A one-shot about Ryoma and Sakuno finding a box of kittens and what they decide to do with them. Bits of Ryosaku fluff.
"Mou," Sakuno muttered feeling the drops of rain on her skin. She sighed peeking up ahead to see Ryoma a few steps in front of her completely unaffected. Since when was he affected by anything? Oh well, she supposed she couldn't be complaining. For awhile now they had walked home with each other, he wasn't really walking with her or necessarily to her house. Her house just happened to be on the way to his path home, but it still felt like they were walking together.
"Meow." Ryoma and Sakuno blinked, they looked around at each other with confusion.
"Did you-"
"Meow!" this time the sound came with several more following. Ryoma frowned and looked around trying to locate where the sounds were coming from. That is when he noticed the rain soaked box hidden in a nearby alley. As he got closer he noticed several moving creatures inside.
"Oh my, kittens." Sakuno exclaimed looking at the cute little animals with delight. The kittens all meowed happily at finally getting noticed. Sakuno placed a hand inside, petting some of their soft coats of fur. Her eyes shined, "They are all so cute."
Ryoma seemed very surprised and he warily lifted a hand inside only to be greeted with playfully paws against his skin. He couldn't stop the smile on his face, he had always loved cats. But it had been a while since he saw kittens, he was too arrogant and full of himself to admit they were cute. But they did make him happy in a weird way. He lifted one of them up, one that was completely brown. It pawed his cap, meowing with interest.
"...8...9...10, there are ten of these guys in here." Sakuno stated before glancing up at Ryoma who still had on a small smile. He put the kitten back before giving her a serious look.
"These aren't all the same breed, so I doubt it was a litter. I think someone abandoned them."Sakuno looked at all of them sadly. She wanted to take them home more than anything, but her grandma would literally kill her if she brought in a box filled with food sucking creatures. She felt guilty about it, Sakuno tried wracking her head for ideas.
"We can't just leave them." Ryoma said not taking his eyes away from the kittens.
"There is an animal center..." Sakuno said looking up at him uncertainly. Without saying another word he picked up the box carefully closing it to prevent rain from wetting the kittens while at the same time allowing them to breathe. He then turned around and continued walking down the street with Sakuno hot on his heels albeit a bit perplexed.
"Ano, Ryoma-kun?" she asked unsurely, "Do you know even know where the adoption center is?"
"Do you?"
"I think its supposed to be-"
"Directions from Ryuzaki?" he questioned impassively and with that Sakuno blushed and shut her mouth, he was right there was a better chance of him finding the way then her leading them there. They walked in silence; Sakuno kept trying to look inside the box hoping that the kittens were all right in there. She was surprised when, through a hole near the top, a kitten stuck his head out meowing.
"Huh?" before she knew what was going on he tried getting out of the box, Sakuno squealed and grabbed the kitten before he fell. Ryoma stopped and looked down to see Sakuno sprawled on the wet ground holding up the kitten from harm. "Ow," she mumbled sitting up and looking at the kitten. It looked at her almost bored; she sighed and got up to put the kitten back in the box. Sakuno blinked as the kitten didn't come off her hand, "Ah..." she shook her hand a little but the kitten wouldn't budge. It arrogantly looked up at her, its paws clinging on to her hand.
"I don't think he wants to come off." she whispered as the kitten proceeded to get comfortable under touch.
"Kind of stubborn." Ryoma said coolly. Sakuno eventually smiled stroking the silky black fur; she couldn't help but think of who the little kitten reminded her. She looked up at Ryoma giggling softly at his slightly confused look. "What?" he mumbled, but she just cuddled the baby animal closer to her. Ryoma sighed as it seemed obvious she wasn't going to be putting the kitten with the rest in the box. He continued forward watching with a side glance at the girl following behind him who was radiating a happy glow, Ryoma smirked to himself.
"You can keep that one if you want." he said simply glancing back just to see her face brighten at the statement.
"I'll ask my grandma, I hope she says yes." she gently squeezed the kitten happily, before looking back up smiling sincerely at Ryoma who froze when he saw her "Thank you Ryoma-kun."
"Hn." he replied stiffly. They continued walking in silence until suddenly the rain that had been pouring, slowly but surely started letting up.
