cat. She was wearing a knee length dress in a beautiful lavender made of chiffon and silk. An empire waist that hugged her slender features and gently floated away at the waist. There were straps but they were a thin strip of the satin with the chiffon ruffling over the shoulder slightly. Black strappy heels showed off her beautifully long legs, tho even with the heels Cat wasn't up to his height; it was yet another slap in the face for her. Though she was sure he had stopped growing by now. Just several months ago she had been even in height with him. She refused to let this bother her and would enjoy her Birthday for once. Cat was amazed at how Tim looked positively dashing in his suit, she had rarely seen him in civies. He looked like a different person. Tim still looked awestruck at Cat who smiled.
"I almost didn't recognize you in civies." She said and he laughed.
"Yeah it feels weird in normal clothes. And you… look so beautiful." He said.
"Thank you."
"Shall we?" He asked as he held out his hand to her.
She smiled and took it.
"Have fun you two and Happy Birthday Miss Catarena." Alfred said as they were walking out the door.
"Thank you Alfred." Catarena replied.
"Don't wait up Alfred." Tim said with a grin.
They could see Alfred chuckle as the door closed.
Tim drove them into down town Gotham and Catarena was loving every second of the normality of it all. Tim was glad Catarena was having a good time. At the restaurant Tim stopped at the valet and got out, giving the man the keys. Tim went to Cat's door and opened it for her and helped her out. Tim was glad she wasn't that well known as Bruce's niece at the moment. Most had forgotten about her since she left for "college" over seas. She had gone to school but it was kept secret that she finished five years of school in two years, and that didn't even include the masters degrees she had. Tim was starting to see how more and more related Cat was to Bruce. She was just as smart, if not smarter than him. Tim also knew her abilities made her smarter as well. They helped her think clearer and focus better, and see more. It was happening to him as well. He could hack better and faster than ever and he was amazing before. He knew he had to tell her soon but he didn't know how she'd react. It could be one of two extremes, she could love the idea and finally admit her feelings or she would get extremely angry but he was sure she would never run and tell Bruce on him.
In the restaurant they were seated quickly and the waiter took their drink orders. The man seemed slightly flamboyant and for a fancy Wayne restaurant the servers were nice as opposed to snooty. This one was chatty.
"And are we celebrating this evening? Anniversary, first date, birthday?" He asked in excitement.
Tim could see Cat physically flinch up at the word date.
"It's her Birthday." Tim replied with a smile and Cat blushed.
The server grinned happily, clearly planning something for later. Tim was glad for Cat's sake this place would never be caught dead singing. The sever left to get their drinks and they could finally talk.
"Would it be so bad if this were a date?" Tim challenged and Cat lowered her gaze to the table cloth.
"No." She replied softly.
"What happened to you? Who broke your heart?" Tim asked and he knew he had hit the jackpot by the slight change in her facial features.
He had an idea of who it was and it pissed him off. Dick was such a lady killer and he and Cat had lived in the same house for a long time.
"It was Dick wasn't it?" Tim asked and Cat locked her surprised eyes on him.
"I knew it. He's an idiot." Tim muttered.
"He opened my eyes. If we had, had a relationship it would have ended eventually. Probably sooner than we think. From the age difference, appearance difference." Cat began but Tim cut her off.
"Don't be stupid, you are not the type to let what society thinks bother you. I may be young but I know love can overcome a lot. You let Dick get under your skin. He thinks he's protecting you but he's making it worse. You can't push everyone away because you think it will make you feel better or save you later on. You should let yourself love whoever you want and hold onto them when they're gone. I can see that you want to. You're yourself when you're with me. Forget everything Dick said. Just listen to what I say. I'm your friend, I'll always be your friend, but I can be more." Tim said as he touched her hand.
He felt something rush through her as he'd spoken the last words. He assumed it was blood rushing to her cheeks. Her heart fluttered and breathing caught for a second when the meaning behind his words set in. She gave a slight nod as the server arrived with their drinks. The server saw them holding hands and was ecstatic.
"So are we ready to order?" He asked.
Tim froze, they hadn't even opened the menus.
"I will have the steak." Cat said without even blinking and when she said it Tim realized how good it sounded.
Suddenly he was very hungry.
"I'll have the same." Tim said.
"And how would you like that cooked?" He asked Cat first.
"Rare please." She said.
Tim and the server were surprised.
"Might I suggest medium rare? Well… rare is…" The server stammered.
