It was raining on Misaki's walk home from the convenience store. She had an umbrella over her head and bag full of groceries under her arm. She sighed as she glared up at the sky, it was just rotten luck and bad timing that brought her to this predicament.
Misaki paused when she heard something amid the pouring rain. She caught movement lurking beside a couple of trashcans and an empty box. She crouched down and looked around until she saw a whitish-grey cat huddled under the cardboard meowing helplessly as it stared up at her with violet-blue eyes.
Her heart broke for the poor little fella as she set her groceries down, keeping the umbrella above her as she reached in. The cat was skittish and moved back, but there was nowhere for it to go. "Don't be afraid. Shhhh." Misaki successfully brought the kitty out from its drenched shelter and tucked it into her arm. She kept the cat secured in one arm while hooking the groceries in the other as she kept the umbrella above their heads.
The cat meowed up at her with a curious expression. Misaki gave it a gentle smile, "Don't worry, I'll take you somewhere warm." She said to the kitty as she resumed her journey home with the furball nestled in her arm.
When she got to the apartment, the first thing she did was go to the bathroom and run the kitty a warm bath. With gentle and soothing hands, along with a warm voice, she rid the cute kitty of all the filth and bundled it up in a towel.
"There we go, that feels better, right?" Misaki said as she cradled the now clean cat in her arms.
The kitty meowed as it snuggled in the towel. During the bath, Misaki noticed that it was a male.
Misaki smiled before she gently laid him in laundry basket. "I'll be back, I gotta shower too." She stood up and proceeded to peel off her soaked clothes before turning on the shower. She waited until it was at the right temperature before letting the warm water rain down on her.
The cat watched her with a look of enchantment and wonder as she moved her limbs to wash her entire body.
Misaki sighed as she felt her muscles loosen after a long day at work. Masamune drove Ritsu to Akihiko's house to pick up his manuscript. Thankfully it was finished and was laying on the coffee table while he sleeps. Her wife and boss worried about her going home by herself at the end of the day, but she was able to convince them that she'll be fine seeing how her conversation with Masamune urged her to buy a taser.
Misaki released a startled gasp when she felt something rub against her leg. She looked down and giggled, "What are you doing? I just gave you a bath."
Sure enough, the cat didn't mind the warm shower as it rubbed against her leg, wanting her attention.
Misaki laughed as she leaned down to pick him up and hold him. "Silly kitty."
The cat purred in response as he nuzzled into her neck.
Misaki turned the water off then carried the cat back to the laundry basket to dry him again.
Misaki was still dripping wet from the shower, but she paid no mind as she rubbed the cat down until he was somewhat dry again.
"Your fur is very soft." Misaki commented as she noted how sleek his fur is after getting clean.
She scratched behind his ears and along his spine which arched under her attention.
"After I get dressed, I'll fix you up something to eat. Garbage is not a healthy diet." Misaki stated as she stood then found a towel to dry herself before going to her room to get her clothes.
The cat followed her and sat in a chair, watching her get dressed into a pair of pajama pants and a simple t-shirt.
Misaki picked him up again and cradled him against her chest. "Now then, let's get some food." She said then carried him into the living room and sat him in one of the chairs as she looked through the cupboards and fridge until she found a can of tuna and milk. She poured the milk in one bowl and chopped up the tuna contents in a small plate.
"Here you go." She set the food in front of the cat who sniffed at the food, "Sorry I didn't have cat food, but I figured this is better than the junk food you're used to." She said, kneeling in front of the kitty as she lightly scratched the back of his neck.
The cat seemed to be testing the tuna before he ate more off the plate then shifted his attention to the milk bowl and began slurping his drink.
Misaki giggled lightly as the cat alternated between his dinner. "I'm glad you like it." She rose to her full height and stretched then returned to the kitchen to make dinner for herself, Ritsu and Masamune.
She worked diligently around the kitchen as though it was second nature to her. As the pot simmered, she set up the table then crouched down to pick up the now empty plate and bowl.
Something jumped onto her shoulders, making her yelp in surprise as she turned her head to see the grey cat draped around her shoulders. "Don't surprise me like that kitty." She giggled as she stood up and carried the dishes to the sink as the cat remained on her person.
