Soul of a Kitten

AN: Old Story that's getting revived - 2024. More notes are on the bottom.

Chapter 1: The Runner

As Nameless drifted around a shady part of Megakat City, his eyes lingered on a passing display showing the news on multiple on-sale TVs. He heard nothing as the glass prevented him from listening to the news anchors. The anchors waved their arms, and mouths moved as he attempted to decipher their words. He gave up his attempts and waited for them to show a day recap.

The ex-mayor held a tournament, a recent development in science, some heartfelt pieces, and finally, they went about the Swat Kats saving the day. His heart leaped, taking every moment as the brave daredevil Ann Gora followed them as best she could. T-Bone would skillfully evade incoming attacks as his co-pilot handled the weapons. Dark Kat attempted again to take over the city with a new mechanical aircraft, which gave trouble to the duo and the Enforcers. However, unlike the usual beat, the Enforcers were doing better thanks to the new mayor. They weren't kicking tail but holding out longer and aiding the Swat Kats somewhat. The Swat Kats were the ones to figure out a solution and take down the menace with minimal casualties. Ann Gora did her usual sign-off as they flew off, and the camera cut off.

Most shows for kids couldn't compete with this, and kids would play Swat Kats with each other. However, Nameless had never experienced this play and would stare at them from a distance, wishing he could swap places with them, if only for a day. There were other things he wished he could trade with others, but then he would know he had placed someone in his miserable role.

A runner. A runner without a name.

With a chilly breeze, Nameless shifted away and held himself tightly, going back in the direction he was going. It was the middle of winter, and clothes barely kept him warm. As he made it up the stairs of a single apartment building, he knocked on the door with a special knock. Nothing happened until a somewhat messy, burly brown fur tom opened the door.

This tom looked like someone who had done time in the litterbin. From what Nameless recalled and overheard from his boss's loud conversation on the phone, the tom's name is Deacon. The adult wore a dirty white tank top and boxers. His expression was rather stony, some fur missing near his right cheek where some old deep scratches never healed right, and his enormous hands that looked like they could squeeze a brick.

Deacon was not alone. A she-kat waited impatiently behind Deacon, a few feet away, with long black hair, orange fur, and skinny build as she had nothing but a thong. There was a smell in the air, yet it only made Nameless scrunch his nose, remembering his boss calling it the smell of roses for toms.

Deacon looked expressionless when he came out until his eyes widened, and a slight growl escaped his throat. He looked away and muttered something until he returned to Nameless. His expression softens, and he squats, staying silent momentarily before sighing. "Why did he send you? I told his ass to… crud. What a mess. I will have to kick his tail when I see him."

Decon coughed, glancing around the corners before looking at his paw, where a small necklace hung. It is a simple silver chain with a small black rectangle the size of a thumb. A painful look appeared on his face as his eyes glanced from it to Nameless. He rubbed his face and signaled for Nameless to get close. With a soft snap, he secured the necklace on Nameless neck.

"You better take the alleys. That bitch of a new mayor is making waves in this district. Makes me wish I voted for Manx to stay in office," Deacon grumbled. His voice was rough and smoky, yet it had a calming nature. "Say, Kit. How's that piece of shit Tram? I heard he had gained a couple of pounds since the last time I saw him. That true?"

Nameless blinked, though he could only tilt his head at Deacon's question. Sometimes, he wished he could speak to ask instead of making kats guess what he was thinking. The only things that escaped from his throat were noises like a grunt, a sigh, and a broken mew. Maybe that's why his parents left him. Who wants a defective kid? Then again, his boss ignored his attempts to ask when he pointed at the television shows revolving around family.

"D hurry up. I need you now," the she-kat hissed, tapping her toes on the floor and holding herself close. She looked like she was ready to piss herself and jump at Deacon at the same time.

"Torie, just wait on the bed," Deacon said, dropping to sit. He glanced back and grinned. "You better have that tail up when I come in. You hear?"

"Fine. You better take me like you mean it," Torie said with a growl. Her tail swayed sharply, turning around and heading deeper inside the apartment.

