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Asogi Kazuma was a very skeptical man.

So, when Ryuunosuke had brought up the ridiculous topic of magic, he couldn’t help but scoff at the very idea of it. The concept of the paranormal, supernatural, or whatever bullshit it liked to call itself was just so unbelievably false that even the idea of his partner for life believing had him sighing in exasperation. It was baffling, how Ryuunosuke, the brilliant person that he was, believed in such nonsense. He could be a little ridiculous sometimes, Kazuma knew, but was he this ridiculous? He just rolled his eyes when Ryuunosuke had insisted, as the two ate at the restaurant that Kazuma had reserved them. He was so annoyed he didn’t even have the time to appreciate how adorable he looked.

Though, Ryuunosuke always looked adorable, no matter what he was doing. He looked especially adorable now, as he stuffed himself silly with steak. He and Susato were visiting London again, and the moment that Ryuunosuke and Susato had arrived at 221B Baker Street, he had dragged him away to a dinner date he had reserved for them. Kazuma was hardly apologetic either, though Ryuunosuke didn’t seem too bothered when he paid for their dinner in full. He enjoyed every single moment he shared with his partner for life, even when he glared at him with determined eyes, insisting the most ridiculous things on earth.

But for some reason…Kazuma found it endearing.

“It’s true, Kazuma!” Ryuunosuke insisted. “Magic is real!”

Kazuma took a bite of his steak, adding once when he swallowed his food. “I refuse to believe it, Partner.”

Ryuunosuke groaned. “You’re just extremely stubborn, Kazuma.”

“And you are ridiculous.” Kazuma shot back. “And why do you believe in the supernatural all of a sudden? You were not such an avid believer before.”

“I was always open to the idea, Kazuma. Had the evidence shown itself to me. And it has!” Ryuunosuke replied.

Kazuma raised a brow. “Oh? Really, now?”

“Yes! In Japan, I had to defend a witch who fled from the United States of America.” Ryuunosuke said, taking a sip of his water, before he insisted. “I saw it with my own two eyes, Kazuma! Her show of magic was marvelous! There’s no other possible explanation!”

“We all know how easily you are swayed with performances, Partner.” Kazuma replied.

“It wasn’t just a performance, Kazuma. Ask Susato-san, she saw it too! And she’s much more of skeptic than I am.” Ryuunosuke said.

“Susato believed that?” Kazuma repeated, now that was ridiculous. “That’s ridiculous, Partner. She doesn’t believe such nonsense.”

“Ask her the next time you visit, then.” Ryuunosuke said, and that glint of resolve in his eyes, it had Kazuma smiling, even when the thing he was determined about was ridiculous. “I’m telling you Kazuma, magic is real.”

“You are aware you’re never going to convince me, aren’t you?” Kazuma said.

“And you’re never going to convince me, either.” Ryuunosuke shot back. “So I suppose we’re at a stalemate! And I refuse to lose.”

“…It’s hard to take you seriously when you look so cute, Ryuunosuke.” Kazuma said.

“C-Cute? I’m not cute!”

“Have you perhaps looked at a mirror, Partner?”

“I have…and I am the farthest thing from cute!” Ryuunosuke said.

“Oh, your mouth says that…” Kazuma reached out, reaching out and pinching Ryuunosuke’s cheeks. “And yet, these cheeks say otherwise.”

“Kazuma!” Ryuunosuke protested.

Kazuma roared with laughter when Ryuunosuke glared at him.

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Kazuma had not expected to be the witness to an attempted murder.

He was taking down a morning stroll through the streets, he did this sometimes to clear his mind whenever he felt he stayed in his flat for far too long. It was always nice, seeing the gloomy streets of London, it had become a little…comforting to him, even when there were moments of homesickness when he wished he were back in Japan. Kazuma looked up the skies, it was a nice summer day, perfect to walk through the streets. He watched as the fluffy clouds floated through the blue expanse of the sky, forming into shapes that he was sure a creative person could turn into a painting. Not him, though. Kazuma was as objective as objective can be.

He looked away from the sky, and his eyes widened as he saw a woman and a man fighting in one of the alleyways, watching in horror as the woman suddenly drew a bejeweled knife from her bag, stabbing the man in the chest before she soon fled the scene. Kazuma knew he couldn’t let this happen. So, after caching the attention of a Scotland Yard constable and telling him to escort the man to the hospital, Kazuma began his pursuit for the assailant. A few officers ran with him, but Kazuma was the fastest of them all, keeping a close eye on the woman as she ran. The woman’s cloak fluttered in the wind as she ran, the emerald green fabric being easy to spot amongst the grays of the London streets.

Kazuma watched as she suddenly ran into a busy street market, and though he briefly lost sight of her, he soon found her running through the crowd. After pushing through a few people and even tipping over a few crates of exotic fruits, to which the merchants cursed him as they shook their fists at him, he soon caught up with the woman. Just as the woman was about to turn a corner, Kazuma suddenly leapt and tackled the woman to the ground, and though the woman tried to struggle against him, she could hardly budge from Kazuma’s firm grip.

“There you are!” Kazuma said as he pinned her arms to her back. “You thought you could escape, couldn’t you? Well, I simply won’t allow that to happen!”

“You…you foolish mortal!” The woman snarled at him, vindictiveness dripping from her deep voice. “You should not meddle into matters you know nothing of!”

“Matters I know nothing of?” Kazuma scoffed at that. “Please, you stabbed a man. That’s all I need to know to get involved.”

“You know NOTHING! That man stole something of mine! I was simply-” The woman tried, but Kazuma cut him off.

“And do you have proof of that, madame?” Kazuma questioned.

Kazuma seemed to be making the woman angrier by the second. “Proof? Proof? And what proof do I owe you?”

“Oh, you don’t owe me any proof. However, you will owe proof to the prosecutor who will be prosecuting your trial.” Kazuma replied.

“Wh-What?” The woman gasped out.

“I’m a prosecutor, madame. And well, after seeing your display of criminality today…” Kazuma gave her his iconic intense glare. “Well…I suppose it’ll only be natural I stand trial as a witness, no?”

“Witness? You…you want me arrested?” The woman’s glare was deathly and loathing. “How…how dare you?”

“Perhaps you should have thought about that when you stabbed that man, madame.” Kazuma replied.

The woman’s glare was loathing, her red eyes boring right into his very soul, flames of hatred flickering in the sea of blood red waters.

