Keeper and Protector (Joshler) ✔️

24

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"Maybe the Internet raised us or maybe people are jerks. But not you."

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Nestled in the corner of the sofa with a good book, Josh looked up to see Tyler pass by in the corridor with Cheetah in his arms for the umpteenth time. He didn't know what exactly his baby boy was doing, but from the looks of it, he was endlessly circling back and forth, kissing and nuzzling their new feline friend as he went.

Josh smiled at the thought of how excited Tyler had been since they brought Cheetah home yesterday. He'd been a bit nervous at first that Cheetah might be stand-offish in new surroundings, but thankfully, he just sniffed around for a while until he found a basket of clean laundry to curl up on.

After some searching, Tyler and Josh had found a big enough litterbox, food dispenser, water fountain and cat tower for him. (And, of course, Tyler just had to buy him a bunch of toys too because what was a cat to do without toys?)

But all things considered, Cheetah was settling in nicely. He seemed quite fond of Tyler... though, Josh could certainly think of one big reason why that might be.

When he saw Tyler pass by yet again, Josh finally closed his book and laughed a little. "Tyler?"

"Hm?" Tyler appeared a few moments later, Cheetah still in his arms. He sat down next to him on the couch and smiled. "Hi, J."

"Hey, you." Josh reached over and scratched Cheetah underneath his neck a little. "What are you up to, sweet boy? I keep seeing you go back and forth."

"Just showing Cheetah around the house." Tyler made a pouty face before nuzzling his face into Cheetah's fur. "Don't want him to get lost."

Josh wanted to laugh at how adorable Tyler was being right now. "Mm, no, that wouldn't be good at all. But don't you think you ought to let him explore by himself a little? Cheetah's really smart, so I'm sure he'll come find you when he's ready."

"Oh..." Tyler nodded slowly before putting Cheetah down on the floor, to which he looked up at him before sauntering away. A soft giggle left Tyler's lips. "Cheetah's so silly."

Josh smiled. "That he is. You are too. But hey, you better watch out... I found him laying on one of your hoodies earlier."

"Guess we'll have to get used to cat hair." Scooching a little closer to Josh, Tyler laid his head on his shoulder. "Hey, can I tell you something? I meant to tell you this earlier, but I've been a little distracted..."

"I can tell." Josh chuckled. "But of course, baby boy, I'm all ears."

"Well, in honor of our anniversary, I wanted to tell you... I think I'm ready to move my stuff into your bathroom."

Josh wanted to laugh at his choice of words, but stifled it so he wouldn't hurt his feelings. "Oh yeah? I think my toothbrush could use some company."

Tyler giggled, hiding his face in Josh's shirt. "Yeah, toothbrushes get lonely too, you know." He looked up at his Protector. "Also... I think I'm ready to move into your bedroom too."

"I also know a certain Protector who could use some company," Josh teased before kissing Tyler. "That makes me so happy, Ty! I'd love to have you move in."

Tyler threw his arms around him in a big hug. "Yay! So do I have to pay rent?" He stuck his tongue out at him.

"Yes, you can pay me in all the cuddles and bad jokes." Josh grinned. "And you better watch that tongue of yours, baby boy, someone might lick it."