LOG: Four little kittens [Kabaji and Inui]
Who: Kabaji Munehiro and Inui Sadaharu
What: Inui and Kabaji meet in town and find cats
When: 19 November
Where: On the edge of town and various other places
Rating: G
The day was briskly cold. Kabaji was very glad he had finished all the scarves when he did. He just hoped that everyone enjoyed them and stayed warm. As it was now, he was heading into town to get more yarn. A couple skeins that he wanted to leave alone. Along with the hats, he was going to add a ball of yarn to each twin’s present.
He pulled his coat around him more. It seemed a lot closer when he had gone up. The town seemed a lot farther away now that there was a blanket of snow on the ground. He wouldn’t let that stop him though. He just kept right on going. It was a bit lonely without someone to go with but Kabaji was better off not talking to anyone. Too dangerous. If he was lucky, he’d make it all the way there and all the way back without running into anyone.
On the edge of town, he paused. He supposed he wasn’t very lucky. He thought he recognized a boy from the school. Head down, he kept moving forwards. Maybe he wouldn’t notice him.
Inui had left for town earlier that day for an ingredient run, timing it precisely for when the leftover seafood for the day went on sale. He didn’t even make it to the shops, having encountered a distraction right at the edge of town -- a box of tiny, mewling, and obviously freezing kittens. Despite the sadistic mad scientist image the rest of the school had of him, Inui was still a teenage boy at heart, and easily moved by small baby animals in distress.
“Who would do such a thing?” he muttered to himself, gathering the little furballs--four in total-- and trying to put them somewhere warm. The most logical place would be tucked in his new scarf (which he had found outside his room when he finally returned from being buried under a snowdrift) under his jacket, but he was finding it hard to fit all four of the squirming little things without dropping them. He looked about to see if anyone could help, and spotted one of their new additions to the school.
“Kabaji, was it? Kabaji, could you come here for a moment, please?” he called after the tall boy.
No luck at all. He heard his name being called. There was no pretending he didn’t hear it and continuing on. Plus the owner of the voice sounded like he really did need help. His desire to be useful overrode his desire not to have to talk to anyone. He veered off his path and towards the voice.
Once he got closer, he recognized the owner. Mostly by the 15 foot Dr Who style scarf. He remembered making it out of the last of the many different yarns he used for everyone elses. It wasn’t a throw away. It really suited him. He was glad. He even managed a shy smile when he finally stopped in front of the other boy. Now came the hard part. Trying to talk.
“C...can I....help...you...” He managed the words as well as to be expected from a boy who was afraid of his own words.
There were obvious lumps moving and making noises under Inui’s jacket as he struggled to keep them all in one place. “Yes, I require assistance,” Inui said, wishing he had a free hand to push up his glasses, which were steadily sliding down his nose. He gave Kabaji a scrutinising glance. He’d noticed the younger boy’s general reluctance to speak and shy manner in the couple of weeks that he’d been at the Acadamy, and had deduced that it probably had to do with whatever his power was or some traumatic life experience (the two were not mutually exclusive). It didn’t really matter to Inui, who thought that words were generally overrated anyway. He preferred numbers.
He shuffled closer to Kabaji, then deposited half of his wriggly load into Kabaji’s arms. “I found them over there,” he explained, nodding towards a now-empty box lying beside a trash can in a nearby alley. “They looked cold, so I couldn’t just leave them.”
He had heard a lot of scary things about Inui. When the other approached though, Kabaji did not back up or move. He remained still and looked at him curiously. He didn’t think the odd older boy would experiment on him or anything out here in broad view of the town. He was rewarded as well.
Two adorable squirmy kittens were in his arms. He all but melted and carefully put one into each of his gigantic coat pockets but not before giving them a not so secret snuggle. He had always liked cats. “That....is very...kind of you.” He observed, looking to the box. To think the darling things had been thrown away like garbage. It broke his heart.
“You...are right...They need to be...somewhere warm...” he wondered if they would be allowed to keep them at the school. Four kittens might be a lot to take care of though, even with the extent of his ability. He really wanted to though. His hand moved to lightly pet over one of his pocket riders. “Is there..a shelter...we can bring them to?” He wondered.
“I don’t think there’s a shelter in this small town,” Inui replied, frowning. He wrapped the remaining two kittens up in the scarf again and buttoned his jacket over them, using his arms to keep them there. “We could possibly try the vet clinic....should we try?” Inui sort of wanted to keep them, though. For social experimentation, he told himself. Not because they were cute! Alright, perhaps because they were sort of adorable and Inui never really had a pet before. Though the venus flytrap Shiraishi had given him might count...
That made perfect sense really. And really, if he went to the shelter, he would want to go home with all the poor unloved critters. Unconsciously, he kept reaching down for the little ones. Making sure they were safe and lightly stroking over them. He couldn’t really keep them. He just had to keep telling himself, even if all he wanted was to ask Inui not to tell and turn and go back to the school with them.
“Usu....Even if...only to have them...check...them out...” And if they were healthy. No....No...He couldn’t. But that little mewing in his pockets were quickly weakening his already fragile resolve. In fact... Kabaji sort of looked anywhere but at Inui with his second thought. “I...aren’t...pets allowed....at the school I mean...I...I heard a first year...owns a cat...”
“Ah, Echizen. He has a cat.” Inui nodded, starting to walk towards the centre of town, where he’d noticed a veterinary clinic near the stationery shop he frequented. “I know other students have pets, too. Ibu has a tarantula. Ohtori has... a bird of some sort.” Inui hadn’t been able to get the data on the exact species despite poring over birder’s guides. Stupid songbirds all looked the same. “Maybe you can keep one?” he suggested, taking note of Kabaji’s frequent fond glances towards his pockets.
They arrived before long in front of the veterinary clinic. Inui stepped inside, asking the receptionist if they had any adoption or rehoming services. Predictably, the answer was no. Inui sighed. Perhaps they’d just get the kittens looked over. He dutifully filled out a form, and both boys were shooed into the waiting room.
He smiled at that. “Fluffy...Her name is Fluffy...She is a very nice spider.” Words most people would never hear about a huge hairy tarantula. “I...room with Ibu-san.” He stated after, just in case Inui didn’t know about the living arrangements. Would the kittens and fluffy get along? Would Ibu-san even be okay with another pet or two in the room with them?
He let Inui do the paperwork. He couldn’t be too careful. He didn’t want things suddenly appearing because of some accident. He wouldn’t be able to explain it and then he’d get into trouble for outing them to the townsfolk. He gave the other a look of gratitude for doing that for him and went to procure seats for them in the waiting room. There, he pulled the kittens from his spacious pockets and placed them on his lap. They were cute and he lightly patted them, reveling in how soft and how playful they were once they got used to him.
“I....want to.” He murmured. “Keep them.” If they were healthy. “What...about you...I...Inui-san...they...shouldn’t be...split up. They’re family...”
