(A/N: *sighs*

This is the last chapter. I'm incredibly grateful to all of you who have read this child of mine.

Of all the things I wrote, perhaps this is not the best, likely it won't be the best; but it is the dearest, so far. I put a lot of myself in this and I put a lot of my love for Akashi and Nijimura in this and I'm not in any way embarrassed to say that these two characters mean a lot to me. There are sad bits here and happy bits, and I wanted without losing my touch on realism, for happy bits to be more. Because life, despite all its cruelties and wrongs, is so beautiful and full of amazing potential for good as well as bad and there's a large stretch in between that fits neither so clearly; I simply wanted to emphasise all that.

Being aromantic or greyromantic or gay or bi or trans or genderqueer or any other way that does not conform to the 'norm' does not mean you are doomed to misery and alienation. It is hard, it will be hard, and no, it may not 'get better' just with time or waiting, but you're not alone. We're not alone. [And we fight, we do; we care for each other and struggle, together.] I find a lot of comfort in knowing that.

I wanted Akashi to not be alone - that is the reason why I wrote this.)

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Being bored because you've got nothing to do?

What an utterly ridiculous, spoiled nonsense.

It took only a month for him to come to realisation of what a blessing his leisure time had been; September is the month of examinations and thus the month of countless figurative deaths and mental torture. He stayed at Akashi's place because it is closer to school and his boyfriend's warm presence is the only cure he has against the pangs of stress eating away his spirit. It also helps that Akashi always stocks the most delicious ice cream and tea. He is not even allowed to relax properly after the exams are over because his professor calls him in to pick up the slack for a project which Nijimura has nothing to do with. It is cumbersome and he is not even being paid for it but he could not bring himself to reject his lecturer, mainly because the man is his main academic reference and thus the crux of his CV as it stands. "Experience" is what he is earning, according to both the lazy postgrad, who wasn't competent enough to finish his own experiment on time, and his quirky teacher and Nijimura bitterly smiles—yeah, sure the rich people think so. At least he has saved up enough for rent till the new semester begins in October.

October, he thought, would be better. Yet another piece of pure bullshit, apparently. He is not given a position at the lab and instead becomes a TA for the organic chemistry course the said professor is teaching. The exact organic chemistry course that had been the bane of his existence during his first year. Now, he has to endure it once again, grading quizzes and assignments for dozens of students every single week as well as holding lab sessions for the same brats twice a week. It is hell. His own coursework is much harder than the previous term that he has to double his own study hours. As if the extremely packed schedule is not enough, it rarely intersects with Akashi's, who is himself leading the busiest phase of his life, probably. Akashi Senior apparently decided to bestow more roles and responsibilities to the junior. Thus, many nights Akashi is overworking either at the office downtown or the library. Still, Nijimura finds it better than going home and does end up at Akashi's place about four nights a week, because it simply feels too lonely at his own place.

When has he become such a stranger to solitude? He is not sure. But somehow, he has lost his immunity and affinity for it. Now, whenever he is left alone at home, there is a disquiet that spreads across the space devoid of another; or rather, a specific another: Akashi Seijūrō.

It is oppressive, almost, to be without Akashi. The silence becomes a heavy burden and he feels colder than it actually is and it is stupid; it is the stupidest feeling he has ever felt and irrational and it irritates him quite a bit and then he is left twice irritated because he is also irritated at his irritation at loneliness. It is crazy, he thinks; perhaps he has lost his mind. But then, based on what he has read of love, even though he does not want to admit it, the emotional reaction he has is likely normal.

Hence, he spends so much time at Akashi's. It is rather ironic too because many nights he is either alone and only feels his lover crawl into the bed much later, or even if they are together, there are many moments, long hours that they spend without talking with each other, except a few words exchanged, each busy with their own commitments. It is still different; Akashi's mere presence, it seems, eases the knots of loneliness in his soul. They don't have to talk and sometimes a single glance or a soft touch of hands warms him much more than any sweater could.

Perhaps he is getting old and sappy.

He hides all this and more and never gives any reason for spending so much time over; Akashi never asks for reasons and likely knows them anyway, being the damned clairvoyant-not-clairvoyant he is, but he doesn't say anything either.

