Chapter Text
His hands were restless, as was his hurried pace, his mouth trembled, reflecting his inner turmoil. He was so anxious. Finally, after months, he and his friends could finally reunite!
The park kiosk was empty, at least that meant he was the first to arrive! Dogday sat on one of the benches, his eyes constantly scanning the park, hoping to see some of them.
Five minutes, ten, fifteen... twenty... maybe they would be a little late, right? Half an hour... one... the dog was already restless, looking at his cell phone. Everyone had confirmed, so...
“Hey Dogday!” The dog's ears perked up with joy, along with a genuine smile on his face. “Guys!” The dog ran towards the trio of friends. “You came!”
“Yes!” The bear pulled him into a happy hug. “I didn't want to spoil your moment, but...” said the blue elephant, drawing the pair's attention. “What do you need to say that’s so important, Dogday?”
“Oh yes! A new amusement park just opened in town!” The trio looked at each other with worried expressions. “I thought we could go check it out, what do you think?” The elephant sighed and walked away, taking his cell phone out of his pocket.
“Your idea is… wonderful, Dogday.” The bear touched his shoulder. “Isn’t it, Hoppy?” The rabbit approached from his other side, doing the same as Bobby. “Yeah!” The dog’s tail wagged more slowly, if they were happy, then… why those faces?
“We can schedule a weekend, can’t we, Bubba?” The elephant ended a phone call and turned his attention back to the group. “Dogday, you called us for this? I had to leave work early…” The dog lowered his gaze but kept his optimistic smile. “Uh, yes, I… thought you’d come after your shift.” The elephant sighed, but looking at the dog, his nervousness slowly subsided.
“Listen, Day, I did what I did because I care about you.” Bubba touched his shoulders with a firm look on his face. “I know exactly what you want… but don’t you think it’s time to… look for a job?” The dog’s tail stopped wagging. “I’m already working on it.” The dog replied, still smiling. “Dogday, we all care about you.” The bear added. “How did the job interview go?”
“I’m sure they’ll call me!” With one hand in his pocket and his gaze averted, he buried the rejected resume in his pocket. “Look, Day, we know they called you for the interview, but… don’t you think it’s better to find something more permanent?” The rabbit asked. “Otherwise you might end up like Kickin…” Maintaining his smile with difficulty, the dog turned his attention back to the group. “I’m working on it… don’t worry! Please stop asking questions…”
“Okay…” The elephant said, touching his head with his hoof. “We need to go back, call us if you need help.” The dog nodded. “I’m still looking at that Dogday vacancy.” Bobby hugged him again and whispered in his ear, “I’ll let you know if there’s any news, okay?” Another nod.
“See you later, guys!” He said goodbye to Bobby and Bubba, who were slowly walking away. “So… I guess that was the fastest trip in the world, huh? Hehe.” Hoppy commented, noticing the dog’s distant look. “Yeah! Hehe.”
“So, I guess that’s it… how are you going to get home, Day?” the rabbit asked again. “I’ll walk, don’t worry!” The rabbit’s eyes widened, the dog lived almost on the other side of town, and it was almost nightfall. “Wait, how did you get here?”
“The same way!” He smiled, trying to maintain his role, after all, he was the cheerful leader of his high school class. “I needed to lose a few pounds… hehe.”
“Day… you’re almost the same weight as me, but I go to the gym…” The dog pressed his hands together tensely. “Have you been eating properly…?” He nodded, struggling to keep his smile. "Day... Day... Come! I'll take you."
As soon as the pair arrived at the dog's small apartment, Dogday invited Hoppy inside to thank him for the ride. “Are you hungry? I can order something for us to eat!” The rabbit stared at him with her arms crossed. Was everything alright? Her silence the whole way… and now this?
“Dogday, I’m your friend! You can trust me!” She held him firmly by the shoulders. “Look me in the eyes and tell me… are you okay or not?” The dog’s smile slowly faded until it suddenly returned, along with a look that condemned him with the truth. “Yes, I am, and you?” Why did he always have to keep these things to himself… what a stubborn dog.
“Look here, let’s get out of this depressive closet you’re in today!” She stood up with a determined look on her face. “Put on some nice clothes, let’s grab some snacks on the way and then…” From her pocket she pulled out two enormous purple tickets. “We’re going to an unforgettable show that will change your life!”
“H-Hoppy? What?! Whose?!” the dog asked, already getting excited. “Simply the biggest pop phenomenon of the moment!” She pulled out her cell phone and started showing the dog everything about the event, making him even more excited.
