Work Text:
Mafuyu blinked.
The luminescent glow of the clock in front of her casting a soft light across her face.
02:30
Normally she'd be asleep. A habit she carried since she was young, having a rather strict bed time even if her parents failed to monitor her properly.
How else had she met Kanade, or Niigo in general?
Even in spite of that, something felt off.
Something was gone.
Someone was gone.
It had been a permanent arrangement for some time- though Niigo had long split up she and Kanade had moved in with each other. It wasn't uncommon for either to come home late.
So why was Mafuyu worrying?
She hadn't felt this lost in quite some time. (Since she first met her partner years ago.)
Feelings were still confusing. Though her heart felt lighter nowadays.
Tonight felt like an exception.
Kanade had yet to come home.
Something grew in her chest, watching minutes tick by as the glow of their digital clock (which surely was a few seconds off) slowly neared 03:00.
She vaguely recognized the churning as anxiety.
The gentle pitter-patter of rain tapping on the windows became nothing more than background noise that was tuned out.
What if Kanade got into an accident? What if she decided to abandon Mafuyu? Had she gotten injured? Had to stay late at work? Had something happened to Ena or Mizuki? Shiho?
To any outsider, (if there were any at such an ungodly time of night) she would have seemed entirely calm. As if she were asleep with her eyes open.
Mafuyu let out a soft exhale.
Sleep.
She wished this were some nightmare.
Sinking back into the couch, she reminded herself she was no longer a student, she was no longer under her parents care-
Mafuyu carded through strands of purple hair, the slight downturn of their lips indicating worry.
She didn't understand.
Kanade was an adult. She had no obligation to come home on time- so why did Mafuyu care so much?
The fingers threaded through the slight tangles in her hair tightened, out of frustration? Worry?
She didn't know.
The uncomfortable feeling in her gut never left.
02:49
Mafuyu was tempted to go back to bed. Convincing herself that Kanade would come home eventually.
She didn't move.
Times before this, Kanade would listen to Mafuyu, often helping her better understand what was going through her head, or what it was Mafuyu was feeling.
Kanade wasn't judgemental.
Mafuyu always admired that. Unsure of how Kanade always seemed to know what to say, or how to say it. She felt a tinge of jealousy.
Mafuyu remembered the days where Ena would ask for opinions for her latest art. She often got upset when Mafuyu gave input.
She took Mizuki's answer as a joke.
But she seemed to sound pleased, even bashful when Kanade expressed her thoughts.
Mafuyu never understood why.
Mafuyu didn't understand.
She shook her head- as if to disperse the thoughts that had compiled.
She shut her eyes. Mafuyu really was grateful for Kanade.
Over the years she realized how much she had grown. (Though it was mainly because of the former-composer.)
Nothing felt.. as hopeless as it once did. Around her Kanade, things felt achievable- it was miniscule progress. Though Kanade always assured her that it was a big step in recovery.
Kanade always saw right though her.
Mafuyu shifted her gaze from the clock, staring out the window.
She was smiling.
Mafuyu hardly realized it.
Though, she didn't have time to dwell on the though, hearing the soft click of a door opening.
Mafuyu moved to her feet, recognizing the soft footsteps that followed to be none other than Kanade's.
The shorter gazed at Mafuyu, eyes softening as she slipped off her shoes. "I didn't think you'd still be awake."
Mafuyu breathed, relief flooding into her expression.
Studying the girl in front of her, the momentary ease slipping away. Kanade was soaking wet, and on top of that she wasn't wearing her jacket, rather holding the fabric- cradling it in her arms.
"Kanade?" Mafuyu's voice sounded weaker than she would've liked.
The aforementioned girl shivered, sneezing softly.
The purplette forced her voice to sound steady. "Let's get you dried off."
"No."
Mafuyu blinked.
Kanade carefully handed her thoroughly soaked jacket to Mafuyu, who grasped it, confused.
It was too heavy to be a jacket. Even with rain water soaked in.
It was too heavy.
Mafuyu shifted her grasp on the jacket, carefully peeling back the fabric.
Fur.
"Take care of it first- I can wait." Kanade's voice wavered, hugging her arms to her chest as a means to keep herself warm.
Mafuyu wanted to protest. What exactly was 'it'? She untangled the jacket, eyes widening as she realized it was Cat.
A calico.
The cat was mostly dry.
"Kanade..?" Mafuyu mumbled, setting the drenched article of clothing on the couch.
Kanade had sacrificed her jacket to make sure the cat stayed warm.
Somehow, Mafuyu knew that even if she insisted on taking care of her, she's end up taking care of the cat instead.
Gently, she lifted the cat up above her head, studying it for any signs of injury.
After a moment, she was sure it was unharmed, setting down on the couch. Watching as it layed down next to Kanade's jacket, as if the scent were comforting.
"The cat is alright. Now let me take care of you." Mafuyu muttered, moving towards Kanade. Slipping one arm against her back, she slipped the other under her knees.
"Ah-"
Mafuyu shushed her, holding her bridal style as she moved towards their shared room.
Kanade made no effort to move. Melting into the embrace as she soaked up Mafuyu's warmth. She wouldn't trade this moment for the world.
"You're freezing. Text me next time." Mafuyu muttered, adoration clear in her eyes as she sat Kanade down. (Who almost wined at the loss of contact and source of warmth.)
"Sorry. The cat looked cold." Kanade whispered, sounding guilty.
Mafuyu wanted to laugh, but was unsure of why. "It's fine. I'm just glad you're alright."
Kanade smiled, laughing softly as a towel fell on her head with a 'plop' sound.
"I really don't deserve you. Thank you, for everything."
Mafuyu only hummed, gently drying off Kanade's hair with the towel.
Still, she smiled softly.
"I should be saying that to you."