"Yes I am aware. Thank you though. Rare is perfect." Cat said and the server nodded and wrote it down.
He then turned to Tim who still looked shocked.
"Medium rare for me." Tim said and the server nodded and left.
Tim couldn't help but ask Cat about her choice.
"You're sure you know how rare, rare is in a place like this?" He asked.
"Practically mooing?" Cat replied and Tim stared opened mouthed.
Cat smiled in humor.
"Yes I know. It is necessary." She replied reluctantly and Tim was curious.
"Necessary?" He asked.
He could tell Cat was embarrassed.
"You can tell me, don't be embarrassed." Tim said and Cat looked at him.
"The …'special' part of me… is carnivorous." She said softly and his eyes widened for a second as he became nervous.
He was now glad he had ordered a stake as well but he hadn't noticed a change in his diet. He wondered and worried if he had done the change wrong.
"Can you not eat… like a human?" He asked.
"A blananced diet of all sorts of meat lets me eat the things I liked before. But while away… I realized it was all I could stomach when I had not been eating properly. Guess I wasn't prepared to feed myself when leaving home."
Tim relaxed a little, luckily he was a true blue red meat eater at home.
"What did you do when that happened? Go somewhere and order a lot of stake?" He asked and she laughed lightly.
"I wasn't exactly in places where stake was on the menu… I learned… to hunt."
"Wow really? That sounds fun." He said and Cat grinned.
"It was. But I also wasn't cooking what I caught." She said and he was surprised but it passed quickly.
"There's nothing wrong with that… considering… I'd like to see you hunt." He said but she shook her head.
"No, never. It's too dangerous. I become the animal… it's very instinctual. Not even all your training could save you if something went wrong. You saw me fight the Amazons. Most of them are almost as strong as me and none could knock me down. Only after they wore me out. Hours of consant fighting." She said.
"Ok I understand. Would be cool to see though." He said and she smiled.
Their food came then with perfect timing.
As they ate Tim was curious at how different rare and medium rare could be. As he ate his he realized just how amazing it tasted to him but he was still curious.
"How is your stake?" He asked Cat.
"Perfectly delicious as always. And yours?" She asked.
"It's great. Leave it to Bruce to employ only the best chefs." Tim said with a laugh.
Cat laughed and continued eating.
"May I try some of yours?" Tim asked and Cat nodded.
She cut him a piece and stabbed it with her fork, then holding it out to him. He leaned forward and ate it off her fork. Instantly he could tell the difference, but he hid his reaction well.
"Hmm it's good." He said as if it was nothing special.
Cat grinned and shook her head, keeping her thoughts to herself.
After dinner they chatted some more and Tim was grateful no one had tried to rob the place. Though Bruce employed the best security, not on their level of security but the best that could be.
"It was nice to finally do this." Cat said.
Tim was surprised by her comment.
"What do you mean?"
"On my last Birthday we were supposed to go out for dinner. Even Bruce. I wasn't privy to his adventures but he "worked" a lot. I was supposed to drive home from school where Dick would pick me up and we'd drive back downtown, but I never made it out of the parking lot." She said.
Tim took her hand in his, he didn't know what to say.
"But don't feel bad for me. It's working out alright. I should have done this a long time ago, but thank you for helping me celebrate my Birthday again." She said and Tim smiled.
The server had a way of showing up right on time. This time he arrived with a small piece of expensive desert of chocolate heaven with a single candle on top.
"We may not sing, thank God, but we do like to help those celebrate. Happy Birthday." The server said with charm and Cat smiled.
"Thank you." Cat replied.
"Make a wish." Tim said.
Secretly Cat wished for courage. Courage to listen to what Tim said and just love someone. She wanted to love Tim but Dick had burned her badly and she might never get over it but she knew she could ignore a lot of things if she wanted. Cat blew out her candle and the server let them be again.
"What did you wish for?" Tim asked.
"It's my understanding that if I tell you, it wont come true. That is how it works right?" Cat asked and Tim laughed.
"Very true. Better not tell me, but I am curious." He said and Cat grinned.
"Maybe I'll tell you one day. If it comes true."
"I cant wait." He said.
Cat picked up her spoon and carved it through the chocolate moose cake and whipped cream concoction.
"Is it ok for you to eat that?" Tim asked, knowing that chocolate was bad for animals and wondering if her stake had satisfied her enough.
