Blush (Ai-chan)

[Kansai Lai]

The young grizzly sat under a tree in the city park. She was bored and lonely, just watching tiny insects land on her jeans occasionally. Wrapped in the warm air of that sunny day, Lai began to nod off.

[Ai-chan]

Ai walked nervously through the city park, glancing every which was uncertainly. "I...I think this is the right place?" He mewed, his ears flicking at each sound around him. He wasn't sure if this is where he could find the catnip or not...but from what he had heard, the city park was abundant in all kinds of herbs like that.
His black, white tipped ears flicked towards a rather large yet young bear sleeping under a tree. "Um...e-excuse me...?" He mewed, a faint blush tinting his cheecks. He hated to disturb this person's sleep but...he was left utterly clueless.

[Kansai Lai]

Rousing, she rubbed her eye and looked at the cat who'd woken her. "Yes?" she said before yawning, opening her mouth wide. She listened attentively, hoping that she wouldn't be bored now.

[Ai-chan]

Ai shifted nervously on the spot, glancing up through his white and black bangs.

"I...I was just wondering...umm..." He glanced to the side nervously, his tail constantly twitching. "Do you...happen to know where I can...find some catnip? It's a gift...f-for my...sister." He mewed quietly.

[Kansai Lai]

Lai smiled. "Such a sweet lad you are. Sure, I'll help you find the herb." She rose from her spot and brushed off the seat of her pants. She led the feline to a huge patch of weeds and dried plants. She was sure she'd smelled some catnip here before. She decided to make conversation as she lumbered through the vegetation. "So what'd your sister do to deserve this gift?"

[Ai-chan]

Ai smiled nervously as she stood to her feet. Bears were so much...larger than cats. It was kind of intimidating, but she gave off a kind sweet air that made him feel at ease.

"Actually," He mewed, sifting through the vegitation and a few dead plants here and there. "It's...her birthday soon. Well...I mean...it was her birthday." His ears lowered in remorse, "And I...forgot her gift. I thought some catnip would make her happy?"

[Kansai Lai]

"Oooo, tough luck kid. It's gonna take more than this to get on a girl's good side after forgetting her birthday. Aha! Found some." Lai tugged out a pawful, enough to last this girl a week if she binged on it. "Tell ya what, I'll help you get something else to make it up to your sister. Just cause I hate seeing nice boys like you get into trouble with females." Nice boys were an endangered species in Lai's book. And she was a bit of an activist in her own ways

[Ai-chan]

Ai's ears lowered even more, he knew all too well how hard it was to win his sister back. He had gotten on her bad side one too many times because of his forgetful nature, or pure clumsy paws. He glanced up as the bear suddenly pulled up quite a large handful of catnip and a broad grin spread across his face.

"Th-thankyou so much!" He mewed, excited, struggling to hold it all. A happy, loud purr rumbled in his throat as he thought of how his sister would react.

He wasn't sure what she used it for...but she always seemed happy with catnip around.

[Kansai Lai]

"So what does your sister like? What is she like? I need to get an idea of what she's like before I can think of what to get her." She looked down at the cat, she was at least a head taller than him. It wasn't just the fact that he was sweet, but the she-bear also had a soft spot for small things. It was just the way she was taught, modeling herself after knights of old

[Ai-chan]

Ai's ears pricked up at her words. "H-huh? Oh, no you don't have to get her anything!" He shook his head nervously. "I-I mean it's really kind of you...a-and I'm sure my sister would be exstatic about it...she really loves gifts...but you don't have to go out of your way for that!" His ears lowered in worry, glancing up at her.

[Kansai Lai]

She put a paw atop his head in a comforting manner. "Would you rather face her wrath with only these? Or would you rather do it with some other things as well?" She didn't mind at all, truthfully.

[Ai-chan]

Ai blushed at the gentle touch of her paw, "Mm...I suppose...I'd want more to face her with than these..." But still, he felt rather pathetic. Worrying about facing his younger sister.

[Kansai Lai]

"Good boy," she chimed. She put down her paw and started walking into town. "Come. Talk while we walk. What would she like?"

[Ai-chan]

"I...I don't really know." He mewed, glancing both ways before walking across the street. "I...think she likes stuffed animals?"

[Kansai Lai]

"Okay, let's start from there." Lai located the nearest toy store and walked in. She practically squealed when she found the stuffed toy bin. She enjoyed their fluffiness. Trying to keep herself from jumping in there, she started digging. "Alright, what kind is her favorite?"

