Title: From each according to their means
Fandom: ねこあつめ | Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector
Rating: G
Length: 264 words
Content notes: In the game, cats will bring a 'memento' after a prescribed number of visits.
Author notes: Thanks to china_shop for making me add more commas! ♥
Summary: In cat gift-giving culture, the gift should reflect the giver.


Pumpkin lay in the shade of a large beach umbrella and watched the elegant cat in a hunting coat and unusual headdress. He held a brush in one hand and seemed to be making marks on a scroll.

"Hello," she said. "Are you writing a letter?"

"A poem, young lady," he replied. "A small commentary on the generous nature of our host." He gestured with his brush at the bowl of sashimi, and the toys and cushions scattered around the small yard, reciting,

"Happy cats gather,
Their senses delighting in
Such random kindness."

"Oh, that's lovely!" Pumpkin exclaimed, as the the cat carefully blotted the scroll, then rolled it up and tucked it into a drawer in the large bureau. "I'm not very good with words," she added, "but perhaps I could find another way to express my appreciation." Pumpkin curled up, purring thoughtfully. When she opened her eyes again, the strange cat had gone.

***

Kathmandu sat on the deck admiring a new lacquer bowl, when he noticed the little white and ginger tabby he'd spoken with the other day. He watched as she picked her way across the grass and leapt up onto the deck beside him.

"Look!" she said, setting down some brightly painted aluminium pins. "I found these. Do you think our host would like them?"

"I think they would be delighted." Kathmandu looked up from the pins to see the almost shy expression on the little cat's face morph into a pleased smile. "I will help you open a drawer," he said, leading her over to the bureau.