Work Text:
“Alright, everyone. Let’s just be calm and assess our situation.”
“How can we be calm, Shinoa, if we’re like this ?!”
“Of all the fucked up ideas you had, you couldn’t have just left the lab on its own?”
“I resent that belittling tone, Kimizuki.”
“You’re already little to begin with. And even more now.”
“Wow…you did not just cross that.”
“Guys, please, let’s try not to fight in a cramped space. Eh...why are we even hiding here?”
“Because it was the only one open, Yoichi-san. Of course, that idiot would leave his door unlocked.”
“Thank goodness though, or we’d be goners.”
“Hush, Mitsuba. I’m hearing something.”
Thump. Thump. Sigh.
Thud.
Creak.
“What the—? WAHH!”
~o~
Yuu jumped back with a surprised yelp, eyes staring wide at his open closet where he’d been about to get a new change of clothes. Were his eyes deceiving him? Or did he really just see a set of glowing eyes staring back at him from the darkness of his closet?
Scratching the back of his head, Yuu opened the doors wider and with the help of the light shining through the panes of his window, he could make out small animals huddled at the back of his closet.
Yuu didn’t know what to do but blink and stare.
Why were there animals inside his closet and how did they even get there? Was this one of Shinoa’s pranks on him? But how the fuck would that girl have any time to gather all these animals and even more, mercilessly stuck them inside his closet with no food or water? She may be a crazy woman but she wasn’t that heartless.
Thinking there was nothing else for it, Yuu crouched down on the floor and held his hand out.
“Hey guys, why don’t you come out of there?” He made sure to soften his voice, hoping the animals weren’t too spooked with his shriek earlier.
Suddenly, there was a bark-like sound as a purple-furred baby fox bounded its way towards him and leaped at his legs. Instead of being scared, Yuu grinned and welcomed the adorable animal with open arms, letting it rest on his lap as petted the top of its head.
Seeing that he was being nice to the fox must have encouraged the other animals to step out of the closet as well. By this point, Yuu had taken to sitting with his legs crossed under him, allowing the other animals to paw at his thighs and climb onto his lap too.
One of them, a baby tiger, was growling at the baby fox sitting comfortably between his legs, somehow communicating together as they exchanged a series of barks and growls. In the end, the fox wagged its tail, seeming to be happy where it sat while the baby tiger sulked to his side, butting its head against Yuu’s waist.
“Did you guys just fight?” He asked even though he knew he wouldn’t get a response. He moved his hand to scratch on the back of the tiger's ear, somehow not scared that the feral creature might bite or scratch him. And it seemed to like his touch if the purring was anything to go by.
Yuu took a moment to observe the animals surrounding him.
The baby fox on his lap had purple colored fur and seemed to be quite harmless. There was also a cat, a tabby cat by the looks of it, with dark blond fur lounging at the top of his right thigh, yawning and just licking itself. Another animal was a dog, which was honestly Yuu’s favorite type of animal, and it looked to be a sort of puppy Dane with pink colored fur and eyes as sharp as glass.
There was another animal— Yuu would have missed it if it hadn’t been moving— a hamster. It was the smallest out of the rest of them, sitting beside the dog, which made their height difference quite laughable. It had light brown fur and it kept squeaking something to which either the tabby cat or the fox would reply to.
Strange.
Last, of course, was the baby tiger. Or a sort of blond-white tiger that had the stripes for it and piercing red eyes. Yuu had no doubt it would look ferocious once it grew up but as it was still small now (though it was easily the second biggest animal out of them all, next to the dog), Yuu found it quite adorable.
Actually, they were all so cute and precious, Yuu felt like keeping them.
“I don’t know how you guys got into my room or if you have any owners but I can’t keep you guys with me. Animals aren’t allowed in the dorms.” Yuu told them, sighing sadly when the tabby cat butted its head against his chest and he raised his hand to scratch under its chin.
The other animals crowded around him even closer, rubbing their faces against his leg or hand or making these cute mewling, squeaking sounds. Yuu felt his heart melt at every wide eyed, adorable look staring at him.