[Ai-chan]

"Um, okay..." Ai gave a nervous nod, following the bear obediantly into the toy store. His golden eyes widened in amazment at the large aray of toys and gadgets covering almost every inch of this child's wonderland. His fur fluffed up almost to twice it's size as Lai suddenly squeeled in delight, quickly making her way to a stuffed toy bin.

Glancing around her, his eyes brightened and a soft...warm bit from his childhood started to well up once again and he couldnt help but reach for a small...stuffed puppy. "It's so...so cute...!" He mewed, then blushed slightly at his own words. What was he saying? Cute? That...that wasn't very 'masculine' of him. H-he was supposed to be acting his age.

"Um," He glanced up at Lai shyly, "Maybe this one? Or another cat plushie...those are her favorites..."

[Kansai Lai]

"Okie dokie," she chimed. "Just grab whatever you like." She herself was grabbing every bear she could find. She couldn't help it if she loved teddies the most.

[Ai-chan]

Whatever he liked? That...that was new.

With a quick, flustered nod Ai took a rather small, modest calico plushie along with the white chihuahua buried down deep. His tail curled downwards almost shyly and he gave the bear a nervous glance. "Um...I think...this'll do."

[Kansai Lai]

Her arms overflowed with bears. "Great! Let's go to the checkout line then." Teddies were her crack. She'd be grinning for the rest of the day now. The rhino behind the counter looked a bit frightened with the mountain of fluff they presented. As he finished ringing it up, Lai grabbed the plushies Ai had chosen and added them to the queue. Now he had no choice but let her pay for it all.

[Ai-chan]

Ai's ears instantly flicked up in alarm as she suddenly took the plushies from his paws.

"W-wait! I-I was goin to-"

Beep.

Too late.

"Unyoo...." His ears lowered, he hated having people pay for stuff in his expense. It just felt so....wrong. He gave a brief bow to the Rhino who had rung up quite the load and took the little bag he had set aside just for his plushies.

"Th-thankyou...very much..." He bowed his head to Lai.

[Kansai Lai]

She patted his head again and ruffled his head fur. "No thanks neccesary. I wouldn't have done it if I didn't want to. Now lets see, we now have nip and plushies for your sister. Now how about we grab some ice cream. Only now it'll be for you." she wonderd if she should pay for it as well or let him take teh check. Ice cream was a lot cheaper than plush. In the meantime, the bear grabbed the many bags of plushies, handing the one that had the birthday presents to the feline.

[Ai-chan]

The mention of ice-cream sent a huge smile across his soft, feline face. "R-really? I-I'd love to! But this time...I...I want to pay for it." He struggled to get out 'his own' wants. He was still learning to speak up for himself, especially around people he just met.

Ai happily took his own bag from her hands, "U-uh...can I carry any others for you? I mean...to make it easier..." He mewed, nervously flicking his tail.

[Kansai Lai]

She smiled kindly at him. He was so cute. She may have to keep him around longer. "Don't worry about me. I'm a lot stronger than I look. But thank you for the offer." She started leading the way to her favorite ice cream place.

[Ai-chan]

Ai gave a nervous flick of his ear, "Er...okay...but, but if you get tired...p-please don't hesitate to say so." His face suddenly grew determined, but then it faltered back into it's 'I'm really not so sure' expression.

As they neared the ice-cream shop, the giant ice-cream cone overhead clearly giving it away, Ai rushed towards the doors, opening them with much difficulty for Lai.

"Ladies f-first!"

[Kansai Lai]

"Aw, thank you," she cooed as she stepped in. She claimed a small booth with her bags before heading off to the counter, waiting for Ai. She knew exactly what she wanted.

[Ai-chan]

Ai quickly scurried in after her, setting his bag upon the table and quickly followed her back to the counter. He glanced at each and every flavor before he settled on Vanilla. Oh, with sprinkles of course.

"What would you like?" He mewed, glancing up at her with a smile.

[Kansai Lai]

"I'd like rainbow sherbet," she said in a semi-sing-song voice. While waiting for the sweet treat, she glanced back at the table, making sure no one tried to steal from them.

[Ai-chan]

Ai watched as the ferret behind the counter fixed up their order. From the delicate scoop of each dessert, to the pristing placing in each individual cone.

"Here you are." She sang in a happy, smiling voice. Ai hurriedly reached out his paws, handing Lai her sherbert and taking a brief, shivering lick of his own.

"Thankyou!" He mewed, rumaging in his pant's pocket for cash. Finally, he drew up the amount and quickly payed.

As soon as it was all good and done, he plopped down in his seat, lightly licking at his dessert while purring all the while.

