"Puppy Love" Chapter 6
Hello, beautiful people. It's been far too long since I've written again. Depression and mental health problems made me a lot less creative and productive but I haven't given up on this one series and mini au series.
I hope you are well. I'm happy to finally share the next part of this BL manga AU!
This concludes the main story for the Puppy Love AU but one more part 7 will. But it's not the final one as there will be extra cute fluffy epilogue moments/final part and hopefully a short Christmas one-shot!
On the ride over to Kyoto, a flurry of emotions came about: tension, anxiousness with a sense of excitement. Kamui would finally meet the person who saved him all those years ago, to thank them properly.
"I'm so nervous…" Kamui voiced this primary emotion, taking captive his heart. He held a hand to his throbbing chest. Kamui and Subaru sat side by side in the luxurious vehicle.
This one was so grand and one Kamui hadn't even known Subaru owned, but he was quickly finding out the Sumeragi family had access to many things in higher society. It came with the role of being the strongest Onmyouji family. This was a whole world Kamui found himself wrapped up in.
But it was nothing about the luxury, the notoriety, or the special Onmyouji powers that drew Kamui into him.
It was…because Subaru was... Subaru.
Subaru tenderly smiles, hands on the wheel. They drive more leisurely through a rural road, heading in the direction of the Sumeragi residence in Kyoto. He places one hand over Kamuis's own and smiles.
Words of reassurance slip from his lips."Relax, Kamui. It'll all be alright. I'll be right here with you." The gesture on his hand light giving a gentle squeeze to Kamui's hand which trembled lightly.
Kamui pursed his lips suppressing the hopelessly smitten smile and nodded his thanks. Their days off finally aligned and they could plan the trip to meet the one who truly saved Kamui in his former kitten life.
The route they took was scenic and calming. Gorgeous greenery and trees surround the roads, a space of nature left untouched by modern construction. Truly, from Tokyo and this area it felt like stepping back in time. Even before this forestry part, he saw plenty of people, locals and tourists alike dressed in classic kimono attire. Kamui gazed out the window with big curious eyes looking happily.
"Ah, I think I just saw a Tanuki!" Kamui exclaimed, beaming at the sight of the adorable Japanese raccoon dog. Its soft light-colored brown fur covered all over it keeping it nice and warm. The cream-colored fur and darker tints around its eyes made a little mask, it contrasted adorably.
"Oh yeah, where?" Subaru responded fondly, gazing towards the vague direction in the side Kamui pointed. "Ah, I think I see it now," Subaru found his partner's enthusiasm contagious. That beaming smile left him breathless if he stared too long.
Subaru had missed this, spending time like this being beside Kamui. Just the two of them. This started from a spur-of-the-moment plan by Subaru. Well, they did prepare for some days but for Subaru that term qualified.
This trip to Kyoto would take them to not only the Sumeragi residence but also where Kitten Kamui's birthplace may be. It had been a long drive time on the road. Kamui neatly packed a basket full of delicious snacks along the way. The notion is memorable of those cozy days when Kamui packed adorable themed Bento for Subaru before work. "Do you want to have some of the snacks we packed?"
Subarus's lips curl up. "Yeah, it should be right in the corner there," he tells him and directs with a point. His emerald eyes gazed down towards the basket and bags lay by Kamuis feet. Kamui flushed "Oh..how could I have missed it?" he says with a nervous laugh. His mind had been so focused on finding closure on his past, and thanking his past life savior he had trouble focusing on anything else.
While Kamui picks up the basket, Subaru notices a colorful scarf folded up in a bag behind it.
"Is that your scarf you brought?" Subaru asks him, confused. Sure his Kamui was petite but the scarf length was still rather small.
"Yeah," Kamui senses his confusion and smiles. "It's one I had as a child one Mother gave me. A memory not only of my past in this current life but of my mother. Something I have to remember her by... And the style of it reminded me of the very one I had been wrapped up in as a kitten. So to me, I see it as a kind of good luck charm. I ended up bringing it with me.." he explains the significance and emotions that come from the small scarf.
