This collar was honestly just the worst thing ever. Every step Akihito took was accompanied by a little tinker of the bell. And pink? Really? With a giant ass bow on top to boot. The smirk Asami wore as he manhandled a very reluctant Akihito into the collar said it all. The bastard did it on purpose because he thought it would be funny. To add insult to injury the collar was high quality and well made, meaning he couldn't just shift back to his human form for fear of snapping his neck if it didn't break, effectively trapping him in kitten form unless he could convince someone to undo it for him. After ensuring it was securely fastened, Asami had informed him that he was allowed to explore this floor of the building and he could come and ask for it to be removed once he felt like cooperating. God the man was a self-satisfied jerk. He had promptly jetted back under the couch while he tested to see if it was possible to shimmy out of the damn thing but he hadn't had much luck and all his efforts just made the bell ding that much more and it was already grating on Akihito's nerves.
He poked his head out from the couch and noticed that neither Asami nor the glasses guy were paying him any attention but the door to the office had been left open. He crept out from his preferred hiding spot and started to slowly stalk across to the door. That stupid bell. If he was human he would be tearing his hair out right now. It was a quiet tinkering sound and not all that obnoxious but having his presence announced constantly was infuriating. He took a few more steps, trying to walk in such a way was to keep the bell from sounding out. He failed miserably. Irrational anger took over and Akihito tried to remove the offending collar once again. He wound up on rolling around on his back, hissing and spitting, back paws hooked under the collar and desperately tried to push it off. That now familiar deep chuckle reached his ears and he froze. Craning his head around he saw the two men, now seemingly upside down for him, both looking at him. It was Asami who was laughing at his plight once again and even Kirishima had cracked a smile. Embarrassed at once again being caught acting like a twit, Akihito rolled onto his feet, stumbling slightly when he couldn't quite get his back feet under himself fast enough before he bolted out the door and hid behind a large, leafy plant pot.
He remained there for some time trying to calm down. He watched as Kirishima exited Asami's office, leaving the door just slightly ajar. He wondered if that was for his benefit. He snorted, as if he was going back in there any time soon. Akihito had searched quite thoroughly and there was no way to escape there. Even with the stupid collar preventing him from shifting back to human form, he was determined to find a way out. If needed he could always go to Kou's and get him to remove the damn thing. He would never hear the end of it but at least he would be free. Probably once Kou had snapped off some pictures for future black mail. Hopefully it wouldn't come to that. Calmer and starting to feel a little curious, he poked his head out and observed his surroundings a little more. It seemed like a normal office, just a little more fancy and tidy than usual. He spotted what appeared to be a reception desk with a well dressed women seated behind it, typing away. He could see a way to jump up to the desk with only a few jumps too. Perfect. Time to break out the puppy dog eyes. Maybe he could even fake the collar being too tight and get her to take it off.
He trotted up to the desk, resolutely ignoring the bell signalling his arrival and leapt up onto a low filing cabinet before jumping to the desk. He turned to the lady who was smiling at him and gave his cutest little meow.
"Oh, well aren't you just adorable! You don't look at all like you would be such a stubborn little shifter!"
Wait, what?
"Kirishima-san said there would be a little shifter running around possibly causing trouble but I didn't think you would be so cute!"
Akihito stood rooted to the spot. Asami. Curse the man. He doubted glasses would do anything without permission seeing as Asami was clearly the boss around here. And Asami obviously wasn't worried about people knowing what he was. Dammit, that would make it so much harder. The women reached out and gently stroked his head. Oh, that was nice. He chirped at the women and nudged his head into her hand, trying to buy some time while he thought. She giggled at the action and started to scratch his ears. Ooooh, this could be a little distracting.
"I can't believe you're a shifter! You're so tiny!" Akihito huffed at that, why did everyone say that? Was it really that surprising? "The complete opposite to Asami-sama and Suoh-san."
Woah, woah, back up. Compared to Asami? The golden eyed man was a shifter too? It hadn't even occurred Akihito that that could be a possibility. He had never met another shifter on his own, the only ones he knew were through his mother and aunt as they were shifters too. Actually that would be a better explanation for the cat bed and scratching post. The man must get the urge to just stretch his claws and scratch something, anything like all shifters and Akihito doubted he would want to damage the rather imposing looking desk. He also would probably get stuck at work having transformed due to stress occasionally too, so a comfy, perfectly sized bed would be ideal. Stress shifts were the worst, you would get stuck as a cat for a few hours or even up to a few days until you had unwound enough to regain the ability to shift back to your human form. Akihito always crashed at Kou's when that happened as he had to be looked after seeing he couldn't cook or open doors when he was stuck being so tiny. It was always annoying and a little embarrassing.
The women gave his head one final pat before giving him an apologetic smile. "As cute as you are, I do have work to do. Let me know if you need anything."
Akihito looked around but there wasn't anything interesting on the desk, a few neatly piled folders, a tidy container with various pens and a flash looking computer. He stalked around the desk, once again feeling his irritation rising at the soft ringing still sounding out with each step. There was a small raised almost counter like section of the desk that over hung where the women was working and Akihito hopped up onto that and looked around. Really not a very exciting place. A movement at the corner of his eye captured his attention. The mouse cord of the computer wiggled every time the women moved the mouse. Akihito crouched down and stalked forward and was mollified to notice that the bell barely sounded when he moved that time. In perfect position to launch his attack, he lowered himself further and started his pre-pounce wiggle. He was rudely interrupted by a hand around the middle and Akihito yowled as he was picked up and found himself eye to eye with Kirishima.
