Howard will never willingly let anyone know how much he loves those cats. Cedric can probably tell, as can anyone who spends more than an hour in the house, but Howard likes to pretend that its his little secret.

"You'll need to in case you ever get hit with a career-ending torn ligament. I can't put you back together if you do, man." Howard pulls one of the cats between them.

He grins. He likes to fluster Ced just a little. It makes him feel like he has the upper hand for a bit. Howard's so neurotic that sometimes he forgets he's not the only one who worries about stupid things, and this is a nice reminder. Besides, Ced's cute when he's ruffled. "'Uncouth' would be the nice way of putting it, man. I'm thinking he more likely thought you were a homeless guy squatting in this place."