The creature was filthy, sopping wet, and the color of trodden snow.
And it was in her face.
Slowly, deliberately, Jirou plucked her earbuds one by one in mute disapproval. "What," She stated flatly, "is that goddamned thing?"
"Our new friend!" Kaminari grinned, tousling the mangy beast on its shaggy head. "I found it with Kirishima on patrol. I thought it was an old newspaper until I saw it had a tail. Where's your hairdryer?"
Jirou tossed her tablet down in disgust. "You are not keeping that."
"Of course I am!" Kaminari kicked his shoes off and made a beeline for the linen closet, his messenger bag dangling from one arm and the ball of furry contagion from the other. "It needs a home!"
"Not this one! This is a professional space!" Jirou yelled after him. "You're bringing fleas, worms, and a whopping veterinarian bill into a professional space!"
When silence met her words, she sank against the sofa cushions in frustration. The linen closet opened with a grating squeak, and she could hear Kaminari struggling to get a towel off a shelf while juggling his bag and newly acquired plague victim. After a moment, the fruitless sounds of struggling died away.
"…Kyouka?" His cheery voice tapered with sheepishness floated towards her. "A little help?"
Jirou's ears flushed, and she shook her head with disgust.
"I can't believe this."
O.O
"Those are ears."
"No, these are ears. I checked."
"Then what the hell are these?"
"Oh, God, did I just poke him in the eyes?"
"It's a he?"
"…I checked."
"Oh." Jirou sat back on her heels and regarded the creature with a critical eye. He certainly looked less of a safety hazard when he was given a proper bath, but she really didn't want to take any grandiose steps yet. Maybe they will have to take this thing to the local vet.
The creature (Dog? Cat? Oddly misshapen rabbit?) snuffled, burrowing close to Kaminari's hand, and the hero laughed, scratching him behind the ears. "He needs a name." Kaminari declared eagerly.
Jirou snorted. "How about 'Temporary'?"
Kaminari's face clouded comically. "Aw, come on, he won't be a problem! I'll take care of his food and stuff! I swear, it'll all come out of my paycheck!"
Something very warm stabbed through her chest. "Don't say that. We're roommates." She reached out a hand tentatively, and the creature sniffed curiously at her hand. "…Fine. Let's keep him."
When something warm enveloped her fingers, she blinked, because it wasn't the creature's tongue but Kaminari's hand that was intertwining around it affectionately.
"I'd knew you'd come around." He grinned, his leonine eyes soft. His hand tightened infinitesimally around her palm.
Her heart stuttered, her cheeks flushed. She cleared her throat with a self-conscious "Ahem", and gently tugged her fingers loose.
"We should take him to a vet." Jirou said quietly, her heart beating like a 1980's bass set. Kaminari nods, something akin to disappointment sweeping briefly across his face. "That would be a good idea."
The creature suddenly let out a thunderous purr, startling the two as they stared down at him in shock. After a moment of stunned silence, the two heroes looked back up at each other and began to laugh.