“Yes, I’ve met her, and I know you room with Ibu. I was just listing some people with pets,” said Inui, doing the same and letting the kittens mill about his lap. Fluffy was one very cool spider. He’d briefly considered getting a pet tarantula, just to annoy Mukahi. But the little town near their school didn’t stock exotic pets in their petstore, and Inui didn’t want to make a trip to Tokyo just for that, even if he did like spiders. He looked at the kittens on his lap, a soft smoke-grey one and its black sibling. “I don’t mind holding on to them until they find a home,” he found himself saying. “Maybe I’ll even keep one... but I have insufficient data on how to rear cats.”
One of his kittens, a black and gray had decided to be adventurous and started to make the grueling climb up his arm. Kabaji didn't mind. The little claws didn’t hurt all that much. Besides, he was sure the cat would stop at his shoulder if only because of how much effort it would take to get that far. The little white one, possibly the runt remained curled in his lap, finding that most suitable for it’s petting needs.
He smiled a little more at the older boy. Inui would really keep hold of them. That was wonderful. Even if it was for a little bit, the four would stay together. But he wouldn’t dare to pressure the boy into changing that maybe into a sure thing. Instead, he nodded a bit.
“I...I’m sure...we can..ask Echizen-kun....Or look in a book..I...used to have a cat...too. Back home. So I know a little. You...can always ask me. I...” He was really nervous about admitting something else. “I can...also...make things for them...boxes and...toys...so there wouldn’t be...a worry about buying things.” Permanency was one of the things he was working really hard on. He had got it down with very small objects, which would be enough for their little furry friends.
“You don’t want to keep one?” Inui raised a brow, gathering up his share of the kittens as their ticket number was called. Kabaji seemed quite attached to them already. He made a mental note about Kabaji’s fondness for cats. “88% probability that Ibu would be fine with it.” He followed the veterinary assistant into the examination room, trusting Kabaji would soon follow. Once inside, he set the cats onto the table and watched as the vet checked them over one by one.
“We found them at the edge of town,” he explained to the vet. “Do you know if there are any shelters nearby?”
He wanted to keep one so badly, he was sure it was written all over his face when he placed his two next to Inui’s two. In fact, if he had his way, he’d want to keep both of his. But he was in no position to make such selfish demands. But he still watched the vet with a very intense focus, staring at him as if those kittens were already his precious pets and not just strays. Though without the strays to keeps his hands busy, he had started to fidget just slightly. It was an unfortunate side effect of his shyness.
He only took his eyes away from the four little furballs to give Inui another look of thanks. Without him there, it would have been a lot more difficult. Kabaji could sometimes be like speaking to a wall; only the wall would be a better conversationalist. But he silently hung onto every word the vet said about the kittens and the nearest shelter.
“They seem to be in good health. Underfed and pretty young. Three males and a female.” He pointed to each cat ending at the white runt, the girl. As for a shelter.” He paused to think about if for a moment. “I think the closest one is in Sapporo.”
Kabaji knew that was very very far. Perhaps it meant he could keep the kittens a little longer. He looked to Inui again and then back at the vet and mumbled. “What...would it take...to...adopt them...shots... fixing them...” Usual kitten owning things.
“Sapporo-- that’s far... Perhaps we’ll keep them until we can find homes for them,” said Inui, with a grin directed at Kabaji. He could see how much Kabaji wanted to have at least one of them. 100% probability he would make a good owner. Perhaps he could foster two while Inui handled the other half. Besides, it would be good data to see how cats reacted around people with certain mutations. Inui was quickly warming to the idea. He did some mental calculations in his head as the vet detailed what needed to be done, and their costs.
“I’ll split the costs with you. If we’ve found potential owners by then, they’ll likely contribute too,” Inui offered. The kittens were still a bit too young to be vaccinated or neutered, so they still had some time to figure it out. He listened as the vet gave some further advice on feeding and taking care of such young cats and prescribed them some nutritional supplements.
Later, Kabaji vowed. Later, when it was just them and the cats again, he would show Inui just why splitting the cost really wasn’t necessary. But for now he just nodded at the older boy. “Usu.” He agreed and once more listened to the man tell them what that needed. He took special note of when certain things needed to be done. It seemed like a long time away. By then, he would good and attached to the little cats.
Once they were cleared, Kabaji went to scoop his two up and return them to his very warm pockets. They seemed comfortable there. Now, he just had to get them back to the dorms. But not before stopping to get the kitten chow and other things the animal doctor recommended. He waited for Inui and whispered quietly to him as he went to go and and help pay the vet bill.
“I...want to show you something....once...we’re done here...that will be...really helpful.” He was nervous about it. He had never willingly shown anyone just what his ability was.
Back went the kittens under Inui’s jacket once the vet was done looking at them. “Something?” Inui’s ears pricked up as he heard. That sounded like sweet juicy data. As a good senpai he forked out a bit more than his own share to help pay the bill, waving away any protest Kabaji might have. He picked up the kittens’ vitamin supplements and eagerly followed Kabaji out. It surely had something to do with the kittens, and possibly to do with Kabaji’s own abilities-- but what?
Inui’s thoughts were interrupted with a series of petulant miaows. “Uh... they’re hungry, I think. Perhaps we should get them food before you show me?” Assuming Inui didn’t die of curiosity before then.
Those pathetic sounds were a perfect excuse for him. In fact it couldn’t come at a better time. “Actually...” He turned and went to a spot behind some bushes. He was too large to be well hidden but he hoped it was enough. Silently, he motioned Inui over and put the kittens down on the ground, one and two. He made sure they didn’t run or squirm away while he worked.
One large fingers started drawing in the dirt. Kanji had always been a bit difficult for him, but for what he wanted, he knew it was the best bet. He double checked his work. In the dirt the words Kitten Food were written. He wanted to wait until he was sure Inui was their only audience though before he whispered the words.
Word became what it stood for. Whole and real. He looked to Inui a moment, as if to beg him, plead with him not to say anything to anyone, ever, about this. Because he had done something in town...and he had done something in general. He, who stood at training and didn’t do anything but shake his head no. But it was for the kittens. It would do until they could actually buy a better brand. After all, Kabaji’s chow was the most generic brand possible. Bargain basement, run of the mill cat food.
“....Lunch...” He mumbled and lightly pushed the kittens towards it, so that they could fill their bellies.
Inui didn’t know what to expect as Kabaji led him to a secluded area and started scrawling in the dirt. He put down his little burden as well when Kabaji set his kittens down, trusting that Kabaji had something planned that involved them. His jaw dropped as the food materialised and the kittens started eating it. “This....” There were simply no words. Inui had seen his fair share of powerful abilities, but this-- bringing things into being just by the power of words--was in its own class entirely.
