Author Note: I'm a bit surprised by how this fic's turning out. I wasn't expecting any angst… but there's gonna be a bit. Don't worry, you find out why he's like this in the next chapter. *in the works* Also, I don't really think Aya'd be this cold… but someone had to be against it, right? ^_^;; (runs away from Aya-fans throwing stuffed penguins)
"You know Ken, Aya's not going to be too thrilled about this," Yohji said as he finished toweling off a kitten. Ken took the fluff-ball and set it on his apron, which had been spread out on the tile floor of the flower shop. The three other kittens crawled over each other, trying to stay warm. The cardboard box that they had arrived in had been soaked in the rain, as had the kittens.
"How old do you think they are, Yohji?" Ken asked thoughtfully, noticing two of the kitten's eyes were open a bit. The other two's were still sealed shut.
"I don't know, and I don't really think that's what you ought to be worrying about right now." Yohji replied, getting a bit angry with Ken for not listening to him.
"I'd guess around two weeks. That's when they start opening their eyes, right?"
"Ken! Are you even listening to me?" Yohji lightly hit Ken on the back of the head to get his attention as he stood up.
"I hear ya Yohji, I just choose not to reply." Ken grinned at his taller companion, now resting against the wall with his arms crossed.
"You idiot, Ken. What do you think's gonna—"
"What's going on?" Ken and Yohji both turned around to face their fearless leader, looking pretty unhappy. (Which wasn't far from the normal. ^_^)
"Um… I-it's a couple of kittens someone dropped off. They don't have a mother, so I thought maybe—"
"No you didn't Ken. You don't think things through. We don't have time to take care of kittens. We have enough to worry about. Find someone else." Aya said, as he turned around to leave the shop.
"And if I can't find anyone?" Ken replied, challenging the redhead. Yohji couldn't believe it. Someone was talking back to Aya, and it was Ken no less. Sweet, innocent Ken. This will be interesting… he thought.
"Take them to the animal shelter. I'm sure they can provide for them better than we can."
"No." Yohji felt his jaw drop at that last remark from the soccer player. "They'll kill them. I won't do it." Ken matched Aya's death glare with one of his own. Yohji had to admit, Ken had a pretty convincing glare. But it was the brunette who backed down first. He looked down at the kittens, avoiding Aya's icy stare.
"Aya, let me do this. I know what it's like to be neglected, all too well. And I know they're only kittens, and really don't take precedence over anything, b-but…" Ken struggled with the words. He felt his eyes water up. He shut them, refusing to let any tears flow.
Yohji came to his rescue. "Aya, I think what Ken means is that, well you know how Persia took us all in." Aya nodded, seeing where the blond was going with this logic. "I think he just wants to pass on the favor. C'mon. Four kittens can't be too hard to take care of, right? At least until they're old enough to be on their own. We could put posters up in the store asking if anyone wants one."
Aya looked from Yohji's persuading face, to Ken, who was still not facing anyone. His bangs had fallen over his face, hiding his eyes. I guess he's got his reasons… he thought. Sighing, he gave up. "All right. Until they're old enough. Then they need to get out of here. But I don't want either of you using them as excuses for anything. Especially you, Kudou. Also, you two will have to pay for anything you need to get to take care of them. I expect both of you to take full responsibility for them."
"Whaa-?"Yohji started.
"You should probably keep them in one of your rooms until they can walk. Then we can put them in the shop during the days so customers can look at them."
"Wait a sec—" Yohji got cut off, again.
"Arigatou, Aya." Ken said quietly, still not looking up. Aya left then, leaving Yohji with an expression that clearly said, "That's not what I wanted to happen"
"E~eh," The blond sighed as he walked over to Ken. "Well, I guess we have something to keep us busy for a while. Even though I wasn't really suggesting that I help…What's wrong, Kenken?" Yohji noticed the tears in Ken's eyes.
Ken quickly wiped his eyes and put a smile on his face. "It's nothing. C'mon, let's get these guys into a dry box and into my room." He got up and ran to the storeroom to look for a box. Yohji shook his head. An enigma…
