Unbelievable, Janette thought to herself as she stormed off and kicked the door behind her. Rather than slamming shut, it bounced back from the frame and slowly parted away with just a sliver of space that kept the door open.
Just how on earth did they see this working out for them? It was baffling enough to hear her friends going at it in the bedroom throughout the night, but now she was having doubts about this whole situation she found herself in. So many troubling thoughts spiraled around her that it became overwhelming, causing her to nearly lose balance as she sat at the edge of her bed for stability. With a heavy groan, she pressed her fingertips across her forehead and hunched forward, cupping her face in her hands with her eyes closed. A temporary moment alone would give her the space and time she needed to think.
Think, yes. Think about what's happened so far and what may happen today or tomorrow.
A part of her felt bitter toward her friends, she didn't think they understood the severity of what she's placed in. With Syri discovered at the Den and the publicity of that trading spot, it was likely that she would not be welcomed should she return in the future. She would be exiled from Farmer's Den after the stunt they pulled, not to mention the amount of armored guards swarming the place and blocking off the exits when they escaped.
They saw her face, it wasn't even a question about recognition. She may have not been the most popular person there but word gets around fast, and now she would need to look elsewhere to set up her shop. Worse yet was the publicity, would her name pass on toward neighboring trade posts and cities now? There is a chance that she may be wanted, hunted even!
Her gut churned in a painful way as guilt began to settle in. What would her mother and father say if they knew about what just happened? Would they disapprove of her new friends? Suddenly, she felt relieved that they were traveling elsewhere and weren't around to see her now.
And what of her friends? No, no she wouldn't agree with those thoughts. They were nasty thoughts, horrible thoughts, just insecurities and negative thinking creeping into her head, like a demon tempting her to make the worst decisions for herself.
Aaaaahhh! She shook her head from side to side, grunting and squirming around like a fish out of water. The stress was getting to her now, she just needed some time alone to calm herself. Perhaps a sip of her favorite grape-flavored medication... no, no she promised that she would control that before. Bouncing lightly on her mattress, she sprawled back against the comfort of her silk bedsheets before curling up in bed and closing her eyes. The commotion of loud pots clanking around and frantic shouting down at the kitchen had stopped, but she couldn't tell for how long had the house gone quiet. Odd, to think that it was always this quiet since she was little. Peace and quiet, that should help her think clearly. No more thoughts about monster hunters or scary soldiers coming after them, just the need to close her eyes and breathe.
She hummed softly to herself, reminiscing of the familiar comfort of sleeping in her mother's arms when she was a toddler. Laying her head on her lap, feeling her fingers brush her brunette hair and sing a beautiful tune that would put her to sleep. She could almost feel that soft feeling on her hair, like awkward petting or gentle poking and prodding. It helped a little but it stopped when she sighed and reached for her pillow, pulling it to her arms to cuddle with. It felt much smaller in her hands, and oddly furry too. So soft though, and it had a strange scent to it like strawberries. She couldn't help but to run her hand around the body of the pillow, stroking its fur as it squirmed and mewed in her arms before it started to... purr?
Janette gasped and let go, crawling in a retreat before her hands felt the end of her bed as she fell backwards and hit the hard floor. Syri yelped and jumped after her, changing in a magical white burst into her Nekomata form as she stood over the bedside looking at Janette with her feet in the air, twitching as she groaned and rubbed the back of her head.
"Eeeep!" Syri squealed, cupping her face in shock. "Sorrysorrysorrysorrysorry!"
Janette felt a bit dazed, feeling a pair of paws hold her hand followed by a pair of tails wrap around her forearm to pull her back around in a sitting position. The Nekomata moved behind her and rubbed her head in a soothing gentle motion, carefully lifting her long hair and feeling around her scalp for any swelling. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to scare you!"
"Eeeeehhhh," Janette rocked her head around her shoulders before shaking it off. She rubbed the back of her head and grimaced before acknowledging the Monster Girl on her bed. "Waaaah-what? What are you doing here?"
Syri recoiled and rubbed her arm, shyly looking away. "Ehh, I came to tell you that we finished cleaning the kitchen but... well you looked sad."
Janette blinked and looked at her, noticing the Nekomata rub her paws together as they locked eyes.
"And well, I thought it would help to give you pets like you did with me. Rubbing against your hand or laying on your lap would help you feel better before. But then you held me in your arms and I-I didn't know what to do, heh."
"Oh!" Janette was startled as she realized what had happened. "That was you? Ah haha, I thought it was my pillow."
"You thought I was your pillow?" Syri stared back with a puzzled glance.
Janette sat back up on her bed and sighed. "It's silly, thanks by the way. You guys cleaned up fast, what the heck were you even doing there?"
"I thought it would be nice to make a morning meal for you, so I tried cooking." She replied with a shy posture, keeping her arms behind her and rocking her hip back and forth.
"It doesn't work if you don't know how to cook." Janette grumbled back.
Syri giggled and shrugged in return. "I know that now. So, what has you so sad?"
"It's a lot in my mind, it's... not important." She stood up on her feet. "You guys made sure to wash up too, right?"
"Eh?" Syri replied, causing Janette to stare eerily with a frightened look.
"You did wash the dishes you left and the messy countertops, right?"
"Wash? Weeeelllll-"
A moment later, Janette and Syri stood at the kitchen staring at the ugly pile of stained pots and burnt frying pan with all of the accumulated trash like soil and egg shells thrown into a big pile in the corner. The mess was so huge that it fell onto the counter, reaching past her waist in height.
Janette blinked one eye at a time, feeling her lower eyelid twitch before awkwardly walking away. "I think I need to go out on that walk again."
Syri rushed up to walk with her. "Oooo maybe we can go for some sights? I know when I'm upset, a good walk alone helps me think and feel better. I could go to make sure you're safe."
"Yea, maybe."
"Do you know any good spots? My favorite had this special place with lots of white birds and skinny, long legs walking on water. They were funny looking."
"Mmh."
"Maybe we can go together? I-I promise I won't make any more messes!"
