nexus_crossings | when is a question not a question

when is a question not a question

Hermione has her hands full when she enters the Nexus today. She has a large box in her hands, which has Crookshanks laying on top of it.

"Where do you want to go?" She speaks to the cat softly. He blinks at her a couple of times. Hermione smiles softly, and heads towards the Grand Library. Their favorite place to visit. The same place where they first visited when they entered this area of the Nexus, so many months ago.

She sets down the box gently. Crookshanks closes his eyes, content with the location. He seems to be guarding the box. Or whatever is inside the box.

Hermione doesn't seem to have a question today. She pulls a large book out of her small beaded bag. And gives Crookshanks another fond smile, petting him softly.

Crookshanks seems to be waiting for someone to appear. Who could it be?

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"I believe we were just looking for a place to sit." Hermione looks at Crookshanks for guidance. "Someplace inside would be wonderful."

"How are you today, Kaysuya?"

"Alright, here we are then."

The officer heads right back up the stairs and pulls the door open for the witch and her kneazle to head on inside. There's plenty of common areas to sit and chat, quietly of course, around the main level.

"I'm doing well. Met up with an old Nexus friend recently and got to catch up. That's always fulfilling. How are the two of you today?"

"We are doing as good as expected. Crookshanks was hoping that we would find you today." Hermione looks around for a place they can sit. And she can put down the box.

"He was?"

What an odd thing to say. Just the cat? Katsuya doesn't question it too much, who is he to judge the wills of magical creatures?He'll lead Hermione over to an empty table and pull a seat out for her.

"Here we go. Will this work for you?"

Hermione gently places the box on the table. And sits down. "Thank you."

"You have made quite an impression on Crookshanks." She tells him.

"Well, when we first met he was trying to help you."

He gives the kneazle a smile at the memory. It seems long ago now, even though it's only been a few months.

"Adversity has a way of bringing people--and animals I suppose--closer together when needs must. I consider you both to be friends of mine."

"He has this way of always wanting to help others."

Crookshanks slowly moves off the top of the box. Chirping softly. Hermione stands to open the top of the box. Several tiny mews are now heard from inside.

"That is why he wants to help you, Katsuya. And give you a guardian to take care of you, so he knows that you are watched over."

Is that...? Several tiny mews can be heard from inside. Katsuya's breath freezes in his chest.

That is a box full of kittens.

Do not scream, do not shout. Do not make a fool of yourself in public Katsuya you are in a library act like a controlled civilized adult.

They sound adorable. And there's no sign whatsoever of his allergies, which is an immediate plus.

"One of these kittens will choose you, Katsuya. And then that kitten will protect you and guard you, for as long as you are together."

"I...I see."

Does he? Unlikely just yet, but he's only partially listening because Hermione is showing him a box full of kittens. And one of them is going to be his? A cat he can actually spend time with that won't affect him negatively?

Is he dead right now and finally being rewarded in the afterlife? He's nodding along with Hermione.

"What do I have to do?" Please put a cat in his hands he's going to die if he can't touch them look at how soft they are!

"You need to hold out your hand.... palm facing up... close to the kittens. Be careful you don't touch any of them. And the one that is destined to by yours, will choose you."

He's gonna do exactly as he was told by Hermione because if he does it wrong maybe he's not going to get one. And that would just be too cruel. To get this close and be denied.

Katsuya holds out his hand carefully and waits with bated breath for the kittens to come investigate him.

"Are you sure this is okay?"

A few of the kittens sniff his hand, but none venture forth for a moment. Then a gray one stumbles forward. And decides to actually climb up into his outstretched hand.

Hermione smiles. "Yes. I am sure."

"She had decided on choosing you."

Look at her eyes. They're so blue. She's black and white and grey and Katsuya is in love. He pulls his hand back, cradling the kitten and gaping down at the tiny kitten in his hand.

"She's gorgeous." He breathes the words out carefully and rubs her head with one finger gently. "Thank you..." He looks up again at Hermione and Crookshanks. "Thank you so much. What's her name?"

It won't take long before Katsuya feels a bond between him and the kitten. Something special and unique. Something that is just between them.

"We didn't name them. Please... do tell us what you wish to name her. Crookshanks would like to know what they will be called."

They haven't named the kittens? Oh dear, well that won't do. Katsuya holds her up to eye level and grins when she reaches out with one perfectly pink beaned tiny paw and boops him on his nose.

Hello, friend.

"Tomoe." A special gift in the form of a friend. He can't think of anything more fitting considering the circumstances. "I'm going to call her Tomoe."

"That is a lovely name. Tomoe." Hermione smiles. Crookshanks seems to agree. He purrs contently.

"We also have a book for you." Hermione holds out a copy of 'How to Care for Your Kneazle' to him.

Tomoe wiggles slightly in Katsuya's grip until he brings her closer so she can latch onto him with her tiny claws and perch on his shoulder with a tiny chirp. Look at how classy they both are in their matching grey outfits. Are you proud, papa~?

"A book?" Oh, this will be very helpful indeed. Katsuya knows plenty of things about careing for cats despite not ever being able to have one before, but a Kneazle may have different needs to consider. "Thank you."

Hermione smiles when she notices how both Tomoe and Katsuya are matching grey outfits.

"A beautiful cat for a handsome owner."

The book will be very handy. It will explain more about the bond between Kneazle and chosen. And how the Kneazle will always know where their chosen is. And how the Kneazle will be able to tell their chosen when there is someone around who can not be trusted.

"If I'd known I was meeting a new friend when i came out today I'd have purchased some supplies."

Katsuya shoots a fond glance to the kitten on his shoulder before turning back to Hermione. Her description of the creatures are extraordinary. He didn't know kneazles could do all of that.

"Goodness. Crookshanks is even more clever than I had thought! And of course, so too will his children be."

Crookshanks straightens slightly. Of course he is extremely clever. And all of his children will be extremely clever too.

"Let me know if you need any help with supplies." Hermione smiles.

"I mean it Hermione. And Crookshanks, too. Thank you both very much. This means more to me than either of you know."

It will be nice to have someone else in the apartment again. Someone Katsuya can talk to and interact with on a daily basis without having to trek to the Nexus to get his dose of social interaction in. Tomoe leans over and nuzzles Katsuya on the cheek.

Hermione reaches out to gently grasp Katsuya's hand in her own. And smiles.

"We know you will be a wonderful chosen."

"Well, if the most talented witch in her world and the most clever cat I've ever seen think so, then I've a lot to live up to."

Katsuya adds the kneazle book to his small pile of recipe books he's checked out from the library then. Shifts and rummages for a nice safe spot to place Tomoe so she won't be too cold on his hike back out to his cafe.

"I have to go back to the cafe, Ice Bear will be there by now. You should stop by later so I can thank you properly." A fine meal for both witch and kneazle is no trouble at all for him.

The compliments make Hermione blush a little.

"I will take you up on that. Thank you."

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