"I was thinking…" Akashi announces one night when they've both arrived home almost at around midnight, Nijimura from the library because it took too long to grade his students' papers and Akashi from work;

"Maybe during the summer vacation next year we could go to camping together… Or perhaps a road trip? Spend some time in the countryside?"

The idea is interesting though he never would have expected it from Akashi. He cannot fathom what might have inspired it but is very much partial to the idea so he shrugs as he puts on his pyjamas, getting ready for bed on which Akashi is already tucked in.

"Sure, why not."

It is the end of October, Akashi is away on a business trip to Osaka and Nijimura is seriously craving some socialising and relaxing. As if on cue, Hanai, one of his friends who has been complaining about Nijimura being absent, asks to go out drinking. He readily accepts. Another friend joins in, then mentions to another, and eventually they end up a group of five, all mutual friends and from various departments of Faculty of Science. Though Nijimura is not fond of rowdy crowds, they are all people he knows well and has shared quite a few classes with. Plus, it's long overdue—this kind of a night of beer and unhealthy food and stupid jokes.

When Hanai is five minutes too late to meet at the campus gates, Nijimura drags himself to the genetics lab, about ninety-percent sure that his friend is too caught up with his project. Indeed, he finds Hanai in the lab, sitting on one of the stools lining a large counter, a small white kitten on his lap. He is feeding the little thing while softly petting.

"You're late."

"Oh? Nijimura? It's already the time? Sorry, the lab was a disaster zone today…"

Nijimura moves inside and inclines towards one of the walls, glancing around.

"Where did the other kittens go?"

"Oh, we gave them away."

"Gave them away?"

"Yeah, the experiment concluded last week. I'm working on data analysis right now… We don't need the cats anymore so we gave them to people who wanted."

"All fourteen of them?"

"Well, thirteen of them…" Hanai mumbles, massaging the kitten on his lap with the pads of his fingers.

"That's still quite an achievement."

"Not really; this is a very rare and prized breed so there are many people who would pay a lot of money to get one. And we gave them for free, so…"

"If that's so, why is this one still here?" Nijimura walks towards them and bows slightly in front of the kitten, taking a closer look. Hanai has just finished feeding her. She's rather shy though, apparently, because she quickly turns her face away and snuggles closer to Hanai. Nijimura feels a tad bit offended at being given the cold shoulder like this.

"She's ill…" Hanai explains.

"Really? She doesn't seem so."

"Yeah, she's in remission right now... She's also deaf. That's why she's especially timid. In any case, her condition can get worse any time and it'd be quite costly to treat and it might not even be successful…"

Nijimura tilts his head to the side to get her attention and seems to achieve it; he moves a finger very slowly towards her paws and keeps it in the air, avoiding any sudden movement. Finally after some waiting, she warily motions her paw forward, in response to which he brings his finger closer, bit by bit they move in turns, and about ten seconds later she's holding onto Nijimura's finger. So tiny. She must be very young and is already severely sick. It hits too close to home for him.

"So people avoid her because she's disabled and likely won't live long?"

"Yeah."

"Such bullshit…" He mutters softly. Soon Hanai is pulling the kitten to himself and lifting to put her back into the container where she lives. It hurts Nijimura even more—how long will this one have to reside in that box? Cats are natural predators, he once heard from Akashi; it must be very limiting for the poor kitten. Not to count her ailment. He sighs.

"You ready apart from this? Do you have work left?"

"Nope, I'm good, just let me change…" Hanai moves to the other side of the lab, taking off his white coat and Nijimura silently observes the kitty who has raised her face up and is staring at Nijimura. She has fluffy white fur and odd eyes; one blue, the other amber. It reminds him of Akashi's asymmetric gaze and he finds himself uncharacteristically touched. I'm really getting sappy… Not even that old yet.

"Okay, all done!" Hanai announces and Nijimura nods, walking outside but not before taking one last look at the pretty little kitten with beautiful eyes.

He is not entirely sure how it happened, but it did. Over the years, he has learnt to regulate his impulsiveness rather well but there are moments it just… slips away. He does something before he even realises it. But if he has to be honest, this particular urge rose within right at the beginning. Thus, it is not very surprising that three days later he is sitting on the bench in front of his main department building with a pet container on his lap.