"I would appreciate it if you didn't distract my staff."
Annoyed, Akihito stuck out his paw and batted at Kirishima's face, they were close enough that he caught him across the glasses and left a rather large smudge. Woops. He did not look amused. Akihito's ears twitched as he picked up a stifled giggle from behind him. At least someone found it funny. Hopefully Kirishima wouldn't murder him for such a minor offence but he did look like he was considering it judging by the twitching eyebrow. Akihito shortly found himself being dumped back on Asami's desk.
"Is there something wrong Kirishima?"
"He's distracting the staff." Kirishima didn't linger around for a response and immediately excused himself and exited the office. Asami turned amused eyes onto Akihito.
"What did you do?" Akihito huffed and gave a small shrug. It was just a smudge, nothing that drastic.
"Acting innocent huh?" He scowled at the man; rude. He stepped forward to jump off the desk and the bell caught his attention again. He batted a paw at it before turning his attention back to Asami. The golden eyes were observing him with interest and a hint of amusement. The door was still open. Maybe he could trick Asami into thinking he was ready to talk and take off the collar. If he was fast enough he might be able to slip free and make a break for it. He cautiously walked forward and sat beside the man's arm that was resting on the desk. He gave him his best cute eyes and batted at the bell and then at his hand.
"Oh? You want me to take it off?" He nodded. "Does this mean you are ready to cooperate?" Akihito hesitated for a second before nodding again. Asami hummed and reached forward to unclasp the collar. "It's a shame, it's a very cute-" He cut off as the collar came loose and Akihito twisted around out of his grip and took a running leap off the desk, landing with a muffled thud and streaking out the door. He ran as fast as his little legs to manage, straining for more speed. He was vaguely aware that there was something chasing him, could hear the rhythmic pounding of feet catching up behind him. He was nearly at the elevators but they were closed. Damn, he really didn't think this through. He veered off to the side, losing some momentum as he took the corner and that was his undoing. Suddenly there was a large form flying over top of him and he skidded to a halt, wanting to avoid a collision. A huge black panther thudded down in front of him and used the momentum to twist himself around so that he was facing Akihito. Familiar golden eyes twinkled, laughing at him. Oh shit, Asami! The man's cat form was huge. Muscles rippled under his sleek black fur as he slowly prowled forward looking every inch the predator. Akihito broke out of his stupor and turned to make run for it but was stopped by a giant paw thudding down right in front of his face. He slammed into the thick leg and before he had time to get his senses back he felt teeth grab at the scruff of his and he was being lifted into the air. He tried to wriggle but his body wasn't cooperating, his instincts to remain limp while being carried like this overriding his wants. He scowled as he was carried through the office back towards Asami's office. The receptionist giggled as they trotted past and Akihito saw Kirishima standing in what must be the doorway to his office watching with raised eyebrows. He huffed. Why was this so difficult? That damn man. It was all his fault.
Akihito was surprised when upon entering the office, Asami didn't go towards the desk but instead jumped up onto the plush leather couch that Akihito had been hiding under earlier. He settled down on the couch and placed Akihito down between his paws. He only had time to stand up when there was a weird, somewhat wet feeling up his back, fur being pulled against the grain. He froze and it happened again. And again, this time catching his ear. What the fuck. Asami was grooming him! Akihito tried to escape but was stopped by a paw pinning him in place and the grooming resumed immediately. He was slobbering all over him, it was so gross! What the hell did he think he was doing? Akihito wriggled around so that he was on his back and started batted at the man's nose. He heard a snort and the air Asami exhaled ruffled his fur even more. He felt like his fur was sticking up in all directions and he could swear he felt damp. Ew. Asami just ignored his attempts to fend him off and the tongue would dart out to lick another patch of pale ginger fur. Giving up after he started to wear himself out, Akihito sat indignantly while Asami ensured that he had covered him completely in his damn saliva at least three times over. Clean, my ass. He had felt cleaner before this whole process started.
Finally the dreaded tongue stayed put where it belonged and Akihito turned around to glare at the large black cat that had subjected him to such treatment. He could see the satisfaction and laughter in his eyes. He struck is paw out and wacked Asami across the nose but further retribution was prevented by a discreet cough from behind him. Akihito twisted around to see rather bemused Kirishima standing by the edge of the couch.
"There's nothing that can't be kept until tomorrow so I took the liberty of calling the car around if you would like to head home?"
There was a deep rumble behind him and Akihito found himself being picked up by the scruff of his neck once again. The rumble must have been a yes because Asami padded out of the office and made his way over to the elevator. Akihito still couldn't convince his body to attempt an escape and gave a small meow to lament his fate. He was doomed. Curse Asami, it was all his fault.
AN: Ahh, I got carried away, so here is a little more! So, technically panthers don't exist. I had no idea until I did a little googling before commencing writing. They are usually either black leopards or black jaguars apparently. In this case Asami is a black jaguar but Akihito, much like me earlier, doesn't know the difference and refers to him mentally as a panther. Asami may correct him at some point if the topic comes up. Also Kirishima has given up at Asami getting any more work done for the day haha 'get out and take the distraction with you.'