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Heizou was unsurprised when this case reached his desk. After all, he’d grown rather accustomed to the types of cases a small detective agency like Bantan Sango decides to take on.
Tens of local cats have gone missing, all of which disappeared around the same time – last week, within a few days of each other.
A fair amount of the cats don’t belong to anyone in particular, though a local woman is concerned that her favorite stray cats have suddenly disappeared. Despite the fact that she never adopted them, she’s grown to become quite fond of them and misses their presence. Other cats apparently do have owners, some of which have posted signs around Inazuma, asking if anyone has seen them.
Heizou is once again reminded of why he wishes to leave Bantan Sango. A case like this isn’t something for a detective like Heizou to take on! This is something anyone could solve. To the point that the sweet lady could ask her neighbors to help her look around the neighborhood for her strays. Not a detective agency! More likely than not, the cats have simply disappeared because the weather is getting warmer and they enjoy exploring. Perhaps owners left their windows open when they shouldn’t have and the cats started getting out.
Heizou would leave in a heartbeat for a chance to solve more stimulating cases. But he can’t. He’s partners with Sango. And he’ll remain here as long as that rings true.
Heizou takes the case, intending to solve it in a single day.
Kaedehara Kazuha has bitten off way more than he can chew. He realizes that as he stares at the meowing chorus of cats crawling over his lap in his garage.
What started as Kazuha hoping to return one cat after seeing a missing cat poster, turned into Kazuha attempting to find the owners of every single missing cat he’s spotted this week. And once people online caught wind that he was doing this, they brought Kazuha more missing cats and asked for his help in returning them! Kazuha isn’t even sure if all of these cats are from Inazuma!
Some of them have collars with their names and addresses on them, and some of them have nothing more than distinct fur patterns that he hopes will be enough for owners to identify them online.
Either way – Kazuha has no idea how to take care of this many cats. He’s managed to help 15 cats find their owners using his keen senses of smell and hearing, but there are still 20 cats here, and the number only seems to keep growing every day!
He’s running out of food for them, but he hates the idea of leaving them all alone to run around his house. But alas, Kazuha is working by himself. He needs to go get more supplies.
Most of the cats seem to understand how a litter box works, and Kazuha’s been cleaning the few he owns what feels like every few hours, but the time has come for Kazuha to do a massive overhaul on his garage and get these kitties the things they need.
Today, Kazuha leaves to start (what feels like) an animal shelter in his house.
After listening to local accounts, Heizou’s current theory is that a single person is behind these disappearances. He’s spoken to all the cat shelter owners in the area, and at one shelter in particular, a woman said a man came in asking about the identities of ten different cats – but when asked if he’d like to bring them into the shelter, he said he felt indebted to care for them.
So someone in the area is taking in local cats. It shouldn’t be hard to figure out who. If this person is truly caring for so many pets, then they’ll at some point need to buy supplies in bulk. Heizou’s next stop is the pet store.
He arrives just after lunchtime. The shop is alive and bustling with people. Pet owners rake through merchandise while their animals prance across the floor. Kids tug at their parents' shirts, trying to guide them toward the adoption area. Truthfully enough, Heizou has spent a lot of time coming to this place. Not for his own pets – of which he has none – but for cases. He receives a lot of pet cases. And more often than not, he can catch a lead here – the sole pet-centric store in the city.
He walks up to the line, waiting patiently as the families in front of him check out. Finally, it’s his turn at the register.
“Go ahead and put your items on the counter.” the woman says absentmindedly, not yet meeting his gaze. The moment she looks up at him her eyes widen and a smile crosses her face. “Detective Shikanoin! How may I help you?”
“I’ve been hearing whisperings of a man potentially hoarding missing cats in the city. Has anyone come in recently ordering an exorbitant amount of cat supplies?”
“Oh, him?” she asks, eyebrows raising, “He’s pretty popular online! Didn’t you see him? He just left.”
“Just left?” Heizou asks, shocked that this man managed to slip past his sight, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” she says, waving in his direction as he jogs out of the store.
Popular online? For what? Stealing cats…?
Humanity is often unpredictable.
