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Okayu sighed as she rolled over and closed her eyes. As much as she genuinely wanted to continue watching her friends having fun, her eyes burned from the light of her phone.
She had even tried switching from her computer to her phone just to get more comfortable, but the only difference the cat could find was that she felt how lopsided her balance truly was. Not even her stomach settled just a bit, preventing her from even trying to eat the leftover soup she still had left out for herself.
Honestly, she would have thought Temari would have gotten it by now if it weren’t for the fact that she hadn’t heard the kitten complain about how hot the dish was.
Then again, maybe it was cold already.
Just thinking of it made her stomach unruly and she rolled over to try and get comfortable again.
Dozing off, all she could hope was that everyone else was feeling better than her.
Then she woke up.
She blinked wearily and checked the time.
She had passed out for half an hour and didn’t even notice.
At the very least her stomach felt better. Yet, as she tried to get up out of bed, she was forced back down by the pounding weight in her skull.
“Ugh...” She groaned and rubbed her head. “Why…?”
With a sigh, she pulled up her phone and closed her eyes to prevent the light from blinding her until she was ready to begin watching her friends again.
And thank goodness her stomach had settled, because she was certain she would have had to run to the bathroom while watching her two friends feed each other random foods.
After a moment, the cat blinked. “Hm…? Did Korosan leave already…? Hope she had fun...” A smile wormed its way onto her sore face. “Mm… she probably did.”
Coughing for a moment, she paused to recover before looking back at her phone. If she hadn’t just coughed, she would have laughed audibly as she found Mio kissing Fubuki.
“These two can’t help themselves, hm…? Not that I can blame them...”
They had just recently gotten together, and Okayu still remembered the warm feeling in her chest that threatened to burst out once Korone confessed to her. The dog was so cute, wrestling with her own tongue as she tried to explain how she felt to the cat, who knew all too well what she meant.
That was simply how things were: she knew Korone and Korone knew her. As if they were together since they were born. Without the dog by her side, a part of her rang hollow and ensured her that she wasn’t just lying to herself, she truly loved the dog.
But now, that meant being lonely.
Staring up at the ceiling, Okayu was lonely. She was supposed to be the “cool one”, but there was nothing cool about loneliness.
She used to never feel lonely, just alone. Alone in the house, alone on the playground, always playing alone. But, now knowing the fact that she was missing someone, she was lonesome.
And she had been without Korone for a while. Too long, in fact.
Thinking about it made frustration and sadness built up in her throat.
Groaning made her head hurt, but she needed to let out some of the negative emotions welling up inside of her. It came out pained and gross, just like how she felt. Grabbing onto the pillow nearby, she sunk her claws in to help relieve some of the pressure.
Temari peeked around the corner, nose twitching in vague curiosity that hid her worry. Okayu tried to smile at her. “I’m okay. I promise.”
The other cat mewed quietly before walking off, glancing behind her once before her owner lost sight of her.
She then sighed and looked at her phone. In a quick tap, she pulled up Korone’s number and stared at it.
She was still sick, after all, she didn’t show up at the party for that very reason. She didn’t want them catching what she had, because she was sure they’d be miserable too.
Well, that and Korone would sound like a wounded puppy and break her heart.
But.
She was so very lonely, being trapped inside for so long. Being without company for so long.
Being without her Korosan for so long.
Taking a deep breath, she tapped the button.
Just like she assumed, the dog immediately picked up.
“OKAYU!” The cat winced at the sudden noise and her ears folded back. Still, she found herself feeling a little better despite the pounding in her head. Korone’s voice always cheered her up. “What’s up? Is everything okay? Do you need me to come over?”
“Korosan~” She chuckled and kneaded the pillow absentmindedly. “Everything’s alright… I just… missed you.”
“Okayuuuu...” Korone sniffled a bit. “I miss you too!”
“Mm… Do you…”
“Do I…?”
The cat bit her lip, her tail tapping the ruffled bed sheets she threw off.
“… Do you… wanna come over?”