Subaru squeezes his hand again in assurance, knowing a bit of Kamui's life, the loss of his mother. He knew how the scarf was a memento he held precious in this life, and like fate, it looked just like the one he saw in his past life.
Kamui squeezes his hand to assure him that he is beautiful scenery of Kyoto. The journey again seemed more and more like stepping back into time. The forestry, classic-style homes, and temples were amazing.
"I haven't been back at the Sumeragi estate in a long time," Subaru tells him, looking on fondly, the memories here held far less painful than that of Tokyo: his early days training when he was a young child. And…this place even tied him and Kamui now.
Fate had a way of connecting and bringing their worlds together even with the misunderstanding. Even if it was Subaru's grandmother as a kid who saved Kamui in a past life, Kamui still found his way to him. Having a similar aura, to which he was grateful.
"It's a lot further away from town than I imagined it would be," Kamui looks around in awe. He takes Subarus' kitten from its pet seat and cradles it in his arms. "But I guess I should expect nothing less from the #1 Onmyouji in all of Japan," Kamui complimented with a brightened smile, meaning every word. He also liked seeing Subaru's modest and…cute reactions.
"That's well…only because I was blessed with special powers, and my grandmother's devoted training to help me grow," Subaru blushed lightly, eyes stirring fondly at the flattery. "So ah with powers yes…but it's nothing like I've won an Onmyouji popularity contest."
Kamui shakes his head murmuring. "You're still the number one to me…"
"Kamui?" He asks softly.
He shook his head rapidly, calming the flush of his cheeks. "Nothing…"
When they finally park and stop behind the gated community, Kamui's eyes widen and sparkle. This felt like a different world to him from his modest life in Tokyo. He couldn't think of anyone in the world more deserving of all of this than Subaru.
Subaru opens the door for him, politely, Kamui nodding with a little flush.
"Thanks," Kamui takes the offered hand.
After arriving they walk along the scenic route. Kamui walks by close to Subaru through the temple-styled buildings, lush greenery, and snowy scenery. They make a b-line towards a large temple-style home in the center of it all. 'So this is the place.' Kamui glanced around with interest, nerves temporarily paused in admiration. This entire place belonged to the elite Onmyouji family.
Subaru took his hand whenever he trembled and left a comforting gesture. They were at the very doorstep where Lady Sumeragi and the former leader lived.
"Maybe she's gone out?" Subaru knocks lightly at the door., but hears nothing. Not hearing anything for a brief moment, he starts to worry a little taking out his phone. It's not a long wait at all just then the door opens. An attendant answered the door. This one he begged his grandmother to accept due to her old age and conditions...she had gotten a while back to save him. While the former Sumeragi leader was stubborn and independent she built a sense of trust and camaraderie with the young attendant.
"Lady Sumeragi is in the back tea room," She says bowing her head to the guests, decked in formal white clothing. "I'm sorry I've kept you waiting. Lady Sumeragi was making a few additional requests to bring in for our honorable, guests"
Subarus's eyes rise but he nods, his Grandmother didn't need to go to all that trouble. "Thank you," Subaru expresses graciously, motioning Kamui along with him as they walk down the hall.
They see the room, a clear window backing behind a small brown table low to the floor. Of course, there is the regal-looking older woman with long white and grey hair, sitting patiently before it. Her eyes glanced up, holding warmth, and a sense of hope…relief… She hadn't seen Subaru with such a calm, and positive disposition in far too long. That was until this Kamui she heard so much about came into her grandson's life.
"Grandmother," Subaru greets politely. He and Kamui bowed their heads respectfully. The latter copied Subaru's proper etiquette the best he could.
Kamui fidgets the kitten still bundled in his arms and bows his head. He notices a softness forming on the older woman's face as she glances from Subaru to Kamui. A curious expression lingers, as she gazes over Kamui's unique features, he has an incredible aura and a look unlike any others he saw especially in those violet eyes. Kamui to her seemed like no one else she'd seen yet she felt a bit of familiarity.
"It's nice to see you as well Subaru, it's been some time," she holds a gentle smile, far different than the stern looks when Subaru trained under her. Now she seemed more happy seeing Subaru so light beside another. His aura is far different than those times they last talked…since his heart had been shattered by the man his grandmother warned him of.
