Explosion of Colors

Mulberry

A/N: Sorry for the late update. It's currently past 10 in the evening.

Enjoy!

***

Allie nudges her head eagerly against Mew's hand, prompting him to start scratching her under her chin. He can feel her purrs vibrating through his entire body as she lounges on his stomach.

Gulf called him in a panic on Sunday, asking him to look after his cat while he was away.

"Grandma was supposed to take her, but she suddenly claims she's allergic," Gulf explained. Then, in a hushed tone, he added, "I think she's hiding a boyfriend from me. Probably that man next door. She tried to convince me he was just helping with her roses in March. March. It snowed in March."

Mew was surprised by Gulf's uncharacteristic rambling and realized he must be really stressed. "Take a few deep breaths. And yes, I'll take care of your cat."

Gulf had whisked her away in no time. It was a mixed bag - great to see him again, but tough to watch him go once more.

Allie appeared a bit annoyed at being left at Mew's place; she seemed to disapprove of the dirty dishes in the sink.

Gulf was clearly stressed. "I despise packing," he grumbled, giving Mew a quick peck on the lips before departing. "See you on Friday, alright?"

Not really. But at least he had the cat.

"Feeling hungry?" Mew inquires.

Allie lazily opens one eye, gazes at him, then shuts it again.

"I'll take that as a no then."

He falls silent, the room filled with Allie's soothing purrs. She stretches, lightly scratching Mew's side through his t-shirt. It was comforting to have her around.

Mew's hand starts to tingle, causing him to switch his attention for a moment. In that brief moment, she opens her eyes and gives him a stern glare.

He can't help but chuckle softly at her. "You really are quite the little princess, aren't you?" he remarks. "He spoils you, just like he spoils me." Mew lets out a sigh. "You know, I love him. Your daddy. I never thought I could, but I do. So, so much. He has no idea."

Suddenly, he realizes just how lonely he truly is. Despite having his family and friends around him all his life, there's a deep sense of loneliness within him.

He remembers meeting Pam, Charlie, and Noel back in kindergarten. Even though he was a year younger, they welcomed him into their group and stuck together throughout school. And then there was Joss' gym, where the bond between the fighters and trainers formed an extended family.

He had his real family there, of course. Mum and Dad - and Leo. Leo, his best friend. Annoying beyond belief - most of the time Mew wanted to bang his head against the wall to knock some sense into him - but still the best friend and brother anyone could ask for. Leo was always there for him. Leo was his.

He had tried his hand at professional fighting for a while, training with the others and even participating in a few matches, but he was terrible at it. Too impulsive, lacking in skill. It was torture for Mew to watch his younger brother endure so much beating, and eventually Leo grew tired of it too and gave up. But he never stopped being a part of their group.

Mew believes that is the main reason he struggles to be around his friends now. Most of them were never truly his friends, but theirs. In their company, the absence of Leo, that huge, soul-crushing void in the world, becomes more bearable. A piece of them is missing, and they will never fit together the same way again. Leo's presence lingers so strongly over their friendship that it can never be erased.