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[ He's late tonight. He was supposed to be home by eight in the evening, but there'd been a particularly irate customer who barged into the cafe right before closing. Minato's too exhausted to recall what exactly she was so fussed about. Something about the effectiveness of Chagall's Pheromone Coffee, he thinks -- it doesn't matter anymore, so he'd quickly disposed of any memories of that debacle.
He would have come home sooner if he didn't stop by someplace to pick up food. Akira's probably hungry though. He can't just let him starve.
Minato returns home with a plastic bag clutched in a hand. There are several Chinese takeout containers stacked within it, white cardboard boxes with their titular metal handles. He unlocks the door to his apartment and nudges it open with a shoulder. ]
I'm home.
[ He slips his shoes off and stumbles wearily into the kitchen, setting the food on the table. He should probably eat as well, but he can't be bothered with taking a bite while he's this exhausted. ]
Sorry I'm late. I brought some dinner for you if you haven't eaten yet...
[ With that, he sets to dropping his bag on an unoccupied chair while shedding his coat, sighing as he tugs the fridge open in search of something cold to drink. ]
He would have come home sooner if he didn't stop by someplace to pick up food. Akira's probably hungry though. He can't just let him starve.
Minato returns home with a plastic bag clutched in a hand. There are several Chinese takeout containers stacked within it, white cardboard boxes with their titular metal handles. He unlocks the door to his apartment and nudges it open with a shoulder. ]
I'm home.
[ He slips his shoes off and stumbles wearily into the kitchen, setting the food on the table. He should probably eat as well, but he can't be bothered with taking a bite while he's this exhausted. ]
Sorry I'm late. I brought some dinner for you if you haven't eaten yet...
[ With that, he sets to dropping his bag on an unoccupied chair while shedding his coat, sighing as he tugs the fridge open in search of something cold to drink. ]
[ minato's late, which isn't something that happens very often. but thankfully, akira has perfected the art of keeping himself entertained, namely in the form of managing an onlyfans account. you can do so much with opposable thumbs, and people seem to go a little crazy over the cat ears and tail, so why shouldn't he take advantage of it? with minato gone for most of the day, it's the perfect opportunity to upload pictures.
he'd just finished posting a new set as minato comes in, his ears flicking briefly towards the door. it's too late for him to change out now, but it's fine; maybe minato might like his outfit: a lacy, see-through babydoll top and matching ruffled boyshorts with a little heart cutout for his tail to fit through. with minato turned towards the fridge, akira slinks up behind him to reach for the carton of cream, pressing up against his back. ]
Welcome home.
he'd just finished posting a new set as minato comes in, his ears flicking briefly towards the door. it's too late for him to change out now, but it's fine; maybe minato might like his outfit: a lacy, see-through babydoll top and matching ruffled boyshorts with a little heart cutout for his tail to fit through. with minato turned towards the fridge, akira slinks up behind him to reach for the carton of cream, pressing up against his back. ]
Welcome home.
[ Minato's fingers curl around a can of Moonkist, and the only thing stopping him from standing up straight to close the fridge door is -- oh. That's Akira hovering over him, pressed against his back while reaching for the carton of cream above his head. ]
You need to make more noise when you're walking around...
[ The cat is going to give him a heart attack one of these days.
He glances over his shoulder and up at Akira, blinking as he takes in his "pet's" outfit (in truth, Akira feels more like a roommate than his cat these days). ]
Oh. You didn't get the chance to change?
[ By now, Minato's well aware of Akira's job, and that's why the outfit seems to have little to no effect on him. He dons an apron at work. Akira puts on lacy, see-through babydoll tops and ruffles boyshorts. Same difference. ]
You need to make more noise when you're walking around...
[ The cat is going to give him a heart attack one of these days.
He glances over his shoulder and up at Akira, blinking as he takes in his "pet's" outfit (in truth, Akira feels more like a roommate than his cat these days). ]
Oh. You didn't get the chance to change?