"I have to make some food for my wife and Takano-san. So, you should probably get down now." She said to the cat, but the feline responded by rubbing his cheek against hers.
Misaki sighed in resignation as she scratched under his chin. "Okay, you can stay up here. But I'm working over the stove, so please be careful."
The cat meowed as he settled around her shoulder while she practically danced around the kitchen, unmindful of the weight around her.
The door opened and in came Masamune and Ritsu. "Made it, thank God." Ritsu said, releasing a sigh as she shook the umbrella off while keeping the manuscript dry and secure.
Masamune helped Ritsu out of her coat then hung his on the hooks beside the door. "Thanks for driving me, Takano-san." Ritsu said as she stepped out of her shoes while holding the manuscript to her chest.
Masamune smiled as the two entered the living room and was greeted by the fresh heavenly smell of food.
"Hey, welcome back you two. Dinner's just about ready." Misaki announced as she set the food on the table.
"It smells wonderful." Masamune commented as his enhanced senses took in the aroma.
"That's 'Saki-chan for you." Ritsu smiled with pride before she noticed a new addition to the apartment.
"Uh, 'Saki-chan, you have a cat on you." Ritsu pointed out as Misaki washed her hands in the sink.
"Hm? Oh, him? Yeah, I found him on the way home. He was hiding behind trash cans and a cardboard box." Misaki said as she picked the cat off her shoulder and held him to her chest. "The poor thing was completely drenched. I didn't have the heart to leave him like that." She said as she scratched beneath his chin, listening to him purr in contentment.
Masamune's eyes widened when he caught the smell coming off of the feline and had to suppress the laugh that wanted to come out of him. 'Seriously?'
The cat narrowed his eyes at Masamune in warning.
"He might be a stray since he doesn't have a collar on him, or a license." Ritsu noted when as she assessed the cat.
"Yeah, but someone might be looking for him." Misaki as she looked at the cat worriedly. "I mean, look at him, he's quite docile around humans. He hasn't scratched me once when I bathed him."
"He could have just taken a strong liking to you since you are the one who found him. Did you already feed him?" Masamune asked as he scratched the top of the cat's head, unmindful of the glares the little animal was sending him.
"Yeah, I fed him milk and a can of tuna." Misaki answered, not noticing the cat glaring at her boss.
Masamune hummed, "You know, it's actually best you keep feeding him like that. This particular cat prefers wet food over dried ones from a bag."
"Are you sure?" Ritsu asked for Misaki as she glanced at their neighbor.
"Yeah I-my friend has a cat, and he's lived for quite a long time on the tuna diet." Masamune explained, being careful not to reveal that one detail that could out him as Saga while saving that cat from eating cat food. "They can also eat cooked eggs and lean meat if prepared right. I can even give you a list of vegetable cats can eat."
"Hm, that's actually a good idea. I never made cat food before, but if their diet is somewhat similar to humans, I think I can make it work." Misaki said, looking excited at the idea of making something for her new pet.
The cat looked like he sighed with relief.
"You want to keep him?" Ritsu asked as she stared at the cat. She has no problems with it personally. But since it's a responsibility and that they have demanding jobs, she's worried they'll neglect it.
"Yes, please Ritsu?" Misaki begged as she held the furball affectionately, "I couldn't have one before because your dad is allergic."
Ritsu frowned as she turned to the feline who watched her with hopeful eyes. With a resigned sigh, "I guess there's no harm in having a pet. Plus, I think it's a good thing to have a man watching the house while we're gone."
Misaki smiled like a little kid on Christmas morning. "Yay. I get to keep you!" Misaki sang as she snuggled her new pet.
The cat looked delighted at the attention he was receiving from his new owner.
"You should also get him a collar just in case. Perhaps one with a giant pink bow?" Masamune gave the cat a shit-eating grin.
The cat hissed at Masamune for teasing him like this, then stopped when Misaki placed a calm comforting hand on his head.
"I don't think he likes bows. I'll figure something out when we go to the pet store." She then placed the cat on top of her head then clapped her hands together, "Let's eat!"