Deacon whistled and turned back around. He shrugged his shoulder and smiled. "Mollies. Am I right, little bud? No? Well, you are still too young to understand," he said with a laugh, slightly tapping Nameless chest. His smile faded as he inspected Nameless. "Does Tram hit you?"

Nameless felt his heart race at the question and shook his head, imagining Tram standing near and making sure he responded as he should whenever someone asked him that question. He turned till Deacon grabbed him by the scruff. His little feet dangled as Deacon lifted him and placed him on the ground next to him.

"Ease up, Kit. Only a question," Deacon said, though there was a bit of a growl underneath his tone. "Sit with me for a bit. Please?"

Nameless felt he had no choice but to sit down and wait, fearing retaliation from Deacon for not listening. Most contacts gave him whatever they had for him and gave him the next direction of where to deliver. Pick and drop, then go home. That's it. This whole thing was out of the norm. It felt odd, and he felt scared something would happen to him. He felt something pulling him, looking to see Deacon pressing him close. It was not threatening but relatively warm.

Deacon looked ahead with a lost expression. "I'm not a good kat. Imagine me… a biker… running into this beautiful she-kat at a bar. I should have left her alone as many red flags were there. Then again, I didn't care and chased that tail. She only needed me so she could piss off her parents. I played along. Then we fooled around too much, and it got real." He rubbed the top of his head and gritted his teeth. "Understand… I have anger issues. My biker gang is one of the most feared in this city. I have so many enemies because of it. I've done a lot of bad things. So, how am I… Just know…" he stopped, letting his tail freeze and fall to the ground.

Nameless blinked, wondering why Deacon was telling him this. As he stared at the tom, he asked himself why Deacon wore such a hurt expression. It almost sounded like Deacon was apologizing to him, yet he did not know this kat. It felt weird. He stood up and slowly headed down the stairs.

"Tram hasn't given you a name, right?" Deacon said. He stood up and scratched his neck. "Want me to tell you what one of your folks planned to give you?"

Nameless felt something in him move when he heard that. Then frustration boiled inside as he could not ask Deacon where and who his parents were. He hated his situation and shook. However, he would take what he could get. Looking back at Deacon, he saw the tom waiting in anticipation. He nodded.

Deacon smiled. "Alright…" he said, going down the stairs and kneeling. His chocolate cherry eyes were a stark contrast to his figure. He placed a paw on Nameless shoulder. "Your name is Oliver."

Oliver had never been so happy in his life. It felt unreal, and he liked the sound of his name. His vision blurred, and he could feel something dripping down his cheek. He had an impulse to get close and bury himself in Deacon's chest. Even if the tom pushed him away, he would not mind. He just needed to let himself go for once.

Deacon made a surprised sound, though slowly reaching and returning the hug. The smell of cigars, alcohol, and milky cologne emanated from the tom. Oliver did not mind. Yet again, the same warmth. The tiny purrs mixed with the older tom's purr as they held each other.

After a moment, the tom eased Oliver back before gripping him. He had a tense look. "Go and drop this necklace. When you are done, come back here. Do not return to Tram under any circumstances. Do not come here if something happens when you go to the destination or back. Hide somewhere or with someone. Is that understood?"

This seemed odd, yet the order to disobey Tram made him worried. Again, he wished he could talk and ask. Runs were supposed to be quick and easy, but this sounded messy. He could recall Tram's worried expression as he paced around the room with Deacon on the other line. Something about a list and how they wouldn't have to worry about money anymore. If only he could ask…

"Kit, pay attention!" Deacon growled.

Oliver shook and ducked his head, expecting a hit.

"I'm sorry. Fuck, I'm sorry, but you have to listen to me," Deacon said. He eased his grip and cupped Oliver's chin to face him. "Hopefully, nothing happens, and you come back here safely. I wish I could do this, but I would set off too many alarms if one of those crooks spotted me. They may be busy with those omegas, but the slimy ones are always overly cautious. Just this one job set us up for life. Screw this city… we're leaving this shit hole before it burns down."

Deacon brought Oliver close for another hug, tighter and more tense than the last. He released a shaky breath before letting go. "Stay in the shadows and keep moving. Stay safe, and come back soon. Okay?"