[ By now, Minato's well aware of Akira's job, and that's why the outfit seems to have little to no effect on him. He dons an apron at work. Akira puts on lacy, see-through babydoll tops and ruffles boyshorts. Same difference. ]
[ he presses his face briefly to minato's nape in much the same way a cat would bump their foreheads against a hand or leg, breathing in his scent. minato smells like coffee with a hint of sweetness, perhaps from the pastries the cafe provides. ]
You could put a bell on me, [ he says, amused, before pulling away to give minato room. he drinks the cream straight from the carton, licking his lips afterwards. ] Like the ones attached to ribbons.
[ as a former stray, the idea of wearing a collar of any kind doesn't sit well with him, but he'd make an exception for minato. he's still living at his place, after all, despite the time that has passed, and he doesn't think he'll be leaving anytime soon. minato also has yet to turn him away, so akira doesn't see a reason to change anything. ]
Not yet, I just finished. [ he lounges against the counter next to minato, placing his arms on the surface and resting his chin on them as his tail sways lazily behind him. ] Do you like it?
You could put a bell on me, [ he says, amused, before pulling away to give minato room. he drinks the cream straight from the carton, licking his lips afterwards. ] Like the ones attached to ribbons.
[ as a former stray, the idea of wearing a collar of any kind doesn't sit well with him, but he'd make an exception for minato. he's still living at his place, after all, despite the time that has passed, and he doesn't think he'll be leaving anytime soon. minato also has yet to turn him away, so akira doesn't see a reason to change anything. ]
Not yet, I just finished. [ he lounges against the counter next to minato, placing his arms on the surface and resting his chin on them as his tail sways lazily behind him. ] Do you like it?
[ The bell would certainly solve the problem of Akira being so light-footed. The thought of putting one on him briefly crosses Minato's mind, too, as he recalls Akira's warm breath against the back of his neck.
...it feels wrong though, to put one on Akira. He should be free to do as he pleases, Minato thinks, even if he was Akira's de facto owner. ]
No, you're fine the way you are.
[ He straightens, cracking open his can of Moonkist and taking a small sip of it. It's only upon hearing Akira's next question that Minato glances over, lowering the can from his lips to take a better look at the cat's outfit. His gaze surveys Akira from head to toe, taking in the way the clothes reveal just enough to allow viewers to imagine what must lie underneath. ]
It's not bad.
[ He supposes he wouldn't mind Akira lounging around with it on. ]
But it'll be annoying to clean sauce off of it, if you accidentally spill anything.
...it feels wrong though, to put one on Akira. He should be free to do as he pleases, Minato thinks, even if he was Akira's de facto owner. ]
No, you're fine the way you are.
[ He straightens, cracking open his can of Moonkist and taking a small sip of it. It's only upon hearing Akira's next question that Minato glances over, lowering the can from his lips to take a better look at the cat's outfit. His gaze surveys Akira from head to toe, taking in the way the clothes reveal just enough to allow viewers to imagine what must lie underneath. ]
It's not bad.
[ He supposes he wouldn't mind Akira lounging around with it on. ]
But it'll be annoying to clean sauce off of it, if you accidentally spill anything.
[ he preens a little, a pleased smile on his lips at minato's response, even if it may not be as enthusiastic as most. but he's gotten better at reading minato despite his impassivity, and part of the fun is seeing what would get a reaction out of him.
akira stretches indulgently, spine curving in a smooth arch and causing the top to slide up and expose the bare skin of his stomach. he reaches out to swipe minato's drink as he settles back down again, taking a sip. ]
Maybe you should feed me, then.
akira stretches indulgently, spine curving in a smooth arch and causing the top to slide up and expose the bare skin of his stomach. he reaches out to swipe minato's drink as he settles back down again, taking a sip. ]
Maybe you should feed me, then.
[ Others might be more inclined to have their gaze zero right into the sliver of bare skin that's exposed by Akira's stretch. Minato, however, has seen this before. He has seen this particular stretch in the past and the way it reveals the smooth skin of Akira's stomach. Thus, he finds himself immune, sighing quietly when the cat steals his drink. ]
You have two hands...
