The early mornings were always a disaster for Ritsu Sakuma. Nowadays he couldn't even enjoy vacations, this being filled with a tight idol schedule. But vacation wasn't there yet, only getting closer by the day. Today was a regular school day but that didn't make it better. Of course not. If it were at night maybe but in the morning…
He tried to ignore his alarm, per usual, rolling around in his bed with a blanket over his head. "5 more minutes…" He muttered, not wanting to even think about getting up but something wouldn't let him. Or rather someone wouldn't let him.
He could feel it over his blanket covered body, very tiny, nubby hands poking him all over, not stopping to move. They essentially just poked him, nothing hurtful, but a little ticklish all the same. At first there was no sound but that would not stay there for long, hearing an accompanying 'Nye' with each poke.
He wasn't sure what to think, not when he was all sleepy like this. Honestly, he couldn't even think, being so drowsy in the morning and all. Though he soon realized that sleeping was no longer an option, not at this day in age. As much as he hated it, he had to lift himself up and force himself to stay awake. It is a surprise that he didn't just leash out but he had no energy to. And besides, the one poking him awake… He didn't deserve to be yelled at. In a way he was just helping out, wanting to do nothing but doing just that. And even if Ritsu hated it, he had to lift himself up and start waking up. Maybe he'll have some time for a nap later, if he were lucky. Then again, he could just spend his lunch break napping.
It took a few more pokes but he got himself to sit up, even if it had been a little shaky and he was like a literal vampire who was just rising out of his coffin. Yet he was sitting there, the blanket covering his legs at best. His gaze was dazed, a man who had just risen from his slumber. But at the same time, as if on cue, his legs were soon occupied by someone very small, maybe as tall as a cat. Fitting with the cat ears and tail. Yet the body was that of a human, just the 'chibi-fied' version, having nubs as hands and arms. Black hair which matched the ears and tail perfectly, and this little one was nuzzling against Ritsu before looking up at him with his big, blue eyes, expecting something. He looked right back down, taking a little to catch on but understood fairly quickly with his half asleep mind. One of his hands reached up to the tiny one's head and pet it softly, this one wagging his ears while purring. "Nye~"
What a coincidence that he looked a lot like Ritsu, to say the least. Just a smaller, tinier version with ears, tail and matching facial features. Even the shape of their hair had been the exact same. Maybe that was why the 'cat' had grown attached to Ritsu this early on and fairly quickly on top of that. Actually, no 'maybe', it had to be that. After all, he really liked saying 'Papa' a lot when just hearing Ritsu's name or being around him. It was always 'Papa nye' here or 'Nye Papa' there. Nyeli, a very affectionate individual. At least towards those he really liked.
With Ritsu it had reached the point of no return, even going so far as to sneak himself into the school bag sometimes just so that he could stay close to his 'Papa' and explore the school in the meantime when his Papa was busy. Even if he was told not to, not just by Ritsu himself but by several others, including his 'older sister'. Actually, if it were not for her things would probably go by their usual routine, before Nyeli had shown up. He was from overseas, having snuck into his big sister's luggage because he didn't want to be apart from her during the exchange year. And thus she didn't send him home but instead allowed him to stay. He snuck along to work. And it was there where he spotted Ritsu for the very first time.
According to his 'sister' he had been interested in Ritsu ever since and wanted to follow him everywhere. At first she stopped him but later noticed that it had been of little use, allowing Nyeli to roam around freely and appear wherever Ritsu was.
At first it might have been a bit of a pain for several reasons– Always jumping out of a bush and on his head or occupying Ritsu's favorite blanket. Honestly, he was a little annoyed at first for the inconveniences caused. But that didn't last for long and instead he came to like the cat over time. Enough to even agree to let him stay around Ritsu for the time being. Of course he had to ask his roommate first if a third in the room would be alright but Mika agreed easily. Very easily, saying it might be fun with Nyeli around. And ever since then the kitty stayed with his 'Papa', even if it would only be for some time. It will be Nyeli's choice if he wants to stay here in Japan or go back with Ann to Germany once the year is over. But they may as well enjoy the time while they still have the chance and not worry about that just yet.
"Yes yes, thank you." Ritsu sighed as his hand ruffled through the cat's hair, this one purring and nuzzling with each pet he received. Was it Nyeli's intention to wake Ritsu up for school? Honestly, he didn't know sometimes. But it didn't matter as in the end he had to get up either way. And if he already sat up he had no reason to plop back and oversleep. Even if he were to think about laying down into the soft cushions and doze off once more to dreamland, it was no longer an option. 'Oh sorry, I didn't hear the alarm' would not fly anymore. He had to get up, whether he liked it or not. What kind of questions was that, he didn't. At least not at the very moment. But obviously his mood might change a little over time the more awake he became. After all, this had just been the beginning of the day. Many things can and will change as time passes.
"No more excuses" Ritsu mumbled out of his mouth and as if Nyeli had been responding he nodded, mentioning the word 'Papa' once more out of his small mouth while still relishing the pets he was getting, purring and purring and purring: All while his ears and tail wag like crazy. The cat was enjoying himself, clearly, yet also agreeing. Doing both at once was not a crime however. And Ritsu didn't hate it, it was adorable in its own right. And it charged him with the right amount of energy.
