Claw knew he shouldn't have done it. But the patch of catnip was just...so green. "Cannonball!" He launched himself in the catnip, rolling happily. He sighed up at the blue sky. This was the life, until it wasn't.

Little did Claw know little black fleas had spotted him and wanted to hitch a ride. Claw wandered among the catnip for awhile, then hurried off to meet Toxinelle for patrol.

"Hey, Fleabag," she said, already in their spot that looked over the city. Claw scratched behind his neck. "Evening, Cockroach." He plopped down beside her. "Any chance of us getting ice cream tonight?" "There might be a chance. But if that Andre suggests I get strawberry one more time…." "What's wrong with strawberry?" Claw asked curiously. Toxinelle looked at him like he had suggested she eat a spider. "Strawberry is pink and girly. Ugh. If I'm going to have a cone, raspberry it is." "Mint chocolate chip for me," Claw sighed, thinking of the creamy cone. He was about lay back on the warm roof, when he jumped and beginning scratching, his bell dinging wildly.

"Claw? Why are you scratching? And why were you late for patrol?" "Um…." Uh-oh. He wasn't supposed to launch himself into the catnip because of mud and other reasons. This must be one of them. "And stop sticking out your tongue! Its rude!" "I can't help it! The fleas itch!"

"Fleas!" Oh, crackers. The cat's out of the bag now, or in this case the flea. "Come on. Bath time." "But I hate baths!" "Then don't stick your tail in places it doesn't belong." "Okay."

At least he got to hold her hand. The got to her place and she led him straight upstairs. "Can't we have a snack first? I'm hungry." "Bath."

Okay, he did admit he liked the warm water and liked the feeling of Toxinelle rubbing shampoo in his hair. "Still trying to figure out if your hair is a floof or a mane," she said. Claw waved a hand in front of his face. "What is that smell?" "Flea shampoo." He sighed. "You know, for how naughty you are, I still love you." "Thanks, Cockroach."

She dried his hair carefully with a towel. "Ready for some ice cream?" "Always." Per usual, they got their favorite flavors and headed to the park to sit in their favorite tree. Toxinelle looped her arm through his as she licked her cone.

Fleas or no fleas, he was glad to have such a caring partner, even if she put up a tough front. Now, to the business of ice cream!