[ He heads for the cupboards, grabbing a couple plates and two sets of utensils. He sets them on the dining table before opening each container of food. ]
I can, though, if you really want that.
[ After all, it's an owner's responsibility to care for their pet. Truly, Minato's work never ceases... ]
You have two hands...
[ He heads for the cupboards, grabbing a couple plates and two sets of utensils. He sets them on the dining table before opening each container of food. ]
I can, though, if you really want that.
[ After all, it's an owner's responsibility to care for their pet. Truly, Minato's work never ceases... ]
[ does the drink taste sweeter because it's minato's... maybe. but it's his now, pulling away from his spot to follow minato to the table. he stays close to him to peer over his shoulder, hooking his chin over it as he watches minato uncover their dinner choices. ]
I do. [ ooh, pork dumplings. he's tempted to swipe one straight from the container, but refrains, his tail curling around minato's thigh. he'll be a good kitty for now. ] What kind of pet doesn't want attention from their owner?
[ it's still applicable to strays. ]
I do. [ ooh, pork dumplings. he's tempted to swipe one straight from the container, but refrains, his tail curling around minato's thigh. he'll be a good kitty for now. ] What kind of pet doesn't want attention from their owner?
[ it's still applicable to strays. ]
[ Pork dumplings, chicken lo mein, and even kung pao shrimp as a treat. Tonight, the Arisato household feasts like kings.
Minato sets to portioning out the food, but opts for arranging just one plate. "What kind of pet doesn't want attention from their owner?" Akira asks, which -- fair point. That's exactly why Minato only prepares a single plate.
He reaches over to pull his chair closer, remaining stationary so Akria can continue draping himself over him to the cat's heart's content. He then tugs the other one next to his own, and only then does he settle down. ]
Here.
[ Minato lifts one of the pork dumplings with his chopsticks. ]
But don't put the whole thing in your mouth. You'll burn your tongue.
Minato sets to portioning out the food, but opts for arranging just one plate. "What kind of pet doesn't want attention from their owner?" Akira asks, which -- fair point. That's exactly why Minato only prepares a single plate.
He reaches over to pull his chair closer, remaining stationary so Akria can continue draping himself over him to the cat's heart's content. He then tugs the other one next to his own, and only then does he settle down. ]
Here.
[ Minato lifts one of the pork dumplings with his chopsticks. ]
But don't put the whole thing in your mouth. You'll burn your tongue.
[ damn, he really spoils him, huh.
akira watches him arrange the plate with rapt attention, unblinking in his focus. it's a simple task, like many of the other things minato does around the house, but it fascinates him anyway. maybe it's the fact that he was a stray before, having avoided people for most of his life; or maybe it's because it's minato, who just holds all of akira's attention whether or not he realizes it.
once minato sits down, so does akira, perched on the chair close enough that their knees brush. he has not figured out how to use chopsticks yet, so it's a good thing that minato has decided to feed him. it's very tempting to ignore minato's warning and just take the whole dumpling, but even akira can tell that it's very hot, and he'll likely suffer if he does that. humans and their hot food... he'll never truly understand.
all that is to say, he leans in and takes half of it in one bite. which is, not the best, given that it's still hot, but a little better than taking the whole thing. he's hungry... ]
akira watches him arrange the plate with rapt attention, unblinking in his focus. it's a simple task, like many of the other things minato does around the house, but it fascinates him anyway. maybe it's the fact that he was a stray before, having avoided people for most of his life; or maybe it's because it's minato, who just holds all of akira's attention whether or not he realizes it.
once minato sits down, so does akira, perched on the chair close enough that their knees brush. he has not figured out how to use chopsticks yet, so it's a good thing that minato has decided to feed him. it's very tempting to ignore minato's warning and just take the whole dumpling, but even akira can tell that it's very hot, and he'll likely suffer if he does that. humans and their hot food... he'll never truly understand.
all that is to say, he leans in and takes half of it in one bite. which is, not the best, given that it's still hot, but a little better than taking the whole thing. he's hungry... ]
[ Akira simply doesn't understand that nothing beats a hot meal after a long day at work...
