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Black was usually well behaved.

Shiro's fur baby loved standing in a rain of water as he belted out pop songs in the shower. She even let Shiro put her in a kitty harness so they could go on walks together.

That's why he hadn't thought anything of her standing by as he walked to the sliding glass door of his apartment balcony.

"Sounds like Curtis' playing his keyboard," he smiled as he opened it, "wanna hear it better?"

This wasn't the first time he'd done this which is why he hadn't expected her to suddenly dart outside.

"Shit!"

He quickly followed her out. She was balanced on top of his railing.

"What are you -"

She hopped over to his neighbor's balcony. The very neighbor he may have a slight crush on. And the balcony door was open just a crack -

"Black. Don't do dare -"

She glanced at him over her shoulder before she slipped through as if she didn't have any freaking bones.

His heart rate stuttered.

He could clearly hear the keyboard playing cut off followed by an exclamation of surprise, no doubt due to the appearance of his sleek black fur baby.

"Oh geez..."

He dragged his hand over his face. This wasn't how he wanted to officially meet him but...He walked back into his apartment and went out the door. He ran a quick hand through his silver bangs and knocked on his neighbor's door.

A tall, dark skinned, slate blue eyed man opened the door with a familiar black cat purring in his arms.

"Hey Cu- neighbor," Shiro quickly corrected. He hadn't officially been given his neighbor's name but rather had happened to catch a visitor say it. "I uh, see that you found my cat."

His neighbor's smile was very bright and friendly. If that didn't make butterflies flutter inside Shiro...

"More like your cat found me."

Black closed her eyes as Curtis ran a hand along her back. Her tail lazily flicked along his forearm in contentment.

Lucky girl.

"Yeah. Sorry about that. She doesn't usually wander into strangers' homes."

"It's no problem. She's just friendly."

Curtis tried handing her over but the claws of her front paws caught the sleeve of his polo shirt.

"Crap." Shiro quickly stepped closer to help. "Maybe a little too friendly."

Curtis laughed. "Maybe."

Shiro got a paw free but then she placed it back where it was before.

"No, we're not bothering this nice man anymore," Shiro softly huffed. He held onto her freed paw while freeing the other. She let out a loud protesting yowl as he pulled her into his arms. "Alright. Well I think we've bothered you -"

Black wiggled out of his arms. Shiro pinched the bridge of his scarred nose as she bolted into Curtis' apartment.

"Oh god. I am so sorry. I'll get her if you don't mind."

Curtis pushed his door more open. "Go right ahead." He let Shiro in first. "You know, I'm baking salmon. I wonder if the smell is what's drawing her in."

Shiro looked around for his cat with a frown. "Maybe."

"Does she like salmon?"

Shiro shrugged as he crouched down to look under the coffee table.

"She likes any fish."

"...And you?"

Shiro froze for a second with his head under the dining table. Is he- Shiro pulled his head out too quickly, causing him to bump it hard.

"Ah!"

"Oh shoot." Curtis made a sympathetic wince. "Are you ok?"

"Yeah. I'm fine. It just stings a little."

"I have an ice pack if you -"

"I really don't want to bother you anymore than I already am."

"You're not bothering me. At all." Pause. "I've actually been meaning to talk with you." Curtis gave him a small smile. "But that was clumsy huh? I should have waited to ask you for dinner."

"...I actually wanted to ask you out too."

"Oh."

The duo shared a smile.

"I'm Shiro, by the way. And my misbehaving fur child's Black."

"Curtis."

They shook hands. Neither one minded that they lingered longer than what a polite handshake should be.

"I really like salmon."

"I really like you," Curtis blurted out then quickly added, "you to sit. I'll get that ice pack."

"Sure," Shiro chuckled.

When he sat down Black meowed. Shiro pulled one of the cushions off and saw her wedged in the couch, like a proper cat does.

"You're getting all the catnip you want," he whispered. "But don't do this again."

She purred as Shiro rubbed her chin.

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AN: Thank goodness for cats. ;)