The woman was soon whisked away by the officers, and Kazuma just continued his stroll, the incident becoming just a part of his rather odd morning. He went about his day, meeting with his friends in Holmes’ suite for lunch, laughing aloud with Ryuunosuke, Susato, Herlock and Iris. And when came time for the woman’s trial the next day, Kazuma stood trial as one of the witnesses against the accused. The prosecutor was decent, poking holes in the defense attorney’s arguments. And the defense attorney, though he tried the hardest that he possibly could, couldn’t possibly acquit the woman, who they now knew as Theodora Atterlyfe, with all the evidence that had piled up against her. Theodora looked in complete shock when the jurors and the Right Honorable Lord Judge had declared her guilty.

And as the bailiffs escorted her away, she directed her hateful gaze towards Kazuma.

“You wretched bastard! This is your fault!” Theodora screamed at him. “I’ll make you regret every decision of your sad pathetic life! I’ll curse you! YOUR CURSE WILL BE THE WORST OF ALL!” Then, in a bizarre turn of events, she started chanting. “Oar cle aon hexn agf aen yhw lhxe egaw vo rquk fefksx!” Her voice seemed to be joined by the spirits of every soul from the afterlife, her eyes glowing red as she stared at Kazuma with an intense fiery hatred. “Oar cle aon err cnw cle aon hett choe mtux!”

Kazuma watched, baffled, as the woman passed out right before him, the bailiff escorting her away yelping and letting her drop to the ground. Everyone in the courtroom too, was absolutely baffled by what had just happened. All of them were silent after…well, whatever the hell happened. Kazuma wasn’t exactly sure what to call it. Outburst seemed too mild and too normal for what just happened. Though, stranger had happened in the courtroom, especially with Herlock Sholmes working as a detective. Once Kazuma had arrived back to his flat, the trial had become a fading memory in his mind as he collapsed on his bed, a much deserved nap for the craziness that was the past two days.

He didn’t even have time to see Ryuunosuke or Susato!

Kazuma wondered to himself, what Ryuunosuke would say about the trial, if he were to tell the story to him the next time they’d meet. Probably something about Theodora cursing him, and magic being real or something.

He couldn’t help but laugh at the very thought of it.

A curse, how ridiculous could that be?

━━━━ ❰ · ❉ · ❱ ━━━━

It, turned out, to not be ridiculous.

Kazuma had completely forgotten about Theodora and the trial, becoming just another anecdote that he’d remember to tell Ryuunosuke once they met up again. Ryuunosuke, who he decided to pay a surprise visit to the day after, mostly to apologize for not canceling their lunch together only the day before. Ryuunosuke understood, of course, but Kazuma still felt a little bad all the same. Every moment he had with him was a moment that he cherished, and Ryuunosuke couldn’t exactly hide the disappointment on his face when Kazuma had told him about the trial. That man could hardly hide his emotions even if his life depended on it, always blurting out every thought he had and his face giving away every emotion that he felt.

It was absolutely adorable.

Kazuma made his trek to 221B Baker Street, becoming a familiar sight to him at this point, when Ryuunosuke and Susato had started to visit him in London. The stroll was quite pleasant, and he made sure to buy a confectionery bag just for Ryuunosuke in the nearby confectionery shop. Kazuma was well aware of how much of a sweet tooth he was, and the grin that made its way to his face whenever he saw the candy made every single pence worth it. He soon made it to the front door of Herlock Sholmes’, and now, Ryuunosuke and Susato’s, abode. Ryuunosuke and Susato had made themselves at home, wind chimes hanging from the awning and a few potted plants decorating the entrance.

Kazuma stepped over a puddle on the ground and stared at the door for a moment, before he reached out, knocking on the door and smiling when he heard the sound of Ryuunosuke’s voice.

“I’m coming!” Ryuunosuke called out from inside.

Kazuma’s heart seemed to always swell in joy, whenever he heard Ryuunosuke’s voice or caught sight of his smiling face. He could never get enough of it, of everything about him. Kazuma remembered back in university, how they were practically inseparable after the speech competition. And that hadn’t changed now. Despite the fact that they were away from each other more often, they were just as close, even closer actually. And Kazuma loved every aspect of him more now. He could just imagine it, the way Ryuunosuke’s face would light up when he saw Kazuma, the laugh that would escape his mouth at the little jokes that he’d make. Maybe, if he were lucky, Ryuunosuke would rest his head on his shoulder, sound asleep and adorable as Kazuma held him in his arms-

And then, a puff of smoke erupted from where Kazuma was standing.

He coughed, the smoke slowly dissipating away in the air. What in the hell was going on? Was this another one of Iris’ odd inventions? But when Kazuma opened his eyes, he didn’t see any indication of the bright young girl. And weirdly enough…everything around seemed like it had gotten bigger. Or more accurately, it seemed like he had gotten smaller. The door loomed over him, way bigger than it had any right to be, the little potted bushes seemed to be as tall as trees. Kazuma must have fallen when the smoke had erupted, he thought. However, when Kazuma reached out to the door to help himself up, he stopped in his tracks when he saw that instead of hands, he had black and white paws.

Yes, paws.

Like a cat.

“MEOW!” Kazuma cried out in surprise, staring at his paws.

Wait, why did he meow?

Kazuma tried to speak again, but another surprised meow was the only thing that came out of his mouth.

What the fuck was happening?

Kazuma checked the puddle of water on the ground, meowing in surprise when he saw himself. Where Asogi Kazuma should have been in the reflection, instead he was staring at a black and white tuxedo cat. He thought he had gone mad, but when he tried to speak, he meowed instead. And that cemented the truth for him, he had turned into a fucking cat. Then he heard footsteps. He looked up at the door, which had opened, revealing Ryuunosuke, who looked around him curiously, no doubt looking for the person who had knocked on the door. It was him, Kazuma.

Not that Ryuunosuke would know, all he’d see was a cat.

“Hello? Is there anyone there? I heard a-” Ryuunosuke stopped in his tracks when he looked down, his face lighting up in a grin. “Oh! Kitty!”

Kazuma had never noticed how big humans were compared to cats, Ryuunosuke was practically towering over him. And normally, he would’ve been terrified, but the grin on his face immediately made him feel safe. Ryuunosuke’s smiles always made him feel safe, as though a soft fluffy blanket were wrapped around him. He watched as Ryuunosuke knelt down, reaching out his hand to Kazuma, beckoning him to come closer. Kazuma wasn’t exactly sure what to do. Kazuma would’ve told him of his situation, but unless Ryuunosuke knew how to talk cat he knew even attempting would be in vain.

“Hey there, little kitty. Are you lost?” Ryuunosuke cooed at Kazuma, his tone friendly and gentle, sure to calm down even the most enraged of beasts. “Come here, kitty!”