“...Awesome,” he managed at last, pushing up his glasses and watching the kittens stuff their faces. Inui thought he could understand why Kabaji was so shy and hesitant about speaking, now. And while this was all very good data... one just didn’t write it down when confronted with that face...He cleared his throat. “Well... I guess you don’t want me to tell anyone?” He squatted down and picked up some of the food, looking and sniffing at it. 100% the real thing, as far as he could tell.
“You know, if it makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have to create things for the cats,” he said seriously. “I can afford feeding them. I sometimes harvest wild herbs from the mountains and sell them, and have a bit saved up.”
Once more, that begging look. He wouldn’t be below bowing and scraping either. He really really didn’t want anyone knowing. He didn’t because it was dangerous. What he might have done today was pretty innocuous but if others knew, they might make him do other things. Bad things. Then there were always the mistakes. Bad mistakes that got people hurt. Words hurt, especially when those words were “car” and got dropped on people’s heads...
“Please...I...I’ll do anything...just...don’t tell.” He honestly would, so long as it didn’t hurt anyone else.
He also didn’t want to use all of Inui’s money. But he was a runaway. Making money with his power was hit or miss. He never knew how much might come of it, or what kind. Money was a nebulous noun and the results might end him in jail for forgery. “I....I’ll pay you back....somehow...” He promised.
What could one say to that? Inui rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. It seemed that Kabaji had a whole bag of problems. He didn’t really think Kabaji’s powers, while useful, were strictly needed for kitten rearing though, unless it was for toys and other small things that he could practice on. “It’s okay. I won’t tell,” he promised, giving Kabaji what he hoped was an encouraging grin that didn’t seem too maniacal. “If things get a little tight, we can just have a bake sale. My data indicates that that activity has an acceptable efficiency as a fund-raiser.” Inui couldn’t actually make anything that was edible for normal people... but he could figure that part out later.
He picked up the now sated and drowsy kittens and handed Kabaji his share. “It’ll be fine. Let’s go get them some of the other things they need, unless you want to make a litterbox?”
His two went back into their temporary carriers. He was sure they’d end up falling to sleep in his pockets. He didn’t mind. So long as they were safe and comfortable. He was safe too. Inui wouldn’t tell on him. Inui would keep it to himself and that was a lot of pressure and worry off of Kabaji’s back.
“I...I’m leaning to bake...from Atobe-sama so...a bake sale...might work.” He offered and then shook his head ‘no’ quite adamantly. He didn’t want to do another demonstration of his skill. “I...would rather...the pet store...” He admitted sheepishly.
Inui nodded, accepting Kabaji’s decision. He still didn’t fully understand the younger boy’s reluctance-- if Inui had that sort of power he would be making all the things--but everyone had their reasons.
“Ah, Atobe. If he’s teaching you then it should be fine...” Inui had been liberally sampling Atobe’s ‘leftovers’ ever since Mukahi stopped making food for him. While most things tasted more or less the same to him he knew that the others found Atobe’s goods to be quite palatable. They walked together to the pet store, where Inui decided to let Kabaji choose the items, in acknowledgement of his greater expertise in the subject.
He did have quite a bit of knowledge of what was best for their new friends. He quickly pointed out all the necessities. He paused among the toys and thought about the twins back at school. They had been like big kitties when he had petted them. He wondered if they would like something like the cat toys on the shelves. He decided against it and finished gathering everything, including a very heavy bag of food that they could split. Even with the weight of it all, he didn’t seem to struggle in the least. He was a little less shy about his strength, though not by much.
He waited for Inui and wondered softly out loud. “I...wonder if...we can name...them...”
“You’re strong,” Inui commented, watching as Kabaji carted everything off with ease. “Was that what you indicated as your main ability?” 83% probability that it was the case, he thought, watching the younger boy.
He shook his head. “....It’s....secondary...I think...” He didn’t know when he had gotten his strength. He had always been bigger and stronger than everyone. He didn’t know when that had become superhuman only because he had always been careful not to become a bully. “The other thing...that’s....what I do.” And what he didn’t want others to know he did. “But...I...strength is a lot safer...and easier...so...I use that... a lot more.” If only because he had learned long ago to temper his strength.
“I meant if it’s what you put on paper, in school forms,” Inui clarified. He paused a bit to pay at the cashier, then helped nudge a kitten back into Kabaji’s pocket, since the other’s hands were occupied. “Since you don’t seem to have told anyone about this ability. Or perhaps Ryuuzaki knows?” Even without Kabaji telling her, she might know anyway. That woman was a bit creepily omniscient, sometimes. He remembered Kabaji’s earlier question about naming the kittens. “... I suppose you can name them if you want,” he said. He sort of wanted to name one Pi.
He nodded then. He knew it was wrong to lie and his was a lie of omission. Just like a lot of things. He had run away to come here. He hadn’t had his parents permission or anything. But the lady in charge had still let him fill out the paperwork and he was still allowed to go to classes, even if he claimed “superstrength” as his only ability. “Usu...I...” He didn’t know how to state just how scared of his main ability he was. He was certain his reluctance would state that adequately enough.
He accepted all the bags once everything was rung up and paid for, willing to carry them all the way back. He smiled when he was told that he could name them. Naming would mean even more attachment, but he doubted when the time came, he’d be able to let them go. “Yuki for the girl...and...Niko...for the boy...” He could even make them little collars with their names on them. “I....if you name yours...I...I’ll make collars for them...” It would be part of his repayment.
“Ah.” Inui coughed awkwardly. If Kabaji didn’t want to talk about it, Inui wouldn’t make him. They headed off in the direction of the bus stop, Inui having decided that they were carrying too many things to walk all the way, even with Kabaji’s super-strength.
“Those names are nice,” he commented, feeling that it was the appropriate thing to say. He prefered names that were a little geeky, himself, but to each their own. “You don’t have to do anything in return...” Inui appreciated Kabaji’s sentiment, though he’d hoped that he could rope Kabaji into ingredient hunting next time, as ‘repayment’. Oh well. Collars, well-made ones, no doubt, would work as well.
He would go help Inui anyway. If he was asked, he would go, plain and simple, just because he wanted to be useful and liked. Plus Inui wasn’t creepy as everyone seemed to think after all. He was a pretty nice guy. Kabaji wouldn’t mind spending more time around him.
He sat on the seat and once his hands were free, they made sure his living cargo was safe and secure. He’d probably check a half dozen more times before the bus arrived, just to be certain.
Inui remained standing, gathering data on kitten care on his phone. The kittens were fast asleep tucked in the scarf. Inui patted the lump in his jacket unconsciously as he scrolled through the websites, only looking up when the bus squealed to a stop in front of them. As he helped Kabaji with some of the more awkwardly-shaped items, Inui mused that Kabaji really had the right idea, with the kittens in his jacket pockets. In the back of his mind, an idea was forming....
Kabaji easily procured seats for them. Shopping for yarn would wait for another day. The rest of today would be dedicated to helping this new kittens get used to their new homes. He was sure the other half of the set would be more than safe with Inui, since he had noted the other’s perusal of information on kitten ownership. “I...if you ever..need help with them...” He suggested softly, “I can help...” He wouldn’t mind having four during those times when Inui needed a kitten free environment.
