AN: A little Kirishima POV and a small omake. From now until the end of the year, updates are likely to be very sporadic. I'll try to keep updates coming but I have no guarantees unfortunately. Just a busy time of year really!
Kirishima had discovered that Akihito's favourite thing to do in his down time was to switch into his kitten form and nap. And for some unknown reason, Asami's office was the preferred napping location. He was so small that it was often difficult for them to even realise that the brat was there barring the times when a pile of clothes was found lying on the floor. He didn't seem to have a specific location in mind and so far no spot had been spared. Kirishima alone had found him curled up on the cat bed, couch, different levels of the book case, Asami's chair and stretched out in the sun in front of the large windows. He would protest being disturbed as though he owned the office and often wouldn't even stir unless he was moved. Asami seemed to find the whole thing cute and generally left his little lover to nap if he had work to do although he would often move him onto his lap. Akihito would get all embarrassed and pouty, such as it was in his kitten form, and zip away once he was awake and realised what had happened but that didn't stop it from occurring the very next day. He was found more days than not although the time was different each day.
He was initially baffed when Asami started to leave his jacket lying around the office and irritated when they discovered Akihito had claimed it for his nap. But Asami had looked positively smug upon spotting his lover curled up on his jacket and Kirishima had wondered what he was missing. He was even more confused when Asami kept doing it and low and behold, Akihito would always choose the item of clothing to curl up in. The pale ginger fluff that stuck to the black jacket made Kirishima's eye twitch in annoyance but he wasn't sure who he was more exasperated at, Asami for leaving the jacket out intentionally or Akihito for shedding all over it. It wasn't until he snapped and vented to Suoh that he got an explanation for the whole thing.
"So the boss has it that bad huh? That's almost cute really." Suoh had smiled and looked a little wistful.
"What do you mean?"
"Shifters have a far better sense of smell than normal humans and each person has their own distinct scent. Our sense of smell is heighted even in human form but it is far stronger when shifted fully into cat form. A lot of the time instinct takes over when we are cats, we still have our human thoughts obviously, it's just the instincts are suddenly closer and harder to ignore than they are as a human. I mean, you've seen the kid pounce on things that are moving right? But he can override it better as a human so he only does it in kitten form. If I had to guess, I'd say he comes to the boss's office to nap because it smells like him. Makes him feel safe and comfortable so that he can nap in peace, it's why he's so relaxed that he's dead to the world. I've never had someone close enough to refer to as a mate before so I'm only guessing really but I would put money on that. The boss leaving his jacket around and having the brat choose that every time just confirms it really. Not quite as good as a confession but with a kid that prickly when he's fully awake, must be pretty satisfying to have proof of how he feels. Can't dispute something that's at an instinctual level right?"
Kirishima took a moment to process that. It would make sense and would explain the incredibly smug satisfaction that Asami would display upon finding the brat curled up in his jacket.
"Asami-sama doesn't seem to do it back though, is it just some shifters then?"
"It's all of us," Suoh grinned. "But the boss isn't one to really need comfort like that. If he got sick though that might be a different story. When I used to get sick as a child, I wouldn't leave my mother alone. I'd curl up in her lap and refuse to move so she used to bundle me up in some of her unwashed clothing so I would stay put and she could get things done." Suoh laughed. "It probably sounds kind of gross but her smell was so comforting and the only thing I wanted when I was sick was to just be surrounded in that comforting smell. Made me feel safe and comfortable you know?"
It was a little nice to know that the kid wasn't with Asami just for the food and comfortable napping locations, even though it sure seemed like that sometimes. He had to smile at the mental image of a young Suoh in his adolescent lion form wrapped up in his mother's cardigan. He was beginning to understand a little more of what was behind the antics of his boss and his little lover but Kirishima still found himself in the role of the disapproving parent far too often.
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They had just finished a meeting and Kirishima was following Asami back to his office to go over the paperwork that was required and of course there was a pile of clothes discarded by the large desk and a small ball of pale fluff curled up in a tight ball on Asami's seat. Kirishima looked up just in time to see the ghost of a smile on his bosses face before he scooped the kitten up in his arms and sat down. Asami hadn't left his jacket out today to get moulted on and in fact, now that he thought about it he was pretty sure he had overheard the photographer say that he was working on something for the next few days, so why on earth was he here?
"Miss me that much kitten?" Asami's hand reached out to Akihito's head but the little kitten wriggled so that he was buried in the crook of Asami's elbow. Asami tried to pull him out but there was a mournful yowl and he just burrowed back in further. His little body quivered as though he was shaking.
"Akihito?" His boss was starting to frown and Kirishima could see the concern in his eyes. Asami didn't attempt to move his lover this time but instead wrapped his hand around his small frame and held it there for a few seconds.
"He's too warm and he's shaking." Asami spoke quietly. "Akihito?" Still no response. "Kirishima, call Kasaya-sensei, I want him to take a look at Akihito as soon as possible."