“You guys aren’t making this easy for me.” He whined, carrying the tiger into his arms and hugging it to his chest. It licked on the underside of his chin and Yuu laughed, wiping the saliva away and kissing the top of the tiger’s head. The hamster had found it’s way on top of his knee and was squeaking something at him, its whiskers twitching and seeming to be pleading with him. Yuu couldn’t say no to such a look.
“Alright fine. You can stay for the night.” Yuu grinned when the tiger and cat licked his neck and arm respectively, reminding Yuu that he was still dirty and that he had come here to shower. He moved to stood, gently extracting the animals from him as he once again rifled through his closet for some pajamas.
“Okay, I’ll just take a quick shower and we’ll talk about sleeping arrangements later.” Yuu said, making sure that he had the door closed to his room this time. He remembered leaving it open this morning which probably was the reason how the animals got in in the first place.
Walking in through the adjacent bathroom, Yuu left the door open just in case one of the animals started causing trouble and he needed to quiet them immediately. With one last look at the animals huddled together now, watching him leave inside the bathroom, he felt his lips quirk into a smile and offered them another “I’ll be back.” before he was gone from sight.
~o~
Who knew Yuu-san could be so cuddly when he’s around animals? Can’t believe he’s the same guy who hardly spoke to anyone in school. She giggled in the way a fox would which sounded a bit scary to the rest.
You sure it wasn’t because he was trying to avoid you in school? Kimizuki asked with a look that said he was raising his brow at Shinoa.
The fox huffed and straightened up her tail. I was a completely charming person to Yuu-san. It took him Yoichi, another oblivious idiot, to befriend someone.
H-Hey, that’s not nice, Shinoa. The hamster squeaked, twitching his nose.
When is Shinoa ever nice? Mitsuba snorted, licking her paw, You practically stole the spot Mika wanted earlier.
I did not. He was just too slow to take the chance. Like calling shotgun. The fox looked even haughtier now, looking to Mika if he would challenge her again like earlier.
Mika only acknowledged her with a glare.
Besides, he eventually got hugged by Yuu-san so he shouldn’t complain.
Why are you guys even arguing about this? Kimizuki complained, yawning with his tongue lolling out briefly.
Says the dog who secretly wanted to lounge on Yuu-san’s lap as well. I saw you eyeing me, don’t think I didn’t notice. The fox waggled her tail back and forth at the dog.
N-No I did not! Stop assuming what I want, Shinoa! Kimizuki lightly growled, averting his face away a moment later.
Mhmm. Both Mitsuba and Shinoa hummed at the same time, looking at Kimizuki in the way they always did when they’d tease him about Yuu.
Well, I’m going to take a short walk. Her walk being a little trip inside the open door that let to Yuu's bathroom where the sounds of a shower could be heard. Mika was already there, blocking her way with bared teeth.
What are you doing?!
The fox tried to look innocent which wasn't easy. I just want to take a look inside, it's not like Yuu-san will notice. Hehe.
Mika growled, baring his teeth. I will not allow you to see Yuu-chan in his naked state. That’s wrong on so many accounts.
You're no fun, Mika-san. Shinoa sighed before trotting away, choosing instead to tease the tabby cat by pawing at Mitsuba's tail. The cat yowled and swiped a clawed paw at the laughing fox.
"Hey there, what are you doing in here?"
Mika jumped, turning around hastily and his tiger eyes widened upon seeing Yuu, walking towards him, dripping wet and wearing nothing on.
Yuu-chan?! Mika felt himself freeze, his mind temporarily malfunctioning as Yuu got closer to him.
“Did you want to take a bath with me too?” Yuu asked, chuckling, reaching down to hold the tiger. But Mika had finally snapped to himself and was running out of the open door as far as his four legs could take him, which was very far and fast. He had hidden himself in a corner by the time Yuu emerged, smelling sweet like strawberries and fully clothed.
The animals immediately moved to gather around him but Mika stayed in spot, just watching from afar.