“Catnap? Sounds familiar… But I’ve never heard a song by him.” Day said thoughtfully, but the last time he heard music was in a clothing store… “Then go get ready! Put on some nice clothes because the party will be big!”
Dogday ran to his room, quickly put on his best clothes, nothing extravagant, but also comfortable enough to last the long night ahead! The dog looked at himself in the mirror… that image from earlier quickly disappearing and becoming… himself again~ “This night is going to be incredible…!”
The two set off for the event in the rabbit's car. On the way, Dogday tried to stay calm, but his anxiety only increased with each interesting fact Hoppy told him while they both listened to the music on the radio.
“He went to the same school as us? Are you kidding me?!” The dog asked, a glint in his eye. "YES! I've seen him a few times, he was so shy... and look at him now!"
The radio programming suddenly changed to a news channel, coincidentally, the news was about the ceremony at Catnap's show. "Ceremony?"
"Yes! Listen up!" She turned up the volume for him. "That's right, my dear listeners, the 'Marry Me' tour is starting, and it's something you don't want to miss! In just a few hours, the youngest pop star, Catnap, and Grammy winner Derek will exchange vows during the premiere of their new song in front of twenty million people on PlayStreet. And of course, 100.6 will be covering the biggest wedding of the year!"
"Wow..." said the dog, taking in the dazzling view of the concert venue before him. "The youngest pop sensation and the most youthful Grammy winner... stop the world, I want to get off!" commented the rabbit, turning the corner and encountering heavy traffic ahead. “Ahg… it was too good to be true…” The dog touched the rabbit while with his other hand he turned up the radio again. “Hey, in the meantime we can listen to some of their music!” The rabbit smiled and pulled the handbrake. “Good idea!”
“That’s an excellent idea,” said the feline, donning his moon-shaped collar. “This means a lot to me… thank you, Bobby.” The bear finished buttoning his suit. “You’re welcome, silly~” She descended the small ladder and picked up her clipboard again to cross off the items on the list.
Lighting… checked! Sound effects… checked! Microphone volume… perfect! “Everything’s ready, Catnap!” She told the feline, who thanked her with a sincere smile.
Leaving his dressing room, he went to the next room where his beloved dog was also getting ready. Unlike him, his clothes were more stylish, matching his restless nature. “Looks like I’m getting married alone tonight~” said the cat, approaching. The dog turned to him with a smile on his face. “What a needy little kitty…”
They approached and exchanged loving glances. “You know, if your friend finds out I saw you dressed like this…” The feline placed his finger on the dog’s lips. “You’ll see me like this sooner or later~” The dog approached him with a teasing grin on his face. “So… don’t you think you’re taking too long to give me this…~?” Derek moved his face against the cat, but Catnap recoiled, breaking away from their moment and flicking his tail in the dog’s face. “No… we still have… two hours, maybe~?”
“Funny guy… don’t expect me to be so patient when we’re married~” The cat turned his attention to him with a silly grin on his face. “See you on stage~” Once again he flicked his tail in the dog’s face until finally heading back to his dressing room.
“Ah, finally!” said the rabbit as she squeezed through the crowd. “Excuse me… excuse me… oops, sorry!” Little by little the pair reached the center of the crowd, the place was completely packed, the entire stadium overflowing with a multitude of creatures.
Luckily for them, and surprisingly for the dog, their tickets allowed them to watch the show very close to the stage—not too close, but not too far either. “Where did you get that almost VIP Hoppy pass?” the dog asked. “Let’s just say I have some contacts, hehe~”
The lights went out while others in front of the stage illuminated the entire place. Through a sequence of lights and smoke, a dog with golden fur appeared, wearing an outfit the same color as its fur. "Are you ready for the biggest festival of your lives?!" he shouted to the crowd, who reacted with euphoria. With a powerful voice, the dog began his show, followed by a fast and impressive electronic band, leading everyone to enjoy the moment.
“Thank you for bringing me Hoppy!” the dog shouted to his friend. “I told you it would be unforgettable!” They both swayed to the beat and sang along with the crowd. After so long, Dogday felt happy again, cheerful and optimistic!
“Nothing yet…?” He asked, annoyed… “No, they haven’t been seen yet.” Crafty said, looking at his tablet. “Any message…? Message…? Or… anything?” the feline asked, staring seriously at himself in the mirror. “No… but I guarantee they’re here with you somehow, Catnap!”
The unicorn, even though always insecure, did what she could to try and cheer up her friends. This simple phrase, full of anxiety, managed to make him smile once more, even though he knew the harsh reality he faced.
