The inspiration I got from this fic came from… staring at the Singapore River during CNY for a full five minutes, I think. I suppose the fact that I was wondering if all cats hate water was part of it as well. -.-;;

As for the timeline… it is during Drae and Cae’s honeymoon, before they entered the STW.

—

He wondered wryly, who had been the one to comment that all cats (or rather kittens in this case) despised water

Looking at the redhead who had taken to submerging himself into the water until only his eyes and higher showed above the water surface, he wondered if Dr. Grakimia had actually used a tiger cub’s genes instead of one that belonged to a cat.

Even before his disappearance, Draenaria had always been fascinated with the idea of soaking in a tubful of warm water each time he returned from a mission. But now that he had returned, it had practically become an obsession and a day-to-day routine that simply could not be missed. Which was probably half of the reason towards why they were staying in this specific hotel where a personal onsen[1] was provided in half of the rooms.

“Cae?” A wet hand waved to and fro across his peripheral vision, dripping water on his drying face and waking him from his thoughts. The hand was soon replaced by an equally wet face with bits of crimson hair sticking on his skin and its owner peered at him curiously, “What are you thinking about?”

“Why you seem to adore water so much.” He replied truthfully.

“Did I use to hate water?” Draenaria asked, apprehensive.

“Quite the contrary actually, I could never find any cat that likes water any more than to drink it, much less one that likes it as much as you do.”

“Well then shouldn’t you be glad that I’m a special kitten?”

“Yes I am, Drae. Especially with you sitting on my lap like this.” Alcaedo murmured, a suggestive grin resting on the edges of his lips.

Face flaring to the same shade as his hair, the redhead pouted and waddled back to his spot in the onsen before proceeding to resume his previous activity. Soaking.

Looking at the relaxed look on his lover’s face, Alcaedo allowed a full smile to appear on his face. Special can’t even begin to describe you, my dear adorable kitten.

-Ende-

[1] – Onsen = Hot spring