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Jin had sensed god of luck had cursed him when the moment he stepped out of the conbini it started raining cats and dogs that afternoon. He only got sure, when he noticed he had no umbrella either. That bastard Ryo most probably had snitched it last time he went out and was too lazy to return it afterwards. Jin rolls his eyes to himself. The funny part was he was pretty sure it was not expected to rain today. Or At least the weather forecaster said so. Until the next week not even a single cloud was supposed to shadow Tokyo's sky according to her. But well, maybe there was a change of news or something afterwards. Jin only could catch as much as that before Ryo changed it to sports news.
He sighed as he put down his shopping bags to take off his jacket. Thankfully Ryo had done most of the grocery shopping recently all by himself so he only got out to stock up on snacks and drinks so the load was not that much of a problem. He grabbed the bags by one hand and sheltered his jacket on his head and shoulders by the other and started running out under the shower. Considering how the sky was pouring down like that, the jacket solution turned out to be a failure though because three blocks away, Jin could almost feel his hair getting damp around his nape and the waist of his shirt was already wet from the droplets. He would be just grateful if only he could get himself to the train station and not get soaked to the bones.
As he ran down the pavement, he occasionally glanced around to find almost everyone else like him. A bunch of high school girls hiding under shades of a shop. A man, most probably a salaryman lifting his briefcase over his head. A couple hurrying to get into their car after their date was destroyed thanks to the weather. By the look of it, Jin was not alone. No one anticipated today would be a hell of a stormy day. Just how could forecasters possibly miss to mention this? The sky was so dark; one would think all the clouds from around the world gathered right above Japan.
Getting too caught up wondering what to think of this condition and also simultaneously trying to protect himself from the rain that hit from every direction, Jin got scared out of his skin when a thunderbolt roared loudly, flashing the whole street. The bags made it hard to control his balance and the ground underneath was wet and slippery and it was really not that much of a surprise when he tripped over and fell sprawled on the asphalt.
Great.
Now he was literally soaked to the very core. So fucking great. His precious jeans were completely ruined thanks to the fact a puddle of muddy water welcomed his landing. He cursed under his breath as he collected himself up again. Checking on the bags, the second round of curses came out not that long after. Almost all of the beers were wasted. They only had milk to spend the night with at least until the next conbini trip.
His jacket had dropped a little farther away. Jin totally lost hope on that one. It was drenched. He doubted even dry cleaning could save it anymore. He liked that one, dammit. Eventually though, he bent down to pick the wet fabric up mournfully. He should've got back home as soon as possible before his unlucky day could get any worse. But then what he found under the jacket made him stop.
There lied a small teeny-weeny being, shivering all soaked up, gazing up at Jin with even smaller dark eyes as he lifted the jacket up.
A tiny cat.
For about a minute, Jin only stared back but then slowly he bent and knelt down nearer. God, the poor thing must be so cold, Jin thought. It looked kind of helpless. His fur had got all dirty with mud and rain. When Jin brought his hand down and carefully patted his head, he warily leaned a little bit near and weakly meowed.
"You're lost, little buddy?" He asked and then smiled when he got another meow in response and a cautious touch on his hand. It was so cute. Honestly, Jin was more of a dog person. Dogs were like his best buddies after Ryo and Pi. He never really cared about cats before nor did he find them amusing but hell, seeing how tiny and cute this one looked, Jin decided right there and then, maybe he could do with cats too after all.
The thought of bringing it home with him had crossed Jin's mind a few times, less than 5 minutes into their encounter but who was he kidding? He knew his landlord would kick him out the moment she found out. She had made it clear since day one: no pets on her building. Apparently she was allergic to anything with fur on it and Jin was already low-key breaking the rule keeping his fur coat tucked away in the depth of his closet. Jin considered himself lucky she had not sensed anything those few time he crossed her door still wearing it. But an actual breathing furry creature was nothing compared to just a piece of clothing. Jin really couldn't take the risk.
But he also couldn't let the kitty stay here in the middle of the pavement either. People might not see him in their rush and just step on him. He couldn't let that happen.
Carefully, he caught the cat in his both hands. He wriggled a little when Jin brought him up but not too much as to fall. A few meters away, there was a car parked, Jin bent down and put the cat under it. If it stayed here until the rain stopped, he would be safe. Jin patted his head one last time before gathering his shopping bags again and getting to his feet to leave but the cat, as it seemed like, didn't have any plan to let him go. Just when Jin wanted to take the first step, he rubbed himself to his leg, his tail curling around Jin's ankle clinging.
"Sorry kitty but I really can't–"
Those sad pleading eyes just didn't let Jin say a word more. He sighed. Sometimes he wished he was not this soft-hearted. He couldn't afford to look for another place with a suitable rent like this one. Ryo couldn't either, most probably. They've be both screwed if it went wrong. But it was a poor poor shivering cat. Jin just couldn't abandon him like this.