This was Ryuunosuke, and Kazuma trusted him with his life. If anyone could help him after he had turned into a cat, it would be Ryuunosuke. So, he approached him, sniffing his hand and deciding that he liked the way he smelled, before he started rubbing himself all over Ryuunosuke’s hands. Kazuma had never noticed it before, how warm Ryuunosuke’s hand was. He remembered them holding hands as they walked through the streets of London, and how nice it felt, but it never occurred to him that the warmth of his hand was what made it nice. Kazuma was purring as he leaned into the touch, rubbing himself on his hand, Ryuunosuke’s light and amused laugh was the most beautiful sound on earth.

“You’re rather friendly, aren’t you?” Ryuunosuke said, smiling as he scratched the back of Kazuma’s ears. “Where’s your owner, I wonder? You’re far too friendly to be a stray…”

Kazuma simply meowed indignantly. He was Kazuma! Why didn’t Ryuunosuke know that?

Oh wait…he hadn’t told him.

Shit.

“Aw! Even your meows are cute!” Ryuunosuke said, and Kazuma liked it, being called cute by him. “I wonder…should I try to find your owner? I’m sure they miss you.”

Kazuma didn’t have an owner. He wasn’t a pet!

Well, he was now…but that’s besides the point!

He meowed in protest, glaring at Ryuunosuke.

“Well…I’ll take that as a no, then.” Ryuunosuke said with a laugh, continuing to pet Kazuma. “What do I do with you? I can’t just leave you here.”

“Naruhodo-san? Who’s that?” Susato’s voice called out from inside.

Kazuma looked up and watched as Susato stood underneath the doorway. Even someone as short as her seemed to tower over him, at this size. Were cats really that small? Well, Kazuma knew now, though he wasn’t exactly sure what he was supposed to do with this information.

“Just a cat.” Ryuunosuke answered, continuing to pet Kazuma.

He was more than just a cat! He was Ryuunosuke’s partner for life!

Susato seemed excited at the sight of him. “Oh! A cat!” She knelt down next to Ryuunosuke, observing Kazuma. “And a gorgeous one at that! Whose cat is this, Naruhodo-san?”

“Him, and I’m unsure. Someone knocked on the door and when I checked, this cat was the only one here.” Ryuunosuke replied.

“Oh! That’s…rather odd.” Susato said, then asking. “Do you think he’s a stray?”

“I’m…unsure. He’s far too friendly to be a stray, but he doesn’t have a collar either.” Ryuunosuke said.

Susato frowned in thought. “That’s…even odder. If he isn’t a stray, where do you think his owner is?”

“I’m unsure, Susato-san. I’m not even sure if he has an owner…or if said owner wants him.” Ryuunosuke sighed. “It’s a horrible thought, that a person would abandon their cat, but it’s definitely a possibility.”

“Oh, it really is horrible if it’s true! To abandon such a gorgeous cat! I hope he’s just a friendly stray.” Susato said.

“Yes, definitely.” Ryuunosuke looked back at Kazuma, petting him gently. “Oh…what do we do with you, little guy?”

Honestly, Kazuma had no idea either. It was undeniable, he had turned into a cat, so…now what? He couldn’t speak, so he couldn’t tell Ryuunosuke or Susato about his situation. And living as a stray cat for the rest of his life was undeniably out of the question. Really, the best thing he could do at the moment was live in 221B Baker Street, so he at least had a roof over his head, until he figured out this entire situation and how it happened. The only problem was trying to convince Ryuunosuke and Susato to let him live with them. Though, knowing both of their soft spots for animals, he supposed he wouldn’t have to try too hard.

Kazuma meowed softly, and had he not been a cat, he would’ve grinned at Susato’s slow smile.

“Oh! We should keep him!” Susato said. “At least until we find his owner.”

Ryuunosuke shot her a confused look. “Uh…Keep him? Why would we possibly do that, Susato-san?”

Kazuma glared at him. If he dared to just leave him out here, he would never forgive him.

“Naruhodo-san, it’d be cruel to leave him out to fend for himself! If he has an owner, I’m sure they would appreciate us taking care of him while he’s out here.” Susato said, then adding. “And I know cats, Naruhodo-san. This cat has connected to you deeply in a way that’s once in a lifetime! I’m sure he wouldn’t appreciate just being left out here by someone he likes.”

Thank you, Susato!

Ryuunosuke raised a brow. “Are you sure you just don’t want to keep him?”

“Well…I do, but that’s besides the point!” Susato said, then adding. “He’s attached to you, Naruhodo-san.”

“Wow, I couldn’t tell.” Ryuunosuke shot back sarcastically.

“Please, let’s take care of him for his owner! I’m sure he doesn’t want to be left outside here, especially when it gets dark. We all know how cold London nights can get.” Susato said.

“I don’t know, we don’t even live here! Who’s going to take care of him when we’re gone?” Ryuunosuke asked.

“Mr. Sholmes and Iris can. Iris already takes care of Wagahai, I’m sure another cat won’t be much of an issue.” Susato replied.

“True…”

“And besides, we can try to find his owner and give him back! But the poor little thing won’t survive on his own out here! Think of the poor little guy, Naruhodo-san! Think of how sad and alone he’d be if we just left him here!”

“Well…”

Kazuma, deciding to bring out the big guns, meowed softly before giving him his best pleading eyes. He felt ecstatic when Ryuunosuke’s gaze softened at the sight of him.

“Look at him, Naruhodo-san!” Susato said, smiling at the sight of a pleading Kazuma. “He doesn’t want you to leave him here!”

“Well…” Ryuunosuke slowly smiled, scratching the back of his ears. “I suppose it’d be nice to have a furry friend inside the suite for the time being.”

Kazuma meowed ecstatically.

“Wow, Naruhodo-san. He really is attached to you!” Susato said with a giggle, then asking. “Are you sure you aren’t a secret cat whisperer?”

“Well…I have always been good with animals. You know I keep shrimp back home in Japan, Susato-san.” Ryuunosuke replied.

“You must admit though, cats and shrimp are very different.”

“True.”

“Let the little kitty in, Naruhodo-san! I’m sure he doesn’t want to stay outside all day.” Susato said as she got up.

“Alright.” Ryunosuke got up too, smiling as he opened the door wider, beckoning Kazuma inside. “Come on inside, little guy.”

Kazuma immediately darted inside, looking at everything in awe. He’d been here plenty of times, but everything looked so different now. Becoming a cat had given him a fresh new perspective, and really, were cats seriously this small?

“Oh wow, he made himself at home!” Susato said with a giggle as she closed the door. “It’s almost like…he’s been here before!”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Susato-san. He hasn’t been here before.” Ryuunosuke said.

“He sure does act like it.” Susato replied.

Kazuma looked up at the stairs, and really, he didn’t feel like going up them. He turned to Ryuunosuke, imagining the feeling of his warm arms. He must’ve been staring at him, since Ryuunosuke cast Susato a quizzical glance.

