Noel scratched behind the cat's ear, a wide, triumphant grin spreading across his face. "Luca Jr. It's perfect. Same grumpy eyes. Same habit of sulking when he's ignored. Honestly, it's uncanny."
The cat purred louder, curling deeper into Noel's lap as if in full agreement.
Luca folded his arms, his frown sharp though the tips of his ears flushed pink. "I am not walking around calling a cat 'me'."
"Why not?" Noel's voice was light and teasing. "You don't see it? He literally just sighed at me exactly like you do when I steal your blanket."
"I don't sigh. I breathe. There's a difference."
Noel tilted his head, biting back laughter. "You sulk-breathe, Luca. Exactly like this guy." He pointed as the cat rolled onto its back with theatrical flair.
Luca pinched the bridge of his nose. "Unbelievable. Out of all the names in the world—"
"Exactly!" Noel cut in, eyes sparkling. "That's why it's destiny. Luca Jr. and Luca Sr. Finally reunited."
"Stop calling me Sr. I'm not his father."
