A Munto Fanfiction: From Dawn Until Dusk © RedWingedAngel002
Disclaimer: Munto; Sora Miageru Shōjo no Hitomi ni Utsuru Sekai © Kyoto Animation; Yoshiji Kigami and Tomoe Aratani
Genre: Comedy and Fantasy
Summary: Drabble Collection. WII: Ichiko did not appreciate her roommate's new pet. Word count: 1,841.
Prompt: Week 2/10: A strange cat appears in the kitchen one morning, a phone call delivering tragic news, your character's favorite item of clothing gets ruined, they are gifted something from a stranger.
Organize those events (they definitely do not need to be in this order, that is the point of the exercise) to make sense in whatever scene they inspire you to write.
A/N: This one-shot takes place about five years after the series.
Songs: Drumming Song and Remain Nameless by: Florence and the Machine
Japanese Index:
Bento: a thin box, made of plastic or lacquered wood, divided into compartments, which contain small separate dishes comprising a Japanese meal, especially lunch
-chan: Honorific: Can be used with either a diminutive, or with those who are grown; an indicated affection: little
Oba-san: Auntie
"Talking."
'Thinking.'
Memories/Flashbacks.
Chapter 2: A Feline Catastrophe
"There, finished." Ichiko gave herself a mental pat on the back and removed the green apron from her waist. Fried chicken and shrimp, broccoli, egg dumplings, and coleslaw. She knew her bentos tasted just as delicious as they appeared! *1
While she was transferring the oil into a disposable container, she felt something glide against her jean leg, which caused her to jump up in surprise. In result, she splattered the remaining liquid fat all over her shirt, the substance hot and searing.
"Shit, shit, shit!" She dropped the skillet and it clattered against the tiled floor. Whatever had startled the short-haired brunette hissed in defense as she ripped off the blue tee, baring herself to a mere sports bra, and immediately ran to the sink to cool off her blistering skin. Once the damp rag was set, gingerly, she inspected the wound on her stomach. The damage was not severe, though ointment would need to be applied.
Brown eyes narrowed upon the intruder, whom was perched up on the counter and licking its red paws. She picked it up by the scruff and gave a frustrated shake.
"Stupid cat! Where the hell did you come from? Look what you did!" Ichiko accused and pointed at the burn. Golden orbs spared her a haughty glance. Well, she sure was not pleased, either!
Just as she was going to toss the feline out of the apartment window, its ears perked up and veered towards the door. Soon enough, a jingle of keys followed suit. Her mischievous fiend wiggled out of her grasp and pranced to the entry like it owned the freaking place.
"I'm home!" Yumemi announced. She came in with bags full of groceries, alongside a bouquet of lilies, which blocked her merry vision.
"Welcome back." Ichiko glowered at the interaction between the blonde and animal. Her friend did not appear very phased by its playful greeting, while she kicked off her beige sandals. "Do you need a hand?"
"No, I got it," she deigned and put the pile onto the kitchen table. "Hey there, Munto! Did you miss me?" she chirped and picked up the pet. It affectionately nuzzled against her jaw and peered at the irritated tomboy. Ichiko did a double take. It was laughing at her! *2
"A cat, Yumemi, really? Jeez, I was only gone for two weeks to help my old man out with the shop," she reproached and walked over to aid her companion, despite the girl's light protests. One by one, she removed the foodstuffs out of the bags and placed them on the wooden surface. "Why didn't you tell me in class? I live here, too, you know?" she clarified specifically towards the pest. Both quarreled in a silent glaring match. *3
"I'm sorry. I didn't know how to bring it up." She gave a sheepish grin and single-handedly compiled the plastic sacks together. "It was on a whim. I found him out in the rain, all injured and weak. I couldn't just leave him there, now, could I?"
"Yes, you could have," Ichiko would have replied, but knew it was no use. Yumemi was too kindhearted for her own good at times. "Did you at least check to see if it has rabies and other lovely surprises for us to deal with?"
"Yep, he's all clean. Aren't you, buddy?" she cooed and scratched him behind the ears. He audibly purred and curled his tail in delight.
