Seven Levels Below

VII

Three weeks later, Mitch is having some serious deja vu. Scott's there instead of Kirstie, Mitch's hair is now blonde instead of purple, and they're definitely not cuddling under a blanket, but Spongebob is on again and the mood of the room just reminds Mitch of how he really does suddenly have another best friend. While Kirstie is Mitch's oldest friend and damn near sister at this point, Scott has the benefits of a better aligned schedule and that hair. The first night Scott had knocked on Mitch's door after a solid two hours of Mitch freaking out about the what ifs of Scott not being as nice alone, or forgetting where he lived, or just plain not showing up at all, Mitch had been beyond relieved to discover that nope, he was panicking for no reason. They had natural chemistry and similar interests and so much excitement to be around each other again that four hours had flown by and suddenly Scott had realized he really needed to leave if he was going to be able to wake up early enough tomorrow to attend whatever Senate meeting that apparently was fairly important. And as sad as Mitch was that he had to leave so abruptly, he wasn't concerned about it. Because Scott came back again. And again. And again. Until their daily schedule ended with them hanging out together in Mitch's living room almost every night.

Tonight, they were laughing on Mitch's couch as Plankton gave a dramatic monologue. That is, until Scott noticed a furry little body jumping up onto Mitch's windowsill.

"Cat!" And Scott was gone, rolling out of his little blanket pile and plopping himself down on the floor under the window on the other side of the room.

"Have you never seen him before?" Mitch pushes himself up and grabs for the remote to turn down the show. "He's always around here."

Scott was slowly offering his hand to the cat, who very nonchalantly disregarded it. Scott waited to respond until his initial scratches on the cat's little head were accepted.

"I've never seen him before. Is he yours?"

"Nah," Mitch watched as the cat stretched out, clearly appreciative of Scott's touch even if it didn't want to admit it. "He's just a stray that hangs out on my windowsill a bunch. It's probably a bit warmer for him since he's hairless to be laying somewhere partially heated."

"Does he have a name?"

Mitch frowned as he racked his brain, but honestly couldn't remember if he had ever named it or just always referred to it as The Cat. "If you've got one ready, go for it."

"Wyatt."

Mitch blinked at him. "That was fast."

Scott shrugged and turned back towards Mitch as he continued. "I always wanted a cat, but I was a tad bit allergic when I was a kid. My mom always teased me about having an imaginary cat named Wyatt, so I guess it's kinda fitting."

Mitch nodded at him. "I like it. It makes him sound like a grumpy old man, which he definitely is."

Scott gasped and covered the cat's ears. "How could you say that about my precious little kitty?"

Mitch attempted Kirstie's signature move and rolled his eyes at him. "Just give him a week and he'll lose his interest in you and go back to being a snob. Just watch."

But alas, Wyatt refused to own up to his normal attitude and continued to be Scott's new lap warmer consistently for the next week.

"Traitor," Mitch hissed at Wyatt as he padded across the floor and curled up on Scott's lap the second he crossed from the front door to claim the squishy armchair.

If Mitch continued to occasionally glare at Wyatt throughout the week, he was content letting Scott think he was grumpy about Wyatt's sudden change in character and not the sudden pang of jealousy. Having Scott all cuddled up to him and playing with his hair (or ears whatever, it's a hairless cat) and giving him all those little kisses... Honestly, Mitch might even start purring along with Wyatt if he got to curl up over there instead of flop down on the squeaky couch and pretend he was cozy enough with just the throw pillows and blanket.