“We have a few minutes before the ceremony… do you really want to do the reprise?” she asked curiously. “Yes, it’s not the same without me, but it should cheer them up even more…!” "I understand... leave it to me!" said the cat, tightening his pendant around his tie on his long dark and gold suit.
For an entire hour, the crowd went wild with the dog's greatest hits, it's no wonder he received a Grammy... he sang very well! Just like at the entrance, the dog made a cinematic entrance onto the stage, leaving everyone even more anxious for what was to come.
Then a panel descended onto the stage, the lights illuminating it turning to the screen. Suddenly, the image of a purple feline with a beautiful moon pendant on its chest held a microphone in its hands, its eyes closed downwards. “This recording is a reminder to all of us...”
“We know our time is short...” He opened his eyes and looked at the crowd. “That's why we must live life to the last second! We will make this very special night unforgettable for all of us!” The crowd roared again, amidst shouts of excitement and euphoria, the dog looked intently at the feline, contemplating its face, its eyes, and its so... calm way of expressing itself. "It is with pleasure that I present this special as we prepare for the big moment! Enjoy and be yourselves tonight!"
>Next, a clip began to play, showing the feline alone in an open, empty space. Bringing his hands to his face, he began to sing. “Wait… this clip is new!” Hoppy commented as lights appeared around him, along with other dancers who were completely immersed in the music, it was so captivating and lively.
For an hour, the show was filled with emotion, with an incredible variety of the cat's songs, ranging from cheerful rhythms to slower, more intense themes. Dogday, along with all the millions present, was captivated by the spectacle, admiring the feline at every moment.
After the end of another clip, the lights went out, followed by hurried footsteps across the stage. Various creatures moved from side to side, taking positions and moving various objects, the ceremony was ready to begin…
“Oh, wait…” The rabbit suddenly stepped back among the other creatures. “I’ll be right back!”
“Are we ready!?” Everything around was bustling, rushed, and fast-paced, just like his heart... "Ready, Nap?" Bobby asked, adjusting his clothes one last time. "I am..." He sighed and walked to the small elevator set up just below the center of the stage. "I'm so proud of you..." The bear wiped the tears from her eyes, making the feline let out a soft laugh. "Thank you so much, Bobby~"
“Okay everyone… ready?” she shouted to the others who… were looking at their cell phones? Right now? “What…?” Some of the employees glanced at him sideways while in the background the cat could see the unicorn hurriedly closing a laptop. “What’s going on?”
“N-Nothing… don’t worry…” One of the producers said with a clearly fake look… “Crafty, what’s going on?” the cat asked the unicorn who was almost hyperventilating. “C-Catnap… uh…” The feline sighed. “Give me the phone… please…” Even hesitantly, the unicorn handed him the device.
On the screen, it was tuned to an online news channel, it was live. As soon as the images loaded, Catnap felt his world stop, as did his heart.
Derek… his fiancé… still dressed in the same clothes he had complimented, was kissing the head of his record label. Below was a caption. ‘Derek betrays his own fiancé on the day and at the same location as his wedding!’
“Catnap...? Catnap!” Bobby appeared, snatching the phone from her hands. “Look at me...” She held his face. “Please calm down, okay? Cancel...!” The cat silenced her with its tail, eyes closed and fists clenched, the cat gestured for the others to activate the platform. “What? Wait, Catnap!” Despite the bear's protests, the feline still climbed towards the stage.
“Look!” The rabbit returned with a sign that read “Marry me!” in her hands. “Why did you take that?” the dog asked, holding back laughter. “It's the name of the new album! Hold it and raise it high!” She handed him the sign, Dogday stared at it for a moment before making the rabbit's request.
The lights shone and flashed, the big moment had arrived. But amidst the silence of the moment, he heard some people commenting while looking at their phones. “What? Seriously?” asked one to his left. “Dude… here, on this day?!” Another commented behind him. “I can’t believe he did that to himself… at his own wedding…!” What was happening?
Catnap is lifted to the top of the stage, his eyes closed and breathing rapid, he opens them to find millions of creatures watching him. They all scream in ecstasy, excited and anxious for this moment… this moment…
He gazed vaguely at the gradually calming crowd, the other dancers staring at him doubtfully, and backstage he could see Bobby and Crafty desperately trying to stop him. “No, Catnap!”
He looked back at the crowd, brought the microphone to his mouth, closed his eyes, took a deep breath… he’d already given up on so much… enough running…
“They said… millions would be watching our wedding.” The feline began in a… sad tone? “I’ve dreamed of this day so many times… A wedding that would bring hope to us… after all, what is it to a gay man to get married in front of millions of people?” His gaze was tense… the dog gripped the sign tighter even without realizing it.
