Chapter 26: The Weird Autumn
By Monday, there was a general buzz of excitement and nervousness about Cherryton. The results of everyone's tests from Friday would be posted after classes. Everywhere you went, you could hear animals of all shapes discussing the upcoming results in either dread or anticipation. As Yasui was heading to his first class after lunch, he heard a female cat and rabbit talking about the test in hushed tones.
"Omg," the cat said, "how do you think you did?"
"Probably fine. There wasn't too much I had a problem with. How about you?"
The cat frowned and twisted the tissue she was holding in her fingers.
"I totally botched the chemistry portion. I forgot to study the periodic table."
"Bummer."
"Yeah, and if I don't do well enough my parents are going to be so mad at me. They'll claim I'm spending too much time having fun and not enough time studying!"
"Totally! My parents gave me the same lecture last year!"
"It's like they all have the same dumb goal of having their kids become doctors or something."
"Probably so that you can pay for everything for them when they're old."
Yasui nervously chewed his lip. He would have to tell his parents about his test scores when he called them after dinner. He really hoped he did well. If not… he wasn't sure what he would do. He'd never made a bad grade before.
As afternoon approached, gray clouds rolled in and a light rain began to fall. The hours until Yasui could check his score seemed to both drag on forever and rush towards him like a speeding train. He was both excited and terrified, which was a weird mix. Finally, the bell rang and everyone flooded out of their classrooms and into the hallways. Hanging on the large bulletin board that usually held flyers for events or announcements were several sheets of paper with everyone's placements from the test. Yasui looked for the papers for his year before looking for his class. He saw it and scanned up from the bottom. Finally, he found his name. Yasui breathed a sigh of relief.
(Third in my class. That's not bad. Not too bad.)
He then grimaced as he realized something that made him feel a bit sick.
(But I'm not the first. This is the first time since I can remember I wasn't top of my class. Mom and Dad are going to be so disappointed.)
Yasui's ears drooped and he slunk away as groans of despair and giddy cheers erupted from the assembled animals.
Meanwhile Shinrai was scanning his class list for his name. He started at the bottom with number forty. As he prepared to look her muttered,
"Please let me at least be above the halfway mark!"
He read number forty, and it wasn't him. He kept going until he saw number thirty-four, which was Shiro. Shinrai winced.
"Oof, poor dude."
His eyes climbed higher, and higher until he saw the number eighteen spot. Shinrai pumped his fist and let out a loud "Yes!" as he saw his name. He immediately pulled out his phone and texted his mother.
S: mom
S: got the results of the big test back
S: 18 in my class
S: i got above the middle this time
Mom: that's great!
Mom: so proud of you!
S: i studied my tail off
S: Yasui kept me on the straight and narrow lol
S: sprayed me with water when i tried to goof off instead of study lol
Mom: good
Mom: grades are important
Mom: we'll have to go out to dinner to celebrate this weekend. Your sister got her results back too.
S: :P
S: and?
S: how did she do?
Mom: 19
Shinrai threw his head back and laughed, earning several confused and concerned looks from nearby students.
S: i did better than her!
S: i have to go rub it in!
Mom: don't make your sister mad
S: too late. Bye mom i love you
Mom: love you too
Shinrai had a wide grin on his face as he went to where his sister's year's grades would be posted, hoping she would still be around. Unfortunately for him he didn't see her. With a huff, Shinrai walked down towards the first floor of the building. As he did, he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"Yo, Shinrai!"
He turned and saw Hikaru hurrying to catch up with him. The fennec fox stopped when she was beside him and pointed a thumb over her shoulder.
"How'd you do?"
"Eighteen in the class. You?"
"Twenty-three"
"Nice! Not bad! Dang, I wonder how Yasui did. I'll have to ask him at dinner."
Hikaru raised an eyebrow.
"Did you just remember that because I'm a fox?"
"Yeah."
"Hmm, kinda speciesist dude. That's a bit messed up."
Shinrai looked at Hikaru's mischievous grin and returned the expression.
"Can't help it. All you foxes look the same."