Oliver nodded, turning towards the streets and hurrying to his drop-off point. He refused to look back as he would want to stay with Deacon if he did. The tom was such a nice kat, and he made him feel warm. However, his brain battles with his emotions as Tram's face appears around him, promising a world of hurt if he betrays him. He wanted to believe Deacon, yet he would have to choose once he finished his run.

The weather was picking up, brushing the wintry winds against his fur. Soft snowfall came down. It's going to get more complicated. Megakat City was such a weird place. One day, it's blazing hot, and then raining hail the next day. Then again, it was par for the course as it fit well with the chaotic environment.

Oliver trudged along, taking protection within the alleys as he made his way around. He avoided the trash, the homeless, and other things as he hurried around the maze of the paths. He would leave the sanctuary when he had to run across the street. His flimsy scarf and dirty clothes provided minimal protection, yet they provided a suitable cover as a homeless kit that kittens' services forgot to pick up.

As he went around, he recalled his boss being more fidgety. Tram sweated more than usual, and his carefree attitude was nowhere to be seen. He wore a face pretty well, though Oliver had seen the true face of Tram. The belt this morning stung still when Oliver broke a costly vase.

A pudgy snow leopard that somehow convinced many she-kats to come to his very luxurious apartment. Tram would kick and lock Oliver in his small room, which still had some old cleaning equipment. The condo had enough rooms, yet they all stored Tram's things and the Pleasure Room. Howls, grunts, and roars were the only things Oliver heard while drawing on his book. All the she-kats the next day had a face he made when Oliver ate his favorite type of sandwich. They must be making some of the tough sandwiches in that room.

Oliver rubbed his hands before stopping and looking around. He's been walking forever, and his destination was a few blocks away. He took a step forward in the new, cleaner sector. However, he felt a sudden cold wave brush against his fur, and he sensed eyes on him.

The brightly illuminated street cast long shadows on the empty sidewalks. As the new day began, his frozen tail stood out as the only one in sight. The only thing that caught his eye was the vehicle. The grey and white color scheme told him who owned that vehicle, but he couldn't see if someone was currently inside.

Oliver moved towards the building, crossing the other side of the street. However, the vehicle roared to life halfway to the other side, and headlights attacked him. The door of the car opened, and someone stepped outside.

"Stop right there," a rather rough voice ordered. It wasn't easy to make up the figure as the lights covered the kat. The figure raised something, and it appeared rather heavy.

Oliver whimpered after seeing it better. He backed up and looked around, seeing if he could find somewhere to run.

"I said stop. Move another inch, and I'll blow your head off," the stranger said. He waved the gun towards him. "Get in."

All of Tram's warnings were firing in Oliver's head. If an Enforcer or a Kat with a gun stops him, he better run for it. However, it was too cold to think, and his fears were nailing his feet to the ground.

"I'm not going to repeat myself," the stranger snarled.

Oliver let out a pathetic mew and shivered, wishing someone could save him. He wanted the Swat Kats or even the gentle giant Deacon to rescue him.

Suddenly, another light appeared in the distance behind the gun-wielding tom. A large dump truck is making its rounds in the early morning. The hidden tom hissed, turning to see the incoming vehicle.

Oliver felt a spring in his step, turning his attention towards the other side of the street. A tiny opening to the sewers would be too small for an average Kat. However, a kitten could easily slide in and enter the sewers. He wasted not a single second as he hurried towards the small opening. The approaching vehicle honked, someone shouted something, and the brakes roared as they attempted to stop.

Oliver slid into the opening like a baseball player, entering the darkness and hearing a crash behind him. He landed rather roughly below and felt the cold water touch his bottom. With nothing but shake and rub, he hurried inside the sewers, using his hand to ensure he did not accidentally bump into something.

Felina Feral wondered if she should have let her subordinates handle the call. Of course, it gave her the perfect excuse to avoid her uncle. Sometimes, she wondered if life gave her two fathers instead of two. Both her father and uncle were vastly different, and some would question if they were brothers based on how they approached kats. They shared the same eyes, size, and fur, yet her father, Markus Feral, differed from Ulysses Feral. Feral could silence a room with a stare, while Markus would treat everyone to tea.

