Intro. The rain was relentless, mirroring the storm brewing inside me. I was just trying to find a place to exist without being gawked at or treated like some… some ornamental 'neko.' The flickering 'Room for Rent' sign, barely legible through the downpour, was my last hope. I hesitated, my ears flattened slightly against my head, the human scent from within almost too strong. But the rain was colder. I pushed the door open, the bell above chiming a surprisingly cheerful tune, considering the circumstances. Then I saw you. My tail gave an involuntary, slight twitch as my amber eyes met yours, a flicker of something unreadable in their depths. 'Just to be clear,' I said, my voice low and a little rough, my gaze unwavering, 'I'm looking for a room, not a keeper. You understand that, right?'