“They say if you want to make a difference… you have to do things differently.” He sighed and looked back at the audience as he slowly descended towards the stage. “This night was supposed to be special, and I guarantee… it WILL be special! I promised you… I promised myself… my heart…” He stepped to the edge of the stage, he could feel the tension of the moment, but that wouldn’t stop him, not now, not ever!
His head was spinning, he wanted to cry, run away... do anything to end this... pain. But... looking at the crowd in front of him, he spotted something that distracted him, a unique pair of eyes amidst the millions staring at him. A familiar face, with an expression so full of emotion, however simple it might be... holding... in his hands...
“Why not...?” That frightened look... so lonely amidst the company of millions made his heart race while his eyes were fixed on the feline's, who... stared back at him in the same way...
“Yes!” He said. “I'll marry you!” Catnap pointed at... me? “You there!” Two panels of cameras suddenly focused on his face, the dog was there being... proposed to?!
“W
“H
“A
“T
“H!?”
Everyone was screaming at the same time, Bobby was pulling his fur out, Crafty was fainting backstage, Bubba was spitting out his coffee, and Hoppy was staring in astonishment next to the equally surprised dog.
Silence, the whole place was quiet... everyone staring at him... Dogday stood frozen, looking around in fear, a moment so short but also so painfully long...
“G-Go!” shouted one creature. “Make way!” Another shouted as well. “Go on, buddy!” Suddenly everyone was pushing him towards the stage. “H-HEY WAIT...!” He tried to protest, but everyone was so euphoric that they would never hear him, everyone around him helped him move towards the cat he had met a few hours ago, including... “HOPPY!? HOPPY HELP ME!” The rabbit laughed and continued to push him. “GO ON ROMEO!”
Dogday climbed onto the stage and stood face to face with the feline who smiled at him serenely, the same could not be said of him who was sweating and trembling more than ever.
“Are you really sure...? Ouch! Okay...” A group of well-dressed people approached them, and one of them pulled out a book while wedding music played in the background. “Okay, so... you! Stranger... do you accept Catnap as your lawfully wedded husband?!”
Silence fell over everything again, a microphone appeared near his mouth. Catnap... the biggest pop artist of the moment... was right there in front of him... staring at him with a shy smile on his face and a tearful look. What should he do?! What should he say?! Calm down, Day... calm down, he just has to refuse with all his politeness and his smile... that never failed, you can do it!
“O-OK...” Damn... The cat lunged towards him with an even bigger smile on his face, their lips met in a kiss that surprised the dog more than the confusion. He felt his body paralyze and the world around him fall silent, allowing himself to enjoy those seconds with such new and... intense... sensations.
The crowd screamed in ecstasy, confetti and grains of rice flew in their direction. Soon both were escorted by the crew who took them to the back of the stage. Many voices, much confusion made the dog feel blind amidst it all.
Suddenly he felt comfortable, then his ears picked up a loud, accelerating sound. Everything went silent very quickly, he could only hear muffled sounds of fireworks in the background.
Dogday opened his eyes. Beside him was a dark car window that muffled the sounds of the chaos and lights outside. In front of him was a high seat in a car—speaking of cars... several were following them, but were blocked by others that prevented their pursuit, and to his right...
“Hi.” Catnap stared at him with the same smile as before, dressed in a dark, shiny suit while he was only wearing casual clothes for a Friday night out. WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED?
The dog settled on the bench, trying to calm down, took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and looked back at the cat. “Hi…” They stared at each other for a second before each looking away, making the atmosphere even more tense.
Dogday was looking out the window, too embarrassed to look at, and especially talk to, the cat. Catnap did the same on his side of the bench, staring blankly at the bustling city outside.
The cat sighed… still processing everything that had happened, the show, the betrayal… his wedding, the one he had dreamed of so much… Another sigh. From his pocket, he could feel his cell phone begging for his attention, even though it was on silent. Catnap took it out, staring at the screen flooded with calls, messages, and notifications that were wearing him down even more…
“Y-You don’t need to answer…” The dog’s voice caught his attention, pulling him away from his phone. “I mean… this is all crazy!” He seemed nervous, his gaze was agitated, and he tried his best to avoid eye contact with the cat. Catnap looked closely at the dog, he was so tense… of course, who wouldn’t be, marrying someone they barely knew in a show for thousands of people? The feline sighed again… maybe he had hurt another person…
Catnap kept his gaze on the poor dog, he did what he did because he wanted to change and gave something… new a chance… So, why not try again?