“Uhh…Susato-san, why is the cat staring at me?” Ryuunosuke said.

“He likes you, Naruhodo-san.” Susato replied.

“Well, that’s nice I suppose- WOAH!” Ryuunosuke yelped as Kazuma suddenly jumped in his arms.

“Wow! He really likes you, Naruhodo-san!” Susato said, laughing.

“No kidding. Even Wagahai isn’t this friendly.” Ryuunosuke said, then turning to Kazuma with an affectionate smile. “You’re a rather strange cat, you know that right?”

Strange? How dare he!

Susato giggled. “I don’t think he likes being called that, Naruhodo-san.”

“Well, he better get used to it. He is one strange cat.” Ryuunosuke replied.

Kazuma meowed in protest, Ryuunosuke and Susato laughed.

Ryuunosuke and Susato walked up the stairs, Kazuma nestling into his chest. He was warm, Kazuma just realized. And he rather liked it, honestly. Ryuunosuke was cradling him in his arms, like he were a prized possession. He had always been so kind, how could Kazuma not like that? Just as the two of them were on the second floor of the building, entering the living room of Sholmes’ suite, the man himself walked out from one of the room, grinning at the sight of Ryuunosuke and Susato.

“Ah! Mr. Naruhodo! Miss Susato! Just the ones I need to see! Important question, what is Jupiter again-” Herlock stopped dead in his tracks, smiling when he saw Kazuma. “Ah! I see you’ve made a new feline companion!”

“You could say it like that.” Ryuunosuke said.

“Well! It was about time we got Wagahai a friend! I’m sure being a lone wolf gets rather tiring for a cat!” Herlock said.

“She’s a cat, though…” Ryuunosuke pointed out.

“And a lone wolf at heart!” Herlock said.

“But that makes literally zero- never mind.” Ryuunosuke shook his head.

Just then, Iris emerged from the room, a pout on her face as she glared at Herlock.

“Hurley! For the last time, Jupiter is a planet, not a star! And yes, it is named after the Roman god! Why won’t you-” Iris was saying as she walked out of the room, her face lighting up in a grin as she saw Kazuma. “Oh! A cat! Who’s this, Runo?”

“Oh, he’s a cat we found downstairs.” Ryuunosuke said, then adding. “Is it alright if we keep him until we find his owner? It’d be cruel to leave him outside.”

“Of course! Wagahai would love him!” Iris said, then asking. “What do you think we should name him, Runo? We simply can’t call him “cat” forever!”

“Hmm…” Ryuunosuke hummed in thought, turning to Susato and Herlock. “Do you have any suggestions?”

“I’m afraid not, my dear fellow! I’ve never been good at naming things.” Herlock said.

Susato sighed. “I’m afraid I can’t think of anything.”

“Hmmm! What about Cassie, then?” Iris suggested.

Ryuunosuke raised a brow. “Isn’t Cassie a girl’s name?”

“I mean, yes! But does the cat look bothered by it?” Iris retorted.

Kazuma in fact, was very bothered by it. He gave Iris his best kitty glare.

Ryuunosuke turned to Kazuma, before looking back to Iris. “I think he is.”

“Aw, that’s a shame.” Iris said with a pout. “Well, Runo! You come up with a name!”

Herlock grinned. “That’s a splendid idea, Iris!”

“Yes, you must be the one to name him! You’re the one he’s most attached to!” Susato added.

“Hmm…” Ryuunosuke looked down at Kazuma, a small smile making its way to his face. “…How about Suki?”

“Oh! That’s adorable!” Susato said with a delighted cry.

“Suki?” Iris asked, confused. “Why Suki, Runo?”

“Well, this cat kinda reminds me of Kazuma, and he loved sukiyaki.” Ryuunosuke said, and he laughed, looking down at him as he affectionately pet his head. “Kazuma would either love you or hate you, Suki.”

He was Kazuma! At least, that’s what Kazuma wanted to say, all that came out was an angry meow.

“…Oh dear, I hope you like him. He means a lot to me.” Ryuunosuke said.

Kazuma stopped at that. He wasn’t sure why it surprised him so much, whenever Ryuunosuke showed any sort of affection or devotion to him. They were partners for life, he knew this, yet…seeing and hearing it was different. Hearing the conviction in Ryuunosuke’s voice was different. Kazuma meowed happily, snuggling into Ryuunosuke’s chest.

“…You’re a confusing cat, you know?”

“He’ll get used to you, Runo!” Iris said, smiling. “And he must get used to me! Oh, and Wagahai too! Let’s introduce them to each other! She’s in the other room, I’ll go get her!” She then ran off to the other room.

“Alright then, Suki. I’ll put you down.” Ryuunosuke said, gently kneeling down and putting Kazuma down. “I hope you don’t mind.”

Kazuma meowed in protest, but he soon accepted it and jumped on the ground. He meowed again as he looked around, his eyes landing on the plate of food that was usually reserved for Wagahai, meowing in disgust at the sloppy mess that called itself food. He had to eat that? Ugh. Kazuma hoped this entire cat fiasco wasn’t permanent. At the sound of Iris running back, he looked up, seeing Iris carrying Wagahai in her arms. Kazuma watched, cautious, as Iris set her down in front of him. He actually wasn’t sure what he’d do, if Wagahai didn’t like him. Would they force him outside? She seemed to recognize him though, meowing softly before she gently licked him.

“Ah! They befriended each other quite quickly, didn’t they?” Herlock said with a smile.

“Oh, it’s almost like we were meant to find you, Suki!” Susato added.

If Kazuma could scoff at that, he would.

“I could watch them for hours!” Iris said.

When Wagahai had gotten bored of him, she walked off to only god knows where. Kazuma stood for a moment on the floor, before he immediately ran to Ryuunosuke, rubbing himself all over his legs.

“He seems to like you the most, Runo!” Iris said.

“Really Mr. Naruhodo, I think he’s adopted you.” Susato said with a giggle.

“…Isn’t it usually the other way around?” Ryuunosuke questioned, a brow raised.

“Animal laws are quite different from human law, Mr. Naruhodo!” Herlock replied.

“Animals don’t have laws-” Ryuunosuke sighed, exasperated. “Why am I even trying to argue?”

Iris and Susato giggled, and Herlock let out a good natured laugh.

Soon, everyone else went off to their own individual thing. Sholmes and Iris some invention that they were working on together, and Susato to read one of Iris’ first drafts for her newest story in the Randst Magazine. But Ryuunosuke stayed in the living room, with Kazuma. Cooing at him, playing with him, cuddling him. And though Kazuma was a little concerned about what to do, he supposed that he was safe and happy.