Noticing that he wasn't among them, Yuu looked up from petting Yoichi’s fur and made contact with Mika’s tiger eyes. His mind flashed to the images of what he saw a moment prior.
Don’t think about it. Don’t think about it. You’re disrespecting Yuu-chan’s person, Mika. He told himself sternly. He was so lost in thought that he didn’t notice it when Yuu was already in front of him and carrying him in his arms.
The sudden feeling of warmth made Mika snuggle into Yuu’s chest by instinct, purring at the back of his throat when his fur was petted gently.
“I think I scared Mr. Tiger here with my body earlier.” Yuu laughed, telling the animals as he placed them all on top of his bed.
No Yuu-san, he just completely stole an opportunity from me. Shinoa smirked at Mika who glared right back.
He growled at her, fur bristling slightly, it wasn’t like that! It was by accident.
The fox made that unconvinced sound again. Accident, sure. I’ll believe you for now, Mika-san. Your secrets safe with me. She tried to wink in fox form which just looked like a deformed way of blinking on an animal. He tried not to snort.
Mika just shook his head, defeated to talk with her anymore. Besides, he had Yuu’s lap all to himself now, burying his tiger furred head on Yuu’s thigh and enjoying the scratch on his head.
"Now how to name all of you." Yuu began as he scrutinized all of the animals gathered in his bed.
Oh god, someone distract Yuu-san before he starts giving us names like Fifi or Bob.
Kimizuki immediately moved into action, barking once before licking Yuu on the face. As expected Yuu giggled, hugging the dog closer to him.
“Heh, you’re kinda cute.” Yuu cooed, scratching under the dog’s ears and chin and smiling wider when Kimizuki barked happily up at him. Even his tail was wagging. Seeing Yuu’s smile strangely did things to his dog head as an elated feeling took over Kimizuki knowing that his master was happy.
Woah, master?!
“Alright, you’re Akane!” Yuu pointed to the dog, ignoring its indignant bark as he turned to the hamster, “You’re Taichi.” He petted its head with a finger before Yuu moved on to the cat.
“You’re Fumie.” He poked the feline on the noise, smiling when it licked his finger and then turned his head to the fox, “And you’re Chihiro.”
The tiger was suddenly sitting up on its hind legs and licking Yuu’s neck again. Giggling, Yuu held it close to his arms and smiled fondly down at it when it made a sound like a cat, “Hey there, do you want to be Ako or Kota? There isn’t that many of you to complete the whole set but it’s alright. Ne, Kota?”
Yuu nuzzled his face in the soft blond-white fur and he set the tiger down, feeling his chest tighten a little when he stared at all the animals surrounding him. Before he even realized it, his vision blurred and tears were slowly dripping down his face. The tabby cat pawed at his pant leg, mewling at him while the dog barked softly, as if they were wondering why he was crying.
“Heh, it’s nothing guys. Just thinking too much.” Yuu wiped the tears away hurriedly with the sleeve of his shirt. To distract himself, he grabbed the blanket and pulled the sheet over their heads, adjusting himself so that he could see all the animals on his right side.
“Look! I built a little fort around us.” Yuu chuckled, as the animals took up resting positions on his bed. His eyes softened and he murmured, “So that nobody can take us away and I can protect you guys.”
The tiger whined at him again, sitting close to Yuu’s neck where he could lick at his tear-streaked cheek sadly. The other animals cuddled around him, the dog by his belly with the hamster resting atop his head. The fox and the cat sat around each other beside Yuu’s chest and the human felt strangely warm and bubbly at the sight of the animals trying to comfort him.
“You can’t tell anyone from the squad though because they’d just laugh at me and Mika’s too mature for this,” Yuu wrapped his arms around the cat and fox, scratching the back of the dog’s ear with a lazy finger, “Though I really wish I could keep you...then I wouldn’t feel as lonely sleeping here.” He muttered tiredly, closing his eyes as sleep finally took him for the night.
The animals exchanged sad glances at one another as they watched Yuu sleep before they too got some rest of their own, comforting Yuu through their presence.
