Notes: Episode 133, "Artemis' Affair! A Mysterious Kitten Appears!" Or, "The one where Diana shows up."
Episode 133
It had cost a bit more than Mamoru would've liked, but a couple thousand yen under the table and they'd finally found a bar that didn't mind cats and didn't ask any questions when drinks were ordered for them.
It was a special night, and completely worth it.
They'd chosen a quiet booth in the corner, well away from curious eyes and straining ears. Mamoru nursed his bourbon and smiled at his drinking companion. Artemis stood on his hind legs with his front paws resting on the table, doing his best to look casual. A shot glass – also bourbon, as Artemis was even less experienced at alcohol than Mamoru – sat in front of him. Now and then Artemis would lap at it and do is best to not pull a face. Already his cheeks were beginning to flush pink under the white fur.
"It's not how I expected my day to go, I'll say that much!" Artemis chuckled, perhaps with a little more verve than the comment warranted.
"I know how you feel," Mamoru replied with a smile.
Artemis lapped at his drink again. The shudders were becoming less violent. He was actually starting to like it! "Will it ever not seem so strange?" he asked Mamoru.
Mamoru was a thoughtful and introspective man by nature, and he took his time considering the question. Artemis lapped at his drink and waited patiently.
"It'll always be strange if you really think about it," Mamoru said eventually. "But in those other times, it'll seem like the most natural thing in the world."
As Artemis absorbed this, the waitress approached with their next round. "Here you go!" she sang. She only barely hesitated before putting the martini before the cat. The cat that, she noted, was watching her with a bit more awareness than the average cat. It was weird, but weird was good. Her friend at the karaoke bar uptown always had the best stories. Wait until she heard this one!
She was on her way back to the bar when she heard someone say "Excuse me?" from the booth. She turned back, and was again struck by the keen stare of the little white cat, the intelligence behind its blue eyes.
Oh yeah, she'd DEFINITELY win for the best story this time.
"Yes?" She almost asked the cat, but managed to focus on the cute guy at the last second.
Choosing the cat over the guy. She'd edit that part out.
"Could I get a fork, please?"
It took a moment, but after mentally replaying the request, there really was no denying it. "I'm sorry did you ask for a fork?"
"Yes, please."
"For your drink."
"For the olive," Mamoru corrected. He remained stoic, as though this request were perfectly normal. "The smallest you have, please."
"O-okay!" the waitress said, scuttling off.
As soon as she was out of sight, Mamoru's head drooped with a sigh. He mentally budgeted a tip increase.
"Thanks," Artemis said with a touch of apology.
"Don't mention it, Dad."
"'Dad'," Artemis repeated, rolling it around his tongue, tasting it. He was surprised by how much he liked it.
Mamoru lifted his glass and motioned it toward Artemis. "Shall we?" he asked.
Artemis nodded and touched the stem of his drink.
"To the future," Mamoru said.
"To family," Artemis added, and they clinked their glasses together in toast.