"Oh! You did not!"
"Mhm, I did!"
"Nut-sucking bastard."
"Floppy-eared weirdo."
They both snickered and Hikaru elbowed him.
"Hey, wanna come play some games? I have the hankering to play some Ellipse Reach."
"Dang that is like the best one. I wish I had a Gamesphere. Classic banger."
"Whatcha say? Split-Screen co-op time?"
"Ah, split-screen co-op. You truly are missed. What the heck, I'm down."
"Sweet. But first, snacks."
Shinrai abruptly stopped and held a hand over his heart. Hikaru turned back and raised an eyebrow. Shinrai pretended to sniffle.
"Where have you been all my life?"
"Sitting in my room playing games like a gremlin."
Before long it was dinner time. Yasui had a cold pit of dread in his stomach as he walked through the line. He had been dreading his phone call with his parents all day. He would have to tell them that he had only scored in the top three. He just hoped that they wouldn't be too upset. As he sat down in a less crowded section of the cafeteria he looked wistfully out at the tree he used to be able to sit under to eat. Now it was too wet and chilly to sit out there. As he picked at his portion of steamed tofu with rice and bamboo shoots, Shinrai sat down with a huge grin on his face.
"Heeeey! How's it going?"
Yasui shrugged but didn't reply. Shinrai continued, unphased.
"My day was absolutely great! I got a good score on my test, thanks for the study help by the way, and then me and Hikaru played some games. Pretty dang sweet."
Yasui nodded numbly and pushed his food around his plate.
"That's great."
"So, I'm trying to decide what I should wear for the Mask Festival. Maybe I could be Commander Chief from the Ellipse series, but the costume might be expensive."
"Okay."
Shinrai frowned and leaned forward, trying to meet Yasui's eyes as he stared down at his plate.
"You feeling okay? You seem a bit… off."
"It's nothing. Just… a bit tired."
"Hm, stay up all night watching dirty vids?"
"No."
Shinrai huffed.
"Geez, Yasui. You're being a total wet blanket. Could you lighten up?!"
Yasui frowned.
"I'm just feeling a bit off."
"Then go see the Nurse."
"It's nothing serious."
"Okay…."
Shinrai did something unusual for him. Rather than scarf his own portion of food down immediately, he waited and watched as Yasui continued to idly jab at his. Shinrai tapped his fingers on the table.
"So… calling your family today?"
Yasui nodded, his gut clenching even more. Shinrai barreled onward.
"Sweet! I wanna talk with your family again! Gotta tell them how much you helped me— oh wait! What did you make on your test?"
Yasui didn't respond. He didn't know how to. He felt like if he said it out loud it would make it permanent. If it was just in his head it might only be a bad dream. Shinrai huffed and smacked the table in front of Yasui's nose, making him jump.
"Dude! What is going on with you?!"
Yasui scowled.
"Nothing! Can you leave me alone!"
"Sheesh! I'm trying to cheer you up and you're being a total a-hole about it!"
Yasui narrowed his eyes and stormed off, leaving his tray still full on the table. Shinrai huffed, glaring after him.
"What was that all about?"
Yasui didn't feel better after that. In fact, he just felt worse. His gloomy mood darkened into something unrecognizable. Part anxiety, part anger. His stomach was in knots as he stormed across the campus, ignoring the rain soaking his fur. He didn't stop until he had reached the dorm and begun the climb up to the seventh floor. As he trudged past room 701, Jack poked his head out after him.
"Hey, Yasui! How's it going?"
"Fine!" Yasui snapped.
Jack's ears drooped and he hurried after him. Once he had caught up, he looked at him in concern.
"Did something happen?"
"No."
"Oh…. Do you want to talk?"
Yasui huffed, his temper slackening somewhat.
"Not really."
"Okay. Well if you want to come sit with us, we're waiting for Legoshi to come back from Drama Club. You don't have to talk, but sometimes it helps to not be alone."
