Kurai sat in the passenger seat with his knees tucked to his chest. His ears were flattened against his head as he looked at Grimmjow's condo. Nikki watched his nephew sulk and he sighed. "It's okay Kurai, you'll see him again. Besides, you two had fun at the movies and the arcade."

Kurai nods in agreement. "We can go pick up Murci and go shopping. You can get all the candy you'd like."

His ears perked up at the mention of candy. "But you need to eat dinner before you eat the candy."

Kurai pouts, but nods. "Good. Let's go see Murci."

xXx

Nikki held onto Kurai's hand as he guided the neko through the crowd. Although his ears and tail were hidden, he still didn't feel comfortable being around all of the people. He felt exposed and he didn't like it. "We're almost there, Kurai." Nikki reassured, but it seemed the farther they went, the more people showed up. His hat was suddenly yanked off his head. Kurai pulled away from Nikki and covered his head. The action caused several shoppers stop and look at him. "Are those ears?"

"They can't be real, can they?"

"That so cool."

"Someone take a picture."

Someone pulled his arms away from his head. Bright lights flashed, temporarily blinding him. Kurai yelped as a hand down his pants and gripped the base of his tail. "He's got a tail, too."

"Kurai!" Nikki started to push his way through the crowd that accumulated around the scared Neko. Hands pulled his shirt up to reveal the tail around his stomach. Kurai managed to snatch away and squat down to cover his ears. HE squeezed his eyes shut. "Kurai!" Nikki to push through and take off his jacket. He used it to cover Kurai's ears and he picked the neko up bridal style. He pushed his way through the crowd and ran off. A crowd of people followed after him. "Wait!"

"We want pictures!" There was no way he was stopping for anyone. They hid in nearby hallway. Nikki pressed his back against the wall. Kurai stood straight leaning into his uncle. Nikki covered Kurai's mouth to stop any noises as people passed by. "They're around here I'm sure." Kurai suddenly jumped and squeezed Nikki's arm. The blonde looked at the raven in confusion. Tears brimmed his two colored eyes and Nikki looked down. The heel to a woman's boot dug into his tail. "Sh." Nikki hushed understanding he was in pain. But if they were caught, it might be worse.

Luckily the heel stepped off Kurai's tail. He snatched it up and rubbed it. When the coast was clear, Nikki picked Kurai up again and ran off. After what seemed like he was running forever, he ducked into a bathroom and headed for the handicap stall. He set Kurai down and took deep breaths. Kurai sat on the floor rubbing his tail tenderly. Nikki watches with a hint of pity. Because of this, Kurai probably won't want to come out again. "Hey." Nikki squats in front of Kurai, who looked at him with hurt eyes.

"We can go somewhere else if you like after we get Murci."

Kurai nods in agreement. "Ready to go?" Kurai nods and points to his ears. Nikki sighed and rubbed his face. "Right and no doubt they know your face." Kurai whined and his ears flattened again. Were they stuck here until the mall closes? Nikki sets a hand on Kurai's head. "Don't worry. I'll call Angel and Murci. One of them will pick up, okay?"

Kurai nods and rested the tip of his tail on his cheek. Nikki sat next to him and wrapped his arms around Kurai. "I'll be right here with you."

xXx

Murci had just finished restocking the displays when his boss carried several boxes to the back. He heard a vibrating sound nearby. He left his phone on the counter, so he picked up his empty box and heads for the counter. He picked up his phone and answered. "Hello?"

"Murci, it's me."

"Hey, Nikki. I'm still at work."

"I know. We're here at the mall."

Murci raised an eyebrow. "We?" He asked. "Kurai wanted to go outside, so we came to get you."

"Oh. Well, where are you?" Murci asked. "Hiding in the bathroom."

Murci frowned at the answer. "Someone snatched Kurai's hat off and they found out what he was. We've been hiding ever since."

Murci sighed and tapped the counter. "Can you bring a hat some pain relievers? Someone stepped on his tail and he's ready to go home."

Murci nods. "Okay. I'll be there soon."

"Can you ask Angel for Kurai's usual?"

Kurai's usual? He mentally hoped it wasn't a bad thing. "Uh, sure. Not a problem."

"Thanks." He hung up when he heard a click. "Murci?" He looked up at the voice and it was his boss. His skin was slightly lighter than Nikki and he had sea green eyes. His bright red hair stopped at his mid back. HE wore a white button down shirt under a black vest with black pants. "Oh, hey Angel. Nikki called. Do you have any painkillers and a hat?" Murci asked. "Is he hurt?" Angel asked with worry. "No, but Kurai did get hurt in a way."

This only worried the ginger more. "I didin't even know Kurai was back. Why didn't Nikki tell me? How did he get hurt?"

Murci didn't know what to tell the man. No one was really supposed to know, but he and Nikki are good friends. Is it okay to tell him? "Well…you have to see for yourself, actually."

"I plan to." Angel steps into the back and brings out a first aid kit and a medium sized chest with gold engravings all around it. "What's the chest for?"

"Kurai. Every new shipment, I hold the best candy for him. His favorite candy is in the window display and it sells very well. Nikki mentioned Kurai's usual, didn't he?" Angel spoke and Murci blinked twice. How did he not notice that was the name of their best seller? "Yeah, he did actually."

Angel smiled. "Let's go, then. It's time to close anyway."

xXx

"Why are we standing in front of a bathroom?" Angel asked as they stopped in front of the bathroom right across from their shop.. "They're in here." Murci answered. "Why didn't they come in the shop?"

Murci asked. "You'll see when we go in." Murci answered and pushed open the bathroom door. "Nikki?" Murci called. He heard a click and the handicap bathroom door opened. Murci and Angel head over to the stall. Nikki sat against the wall with Kurai sound asleep in his lap. His head laid on Nikki's chest. Angel froze with wide eyes and Murci knelt in front of the two. "Hey Nikki. Is he okay?" Murci asked looking at Kurai. "Yeah, but I don't think he wants to be outside with his….new look."

Murci chuckled. "I wouldn't be surprised. Not doubt whatever pictures they have are already on the internet." Murci explained. "Did you bring a hat?" Nikki asked and Murci looked at Angel, who stood as still as a statue. "Angel?" Murci stood to his feet and waved his hand in front of the ginger's face. "HE has…..cat ears and a tail." He mumbled.

"Angel, we'll explain later, but we need to get him out of here." Nikki explained and Angel snapped out of his trance. "Right. Here." Angel pulled a hat out from his front pocket and tossed it to Nikki. "Do you know a shortcut to the parking lot?"

Angel thought for a moment. "The back door to the shop."