You suspected that Simon might not be the type who loved pets even before your relationship began. However, you immediately warned him that you have a cat. Just in case. Maybe he's allergic or something.

Cozie was important to you. You picked him up from the street as a kitten and raised him yourself. He was completely stay-at-home and an incredibly cute boy cat. He loved rubbing against your legs while you were standing and cooking in the kitchen, and he often climbed in and fell asleep on your lap while you and Simon watched a movie when he stayed the night. A completely harmless pet that came with you in the package.

And Simon accepted it. He wasn't a particularly jealous type of man, and your job wasn't one where you had to constantly interact with other men. And Simon can't be jealous of a cat, right? It's just a cat.

But now, after getting out of the shower and turning off the water, you stopped, listening to the voice outside the door. It was as if someone was talking right outside the bathroom door.

"I understand, mate, that ya were here first."

"Meow."

"Yes, I don't deny it. But I have a privilege too, don't ya think?"

You gasped in surprise, and then you smiled broadly, barely able to contain your laughter. Simon talked to your cat, who had a habit of sitting under the bathroom door and waiting for you to get out of the shower. Cozie was a very affectionate cat, and loved it when you stroked him or scratched his tummy.

And was Simon jealous of the cat?

"I'm going to ask ya as a man to a man. Give in."

"Meow."

"No. I'm not gonna give in. I'm with 'er for life, mate, so ya and I needa come to an agreement."

Oh, God.