[Kansai Lai]

Once they were seated and the ice cream was not going to suddenly drip onto their paws, Lai began conversation. "So tell me about yourself. Like your name for starters. I don't think we ever introduced ourselves. I'm Lai." She smiled and covered her long tongue in the multicolored sweetness.

[Ai-chan]

Ai froze mid-lick, glancing up at Lai. His face suddenly lit up in a hot pink color and he nearly dropped his ice-cream.

"I-I-I'm so sorry!! I completely forgot!!" He stumbled over his words, "I'm Ai. It-It-It's a wonderful pleasure to meet you, Lai-san." He bowed his head, almost going headfirst into his cone.

[Kansai Lai]

She burst out laughing, seeing how he reacted, especially with the ice cream. "You don't need to address me with -san. And it's a pleasure to meet you too, Ai-kun. So how about you tell me about yourself now. Once you're blushing goes down again." She smiled warmly like a big sister.

[Ai-chan]

Ai lowered his head with a brief nod, only a faint flush on his cheecks now. Usually ever present. "Um...well...I-I duno...what should I say? Um...I'm eighteen..." He mumbled, trying to think, "And I...Like...to draw and stuff...and um...um..." He started to get flustered again.

[Kansai Lai]

"Oh you're an artist? What can you draw?" She showed sincere curiostiy as she listened.

[Ai-chan]

"Mmm? Oh...not much. Normally just portraits of other people...I'm not that good though. Especially with landscapes. I recently sent my work to my parents back home..." He smiled gently, a thoughtful look in his eye.

[Kansai Lai]

"You should let me see them sometime. I love looking at other people's work. I can't draw anything harder than a doodle, myself. If you don't mind my asking, who do you live with now? Other than your sister."

[Ai-chan]

Ai's ears pricked up at her question, then, slowly they lowered.

"Actually I...don't live with my sister." He mewed, shifting in his seat. He set the empty cone down on the table, curling his tail over his lap. "I...live on my own. In...my apartment. We, my sister and I, just meet every so often."

[Kansai Lai]

"Oh. I'm sorry for bringing it up." She hadn;t meant to make him sad. She finished the ice cream and started eating the cone. "Hmm, do you happen to live near the Romulus apartment complex?"

[Ai-chan]

Ai shook his head, "No, don't worry. It's fine." He gave a faint smile, then glanced up at Lai in slight confusion. "Um....Romulus?"

[Kansai Lai]

"Guess not." She'd hoped he lived near her own apartment. She'd like to hang out with him more often. Ideally when he wasn't rushing about trying to get presents for his sister

[Ai-chan]

Once again his ears lowered at the faint tone of regret in her voice. "I'm...really sorry." He mewed, then suddenly felt like a bother. He scooted back his chair, taking to his feet and grabbing his bag.

"Thankyou very much, Lai-san." He bowed his head.

[Kansai Lai]

"Hey wait." She quickly got to her feet as well. She didn't want him to leave so soon. "I just wanted to know if you lived near there so we could hang out some other time. You seem like a really nice feline. Hold on." She rummaged through her pockets, somehow managing to find a pen. She tore off part of the plushie receipt and wrote down her name, address, and phone number. "Look me up sometime. I especially wanna hear how your sister liked her gifts."

[Ai-chan]

Ai paused and turned towards her, cocking one ear in confusion. He watched as she swiftly scribbled down information that he eventually came to learn as her own info. He didn't say anything the whole time she spoke and scribbled, then, with a shy paw, held the info close to his heart.
"Eheh...er, thankyou Lai-san." He dipped his head again, and a sudden sense of shame overcame him. He refused to let it show, however. "I'll be...sure to let you know. I'm sure she'll love them." He smiled almost half-heartedly, then turned to walk out the door.

[Kansai Lai]

Her ears tucked back and her smile faded as he left. Had she done something wrong? The bear let out a sigh and went to retrieve her bags of new fluffy companions. She'd distract herself by arranging them in her apartment.

[Ai-chan]

The soft giggling and laughing of pups and cubs in the distance barely grazed Ai's ears as he trudged through the park once again. He had dropped off the gifts at his sister's apartment and left, leaving them for the bagboy to deliver them to her, since she appeared to be out. Again.

Sighing, Ai glanced around the park, glancing up at the setting sun along the horizon.

Mothers hurriedly gathered up their children, ushering them close to their side, trying to calm their wagging tails and whines.

Ai watched with a content smile on his face, setting himself down on the bench nearby. Each person had their own story...and it was fun to come up with different ones for each person he saw along the way. He did this until the sun was a mere sliver on the horizon, and slowly his ears started to lower.

"Mmm...tired..." He yawned, stretching his arms over his head.