"Of course sir." Kirishima pulled out his phone and stepped back from the desk while he dialled up the doctor's number. He specialised in shifters, although he wasn't one himself, and ran a small, private clinic for shifters that was funded by Asami. He was incredibly good at what he did and always made sure to come quickly when called. The secretary could not help but feel concern for the little photographer and hoped there was nothing too serious going on. He assumed he was sick, it would explain the heat and the shaking as well as the similar reaction that Suoh had described in his story when he had been sick. He did have to wonder when the little rascal had managed to worm his way into Kirishima's heart though, it wasn't like him to fret over just anyone.
His call to the doctor was quick, Kasaya picked up almost immediately and agreed to come straight away. He turned back to Asami to let him know and was very surprised to see him stripping off his shirt. He blinked, sure he was seeing things. Nope, his boss was stripping in his office. His eyes widened in realisation when Asami took the shirt he had just removed from his person and carefully bundled up a still protesting Akihito in it. The protests died down almost immediately and Kirishima had to hide a smile at the display. Partially at his boss for the surprisingly thoughtful gesture and partially at the brat who immediately calmed down after being wrapped up. If he wasn't so concerned about the kid, it would almost be cute.
Kirishima immediately went and fetched Asami a spare shirt from the extra's he keeps at the office and got a nod of thanks as he handed it over. He glanced over to Akihito who was bundled up on the desk, the only thing able to be seen was two little fluffy ears poking up through the folds in the shirt fabric. He watched as his boss, now with a shirt on although he had left off both his tie and vest, carefully pick up the little kitten and moved to sit on the couch with him in his arms. The secretary set about picking up and folding the discarded clothes and organising the paperwork to be looked at later while they waited.
It wasn't long before there was a knock at the door and the receptionist was showing the doctor in. He was an older gentleman, hair almost all grey with thin glasses perched on his nose and he was one of the most gentle, kind and intelligent people the he had ever met. Kirishima gestured over to the couch and if he was surprised to see Asami holding what must be the shifter in question, he didn't show it.
"Asami-sama." Kasaya inclined his head slightly in respect.
"Kasaya-sensei, thank you for coming so quickly."
"Of course, your continued funding to my clinic allows me to help a great number of people and further my own research, coming when needed is the least I can do." The doctor set his bag down carefully on the floor and knelt down next to it, just beside Asami. He spoke quietly as he reached forward to carefully pull back part of the shirt to reveal the little ball of fluff.
"What symptoms did you notice?"
"Akihito won't respond properly, he seems to be stuck in this form, he won't calm down unless he can scent me, he's also been shaking and feels too warm."
"Sounds typical of a viral infection, possibly some form of cold or flu. He's very small which concerns me a little however." The doctor pulled away more of the shirt, finally earning himself a response from Akihito, a small, weak mew of protest and an attempt to curl up closer to Asami's person. "Come on little one, let me take a better look at you." Kirishima watched as he gently grasped the kitten and pulled him around, keeping him as close to Asami as possible he noticed, to examine his eyes along with the rest of his form and check his pulse. "It's a little hard for me to be certain while he is in this form but it definitely strikes me as possibly a flu. As I mentioned before, I am concerned about him staying in this form while he is so sick. Shifting like this is typical when a shifter is feeling that unwell but his small size might make it harder for him to recover and potentially dangerous if it gets worse. I'm hesitant to give him any kind of medication while he is in this form as I'm not sure how his tiny body will handle it. Is he small in his human form too?"
"Not as much as you would think for having such a tiny cat form."
"Ideally we need to coax him into his halfway form, he will be able to handle human medication for the fever then while still retaining the comfort of his feline side. From then on it's just rest although you will need to monitor the fever and call if it gets worse. The only way I've come across to try and coax a change back while a shifter is this sick and unresponsive is through scent. If you can, switch into your own half way form and hold him close, ideally without clothes in the way. I've been told that gentle petting helps too." Kasaya wrapped Akihito back up in the shirt and slowly pulled himself to his feet. "I'll sort out a prescription with Kirishima," He glanced at the secretary who nodded. "I would like to examine him again once he's shifted to make sure that my diagnosis and the medication I have prescribed is the best for his condition and make adjustments if needed." The doctor gathered his bag and Kirishima stepped forward to help but was waved off. He turned to his boss instead.
"I'll clear your schedule for the day and get the car ready for your departure." A nod was all the confirmation he needed and he guided the doctor out towards his own office to make the arrangements.
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Akihito woke slowly, groaning in protest as he was dragged into consciousness. His whole body ached and his head was pounding. He couldn't remember the last time he felt this bad. He felt surprisingly comfortable underneath that though, safe and warm and… He frowned, his brain was sluggish but he was sure there was something not quite right about his current situation. The comfortable feeling was threatening to lull him back to wonderful oblivion until he felt something moved against him. No, not something, someone. Akihito breathed in deep and realised he knew that scent.
"Asa-" He barely managed to croak the first syllable of his lovers name before he found himself coughing.