"Oh yes. Alfred's been feeding me well and cats aren't like dogs. Don't worry. Try some. It's delicious." She said as she spooned some more and held out the spoon to him. He leaned forward as before and ate what she offered. It was very good indeed and Tim was glad she could really enjoy it. Cat offered to share with him and he accepted.
Soon after they were done the server returned with their check but had some good news for them.
"I am pleased to tell you that your bill has been taken care of, curtsy of Mr. Wayne." He said.
Both Tim and Cat nearly gasped but then again Tim wasn't surprised Bruce had found out about their date. They were instead panicking about if they should pretend not to know him, but Cat was on top of things.
"That was very kind of him. Will you thank him for us?" Cat said.
"I will indeed. Your uncle loves you very much Miss Catarena, I'm sure he never misses your Birthday." The server said.
For once Cat was surprised.
"Don't worry I'm the only one who knows. I've been serving Mr. Wayne for several years now. He talks about you a lot." The server added.
"Is he here? We hadn't even told him we were doing this." Tim said.
Cat had already located Bruce, he was at the bar alone and already looking at her and smiling.
"He's at the bar." The server said, wished them good night and said they were welcome to stay as long as they wished.
"Happy Birthday Catarena. You look beautiful." Bruce whispered and Cat could hear him clear as a bell and so could Tim.
"Thank you." Cat mouthed, knowing he could read her lips.
"I'm sorry. We should have done this again sooner." Bruce said and Cat shrugged.
"It's alright. Next year." She mouthed and he nodded with a smile.
"Have fun tonight." He said and then got up to leave.
Cat turned back to Tim who shared her smile.
"Should we go? I'd hate to hold up a table, it seems crowded." Cat said.
"Oh yes we'll go, but we're not helping Bruce tonight remember. The night isn't over yet." Tim said, reading Cat like a book.
She was curious and questioned him with a look. He got up and held out his hand to her.
"Shall we?" He said.
She took his hand and followed him. Back in the car Cat was curious as to where they were going, they were staying in the city but Cat couldn't figure out where they were headed.
"Where are we going?" She asked.
"You'll see. Just wait. You'll love it." Tim promised.
When they pulled into the Gotham Zoo Catarena became confused.
"The zoo?" She asked.
"Yes, I know how much you love going to the cat house." Tim said.
"But it's closed." She said and he raised an eyebrow at her.
"Since when has that stopped us from doing things? Besides I've got skills and Bruce owns this place too." Tim said as they got out of the car, making their way to the gate. Tim took a small device from his pocket and plugged it into the key pad. He punched a few buttons and it opened.
"Where'd you get the codes?" Cat asked.
"Do you really have to ask?" He said and she laughed.
They went in and hurried to the cat house. Tim punched the code in and the door opened. He held the door for Cat and she entered. The viewing room was dark but the lights in the habitats were dim to simulate the stars and moon, giving off the perfect amount of light. The cats all noticed Catarena right away. Tim watched Cat greet all of them, he now understood her love for them. He walked over when she showed interest in one black panther inperticular. It was young but already big. Tim guessed he was only a year or two old.
"Oh my! Look at you! You've gotten so big!" Cat exclaimed.
"He's not yours is he?" Tim joked.
Cat turned to him and smiled.
"Something like that. I rescued him. His mother had been killed by poachers. When I found him he was skin and bones. Once he was well enough to travel I brought him here. Bruce, of course, helped me. Oh… now that I'm home I'll have to volunteer here when I can." Cat said happily which made Tim smile.
He loved to see her so happy.
"So, did I do good? Did you have a good Birthday?" Tim asked.
Cat turned to him and smiled.
"It was wonderful. The best Birthday I've ever had. Thank you so much." She said, her eyes getting misty as she went to hug him.
He welcomed her to his arms and held her close. He held her a bit more tenderly than just a friend would and he could sense how it made her feel. She was still fighting the feelings she had for him and he couldn't figure out why. She lifted her head to look at him, hoping that he would let her go but he didn't. He wanted her to admit her feelings and he knew how to make her show them. He leaned closer to kiss her, lost in their moment of closeness hoping she would let her guard down as she usually did but this time her guard was on full alert. She ducked her head down away from his kiss so that he'd miss, but he stopped and saw that she was blushing.
"You're blushing. Why cant you admit you have feelings for me? It's as plain as day Catarena." Tim challenged and noticed her pulse was racing.
"Alright fine! You're right!" She spat with tears in her voice.