Here. This bench was a good spot. ANd as long as the night guard didn't catch him...it would be okay...wouldn't it?

He gave a couple last glances until the park lights flickered on, then settled down with a sigh, tucking his paw near his heart that so tightly held the kind bear's information.

[Kansai Lai]

Even after arranging such a happy parade of teddies, Lai didn't feel any better. She worried horribly about Ai. She sighed heavily and decided to go out for a walk to clear her head.

Sometime later she came across the cat sleeping on a bench. "Hm? What's he doing out here?" she wondered to herself. Getting closer, she realized that it was him without a shadow of a doubt. She poked his cheek gently, repeatedly. "Ne, Ai-kun. Why're you sleeping out here? You'll catch a cold."

[Ai-chan]

"Mmm...not now..." He mewed, trying to tuck his face away from the prodding paw. "Nnngh, Sis please...I'll get it later..." And yet the paw continued to praw. His ears flicked at a familiar voice and suddenly his heart skipped a beat.
His eyes snapped open and he quickly sat up, completely taken off guard.
"Wh-what?! O-oh...L-l-Lai-san....um..." He glanced at the bench on which he lay, then back at the kind bear, almost ashamed to look her in the face.

"D-did I fall asleep? I er...was just taking a quick rest, that's all." He gave a shaky smile. "Y-you don't have to worry. Please, y-you should probably um...go home. It's...dangerous at night." He mewed, lowering his ears. "I'll be fine..."

[Kansai Lai]

The bear wasn't buying it. "Did something happen, Ai-kun? Did your sister not like the gifts?" She thought he was out here pouting because she had yelled at him or something like that. Lai placed a paw atop his head, hoping to calm him into talking to her.

[Ai-chan]

Ai flinched at the paw on his head, sure that Lai would strike him for that slight little lie. Instead...it was a paw of reassurance. He looked up, dazed and confused at the bear before offering a shaky smile.
"No...I...I just...live here." He mewed, curling his tail over his lap. "I...don't want to bog down my sister with my prescence...since she lives with her boyfriend. And...well, this way I won't be bothering anybody."

[Kansai Lai]

Lai's eyes widened in surprise. He lived on a park bench? "Ai-kun, you shouldn't live on a bench. And why would you think you'd be a bother to your sister?" She sighed.

[Ai-chan]

"It's fine...lots of cats live on the streets." He mewed, eyes lowered. "And...if I live with her...the manager raises the bill. Plus she'd have to spend more money on food and I...I just can't do that to her."

[Kansai Lai]

She couldn't just leave knowing Ai would be sleeping on a park bench. She firmly took him by the upper arm and lifted him to his feet. "C'mon, you're coming home with me and I won't take no for an answer. I make enough money to care for a family of five. Now come with me. I'll set up the guest room for you." She started dragging him back home.

[Ai-chan]

"W-what?! But, no, I mean-!" Ai's small,feline frame was no match for the bear's strength, and he could only stumble along helplessly after her. "B-but, I-I mean I don't want to...seem like a-woah!" His foot got caught on a root and he nearly fell face first, but the constant pulling of the Lai kept him on his stumbling feet.

[Kansai Lai]

"This is my choice and my choice alone. I wouldn't offer if I didn't think I could take care of you. You can stay with me as long as you need, until you can stand on your own two feet." It was only a few minutes until her apartment complex was in sight.

[Ai-chan]

Ai kept his mouth shut, just nodding in silent obedience. Of course...what else could he do? Kick and scratch for freedom from somebody who was helping him? No...that didn't seem very wise.
"Y-yes ma'am..." He gave a brief nod of his head. Then a thought struck him. "B-but, I-I mean are you okay with this? I-I mean...I know I'm rather small...but I'm...still a guy and...are you...comfortable with having somebody like me around?" He stuttered over his words.

[Kansai Lai]

She stopped right outside the front of the apartments. Lai rose and eyebrow and smirked in an 'Are you kidding me?' sort of look. Swiftly she lifted him up and placed him over her shoulder like a bag of rags. He weighed practically nothing to her. "If anything you should be worried about me doing something to you." She laughed heartely and took him inside, still over her shoulder. "I don't really have any ground rules, just don't purposefully do something stupid or cruel. Like steal from me or something like that." She knew he wouldn't but it needed saying anyway.

