A Black Cat Crosses Your Path [Keiko/Kouya]

[Keiko]

It was late.

The sky was darkened considerably as time drew closer to curfew hours: tonight’s sky was especially notable as it seemed unusually dense and murky with uncharacteristically thick rain clouds. Although the street Keiko found herself in was still illuminated by considerate streetlights the atmosphere still felt considerably uncomfortable- for her the rain seemed almost to fall like black oil onto the ground. Unfortunately she couldn’t find herself able to leave no matter how uncomfortable she was- the generally loud and obnoxious teen had wound up finding herself responsible for an abandoned kitten.

She frowned deeply as she looked over at the digital clock on her cellphone, and back toward the small kitten whom she was sharing an umbrella with. On an irregular outing she had spotted it on the side of the road when the rain started falling down, curled up in a cardboard box, and she knew she couldn’t just leave it and keep a healthy conscious. Or so she thought thirty minutes ago- her thighs now had a steady burn and the rain only seemed to be beating down stronger as the time passed. Keiko was at a loss for what to do- did she stay for as long as the rain let on? Could she stash the kitten under a deck somewhere and run along back to the dorms?

Her tongue clicked in agitation as she then proceeded to spin the umbrella that rested on her shoulder in a small twirl. She didn’t know what to do, but what she did know is that her legs were tired and she wished that it would’ve been at least a cute little puppy instead. Briefly, however, she caught sight of a pair of legs coming in her direction, and she pulled up the umbrella slightly to get a good look at who they were- and hoping that she could pass off this little problem onto them, instead.

[kouya]

    Somehow, he always managed to get stuck in the rain. He couldn't even recall how he got where he was. Or why he didn't bring an umbrella. Honestly, he went through the trouble of going into town and buying it, but whenever it came down to it, he never actually used the damn thing.

    On the other hand...the rain on his skin was comforting. The lingering burn in his legs and lungs from his earlier run seemed distant when he could feel the cold drops fall. It was probably his fault he decided to go jogging when the skies were already so overcast. That didn't stop him, though, and he spent the better part of the afternoon and evening running through the city. But it was dark already. If he got back to the dorms now, what were the chances he'd make it back before curfew? If he really wanted to make it in time, he'd have to sprint back and hope no one noticed him. Then again, no one would notice or care if he came back late. What was the point? Stopped at an empty street with the rain still pouring down, Kouya stood still and tilted his head up to the sky. He'd stay just a little longer.

    Kouya was broken out of his pause by something twirling from the corner of his eye. The street was empty wasn't it--it was a girl. How come he didn't notice her earlier? Maybe he was too distracted...But it was strange. What was a girl doing out here on her own in the rain at night? Everything about the situation screamed suspicious to Kouya. He didn't move to act, standing still and deliberating his options. She wasn't moving from where she was, but her umbrella still twirled. He should just leave her alone, let her handle whatever business she had. Everyone had their reasons, who was he to intrude? 

    But still. He didn't listen to that gut feeling. Kouya was smart enough to know that it wasn't good manners to leave a girl on her own at night, no matter the circumstance. 

    Kouya could hear the sound of his running shoes on concrete as he approached her. He thought of what he'd say as he drew nearer, even though he knew that he probably wouldn't say what he'd think he'd say. But as he drew closer, he noticed something else. A kitten? Again, he said nothing, but she noticed him already. He, however, was now focused on the bundle of fur. Rain-drenched and looking like a mess, he probably wasn't making a good impression by staying silent and staring. 

    "Y'found him here?" he asked quietly, his voice low and hoarse.