"Finally," Ryoma said before lifting up the flaps on the box to allow the kittens to breathe easier. Happy mews filled the area and Sakuno leaned over smiling at all of them. She glanced up to see Ryoma's reaction only to see his gaze had drifted far away. She tried following it to see him starring at someone apparently jogging in the distance. "That's..." he trailed off as he was hit with inspiration as the person started getting closer.
"Wait here," Ryoma said quickly he placed the box down before grabbing one of the kittens, a grey one with black stripes all over.
"R-Ryoma-" but he just gave her a quick, knowing look and raced off towards the jogger. Her eyes widened as she realized who the jogger was.
"Kaidoh-senpai!" Ryoma cried out, the older boy blinked as he saw the freshmen racing towards him. Kaidoh was also surprised to see the little creature in his arms. Ryoma lifted up the kitten, a smirk on his face. Kaidoh looked at the kitten carefully, before sending a curious look back at Ryoma.
"I know you want it." Ryoma said in a taunting voice as amusement flickered in his golden eyes. Kaido scowled darkly at the boy. But the kitten suddenly meowed brightly at the Kaidoh and a softer look settled in on the second year's face. He lifted his hands towards the kitten before hesitating. Kaidoh turned to Ryoma stiffly.
"You won't...?"
"I promise." A smug look settled on Ryoma's features as Kaidoh stared hard at the adorable kitten mewing softly at him. Kaidoh then reached for it, Ryoma handing it over quickly. Kaidoh smiled as the kitten purred in content at his gentle petting's. Ryoma lowered his head and smirked before whipping around and turning back where he came from, his job was done.
"Thanks..." Kaidoh muttered begrudgingly behind him.
"Not a problem." he lifted his hand up in a lazy wave. Ryoma finally reached Sakuno who smiled at him warmly from his previous actions. He avoided eye contact and rather leaned down to check on the other kittens.
"I have an idea of what we can do with these guys." Ryoma muttered to himself as he looked down into the now sleepy faces of the kittens getting ready to curl against each other for a nap. He lifted the box back up motioning for Sakuno to follow him.
"I didn't know Kaidoh-senpai was so sensitive." Sakuno said when they were a few yards away from them. She was observing him playing with the kitten, a small smile forming on her lips at their interactions. Ryoma watched her, a slight frown on his features at her comment.
"I'm the one that saved a bunch of homeless kittens from rain." he replied trying to sound indifferent but instead coming out more as bitter. Sakuno looked up a little surprised at the comment before smiling and picking up her pace to catch up with him.
"That's right you did," she said brightly before readjusting the kitten in her own hands, "Ryoma-kun is really sweet. I didn't know you had such a soft spot." Sakuno added with a gentle smile. Ryoma didn't answer and his head lowered down enough so she couldn't see his face.
"Ano, sorry! I didn't mean to..." she stopped as she managed to catch the red spots on his cheeks. "Ryoma-kun! Are you alright, do you have a fever?" Sakuno asked startled with genuine concern.
"Let's just get home." he huffed indigently.
"Eh? B-But the kittens..."
"Like I said before, I have an idea." he said ending the conversation.
*The next day*
Ryoma sighed, "It's just a cat, senpai." he muttered rolling his eyes in the other direction. After getting home Ryoma and Sakuno decided to give away the kittens at the school the next day. He had just entered the locker room expecting to find one of the regulars, and sitting on one of the benches was Inui scribbling away. Ryoma had barely even got a word out when Inui noticed the kitten in his hands and even whipped out a brand new notebook to make observations. But it had already been twenty minutes, how could he write so much about a tiny kitten.
"Nothing is just as it seems Echizen." Inui said pausing in his notebook to look at the freshman, "For example your hat; is it simply a stylish device used to block out the sun's rays so you won't be distracted in tennis matches? Or is it really a personal object worn only to protect the raw, emotional side of your personality making it seem like you have a cool and indifferent exterior to the rest of the world when in reality you are actually a mess of powerful feelings ready to burst out?" Inui shrugged at the glare he was receiving, "We might never know, but it is important to make note of all possibilities." he finished, Ryoma blinked at the last statement.