Only one night, he murmured to himself. Just until the storm calmed. His landlord didn't need to notice about his little guest as long as she didn't come anywhere near their place, right? And Jin was sure they paid their rent quite recently so there was really no other reason she might want to check on them. Just one thing though...
Jin turned around and lowered his head until he could look the cat in the eye. Everything depended on this. They needed some dealings and promises here.
"I take you in. You keep quiet. No meowing whatsoever, okay?"
The cat blinked at him a few times blankly as if to question his sanity but then pawed on his hand and Jin could swear he saw him almost nod too. So even though it looked crazy, he knew it was crazy to believe he now had a deal with a cat but he just hoped he would keep his promise or else Jin would be sleeping in the streets too just like his newly made fur-friend.
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Leaving his shoes in the genkan, and the remaining of what was once his purchases on the kitchen counter, the first thing Jin did after they safely managed to sneak into his place without anyone noticing was to get rid of his wet clothes. There definitely would be a shower time somewhere in his schedule tonight but he really needed to change and warm himself a little bit before that. Catching a cold was the very last thing he wanted right now.
He dashed into the bathroom and just took everything off in one go. His T-shirt had got soaked and it stuck to him like an extra layer of skin when he moved his hands. He made a face as he pulled it over his head and tossed it into the laundry basket, not even noticing the annoyed grumbling coming from the inside. He then took a while wondering whether washing his jeans along with his other clothes would be a good idea or not after kicking it off as well but in the end he decided he had to buy a new pair. There was no hope for them to survive. He shrugged; they were already worn out anyway.
He was so busy stuffing the clothes into the washing machine, he almost didn't notice when something stirred and moved right before he could close the lid.
Wait. Where was the cat?
"You–" Jin looked inside and was surprised to found him there. He leaned in and pulled the stuck cat out from his t-shirt sleeve and one leg of his jeans. "Just what are you doing there?"
Jin didn't save him from the rain just to kill him in his washing machine. But the cat only gave him an innocent look, slightly swinging from where Jin caught him by his nape. Jin gave him a look.
"Come on now, get out." He opened the door of the bathroom, putting the cat down and pushed his back to encourage him to leave but nope, he didn't move even a step. Stayed right where he was.
Stubborn little bastard. Jin narrowed his eyes and glared. He really didn't have the energy to fight with a stray cat, more importantly he didn't want to do it when he was only in his boxers and socks. He would be such an easy target for those claws that were not trimmed in ages.
"Fine." He sighed defeated and turned around, mumbling something under his breath as he changed into his sweatshirt and pants. What was he even thinking bringing such a trouble maker home?
By the time he was finished, the cat had already left, wandering around the living room. He really just wanted to win the quarrel, huh? But Jin didn't care that much anymore. He felt a lot better in clean dry clothes now. Maybe he'd be even much better after a hot coffee?
Setting the machine up, he went back into the kitchen in search of his mug when he found the cat again. He didn't need to worry about him feeling uncomfortable or anything at all, seeing how he was already up on Jin's couch playing with the cushions and rubbing his body all over their furniture. Jin didn't even want to think how he was supposed to clean all those, considering how that little thing was covering everywhere with small paw prints as he walked, checking out his new "territory".
Wait a minute. Speaking of which, he would not want to mark everything now, would he? Jin shot him a quick glance and found him rubbing his head all over Ryo's favorite seat by the TV set and then jumped off to do the same for a fluffy cushion nearby.
Okay, so maybe he actually was marking then? Jin was just glad it was just rubbing. It could be worse. Like, his seat for example.
When he found the mug, he poured himself some hot coffee and went back to the living to relax his tired muscles for a while.
Ten seconds later, a ball of fluff jumped up to his lap and started rubbing himself to Jin's hand and side. Jin brought up his mug to his lips, sipping and decided to never jump into conclusions again.
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"Come here you little jerk."
Jin stomped on the floor and cursed when the cat ran away from his grip for the millionth time. His landlord might not kick him out for breaking the no pet ban but she'd definitely bitch at him for all the noise he made during the night the next morning. He rubbed his temple, already sensing start of a headache from all the jumps and runs. Why couldn't he just catch the cat he himself had brought along? Was he perhaps playing with him?
Jin looked around. There he was, comfortably sitting on the couch with all of their cushions gathering around him, his tale neatly tucked around him and his resting on the nearest cushion.
Jin cautiously took a step forward. That might be his chance. He seemed calm. Calm and comfy and very unforgivably dirty. Jin was not a neat freak or something but even he couldn't let a cat wander around in his house in a state like that.
He peaked a glance at the cat again. He was totally in his own world. Apparently. Jin tries to move as slowly as he could and eventually made it almost near the coffee table. The cat didn't even flinch. That encouraged him to proceed a little bit more, getting to the foot of the table, pretending he didn't notice how the cat was inspecting his every move, his tail kept wagging repeatedly beside him. He still stood a chance though. He was so near, just a little bit more. He waited and waited and waited and when finally the cat tilted his head away, Jin made a big jump and dived on the couch aiming for whatever part of the cat he could reach. He didn't even care at this point. But his target was mostly the tail. It looked easier. And longer. But unfortunately it was not Jin's day, like it had not been all day. He didn't even come close to touch him. The cat simply jumped on the table nearby in a split second, leaving Jin empty handed once again.