Yasui sighed. The fiery feeling he had been experiencing had burned out leaving him feeling empty and guilty. He nodded and followed Jack to his room. The other boys were all sitting around the room laughing and chatting. Collot was bouncing a ball off the wall and catching it as Voss leaned down from his bunk to talk, and Miguno was playing a game with Durham. As the two entered, Miguno waved.
"Hey hey! It's Frisbee!"
Yasui nodded to him and sat down at the window seat, looking out over the rainy school grounds. Miguno was about to say something when he caught Jack's warning expression and nodded to the retriever. They all had enough experience with Legoshi's moodiness to know when to give someone some space. They all returned to their respective diversions as Jack sat down across from Yasui on the window seat. He looked out over the stormy lawns of Cherryton and hummed.
"Apparently it's supposed to rain all week. Hope you have an umbrella."
"…."
"If not, the school store sells them."
For several minutes they just sat there, staring across the campus. Once he had felt like enough time had passed, Jack continued talking.
"If you haven't eaten yet, you can join us once Legoshi gets here. Only if you want to."
Yasui nodded but didn't say anything. He felt so bad for what he had done. He had really treated his best friend poorly when he had been trying to help. And all because of his nerves about calling his parents. All because of that stupid test. Jack remained silent for a while as Yasui mulled over his various concerns in his mind. Eventually, Yasui sighed.
"I messed up."
Due to the fact that he had his back turned, he didn't notice everyone obviously trying to eavesdrop on his conversation with Jack. Jack winced.
"How bad?"
"Pretty bad. I was a real jerk to my best friend. I was, well, am super nervous because I have to call my parents and they're going to ask about the test results. I just… I know they're going to be disappointed."
Jack shrugged.
"Grades aren't everything. I'm sure your parents will understand."
"It's just… I've always been top of my class. That's why I got the scholarship to this school. But I didn't manage to get top of the class here."
Jack leaned against the window.
"Yeah. Competition here is tough for the top spots. It's been myself and three other dogs I know fighting for number one the whole time I've been here. There's lots of smart people here, so hitting the top four can be difficult."
Yasui furrowed his brow.
"Top four?"
"Well, yeah. Because of the size of the classes here the top of the class is technically the top four. I mean, being number one is still being number one. But the top four is what really matters. That's the big leagues."
Yasui was floored. He hadn't known that. As he reeled from that, Jack leaned in a bit.
"If you don't mind, how did you rank? Pretty close, I bet. You're a smart guy after all."
Yasui licked his lips and whispered.
"Three…."
"Huh? Did you say—"
Yasui held up three fingers. There was silence before the other boys of room 701 began howling with laughter. Yasui felt embarrassed. How stupid had he been to freak out about being number three. This class was almost four times larger than his class back home, of course their ranking system was different because of that. Collot wiped at his eyes behind the thick curtain of hair obscuring them and wheezed.
"Dude, that is hilarious! Imagine how ticked the dog you bumped is right now!"
Durham and Miguno cheered and rushed at Yasui, throwing their arms around him and jostling him.
"Finally! We have a non-dog canid in the top four! Represent!"
Yasui was confused.
"Wait, the top four are always dogs?"
Jack nodded.
"So far. In my class we all are. You're the first fox to hit the top four since I've been here."
Voss held up a tiny arm.
"Fox power! Not so dumb and bad tempered now, are we!"
Jack shook his head and clasped Yasui's shoulder as Miguno and Durham lifted him into the air like he had made a game-winning play.
"Yasui, just explain the rank system to your parents. I'm sure they'll be ecstatic!"
Yasui grimaced. He felt like an absolute idiot. He had been so caught up in his own self pity that he had messed everything up. He sighed.
(I need to apologize to Shinrai. I was a real jerk to him.)
Just then, Legoshi walked through the door. He saw Miguno and Durham lifting Yasui and carrying him around and looked at Jack.
"Uh… what did I miss?"
Once he had eaten his meal with Jack and the others, Yasui found a quiet place to call home. The phone rang four times before Yone answered.
"Hello."
"Hi, Yone."
Yasui heard Yone lower the phone and yell.
"Yasui's calling! Get in here!"
Yone spoke normally again.
