Disclaimer: I don't own Battle B-daman but I do own the cat! Meow!

Lots of friendship kiddie fluff! And Cain Vs. Kitty! Snickers at mental picture

"You sure you're okay with this?" Joshua asks the blonde for the fiftieth time in the day.

The blonde rolls his eyes exasperated and nods. I. Am. Okay. With. This. See. He mouthed out very slowly and nodded his head very, very slowly so his friend would hopefully get the message and shut up. Feel the sarcasm, he thought as he felt the headache coming on.

"Alright then." Joshua smiles cheerfully and then turns around as he thinks off something else. "But anytime you feel like you need to sit down, just tell me alright Cain?"

Cain rolls his eyes. Joshua could be such a mother hen sometimes. He had three years to recover for heavens sake; it wasn't as if he was attached to an oxygen tank in a wheelchair struggling for life.

In fact they were simply walking towards the RSPCA for food for Yamato's cat, To-to or something like that. It had been Joshua's idea even as Cain had complained that Yamato should be able to afford his own cat's food supply seeing all the B-da Tournaments with the cash prizes he'd won but Joshua had decided on it anyway. Control freak.

At least he had gotten his way though about the RSPCA. Joshua had wanted to go to the pet store but after telling Joshua it was better as the money went to animal rescue funds and that he didn't need snobby women staring at him his friend had agreed.

Which was why the Joshua was cheerfully bargaining with the female half of the Couple whom's name actually turned out to be Rosella – a girl with a sharp tongue as the two continued to argue while smiling about the price of supplies.

He knew with his budget there was really no need to bargain at all but he let Joshua knowing his friend loved it. As he watched Joshua shoot down the girl with the pet food price and knew he wasn't needed. It would take a while for the catnip, cat basket, water bowl, food bowl, treats, numerous toys, electric blanket, pillows and outfits to all be argued over and then purchased. He wondered why on earth a little scruffy black cat that slept outdoors in the winter would need an electric blanket. Or a little yellow raincoat with matching boots and a hat.

Joshua had the credit card; Cain himself didn't trust himself around money as he had quickly realized he could be sucked in by the most basic and outlandish of lies such as "My great aunty and the rest of my family have died leaving me alone with nothing." That one Joshua had sorted out by pointing out that the salesman's 'dead aunty' had come to visit him at work. Since then Joshua had done most of the accounting side of things leaving him with the more creative organizations.

Walking off down the isles he found animals of all sorts staring back at him pleadingly. Thin waif-like puppies – barely old enough to be separated from the mother, chattering birds with broken wings or twisted claws, a litter of small kittens and in the litter the strangest coloured cat he had ever seen.

It was a delicate cream with shades of gold blended through it, it looked admirably healthy among the litter of half-starved creatures proving it to have survived best but the most intriguing feature about the kitten was it's pure violet eyes that seemed to match his own.

Moving closer to the cage he peered in at the creature and it in turn looked back at him disdainfully as if he was a mere insect and it had descended from above.

Staring at it for a few moments he quickly came to the conclusion that staring at a cat did not encourage it to come closer. So he did one of the most feminine things he could've done. Despite feeling utterly stupid he pushed his fingers between the bars and began to gesture with his hands while mouthing "Here kitty, kitty…. here kitty, kitty…"

The cat stared back and then it began to make its way over, daintily stepping over the obstacles in its way. The feeling of smug satisfaction took over humiliation; it might've sounded stupid but it had worked.

"Meow…" It purred innocently at him and began to lick his fingers; it's small tongue lapping as if it was a dish of milk. Cain yanked back his hand in astonishment but before it was fully out a burst of pain struck his index finger.

The sound of laughter was heard behind him and he pulled his hand out to see small bite marks on the tip of his index finger and glared at the kitten that sat innocently mocking him in the cage.

"Here," Joshua managed to stop laughing long enough to hand him a tissue. Taking it from him Cain gently raised it to his bleeding finger to try to clot up the blood.

"He's a feisty little one, isn't he?" Joshua murmured gazing at the cream-coloured cat that had begun to wash itself. "A right prince isn't he?"

He? He mouthed puzzled. As far as he knew Joshua had never been into animals but you never knew with him. He had discovered many things about Joshua once he had been unable to talk. Being mute had shown him many things he had never noticed before.

