Oh gosh. It's back. With this plot that seems to be going nowhere but it actually is. Trust us.
"For me?" Jirou beamed and held the cat-eared hat up for examination. "It's perfect! Thank you, Kaoru!" he bubbled, poking a finger into one of the hollowed-out ears.
"Will you put it on and see if it fits comfortably?" Kaidoh couldn't help but smile at the boy's fondness over it. He had chosen well! And now he could take Jirou out to do more things in town! Er... well, Inui could take him out more... That was okay. He was sure he would be going with them. Inui was by no means selfish. He took a seat beside the peach-haired boy, resting his hands on his kneecaps with subtle eagerness.
Jirou nodded and pulled the hat on, flicking his ears up into the little holes. He could hear perfectly well, they didn't hurt his ears, but they did tickle a little bit. He smiled. It was absolutely perfect. His tail was much easier to hide; now he could walk around with Kaidoh around town... Or with that Inui person and Kaidoh, rather.
"It looks very cute, Jirou." He drew the boy into a light, gentle hug, his cheek nuzzling the fleece tenderly.
The redhead purred happily and loudly, snuggling into his arms. "So what did you want to talk about with me?" Kaidoh had mentioned something when he came in looking red... But he had insisted on the hat first.
Kaidoh pulled away, blushing again. "Since you're going to be living with Inui... We need to tell him about your human side. Will that be okay...?"
Jirou rocked back and forth, humming. "I don't know... It's sort of supposed to be a secret. You're the only person who knows..."
"Jirou, please... I really want you to be happy, honest I do... and I promise you'll be okay with him..." He sighed and looked down at his knees. He thought he had explained this to Jirou earlier...
He hugged his knees to his chest thoughtfully and fell silent. After a long while, he shrugged. "Okay... But he can't tell anyone."
Kaidoh took his shoulders reassuringly, giving him a gentle smile. "I can safely guarantee he'll keep your secrets..." He gave Kaidoh a soft smile and a quiet purr in answer. "We can get settled in tonight, if you'd like..."
"Whenever is good."
Kaidoh smiled and hugged him again. "Come on, why don't we go enjoy the rest of our afternoon?"
"Where?" Jirou smiled and bounced slightly, eager to be going anywhere with Kaidoh.
"Around town, maybe get you some clothes, maybe a couple of toys... Some dessert, perhaps?" He rose, finding his wallet and remembering he still had some of his allowance left over. Thank goodness, he WOULD be able to treat Jirou! But after that he would be completely broke again.
His eyes brightened. "I do need some clothes... yours don't fit me very well. And dessert sounds fantastic!"
He smiled and let him get changed into what he had before sneaking out of the house with Jirou close behind. They entered the business part of town, where all sorts of stores and restaurants lined the streets, and let the cat boy lead the way.
Jirou gazed around with wide, interested eyes before wandering over to a random shop. He heard Kaidoh follow him in. The cat-boy proceeded to look around at all the clothes with curious eyes, trying to find something that would both fit him and cover his less human bits.
The Seigaku regular stayed close to his side, doing his best to help the other coordinate something to match. When they gotten a couple outfits together that fit Jirou comfortably, Kaidoh proceeded to check out and followed Jirou out the doors with the bag in his hand. Normally he would have been embarrassed by this—for some reason, it didn't register at the moment. Jirou was eager and overjoyed, and that alone put a smile on the junior's face.
The smaller boy was dressed in one of the new outfits. His tail was slipped down the leg of a pair of easy, comfortable jeans, ears hidden under the cap, and the loose t-shirt flowing like silk over his skin. "Thank you," he purred to Kaidoh, giving him a sweet smile.
"No problem..." he whispered shyly. "Where would you like to go next?"
"I'm hungry... Can we find something to eat?"
"Sure. Something sweet?"
"Anything."
He nodded, heading over to what appeared to be a simple dessert shop. It seemed nice until a couple of girls in French maid outfits approached them with a curtsy and a "Welcome home, masters!"
Oh crap. It was one of those cutesy maid cafes. Kaidoh would have died right there if the waitresses hadn't started cooing over how irresistibly cute Jirou was before getting the boys seated.
