Puppy Love-Chapter 5

Kamui and Subaru have grown more distant over a misunderstanding. Neither realized how important they were to one another. Subaru is a concerned and paranoid cat parent while Kamui is busy working and Hokuto is out for the weekend. He worries over his cat 'Kazumi' to the point of paranoia, coming to the person he knows he can count on regarding his pet. This moment led to a well-needed reunion between the two!

Thank you for reading as we come to events nearing the end of the manga/story!

Things were going…well they were going. The difference between existence and living became painfully clear as the days passed. Subaru found his life slowly reverting to that empty, hollow day-to-day he'd lived for years. Aside from his time spent with his precious twin Hokuto and occasional calls from his grandmother, he kept even more to himself.

His joy at coming home came from seeing his protective twin dote over him (though making sure he eats enough to survive), and his little kitten Kazumi.

'But still, I'm missing one…' Subaru lamented staring at the empty spot on the sofa beside him. His most precious 'kitten', Kamui, wasn't here and there was nothing and no one else that could fill that void. Living life after experiencing life with Kamui was more challenging than he could have ever imagined.

On top of that Hokuto was out over the weekend, her designs being showcased at a fashion convention. She was hesitant to leave Subaru's home, but he'd insisted it was more than fine, only a few days.

A big part of Hokuto and Subaru alike were hoping Kamui would be coming back into the picture.

"Kazumi?" A soft call fell towards the little black cat.

Subaru grew curious at the silence, usually, his cat would be meowing for a new treat or attention by now. Something felt off-

Lying beside the full cat dish in the kitten was Kazumi. He was blinking and lying on the kitchen floor, pitifully. Subaru's mind raced to the worst possible scenario. Green eyes grew wide and trembled. He called the kitten's name several times to receive a weak blank stare. Uncertain, and mind racing with the worst possible scenario, Subaru scooped up his kitten and rushed to the vet.

He'd been fine before going with Kamui to the vet. But here alone, in the office, old and harsh memories of a past love resurfaced and he questioned what precious memories were even real to begin with. He felt a wave of relief rush over as he was called in. The small kitten was dreary, laying on the counter, as they ran tests on the little cat, finding it difficult to pin down anything wrong.

Which was a relief in one way but still left questions. If they couldn't figure it out they couldn't help Kazumi…and Subaru could absolutely not take any more heartache. When told his cat was stable but to leave it to stay overnight, he left. His mind still raced with possibilities.

Moments after he arrived at the apartment a sinking feeling fell through, complete silence, emptiness…and not knowing…

It became too much even if it was bothersome he needed to see that person now!

Subaru grasped his phone and opened up the contact for 'Kamui'.

Subaru arrived at the pet store, holding it all together until now. Thankfully Kamui was nearing the end of his shift. The second Subaru locked onto those familiar violet eyes, his own were flooding up with tears.

"Kamui!" Subaru exclaimed, heart tearing at the seams. A sense of hopelessness overcame him "W-what do I do?

Kamui's eyes raised immediately, not expecting to see Subaru like this, so suddenly and vulnerable, his heart sank.

"Something is wrong with Kazumi, I'm sure of it…he might be…" Subaru sobbed, his heart trembling, spilling stray tears.

Kamui's eyes widened, looking in disbelief at the words. The situation and possibility of something going so terribly wrong to someone precious to him tore at his chest.

This was also the very first time Kamui saw him cry, he felt a lot of emotions, an agonizing sadness and empathy, while a more 'selfish' part of him felt special. Subaru could show this side to him and came to him needing help. "He's still a kitten…what if he's dy-"

"Oh, okay…Subaru…" Kamui halted him before he could finish the thought. He raised his hands and lowered them in a soothing gesture... "Subaru, let's calm down…I'm done with my shift in a few minutes, so let's go and talk somewhere more privately."

Subaru was far too upset to even notice any other customers around. They hadn't yet caused a scene but this kind of topic surely would bring…unneeded attention.

Kamui and Subaru, walked over a few blocks, to a little cafe, sitting at a table far off in the corner.

Subaru paused feeling a warmth spread up from his whole being. Kamui's hand was impossibly soft and comforting as it held him tight.

"K-Kamui…"

"Subaru, I don't know what's going on…but we'll figure it out together. What exactly happened to Kazumi?" He asked gently, violet orbs wide and shimmering with deep concern.