"I see you didn't nurture him," Ichiko eyed the cat's hind legs. He went stark still. Neither of them noticed. "He better not start humping me, because I swear if he does, I'll cut them off, myself!" Munto's neck snapped towards her, flabbergasted. *4
Yumemi giggled. "That only sometimes happens with dogs. You don't have to worry. He's been a good boy."
"Tsk, so you say. He ruined my favorite shirt, you know! And look at this! Anyone else, and this could have been really serious!" she tattled. Because her father was associated in the cooking business, she had the helpful knowledge of first aid when it came to mishaps in the kitchen.
The girl almost dropped her furry bundle all together, once noticing the wound—dammit, so close—she had a tendency to space about her surroundings. Her green moons went wide and worrisome. "Oh my goodness, Ichiko! Are you alright?"
A light blush peppered her cheeks at Yumemi's maternal fretting. She was not familiar the gesture, since her own kin had abandoned her all those years ago. "Y-yeah, I'm fine. I still need to put ointment on it, though."
"Okay! Please take care of this and I'll be right back!" she signaled to the fridge, place Munto down on the cluttered tabletop, and ran towards the bathroom with her lavender skirt fluttering under pursuit.
Ichiko grinned at the blonde's endearing antics and proceeded to put the remaining groceries into their proper compartments. After cleaning up her previous mess and soaking the ruined shirt, she took a glance at the kitchen clock. It read 4:35. If they did not get a move on soon, both of them were going to be late.
"Hey, Fur Ball." The feline visibly bristled under the nickname. "I wasn't kidding about earlier. Snip-snip they go if you try to do anything to her," she emphasized with a clipping motion of her two fingers.
Munto emitted a low-pitched growl, while his hackles rose with warning.
"Sorry for taking so long. This should help." Yumemi broke the escalating tension and handed the tube of cream, alongside another top. The tomboy gave her thanks and applied it to her stomach.
"So, what's with the flowers?" Her voice muffled slightly under the cotton material, which she stretched overhead.
"Oh!" The blonde suddenly became shy and busied herself by searching for a vase. "They're from a secret admirer."
"Really?" Her forced tone did not come out as encouraging as she had hoped it to be.
"Come on, Ichiko, be nice. Sachi says it might have been from the new guy in our History class. He's quite a gentleman, once you get to know him," Yumemi chided and turned the tap on. "I've got to find someone, too."
She recognized the local tease and went to defend her complicated position. "For the last time, Takashi and I aren't going out! It was only once for lunch!"
Her lush lips pursed, while she arranged the bouquet with such delicate grace. Lilies matched the symbolic meaning towards their receiver: pure and virtuous. Luck was on her courter's side, for Ichiko knew they were her favorite. "That's not what he thinks. You should be more clear and not raise his hopes up like that."
"I have been clear! He's just too naive to take a hint! And it's just… Takashi!" she attempted to explain and dramatically waved her arms about. "Plus, you know I've already got feelings for someone else."
"Yes, and you still don't have the heart to tell me after all these years. Fess up. Not just anyone can catch your eye. We've been friends since grade school, remember?" she prodded with a beaming smile, which appeared to light up the whole room.
"Y-Yeah, well, it doesn't matter," the tomboy stuttered. She could not meet her gaze, knowing secretly that if she ever did muster the courage to confess her feelings towards the girl, it would teeter their relationship to something strenuous. Not only that, but their living arrangements would allow no means of an escape, if required. "All that matters is you and this Red Guy! Have you seen his hair—those eyebrows? Who would even consider dying it such an obnoxious color? Is that what they call a mistake made in one's youth?"
"Doesn't that mean judgments will become bad kids?" Yumemi countered with a cheeky grin. Touché. *5
Wait, did the cat just snicker?
"Well, my instincts say he's trouble. You should stay away from him. I don't want to see you getting hurt again. Are you listenin—"
There then was a chirp of a phone, which interrupted her rash opinion of the matter.
"Alright, alright," Yumemi complied and walked over to dig up the orange cell from her purse. Ichiko gave a sigh in defeat and went to organize the final details of her bento packages.