Minato watches the cat lean in and take half a bite of the dumpling. The leftover piece steams heartily, revealing just how hot it would be if Akira took the entire thing in his mouth. But instead of offering Akira the other half, Minato blows on it a couple of times and pops it into his own mouth.
He takes his spoon and scoops some rice and shrimp onto it next, holding it up for Akira to accept. ]
By the way, how was your day?
[ Busy, he figures, if Akira didn't even have the chance to change back into his own lounge wear. Guess that makes two of them, since Minato's still in his own work clothes too... ]
Minato watches the cat lean in and take half a bite of the dumpling. The leftover piece steams heartily, revealing just how hot it would be if Akira took the entire thing in his mouth. But instead of offering Akira the other half, Minato blows on it a couple of times and pops it into his own mouth.
He takes his spoon and scoops some rice and shrimp onto it next, holding it up for Akira to accept. ]
By the way, how was your day?
[ Busy, he figures, if Akira didn't even have the chance to change back into his own lounge wear. Guess that makes two of them, since Minato's still in his own work clothes too... ]
[ there's a moment where akira looks like he wants to steal that other half of the dumpling, even as he struggles a little with the discomfort of his own overly hot bite. having spent most of his life living on the streets with no guarantee of his next meal, eating quickly and hoarding whatever food he could find were habits that he'd only started loosening up on when he moved in with minato. he reminds himself that minato also needs to eat, that he likely needs it more than akira anyway, and leans in to take the spoonful of rice and shrimp instead.
minato's right, though, his day was busy indeed and akira tells him as much, having had to plan more for the higher volume of photos he sends out every two weeks to his growing list of subscribers. the spare room has been turned into a makeshift studio where he does his shoots and the occasional stream, filling slowly with outfits and toys over time. minato has never said anything about it, but akira figures as long as he doesn't get in minato's way, it should be fine. ]
How was yours? [ he asks while taking another shrimp with his fingers, risking burning himself. ] They don't usually make you stay this late.
minato's right, though, his day was busy indeed and akira tells him as much, having had to plan more for the higher volume of photos he sends out every two weeks to his growing list of subscribers. the spare room has been turned into a makeshift studio where he does his shoots and the occasional stream, filling slowly with outfits and toys over time. minato has never said anything about it, but akira figures as long as he doesn't get in minato's way, it should be fine. ]
How was yours? [ he asks while taking another shrimp with his fingers, risking burning himself. ] They don't usually make you stay this late.
[ It's true, Minato's famished but offers Akira the first bite of everything anyways. It's simply his responsibility to do so as the cat's unofficial "owner." Even though it's been some time since Akira followed him home from the cafe one day, and even though Akira's all but moved in to his spare room, it doesn't feel right to Minato to assign himself that title. ]
There were some... issues, near closing time.
[ Minato sighs before grabbing some noodles for himself, chewing thoughtfully before speaking up again. ]
It pushed clean-up back, that's all.
[ No mention of the irate customer who tore into him until his supervisor stepped out of the back office to rub his hands like a fly with a bowed head, offering apology after apology on whatever drink hadn't met her standards.
This time, he grabs another dumpling but cleaves it in half, blowing on it to cool it down before offering it to Akira. ]
There were some... issues, near closing time.
[ Minato sighs before grabbing some noodles for himself, chewing thoughtfully before speaking up again. ]
It pushed clean-up back, that's all.
[ No mention of the irate customer who tore into him until his supervisor stepped out of the back office to rub his hands like a fly with a bowed head, offering apology after apology on whatever drink hadn't met her standards.