And it was not all of it yet. Exactly when Jin thought to hell with it, let him mess whatever he wants, and lost all hope, as if to mock him, the cat lightly jumped down from the table and continued his way back to bathroom on his own.
Jin wasted half an hour to catch him and he just walked into the room like it was no big deal.
A true little jerk.
Jin propped up a hand under his chin, puffing his hair away from his eyes aggressively and promised to himself to wash him with cold ice water all the while and let him freeze to death.
Once in the bathroom, Jin found him sitting on the edge of the tub, observing the room. When Jin came in, he turned his head around and meowed at him expectantly but still deep down butt hurt, Jin decided he was going to ignore him and avoid any more potential damages to his pride. Wasn't it just stupid? Getting mocked by a kitty?
He turned on the faucet, keeping himself busy with setting the water temperature and generally doing preparations before taking a shower.
The cat didn't like that.
Every now and then, he kept getting in Jin's way, blocking his way when he reached for the shampoo under the shower or occasionally rubbing himself to his legs when Jin was washing his hair. But nothing. Jin didn't even glare down at him or tried to kick him away. No reaction. He just peacefully took his shower and when he was finished washing, carefully stepped in the tub, relaxing once the lukewarm water caressed his skin.
The cat didn't like that either. Possibly even less than the ignoring.
He claimed up on the edge of the tub again and meowed, this time complaining. Jin pretended he didn't hear, closed his eyes. Another call of complaint and yet Jin didn't react....only for a total of ten seconds, because the next thing he noticed, a fluffy thing brushed against his chin and then there was a little lick on his right cheek. Soft and warm and sweet. A let's make up please kind of lick.
Jin sighed and rolled his eyes as he opened them. Such a sly bastard. Fine. He would take that as the equivalent of an "apology" or something because that was really cute and nice and Jin had never been licked by a cat before. It was nice enough to make Jin cancel that freeze the cat plan he had a while ago.
"You wanna join?" He nodded down at the tub. "Really?" Jin was not that good in the cat thing but he knew they were not really into water. That one was...just weird.
Another meow.
It seemed like he seriously wanted.
"Alright then."
Carefully Jin grabbed him from his nape and laid him down inside the tub, letting him sit on Jin's knees with extra caution, in case he wanted to change his mind midway. But the cat looked quite calm, Jin noticed. Maybe, if his bad luck didn't get in the way and the kitty cooperated, he would only get a few scratches on his hand for daring to bathe a cat. Because he really needed one. There was still muck stuck to his coat here and there and come to think of it, due to that Jin couldn't really tell what color his fur was even.
Crossing his fingers for the good mood to stay, Jin quietly reached out for shampoo and soap and got down to business.
At first, he started with some simple massaging around the cat's neck and back, trying to have him get used to it. Then little by little he added a bit more force, but still so very cautiously, considering the cat might want to attack or something.
To his surprise though, Jin noticed, the cat didn't intend to fight against it at all once he started to wash his back, head or even his paws more seriously. Even on the contrary, he seemed to like to be washed and cleaned of all that mess, so happily Jin did it for him and scrubbed until that darkened dirty fur changed color into a neat snowy white and oh boy, it looked even much better now, pretty and bright like that.
"Wow, you are snow white." Jin exclaimed as he rinsed the soap off him. He had sharp pointy ears and a cute pink nose too. His whiskers a little bit smaller than normal but still would do it for a cat. Looking at him now, Jin didn't believe he was the same cat he picked up on the street.
Hmm. Snow White. Jin murmured the words again to himself and his lips curved up. He had already decided on his name the second he saw his color. It really did suit him. Pretty and shining and classy.
Once out of the tub and wrapped in his robe, warm and comfortable, Jin looked around and found a hand towel to dry Snow White with. He tried not to press too hard at first, but the cat seemed to like the pressure, groaning and arching his back under Jin's hands so Jin more confidently rubbed until he was mostly dried. When he was done, his fur looked a bit fluffed up all over.
"Good boy." Jin praised and lifting the cat up, he nuzzled their noses together because he didn't even once had bathed a pet this peacefully before. Not even any of his dogs or puppies when he was a kid. When Snow White licked his nose afterwards as an answer, Jin was sure he just needed to keep him no matter what. This cat was just too adorable to be kicked out on the street, and of course after all the hard work he did to clean him up. It would be such a shame.
A few minutes for changing and a couple more for the microwave to warm the leftovers, they were ready, clean and starved to finally eat. The only problem was, Jin had no cat food or anything of sorts and he definitely didn't want to go out there again to buy any in such terrible weather.
"Maybe you can eat pizza?" Jin suggested with a shrug, letting the cat smell his pepperoni slice with his tiny pink nose but three seconds later it turned out cats and spicy stuff didn't get along that well because as soon as the smell reached his nose, he screamed and ran away instantly.