"If you could keep quiet, I might consider it." She paused with her hand on the door knob when her stomach growled loudly, catching Syri's attention.
"Hungry?" She mewed with her tongue sticking out.
"A little. Maybe I can do both, a bit of alone time outdoors and a quick bite would do some good. Like a picnic."
Syri cupped her face in a look of awe. "Oooooo, a picnic! That sounds like fun, is that what you call it when you eat outside? I do that all the times, mind if I come?"
Janette gave her a funny look as Syri awkwardly held that cute smile, waiting for her response.
"Please?" She asked nicely, the pleading look in her eyes making it obvious that she hoped for a yes.
"Aaaah, so this is a picnic! I love the view, lots of funny looking trees around." Syri bobbed her head side to side as she skipped behind Janette. The pair had snuck away through the back of the house, with Janette taking the lead.
"Eating outside isn't exactly a picnic." Janette explained, looking straight ahead with a basket dangling around her arm.
"It's not? So what is a picnic, then?" She asked curiously.
"It's, hmm..." She paused in thought, struggling to come up with a good answer. "Well, okay it is eating outside but it also includes eating in a beautiful spot outdoors."
"Oooh, they have doors outside then? You humans sure come up with some funny stuff." She chuckled, stretching her paw out to brush against a few roses as they walked by.
"Not doors, I meant just outside really." Janette scoffed. Somehow this airhead was both annoying yet adorable in how curious she was.
"And when do humans do a picnic?" She followed behind, her eyes scanning around the environment and picking up on a nearby nest of birds.
"My parents use to take me on picnics when I was little. It's something people do to spend time together and enjoy the nature surrounding them." She paused in her step as Syri crashed behind her with a light bump. Looking around, she brushed aside a hanging branch covering her view before her eyes lit up. "Ah, here we are!"
"What?" Syri stretched her neck out to look over her shoulder as her cat ears wiggled with glee. "Oooo, pretty!"
"I'm glad you think so." She smiled back, making way for her to step through before trailing behind. "This was where mom and dad brought me before. When we moved in, mom was worried about the surrounding wildlife. We were informed that the most we had to fear was a rabbit infestation, but since we weren't growing carrots it wouldn't be a problem for us. Maybe a few green snakes but I hardly seem them around here-"
Janette watched as Syri hissed and swiped her paw at the air as if fighting an imaginary opponent. "If any nasty snakes come near this picnic, I'll be sure to protect you. Don't worry, us cats have quick reflexes! Leave it to me, I'll keep you safe."
"Hm, much appreciated." Janette smiled back, bending down to brush away some fallen leaves for a grassy clearing. Laying down the folded blanket she had in her basket, she sat down and brushed the spot beside her while looking up at Syri. "Go on, sit down. Just be careful with your claws, try not to scratch or rip apart the blanket. It gets annoying having to patch it."
Syri quietly sat next to her with her legs crossed, rocking back and forth and watching Janette empty her basket.
"We have... a loaf of bread, sliced ham, salami, a pair of apples and peaches, a stem of grapes, and-" She looked in the basket, staring awkwardly at the bottle of wine waiting for her. Hesitating, she reached out and closed the lid on her basket before putting it aside.
Syri licked her lips and looked around, scooping up the loaf of bread. "I remember this, we had these whenever Alma would visit!"
"Alma? Who's that, a family friend?" Syri nodded and passed the bread to her, then turned to grab the salami before nibbling on the chewy surface. Janette had a funny look on her face, watching the Nekomata bite and grind her teeth against the plastic surface. "That's not how you eat that."
Syri frowned and tugged with her fangs until Janette extended her hand out, reluctantly dropping it for her. She slowly unwrapped it before putting it aside and breaking the loaf of bread in half. Syri snatched up her half of bread and bit the surface only for Janette to cry out and stop her.
"You're moving too fast, slow down! Didn't they teach you how to eat?" She picked up her piece of bread and reached back into the basket for a small block of white cheese. "The idea is to mix the ingredients together, not just stuff it down one at a time."
Syri mewed and tilted her head, watching Janette as she parted the bread open and placed in a slice of ham. "Here, take a bite."
"Nyom!" Syri smiled and sunk her teeth into the chewy surface, munching down before her chewing slowed down. She hummed with glee and her eyes lit up with joy. "Mmmmm!"
"Good. A bit silly but good." Janette smiled and shook her head. The next few minutes was spent with her teaching Syri a few combinations of food, including feeding her a pinch of cheese which was the first for the Nekomata to taste. It became her favorite and resulted in Janette withdrawing the block of cheese to prevent her from eating it whole. Once they had their meal, Janette laid on her back and gazed up at the blue sky, counting the clouds she found as she felt the Nekomata scoot up toward her. She would imitate her position and lay next to her, their arms pressed together as her cat eyes wandered aimlessly.
"Not as much fun when the sun is out. Mom says looking there would hurt your eyes."
"Do tell." She said, finding her comment amusing.
"Yup. I remember before when it would get dark and we would watch the skies. So much prettier at night."
"But more difficult to navigate." Janette mentioned, grabbing her attention. "Because I can't see without a source of light."
"Really?" Her cat ear twitched as her eyes grew wide. "I didn't know. Huh, maybe that's why our eyes are different then. Do you think the color of your eyes change how we see everyone around us too?"
"Doubtful. They're just physical traits, inherited from parents or relatives such as grandparents, uncles, and so on. But they can be rare, depending on the species and trait. I don't know much about Reta's people but the hair color, skin tone and lean muscle tone leaves a lot to speculate. And when it comes to human eyes, we have the hazel color which some would attribute as special due to its rarity and beauty."
"What about your eyes? They're like... looking up to the sky in a bright sunny day." Syri remarked with a smile.
Janette chuckled. "Sure, I guess. When I was little, people use to pick on me for my baby blues. Some of the girls would call me an outsider because I was the only one with blue eyes at school. And it was a big school too, I couldn't even tell you how far from here that was as the memory was years ago."
