"You're days late." The steely greeting Mister Takahara mumbled as he opened the door would have sent most running for the hills, but Kazuma had always been the exception.

"A wonderful welcome, as always." The younger man bowed to his superior before stepping into the entryway and sliding off his shoes.

"It's not like you to have such a frazzled appearance." Mister Takahara frowned in disdain at the muddied state of his partner's dress shoes. "I'm not sure about abroad, but over here, it's expected for a man of principles to take pride in being the face of his company."

Kazuma shook his head, the edges of his mustache twitching upwards as a smirk played on his lips. He hung his hat and coat before following the older man into the foyer. "It has been raining with blustering winds across the country for three days." He fiddled with his tie as they walked past the garden and Mister Takahara's office, sluggish eyes surveying for any slight changes in the nostalgic home he had been a stranger to for three years. "Or have you not noticed, being an eternal slave to your desk?" Kazuma stifled a chuckle as his eyebrows rose expectantly.

"Hah, and what of you?" Mister Takahara groaned and glanced behind him. His eyes were ablaze with a glare nostalgic to Kazuma. "I expect that you have returned home with more than enough expertise to guarantee your position here."

Kazuma couldn't help but release a laugh, flipping his head up towards the ceiling as a hand ran through his hair. "My my, if I hadn't known better, I would have taken that as a threat!"

"What makes you so sure you do know better? A man's priorities can change quite a bit in three years, including mine." Mister Takahara slowed as he approached the door to the tea room, shifting his body ever so slightly and allowing Kazuma a glimpse into his aged, strained stare. "So tell me, what now makes you worthy of calling my company yours?"

Booming laughter sounded from Kazuma once more.

So predictable, even after years without so much as a letter in the mail.

"Perhaps you should tell me, Tatsuo." He cocked his head to the side, matching his teacher's unblinking glare. "Have you found anyone better?"

After three years away on the man's dime, the question needn't be answered, really.

Kazuma relished momentarily in the flustered scoffs sputtering from his host's mouth, waiting eagerly for some more well-missed banter.

Just as Mister Takahara was about to muster a reply, a sudden strain of howls and pants seeped into the hallway followed by a thud and a groan.

"No- no! Mame! We have to wait-agh!"

Both men drew their attention to two white paws, and eventually a black snout, frantically sliding open the tea room door.

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Kazuma's eyes nearly popped out of his head as his heart swelled. "Is that-"

A large black shiba inu attempted to charge through the door opening and towards the two men in the hall, but her girth didn't allow for such an assault - the poor thing was caught whining and panting in between the door and wall.

"Mame, you fatty! You scratched me and now look, you’re stuck!"

A familiar head of shiny black hair popped its way into the hallway as a hand pushed the sliding door open.

"Micchan!"

"Kazu!"

Both parties locked eyes and had smiles as big and beaming as the sun.

Before he could tease her about her new hairstyle, Mieko was tumbling into Kazuma's arms for a hug while Mame jumped at his waist.

"Come on, you still have the mustache? You look like a tengu!" Mieko held her face in her hands, brows furrowing as she quickly inspected Kazuma.

Nothing's changed.

She breathed a sigh of relief as one of her biggest fears dissipated - Kazuma was still Kazuma, stuffy suit, tengu mustache and all.

"Well, what about you." Kazuma chuckled, tugging at a strand of Mieko's bob. "You look like you should be dancing on stage with all the other showgirls! When'd you cut it o-"

"Arf, arfarfarfarf-"

Both friends looked down at the chubby menace pawing at their feet.

"Oh, look at you." Kazuma continued his laughter, kneeling down and hoisting the dog into his arms. "It's no secret Micchan's been feeding you well!"

"Arf!"

He felt his heart flutter and had to hold back his tears as Mame never stopped barking and whining in his arms, her black eyes just as loving and expressive as he remembered.

"Yes, well she certainly wasn't cheap." Mister Takahara murmured from behind with his arms crossed. "She's double the weight before you left thanks to Mieko spoiling her."

"Which is exactly why I asked Micchan specifically to care for her. I knew she wouldn’t have Mame go hungry." Kazuma shot back, arms instinctually tightening around his fluffy pride and joy.

"Hm." Mister Takahara brushed against the pair fussing over Mame and entered the tea room.

"Ah-" Mieko peered up at Kazuma, both their hands still entangled in Mame's fur. "We'll talk later?" She asked hopefully.

"I'll find a way to escape, I always do." Kazuma winked playfully, handing over Mame to Mieko before making his way through the door.

"Arfarfarf!" Mame tried wiggling her way out of Mieko's arms as soon as she saw Kazuma heading for the other room.

"He'll be back soon!" Mieko cooed, silently shooing away Kazuma, his heart being torn in two at the sight.

"Hurry up with him and come get your lady!"

"I leave her to you!" Kazuma laughed before sliding the door behind him.

“Yeah, yeah, what else is new.” Mieko huffed. She stared down at the whining bundle of fur wiggling in her arms, shaking her head. “Men.”