"Hunter!" Michael shouted as he rushed out of the bedroom to see what the commotion was. When he stepped over the threshold, he slipped in the puddle Hunter had left and landed with a thud.

Hunter watched with a bemused light in his eye before he saw Michael sit up, rubbing his head where he hit it on the doorframe.

Damn. The fucker didn’t die. It was like he had nine lives.

***

"He’s doing it on purpose!" Michael screeched. "He’s trying to kill me!"

"Michael," Ben replied wearily, "he’s just a--"

"He’s a demon spawn!"

"Mic--"

"Yesterday, you said him knocking the radio into the tub was an accident. I’m telling you the little shit tried to electrocute me. Then today he left that puddle on the floor so I’d slip. He actually pu--"

"That’s enough," Ben snapped. "You made it perfectly clear you don’t want him here so I’ve taken care of it."

"You mean you’re finally turning him in--"

"Brian and Justin are taking him."

"What?! Justin can’t make that kind of decision, it’s Brian’s house! What happens when Brian comes back from London and--"

Michael was interrupted by a knock on the door. Ben answered it and was relieved to see Brian standing there.

"Brian?!" Michael shrieked. "When did you get back?"

The exec shrugged. "A couple hours ago."

"But you’re not supposed to be home for another week. Why didn’t you call me?"

"It’s called a surprise, Mikey." Brian looked around the apartment. "Where is he?"

"Sleeping probably," Ben replied, glancing at the guestroom. "But he’s packed up, I’ll get him."

"This was your idea?" Michael asked incredulously.

"Justin’s always wanted a child, but we haven’t been able to conceive," Brian smirked. Michael’s scowl only encouraged him. "This way he can nurture all his mommy urges without me having to deal with midnight feedings and shitty diapers."

Ben laughed as he carried Hunter’s bag out to the foyer. "I’m sure you’ll be wonderful parents," he said. "And Justin is going to be so excited."

"I know," Brian replied, a twinkle in his eye. He couldn’t wait to see his lover. The blond had been in classes all afternoon and   didn’t even know he was back yet, or that there would be an added surprise. "Hunter, let’s go," he barked, suddenly anxious to get home.

Hunter finally ambled out with his usual ‘I don’t give a fuck’ attitude radiating around him.

Ben couldn’t help squeezing him hard as he said good-bye. He’d wished things had worked out differently, but he knew this was for the best. Hunter would have a good home and Ben could still see him anytime. Ben then waited for his lover to make some sort of conciliatory effort toward Hunter since this was the end of their tumultuous relationship. It was the least Michael could do after the way he’d behaved.

Michael saw Ben’s expectant face and decided it wouldn’t kill him to be gracious since he would finally be rid of the little shit once and for all. He stepped forward and extended his hand when suddenly Hunter sprang from Ben’s arms and swiped his paw at Michael’s face. Michael squealed in pain as the cat’s long claws dug into his neck and refused to be dislodged as he batted the furball away. Hunter hissed at him, spitting in the stinging wounds before leaping to Brian’s shoulder.

"I told you!" Michael howled, trying to stop the bleeding from the long gash in his throat. "He wants to kill me!"

Brian patted the purring cat as Hunter snuggled around his neck. "And to think I tried to talk Sunshine into a guard dog instead.  You’ll do just fine."