After all, he could figure it all later right?

━━━━ ❰ · ❉ · ❱ ━━━━

Kazuma softly groaned as he felt something fluffy rub up against him.

He slowly opened his eyes, looking all around him. And all he saw stuck out to him as odd, especially with the odd day he had just a few hours before. Everything looked bigger. Normal for a human, but not for a cat. Last he remembered, he was a cat. Last he remembered, everything towered over him. Last he remembered, he was on the floor and sleeping next to Wagahai. He looked at the clock, midnight. Lord, it was late. Why was he even up? Kazuma was a heavy sleeper, he wasn’t usually the type to wake up randomly at the middle of the night.

“What’s going on…” Kazuma murmured to himself. He stopped in his tracks.

He talked.

Kazuma looked down, and he saw his hands plainly in front of him.

He was a human.

Kazuma slowly got up, making sure to not rouse Wagahai or make too much noise. Really, he’d have no idea how to explain why he was on the floor cuddling next to Wagahai. He slowly slipped out of the room, grimacing at every creak whenever he took a step. Thankfully, he hadn’t waken anyone up, and he soon slipped out of 221B Baker Street. He gripped his sword tightly as he walked through the London night streets, cautious and yet in deep thought. It was…baffling, what happened to him. And no matter how hard he tried to think about it, it was undeniable.

He had turned into a cat.

How could this have happened? It defied all logic, people didn’t just randomly turn into cats. It couldn’t have been a dream, otherwise he still was dreaming. Quickly pinching himself removed that doubt in his mind. Maybe he’d gone mad? No, everyone had seen him turn into a cat, and the burst of smoke from his turning was very much real. What was going on? A jumble of what ifs and theories and possible explanations swirled in Kazuma’s mind. He had no idea which ones were true and which ones were blatantly false.

And then a throwaway thought. That woman, Theodora, and the shining red eyes when she had chanted at him.

When she had…cursed him.

Was Theodora…was she a witch, sorceress, whatever in gods she was?

No, that was ridiculous. Of course she wasn’t. Magic wasn’t real.

…Was she?

Kazuma entered his flat, locking the door behind him. The flat was still, quiet. Well, it was the middle of the night, so of course it was. Questions swirled in his head, all that he had no answer to. But there were two main questions in his mind, why this even happened in the first place, and if it would happen again. He’d rather not randomly turn into a cat in a crowded area, that sounded like a disaster. Maybe he could do tests? Look into the theories? Look through books about magic and curses?

For now though, sleep. As an actual human.

Kazuma let out a relieved sigh as he collapsed in his bed.

━━━━ ❰ · ❉ · ❱ ━━━━

Slowly, Kazuma learnt more.

About the supposed “curse” on him, and magic users and magic in general. All different kinds of cultures had their own magic users, with different sources and different gods and goddesses they worshipped. It all made Kazuma’s head hurt, so he quickly moved on to researching about curses. And it turned out, his cat transformation happened whenever he felt any kind of strong emotion, as he unfortunately learnt when he was startled by a man knocking at his door. And it seemed that how long he stayed a cat was random, and if it wasn’t, he had no idea what determined their length. Sometimes he was a cat for hours, and sometimes it lasted only a few minutes. It was all quite inconvenient, with becoming a cat he realized how much humans used their thumbs.

But that wasn’t the most baffling part of this all.

The most baffling part of this whole thing was what triggered the curse the most. It wasn’t anger or sadness or surprise, none of those emotions. Hell, Kazuma didn’t even know what emotion it was, but it had to do with Ryuunosuke. Whenever Kazuma would go off into deep thought about him, noticing a minute detail that reminded him of Ryuunosuke, he’d almost always turn into a cat. He didn’t understand it at all. Why Ryuunosuke? Sure, he trusted his partner for life…but was it really that? Or was there something more? And if there was…WHAT WAS IT?!

Kazuma bashed his head on his desk and groaned. Though, he then heard the sound of polite knocking on his door. He got up and walked over, opening it and smiling a little when he saw Susato.

“Ah! Susato-san.” Kazuma said, then asking. “What’re you doing here?”

“I’ve been worried about you, Kazuma-sama. You haven’t visited 221B Baker Street.” Susato said.

Kazuma felt a twinge of guilt. He’d been so preoccupied with his research he forgot to even go outside. “Ah, I apologize for that. I’ve been…busy.”

“With what?”

“With ah…matters…”

Susato raised a brow. “Matters?”

“Yes.” Kazuma nodded. “Matters.”

“Kazuma-sama…” Susato looked concerned. “Is everything alright with you? Did something happen?”

“What? What possibly gave you that idea, Susato-san?” Kazuma asked

“You’ve been acting very suspicious…” Susato trailed off.

Kazuma sighed, he supposed there was no use lying to her, no matter how crazy the truth was. “…Come in, Susato-san.”

Susato nodded, entering the flat and closing the door after her. “You know Kazuma-sama, Naruhodo-san is worried sick about you!” She said, then adding. “He really cares about you a lot.”

Wait, did she just mention Ryuunosuke?

Oh no.

OH NO!

Before Susato or Kazuma could do anything else, smoke burst from where Kazuma was again. Susato coughed and tried to fan the smoke away, and when it was gone, Kazuma was once again, a cat. He wasn’t exactly happy about it.

“K-Kazuma-sama?” Susato said, looking all around the place, confused. “Where are you, Kazuma-sama?”

Kazuma meowed, Susato looked down at him, and she just stared at him.

“Kazuma-sama, I may be going mad…but did you just turn into a cat?”  Susato asked, flabbergasted.

“Meow!” Kazuma replied in a meow, a little irritated.

Susato’s jaw dropped in bewilderment.

Really, how was she supposed to react?

The two stared at each other for a moment. Mostly because all Kazuma could do was meow.

“So, this matter you’re speaking of…” Susato started slowly. “It’s this, right?”

Kazuma meowed in agreement.

“And the cat that showed up in 221B Baker Street, Suki…that was you, wasn’t it?”

Kazuma meowed again.

“How did this…how did this even happen?”

Kazuma jumped up the desk, pawing at a book that was laid on it. It was a book about curses that he had read only a few hours ago. He was very glad he didn’t store it away.

Susato walked over to the desk, picking up the book and reading the cover. “So…” She turned to Kazuma. “You’ve been cursed?”

Kazuma nodded.

“That would explain it…” Susato said, then joking. “Honestly Kazuma-sama, I would’ve never thought you’d believe in magic.”

Kazuma meowed in protest.

“I don’t need to be a cat to know what that means.” Susato said with a giggle. “So…I assume being a cat is temporary, then?” When Kazuma meowed in agreement, she asked. “How long will it take for you to turn human again?”

