"That's still a no, Bran."

Bran, who had only just started to rustle in excitement, sunk back down into the straps. Sulking.

"I wish to get out," Boston announced from his carrier. "We are no longer in the deathtrap."

"You really want to climb all those stairs?"

"Cat carriers are demeaning."

With a sigh, Adrian set Boston's carrier down and opened the door. "If you get tired, I'm not carrying you," he warned. Boston ignored him. Bran rustled again.

"Neither are you, Bran."

More sulking silence.