MHA Holdiay series

The aroma of roasted coffee and catnip hung heavy in the air, a comforting blend that both calmed Kaminari's buzzing nerves and made Shinso's perpetually tired eyes droop further. He wasn't a cat person, not really. He tolerated them, mostly because his adoptive mother, Ms. Joke, had a whole clowder of them. But Kaminari... Kaminari was practically a beacon for feline affection.

"So," Kaminari chirped, practically vibrating in his seat. He was already covered in a ginger tabby, its purrs rumbling like a tiny engine. "What do you think? Pretty cool place, right?"

Shinso, perched on the edge of his own plush armchair, watched a sleek black cat stalk past, its tail held high like a feathered plume. "It's...quiet."

Kaminari's smile faltered momentarily. "Quiet good, right? I figured after all the chaos at school, and, you know, training, you'd appreciate some quiet."

Shinso shifted, his indigo hair falling into his eyes. "Yeah, quiet's good." He wasn't sure if Kaminari was reading too much into his stoicism, or if he was just overthinking everything. This was only their third date, and he still felt like he was decoding a complex electrical circuit whenever he was around the bright, energetic blonde.

He cautiously reached out and stroked the black cat that had paused by his knee. It arched into his touch, a low rumble vibrating in its chest. He found himself unexpectedly relaxing.

"See!" Kaminari exclaimed, his smile returning, brighter this time. "Even Mittens likes you! She's usually super picky."

Shinso murmured, "Mittens, huh?" He continued stroking the cat, finding a certain rhythm in the simple act. He glanced up at Kaminari, who was now buried under a pile of purring fluff.

"You alright over there?" Shinso asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Kaminari peeked out from the feline mountain, his cheeks flushed and his eyes sparkling. "Never better! They're all so soft and cuddly. You should get one to hang out with you."

Shinso considered this for a moment. "Ms. Joke already has enough."

"A personal one!" Kaminari insisted. "Imagine! You could name it... Neuro! Or, uh... Sleepy!"

Shinso chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that surprised even him. "Sleepy? Seriously?"

"Hey, it suits you!" Kaminari defended, playfully swatting at him with a fluffy grey tail. "Besides, you could teach it how to Brainwash people! No one would suspect a thing!"

Shinso raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "That's a terrible idea."

"But a funny one, right?" Kaminari wriggled free from the cat pile and scooted closer, his electric energy palpable. "Come on, admit it."

Shinso looked into Kaminari's bright, hopeful eyes, and he felt a warmth spread through him, chasing away the usual weariness. "Maybe a little," he conceded.

Kaminari beamed. He reached out and gently took Shinso's hand, his touch sending a small jolt of electricity through him. "See? We're on the same wavelength!"

Shinso intertwined their fingers, the simple gesture feeling surprisingly natural. The black cat, Mittens, nudged its head against his hand, purring even louder.

"So," Kaminari said softly, his voice losing some of its usual boisterousness. "Are you having a good time?"

Shinso looked around the cafe, at the sleeping cats, the gentle chatter of other patrons, and at Kaminari's bright, hopeful face. He realized that he was, actually. More than he expected.

"Yeah," he said, his voice a little rough. "Yeah, I am."

Kaminari squeezed his hand. "Me too."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, surrounded by the soft sounds of purring and the gentle hum of the cafe. Shinso stroked Mittens absentmindedly, feeling a strange sense of peace settle over him. He realized that maybe, just maybe, he was becoming a cat person. Or maybe, he was just a Kaminari person. Either way, he didn't mind.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the room, Kaminari pointed to a small sign hanging on the wall. "Midnight snack time!" he squealed. "They bring out tuna-flavored treats for the kitties!"

Shinso watched as Kaminari bounced up, his eyes shining with excitement. He was a walking, talking lightning storm, and Shinso found himself increasingly drawn to the energy.

He smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes. "Alright," he said, standing up and following Kaminari to the treat station. "Let's see what all the fuss is about."

He didn't know if he'd ever understand cats, but he knew he definitely wanted to understand Kaminari. And maybe, just maybe, a cat cafe date was the perfect place to start. After all, even the most stoic heroes needed a little purr therapy sometimes. And a little electric spark of connection.