The next day, Yuu was surprised to find all the animals still snuggled around him. It hadn't been a dream after all.
“Good morning!” He greeted cheerfully, kissing each animal on the head with a quick stroke on their furs. “I hope you all slept well. Mine was really warm.” He laughed, stretching languidly on his bed before getting up.
Yuu was washing his face and brushing his teeth when he suddenly remembered something. “That’s right! I gotta feed you guys.” Yuu popped his head out of the bathroom, grinning at the animals still lounging on his bed.
“I gotta sneak some food from the cafeteria and bring it all to you guys, how does that sound?" He didn't get much but a squeak from the hamster and a lazy bark from the dog. Yuu nodded his head, "Alright then, don’t go anywhere while I'm gone.” He wagged a finger sternly at them. The tiger just yawned while the cat licked the side of the fox’s head. They were a weird mix of domestic and wild animals but somehow they all seemed really close to each other and Yuu loved that.
“Maybe I can find the squad and Mika while on my way there.” He laughed when the animals looked at him with full attention now, ears perked up. Yuu rubbed the cute head of the hamster, “Don’t worry, they’re nice and they won’t rat you out to Guren. Hopefully.”
Yuu changed his clothes quickly before stepping out of his dorm with a last wave of his hand. He didn’t really know what each of the animals would like from the cafeteria but Yuu figured anything he liked would be fine with them.
Now where were his friends?
~o~
We’ve got to find, Guren, fast. Shinoa ordered the group of animals as they jumped down from the bed and made their way out of the door which Yuu had conveniently forgotten to close...again.
Yuu-kun is so sad I wanted to hug him all night but unfortunately I’m too small. Yoichi squeaked, clutching on the fur of Kimizuki’s head as the dog carried him to their destination.
I know, gosh. Poor Yuu. Mitsuba agreed, meowing a little sadly as she recalled Yuu’s crying face last night.
And the names he gave us weren’t so bad after all. Shinoa mentioned, trying to lighten the mood as they all turned a corner, trying to find their way back to the lab.
He named us after the kids in the orphanage. Mika suddenly said beside them, his red eyes dark and watchful for any signs of humans walking around.
What? Kimizuki asked, having to stay low since he was the tallest out of them, as usual.
The family he had before you all came along. Was Mika’s only response as the tiger made his way forward from the rest of them.
The animals went silent after that.
When they finally reached the area of the lab, they didn’t anticipate the shut door that would greet them.
Great, how are we supposed to get inside now. Mitsuba whined, stretching her front paws a bit and curling her tail around her.
“There you rascals are.”
A voice suddenly alarmed the animals and they all turned around with a hiss and a bark, baring their sharp teeth at the intruder.
They all stopped when they realized it was just Guren.
Guren! Finally! Give us the cure. Shinoa made a bark-like sound to the older male who only raised an eyebrow at her with the syringe in hand.
“You do realize I can’t understand a single thing you’re saying right?” He shook his head, kneeling down to inject Shinoa the serum.
“You guys could have just come to me when the experiment went bad but you were all gone the whole night. Where’d you even go?”
The animals stayed silent on the matter as they transformed back to their human bodies.
~o~
“I hope Yuu-kun’s not back yet.” Yoichi mumble worriedly as they jogged back to Yuu’s room.
“If he’s not smart, like we know he is, he’s probably going to take some time to find animal food and come looking for us.” Kimizuki replied beside him.
“Which will give us enough time to stage a scenario of the animals escaping from his room.” Shinoa finished.
Mika frowned and asked them, “Why can’t we just tell Yuu-chan the truth and save him the pain and worry?”
Mitsuba sighed, “Because Mika, Yuu-chan divulged too much secrets to us last night and we’d rather he tell us about them when he’s comfortable enough, not accidentally through animals he liked. How horrified would he be when he realizes he’d actually kiss Kimizuki on the head?”
Her and Shinoa laughed while Kimizuki turned beet red, scowling at them to shut up. Sighing, Mika only shook his head and Yoichi smiled indulgently at them.
