nexus_crossings | when is a question not a question

when is a question not a question

Hermione has her hands full when she enters the Nexus today. She has a large box in her hands, which has Crookshanks laying on top of it.

"Where do you want to go?" She speaks to the cat softly. He blinks at her a couple of times. Hermione smiles softly, and heads towards the Grand Library. Their favorite place to visit. The same place where they first visited when they entered this area of the Nexus, so many months ago.

She sets down the box gently. Crookshanks closes his eyes, content with the location. He seems to be guarding the box. Or whatever is inside the box.

Hermione doesn't seem to have a question today. She pulls a large book out of her small beaded bag. And gives Crookshanks another fond smile, petting him softly.

Crookshanks seems to be waiting for someone to appear. Who could it be?

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With the cold weather stymieing exploratory ventures in the Nexus, Spock and Jim have taken to quiet afternoons spent playing chess or reading together in their new abode. It does mean an unfortunate trip outside every so often though, and Spock is gratified once he's inside the warmth of the library.

Once he's done shaking the snow from his cloak and robes he's slow to make his way to a new section of the library and select a variety of books for himself and Jim to enjoy for the next few weeks.

He pauses when a familiar human and cat catch his eye.

"Hermione Granger and Crookshanks." He gives a slight bow of his head in way of greeting before slowly approaching. "It is gratifying to see you here. Are you both well?"

Hermione smiles in greeting. "I am doing well. And Crookshanks is having a peaceful day, so far."

The cat opens his eyes briefly. And chirps softly.

"He is glad to see you here today, Spock."

"And I you, my feline friend."

Spock gives a small smile, just a quirk of his lips really, to the cat before pulling up a chair next to Hermione and easing himself into it. It takes longer than it used to but such is the way of getting on in his years.

"Both Jim and I finished that book you gifted us for a second time now. I must say we found it quite fascinating. I wanted to thank you for your suggestion."

Once Spock is seated and his outer robes pulled down to not cover his head anymore he reaches out to give Crookshanks a soft pet. The cat is less animated than usual. Perhaps he is not overly fond of the cold either.

"I am glad that you enjoyed it." Hermione appreciates a good book herself. That is why she enjoys the library so much.

Crookshanks tilts his head into the pets. He sighs contently.

"He wishes to give you a gift, if you are willing to accept it."

"A gift, from Crookshanks?"

Spock looks between the two of them and is silent for a moment. He bows his head toward Crookshanks after only a few seconds.

"I am honored to be deemed worthy of such a token. Though I'm afraid I have nothing to give in return. Was this an Earth custom or a holiday I should be aware of?"

"Sort of a custom. He wishes to leave behind a legacy, before it is time for him to rest." Hermione takes a soft breath.

She opens the top of the box. Several little tiny mews are now heard.

"He understands that if you do not want the responsibility, that you need not accept his legacy. But he feels that you could use a guardian, Spock."

"Ah."

The Vulcan's voice grows soft then as he hears the tiny mews coming from inside. He gives Crookshanks a knowing look and bows his head.

"I would be honored to accept such a gift. But he must be aware that I am like he is. I do not know how many years I have left. I do not wish to leave his legacy without a friend. Would they be willing to accept my bondmate in my stead when I am no longer here?"

He does like the idea of someone to look after Jim when he is gone. He can understand how Crookshanks feels.

"He knows this."

"The kitten that choose you would also be choosing your bondmate. Because of that connection that already exists is precious and unique."

"Ah, Jim is not here on this day. But I would be gratified for someone to look after him. He cares so much. I can assure you he will be a fine companion."

He wonders if Jim will know that Spock is thinking about him. He is psi blind but has always had more of an ability to know what Spock is thinking than he gives himself credit for. It makes him pleased to think Jim would feel the same warmth he does when he thinks about the human.

"I accept Crookshanks' gracious gift, then."

"Please hold your hand out into the box, and one of the kittens will choose you. That kitten will accept both you and your bondmate as part of his or her family."

For Spock, his kitten is waiting for this moment. A black tabby immediately moves forward, before the other kittens can react. And nuzzles his head against Spock's outstretched hand.

"What a lovely animal you are, indeed."

The black kitten that's come forward and butted his head against Spock's wrinkled hand makes the Vulcan's eyes shine with delight. There is a feeling in the back of his mind when it touches him and he can only smile knowing Crookshanks' children are every bit as special as he is.

"This little one gives me peace of mind knowing Jim will not be alone. I lack the words to properly express my gratitude to you both."

The bond between the Kneazle and Spock is created a little faster than normal. Spock will be reassured that this bond will carry over to his bondmate.