“Aren’t you still sick?”
“… Yeah.”
“I’m on my way!” The dog shouted loudly and Okayu winced again. Thankfully, she seemed to calm down as she continued, “I’m going to pick up a few things for you on my way there! You just sit tight and wait for me!”
“My knight in shining armor...” She laughed lightly as she imagined the blush that gave her partner.
Unfortunately, it caused her to begin coughing. A really bad fit, starting only when there was someone to hear.
Damn, her luck was also taking a sick day.
“Okayu?”
“… I’m okay.”
“And I’ll be quick. So, please rest...”
“Mm… if you say so...” She tried to laugh again, to make it a little bit more of a normal conversation as her eyes drooped. “Lets me be lazy...”
“Be lazier, for once? Stay off your phone and try and get some sleep. I have my key, I can let myself in.”
“Mmkay...”
“… Gnight Okayu. I’ll see you in a bit.”
The cat yawned and nodded, though there was no one to see.
“Gnight Korosan...”
“I love you.”
Okayu smiled and dug her claws into the pillow to bring it closer.
“Me too.”
The moment there was silence on the other end, she shut her eyes. Quickly, she felt the phone slip from her hand and land harmlessly on the bed, where she sunk down further to sleep.
Yet it didn’t feel like she had slept at all by the time noise had reentered the apartment.
Her eyes hurt, her body hurt, but strangely enough, her head didn’t hurt as much anymore. She was still able to get herself up out of bed and hobble out into the living room, where the sounds of rustling bags was.
“Korosan…?”
She nearly hissed at the light getting turned on in the room, her eyes closing and her tail lashing.
“Okayu?” Once she opened her eyes again, Korone tilted her head at her. “You look...”
“Handsome?” The cat chuckled before she coughed. “I know...”
Korone frowned and walked over, ignoring the plastic bags she set on the table. Not waiting for Okayu to say anything, she held a hand to her head and hummed.
“… Still warm.”
Something pinged within the cat and her ear twitched.
“… You’ll get sick... If you’re too near me, you know.”
“Eh, I’m a hardy dog!” She grinned and pulled away. “And you need help! Have you even eaten yet?”
Her ear twitched again, getting a smirk from Korone.
“I’m taking that as a no~”
“Mmph.”
“Aww, don’t be grumpy now, kitty~”
Heat made her fur rise up and the dog laughed and held up her hands. “Okay, okay! Seriously though, was your stomach still bothering you before?”
“...Mhm.”
“Oh, Okayu...”
“Not anymore, but for a while, yeah.”
Korone smiled and took her hand before gently tugging her to the couch.
“Why don’t you sit down and relax while I make you something?”
“I already made soup...”
“The can from the back of the pantry that we forgot to throw out?”
“… Yeah.” She blinked. “Maybe that’s why Temanyan didn’t eat it yet.”
The dog wrinkled her nose.
“I’m making you soup.” She huffed.
“Good soup?
She grinned and gestured to the bags. Just by eyeing them, the cat could tell they were filled with fresh vegetables and meat.
“Good soup.”
Okayu hummed for a moment before she smiled and sat down.
“If it’s from you, it’s the best soup.”
“Okayu~”
“Korosan~”
Korone snorted and shook her head.
“You never change...”
“You love me though.”
“I do!” She blurted before grabbing the bags and leaving the cat with her blush. “I love you so much!”
“You can’t just say that!” Okayu chuckled before coughing. “Y-you can’t say that whenever...”
“I can and I will! Because I love you!” Korone threw back a hearty laugh before she grinned at her from the kitchen entryway. “I love you, I love you, I love you!”
“You’re going to smother me with love!”
“You like it~”
“Hmph.”
“Just take it easy, okay? It’ll be done in no time!”
“Geeze...”
Still, even as the dog left to clean up whatever mess Temari no doubt made while her owner was incapacitated, the cat found herself feeling warm.
A good kind of warm, for the first time in a while.
Humming, she slowly laid down on the couch and sighed as her head hit the cold pillow.