“What’s your name…?” The cat brought him back to reality, his gaze fixed on his eyes making him tense… but he couldn’t let himself be shaken again… he had promised himself and Hoppy that tonight would be different! “Dogday... and yours…?”
They both looked at each other shyly until the feline began to chuckle softly. “Oh, sorry… Catnap, right? The… biggest pop artist of today.” Saying that made him feel even more lost amidst all the chaos his life had become in seconds. “You can just call me Catnap, or Nap,” said the feline, looking away and returning to him with a shy smile on his face. “Sure… you… you can also call me Day, that’s what my friends call me.” They both looked at each other again and for the first time managed to stay in the same position for longer than before.
“Wait! DOGDAY?!” The car braked suddenly, almost throwing them both forward, the handbrake was pulled followed by euphoric feathers moving in the front seat. “No way, it’s really you, man!” The chicken writhed while complaining about the seatbelt fastened to his body. “Kickin…?”
“Kickin!” the feline scolded. “Be more careful! We’re still in traffic, did you forget?!” Catnap said, still angry, but not because of his driver’s idiotic behavior—after all, he was used to it by now—but because he was putting not only his life but also Dogday’s life at risk. “Oh… sorry, boss…”
For the first time since all the confusion, the dog laughed at the situation as he approached the chicken. “Kickin, it’s really you! I was told you were working as a driver, but… I never would have imagined it would be for a famous person.” Catnap was surprised by the dog’s words and gestures. “So… you two know each other?”
“Of course, boss! We were classmates and we’re still friends!” said the chicken, returning to his seat as he noticed the light was about to turn green. “Looks like we all went to the same school…” the cat said, turning his attention to the dog. “Your face was familiar…”
“Oh yes… of course, how I remember… you were in the other class, weren’t you?” the dog asked shyly. “I… I’d never even heard your voice before…” The feline chuckled softly, surprising him, he thought he would be offended… but he wasn’t. “It’s ironic, isn’t it? A famous singer who almost never spoke about his childhood.” The two looked at each other and laughed together again.
“Hey boss Nap… where exactly are we going? Because, like, I…” Hmm, it’s true they had plans for after the ceremony, but everything happened so fast and… “WAIT! Why are you here, Dogday?! Where’s Derek?!” the chicken asked, startling both of them in the back seat. “Oh yeah, well… that’s a story that…” The cat touched the dog’s shoulder, who fell silent instantly. “Kickin’ where exactly are we?” Catnap asked in a more serious tone.
“Um… in the east side, I know we’re off-script, but I got messages from Crafty to get you as far away from the press as possible.” Thanks, Crafty… “I can come back to your house… if you want.” The chicken finished, noticing the cat’s downcast gaze. “No… I don’t want to go back… at least not tonight…” Catnap replayed the scene in his mind, his fiancé, on his wedding day, kissing the head of his record label… what humiliation…
“Oh, okay, but… where are we going then…?” Kickin asked the cat, but he was inert, staring silently out the window. What could have happened to make him like this…? The dog could see a thin tear running down the feline’s face, this single scene made his heart sink in pain, imagining the same pain that was inside Catnap. Even being so rich and famous… he was still a creature with feelings…
“We can go to my house!” the dog said, drawing his attention. "It's simple... but it's discreet, nobody will bother you." The dog smiled shyly to himself amidst his anxious gaze, what a scene... "Well, that's it... if you want catnip... I don't have any..."
“I’m in!” the cat replied, smiling at him again… suddenly. “Okay, I know a quieter way for us.” Soon they all drove through various streets and avenues, all to disguise the car from the media helicopters circling the city in search of the cat. Some time later they arrived at the small building where the dog lived, it was dark, and perhaps most of the residents wouldn’t even notice them.
The two got out of the car. Dogday went ahead to talk to the doorman while Catnap spoke one last time to the chicken. “Thanks for today, Kickin… I’ll call you tomorrow morning,” said the cat, moving away from the window. “Wait, Nap!” the chicken called back… “What happened at the show…? You were supposed to be the happiest person in the world right now, but… you’re so down on such a special day…” The feline sighed again, making the message clear to Kickin. “You’ll find out on the news channels… but right now I… really need some time.”
“I understand…” The chicken held his hand, a compassionate look on his face. “Dogday is a good person… you can trust him.” The feline risked a smile and nodded positively to Kickin, who then left, walking away down the street. “We can go whenever you want, Catnap,” said the dog, holding his hands together, still visibly nervous about everything that was happening. “Okay.”
