Nico's POV

What happened today was.. Unexpected. Octavian actually let me eat today. I didn't get much. A lot of the other Nekos pushed me away. This is what I get for being so small. I looked like a runt compared to these other Nekos. To be honest, I'm starting to think I am a runt. I'm tiny, I'm so much weaker then the other Nekos my age, and I get hungry and thirsty much quicker then others. Great. Another thing wrong with me. That also gives me another reason for the older Nekos to bully me. They rammed their large bodies into me, throwing me off balance. They would bite and step on my tail. They would even drag me by my tail, making me the last person to eat. Sometimes, I would miss meals entirely. I've gotten used to it. I don't think I could get any skinner before I die. I guess Octavian knows this. Maybe he'll let me eat until I can manage to gain some weight. 

It was a normal day, so far. I was in the corner of our little pen. I watched the other Nekos prowl around and hiss at each other. Everything was quiet. Then the bell sounded. The same bell that meant someone was coming in. I panicked, curling myself further in my corner and watched the others attempt to do the same. A family walked in. The ones I assumed were the parents looked similar. The one I assumed was the kid looked like a perfect mixed of them both. He was smiling, looking straight at the pen. Then, his smile began to falter. He stared at the other Nekos who either cowered in fear or hissed at him. His parents stared in disbelief and disgust. Of course. That's normal for humans who witnesses our condition for the first time. 

Octavian walked over, a fake cheerful look on as he welcomed the family. The father began talking to him while the mother whispered something to her son. It was probably something like, "Let's get out of this dump". I don't blame her. I wanted to agree with her. But I had to follow the most important rule here, never ever EVER change out of cat form when humans are around. I didn't want to suffer another heart break like with Hazel. I wonder if she got a new, normal cat. I hope so. 

I looked up and locked eyes with the blond boy. He was older then me, that's for sure. He's really tall too. He also had this sort of glow to him. His eyes were comforting. It was strange. I expected him to just look away, but then he did something I haven't seen anyone do in a long time. He straightened (Ha) up and gestured towards me, looking at Octavian.

"Is this one for sale?"

I could feel my eyes widen to the size of saucers. Was he.. Was he going to adopt me? Oh Dio. I saw Octavian grimace at me, but smiled saying "Of course". He walked over to me, for once being gentle. He picked me up by tucking his hands underneath me and lifting me into the air. I mewed in fear, but let my body freeze in panic. Another rule, never attack him or any human. I glanced down into the pen in desperation, but they all looked away. Probably relieved it wasn't them. Jerks.

He placed me in the hands of the boy who pulled my into his chest, probably in an attempt to not drop me. I put my paws on his chest to steady myself and looked up at him. He was already looking at me, smiling and stroking my head. He was warm. Really warm. I couldn't help but purr as his fingers got to my ears. He awed at me. This was humiliating. 

"Are you sure you want this one, darling? He's a skinny little thing," his mother told him.

I squirmed, trying to get out of his grip. I didn't want to be disappointed again. I can't stay a cat forever. I've changed back into human form a few times before. It was just when Octavian wasn't looking. The others have done the same. It's just our nature. I'm going to get caught and thrown out. I can't let myself get hurt again. Even if this kid ends up being nice, his parents are already rejecting me. 

Octavian made a sharp sound with his mouth, making me freeze. That was a warning. He only did it when someone was breaking a rule when other humans were around. What rule am I breaking? Wait.. Don't fight while being adopted. That's what I'm doing. I sunk into the boy's embrace. His hands almost fit completely around me. He ran his thumb down my back, making me want to sleep right then and there. But, I stopped. That's another rule. Don't do anything without permission. I still leaned against him, listening to the group speak among each other. I was snapped out of my trance as he lifted me up, resting me against his shoulder.

"I'm positive guys. You said I could pick my cat. I choose him," The boy said confidently.

This is really happening. I'm getting adopted again. I might as well except it and just try to not get attached. I felt myself being moved again. This time I found myself face to face with this smiling blond. 

"Hey little guy. I'm Will. I'm not sure what to call you yet, but we'll work on that!" He whispered to me.

Is he talking to a me like I'm a person? I mean, I am a person but he doesn't know that. This guy is such a dork. This is going to be a loong.. I'll give it a week. Yeah, this is going to be a loong week.