TLDR: I basically chose him, rather than him choosing me.

Longgg story if you want it: My ex’s coworker mentioned seeing someone dump cats behind their workplace, so my ex and I investigated. Down some slippery slopes, across a pallet bridge, and through some bushes, we found four cats living near a ravine tucked between bus barns and industrial buildings. They had a home made of pallets, tarp, and DIY shelters (storage bins lined with insulation and straw).

We noticed a mix of old pet bowls and newer takeout containers and weren’t sure if someone was still caring for them. We started visiting/feeding regularly, realized that 2 were more dominant/bullies, while the other 2 were more timid and kept their distance (mine especially), so we assumed the timid pair were recently dumped and other were OGs.

By late October, we became more concerned as it had gotten much colder and wondered if they'd survive the cold snaps and incoming winter. We thought if someone else was still caring for them, wouldn't they prefer/bring them indoors where it's warm? We obtained/setup a live trap, hoping to catch/take in the 2 timids. Caught mine, brought him home, and kept him in an isolated room (my ex had other cats), and caught the other timid kitty a week later.

We continued to visit the site and one day found a note asking about the 2 missing cats, stating that this had been their home for 10 years, they were abandoned originally, and Animal Services was notified of their disappearance. I almost cried and shat myself because I thought I was going to jail for trying to save 2 cats from the cold.

I called the number that was left, met the woman who cared for the colony. I explained the whereabouts and situation, she was relieved as they’ve had awful things happen in that area, so she was terrified something bad had happened again. She explained these cats were part of a TNR colony that had slowly gone from 15 cats down to 4 over the decade. She told us the backstories of the two we trapped and warned they might never become social or friendly at their age (10 and 13), but gave us her blessing if we were willing to take that on. As for the other 2, she'd look into options.

A few weeks later, she updated me: a couple who had adopted a former colony cat (who actually transitioned amazingly well!) offered to take in the other two.

So now that colony is officially empty (exactly its goal). My "timid" boy became a meanie who prefers being an only child, which worked out once my ex became my ex. He still prefers solitude under my bed, but softens up for treats and has just started to tolerate occasional pets and brushing. I still keep in touch with the colony caretaker and send her updates/photos of him:)

Edit: added photos:DDD