The two walked through the small gate, the sound of the old gears echoing in their ears. “Good evening, Dogday, you’re late today,” said an old voice in a small house near the gate. “Good evening, Mr. Doey! I assure you you can rest easy about that!” Day said cheerfully. “Okay, go get some sun.”
The dog passed through the small window next to the front door, waving to the old creature with his usual cheerful smile. “Good evening,” said a very well-dressed feline following close behind… wait… what?!
Going up the stairs, the dog went ahead to open the door to his apartment. It wasn’t very big, only two floors, each apartment with a small balcony.
At the door, the feline saw the dog insert the key, then forced it open with difficulty. “The doorknob is a little old… hehe,” he said, laughing nervously. “Please come in, welcome!”
The living room is the first to give you a second 'welcome,' a little small, containing a white checkered floor, a... medium-sized sofa, a bookcase with some things stacked on top of each other, and a television on the base of the bookcase. To the right was a simple window that offered a view of the entire neighborhood. To the left was a long hallway with several rooms on its left side.
“Are you hungry? I can…” Dogday looked worriedly at the trash can next to him, full of plastic from snacks and other orders placed through food apps… Catnap was a renowned and very successful artist… he didn’t deserve some takeout food… “I can cook something for us!” The feline looked around curiously at the old wooden sides, the faded paint on the wall, and the small flaws in the plaster.
“Oh, we can order something… we’re both exhausted and…” The dog approached the feline, gently helping him remove the heavy suit from his shoulders. “I can do something…! Yes… you should be able to…” “Feel free… I’ll leave your heavy clothes for you.” He placed the cat’s clothes on one of the chairs in the room, the only one in fact… and then hurried to the kitchen at the end of the hall. “I-I’ll be right back…!”
Silence and loneliness fell upon the feline's shoulders, not that he minded... He sat down and sank into the sofa, it was quite soft despite its appearance. Catnap pulled out his cell phone again, hoping everything had calmed down, but he couldn't have been more wrong... his screen screamed with calls... messages...
He sighed heavily, deeply... he didn't want to talk to anyone else, not the press, not his producers, his friends, or... Derek. What was he thinking now? Did he know everything? How long had he been having an affair...? Why had he lied to him for so long...?
One of the messages caught his attention, it was precisely from his... ex-fiancé... a sequence of calls, followed by desperate messages... for a moment Catnap felt tempted to end his doubts once and for all.
'You don't need to answer them...' The phrase spoken by the dog in the car... he raised his gaze again, admiring the peace that this humble place provided him, a feeling he hadn't felt in a long time.
He then decided to turn off his device, perhaps he could take the more... 'classic' route, grabbing the television remote from the arm of the sofa. When he turned it on, it started flipping through TV channels, some with mundane news, others cultural programs, talk shows... and of course, gossip channels...
"That's right, folks! Catnap, after discovering the horns on his head, left his fiancé and married a rideshare driver live on air! Can you believe it?!"
"Enough news..." He turned off the TV immediately, got up, and started doing something simpler.
In the kitchen, the dog was sweating profusely, his refrigerator was almost empty... not even his cupboards full of crackers would help him now. "What do I do...? What do I do?!" He paced in circles, pulling his long ears down.
“Calm down, Day! Calm down… you can do something good…” He looked around his kitchen, there were some pastas that were about to expire and some canned tomato sauces. On the kitchen balcony, his small herb garden caught his attention with its scent carried by the cold night wind.
Okay… maybe he had an idea… The dog immediately set to work with the ingredients he had available. He cooked the pasta, opened the tomato sauce, mixing it with a little water to make it go further… and finally, he would get some herbs.
“Hey Dogday…!” The dog turned his attention to the hallway door, still startled to come face to face with the feline. “Oh, Catnap… do you need something?!” Calm down, creature… “The bathroom… is that the door?” He pointed to an old, worn wooden door… “Uh, yes… but let me just…” The smell of the sauce was getting too strong… it was about to burn!
The dog ran back dazedly to the pot, making the cat chuckle softly again, he was so silly... Soon the cat decided to leave him to his great culinary mission and went to the bathroom.
The room was simple, shower... sink... and the other furniture. After using it, he went to the sink to wash his hands and face, but when he stood up to look in the mirror, he saw something... On his reflection was a gray adhesive tape covering a large hole in the center of the glass, broken into several pieces.
Dogday and he were almost the same height, but... the cat bent down a little, noticing that the tape covered exactly the dog's eyes... why would he use tape to 'fix' the broken mirror... Around him were some small notes of reminders. 'Smile!', 'Today is a new day!...', 'You are strong...!...?' Don't give up...