"How rude!" Syri fumed, leaning up on her elbow. "I hope they got the pecked by chickens until they caught the pox!"
"Okay-" Janette laughed, covering her smile and looking away. "It wasn't all bad, well... no fuck that, it was bad. The girls would push me and call me stinky or ugly."
"Hmph!" Syri's ears began to drop as a thought emerged in her head. "And the boys?"
Janette sat up at the mention of them. "See, they didn't do anything at first, they would just avoid me. Boys would be with boys and girls would be with girls. We didn't talk to each other until we grew of adolescent age, and then some would fancy the others. You know, people would start to gossip, tease, rumors would spread about which boy is the cutest or which girl is the prettiest. Some of the boys did try to ask me on a date, that was a surprise."
"Oh... " Her expression dropped then.
"That didn't work well." Janette chuckled, catching her by surprise as her expression lifted. "And then that's when the boys would pick on me too!"
"What! Why?" Syri hunched forward, leaning her weight on her arms, captivated and invested in Janette's past memories.
"Well because I-" She hesitated and bit her tongue, her brows squeezing together. Something was weighing heavily in her mind, and her eyes darted to Syri before looking back down. "Promise not to laugh?"
"Huh?" Syri recoiled back when Janette turned to her with a serious gaze.
"Promise?" She nodded, waiting patiently for Janette to sigh and look out toward the scenery ahead. "I didn't know it at the time but when a boy asked me to spend time with him alone, he meant it as a date. Like a date date, and... I didn't know that. I was dumb, it's kind of embarrassing to admit but he took me out and we went for a stroll, nothing too fancy. We were fourteen so, a walk was fine enough. Beats being teased at school, besides I was trying to make new friends and I thought he did as well. But then he like... he tried..."
She stopped and sighed, laughing nervously as she waited for her friend to laugh with her, maybe join her in this awkward moment of humiliation. But to her surprise, Syri didn't laugh. One look told her that Syri was quite serious and even a bit concerned for her, which caught Janette's attention. She reached out and placed her paw on her thigh before finding her own voice. "Are you okay?"
"Y-Yea, I think so."
"We don't... you don't have to talk about it."
Janette shook her head dismissively. "I'm making it a bigger deal then it really is."
"Because it is a big deal, or you wouldn't be like this."
Janette held her paw and gave it an affirmative squeeze, sucking in her breathe to relax. A moment passed before she grew tired of the awkward tension in the air, waving her hand around before continuing her story. "Okay so, what happened was he tried to kiss me."
"He tried to kiss you?" She repeated back.
"That's right, he leaned forward and I saw it coming and I-I... I leaned back."
Syri winced and puckered her lips as if she were about to whistle, making a pained face as Janette nodded in agreement.
"I know I know, it was bad and I felt horrible. But at the time, I didn't know he thought of me like that. Then came the rumors, people would twist my words. When I said I didn't like him, they said I didn't like boys. So now the girls would keep distant and say there goes Janette, the girl kisser. It got bad enough that I would hide away in the city library or in my room back home, and instead of going to see friends I would go with Dad on his trips. That's how I learned about being a... a decent salesman. Or saleswoman, bleh."
"Not decent, you do a good job." Syri argued. "And don't say no to me, I saw you making some good sells at that white tent. You do well handling a pair of melons."
"Don't-don't word it like that." Janette chuckled, tucking her hair behind her ear when her eyes popped wide with intrigue. She leaned back and smiled with a curious glint in her eye. "Which begs the question, why were you back in my shop miss?"
"Me?" Syri looked alarmed, her face turning bright red as she was put on the spot.
"Yes you. I get that you guys were spying on all of us, but why just me alone? Did you follow me? I know you did when Reta and I got in trouble with the guards. But were you following me before? Because I remember finding a suspicious lost fluffy cat hiding under my desk where I keep my wine, and she looked a little scared. But not scared enough to run away when I took her home and fed her for a few days." She leaned her head on her hand and smiled, clearly finding her reaction entertaining. "Was I considered a bad girl by your family?"
"N~No, not at all." Syri mumbled back, laughing awkwardly and rubbing her neck. "Maybe I was following you because we wanted to see when would be a good time to rescue Nityri? Or uh, KuliKuli now."
"Right, but I don't think that's true and neither do you. So... the truth?" She pressed on, observing this flustered cat girl as she reached for another helping of salami before stuffing her mouth.
"Cn't turk, eatee'g!" She mumbled while chewing with her cheeks inflated.
Janette snickered before erupting in laughter, covering her eyes and shaking her head. It lasted a moment until Syri finally swallowed her food down when to her relief, Janette dropped the questioning. "I'll just speculate and believe I was your public enemy for the time being. Makes me feel better about myself."
Syri titled her head with a curious look in her eyes. "You talk funny, sometimes you use big words and sometimes you talk a lot about eye color and stuff like that."
"Oh, okay?" Janette replied back with an odd expression. "Want me to stop?"
"No-no! I kind of like it." She smiled back and wagged her tails playfully. "I don't want you to change around me, just be yourself. But maybe be a bit patient if I ask what some of your words mean, mew. I just like that you're smart with me too."
"That right?" Janette sat up as Syri nodded in return.
"I always feel like my family think me as the baby still, they explain simple stuff and talk to me like I'm stupid. Which I'm not! I'm learning, there's a difference... I hope."
"There is." Janette giggled back, rubbing her nose. "I get it. You're curious and you want to know more."
"Exactly! So what's wrong with asking a few questions now and then?" She agreed with a joyous expression and an adorable smile.
"Yes, ask away! Nothing like a bright mind wanting to learn about the strange world we live in." Janette hummed back, shaking Syri's paw in appraisal. "So what about you, miss? Any boyfriends in your time?"
"Boy friends?" She repeated with a nervous blush. "Umm, I know one boy close to my age but he's like family. No boys my age to be friends with."
"What about dating?" She asked, noting the awkward empty glance in Syri's eyes. "I mean, like a mate? Someone you really like?"