They sat around the table eating the food Misaki made.
"I knew you were an excellent cook, but never thought it was this good." Masamune marveled as he continued to eat.
"I'm sure it's average compared to yours, but thanks." Misaki said as she ate from her plate while the cat slouched around her shoulders.
Ritsu smiled at the sight, "That cat really likes you."
Misaki giggled, "I know, he's also quite silly, he wanted a second bath while I was showering."
Masamune nearly choked on his drink.
The cat looked smug and happy.
Masamune wiped his mouth with a napkin then changed the subject, "By the way, have you received the rough draft from Tenzin yet?"
"It should already be faxed by now. I'll get a head start after dinner." Misaki said, already planning to work on the new project since she loves Tenzin's stories.
"I'll go over them with you. Better to get them done early." Masamune offered. This is the perfect excuse to stay a little longer. and spend time with Ritsu.
"You sure about that? You just finished turning in Zenshiro's work. You need to rest." Ritsu stated from across the table.
"I'll be fine. You should talk, you went through hell begging the printers to extend Usami-sensei's deadline."
"Have you met him? He's an expert when it comes to being late or his deadlines." Ritsu stated as she took a sip of her tea. "I'm just glad he finally had the decency to leave his manuscript on the table for me to pick up."
"The greater the artist the more demanding their work becomes." Masamune mused in agreement.
Ritsu sighed, "No kidding. Since you two will be working, I'll take care of the dishes tonight."
Dinner continued as conversations bled into debates on literature from different authors their influences on the current generation.
With the food finished and leftovers placed in the fridge, Ritsu took all the dirty dishes and brought them over to the sink.
The two manga editors were in the living room working around the coffee table sitting diagonally to each other.
"Honestly, there's too much going on in this panel." Misaki stated as she held up one of the pages while the cat slumped in her lap. "Don't get me wrong, the scenes are interesting, but I feel it's important for there to be some build up before they get to the climax." She said with seriousness while Masamune looked through his glasses at the panel following what Misaki was holding.
"Yes, it is important to keep the audience engaged, build up that tension, make them want more from the next page before they're surprised." Masamune agreed with his subordinate who made notes while looking at each scene with a critical eye.
Misaki asked, "Is it okay for her to add two more pages with just those scenes?"
Masamune nodded, "It'll be extra work, but it'll be worth it."
Misaki put the page down then picked up another that made her visibly cringe, "Ugh, this kiss scene."
"What's wrong?" Masamune turned his attention to Misaki who showed him the scene.
"The kiss is too awkward after that dramatic argument. It just looks like he's giving her a peck on the lips and calling it a day. Where's the passion you idiot?" Misaki yelled at the male lead.
"Hm, readers would be disappointed after all that buildup." Takano stated after listening to Misaki fume and glare at the panel.
"Ugh, even if I tell Tenzin the kiss needs more passion, it's hard to describe what the readers expect." Misaki sighed as she put down the panel to scratch the cat's ear.
Takano took off his glasses, "Maybe we don't have to describe it."
"What do you mean?" Misaki looked up at her boss.
"You have Tenzin's email?"
"Uh, yeah?"
"Good, take your phone out and get the camera ready." Masamune instructed.
Misaki wasn't sure what her boss was planning, but she followed along.
"Onodera, could you help us out for a moment?" Masamune called to the other woman in the kitchen.
Ritsu wiped her hands on a towel then walked into the living room. "What do you need?"
Masamune stood up and glanced at Misaki who had her phone out. "Camera ready?"
Misaki nodded.
"Good, take multiple shots."
"Of what?" Misaki asked, still unsure what is happening as Ritsu arrived.
"This."
Masamune grasped Ritsu's wrist and pulled her close, cupping the back of her neck as he planted a very passionate kiss on the surprised woman's lips.
Misaki squeaked and took the pictures in shock while Ritsu screamed into the kiss, her eyes wide and hair flying everywhere. His arms wrapped around her in a tender embrace while her hands gripped his shoulders to steady herself.
Ritsu was almost lost in the kiss, but mercifully returned to reality as she pushed against his shoulders.