As they rounded the corner however, they suddenly bumped into Yuu carrying a dozen assortment of snacks in his arms.
“Oh guys! There you are! I have to show you something.” Yuu grinned excitedly as he led them to his room.
“Yuu-san—” Shinoa began but Yuu immediately cut her off.
“Now I know it’s against the rules but I didn’t want to leave them all alone somewhere where they weren’t wanted. But I wanted you guys to see them because they're so cute, you'd love them.” He was clearly nervous and excited about what he was about to show them and the squad exchanged worried glances as they finally arrived in Yuu’s room and he pushed the door open with his foot.
“Hey guys, I’m back! I’ve brought my—...uh guys?” Yuu faltered when the animals he’d been expecting to see on his food or on the floor were nowhere to be found. Throwing the piles of snacks on the bed, Yuu made clicking and cooing sounds to draw them out to him.
“Fumie! Ako! Akane! Come on guys, don’t be scared. It’s just my friends.” Yuu called out, starting to look desperate now as he searched through his closet, under his bed and even inside the bathroom.
“T-They were just...here.” Yuu’s voice wobbled slightly but he didn’t shed a tear in front of them. It ached Mika’s heart to see Yuu this way and he moved forward to just tell Yuu the truth when Shinoa stopped him with a stern look that said Don’t.
He scowled at her and would have disobeyed if Yoichi hadn’t cut in.
“It’s alright, Yuu-kun.” The smaller male walked over to Yuu and patted his back, clearly not wanting Yuu to make such sad expressions anymore.
“...you guys probably don’t believe me but I had animals living in my dorm last night. Five of them and they were really nice.” Yuu muttered, eyes cast down on the floor.
Mitsuba sat on the bed and looked through Yuu’s blankets before successfully finding fur on it, “Well, judging from this, I believe you, Yuu.”
“Oh yeah, they shed a bit on my bed.” Yuu smiled sadly, sitting down beside Mitsuba and wiping a few fur off the sheets. “They really liked snuggling to me in my sleep last night, kind of like the kids back then.”
He glanced up this time and looked at Mika with big, green eyes full of memories, “I named them after the kids from the orphanage, even though they weren’t exactly the right number and it’s stupid but I just thought…” Yuu cut himself off abruptly and cleared his throat.
The squad looked to Mika, hoping he wouldn’t spill the truth again but then the blond observed Yuu’s face and he sighed, “That’s very sweet of you, Yuu-chan. I’m sure they would have loved it.” He offered a small smile of his own and Yuu returned it with a grin.
“But now I don’t know where they went. They could be hurt and I wouldn’t know.” Yuu murmured, looking around his room as if he could find some form of clue as to how they escaped. Mitsuba subtly nudged the window of Yuu’s bedroom open and placed a few fur that she managed to get around the edges of it.
“Hey, they could have escaped through here and it leads towards the cluster of trees around the perimeter of the building.” She told Yuu who’s eyes widened and hurriedly made his way over beside her. Luckily, he didn’t question how the animals could have gotten up the window sill in the first place.
“Don’t worry, Yuu-san. They’re probably in a better place now.” Shinoa patted his shoulder, smiling at him when Yuu nodded his head.
“Yeah, I guess.” He took one last look at the window before moving away with a sigh, “I just wished I could have said goodbye but pets aren’t allowed in the base anyway. It was for the best.” He said even though the longing for a pet was evident in his eyes and sad smile.
The squad exchanged glances, knowing what they were going to do about that.
“Why don’t you tell us more about them, Yuu-chan? Which animals were your favorite?” Mika asked, standing beside Yuu now.
“Hey Mika, don't start that!”
~o~
That night Guren received a letter that if he didn’t allow Yuu a puppy by the end of the week, they were going to spill Guren’s illegal animal experimentation to a few choice higher ups. The older male groaned and massaged his pounding forehead.
“GUYS, LOOK WHAT GUREN GAVE ME! IT’S A PUPPY!!! OH MY GOD, ISN’T IT SO CUTE?!” Yuu’s squeal of happiness didn’t die down for a month.