But this was so new, so full of hopeful new beginnings.
Subaru's behavior became more at peace, happy in the presence of this young man. If he were trying to hide his affections, he slipped up long ago. Every time he spoke of Kamui over the phone or during his visits, the affection and warmth seeped from him. His grandmother notices him looking back at Kamui, gazing a little too long. Then there was Subaru placing a comforting hand on Kamui's shoulder, touch lingering.
Subaru whispers something. Kamui nods at this, kneeling, and takes a place at the table. The kitten Kamui had been carrying happily curled up on a pillow beside the table.
"I notified you ahead we'd be bringing little Kazumi right?" Subaru knew he had, but felt the need to verify. His grandmother holds a warm gaze towards the small bundle of fur.
She too seemed to have changed, from seeing her precious grandson regain light in his life. A long-standing pain and guilt she felt for not being able to protect Subaru in the past seemed to ease little by little seeing Subaru come out of this, with a brightness in his eyes again.
"You did," Lady Sumeragi confirms, gently. "Feel free to make yourself at home. All of you." She turns to the kitten gently petting its head.
"Ah-well this is Shirou Kamui," Subaru introduces as he and Kamui take a seat at the low table. "He's my…ah..friend." He fumbled over that. Badly.
"He used to live around here," Subaru adds, looking back to Kamui for assurance he was saying this right. Introducing Kamui as he would like to be introduced. "So we decided to come visit his childhood home today."
Kamui smiles meekly at Subaru. Feeling a little nervous his gaze falls to the tea cups on the table. The kind-looking attendant came in moments later wheeling a tea cart with various flavors. and colorful antique tea kettles. She's setting up ensuring it's nothing short of perfect for the Sumeragi leaders of the past and present
Kamui bows his head again looking across at the woman. This woman had been the one to save him in that past life, the only one to find him and bring a sense of warmth and kindness to him. "Ah, n-nice to meet you and s-sorry for the intrusion."
"It's not a problem, even "suddenly' for Subaru, meant notifying me nearly a week in advance," She adds commenting on her grandson's professional demeanor. She orders the same herbal tea as always, and her cup is filled with this tea.
"It's quite nice seeing Kyoto again, after a while. Like a world away from Tokyo," Subaru notes with a reminiscent glow to his eyes looking around at the room that hardly changed a bit. He nods at the attendant with a smile, happy to have the same style of tea.
"I know you're busy with your duties but. You know you're welcome here whenever you want. This is your home," She returns with a warmth not pushing but inviting gently.
Lady Sumeragi looks towards Kamui curiously. "This pretty boy you have beside you…"
"Ah, Kamui." Subaru supplies again, flushed, it wasn't an inaccurate word for certain.
"Yes, Kamui. You mentioned you lived around here. Where did you live?" She asks curiously, unable to shake this feeling of familiarity.
"Ah…" Kamui gazes off to the side, finding interest in the rug beneath him and the kitten snuggling up on it. He takes a breath discreetly and looks back up. The attendant shows a variety of flavors of tea. Kamui happily chooses a calming chamomile flavor easing the nerves. He bows his head and thanks the woman before she disappears, likely attending to any other matters needed.
Having that warmth and soothing taste of tea helped Kamui a bit to continue. "I lived near a shrine…I was really little when I lived there so I don't remember all the details but I do remember there was somebody who helped me out when I was in trouble." Kamui expressed with bareful suppressed emotions wanting to slip from his eyes.
"Kamui took a second breath post-speaking, feeling a sense of ease as Subaru's hand slipped over his. "So ah I was hoping that I could remember this person a bit more clearly coming here."
"I see," Lady Sumeragi nodded, gazing curiously toward the mysterious boy. His violet eyes hold a sense of nostalgia yet all the same, he held a uniqueness in beautiful looks and aura.
"It must not have been very long. I feel I'd remember seeing someone as yourself if you were close by," She says in a kindly manner.
Kamui swallows, feeling his nerves take over. Subaru places a hand on top of his own, squeezing his hand. Slowly, an idea comes back to him. "Ah, that's right. Kamui, you brought that souvenir didn't you?"
