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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"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?"

Hermione lifts the kitten out of the box, now that she is free to bond properly to him.

"His name is CJ. It is short for Crookshanks Junior."

"A fine name for a legacy passed on. Greet your brother properly, Sochya."

The little black kneazle kitten gives a big yawn and stretch before getting up wobbly on his feets and leaning over to sniff at the kitten in Hermione's hands. He curls his tail around himself and leans against the kitten.

Hello, brother.

"It would seem that you've accomplished the task Crookshanks entrusted you with, Hermione."

CJ sniffs Sochya in return. And then gives his brother a quick little bathe. Gotta make sure that Sochya is looking as dignified as his new chosen.

"He served me well for many years. It will be difficult to say goodbye to him."

Squeak!

Noooo not in front of the humans CJ, but he's held still until the eldest kitten is satisfied that he's fit to be seen in public. All nice and clean Sochya bumps his head against Hermione's hand once more for good measure before heading back over to Spock to curl up on his lap.

Those robes look mighty comfortable.

"Perhaps it is little comfort, but there is no logic in fearing something like this. Crookshanks has diligently made sure you will be cared for in his stead. As all things live, so all things must pass. The time he spent with you is precious to him as well. He will live on in your memories and in his legacy. You are a strong woman, he has protected you so that you could become who you were meant to grow into."

Hermione strokes her hands through Crookshanks and CJ's respective fur. The kitten is now nuzzled close to his father, where he can provide support and comfort.

"Crookshanks is a very diligent character. And I am grateful for the gift he gave me, and others who meant so much to him."

"He will always live on in my memories."

"And I feel that he already knows what is ahead for me. And that I will be strong enough to face it, no matter what it is."

"It does not make the loss easier to digest emotionally, but reminding yourself of these things will ensure you respect his memory in the way he would want to be remembered."

Spock reaches a hand across the table to point at Hermione's chest. He gives a somber nod.

"You are important to him as well. Remember he would never willingly let you come to harm. I believe you are very strong too, Hermione."

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