"No? hmm..." Jin scratched his chin a little and turned back to the kitchen again. "Let's see what we can find you in the fridge then." He opened the door, skimming the inside. Ryo, again, took over the whole fridge to himself. That guy... he seriously had to buy a separated fridge at this point. Jin was busy muttering to himself how he was supposed to find anything here when half the space was occupied by apple juice cartons, until he felt two small paws scratching on the bottom shelf trying to reach, as Jin looked down, the squid package?
"Whoa, whoa there! That one is not for you," Jin said and immediately picked up the pack before the cat was even close to it, putting it on the top shelf away from his reach and tried to ignore that quiet meowing in protest that followed.
"Ryo's gonna kill me if he finds out I fed his squid to a stray cat." His housemate was a nice guy, a bit sharp tongued at times and some believed also short tempted but really a good guy. The thing was when it came to sharing; he definitely was not that generous, especially about food.
"Sorry." This time Jin was fast enough to escape the emo pleading face looking up at him, thankfully. He could risk his residence but not his life.
His eyes then caught something in the back, some tuna he had found behind a box of eggs in the depth of the fridge. He wondered who the hell refrigerated unopened cans. It definitely was not him. He rarely ate canned stuff. Ryo also always kept them in the cupboard as much as Jin knew. Maybe Pi? That last time he stayed over they were all dead drunk. Jin remembered he had been so badly hungover he still saw things the next morning. Like why would Pi possibly be snoring on top of Ryo on the couch? Pi clearly hated people sticking to him when asleep and Ryo obviously had a room and a bed to himself. Definitely hallucination. Jin had had too much that day and it was not weird thinking how the can had ended up in the fridge after a night like that. Yep.
Lost in memories and at the same time trying to find a plate appropriate for the cat, Jin suddenly realized it had been a while he didn't hear any meowing sound now. He turned around but Snow White was nowhere to be seen. Disappeared. Shit. He was too distracted by his friends' strange habits he totally forgot the cat. What if it got out and woke the neighbors?
Jin immediately let go of the plate on the counter and rushed to shut the fridge door to go after his lost cat when he spotted it on the most unwanted place ever.
There he was, sitting happily inside their fridge, picking at the forbidden squid. How it got there without him realizing, was honestly beyond Jin.
"How did you...?" Jin began but only to sigh in defeat once again that day. What was done, was done. He grabbed the cat burglar by his neck in one hand and took the pack by the other and settled them both down back in the living room. Now that it was opened and already touched, the only thing Jin could do about it was to let the cat fill his stomach and perhaps write a death letter just in case for when Ryo would come for his head. He should've bought a separated fridge for himself. He had to, dammit.
Though seeing how the cat was eating joyfully made him feel slightly better. At least he would not get murdered in vain. He fed a starved lost being. Maybe they would let him enter the cat heaven for that.
Nibbling on his pizza, he brought out his phone as a means of distraction, checking his messages. Half of it was just spam he got on a daily basis from Ryo. Just how did he have this much time to send Jin a hundred messages an hour while at work? And seriously, most of them didn't even need Jin's reply. What did Jin have to say to "Head chef gone crazy again. Dude says I must watch over the newbie. What am I? A babysitter!?" Jin was just amazed how the head chef still could put up with him considering how he was. Though, Ryo's cooking was honestly good; except for when he used Jin as a guinea pig to test his new recipes on him first, he was unexpectedly really good. After his mom's cooking, Jin loved his roommate's the most in the world.
Among all those whining messages, Jin caught one saying something like he had to work overtime to get the job finished and make preparations for tomorrow. So Ryo probably would not be back by the morning then, Jin concluded.
Aside from Ryo's, there were not many left. One from his part-time job, a few from Pi and some from his mom. He clicked on the last one, reading half a sentence from his mom asking how he was doing and generally worrying if he didn't need anything when something fluffy pushed itself up on his lap and following that, a white tail brushing his phone screen, preventing him from reading any more. Looking down, Jin smiled as he realized why.
The plate was licked clean. Not even a slight trace of the squid to be seen. The cat stretched his back and rolled on Jin's lap, his mouth opening in a huge yawn.
Completely full and now sleepy. Cats were so easy to predict sometimes, no?
Jin didn't have to go to work tomorrow, had the day off, so he could stay awake a bit more but also he was just beaten and tired after going through such an eventful day. His fluffy friend, too, kept yawning as Jin absent-mindedly patted his soft belly. They both knew they wouldn't last longer than that for the night.
"Guess it's bedtime, princess." Jin smiled at the impromptu nickname. He really was like one though, with all those manners and snobbery. Kind of cute. Jin chuckled again to himself. An annoyed groan from his lap told him the said princess was not quite fond of it that much however.
Maybe, if he didn't have to let the cat go by the morning, he'd choose a proper name for him. Even now he had some good ones reserved at the back of his mind. Snow White and princess were nice and all only until you're just fooling around, but the storm was way better now and the rain had already stopped. His little furry friend should not be here when the sun would come up the next day.