"Ah, well…" Subaru began to recount his day up until moments ago. "I had another late day at work, I fed Kazumi in the morning and everything…by the time I came home Kazumi was lying on his side. I brought him to the vet…but they aren't sure what's going in with him. He…he might even die and it's all my fault." Subaru spoke every word with a heaviness.

Kamui reached across the table again, squeezing Subaru's hand soothingly. His eyes shimmered in deep concern. "Subaru…so Kazumi is at the hospital now right?"

"Y…yes they are running tests on him and want him to stay overnight…" Subaru begins shakily, squeezing Kamui's hand back tightly. " I should hear from them tonight about the results but…still…"

He took a calming breath. One he learned from years in his profession, gazing into caring violet orbs aided further to clear his head if only a bit. "I can't help but feel I'm always only coming over to you when I need help… I'm really sorry."

Kamui blinked, unsure what to think. Wasn't it the other way around? Hadn't he lived with Subaru for months invading his personal life and space? Subaru had helped him, listened, and worked with him to find a way to fulfill his promise to the one that saved him. He let him into his home, his life.

Compassionately, Kamui rubbed circles with his thumb on the back of Subaru's hand. He felt the trembling from earlier, start to subside.

"Subaru, I'm off early tomorrow…when I'm ready we can go and wait for the vet call together." He certainly couldn't leave him to face anything like this alone.

"Thank you so much…" Subaru thanked him profusely, leaning his head down For a moment. He fought a unique urge to hold Kamui's hand close to kiss it, but what was he thinking at a time like this?

He let Kamui set the pace and opted to clutch his hand.

Kamui arrived as promised. Moments after his work shift he rushed over ringing the doorbell. 'I hope Subaru is home now and wasn't held up late.'

Subaru opened the door quickly, eyes with tired rings under them.

"Sorry for the mess…" Subaru apologized, leading Kamui inside. The sink was full of dishes, and the floor was littered with ramen cups.

Kamui hadn't glanced twice, his heart and mind far too concerned for Subaru. "Subaru?" He asked gently. "Have you been getting enough sleep?"

"..." Subaru's lips curled down

"You have bags under your eyes…you stayed up all might didn't you?"

Subaru felt his heart clench, a sense of powerlessness from the exhaustion and being seen through so easily.

Kamui insistent, told him, "Please get some rest now until the call comes in."

"But-"

"No buts," Kamui held his index finger up. "Save your complaints for later. You need your rest. You can't help Kazumi if you faint from exhaustion."

Subaru found himself being led to the living room. Kamui clutched his wrist and guided him through Subaru's apartment.

A small curl of Subaru's lips lifted, at the thought. 'It did always feel more like 'our' home.'

Kamui helped him settle down resting on the cushiony mat between the couch and table. He disappeared from around the corner, having learned the layout of the place, and grasped a large fluffy blanket from the cabinet. He draped it over Subaru's shoulders.

Subaru held his legs up to his chest. His eyes rested by his knees before falling to a quick slumber. He was full of worry, images of little Kazumi from the time he adopted the kitten until seeing him lying still in such a pitiful state. The image he sees tears at him, little Kazumi begins to walk on, his kitten form heading into a field of flowers, crossing over.

Emerald orbs sprung open, and he jolted to consciousness. "Kazumi!" His heart lurched, and he began to shiver. "It was…" A pause glancing around the empty room. "...just a dream."

"Good morning," Kamui's sweet, tender voice chirped through. He walked calmly into the room with the most gentle smile. 'Did you dream of Kazumi?' He pondered, holding a sympathetic gaze. "Are you in the mood for something to eat?"

Subaru nodded softly, stomach gurgling, making his cheeks stain pink.

Kamui bit his lip, guiding him by the hand to the table. After ensuring Subaru was seated he brought out two large bowls of ramen noodles with a fried egg displayed perfectly on top. The younger man sheepishly rubbed his cheek.

"Sorry. I went ahead and used your kitchen, " Kamui bowed his head with a tender smile.

"Not at all…thank you Kamui," Subaru spoke with sincerity, tired eyes lighting up, his heart fluttering a little at the gesture. 'He went out of his way for me…again…'

Of course, there was nothing in the world like the taste of Kamui's home cooking. "This is so good…" Subaru complimented after living alone again, he'd hardly eaten anything. Even his favorite foods seemed to lose their flavor. But now, it was different. a soft tear slid down, his heart feeling warm, the 'simple' ramen treat tasting like heaven, as though he'd finally gained back one of his five senses.