Jirou couldn't stop staring at their dresses. From what he knew, nobody wore those around in public... He was trying to figure out why they were wearing them. Thus embroiled in his ponderings, he failed to notice just how uncomfortable Kaidoh was.
"Jirou, don't stare," Kaidoh hissed softly. He ordered them both a milkshake so the girls would hurry up and leave, which thankfully, they did. He sighed in relief. If only they could just walk out now... Jirou seemed too fascinated though.
He blinked. He still hadn't figured out why they were wearing those costumes, so logic said the quickest way would be to ask. "Kaoru, why are they dressed like that?"
"It's a maid cafe. The girls dress like maids and serve people to make them feel like they're at home or something like that. I don't like coming into places like this," he hissed again, quietly.
"Oh... Should we leave?"
He was about to say yes—until he noticed an orange-haired girl and a familiar patch of spikes from the back that he loathed. If they left now they would surely be caught by Momoshiro, his most hated enemy. He shook his head. "We came for a milkshake, and we'll have one. I'm sure it's delicious."
Jirou settled in his chair and purred. "Okay..." He kept himself entertained in his wait by observing everything about the cafe. Human eyes weren't as good as cat eyes, so there was a lot less to see, but it definitely helped his patience.
"If you see a toy or something in here you really want, I don't mind getting you it."
"That's okay... I can play with just about anything. A scrap of paper or string or ribbon... as long as it's moving."
He smiled again at his cuteness. "Well, if you do see something you really want, I mean. You don't have to worry about it."
"Mm." Jirou smiled at him, eying the milkshake when it came. He picked it up and pulled at the plastic top off, lapping at it like cream. "Delicious..."
If it weren't for that cat ear hat, Kaidoh would have asked him to stop. Still, it wasn't utterly uncommon for a cute boy to do a cute thing in a (more or less) cute-intended restaurant. He could probably work there, if he wanted. Kaidoh smiled and stuck a straw into his glass, drinking the cool, chocolately ice cream with delight.
When he couldn't reach the drink with his tongue anymore, he tipped it upward and slurped it down happily all in one go. The elation of the taste lasted for around two seconds before he laid his head on the table in pain and groaned, rubbing his temples. "Oww..."
"Ah—you shouldn't do that with ice cream..." He reached over and pet his head awkwardly. "It's meant to be enjoyed slowly, so you don't hurt yourself."
"Right," he whimpered. The headache boiled out eventually and he sat there with his hands at the sides of his head.
Would you like something else?"
"No thanks." Jirou picked his head up off the table and purred idly, still looking around the area.
Kaidoh nodded, finishing off his shake and giving one of the waitresses the check. He had almost forgotten about his arch nemesis as he stood and beckoned Jirou over. "You look a little tired. Let's go ahead and get your things over to Sadaharu's, okay?"
Jirou nodded and stood with a stretch, yawning catlike. Out of the corner of one ear, he heard someone call, "No way, are you kidding? Viper?" It was followed by a laugh.
Dear God. Kaidoh heaved a sigh, glaring over to the side where Momo's back used to be. What he saw was Momo leaning over the edge of his booth and grinning up a storm, Ann across from him and curious as well. Every curse word that came to his mind didn't even begin to cover how furious and mortified he was. He hissed, pulling Jirou's wrist briskly out of the cafe.
Jirou allowed himself to be led away, watching over his shoulder. "Kaoru, he's following us..." He watched the boy and girl get up and jog over to them. The girl seemed to be tugging on the boy's wrist, like she wanted him to stop.
Kaidoh hissed furiously and halted, turning back to glare at him. "I don't want to talk to you. Leave me alone."
"What's the matter? I just wanted to say hi." Momo grinned. "So... what were you doing in a place like that?" Ann gave Kaidoh a pitying and apologetic look behind Momo's back before staring curiously at Jirou. He smiled nervously and waved.
"We were just getting a snack. It was an accident we walked in there."
"Oh." Momo caught Ann's dangerous look and relented. "So... Who is she?" he asked, turning his attention to Jirou. Jirou didn't know who he was talking about, but gazed back at him.