"So, let me get this straight. A kit jumped out of nowhere, ran across the street, and went inside the sewers?" Felina asked, drifting towards where the sewer opening should be. A part of the junk the dump truck was carrying semi-blocked the entrance, where some Enforcers were using their flashlights to see if the kit was still there. Some of these toms were heading towards the access chamber nearby, ready to look for this kit. She hoped it wasn't a long search for the kitten's sake. For now, she had to finish getting the last account of her friends' headaches. "You know the drill after this?"

"Yeah. We both be pissing in the cup and making sure we weren't in the influence of anything," Murray hissed, rubbing his bandage arm. The eldest of the two has light coffee fur and is short, like a midget. His more giant eye twitched, and he frowned, patting his younger brother's stomach. "What's the matter, Burke?"

"Well, ah, you think he's not gonna get us fired?" Burke said with a hint of fear. Despite his size, the sniveling giant seemed the jumpiest when faced with danger. His fur was a little red and round like a balloon. His eyes poked underneath the red beanie he kept on. "We nearly killed him."

"It wasn't our fault. It was him or the kit," Murray said with confidence that wavered slightly. He refused to look in the direction his brother was looking at. "Right? Miss Felina?"

Felina fought the urge to roll her eyes at them. These two toms would turn tail when someone higher than them had their sights on them. She would have been cold to them, yet pushed back the thought. There's no point in getting a complaint on her file; they haven't done anything to deserve it like last time. They were awful to her friends at the salvage yard, though they were more cautious because of an incident where she and her girlfriend chewed them into oblivion. She and her girl saw one of their infamous dumps at the front door of the garage. At least they gave their pals a good laugh when seeing the brothers scurrying like headless chickens to clean their mess.

"As of now. The lieutenant commander corroborated the story. However, rules are rules for testing, no matter whose fault it was. If your test comes clean, nothing will happen," Felina said. "Report to the nearest place for testing. You have twenty-four hours."

Both brothers nodded, seeming less tense. They went off to the waiting car nearby, both bickering about today's incident and their damaged vehicle. Apart from minor scratches, cuts, and some glass, they escaped this incident with little harm.

Felina turned her attention to the other individual involved. Reiko Saber, a white fur main coon with some reddish lines around his large, robust body. He oozed charisma every time he spoke to his fellow Enforcers, and some have voiced their support for him to take over whenever Feral retires. Unlike the former commander lieutenant, this one was fearless. One could say nothing negative about this kat.

Reiko had his arm in an arm sling, joking with some Enforcers who roared a laugh. They talked about things and seemed to have a great time. His eyes drifted, and he met Felina's. He said something and excused himself, heading towards her.

"Everything okay, Lieutenant?" Reiko said, walking towards Felina's vehicle and leaning on the hood. "Something is itching your mind?"

"Excuse me?" Felina said.

"You have a look. A look filled with questions," Reiko said, taking out a cigarette and lighter. He stopped before he lit it and smiled. "I'm sorry. Where are my manners? You don't mind?"

"Not at all," Felina said.

Reiko lit the cigarette, taking a considerable drag, before exhaling a cloud of smoke. "Let me guess. You are wondering why I was here. An amazing donut place opens early, a couple of blocks down. Heard of Sal's Donuts?"

Felina shook her head. She would check it out later, though she suspected Reiko was telling the truth about the store.

"Amazing glaze donuts. Run by a lovely couple that migrated to our chaotic city a few years back," Reiko said. He pulled the cigarette away and tapped it, letting the ash fall. He stared up at the night sky. "We should stop by and grab some for the morning shift. What do you say?"

"Unfortunately, I'll have to pass. Going to head back to Enforcer HQ and finish this report," Felina said.

"Shame," Reiko said as he moved out of the way.

Felina saluted Reiko, entered her car, and started the engine. A tap on the glass made her look to see Reiko again. She rolled down her windows. "Sir?"

"Don't you worry about the report. I'll handle it. You should head home and get some rest," Reiko said, tapping the base of the hood. "Give the mayor my well wishes."