Just as he makes it onto the sidewalk, he sees a man with a wheelbarrow full of cat supplies hobbling down the street. He seems to be struggling, nearly dropping it all before regaining his balance, picking up the pace.
Interesting.
Heizou follows him from a distance in an attempt not to scare him off. If the man drops that wheelbarrow and runs away before getting the supplies into his car, Heizou will be the one to have to clean it all up. He’ll let the man finish.
One thing is for certain – This man is quite strong. Even just from watching him push the wheelbarrow, he can see how much stamina he has. Heizou wonders if he’s a fighter. His frame is quite small, but that’s nothing unfamiliar to Heizou. He himself is quite small – and often underestimated. He always keeps an eye out for those with builds similar to his. They’re the ones he finds most dangerous.
The man hasn’t taken a single break… And Heizou’s starting to wonder if he has a car with him at all.
Did he walk all the way here with a wheelbarrow?
Heizou’s own car is still parked outside of the pet store. He’ll have to go back for it at this rate.
Heizou is genuinely surprised the man intends to wheel so much home. He has to have at least 45 kilograms of cat food… not to mention the packages of litter and litterboxes. Heizou can even see a cat tower poking out of the top with cat beds that keep toppling out every few minutes.
Heizou knows that this man is able to handle this on his own… But something in him wishes to at least confirm he’s okay.
What’s wrong with Heizou? This man is a suspect!
Of…. cat burglary.
Heizou needs a different job.
He catches up to the man, shoes smacking against the pavement as he ends up beside him, matching his gait.
It takes a moment before he thinks of something to say.
“Are you alright?”
The man looks over at him, sweat trickling down his forehead, adorned in the prettiest smile Heizou’s ever seen. “O-oh! Hello there. Um, yes. I’m alright. Thank you.”
“Do you need help…?” Heizou asks.
His voice is so smooth… It’s rather pleasing on the ears.
“No, but I appreciate the offer.” the man says, “This is mostly a one-person job. Besides, I’m headed home. I don’t suppose you’re interested in going all that way with me.”
Heizou stares at the wheelbarrow, investigating it more closely. This has to be for way more than ten cats. “What’s all the cat stuff for?” he asks, attempting to sound casual.
The man tilts his head, continuing to push as he looks Heizou over, “You sure do ask a lot of questions. I don’t even know your name yet.”
Heizou blushes for some odd reason – clearing his throat. Did he just look Heizou up and down?!
“I’m Heizou.” he says, unable to tear his eyes away from him, “Shikanoin Heizou.”
The man has this intriguing air about him, and it’s making Heizou feel a bit shy.
….Just how much of a crime is cat burglary, anyway?
“Kaedehara Kazuha.” the man says, looking Heizou up and down again?! “I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere before. You’re quite handsome – So I know you have a face I’d try to remember. You don’t happen to be a detective, do you?”
Heizou blushes, ignoring the innocent compliment Kazuha threw in.
Busted.
“Ah– I am. I was actually hoping to talk to you.”
“Me?” Kazuha asks, eyes widening, “What about?”
“It’s about the cats. I’m working on a case regarding a certain someone who has been stealing local cats. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that… Would you?”
“Stealing?” Kazuha asks, stopping in his tracks. He stands up straight, meeting Heizou eye to eye.
Kazuha’s stare is intense – but in an odd way. It’s unhostile, remarkably kind. But still, Heizou feels his heart skip a beat. It’s almost hard to speak.
“Yes. There have been many reports of people's cats going missing, and sightings of a particular man who seems to be taking care of a lot of cats. I’m not going to accuse you… But I am curious as to what other reason you would have for buying so much cat food… and litter.”
“Stealing.” Kazuha repeats, his eyebrows furrowing, “Is that truly what people think?”
“It is.” Heizou says, offering him a half-smile. “It would be really helpful if you could clear things up for me.”
“O-of course!” Kazuha says, nodding, “I can tell you everything. Could you come with me, though? I really need to get back to the cats… and it’s a long walk.”
“You don’t want to just walk and talk?” Heizou asks.
