That weird kind of feeling

8.0

I awoke to the same embrace I fell asleep to, I looked around slightly groggy as I'd slept in a weird position. I groaned and looked up at what I was sleeping on. It was Kara, he was wrapped around me securely and protectively, his head in my hair and his arms clutching me to his chest, holding me close. One hand held my wrist which was bandaged still.

I didn't know why he did this, especially when he was so set on being straight, but I wasn't about to complain. I'd take any closeness I could get, but never admit it.

I looked at the time and at the board. we were about a half hour from the small town my mother and father grew up in. I had slept for nearly four hours. And hadn't woken up hard. Win win really.

I decided to let the moment last as long as possible and nuzzled my way against karas chest, pulling the mask down off my nose and mouth and inhaling deeply as I nuzzled my face into his jumper. He smelt of lynx deodorant and expensive conditioner. Seems like your perfectly average karamatsu.

I internally groaned as the intercom lady spoke out around the train. "We are running twenty minutes ahead of time and will be arriving at our next stop shortly, anyone planning to disembark at this station please prepare yourself."

Kara stirred and groaned as he opened his eyes, I looked up at him and he moved away from me, leaving me to sit there awkwardly.

"We there yet?"

"Almost... get your crap togeather sleepy head." I decided it was best not to dwell on that nap if I wanted to be cuddled again. He grabbed his bag and pulled out his phone.

"Holy shit.." he mumbled and I looked st him confused. "Mother has called me, fifteen times... and messaged me saying she's calling the police..."

"Fuck..." I mumbled and covered my face.

"Should we go back?" He asked as he stood, the train was slowing. I looked out the window to the country side and made my decision easily, grabbing my bag and walked past him.

"You can. I'm finding this man..." I say simply, bag slung over my shoulder.

"Ichi, the police are involved now this isn't just a road trip any more!" He followed me off the train. I wasn't listening, I felt so close it was rediculous.

I pulled out my map and looked it over. "The bathhouse where they met should be this way... come on if you're coming Kara..." I ran off the terminal and down towards the town, going until I found a bathhouse, it looked as though it had converted to electrical, seeing as it was nothing like mother said in her story, no one chopped wood anymore.

I opened the door and walked inside. "How do you even know the same people own it?" Kara asked in a huff, walking close behind me.

"Just a haunch." I mumbled and clicked the bell.

"Welcome valued customers how can I help you..."

"Hi... thank you uh... my names ichi I was actually looking for someone... who used to work here... nineteen years ago? I'm not sure if he still works here..." I now realised how stupid this sounded. "Are you the original owners?" I asked the old woman.

"Yes we are... do you know a name?"

"No... but... I have this..." I blushed and took off the necklace with the claw, I held it out to her.

"I know what... it is... I'm looking for him... he's my father..." I said softly and looked down awkwardly.

"Come on through... is he with you..."

"Yes he's helping me... he's my brother... it's a long story..."

"Come on through dears..." she hobbled out the back. "I'll make some tea.."

I walked through and to the woman. She took me out the back and turned to me. "Prove you know what this claw means boy.." she said. "Excuse my rudeness but we don't trust anyone with such secrets..."

"Of... of coarse... uh..." I took off my jumper shyly and threw it at Kara who spluttered and glared at me. "Excuse me for being timid... it's that time of the year and I'm gay..." I mumbled.

"Of coarse just show me." She said.

I stood there in jeans and a singlet and closed my eyes, exhaling and shrinking into the cat once more, I peeked out from under the clothing and the woman kneeled. "Ah yes you are misaki's son... you have the eyes... all of us do.." she said as she examined me. "Can you.. change into any cat... forgive me I know that might be difficult for you given the time but I'm curious." I nod once and inhale deeply as I grew into a jaguar, not wanting to be too big.

"Very nice you've grown well.. though you're a little thin... gramas soups will fix you up good though... just get changed back into your clothes as you please deary..." she left the room and I turned back. Kara looked up st the roof and I rolled my eyes as I pulled on pants and then my singlet.

"So you're my... grandmother?" I asked and the old woman nodded. "Do you know where my father is?"

"No dear... haven't heard from him in a long time... he came to us not Long after he went to meet that girl in the city and before we knew it he was telling us he was never coming back..." she sounded so sad... it lowered my spirits.

"When he gave his power to me..."

"I'm confused... sorry?" Kara asked and I sighed.

"Father left when he gave me the genes... and grandmother doesn't know where he is..."

"Great..."

"Shut up..."

"Who's this fine young man then?" Grandmother asked as she knelt at a table, Kara and I awkwardly joined her, exchanging glances not knowing how to answer it. Well, she was my family. The truth would be fine.

"Kara... my mother had octuplets, we are two of them.. in the only one with.. the gift... but that complicates a lot of things since he's... my mate..."

"A very unusual case... especially seeing as you haven't bonded either..." she frowned and sipped at her tea.

"I'm sorry... bonded?" I asked and Kara sipped at his tea.

"You both haven't had your souls recognise each other properly. It can sometimes take Love Making for it to work but it can usually be as simple as a kiss." She shrugged and Kara choked on his drink.

"Karas straight." I sighed and again, he choked on his drink and grandmother joined in.

"What do you mean?! Straight?! This is your mate here boy don't make me get my cane!" The old lady had some spice to her... I liked it.

"Forgive me but I have a girlfriend and we have been dating for a year and-"

"Bleh! A number! Something you can replace with the next girl that comes your way! This here is a once in a lifetime option! Unlike my son who bottled up his pride and gave her away for her sake, you are letting names and labels get in your way! This is something you'll never find again. Not a prize to be won, but the one who shall complete you. No girl will make you feel complete, they'll never be yours. Whoever this girl is mister matsu I suggest you let her go. Or you'll never be happy."