"Wait you wrote that about me in there?" he asked pointing to the notebook, but Inui brushed him off reaching to finally hold the cat. He brought the kitten directly in front of his face making silent observations. The little kitten lifted up its paw cautiously towards the brim of his glasses; it meowed as if asking permission. Ryoma watched carefully as Inui seemed to be telepathically conversing with the baby animal. The kitten curiously started pawing the older boy's glasses before its sky blue eyes caught sight of the spiky hair on his head. Inui swiftly placed the kitten on his shoulder before whipping out his notebook and writing more observations. Ryoma couldn't help but smile as the kitten now took interest in the jersey it was placed on.
"A sense of curiosity that could rival mine..." Inui muttered out loud glancing briefly at the animal on his shoulder, "...unfortunately he can't make notes without opposable thumbs, although..."
"I'll just leave you two then." Ryoma interrupted adjusting the brim of his hat before turning to leave the room. The human, animal pair didn't seem to notice and continued on with each of their own observations. As Ryoma continued outside he checked on the other three kittens that he hid in the box. He tried thinking of where to hide them when he noticed a familiar tennis player walking over. Ryoma grabbed one of the kittens, it was white with black and orange splotches, and headed quickly over to his fellow regular.
Momo had started swinging his racquet for a short warm-up when he noticed the freshman walking up towards him. "Hey Echizen!" he waved.
"It doesn't have a home." Ryoma said then gave a pointed look back at the older boy, "You have a home."
"Just because I have a home doesn't mean that I should share it with that, that fuzz ball." Momo said glaring at the kitten. Ryoma frowned lifting up the kitten and looking at in carefully before giving Momo a strange look.
"What is your problem?" he asked.
"Nothing! I just don't want it." Momo replied looking off in the other direction.
"Who can resist a kitten?" Ryoma asked placing the kitten near Momo's face. He jumped back falling to the ground. There was silence except for the occasional mew from the kitten. Suddenly a sinister smile slipped on Ryoma's lips and his brows rose with interest.
"Are you scared of the cat?"
"No..no! Stop looking at me like that!"
"What is so scary about a kitten?" Ryoma asked placing the kitten on the ground. Momo watched it warily before grabbing a stick to keep the kitten at bay. It meowed trying to get closer; Momo waved the stick trying to scare the little guy. Unfortunately the waving stick only seemed to get the kitten more excited. It watched in fascination trying to grab the stick with its paws only to have Momo throw the stick away. Ryoma watched the kitten chase after the stick before glancing back at Momo; the freshman shook his head with disappointment.
"Shut. Up." he growled before pointing at the kitten, "That thing has claws, I'm not having a living creature with sharp objects attached to it running in my house."
"Seriously?" Ryoma asked before gesturing to the kitten. It was currently trying to chase a butterfly.
"Alright so this one kitten, is...somewhat innocent." Momo said watching the kitten getting closer. A small smile started forming when the kitten gently rubbed against his arm. "...and kind of cute..."
"Then you'll take care of it." Ryoma stated, almost like a command.
"Wait, what?"
"See you Momo-senpai."
"Echizen!"
It was official, Ryoma hated her. The brunette sighed wearily as she unconsciously fiddled with the strap over her shoulder. Sakuno should have already realized that Ryoma disliked her, what with him always ignoring her and never even attempting to talk whenever they were together. But she thought that maybe he at least tolerated her because even he didn't seem to mind her most of the time. But it now was especially clear that he wanted her gone, dead even. After all what else could she assume when he asked her to do this.
Sakuno was interrupted from her thoughts and her slow walk to school as she heard a distinctive meow from her bag, another one followed and soon her bag was sounding like the inside of a animal adoption center. Before anyone else could notice she rushed away into a empty area. Looking around warily she opened the bag to the sight three kittens blinking up at her.
"I know it's not very comfortable guys," she said softly reaching out to brush the white colored one. The brown kitten with the white underside nudged the girl's hand also wanting some attention. The tan colored one licked her hand. Sakuno giggled petting all of the kittens with affection, "I'm so sorry, but if everything goes right today then you three will get new homes with wonderful owners." She sighed at their purrs, "I just hope I'll make it out alive.
