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Johnny never expected to spend an afternoon on Daniel LaRusso’s couch, sipping tea and not arguing—at least not yet. He was scanning the cozy living room when a soft meow caught his attention.
Shadow, the black kitten, marched toward him like royalty.
—Uh… hey —Johnny muttered.
Shadow stared… then jumped straight onto his lap.
Johnny froze.
—Shadow! —Daniel rushed over from the kitchen— Don’t bother Johnny!
Too late.
The cat settled on Johnny’s legs like he owned them.
Before Daniel reached him, his foot hit the coffee table.
—Oh crap—
He tripped and fell forward, landing on his knees.
Momentum sent his head straight into Johnny’s lap.
Time stopped.
Johnny = statue.
Daniel = redder than a stoplight.
Shadow = victorious purr-machine.
—S-sorry—Daniel stammered.
Johnny swallowed hard and let a trembling hand rest awkwardly on Daniel’s shoulder.
—You okay?
Daniel looked up.
Their faces too close.
Too warm.
Too much.
Johnny jerked his hand back, flustered.
Daniel didn’t move right away. Shadow climbed onto his back and lay there, humming like a tiny engine.
—Perfect —Johnny muttered—. Now I’ve got both of you on me.
Daniel laughed nervously, trying to shift, but Shadow demanded he stay put.
—He’s… insisting —Daniel whispered.
Johnny smirked.
—Your cat’s basically a cupid demon.
Daniel lowered his gaze but smiled.
—He really is.
A beat.
A warm breath shared between them.
Shadow nudged them with a tiny headbutt.
A push.
A go on.
Johnny’s voice cracked just a little.
—If you… want to stay there for a moment… I mean, so the cat doesn’t freak out.
Daniel blinked.
—Here?
—Yeah. It’s not that bad… for you.
Daniel laughed softly, melting Johnny from the inside out.
He settled again, his head brushing Johnny’s thigh.
Johnny’s breath caught.
But he didn’t pull away.
—Just… a moment —Daniel whispered.
Shadow purred proudly, draped over both humans like a furry matchmaker.
And for the first time, Johnny wasn’t sure whether to blame the cat…
…or thank him.