"We are glad that he brings you peace."

"It is customary for a parent to gift a child with a name, is it not?"

He looks between Hermione, Crookshanks, and the kitten with it's still wobbly gait as it wanders closer to him. Spock is careful when he lifts it out of the box.

"May I inquire as to what I should be addressing him as?"

"The Kneazle custom is different. The name is not chosen until after the bond is created by the Kneazle and their chosen." Hermione explains.

"So it would be you who would sense best, to what his name is."

"I see."

It is both an honor and a serious task to assign a name to another. Spock peers down at the kitten happily curled up on his lap. He gives Spock the tiniest little 'mew!' when their eyes meet before shuffling a bit to get even more comfy and tucking his head with a tiny purr. The kitten isn't worried in the least.

"Little one, little Sochya." Peace, harmony, serenity. A welcome addition to their quiet life. "It is an honor to care for a part of Crookshanks' legacy."

"Sochya." Hermione smiles. "That is a lovely name."

"Crookshanks is glad that Sochya will take care of you, and your bondmate."

"You do me a kindness. I will do everything within my power to take care of him as well."

Spock knows the tiny kneazle understands this, too. What a remarkable creature. He's always found himself drawn to felines but never has he had a connection with one that he feels now.

"Which one of these fine children is to be yours, Hermione?"

"The one who is destined to choose me will be the last to leave. He is waiting for his brothers and sisters to leave first." Hermione smiles.

Hermione holds out a book to him, the title is 'How to Care for Your Kneazle'.

"Here. This will help."

"Mature beyond his years as you are, then. Eager to see his siblings off safely. Caring then as well."

Spock gives Crookshanks a knowing sort of look and smiles just a bit. He accepts the book Hermione offers him.

"Thank you. I will read it thoroughly and make sure Jim does, as well." Ah, Jim. That's right. He should introduce his bondmate to their new little friend as soon as possible. It's important for Sochya to know his other master too. "I would ask if you are interested in accompanying me to gather supplies but I would not want those little ones subjected to the cold unnecessarily. Is there anything I can get for you or Crookshanks while I am out? I will need to gather necessities for Sochya."

Crookshanks purrs softly. Of course, the most mature of his children would choose Hermione.

"Thank you for the offer. We must make sure the others find their chosen, today."

"If you would not mind bringing some kitten supplies back with you, for my kitten, that would be appreciated. I don't know how long we will have to be here."

"Of course not. Sochya, will you stay with your father and Hermione while I venture outside? It is quote cold out there. I will return shortly."

He scoops the kitten up in his hands and reaches across to where Crookshanks is laying to deposit the sleepy kitten next to his father for the time being. If he'll stay put, there's no need for both of them to get unbearably cold for the time being.

"I will return with the required items."

Crookshanks purrs contently when his son is deposited near him. And lazily licks the kitten's ears. Hermione smiles at the sight of them.

"Thank you, Spock."

It takes the elderly Vulcan a moment to don all his robes and hoods again before he sets out into the Nexus.

Sochya gives a sleepy mewl at the lazy bathtimes and stretches out his little feets real good before curling up on Crookshanks. If Hermione puts her hand anywhere near the kitten he's going to hug onto one of her fingers and cuddle it while he dozes with his dad.

Though eventually he'll sit up and give a biiiiig yawn and a squeak. Spock's coming back. Sure enough, the Vulcan will soon be visible coming up the stairs again. This time he's carrying several bags, one of which he will set down next to Hermione.

"Kittens require a slightly different diet than an adult feline, so I've procured the necessary food items for you as well as some other items that may be of use." There's definitely a soft baby blanket sticking out of the bag. Spock doesn't want any one of them to be cold when they leave here. Not even the cats.

Now that Sochya has bonded with Spock, Hermione is free to pet him. And smiles softly when he hugs her finger. And cuddles with his dad.

And she recognizes those signs when a Kneazle feels his chosen coming back. That little squeak is adorable. By that time all the rest of the kittens, except for one, have found their chosen.

That last kitten is poking his head out of the box. What is going on out here? Everything good?

"This is wonderful Spock. Thank you."

Is there only the one little kitten left in the box now? Spock raises an eyebrow when it pokes its little head out to peer around. This must surely be Hermione's kitten then. It certainly has her sense of curiosity. He's careful not to touch the kneazle kitten as he separates and sets the supplies for Hermione's kitten next to the box.

"It was no trouble at all, Hermione. I was out to get supplies for Sochya already, and I did offer to assist you. I am gratified the items are to your liking."

Spock takes his seat once more and does not remove his cloaks this time. He needs to warm up.

"Will you introduce me to your new friend?"

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