13Alright, I do owe an explanation to all of you! First, let me start by saying I love you ALL! You guys are absolutely amazing reviewers! You all get cyber cookies! I know a lot of people have wondered when I was about to post the next chappie. I haven't dropped it or forgotten about it! Truthfully, I started writing ch 5 shortly after ch 4, but then I got writers block. I ended up erasing the entire, nearly complete, thing today, after so many months of procrastinating. I wrote this super long chappie for you all in one day! Tell me what you think! Also, I'm starting school, so I don't know how my posting will be affected just yet. Remember, reviews make me a happy Mew.
_
Hikaru followed silently, emerald eyes keenly fixed on the slowly opening door as they neared it. His hand, on instinct, had tightened around Kurai's, as if the small action could draw some semblance of strength from it. He felt it as Kurai returned the gesture, and the near-painful thundering of his heart in his chest eased. His other hand, hanging free at his side, clenched and loosened in steady increments, chasing away the numbness brought on by remembering the sheer amount of people. All those faces, all those bright and swirling colors nearly made his head hurt. His ears perked, however, and his tail had begun to slowly swish around his legs. At that moment, he was more curious than afraid. The initial shock was quickly fading.
Kurai shot him a glance, warm dark eyes portraying the uneasy emotions not reflected in his expression. He couldn't afford to reveal too much of that emotion tonight. After all, this was as much part of his business as it was a party. He was grateful to see the understanding in the kitten's large eyes, however. His large hand finished pushing the door to the kitchen, and he stepped out into the dining room and the echoing noise of his guests and their chatter. He'd slid into a confident smile now, instinctively holding Hikaru closer as he scanned the area for his mother and father. Koichi was somewhere, too. He was, most likely, tending to guests and seeing that things went smoothly tonight. That thought eased tenseness between his shoulder blades that he'd not recognized before. He could always count on Koichi for anything.
He smiled, making polite small talk and answering questions with vague answers as he moved. He never let go of Hikaru's hand, tugging the boy with him at a fast stride. It took a bit of stumbling and the tightening of Hikaru's hand on his to get him to slow so that the kitten's shorter legs could effectively keep up. Fortunately, it wasn't too long before his sharp gaze settled on his mother, who was shooting him a confused glance in return. No doubt she'd seen Hikaru holding onto his hand. He moved towards her, hand now resting on Hikaru's thin shoulder in a confident gesture.
Hikaru didn't understand, at first. He stared up at the woman with unintentional confusion. His gaze was thoughtful as he took in every detail. It clicked when he glanced back toward Kurai. They were related? His ears perked, and he naturally brightened. Anyone related to his master had to be a very nice person! He stepped forward and smiled as he hugged her. He was shorter than her by at least a head, thinner, too. He felt her stiffen and flinch, and suddenly his confusion was back. He was flying backwards? He felt the push of air tousling his blond hair and scrambled to catch himself. He was falling! His lips parted in a silent desperate cry.
His eyes had squeezed shut, and his heart thundered in his chest. Just as quickly as it began, everything became still. He slowly opened an emerald eye and two large warm hands on his back registered. Someone had caught him? The firm steady hold as he found his feet was what tethered him back to himself. He glanced up at Kurai's stunned gaze and a silent question remained in his own. He glanced back, however, at the woman who'd pushed him. Why did she look so disgusted?
Her beautiful sapphire eyes had narrowed, icing over as a rush of scarlet found her smooth pale cheeks. Her ebony hair had been slightly jostled by the sudden movement, and she no longer wore the dress in dignified grace. Now, she seemed to huddle into what little fabric there was, gloved hands holding her shoulders as she glared at the cat. Her ruby lips twitched into a most terrible scowl. "It touched me! That filthy animal just attacked me! Quick, did he scratch me? Did he bite me? Oh, I hope he didn't tear my dress!"
Before Hikaru could react, her narrowed eyes snapped back fiercely to him, then over his head to where Kurai stood, hands still on either shoulder. "You let that stray beast touch me! Your mother! What would your father say?"