"Oh! Hehe, nuuu not me." Syri blushed as she looked away. "Girls teased me too because I didn't talk with them about boys. Just never interested me that way. Mom even took me aside and talked to me about it. A lot of mothers would say things like it's not natural and that it's just a phase but... well I grew up and it never went away. So now they call me weirdo. But that's fine, to heck with them! Okay maybe not, I hope they're doing fine. At worst they could be gone... but hey! I'm still here, and that means they can still be out there too! Right?"
She looked to her with a smile, but Janette could see the pleading look in her eyes. Sensing her predicament, Janette squeezed her paw again and nodded, forcing a smile back. "Of course, I'm sure they're doing just fine. Maybe enjoying their own picnics too!"
"Or meet some boys to talk to." Syri teased.
"Or girls." Janette giggled back.
Both of them froze at the mention, only to erupt in a fit of laughter at the absurdity of it.
"Preposterous!" Janette laughed, wiping a tear from her eye. "I hadn't realized cat girls had similar problems!"
"There you go again with the big words." Syri pointed out.
Janette smirked and ran a finger down Syri's arm. "Oh? Would you prefer I dumb it down for the baby kitten?"
"Don't push it!" She hissed back, unable to hide that smile. The two of them fell back once more, looking upward with a satisfied sigh.
Janette sat up and dug around in her basket, cleaning up the plates of food. "This was nice, I needed this."
"Good, I'm happy! I'm happy that you're happy." She corrected, wagging her tails again.
Janette smiled back, revealing two glasses with a green bottle of wine. "I think this calls for a little celebration before we head back. I know you've never had this before."
A thought shot through her mind as she hesitated to pour her a glass. "Oh heavens, what's your age again?"
"Meow? I'm nineteen."
"Not bad, I'm twenty-three." She replied back, offering her a glass of wine before pouring one for herself. "This is how I like to remember a happy event in my life. I pour a glass of wine with a friend and drink to end the day in a happy way."
"What is it?" Syri asked, wiggling her nose as she brought the glass close for a sniff. "Smells fruity."
"It is, grape mostly. Mixed with alcohol, but just one glass wouldn't hurt you. And it's not poisonous, I promise." She assured her, raising her glass. "Now, we bring our glasses together with a light touch together before drinking it all down."
"Ooooo, human customs can be neat." Syri raised her eyebrow, awkwardly balancing the glass in her paw. Her tail slithered and wrapped around the stem, gently raising it for her. "Ta-da!"
"Nice." Janette laughed, raising her glass. "Now we go in for a clink."
"Clink!" Syri giggled back, both of them silently polishing off their wine with a few gulps. Syri licked her lips and hummed in approval. "Yummy!"
"It's good stuff." Janette agreed, grabbing their glasses and putting it back in the basket. "You know, I was upset because I wasn't sure what we were doing or what I was getting into. But... well that hasn't changed actually."
"Oh." Syri's expression dropped to one of disappointment. "Okay."
"But now I can say that at least I met a new friend today, if she would have me as her friend." Janette added, noticing Syri's face light up.
"Oh! O-Okay!" She blushed, falling back against the blanket. "Well now I'm more happy! Happier, that's the word."
"Already you're learning." Janette leaned on her side, watching her. She sighed and closed her eyes, letting the moment rest and listening to the birds singing around them.
"Janette?"
"Hmm?"
"So a date, that's when humans go spend time alone together, yes?"
"To get to know each other more, correct."
"Do they both know they like each other?"
"That's the tricky part, usually one likes the other but can't tell if their feelings are returned."
"Oh. Like with your date with that boy?"
"Mm-hm. He was nice but I didn't like him like that. Probably why I don't have a husband. It's whatever, I'm fine on my own."
"That's good. So when he tried to kiss you, you didn't let him. Would you let him if it meant that the others wouldn't make fun of you?"
"I don't think so, no. I have to like him in that way, and the mood has to be right."
"Meow?" Syri looked at her with that funny expression.
Janette scooted in close, leaning on her side next to Syri. "Okay so the mood, you want it to be intimate. No one around, just you and the other person."
"Okay."
"You want to keep eye contact, just look into their eyes and hope they lock eyes back."
Syri nodded, leaning back as Janette stared into her eyes and continued.
"And then you want to close the gap between each other by scooting in close."
"Like this?" Syri asked, wiggling in close.
"Exactly." Janette smiled, leaning over her as their faces were an inch apart. "And then you want to just hold the moment in, look into their eyes, don't let go until you know it in your heart that they like you back. That's when you... you move in closer, and then... and then..."
They held eye contact for another minute, a familiar red hue formed across both their faces. Syri was panting slowly, with Janette staring deeply into her green eyes. Her beautiful green eyes, like peering into jade, belonging to such a pretty face. The freckles across her face, her silver hair, her pink lips...
Janette leaned in and closed the gap, pressing their lips together and keeping it that way. Syri's ears twitched and her tails wrapped around Janette's waist, with her reaching forward to kiss her back. It was the only time they broke eye contact as both of them kept their eyes closed, embracing the moment and each other while sharing the heat of passion through locked lips.
Their mouths broke away with a satisfied smack, with Syri licking her lips and gazing up at Janette with a dreamy smile.
"Wow." She whispered back, rubbing her paws together and curling her tails around her.
Janette brushed away her hair and tucked it behind her ear again, speechless and blinking as she processed what they just did. It was only after when she noticed they were still holding hands, or she was holding her paw, that they backed away and nervously fidgeted around in silence while turning their backs to each other.
"Wow." Syri blushed deeply, touching her lips as her heart beat with excitement like the wings of a butterfly fleeting about over a field of daises and roses.
Janette cleared her throat and picked up her basket, stumbling and nearly tripping as she stood on wobbly legs before composing herself. "Well! I think... I think we should probably go back and... and check on the others."
Syri shot up and nodded. "Yes! Mew."
"Good. Let's go." Janette led the way forward, keeping in front of her as to avoid the deep blush stained across her face.