"It can't be helped, right?" Jin caressed behind the cat's ears a little sadly. As if to read his mind, the cat rolled around and gently nuzzled his head in Jin's hand but the melancholy was not enough to stop him. He got up and head for his room. The cat, too, followed him along. He seemed to be well-trained, Jin thought as he changed into his nightclothes. He was not like any of those wild cats you found in the streets. Not even a bit aggressive, stubborn yes, fussy a little bit but no aggressiveness. He knew what to do and how to behave. Maybe he had an owner somewhere out there?
Jin's train of thoughts didn't stop until he got into the bed. He even went as far as trying to find the owner. Maybe printing some posters or ask around or—
Wait. Was that a tail under his foot just now? Jin lifted the blanket up to find a shining fluffiness creeping its way right next to him.
No, no, no. That could not happen.
Jin had properly laid a pillow down the bed for him before anything. So what again now?
He sat up, wanting to put him down on the pillow again. He just couldn't share bed with a cat. Might crush him flat if he did so. But the cat apparently had other ideas. He sneaked away from Jin's hands and instead settled right beside him, comfortably curling up into a ball and with a happy meow, which would probably translate into "good night, human" in cat language, closed his eyes.
Jin didn't even have time to disagree because three seconds later the only sound that could be heard in the room was a soft snoring. He was asleep just like that.
Stubborn didn't even start to cover it. God.
Jin shrugged. If he was this confident he can survive to sleep near him, he who was famous for sleeping on the bed but waking up under it, then let it be. He gave a yawn and leaned over the asleep cat to turn the lamp off.
"Good night to you too." Jin softly pecked on that tiny head and closed his eyes as well. Hoping for the fatigue to leave his muscles when he woke up, he fell fast sleep not that much later.
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The next morning came and indeed no trace of tiredness was left when Jin woke up. A good night rest plus that warm shower he had last night did him really good. He sure didn't felt any tension in his muscles anymore.
He yawned and with his eyes still closed he tossed around in bed to check on his furry guest, seeing if he really was not squashed into the mattress. Honestly, last night he was so tired he couldn't bring himself to try and talk the cat out of it, not that he believed it'd change his mind but, he could try. Jin wasn't generally considered a calm sleeper. It was like common knowledge among his friends. So now, he was starting to get a little bit worried.
The only problem, as Jin realized a minute later, was that he couldn't really move that much. He tried another time. Stretched and lifted up his hand but no. Something didn't let him turn. Something smooth and fleshy and...skin?
His eyes flashed open immediately in surprise and Jin ended up screaming out loud as he finally found the source of the obstacle.
There was a man in his bed.
A real actual human being lying right next to him. So close Jin could practically feel his breathing on his skin. He was cuddling up to him like a body pillow and that was exactly why Jin was forcefully paralyzed. That was just the good part if it though, because less than five seconds later Jin found the source of the fleshy thing as well and squealed even louder.
The anonymous guy was naked. Like, all over.
What the actual hell?!?
Jin could swear he didn't even touch his beer last night so where was this hallucination coming from again? Was he seriously going crazy or what?
With an annoyed frown, the man blinked one eye open, his sweet sweet sleep was disturbed by the loud scream and the glare in his long narrow eyebrows said he really didn't like to get woken up by such an awful alarm but when his eyes finally fell on Jin's face, his lips curved up into a goofy smile suddenly. Leaning closer he made their lips touch just so briefly, kissing Jin out of the blue, which naturally resulted in even more screaming.
"What is wrong with you for fuck's sake let go of me!" Jin violently struggled to set himself free from his hold and backed down as much as possible but the other guy turned out to be stronger. His lock of arms around Jin's waist didn't loosen even a bit despite Jin's attempts of escaping.
"Easy, easy," he spoke. "You were much nicer last night." and then with a huge yawn he stretched out his body nuzzling his face into the pillow, meaning to go back to sleep.
Jin didn't even want to know what was that, that just brushed his side a second ago. He'd better not know. And he definitely would not let his captor sleep a wink for more than five seconds.
"Who the hell are you? What do you want from me? Hey! Stop that, you're drooling!" Jin still shouted and kept squirming in his place anyway. No matter what he had just been told, you can't just be easy when you wake up one day and there's a stranger in your bed, okay?
"I'm Kame." The man mumbled, still refusing to get up.
"And who is Kame? Just what are you doing in my room? Who even let you in?"
"You. Don't you remember?" This time Kame opened both his eyes and waited for the realization to sink in, when he didn't find any sign on Jin's face, to make sure the message was clear he added, "I'm Snow White." and beamed.
Jin stared and stared and stared and from that frown between his brows you could say he was trying and yet failing to knock some logic into it and Kame was starting to get worried he had just killed him with too much information, or a heart attack, when Jin yelled again. Scared and furious this time.