She gave them a smile before carefully closing the bag so that there would be enough air to filter through to the animals. Sakuno then decided that she would finish the easy jobs first. As she made her way to the tennis courts she saw Kawamura standing off to the side watching the tennis club members practice. Sakuno smiled and walked over to the older boy, she had a feeling this would turn out well.
"Uh..excuse me Kawamura-senpai?" Sakuno started, the boy turned to her slightly surprised before smiling at her kindly.
"Ah, hello Ryuzaki-chan!" he replied before turning to her fully, "Is there something I can do for you?" Sakuno nervously shifted her weight looking at the pavement between her feet.
"A-Ano, I'm sorry to bother you." she felt weird about bringing this up suddenly to a senpai, but Ryoma did ask her. She sighed, she couldn't believe all the things she did to try and please that boy. "But, you see the other day we found some kittens and..." Sakuno took a deep breath and reached into her bag to scoop out the white furred kitten with the distinctive green eyes. The kitten meowed softly at the confused looking Kawamura.
"Uh..." she started watching his reaction carefully, "This little guy, kind of needs a home."
"It's a cat?" he said looking at the creature curiously. Kawamura raised one hand warily before petting it on the head; the kitten leaned into his touch before licking his palm. Kawamura laughed lightly before taking the kitten from Sakuno who was now excited, he seemed to like it. The kitten was mewing happily while seeming to smell him all over.
"I think he likes my scent." Kawamura said.
"Oh, he must be smelling the fish from all that sushi you handle at your restaurant." Sakuno said, giggling as the white furred creature continued to lick his hands. "So yeah, he is kind of homeless. I was wondering if you wanted to; maybe adopt him Kawamura-senpai."
"Adopt him, huh?" he looked down at the fuzzy little animal before he turned to her with a smile, "I think I'll take you up on that offer Ryuzaaki-chan."
"Oh, thank you so much senp-" she froze as a horrified look appeared on her face. On one of the tennis courts near the pair a tannish fuzz ball was walking straight onto the court where a game between Oishi and another tennis member was taking place. She opened her bag quickly to only see the brown kitten looking up at her before scrambling off to the courts. "Oh my god, how did he get out?" The kitten continued forward on the court oblivious to everyone else, its eyes were set on the neon green ball on the other side. It was so appealing.
Unfortunately Oishi hadn't noticed the animal strolling onto the court, he was too concentrated on the match he was playing. That is until he heard a happy meow nearby. He looked around curiously and saw a kitten on the court playing with one of the tennis balls. The confusion that initially filled his eyes was quickly replaced with panic as he noticed that his opponent had returned the ball and it was heading directly towards the little creature. Without thinking he jumped forward, using his body to protect the kitten. But by the time he got there he realized he could have easily just used his racquet to deflect-
"Ow!" Oishi cried as the ball hit him squarely in the forehead. He rubbed his head before squinting at the kitten in front of him, was he imagining this?
"Oishi-senpai!" Sakuno yelled as she finally made it on the court, she immediately went to her knees to check on his injury. "I am so sorry." she apologized, her face red.
"I'm fine, thank you Ryuzaki-chan." he smiled pleasantly before glancing back at the kitten now looking at him curiously. "Eh, is this kitten yours?"
"Well, not exactly." she picked up the little cat and was surprised when it struggled to reach Oishi. Sakuno gave him a questioning look; he just shrugged making it clear he didn't mind. As she placed the kitten on Oishi's shoulder the kitten carefully stood on its hind legs and licked the spot where he got hit. "Aw." Sakuno whispered finding the scene to be too cute. Oishi smiled as well and picked up the kitten before tenderly rubbing its head.
"You know I've always wanted a cat." Oishi said. Sakuno's eyes brightened instantly. Meanwhile, somewhere else near the courts...
"They're so cute!" Eiji exclaimed poking the black and white stripped kitten sitting on the bench. The other orange tabby curiously reached out and pawed the outstretched finger. It swatted his finger and stood up playing with it. Fuji smiled down at the two kittens sitting on the benches right outside the tennis courts before turning to Ryoma.
"Did your cat have kittens?" he questioned.
"No, they are homeless." Ryoma said plainly sipping his ponta before glancing back up, "You guys want them, they're for free." Both of the third years blinked back at each other, surprised at the sudden question.