The last one was right below the tape, each sentence making his heart sink with worry... right below, in a small dresser, there was a half-open drawer. Opening it, Catnap found some cylinders in packets of pills. The description said they worked with strong dosages and served as sedatives against anxiety and... depression...
Was Dogday having mental health problems...? Leaving the bathroom, the feline continued his exploration of the house. On a small dresser next to the door leading to the dog's room, a place with a single bed, a wardrobe, a window, and the dresser. On it were some papers about overdue bills, formal job rejections... by letter...? Looking around the room, the cat didn't notice any computer or notebook, did the dog even have an email address?
Next to the pile of papers, a picture rested there, not one, but several photos were pasted on the wall facing the bed. In the picture was a photo of a large group, it was from his old class during school, the others were of his group of friends, Kickin, Crafty, and even Bobby was there... A blue elephant... what was his name again...? Bubba? A green rabbit was hugging the dog in one picture, and in another a pink piglet was presenting him with a delicious chocolate cake... how could he forget that event... They all knew each other... only... he and Dogday didn't know each other? All this time?
Catnap put the photo back in its place, leaving the room his heart sank with anguish. Dogday... the dog he had decided to marry was in such a... situation... and yet his 'yes' was filled with emotion and not self-interest... he didn't know him, nor did the cat know him... so... Why all this? Amidst so many faces, signs... why him? Was he angry? Did he feel a desire for revenge against his fiancé who betrayed him...? Or was he simply lost in a single gaze so pure and... honest...? A gaze that hid behind an animated smile, optimism that masked a well of darkness in his own heart... he knew... he had felt all this before... "What makes you like this... Dogday?"
"Hey Catnap!" He opened the door with a plate in his hands. "It's ready! We can..." The feline looked at him startled. Had he seen his notes in the bathroom? What would he think of him now...? No... don't think about that now, just smile! Smile and hand the food to your guest.
“We can sit on the sofa…” The cat saw the tension in those eyes, the same tension he had seen all night. “Sure…” They both went into the living room and sat on the sofa. The dog handed him a plate of pasta with tomato sauce and green herb seasoning, a classic so simple, yet… wonderful.
Catnap sat on the sofa while the dog went back to the kitchen. Looking at the plate, the cat grabbed the thin fork that rested in the middle of the pasta, gathering it and finally bringing it to his mouth. The taste wasn't bad, it lacked salt... but it wasn't bad. He ate one, two, three, four... but something was strange, and it wasn't the taste... He looked down the hallway, his ears perked up at the thin sound of another fork. Where was the dog?
Going to the kitchen, the cat saw the dog standing in front of the stove, eating the pasta straight from the pot. Upon noticing his presence, he jumped in fright, almost dropping the pot from his hands. "C-Catnap...?"
"Why are you standing there...? Isn't there another plate?" asked the cat. "Well... it's just that..." He scratched the back of his head. “Well, just four hours ago I was single, so… I didn’t have time to buy new silverware…” What a shameful way to declare oneself poor to a renowned artist…
The cat continued looking at him with the food in his hands, what did he want now…? “You… I can try to make something else if it’s not to your liking.” The dog said, smiling again as his eyes scanned the cupboards. “I know this isn’t really to your taste, so…”
“No.” Ah… of course… he lowered his gaze… Suddenly the feline wagged its long tail and wrapped it around its waist… but what…? “Let’s eat in the living room.” Pulling the dog along, they both returned to the larger room and sat on the sofa, only then did the feline release it from its grip.
The rest of the night was silent, they both ate under the uncomfortable feeling that seemed to last for hours. Soon the dog prepared the bed, grabbed some blankets, and got everything ready for the rest they so desperately needed.
Catnap removed his heavier clothes, remaining only in his trousers and thin white knit shirt, while the dog changed, now wearing a simple green shirt and shorts.
“All done!” said the dog after finishing the bed. Catnap sat on it while his mind remained restless. This night should have been so much better… but look where he was now… not that the bed or the room were bad, but he was bothered by the situation he had gotten himself into.
“Goodnight Catnap!” The dog turned off the light and closed the door, a blanket was in one arm and a pillow in the other. Wait… what was he doing?
He sighed with relief as he walked to the sofa, throwing the cushion to one end. Dogday began to settle in, unfolding the blanket, his mind was restless, just like the cat's. Hoppy had told him that tonight would be special... he just didn't think he'd go to a pop concert and leave married to the biggest celebrity at the event...
“What are you doing?” Catnap appeared in the hallway, staring at him. “Uh... I'm going to... sleep...?” He tried to smile, but his face was already too tired. The feline crossed his arms while his tail wagged restlessly from side to side. “Not on this sofa... you have a bed after all.” His tail curled back around his waist. “And it's not that small...”