The problem is, not only is he extremely busy and himself lives in practically a box, the said 'box' also has a 'no-pets' policy. He cannot bring her home. He'd be evicted the next day. If he could only take her to his mother's place; the problem on that front is that… she is allergic to cats. Even though Nijimura is sure that she would try, especially if she hears the poor little thing's story and because his siblings would fawn over the kitten, certainly; but he does not want to put his mother in such a tight spot.

So, he has been sitting on the same bench for half an hour now, contemplating. He actually has an idea on what he can do and it is a very good idea, for he cannot see any downside to it. But it is also outdoing his usual impulsiveness and very, very imposing that it just feels wrong. His thumb hovers over Akashi's name in his contact list but after a last second swipe, he instead calls Reo.

It rings only twice before the call is received.

"What a surprise!"

Reo's voice is positively cheerful which is both calming and disquieting.

"Yeah… Um, how are you?"

"I'm quite well, thank you, and how are you?"

"I'm okay."

He pauses, unsure how to move forward.

"You need help." Reo states—states, does not even ask. Is he really that obvious? This troubles Nijimura even more and he grunts like the mature adult he is. They laugh gleefully.

"Come on Shuu-chan, as long as it's not because you've actually hurt Sei-chan or something, y'know I'll be gladly of service."

Nijimura is about to open his mouth to deliver his dilemma, when Reo adds as an after-thought; "You're such a hottie, after all!"

He groans only to hear more chuckling from the other end. "Just teasing you," Reo informs as if it was not evident.

"Okay, just one question."

"Shoot."

"Is Seijūrō allergic to cats?"

"Oh that's an interesting question."

"Can you please just answer it?"

"No, he does not."

"Good."

But that doesn't mean he is fond of them at all. Is he? Akashi has always left the impression of a 'cat-person' to Nijimura but he is not so sure. He is certain that Akashi does not dislike animals; he was devastated after losing his horse. But that does not mean he would be welcoming of a cat. In any case, this is an important matter.

"Okay, maybe one more question?"

"Shuu-chan is so curious today but what's in it for me? In return?"

"Reo…"

"Aw, but how can I resist when you call my name so sweetly like that? Go ahead."

Nijimura sighs exasperatedly before he asks; "Does he like cats?"

"Sei-chan?"

"Yes." He barks. He really hates this because he is fully aware that Reo is drawling the conversation solely to rile him up and it is working very well.

"Hmm…"

"Reo."

"Okay okay," they giggle, "he actually does. He's always been fond of them but I think he never had one. I actually tried to get him to adopt one when he first moved to Tokyo for university… He was just so lonely. But he resisted the idea stubbornly and never got one."

That is… quite problematic. Nijimura feels knots tightening in the pit of his stomach.

"Is there a reason why he refused?"

"Not really; his usual obstinacy and I'm fine by myself pride."

Nijimura is not certain how to interpret this and it must be obvious because Reo continues; "Actually, I think he has been better since he started seeing you. I don't think he would mind having a cat at this point."

"You think so?"

"Pretty sure."

Mibuchi Reo is consoling him. This is a miracle in itself. The world must be coming to its end. He sighs.

"Fine. Thanks."

"You're welcome and if you don't send me a picture of the kitty with Sei-chan, prepare for my revenge."

"What? It's—"

"Come on now. Could you be any more obvious?"

"Okay. Fine. If I'm not kicked out by tonight that is."

Reo chortles.

"No worries, that won't happen, I can almost guarantee. But you know, my door is always open for you. In case Sei-chan decides to shoo you? I welcome any kitties as well."

"This is my cue to hang up. Bye."

Reo is still chortling when he finishes the call and despite the cold winds of autumn his cheeks are flushed red. He cannot help but become so agitated with Reo who is a master of pulling his nerves. Someone to be cautious of, most definitely, he confirms to himself.

He has gained a tad bit of courage though. Perhaps this will work. He hears the soft meow of the kitten and stares at her for a bit. Yeah, he'll… he'll find a way to make it work without getting evicted either from his apartment or relationship.

The walk to Akashi's building takes more than twice that it should, mainly because Nijimura's pace is of a tortoise; he's lost in brooding. He rarely feels this nervous and that in itself bugs him as well. It is just overall a disaster but he is very determined.