"So, how're things?"
Yasui sighed heavily.
"Not amazing. I did something dumb and regret it."
"Oh, how dumb?"
"I was a total jerk to my best friend over something stupid."
"Yikes. Have you apologized?"
"Not yet. I need to find him."
"Well make sure you do that fast. As we both discovered, letting these sort of raw issues stay crappy can really make things messy."
"Like causing a fistfight?"
"Exactly."
Suddenly the phone rang out with the sounds of Yasui's mother's voice.
"Yasui! How did it go? Did you get the test results back?"
"Yeah, I—"
There was a babble of voices on the other end before his mother yelled,
"Everyone quiet! I can't hear!"
Yasui waited for it to die down before continuing.
"Yeah, so apparently because the class size is so much larger here than back home, they don't do just number one being the top of the class, it's the top four."
His mother prompted him.
"And!? Don't keep me waiting!"
"I scored number three."
"…."
Yasui gulped. Maybe she was disappointed after all.
"Mom?"
"Oh Yasui! That's amazing!"
Suddenly Yone cut in.
"Show those city slickers who's boss!"
Yasui talked with everyone for a while until his mother got hold of the phone again.
"So, what does that mean for you, Yasui? Does anything change with classes or does it all stay the same?"
"Uh… I'm not sure."
"Well you should probably check just in case."
"I will, Mom."
"And make sure you're doing your laundry! I don't want you wearing dirty clothes!"
"I always do my laundry."
"And don't go fooling around with girls! Focus on school, and then later on find a nice girl fox to settle down with."
"That's never going to be an issue, I'm dying single."
"Oh don't say that! You'll have a growth spurt eventually! And make sure you're eating enough! Not just junk food, lots of veggies and milk."
"Mom."
"And get enough sunlight."
"Mom."
"And brush your fur and your teeth."
"Mom! Why are you saying all this? I do all of it anyway."
"I know, and I know that you're growing up and being mature. The thing is… that I miss you and I'm worried about you! You've never been by yourself for this long!"
"I'm fine, Mom. And besides, I'm not alone."
"But you don't have adult supervision! You're still just a teenager!"
"Mom, I have somebody keeping an eye on me, remember? My friend Miss Diana makes sure I get enough to eat and go to the doctor and all that stuff. She's taken it upon herself to be my surrogate aunt while I'm here."
"That makes me feel a bit better, I'll have to send her some sort of thank you gift for watching out for you. This is that adult lady friend you told me about, right? The leopard?"
"Mhm."
"That's good. I'm not surprised really, you always did get along better with older animals than with ones your own age…. Oh, Yasui! I just miss you is all! I thought it would get easier with time, but it hasn't!"
"I miss you too, Mom."
"Love you, sweetie. Talk to you soon."
"I love you too Mom. Bye."
"Bye."
Yasui set his phone down and sighed. He really had gotten all worked up over nothing. This made him feel even worse about snapping at Shinrai.
The next day Yasui didn't see Shinrai at breakfast. He felt miserable as he headed to class. As he walked, he noticed that everyone was stopping to pick up their class schedules. Now that the big test had happened, everyone would have their next round of classes assigned. Yasui read over his to see what class he was having first. He saw that first he had Algebra, Natural Science then History. However, he had a different class this time around. Right after lunch he had Advanced Literature Studies instead of Japanese Grammar and Literature.
(That's new. I guess they change the name of Japanese Grammar after the first term.)
Yasui's classes went as expected, however he was disappointed to see that Shinrai still was absent at lunch. He tried to look for him, but he didn't see him. Feeling disheartened, Yasui climbed the steps up to the classroom for Advanced Literature Studies. As soon as he walked through the door, he noticed that something was strange. This classroom only had four desks set up, and there were three other students inside. They all looked up as Yasui entered. There was a female golden retriever, a male beagle, and a male newfoundland.
Immediately the three dogs started whispering. Behind him, Yasui heard the door open. He turned and saw Mr. Nishinoya as he walked into the room. The wolf smiled at him and made his way to the front of the classroom. He stood beside the desk and the three dogs immediately took their seats. Yasui hurried and took his seat as well, looking around in confusion as to why there were only four of them. Mr Nishinoya began to speak.
