Matchablossom Yokai

Kari's return

"KARI!" The red panda was already leaping toward the stern looking female.

The cat boy was on her back, curling his tail around her head so she couldn't see. Only the Yeti remained seated. He was eating everything he could reach. Kaoru stood up. He bowed his head before the female guardian.

"Thank you" He muttered.

He didn't move looking at the ground. What was going to happen to him now? He wondered. He heard some quiet talking. Perking his ears He listened in.

"Why do we have a Kitsune?" Kari whispered to her brother.

"He was being chased by demons. Ran into the dinner for safety." Kojiro answered.

"You going soft? That doesn't sound like you at all." Kari muttered.

"Well, then the demons tried to just barge in..." Kojiro's voice trailed off.

There was an uproarious sound. Kaoru flinched from how loud it was. It took him a moment to realize that Kari was laughing, loudly.

"And it has nothing to do with how pretty he is?" she demanded.

"Oh you haven't seen him looking pretty. Right now he is in need of a bath. Did you see the new sign?" Kojiro gushed.

"Um, you idiots might want to pay attention, he isn't eating!" Miya called their focus back to the Kitsune.

"Where is he sleeping?" Kari asked.

"My room." Kojiro said it casually, but even Kaoru picked up on the slight undertone to his voice.

"Fine, keep your play thing. I have my own." Kari yanked the still silent, still loaded down small demon to her.

"Take those to our room and come eat." She insisted.

"You, Pinkie, go eat! I won't kick you out." Kari yelled.

To Kaoru it seemed like that was the only volume level her voice had. He was already getting a headache from her talking. He slipped back to his seat with another quiet, thank you. The teens around him were a bit rowdy. He flicked his golden eyes up.

Kojiro hadn't come to sit with him. Instead the mountain of meaty flesh was back in the kitchen. Kari and him were working side by side cutting, slicing, cooking. For Kaoru it was a fascinating show to watch. About thirty so minutes later, the twins came back out with more food. The first round was nearly done. Yet, Kaoru's plate was nearly untouched.

"Hey, why aren't you eating?" Kojiro leaned over the back of the partition behind Kaoru

"I did eat. I was saving this for you." The fox stated.

Kojiro smiled. "Thanks, Pinkie, but here let's switch. I know how much you love this."

Kojiro flopped down in the seat beside the fox. He took the plate before him away. Setting in its place....

"Fresh Carbonara!" Kaoru cried with a giggle.

Kojiro pulled out a bottle of red wine. He poured a thirsty glass full, placing it next to the plate.

"Eat up, you worked hard today." Kojiro leaned over to kiss Kaoru's temple as the fox leaned down to take a bite.

"I had fun, making the sign." Kaoru offered once he emptied his mouth.

"Well, I can't wait to see what you do with the menu." Kojiro beamed.

"Who painted on my wall?" Kari suddenly cried.

"Kaoru!!" All three boys shouted together.

Kari came up to the same partition as Kojiro had. She leaned over it hauling the Kitsune up into a tight hug.