“U-um,” Kazuha says, starting to push the wheelbarrow again, “I-it’s a bit hard,” he says, “This is really heavy.”
“I see.” Heizou says, walking beside him again, “Well, it sounds like you know what I’m referring to, at the very least.”
“Unfortunately,” Kazuha says, “It’s definitely me you’re looking for. Although I’m surprised this is a matter that needs a detective of your caliber. I wasn’t aware I was doing anything so serious.”
Heizou wasn’t aware this was something a detective like himself needed to solve either. But here he is.
“Well, I’ll walk you home and you can tell me what you know. And then we can talk about the severity of it.”
“And this one has a collar, but no address.” Kazuha says, holding up yet another cat, “O-oh, and this one… I took him to the vet – well, I took them all to the vet. But he had worms, so for a while, I had to keep him confined from the other cats while giving him medicine. He’s made a full recovery, but I haven’t been able to figure out who he belongs to. He’s been posted on my website online for days now. No one has reached out.” He picks up another one, “This one was just dropped on my doorstep this morning. It’s like I’m running a cat orphanage. People just bring them to me instead of to shelters or the vet!” he exasperates, “I am truly happy to help… But I am starting to question whether or not I’m the right person for the job. I really want to help these people, but it’s a lot on my plate.”
“I can imagine.” Heizou says, looking over all the cats. He hadn’t planned to spend his day this way, but…. “What if I helped you? With my intuition and your attuned sense of smell, I’m sure we could find most of these cats' houses within the day.”
“Really?!” Kazuha blurts out, genuine relief in his eyes. “A-are you sure? I’m worried that I’ll suck up all of your time.”
Heizou smiles, petting the cats as they stumble over his lap. “I’m sure.” he says, “It wouldn’t be a bother. Besides, I can see the bags under your eyes. I’m sure you aren’t getting much sleep with so many cats meowing all night.”
Kazuha lets out a weary laugh, hugging a cat closer, “Y-yeah… It’s been really rough. Most nights I lay here on the concrete floor. I can’t trust them all alone together. I just let them sleep on me. Sometimes I bring in a pillow and a blanket. My back has been killing me.”
Heizou grimaces, “The more I hear, the more I’m certain that getting these cats off of your hands is the right decision. It’s obvious your heart is in the right place, and I don’t believe you warrant such harsh punishment as being taken into the station – as long as you return the cats with owners to their rightful homes and go through the proper process of adoption for those you wish to keep.”
“Of course!” Kazuha says, his entire body relaxing, “You don’t know how much this means to me.”
“It’s no trouble at all. Although – We don’t want to do this again, right? So maybe consider saying no to caring for any more cats… and putting up a sign on your door that dissuades people from leaving cats. And if people continue to bring them, you can always call up to Bantan Sango and I’ll handle it.”
“You’re extremely generous.” Kazuha says, running his thumb over a kitten’s forehead, “I’ll have to think long and hard about how to properly thank you.”
“Just a ‘thank you’ is enough.” Heizou says, standing up and brushing off his pants. “What do you say we get going?”
“Sure. Although I don’t know where to begin.”
“I do.” Heizou says, picking up a tabby cat. “Let’s start with her.”
It’s nightfall before they finish returning all the cats. The sky is pitch black, both of them visibly exhausted.
Kazuha’s dragging his feet as they walk. His stomach growls loud enough that it elicits an involuntary chuckle from Heizou. “Hungry?” Heizou asks.
“Very.” Kazuha sighs, looking over at Heizou. What do you say? It’s already late. Want to stay for dinner? I’ll make you something nice.”
Heizou doesn’t often trust food from strangers…. But he’s had a surprisingly amazing time. A case hasn’t been this much fun to work since he first started at Bantan Sango. Being in Kazuha’s presence is a delight.
Each time they returned a cat, Kazuha would look at him with the brightest smile. After a while, their celebrations went from simple high-fives to a full-on handshake that sort of just created itself over time. Their hands started to linger more and more, almost as if it was just an excuse to connect in some way. There’s a magnetic pull between their bodies. Heizou’s had to fight the urge to just grab Kazuha’s hand and hold it in his all day.
