I Am Not Your Master; I Am Your Partner: A (Neko) Dan and (Human) Phil Series

With Gratitude

Maybe this was a bad idea.

The headmistress caught the Neko examining her facial structure several times, as if he were trying to place her. She decided a long time ago, having anticipated this very meeting, that she would say nothing. If he happened to figure it out on his own, she would still not oblige. It would be cruel, and she did not deserve his attention.

They returned to the common area, seated across from one another in matching arm chairs. Dan and Phil sat with their backs to the fire, and the headmistress sat directly across from them with a small tiger-striped house cat in her lap. The afternoon had been spent touring the new school, which was an old outbuilding that had been converted four years ago. Dan cried actual tears when he learned that Neko children now received on-campus education with a challenging curriculum.

"The biggest change, of course, is that Nekos are no longer raised to serve. Education is now available to all children whist they await placement with a permanent family." The headmistress explained as they walked from the residential hall to the new school.

"That's incredible. Isn't that amazing Sweetheart? Phil pulled his husband closer. Dan nodded, pressing his lips together in utter disbelief. Strangely, he was not upset that he missed out on a proper education during his years here. Instead, he was overcome with relief and happiness for the boys currently in residence.

The school was small but exploding with activity.

"I read your article on the integration of Neko children into public schools years ago Mr. Lester...excuse me, Phil. It inspired me to create this school for the boys." The headmistress worked her palms together, trying to raise warmth between them. The cold air had rushed in the door behind them.

Dan looked around the room and smiled. There was a group of young Neko children, all appearing to be primary age, sitting in a circle playing with a small scale and objects of varying density. He could see their eyes light up as they discovered that, in fact, smaller, denser objects did weigh more than larger, airier ones. Without thinking, Dan brought his hands to his face, covering his mouth. Phil rubbed his back and kissed his temple.

Phil, however, couldn't believe how beautiful the Neko children were, their full tails splayed out behind them, their perky ears poking through their unruly hair. He had never seen so many Nekos in one place before. Of course he thought about Dan and what he would have looked like in school with the others, wide eyed and curious.

"When I am not working with the public, I'm here teaching." She pulled her cardigan tightly around her shoulders. One of the youngest children noticed her in the doorway and walked up to hug her waist.

Phil smiled. "That's wonderful. You mentioned that you used to be a teacher, but I didn't realize that you still taught."

"Yes. I work with the children here now. I used to teach in the public system, but I felt that my services were needed here." She was dangerously close to saying more, but excused herself. "Please feel free to observe; I need to attend to something. I'll only be a moment."

Dan crouched down, his bottom low to the ground. A few of the youngest boys noticed him and stared tentatively. Most of them had never seen an adult Neko before. Dan smiled kindly. Phil looked on with adoration.

One of the boys smiled back at Dan. He wore glasses, not unlike Phil's, and he had a head full of auburn curls. He was completely enamored with Dan, crawling toward him, leaving the other boys to their game.

"Hello there," Dan said with a broad smile. The boy crouched on his haunches to mimic Dan. Phil giggled.

"Hi. What's your name? I'm
Noah." The boy pushed his glasses up on his tiny nose and put his hands on his two little knobs for knees.