[ There's a small sense of satisfaction that he manages to surprise her, but he looks more pleased than he does smug, even smiling a little as he makes sure that she's not scared. Not that he thought she would be, but it doesn't hurt to be sure.

He stays still for a moment when the cat gets up, and once he's sure it's not just going to take off running, he kneels next to Laura. ]

You don't decide to pet a cat. It will let you pet it, or not. Because it needs to know it can trust you, so you need to prove yourself. Show it you're not going to cause them harm. Let it smell your hand.

[ She's already holding a hand out, so Erik just nods for her to move it closer, until the kitty can stretch its head and sniff at her fingertips. The animal's surprisingly quick to get closer to her, admittedly, but he just stays silent, until that sniff turns into a gentle headbutt, and the kitten rubs itself against her fingers. ]

Pet it now. Gently.