Kaidoh groaned. He didn't really think Jirou was a girl... did he? "Uh... she's my... uh..."
The penny finally dropped. "She? I'm a boy..." Jirou piped up quietly.
Momo would never let him live this down. "You're such a tomboy! She's my—girlfriend!" he nudged Jirou lightly in the side, kicking himself for thinking of girlfriend first.
Momo raised an eyebrow and was about to ask a question before Ann elbowed him in the ribs and tipped her head towards a shop with a look that was not negotiable. He blinked and decided not to mess with Kaidoh anymore, instead turning and following Ann away. Still, Kaidoh flustered was worth a month of unanswered questions.
Jirou heard Kaidoh sigh in relief when they went their own way and looked up at him. "Sorry... were they not supposed to know?"
"Jirou, I'm just happy he's too dumb to see that you're clearly a boy. I already get enough hassle from him when I'm with Inui." He rubbed his forehead a moment, then pet Jirou's head affectionately.
"Oh." Jirou smiled at the soft touch. "Should we get back?"
"Mm." He walked forward, heading back towards his house. With stealth, he got them both inside, then wrapped up the few articles for Jirou's stay. With that finished, he asked Jirou to change back into a kitten, then collected his clothes and picked him up onto his shoulder. "Ready?" The cat gave a little mew in response and nuzzled his cheek with his head. Kaidoh smiled affectionately, petting him again before creeping out of the house one last time.
Inui securely locked the door and fixed his eyes on Kaidoh. "Okay, Kaoru. What was it you wanted to show me?"
"I made mention of it yesterday, but... I need to ask you a big favor. Do you think you could take care of my cat...?"
"Of course I can, you know that. Is there anything else?"
"Well... the thing you said I was hiding..." he was a little more awkward now. He tenderly set Jirou down on the floor. "If anything, you have to keep this part a secret, please." Kaidoh motioned for Jirou to take on his human form.
Inui watched with fascination as a lanky, medium-height boy with cat ears and a tail grew out of the kitten form. A hand that wasn't entirely human yet shielded his lower regions from sight, and in less than a few minutes, he was standing at full height and completely naked. Kaidoh handed him a pair of shorts and he quickly put those on. Inui adjusted his glasses. "Well. This is certainly unexpected," he said calmly. Jirou wasn't sure how to take this.
"I was surprised too—but Sadaharu, please keep our secret, please?" Kaidoh took Inui's hands and looked up at him worriedly. "I promise he won't be a problem, and he's very sweet, and—"
"Calm down, Kaoru. You have my word that I will not tell anybody about him." He gave Kaidoh a smile and petted his shoulder before going over to Jirou to curiously look the ears and tail over, lightly running a finger along the pointed shape. Jirou twitched it away because it tickled, but otherwise stood very still while the taller boy paced around him, observing. "You must excuse me, Jirou, it's just that I've never seen another like you and I want to know everything there is to know about you." Jirou relaxed in answer, not really wanting to speak.
"Ah... don't spook him, Inui..." Kaidoh fidgeted quietly, slowly calming himself down.
Jirou purred softly to reassure Kaidoh. Inui nodded and sat down on the bed. "Jirou, if you're going to stay here, you'll have to share a room with me. Do you mind that?" Jirou shook his head, but didn't move from the spot.
Kaidoh approached him cautiously, giving Jirou a comforting hug. "It's okay, you can talk with him... He won't hurt you, I promise." He spoke in a hushed voice.
Jirou snuggled into him and purred. "Okay... Promise you'll come back often?" Inui busied himself with unpacking Jirou's things.
"Absolutely. I'll come over after every practice if it's okay with him. And I'll stay as late as I can, too."
"Mm..." Jirou let him go and turned to Inui, swishing his tail lightly. "Well... what should I do?"
Inui glanced at him before saying, "If you haven't had a bath, perhaps you should get one?" Jirou flinched and looked at Kaidoh.
He blushed. That was an odd question for an even more awkward situation. Kaidoh had to shower with Jirou; Jirou was going to be living with Inui. Each chapter of this cat saga became more and more complex for the poor viper! He hissed softly, looking to Inui for his input.