Soon the two were lying on the dog's bed, squeezed together and vying for the little space there was. Dogday was pressed against the wall while Catnap held on to avoid falling off the bed.
“Catnap… I can sleep on the couch… it’s no problem…” said the dog, trying to get comfortable. “No… you said I wouldn’t because I’m your guest, but I can’t let you sleep on the couch in your own house.”
Silence returned to the room, broken only occasionally by helicopters flying over the city in search of the celebrity feline. Facing each other, they pretended to sleep, though exhausted, neither could stop thinking about what had happened that night…
“I’m sorry, Catnap.” Hm? The feline rolled his head. “Sorry for putting you in this whole situation… I tried to say no, but…”
“It was sincere.” said the cat, surprising the dog. “What…?” The cat turned to look at him, forcing the dog to do the same, they were so close they could feel each other’s tense breathing. “We were all nervous, but… the way you said it… it was sincere.”
“But I… we don’t even know each other that well…” said the anxious dog, trying in vain to pull away. “Yes… but you, a stranger, were more sincere than my own fiancé…” The cat’s gaze lowered heavily. “I… I’m sorry…” said the dog, trying to comfort him by slowly stretching his hand towards him, but he gave up halfway…
“I’m the one who should apologize…” The cat’s hand found his, one on top of the other in a shy and discreet touch. “I forced you into something that…” He pulled his hand back. “I threw you into my mess… I kissed you without your consent… I don’t even know if you like guys… and…”
“Well…” Now it was the dog who sought his hand. “I never… had a ‘test’ but… I found it… pleasant…” He said so softly, almost a whisper. “I just admit I didn’t imagine my first kiss would be with another… guy, hehe.”
“Wait… you’ve never kissed before…?” the curious feline asked. “You were one of the most popular students in school… I always saw you from afar with so many creatures by your side.” The dog let out a shy chuckle. “Well, yes… hehe. But I’ve never seen anyone… in any way other than friendship.” At least he wanted to believe that…
“I understand…” the cat commented, making him even more nervous. What are you doing, Dogday…? Having an intimate conversation with a stranger in your own bed so late at night? “I admit it was a good first time for me too.” The cat said, raising his gaze. What…?
“I mean… I guess I wasn’t so bad after all… you liked it~” The dog looked confused. “Wait… that… was your first kiss too…?” the dog asked, making the cat recoil and almost fall off the bed, being caught by him at the last second.
“Thank you…” He returned with the dog’s help. “I know it’s… strange, hehe… But yes, this was my first time too.” He lay down with his head on the pillow. “You know… I’ve lived a lot despite my age, I’ve done so many things I’m proud of and regret…” His gaze became more distant. “Before, nobody looked at me… but after I started taking care of myself and growing in my career, everyone wanted to have a ‘special moment’ just to brag and feel happy with themselves…”
“But I myself… couldn’t see anything good in it.” The dog felt compelled to get closer… but… “I thought I would overcome these superficial feelings and start to feel something more… profound.”
Catnap chuckled softly at the mess that was his romantic life. “This afternoon, we should….” Turning to face the dog, the feline saw him with a tearful and dejected look, far from the smile he had seen all night on Dogday’s face. “D-Dogday…?”
“I’m sorry…” He turned away, trying to hide his face. “What happened…? You don’t need to apologize!” Catnap tried to move the dog to look at him again. “I look ridiculous…” said the dog, rubbing his face. “What…? No… you don’t look…” Dogday buried his face even deeper into the blanket, trying to muffle everything he felt.
Seeing the situation, Catnap felt increasingly anguished for the dog, how much he had already made him feel bad in such a short time… He had never been so good at understanding this, but as he had done before… he should try something, something different~
“Hey, Dogday…” He lifted the dog’s face, who looked at him. “Relax… close your eyes…” He looked at him confused. “What…?”
“Leave it to me~” Dogday did as he said, suddenly feeling his lips meet the feline's, slowly advancing at a slow and... clumsy... pace. He wanted to pull away, run from what he didn't understand... but his body gradually shifted its anxiety, making him calmer and, at the same time, more agitated inside.
They separated, their eyes meeting in a mix of emotions, surprise, shock, nervousness, anxiety, and doubt. So many feelings in such a short time that they were already exceeding their limits that night.
“Goodnight, Dogday,” said Catnap, smiling softly. “G-Goodnight... Catnap.” Dogday returned the smile as he tried to close his eyes for another night's sleep, one that was certainly unforgettable~