Zero stepped into the dorm just in time to see Harlock snap his locker shut. Suspicious, he started unlacing his boots, until a tiny noise echoed from the locker. Zero sighed.

- Harlock.

Harlock froze, shoulders tense.

- …Yes?

- Are you purring?

Zero didn’t wait. He opened the locker. A small, scruffy cat blinked up at him, nestled in Harlock’s sweater. Harlock stared at Zero, defiant.

- …It followed me. And it was cold.

Zero sighed again. He picked up the cat; it purred against his chest, and Zero’s expression softened.