The man in question, middle aged and still very much composed, settled a large hand on his wife's slim shoulder and squeezed lightly. "Dear, you appear unharmed. Please, I'm sure the child meant no harm. It was a show of affection." His steely blue eyes were softer now. He might not have approved of the cat, but he understood that it didn't know any better, that it was still very young and trusting.
Hikaru had gone rigid under the woman's sharp scrutiny. His entire body had begun to lightly shake. He wanted so desperately to tuck his tail and run. It was Kurai's firm grip on his shoulders that kept him there. For his master's sake, he wouldn't risk causing uproar. Perhaps that was too little, too late, but he was trying. His fists were clenched at his sides now, fingernails biting against his palms to leave dark crescent moon marks on the soft pale skin. There were so many eyes on him, and everyone was starting to whisper.
"Mother, he's harmless." Kurai wanted so desperately to just walk away then, Hikaru in toe. He couldn't, though. That would mean forfeiting what dignity he'd acquired those past years. He did, however, pick Hikaru up. It wasn't that the boy was that short. Kurai, like his father, was considerably taller than most. For his age, Hikaru was average height. His thin frame made it easy.
Sensing the comfort of that familiar warmth and the light warm cinnamon scent, probably cologne, Hikaru shivered and rested his head on Kurai's broad shoulder. His tail wrapped around himself, and his ears, though not drooping, twitched and flicked at every noise. He was still staring at the woman, apology in his large eyes. He'd messed up again. He hoped Kurai wasn't too angry with him…
The woman, in open mouthed shock, stared up at her husband as if he'd just punched her in the chest or told her she was fat. Her hand flew to her chest, over her heart, and she scowled at him, too. "That isn't the point!" She turned back to Kurai then, pointedly ignoring Hikaru. "The least you could do is to buy something with a pedigree. You came home with a mutt. I'll bet he's probably got fleas, tics, and rabies."
Hikaru's gaze sharpened at that, and it was all he could do to keep his tail from bristling. He did NOT have fleas, ticks, OR rabies! Just then, he was grateful he couldn't speak or make noise. He hissed silently through his teeth and turned away into Kurai's shirt again. He'd tried to keep himself moderately clean. It wasn't his fault he'd been so dirty. The shot at his pedigree, however rude, failed to affect him though. He knew it already. It was something he'd never forgotten. That was why most of his old masters treated him so badly. He wasn't stupid. That was why he kept getting sent to that rundown shelter, and not a pet store. That was why he never got the best choice of food.
Kurai glanced down in time to watch Hikaru fight back those dark emotions from his eyes, forcing a smile in their place. The cat might have appeared innocent, but he'd seen far too much in his short life to be naïve. He knew only a fraction of how much it must have stung for Hikaru not to lash out. He sighed as he tightened his grip on Hikaru's body, gingerly stroking the boy's soft blond hair to calm him. "Easy now…" he whispered, feeling Hikaru's muscles ease, one by one.
"Mother, apologize to Hikaru." The steel in his voice came as a shock, not just for his parents. All around him, guests inhaled a sharp tense breath. Even Hikaru was staring at him. Still, he wouldn't take back the order.
He watched as his mother spun on her heel, eyes flaring angrily, to stride out of the dining room. Silence fell, and it was a long moment before anyone moved. This time, he was the one surprised. He watched his father step forward, large hand patting Hikaru on the top of the head tenderly.
"What an interesting pet. I think he'll do you some good, son. I suppose it's good that your brother wasn't here tonight. He was tied up with business. Well then, I have to go catch your mother. If it's any difference, I'm sorry in her place, Hikaru." He turned easily after shaking his son's free hand, following Koichi to the door where his wife had been waiting. They left like that, both not speaking.
It took a long drawn out moment before the noise level resumed. Everyone had let go of the breath they'd been holding. Now, more than ever, the curiosity was focused around the small cat. Several beautifully clad figures stepped up, asking to pet Hikaru after greeting Kurai. For the most part, their smiles were genuinely soft. They weren't afraid of Hikaru. Quite the opposite, it seemed. They all asked his name, where Kurai had gotten him, and why the sudden purchase. Their hands found Hikaru's soft white ears and wavy blond hair to pet.