“That would be useful, as some of the data on the internet conflicts” said Inui. He took a seat beside Kabaji and grinned as the old lady opposite them went “aww!” at the sight of the cats poking out of Kabaji’s pockets. More evidence that his experiment would be interesting, at least. Inui knew that most people at the Academy who knew him regarded him with suspicion at best. But kittens! Now everyone liked adorable little kittens, and around these little creatures their guard would be down. Inui planned to document this hypothesized change in attitude towards him. In the best-case scenario (1.8% probability), perhaps people would trust him enough again to let him give them some juice... Inui was daydreaming at this point.
He didn’t mind the other boy near him. He also didn’t mind the old lady. In fact, he smiled a little at the woman and made sure to pet them more. He knew eventually they would sleep, because that was what kittens did. He didn’t yet know how his roommate would handle them, but there was no way he was going to leave them out here and no way he was going to saddle Inui with four kittens.
He sat quietly until the bus came. At that point, he reached over and lightly...very lightly, tapped Inui. “We’re...almost back...”
Inui blinked, looking up. “Ah, so we are. I’ll help you carry the things to the junior dorm.” He got up and took some of the packages as he exited the bus. He wondered how Mukahi would react. Probably loudly, either way (100%). Whether Mukahi liked it (55%) or not (35%), or plain didn’t care (10%), he would just have to live with it. What Inui was considering with great reluctance was that some well-meaning students might try and take the kittens away from him, particularly if they believed Inui was going to subject them to horrific experiments.
“T...thank you.” He didn’t mind having to carry all the stuff. But since Inui insisted, he would let him. It meant he was less likely to bother his tiny pocket riders. He was glad though, that the junior dorms were close by. He worried that Inui might have trouble carting everything further than he had to. Especially since he had to get his own stuff to his own dorm. Kabaji wondered if he should offer to help carry that. But it would mean two kittens alone in his room for the very first time. He didn’t dare.
“I...I’m sorry...I can’t...help you...back to yours...I...they shouldn’t be alone...on their first day.” He bemoaned his inability sadly.
“That’s fine,” Inui shrugged as they made their way to Kabaji’s dorm. “I’m sure I’ll manage.” He’d been carrying apparatuses and vats of Juice around the past few weeks. Inui thought it rather counted as weight training. Before long, they were at Kabaji’s door, and Inui was helping to unload Kabaji’s share of the various cat-related accessories.
He put his things down to unlock the door. Shinji wasn’t home. He was glad. He would have to explain to his roommate later, about the sudden abundance of cats. He opened the door and then turned to Inui. “Would you...like to come in...for a little bit...So I can show you..how best to set up...Maybe you can visit Fluffy-chan too...” He suggested. He wouldn’t make Inui though.
Inui lit up at the mention of the wonderfully hairy tarantula. “Okay,” he agreed readily, and followed Kabaji into the room. “Sorry for the intrusion.” The dorms were so much warmer compared to the outside, and it seemed that the kittens felt it too, becoming more adventurous with the warmth. Inui had to pull his jacket tighter to stop the kittens from wriggling free. It probably wouldn’t be a good idea for them to roam free in Kabaji’s room. Four kittens running helter-skelter around the room would be too much to handle.
Kabaji could feel his pockets come more alive, or at least the left one. The little white runt seemed rather calm and sleepy about it all.The striped one wanted out to explore already. With care, he picked each one out and put it on his bed, away from his yarn and knitting needles. “Yuki....Niko...stay put.” He told them gently, knowing that it wouldn’t work at all before turning to greet small eight legged and creepy on the other side of the room. “Fluffy-chan...I’ll have...crickets for you...later...” He then turned to smile at Inui.
“I think...we can put this here...and here...” He started putting the items for the kittens on his side of the room, making sure that they were nicely stored and slightly hidden away, to give the cats their privacy. “I...don’t want to spill over...into Ibu-san’s side...” He admitted. He shared, but in the end, Kabaji didn’t like to encroach on anyone else’s territory.
“Sounds good.” After a brief fascinated glance at the spider, Inui got to work, putting down the food bowls before helping set up the litterbox and filling it with litter. “I’m not sure if the kittens will stay on this side of the room,” he said with an amused glance at the gamboling animals. “Unless of course you make a gate. Which actually might be a good idea until they get used to things.”
A gate. That was a good idea. He wondered if it was okay. He hadn’t bought one and the kittens were still very small. He didn’t want to gate off the whole side of his room. Shinji had every right to be on the other side of the room. But he could cordon off a small area by his desk. A little playpen area for the kittens for when he wasn’t around to watch him.
He looked at Inui. They hadn’t bought one, but since the older boy already knew about it. “Do...you want one too?” He asked, starting to write down the proper word to make one. He didn’t know if it was okay to use his ability again in front of Inui. But it would at least be useful. “I...I can...I’ll make you one.”
“That would be nice.” Inui, a master of slightly demented DIY, had meant making one from scrap wood and metal, but wasn’t going to say no to another of Kabaji’s creations. Having completed his tasks, he went over to watch Kabaji work.
He nodded once and finished writing the word he needed. He made sure to write it twice. Once on two different sheets. Those he put a good way away from each other. He didn’t want to make it appear and fall if he wrote it in the air. Now did he want it to appear one on top the other. Once more, he paused, clearly nervous. But he had promised and he would keep his word. “Playpen..” He stated the word he had written twice. Two decent sized constructions appeared where the words had been sitting. The paper had a hole in it where the word had been.
“Take...which ever...you need...Inui-san.” He nodded to them. “They’re small enough that they...have permanence. They won’t...disappear...”
Even though it was the second time he’d seen Kabaji use his abilities, Inui was still impressed. He squatted down next to the pens and tapped on them. “Good and solid,” he said, grinning up at Kabaji. They were certainly the real thing, lightweight but solid wood all round, with metal hinges and latches. “Thanks. I’ll take one.” He took one of them, folded it down, and started tying the other things he needed to take back to his room onto the frame for easier transport.
He sat nervously on his bed while Inui checked on his work. He really did hope his secret was safe with the other. “You...You’re welcome.” He pulled the two kittens in his lap for the comfort that gave to him. “Y...you’ll have to let me...and these two..visit their brothers...and tell me...what you name them....” He knew that Inui would be heading back to the Senior dorm soon. But he did hope he was allowed to come visit.
“Of course,” Inui nodded, straightening up. “When everything is set up you are free to visit.” He would also keep Kabaji’s secret, though he really thought the ability was too awesome not to be made use of more. Kabaji had helped him, after all, so Inui would comply with his wishes in return. “Thanks again for helping me today, Kabaji.” He picked up his packages and headed towards the door. He even looked forward to recording Mukahi’s reaction. And perhaps he would show Fuji and Yanagi, too. Life certainly would get more interesting from then on.
