Shota's Stash

Elly shoved one of her suitcases back in the closet. Hopefully she would never need to use it ever again except on happy holiday trips with her laconic boyfriend. Frowning, she pushed a little harder when it wouldn't fit all the way back. She wriggled in under their pro hero outfits and casual clothing hanging obsessively neat on plastic hangers above. 

"Damn th - oh! A box." She sniffed curiously at it. Shota's apartment before she had moved in had been completely barren. There was one couch, a table, a bed and a drawer and nightstand. The only splash of color was the little aqua fishing pole mouse she had bought him on their first date. He had set it inside the drawer of the nightstand so it dangled cutely. That said, he owned absolutely no personal possessions that she could see.

But what was this?

The box was packed so full that the carefully applied tape had burst. She dragged it out into the light and gaped at its colorful contents as they spilled partially out onto the wooden floor. 

Furry and cloth-patterned mice, rattan scatching sticks and short fishing poles, feathers and more. Her feline nature was going crazy with the overwhelming scent of catnip when he walked into the room.

"Ches," he scolded her softly. "What did I tell you about digging around in the closet?"

She looked first at the box, and then at him, her striped tail lashing excitedly at her flanks. "So -"

"No."

"Can I  -"

"No."

"Can I play with them?"

He sighed sharply, the breath whistling out of him as he rubbed the bridge of his nose with two fingers. "You know what, dear? Sure. I'll even get you started." 

Elly was reeling at the affectionate name so was unprepared when he chose a large packet of catnip and opened it onto her head. 

Her ears flicked crazily as she reeled backwards with her legs splayed out in front of her. She stared reproachfully at him for a moment and then began to sneeze. He grinned hugely as he watched her pupils dilate.

"Look over here, my queen..." He held his phone up and snapped several photos. 

Elly blinked, trying to wipe the dried herb off her cheeks and rolling onto her back. 

"No blep? Come on, cutie, I know you've got one in you." He reached out and dusted some of the catnip on her nose. She nipped at his finger but was too slow. A moment later her tongue slipped out as she stared, cross eyed, at the elusive flakes. Aizawa nearly laughed himself to tears and took so many pictures he had to create an entire folder for them later.