[Ai-chan]

Ai didn't have long to take a good luck at the huge display of the apartment complex. Sure, most apartments were large, but he himself had never lived in one. So...in a way this was quite intimidating. But that didn't matter, he didn't have long to look anyway. "M-myyaaa!" A startled mew lept from his throat as he was suddenly picked up as if he were a sack of potatoes and flung over Lai's broad shoulders. "W-wait, I-I can walk-"
He shut his mouth as she began to speak and an unspeakably deep flush covered his face, tinting even his dark fur a strange red. His heart pounded frantically against his small, slim chest and he nearly dug his claws into the bear from grasping on so tightly.
"I-I-I-I w-wont M-m-m-m-m-miss Lai-s-s-san...!" He stuttered, tail quivering between his legs.

[Kansai Lai]

"Now now, no need for formalities." She set him down when they got in front of her apartment, #445. She rummaged through her pocket for the key, opening the door for him. "Come on in, make yourself at home. Literally."

[Ai-chan]

Ai nearly hugged the ground as soon as he felt his feet back on it's reassuring surface. He didn't dare run for it though...even if his heart was doing summer-saults. "Uh...um...y-yes...of course...th-thankyou..." He wandered in warily, glancing around at the new surroundings. It certainly wasn't outdoors...like he was used to. And it certainly...smelled different.

Ai's ears pricked towards a certain sofa near the outskirts of the room. Cocking his head to the side, he hesitantly strode for it. He sat down, bouncing on it a little, as if to test the cushions, then with a content purr, sprawled out.

[Kansai Lai]

She smiled watching him get used to the place. It was like bringing home a new pet. "I'll go prepare the guest room, then. Feel free to explore the place." She headed off inside, fetching fresh linens, making sure the lamps worked, generally checking that he'd be comfortable in here.

[Ai-chan]

Ai peered over the back of the couch as Lai moved about the room, curious of her actions. "Um, no that's...okay." He mewed.

[Kansai Lai]

She smirked again. This really was like having a new pet. First the little thing would be scared of its new surroundings, but over time it would get used to it, even grow bold. She hoped she could help bring up his confidence. In a few minutes she finished making the bed and laid out a set of clean towels on a chair. "There we go. You're all set. And I'll say it again: You may stay here as long as you need. You are not a bother and you never will be." She pointed out a little sheet of paper taped to her fridge. "If you ever want something to eat or if we run out of something, write it down here and I'll pick it up next time I go shopping. Any questions?"

[Ai-chan]

Ai's ears flicked back up as Lai wandered back into the room, and he ducked his head down at her words. "Thankyou...thankyou very much..." He mewed softly. But still...he couldn't help but feel like a burden. But, if she said that he wasn't. He glanced back up with a shaky, yet soft smile, still unsure of himself...but feeling comforted none-the-less. "I...think I'm good."

[Kansai Lai]

Before she could comfort him again, her phone rang. She plucked the receiver and said, "Hello? Oh Rachel, hi. Mhm. Yes. Yeah I got it, just gotta give it another look to be sure. Yeah tomorrow morning. Don't worry. Okay? Okay. I'll see you tomorrow then. Bye." She gave a little sigh and turned back to Ai, smiling.

[Ai-chan]

Kai lifted his head at the sudden ringing of the phone. He didn't mean to be rude...but he couldn't help but listen in on their conversation. "Got it?" He mewed, cocking his head to the side with a curious tail flick.

[Kansai Lai]

"Oh that was my editor. She just wanted to know if I had my latest manuscript ready." She went over to the couch and sat beside Ai-kun.

[Ai-chan]

"Y-you're a writer?!" His eyes widened. He wasn't sure if she had told him already...and if she had...well, he had forgotten. "Th-that's wonderful! What kind of stories are you writing? I-If you don't mind me asking..." He blushed, looking down.

[Kansai Lai]

She hadn't told him before just because she didn't want to seem a braggart. She smiled and patted his head again. She seemed to do this a lot. "I do short stories mostly, for many age groups. The one Rachel is collecting is a children's story."

[Ai-chan]

"A children's story? Really?" A small smile formed on his face. Children's stories...he still read those. Well, once in awhile anyways. It was a nice refresher of what the past was like, and it held good memories. "Mm, that's wonderful!" He purred, tail flicking from side to side.

[Kansai Lai]

She smiled, happy to see him cheered up finally. "Would you like to read it? You'll be the first fur to read it aside from me and my editor. Maybe you could even point out some weak spots."

[Ai-chan]

Ai nervously flicked his ears at the question. "A-are you sure? I...I'm not very good at critiquing." He shifted nervously on the couch.

[Kansai Lai]

"Or it's nothing at all, especially for this kind of story. Just tell me what you liked and didn't like. Come with me." She stood up and walked to her office, opening the word file with her current story. "There'll be colorful pictures when the book's made. Take your time. I'll go make us some hot chocolate." She sat the feline down in her plush writing chair. She needed it for those long hours of muse possession.

