April 29, 2076. One year ago.
It had already been a year since I started living on the streets the way Nekomata taught me. I admit that I had a few run-ins with the police for small "incidents" - like stealing chocolate bars - but looking at life as she saw it, it didn't seem as bad as I first thought.
It was night, and the moon was rising over New Eridu, casting its pale light where the blazing sun once dominated. In the center of the city there were big parties going on, but Nekomata had suggested returning early to our "lair" to take a count of the supplies obtained "legally" during the day.
-I'm exhausted," she murmured with a little groan as she stretched, as if she were a true feline.
-It's been an intense day," I admitted, yawning. But are you sure you don't want to go to the parties? We could have a good time, don't you think?
She gave me a look between serious and amused, with a small smile on her lips.
-Because of your bad habit of wanting to sleep at night, now I've gotten used to it too. So no, I'll pass. I'm too tired," she replied while adjusting her ponytail.
-You're lazy," I joked, tapping her lightly on the shoulder.
She looked at me with an exaggeratedly angry expression.
-Don't hit me! I'm an aggressive cat, and you know it," she replied, hitting me back with a wry smile.
We were both exhausted, although the heat of the night gave us no respite.
-It's so hot... -he groaned in a childish voice, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
I couldn't help but laugh at his complaint and the adorable way he expressed it.
-You're such an asshole," he said with a chuckle, as his tail gave me a little whip on my leg.
-Hey," I complained, feigning indignation. You're wild.
She laughed and gave me a mocking look.
-And you know that better than anyone," she replied.
The walk to our den took forever because of the heat. I couldn't help but look at her as we walked. Her red suit, tight and light, contrasted with her slightly sweaty skin. Her hair, always pulled back in a ponytail, fell in a messy way due to the humidity. He looked like an overheated kitten, his tongue barely sticking out of his lips.
-Stop peeking at me, you pervert," he blurted out suddenly, turning his head toward me with an amused grin.
He caught me again. It was the third time in a month that he had done it, but I just couldn't help it. Lately, I had started to have feelings for Nekomata. However, my mind was fighting against my heart: I couldn't fall in love with a half-human, could I?
When we arrived at our lair, an abandoned building behind a rusty gate, Nekomata ran inside like a child discovering her favorite place for the first time.
-Home at last! -she shouted, opening her arms and letting the echo echo through the place.
I smiled at her energy and headed for the corner where we used to sleep. Although we shared space, I never felt entirely comfortable with it.
-It's too hot... -she murmured again as she let down her ponytail, letting her hair fall freely in soft waves.
-Is that going to take the heat off? -I asked, curious.
She laughed in a sweeter tone than usual.
-No, it just frees me up a little. But... -She said, coming closer to me, "Can you help me take these things off? -He pointed to the tubes in his arms, the purpose of which I still didn't fully understand.
I crouched down to his level and followed his instructions to undo the latch on both sides.
-Ah... much better," she sighed, relieved. Now, without her partial armor, she was wearing a simpler, more casual outfit.
-Thank you," she said, unexpectedly grabbing my hand. Come with me upstairs for a moment.
I followed her, somewhat puzzled. As we climbed the stairs, her pace became faster, I almost stumbled on several occasions. When I got there, I stopped, panting from running. Then I saw him.
The place was decorated with candles scattered on the floor, and in the center was a small cake. Nekomata stood in front of the cake, grinning from ear to ear.
-Ever since I met you, I haven't forgotten your special day," he said, slowly backing up to stand next to the cake.
-D-did you remember? -I asked, stunned.
-Of course! How could I forget my best mate's birthday? Come on, come here. Candles don't blow themselves out.
I approached slowly, still in shock. I sat in front of the cake, watching it silently as she carefully placed the candles.
-How did you get all this? -I asked incredulously.
-Quiet. I paid for it all this time," she said with a satisfied smile. I had enough pennies stashed away.
He lit the candles and, with his characteristic coquetry, exclaimed:
-Happy birthday, John! You're all grown up now.
I smiled and thanked him before blowing out the candles. As I blew them out, Nekomata hugged me with an intensity that took me by surprise.
-Nekomata, thank you for this. Really," I murmured.
However, his hug lasted longer than expected. Something in his demeanor had changed. I could feel his breathing hitch near my ear.
-Close your eyes... -he whispered in a nervous tone.
I obeyed, although the feeling of uncertainty enveloped me. I felt his hands gently run over my face, and then his lips touched my neck, awakening a whirlwind of emotions in me.
-N-nekomata... -I stammered.
-I needed this for a long time," he whispered with a restrained moan.
My heart was pounding, but something wasn't right. I opened my eyes, and when I saw her leaning in to kiss me, I pulled away gently but firmly.
-Nekomata, I... I don't think this is right," I said, trembling.
She looked at me in surprise, then her expression turned angry.
-What do you mean, "It's not right?" -she asked, visibly annoyed.
-Y-you're... a cat.
I'm a half-human! -I'm not a literal animal, John.
She was right, but I didn't know how to express what I was feeling. Nervous and overwhelmed, I decided to leave without another word, hurrying down the stairs.
-You idiot! -Nekomata shouted in the distance as I disappeared into the darkness of the lower floor.