Kamui's eyes widened slightly before settling with understanding. "Souvenir…" he murmured while digging through the bag they had packed for the trip. He brings out a box, a small gift they picked as a thank you to her. "Here this is as thanks for letting me stay here with such short notice too. I'm very grateful."
"Thank you," she thanked him graciously. She takes it gingerly from Kamui. It's a box of different tea bags they picked in town, those flavors Subaru knew she liked best.
Kazuki, their small kitten had been napping on the pillow stretches taking interest in the small red scarf beside Kamui. The kitten begins pawing at the item catching Lady Sumeragi's attention.
"That scarf…brings back memories," She tells Kamui, looking closer towards the soft fabric. "A long time ago. Her eyes shimmered, seeming dazed, lost in a memory, that moment in time. "Yes, I had a scarf exactly, like that…I had used it to bundle up a lost little kitten."
She speaks of the words almost whimsical, and nostalgic.
Kamui's eyes widened at this realization, his heart racing. 'Oh my gosh. I knew it…it was related to Subaru after all. To think his grandmother really was that small child who saved me.'
Kamui's bright violet eyes tremble, and his lips part but can't form the words.
"Unfortunately, I was not able to stay in that area for long…" she speaks again with a sense of regret. She knew she had to attend to her duties, to take on the role bestowed on her even as a young girl to learn and grow to be a strong Sumeragi leader. Still, it didn't mean she didn't want to stay longer to take that poor kitten in. "I wonder what happened to that little cat. I hope he was able to lead a happy life," she pressed her lips together with a sense of melancholy shifting in her eyes.
"…" Kamui begins trembling all over, eyes barely containing full emotions. This was the person who saved him. Here before him, after all this time, he was finally able to meet them. He couldn't describe this feeling of gratitude and closure. Here he was sitting across from his past life's savior and beside Subaru the one who held an immeasurable place for him in this life. It felt indescribable, surreal.
Subaru squeezes Kamui's hand on his own. There's a sense of hesitation before he finally rests his hand on the small of Kamui's back. The younger man holds back the tears for a moment. Feeling the soft unique patterns Subaru traces on his back. He thought he would have it under control. But when he feels Subaru's warmth and support come over him. It begins to slip…
Thankfully, the attendant comes in to check on everything, drawing the older woman's attention away.
"I….I…I'm sorry… I hope you don't think I'm being weird…" Kamui sniffles, leaning into Subaru more, feeling his heart squeeze. The comfort and assurance it's all so much, he feels safe to finally, finally be here. He can truly meet and thank the person he'd been searching for.
Subaru closes his eyes leaning on to gaze at Kamui with gentleness. His lips curled so tenderly as he whispered back. "Not at all Kamui, your feelings are important and I know how important this has been to you for so long…and besides it's not like our family isn't used to supernatural phenomena and occurrences. This one case may be a bit unique but..I'm sure she'll understand. I'm with you."
Lady Sumeragi looks back towards the young men. She asks the young attendant to bring treats to go alongside their tea and a treat for the kitten as well.
She doesn't press the issue but seeing Kamui's sudden change tells her there's more to this young boy than he let on. This visit holds deep importance for him; she can sense that much from his energy alone.
"So, Kamui, are you enjoying seeing Kyoto again after having grown up here?" She asks with compassion.
"Ah y-yes…" Kamui answers, a little trembling still, but he calms, feeling the topic steer from before. There was no pressure to speak right away about his past. And he remembered that much. This visit was just a meeting.
Truly, the warmth and hospitality. The stories of Subaru's childhood, those days as a family in Kyoto. It was enough to make Kamui feel light, being here…this felt like family. Even the kitten, Subaru and he helped raise it, was being welcomed in with treats and blankets.
The night went by smoothly, full of laughs and a comfortable atmosphere.
Subaru and Kamui retired for the night after some hours. "Thank you, grandmother, for everything. You're certain it's okay if we just stay in any of the rooms?"
"Of course. As I've said, this is your home." She returns warmly. "I mean all of you," her gaze meets Kamui and even the kitten.
