Chapter 4 Lone kitten (2)

In the corner of the alley, several empty wine jars and some discarded wooden boxes can be seen lying around the wet slippery floor. Bai Ling shuffled near to the pile in the corner and crouched down to look for the faint cries.

"Hui Ci..here it is." Bai Ling lowered his head and peered into that small shelter made between the empty ceramics and wooden pieces. His voice was filled with a worried excitement. He knelt down and stretched his arm into the small space. As another cry came about, Bai Ling felt something soft and wet in his hand. He held the wet ball of fur in his grip and gently took it out of the little corner.

"Meow..."

"It looks like a baby kitten. It is probably just about a month old." Hui Ci said while examining the little furball in Bai Ling's hand. His tone was sad and anxious. "It must be freezing, poor little thing." Without a second thought, Hui Ci took the small ball of fur from Bai Ling and tucked it into his own sleeve to shelter it from the freezing wind.

The kitten was completely soaked through and felt soft and limp in his hand. The warmth was only lingering in the small body and the small paws were getting cold and stiff. Hui Ci tried to feel for the heartbeat but the rhythm was so frail and weak. With one hand, Hui Ci cradled the baby kitten close to his chest and his other hand tried to rub it dry with his sleeve. He gave the kittens a few more massages and wrapped his sleeve tightly around the body to warm up the little ball of fur.

Looking at Hui Ci's worried face, Bai Ling cannot help but smile. He gave out a small chuckle and said, "Did not someone said to be careful of some evil lurking around?" Bai Ling caught a glimpse of Hui Ci, his brows were furrowed and his lips pursed tightly into lour. With just that expression, Bai Ling understood how really worried Hui Ci is.

He felt a little guilty for teasing him. Bai Ling has always known what a kind and gentle soul Hui Ci is, but to be witnessing this man holding tenderly to such a fragile little life, he cannot help but feel a warm feeling blanketing his heart. Standing in front of him is the human that he had chosen to form a bond with. Their pact has binded them together till the end of time if they both will. A feeling of blessed and happiness started to pour into Bai Ling's heart and warmed his soul.

"Let's head home shall we?" Hui Ci asked with his head tilted slightly to his side. His tall frame shielding the tiny little kitten in his arms, like a mother cradling a child. He reached out his hand to Bai Ling with a soft smile across his face.

Bai Ling nodded his head, "Yes, we should." He took Hui Ci's hand and adjusted himself to fit perfectly around his arm. They both exchanged another gaze before walking into the cold mist of the winter night. The sight of the two was just like a new couple dotting over their newborn child, who they have tugged warmly and safely in their arms.