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DogDay hated CatNap. With a burning passion at that.
Everything about the cat irked every fiber of his being. Why? He couldn't tell you. But seriously, He hated the purple feline more than words could ever attempt to describe.
The problem with that was all of his friends seemed to adore the cat. They brought him around all the time. Whenever they hung out, during lunch breaks, even when they decided to skip school and go to the mall that one time, they invited the cat.
DogDay absolutely despised being in the same vicinity as the cat, but at the same time, he refused to spend less time with his friends because this cat decided to intrude on his group. No way he would admit defeat like that.
So, he went on the mall trip with all of his friends,
...and CatNap.
It wasn't too bad, they mostly ignored each other for the time being. CatNap mostly stuck with Kickin and Crafty, anyway. They barely even looked each other's way.
Until right before they all left the mall.
DogDay had to use the bathroom, and by sick coincidence, or divine timing, CatNap had to as well. DogDay was petty enough to entertain the idea of going to an entirely different bathroom across the mall, but he was much too tired to actually go through with it. In the end, he went to the same bathroom as CatNap.
And god was it awkward.
They stood at the urinals in silence, only the sound of their two streams individually splashing against the ceramic devices infront of them.
They, almost in sync, finished, zipped up their pants and walked to the sink, They turned on different sink faucets and started washing their hands.
CatNap, finally finding the silence unbearable, spoke. "You know, a 'hey, how you doing' would be nice." The cat said. DogDay didn't look up at him. "Why would I ask how you are when I don't care?"
"Ouch. That one actually stung." CatNap said, sarcastically putting a hand to his chest. "I've done literally nothing to make you hate me as much as you clearly do." He said, turning the faucet off and walking over to the paper towels.
DogDay growled. "Just shut up." He said, turning the faucet in front of him off as well. He was about to walk up to the paper towel dispenser when he stopped in his tracks, hearing the cat chuckle.
CatNap looked at him with a sly yet genuine smile. "You're adorable when you're mad, DogDay." He teased, and with that, he threw the paper towels he used to dry his hands in the trash and walked out the door.
The words left DogDay stunned. His breathing got heavier, his face started burning, his legs felt like jelly and for a second he was afraid he might be having a stroke. He knew that wasn't it though. The way his tail wagged behind him gave it away. A twisted feeling built up in his stomach, then it rose to his throat.
And that's when he ran to the trash, leaned over it, and let all the food he just ate at the food court project into the trash bin.
The whole ride home he was silent. It was unusual for sure, and by the time Bubba drove him to the front of his house, everyone seemed to be worried. His eyes were puffy and his face was flushed from the vomiting. Not to mention his sudden selective mutism. He muttered a quick, "thanks" and stepped out of the car, so ready to just go lay down on his bed and forget whatever he felt in that mall restroom.
"Wait!" CatNap said as he stepped out the car and closed the door behind him, running up to DogDay's position, almost at his front door. DogDay turned around quickly with a glare. The last person he wanted to interact with.
The cat had a guilty expression on his face. "Hey, I'm... uh... sorry if I said or did something that upset you. I didn't mean to. I should've just not said anything." He said hanging his head low.
"He thinks it's his fault?" The spaniel questioned himself. "Good. It is. It's his fault I feel like shit, right now."
"But it's unfair to put all blame on him when he doesn't even know why you hate him. You don't even know why you hate him." He heard another voice rationalize.
He shook his head and turned away from the cat. "Don't worry about it." He said lowly before walking up to his front door, opening it, walking in and slamming it behind himself.
DogDay knew exactly what was happening. It's never happened before, but the way his body reacted whenever the purple cat was in his sight was a dead giveaway. He tried his hardest to reject his own feelings but no matter what he displayed on his face, his tail would betray him immediately.
Gross.
He walked up to his room, not bothering to go to his parents' room to inform them he was home. He was too tired. Much too mentally (and physically) exhausted. When he got to his bedroom, he closed the door behind himself and walked over to his bed. He let himself fall on it with a sigh.
He liked CatNap. A boy.