This time, he grabs another dumpling but cleaves it in half, blowing on it to cool it down before offering it to Akira. ]
[ issues, huh. he's certain there's more to the story but he doesn't push, accepting the other half of the dumpling. it's not as if he can't imagine what happened, either—akira's taken enough temporary jobs in his lifetime to know the horrors of customer service, and it's not something he's eager to go back to again. more power to minato for dealing with it every day.
but it does explain the fatigue that lingers around his owner more than it usually tends to, and he lapses into comfortable silence for the rest of the meal, leaning against minato's side. once he's done, akira ushers him to the shower, opting to take care of clearing the table himself to give minato time to unwind from his day. it's only fair, and besides, he's sure minato would rather relax than have to worry about cleaning up at home on top of work.
when minato comes out of the shower, he'll find akira curled up on his bed, having changed out of his previous outfit into a loose shirt and shorts. he reaches for minato's hand, pulling it close to press a kiss to the backs of his fingers. ]
My owner worked hard today. Should I give him a reward?
but it does explain the fatigue that lingers around his owner more than it usually tends to, and he lapses into comfortable silence for the rest of the meal, leaning against minato's side. once he's done, akira ushers him to the shower, opting to take care of clearing the table himself to give minato time to unwind from his day. it's only fair, and besides, he's sure minato would rather relax than have to worry about cleaning up at home on top of work.
when minato comes out of the shower, he'll find akira curled up on his bed, having changed out of his previous outfit into a loose shirt and shorts. he reaches for minato's hand, pulling it close to press a kiss to the backs of his fingers. ]
My owner worked hard today. Should I give him a reward?
[ Minato's never been the type to vent, even if it might do him some good to get things off his chest. In his personal opinion, it's pointless to grouse about what happened earlier in the day because it won't change anything that happened at all.
Tonight, he finds himself leaning back against Akira; the physical contact helps relieve some lingering stress from the day. And it's because of the fatigue that he falls into autopilot, rising from his seat to start clearing the table away. The leftovers need to be packed, table wiped down, dishes washed --
Akira has none of it, all but nudging him off to shower and get a headstart on his evening routine. He offers the cat an apologetic smile before dipping to clean off. Hair still damp and bangs curtaining both eyes, he returns to his room in his own loose shirt and shorts, blinking as Akira lifts his hand to press a kiss against the backs of his fingers. ]
...you don't need to call me that.
[ His mildly repudiating gaze flickers up at his companion. As it stands, Akira isn't even registered to his name. His expression soon softens though because the day was rather taxing, and it's kind of Akira to pick up on that. ]
But... let's find out what this "reward" will be.
Tonight, he finds himself leaning back against Akira; the physical contact helps relieve some lingering stress from the day. And it's because of the fatigue that he falls into autopilot, rising from his seat to start clearing the table away. The leftovers need to be packed, table wiped down, dishes washed --
Akira has none of it, all but nudging him off to shower and get a headstart on his evening routine. He offers the cat an apologetic smile before dipping to clean off. Hair still damp and bangs curtaining both eyes, he returns to his room in his own loose shirt and shorts, blinking as Akira lifts his hand to press a kiss against the backs of his fingers. ]
...you don't need to call me that.
[ His mildly repudiating gaze flickers up at his companion. As it stands, Akira isn't even registered to his name. His expression soon softens though because the day was rather taxing, and it's kind of Akira to pick up on that. ]
But... let's find out what this "reward" will be.
You don't like it?
[ they both know he only calls minato his owner as a joke, less a title and more a term of endearment at this point, something to almost tease him with. minato has been gracious with him, offering his room and feeding him, yet never forcing him to stay; it's something that akira still hasn't completely gotten used to yet—the idea that he's been given so much freedom, side by side with the knowledge that should minato want him to keep him, he'd be more than happy to. it's something he's never felt before, having long ago accepted the fact that he would be a stray for the rest of his life.
but rather than attempt to decipher that, it's much easier to tug on minato's hand instead, pulling him down onto the bed next to him. ]
I'm still a little hungry, [ he says while nuzzling minato's throat, leaving small nips down the column of it. ] But I want to help you relax. This way, we'll both be satisfied.
