Nibbling on a piece of bread for supper, hand in her hair as though she had a headache, Cassie was grateful that there weren't any other human beings in the house to scrutinize her or inquire into the contented smile forming periodically on her face.

Her fingers moved to her lips.

How tentative and gentle he was.

It was one of those happenings one couldn't quite believe had happened. No photographs ... Nothing. Only the recollections in your head as proof. Was it all imagination?

Jeez, get a hold of yourself, you furless ape.

Cassie instinctively turned to Queen, who had been watching her with a cool indifference.

"You're a bad kitty," Cassie wrinkled her nose in protest.

Whatever, Queen's eyelids drooped sleepily.

Michael didn't talk about anything else. He was only excited at the prospect of seeing her and spending time with her more. Thankfully. The last thing she wanted to discuss - right after experiencing firsthand at how good of a kisser he was - was an exploration of family ideals ... and any planning of that nature, given his persistent ambitions.

That was a topic she never ever told him. Or even mentioned as a friend. 

Her hand unconsciously moved to her abdomen region. She would never want to have a child developing inside her. 

An uncomfortable guilt set in. 

No, no, not tonight, she took a deep breath, determined to brush it off. Way too soon, anyway. 

She finished her supper, picked up grumpy Queen from the floor, climbed into bed and curled up among her blankets, wanting to be blissfully left alone with nothing but thoughts of him.

Even if something like this may not last forever, a thought floated through the pleasant, buzzing haze in her head ... at least those moments of his was meant for her to keep.

* * *

Cassie gasped loudly the moment she opened the door.

"What are you doing here?!" she hissed, careful to keep her voice down.

Michael hopped into her house and closed the door behind him swiftly.

"Your mail," Michael said cheerfully, dropping a couple of letters into her hand. "And ... another something for you."

He presented her with a small bouquet of fresh flowers.

Cassie blinked, recovering from the initial shock that he decided to give a surprise visit early in the morning. It was barely seven.

Her face brightened up instantly. "Old-school," she muttered jokily at his gift. 

Michael followed Cassie around to small kitchen counter, where she was having breakfast before he rang the doorbell. She dragged out a spare tall stool for him and he took the seat opposite her. He sat gazing at her for some moments. Underneath the small table his knees naturally brushed hers. 

"What are you eating?" he asked. 

"Cream cheese on toast," Cassie replied. "Want some?"

Cassie offered Michael her piece of bread which he took a bite out from. He gave her smile. His simple gesture of appreciation.

It reminded her of Tyler.

It wasn't that she was overwhelmed with nostalgia and all of a sudden wanted him back desperately – no, definitely not. It was the tender feeling of caring for another person she missed ... 

"Ouch – ouch! What the –?"

Cassie snapped out of her thoughts and jumped at Michael's sudden yelp of pain. She looked under the table and in less than a second spotted the cause: Queen had decided to sink her claws into the fabric of Michael's pants, which was unluckily made from something that stimulated the cat's deeply-rooted instinct to scratch. 

 Cassie tapped Queen's head in mock punishment.

"Look at what you've done," she said, putting on a mildly stern tone. "He's hurt. You shouldn't do that ... Learn from Mr Tubs."

"Her royal highness doesn't approve of me," he said, checking for leg scratches. "She isn't kidding with those claws ..."

"It's your pants, Michael, sorry ... Queen does this with my denim jeans, too." 

Cassie sighed at Queen, who still wore a look of disapproval for having her natural activity stopped. 

"Guess I shouldn't wear pants here," he teased. 

She laughed and rolled her eyes at him, not having expected him to open up that way. "Oh, so that's why you're spending time with me. Attack him, Queen."

He turned to carry the cat into his arms instead, attempting to cradle her like a human child. Queen resisted immediately. She climbed onto Michael's shoulder and leapt off onto the kitchen counter. 

- - -

A/N: ... Poor Michael. XD

Now, as y'all have probably detected from the previous chapter, the story will be moving into another phase. To be honest, can I say I'm a little scared and intimidated about this ...? Gosh, it's something big! Creating and ensuring story flow.

I would like to say yet another "Thank you" if you have been with this story since Chapter 1. :) I look forward to the future of COM with you guys. So, let's stay stuck together, eh? I'd like that myself. :3