Unbelievable, Janette thought to herself as she stormed off and kicked the door behind her. Rather than slamming shut, it bounced back from the frame and slowly parted away with just a sliver of space that kept the door open.
Just how on earth did they see this working out for them? It was baffling enough to hear her friends going at it in the bedroom throughout the night, but now she was having doubts about this whole situation she found herself in. So many troubling thoughts spiraled around her that it became overwhelming, causing her to nearly lose balance as she sat at the edge of her bed for stability. With a heavy groan, she pressed her fingertips across her forehead and hunched forward, cupping her face in her hands with her eyes closed. A temporary moment alone would give her the space and time she needed to think.
Think, yes. Think about what's happened so far and what may happen today or tomorrow.
A part of her felt bitter toward her friends, she didn't think they understood the severity of what she's placed in. With Syri discovered at the Den and the publicity of that trading spot, it was likely that she would not be welcomed should she return in the future. She would be exiled from Farmer's Den after the stunt they pulled, not to mention the amount of armored guards swarming the place and blocking off the exits when they escaped.
They saw her face, it wasn't even a question about recognition. She may have not been the most popular person there but word gets around fast, and now she would need to look elsewhere to set up her shop. Worse yet was the publicity, would her name pass on toward neighboring trade posts and cities now? There is a chance that she may be wanted, hunted even!
Her gut churned in a painful way as guilt began to settle in. What would her mother and father say if they knew about what just happened? Would they disapprove of her new friends? Suddenly, she felt relieved that they were traveling elsewhere and weren't around to see her now.
And what of her friends? No, no she wouldn't agree with those thoughts. They were nasty thoughts, horrible thoughts, just insecurities and negative thinking creeping into her head, like a demon tempting her to make the worst decisions for herself.
Aaaaahhh! She shook her head from side to side, grunting and squirming around like a fish out of water. The stress was getting to her now, she just needed some time alone to calm herself. Perhaps a sip of her favorite grape-flavored medication... no, no she promised that she would control that before. Bouncing lightly on her mattress, she sprawled back against the comfort of her silk bedsheets before curling up in bed and closing her eyes. The commotion of loud pots clanking around and frantic shouting down at the kitchen had stopped, but she couldn't tell for how long had the house gone quiet. Odd, to think that it was always this quiet since she was little. Peace and quiet, that should help her think clearly. No more thoughts about monster hunters or scary soldiers coming after them, just the need to close her eyes and breathe.
She hummed softly to herself, reminiscing of the familiar comfort of sleeping in her mother's arms when she was a toddler. Laying her head on her lap, feeling her fingers brush her brunette hair and sing a beautiful tune that would put her to sleep. She could almost feel that soft feeling on her hair, like awkward petting or gentle poking and prodding. It helped a little but it stopped when she sighed and reached for her pillow, pulling it to her arms to cuddle with. It felt much smaller in her hands, and oddly furry too. So soft though, and it had a strange scent to it like strawberries. She couldn't help but to run her hand around the body of the pillow, stroking its fur as it squirmed and mewed in her arms before it started to... purr?
Janette gasped and let go, crawling in a retreat before her hands felt the end of her bed as she fell backwards and hit the hard floor. Syri yelped and jumped after her, changing in a magical white burst into her Nekomata form as she stood over the bedside looking at Janette with her feet in the air, twitching as she groaned and rubbed the back of her head.
"Eeeep!" Syri squealed, cupping her face in shock. "Sorrysorrysorrysorrysorry!"
Janette felt a bit dazed, feeling a pair of paws hold her hand followed by a pair of tails wrap around her forearm to pull her back around in a sitting position. The Nekomata moved behind her and rubbed her head in a soothing gentle motion, carefully lifting her long hair and feeling around her scalp for any swelling. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to scare you!"
"Eeeeehhhh," Janette rocked her head around her shoulders before shaking it off. She rubbed the back of her head and grimaced before acknowledging the Monster Girl on her bed. "Waaaah-what? What are you doing here?"
Syri recoiled and rubbed her arm, shyly looking away. "Ehh, I came to tell you that we finished cleaning the kitchen but... well you looked sad."
Janette blinked and looked at her, noticing the Nekomata rub her paws together as they locked eyes.
"And well, I thought it would help to give you pets like you did with me. Rubbing against your hand or laying on your lap would help you feel better before. But then you held me in your arms and I-I didn't know what to do, heh."
"Oh!" Janette was startled as she realized what had happened. "That was you? Ah haha, I thought it was my pillow."
"You thought I was your pillow?" Syri stared back with a puzzled glance.
Janette sat back up on her bed and sighed. "It's silly, thanks by the way. You guys cleaned up fast, what the heck were you even doing there?"
"I thought it would be nice to make a morning meal for you, so I tried cooking." She replied with a shy posture, keeping her arms behind her and rocking her hip back and forth.
"It doesn't work if you don't know how to cook." Janette grumbled back.
Syri giggled and shrugged in return. "I know that now. So, what has you so sad?"
"It's a lot in my mind, it's... not important." She stood up on her feet. "You guys made sure to wash up too, right?"
"Eh?" Syri replied, causing Janette to stare eerily with a frightened look.
"You did wash the dishes you left and the messy countertops, right?"
"Wash? Weeeelllll-"
A moment later, Janette and Syri stood at the kitchen staring at the ugly pile of stained pots and burnt frying pan with all of the accumulated trash like soil and egg shells thrown into a big pile in the corner. The mess was so huge that it fell onto the counter, reaching past her waist in height.
Janette blinked one eye at a time, feeling her lower eyelid twitch before awkwardly walking away. "I think I need to go out on that walk again."
Syri rushed up to walk with her. "Oooo maybe we can go for some sights? I know when I'm upset, a good walk alone helps me think and feel better. I could go to make sure you're safe."
"Yea, maybe."
"Do you know any good spots? My favorite had this special place with lots of white birds and skinny, long legs walking on water. They were funny looking."
"Mmh."
"Maybe we can go together? I-I promise I won't make any more messes!"