Inui shrugged. Jirou made up his mind and said, "Okay..." He put on a brave face and went over to Kaidoh briefly to whisper into his ear. "I'll try... I'll just imagine you there." To Inui, he asked, "Where's the bathroom?"
Inui pointed down the hall and said, "Be careful." Jirou nodded and slinked out the door quietly.
Kaidoh swallowed, taking a step after him in worry—but he stopped and prayed for the best. Jirou needed to learn to take care of himself, being a cat and all... He turned back to Inui and sat beside him, leaning on his shoulder warily.
Inui pet his shoulder. "You're worried, aren't you? He probably isn't a huge fan of water."
"I've been showering with him to keep him relaxed..." he whispered.
The older boy raised an eyebrow. "...Has it worked?" Kaidoh nodded shyly, cheeks red. "And I suppose I can assume that I can't do the same for him. The person matters."
"Well, you could try... I mean, if he's still having problems and you don't mind, that is..."
"The question is whether or not he minds, and I'm willing to bet that he does."
...Mm... You're right..." he sighed softly, closing his eyes and nuzzling the shoulder. It had actually been a long time since he'd had some alone time with Inui... he savored every bit of it.
Inui reached up and stroked his head. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you too..." Kaidoh nuzzled him gently, taking Inui's free hand and lacing their fingers together. It was clear all this had been stressful on the younger regular.
"You look like you've had a long day. What all happened?" he asked, squeezing his hand lovingly.
"Just... keeping him hidden, and... ran into Momo today..."
"Say no more." Inui gave him a soft smile.
Kaidoh smiled and looked back up at him. He leaned up a bit, giving Inui a shy peck on the lips.
Inui kissed him back gently, pulling away after a few seconds. "Mm... So, do you think you should check on him soon, just to see if he's alright?"
He snapped out of the slight trance and gave him a nod, slowly rising and going to the bathroom. He knocked on the door. "Jirou? Are you doing okay?"
His voice was strained and high with slowly-growing panic. "I'm fine!"
Kaidoh waited a moment. "...I'm coming in, alright?"
"That's okay," he called back, trying not to let his voice break. His knees were drawn tightly to his chest and his tail was wrapped around his feet. He had to keep his eyes open to remind himself that the water wasn't flowing and wasn't loud at all, but otherwise, he felt like he could have a heart attack any minute.
Kaidoh hesitantly twisted the knob and came in, his heart breaking when he saw Jirou huddled up in the corner of the tub. He kneeled down, spreading his arms for Jirou to come to him. "Why didn't you call for me if you were still having issues?"
Jirou sprang out of the water and hugged him tightly, calming down against his warm body. "I... I wanted to do it myself... because you won't be here all the time..."
"I'll be here in the evenings, and I'll need a shower after practice... or you can ask Inui, I'm sure he wouldn't mind..." He hugged the boy close, worrying about him all over again. Poor kitten; poor Jirou! He was so vulnerable and defenseless...
He sighed. "Not every day... I can do this, I know I can. Please?"
"...If you'll be okay by yourself..."
"I'll be okay." He smiled against the now-wet shirt. "I am a cat."
"You hate water though," Kaidoh smiled lightly, still concerned.
"I'll just have to work around that. If all else fails, I can always lick myself clean."
"Mm... you're right..." he finally let him go and gave him a smile, offering a towel to the small boy.
Jirou shook his head and hesitantly slipped back into the water, cringing as he went. Kaidoh's presence was calming, though, and he eventually found the strength to relax and even start washing his limbs.
He winced but forced himself to stay back. He had to let Jirou overcome his fears on his own. In the very back of his head somewhere, he noted that his need to give attention to the cat boy would eliminate alone time with Inui for a very long time. Having two loves was troubling at times, came his minor thoughts. Kaidoh didn't mind it though.
He purred softly and flicked his tail out of the water, resting it on the edge while he leaned down to wash his legs. The stretching was very soothing to him; he felt pleasantly drowsy doing it.
Kaidoh relaxed and sat patiently by the door, his gaze lowered at the floor and watching nothing. Jirou was okay as long as he was around...