What: Inui and Kabaji meet in town and find cats
When: 19 November
Where: On the edge of town and various other places
Rating: G
The day was briskly cold. Kabaji was very glad he had finished all the scarves when he did. He just hoped that everyone enjoyed them and stayed warm. As it was now, he was heading into town to get more yarn. A couple skeins that he wanted to leave alone. Along with the hats, he was going to add a ball of yarn to each twin’s present.
He pulled his coat around him more. It seemed a lot closer when he had gone up. The town seemed a lot farther away now that there was a blanket of snow on the ground. He wouldn’t let that stop him though. He just kept right on going. It was a bit lonely without someone to go with but Kabaji was better off not talking to anyone. Too dangerous. If he was lucky, he’d make it all the way there and all the way back without running into anyone.
On the edge of town, he paused. He supposed he wasn’t very lucky. He thought he recognized a boy from the school. Head down, he kept moving forwards. Maybe he wouldn’t notice him.
Inui had left for town earlier that day for an ingredient run, timing it precisely for when the leftover seafood for the day went on sale. He didn’t even make it to the shops, having encountered a distraction right at the edge of town -- a box of tiny, mewling, and obviously freezing kittens. Despite the sadistic mad scientist image the rest of the school had of him, Inui was still a teenage boy at heart, and easily moved by small baby animals in distress.
“Who would do such a thing?” he muttered to himself, gathering the little furballs--four in total-- and trying to put them somewhere warm. The most logical place would be tucked in his new scarf (which he had found outside his room when he finally returned from being buried under a snowdrift) under his jacket, but he was finding it hard to fit all four of the squirming little things without dropping them. He looked about to see if anyone could help, and spotted one of their new additions to the school.
“Kabaji, was it? Kabaji, could you come here for a moment, please?” he called after the tall boy.
No luck at all. He heard his name being called. There was no pretending he didn’t hear it and continuing on. Plus the owner of the voice sounded like he really did need help. His desire to be useful overrode his desire not to have to talk to anyone. He veered off his path and towards the voice.
Once he got closer, he recognized the owner. Mostly by the 15 foot Dr Who style scarf. He remembered making it out of the last of the many different yarns he used for everyone elses. It wasn’t a throw away. It really suited him. He was glad. He even managed a shy smile when he finally stopped in front of the other boy. Now came the hard part. Trying to talk.
“C...can I....help...you...” He managed the words as well as to be expected from a boy who was afraid of his own words.
There were obvious lumps moving and making noises under Inui’s jacket as he struggled to keep them all in one place. “Yes, I require assistance,” Inui said, wishing he had a free hand to push up his glasses, which were steadily sliding down his nose. He gave Kabaji a scrutinising glance. He’d noticed the younger boy’s general reluctance to speak and shy manner in the couple of weeks that he’d been at the Acadamy, and had deduced that it probably had to do with whatever his power was or some traumatic life experience (the two were not mutually exclusive). It didn’t really matter to Inui, who thought that words were generally overrated anyway. He preferred numbers.
He shuffled closer to Kabaji, then deposited half of his wriggly load into Kabaji’s arms. “I found them over there,” he explained, nodding towards a now-empty box lying beside a trash can in a nearby alley. “They looked cold, so I couldn’t just leave them.”
He had heard a lot of scary things about Inui. When the other approached though, Kabaji did not back up or move. He remained still and looked at him curiously. He didn’t think the odd older boy would experiment on him or anything out here in broad view of the town. He was rewarded as well.
Two adorable squirmy kittens were in his arms. He all but melted and carefully put one into each of his gigantic coat pockets but not before giving them a not so secret snuggle. He had always liked cats. “That....is very...kind of you.” He observed, looking to the box. To think the darling things had been thrown away like garbage. It broke his heart.
“You...are right...They need to be...somewhere warm...” he wondered if they would be allowed to keep them at the school. Four kittens might be a lot to take care of though, even with the extent of his ability. He really wanted to though. His hand moved to lightly pet over one of his pocket riders. “Is there..a shelter...we can bring them to?” He wondered.
“I don’t think there’s a shelter in this small town,” Inui replied, frowning. He wrapped the remaining two kittens up in the scarf again and buttoned his jacket over them, using his arms to keep them there. “We could possibly try the vet clinic....should we try?” Inui sort of wanted to keep them, though. For social experimentation, he told himself. Not because they were cute! Alright, perhaps because they were sort of adorable and Inui never really had a pet before. Though the venus flytrap Shiraishi had given him might count...
That made perfect sense really. And really, if he went to the shelter, he would want to go home with all the poor unloved critters. Unconsciously, he kept reaching down for the little ones. Making sure they were safe and lightly stroking over them. He couldn’t really keep them. He just had to keep telling himself, even if all he wanted was to ask Inui not to tell and turn and go back to the school with them.
“Usu....Even if...only to have them...check...them out...” And if they were healthy. No....No...He couldn’t. But that little mewing in his pockets were quickly weakening his already fragile resolve. In fact... Kabaji sort of looked anywhere but at Inui with his second thought. “I...aren’t...pets allowed....at the school I mean...I...I heard a first year...owns a cat...”
“Ah, Echizen. He has a cat.” Inui nodded, starting to walk towards the centre of town, where he’d noticed a veterinary clinic near the stationery shop he frequented. “I know other students have pets, too. Ibu has a tarantula. Ohtori has... a bird of some sort.” Inui hadn’t been able to get the data on the exact species despite poring over birder’s guides. Stupid songbirds all looked the same. “Maybe you can keep one?” he suggested, taking note of Kabaji’s frequent fond glances towards his pockets.
They arrived before long in front of the veterinary clinic. Inui stepped inside, asking the receptionist if they had any adoption or rehoming services. Predictably, the answer was no. Inui sighed. Perhaps they’d just get the kittens looked over. He dutifully filled out a form, and both boys were shooed into the waiting room.
He smiled at that. “Fluffy...Her name is Fluffy...She is a very nice spider.” Words most people would never hear about a huge hairy tarantula. “I...room with Ibu-san.” He stated after, just in case Inui didn’t know about the living arrangements. Would the kittens and fluffy get along? Would Ibu-san even be okay with another pet or two in the room with them?
He let Inui do the paperwork. He couldn’t be too careful. He didn’t want things suddenly appearing because of some accident. He wouldn’t be able to explain it and then he’d get into trouble for outing them to the townsfolk. He gave the other a look of gratitude for doing that for him and went to procure seats for them in the waiting room. There, he pulled the kittens from his spacious pockets and placed them on his lap. They were cute and he lightly patted them, reveling in how soft and how playful they were once they got used to him.
“I....want to.” He murmured. “Keep them.” If they were healthy. “What...about you...I...Inui-san...they...shouldn’t be...split up. They’re family...”