[ they both know he only calls minato his owner as a joke, less a title and more a term of endearment at this point, something to almost tease him with. minato has been gracious with him, offering his room and feeding him, yet never forcing him to stay; it's something that akira still hasn't completely gotten used to yet—the idea that he's been given so much freedom, side by side with the knowledge that should minato want him to keep him, he'd be more than happy to. it's something he's never felt before, having long ago accepted the fact that he would be a stray for the rest of his life.
but rather than attempt to decipher that, it's much easier to tug on minato's hand instead, pulling him down onto the bed next to him. ]
I'm still a little hungry, [ he says while nuzzling minato's throat, leaving small nips down the column of it. ] But I want to help you relax. This way, we'll both be satisfied.
[ Whether or not it's a joke, Minato wants to make it clear that he won't interfere with Akira's freedom. He knows it's something close to the cat's heart. The last thing Minato wants to do is overstep on a quality that dear to him. It feels a little silly at times, considering how Akira has his own room, something that's practically overboard for the average pet owner. But he had the space, and Akira seemed to appreciate having someplace where he could retreat (not to mention, it's someplace private for his side gig too).
He lowers himself to the bed, letting Akira tug him closer to nuzzle at his neck. Sharp canines prick at his skin, leaving him shuddering beneath his companion's lips. ]
Then tell me next time. I won't be so quick to pack everything away.
[ is what Minato says, even though he sense that it's not food that Akira craves. So he tilts his head back a bit, offering more pale skin for Akira to mar with reddened marks. ]
I guess -- I don't mind feeding you more.
He lowers himself to the bed, letting Akira tug him closer to nuzzle at his neck. Sharp canines prick at his skin, leaving him shuddering beneath his companion's lips. ]
Then tell me next time. I won't be so quick to pack everything away.
[ is what Minato says, even though he sense that it's not food that Akira craves. So he tilts his head back a bit, offering more pale skin for Akira to mar with reddened marks. ]
I guess -- I don't mind feeding you more.
[ From start to finish, Minato's been mentally checked out of all conversations with the alpha seated across from him, both hands wrapped around his coffee cup to avoid giving the man an opening to reach for one of them. It's not that he dislikes Akechi Goro. The man makes for pleasant conversation each time they've met up.
He knows, however, that it's a mere veneer for the underlying purpose to their dates. Today is their fifth and final one. His aunt insisted on topping it off with something grander and more extravagant, but Minato's always found those types of dates unnecessarily exhausting. The get-togethers aren't what mattered.
The only thing that mattered is what came after them, whether or not its end results were successful.
Minato takes one last sip of his latte before lowering it to the table. Instead of looking Akechi in the eye, he keeps his gaze fixed at the last drops of coffee in his cup. ]
You're the eleventh alpha I've met. What makes you so different from the other ten?
He knows, however, that it's a mere veneer for the underlying purpose to their dates. Today is their fifth and final one. His aunt insisted on topping it off with something grander and more extravagant, but Minato's always found those types of dates unnecessarily exhausting. The get-togethers aren't what mattered.
The only thing that mattered is what came after them, whether or not its end results were successful.
Minato takes one last sip of his latte before lowering it to the table. Instead of looking Akechi in the eye, he keeps his gaze fixed at the last drops of coffee in his cup. ]
You're the eleventh alpha I've met. What makes you so different from the other ten?
[ cont. from here ]
[ It's true. What's a teen to do when the person heckling them is a mega successful owner of a home shopping show, with plenty connections to the seedy business world to keep victims quiet? Even if Minato doesn't truly think he'll follow up on his threats, the fact that they exist at all must be troubling to onlookers. ]
I'm sure he has his reasons.
[ ... ]
I think most ordinary people behave that way when something else is bothering them.
[ It's true. What's a teen to do when the person heckling them is a mega successful owner of a home shopping show, with plenty connections to the seedy business world to keep victims quiet? Even if Minato doesn't truly think he'll follow up on his threats, the fact that they exist at all must be troubling to onlookers. ]
I'm sure he has his reasons.
[ ... ]
I think most ordinary people behave that way when something else is bothering them.
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