"WAH!" Eiji cried out as the orange tabby suddenly launched out and latched onto his face. "Get this thing off me!" Fuji calmly observed his classmate rolling on the ground in panic before turning to the other kitten sitting on the bench licking his paw quietly. It might have seemed like a random occurrence but the little black and white kitten had playfully clawed his friend causing the current situation. Fuji smiled proudly before offering his hand to the adorable trouble making creature, the kitten looked at the boy as if making sure he was worthy. Finally the baby cat slowly climbed up Fuji's arm and pleasantly settled in the crook of his elbow purring in content.
"I think we will get along just fine." he declared before smiling pleasantly back at Ryoma, "Thank you Echizen-kun!"
"Hn, its nothing." The boy replied questioning his actions suddenly as he watched Fuji walk away. Ryoma's attention was then returned to Eiji who had only just managed to get the cat off his now red and severely scratched face. The red-haired boy blinked still dazed, not realizing the kitten in his hands was doing the exact same thing. Eiji then glared into the chocolate orbs of the kitten.
"This thing is a little monster!" he yelled. Ryoma raised his eyebrow at the statement.
"It's just a little jumpy and gets excited easily, a lot like some people..." Ryoma trailed off.
"Yeah, well you can forget about me keeping it!" Eiji scowled.
"Meow!"
"I'm not that easily moved."
"Meow."
"Stop being cute." Eiji's angry stance was breaking through rapidly.
"Meow!" the kitten bellowed cocking its head cutely. Eiji narrowed his eyes; Ryoma blinked looking between the two.
"Uh..."
"Dang it!" Eiji cried with a pout, "This little monster is too cute."
"What are you on?" Ryoma muttered however, he couldn't help but me amused watching the two play with each other.
"Nyeh, thanks Ochibi!" Eiji said, the orange kitty now on his head, "Are you giving a cat to everyone?"
"Hopefully." Ryoma smirked thinking back to the last person he told Sakuno to give one of the kittens to. He knew that as soon as he told her to give a kitten to Tezuka that it was a wonderful idea. Something Fuji would be mighty proud of. And the look on her face was absolutely priceless. In fact, she was probably talking to him right now. Another idea started forming in his head.
Sakuno gulped looking at the Capitan of the tennis team as he entered the locker room, he hadn't noticed her yet.
"Ah..." her voice faltered and eventually failed her as Tezuka looked up finally. Her cheeks flared with color at his gaze on her. Sure she had known Tezuka ever since he was a freshman. Sure her grandmother had been coaching him since he made the team. But that didn't stop Sakuno from being a meek, shy school girl and that certainly didn't stop Tezuka from looking any less handsome. Yes, Ryoma wanted her to die from her own shyness.
"Hello Ryuzaki-chan." he said formerly, "What can I help you with?"
"Um...I-" she was cut off as the locker room suddenly burst open and the rest of the regulars entered nosily. They looked startled at of the sight of their Capitan and the red-faced freshman girl alone in the room. Sakuno's face was burning from embarrassment with all the eyes of the team on her and she dropped her head. Tezuka gave them one sweeping look basically saying 'make any implications and you will get laps' before turning back to Sakuno.
"You wanted to tell me something?" he said. Sakuno raised her head still wide-eyed before nervously smiling. This looked bad, she thought instantly. This looks like I'm about to confess to him. She peaked at the rest of the regulars who all seemed to have the same sinister grins plastered on. Sakuno was about to race out before her eyes landed on Ryoma. He simply stared back at her raising an eyebrow as if challenging her. She froze for a moment before plucking up some much needed courage.
"Y-You see we...," she paused looking over at Ryoma, "we found some,uh... kittens the other day." Every one of the regular's faces lit up with understanding, then shock, and then wonder as to what their Capitan was going to do. Sakuno reached into her bag and pulled out the kitten, it rolled over in her arms exposing its white belly. Tezuka was momentarily taken aback, although the only people who would have been able to notice would be Fuji and Inui.