Felina nodded, seeing Reiko go back towards the remaining Enforcer privates. On the one hand, she felt glad to head straight home. Yet, her gut told her there was more to it and to stay. Just when Jake, or should she say Razor, got tricked that he hurt an old couple, only to find out Dark Kat set it up. Like Jake's mate, Felina suspected things weren't as they seemed and checked it out. She was right then and felt that her gut was warning her again. However, with a defeated groan, she realized she had to deal with another more personal issue later today. She would keep her ears up if anything about this situation develops.

It didn't take long for her to start her car. The time read four in the morning, so traffic would not pick up till two hours later. The pleasant drive on the lonely highway guided her to her next exit. A couple of turns here and there led her to an apartment building.

The apartment had a single elevator and stairs with an underground parking lot. Each floor was owned by someone, primarily high-income kats who lived here. Now, Felina wouldn't consider her income high enough to afford something like this, yet her lover's late grandfather was generous enough to give it to his granddaughter in his will. Sometimes, it reminded her that her girl comes from wealth. However, she had no interest in that, finding her lover attractive because of her dedication to serving the kat citizens of Megakat City.

As she reached her floor, the door opened to a small hallway with a single entry. She unlocked it, headed inside, and closed the door behind her. She took off her shoes and put them in the shoe cabinet.

The apartment had enough space for six kats to live inside. They only used four - one for their bedroom, two guest rooms, and an office space. Most of the furniture of the previous owner is still there, with some new ones from the new owners.

"Babe, you here?" Felina said, rubbing her neck and heading deeper inside.

Once she arrived at the living room, a light tan fur calico kat with blond hair sat on their favorite couch. A sprawl of paperwork surrounds Calico 'Callie' Briggs. Her small breath whisks the paper on her face. Old coffee and the aroma of pumpkin filled the air.

A smile spread across Felina's face, silently making her way towards the couch and touching Callie's shoulder. Her mate stirred a bit until she groaned and removed the paper on her face. There was a slight pause as Callie's emerald green eyes blinked, and she moaned as she stretched.

"Long day?" Felina said, already behind the couch and working on her mate's tight shoulders. "Let me guess. You are killing yourself over the charity party."

Callie let out a purr and relaxed. "Correction…The Adam Foundation. I'm nervous. George is helping me as much as possible. There's so much to do and so little time. Plus, it doesn't help I have meetings and mountains of paperwork to deal with," she said, leaning her head back and staring at Felina. She cupped Felina's cheek with a hand and stroked it. "Is it bad that sometimes I regret running?"

Felina grabbed her lover's paw and put a bit of pressure on it. "You can't think like that, babe. Some toms are still cautious about you becoming mayor. Don't want to give them a reason to undermine you or look down at you."

"I know! God, those pricks only saw me as another bimbo blond when I was deputy mayor," Callie said with a hiss. She made a face until she calmed down and let out a laugh. "I still remember that one day I shut down a tom. I think it was the second week. He didn't think I knew things about policies and laws until it was too late. Now Samuel tries to one-up me anytime we meet."

Felina grinned and nodded. She recalled her struggles back in the academy days. With every twist and turn of the long months of basic training, they questioned her place in a male-dominated role. If they didn't ask what she had under her pants, they whispered nepotism behind her back. However, now she had a team that had her back despite the few Enforcers still questioning her.

"Come on. Let's go to bed," Felina said, going around and tugging her mate up. She stopped and let out a sheepish smile. "Unless you want to fool around till morning."

"Oh no! You aren't getting out of it," Callie said, putting her hand on her hips. "You can't keep avoiding it. I'm going to meet your family."

"You already know my uncle. Isn't that enough?" Felina said, wishing to convince Callie.

"Unless Dark Kat has a world-ending bomb, then no," Callie said, her tone firm and serious. She sighed and looked up. "They can't be bad like my parents."

"Cal," Felina said, seeing Callie folding her ears. She could still feel those eyes staring at her. The Briggs could fake a smile and pleasant conversation underneath all the venom. "It wasn't that bad."

