Cat 🐈 vs Dog 🐕

The palace buzzed with activity as Prince Nani prepared for his first outing since Sky's arrival. Despite being outwardly indifferent, Nani was acutely aware of the new bodyguard's constant presence. Every time he turned around, there was Sky—grinning, fumbling, or hovering too close for comfort. And as much as Nani wanted to dismiss him as nothing more than a clumsy annoyance, he couldn’t entirely ignore the warmth of Sky’s boyish smile or the way his sharp eyes scanned the room for threats, even while joking.

Now, as Nani adjusted the cufflinks of his tailored suit in front of the mirror, his annoyance bubbled to the surface again. “Must you stand there like a guard dog?”

Behind him, Sky leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed casually. “Guard dog? I prefer ‘majestic wolf,’ but sure, I’ll take it.” He tilted his head, his grin widening. “You look great, by the way. Very princely.”

Nani rolled his eyes and turned back to the mirror. “I don’t need your opinion.”

“Good, because I wasn’t giving it. I was stating a fact.”

Before Nani could retort, the palace steward knocked on the door, announcing the arrival of the car. Sky pushed off the doorframe with an exaggerated flourish, gesturing toward the exit. “Your chariot awaits, Your Highness.”

Nani brushed past him, muttering under his breath. “This is going to be a long night.”

The sleek black car purred down the city streets, its tinted windows shielding them from prying eyes. Sky sat across from Nani, his legs sprawled out and his posture impossibly relaxed for someone on duty.

“Do you always slouch like that?” Nani asked, his tone clipped.

“Only when I’m off-duty,” Sky replied, his grin never faltering.

“You’re never off-duty.”

“Good point.” Sky straightened, mimicking a rigid soldier’s pose. “How’s this? Very professional, right?”

Nani suppressed a groan. “You’re insufferable.”

“Thanks! You’re pretty great yourself.”

The car came to a smooth stop outside a luxurious venue lit with glittering chandeliers and a red carpet lined with photographers. The city’s elite milled around, dressed in designer suits and glittering gowns. Nani sighed, mentally preparing himself for the evening ahead.

Sky opened the door for him, holding out a hand with an exaggerated bow. “After you, Your Majesty.”

“It’s Your Highness,” Nani corrected, brushing past him.

Sky followed closely, murmuring just loud enough for Nani to hear, “You sure about that? ‘Majesty’ has a nice ring to it.”

Nani shot him a glare over his shoulder. “Stop talking.”

Sky mimed zipping his lips but couldn’t suppress the mischievous sparkle in his eyes.

---

The ballroom was a symphony of elegance—crystal chandeliers cast warm light over polished floors, and the soft hum of conversation mingled with the clink of glasses. Nani slipped effortlessly into his role, exchanging pleasantries with diplomats and socialites, all while maintaining the poised air of a royal.

Sky, on the other hand, stood at the edges of the room, his gaze alert yet somehow managing to look completely approachable. He looked out of place in the sea of polished elegance, his boyish charm and slightly mussed hair making him stand out.

Nani noticed Sky chatting with one of the waitstaff, his animated gestures and easy laughter earning a giggle from the server. Nani’s jaw tightened. Why was this man so… annoying?

“Your Highness.” A smooth voice interrupted his thoughts. Nani turned to see an aristocrat in a finely tailored suit extending a hand.

As Nani engaged in polite conversation, he caught Sky’s gaze from across the room. The bodyguard was watching him intently now, his eyes scanning the man Nani was speaking to. Sky tilted his head slightly, his expression a mix of curiosity and subtle protectiveness.

When the man stepped a little too close for Nani’s comfort, Sky was suddenly at his side. “Evening, gentlemen,” Sky said, his tone light but carrying an undertone of authority.

Nani shot him a warning look. “Sky, I’m fine.”

“Of course you are,” Sky replied easily, his eyes still on the other man. “Just doing my job.”

The aristocrat excused himself, clearly uncomfortable under Sky’s scrutiny. As soon as he was gone, Nani rounded on his bodyguard. “Was that really necessary?”

Sky shrugged. “He looked shady.”

“He’s a duke.”

“Shady duke,” Sky said with a wink. “Classic trope.”

Nani pinched the bridge of his nose. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet, here I am,” Sky said, grinning. “So, what’s next on the royal agenda? Dancing? Mingling? Pretending to like tiny portions of overpriced food?”

“Go stand over there and stop embarrassing me,” Nani snapped.

Sky raised his hands in mock surrender. “You got it, Your Highness. But just so you know, I’d totally crush it on the dance floor.”

---

After enduring hours of small talk and forced smiles, Nani retreated to the balcony for some much-needed air. The city lights stretched out before him, a glittering tapestry that should have been calming. But all he could think about was Sky.

Why was the man so insufferable? Why did he insist on turning every situation into a joke? And why, despite all of that, did Nani find himself glancing at him more often than he cared to admit?

“Beautiful view, huh?”

Nani nearly jumped as Sky appeared beside him, leaning casually on the railing.

“I didn’t ask for company,” Nani said, crossing his arms.

“Good thing I’m not here as company,” Sky replied. “Just doing my job.”

“Your job doesn’t require you to hover.”

Sky turned to face him, his expression softening. “Maybe not. But I figured you might need someone to remind you to breathe.”

Nani blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in Sky’s tone.

Sky grinned, breaking the moment. “Plus, I’m way more fun than whatever’s going on in there.”

Nani huffed, looking away. “You’re like an overexcited puppy, you know that?”

Sky’s laughter rang out, warm and unrestrained. “And you’re like a grumpy cat. Always glaring and ready to swipe at me.”

“I’m not grumpy,” Nani shot back, his cheeks flushing.

“Sure you’re not,” Sky said, nudging him gently with his elbow. “But hey, cats and dogs can be friends, right?”

Nani glanced at him, surprised to find Sky’s smile wasn’t teasing this time—it was genuine. For a moment, he felt his irritation melt away, replaced by something softer, something he couldn’t quite name.

“Maybe,” Nani said quietly, turning back to the view.

Sky’s grin widened. “I’ll take that as a win.”

---

By the time they left the party, Nani was exhausted. He slumped in his seat, his usual guarded demeanor slipping just slightly. Sky, sitting across from him, watched him with a small smile.

“You did great tonight,” Sky said after a moment.

Nani opened one eye to glare at him. “I don’t need your approval.”

“Good thing it’s not approval,” Sky replied. “It’s an observation. You were charming, poised, and utterly princely.”

Nani stared at him, unsure whether he was being serious or sarcastic. “You’re exhausting.”

“Right back at you,” Sky said, leaning back with a yawn.

As the car pulled into the palace gates, Nani couldn’t help but glance at Sky one last time. For all his teasing and clumsiness, there was something undeniably comforting about having him around.

Maybe, just maybe, this puppy wasn’t so bad after all.