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Shichiro and Kalego were spending lunch together like they did every day. Kalego enjoyed being able to be a little more emotional and Shichiro liked not having to keep his mask on. They would chat about their day so far or something new Shichiro learned. That morning Shichiro decided to do research on helldogs for one of his new textbooks. The two of them began to talk about them when Shichiro realized something.
“Kalego, if I’m not mistaken you are part helldog correct?” He asked.
“You would be correct,” Kalego said, taking a sip of his tea.
“Excuse me if this is weird to ask but, would you enjoy tummy rubs then?” Shichiro asked, but was met with Kalego spitting out his tea then slightly choking, “I’m so sorry that was so weird of me to ask.”
“No,” Kalego coughed, “I’ve just never been asked that before.” No one had ever offered to pet Kalego’s stomach, his clan was very hands-off.
“Oh, did you want to try it then?” Shichiro propositioned, “Helldogs seem to enjoy it.”
Kalego placed his mug on the coffee table, “Sure…” he replied hesitantly. Kalego got up from his armchair and joined Shichiro on the couch. The gargoyle sat cross-legged and took up most of the couch, Kalego laid on the part that he didn’t take up.
“No, come over here,” Shichiro leaned over and picked up Kalego, placing him in his lap. Kalego looked up at Shichiro raising an eyebrow, which was met with a loving smile. If anyone else had done this he would’ve struck them with Cerberus, but he trusted Shichiro with his life.
He sighed, “Go ahead.”
Shichiro placed a hand on Kalego’s stomach, as he began to slowly rub. Shichiro’s large hands took up a big portion of his stomach. His hands were powerful however he was gentle, and he treated all living creatures with such grace. Maybe that’s what drew Kalego to him, his big gentle nature. Kalego smiled, he didn’t expect tummy rubs to feel so nice, they were so calming. His tail began to slowly swish under him.
Shichiro noticed his tail and decided not to comment on it. Kalego prefers people not to acknowledge things that are considered embarrassing to him. Kalego seemed so at peace, a rare grin on his face. It made Shichiro a little flustered, he looked cute. He wondered if it would feel better to be pet without the fabric between them.
“Can I pet under your shirt?” Shichiro asked.
Kalego was caught off guard, “What?”
“When you pet a helldog with a sweater they seem to enjoy it less than when they are pet without one. So I just assumed that-“
“I don’t need the whole explanation, just go ahead,” Kalego said, avoiding eye contact with Shichiro as a soft blush dusted his face.
“Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
“If I was I would’ve gotten up by now.”
That was true, he would’ve taken the chance to complain as well. Shichiro opened the top of his uniform and began to pet his stomach. Kalego stifled a laugh, Shichiro found this adorable and began to pet more ecstatically. Kalego could no longer hold back his laugh and began to quietly giggle. He rarely showed such emotion, Shichiro attempted to find a spot to make him laugh more. He scratched around different places on his torso until he reached a spot in the middle of his chest. Once he scratched this part, Kalego’s leg kicked out.
Shichiro began to pet Kalego vigorously in this spot. Kalego bellowed out in laughter, his leg aggressively kicking out.
“S-stop!” He yelled between chokes of laughter, swatting at Shichiro’s hands, but he kept petting, “S-Shichiro I’m serious!”
Shichiro’s buzzer didn’t go off, however he was half listening anyway. He was feeling enraptured at the sound of Kalego’s laughter. His laugh was contagious and Shichiro found himself laughing.
Kalego began to flail around, the pets felt delightful. Shichiro didn’t let up and the two of them filled the office with laughter. Kalego struggled to breathe and kept kicking out, his tail wagging excitedly. Kalego felt so vulnerable and exposed yet it didn’t bother him, he felt so happy here with Shichiro. He wanted to be in this moment forever, looking up at Shichiro as his eyes creased from laughing.
The mood died as the door swung open, “What’s so funny guys?” said an annoying voice.
Both Shichiro and Kalego turned to the door to see Robin standing there. They all stared in silence at each other. More co-workers walked up to the door to see what the laughing was about. They all stopped when they saw red-faced Kalego in Shichiro’s lap, and Shichiro’s hand on his bare chest. Kalego was frozen and just stared, his dazed feeling left after hearing the click of a camera. He could see red ears peek up behind his colleagues and could hear a giggle.
“Delete that,” Kalego commanded, with a wave of his hand he summoned Cerberus, “I’m serious Opera-senpai,” Cerberus began to chase Opera down the hall.
Kalego sat up in Shichiro’s lap and refastened the buttons of his shirt, Shichiro put back on his mask. He glared at the remaining teachers who disbursed in random directions. He sighed as he walked up to the door, running a hand through his hair.
Shichiro walked up behind him and put a hand on his shoulder, “Well…uh,” he began
“We are never talking about this,” Kalego said sternly, crossing his arms.
“Right.”