Just gross.
The next day at school school went surprisingly smooth. He didn't see CatNap at all. It wasn't uncommon for the cat to skip classes, especially early ones like the Chemistry class he shared with the spaniel. DogDay saw this as a blessing. He really would rather never see CatNap again, but him simply not showing up to class for the day was nice, too.
....ok, he lied. He didn't want to see CatNap, but he also did. Very confusing feeling.
The last bell of the school day rang and DogDay was already walking out of the high school with his backpack hanging lazily off his shoulder. He really wanted to go home and take a nap, his mind had been on a certain purple cat all day.
Whenever Bubba wasn't taking the group somewhere to hangout, he would drive himself to and from school. Unfortunately, it was gonna be a pain to drive home, since it was supposed to be currently pouring outside. He pulled his umbrella from his backpack.
"Wait!" He heard from behind him. He turned to see the feline he so hated. The cat ran up to him in the main entrance lobby, a nervous expression on his face. "Uh, h—hey, DogDay.."
DogDay stayed silent, glaring at the cat for a few seconds before letting on a sigh of annoyance. "What do you want?" He asked, a hint of irritation evident in his tone.
CatNap diverted his attention to his tail, which he was now playing with. "I.... really hate to ask— trust me, I would never ask if it wasn't my last resort..." His voice got quiter and quiter.
DogDay almost growled. The cat was wasting his time, time that he could be using to drive home and do something he actually likes, not talk to this boy who he despises. "CatNap, if you don't hurry this up, I'm leaving."
CatNap looked up and put his hands up. "Wait, no, no, no!" He said, clearly against the idea. "I just wanted to know if...." He looked away. "Could you... drive me home?" The cat asked in a quiet and nervous voice.
DogDay blinked at the cat in disbelief. Utter puzzlement. He quickly ruffled his ears and attempted to clean them out, ignoring the heat coming to his face again. He sighed. "I'm sorry, today's been such a day, I'm starting to hear things. What'd you say?"
CatNap shook his head. "No it's.... not you hearing things. I asked if you could drive me home.."
"Ah," DogDay nodded his head. "So, I'm not going crazy, you are."
"Like I said, I know you don't like me or whatever so I wouldn't be asking if I really didn't need to." CatNap quickly justified his question. "Bubba's staying after for some science club fair project thing and Bobby's staying after for some volunteering thing to help a charity."
DogDay crossed his arms. "You have two legs. Use them."
"No, come on, DogDay, please?" He pleaded. The desperation in his eyes was definitely real. DogDay looked out the door that they were only meters away from. On the otherside, rain had already started pouring. He can't blame the cat for asking anyone he can, even if it happened to be him. He wouldn't wanna walk in this rain either.
"Fine. Sure."
CatNap let out a breath of relief. "Thank god." He said quietly before looking out the doors too. "Looks like I'm gonna get wet regardless though. Man, I hate getting wet." He complained.
"Walk under the umbrella," DogDay spoke way to fast. He looked over, seeing the light smile on CatNap's face and diverted his eyes as he prepared to open the umbrella. "Or don't. I don't care."
As he stepped outside, he swiftly opened the umbrella over himself and CatNap, who stayed close by him. The dog could feel his heartbeat throughout his entire body and his face was hot. It's like the closer he was to CatNap, the more his body reacted. God it was gross, it made him want to puke.
They got to DogDay's burnt orange car and got inside. DogDay specifically stood next to CatNap while the cat got inside on the passenger's side to make sure the cat stayed dry before going to the driver's side. He had to tell himself he did that so his seat wouldn't get wet. He knew he was lying.
When they got in the car, CatNap looked over at the dog. "Thanks. I... really do hate getting wet."
DogDay simply started the car, refusing to look over at the cat. "Yeah."
The drive was near brutal. DogDay wasn't even sure if it was safe (or legal) to drive in this kind of rain. Regardless, he did his best and managed. The car ride to CatNap's house was excruciatingly silent. Not that talking would have made it better. DogDay needed to concentrate anyway.