They were about to head back to their rooms. Subaru never pushes Kamui beyond his point of comfort. He knows the truth of his past is his alone to tell, but he can feel Kamui's past weighing on him. He wants to help when he feels Kamui's approval of this.
Before the two return to the guest rooms for the night. Kamui feeds into something eating away at him. Even if it seems bizarre, he wants to thank the one who saved him. However, he can.
"Kamui?" Subaru looks at Kamui, giving him a gentle smile in assurance. He offers Kamui his hand to show him the way and let him rest through the emotions coming out of being here.
Kamui drowns in a mix of emotions bitter and sweet. He clutches the kitten Subaru owns close to his chest, little Kazuki tucked into his coat. He bows his head down low, professing. "Thank you…for everything you did for me back then…I…" His voice suggests far more importance than a thank you for an evening teatime.
Lady Sumeragi only seems mildly surprised at the wording. She had always been clever in putting pieces together though it was a stretch to see a young man, claiming to be the reincarnation of a puppy from decades ago. Kamui hadn't directly said it but…it seemed to be the case as he continues
"You…saved me…" Kamui begins feeling the emotions overflow. "Back then…I…I'm so grateful," He bows his head low, teary-eyed.
Subaru looks to Kamui for confirmation and is okay to tell her the finer details of Kamui's words.] Subaru confirms to his grandmother what is happening, whispering, "Kamui is saying that you took care of him on the way back. It may seem hard to believe at first but he says he is the reincarnation of the kitten you saved."
The older woman, while having a distinguished and calming expression outside, pauses mentally taking it all in now that her suspicions are confirmed. The surprise washes over her but being met with a sense of understanding. This familiar feeling she had felt.
"Is that so?" She responds gently, looking towards Kamui. She places her hand gently on the top of his head. The same as when he was a kitten, and she was a young child, gently petting his fluffy head. "I'm happy I could help."
Kamui's violet-blue orbs swirl with emotion as countless as it feels, but at the heart of it all is so much gratitude and warmth.
The older woman gingerly pets the top of Kamui's head as one would a kitten.
"You two get some rest for the night. And please know you're welcome to come here like this any time you like." She turns to Kamui holding a tender smile. "That goes for you as well Kamui. And the kitten," she pets the actual feline, Kamui is clutching. "I already consider you all family."
"G-grandmother?" Subaru flushes, catching the implication right away. Kamui held a hand to his chest overwhelmed with joy and happiness to feel this closure of his past.
They tire in for the night, having their own beds and a large room. Kamui holds a hand over Subaru as they lay close by. "Thank you…" he murmurs. "For everything you've done."
"Of course, Kamui. I'm happy you were able to find the one who saved you," Subaru says, genuinely blissful to see Kamui so at peace. He melts, unable to form more words at the sight of those purple eyes fluttering close.
"Good night, Kamui."
It's not a long visit, but a peaceful part of the day visiting family. Kamui and Subaru begin heading back home. Saying their goodbyes again.
"You're always welcome to come back home," she looks at all of them, once again seeming certain to regard Kamui as family.
Subaru feels a sense of warmth flood in. Even if it's just a mistake, the idea of another seeing himself as a precious person to Kamui is more than enough.
"Thank you again," Subaru says with gentleness, wishing his grandmother well. "I'll be sure to visit again soon and more often," He says as they head into the car heading to the shrine. Their next stop.
Kamui watches the very modern and new GPS in Subaru's car pointing along the HD screen. It's fancier than any brands he saw in general stores. He points along until spotting it, "It should be around here somewhere. Why don't we try looking for it on foot?"
Subaru nods in agreement parking the car. He tucks his kitten Kazumi into his coat, making a poach for him with his letters of clothing under it. The little kitten did not want to part from his two favorite people. The weather shifts feel colder and more intense as they head up towards the area.
"Ah the weather forecast did say there would be snow this evening," Kamui recalls feeling a shiver course through him. Subaru looks at him with equal senses of fondness and concern.