"I saw you playing with him. I asked Rosella about him for you. He came in a few weeks ago, he was abandoned in an apartment's dumpster where someone found him and took him in."

Cain took a closer look and found that the gleaming fur hid many old scars and the outlines of his bones were just visible. A deep cut perhaps from stitches was hidden under its right rear leg and there were still signs of malnourishment along with small scratches that could have been gained from fighting.

Oh.

"Come on Cain, we have to get to the furniture store for extra beds since I've gotten all the supplies we'll need."

Cain nodded and began to follow Joshua before he heard a small meow. Turning around he shot his best death glare at the smirking cat and stuck up his middle finger at it. Joshua however missed the finger and quickly misinterpreted the situation. "Look Cain, we can't keep him alright?" The green-haired boy said comfortingly, laying one hand on Cain's shoulder.

The blonde opened his mouth to protest before he realised what he would have to say to Joshua. He couldn't just tell his friend that the cat had been mocking him and he had just been sticking his middle finger at it. Quickly nodding, he feigned a look of sadness as if he was going to miss the nasty little thing.

Off I go and good riddance to you, he thought as he left the building with Rosella waving at them.

-----------------------------------------------

Later at night…

"So on behalf of the St. Clara's hospital employees I would like to formally introduce you to Joshua who will be speaking of Mr. McDonnell's behalf. Please welcome him to the stage."

As Joshua stepped on, poised and in politician mode to give out the opening speech. More clapping then silence as he took the microphone and began.

Cain watched it all from the front row, wondering how Joshua could be so calm in front of so many people. He could never be so calm, he knew he got easily frustrated and depression came just as easily to him.

Focusing his eyes on the space right next to the Joshua's leather shoes he tried to remember what he had forgotten. He was sure he had forgotten something very important and he was pretty sure it had to do with his friend, which was why he hadn't asked.

Birthday? No it wouldn't have been today, they had celebrated Joshua's 19th birthday a few weeks ago.

Maybe it was…. or perhaps it was…. Cain racked his brain for any hidden information that just happened to be hiding away in a little corner and found none.

A small nudge from Joshua prompted his cue to cut the ribbon. He stepped forward to loud applause and gracefully accepted the pair of scissors from the head doctor who was beaming like he had won the lottery. He probably had, Cain thought, as far as the hospital goes.

He knew the local newspaper would be up there and if all went well and the public donated to the medical funds the man probably would be promoted or at least get a extra pay check.

As the ribbon fell, cheers arose from the crowd and the champagne and confetti flew through the air. Then the fireworks display came on most of the guests rushed off to see it.

Waiting until most of the guests had left he picked up his coat and made his way over to Joshua.

Freezing.

"Yes, it is getting colder. Its called winter Cain."

Not fair. The blonde pouted.

"What?"

Cold. You have a coat.

"You have one too," Joshua pointed out gesturing at the navy trenchcoat.

Mine's silk, it's cold against my skin. Yours is much warmer.

Expecting to hear Joshua tell him off for being a baby, he was surprised to see the other teen pulling off his own jacket and handing it to him.

"Here." Cain eyes widened in surprise than accepted it.

Won't you be cold?

"Probably," the other replied casually. "But unlike you, I won't whinge and moan about it."

There wasn't much he could say to that. He offered a smile and mouthed thanks.

"It's alright, I'll survive."

Pulling on the jacket he was pleased to find it smelled like Joshua. Brisk, clean but comforting as well. Snuggling into it, he wondered if that was how Joshua smelt, of sandalwood aftershave. He personally wondered if he would ever get to know, he had never noticed it when they had embraced. In fact the hugs had become so frequent they had just become part of the routine. He had always been much too absorbed in the others arms to care what kind of aftershave Joshua used. Not that he would ever get close enough to know.

"Come on then, we should join them."

And the pair walked off onto the balcony where they were greeted by various hospital staff, important socialites around town and other nameless people. After exchanging the proper introductions and greetings they quickly made for the corner where they could be alone free of interruptions.

Cain hated being crowds of people and he knew only Joshua understood his little phobia. He had learned to hide it since he was a child so there were only a few giveaways of this little secret, the odd flinches, the way the eyes always strayed restlessly as if looking for something.

