When John is deployed, you have a lot of time on your hands. He was worried about you at first, all alone in your shared apartment for weeks, sometimes months on end. That is until your local animal shelter posted about being overcrowded and needing foster families to take in animals while they wait to be adopted. Now the spare room that was once his home office is overrun by pet supplies.

You're on a first-name basis with the staff and volunteers at the shelter. Every time John leaves for a mission, you're suddenly loading a pet carrier into your car and on the way to pick up an animal that needs a place to stay. John never knows what kind of creature he'll come home to, but at least he'll also be coming to you.

He unlocks the front door and calls for you as he steps inside. His body is weary, and he's thankful to dump the heavy duffel bag, take off his worn combat boots, and hang his hat by the door. The next thing he knows, you're rushing into his arms with your lips pressing against his.

After your reunion, you order takeaway and put on a movie while you two relax on the couch. John stretches out with a soft groan after eating, setting his plate on the coffee table and laying back so his head is resting on your lap. As you stroke his hair, he glances around the room, "Didn't bring home any fleabags this time...?"

"I did, she's just skittish and hasn't even come out for me," you say, adjusting your position so you two are comfortable on the couch. He's just beginning to doze off when he feels you freeze in place.

In confusion at your sudden lack of movement, he opens his eyes and sees a pair of green cat eyes peering back. He stays stock still as the little black cat tentatively jumps onto the couch and curls up on his chest. Slowly, he reaches up and strokes the cat's back until she's purring like a motorcycle. He chuckles when he hears you huff in annoyance, "What, love? Jealous?"