They’ve only known each other for less than a day, but Heizou already feels so close to him.
They spoke a lot while they returned the cats. About their upbringings… Various stories throughout their lives. Heizou expected to do what he normally does and just listen to someone else vent to him about their problems… But Kazuha kept asking Heizou about his life, too. And he seemed genuinely interested. So before Heizou knew it… He was spilling his guts to a man just met.
There’s simply so much to learn about Kazuha. One day isn’t nearly enough… One afternoon can’t contain just how vehemently Heizou wishes to unravel the case that is Kaedehara Kazuha.
He almost wishes they hadn’t been so efficient. He wishes they still had 20 more cats to deliver.
So of course, Heizou says, “Sure. I would love to.”
Because at least then, they can spend a little more time together.
Kazuha enters his house through his garage, a gentle sigh as he picks up the single remaining cat.
“So sorry we couldn’t find your family.” he tells her, “I’m sure it’s not fun being all alone. But it’s okay – there’s still tomorrow.”
Heizou pulls off his jacket, hanging it on Kazuha’s coat rack. “My intuition tells me she doesn’t have an owner. I believe she was separated from a litter of stray kittens.”
“So you’ve mentioned.” Kazuha sighs. He sets her down in a small cat bed. “She doesn’t seem hungry quite yet, so I’ll feed her soon. For now, you can come with me to the kitchen.”
Heizou sits at the dining room table as Kazuha cooks. It’s peaceful. Heizou nearly doses off – something he would never do in the house of someone he’s investigating. But he just feels so safe with Kazuha.
It’s baffling.
“Do you want soy sauce?” Kazuha asks, bringing their plates over to the table.
“Sure.” Heizou says, taking it from Kazuha’s hand, “Thank you for this. Seriously.”
“You’re welcome.” Kazuha says, sitting down across from him. “I hope this serves as sufficient repayment.”
“More than.” Heizou chuckles.
Kazuha reaches for the pitcher of water, pouring some into his cup before looking at Heizou. “Would you like some?”
“Absolutely.” he says, holding out his cup. He can’t even begin to describe just how thirsty he is after all that walking.
They eat in silence, both of them too worn for idle conversation. But it isn’t unsettling in any way. Heizou’s relaxed, and it’s clear Kazuha is too.
After they finish, Kazuha prepares the kitten a bottle full of milk. He leads Heizou back to the garage, sitting on his feet as he holds the kitten in his arms.
“I should probably feed her now. You don’t have to stay for this. Thank you again.” Kazuha says.
Heizou sits down across from him, holding out his hands, “May I?”
Kazuha’s eyes widen, “M-may you what?”
“Feed her.” Heizou clarifies.
He doesn’t know why he’s asking.
Maybe it’s just an excuse to stay a few more minutes.
“Alright.” Kazuha says, handing the kitten to him, “She’s quite mild-tempered. It shouldn’t be hard at all.”
Heizou holds her carefully, working the bottle into her mewing mouth. She quickly latches on, drinking away. Heizou smiles.
This isn’t so bad.
He just quietly rocks her, unsure if cats even need to be rocked, enjoying the gentle atmosphere.
He rests his hand on his thigh. His muscles ache. Perhaps he hasn't been training as much as he should… He squeezes the muscles, startling as he feels Kazuha’s hand come down on top of his. His eyes snap up to Kazuha’s, Kazuha quickly yanking his hand away.
“U-um! I’m sorry, I–”
Heizou can feel the heart crawl under his skin, a smile inking onto his face.
His intuition tells him that wasn’t an accident. Kazuha has been battling the same wish as Heizou – To simply hold hands.
He reaches for Kazuha’s hand, cupping it in his.
Kazuha’s hand is… soft. Heizou runs his thumb across it and Kazuha blushes too, squeezing Heizou’s hand a bit tighter. He finally musters the courage to face Heizou again. They lock eyes – briefly. And then Kazuha scoots closer, slowly, hesitantly, until they’re sitting beside each other, thighs just barely touching.
Heizou can’t help but notice how warm Kazuha is. He tries to play it cool, but then Kazuha properly grabs his hand, intertwining their fingers.