"If you could keep quiet, I might consider it." She paused with her hand on the door knob when her stomach growled loudly, catching Syri's attention.
"Hungry?" She mewed with her tongue sticking out.
"A little. Maybe I can do both, a bit of alone time outdoors and a quick bite would do some good. Like a picnic."
Syri cupped her face in a look of awe. "Oooooo, a picnic! That sounds like fun, is that what you call it when you eat outside? I do that all the times, mind if I come?"
Janette gave her a funny look as Syri awkwardly held that cute smile, waiting for her response.
"Please?" She asked nicely, the pleading look in her eyes making it obvious that she hoped for a yes.
"Aaaah, so this is a picnic! I love the view, lots of funny looking trees around." Syri bobbed her head side to side as she skipped behind Janette. The pair had snuck away through the back of the house, with Janette taking the lead.
"Eating outside isn't exactly a picnic." Janette explained, looking straight ahead with a basket dangling around her arm.
"It's not? So what is a picnic, then?" She asked curiously.
"It's, hmm..." She paused in thought, struggling to come up with a good answer. "Well, okay it is eating outside but it also includes eating in a beautiful spot outdoors."
"Oooh, they have doors outside then? You humans sure come up with some funny stuff." She chuckled, stretching her paw out to brush against a few roses as they walked by.
"Not doors, I meant just outside really." Janette scoffed. Somehow this airhead was both annoying yet adorable in how curious she was.
"And when do humans do a picnic?" She followed behind, her eyes scanning around the environment and picking up on a nearby nest of birds.
"My parents use to take me on picnics when I was little. It's something people do to spend time together and enjoy the nature surrounding them." She paused in her step as Syri crashed behind her with a light bump. Looking around, she brushed aside a hanging branch covering her view before her eyes lit up. "Ah, here we are!"
"What?" Syri stretched her neck out to look over her shoulder as her cat ears wiggled with glee. "Oooo, pretty!"
"I'm glad you think so." She smiled back, making way for her to step through before trailing behind. "This was where mom and dad brought me before. When we moved in, mom was worried about the surrounding wildlife. We were informed that the most we had to fear was a rabbit infestation, but since we weren't growing carrots it wouldn't be a problem for us. Maybe a few green snakes but I hardly seem them around here-"
Janette watched as Syri hissed and swiped her paw at the air as if fighting an imaginary opponent. "If any nasty snakes come near this picnic, I'll be sure to protect you. Don't worry, us cats have quick reflexes! Leave it to me, I'll keep you safe."
"Hm, much appreciated." Janette smiled back, bending down to brush away some fallen leaves for a grassy clearing. Laying down the folded blanket she had in her basket, she sat down and brushed the spot beside her while looking up at Syri. "Go on, sit down. Just be careful with your claws, try not to scratch or rip apart the blanket. It gets annoying having to patch it."
Syri quietly sat next to her with her legs crossed, rocking back and forth and watching Janette empty her basket.
"We have... a loaf of bread, sliced ham, salami, a pair of apples and peaches, a stem of grapes, and-" She looked in the basket, staring awkwardly at the bottle of wine waiting for her. Hesitating, she reached out and closed the lid on her basket before putting it aside.
Syri licked her lips and looked around, scooping up the loaf of bread. "I remember this, we had these whenever Alma would visit!"
"Alma? Who's that, a family friend?" Syri nodded and passed the bread to her, then turned to grab the salami before nibbling on the chewy surface. Janette had a funny look on her face, watching the Nekomata bite and grind her teeth against the plastic surface. "That's not how you eat that."
Syri frowned and tugged with her fangs until Janette extended her hand out, reluctantly dropping it for her. She slowly unwrapped it before putting it aside and breaking the loaf of bread in half. Syri snatched up her half of bread and bit the surface only for Janette to cry out and stop her.
"You're moving too fast, slow down! Didn't they teach you how to eat?" She picked up her piece of bread and reached back into the basket for a small block of white cheese. "The idea is to mix the ingredients together, not just stuff it down one at a time."
Syri mewed and tilted her head, watching Janette as she parted the bread open and placed in a slice of ham. "Here, take a bite."
"Nyom!" Syri smiled and sunk her teeth into the chewy surface, munching down before her chewing slowed down. She hummed with glee and her eyes lit up with joy. "Mmmmm!"
"Good. A bit silly but good." Janette smiled and shook her head. The next few minutes was spent with her teaching Syri a few combinations of food, including feeding her a pinch of cheese which was the first for the Nekomata to taste. It became her favorite and resulted in Janette withdrawing the block of cheese to prevent her from eating it whole. Once they had their meal, Janette laid on her back and gazed up at the blue sky, counting the clouds she found as she felt the Nekomata scoot up toward her. She would imitate her position and lay next to her, their arms pressed together as her cat eyes wandered aimlessly.
"Not as much fun when the sun is out. Mom says looking there would hurt your eyes."
"Do tell." She said, finding her comment amusing.
"Yup. I remember before when it would get dark and we would watch the skies. So much prettier at night."
"But more difficult to navigate." Janette mentioned, grabbing her attention. "Because I can't see without a source of light."
"Really?" Her cat ear twitched as her eyes grew wide. "I didn't know. Huh, maybe that's why our eyes are different then. Do you think the color of your eyes change how we see everyone around us too?"
"Doubtful. They're just physical traits, inherited from parents or relatives such as grandparents, uncles, and so on. But they can be rare, depending on the species and trait. I don't know much about Reta's people but the hair color, skin tone and lean muscle tone leaves a lot to speculate. And when it comes to human eyes, we have the hazel color which some would attribute as special due to its rarity and beauty."
"What about your eyes? They're like... looking up to the sky in a bright sunny day." Syri remarked with a smile.
Janette chuckled. "Sure, I guess. When I was little, people use to pick on me for my baby blues. Some of the girls would call me an outsider because I was the only one with blue eyes at school. And it was a big school too, I couldn't even tell you how far from here that was as the memory was years ago."
