The elevator hummed quietly as it carried them down, Noel rocking the cat gently in his arms.
Luca stood beside him, hands tucked in his pockets, glancing sideways every so often as if the cat might explode at any second.
"You're holding it like a baby," Luca muttered.
"Because it is a baby," Noel replied without looking at him. "A very precious one."
The cat gave a faint purr, and Luca rolled his eyes. "You're already spoiling it. I can see where this is going."
"Where?" Noel asked, chin tilted, clearly baiting him.
"Scratched furniture, hair on my suits, and me sleeping on the edge of the bed while that thing claims your pillow."
Noel chuckled, brushing his nose against the kitten's head. "You'd still be jealous of a cat? How fragile your ego must be."
The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, spilling them into the lobby.
Outside, a cab waited at the curb, the driver leaning casually against the hood.