Kurai waited until the majority of his guests had gathered around to start talking, conversationally, about it. "It was on impulse," he began, shrugging nonchalantly. "It was starting to get lonely around here, so I bought him the moment I passed the shop and saw him there. He's a good cat, very well mannered. He's, mostly, trained. I got him at a shelter. He hasn't had good luck with most of his masters, so I was surprised when he was so nice. Unfortunately, though, he can't speak. He's a mute."
Hands flew to chests and the group seemed to gasp collectively. One woman dressed simply, left hand still stroking the shell of Hikaru's ear. She nodded slowly. "Usually, abusive masters will create violent animals. The pet acts out because it feels threatened. Kurai-Sama, you're a very gentle master, so he feels safe with you. I take it the shelter didn't feed him much, though." Her wise grey eyes glanced up and found his as her free hand came to rest on Hikaru's exposed upper arm. Her other hand had found a small indent in the soft white ear, a wound that had long since healed.
Hikaru listened, and he was surprised to find he trusted this woman. She was gentle, and she seemed to know just where to pet and where to avoid. She knew what she was talking about… He began to purr silently after a while, head tilting into her touch now. For the moment, he'd forgotten about his hunger, forgotten about the rude woman. He was safe for now. Even the touch to the indent in his ear could make him flinch. His tail flicked and swished around his leg.
Kurai shifted, chuckling warmly as he settled the kitten on both feet on the floor. His hand still rested on Hikaru's shoulder, but the cat seemed calm under all the friendly stares. "This here," he began, getting Hikaru's attention, "is Lily. She's a veterinarian for a very well known clinic in town." He nodded to the woman.
With stormy grey eyes, aged and wise, dark amber hair pulled back into a long braid down the middle of her shoulder blades, and a simple tailored black pants suit, the relatively short middle aged woman smiled from Kurai to Hikaru. She wore glasses, thin and lined in silver over her sun-kissed face. She wore no makeup, or very little, and the kindness and age made her appear beyond beautiful. "It's nice to meet you, Hikaru-San. How are you feeling?"
Hikaru, who'd continued to study her intently, blinked at the question. His head tilted to the side, and his ears twitched in confusion. He'd never been asked that before that he could recall. He snapped out of it relatively quickly, however, and held up a thumb to indicate that he was, under the circumstances, doing fine. He was, he realized, just fine. He'd gotten over the initial shock, and it hardly fazed him now that someone would be appalled at his being a 'mutt'. Just then, though, he stomach gave a loud growl and his ears drooped again. He smiled weakly, trying to ignore the sound. It would be rude to ask for food when he'd not finished what he'd had earlier.
Before he could stop her, though, Lily was moving about the table. It was clear most of the guests had eaten already, but everything was still fresh and still warm. She got him a plate, similar to the one he'd had earlier, and pulled out the chair at the head of the table for him. "Come now, you at least need a good meal. You won't be able to sleep on an empty stomach, right?"
The thought of that nice soft bed, waiting for him upstairs, made him blink and his cheeks to darken lightly. She had a point. Still, wasn't that where Kurai was supposed to sit? He glanced back up at his master, and he was glad to see the man seemed to understand his silent question. He felt familiar hands picking him up, settling him down onto the chair to sit on Kurai's lap. His tail flicked, and he would have mewed happily if he could. Because he couldn't, though, he leaned up to nuzzle Kurai's neck slowly.
Kurai had to admit, if only inwardly, that watching his pet eat was entertaining. The place settings were all intricately set out, and Hikaru was doing his best to study and understand each needed utensil. Finally, though, he leaned forward and plucked the dinner fork up off the crisp white table cloth for the cat. He watched Hikaru study it, committing it to memory no doubt, before his smaller hand took it. He watched as Hikaru fumbled about with it, probably trying to figure out some way to hold it. To his surprise, he watched Hikaru settle on the correct way and begin the slow, tentative, process of eating. The boy had an acute appreciation for each flavor and texture. He left Hikaru to eat and continued on with his conversations over the boy's head. It was getting late, and most of his guests had left, or were about to leave. He said his goodbyes and Koichi, always efficient, saw the guests out.