"Good afternoon everyone. If you hadn't noticed, we have a new member of our group. This is Yasui, he scored third in your class."
Yasui looked around at the other dogs and nervously nodded at them. The dogs remained with their eyes fixed on the teacher. Mr. Nishinoya walked to the board and began to write.
"This term, we will be studying European literature. We will start with the Classical era. Now, the Classical era…."
Yasui found the class very interesting. Mr. Nishinoya had a conversational style of teaching. Rather than simply give them lots of different definitions to study, he was more interested in meanings and interpretations of different literary devices and allusions. As the class finished and the bell rang, the three other dogs stood up and immediately began to pack up their things. Yasui followed suit and joined them.
"Hey, uh, nice to meet you all. I'm Yasui."
The three dogs looked at him with disdain and hurried away. Yasui slowed and stared after them in confusion.
(What's with them?)
He felt a hand on his shoulder and glanced behind him to see Mr. Nishinoya was smiling at him.
"Nice to see you, Yasui. When I told you that I hoped I could teach you soon, I wasn't expecting this soon. I'm impressed."
"Oh! Thank you! I really enjoyed your lesson."
"Glad to hear it. I don't usually get much feedback from the special classes, but I feel like you'll be a bit different."
Yasui looked in the direction the three dogs had gone and frowned.
"Yeah… apparently."
The wolf shook his head.
"Don't pay them too much mind. The dog you replaced had been in the advanced classes with the other three ever since middle school. They're probably just a bit upset at the change. They'll warm up to you… probably."
Just down the hall, the three dogs were engaged in whispered conversation. The beagle, whose name was Kojo, shook his head.
"This isn't possible. How did that fox score better than both Jimin and Shiki!?"
Jimin the newfoundland dog huffed, his ears drooping.
"Poor Shiki. She spent all day yesterday crying. Do you think he cheated, Rebecca?"
The golden retriever held her head aloft.
"He must have. I refuse to believe that some fox who has never been near the top four before just randomly becomes third in the class."
Kojo frowned.
"I've never even heard about this fox before. So it's not like he was in the top ten in middle school. Something's weird."
Rebecca looked down the hall and her expression softened. She hurried forward and hugged a female poodle who was staring at them in a daze. The two males followed. Rebecca patted the poodles back.
"How're you holding up, Shiki?"
The poodle's eyes were puffy from crying. She sniffled.
"N-not good. H-h-how was… was your class?"
Kojo leaned in and whispered conspiratorially.
"The new guy is a fox. Definitely cheated on the test."
Shiki whimpered.
"I g-got a w-worse score… than a f-f-f-fox!?"
Jimin smacked Kojo.
"Hey, be delicate!"
Kojo huffed.
"I was saying that he cheated! He must have!"
Rebecca rubbed Shiki's arms and spoke softly.
"We'll take care of it, Shiki. We'll find proof that he cheated."
The poodle smiled weakly.
"Y-you will?"
The three dogs nodded and continued with Shiki down the hallway towards their next class.
As the week continued, it was the most miserable week of school for Yasui so far. The rain seemed content to hang around all day every day. Students hurried from cover to cover as a cold, steady drizzle pervaded over the school. Yasui still hadn't seen or heard from Shinrai since their fight, and he was getting lonely. Sure he was instead spending some spare time with Jack and his roommates, but it wasn't the same as hanging out with Shinrai. To make matters worse, on Thursday he got a text from Miss Diana that only furthered his disappointment.
D: I'm sorry, Yasui
D: I'm not feeling well so I don't feel up to doing anything this weekend other than sit at home wrapped in a blanket
D: I hope you're not too disappointed
Yasui sighed and typed out a response.
Y: I hope you feel better. I understand not feeling well. Let me know if you want me to bring you something.