"Then let's find this place quick and get you somewhere warm," Subaru comforts, standing closer to Kamui, not wanting to cross a line or come off too forward. He doesn't think wrapping his arm around Kamui would be what he wanted yet...Kamui probably saw him as a friend so… Subaru goes for a gentler affectionate gesture taking the long scarf around him and wrapping it around Kamui.
Kamui blushes to a deep red color, at the wholesome and tender gesture. "Subaru…" His eyes shiver, holding the scarf up tightly by his face, keeping him warm. He breathes in Subaru's soothing scent as well.
This particular shrine's destination proves to not be long walking there. They arrive at the small forest clearing, with trees covered in snow, along with the tall set of stairs. They lead up to a beautiful red and golden archway.
"Subaru!" Kamui calls for him with elation. He squeezes Subaru's hand in excitement. "I found it!"
"Kamui…" Subaru smiles down at his palm feeling the warmth from the fleeting touch. His... "friend's" enthusiasm is contagious.
This memory, these feelings, nostalgia like everything was coming back. Kamui finds himself breezing up the flight of stairs as though having a second wind kick in. Subaru watches in awe, its rather impressive how quickly and effortless he ascended those stairs.
"Ah, sorry Subaru. I must have gotten ahead of myself." Kamui peers down the steps. He knew Subaru had no problem keeping up normally. Kamui's sudden burst of energy created a distance between them on the steps. "Do you want me to carry Kazuki?" He offers, with a flush, feeling a little bad for rushing on ahead.
Subaru waves this off and smiles. "There's no need to worry about that. I'll follow your lead."
Kamui nods at this, heart thumping, something about the way Subaru said that allowing him to lead, felt wonderful. He continues ahead feeling so much support right behind him. His cheeks flush red. Violet-blue orbs begin to widen as he freezes in place. A wide assortment of memories are flooding in. It feels like his body is moving on its own as he memorized every detail of the shrine all those years. A lifetime ago.
"It's the same…" Kamui glances around in awe, at the sight of this old shrine. His heart clenched memories both bitter and sweet happened here, emotions flooding over in him.
Kamui remembers that cold winter day and that wish he prayed for. Before the shrine, he holds his hands together. bowing his head and closing his eyes.
"Dear God, or gods that may have heard my wish. Thank you, for granting this dying cat's wish. Now living as a human I found the one who saved me and was able to thank them."
Kamui pauses, feeling the cold weather breeze around him. The scent and warmth of Subaru's scarf encased him. He continues heart fluttering. "And in doing so I met someone I care about so deeply."
It's not long until Subaru arrives at the top of the stairs with the kitten. He turns to the shrine area. Subaru understands this place holds such a deep meaning to Kamui. He gives Kamui the space and privacy at the shrine, looking over him. Seeing the snow begin to fall.
"It really is starting to snow more," Subaru murmurs to himself, hugging his kitten in his coat to give it more warmth. He looks to Kamui, rejecting the urge to hold him just as close and keep him warm. There's a worry though, that if he holds Kamui now he may never want to let go.
"Kamui…" Subaru calls for him sweetly, seeing the younger man lifting his head and finishing his prayers.
"Kamui!" Subaru attempts to gain his attention calling for him, but stops in his tracks. Amongst the snowy shrine, he sees Kamui, standing still, trembling there. His flooded mind is full of so many memories sweeping in. Those happier times but also…this place was his home in that life. As a small kitten and his final resting place, he existed here.
Subaru doesn't know all the intricacies of Kamuis life in the past. But he does know their present and the one he wants to have in his future. He can't bear seeing Kamui so broken, frozen, and trailing with tears.
He finds himself unable to stop himself this time. Never one for open affection and gestures, but with Kamui this felt so so different. He reaches out before even realizing it and grasps Kamui's hand.
Snow alone didn't leave him breathless. Sparkling teary purple eyes, parted lips and a flush of pink certainly broke through that list remains of his control for keeping this feeling in any longer.
"Kamui…stay with me," Subaru professes, heart pulsing as he could barely manage to meet the beautiful gaze directed towards him. Yet, when he did he felt himself go breathless once more.
Subaru held his-no-their kitten close, under his jacket, letting his thoughts catch up to what his heart knew all along.
