"No- No! We can't keep it. We don't have time for that!"

Regina pinched the bridge of her nose, letting out a sigh at your pleading look and pouting lip. Of course you would want to keep it. And then Henry would want to keep it. And she would be left to be the logical one who looked like the bad guy.

You and Regina had been on your way back from Granny's diner when you'd heard shuffling in the alleyway nearby. Deciding it was probably best to check it out, you both crept towards it cautiously.. only to find a scruffy, messy little bundle of fur padding about.

The poor little kitten, on closer inspection, wasn't in the best of health. Its fur was matted and dirty, and you could feel its ribs when you eventually managed to calm it enough to touch it. It didn't seem all that trusting of people. You immediately suggested taking it home to get it some food and care. Regina begrudgingly accepted, because she didn't have it in her to turn it away in this condition. They'd just make sure it was okay. That was it. At least, that's what she was telling herself.

At Regina's mansion, you got the kitten some bits of chicken, since it was really the only thing you had that a cat could eat, alongside a bowl of water. The kitten ate it like it hadn't eaten in days, and your heart couldn't help aching. So Regina wasn't all that surprised when you asked to keep it.

"Don't give me that look. We're busy, whether it's with work or with fighting curses and villains. We don't have time for a kitten."

Regina insisted, forcing herself to remain logical, rather than giving into her heart telling her to let the poor animal stay. It wasn't like money would be an issue, and— no. She can't let herself consider it.