"Hello, this is Yumemi?" Emerald irises lit up in recognition. "Ah, good afternoon, Oba-san! We were just on our way—" The girl's rosy cheeks suddenly went pallid. Her chipper smile fell. "W-What?"
A pause.
Ichiko gut plummeted like a stone and she mouthed haste inquiries. Her hands gradually became cold, dancing with nervousness, like tan spiders, at Yumemi's withering silence.
"Yes. Yes… Is Suzume all right?" Another pause. Her voice was clipped and shaky. "I understand. We'll be there right away. See you then." She closed the communication device and, after a moment, cradled her temple, to where she leaned her broken self against the tabletop. Munto attempted to ease her distress with a nudge at her left arm.
"Yumemi?" Once she caught sight of tears, Ichiko walked over to grab hold of the blonde's quivering shoulders. The cream blouse crinkled under her large palms. "What happened, Yumemi?"
With a composing breath, she shook her head to reveal the unfortunate news. "Suzume is having complications." Her gaze rose, eyes red, puffy, and fearful. "The obstetrician found that the umbilical cord had wrapped around her neck… Mayu-chan might not make it." Yumemi started to uncontrollably sob. "Suzume is s-so small—W-what if she, too—"
The brunette swallowed the lament forming in her throat and masked a determined scowl. "Hey, it's too early to be thinking like that, alright? We've got to keep it together! I bet Kazuya is a mess," she muttered the latter statement to herself. Her friend nodded in agreement and turned to wipe away her grief. "Now, I didn't spend all damn day to make these lunches for nothing! This is gonna be a successful delivery with many smiles! Let's go." Ichiko scooped up the bentos, placed them into a carrier bag, and proceeded to lead Yumemi tenderly by the elbow.
As soon as the entryway closed, there was a flurry of crimson particles. The 'cat,' Munto, transformed into that of a human form. The lithe man was garbed in burgundy pants and a white top. He wore the dress-shirt quite casually, with rolled sleeves and it buttoned only partway. Once reeling his neck with a satisfying pop, the king cast his bullion gaze out the window and at the diminishing car, which each of the college girl's shared. *6
"God, you better keep them safe," he seethed towards his deity above. "I have suppressed their memory so they can live joyfully with no remembrance of the Heavens. I did not go through these ordeals just so You can steal her heart away from me again!" His nails dug deep crescents into the callous of his palms. "Yumemi, even if I go against the Fate, itself, I vow to protect you with all of my power…!" *7
Thank you for the faves and reviews, everyone!
Darkangel Guard, Savvyzzzz The Awesome Ninja, AnimeHannah, Whitetigermisty, Ryuketsu no Hana, and maxeyn
A/N: The ending took you by surprise, huh? I was trying to make it apparent that Munto was interacting a little more knowledgeable than the average pet. Plus, I added some hints of characters within Waiting For You (Mayu.)
Before you get all up in my grill about turning Munto into a cat, this isn't my original idea. I blame KyotoAni and their project side-design: tmblr. co/ ZE8fixf5wjHl
Overall, I had fun with this chapter. It may turn even into a full-length story. We'll have to see. Hopefully I made it funny enough for it to be considered in the comedic genre. ^^;
—Ari [3.3.13]
*1: Reference to Ichiko's bentos within episode five.
*2: I believe Munto can be a cheeky little bastard when he wants to be. It's likely he's aware of Ichiko's feelings, so he's taking advantage of the situation. Lol.
*3: General fanart dedicated towards this chapter:fav. me/d5x120k
*4: No, Ichiko, no. Munto needs his family jewels to make future prince and princesses with 'Memi-chan! XD
*5: This bit of dialogue was based from the fifth episode's preview, while the next couplet of lines are parallel to the aftermath of Munto's dramatic entrance.
*6: Munto's brief garment description was inspired by 10esas' sexy fanart. ;P I very much approve: fav. me/d5vr2jt
*7: Now this is one of my original plots. I managed it a while back, which you can see through Heart's Broken Desire: fav. me/d48q398