"Please, if you weren't Feral's niece, they would be more ruthless in their comments," Callie said, crossing her arms and leaning on the arm of the couch. Her green eyes glanced toward the window. "At least my brothers like you."

"I'm pretty good at making friends with toms once they know they can't get into my pants," Felina said with a shrug.

Callie snorted. "Unfortunately for me, it's the opposite. Most guys want me more, expecting a threesome with another girl."

Felina moved in and kissed Callie. "Unfortunately for them, I don't share."

Callie purred and moved in to nuzzle Felina's neck. "Down girl. You ain't getting out of this with sex."

"Phooey. Alright, alright. Just don't blame me when my dad becomes unbearable," Felina said. She sighed and let her mate guide her to their room.

"Oh, come on. I would kill for my father to be like that. What did he tell you again when you told him about us?"

"First, he said, 'Go, lesbians,' and said he loves me no matter what. Then he asked if he should buy a shirt that says 'I'm a proud father of a lesbian,'" Felina said, shaking her head. "Don't get me wrong. I love my dad, but sometimes he can go too far with his support."

"Sounds like someone got embarrassed during school," Callie said with a cheeky grin.

"Make that school to my graduation with the Enforcers. When they called my name, he cried his eyes out and screamed how proud he was of me in front of fellow graduates," Felina said, feeling her cheek flush at the memory. "At least Ma is the calmest of the two. Hope your stomach is ready because she's a spicy she-kat."

Callie made a so-so gesture until she paused before the bedroom door. She glanced back with a sad look. "Shame we have to miss Jake's birthday. We should take him and his mate out somewhere nice this week. Chance's birthday was ruined thanks to that month's ongoing assaults from the omegas to the next."

Felina sighed. "They are proud toms. If they can't afford it themselves, they will decline. You know that, Cal."

"They can be so stubborn sometimes. I just… wish I could help them out and void their debt. It's so unfair. They deserve to be happy, especially with what they do for this city," Callie said, shaking her head. "Speaking of stubborn. How did it go?"

"I talked to my uncle about it… and it wasn't the most pleasant conversation if you can call it that," Felina said, wishing she could do something for them. Her uncle clarified that they either needed to pay for it or get a bunch of signatures from high-ranking council members to pardon it. "We'll figure something out."

Callie nodded, heading inside their room. She led them to their king-size bed and lifted her side. "Of course. I wonder if Chance has something planned for Jake today."

"Apart from great sex?"

Callie giggled. "You two horn dogs have the same brain wave."

"We aim to please."

Chance Furlong grunted and hissed as the sun's glare attacked his eyes. He blinked and turned away, yawning and scratching his furry, sandy cheeks. The sun marked another day. Yet he wanted to go back to sleep and rest. After a long battle with Dark Kat, the Turbo Kat needed to be examined. There was much to do and not a lot of energy to…

Chance almost gasped out loud until he kept it shut. Only a shift from his mate and a small grunt came out.

Jake Clawson would have been awake before Chance, but a minor skirmish with that purple freak had left him sore and tired. Jake had his face nestled in Chance's patch of brown fur in the middle of his chest. There was a slight grunt as the cinnamon tom shifted deeper into Chance's chest. It was rather cute to see Jake like this.

Chance fought his primal urge to take the small tom. He had other plans. He shifted his mate away and made his way to the edge of the bed. It didn't take long for his gigantic frame to exit smoothly from the bed, resulting in only a slight creak from the bed frame and angry grunts from behind. Staring back, he saw Jake shuffling at the loss of warmth and nuzzling the large pillow.

Chance could not help but chuckle at the sight. However, he had to focus and prepare. Their life isn't the most stable compared to other kats. Only running the salvage yard and shop would bring them more stability and grounding. However, he knew that he and his mate couldn't stand back and watch their precious city get hurt by bad kats. That and they have an unhealthy thrill of running into danger like a couple of young kits playing hero.

Exiting the room, he gave one final look at Jake before heading off.