'Ever since the first time we had met. And whenever he's feeling insecure, whenever we aren't together.' He reflects with a dawning of understanding.
Kamui paused, plush lips ajar as warm breath frosted in the air. His chest tightened.
Subaru felt his world shift the realization. Words screaming in his mind 'I want to be with him. I want to hold him tight and tell him not to look sad.'
'This feeling…I have for Kamui…more than anything…I feel this strongly…'
Subaru leans in closer, their hands brushing, a spark from that contact. It happened numerous times before yet every time, that connection that sparked and drew in for connection came.
Finally, the feelings he'd kept inside his heart overflowed into spoken words. His tender green eyes gaze deep into Kamui's violet orbs. The feeling his heart knew all along finally worked into his thoughts, his understanding of his own heart. Those very thoughts were about to spill into words.
"I love you," Subaru confesses, an overwhelming, all-powerful feeling of finally admitting this to Kamui as well as himself. "I…love you. Kamui."
Kamui's cheeks flushed an endearing shade of pink looking towards the steady, loving gaze. His purple eyes tremble, tear up, and begin to spill emotions he'd been holding in for some time. "And I…love you," he professes. Their love is requited, this feeling beyond anything else. The world seemed to freeze, becoming a place where only the two of them existed.
Before Kamui can form another word, another thought strong arms wrap around him and pull him flush into his chest. Subaru finally gave in to that urge, the need to hold Kamui close as though to never let go. Their hearts beating in synch and this moment was perfect to-
"Ahh!" Kamui shrieks, feeling his world implode as the slippery ice beneath his feet trips him, leaving him falling back. He clutches to Subaru like a lifeline and the latter's arms remain vigilant around him.
Kamui slips backward, on the ice. A gentle hand caressing the back of his head, protective of him on the way down. Subaru ensured he kept both Kamui and his kitten safe during the fall, arms holding both precious parts of his life, close to him away from harm.
Subarus's taller form looms over Kamui. Due to the care given, he lands rather softly on the snow falling on his seat. Protective arms on either side of him as Subaru fell with him. Such warmth overcoming him makes his heart race.
Subaru fears this incident was due to his unexpected actions, the embrace, and suddenness. "I'm sorry Kamui-I couldn't help it, I was so overcome with…"
Before Subaru can breathe another word, slender arms wrap around his neck. His body was flooded by the warmth of Kamui sitting up pressed and flushed to him.
"K-Kamui?" Subaru asks softly but there are no words that can capture this feeling they were helpless to. His words stuck in his throat for a solid moment, their heartbeats loud enough to break the silence.
With a loving gesture, Subaru wraps his arms around Kamui's waist, lifting them both backup.
"K-Kamui? Ahh-and Kazuki-" Subaru called out noticing a distressing kitten in his coat.
"Mroow!" The little black kitten mewls indignantly. He huffs from his safety net in Subaru's coat.
"I'm sorry Kazuki, that got too close to squishing you there," Subaru apologizes, petting the spoiled cat for forgiveness. It had been cuddled and kept safe, but certainly not an enjoyable experience for the little kitty.
"Subaru, I…" Kamui breathes out softly, looking down for a moment to give the courage to voice these emotions. "When you suddenly hugged me Subaru, it surprised me and…" His heart sounded louder with each word.
His teary gaze and tender smile were all so effective on Subaru. Who this time more carefully leaned in to embrace Kamui. His arms wrapped around the younger man's waist pulling him to his chest.
"Me too Kamui," He returned the sentiment with an equal love and tenderness. "I can't even tell whose heartbeat is whose…" They were both beating like crazy, both in perfect sync.
"It's freezing. So let's get back to the car." Subaru advised arm around Kamui's waist as he led them back safely. He gently opened Kamui's door first. He placed Kazuki into his cat bed and a pile of blankets in the backseat, he meowed in frustration.
"Mroow" Kazuki cried out with a pouty-sounding meow, being moved from Subaru's warm coat to a bed with blankets.
"Shh, Kazuki just sit tight until I have the car all nice and warm," He speaks with a tender and nurturing gesture that makes Kamui's heart leap. Subaru notices his precious person bundled up blowing on his hands for warmth.