"Ah, Subaru!" Kamui exclaimed with concern. His hand was hovering as he reached out to comfort. "What's wrong?"

Subaru smiled softly, eyes watery but worn out to flow anymore. "I can't believe I get to have your cooking again like this…" He'd missed it all Too much.

"Ah, Subaru you're making it seem like a big thing. It was only ramen." Kamui noted, abashed by Subaru's praise.

Subaru took a breath and shook his head. He placed his utensils down and over the bowl for a moment. "I…think I've become spoiled…everything was going so well and you were here to help with everything I'd gotten so used to your kindness every day after work…it really felt like…" He shook his head 'Coming home'.

Subaru began again lamenting, "I've been buried with work again…and with you helping I could balance everything…but…I got carried away…I didn't realize how much I'd been relying on you, that's why I couldn't look after Kazumi properly…"

Kamui frowned, reaching towards the clenched hand in Subaru's lap. He bit his tongue and let him speak.

"Even though I knew Kazumi hadn't been doing as well, he was less energized. Even yesterday If I worked towards coming home earlier I could have…'"

"Subaru!" Kamui interrupted his trail of self-deprecation. He reached out his hands, lifting them Until he cupped both Subaru's cheeks. The gesture makes them tingle, burning a little pink.

Kamui smiled gently, pushing and pinching the soft ivory face. All in the name of getting Subaru to snap out of it. It didn't hurt he looked adorable, unable to respond, mouth hanging open.

Subaru had never had someone do something so casually aside from his family. He never allowed someone to become this close.

"K-Kamui?" He stumbled, feeling his heart accelerate.

"First you need to finish your meal. You haven't eaten enough after working another long shift, not having nutrition affects your mood, making you see things more negatively," Kamui proclaimed, his gesture insistent taking Subaru's hand back to his utensil.

Cheeks flushed an endearing pink, and Kamui spoke out again from the heart. "I know how hard you've been trying Subaru!" He insisted, "You are considerate of others, everyone. You work incredibly hard helping everyone else!"

He held a Cheshire cat smile adding in lightly. "With so much, you can get careless, coming with cleaning and eating properly…but you always take care of things that need to be done…and that includes caring for your cat. So please don't' think like that… it…it's going to be okay."

Kamui's gentle smile held a radiant light. His violet orbs sparkled, and a gentle hand clasped around Subaru's shoulders, he proclaimed. "I'm with you."

The words rang through Subaru's very core. A single tear slipped out, and a feeling unlike any other, stronger than he ever imagined came out. His chest ached looking Into those tender eyes.

"Oh, no…I…I didn't mean to make you cry…" Kamui fumbled over his words, unable to know what to do or Say. He meant to encourage Subaru, but had he messed it up?

"No….it's not like that- it's just I-…I'm sorry" Subaru shook his head a little bashfully. His exhaustion took over as he found himself leaning closer. "It's just been a lot…" And he couldn't place the feeling nor say the words to explain how much those words affected him.

"Ah, it's okay I can understand…" Kamui fumbled, grasping for the glass across the table. "Here have some water!" He encouraged the other man. Subaru tried to reach at the same time, but his hand was a little shaky, knocking over and spilling the contents of the glass on the table.

There was no reprimanding, simply gentle concerned violet orbs taking him in.

Subaru's lips curved up, despite it all, this situation felt…comforting. He was a mess. They were both a mess. Somehow he'd never felt more like he belonged.

"Ah the noodles went soggy…" Kamui noted, seeing as their conversation drifted. Here he meant to encourage Subaru to eat.

"I'm sorry…"

"No, no don't apologize, I don't mean it like that…"

'Kamui is supporting me as he always does…' Subaru thought fondly, holding his cheek as he studied every little expression on Kamui's face as he spoke animatedly.

"Ah, I mean it's all the same when you eat it…so it's not a big deal…" Kamui continued to murmur and fuss over Subaru, all but feeding him to ensure he wouldn't starve.

"You're right…" Subaru kept thinking adoringly, 'It's hard to believe that he left the way he did….and it feels really reassuring."