Kazuma wasn’t sure, and he just stared at her.

“I’ll just…assume you don’t know.” Susato said. She walked over to sofa and sat on it. “I suppose the only thing we can do is wait for the curse to…ah, is dissipate the right word?” She hummed in thought. “Well, come on Kazuma-sama.” She smiled as she patted her lap.

Kazuma stared at her for a moment, before deciding that he had nothing better to do, jumping up on her lap. He snuggled up against her.

Susato’s smile was wide. “Aw, you’re very affectionate as a cat, Kazuma-sama. I’m sure you’d never let me hug you like this as a human.” She then added with a laugh. “You might with Naruhodo-san, though.”

Kazuma really wished he could scoff at that.

Susato talked to Kazuma about anything she particularly found interesting at that moment, and he happily listened, as he snuggled up on her lap, purring as Susato scratched the back of his ears. He always liked listening to her talk, she was a smart girl with interesting things to say. Sitting on her lap, as she talked about Ryuunosuke’s trials in Japan, afternoon sun rays filtering into the room and filling it with warmth and light, it was comfortable. Kazuma liked it. Though he wondered when he’d turn back into a human, it had thankfully happened around an hour after, a puff of smoke erupted from where Kazuma laid, and he was human again.

“A-Ah! Kazuma-sama, you’re crushing me!” Susato wheezed out.

“Oh! My apologies, Susato-san.” Kazuma said as he quickly leapt off of Susato’s lap. “Well…I suppose you have a lot of questions.”

“Plenty of them.” Susato replied.

“I suppose I should start from the beginning, then…”

Kazuma everything from the beginning, from his interaction with Theodora to the day he turned into a cat in 221B Baker Street. He made sure to spare no detail, to include everything he felt that was important to say. Susato listened intently, nodding and noting things down in her booklet, like every little thing Kazuma had to say was important.

Once he was done, she looked up at him and said. “So, after Ms. Atterlyfe cursed you…you’ve been turning into a cat.”

“Not willingly.” Kazuma grumbled. “Only when I experience strong emotions.”

“Then…” Susato trailed off, asking the obvious question. “Why did you turn into a cat when I mentioned Naruhodo-san?”

Kazuma stayed silent. Really, he had no idea why too.

Though, Susato slowly cracked a smile. “Oh yes, it’s because you’re in love with him.”

“What?” Kazuma scoffed. “I am not in love with him, Susato-san.”

“Then why would you experience strong emotions just at his name?” Susato retorted.

“…Because I hate him?” Kazuma tried.

“You really think I’d believe that, Kazuma-sama?” Susato said, giggling a bit.

Kazuma grumbled to himself.

“Well, either way, we need to break this curse. We can’t have you turning into a cat every time you talk to Naruhodo-san.”

“The question is…how do we do that?”

“I’m…unsure, I don’t know anyone who’s a magic user in London.” Susato hummed in thought, and she then suggested. “Why don’t you ask Lord van Zieks for his assistance? I’m sure he can help one way or another.”

“Lord van Zieks?” Kazuma raised a brow. “How can he help?”

“Well! It can’t hurt to try.” Susato said with a shrug. “We can always ask Mr. Sholmes and Iris if he can’t.”

“I suppose so…” Kazuma trailed off.

“Think it over, Kazuma-sama! And just visit us in 221B Baker Street if you ever decide to ask Mr. Sholmes for advice.” Susato said, then glancing at the clock behind Kazuma. “Oh! I must be leaving now, I promised Iris that I’d help her with one of her inventions. I’ll see you some other time, Kazuma-sama.” She then added with a giggle. “Or should I say, Suki?”

Kazuma glared at her. “Susato-san.”

“Just kidding, Kazuma-sama!” Susato said, laughing fully. “But really, I must leave. Hopefully this curse fiasco ends soon!”

Susato soon left the flat, and Kazuma was left alone to simmer in his thoughts. He sat at his sofa, eyeing every book open on his coffee table, and still he had no idea what to do. If this truly was magic, he didn’t know anyone who knew magic, so asking a magic user was out of the question. But, maybe Barok knew someone…

He supposed he could ask him for help.

Kazuma sighed, closing the books and putting them back in the bookshelves. He supposed he had no choice.

━━━━ ❰ · ❉ · ❱ ━━━━

“…So, you turn into a cat when you experience strong emotions.”

Kazuma sighed, he regretted going to Barok for help.

He had ruminated on it for a few days, and he eventually decided fuck it, he had nobody else to go to. Kazuma had forgotten how eerie and dark the van Zieks manor was, though he wasn’t exactly terrified of it. It was just a building, for crying out loud. And Barok was just a man, even when everyone else was terrified of him. He raised a brow at Kazuma, cradling a glass chalice that he held in his hands, red wine swirling inside. His disbelief wasn’t malicious in any way, and yet Kazuma found it just as irritating. Kazuma knew it was a little ridiculous, the idea of turning into a cat, but it was true, it happened. And he’d explained it all to Barok! Though, he didn’t seem to believe it.

“I sense skepticism in your tone, Lord van Zieks.” Kazuma grumbled.

“Forgive me for not believing such a tall tale, Mr. Asogi.” Barok said. “If you were me, would you believe it?”

“I’m a skeptical man myself, but I’ve experienced it first hand. I’ve turned into a cat.” Kazuma said.

“Or perhaps you’ve gone mad.” Barok replied.

“I most certainly have not gone mad!” Kazuma said, indignant.

“It’s the only possible explanation, Mr. Asogi.” Barok said.

“Well then, I’ll prove it to you.” Kazuma said, before demanding. “Anger me.”

Barok raised a brow. “And…why would I do that?”

“It’ll prove to you that I haven’t gone mad, wouldn’t it?” Kazuma pointed out.

“I suppose you’re right. Hmm…” van Zieks thought to himself for a moment, before saying with a straight and grim face. “Mr. Naruhodo will never love you.”

“Wh-What? How dare you?” Kazuma snarled at him. “He’s my partner for life! How DARE you?!”

“You were the one who suggested I-” Barok tried, but he stopped when a cloud of smoke erupted in the room, and as the smoke dissipated away, a black and white tuxedo cat was where Kazuma once was. “What in the blazes?!”

“Meow meow meow?” Kazuma meowed, a little grumpy.

“…I assume that means “Believe me now?”, and yes, I do.” Barok replied.

Kazuma meowed again.

“So…what am I exactly to do while you’re a cat?” Barok asked.

“Meow!”

“…You are aware that I can’t understand you, right?”

The meow that came from Kazuma was particularly annoyed.