D: You're too sweet
D: Best sort of nephew ever
Yasui laughed a bit as he put his phone away. It was getting to be the time of year where people were getting colds or the flu. He remembered how whenever he would get sick as a kid his mother would always make him some of her special soup to make him feel better. He wished he could bring some to Miss Diana to help her feel better.
As soon as that thought crossed his mind, Yasui smiled as he had an idea. First, he had to call his mother.
Soon it was Friday, much to the relief of students everywhere. With the last bell's ring, Shinrai hurried to his meeting place with Hikaru, covering himself with a raincoat as best as he could. He had been in a bad mood all week. First Yasui had jumped down his throat over nothing, and then he had never even texted him to apologize. As such, Shinrai hadn't approached him all week. He wasn't talking to Yasui until he apologized. He had principles after all.
As he sat down next to Hikaru to play some games, she immediately raised an eyebrow at him.
"Yo, have a bellyache or something? You look a bit… bleeeeeeeech."
Shinrai huffed.
"I'm ticked off."
There was a pause before Hikaru leaned towards him expectantly.
"Aaaaaaaat?"
"Yasui."
"Uh-oh, trouble in paradise?"
Shinrai huffed.
"He was being a real jerk to me on Monday! I noticed that he was being all grouchy and mopey, and tried to get him to talk to me and cheer up or whatever. And then he just goes off on me! And then he storms off!"
Hikaru frowned.
"Dang."
"Yeah! He totally ghosted me! No apology text or anything! So I'm not going to talk to him until he apologizes!"
Hikaru smirked.
"What are you, a middle school girl?"
Shinrai threw his hands in the air.
"What's that supposed to mean?!"
"Dude… aren't you being a bit overdramatic?"
Shinrai felt a little embarrassment creep through his anger. This week had sucked, and he was feeling a bit stupid when it was put like this. He thought for a bit before huffing.
"Okay, so maybe I'm being a little over dramatic. But still! It's not cool the way he treated me! We're supposed to be best bros! Like, come on! What do you think I'm supposed to do!? Just pretend like nothing happened?"
She shrugged.
"Well… maybe you both need to stop being idiots? Like, where I'm sitting you both sound dumb. Just freaking make up. Or make out, up to you. Either way, just go up and talk to him, ya goof."
Shinrai frowned and looked at the game controller in his hands. There was a pause before Hikaru sighed.
"Look, I'm not trying to be mean. I'm just shooting straight with you."
Shinrai huffed.
"I'm not upset at you. I'm upset because you're, like, absolutely right."
She grinned.
"About making out with him?"
"Shut up."
"You totally would. Just really get that fox tongue all over your tonsils."
Shinrai laughed.
"Hikaru you are freaking nasty."
She grinned.
"Oh good, you're not grouchy anymore. Now let's play some freaking games."
Dinner time rolled around and Yasui found himself sitting under his usual tree. It was a little chilly outside, but Yasui had always been good with cold weather. He was expecting another meal without his friend when he heard footsteps behind him. He turned and saw Shinrai carrying his tray towards the tree. The squirrel stopped and set his tray down. He nodded at Yasui,
"Hey…."
"Hi."
They stared at each other for a moment before both launched themselves at the other and hugging. Yasui whined,
"I'm sorry! Can we be friends again!"
"I'm sorry too! Let's never fight again!"
"I'm sorry for being a jerk!"
"I'm sorry for being pushy!"
They both seemed to realize they were still hugging and let go of each other. They sat down to eat like usual and made slight chit chat as they did. After a while, Shinrai nervously glanced at his friend.
"So… do you still not want to talk about what happened? Because if so I respect your decision! You don't have to tell me!"
"It's fine, I was being stupid. I was worried my parents would be upset with my score on the test."
Shinrai winced.
"Uh-oh, how bad?"
"Uh… I was third."
Shinrai just stared at him. Yasui gulped and smiled nervously.
"Uh… yeah. Hehe, turns out I was being a bit ridiculous."
"Dude, I should smack you! Third! And you were upset about it!"
"I didn't realize that the top four were top of the class instead of just number one!"
"Still! Third! In the class! And you had the nerve to get pissy over it! Pardon my language!"
