The Silent Paw and The Gentle Bark

🐾 Chapter 39: Closer Than Ever

As promised here you go :33

Catnap had no idea how the night ended up like this.

He never let people into his space, let alone Dogday, who had a talent for turning peaceful nights into chaos. And yet, here they were—sitting close on Catnap’s couch, the dim glow of a small lamp casting soft shadows around the cozy purple room.

Dogday had started the evening his usual way—teasing, making jokes, trying to get a reaction out of him. But now?

Now it was just quiet. Warm.

Their tails had ended up touching at some point, neither of them pulling away. Catnap had noticed, but he hadn’t said anything.

Neither had Dogday.

He wasn’t talking as much now, which was weird for him. Instead, he was just watching Catnap, his golden fur almost glowing in the soft light, his usual playful smirk replaced with something… softer.

Catnap swallowed. “What?”

Dogday tilted his head. “Nothing.”

“…Then stop staring.”

Dogday chuckled. “Can’t help it.” His voice was quieter than usual. Almost shy. “You look nice.”

Catnap blinked, caught off guard. “What?”

“I mean, you always look nice. But, y’know… extra nice tonight.”

Catnap felt heat rise to his face. “You’re an idiot.”

Dogday just smiled, his tail thumping lightly against the couch. “Yeah. But I’m your idiot.”

Catnap rolled his eyes, but his chest felt… different. Tight, but in a good way.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then, without thinking, Catnap reached up, fingers brushing against Dogday’s cheek. His fur was warm—soft in a way he hadn’t expected.

Dogday stilled, his ears twitching. “Oh? Getting bold, are we?”

Catnap narrowed his eyes. “Do you ever shut up?”

Dogday grinned. “You like it.”

Catnap let out a frustrated sigh. “You ruin everything.”

Dogday opened his mouth to argue—but then Catnap leaned in and kissed him again, cutting him off completely.

This time, it wasn’t brief.

It was slow, lingering. Catnap could feel the way Dogday inhaled sharply, how his tail froze for just a second before wagging again. Dogday’s paws hesitated before resting lightly on Catnap’s waist, pulling him in just a little closer.

The warmth between them was overwhelming.

Catnap had expected Dogday to pull back and immediately start cracking jokes. But he didn’t.

Instead, he leaned in, deepening the kiss.

For once in his life, Dogday was quiet.

When they finally pulled away, their foreheads rested together, both of them catching their breath.

Catnap felt Dogday’s tail brush against his again, curling slightly around his own.

Dogday was the first to speak, voice breathless but so full of fondness.

“…So, uh. Does this mean I’m your boyfriend now?”

Catnap groaned, pushing his face into Dogday’s shoulder. “You’re impossible.”

Dogday grinned. “That’s not a no.”

Catnap sighed, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he just mumbled against Dogday’s fur, barely audible—

“…Yeah, I guess it’s not.”

Dogday’s tail wagged wildly. “Best. Day. Ever.”

Catnap just rolled his eyes—hiding the small smile that refused to leave his face.