The apartment Yu-with-baby had given her was honestly farther away from Tokyo than she had liked but it was a gift, and it was a decent enough place. Plus, she had the cats, so travel wasn’t really a hassle other than her baseless whining. 

It had a plus, though - it was closer, sort of, to this small town of Inaba, and while Inaba was sort of boring in comparison to even Okina - 

It had the Amagi Inn. And said inn had a pretty decent onsen. She’d been there before, once or twice, “dates” from clients she was too financially unstable at the time to reject, so it wasn’t like she was unfamiliar with the building - and made it a point to know the general local culture before coming here anyway.

Except this was a one night stay - a treat for herself, for once - so when the springs were open, she jumped at the chance. So what if it was mixed right now? It was Inaba, small down defined. There shouldn’t be too many people around. 

CAT?

[To: Colgate-San] 

[1] Kikuchi-san is that…a cat?

[2] It’s probably interested in you. Have you considered giving it pets? Favor the straight line across its spine and behind its ears. If it rubs against your leg, it’s appreciating it.

[3] Is it a girl or a boy?

< To : Narukami >

< You’re observant. >

< You don’t say? It’s interested in my whole house. Someone brought her in while I was out. And. it. won’t. stop. meowing. >

okay 1. weird question to ask your mother

@graynofsand 

“You can trust me.”

The smile that creased her lips was a cold, mocking one, indicating that whatever she felt was contrary. Nothing personal, of course. Yu Narukami was able to pick up on her off mood like a feline who caught scent of a mouse, albeit his intentions were probably gentler.

Both were washed in the neon-lit tangle of Tokyo: magentas, blues and deep reds crawled over their forms as they picked through crowds of passersby. Meeting on the whim of chance after not seeing the other for a while, Narukami and Kikuchi found themselves walking shoulder to shoulder. His statement lingered between them.

Palance blinked happily at the silver-haired stranger who sat on the couch. She hopped onto the cushions and pawed at his leg, meowing insistently for affection.

Kikuchi watched them from the armchair, a half-empty bottle of beer in her hand. There was some discomfort at the thought of having him over: he had a strong sense of justice and was a capable fighter. Yet they formed a peculiar friendship. Her lips touched the bottle’s rim and drank, the bitter amber liquid trickled down her throat.