"How rude!" Syri fumed, leaning up on her elbow. "I hope they got the pecked by chickens until they caught the pox!"
"Okay-" Janette laughed, covering her smile and looking away. "It wasn't all bad, well... no fuck that, it was bad. The girls would push me and call me stinky or ugly."
"Hmph!" Syri's ears began to drop as a thought emerged in her head. "And the boys?"
Janette sat up at the mention of them. "See, they didn't do anything at first, they would just avoid me. Boys would be with boys and girls would be with girls. We didn't talk to each other until we grew of adolescent age, and then some would fancy the others. You know, people would start to gossip, tease, rumors would spread about which boy is the cutest or which girl is the prettiest. Some of the boys did try to ask me on a date, that was a surprise."
"Oh... " Her expression dropped then.
"That didn't work well." Janette chuckled, catching her by surprise as her expression lifted. "And then that's when the boys would pick on me too!"
"What! Why?" Syri hunched forward, leaning her weight on her arms, captivated and invested in Janette's past memories.
"Well because I-" She hesitated and bit her tongue, her brows squeezing together. Something was weighing heavily in her mind, and her eyes darted to Syri before looking back down. "Promise not to laugh?"
"Huh?" Syri recoiled back when Janette turned to her with a serious gaze.
"Promise?" She nodded, waiting patiently for Janette to sigh and look out toward the scenery ahead. "I didn't know it at the time but when a boy asked me to spend time with him alone, he meant it as a date. Like a date date, and... I didn't know that. I was dumb, it's kind of embarrassing to admit but he took me out and we went for a stroll, nothing too fancy. We were fourteen so, a walk was fine enough. Beats being teased at school, besides I was trying to make new friends and I thought he did as well. But then he like... he tried..."
She stopped and sighed, laughing nervously as she waited for her friend to laugh with her, maybe join her in this awkward moment of humiliation. But to her surprise, Syri didn't laugh. One look told her that Syri was quite serious and even a bit concerned for her, which caught Janette's attention. She reached out and placed her paw on her thigh before finding her own voice. "Are you okay?"
"Y-Yea, I think so."
"We don't... you don't have to talk about it."
Janette shook her head dismissively. "I'm making it a bigger deal then it really is."
"Because it is a big deal, or you wouldn't be like this."
Janette held her paw and gave it an affirmative squeeze, sucking in her breathe to relax. A moment passed before she grew tired of the awkward tension in the air, waving her hand around before continuing her story. "Okay so, what happened was he tried to kiss me."
"He tried to kiss you?" She repeated back.
"That's right, he leaned forward and I saw it coming and I-I... I leaned back."
Syri winced and puckered her lips as if she were about to whistle, making a pained face as Janette nodded in agreement.
"I know I know, it was bad and I felt horrible. But at the time, I didn't know he thought of me like that. Then came the rumors, people would twist my words. When I said I didn't like him, they said I didn't like boys. So now the girls would keep distant and say there goes Janette, the girl kisser. It got bad enough that I would hide away in the city library or in my room back home, and instead of going to see friends I would go with Dad on his trips. That's how I learned about being a... a decent salesman. Or saleswoman, bleh."
"Not decent, you do a good job." Syri argued. "And don't say no to me, I saw you making some good sells at that white tent. You do well handling a pair of melons."
"Don't-don't word it like that." Janette chuckled, tucking her hair behind her ear when her eyes popped wide with intrigue. She leaned back and smiled with a curious glint in her eye. "Which begs the question, why were you back in my shop miss?"
"Me?" Syri looked alarmed, her face turning bright red as she was put on the spot.
"Yes you. I get that you guys were spying on all of us, but why just me alone? Did you follow me? I know you did when Reta and I got in trouble with the guards. But were you following me before? Because I remember finding a suspicious lost fluffy cat hiding under my desk where I keep my wine, and she looked a little scared. But not scared enough to run away when I took her home and fed her for a few days." She leaned her head on her hand and smiled, clearly finding her reaction entertaining. "Was I considered a bad girl by your family?"
"N~No, not at all." Syri mumbled back, laughing awkwardly and rubbing her neck. "Maybe I was following you because we wanted to see when would be a good time to rescue Nityri? Or uh, KuliKuli now."
"Right, but I don't think that's true and neither do you. So... the truth?" She pressed on, observing this flustered cat girl as she reached for another helping of salami before stuffing her mouth.
"Cn't turk, eatee'g!" She mumbled while chewing with her cheeks inflated.
Janette snickered before erupting in laughter, covering her eyes and shaking her head. It lasted a moment until Syri finally swallowed her food down when to her relief, Janette dropped the questioning. "I'll just speculate and believe I was your public enemy for the time being. Makes me feel better about myself."
Syri titled her head with a curious look in her eyes. "You talk funny, sometimes you use big words and sometimes you talk a lot about eye color and stuff like that."
"Oh, okay?" Janette replied back with an odd expression. "Want me to stop?"
"No-no! I kind of like it." She smiled back and wagged her tails playfully. "I don't want you to change around me, just be yourself. But maybe be a bit patient if I ask what some of your words mean, mew. I just like that you're smart with me too."
"That right?" Janette sat up as Syri nodded in return.
"I always feel like my family think me as the baby still, they explain simple stuff and talk to me like I'm stupid. Which I'm not! I'm learning, there's a difference... I hope."
"There is." Janette giggled back, rubbing her nose. "I get it. You're curious and you want to know more."
"Exactly! So what's wrong with asking a few questions now and then?" She agreed with a joyous expression and an adorable smile.
"Yes, ask away! Nothing like a bright mind wanting to learn about the strange world we live in." Janette hummed back, shaking Syri's paw in appraisal. "So what about you, miss? Any boyfriends in your time?"
"Boy friends?" She repeated with a nervous blush. "Umm, I know one boy close to my age but he's like family. No boys my age to be friends with."
"What about dating?" She asked, noting the awkward empty glance in Syri's eyes. "I mean, like a mate? Someone you really like?"