“Better.” he says.
Heizou gulps, nodding, “B-better…”
None of this is professional at all…….
Holding hands with a suspect of all people?
….Heizou can’t find the will to care.
His heart is in his ears. He’s praying his palm doesn’t grow sweaty. He doesn’t want Kazuha to pull his hand away.
But he will admit, it is quite hard to hold the bottle up with the same hand he’s holding the kitten with–
“There, like this.” Kazuha says, leaning against Heizou’s arm as he reaches his free hand over, holding the bottle up. “She needs it about this high.” Kazuha says.
Heizou’s breath hitches, staring at Kazuha from his peripheral vision.
He’s… He’s so close now. There’s this entire, big, open garage…. And yet here Kazuha is, pressed up against him. As if they know each other. As if this is normal.
“You smell nice.” Kazuha says, looking up at Heizou.
Heizou turns to face him, shocked by just how close their faces are. Heizou begs himself not to, but his eyes flicker down to Kazuha’s lips for a brief moment. He forces them back to Kazuha’s eyes, focusing, struggling not to do what his mind is screaming at him to.
“Thanks.” Heizou says softly. “So do you.”
Kazuha smiles, backing away. Heizou finally feels like he can breathe again. “You don’t seem like you want to leave, detective.” Kazuha says, eyes scanning Heizou's face. “Anyone else in your profession would have left hours ago.”
Ah…
So Kazuha noticed.
Heizou’s overstaying his welcome.
“I’m sorry.” Heizou says, “You’re quite right. I don’t want to leave…” A pause. “This is unprofessional of me, isn’t it?”
“Perhaps so.” Kazuha says, shrugging, “But that doesn’t matter to me. I just find it interesting that you’re as unwilling to part as I am.” Kazuha chuckles, “It’s quite late, and your car is still at the pet store, right?”
“R-right…” Heizou says, clearing his throat. He returns his attention to the kitten. “What will you do with her?”
“Perhaps I’ll keep her.” Kazuha says, peering at her content face.
“Oh?”
“She seems to really like you.” Kazuha says, “Maybe you should come by and visit her.”
It’s quiet for a moment. Heizou looks at Kazuha more closely now. He can still see the faint red beneath his cheeks. “Her? Or you…?”
The faint red blooms into a deep blush. “Both of us. I would like to see you again, detective.”
Heizou lets out an amused breath, “You don’t have to keep a kitten in order to see me. How about I take you on a date, instead?”
“R-really?” Kazuha flusters, eyes widening. “U-um. Sure!”
“Great.” Heizou says. The kitten has finally finished eating. He holds the bottle up, offering it to Kazuha. “I guess I should get going.”
“W-wait.” Kazuha blurts out, “Don’t you want to stay a little longer?”
Heizou sets the kitten down, standing up. “I do.” he says, “But I really should get home.”
He’s got a lot to think about.
For instance… What in the world is he going to do for their first date?!
How did he ask that so confidently?! It just rolled off of his tongue!
Heizou’s totally freaking out right now!
He needs to get out of here so he can breathe.
“I understand.” Kazuha says, standing up, too. “It was really nice meeting you. Do you want me to walk you to your car?”
“No, I’ll be fine.” Heizou says, “You’re exhausted. So get some rest, okay?”
Kazuha nods, walking Heizou to the front door. “I’ll be holding you to that date.”
“I’m looking forward to it more than you know.”
What is Heizou saying?!
“Good.” Kazuha says, pulling the door open, “Good night.”
Heizou walks through it, almost as if his body is on autopilot. He stands outside, giving Kazuha one final glance, “Good night.”
The door closes.
And Heizou internally screams.
What just happened?!
He’ll never complain about getting a cat case again.
He hurries away from Kazuha’s house, rushing the long trek back to his car.
His cheeks are so hot. He’s still blushing, even as he finally gets in his car, even as he finally gets home, even as he wraps himself up in his covers. He’s still smiling, still so happy, still so flustered.
He’s going on a date?!
With someone as beautiful as Kazuha…?
This has to be a dream.
He can’t believe that it isn’t.
This is real…
…Heizou loves his job.