Eventually, they made it to the front of CatNap's house and DogDay parked. "Alright. Get out."
"Thanks again. I appreciate it."
"Mhm."
There was silence for a few seconds before CatNap turned to DogDay with a serious expression. "Why do you hate me? What have I done to you?" He asked.
"Get out of my car, CatNap."
"No! I just want to know!"
"Get the FUCK OUT OF MY CAR!" He yellled. He was on his last nerve with this cat, asking him such a thing. What has he done? What hasn't he done?!
CatNap tried to touch DogDay's shoulder. "Why do you hate me so much?!"
DogDay slapped his hand away. "BECAUSE I DO!" DogDay yelled. "YOU'RE SMUG WAY OF TALKING, THAT ANNOYINGLY LONG FUCKING TAIL, YOUR DUMB PURPLE FUCKING FUR, THE WAY YOU WALK AROUND LIKE YOU'RE SOO DAMN COOL!" He yelled causing the cat to flinch. He gripped the steering wheel as tight as he could, as he continued to finally let out his feelings. "JUST BEING AROUND YOU, JUST LOOKING AT YOU MAKES ME WANT TO PUKE! YOU MAKE ME FEEL DISGUSTING! NOW GET. OUT. OF. MY. CAR!"
There was another long, painful silence that filled the car. DogDay's grip on his steering wheel tightened as he he turned to repeat himself. "I SAID GET OUT OF MY—" He was about to yell again, but stopped himself, shocked at what he saw.
CatNap was in his passenger seat, looking down trying to hold back tears. He failed miserably, choking out a sob as tears started to trickle down his cheeks. He covered his mouth to not let out the pitiful whine that built up in his throat. He looked up at the dog, a visible frown on his face. "You're a jerk, DogDay! Fuck you!" He opened the door to leave, slamming it, but not before adding an, "asshole!" as he did. He ran into his house and slammed the door behind him.
DogDay felt a pang in his heart as his stomach dropped into a bottomless pit. He quickly pulled off into the road. He was hyperventilating and speeding down the street. His vision was blurry, and not from the pouring rain. Tears were welling in his eyes. From rage? Guilt? He didn't know.
The blurried vision started to get worse as the tears started to fall down like a waterfall. He wanted to just go home fall asleep, and never wake. Fortunately, he had enough sense to realize if he kept going like this down the road, he'd probably crash and ruin yet another person's day. So, he pulled over into a random space on the side of the road.
He slammed his fist on the steering wheel. "FUCK!" He yelled out. He hung his head above the steering wheel and tried to calm himself down. He felt bad. Really bad. He meant every single word he said, yet he regretted saying them. He didn't know why what CatNap said affected him so badly. They were never close. Why should he care what that dumb cat called him?
Still, he sat in that car for almost half an hour calming himself down. The patter of the rain on his car was the only thing helping him relax. Once he finally stopped producing tears. He started his car back up and drove home, more exhausted than he was when he left school.
The next few school days were torture. You'd think that DogDay would be estatic to not see CatNap, but no. He was in a lot of distress. For the past few days the guilt was eating him alive. He wanted to apologize, tell him he didn't mean any of it, though he and CatNap both knew it was a lie.
Curse these feelings. Why did he have to feel anyway? Emotions sucked. Especially when they were towards men. God, he hated the way he felt about CatNap. It's all his fault for being so... so... perfect...
DogDay sighed, about to walk to his second period class. Yet another chemistry class with no trace of CatNap. He asked the other critters if they knew where he'd be, but they had no idea. Apparently, he stopped answering his phone. They were all worried, surprised that even DogDay seemed comcerned.
He looked up from the floor and saw purple. Familiar purple down the hall and a long purple tail. "CatNap..." He whispered lowly to himself, registering the cat's presence in his head. The cat turned, and saw the dog. Their eyes met for a split second before the cat started running.
"Hey, no, wait!" He called out, running after the cat. He dodged passed all the other critters crowding the hall as CatNap continued to run as if he couldn't even hear the spaniel.