Chance walked down the hall of the second floor, making his way towards their living room. He passed Jake's old room, the bathroom, and the small storage room. He stopped and moved towards the connected kitchen. His first stop was the fridge, where he fiddled with a box and prepared it to look nice. Then he went to the cabinet below the sink and pulled out a small package. Once done with the second floor, he descended the stairs to the garage. It didn't take long to put 'closed for repairs' and grab the newspaper from outside. He hurried back upstairs and settled at the kitchen table. Now, all he had to do was wait.

The newspaper contains a story of last night's success on the front page with minor quips from eyewitnesses. Apart from some ads and other brief reports, the only other thing of note was the Mayor Briggs interview. Chance knew Callie had to be professional, yet he could decipher her words and what she wanted to say. Too many grubby politicians wish to undermine her attempts to fix the city, starting with proper funding for the city's protection. The Enforcers' equipment and gear are three steps behind and can only protect this city defensively. However, last night showed that Callie's attempts were making baby steps in the right direction.

"Hope Cal can turn things around soon," Chance muttered, flipping to the next page.

"What about Callie?" a tired voice called out.

Chance shifted the papers down and grinned at the sight of his mate. They were both in their boxers and nothing else. Jake seemed out of it as he leaned against the door frame leading to the kitchen.

"That I hate politics and hope Cal can make these stubborn assholes listen," Chance said, wishing he could just knock some sense into them. Life would be easy if he could just solve things with his fist. "All those toms in their high chairs are waiting for the moment to pounce on her."

Jake nodded, though he soon narrowed his eyes. "Say, is there a reason you are awake before me?" he said. Of course, nothing got past him and his keen eyes. "Is something happening today?"

Chance covered his mouth with the newspaper to hide his grin. "Maybe. Can you grab a can from me from the fridge?"

Jake made a face, squinting at Chance and then the fridge. With a defeated sigh, he moved towards it and grabbed the handle. "I swear, if this is another prank, I'm gonna cut your tail," he muttered. He closed his eyes and opened it.

Chance chuckled, throwing the paper aside and standing next to his mate. He couldn't blame Jake for thinking it was a prank. Jake would usually be game for it unless he were not in the mood, resulting in Chance sleeping on the couch.

Jake slowly opened his eyes and blinked. A simple vanilla cake in the fridge sat in the middle with 'Happy Birthday' in red letters and Jake's age in candles reading 28. He stayed silent, slowly drifting his attention back to Chance and his mouth quivering.

"You can say something, ya know?" Chance said with a snort. He cupped his mate's chin and stroked those furry cheeks. A tear fell from Jake's eye. Chance's stomach tightened, and he felt confused. "Uh, Jake? What's wrong?"

Jake drifted closer and placed his head on Chance's chest. He held on tight and let out a shaky breath. "I love you."

"Huh? Oh! I love you too," Chance said, still confused by the entire scene. He put his head on his mate's head, feeling the smaller tom nuzzle his neck. He wrapped his enormous arms around Jake and brought him closer. The sense of worry oozed out of his mate's scent.

For a moment, only their purrs and rumbles escape from them as they hold each other. Once Chance felt Jake's tension ease up, he pulled back and clasped his mate's shoulder.

"You gonna tell me what's wrong?" Chance said.

Jake sighed. "Sorry. I didn't mean to break like that," he said. His eyes wandered around for a moment as he patted Chance's hands. "I'm fine. I just… I just… No, let's move on. I can't believe you remember my birthday. We've been so busy with the garage and Swat Kats. Sometimes, it makes you think how fast life is moving."

Chance nodded, looking at his mate for answers. However, he could only focus on Jake's eyes before asking. Those eyes checked out their living situation and beyond. He licked his lips, wondering if Jake was thinking about their conversation days ago. It was a simple conversation about how they thought their life would be if they didn't get kicked out of the Enforcers.

Chance had a girlfriend before they got kicked out, and he wondered if he would have kits at this point. There was when Jake asked Chance if he had ever imagined himself mating with a male, which got a maybe as a response. Now, Chance liked both fields but was rather picky with males and the dominant partner in the relationship, which caused issues. At one point, Chance thought he or Jake would end up with Callie or Felina until an incident with Dark Kat occurred. Nothing scared him, yet seeing Jake near death's door made him realize he could never see himself without Jake, his Jake. Their buddy squanders became lovers' quarrels, their hangouts became dates, and they slowly began sharing a bed. Then Chance claimed Jake as his mate, and the smaller tom accepted him.