"What did you do to the cat? Where is it? Killed it and now wanna kill me too, no? Just why are you all naked then? W–why yo—"
Kame was fast enough to shut him up with his hand before he got deaf by that high pitch unstoppable flood of questions. Jin glared at the hand on his mouth but it was not like he could do anything about it. Kame's left arm was still doing a good job at keeping him in place.
"First, I'm not going to do anything to you, so please just stop acting like I'm an intruder or something, okay? Second..." He took a moment to dramatically roll his eyes and sigh and continued, "I am the cat. It's just my other form beside human form. And yeah before you say it, I know it's really crazy and all— I keep hearing that every single time— but that's what it is, and hey don't you dare tell me you can't see any similarity between him and I? Hmm?" He raised his eyebrows in a way that suggested Jin'd better agree with him.
Jin actually wanted to just bite him and shout, this is not crazy, it's bullshit and he must be definitely dreaming but instead he decided to take a glance anyway. That was the only activity he was able of now.
Observing the man before him more attentively and slightly less panicky, Kame somehow resembled the snowy cat from last night indeed, Jin didn't want but had to admit. He got such a pale skin it shined out everywhere he touched Jin's slightly tanned one. His body shape and figure, as much of it as Jin could see, might not be exactly like a cat but he was really so slim. His eyes were also the exact same. They just had the same glow they had when Jin first met them in that horrible stormy day. His ears were not as sharp as the cat's, but Jin guessed the perfect arched brows compensate for it. And Jin couldn't feel it for himself at the moment thanks to Kame's hold but just by looking at it, Jin was sure his fluffiness of his dark brown hair must've been as soft as his fur too.
He couldn't still believe it thoroughly, didn't want to accept it maybe, but there was not that much space for doubt.
He was Snow White.
Jin reluctantly nodded.
"Good." Kame smiled, pleased that they had settled that part. "And lastly, it's only logical I'm naked." He said matter-of-factly. "What? Have you ever seen any stray cat walking in the street all dressed up? That would be way too shady, don't you think so?"
And who was he to talk about logic? He shouldn't have been even existed based on that very logic. Jin needed to scoff so badly.
When Kame was sure no more screaming threatened his ears, he took his hand off Jin's mouth slowly and asked, "Any other question?"
Hell, of course Jin had questions. To be precise a million ones but the only thing he could blurt out at the moment was, "You fucking kissed me! Isn't that doing something?"
Kame couldn't help but burst out laughing, "Is that what bothered you? So what? You bathed with me and kissed me sleep and practically patted every inch of my body, which is really bold of you, I gotta say. No one ever got to do that before. I think it's a little late to get worked up about a cat's good morning lick after that." He shot him a meaningful look and smirked when he saw Jin's blush reaching his ears.
Please, how could've he known the poor little kitty he brought home with him would bloom into a person over night? Jin just had no clue whatsoever. It was just so ridiculously embarrassing now that he thought about it. So much that he decided to escape it with a no comment expression and act unimpressed.
"So..." Jin cleared his throat, "you really change form, huh?" Not-so-subtly changing the subject. "But what do you want from me now? I thought people like you preferred not to be exposed?"
For the first time that morning, Jin didn't shout when he spoke. He also eventually relaxed in Kame's embrace a little. Just a little though, because his muscles was starting to ache gradually now. Kame grinned so sweetly before starting. He sure did get what Jin was trying to do here.
"Well, you know there's no telling when we change form. Sometimes it has a perfect timing. You transform every month on Saturdays at noon, for example. But—"
"You mean like girl's periods then?" Jin blurted out and then punched himself mentally because Kame gave him a look, like he was a perv or something.
"But," Kame decided he'd just ignore that and went on, "sometimes you don't have any idea about it, plan a whole nice day and go out and when you're sipping your coffee in a fancy shop, you grow a tail and a pair of fluffy ears."
Man, that sucked. Jin couldn't even imagine how he'd feel about it if it were him.
"So," Kame kept talking, "when the storm hit yesterday, I was wandering around leisurely, doing some shopping here and there but before I know it I changed form and the worst part was not that I lost all my purchases because the store clerk couldn't recognize me anymore, but the fact that no one would give a cat a ride even if he could pay for it." Kame let out a long suffering sigh and Jin could see why he truly was pissed about the human world discrimination.
"So I guess you were lucky I found you, no?"
"So very much." Kame agreed. "I had nowhere to go being like that and I couldn't change form either but then you found me and I just knew if I didn't stick to you then, I wouldn't see the next morning," he paused and gave him an appreciative squeeze and a gentle smile before speaking again, "you can say you saved me actually."
Well, Jin didn't have a clue why he did that. Those big sad pleading eyes of him indeed played a big role back then but anyway he was happy in the end he had made the right decision.
"But you really can't shape-shift back into human if you want? There just have to be a way."
"Nah," Kame shook his head and finally let go of Jin's waist to scratch his head. He knew he wouldn't run away anymore at this point. Or at least hoped so. "My dad believes he turns back once he eats mom's food but I think he only says that to make her happy." He shrugged. "I just noticed I only get a weird craving for apples when I'm about to change to cat though."