"Then what's the problem? Is it because I'm so young?" He asked and she shook her head slightly.
It hit him then, the answer to the issue.
"It's because I cant be with you forever." He said flatly and he felt her body tense.
He had guessed right and knew his chances of her being ok with his change were good.
"What if I told you I could?" He asked.
Her eyes went wide and met his.
"What? You didn't…" She said softly.
"I did." He told her and she was speechless as she stared at him.
At first he was worried but she finally spoke again.
"Show me." She demanded.
"Ok, but I shouldn't do it here. We're still on the surveillance cameras." He pointed out and she moved away from him.
She grabbed his hand, pulling him toward the door.
"Lets go, right now." She demanded and he obeyed.
They got back in the car and Catarena told him to drive out of the city towards Wayne Manor. Tim thought she would have him show her at the Manor, which could be more dangerous but deep in the wooded road out of the city Cat made him stop. She got out of the car and he followed. He was confused but she grabbed his hand again, pulling him into the woods. Cat was quiet and Tim followed. She kicked off her heels, leaving them behind in the forest. She quickened her pace as she walked and Tim never had a problem keeping up.
Tim thought they would walk forever but soon Cat stopped at a clearing. Cat let go of his hand and walked a few paces away. She turned and stared at him.
"Show me." She demanded.
He took a deep breath and fixed the back of his pants so that his tail wouldn't get stuck and he pulled his suit jacket and shirt off to the white t-shirt he had on under everything. He knew he'd get warm quickly if he kept it all on despite it being chilly out. Catarena watched him closely. He was suddenly feeling shy with her eyes blazing on him but he transformed and her eyes widened briefly. She was frozen in place and it was driving him crazy not knowing what she was thinking. He decided to see what would happen if he approached her. He walked right up to her. She didn't move but kept her eyes on him. She seemed nervous and timid, not knowing what to do. Tim gently brushed her arm. She jumped with surprise by how soft his fur was. She blushed and looked away, but she gently placed her hand on his chest and stepped closer to him.
"Why?" She whispered.
He could hear the tears in her voice. He lifted his left hand and caressed her cheek to get her to look at him. She looked into his glowing light blue eyes.
"A long time ago you told me not to fall in love with you, but that's just what I did." He said and her tears let lose.
She tried to wipe up her tears but they just wouldn't stop. He could tell they were happy tears. He helped wipe her cheeks with his thumbs.
"Would you like me to stay with you forever?" He asked and she nodded, unable to say the words at first.
"Yes." She finally said in-between her tears.
He didn't know how to stop her tears so he decided to distract her. He took her face in his hands and kissed her full on the lips. This produced the desired reaction from her and this time she didn't move away from him. Cat calmed down and eventually he stopped kissing her so she could speak again.
"You should know…" She began softly. "Dick wasn't the only one who broke my heart." She told him.
"Jason?" He guessed and she nodded.
"It wasn't for the same reason, but it hurt the worst. Mostly because he keeps haunting us it seems." She continued and Tim was shocked.
He'd had no idea and he had no idea what to say to her but he was curious.
"You loved him?" He asked and she half laughed her tears away.
"There's no knowing. Never got the chance." She said and he could see the tears returning.
Tim embraced her.
"I'm so sorry Cat." He said.
"It's ok. It was a long time ago. I think that's why I was against us. He was just a boy who never got to live. I didn't want anything to happen to you." She said.
"Jason's death was not your fault! Don't ever think that! And I'm just like you now. You don't have to worry about me." He said.
"But you don't even see the danger you've put yourself in, not to mention realizing exactly what you've done to yourself. If Wonder Woman finds out…" She began but Tim interrupted her by holding her face again.
"Don't worry about Wonder Woman. I think she's just huffy because she thinks every woman with amazing gifts should be brought to her for training. I also think she and Bruce may have had a thing once and she's taking her anger out on you. Besides Superman is on your side I think he'd do anything to make you happy." Tim said.
"And what about Bruce?"
"I think he'll be pissed but he too would want to see you happy."
"Should we tell him?" She asked.
"I think we can wait a week or two, but defiantly before he figures it out." He said and she nodded but was still worked up over the whole thing.
He embraced her again and she seemed to finally relax. It didn't last for long though when her senses picked up on a storm rolling in. She tensed and took a deep breath.
"What is it?" He asked.
"Do you smell that? A storm is coming. Lets go back to the Manor. We can hang out in my room." She said as she turned and started to leave.