"Kamui here's a blanket for your legs," Subaru offers with an unmatched tenderness, caring, and affection. The tender private smiles and the neatly folded blanket all prepared for him.
Kamui can't help but lean in, heart full. His lips pressed softly upon Subarus's lips for a sweet chaste kiss. He pulls away quickly, blushing up to his ears. Holding the blanket up over his expression. "Ah, thank you for the blanket…"
"What…" Subarus's mind reels from the events of the sparks of the smallest brush of lips. He speaks with equal surprise and tenderness. "W-What was that? You..that was so quick, sneaky. So, Let's do that one more time! Please?" Subaru's tone holds both his flustered and tender-hearted disposition.
Now that it started he couldn't seem to get enough. The kiss is a perfect taste of heaven yet far too short. Subaru leans in this time cradling the back of Kamui's head. He pulls the blanket down from Kamui's Shy expression, sealing their lips for countless kisses. Each becomes more passionate than the last. Their focus was lost on the feeling of their lips pressed together, hearts racing.
Subaru's arms holding Kamui close around his waist. Kamui hugged Subaru tight, arms around his neck. They embraced flushing together, lips, and tongues meeting in their embrace melding. Their cold car suddenly became a lot warmer.
The fog cleared out, and snow eased up. After, a few endless moments lost in their world they returned together. Their fingers interlaced.
The words- "Please, come live with me, again." Fell from Subarus's lips nearly immediately when he arrived at his apartment. It had been inspired by Kamui's plea on the drive back. With shimmering puppy-dog or kitty eyes gazing up at him Subaru could deny him nothing. "I don't want to go home," he expressed, as they neared Kamui's lone apartment. It never felt like home anyway. And…it led to Subaru bringing Kamui home. For good this time.
Only days later, Kamui was moving back in officially. He carried around various items into the house. Subaru worked on unboxing new furniture now that Kamui would be a permanent guest. They had their moment together feeling at home.
A cause for celebration, Subaru's sister Hokuto was thrilled at the news. More enthusiastic than Subaru and Kamui themselves, and helped with the move during the day.
Now the sun was setting and Subaru and Kamui were alone, finishing up unpacking.
"Subaru, shall I bring this over?" Kamui asks, holding up a big box, and gesturing to an empty spot in the corner beside him.
Subaru bites his cheeks smiling. "Such formal Language Kamui. This is your home after all," he teases
Kamui laughs softly, smiling and placing the box of cushions on the floor.
"I'll be more careful next time," Kamui says lightly, sitting beside Subaru who helped him unpack and set up their more furnished apartment. Subaru kept the bare minimum for himself but for Kamui, he wanted absolutely everything to offer Kamui. His wish is for Kamui to feel at home forever. He would do everything to make this wish a reality.
"Why don't we get a bigger couch so we can both sit on it and relax?" Kamui suggests, and it's a given that Subaru's already planned to do just that. Changes were being made, and Kamui was surprised to see how empty and unfurnished the place became after he left, how much was packed away with only one occupant in the apartment. But now it is different.
"Maybe we'll get one big enough to sleep on," Kamui nuzzles up to him, hugging his arm close and blushing. Subaru wraps an arm around Kamui's waist pulling him closer. "Sounds perfect, pick anything you like." He loved spoiling Kamui, as well as a certain furball with a similar-sounding name.
"Mrreow," Kazuki looks up with a sense of envy, brushing up against Subarus's legs.
Subaru laughs at this, the kitten a reflection of his Kamui, he scoops up the baby hugging it tightly against him. "Of course you'll be with us too Kazuki, you are part of the family too. Our family." With the warmth of Kamui sitting against him, and Kazuki purring in his life he finally felt at home again.
"Always.." he whispers, pressing a kiss to the top of Kamui's head. Forever. This would be home.
End
This is the final chapter/chapter of this one-shot manga. There is an epilogue that will be coming up as well with extra fluff. I hope you will enjoy it! And hopefully, I can get around to a holiday one-shot chapter if you have any ideas on what Kamui and Subaru might do over Christmas feel free to comment!