Cain watched Joshua lean against the railing, his shoulder length hair ruffling softly in the wind and suddenly had an urge to play with it. Resisting the urge he looked down at the view of the city he had grown up in, and watched the lights shimmer in the streets.

It was certainly a postcard view of the city, it showed the towering buildings – brightly lit, the open sea sparkled in sliver light under the full moon and best of all the little lighthouse on a small hill, surrounded by forestry.

That little lighthouse brought back so many memories….

FLASHBACK (Cain is 4 years old, Joshua is 5) (1)

"Hurry up, Joshua! You're such slowpoke!" The blonde giggled helplessly as his abnormally tall butler had to duck under another branch in his path.

"Coming, coming!" Joshua rolled his eyes, only to get hit by a branch on his left.

The young butler winced as he rubbed the side of his head while Cain looked on in total hysterics. "I'm going to show you my secret place, that's why!" He beamed happily and Joshua let out a small smile.

"This place better be worth all the pain." Joshua glared at the branch threateningly.

"It sure is. It's the bestest place in the whole world Joshua. And it's a secret, so you can't tell anyone, okay?"

"Alright, alright Cain." He smiled, the blonde's enthusiasm was contagious.

Seeing the top of the hill Cain looked back down at Joshua who was still behind him and yelled, "Race you to the top!" and took off.

After much panting the duo made it to the top and Cain emerged victorious. "See, I won again."

"Yes, you win again."

The two sat there resting for a moment and Joshua probably would've liked to stay for a bit longer before Cain stood up again.

"Now we go into the lighthouse," he announced. The lighthouse was actually a large medieval tower that had been used many, many years ago as a sailing beacon. Now, looking worse for the wear, the spiralling stone building was on the edge of collapse.

Joshua looked up worried. "It doesn't look all that safe Cain. Your father says it's on the brink of collapse, that means it's going to fall down."

Cain shook his head furiously. "Father just doesn't know. He's a big person that's why he can't go in. You can Joshua and I've been up before."

"But what if it does fall down? You'll get hurt Cain."

"It won't." The blonde said confidently, pushing it with his small hand. "See?" Joshua was not entirely convinced with Cain's little display of strength.

"Maybe this isn't such a good idea. We should probably go back."

"No! We're going to go up, we're not leaving till I show you my special place!" Cain insisted dragging Joshua towards the rickety door.

The bottom half of the door had rotted away and Cain had pushed at it until it had completely fallen apart. Not enough for the whole door to collapse but big enough for a small child to crawl through.

Climbing in cautiously after his friend, Joshua's doubt was not squashed by the fact that the insides where much worse that the worn-out condition of the outside.

"Come on." Cain whined, already climbing up the rickety stairs.

Taking delicate steps on the rotting wood planks the two children continued their journey until they had reached the top.

"See, isn't it pretty?" The blonde pointed at the sea, which seemed to flow endlessly and the golden beaches. Surprisingly though there didn't appear to be the usual crowd of tourists and teenagers.

"Where did all the people go Cain?"

"There aren't any." Cain stated smugly folding his arms across his chest. "No one knows about this because it's all hidden by the big trees."

"Oh."

"Is this where you go when you disappear Cain?"

There was a quiet pause and then a small 'yes.'

"I come here when father isn't at the house."

There was more silence as Joshua took it in. For a child Joshua was certainly far too mature for his age.

"And when you have to do work. It's lonely and there's no one to talk to."

"What about the others?"

"I don't like them. They aren't nice like you Joshua. I would like more friends like you than like them. They smile at me but they say bad things about me when I'm not there."

"But they're respectable. That means your father likes them and you can be proper friends with them. Not like when we have to hide to play together."

"I don't care. They aren't nice. You are."

"I'm your servant."

"No, you're my friend."

"But I'm going to have to be your servant once they start teaching you stuff. Like how to be like your father and do complicated work."

"I don't want to do complicated work. I just want to be friends with you."

"We can still be friends. Just when no one is looking."

"But I want to be friends with you all the time."

"We can't. Your father wants to replace me. And you'll have to go away to do stuff."

There was a depressing silence as the duo thought about it.

Then Cain brightened. "Then will you promise to meet me here when I come back?"

"Of course."

"Pinky promise?"

"Yes…"

"And we have our b-da balls!" Cain smiled holding out the little blue ball that seemed to sparkle from the sunlight.