"Shh kitten." Akihito could feel Asami move away and couldn't help the whine that left his throat at the loss of contact. A hand stroked down his back, soothing him and he kept his eyes closed, trying to calm the coughing. He let himself be manhandled up so that he was sitting against the headboard and blearily opened his eyes when he felt the cool rim of a cup gently press against his lips. He took it gratefully and gulped the liquid down. He stared at Asami, blinking rapidly while he tried to figure out what seemed different. He was in his human form yet something seemed off. It wasn't until he saw the ear twitch on the top of his head that he realised he was in his halfway form. Large black ears sat atop his lovers head and out of the corner of his eyes, Akihito could make out a sleek black tail swishing against the bed. He couldn't help but stare. Asami looked almost… Cute. He blinked as two pills were held up to him.
"You need to take these for the fever. It's gone down over the last few hours but these will make you feel much better."
Akihito blinked at him again. The Great Asami Ryuichi… Was looking after him? He felt his already flushed cheeks heat up further. He watched as one of the silky black ears twitched and Asami slowly smirked.
"Are you that surprised by the ears? Although I must say, I'm not sure why you hid your half way form for so long, it's really quite adorable."
Akihito groaned when he realised he was in the same form as Asami. For some reason he shrunk down a little in this form, making him even smaller although he retained his human features with the added fluffy ears and tail of a cat.
"Comments like that are exactly the reason why I don't stay in it."
"I don't see why you are so adverse to be called cute." Akihito glared at Asami who smirked slightly and forced him to take the still proffered pills. He quickly downed them with a mouthful of water and handed back the cup. It was only then that he noticed that they were both completely naked. He squeaked and moved to pull the sheet over himself more.
"Where are my clothes?!"
"You can put those on later once you are feeling better. For now lie back down." Asami moved him so that he was curled up in the sheets with a big puffy pillow under his head and tucked him in. "You were stuck in your cat form but you being so small, the doctor was concerned for your safety with you being so sick."
"That doesn't explain why you are naked too."
"The best way to get you back to this form is via scent and comfort, both easier to do without clothing." Akihito's eyes widened when he realised what Asami was insinuating and he quickly buried himself into the bedding to hide his embarrassment. He earned himself a chuckle and felt fingers stroke gently along his ears. He breathed in Asami's scent lingering in the sheets and combined with the soft petting Akihito felt himself immediately relaxing and silently cursed his traitorous body. Asami was bound to be a smug bastard once Akihito was well again, knowing just the effect that he had on him. He would probably never hear the end of the cute comments either. For now though, he let those fingers lull him to back to sleep to try and recover, feeling comfortable and safe.
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Bonus Omake
Nariko was quite looking forward to this visit. She hadn't seen her only son in a few months now and was eager to catch up. She was planning to stay just a few days with him in Tokyo while her husband was working a lot of overtime due to a product launch. She had managed to snag a few days off at the same time as Akihito and was thrilled it had all worked out. Finally at the right place with a small overnight bag in hand, she rang the doorbell and waited patiently as she heard footsteps approaching the other side of the door. She was surprised to see a young man with dark hair greet her.
"Hello Takaba-san," He swung the door wide and gestured her in. "I'm not sure if you remember me, I'm Takato, one of Aki's friends."
"Ah, Takato-kun, I remember! You married a few months ago, such a lovely ceremony too from what Aki told me."
"Yes, that was me, thank you. I got a message from Aki this morning, looks like he stressed shifted so I came over to babysit him while we waited for you. Though it turns out his boyfriend stress shifted too so both of them are here."
"Oh dear, he's always pushing himself too- … wait, boyfriend?" She stopped dead, midway through removing her shoes and stared at Takato in shock.
"Oh, he hadn't told you yet? Typical Aki." His friend laughed and shook his head. "He always gets so caught up in things and forgets to tell anyone. They've been seeing each other for around 2 months now I think. Asami-san's a shifter too, he's the CEO of a shifter friendly company and apparently they met through that. I'm not too sure how exactly, Aki never went into detail with it. They seem pretty into each other though. He's been away on business for the last two weeks and stress shifted yesterday apparently. His secretary dropped him off about an hour ago, they had only just arrived back in the country. Aki would probably deny it but considering they both stress shifted at the same time, they probably missed each other."
He moved further into the little apartment, walked around a ratty looking couch and nodded at the ground towards an area currently hidden from view. Nariko cautiously walked over and looked in the direction he gestured at. Lying stretched out in a patch of sunlight was a large, sleek looking black panther, chest rising and falling with the slowness of sleep. Looking closer she could see her son tucked under his chin, a small ball of pale ginger fluff that stood out against the black. She couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face at the sight. They were both completely dead to the world and clearly enjoying both the sun and the comforting presence of the other. Leaving them to sleep, Nariko tip toed after Takato heading towards the small kitchen, deciding on getting some tea and drilling Aki's friend for more information while they let the two rest. Maybe she should snap a picture off as well, it really was a heart-warming sight.