The Curse Of The Cat Ears

Chapter Six

Year Six

Kyo was standing in the kitchen, methodically unpacking boxes, still getting used to the fact that they were finally back in Tokyo. It hadn't even been a full week since they moved into the new house, and it already felt like home. The place was beautiful—smallish, but perfect for their little family. Three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and just enough space to feel cozy. If you had told Kyo two years ago that his life would end up like this, he would've laughed in your face and called you crazy. Eight years ago? He would've called you an idiot. After all, he was the Cat—the one cursed, the outcast. Guys like him didn't get happy endings.

But somehow, against all odds, life had fallen perfectly into place.

Kyo was back working with Master, teaching at the dojo and slowly learning how to run it so that one day, in a couple of years, he could take over completely. Tohru had found a job at a hospital that supported her pursuit of a nursing degree, a career she had been dreaming of for years. And then there was Hajime—their two-year-old son, the joy of their lives.

Becoming a dad had been one of the hardest things for Kyo to come to terms with. The idea of being responsible for another human life had terrified him at first. But now, two years later, he couldn't imagine his world without Hajime. That little kid owned every fiber of Kyo's being, and he loved him more than he ever thought possible.

Tohru's voice suddenly rang out from somewhere upstairs. "Kyo, have you seen the diaper bag?"

Kyo smirked, glancing over at the dining table. The bag had been sitting there since their grocery trip earlier that day. Tohru had been so scattered lately—constantly juggling work, school, Hajime, and the move. He swore she'd lose her head if it wasn't attached.

But instead of teasing her, he called out, "It's down here!" and went back to unpacking the kitchen glasses. The kitchen and their bedroom were the last two rooms to be sorted out, and for some reason, they seemed to take the longest.

A few moments later, Tohru came downstairs with Hajime balanced on her hip. Kyo glanced up and smiled when he saw them. Tohru looked stunning, even though she seemed exhausted. She was dressed in a black skirt with a purple, lacy top covered in spiderweb patterns. The flowy sleeves and lower-cut neckline gave her a sexy, ethereal vibe, and if Kyo wasn't so tuned in to her tired expression, he might have lingered on how good she looked a bit longer.

He huffed a soft laugh. "What's up?"

Tohru sighed, shifting Hajime a bit. "I'm just tired."

Kyo nodded. Lately, she seemed to always be exhausted. With everything on her plate—the new job, school, Hajime, the move—it was no wonder. She was running herself ragged.

Kyo's attention turned to Hajime, who was dressed in all black, looking up at him with bright, curious eyes. "Hi, buddy," Kyo said, grinning.

Hajime giggled in response, his little hand reaching out toward Kyo.

Kyo glanced back up at Tohru. "Want me to take him for a bit?"

Tohru shrugged, her tired eyes scanning the room. "I don't know... maybe. I just feel... I don't even know."

Kyo gave her a warm, understanding smile and reached for Hajime. "Baby, go lay down for a bit. I can handle it."

She sighed again, clearly debating whether or not she should take the offer. After a moment, she gave him a small, grateful smile. "Are you sure? I know you're busy."

Kyo laughed softly, shaking his head. "I'm sure. Me and Hajime will watch some cartoons and finish unpacking. Right, buddy?"

Hajime's face lit up. "Yay! Cartoons!"