"Yeah…I guess we do." Joshua stared at the toy that seemed to almost mesmerize him.

"Hey! You said yeah. You didn't say yes!" The blonde smiled jubilantly. "Now you can't tell me off for not talking like father wants me too!"

"Yes, but I've only said it once and I'm not going to be important when I grow up."

"But I don't want to be important. I…" Cain trailed off deep in thought.

"Joshua, can you keep a secret?" He whispered, eyes wide. Without stopping for a reply he continued.

"I wanna go on adventures with you. I don't want to be like father, I want to be like that big boy on TV…you know, the one we watched together – how he won that big trophy? I wanna have lot of those, and….and…" he looked around for some more inspiration.

"And we'll travel around in this lighthouse! Like our special travelling place!" Violet eyes sparkled with the thought.

"But it's much too small…to fit a bed and toys and food." Joshua pointed out, shattering the little picture of perfection.

Cain pouted, then brightened. "Well, I ask people to make me a tower. A lot bigger but it will look like this one! And that one will have rooms for everyone and we can b-da battle and have fun all the time!"

"Joshua…what do you want when you grow up?"

More pause then a soft whisper. "I…I want to stay friends with you."

FLASHBACK END

Remembering made him all the more grateful Joshua was still here with him. He knew very well that during the NSA and all the times he had treated Joshua like a slave, his friend had never complained and had stayed. Back then he had thought Joshua had to stay, but if Joshua had gone that night he had battled against Gray to join Yamato….he wondered if he would've ever recovered.

Marbles! NSA! Now he remembered, today was the day that the NSA was defeated…the day when they had first hugged. How on earth could he have forgotten? That had probably been the most important day of his life, apart from the time he had first met Joshua. Oh, and that explained why Joshua had snuck off during the lunch with the mayor leaving Cain stranded with the well-meaning jolly man who just couldn't seem to stop talking about the 'good old days.'

Damn. That meant he was supposed to get something too…now it was too late to do anything.

He stared desolately out at the city when something white caught his eyes. It was small, small and very fine but it was definitely snow as it fell onto his hand and melted at the contact. Snow! It hadn't snowed since…since…. he was very young. So young he couldn't even remember when.

A ready-made present.

He patted Joshua on the shoulder, getting the other's attention.

"Cain?"

My present. He motioned him to look up as a passing snowflake landed on Joshua's astonished face and melted.

You said you liked snow. Understanding Joshua smiled back, his face softening.

"Thank you, I thought you forgot."

How could I forget? It was a small white lie but it was well worth it he decided to make Joshua face light up even more.

"Cain…about your present. It's a surprise, show you when we get home, alright?"

Nodding Cain tightened his coat and the duo left leaving the rest of the guest to admire the snow, which they had just noticed.

---------------------------------------------------

"Close your eyes."

Something had been placed into his hands. It felt soft and sleek, but it was fur not material. It had small delicate ears and he could feel long claws digging into his pants. Oh. God.

He opened his eyes to see the cat from hell smirking at him on his lap, claws digging into his thighs.

"See, I got you the cat. Since you liked it so much, I thought, why not get you it? After all, it will be good company."

Masking his true feelings about the feline he smiled with all the vigour he could muster. "It's so cute." He managed to say. True the cat was adorable but hell, those claws were really starting to carve in.

Joshua cocked his head to the side and then smirked. "You two match. This could be a picture moment." He mimed a camera using his hands.

"I'll go get the rest of the supplies and set up. I'll leave you some time to get aqquainted with your new friend."

Watching his ex-butler walk off Cain glared stubbornly at the cat. Karma had to be paying him back for his earlier actions against the damn beast.

Stupid Cat. Yes, he would call it that. He was not going to call it anything else, such a menace to society wouldn't deserve a name like Patch or Creamy or whatever people called their cats.

In reply Cat looked innocently at him and retorted. Meow.

So plz review! Will be taking suggestions for names for kitty! My main choice right now is Prince but if you think you have a better name plz say so in your review!

(1) At this age they would still have been friends. I'm assuming Cain starts to get personal tutoring from the age of 5 and he and Joshua are forced to grow up prematurely. That's when they would've grown apart. So right now, Joshua still is only Cain's best friend and they aren't Cain's butler and Master Cain right now.