In time, Jirou finished bathing and hopped out, shaking his sopping tail dry with quick motions that flung water all over Inui's bathroom. He picked up a towel and dried the rest of the way off before turning around and surveying the mess. "Oops," he mumbled sheepishly.
"Don't worry about it. I'll clean it up. Why don't you go get some sleep now?" he asked with a gentle hush.
"Alright." Jirou smiled at him and slipped out of the bathroom, very nearly running straight into Inui. "Sorry," he whispered, remembering to keep his voice down in case one of Inui's family was around.
"It's okay," the taller boy said, glancing into the bathroom. "Kaoru, you know you're going to have to leave soon if you want to eat at your house."
Kaidoh had already taken a towel and was soaking up the renegade puddles and droplets. He looked over his shoulder and halted a moment, finally rising to his feet and putting the damp towel near the hamper. "Sorry, I wasn't aware of the time... I'll leave since you want me to. It'll give you two some time to bond, I hope..."
"Of course, you know I never want you to leave, but time with family is important." Inui smiled at him. "I'll help our friend set up."
He smiled softly at his boyfriend's sense of morals. "One night wouldn't kill them..." But he gave him a farewell hug and a shy kiss on the lips before exiting the household.
Inui saw him out, then took Jirou upstairs to get him acquainted with the upper levels. The redhead's scant possessions, aside from the ones he would use as a kitten, were safely hidden away in the back of a drawer in Inui's dresser. Jirou sat on the bed, a little awkward and not entirely sure what to do.
"No need to be worried, Jirou." He smiled, trying to be friendly. He took a seat on the bed next to the boy, a good bit of space between them for comfort. "Why don't you tell me about yourself?"
Jirou's heart gave a painful, slightly scared thump. He curled up and gazed at Inui. "Could... could you take off your glasses? Not being able to see someone's eyes is... weird."
The senior chuckled, but willingly obliged him. This would be the second and last person outside of his family he allowed to see his eyes. He took the frames off, set them on his nightstand, and gave a friendly, green-eyed smile to the boy. "Is this better?"
The redheaded boy looked up into the soft eyes. "Pretty..." he said softly before uncurling.
"See? I won't hurt you." Inui turned to face him, legs drawn up beneath him. One step at a time, and Jirou would feel comfortable in his new home. "So what did you like to do when you were living with Kaoru?"
"Mmm... I just played outside when he was away. There wasn't a lot to do, but it was still fun."
"Should I perhaps buy you some toys tomorrow?" Inui asked, analyzing Jirou's feline parts again, and then his human body, taking special note of anything out of the ordinary.
"That would be nice..." Jirou purred, tail coming around to encircle his waist lazily. He was warming up to Inui slowly; anybody that Kaidoh knew couldn't be bad.
"Mm. I'll be sure to do that then." He really wanted to be writing in his notebook about the interesting creature, but he held still and didn't do anything to alarm Jirou any further. "I'm curious... since you're part cat, are you at all colorblind?"
"I don't know... Could we find out?" Jirou looked up at him.
"We could." He went to his dresser, pulling out a bandana Kaidoh had accidentally left a few weeks ago. It was a deep maroon color and he showed it to him. "Do you know what color this is?"
"Red... But isn't it too dark?"
"Mm. It's a darker shade of red. That's very impressive—a normal cat can usually only see blue, yellow, and green. You're an extremely intelligent creature." Inui smiled and put the bandana back in its drawer.
Jirou laughed slightly. "I'm not just a cat, I'm a human too."
"I'm aware." Inui nodded, placing his finger to his chin and admiring Jirou again. "If I may ask, where did you learn how to speak and such? Did Kaoru teach you at all?"
The boy shook his head. "I picked it up walking around..."
Inui marveled in delight. "Very impressive indeed... And it's so fluent, too..."
"Thanks..." The cat-boy curled up, tired from the long day.
He decided he'd worn him out with his questions and allowed him to settle down. He pulled the blanket over him, took his glasses, and situated himself at his desk to write down the fascinating finds on the strange boy. You could never have too much data.