Lily was the last, remaining seated to Kurai's left as she studied the cat's methodically slow movements, how he savored each bite. She watched his eyes narrow in thought again, and she wondered how much the boy understood. He was intelligent, obviously, but his work in social graces was still yet to be seen. It appeared he wanted to learn, at least.
"Well then, I'll be leaving here shortly. Come by my office when you get a chance and I'll give Hikaru a checkup." She smiled as she handed Kurai her business card and stood, shaking his hand. She was about to go when suddenly she turned back around. Hikaru had just finished eating when she knelt in front of him. She patted his head gently, stroking behind his ear as she smiled. "You make sure to get a lot of sleep, ok? Kurai is a very gentle man, so be good for him, ok?" She stood then when he smiled, dusting off her suit pants as she followed Koichi out.
Amelia had come to collect the plates, impressed to find that Hikaru was in a better mood. She'd heard what had happened in the kitchen and with Kurai-Sama's mother. That must have been scary. "I think good little kitties should get to sleep. It's getting late." She smiled as she tapped his nose, watching him stand and wiggle his nose at the touch. Obviously the promise of a warm bed appealed to him. She glanced up at Kurai, who was smiling as he stood.
"Amelia, can you tuck him in for me? I'll be up to say goodnight soon." he promised, watching Hikaru take Amelia's hand to follow. His tail had begun to swish happily now, and it was as if the events of that evening hadn't just happened. He sighed, turning to leave as the servants began clearing the table. He had a bit of paperwork to see to before he went up to say goodnight to his new pet.
Upstairs, Hikaru was barely out of his clothes and into soft green pajamas when he took off on a run, landing on the bed with a silent purr. He ran his face, fingers, and bare toes over the soft covers and shivered at the warmth. It felt so good… His tail swished, and his ears perked forward happily. He snuggled in under the covers, holding onto the feathery soft pillow as he watched Amelia lean over to peck him on the forehead and tuck the covers around him. "Sleep now, silly. You've got a lot to do tomorrow."
He watched as she stood and turned off the light, shutting the door silently behind her as she stepped out into the hallway. His purring continued, and he vowed that he wouldn't go to sleep until his master came and told him goodnight.
He watched the clock…and watched some more… Where was he? It'd already been an hour and a half. He heaved a silent sigh as he shifted in the bed, tail wrapping around his leg again. He wanted to tell his master goodnight…or show him as best he could. He said he'd be right up, didn't he? He was about to give up and fall asleep when the door creaked open and a dark shadow stepped into the room. He bolted up in bed, eyes wide and lips curled into a large smile. He watched Kurai sit down on the side of the bed, heard that warm deep chuckle, and knew he'd been right to wait. He wrapped the larger man in a hug, still silently purring as he nuzzled Kurai's neck and cheek.
In response, Kurai chuckled and patted Hikaru's blond hair gently. "You waited up all this time just for me? You should work on getting sleep instead." He chuckled, stroking the pale cheek gently with his thumb. "Lay down and I'll tuck you in." he assured, easing the other back down as he wrapped the covers around him. "Goodnight, Hikaru. We'll go tomorrow and have Lily look at you." He chuckled, something warm and deep, as he pressed a gentle kiss to the kitten's cheek.
At last, the weariness had gotten to the smaller boy. He yawned, tail tucking and ears drooping as his sleepy emerald eyes slowly closed. His long lashes tickled his cheeks as blond locks fell across his cheeks. He was still purring silently when warmth pressed against his slightly parted lips. He kissed back, something sweet and giving. Somewhere inside him, he wished the feeling would last forever. When at last it faded, he shivered and listened as the door clicked shut. That had been a good dream.