"Wait, your dad? Your whole family is like this?" Jin asked in disbelief. He was no longer restricted by Kame's hold but he still stayed near all the same.
"Not all. Just my father and brothers. My mom's pretty normal."
Jin raised an eyebrow. "You're cursed or something?"
Kame shrugged again. Jin frowned, now that was pretty crazy.
"Come to think of it, I didn't expect to change back again this soon." Kame said thoughtfully. "It was like the fastest transformation I've ever had. Normally when it happens I go straight home and it still takes a few days to be back....maybe...." he looked like he wanted to say something but instead fell silent.
"What?" Jin encouraged.
"Maybe, I was thinking just maybe it has something to do with you?"
Jin frowned more. He? But how? Jin was sure he didn't have any magical ability to turn other magical cats turn back human. Certainly not.
"But how?" He thought out loud.
"I don't know. It can really be anything. But I have a feeling whatever that is, you have some certain part in it." Kame explained.
Hmm. Okay. Wait a minute.
Jin rolled around on his back and closed his eyes, concentrating, trying to remember what he had done that might've mattered, putting the pieces together.
Then it hit me. And also made him blush.
"I think I might realize why."
Highly intrigued, Kame jumped up on the bed and shook him by his elbow, demanding to know. "What? What is it?"
"You said something about apples, right?" Jin didn't believe he was actually going to say that. That was just...stupid. "And you change forms too."
Kame nodded, still not getting Jin's point.
"And also, when you were asleep...umm...I, well, kinda kissed you."
"So?"
Ugh. Please. Don't make me say it. Jin thought he was already too red from all the embarrassment.
"You are the fucking princess." Jin ended up shouting and covered his face because what the hell? He really did say that just now. "Ugh, happy now?"
For a couple minutes Kame just stared down at him confusedly. He clearly didn't seem to figure out what was going on.
Until he did. And burst out laughing.
"Hold on a sec." Kame managed to say between his never-ending laughers. "So, does that make you, like, the prince charming or the evil queen?"
"I think I'm going to be the evil prince who kicks you off the bed if you keep laughing like that." Jin threatened, his hands ready to push him in an instant, but Kame was already lying back down before Jin could take any action.
"That weirdly makes sense, though," Kame said with a smile. One hand bent under his head as he started to take Jin's theory more seriously. "Kissed by a loved one, huh?"
"I didn't say I loved you." Jin turned his face around, fighting back the blush. "Technically."
Kame rolled around as well and propped himself up on an elbow, smirking. "You didn't say the magic words but you pretty much used the magic tool, you know." Kame reminded him with a playful tone and puckered his lips in a full kissing position, teasing Jin's side of face by threatening to touch any moment.
Jin would've kicked him away if he could. If he wanted, but for some reasons he let him be. "I wish I could turn you back into a cat just as easily instead. It would be more convenient." He gently poked Kame in the chest and pushed him away a bit in the end. Needed to face him without getting a blurry vision.
Kame laughed. "I mean I'd rather not but you can always try it."
"I'm serious."
"So am I."
Wait, what?
Jin blinked at him a few times before violently scratching his head, causing his messy bed hair fall back on his temple, covering his eyes as he did so. "Do you want me to kiss you?"
"You don't want?" Kame asked back, still smiling. He looked kind of too relaxed for a conversation like this. "Look, you're one of the very few people who have seen my true form but didn't run away like I was an alien or something."
"Wasn't that because you practically had me tied down with your arms?"
"Yeah, but I'm not doing that anymore and you're still here."
"So?" Jin looked at him a little bit puzzled, slightly pondering with himself. "Wait. Are you suggesting that just because of that we should...."
"No," Kame interrupted. "Let me say it like this, I'm yours. You saved me and saw me and already know too much about me and now I'm all yours." He chuckled and shrugged in a carefree way. "It's just how it works but you're not forced to do anything, really."
Jin was pretty sure it was not how you were supposed to adopt cats though. At least not those who transformed into human. Nope, certainly not. It more sounded like some sort of crime. But Kame was not done talking yet.
"But you see, after everything we've been to since yesterday, I quite grew fond of you too so it also naturally makes you mine. It's basically the rule of adopting. Just as simple as that." He explained, "You own the cat, the cat owns you."
Wait a minute.
Jin had not digested even the first part yet. He needed a minute. Or two, or a couple more because that was blowing his mind. So...they were like...
"Are we bound?" He asked, horrified all of a sudden. His hand dramatically slapped on his mouth.
Kame laughed again, affectionately. God his voice was so charming when he did that, Jin could not help but notice even if his brain was going through a panic at the moment.
"Not like that." He shook his head. "More like we can give us a chance. If you don't like it, it's a shame but I'll vanish from your life in an instant," and then as if he remembered something he added, "and, well your memory will need to be a little manipulated too in that case." And immediately made a face that said "sorry" and probably meant it too.