“Duly noted…” Barok trailed off, then asking. “You can’t predict when you turn back into a human, can you not?” When Kazuma meowed in agreement, he nodded. “Very well. Turn into a human and we can talk further.”

Thankfully, only a few minutes later, Barok passing the time by reading a book, Kazuma turned back into a human with a puff of smoke. Barok hummed thoughtfully, putting the book on the desk and turning to Kazuma.

“So you truly have been cursed.” Barok said.

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.” Kazuma said.

“Hm, what a conundrum.”

“Is there any way you can help me?”

“Hmmm…” Barok took a sip of his wine, then saying. “Unfortunately Mr. Asogi, I am not knowledgeable about anything magic related. You will find no assistance from me.”

“…Oh.” Kazuma said.

“I do know, however, that Mr. Sholmes and Ms. Wilson will be able to help you. But knowing your pride, you won’t ask them for help.” Barok got up. “No matter. I will accompany you. Let us just hope that Mr. Naruhodo isn’t in 221B Baker Street.”

“Wait, now?”

Barok raised a brow. “You want the curse broken as soon as possible, don’t you?” When Kazuma nodded, he added. “Then yes, now. I will call a carriage.”

Kazuma watched, baffled, as Barok went off to…wherever the hell he was going. Well, he supposed it was nice of Barok to help, and he was sure that Herlock and Iris knew at least a little about magic. The problem really was Ryuunosuke, if he was there…Kazuma would probably turn into a cat.

Well, hopefully that wouldn’t happen.

When a carriage had arrived hours later, Barok and Kazuma got inside, making the journey from the van Zieks manor and to 221B Baker Street.

━━━━ ❰ · ❉ · ❱ ━━━━

The trip to 221B Baker Street was silent, though Barok seemed to prefer it that way. Every moment of waiting was torture, sitting and anticipating when they’d finally arrive at 221B Baker Street. Kazuma just wanted this entire cat curse nonsense to be over already, he’d rather not turn to a cat every time he got startled. He had let out a sigh of relief when he saw the building of Herlock Sholmes’ abode come into view. When they had arrived, Barok paid the driver and the two got off the carriage, Kazuma looking up at 221B Baker Street. Kazuma had been here plenty of times…and this was the first time he wished that Ryuunosuke wasn’t inside.

“You are to explain your predicament to Mr. Sholmes and Ms. Wilson. This is your problem.” Barok said.

“I planned as such, Lord van Zieks.” Kazuma replied.

Barok nodded, reaching out and knocking on the door.

“Hold on a second! I’ll be right with you!” Ryuunosuke called out from inside.

“Mr. Naruhodo is here? Then that means…” Barok shot Kazuma a glare. “Mr. Asogi, don’t you dare-”

But it was too late, the smoke erupted yet again, and now Kazuma was a very grumpy cat who was glaring at Barok.

“…You have to be joking.” Barok mumbled to himself.

The door opened, and Ryuunosuke greeted him with a nervous smile. “Ah! Lord van Zieks! It’s…quite a surprise to see you here!”

“Believe me, I’m surprised too with this ridiculous situation I find myself in…” Barok murmured to himself.

Ryuunosuke continued to nervously smile, as he asked. “Um, pardon?”

“It’s of no matter, my learned friend.” Barok said, picking up Kazuma by his arms, who immediately let out a surprised angry yelp. “I found this cat at my doorstep this morning. Mr. Asogi has informed me that you have adopted this cat.”

“I…don’t think Suki likes that, Lord van Zieks.” Ryuunosuke said, eyeing Kazuma, who was struggling in Barok’s grasp.

“I’m hardly fond of the cat, either.” Barok replied.

Kazuma was very tempted to scratch Barok.

“Well, he’ll warm up to you! Uh…eventually. Hopefully.” Ryuunosuke reached out and pet Kazuma’s head, smiling when he calmed down and nuzzled his hand. “See? He’s very sweet.”

“Only towards you, perhaps.” Barok replied.

“No no, he’s really a sweet little kitty. Just uh…don’t do anything he doesn’t like.” Ryuunosuke said, continuing to pet Kazuma, who had started purring. He looked up at Barok. “How did he end up at your manor, Lord van Zieks?”

“I haven’t a clue, and neither do I care.” Barok replied.

“Oh.” Ryuunosuke said.

“He is your problem now.” Barok said, shoving Kazuma in Ryuunosuke’s arms. “I must speak with Ms. Wilson and Mr. Sholmes.”

Kazuma shot Barok a dirty glare. How the hell was this supposed to help?

Ryuunosuke was growing more confused by the second. “Umm…okay.”

“Goodbye.”

“Uhh, goodbye, Lord van-” Ryuunosuke tried, stopping himself when Barok walked past him coldly. “Well…he’s friendly.” He said that a little sarcastically, before looking down at Kazuma with a smile. “So you went to Lord van Zieks, huh? For all of these days? I wondered where you went. I was worried about you, Suki.”

Kazuma cradled into Ryuunosuke’s arms as the two went inside. He looked around, meowing when he saw a distinct lack of Susato inside.

“Oh? What is it, Suki?” Ryuunosuke asked, adding when Kazuma looked all around for any sight of Susato. “Ah! Where’s Susato? She went to spend some time with Gina.” Ryuunosuke said, adding with a laugh when Kazuma meowed in protest. “She’ll be back in a few hours, Suki. For now…it’s just me.”

Well, that sounded nice.

Kazuma eagerly snuggled into Ryuunosuke’s lap when he had sat on the couch, leaning into his touch. He loved the feeling of it, of Ryuunosuke’s fingers combing through his black fur, of the gentle tenderness with every pet and smile. He could sit here all day, in silence, in Ryuunosuke’s embrace. Kazuma had noticed it, when they were in university, how great he was with animals. He still remembered the devotion and affection he had for the shrimp he took care of back in Japan. And that affection was still there now, as Ryuunosuke smiled gently at Kazuma, petting him softly.

“Oh Suki. I was worried about you, you know. But I know cats can be…independent, I guess you needed some time to yourself, huh?” Ryuunosuke laughed, soft and light.

Kazuma meowed.

“So Susato told Kazuma about you, huh?” He said, then pondering to himself. “Kazuma hasn’t visited in a while, Suki. I miss him, I like spending time with him…” He trailed off, turning to Kazuma and smiling when he meowed. “I know you’d like him, Suki. He can be a bit…well, Kazuma. But he’s one of the best people in my life.”

