Chapter Text
"Missed you... zuku..." His hands gently combed her hair, being careful of her ears. Her claws were buried in his rib cage, but... he would've rather they pierced his heart to spare her this.
"I... I missed you too, Himichan. I missed you a lot. The tears started bubbling to the surface, just like his mom, and he grunted when she pulled a hand free, and clumsily tried to wipe his face. Blood and dirt mixed with the salt, and her hands were bulky, meant for fighting, not to comfort.
"Zuku... happy?" He smiled at her, holding her as close as he could.
"I am now, Himichan. I... I looked for you. For years." A rolling noise filled the warehouse, like rocks in a tumbler.
"Shouldn't have... Himichan parents... not good. Hid tracks." His hand keeps running through her hair, petting her, and he can hear the rumbling get louder.
"...I kept messaging you. I-I think I've got everything over the last few years on there."
"...Zuku... not forget... Himichan?" He choked, coughed, tears and blood mixing and spattering her fur.
"No, Himichan. I couldn't ever." The rumbling rolled louder, before starting to slow down.
"Bad doctor... gone?" He nods, even if she can't see it, and his hands picks up a little.
"Yeah. Yeah, Himichan, he's gone. We locked him up." His eyes flicker up to Garaki's corpse, his upper torso painting the wall in pinks and reds, his legs slumped against the concrete.
"Good Zuku... love Zuku. Himichan... tired." She breaths in deep, before exhaling, and he pretends he can't hear the little rattle in her lungs. "Can Himichan sleep?"
"...yeah, Himichan. Get some sleep. I'll be right here." The purring starts slowing, as her breathing starts slowing.
"Love... Zuku..."
"I love you too, Himichan." His hands never stop petting her, even as her purrs come to a stop, her breathing deep and slow. "I love you too."