"And if I actually like it?" Jin had to know his options at least.
Kame grinned, liking this idea more, "we will talk about it."
It was not like Jin had no interest in sleeping with handsome men. Hell he was actually sleeping with one right at the moment, but it was just that they had met for only one day and a half. They knew nothing about each other, no matter what Kame said, and the transformation deal still sounded hella crazy and Jin just didn't know if it was really okay going right there from the beginning but then Kame gently leaned in and gave him another one of his cat licks, a tad less innocent than the first time and something brushed between his clothed legs again, and this time Jin genuinely wanted to know what that was so he ended up nodding his agreement, earning himself a bright full smile from Kame and his hands under his t-shirt.
Jin thought, he could deal with his morals and standards later too. Now he just wanted to thank god of luck for cursing him with that sudden storm because what Kame was doing down there with his knee was really really worth being cursed by a god, even if it meant his beloved jeans wouldn't be back to their glory days again.
Or so Jin thought before less than ten minutes later the door of his room shut open with a loud bang, startling them both suddenly and revealing a very mad Osaka man shouting, "WHAT DID YOU TO MY SQUID, YOU ASSHOLE?!" and then after 5 seconds of confusion changing it into "WHO THE FUCK IS THAT?"
God of luck just hated Jin. Ugh.
ζ(＾˘꒳˘)ต Omake! ต(˘꒳˘＾)੭
"You've brought here a pet, haven't you?"
Ryo was looking at Jin in a way that clearly said "welcome to hell, you jerk." with one hand placed on his hip, the other one blocking the doorframe, his eyes narrowed suspiciously at Jin and one would say with that look he could be listed at the top three most dangerous creatures you may encounter, if only he was not sneezing every 30 seconds and also didn't have a runny nose either.
"What? No way. Why...just what made you think that?" Jin shrugged and tried to look extra innocent in his pajamas and bed hair, all the while keeping an eye on how swiftly Kame crawled out of the sheets and disappeared into Jin's closet.
"The paw prints all over the fucking place?" Ryo poked him in the chest violently while sniffling. "Wait, no how about this?" He said and pointed to his nose. "I'm allergic to cats, idiot and you know it and still—!" but whatever he wanted to add was cut off by another sneeze.
"Come on. There's no way I bring a cat all the way here before that old lady catches me. Don't be silly." Jin returned to his bed and handed Ryo some tissue from the nightstand. "Oh and by the way, Pi left you a message. Don't you want to know—"
"No," Ryo recovered from the sneeze and interrupted. "But actually I'm highly interested to know how the hell you eat a whole squid up all by yourself over a night?" Oh, here it came. Shit. Jin closed his eyes in helplessness. "That was supposed to be in my new recipe, Jin. Why did you even touch it?"
"Breakfast, gentlemen."
Jin was planning to just deny the whole existence of the squid when fortunately Kame called them out....from the kitchen?
Ryo seemed to be confused too about how Kame had managed to pass them and get there without them noticing anything but he also seemed to have more important questions.
"Oh, right. Who the hell are you again?" He turned his back to Jin and asked Kame personally so Jin just used this chance to escape as soon as possible, running away towards the dining table.
"I'm his new boyfriend. Nice to meet you." Kame smiled sweetly and lifted his hand up to shake hands with him. Only, Ryo couldn't care less.
Kame looked so good in Jin's clothes, Jin noticed while sitting down behind the table. Comfy and casual and oh, right, boyfriend already, huh?
"And who said you are allowed to cook in my kitchen as you please? Jin, did you tell him...."
"Holy shit. These pancakes taste absolutely fantastic." Jin surprised everyone with his loud delight expression suddenly, licking a little drop of honey from his lower lip.
Ryo couldn't help but glare. His roommate was really just a stupid brat that sold him to a piece of food. "You!...I thought you said you couldn't express your feelings about food that easily? What happened to that?"
"So did I but please just try this. There's no way I not exclaim over something this good." Jin jumped up from his chair and shoved his plate toward Ryo's face like an excited kid. "I didn't know you could cook. When did you even make them?" He said to Kame who was leaning back to the counter, observing them amusedly.
"That part is a secret. Sorry." He chuckled and winked and Jin just knew he was already more in love with him than 3 seconds ago. He somehow managed to make his heart beat faster just with a wink.
Ryo doubtfully glanced at the very neatly set up table, then looked up at Jin's face and his plate in his hand. Eventually he just sighed and reluctantly decided he'd try one just so Jin would shut up once he announced it was not that......
Caught by surprise, Ryo pushed Jin away and tried another pancake from the plate on the table, chewing slowly and with his eyes closed in concentration. Then he opened them and faced Kame, looking him up and down.
"It's....not that bad." He frowned. "What did you say you put in it again," and then as an afterthought he added "you pretty boy over there?"
Kame smiled gently, drew a chair back by Jin's side and sat down elegantly.
"I can write down the recipe for you."
ζ(＾˘꒳˘)ต ต(˘꒳˘＾)੭