Prompt: JoshNeku, Stray cat

Characters: Neku, Joshua

A/N: Thanks to codeadleaf on tumblr for the prompt :) Post-TWEWY

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"I've never understood the appeal of cats," Joshua said, frowning at the little black puffball batting at Neku's leg. Neku couldn't help but smile at the little kitten, poking at it playfully. It flopped over, trying to make a grab for his hand, but he moved it away quickly, avoiding its claws and teeth. Its little yellow eyes glinted with mischief. "They're just so… entitled. They walk around like they own the place. So aloof. Always have to be one step ahead of the game."

"So basically they're exactly like you?" Neku smirked, looking knowingly at Josh. This comment seemed to catch him off guard- he looked at him in surprise, scowling as he tried to hide his embarrassed blush.

"I wouldn't consider myself a cat. I'm more like a bird." Joshua smiled, leaning back. The kitten had given up on Neku's hand, and was now chewing on Josh's shoelaces.

"So you steal people's food and poop on their cars?"

"Cute, Neku. Real cute." Joshua twisted a lock of hair around his finger, glancing down at the cat, unamused. "What are we supposed to do with fluffy here?"

"He kind of looks like a little Mr. Mew." Neku noted, scooping the kitten into his arms. It mewled pathetically, trying to squirm free, before giving up and snuggling down in his hold. It was too precious for words. "I'd say give it to Shiki, but her mom's allergic to cats, and her apartment doesn't allow pets…"

"What about you? You like cats."

"I already have a cat. I don't think he'd be happy if I brought home a new one." Neku grimaced at the thought. The poor kitten would be pummeled by his scruffy old housecat.

"The Bitos?" Josh suggested.

"Parents are strict about pets, and they've got a hamster. Cat might eat it."

"We're running out of options here." Josh sighed. "Eri?"

"Maybe. I dunno if her dad would care or not. He gives her lots of leeway." Neku looked down at the cat, feeling it purr. It really was cute. He wished he could keep it. "What about you?"

"Me?" Josh looked surprised. "I thought we'd covered that. I'm not a cat person-"

"I know, I know, you're a bird. But Mr. H likes cats, right? I mean, he is CAT." Neku held out the kitten to Joshua. "It could be the WildKat's mascot."

"He'd make me take care of it." Josh frowned, hesitant. "And it'll probably just run away. I don't have the best history with pets-" Neku forced it into Josh's arms, feeling the boy tense. The kitten snuggled into his arms, purring loudly. Joshua stared at it, just a little bit of awe in his violet eyes. He really did love animals. People, not so much, but animals, definitely.

"It's probably going to go join Sho's gang of alley cats." Josh warned, scratching the kitten beneath its chin.

"We'll keep it on the straight and narrow." Neku chuckled.

"Let's call him Gatito." Josh giggled. Gatito yawned contently. Josh got up, careful not to disturb the kitten.

"See? Everyone's a cat person deep down." Neku grinned. Josh ignored him, stroking the cat gently. If only he could be that peaceful all the time…

"Life would be so much more boring if I were, Neku." Joshua smirked.

"What did we say about reading my thoughts?"

"It's rude and invasive." Josh giggled. "Now come on. Let's go get Gatito situated."