“Yes, I’ve met her, and I know you room with Ibu. I was just listing some people with pets,” said Inui, doing the same and letting the kittens mill about his lap. Fluffy was one very cool spider. He’d briefly considered getting a pet tarantula, just to annoy Mukahi. But the little town near their school didn’t stock exotic pets in their petstore, and Inui didn’t want to make a trip to Tokyo just for that, even if he did like spiders. He looked at the kittens on his lap, a soft smoke-grey one and its black sibling. “I don’t mind holding on to them until they find a home,” he found himself saying. “Maybe I’ll even keep one... but I have insufficient data on how to rear cats.”
One of his kittens, a black and gray had decided to be adventurous and started to make the grueling climb up his arm. Kabaji didn't mind. The little claws didn’t hurt all that much. Besides, he was sure the cat would stop at his shoulder if only because of how much effort it would take to get that far. The little white one, possibly the runt remained curled in his lap, finding that most suitable for it’s petting needs.
He smiled a little more at the older boy. Inui would really keep hold of them. That was wonderful. Even if it was for a little bit, the four would stay together. But he wouldn’t dare to pressure the boy into changing that maybe into a sure thing. Instead, he nodded a bit.
“I...I’m sure...we can..ask Echizen-kun....Or look in a book..I...used to have a cat...too. Back home. So I know a little. You...can always ask me. I...” He was really nervous about admitting something else. “I can...also...make things for them...boxes and...toys...so there wouldn’t be...a worry about buying things.” Permanency was one of the things he was working really hard on. He had got it down with very small objects, which would be enough for their little furry friends.
“You don’t want to keep one?” Inui raised a brow, gathering up his share of the kittens as their ticket number was called. Kabaji seemed quite attached to them already. He made a mental note about Kabaji’s fondness for cats. “88% probability that Ibu would be fine with it.” He followed the veterinary assistant into the examination room, trusting Kabaji would soon follow. Once inside, he set the cats onto the table and watched as the vet checked them over one by one.
“We found them at the edge of town,” he explained to the vet. “Do you know if there are any shelters nearby?”
He wanted to keep one so badly, he was sure it was written all over his face when he placed his two next to Inui’s two. In fact, if he had his way, he’d want to keep both of his. But he was in no position to make such selfish demands. But he still watched the vet with a very intense focus, staring at him as if those kittens were already his precious pets and not just strays. Though without the strays to keeps his hands busy, he had started to fidget just slightly. It was an unfortunate side effect of his shyness.
He only took his eyes away from the four little furballs to give Inui another look of thanks. Without him there, it would have been a lot more difficult. Kabaji could sometimes be like speaking to a wall; only the wall would be a better conversationalist. But he silently hung onto every word the vet said about the kittens and the nearest shelter.
“They seem to be in good health. Underfed and pretty young. Three males and a female.” He pointed to each cat ending at the white runt, the girl. As for a shelter.” He paused to think about if for a moment. “I think the closest one is in Sapporo.”
Kabaji knew that was very very far. Perhaps it meant he could keep the kittens a little longer. He looked to Inui again and then back at the vet and mumbled. “What...would it take...to...adopt them...shots... fixing them...” Usual kitten owning things.
“Sapporo-- that’s far... Perhaps we’ll keep them until we can find homes for them,” said Inui, with a grin directed at Kabaji. He could see how much Kabaji wanted to have at least one of them. 100% probability he would make a good owner. Perhaps he could foster two while Inui handled the other half. Besides, it would be good data to see how cats reacted around people with certain mutations. Inui was quickly warming to the idea. He did some mental calculations in his head as the vet detailed what needed to be done, and their costs.
“I’ll split the costs with you. If we’ve found potential owners by then, they’ll likely contribute too,” Inui offered. The kittens were still a bit too young to be vaccinated or neutered, so they still had some time to figure it out. He listened as the vet gave some further advice on feeding and taking care of such young cats and prescribed them some nutritional supplements.
Later, Kabaji vowed. Later, when it was just them and the cats again, he would show Inui just why splitting the cost really wasn’t necessary. But for now he just nodded at the older boy. “Usu.” He agreed and once more listened to the man tell them what that needed. He took special note of when certain things needed to be done. It seemed like a long time away. By then, he would good and attached to the little cats.
Once they were cleared, Kabaji went to scoop his two up and return them to his very warm pockets. They seemed comfortable there. Now, he just had to get them back to the dorms. But not before stopping to get the kitten chow and other things the animal doctor recommended. He waited for Inui and whispered quietly to him as he went to go and and help pay the vet bill.
“I...want to show you something....once...we’re done here...that will be...really helpful.” He was nervous about it. He had never willingly shown anyone just what his ability was.
Back went the kittens under Inui’s jacket once the vet was done looking at them. “Something?” Inui’s ears pricked up as he heard. That sounded like sweet juicy data. As a good senpai he forked out a bit more than his own share to help pay the bill, waving away any protest Kabaji might have. He picked up the kittens’ vitamin supplements and eagerly followed Kabaji out. It surely had something to do with the kittens, and possibly to do with Kabaji’s own abilities-- but what?
Inui’s thoughts were interrupted with a series of petulant miaows. “Uh... they’re hungry, I think. Perhaps we should get them food before you show me?” Assuming Inui didn’t die of curiosity before then.
Those pathetic sounds were a perfect excuse for him. In fact it couldn’t come at a better time. “Actually...” He turned and went to a spot behind some bushes. He was too large to be well hidden but he hoped it was enough. Silently, he motioned Inui over and put the kittens down on the ground, one and two. He made sure they didn’t run or squirm away while he worked.
One large fingers started drawing in the dirt. Kanji had always been a bit difficult for him, but for what he wanted, he knew it was the best bet. He double checked his work. In the dirt the words Kitten Food were written. He wanted to wait until he was sure Inui was their only audience though before he whispered the words.
Word became what it stood for. Whole and real. He looked to Inui a moment, as if to beg him, plead with him not to say anything to anyone, ever, about this. Because he had done something in town...and he had done something in general. He, who stood at training and didn’t do anything but shake his head no. But it was for the kittens. It would do until they could actually buy a better brand. After all, Kabaji’s chow was the most generic brand possible. Bargain basement, run of the mill cat food.
“....Lunch...” He mumbled and lightly pushed the kittens towards it, so that they could fill their bellies.
Inui didn’t know what to expect as Kabaji led him to a secluded area and started scrawling in the dirt. He put down his little burden as well when Kabaji set his kittens down, trusting that Kabaji had something planned that involved them. His jaw dropped as the food materialised and the kittens started eating it. “This....” There were simply no words. Inui had seen his fair share of powerful abilities, but this-- bringing things into being just by the power of words--was in its own class entirely.
“...Awesome,” he managed at last, pushing up his glasses and watching the kittens stuff their faces. Inui thought he could understand why Kabaji was so shy and hesitant about speaking, now. And while this was all very good data... one just didn’t write it down when confronted with that face...He cleared his throat. “Well... I guess you don’t want me to tell anyone?” He squatted down and picked up some of the food, looking and sniffing at it. 100% the real thing, as far as he could tell.