[Ai-chan]

"Um...sure." He nodded his head briefly, watching her turn to walk out the office door. Really...he felt almost...like a child. A lost kitten having just been taken off the streets and pampered. It was strange...and almost degrading. Well, it would have been degrading if you weren't Ai. But trully, the cat boy was perfectly content with this oddly 'motherly' treatment.
He shifted around in the chair a bit, settling himself even more comfortable before gazing over the document.
It certainly was a short story, but that was how most children's books are. And Lai's writing? Flawless.
A soft purr began to revenate from Ai over time, tail flicking back and forth on border-line joy.
"Wow...she really is...gifted..." He mewed, ears pricked foward towards the screen.

[Kansai Lai]

She came back in a few minutes later, two mugs of cocoa in her paws. Both had fairly generous dollops of whipped cream. This was her favorite thing to drink after a long day of writing. Or sharing with cute felines. She handed the warm mug to Ai and said, "So what'd you think about it? Be as harsh as you need to be."

[Ai-chan]

Ai thankfully took the warm mug in his paws, licking at the creme thoughtfully before taking a happy sip.

"Mmm...oh! The story? It was GREAT!" He mewed happily, "I mean...I really couldn't find anything wrong with it at all."

[Kansai Lai]

She didn't know if he was being too nice or thought if he criticized her, she'd kick him out. But she smiled sweetly and took a big gulp of her drink. "Well thanks. Nice to know it already has a fan." She took another drink. She loved cocoa. "Would you like to read any of my other works, maybe critique future ones?"

[Ai-chan]

Ai blinked away the near drowziness in his eyes, blinking up at her thoughtfully.

"U-um..." He mewed to himself, pondering for a moment. "Uh, sure. If you'd like me too."

[Kansai Lai]

"I'd be honored if you would." Lai noticed the way his eyes looked now. "Wanna go to bed? You look sleepy." It had been somewhat of a big day for him.

[Ai-chan]

Ai closed his mouth abruptly in mid-yawn. "What? O-oh no, I'm fine. You want me to read the others right?" He mewed, batting his eyes open for a moment. He twisted back around in the chair, taking a final sip of the cocoa, licking at his muzzle. "Um...next ones...next ones..."

[Kansai Lai]

She leaned over his shoulder, clicking open the files of her children's stories. She had many other genres, none of which she wanted him reading. At least right now. She gave his ear a little kiss and she stood back up. "I'm going to go take a shower. Knock if you need anything." Taking her mug with her, she went to go wash up. She never bathed in the morning, figuring one at night was like a reward for surviving the day.

[Ai-chan]

Ai glanced up as the bear suddenly leaned over him, clicking one file after another. An intense flush lit up his face at the sudden peck on his ear, and it immediatly twitched nervously. "Y-y-yes ma'am....I-I mean Lai-san." He mewed shakily, forcing himself to look at his lap until she had left. He glanced over his shoulder as soon as the bear had left the room, then looked back at the screen.

He forced himself to focus on her stories, and in no time the frantic nervous beating in his heart returned to a happy thump.

After awhile...and making sure he got through the stories with a happy heart, his eyes became like heavy weights. "Nnn...I should...tell her about...what I think of...them..." He mewed, his head bobbing before landing on the desk with a soft thump, drifting off.

[Kansai Lai]

She walked back in some time later, wearing a cute pair of faded pink pajamas, still drying out her head fur. "Hm?" She looked confused for a moment before smiling softly, realizing Ai had fallen asleep. Leaving the towel on her head, she walked over, shut down her computer, and picked Ai up into her arms. She'd told him to go to bed. Ah well. Gently she carried him to his bed, all the while not knowing if she felt more like a mom or a big sister. ...speaking of which, just how could the cat's sister not take him in? How could they let him feel guilty over existing, over being family? She shook it from her head, it really wasn't her business anyway. At least she could sleep well at night, knowing he was warm and safe.

[Ai-chan]

A faint groan leaked past the cat's small muzzle as he was lifted lightly into the bears arms, curling towards her chest as if seeking the comfort of her fur. As he was carried gently towards another room he stayed sound asleep, his ears curling slightly downwards and a soft...warm purr resonated from his throat. Whether it was from the comfort of the bears scent and warmth, or perhaps he was having a sweet dream...it was unkown.
Slowly Ai's eyelashed fluttered and opened slightly, glancing up at the bear with his golden eyes. It took him a moment, the heavy blanket of sleep still heavy on the cat's mind. "Mm...Lai-san...?" He gave a tired mew.