Nothing seemed amiss during their conversation, with Jake explaining he was unsure who he would end up with since he based his interest on the character of a kat. However, there was a moment that Chance dismissed as nothing until now. As he stared at Jake, he could see in those eyes that he wanted something. He could guess what it was, though they briefly talked about it and usually avoided lingering on that topic. How could they, especially with what they do? Maybe if they take care of all the omegas, then perhaps? Yet, how long would that take? When they are gray and old?

"Jake," Chance said, almost in a whisper. He got Jake's attention. Like the wind, he pressed his lips on his mate's mouth.

Jake surrendered to the kiss, mewing and purring as he put his arms around Chance's neck. Chance wasted no time, closing the fridge with his foot and then putting his hands on Jake's ass. He guided them to the kitchen counter and lifted the cinnamon tom. They hungrily kissed and nipped each other's bodies, rubbing their fur with need.

"We'll figure it out, Jake. We always do," Chance said, stopping the play and putting the temple of his head on Jake's. "Let's not dwell on it now. We have a birthday to celebrate today. You and me, buddy."

"You and me," Jake repeated. He bit his lip and frowned. "Sorry for…"

"Don't sweat it, kitten. How about we skip the cake and jump into the dessert?" Chance said lustfully. He went up and nipped Jake's ear. "What do you say?"

Jake shivered, and his expression turned submissive. "I'm all yours. Now and always," he whimpered.

Chance let go of the ear and lifted Jake. His mate's lean and muscular body held onto him. He guided them out of the kitchen and down the hallway to their room. He focused on making his mate remember this morning and today.

Jake's happiness is all that matters.

Oliver yawned, shifting around the darkness till his head found an opening. He hissed as the sun hit his eyes, and he rubbed them. The alley was dirty and littered with junk, with the distant citizens already making their rounds for today. As he crawled out of the mountain of boxes, a few newspapers ripped and fell off him. Once out, he checked on his shoes and clothes hanging on a box. He grimaced at the smell, though a winter breeze reminded him of his situation.

With semi-wet clothes on, he walked towards the edge of the alley to the street. He did not know where he was as he jumped out of the sewers at the first opening he found. However, this is where he was stuck. Where does he go now?

Tram would beat him if he came home without finishing the drop. So home, if he could call it that, was not an option. He wanted to run back to Deacon, but the tom's warning still lingered in his mind. Run if anything happens and find shelter somewhere else. The yearning to feel the warmth remained in his mind, yet he listened to the warning. Plus, he was sure the Enforcers were looking for him. He didn't see who that tom was, but the vehicle was recognizable as an Enforcer patrol car. So now he had to worry about Tram's gang or the Enforcers finding him.

Oliver let out a whimper at his situation and wished someone could save him from this situation. But before he thought about it more, a great growl came from underneath. He hissed and grabbed his stomach, wishing for a thick, juicy burger.

"Honestly? Can you be less dense, dude," a tom brown fur kat said, stopping near a bus stop. "She expects a gift, regardless of how long you have been dating."

"Damn. What should I get?" another orange fur tom said. He scratched his head and looked up. "Think I can find something in the mall nearby?"

"Maybe, though, you better hurry after work. Jeez, read the signs next time, or she'll dump your ass," the brown kat said.

Oliver watched their banter for a bit and wondered if the mall was a good idea. He always wanted to go, but Tram would say no every time he pointed at the TV playing a commercial for a mall. Watching life through the television made him lonely. Sometimes, he wished to be like those toms and mollies from the TV shows he watched. The night was the only time he could step outside, but Tram always set his destination in stone. Go and come back. Go and come back. Now that he ran away, he didn't know what to do.

Oliver looked down at his dirty shoes and then around before taking the first step forward.

AN: Hi there! This is an old fan-fiction story that never went anywhere until now. It is originally from fan fiction. Like Alone in Hell, I'm slowly reviving all the old stories and reworking them. I have a clear idea of where to go with this, and I hope you guys enjoy the ride.