Lois definitely wasn’t home enough to take care of a puppy, even if they were almost painfully cute pawing at the window and looking at her with big, hopeful eyes. On top of that, they collectively reminded her of Clark, which wasn’t helping her own loneliness. She looked over at the young man as he spoke to her, offering a smile. He seemed down in the dumps himself, and without really thinking about it, she reached over and patted him on the back. “Yeah, I’m thinking about it,” she said. “I work a lot, but I was thinking something like a cat, maybe. I’d say a fish, but I feel like a pet you can’t actually pet is basically an oxymoron.” She smiled at him again. He still seemed a little sad, but she hoped that conversation would help. And getting a pet, of course. Although his choice definitely surprised her. Something about his vibe suggested a puppy guy.
“A rat, huh?” she said, raising her eyebrows. “I’ve never actually known anyone who has a rat as a pet. I’ve heard good things, though. They’re supposed to be really smart.” @theriddleman
The touch to his back came as a shock to him. His body tensed instantly and Leo had to remind himself that she was likely not a threat to him. Of course, he'd seen ninja as small as her before. April may not have looked very threatening but she was a capable fighter. This stranger could be a threat but it was incredibly unlikely. He softened a bit when he looked over to her and noticed the small smile and look of sympathy in her eyes. No, she was no threat. She spoke back to him, answering his question. He offered her a small smile back, "You can't really interact with a fish." He agreed, "But a cat sounds like it would suit you. They make great pets." He said, thinking about his brother's cat affectionately named Icecream Kitty. "Have you ever have one before?"
"My father-" He cut himself off. He couldn't exactly say his father was a rat. To a stranger, that sounded a little insane. Although a little more believable when he was visibly a mutant. "-had one." He said, hoping she didn't notice the pause. "They're wise animals. Cunning and adaptable and they take care of their own. Plus, it's kinda cute when they run on their wheels."