"Heiji-kun?"

"Out here, Mom." He called. His mother stepped out into the house's garden, spotting him.

"I was wondering how you and Kazuha-chan were doing with your homework." She said, walking forward. "It was too quiet. The two of you are usually fighting like cats and dogs over something about now."

She didn't spot the wince that flashed across the detectives face at the comparison. "I think she had to go to the bathroom. She'll be back shortly." He said, giving his mom a reassuring smile.

"Oh!" His mother noticed the calico kitten in his lap that he was calmly scratching behind the ears. "What a cute cat!"

He gave the kitten a fond look, which the cat returned. "Yeah."

His mother smiled at them, before turning to go. "Let me know when the two of you get hungry. Is she staying for dinner?"

"Uh... I don't know. I'll ask when she gets back."

"Alright. Thanks, Heiji-kun."

"Welcome."

Heiji watched his mother walk away before leaning over and whispering to the cat: "I get my behind my ears scratched next."

Kazuha just purred.

Fin.