“Korosan...”
She smiled as she heard in her mind how the dog said her name in response. It made her feel at ease.
She closed her eyes and waited. Long enough that she thought she would fall asleep again.
And she did, fell asleep right on the couch, yet Korone lightly woke her up and frowned as the cat yawned.
“How are you feeling?”
“A little tired, but I’m okay, Korosan.” She smiled at the dog. “What’s up?”
Her partner didn’t seem to buy it.
“The soup is ready… But are you sure you’re okay?” She held a hand to her forehead again. “You might need more sleep.”
“’m fine, Korosan!” Okayu chuckled. “I’ll sleep later. We both know I sleep better with you anyway.”
“That’s true, and you don’t seem too warm anymore...” She hummed. “Okay, but you’re resting right after this!”
“Aww, not even a few games?” The cat smiled at her stare. “C’mon Korosan, why can’t we do a few rounds?”
“You’re sick.”
“I could be faking it.”
“You were hot to the touch.”
“I already know you think I’m hot, Korosan.”
The dog blushed before she shook her head.
“You’re always the same, Okayu...”
“And that’s a good thing.”
“That’s a good thing,” she confirmed before lightly pressing a kiss to the cat’s head. “I love who you are.”
“Love you too, Korosan~” Okayu purred, her tail curling.
Korone grinned back.
“Now, are you ready for some soup?”
“Yes, please.” The cat pouted. “I haven’t eaten all day...”
“All day?! Okayu...” Her partner huffed before she smirked. “Well, you’re lucky you’re gonna get the best soup ever for a sick day!”
“Yay~” She coughed as the dog hurried into the kitchen.
Quickly, she came back out with a bowl with steam pouring out of the rim.
“Here we are!” She exclaimed proudly as she presented the meal to her partner.
Okayu blinked.
It was an amazing looking broth with vegetables and chucks of well cooked meat. The smell almost got past her clogged up nose, but she still failed to smell anything. She had no doubt she would even taste the darn thing, but…
She reached to take the bowl and-
“Woah, woah, woah! Now hold on!” The dog said while taking the bowl away.
“Mm? What’s up?”
“Well, what else?” Korone grinned. “I’m gonna feed you!”
“I can eat just fine on my own, Korosan~”
“I know but I want to do this, Okayu~”
“… Mm… alright then.” Okayu chuckled. “As long as you don’t make a mess like the last time you wanted to do this.”
“Hey, ice cream is different! It’s always messy!”
“Uhuh.”
Korone huffed and stuck her cheeks out.
“Mean.”
“Oh, so mean.”
“… So?”
The cat sighed before she smiled and shifted so it was easier for them both.
“Alright, alright.”
“Yay!” The dog’s tail wagged as she pulled up the spoon to blow on it before holding it out to her partner. “Now say ‘ahhh!’”
Okayu rolled her eyes with a smile before she opened her mouth and began eating.
Slowly, but surely, they went through the bowl and the cat felt her eyes drooping again from the warmth and love that had filled her stomach.
“Sleepy again, kitty~?” She teased and Okayu huffed.
“Mmnot. You’re imagining things.”
“Uhuh.” She laughed. “Is it time for bed?”
“Only if you come with me?”
“Okayu.”
“Korosan~”
“You’re sick.”
“I feel better!”
“If you feel better, I can leave~”
Leave.
She smirked and lifted herself up to turn to the door.
Pain shot through Okayu’s heart.
She hugged the dog’s waist.
“O-Okayu?”
The cat didn’t respond, she just held onto her partner with all of her might.
Korone gave her a moment before she slowly began to turn back around and kneel down before her.
“Okayu? What’s wrong?” After not receiving an answer for a moment, she reached out to cup her cheek with her hand. “… Why did you really call for me?”
Okayu took a breath and looked away before she spoke again.
“… It’s… been a while since we’ve been alone together.” The playfulness was gone in her voice, growing quiet. “I… missed you.”
