028.

[truthin_bones]

-not a scratch post.

[After the thump, it is the first thing recorded into the journal. It's responded by a sharp meow and a hiss, followed by another thump.]

I do not want you on my bedside table eith- put that down! Howie, that is not edible. Brainy Smurf is... [Meeeeeowwwwwhisssss and a gasp from Brennan. Preserving Brainy Smurf (however much she will not admit how much the small toy's presence means to her) is worth a couple of scratches.

By now she's noticed the journal on the floor and has bent down to pick it up. There are a few seconds of silence.]

[To the cat:] I don't know why you've started acting like this. You were... surprisingly agreeable to co-habitat with until recently. [When Brennan started spending more and more time in the Peace Patrol laboratory again.]

As reluctant as I am to ask for it, I know there are a number of pet owners here in the Castle. I... admit, I could use... some assistance at the moment.

Comments

[truthin_bones]

I -- [But she can't really fault Hermione, can she? Not when she's kept some of Booth's possessions during his time in the castle.]

Have they ever been here?

[courageous_wit]

Yes, they have. We've all been here a number of times. So there's a chance they'll come back.

[truthin_bones]

[She wrinkles her nose a little.]

That is... not something I am very optimistic about. There does not seem to be any order to arrivals and departures from Paradisa.

[courageous_wit]

True, but I still hope they come. It really doesn't feel the same without them.

[truthin_bones]

[Slowly and quietly]

It is still not the same without Booth here.

[courageous_wit]

[Hermione smiles at this, watching as Crookshanks tries to paw at Howie] You'll see him again when you go back home.

[truthin_bones]

[Howie blinks, cocking his head and looking at Crookshanks with curiosity. He reaches out his own paw in a mimic of the action.]

Even if I were to leave, matters are... different between us back home.

[courageous_wit]

[Crookshanks seems pleased to have a young cat to teach. Or something]

I see.

[truthin_bones]

[Brennan nods and falls quiet, watching Crookshanks and Howie interact for a few seconds.]

I was not aware you had a cat, Ms. Granger.

[courageous_wit]

I bought him for my thirteenth birthday. He's quite intelligent.

[truthin_bones]

Has he been with you this whole time?

[courageous_wit]

Yes! He even stayed when I went back to my world for a bit.

[truthin_bones]

Who took care of him then?

[courageous_wit]

There's an animal shelter in the city. They must have taken him in while I was absent.

[truthin_bones]

Ray obtained Howie from a shelter, too.

[There's a fond look at the cat when she mentions him.]