Kazuma stared at Ryuunosuke, and had he not turned into a cat earlier, he would’ve turned into one now. The clear adoration and love for Ryuunosuke was…well, honestly, Kazuma didn’t know how to describe it. It made his heart soar out into the heavens, joining the shining stars above. Ryuunosuke always found a way to do that, to make his heart swell with joy, making him feel like the happiest man on earth. And while he knew that Ryuunosuke treasured him just as much, that man couldn’t keep a secret for his life, hearing it said by Ryuunosuke himself…there was something different about it.

“Really, Suki. I love every single second I spend with Kazuma.” Ryuunosuke continued saying as he reached over and scratched the back of Kazuma’s ears, his smile growing wider when Kazuma purred. “Sometimes he calls me his partner for life…and honestly? I’d…like that. To be by his side until the end of time. I really care for him-”

And then, suddenly, Herlock barged into the room, holding several vials and splashing Ryuunosuke and Kazuma with water.

“BEGONE!” Herlock screamed as he showered the two with water. “BEGONE, WITCHES’ CURSE!”

“W-WOAH!” Ryuunosuke cried out in surprise, shielding himself from the water being sprayed on him. “Mr. Sholmes! What on earth are you-” A cloud of smoke erupted from his lap, and when the smoke dissipated, Kazuma in his human form was on Ryuunosuke’s lap. “K-Kazuma? How did you get here?”

“Um…meow?” Kazuma tried.

Ryuunosuke had never looked more confused in his life.

“I knew that’d work! Holy water really did the trick!” Iris said with a grin as she walked into the room, then adding. “You know, if that didn’t work we should’ve tried using salt instead.”

“Salt…helps with magic?” Barok asked as he walked into the room.

“Depends on the kind of magic it is!” Iris replied.

“H-Huh- what is going on- why are you still on my lap, Kazuma?!” Ryuunosuke cried out in surprise.

Kazuma leapt off of Ryuunosuke’s lap.

“You see, my dear fellow, Mr. Asogi has been cursed!” Herlock announced, then adding. “At least, formerly.”

“WH-WHAT?” Ryuunosuke looked legitimately baffled.

“Yeah Runo! Kazzie turned into a cat whenever he felt strong emotions.” Iris said.

“It was quite baffling, really.” Barok added.

“Wait, Kazuma, you’ve been…cursed? And you were Suki?” Ryuunosuke looked legitimately flabbergasted. He frowned. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I ah…haven’t had the opportunity to, yet.” Kazuma said, then adding at Ryuunosuke’s raised brow. “I turned into a cat whenever I saw you.”

“But you only turn into a cat when you experience strong emotions…” Ryuunosuke trailed off.

“And that’s our cue to leave!” Iris announced, grabbing Barok and Herlock’s arms. “Come on now, Hurley! Lord van Zieks! Let’s leave them to their…private conversation.”

“Iris, what kind of conversation can they possibly have without us? If Mr. Asogi needed to say something, he should say it with us!” Herlock protested.

“Trust me, Hurley. They want to be alone…”

The two were left alone, and Ryuunosuke turned to Kazuma, looking no less confused since Herlock had splashed him and Kazuma with water. Honestly, Kazuma didn’t blame him. If he were in Ryuunosuke’s shoes, he’d be confused too.

“So, Kazuma…” He trailed off, unsure what to say. “You’ve been cursed.”

Kazuma nodded. “Yes.”

“How did this even happen?”

“Ah well, it’s a long story…Ah, remember the trial I stood witness in?” Kazuma asked, adding when Ryuunosuke nodded. “She cursed me, and then the next thing I knew…I turned into a cat whenever I felt strong emotions.”

“But that doesn’t answer one question.” Ryuunosuke said, then asking. “Since you only turn into a cat when you feel strong emotions…why did you turn around me?”

“Well I suppose…I feel strong emotions with you, Partner.” Kazuma replied.

“What kind of emotions? I hope it isn’t hate.” Ryuunosuke said.

“Far from that, Partner.” Kazuma slowly smiled. “My feelings towards you, they’re pure joy. Whenever I’m around you, I feel as though the entire world stops. Your smile and laugh…lord, Ryuunosuke. They put me in a good mood every single time. And I feel like the happiest person in the world, knowing that we’re partners for life-” He stopped dead in his tracks, as he realized what he was saying. “Dear god, Susato-san’s right. This is love.”

“What?”

“These feelings I have for you, Partner. They’re love.”

“Wh-WHAT?!” Ryuunosuke looked absolutely bewildered. “And you’re just realizing this? And telling me at the same time?”

“Um…yes?”

“Kazuma, you are…you’re too much!” Ryuunosuke said, shaking his head. And slowly, he smiled. “And I…really like that.”

“…What?”

“Kazuma, I’m not exactly subtle about it…but I love you too.” Ryuunosuke’s smile grew wider, as he held Kazuma’s arms in his own. “I’ve loved you for a very long time, really! And…I’m happy.” He then laughed. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Kazuma smiled back. “And I in turn, Partner.”

The two smiled at each other for a moment, and leaning in, they both kissed. Kazuma felt like he were the luckiest man in the world, feeling Ryuunosuke’s lips on his own, in his warm and comfortable embrace. It was gentle and soft, and yet the tenderness showed every bit of love and adoration the two had for each other. Kazuma wanted to stay like this forever, with Ryuunosuke, with his love and adoration and devotion and everything that made him amazing. He would do anything just to stay a moment longer in Ryuunosuke’s arms-

“Naruhodo-san?! Kazuma-sama?!”

Kazuma and Ryuunosuke separated, turning to Susato, who stood at the doorway gaping at them.

“S-Susato-san?!” Ryuunosuke cried out, shocked. “Weren’t you with Gina?”

“I was! And I didn’t think I’d come back to…this!” Susato replied.

“Well, I suppose it’s no secret now…” Kazuma slowly smiled, wrapping his arms around Ryuunosuke’s waist. “Susato-san, Ryuunosuke and I love each other.”

“Oh…oh my…” Susato said, then bursting out. “I must tell Mr. Sholmes and Iris at once!”

The two watched as Susato fled the room, the two of them laughing.

“You know she’ll tell them we’re in a relationship, don’t you?” Ryuunosuke said with a laugh.

Kazuma slowly smirked. “Well…is it true?”

“I don’t know…” Ryuunosuke smiled coyly. “Is it?”

Kazuma sighed, giving Ryuunosuke an exasperated look. “Just tell me, Partner.”

“Alright then! It is.” Ryuunosuke said with a laugh.

Kazuma chuckled, then saying. “Right then, I’m your partner.” His chuckle transitioned into a small smile. “I really do love you, Partner.”

Ryuunosuke smiled back. “I love you too, Kazuma.”

The two kissed again, and honestly Kazuma couldn’t believe it, that he had gotten the man he was in love with…from being cursed, no less.

Maybe curses weren’t so bad, after all.