Yasui's ears flattened and he looked at his food sheepishly.
"I kinda deserve it."
Shinrai stood and wrapped one arm around the foxes neck before rubbing his fist into Yasui's scalp, giving him a noogie.
"Maybe you should give me some of those brains since you aren't using them!"
"Stop! That feels weird!"
"Never been noogied before?"
"No!"
"Geez, I thought you had an older brother!? He's never done this?"
"Nope, not once."
"Huh. Oh, can I have some of your noodles?"
Yasui gave Shinrai a deadpan look. Shinrai gazed at him innocently until Yasui slid his tray over to him. Shinrai grinned.
"Sweet! Thanks!"
"Mhm, you're welcome."
Once the two boys had finished eating and said their goodbyes, they went off to complete anything they still needed to accomplish that day. Yasui finished his homework for Monday, while Shinrai got to level 6-4 in Super Giuseppe Bros. By the time that this gray, rainy Saturday morning had turned into a gray, rainy afternoon; Yasui was on his way to Miss Diana's house with a bag full of goodies.
He rang the doorbell and Charles opened the door for him. The stern gorilla nodded at him as he let him in. The luxurious house was still as gleaming and pristine as Yasui recalled, and he heard the sound of a television from the large living room near the back of the house. Yasui removed his wet shoes and padded through the halls towards the noise. Sitting on one of the large couches in the living room was Miss Diana.
"Good afternoon, Miss Diana!"
Yasui smiled at the leopard as she drearily turned her head towards him. Yasui had to admit she definitely looked rough. Her usually perfect fur and makeup was absent, leaving her au naturale. However, her eyes were heavy lidded and she seemed pale. Yasui's ears drooped.
"Oh, Miss Diana. You really look unwell."
The leopard gave him a confused smile.
"Yasui? What are you doing here?"
"Housecall. Charles and I thought you could use a pick-me-up. So I'm going to make some of my Mom's famous soup and we'll have a fun night in."
She pressed a hand to her cheek.
"Oh, Yasui. That's so thoughtful. Although I do have to admit that I hate for you to see me like this. I look like a wreck."
"You look fine, just a little under the weather. Still very pretty."
"Shameless little flirt."
Yasui set the bag of ingredients down on the countertop that formed the border between the kitchen and living room. He sat on the couch perpendicular to Diana's and gave her a concerned look.
"What's wrong with you? Catch the flu?"
"No no, nothing so serious. I'm simply a bit anemic already, and I fear that I overworked myself. I'll be back on my feet in a few days."
Yasui smiled.
"Well a nice soup should help make you feel better!"
"Yasui, darling, I feel better already. I appreciate the visit."
Yasui moved into the kitchen and began setting out his ingredients. He then pulled out the recipe he had written down from his mother's instructions. He looked back at Miss Diana as she pulled the blanket she was under up to her chin and rested her head back on a pillow.
"I'll let you nap while I cook. Dinner should be ready by six."
Diana nodded drowsily, and Yasui got to work. He began by chopping his medley of potatoes, peppers, and greens before preparing his protein. Back home they would alternate between mealworm and tofu, however here he had only been able to find tofu. Once he had his tofu cubed up into bite sized pieces, he heated up a few cups of vegetable stock in a large pot before adding in his mother's secret blend of herbs and spices. He began to add the other ingredients as needed before letting the soup simmer on the burner for an hour and a half. While the soup simmered, Yasui moved back onto the couch he had been sitting on before and read a library book.
The sun was just a small, red line on the horizon when his phone timer went off. Yasui scurried to the kitchen and grabbed a spoon. He gently removed the pot's lid and watched as a plume of steam rose from his soup. He hummed happily as the familiar scent of this brew filled the kitchen. He grabbed a spoon and cautiously took a taste, blowing on the hot broth before eating it. Yasui scrunched his face up as he thought before nodding.
"Needs more salt, pepper, and another splash of hot sauce."
Yasui added his additions and gave the vat a stir with a large wooden spoon. He tasted it again and smacked his lips.
"Yup, that's Mom's soup."