He was shocked by her abrupt change in mood.
"What's wrong? Don't tell me you're a cat who's afraid of water?" He joked but could tell something was bothering her.
"No of course not. Lets go." She said as she grabbed his wrist and made her way down the path quickly.
He kept up her pace and as the storm got closer she seemed almost afraid of it but he was sure that would be impossible she was far too old to be afraid of something they could predict within hours.
They arrived at the car and Cat quickly got in. Tim followed and immediately drove them back to the Manor, though he could tell no matter how fast he went Cat was still impatient. They made it to the Manor before the storm hit and Cat got out and went right in without a word. Tim followed, no one was around and she went straight to her room. Tim was glad he had spare clothes at the Manor. He didn't want to be stuck in his suit. Once in her room she seemed to relax but he could tell she was still a little tense.
"I'm going to change into something else. I'll be right back." He told her and she nodded.
While he was gone Cat quickly changed clothes into something much more comfortable; a long sweater dress that hung loosely with a black bra and spandex shorts. Tim returned shortly and saw her standing in the doorway of her balcony, which was open. The wind had picked up and the storm had really moved in outside but it hadn't started thundering, yet there was lightning in the distance. Tim was certain Cat almost seemed afraid of the storm and he had the instinct to go over to her and hold her tight. As he touched her arm a flash of lighting and clash of thunder startled her so badly she transformed and her eyes fixed on him in fear. She relaxed quickly but Tim could smell the scent of fear on her was thick.
"Are you afraid of the storm?" He asked.
"Don't be silly you just startled me." Cat replied quickly but Tim wasn't buying it.
"Come on don't lie. I can smell the fear on you." He said and she sighed.
"It's just a stupid irrational fear. Don't worry about it." She said which was mostly true, he still wasn't buying it.
He touched her arm, pulling her to turn to him as he lifted her chin with his finger.
"You can tell me. I wont tell soul. I'll stay with you all night if you'd like." He said and she smiled.
"Yes, please stay with me." She said and paused before going on. "This fear is irrational of me, that much is true. The night my parents were murdered it was storming. I was here and Alfred was watching me but before the storm hit I had wandered off to explore. When it started the lights went out and I panicked and hid in the house somewhere. Alfred looked for me everywhere. I could hear him calling me but I just couldn't move. Finally he got the room I was in and when I saw the flashlight I ran to him. He calmed me down but I think I still knew something was wrong. Bruce and my parents were late and I wanted to wait for them. Normally I was such a good child but I gave Alfred hell until he let me stay up. He eventually caved but of course I fell asleep on the sofa until I heard the front door open. By then the lights had come back on and the storm had passed. I ran to the door but stopped dead when I saw Bruce alone… I will never forget the look on his face." She said and Tim embraced her.
He knew he was one of the few to hear this personal account.
"It was also storming the night I was changed." She added.
"What was it like for you? What happened that night?" Tim asked curiously but she shook her head, telling him it was a story for another time.
"I suppose I should realize Gotham is known for storms but I am stuck in this fear… When Bruce told me of Jason's death I went into a blind rage. I don't remember what I did accept what they told me. Bruce and Dick stopped me. When I woke up it stormed that night."
"What did you do to the Joker?" Tim asked.
"I hunted him, tortured him, broke nearly half his bones and beat him within inches of his life. I would have killed him; I wanted to. Bruce took the fall for me. If Wonder Woman had found out she would have locked me away on her island for sure." She said and Tim swallowed hard.
"Do you really understand what you've done to yourself? You will never die and yet can die an infinite number of times. Your family will not see you grow older; they will not see us have children. Eventually you'll have to tell them or leave them forever."
"You talk like it's a curse. These things you're concerned about can be dealt with. I'll train like you. I've already shown amazing control when you fought the Amazons." He said and Cat was shocked but he continued. "And I'll tell my dad eventually. He's been snooping around about my extracurricular activities anyway. I wont regret this Catarena because I'll get to be with you. You risk your life to save everyone at once. Let me save you, ok?" He said and she nodded.
"It seems talking distracted you from the storm." He said after a minute, changing the subject.
"It's easier when someone's with me." She said with a blush.
"Oh man, tell me you used to crawl into bed with Bruce when you were little. That would be so cute. Bruce as the daddy…" He said but paused as something occurred to him.
Suddenly the similarity in Cat and Bruce's scents made sense but he put it aside for the time being to focus on Cat.