After a few more minutes had passed he let out a yawn, making it echo through the room itself before adding, still somewhat sleepy: "Then It's time to get up…"
While mentioning that he got up slowly, his feet moving themselves sluggishly out of his own bed and lifting himself right off it. He had picked Nyeli up as well, so that he may not suddenly fall off and hit his head on the ground and start crying. That was the last thing he needed and didn't want it either. Maybe once back then when he was not in his best mood but now he couldn't bring it over himself. It would just feel horrible, especially if he did nothing wrong. He was just a kitty, that's all.
Nyeli did not mind being picked up either, far from it, only bouncing up and down with excitement while clinging onto his Papa's arm with his own two nubs, with his ears wagging eagerly. Anyone would wonder how or why yet the drool said it all: Food. Really, at times Nyeli's mind was very simple. Then again, who could blame him? He was very hungry, especially when it came to the first meal of the day. A cat's 'morning fish' if you will. Arguably the most important meal of a cat's day.
Or someone might say jokingly. It was almost routine and both Nyeli and Ritsu had gotten used to such a routine. Just one was more enthusiastic than the other in the morning. How someone could charge their energy so quickly despite only having gotten up was a mystery to him. Even when looking around he had not spotted his roommate. Maybe he had things to do or was out sketching… That or Ritsu had not noticed anyone else honestly. After all, the kitty kept him occupied.
The boy let out another yawn before looking back down at his proclaimed son, patting this one's head once more and then adding: "Alright alright. But first we're getting ready, then breakfast… Alright?"
"Nye~!" The kitty nodded, though remaining as excited as possible. Finally, one of the first things Ritsu could muster while standing was a light chuckle, not minding the energy all too much. It was adorable, he could finally think this clearly. It was long overdue, or so he thought.
With that having crossed his mind however he placed Nyeli down, finally, him first tilting his head yet remaining awfully calm. At least for his standards. He never liked it when his Papa was out of reach. Actually, only until recently he had stopped nyeing all over and reaching his nubs out, hopping up and down while being all teary eyed that Ritsu had let go of him. It took a bit to make him understand that this was not permanent or because he necessarily wanted to. But it was harder to get dressed with a cat in arms (Ritsu had learned that the hard way) so he had to be put down. Luckily Nyeli took it a lot better now, not being bothered by it any longer and came to realize that this was of course not leaving for good or anything like that. There was just something to do which meant to be placed somewhere else.
And he had grown patient too, by now even keeping himself busy until his Papa would finally be done changing his clothes. How did Nyeli keep himself busy? Well, Ritsu either had a pretty good idea or caught a glance a few times. It was some of the usual things a tiny cat might do: Nap (oh how lucky) or chase his own shadow or tail around, trying hard to catch it yet never succeeding. One day perhaps, that might be on the kitty's mind but even he had to realize it would not happen. Though it would also be unacceptable to break this illusion and thus Nyeli was led in the belief, even cheered on sometimes if there was some time and energy to spare.
And from what the student's gaze could spot the cat was about to do just that, trying to keep himself busy and chasing down his 'doppelganger who copies his very move, just mirrored and having no face to speak of' but to no avail. Ritsu would watch for only a few seconds before turning to his closet to pick out the pieces of his uniform before stopping and remembering something. He had almost forgotten again yet his mind reminded him at the very last second. Thus he froze in his current position before speaking up with his rather quiet yet soft voice: "Right… Nyeli, please stay out of school from now on."
As if this triggered something the noises of tapping and chasing stopped from one moment to the next, first no noises whatsoever before hearing a slow 'Nyeh' over and over. It made Ritsu turn, spotting the cat shivering with teary eyes yet again.
This had to be expected. And it was not like the boy had not been prepared for this outcome. What did Ann tell him as advice? 'Just tell him why. He'll understand if explaining it.'
And there was a reason why. Thus he walked over to the cat, placing his hand softly on his head to calm him down, then continuing with the following: "The teachers came and complained to me. 'No pets on school grounds' they said. And to not get us into trouble I'd like you to stay back, alright?"
He sounded calm, or tried to be, while just giving Nyeli the facts. This one still shivered for a moment, even if it were calmer than before. Yet that would not do the trick, of course not. Thus he had to add: "If you'll manage that you'll get extra fish tonight."
That silenced the whimmering from one moment to the next, a literal instant as the cat looked up as it was pet, sparkly eyed, begging slightly. 'Really?' was what this gaze asked alone which was met with a nod from Ritsu's end. "Promise."
He then removed his hand, wanting to see if it worked… The answer came right away, it worked. Nyeli hopped up and down, happy to hear and perhaps looking forward to dinner that way. Bullet dodged in the end, luckily. All Ritsu had to hope now was that the kitty kept his word… Or else he'd be forced to call big sis Ann once more.
But that is just who Nyeli is. A little cat who does not want to be separated from his Papa or even his big sister, ever. They are two of the people he loves very much and will do anything for to keep them safe. Literally, anything. Small but overprotective. He has his moments, being a troublemaker and very clingy but he means no harm. Besides, he is still young so he still has a lot to learn about this world… Experience comes over time. He will get there, just give him the time necessary.