Mao has decided that it’s biscuit making time as she’s standing up on her hind legs. The black cat’s paws coming to smash against Boothill’s cheek. Her little pawpads kneading against the flesh of the cowboys face while the low rumble of a purr sounds.
The sound of a laugh in the background can be heard, coming from the arbiter general himself who’s been lounging behind them. “ It would seem that someone has missed you. ” Jing Yuan gave a gentle smile looking to the cat who was now stretching upwards to give a little head nuzzle to Boothill’s face.
He was laying around, waiting for the general to finish whatever he was up to. Important business no doubt, it's to be expected. It'd been quite some time since his last visit- so he didn't figure he'd be waiting for him. In fact, Boothill was surprised when Mao and Xiao Mi had both come bounding to see him. Hearing them complain in their own way, made him... happy. So he was quick to sprawl out in the closest ( and most convenient ) spot to him, to allow them both to make themselves comfortable. Both hands suddenly busy, petting them where he knows they like it best. Metal digits running easily through their fur with gleeful familiarity.
After some time, he takes to browsing his phone while they rest.
He intentionally ignores the message from the diviner, asking where he was, as if she did not already know. As well as several others he's not particularly interested in looking at- this phone was due for a replacement. It's certainly lasted much longer than most of them, but it was getting busy. And busy meant it was loud, loud enough to be found if he's not careful.
Just as his thoughts turn this way and that, he feels Mao's paws push against his cheek. Claws too, but it's too gentle to break skin. She's purring heavily too so much so he can feel it through where she kneads against his skin. A comfort, that nearly has him turning to pull the cat close, so he can bury his face in her fur. But, one interruption to his line of thought after another- the person he'd come here to see finally arrives. And has him sitting up slightly to see. Mao bumping her head against his jaw instead to ask for more attention. " Huh? Oh- " huffing a breath, reaching finally for her to pull Mao up under his chin. Xiao Mi chirping at the disruption of her nap. " Yeah they both did- kept me company t'till ya were done. "
There is a heavy pause, long enough for him to give Mao more attention. Both hands running rough along her sides, leaving the fur a mess as she meows in protest. The ranger wants to ask something, feels it there at the tip of his tongue. But doesn't, and instead points with one hand to a bag on the low table nearby.
" I got somethin' fer em. But I figured I'd wait fer ya 'fore I did anythin'. "
unprompted / @heavnsreign