He returned to the living room and gently shook Miss Diana awake. She stirred with a groan and cracked an eye open. Yasui smiled.
"Soup's ready. Time to eat."
"Mhh… it smells good. I could use something warm right now. I'm dreadfully cold."
She slowly got up and Yasui saw that she was wearing thick sweatpants and a long sleeved shirt of red wool. She stretched and slowly followed Yasui to the kitchen where Charles had begun to set the table with bowls and spoons. Miss Diana took her seat and Charles effortlessly carried the large pot over. Once the three of them were seated, Charles included his head towards Yasui.
"Thank you for the soup. It smells delicious."
Diana yawned.
"Indeed. I'm excited to try it."
Yasui grinned.
"Well go right ahead! No need to wait!"
Charles took a ladle and poured a portion out for Miss Diana. He then served Yasui and last he poured some out for himself. Diana blew on a spoonful before eating it. She savored it slowly before tilting her head.
"It's got an unusual… warm aftertaste. Does this have something spicy in it?"
"A little bit of hot sauce with the bell peppers and black pepper. Not enough to make it spicy, but enough to warm up your belly."
Diana smiled and took another sip of the broth.
"Well it's warming me up nicely. Perfect for a cold, wet day."
Charles nodded imperiously.
"The tofu is perfectly cooked, and the vegetables still have texture. Well done."
Yasui bashfully looked at his spoonful of soup.
"Thanks. I appreciate it."
There wasn't much talk after that as they each ate their soup. Once everyone had their fill, Yasui and Charles cleaned up the kitchen as Miss Diana returned to her blanket. Once finished, the two males joined her in the living room. Yasui looked between the two.
"So… do you guys want to watch a movie or something? I don't want to leave yet, unless you want me to."
Diana yawned.
"I'm fine with that."
Charles crossed his arms.
"Maybe we could watch a good movie for the Mask Festival season? Like 'Night Terror on Oak Street' or 'The Arkansas Buzzsaw Slaughter'?"
Yasui gulped and Diana groaned.
"No way. Not one of your disturbing blood and gore movies! Something Yasui will like. Maybe… oh what's that series about the magicians or witches and their magic school?"
Charles raised an eyebrow.
"'Reggie Cooper'?"
"Yes, those ones. They're cheerful, but still appropriate for the season."
Charles nodded.
"As you wish."
While he went to get the movie from the cabinet full of movie boxes, Diana shivered.
"I'm feeling chilly again."
Yasui frowned.
"I'm sorry. Want another blanket?"
Diana huffed.
"What I need is a space heater."
Yasui laughed.
"Mom always joked that I was a living space heater. See? Feel my hands."
Yasui held his hand out to her and she took it. She immediately gave him a look of surprise.
"My word, your hands aren't warm, they're hot! Are you feverish?"
"Nope. Just hot blooded. I can sit with you if you want. I do love to cuddle."
She laughed and lifted her blanket for him.
"Yes please. My bones ache from this chill."
Yasui joined her on the couch and felt as she curled around him, resting her chin on the top of his head. She wrapped him in a gentle hug from behind and purred happily.
"Oh, that's heavenly. You make a fine hot water bottle, Yasui."
"I wouldn't recommend putting me on your forehead though. I might be too heavy."
As Charles returned to them, he smirked.
"Comfortable?"
"Oh shut up and play the movie!" Diana growled.
This movie was definitely more Yasui's speed. No murder or dismemberment, just the story of a little deer boy who was told that he was a magician and was going to magic school. There were lots of goofy characters and funny creatures, which Yasui enjoyed. He also enjoyed being in close proximity with Miss Diana for this long. He hadn't lied, he had always loved to cuddle. He had especially liked to snuggle with his mother when he was a little kid, which this reminded him of. All in all, Yasui couldn't think of a better way to spend an evening.
(I wonder…. If I get married, would I get to spend every night like this? Pressed up against someone just enjoying their company?)
He felt Miss Diana purring deep in her chest and leaned against her more, smiling.
(If I could choose anyone to marry, it would definitely be her.)