Masamune released her then turned to a shocked Misaki. "You got all that?" He sat back down in the chair.
"Um, yeah, I got six." Misaki answered, shakily holding her phone.
"Good, email those as references to Tenzin, just make sure to number the page and panel." Masamune instructed as though he didn't just kiss his subordinate's wife.
"Right." Misaki said, still bewildered at the action she witnessed.
The cat just lazily watched in amusement from his owner's lap.
POW!
Masamune held the back of his head while groaning in pain.
Ritsu was red in the face as steam came off her clenched knuckles. "What the hell are you doing?!" Ritsu screeched in embarrassment at the man's actions.
Masamune rubbed his throbbing bump and looked up at Ritsu. "Sorry, we needed a reference, and I couldn't kiss Takahashi." 'I'd lose my life if I did that.'
"So, you just grab me out of nowhere?" Ritsu crossed her arms indignantly.
"The female lead needs to look surprised when she's being kissed, you were an excellent model." Masamune explained as the pain began to fade, but only slightly.
"I'm married, you idiot!"
"Are you and Takahashi comfortable with kissing in front of the camera?" Masamune deadpanned as silence followed that question.
Ritsu was completely red with anger as she turned her face away and stomped off back into the kitchen.
"Uh, before you go home boss, make sure you apologize. She hasn't kissed another man since high school." Misaki whispered while holding the cat securely like a plushie when she watched their little spat.
'She hasn't kissed anyone else since me? Excellent.' Masamune cheered in his head as he nodded, "I'll be sure to do that."
It was another thirty minutes before they finally finished with the rough draft.
Misaki released a long sighed as she flopped onto her back on the couch. "We're finally done." She said as the cat laid across her front and gave her kitty kisses on her cheek as though to congratulate her.
"Nice job. You should really go to bed now. Send that email and the edits to Tenzin in the morning." Masamune said as he prepared to leave.
"Yes...sleep." Misaki said with relief as she unsteadily got to her feet while holding her pet and walked like a zombie back to her room.
Masamune smirked then turned to the kitchen to see Ritsu drying the plates.
Ritsu was lost in thought as she placed the plate in the correct cupboard.
"Onodera."
She turned to see her neighbor standing in the entrance.
"Mind if I help you?"
"I'm almost done. You can go home." Ritsu said as she resumed her chore.
Masamune ignored her words then grabbed an extra towel and picked up another cup from the dry rack.
"I actually came in here to apologize for earlier. I'm sorry for kissing you." Masamune said as he handed the now dry cup to Ritsu who put it back in its place.
Ritsu sighed, "I get that it was for one of those scenes, though I prefer it if you would ask me properly first before you use me for a reference."
"Then you wouldn't be surprised, and it would ruin the scene." Masamune stated bluntly while she glared at him.
Ritsu's cheeks were red as she turned away from him, "Whatever, I'm already over it. It wasn't even a good kiss."
That comment enraged Masamune. He wanted to grab her and show her what his kisses really feel like. But he held back with spartan effort. When he kissed her, it awakened the desire to take her back to his apartment and demonstrate what it truly means to be his mate. Her lips taste just as sweet as they were back then. If only he could devour her lips a little longer.
"Well, I am sorry to have disappointed you with that kiss." Masamune then smirked, "Perhaps in the next scene we reference it will be much more sensual."
Ritsu went red again and glared at Masamune while holding a wooden spoon she took off the rack. "Absolutely not!"
"I'm just joking. Mostly." Masamune held his hands up in surrender when she looked like she wanted to hit him with the cooking utensil.
Ritsu held back the desire to hit him and sighed, "Look, it's not that I don't appreciate all you do for me and Misaki, but you should really go home and get some sleep."
"I don't mind helping, it gives me an excuse to keep talking to you." Masamune smiled at Ritsu who turned away to hide her blush.
"Takano-san, you shouldn't say things like that."
"Why not?"
"It sounds like you want something from me." Ritsu stated, trying to concentrate on the dishes.
"I just like spending time with you." Masamune stated point blank.
"You know I'm married." Ritsu bluntly said to him.