A moment of soft silence follows before a loud, ring breaks the silence. The phone vibrates on the table showing the name of the vet clinic on screen.

"A call from the vet!" Subaru grasped the phone quickly, nerves coming over him.

"Subaru, are you alright to take it…" Kamui worried, feeling this situation could become tense. He continued to fuss over him, holding his hand. "It's alright…we'll just stay calm…"

"Yes…I will," Subaru returned gently. He pressed the green symbol on the screen, the call going to the speaker. Somehow just having Kamui there to listen along with him made it feel like it would turn out right.

"Ah, yes…" Subaru waited for the report heart on edge. He didn't know what he'd do if anything happened to that precious kitten who even added to his precious connection to Kamui.

The doctor summarized the tests and procedures. He spoke with a light tone, mildly lecturing the importance of the small cat's care "...everything came out normally. He simply seemed to have over-ate. Some cats are more prone to overeating so you must be careful and not give him food anytime he wants. He can be released and go home with you now. "

"He…just overate…" As flushed and embarrassed as Subaru felt at the misunderstanding he was overwhelmed with relief. It was from a stomach ache then? He couldn't imagine a life without either Kazumi or Kamui.

"It seems like you have given him lots of extra treats. I know he likes to ask for them constantly," Kamui asked lightly, feeling a weight lifted.

"No, I haven't changed anything from his routine…I fed him early this morning and-"

Although, he had been up extra early to feed Kazumi lately…

Kamui and Subaru shared a look, nodding and heading into the pantry where the kitty kibble and treats were stored.

"Could it be?" Subaru thought Aloud. They both opened the pantry, only to see a large tear through the bag of kitty kibble. Some of his treat bags had been left open and spilled onto the floor.

"When did he…? How?" Subaru knew he was exhausted but hadn't thought he missed that much. Kazumi got into this much mischief in a matter of days?

'I thought I had closed this door…and hidden the extra food but…'

His mind had been a million places since Kamui moved out. Burying himself in work unable to focus on anything more was how he lived for so long. He slipped into bad habits.

"Ah, Kazumi…" Kamui shook his head. He understood the careless mistake, what with Subaru being exhausted. Equally, he lived with Subaru and his kitten, knew how troublesome that feline could be, and was sneaky to get his extra treats.

"Kazumi, really did it now…" Subaru says softly, lips curling up. A soft puff of air blows through his lips before he's laughing, genuinely light-hearted.

Kamui beamed and laughed along. It had been a long day but it seemed all was well that ends well. "That's just like him to do that…"

Subaru had been laughing upon the point of exhaustion.

When they left for the vet to pick up the spoiled feline, Kazumi looked innocently. His big glossy eyes gazed up at his owners as he all but sprung into Subaru's arms.

"Ah thank goodness," Subaru collapsed on the fluffy mattress of his bed. He buried his face in his pillow, his kitten safe at home pawing at the bed. "I'm so relieved, it's making me want to go to sleep."

Kamui smiled at this, patting the top of Subaru's head. "Please rest then. I'll head out in a bit."

While meaning nothing more than going home to rest at his own place it set off alarm bells. Subaru couldn't stand the thought of Kamui leaving when they just got…this…back.

'Kamui's leaving again!' Subaru went pale at the thought. He reached out his hand calling. "Wait!" bolting from the bed.

'Don't leave me ag…no, this is not to be saying such a thing…' Subaru chose his words carefully, eyes on him worriedly. He looked away for a moment and took a breath.

"Will…will you come with me on another walk?" Subaru asked simply enough, his eyes pleading almost pitifully. He grasped Kamui's arm, not letting go.

Kamui looked at the way Subaru held onto him. He nodded, smiling brightly. "Of course!"

"Thank…" Subaru heaved a deep exhale, falling to his hands and knees. Kamui kneeled down to him instantly. "Thank goodness…"

"Subaru, ah what's the matter?" Kamui pats his back soothingly, uncertain if it was more exhaustion.

Subaru had insisted and they headed out to the park. Kazumi wandered from his little harness and long retractable leash sniffing the plants and flowers.

He has so much energy… Subaru almost couldn't believe this was the same kitten that mewled pitifully, lying still and bloated from binging on treats.

"Ah, this place is so nice, and this little place for pets," Kamui said with his coffee sitting on a bench close to the grassy field. "I wish I could have come here when I was a cat."