It is thanks to this determination that after a long inhale and exhale, he unlocks the door and steps inside, careful to not make any sound. Akashi is by the kitchen counter, seemingly preparing tea, his back is to the door and he does not move or glance back. Typical Akashi. Always so sure and in control even without 'checking'. He used to find it annoying and admirable at the same time and now in addition to those, he also finds it endearing. What a mess he has become. This time there's a surprise though, so perhaps Akashi should have looked, because there's no way he could have guessed—

The kitten mews. It is quiet but not enough to be unheard; it makes Akashi's hands to still.

Yeah, well, now he has definitely guessed it.

However, Akashi does not move or look, he soon continues on with his activity, practically indifferent. This dismays Nijimura even more, if he has to be honest.

"I'm home…" He declares, a little louder than usual.

"Welcome home, Shūzō."

"Sei…"

"Let me pour my tea first."

Really?

He swallows the urge he has to shout—because this is rather ridiculous—and instead scowls as deeply as he can and stomps towards the sofa after taking his shoes off. Once on the sofa, he decides to take her out from the container; the poor thing must have been both bored and frightened being swung around all day. He gingerly places the kitten on his own lap and cradles it with his right forearm, his thumb softly rubbing her soft fur. He does not even realise that Akashi has come in front of them until the redhead actually clears his throat.

"Oh…"

"Oh?" Akashi asks; his face is stoic apart from the glint in his eyes which is unreadable to Nijimura. It's so unfair. Because he deduces that Akashi probably already knows everything going through his mind, but he has no clue to what Akashi's actual reaction to this… rather shocking scene is.

"Well…"

"Well?"

"Okay, what are you trying to do? Drive me crazy by just repeating everything I say? How old are you?!"

"Perhaps I wouldn't have to repeat them if they were not so useless and only meant to deflect?"

"I'm not trying to deflect anything." He scowls harder; shocking even himself that he is actually capable of it.

"You'll get wrinkles if you frown so much." Akashi mumbles, calmly taking a sip from his tea. He seems unperturbed and Nijimura is not sure if this is good or bad.

They silently stare at each other and then Akashi sighs.

"Will you explain?"

"Explain what…"

"Shūzō."

It is him who sighs this time—rather loudly too and then cradles the kitten closer, suddenly feeling even more protective at the very real threat of this going the wrong way.

"It is as you see. I bet you already have a good idea."

"Probably. I'd like to hear it from you, nonetheless?"

"She is… she is from one of the genetics labs. One of my friends was involved in a project. They were researching a particular genetic trait—you know what. It's not important. Basically: the project is finished, every other kitten found a home because this is apparently a prized breed. This one didn't because she's sick."

"That's sad."

"I know!" He feels encouraged; maybe he can do this, yes, despite what others often believe Akashi is quite compassionate and probably even more so towards animals… right?

"What's her sickness?"

"My friend explained but I didn't get it much, but he sent me an email with all the details, for future reference. She's in a stable condition right now but the risk remains. Also, she's deaf…"

"Hmm… explains why nobody wanted to take her. So you took her?"

"Yeah…" Nijimura absentmindedly scratches base of her ears and she purrs. Hearing the sound tickles his heart in a nice way. He could get used to this. Unfortunately Akashi has not actually commented yet.

In fact, Akashi does not verbally comment at all; he simply shrugs and sits on the other end of the sofa, watching him quietly. It is very unnerving but Nijimura is not sure how to break the ice and clearly state what he needs to request. When has he become such an anxious mess? He knows, deep down, it is because he will be asking for a favour. He hates being a burden on people—he has tried his best not to be so even with his family, for years. Thus doing so with Akashi… It hurts his pride. Even so, this nervous tension is so uncharacteristic and bothersome. Luckily, Akashi decides to intervene:

"What is it that's bothering you?"

"It's just… my building actually does not allow pets."

"I see. That's too bad."

"Yes… And my mum is allergic to cats."

"You thought of giving her to your mother?"

"Maybe. All I'm saying is that it isn't an option either."

"Shūzō."

"Yes?"

"I don't bite, you know. Unless we are being intimate."

He is floored. Akashi is smirking shamelessly. He is about to go ballistic, but he cannot because the same smirking Akashi is also looking at him with eyes so full of care and affection that it captures him unready.

"We're in this together, I thought?" Akashi asks then in a gentle tone, as if to assure. "If you want to take care of her, I'd like to think I will too."