"I know. I'm okay with being your friend. I don't have a lot of them outside of work." Masamune said as he tried to figure out where the pan goes.
Ritsu pointed at the cabinet next to the stove. "If you spend too much time with us, you won't ever get married."
Masamune put the pan away the rose to his height. "Says you." He turned to see her trying to stand on her tippy toes as she tried to put a mug back on a high shelf.
"Let me." Masamune offered as he took the mug from her hand and easily placed it back in its original place.
Ritsu's heart skipped a beat when she felt the heat of the man behind her. His hand was next to hers planted on the counter she used as leverage to reach, while he used it to cage her in.
Masamune smiled at their position, he could smell her hair and the soap combined with her natural scent. He wants to take her right there on the counter, but he needs to fight his desires as an incubus if he wants her to trust him. With great pains and effort, he pulled back and gave her space to move.
Ritsu let out a sigh of relief when the distance was established again. 'That was way too close. No man has ever...not since...'
"The pot goes where the pan is, right?" Masamune asked, bringing her out of her thoughts.
"Uh, yeah, bottom shelf, next to the strainer." Ritsu answered before he placed the last item back in its place.
"Thanks for all your help today." Ritsu said as she escorted him to the door.
"Thanks for your help too." Masamune said, making Ritsu blush again.
"Can we please forget that ever happened."
Masamune smirked, "Not sure I can, but I'll try. Enjoy your day off tomorrow."
He left the apartment before she closed the door after him.
She released a long sigh as she leaned against the door. Her green stared at the floor before her fingers touched her lips. She lied earlier. Even though she was surprised by that kiss, it actually felt nice. The only man she ever kissed in her life was Saga. She always enjoyed those physical contacts with him, no matter how small, just those little touches made her feel like she was one with him.
Ritsu held her chest, her heart ached at the thought of Saga, and her body burned for that physical contact again, to feel it on her skin and to touch her deep inside.
'It's been ten years.' Ritsu glanced at the door behind her, 'He's so close. Just on the other side of that wall.' Even though he's one of the supernatural, and a bit of a weirdo, she did find him quite attractive physically. That kiss he gave her earlier awakened that instinctual hunger she suppressed for a decade to avoid heartache.
Her fingers unconsciously inched towards the door handle. 'If I open this door...' Her hand froze for a moment before moving again, only to turn the lock in place.
Her hair covered her eyes as she lowered her head.
"I'm married." She reminded herself before she walked away towards her room, making sure the living room lights were off.
Ritsu laid there in her bed staring up at the ceiling. Even though she swore never to fall in love again, her body felt extremely lonely. These last ten years have taken a great toll on her. That sexual tension between her and Takano was nearly impossible to ignore. It'd be so easy. Go over to her next-door neighbor and spend a few hours making love, then come back home. Misaki is her wife in name, they weren't physically attracted to each other, let alone in love, she wouldn't mind if she did that with Masamune. But if she did do that, she'd be breaking the law, their marriage would end, and Misaki would be in danger. She knew she couldn't do that, love or not, she can't dishonor her friend who she swore to protect.
Ritsu's hands snuck into her pajama shorts. She gasped then closed her eyes, letting her thoughts wander to her first love as she lost herself to touch. Even if it's only her, she hopes it would give her body a small amount of relief.
Masamune entered his apartment and was not surprised to see a familiar cat on his couch.
"Well, look what the cat dragged in." Masamune smirked at the cat's glare.
The cat began to glow before he got bigger, his form no longer feline as he lost his fur, claws and tail. A full-grown man sat with his legs crossed over the other as he leaned back against the cushions lazily.
"That joke is in poor taste."
Masamune narrowed his eyes, "You couldn't transform back with your clothes on, Aniki?"
Akihiko smirked, not at all ashamed as his half-brother sighed at him.
Masamune sat in the chair close to the couch. "I'm quite surprised, I never knew you'd be willing to be your mate's pet just to be close to her." He said, his eyes on the coffee table to avoid looking at his brother's junk.