“You know, if it makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have to create things for the cats,” he said seriously. “I can afford feeding them. I sometimes harvest wild herbs from the mountains and sell them, and have a bit saved up.”
Once more, that begging look. He wouldn’t be below bowing and scraping either. He really really didn’t want anyone knowing. He didn’t because it was dangerous. What he might have done today was pretty innocuous but if others knew, they might make him do other things. Bad things. Then there were always the mistakes. Bad mistakes that got people hurt. Words hurt, especially when those words were “car” and got dropped on people’s heads...
“Please...I...I’ll do anything...just...don’t tell.” He honestly would, so long as it didn’t hurt anyone else.
He also didn’t want to use all of Inui’s money. But he was a runaway. Making money with his power was hit or miss. He never knew how much might come of it, or what kind. Money was a nebulous noun and the results might end him in jail for forgery. “I....I’ll pay you back....somehow...” He promised.
What could one say to that? Inui rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. It seemed that Kabaji had a whole bag of problems. He didn’t really think Kabaji’s powers, while useful, were strictly needed for kitten rearing though, unless it was for toys and other small things that he could practice on. “It’s okay. I won’t tell,” he promised, giving Kabaji what he hoped was an encouraging grin that didn’t seem too maniacal. “If things get a little tight, we can just have a bake sale. My data indicates that that activity has an acceptable efficiency as a fund-raiser.” Inui couldn’t actually make anything that was edible for normal people... but he could figure that part out later.
He picked up the now sated and drowsy kittens and handed Kabaji his share. “It’ll be fine. Let’s go get them some of the other things they need, unless you want to make a litterbox?”
His two went back into their temporary carriers. He was sure they’d end up falling to sleep in his pockets. He didn’t mind. So long as they were safe and comfortable. He was safe too. Inui wouldn’t tell on him. Inui would keep it to himself and that was a lot of pressure and worry off of Kabaji’s back.
“I...I’m leaning to bake...from Atobe-sama so...a bake sale...might work.” He offered and then shook his head ‘no’ quite adamantly. He didn’t want to do another demonstration of his skill. “I...would rather...the pet store...” He admitted sheepishly.
Inui nodded, accepting Kabaji’s decision. He still didn’t fully understand the younger boy’s reluctance-- if Inui had that sort of power he would be making all the things--but everyone had their reasons.
“Ah, Atobe. If he’s teaching you then it should be fine...” Inui had been liberally sampling Atobe’s ‘leftovers’ ever since Mukahi stopped making food for him. While most things tasted more or less the same to him he knew that the others found Atobe’s goods to be quite palatable. They walked together to the pet store, where Inui decided to let Kabaji choose the items, in acknowledgement of his greater expertise in the subject.
He did have quite a bit of knowledge of what was best for their new friends. He quickly pointed out all the necessities. He paused among the toys and thought about the twins back at school. They had been like big kitties when he had petted them. He wondered if they would like something like the cat toys on the shelves. He decided against it and finished gathering everything, including a very heavy bag of food that they could split. Even with the weight of it all, he didn’t seem to struggle in the least. He was a little less shy about his strength, though not by much.
He waited for Inui and wondered softly out loud. “I...wonder if...we can name...them...”
“You’re strong,” Inui commented, watching as Kabaji carted everything off with ease. “Was that what you indicated as your main ability?” 83% probability that it was the case, he thought, watching the younger boy.
He shook his head. “....It’s....secondary...I think...” He didn’t know when he had gotten his strength. He had always been bigger and stronger than everyone. He didn’t know when that had become superhuman only because he had always been careful not to become a bully. “The other thing...that’s....what I do.” And what he didn’t want others to know he did. “But...I...strength is a lot safer...and easier...so...I use that... a lot more.” If only because he had learned long ago to temper his strength.
“I meant if it’s what you put on paper, in school forms,” Inui clarified. He paused a bit to pay at the cashier, then helped nudge a kitten back into Kabaji’s pocket, since the other’s hands were occupied. “Since you don’t seem to have told anyone about this ability. Or perhaps Ryuuzaki knows?” Even without Kabaji telling her, she might know anyway. That woman was a bit creepily omniscient, sometimes. He remembered Kabaji’s earlier question about naming the kittens. “... I suppose you can name them if you want,” he said. He sort of wanted to name one Pi.
He nodded then. He knew it was wrong to lie and his was a lie of omission. Just like a lot of things. He had run away to come here. He hadn’t had his parents permission or anything. But the lady in charge had still let him fill out the paperwork and he was still allowed to go to classes, even if he claimed “superstrength” as his only ability. “Usu...I...” He didn’t know how to state just how scared of his main ability he was. He was certain his reluctance would state that adequately enough.
He accepted all the bags once everything was rung up and paid for, willing to carry them all the way back. He smiled when he was told that he could name them. Naming would mean even more attachment, but he doubted when the time came, he’d be able to let them go. “Yuki for the girl...and...Niko...for the boy...” He could even make them little collars with their names on them. “I....if you name yours...I...I’ll make collars for them...” It would be part of his repayment.
“Ah.” Inui coughed awkwardly. If Kabaji didn’t want to talk about it, Inui wouldn’t make him. They headed off in the direction of the bus stop, Inui having decided that they were carrying too many things to walk all the way, even with Kabaji’s super-strength.
“Those names are nice,” he commented, feeling that it was the appropriate thing to say. He prefered names that were a little geeky, himself, but to each their own. “You don’t have to do anything in return...” Inui appreciated Kabaji’s sentiment, though he’d hoped that he could rope Kabaji into ingredient hunting next time, as ‘repayment’. Oh well. Collars, well-made ones, no doubt, would work as well.
He would go help Inui anyway. If he was asked, he would go, plain and simple, just because he wanted to be useful and liked. Plus Inui wasn’t creepy as everyone seemed to think after all. He was a pretty nice guy. Kabaji wouldn’t mind spending more time around him.
He sat on the seat and once his hands were free, they made sure his living cargo was safe and secure. He’d probably check a half dozen more times before the bus arrived, just to be certain.
Inui remained standing, gathering data on kitten care on his phone. The kittens were fast asleep tucked in the scarf. Inui patted the lump in his jacket unconsciously as he scrolled through the websites, only looking up when the bus squealed to a stop in front of them. As he helped Kabaji with some of the more awkwardly-shaped items, Inui mused that Kabaji really had the right idea, with the kittens in his jacket pockets. In the back of his mind, an idea was forming....
Kabaji easily procured seats for them. Shopping for yarn would wait for another day. The rest of today would be dedicated to helping this new kittens get used to their new homes. He was sure the other half of the set would be more than safe with Inui, since he had noted the other’s perusal of information on kitten ownership. “I...if you ever..need help with them...” He suggested softly, “I can help...” He wouldn’t mind having four during those times when Inui needed a kitten free environment.
