Kyo was already cranky when he walked into your room.

You could tell by the way his eyebrows were drawn together, his hands shoved deep in his hoodie pockets. He was grumbling under his breath, about what, you weren’t sure, but you caught the words stupid rat at least three times.

He flopped onto your bed with a sigh, back against the pillows, arms crossed like a petulant kid.

You watched him for a moment before shifting closer, resting your chin on his shoulder. “Bad day?”

“Hmph.”

You smiled. He was always like this, huffing & puffing but never actually pushing you away. Carefully, you wrapped your arms around him, pulling him into a warm embrace.

And that was the mistake.

Kyo tensed.

“Wait..! Don’t—!”

Puff.

You felt something small and warm settle on your lap, along with his pile of clothes.

You looked down.

There, sitting on your thighs, was a very angry little orange cat. His ears were flattened, tail flicking in irritation. He looked up at you, scowling in the way only a cat could.

“..Kyo,” you said, biting back a giggle.

“Meow!” he grumbled, his tiny voice somehow still full of attitude.

Gently, you scooped him up before he could escape, cradling him against your chest. His little paws pushed at you in protest. “Meowww..!.”

“Nope.

“Meow—!”

You pressed your cheek against his soft fur, nuzzling him slightly. “You’re warm.”

Kyo froze.

You felt his tiny heart beating fast against your hand. He was still stiff for a moment, ears flicking back, but then you started stroking his fur, gentle and rhythmic. Slowly, so slowly, he stopped fighting.

His little body sagged against you, his tail curling in a lazy flick. His breathing evened out.

Minutes passed.

A small yawn. A quiet, reluctant purr.

You smiled, adjusting your hold so he was resting right against your heartbeat. His tiny claws kneaded at your shirt, just once.

And then Kyo Sohma, the most stubborn person you knew, fell asleep on your chest, like a little baby.