“It won’t happen again,” the younger one said, and I caught the older guy glaring at him. Well, I couldn’t change the world in a day.
“Good.” I reclaimed Kaos’s hand, and we passed by them, joining the crowd of cryptids that had gathered in what seemed to be support for us.
I was always aware of the privilege that being tall and muscled gave me over bullies and bigots, but it was only when I held a trembling Kaos in my arms that I truly understood the magnitude of it.
A thought struck me. What if I kept him safe forever with me? He’d never have to know the fear of being left alone and getting picked on by someone bigger.
But he was not mine. Or was he?
“Hold your head high, my kitten. I got you.” I tilted his head up with a finger under his chin.
His eyes gleamed with tears; his pink cheeks held salty droplets sliding down. I scooped one with my thumb and licked it.
His cheeks and neck were covered in fluff, but it disappeared in a blink. Was I seeing things?
Kaos offered me a small smile. “That was badass.”
“I only told them to apologize.”
Kaos giggled, his face lighting up.
The joyous sound was the most beautiful music to my ears. My precious kitten should never be afraid. Not on my watch.
Our destination was right around the corner. The BlackHorns brand was famous for their cryptid clothes and tailoring services. They would definitely have a coat Kaos would like.
“This is the store I told you about.” I touched him above his tail, directing him inside.
“I know it, but doesn’t it carry only fancy stuff?” Kaos took the place in, scanning the shirts, suits, and dresses.
“Hi there. Can I help you?” A tall clerk with dragon scales on his temples stepped elegantly from behind the counter where he’d been reading a book.
Kaos shook his head and took a step back, walking into me.
I steadied him and caressed his arms.
“We’re looking for a coat that would match my—” I swallowed, blinked, and forced my brain to process words I could use. Was Kaos my boyfriend? My lover? He was my kitten.
“I need something to go with my style.” Kaos squeezed my hand and straightened his back. “The elegant stuff is great, but it’s not me.”
“I can help with that. Let’s go farther back— have several sections here, each catering to a different interest and palette.” The click of the guy’s cowboy boots echoed in the open space with dozens of customers across the sections, most of whom had visible cryptid traits.
“This is more my vibe, thanks.” Kaos smiled at the man and traced a finger along the rows of black clothes labelled by material, from cotton and wool to silk. “I won’t be able to affordthis, but it’s still fun.” He picked a woolen-blend coat with a hood that reached his mid-thigh.
“You’d be surprised.” I lifted the price tag.
“No way. This place can’t be so affordable. I saw a store in San Fran and never even entered cause it always looked so fancy. I’ve heard good things about them too. Was I missing out?”
“These clothes are created for cryptid needs, skin types, more arms, legs, with cutouts for tails and horns, you name it. The cryptids who opened the first store over a hundred years ago made sure that whoever ran it or used the brand would follow the rules they set up. Make the garments tailored to all monsters, keep them affordable, and pay competitive salaries to all workers. Since then, many rich and fortunate people have invested in the company and donate regularly to upkeep the standard. They started by making sturdy jackets for activists, and you can still see the clear messaging in the logo and slogans. Non-cryptid allies buy here too, but you won’t find bigots wearing the BlackHorns brand.”
“I have that T-shirt with the Cryptid Alliance logo. I got it pre-owned.” He pointed to a stack of neatly-folded clothes. “And those pins too. I didn’t know it was from here. I love their vibe.” Kaos rubbed his hands together.
“Go hunt, then.”
I watched him browse, but he was quick about it. From a long rack of coats, he pulled one with a hood and big pockets that was large enough to reach his mid-thigh. He tried it on right away.
“What do you think?” He spread his arms to present his find.
I turned him around to face the mirror. “The coat is nice and warm, but I see this,” I pointed to the smile on his face, “and I like it even more.”