“That would be useful, as some of the data on the internet conflicts” said Inui. He took a seat beside Kabaji and grinned as the old lady opposite them went “aww!” at the sight of the cats poking out of Kabaji’s pockets. More evidence that his experiment would be interesting, at least. Inui knew that most people at the Academy who knew him regarded him with suspicion at best. But kittens! Now everyone liked adorable little kittens, and around these little creatures their guard would be down. Inui planned to document this hypothesized change in attitude towards him. In the best-case scenario (1.8% probability), perhaps people would trust him enough again to let him give them some juice... Inui was daydreaming at this point.
He didn’t mind the other boy near him. He also didn’t mind the old lady. In fact, he smiled a little at the woman and made sure to pet them more. He knew eventually they would sleep, because that was what kittens did. He didn’t yet know how his roommate would handle them, but there was no way he was going to leave them out here and no way he was going to saddle Inui with four kittens.
He sat quietly until the bus came. At that point, he reached over and lightly...very lightly, tapped Inui. “We’re...almost back...”
Inui blinked, looking up. “Ah, so we are. I’ll help you carry the things to the junior dorm.” He got up and took some of the packages as he exited the bus. He wondered how Mukahi would react. Probably loudly, either way (100%). Whether Mukahi liked it (55%) or not (35%), or plain didn’t care (10%), he would just have to live with it. What Inui was considering with great reluctance was that some well-meaning students might try and take the kittens away from him, particularly if they believed Inui was going to subject them to horrific experiments.
“T...thank you.” He didn’t mind having to carry all the stuff. But since Inui insisted, he would let him. It meant he was less likely to bother his tiny pocket riders. He was glad though, that the junior dorms were close by. He worried that Inui might have trouble carting everything further than he had to. Especially since he had to get his own stuff to his own dorm. Kabaji wondered if he should offer to help carry that. But it would mean two kittens alone in his room for the very first time. He didn’t dare.
“I...I’m sorry...I can’t...help you...back to yours...I...they shouldn’t be alone...on their first day.” He bemoaned his inability sadly.
“That’s fine,” Inui shrugged as they made their way to Kabaji’s dorm. “I’m sure I’ll manage.” He’d been carrying apparatuses and vats of Juice around the past few weeks. Inui thought it rather counted as weight training. Before long, they were at Kabaji’s door, and Inui was helping to unload Kabaji’s share of the various cat-related accessories.
He put his things down to unlock the door. Shinji wasn’t home. He was glad. He would have to explain to his roommate later, about the sudden abundance of cats. He opened the door and then turned to Inui. “Would you...like to come in...for a little bit...So I can show you..how best to set up...Maybe you can visit Fluffy-chan too...” He suggested. He wouldn’t make Inui though.
Inui lit up at the mention of the wonderfully hairy tarantula. “Okay,” he agreed readily, and followed Kabaji into the room. “Sorry for the intrusion.” The dorms were so much warmer compared to the outside, and it seemed that the kittens felt it too, becoming more adventurous with the warmth. Inui had to pull his jacket tighter to stop the kittens from wriggling free. It probably wouldn’t be a good idea for them to roam free in Kabaji’s room. Four kittens running helter-skelter around the room would be too much to handle.
Kabaji could feel his pockets come more alive, or at least the left one. The little white runt seemed rather calm and sleepy about it all.The striped one wanted out to explore already. With care, he picked each one out and put it on his bed, away from his yarn and knitting needles. “Yuki....Niko...stay put.” He told them gently, knowing that it wouldn’t work at all before turning to greet small eight legged and creepy on the other side of the room. “Fluffy-chan...I’ll have...crickets for you...later...” He then turned to smile at Inui.
“I think...we can put this here...and here...” He started putting the items for the kittens on his side of the room, making sure that they were nicely stored and slightly hidden away, to give the cats their privacy. “I...don’t want to spill over...into Ibu-san’s side...” He admitted. He shared, but in the end, Kabaji didn’t like to encroach on anyone else’s territory.
“Sounds good.” After a brief fascinated glance at the spider, Inui got to work, putting down the food bowls before helping set up the litterbox and filling it with litter. “I’m not sure if the kittens will stay on this side of the room,” he said with an amused glance at the gamboling animals. “Unless of course you make a gate. Which actually might be a good idea until they get used to things.”
A gate. That was a good idea. He wondered if it was okay. He hadn’t bought one and the kittens were still very small. He didn’t want to gate off the whole side of his room. Shinji had every right to be on the other side of the room. But he could cordon off a small area by his desk. A little playpen area for the kittens for when he wasn’t around to watch him.
He looked at Inui. They hadn’t bought one, but since the older boy already knew about it. “Do...you want one too?” He asked, starting to write down the proper word to make one. He didn’t know if it was okay to use his ability again in front of Inui. But it would at least be useful. “I...I can...I’ll make you one.”
“That would be nice.” Inui, a master of slightly demented DIY, had meant making one from scrap wood and metal, but wasn’t going to say no to another of Kabaji’s creations. Having completed his tasks, he went over to watch Kabaji work.
He nodded once and finished writing the word he needed. He made sure to write it twice. Once on two different sheets. Those he put a good way away from each other. He didn’t want to make it appear and fall if he wrote it in the air. Now did he want it to appear one on top the other. Once more, he paused, clearly nervous. But he had promised and he would keep his word. “Playpen..” He stated the word he had written twice. Two decent sized constructions appeared where the words had been sitting. The paper had a hole in it where the word had been.
“Take...which ever...you need...Inui-san.” He nodded to them. “They’re small enough that they...have permanence. They won’t...disappear...”
Even though it was the second time he’d seen Kabaji use his abilities, Inui was still impressed. He squatted down next to the pens and tapped on them. “Good and solid,” he said, grinning up at Kabaji. They were certainly the real thing, lightweight but solid wood all round, with metal hinges and latches. “Thanks. I’ll take one.” He took one of them, folded it down, and started tying the other things he needed to take back to his room onto the frame for easier transport.
He sat nervously on his bed while Inui checked on his work. He really did hope his secret was safe with the other. “You...You’re welcome.” He pulled the two kittens in his lap for the comfort that gave to him. “Y...you’ll have to let me...and these two..visit their brothers...and tell me...what you name them....” He knew that Inui would be heading back to the Senior dorm soon. But he did hope he was allowed to come visit.
“Of course,” Inui nodded, straightening up. “When everything is set up you are free to visit.” He would also keep Kabaji’s secret, though he really thought the ability was too awesome not to be made use of more. Kabaji had helped him, after all, so Inui would comply with his wishes in return. “Thanks again for helping me today, Kabaji.” He picked up his packages and headed towards the door. He even looked forward to recording Mukahi’s reaction. And perhaps he would show Fuji and Yanagi, too. Life certainly would get more interesting from then on.