[Kansai Lai]

"Shhh," she cooed softly, tucking him in. "Go back to sleep, get some rest. I'll see you in the morning." She kissed his forehead and patted his headfur. Then she turned and quietly began to move to the door.

[Ai-chan]

Ai barely felt the light peck on his forhead for his eyes quickly drooped closed once again. It took him but a second to fall back into the warm embrace of sleep, every muscle in his body completely relaxing into the soft mattress.

[Kansai Lai]

With Ai-kun all tucked in, Lai got the thumb drive with her new story on it, leaving it on a little table by the door. Rachel had a key to the apartment since she was an early bird while Lai enjoyed sleeping in. She plopped down in her bed and snuggled under her plush covers. She didn't think too much on all that had happened that day, but instead smiled about making a new friend and drifted off to dreamland.

[Ai-chan]

The soft chirping of birds and the gentle rays of sunlight slowly awoke the drowzy off from his rest. Blinking with a groan, he turned to burry his head further into the sudden new...soft cushiony surface below him. It was only until he registered that yes, it was indeed soft, did he suddenly snap awake.
He wasn't sleeping...on the park bench. A hard surface he was accustomed too. No...rather it was, like a CLOUD almost. Flicking his ears in sudden alarm he quickly sat upright, glancing around the room.

"Where am...?" He paused, putting a finger to his lips. "Mm...oh..L-Lai-san..."

[Kansai Lai]

Lai meanwhile was still asleep, the sheets and blankets thrown askew and tangled around her. Her ear gave an occasional flick as she dreamed.
Outside, at the apartment's front door was the sound of a key turning. "Lai?" the voice called out softly, not too loud in case the bear was asleep. Which was pretty much a guarantee. The guest, a rather short sheep named Rachel, looked around and picked up the thumb drive. Where it had been she placed a note reading, "Received manuscript, thank you for your hard work, have a nice sleep. I'll treat you to dinner later. -Rachel"

[Ai-chan]

Ai stumbled off his bed and onto the floor, rubbing his eye with a lazy yawn. His ears flickered to what sounded like a door closing and he peeked outside his bedroom door. "Mmm...I don't think I should call it that...it's...too new..." He mewed. Calling it 'his' bedroom? No...to...strange.
He abruptly shook the thought away and ventured out to see who was moving about. Lai maybe?
By the time he had gotten into the living room he couldn't see anybody about. Whether they were still there or not he wasn't sure...but there was a note lying on the table. "Eh?" He picked it up, cocking his head to the side. "Ra....chel?"

[Kansai Lai]

Eventually, she roused enough to crawl out of bed, rubbing her eyes and tousling her hair, trying to not collapse once she hit the couch. "Morning," she mumbled when she saw Ai. She headed for the kitchen, needing something cold to drink to wake herself up.

[Ai-chan]

Ai turned his head around abruptly at the bears voice. "O-oh! G-good morning Lai-san." He gave a quick bow, then suddenly remembered the note he held in his paw. "Uh, um...I think somebody named...um, Rachel came by. She left this." He hesitantly took a step foward, holding the piece of paper out towards her with a shaky shy smile.

[Kansai Lai]

She gave a sniff, still trying to wake up. She gingerly took the piece of paper, reading it. "Cool. Wonder if she'll let me bring a guest." Lai went back to the kitchen and drank some cold milk straight from the carton. She gave a satisfied sigh and gave a small shake, the blast of cold on her insides jolting her to full consciousness. "My editor wants to take me out to dinner as thanks for my newest book. Would you like to come along? She's treating us."

[Ai-chan]

Ai's ears instantly pricked up at the mention of food. "Y-yes! T-that would be wonderful!" Then he paused, ears lowering a bit. "But...will I be in the way...? She...might want to talk about your book or something..."
His sister often told him things like that...that when others would offer to take him along as well, she'd jump in and declare this was business only. He didn't mind...but he had to make sure it was ok.

[Kansai Lai]

Lai gave a shrug, now digging through her cupboards for some food. "We might. But I don't think that really matters. Heck, you might even give your opinion to help us write a better one." She found the cereal and poured herself a bowl. "Have you eaten yet?"

[Ai-chan]

Ai smiled sincerely, and it was starting to become a habit after he met this kind bear. "I...I would be honored to help." He mewed, waving his tail happily. "Oh, and no Lai-san...n-not yet. I've just woken up." He trotted towards her, a happy skip in his step. He glanced through the cupboard, then at the assortment of tools in the kitchen. "Can I...help make you something?"

[Kansai Lai]

"I'm fine with cereal, but if you want to make yourself pancakes or something, knock yourself out. I hereby give you free access to the kitchen and everything in it." She had a feeling she'd have to remind him that since he technically lived here now, he could do whatever he liked within reason.

