TWICE GIVEN, TWICE LOVED

INQUIRING NEIGHBOUR

"Whose cat is this?" The inquiry sliced through the air just as I was about to cross the threshold of my apartment. I pivoted, my gaze landing on Nicholas, who leaned against his door, striking a pose that was equal parts charming and infuriating. With his tousled hair and debonair smile, it was easy to see why he was the object of many people's daydreams. If his wealth and good looks didn’t deter the world from seeing him as a possible threat, his stalker-like behavior certainly would. But who am I to judge? Money does have a way of making everything seem glamorous.

Rolling my eyes, I placed my fingertip on the scanner of my door lock. “None of your business.”

He let out a sigh, standing upright, his hands sliding into his pockets. Ignoring him would have been the wisest choice, but the persistent rustle of fur behind me—the cat—held my attention. I stepped inside, allowing the feline to follow me in, a mysterious angel in disguise, curious about this new realm.

Suddenly, without warning, I felt a hand slip between the door and its frame. How did he move so quickly? Not wanting to hurt him or create a scene, I eased the door open, aware that while he summoned a certain physical prowess as a mere human, he was no match for my werewolf strength.

“What?” My voice dripped with annoyance.

“It’s rude not to answer a question when asked, principessa.” He stepped closer, the enticing scent of his cologne mingling with the air. What kind of melodrama had he been watching to act like this? I instinctively took a step back, craving space. His mere proximity threatened to scramble my thoughts and stir Sofia—the voice within me—into a frenzy.

“Stay right there. Don’t come any closer,” I warned, my tone sharp. Just then, the cat emitted a furious screech, baring its tiny fangs at Nicholas. Was the angel truly taking this role too seriously? A headache brewed at my temples as I rubbed the bridge of my nose. Too much insanity surrounding me threatened to unleash a migraine.

“Woah! This cat seems to like me a lot.” He held the cat's fur with his long fingers as if it was a germ-filled stuff, scanning its features. “Cute but definitely feisty.” He held the feline at arm's length, pretending to scrutinize its face. “Don’t scratch me, okay? I can’t afford to lose this handsome face. Boys support each other, not tear each other down. Got it?” Narcissist much?

“How does he know I’m a male?” I flinched as the angel’s unbidden thoughts invaded my mind. The cat hissed, its fury tangible. "How dare a mere human treat me like this?" Telepathy was incredible at times.

“How did you know he is a male?” I echoed, my tone incredulous.

Nicholas turned his attention back to me, looking at me as though I was the embodiment of foolishness. Then, without hesitation, his gaze drifted towards the cat. “Well, obviously, by looking at his—” He paused, eyes glinting with mischief. “I don’t think female cats have testicles, right?” I gasped, diverting my eyes from there. Even if the angel was a cat right now, he was not one in reality.

The cat screeched, pawing at itself in an instinctive attempt to guard his dignity. Poor Angel! I imagined he must feel utterly humiliated and cursing Iona for this situation, and rightly so. Nicholas raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Can this cat understand me? Interesting. Who trained him?” His tone was more amused than surprised. Rolling my eyes again, I forced myself to maintain an air of indifference. Surely he couldn’t know about the cat’s true identity, right?

“Yeah, he can. He understands that you’re an unhinged stalker with a penchant for prying into your neighbor’s personal life.” I quickly snatched the cat from his hands, stepping into the living room while Nicholas casually followed. “What do you want? Why are you so bent on irritating me?”

With an exaggerated sigh, I sank onto my couch, feeling spent from the day’s absurdity. The cat squirmed free, darting toward a hidden nook only he seemed to know. Meanwhile, Nicholas had made himself too comfortable in my space, commandeering a single armchair with casual confidence. So civilized.

“You still haven’t answered my question. Whose cat is that?”

Before I could respond, he leaned in, eyebrows raised as he awaited my answer. “It’s mine,” I confessed, knowing full well he wouldn't leave until he got what he wanted.

His gaze bored into me, a mischievous smirk tugging at his lips as though he could peer through my lies. “Since when do you like animals? Every time you see someone with a pet, you look like you’re judging them both—the animal and its owner.”

To say I was taken aback would be a gross understatement. He was keenly observant—a quality I couldn't deny was somewhat attractive.

“Oh, don’t forget his eyes, his abs, and that husky voice. And-,” Sofia chirped, only to be interrupted by my annoyed retort.

“Shut up, Sofia! You find everything about him attractive!” I scoffed, rolling my eyes as she tilted her head, defiant as a rebellious pup.

“Yeah, I don’t like animals, but I like that cat. He’s cute, so I brought him home.” The excuse tasted like ash in my mouth, but the words escaped before I could second-guess myself. He nodded, clearly not convinced. But whatever. He wasn’t my boyfriend; I didn’t owe him an explanation.

“Hope that’s the truth.” He checked his phone, likely texting someone, then glanced back at me. “Well, I gotta go. Work to do. See you tomorrow, principessa.” Didn't seem like he even had work earlier when he invited himself into my apartment.

I flinched as I turned around after closing the door, only to find Robin pacing in his angelic form. “What happened to you now?”

“Your neighbor is infuriating! I swear, if he wasn’t—” he stammered, clenching his fists and visibly calming himself.

“If he wasn’t what?” Curiosity bubbled within me. Was Nicholas also entangled in some heaven dilemma?

“Nothing!” He raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. “He’s just insufferable.”

“I feel the same way,” I admitted, crossing my arms.

“Okay. Calm down. We can’t do anything about him.” I pointedly surveyed Robin, my eyes teasingly drifting downward. “I caught a glimpse of your testicles earlier. Just a glance, I swear—and I quickly looked away. Although, I didn’t know angels had—”

His face turned an alarming shade of crimson as he gaped at me, hands instinctively guarding his lower half. “YOU...YOU ARE SO SHAMELESS!”

I burst into laughter, the sound reverberating in the cozy space of my kitchen. It was oddly satisfying to see the arrogant angel flustered. “What would you like to eat? I’m not sure if angels partook in human food or if they lived solely on sunlight and goodwill.”

Clearing his throat, he approached, his face now somewhat composed but ears still tinged with pink. “Angels don’t need to eat. We can if we wish to taste something. But… in the human world, it’s all about experience.”

I nodded, the logistics of heavenly creatures baffling me. Why indulge in something unnecessary? “Do angels urinate or defecate?” I blurted, the question leaping from my lips.

He looked wearied by my inquiries. “We don’t do that. We’re not humans.”

“Then where does the food go?” My eyebrows knitted together, frustration simmering within me.

“I don’t know! We just eat, and it… disappears!” He threw his hands up in exasperation. “I’m losing my sanity at this rate!”

“Understood. So, what do you want? Just a heads up—I don’t have cat food, so you might have to settle for human food for today.” My eyes darted to his rigid expression, the glint of ire reflecting off his features.

Moments passed, tension lingering like fog, before I finally sealed my lips, refraining from further questions. I learned something valuable: angels—much like werewolves—possessed their quirks, but patience was definitely not one of their attributes.

Hours later, after nearly driving Robin to the brink of madness with my relentless queries, we found ourselves sprawled on the living room floor, munching on pizza I had reluctantly ordered after my disastrous attempts in the kitchen. Who would’ve thought I’d share an evening eating takeout with an angel?

Robin moaned in bliss as he devoured another slice. It was clear he was savoring every bite, and honestly, I was too. I was sure he wouldn't have been this tired even after fighting a demon or something. After the chaos of the day, it was nice to share this moment with someone—especially someone as ethereal as an angel.

All in all, it was better than I’d expected to have an angel by your side; exclusively for you for the time being. Or so I thought.