He blushes. Shit. Shit. It is embarrassing but to hear it makes him realise that perhaps, he is not being a burden because they have implicitly accepted to share the weight of life on each other's shoulders. It is so comforting; all the coils of anxiety within him untangle and disappear under Akashi's tender gaze. What he has done still feels rather unfair and callous though.

"I didn't ask you if you wanted a cat."

"You did not."

"It is very imposing."

"Indeed."

But Akashi is smiling all the while.

"But you don't mind?"

"Let's say I couldn't refuse."

"I'm not gonna force her on you—"

"Shūzō, you know better than anyone that nobody could force anything on me."

Nijimura gulps; it is true.

"Fine. Good then."

"I'd like a favour too though."

"What?" Ominous whispers start rising in his ear canal but fortunately, he is not left in the dark for long as Akashi starts explaining in a very careful tone:

"If the cat is going to live here, why don't you, as well?"

"What?!" He does not mean to yell but he does. It is not out of anger but plain bewilderment.

"You heard me, I believe? I'm asking if you could also live here."

"I did hear you… But this is quite sudden."

Akashi scoffs;

"Well the kitten's arrival was quite sudden too."

"So you won't accept her if I'm not going to live here?" Nijimura bites with too much of a venom. Why is he even discussing this? The idea of living with Akashi does not sound bad. Actually, it sounds perfect. But the way it has been put… The redhead snickers and puts one arm on the backrest, relaxing on his spot as if Nijimura has just not given him verbal equivalent of a slap.

"She needs a shelter and I will not refuse her, especially since you've asked me to. Though I'm surprised and even flattered that you've asked me to take her, instead of asking me to find her a home—I could have done that too easily. In any case, I'm not putting it as a condition; I'm simply asking for a favour…"

"Why though?"

In all honesty, he expects a long list of advantages: more time together, better utilisation of their time in relation to their hectic schedules, saving money… And they all make sense.

"I've been thinking about it for some time and when I saw you with her…" Akashi trails off only to abruptly scoot closer, his movements swift but subtle and when he moves his hand towards the kitten he is extremely careful to not spook her… His eyes are focused on the cat when he starts speaking again;

"When I saw you with her, I thought it would be a nice sight to come home to. That's all."

It is as if his heart implodes on itself.

Nijimura had not expected any words like these from Akashi, but hearing them does strange things to him; if he was any more sensitive, he would get teary eyed. He does not. But his whole chest hurts—physically hurts. He wants to say something, but he has always been clumsy with words and his higher faculties have all shot down, left incapacitated, he has no idea how to respond and even if he had, he is not sure if he could—his tongue is numb and his throat is suddenly sore.

Akashi lifts his eyes from the kitten to Nijimura, who is so very thankful, because even though this is definitely one of the most flustering moments of his life, at least he does not have to speak when they exchange gazes like this; because Akashi understands. He always does. And Nijimura recognises that comprehension as the small smile on Akashi's lips grows and without any need for words, Akashi leans in to share a kiss.

A minute brush of breaths. Fleeting. Gentle. Chaste.

When Akashi sighs again, Nijimura thinks he can hear the undertone of contentment. Maybe he is imagining. Maybe he is overthinking. Maybe he is being sappy. Who cares.

It takes less than a minute for the redhead to go back to his analytical mode though; as he gets up and steps towards the kitchen area, empty teacup in his hand, he starts planning:

"We will need to get some basic supplies for her. Right away. Food. A bed. Cats use beds right? I've never had a cat or a friend who had a cat. I need to research about this. Also, Shūzō, do you mind forwarding that e-mail your friend sent? I'll find a veterinarian so that we can take her for a check-up. Oh, we also need to call your landlord and—Shūzō, stop laughing."

Nijimura scoffs and continues chuckling as he hugs the kitten closer.

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(A/N: Months ago, I had this single image flash in my mind; Akashi petting a cat. A specific breed too: a Turkish Angora. I've forever loved them; they're very beautiful creatures and their heterochromia has always mesmerised me. I thought, what a lovely sight that would be, and wanted this story to end with that. I wanted Akashi to have a cat and well, Nijimura just happened to be the cause. So yes, perhaps, this is just the story of how Akashi Seijūrō came to have a cat. :)

I love you all. Thanks a lot for reading. It'd be delightful hearing from you, so please do share your thoughts or feelings, either here or on tumblr [I'm ninannarambling]; I'd be ecstatic.)