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“Can we keep him?” Mochi whined, putting on his best puppy dog face while holding the small, grey, fluffy kitten aloft by it’s armpits with both hands.
Miyuki stared at him impassively as the tiny ball of fluff dangled between them, feet kicking gently at the open air. The kitten gave a tiny meow, that was more of a squeak and Miyuki just arched an eyebrow at Mochi.
“How can you be so heartless?” Mochi asked, cradling the cat close to his chest.
“I haven’t even said anything,” Miyuki monotoned.
“It’s all in your expression,” Mochi pouted. “You’re going to say we can’t keep him.”
Miyuki pinched the bridge of his nose, forcing his glasses up onto his forehead. “When did I become the adult in this friendship?”
Mochi shrugged, “About the time we agreed to move in together, probably.”
“Mochi,” Miyuki started slowly, like he was explaining a difficult concept to a small child. “We are professional baseball players. We are away from the apartment for like fifty percent of the year. What are we supposed to do with the cat when we’re not here?”
“We’re professional baseball players, Miyuki,” Mochi said with his best duh voice. “We can afford to board him or get a sitter.”
“What about the litter box?”
“I’m not a child, Miyuki.” Mochi said. “I know what responsibilities come with adopting a pet.”
Miyuki arched a disbelieving eyebrow.
“What? Do you want me to put him back out on the street, where he’ll be cold and hungry?” Mochi scratched behind the cat's ears. “I knew you were a bastard, but I didn’t think even you could turn away an animal in need.”
“You could just take it to a shelter,” Miyuki suggested.
Mochi gasped. “Those places are overwhelmed, they don’t have the time to give this little guy the attention he deserves. Besides, he followed me home. He chose me.”
“He chose you?”
“Yes, try not to be jealous. I’m sure he’ll grow to love you too.”
Miyuki stared at the Mochi and the kitten for a long minute before sighing, shoulders slumping.
“At least take it to the vet tomorrow.”
“So you’re saying we can keep him!” Mochi exclaimed.
“No, I’m saying you can keep it,” Miyuki said pointedly. “And pay for it, it’s vet bills, food, and whatever you decide to do with it when we’re at away games.”
“Of course.” Mochi beamed. “You’re the best!”
“Just don’t make me regret this.”
“You won't.”Mochi looked down at the kitten. “I think I’m gonna call him Ichiro.”
Ichiro meowed softly before snuggling further into Mochi’s arms.
“Aw, I think he likes it.”
Miyuki shook his head before walking away.
Mochi turned back to Ichiro. “Don’t worry about him. He likes to play the heartless bastard, but he’s not so bad. You’ll see.”