Subaru smiles and nods at this. An adorable image floods his mind of a kitten Kamui jumping around and playing in a garden with dangling strings and toys. His emerald eyes turn a bit darker, more apologetic adding. "Ah, I am sorry for making you join me here. I just really wanted to try coming to this park before it snows."

Kamui's eyes widened in surprise, before relaxing softly. 'It's just like Subaru to always be thinking of others first.' Violet orbs sparkle as his lips curl up.

"What are you talking about Subaru? I've been just as excited and looked forward to seeing this place." He gingerly reaches his hand across the table barely brushing Subaru's. "And I'm really happy Kazumi is feeling better!"

Subaru smiles at this, unable to take his eyes far from either of his two favorite kittens. The one closest to him, his Kamui, had made him feel rather intense emotions, now coming to a calming fluttering state. "I'm so happy as well. I moved Kazumi's kitty food up to a higher shelf so he doesn't get into it again."

"Kazumi has quite the personality," Kamui spoke fondly watching the little kitten trail around with its harness on. It eyed a colorful butterfly, leaning Back to pounce, before it flew off. The kitten Falling amongst the flowers. "Aw, poor little thing fell."

The pair watched in fondness, with the same energy and closeness as new parents looking after their child playing at a new place.

Kamui is acting the same as he did when we were living together. Subaru gazed at the younger man beside him. Cheeks flushed from the bit of breeze they got. Perhaps like a cat retaining body temperature is harder on him. He took note of this when Kamui stayed over next-

"Maybe I should move around a bit too…" Kamui murmurs looking off at the kitten's actions. He mutters something along the lines of more movement and heat.

Subaru could never quite dispel the pain that surged in his chest when Kamui left. He understood enough, as to why he wanted to move out but…

"Kamui…why did you suddenly leave?" He spoke the words before thinking deeply about how it may be taken in.

Kamui's eyes shot open, feeling a pang in his chest. This ache, now dismissing any worries of feeling cold.

"Subaru…" he paused, folding his hands and looking below at the table. "All of this started from my mistake. I thought I would only be a burden to you if I stayed longer…" Kamui clutches lightly at his chest, settling it down on his lap. "But I…"

'I need to assure Kamui it's okay. It was more than okay having him live with me.' Subaru thinks, leaning his head down dark bangs veiling his expression. 'Was it that he was just disappointed I wasn't the one who saved him?…or no…that's not it.'

Subaru worked through his internal struggles. 'He was sad that he finally found me only for me to bring the wrong person…but still…Kamui is ... .And Kamui Did so much for me. Living with Kamui felt as natural as breathing…and without him I… He couldn't think about it lest he wanted to feel that pain overcome him.

"..." Subaru lost himself to these Thoughts and worries, never speaking any of them aloud.

"Subaru?" Kamui's eyes narrowed in worry. "Are you okay? I'm sorry if…something I said offended you…"

"No, it's…" Subaru wishes he could come up with the right words to voice these feelings inside. At the least, he wanted to say something, anything to further console him. Yet, the first thing that sprung to his mind was. "A trip…"

His eyes opened further, looking up and gazing directly at Kamui. in a pleading tone, "Let's go on a trip," he called out.

"Huh?" Kamui blinked, staring blankly. He tilted his head, certainly not expecting that.

"I…that came out awkward...what I mean is…If it's alright with you Kamui, why don't we go ona. Trip to Kyoto and visit my grandmother," Subaru further elaborated Feeling a sense of hope at the idea. This may help Kamui after looking so long.

"Making it a pilgrimage while we're at it…Kamui," Subaru's gaze turned serious, darker and more intense. "I want to see this place where you hold all those precious memories…"

Kamui felt something leap at his chest, but it wasn't from the trip suggestion as much as how Subaru phrased it. He wanted to know more about him? His lips parting. 'I'll get to see the one who saved me in my past life? Even though months ago I had been eager and wanted to meet this person so badly…why is it?

Kamui couldn't comprehend. Why was he not feeling that same elation or the same urge to meet this person as he had before meeting Subaru? 'But still I might be able to learn something new…about myself…and these feelings.'

Kamui curled his fingers while holding a closed fist on his lap. His hand trembled as he spoke. "Okay…" Looking up he gazed right at Subaru elaborating. "I'll go!"

…End 5

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. A cute and fluffy finale + an epilogue chapter will be next!