"W-Would you...um... like h-h-him?" Sakuno finally stuttered out. She shut her eyes sticking the light brown kitten in front of her, almost hoping that its adorableness would deflect any damage that might occur to her. A deathly silence filled the locker room as everyone waited anxiously for the capitan's reaction. Sakuno warily opened one eye to slowly see the third year's face. He was starring at the kitten with wide eyes as it happily mewed at him; it almost looked like he was going to smile. That is until, like a icy cold curtain had fallen, all emotion dropped from his face.
"Cat, huh?" Tezuka asked breaking the elongated silence. (A/N: I'm sorry but I had to write it like that, I burst out laughing. Watch FMA if you don't know what I'm talking about XD). He lowered his head before continuing, "That is very kind of you. Trying to help an innocent animal find a home, but I'll have to decline." With that the Capitan grabbed his tennis gear and left. Everyone watched him leave before turning to the red-faced freshman.
"Nice try, Ryuzaki-chan!" Eiji said patting her shoulder for comfort.
"You almost made him smile," Fuji said smiling at her himself. Sakuno blushed at all the words kindly directed at her, "I don't know, I actually thought he was going to take it."
"Well I need to go get some milk!" Momo interjected happily.
"Cats need more than milk..." Kaidoh grunted rolling his eyes. "I don't think you're qualified to take care of another living creature."
"Says the snake boy! What are you gonna do if it scratches your couch, hiss at it?" Momo mocked before ducking, avoiding the blow Kaidoh sent at him. As the rest of the regulars tried calming the pair down Ryoma headed out the door, Sakuno right behind him the kitten still cradled in her arms. She looked down at it sadly, disappointed that she couldn't give it a home.
"Well, it looks like this one doesn't get a home yet." she sighed.
"There is still that clumsy brown one back at my house, she was playing with Karupin and I forgot to get her." Ryoma said.
"Well, my grandma freaked out over one kitten. I'm lucky she's letting me keep him. What are we gonna do with this little guy." she said scratching the white underside of the kitty. The two freshmen were suddenly interrupted when Tezuka came in front of them a stiff look on his face. They all blinked at each other. Ryoma raised one brow confidently. Tezuka narrowed his eyes coldly. Sakuno cocked her head confused. Then Tezuka turned to Sakuno who still had the brown colored kitten in her hands, he startled her when he gently took it in his own large hands.
"I will take care of the kitten Ryuzaki." he said in an official tone.
"Oh! A-Alright, but-I..." she trailed off slightly puzzled.
"I think we all know this tennis team gets distracted easily, I didn't need them getting all excited over something silly like me adopting a kitten." Tezuka explained a little too quickly. Sakuno wouldn't dare judge the Capitan and quickly nodded a smile on her face. Ryoma wasn't inclined to do the same.
"You know I think that-"
"I suggest you keep quiet Echizen, that is unless you want 100 laps every practice from now on." Tezuka cut in bluntly.
"Hai, bucho." Ryoma grinned anyway.
"I guess you are the only one left?" Ryoma said to the dark brown kitten, two large hazel eyes blinked back at him. They were sitting across from each other on his bedroom floor. Ryoma stared back letting out a large sigh, there wasn't anyone else to give a kitten to. Unless he wanted to give a cute little present to one of the rival schools, Ryoma considered the possibilities...yeah that wasn't happening. He rolled his eyes watching as the little kitten suddenly found interest in a piece of string that Karupin had been playing with. The tennis prodigy watched as the adorable little creature pawed at the string happily before promptly tripping over itself and falling in a tangled mass of its own limbs. Ryoma couldn't help but smirk and carefully lifted the kitten up and into his lap.
"Meow." it said almost sounding guilty while dropping its head. The little kitten was cute, but probably had been the most clumsy in the entire box. Sounded familiar, Ryoma thought absently stroking the soft fur behind its ear. He felt his thoughts drift off to his partner in getting all the kittens new homes unaware of the smile growing on his face. A soft purr echoed through the room and Ryoma's gaze shifted down.
"I suppose I could keep you. Karupin could always use a playmate." he muttered before placing the kitten gently back on the floor to play. The baby once again tried reaching out for the string before tripping on its own tail. Ryoma smirked bringing down the edge of his hat, "Mada mada dane."
Alright, how was it? I know that Momo is fine with cats, but I was running out of ideas sorry! I want to continue writing one-shots here but I'd like to know how this one turned out first before continuing. Please, please review!