[Ai-chan]

Ai gave a brisk nod, "No, um, cereal is perfectly fine with me too!" He held his tail high in excitment, glancing through the cupboards till he found a bowl fit for him. He went ahead and filled it half-way, musn't take too much, with Cap'n Crunch and a good amount of milk. "Thankyou!"

[Kansai Lai]

"No need to thank me," she assured him. It didn't take too long for her to finish her breakfast. Afterwards, she got on the phone to make a date for dinner. She made sure to let Rachel know she'd bring a guest. Lai didn't ask, she told her she'd bring Ai with her. "See you then. Bye." She hung up and turned to the feline. "We're gonna meet Rachel at 5 at the restaurant. Be ready by then, okay?" She smiled and went back to her room to get dressed.

[Ai-chan]

Ai cocked his head between mouthfulls of cereal, licking his lips of the milk that seemed to enjoy sticking to his soft muzzle fur. "U-um, sure." He nodded with a smile. "Till five...huh...?" He mewed quietly to himself. He glanced at the clock, and a sudden explosion of nerves over took him. Dinner? With...other people? He was already quivering with excitment. A real treated dinner! How long had it been since his last one?
He stared at the bowl before him, and every little floating grain of his crunchies. With a broad grin he quickly finished his bowl, downed the milk, and rushed to put away the dishes.

[Kansai Lai]

The bear came back out not 5 minutes later in jeans and a polo shirt. She laid herself out on the couch of her living area, clicking on the tv to some cartoons. She always lazed about after each new story was done, just to give her brain a break.

[Ai-chan]

Tai peered into the tv room at the familiar sound of his childhood favorite, cartoons. His eyes wandered curiously towards the bear that lounged easily on her sofa. His ear twitched for a moment. "She...must be tired from all the story writing..." He mewed silently to himself, then turned and went back to the kitchen.
He glanced through her items till he found what he was looking for.
Working through what he needed he eventually came out with a cup of steaming sweet tea. Lipton style.
"Um...here. I-I don't know if you like tea or not but..." He held out the mug to her. "It's a little hot..." He smiled.

[Kansai Lai]

She looked at him with wide eyes. "Th-thank you Ai-kun. You didn't have to do this." She smiled gratefully as she took the cup, blowing on it gently before taking a sip. It was really sweet, close to how she liked it. "Here, why don't you sit next to me. I don't usually have company when I watch Looney Tunes."

[Ai-chan]

Ai's face lit up at her request and he didn't hesitate to take a seat next to her. A soft purr began to come off his body in waves, glancing up at the bear before looking towards the T.V in excitment. "Thankyou very much!"

[Kansai Lai]

"Hm, you're welcome." She patted his head, scritching behind the ears. She enjoyed his company a lot. He was like somewhere between pet and little brother...

[Ai-chan]

Ai nuzzled his head closer to Lai's paw, eyes drooping closed as she scritched just behind his ears. His ears twitched slightly at the touch, before an even louder purr mixed with an almost 'murr' rolled off his tongue.

[Kansai Lai]

She saw how much he liked the scratching. Smiling, Lai maneuvered them around so Ai was now in her lap. The bear used both paws to scratch behind his ears, even giving a light clawing down his neck. This was rather fun.

[Ai-chan]

Ai shivered from the little bits of tingles he got from her gentle scritching, resting his head on her shoulder. He could have drifted off again if he hadn't just woken up...that was his absolute favorite spot to be scratched...aside from right under his chin.
He nuzzled her shoulder, tail curling up and over the bear with a happy mew.

[Kansai Lai]

"You are so cute like this," she giggled, still going at it. When one of her paws ran down his neck, it moved to explore other scratch spots, including the side of his neck and right under his chin. With any luck this would distract them until dinner (or at least till closer to that time).

[Ai-chan]

"Mrooow...." He craned his head up to promote her better access, eyes closed and purring in pure bliss. His tail twitched faintly on the end, his paws kneeding at the sofa.

[Kansai Lai]

She giggled more, scratching away at him. But it didn't last as long as she'd hoped. A couple minutes later, Lai dropped her paws, fingers weary. "Well that was fun."

[Ai-chan]

Ai blinked his eyes open, unaware that he had started to doze off from the gentle fingers. He rose his head with a dazed look, then smiled gently with a purr. "It...felt good." He mewed, nuzzling at her hand.

[Kansai Lai]

She patted his hand, but quickly put it back down before she started scratching again. "I'll keep that in mind." She liked treating him this well.