Eventually, DogDay caught up and grabbed CatNap by his tail. CatNap yelped and cried out. "Help! He's trying to kill me!" He said and DogDay grabbed his hand. He struggled around as DogDay pulled him along the hallway. "Let me goooo!" CatNap dragged out the sentence dramatically as everycritter in the hall looked on with both amusement and concern, though none even attempted to help.
DogDay pulled him to a storage closet, threw him in and closed the door, standing in front of it. CatNap regained his composure and pointed at the doorknob. "Let me out!"
"No," DogDay gulped. "We need to talk."
"Talk about what? How badly you hate my existence? How you wished you never met me?! Got the message crystal clear when you yelled it in your car, now let me out!"
"No it—" DogDay sighed. "It's not like that! Just hear me—"
"Then what's it like DogDay!" CatNap exclaimed. "I try to talk to you and you curse me out! I try to leave you alone and suddenly you wanna talk? Make up your damn mind!"
"I can't!" DogDay yelled back. "Can you just listen!"
"Why can't you?!"
"Because I do hate you!" He yelled out, moving closer to the cat, who backed away. "Then leave me alo—" The feline was interrupted by the dog continuing his sentence. "But... I also don't..."
"....What does that even mean?" CatNap asked, his voice was a little quieter and he cringed. "You make literally no sense!"
"No, I," DogDay ruffled the fur on his head in fustration. "It's like I meant everything I said in the car. I hate you, your dumb voice, that tail, your walk,"
"Way to twist the knife. Did you just come here to add salt to the wound?!" CatNap yelled. DogDay balled his hand into a fist. "CAN YOU LET ME FINISH."
The cat glared at him for his outburst, but remained silent. DogDay huffed. "Sorry....I just... I hate all that stuff about you..." He took in a deep breath. "But... I also... don't. I like your smile. I like your laugh. I like how you always tell the group what they're doing is dumb and still come along. I like your smugness, I like your confindence, I like everything about you." He pulled on his ears in stress.
"And I hate it! It makes me feel so fucking weird! It makes me feel sick to my stomach! I want to gurgitate everything in my stomach on to the floor! But I can't stop liking everything you do!" The more he spoke, the softer CatNap's expression became as he realized what DogDay was going through.
"I don't understand it either... I'm sorry I blew up on you in the car, I didn't mean to, you didn't deserve it at all, I've just been under so much stress and confusion and— mfgh?!" DogDay was cut off by a pair of warm lips on his own. He felt every ounce of guilt, worry, regret, anger, shame, all of it quickly drained from his body. All he could think about was that CatNap was kissing him. It didn't make him want to spill his guts.
It... actually felt nice.
CatNap put his hand under DogDay's chin and deepened the kiss. He kept his lips there for a few more seconds before pulling away and smiling at the flustered dog. His cheeks were a vibrant red and his eyes were as wide as they could be.
He let out a small laugh and tilted his head. "What about now? Do you still feel disgusting?" He asked. DogDay slowly shook his head. He stayed quiet, still staring at the cat. CatNap laughed again. "Why didn't you just tell me about the 'I like you' part sooner?"
"I...." DogDay was still perplexed and discombobulated by the kiss but he still forced out a sentence. "I... I don't.... didn't know how to..."
"Well would've saved a lot of yelling and tears if you did... stupid dog." CatNap's voice was soft like a marshmallow. He and DogDay stared at each other for a few more moments.
CatNap let a smug, flirtatious smile spread across his face. God how DogDay loved that smug smile. "Want another one?" He asked. DogDay nodded.
CatNap went in for another kiss, connecting their lips once again. This time, DogDay didn't tense. He melted into the kiss, kissing back. Why did he hate CatNap, again? Why did he deprave himself from this feeling for so long?
CatNap pulled away, smiling at the dog. They looked into each others eyes in silence. CatNap stroked the dog's cheek. "So... does 'hate' equal 'love' in your vocabulary?" He asked. DogDay slowly nodded. "I guess so...."
"Well, in that case," CatNap wrapped his tail around the dog's waist.
"I hate you, too."