Chapter 1

The scent of wonderful cheesecake filled Choco's nose. The sweet light scent of dairy, promising a soft mouthfeel. He pushed his face into it and began to eat.

"Choco!" A hand shooed Choco off of the table, and he hissed. "This is for Masaru, not you!"

"Haha! As bold as ever huh Choco? Always trying to eat my food, even on my birthday…" Masaru shook his head. " Then again, we have the same birthday, don't we Choco? So you do have the right to a treat! I've got something for you after this, so just hang tight." Masaru smiled at Choco gleefully.

Choco, as if understanding, slinked underneath the table and settled down on the ground in a "loaf" position. Masaru breathed a laugh.

"You two are so cute. Almost like brothers." Masaru's mom said with a chuckle. "Now, let's dig in!"

Masaru ate the cake until it felt like his stomach might burst. It was an awful feeling, heavy and painful, but Masaru didn't regret it even a little. It had been delectable.

"Ugh… cheesecake… so good." He groaned.

"My! If you're so obsessed with cheesecake you might as well get married." Masaru's mom teased.

"I hope you'll come to our wedding then." Masaru grinned.

"Raow" said a little voice under the table.

"Oh yeah, Choco! I guess its time for your treat! You're going to love it. Juicy, meaty, and best of all, chickeny— a fancy can of chicken flavored wet food!"

If Choco could clap, Masaru was sure he would've just then. This was not just any wet food, clearly, it was the good stuff. He pulled the lid open and Choco began brushing against Masaru's legs impatiently.

After mushing and scooping some into a dish with a fork, Masaru put it on the floor and Choco dug in. He ate with rigor. Then he paused to let out a choked, wheezing sound. Masaru bent down to pet his back.

"Getting old, the two of us. Eighteen years. I guess… you might kick the bucket soon. I wonder how i'll feel then. I'm going to cry, no matter what, I know that much."

In the dark, Masaru's hand rubbed Choco's orange striped head gently, moving his fingers up and down subtly.

"We've been together our entire lives, and had a bond unusual to most pet owners. I see you as a real companion, as furry and dumb as you might be. You've always been here, no matter what. What will I do without you, really?"

The bed rustled as Choco made his way up to Masaru's head. He licked his face. Masaru closed his eyes, and leaned against Choco, who had sat down.

The bands of light beaming from the curtains was blinding. Masaru opened his eyes slowly, using his arm as a shield from the harsh rays.

He brought his face under his blanket. No good, its hot in here. He pulled his blanket off quickly.

Masaru sat up, and stretched his muscles, bringing his arms towards the sky. He bended in half and reached for his feet. Then he used his hands and legs to lift himself out of bed.

"Ahhh… That was good." Masaru let out a yawn.

He moved out of his room and to the kitchen, and Choco followed suit, weaving between Masaru's legs as he walked.

"Good morning Choco. You ready for breakfast?"

Choco meowed, but Masaru heard it sounded strange. Choked, and maybe painful.

"Choco…?"

The cat meowed once more, but it sounded perfectly normal this time. So Masaru shrugged and got out Choco's food. He poured it in the bowl, and it made a pleasant sound, like heavy rain.

"There you go"

"Now, time for me to eat." Masaru felt his stomach rumble. "It feels like I haven't eaten in days!"

Masaru prepared him self an omelet, and grabbed some water to drink. It felt amazing to feel it slide down his throat, chilled and refreshing. He took deep sips, savoring every one. He really appreciated the freshness of water.

Choco did too. He took laps from his water dish after finishing his food.

Buzz. Bzz. "Aw crap, I gotta get to school. Sucks that the day after my birthday has to be a Monday." Masaru sighed.

Masaru went to the front door. He put on his shoes and straightened the tie of his school uniform in the mirror. "Bye mom! Bye Choco!"

Choco came up to Masaru, rubbing sweetly, purring. Choco seemed like he really didn't want Masaru to leave.

"You've been extra affectionate lately… what's up Choco?" Masaru felt warm because of Choco's love, but something inside felt weird. He felt sad and scared somehow. Why do I feel this way?