One day I'll manage one of these on a Thursday.

This week's prompt: joy

David the cat relaxed on his spotted inner tube, bobbing serenely by the edge of the pool. The warmth of the sun felt pleasant on his fur and the sounds of others nearby splashing and laughing were comforting. There was a sudden rapid patting of pawsteps and he felt a shadow pass over him. He opened his eyes just in time to see a slim otter diving in front of him and splashing him with a wave of cold water.

"Gah!" He sputtered and shook the water off of his face before glaring at the sheepish river otter before him. "Jesse, how many times have I told you not to splash me? You know I hate that."

"I know, I know, and I'm sorry. I was just so excited! Guess what?" David opened his mouth to speak but his friend burst out, "Sam asked me out!"

The cat rolled his eyes. "Well it's about time! I thought you two were just going to make lovey eyes at each other for the rest of your lives." He closed his eyes and tried to relax again, letting the sun dry off his fur. He heard splashing sounds around him and cracked open an eye to see his friend nervously swimming laps around him.

"I've never gone out with anyone before. And Sam asked me out. Does that mean that I need to get a gift? I mean, we're just going to catch a movie and maybe a bite to eat afterwards. Am I supposed to pay? What if Sam wants to pay instead? Would it be insulting if I did? What should I do afterwards? Would it be too early to kiss after our first date?"

David's ears folded back as his friend's voice grew faster and higher until he couldn't stand it anymore and placed a paw over the otter's mouth. "Listen, Jesse. First: relax." The otter nodded. "Second: Sam asked you out. There must've been a reason for it. Don't stress out, and just let things happen as they come. If you two kiss, then good for you. Now, I'm going to remove my paw, and I want to see you calm."

Jesse bobbed there for a moment before suddenly tackling David in a wet hug. "Aww Dave, thanks! You really know how to make me feel better!" David mumbled something that sounded like "whatever" but Jesse knew that despite how he might protest, he was really a big, cuddly kitten. The otter's ears twitched as they heard a deep rumbling noise coming from David's chest. "You're purring!" Jesse squealed.

David grumbled but smiled as he closed his eyes again, enjoying the sun's rays and the feeling of the happy, wet otter clinging to him.