Cat Scratch Fever

Chapter 3

"You know, in hindsight, I probably should've changed. Or showered. Or literally anything else."

Issei said, sniffing under his shirt and grimacing. He'd been in the same clothes for quite some time now, and the smell was...present. At least, it was to him.

"You're fine. I don't smell anything, and my senses are way better than yours, nya."

"If you say so..."

"Mhmm. Smells like teen spirit."

After a moment of contemplation, Issei was visibly taken aback by both the spot-on English and a musical reference. Japanese as he was, he spoke fluent English due to his American father, and he'd always had a particular preference for American music, so both struck a chord with him.

"Was that a Nirvana reference?" He replied, in similarly flawless English.

"Yup. One of my favorites."

"...You like Nirvana?"

"Are you kidding me? Who doesn't?"

"I just didn't...see you as the type, I guess."

"What, just because I'm a demon catgirl I can't listen to music?"

"No, I-"

"Or maybe, you saw me as more of a cultured high society type who only listens to orchestra?" Kuroka said with a smirk, puffing out her chest in mock arrogance.

"Oh yeah, because the cultured high society types are the ones who crash through people's windows."

"Not my fault, nya. Occupational hazard."

"That's fair. You're sure I don't stink, right?"

"No, you smell like shit and look even worse."

"Wait, seriously?!"

"Nyo. You smell fine. As for your looks...average."

"So cruel!"

Kuroka smugly sipped her cup of chocolate milk, which in itself would've been absolutely hilarious to Issei if she hadn't given him a death glare for snickering when she ordered it. He couldn't help it. She was just so...feline, even with her cat features magically hidden, and to see a cat-girl drinking milk was like the punchline to a corny joke.

The two of them were in a family restaurant, built with the stereotypical American breakfast diner in mind. Black and white checkered floors, red glass tables with matching chairs, and enough fluorescent lights to blind someone. Of course, it was a Japanese imitation, so hardly any of the menu items were similar, but the aesthetic was there nonetheless.

The two of them speaking English amidst the entirely Japanese crowd at the restaurant drew some glances, but nobody verbally questioned the odd pair. Why would they, anyway? Nobody could tell from a glance that it was really a Dragon and a Cat having breakfast like humans.

"Are you ready to order?" A waitress finally came by, asking for Issei and Kuroka's orders, which the new couple readily gave, switching back to Japanese. She retreated back to the kitchen, thanking them.

"So tell me about yourself, Dragon boy. What makes Issei...tick? Is that the expression?" Kuroka asked, using a human saying she'd heard once or twice in passing.

"Hmm. Tough question. I like saving lives and love animals...I guess. I dunno if that's what makes me tick, though." Issei said, wondering about the open-ended question.

Of course, his willingness and ability to save things, animal or not, had been proven when he lied through his teeth to the Morning Star himself for her, so Kuroka really wasn't in a position to doubt him on that.