"Oh! Hehe, nuuu not me." Syri blushed as she looked away. "Girls teased me too because I didn't talk with them about boys. Just never interested me that way. Mom even took me aside and talked to me about it. A lot of mothers would say things like it's not natural and that it's just a phase but... well I grew up and it never went away. So now they call me weirdo. But that's fine, to heck with them! Okay maybe not, I hope they're doing fine. At worst they could be gone... but hey! I'm still here, and that means they can still be out there too! Right?"
She looked to her with a smile, but Janette could see the pleading look in her eyes. Sensing her predicament, Janette squeezed her paw again and nodded, forcing a smile back. "Of course, I'm sure they're doing just fine. Maybe enjoying their own picnics too!"
"Or meet some boys to talk to." Syri teased.
"Or girls." Janette giggled back.
Both of them froze at the mention, only to erupt in a fit of laughter at the absurdity of it.
"Preposterous!" Janette laughed, wiping a tear from her eye. "I hadn't realized cat girls had similar problems!"
"There you go again with the big words." Syri pointed out.
Janette smirked and ran a finger down Syri's arm. "Oh? Would you prefer I dumb it down for the baby kitten?"
"Don't push it!" She hissed back, unable to hide that smile. The two of them fell back once more, looking upward with a satisfied sigh.
Janette sat up and dug around in her basket, cleaning up the plates of food. "This was nice, I needed this."
"Good, I'm happy! I'm happy that you're happy." She corrected, wagging her tails again.
Janette smiled back, revealing two glasses with a green bottle of wine. "I think this calls for a little celebration before we head back. I know you've never had this before."
A thought shot through her mind as she hesitated to pour her a glass. "Oh heavens, what's your age again?"
"Meow? I'm nineteen."
"Not bad, I'm twenty-three." She replied back, offering her a glass of wine before pouring one for herself. "This is how I like to remember a happy event in my life. I pour a glass of wine with a friend and drink to end the day in a happy way."
"What is it?" Syri asked, wiggling her nose as she brought the glass close for a sniff. "Smells fruity."
"It is, grape mostly. Mixed with alcohol, but just one glass wouldn't hurt you. And it's not poisonous, I promise." She assured her, raising her glass. "Now, we bring our glasses together with a light touch together before drinking it all down."
"Ooooo, human customs can be neat." Syri raised her eyebrow, awkwardly balancing the glass in her paw. Her tail slithered and wrapped around the stem, gently raising it for her. "Ta-da!"
"Nice." Janette laughed, raising her glass. "Now we go in for a clink."
"Clink!" Syri giggled back, both of them silently polishing off their wine with a few gulps. Syri licked her lips and hummed in approval. "Yummy!"
"It's good stuff." Janette agreed, grabbing their glasses and putting it back in the basket. "You know, I was upset because I wasn't sure what we were doing or what I was getting into. But... well that hasn't changed actually."
"Oh." Syri's expression dropped to one of disappointment. "Okay."
"But now I can say that at least I met a new friend today, if she would have me as her friend." Janette added, noticing Syri's face light up.
"Oh! O-Okay!" She blushed, falling back against the blanket. "Well now I'm more happy! Happier, that's the word."
"Already you're learning." Janette leaned on her side, watching her. She sighed and closed her eyes, letting the moment rest and listening to the birds singing around them.
"Janette?"
"Hmm?"
"So a date, that's when humans go spend time alone together, yes?"
"To get to know each other more, correct."
"Do they both know they like each other?"
"That's the tricky part, usually one likes the other but can't tell if their feelings are returned."
"Oh. Like with your date with that boy?"
"Mm-hm. He was nice but I didn't like him like that. Probably why I don't have a husband. It's whatever, I'm fine on my own."
"That's good. So when he tried to kiss you, you didn't let him. Would you let him if it meant that the others wouldn't make fun of you?"
"I don't think so, no. I have to like him in that way, and the mood has to be right."
"Meow?" Syri looked at her with that funny expression.
Janette scooted in close, leaning on her side next to Syri. "Okay so the mood, you want it to be intimate. No one around, just you and the other person."
"Okay."
"You want to keep eye contact, just look into their eyes and hope they lock eyes back."
Syri nodded, leaning back as Janette stared into her eyes and continued.
"And then you want to close the gap between each other by scooting in close."
"Like this?" Syri asked, wiggling in close.
"Exactly." Janette smiled, leaning over her as their faces were an inch apart. "And then you want to just hold the moment in, look into their eyes, don't let go until you know it in your heart that they like you back. That's when you... you move in closer, and then... and then..."
They held eye contact for another minute, a familiar red hue formed across both their faces. Syri was panting slowly, with Janette staring deeply into her green eyes. Her beautiful green eyes, like peering into jade, belonging to such a pretty face. The freckles across her face, her silver hair, her pink lips...
Janette leaned in and closed the gap, pressing their lips together and keeping it that way. Syri's ears twitched and her tails wrapped around Janette's waist, with her reaching forward to kiss her back. It was the only time they broke eye contact as both of them kept their eyes closed, embracing the moment and each other while sharing the heat of passion through locked lips.
Their mouths broke away with a satisfied smack, with Syri licking her lips and gazing up at Janette with a dreamy smile.
"Wow." She whispered back, rubbing her paws together and curling her tails around her.
Janette brushed away her hair and tucked it behind her ear again, speechless and blinking as she processed what they just did. It was only after when she noticed they were still holding hands, or she was holding her paw, that they backed away and nervously fidgeted around in silence while turning their backs to each other.
"Wow." Syri blushed deeply, touching her lips as her heart beat with excitement like the wings of a butterfly fleeting about over a field of daises and roses.
Janette cleared her throat and picked up her basket, stumbling and nearly tripping as she stood on wobbly legs before composing herself. "Well! I think... I think we should probably go back and... and check on the others."
Syri shot up and nodded. "Yes! Mew."
"Good. Let's go." Janette led the way forward, keeping in front of her as to avoid the deep blush stained across her face.