“Oh… Right, I was busy helping Mio with Fubuki.” Korone smiled slightly. “They’re really hopeless.”
“Mmm...”
“… Okayu.”
She looked up at the dog with a frown.
“… You can call on me anytime. You know that.” She gently took the cat’s hand and kissed it. “I’ll come running when you do.”
“… I know.” Her ears pressed against her head. “But… I don’t want you getting sick too.”
“I told you: I’m a tough dog. I can take it.” Korone smiled. “I’d fight anything that would prevent me from seeing you again.”
“… I wish I did.”
“… Were you lonely?” With no reply, she sighed. “Oh, Okayu...”
“Korosan...” The cat’s tail wrapped around herself. “I...”
“You’re never alone, kitty. I’m always with you one way or another.”
“I know. It’s just… Can we please…?”
The dog blinked.
“Okayu...”
Korone stared at her for a moment longer before she sighed and smiled.
“Alright. Fine. But if you feel bad, you have to tell me, okay?”
Okayu smiled back.
“Can do, Korosan.”
“Hm...” The dog hummed before she set the bowl down on the table and rubbed her hands together.
Okayu just blinked and tilted her head.
“Um… Korosan? You oka-”
She was cut off with a yelp as she was lifted into the air and pulled to Korone.
The dog grinned at her.
“Here we go! Now I don’t have to worry about you possibly pushing yourself too much!”
“I-I can walk to my bed, Korosan!”
“Nope! I wanna carry you!”
“B-but...” The cat gulped. Her mouth was dry again as she felt Korone’s tone body against her.
Every single time, she was always thrown off by the dog’s abs. A blush always blooming as she thought of them.
That was no different today.
“You okay? You seem pretty red~” Korone was smirking.
“… ‘m fine.”
“Heheh~”
“Oi…” She frowned. “...You’re doing this on purpose.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about~” She snickered as she nudged open the door enough to let them in. “I’m not doing anything.”
“You totally are!”
The dog raised an eyebrow before she lifted Okayu’s face to hers.
“Oh yeah?”
“… Korosan.”
“Okayu~?”
The cat chuckled and kissed her.
“You’re something else~”
Korone beamed and gently set her down on the bed, keeping herself propped up with both hands on either side of the cat’s head as she looked down at her with a loving gaze that Okayu had seen so many times.
“Yeah, but I’m your something.”
Okayu chuckled and wrapped her arms around her neck.
“My knight in shining armor.” Korone moved down for a kiss and Okayu complied. “My hero.” Another. “My heart.”
“And you are mine,” she mumbled into yet another kiss, face burning. “All of that and more.”
She purred and kissed the dog again.
She awoke in her partner’s arms, as strong and warm as they always were.
Her throat almost hurt from purring so much, yet she couldn’t help herself. The hug was so warm.
Yet as she looked around, Okayu failed to see any light coming from the windows that wasn’t artificial.
“… She should go home,” a part of her reasoned. “… But… she’d leave,” another argued. “Who knows when we’ll get another chance like this…?”
They were both always so busy with streams, events, and such, not to mention helping their two friends figure out their feelings for one another.
As proud as she was for setting the two up, she couldn’t help but feel that small twitch of pain in her chest when she thought of that time.
She missed her. She really, truly did.
The cat’s tail was wrapped around Korone’s leg, her arms pinned under the dog’s as she tried to hug her back in her sleep.
She pulled herself closer, nestling herself in her partner’s neck.
“… You don’t want me to leave?”
Okayu winced, her ears pressing against her head.
“… No.”
“Is my kitty lonely?”
“… yes.”
“Then I’ll stay,” Korone mumbled as she kissed the cat’s head and began rubbing her back. “I’ll stay until you no longer need me.”
Okayu felt herself drifting off again.
“I’ll always need you.”
“Then I’ll always be here.”
“...promise?”
“I promise.”
“… love you, Korosan.”
“I love you too, Okayu.”
The cat smiled and lightly kissed her partner’s neck before falling back asleep, feeling the best she had in a long while.