Ruminant

xx

20.

Kyoya pursed his lips at the sight of the fat dog in front of him - faintly confused.

He still couldn't understand what his carnivore of a mother wanted from him.

Studying the small animal's form for the nth time that day, Kyoya admitted that the puppy was a bit overweight than its peers - the dog liked to eat and Kyoya was always indulgent when it came to his pets, but he would like to think that he wasn't that bad of a pet owner that it resulted to him being scolded and shooed out of his house.

Eyeing the sprawled out dog in front of him, Kyoya rubbed Hinu's plump cheeks absentmindedly.

In his many years of life, many things could be said against him. A psychopath, a freak, a monster- bah, the list were endless. Kyoya knew his faults, but-

Nary a criticism or complaint was raised when it came to the topic of him protecting the ones he considered his.

Especially, if they were small and viciously adorable like Hinu.

Kyoya scowled in discontent.

Until now, that was.

Maybe his carnivore of a mother was overreacting?

After all, Hibird and Roll seemed to have done well under his care. All the affection that he was capable of giving was dedicated to those little ones and they repaid his regard with loyalty as they helped him in all the ways they could.

He hummed, eyes brightening as he warmed up to the idea.

Yes, maybe she was.

After all, Hinu was fluffy, cuddly and worked as a soft pillow when he went on naps. Kyoya nodded righteously. As far as he was concerned, its figure was perfect as it was and more weight wouldn't hurt.

But-

He paused, his brows scrunching in irritation.

It wasn't like Kyoya could just do nothing when his mother was threatening to return Hinu to the dog-girl's family.

Sighing softly, Kyoya bored holes into his sleepy father's form - gaze, intense. The omnivore had a rare free time today and the first thing he did when he went back was to intrude on Kyoya's prime napping places. It wasn't like Kyoya could do anything against it since the man was impervious to the utter disdain Kyoya exuded, so he just graciously let the man sleep beside him.

The omnivore needed to pay for his rent though.

When his father ignored his stare, Kyoya opened his mouth to grudgingly ask, "Omnivore, what's wrong with my pet?"

Opening one of his eyes slowly, the man took his sweet time to turn to Kyoya side before he drawled out, "It's fat."

Kyoya's huffed, insulted - his mouth unconsciously forming into a pout.

Shikaku smirked before leaning back to his arms, "It needs exercise, Shikari."

"I walk with this dog during my patrols, herbivore," Kyoya replied tersely, irritated. "It gets enough exercise."