"It may seem demeaning, but the rewards outweigh any humiliation." Akihiko closed his eyes, "The dream I had of her, with her, could not compare to the beauty the Gods made her to be." He opened his eyes, lost in those precious memories he shared with her, "Her laugh, smile, warmth and eyes. I experienced so much of that in just a few hours." His violet hues filled with sadness, "She never looked at me like that when I'm in my real form."
Masamune hummed as he leaned back, "It's really painful."
"Yes. Though it is hard to say which of the two of us has it worse. To be close, but never to hold them in your arms. Or to be in their arms, yet so far away."
"You should put that in your next book." Masamune quipped, making Akihiko smile.
"I initially planned to kidnap her and take her to my vacation home." Akihiko admitted, "But I knew you wouldn't like that."
"Of course not, I need all subordinates where I can reach them." Masamune said, glaring at his brother for such an idiotic idea.
"You were thinking the same thing with Onodera."
Masamune was silent for a moment, "Maybe a little." He sighed and ran a hand over his face, "I was so close to taking Ritsu."
"I know, your restraint is commendable." Akihiko said, understanding his plight more than ever. "Though I must say, that kiss is quite impressive. I'm jealous I couldn't do that to Misaki right there."
Masamune smiled in reminiscence, "It is just how I remembered it ten years ago."
Akihiko shared his smile. He was happy for his brother for this rare second chance with this mate, he felt Masamune had a bit more freedom with Ritsu than he does.
"By the way, how have her dreams been? Did you find out anything?" Akihiko asked but was not prepared for his brother's mournful expression.
"She...believes I never loved her to begin with." Masamune answered, remembering how broken and resigned she looked at the very idea of not being loved.
Akihiko's eyes widened, "What? Why would she think that?"
Masamune sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair in frustration, "I don't know. I'm trying to figure that out too."
"That must be the reason why she kicked you in the head before she disappeared. Not because she hated you." Akihiko surmised, holding his chin in thought.
"She never hated me to begin with. In that dream, she wanted it to be real." Masamune stated, his eyes half-lidded.
"For a girl who confessed to you, it didn't seem like she had much confidence back then to believe or hope you'd stay with her." Akihiko theorized, remembering how Masamune described his first love as shy and always looking down in his presence.
Masamune looked down at his hands that were clasped together. "She didn't. If only I had reassured her that she is loved. Maybe then I wouldn't have let her slip through my fingers."
"You can still do that. It's not a lost cause." Akihiko reassured his brother. "That kiss you gave her; it's her first one since high school. A decade of abstinence is impressive, but human have their limits." He said with such confidence that it made Masamune smile.
"I just need to keep nurturing that desire until she gives in completely." Masamune said, his eyes glowing with their own desires.
"You must control yourself brother." Akihiko chided.
"Hmph, you should take your own advice." Masamune fired back.
"I mean it Masa." Akihiko stood up and placed a hand on the other's shoulder, "You're making more progress than I am currently able to. I'm sorry if I'm putting more pressure on you for the sake of both of our happiness. But it's true." He smiled, "And I am glad you're getting your second chance with her. She's different now, but she's still yours."
"Thank you, Aniki." Masamune smiled up at his brother. He always felt close to Akihiko, mainly for their love of books. But now, with their common goal, this is the only time they truly bonded as brothers.
"Please put some pants on."
Yeah, I tried to make this equal parts Romantica and Nostalgia. The brothers have integrated into their mates' lives with their own (very questionable) methods.
I originally never intended to incorporate that kiss into this chapter, but I needed to make some kind of progress in their relationship. In the second chapter, Masamune mentioned how he had hoped to take Ritsu out to dinner when he first saw her. There is a great deal of sexual tension between them, which makes it harder for Ritsu to keep to her fake marriage. So naturally, this is a test of willpower.
I know Akihiko appears to be more in lust than in love. To be fair, he is an incubus, it's within his nature. But as a cat, he'll be exposed to Misaki's habits as she shares her personal and emotional problems, including her parents' death.
I included the last scene with the brothers because I wanted to show just how invested they are into succeeding their goals, especially since it involves them working together and confiding in one another.
Thank you for reading, let me know in the review box what your favorite part is in this chapter.