"I did a few times when I was little but Bruce was gone most nights remember."
"Then… who?" Tim started to ask but then it registered. "Oh… Dick huh? Of course. So, how old were you when that got awkward?" Tim asked half jokingly but he saw Cat blush deeply and his jaw dropped. "You're kidding me! And you guys never fell for each other?"
"Well, we grew up together so for a long time it was more of a sibling love. Then everything changed and by the time we figured it out it was too late. For whatever reason Dick didn't want to waste his time." Cat said bitterly.
Tim caressed her cheek.
"His loss. From what I've seen he's kind of an idiot when it comes to women. It was probably better that you didn't get mixed up in the drama." Tim said and Cat laughed. "So… every time it stormed you slept with Dick huh?" Tim asked.
"Are you jealous?" Cat mused.
"Maybe a little." Tim said with a pout.
Cat grinned.
"Well if it helps this hasn't happened for several years. I think the last was when Jason died. And you'll be the only one who gets to be with me from now on." She pointed out.
"Hm that helps and I hope on these nights I can help you forget the storm all together." He said softly as he held her face in his hands and kissed her deeply.
He could feel her cheeks burn under his hands. She may have had a short relationship with Jason but it was years ago and she was as innocent as ever. Tim was accomplishing his goal of distracting her but it wasn't enough to overcome the storm which was now raging outside. Cat became very tense and Tim stopped kissing her. He looked at her and she seemed fearful and frustrated. He pulled her close to sooth her, which helped.
"It's getting late. How about we try to sleep. The storm should be over soon." Tim suggested and Cat nodded.
They laid down and Cat rested her head on Tim's chest. He held her close and gently traced his fingers along her back to sooth her. Cat could hear the steady beating of his heart and it soon lulled her to sleep. Tim soon followed and they slept through the night.
Tim didn't awaken until the next morning. The sun was coming up and the light had woken him. Cat was snuggled close with her head nuzzled between his shoulder and neck. Tim was so happy to finally be with Catarena and vowed he would make the rest of her life as happy as possible.
Tim's senses suddenly picked up on someone coming down the hall toward Cat's room. Even more surprisingly Tim realized it was Dick. Tim quickly shut his eyes and pretended to sleep. Just as he thought Dick entered Cat's room but stopped short when he saw Tim was there. Tim surpressed a smirk and enjoyed the thought of Dick being jealous.
"She doesn't need you anymore." Tim thought to himself and within the next minute Dick left.
Tim could tell Dick was very surprised to see him there. As Dick had left, his shutting the door had pushed a gust of his scent toward them. When Cat smelled the scent Tim could feel her tense up. He was glad she found Dick's scent unwanted. Cat then stretched in her sleep, seemingly unaware that Tim was still there. Tim let her move and get comfortable again. She then rolled over on to her right side. Tim followed and wrapped his arm around her. Cat woke up a bit, out of surprise. She wasn't used to having someone with her for a long time. She relaxed quickly. Tim knew it was fairly early and knew Cat liked to sleep most of the morning. He would have loved to stay with her but he knew he should get home. He was already going to get a lecture and felt it best not to get grounded too. Tim leaned over Cat and kissed her cheek and neck. She was reluctant to wake up.
"Cat, I should get going." Tim said softly.
Cat held his arm and he laughed slightly.
"Too early, stay." She replied sleepily.
"I would love to stay but my dad's already gonna lecture me, best not make him ground me too." Tim said and Cat released him.
Tim leaned over and kissed her cheek again.
"I'll be back later." He said softly.
Cat didn't respond and he thought she had fallen back to sleep so he moved toward the door but Cat was up in an instant. Before he could blink she was standing in front of him. He wasn't surprised to see her. In fact he could now see every move she made, no matter how fast she went. She stared into his eyes curiously as if trying to convince herself she wasn't dreaming.
"Do you promise?" She asked as she placed her hand on his chest.
He grinned and pulled her closer.
"I promise." He replied.
Cat bit her lower lip but then tip toed slightly up to his level. He knew what she wanted and tilted his head down to her and captured her lips. She was egar to kiss him and he wanted to continue to but he had to go. He pushed her away and sighed with his eyes closed. He could not describe how much he was attracted to her.
"I'm sorry, I have to go." He said as he looked at her again.
She nodded and let him leave. The sun was barely up and Cat loved the garden after a storm. It was as if the rain made all of the flower scents touchable or edible. Everything seemed washed anew