Private Finished Searching for the Purrfect Solution

Natasha frowned as a look of real irritation flashed in the vampire's eyes when Ezra mentioned Tadashi's sister's reaction again. It reminded her way too much of some of the cattier women at court - feigning indignation and outrage while hurling unfound accusations and acting all offended.

Behavior like that was selfish, hurtful, and childish in her mind. It does nothing to help the situation, only exacerbates it. If the girl had been so worried about her brother's welfare, she might have tried to further an encounter, reunite the two friends in some way, but she hadn't which made Natasha doubt her intentions. It sounded like she was trying to drive a wedge between the two friends, not defend her brother's feelings, and that made Natasha's Russian blood boil.

"I think your friend's sister, as much as she assures you otherwise, does not seem to have her brother's best interest at heart, Ezra. Think about it. Why did she not tell you where Tadashi was?" Natasha pointed out.

"I would have," she said. "If Tadashi was my brother, and I knew he cared for you, and was heartbroken at your departure, I would have tried to fix things," her Russian accent more apparent now that she was incensed.

"I do not know what Tadashi thinks, but I do know people, and you Ezra, and I know you'd not do anything malicious to hurt a friend. And I suspect Tadashi knows this too... I think he'd hear you out. He might be scared of you leaving him again, but if you explain why you left and that you would never hurt a friend, he will probably come around," Natasha said as she took out her phone.

"No, I am afraid that I do not speak feline," Natasha remarked with an amused and slightly bemused smile and look on her face as she finished typing a message to her friend Zoraida about her grandfather's adoption.

"Although," Natasha said to Ezra just as her phone buzzed, notifying her that she had a message. "I might know where you can find Tadashi," she told him as she clicked open her screen and scanned the message quickly. It was from Zoraida, confirming that yes, Rafael had adopted three bakenekos - Tomomi, Shiro and Tadashi.

"Of course, I will take you to Tadashi. Whenever you want, even tonight if you like," Natasha said as she gave Ezra a warmly and reassuring smile, sensing how relieved and nervous he was feeling.

"I am not sure," she admitted as a city bus drove by them, heading down the street. "What sort of things does Tadashi like to do?" she asked, needing a bit more info before she suggested a gift of any sort. She figured that this required something thoughtful and with heart, and showed Ezra knew his friend.

"Actually, I just might have an idea or two of where you two could meet that is neutral, and a comfortable safe space," Natasha said as Ezra told her about Tadashi's interests which were surprisingly similar to her own.... except that Natasha couldn't give life to her paintings.

"I don't know about Tadashi, but as an artist," Natasha said as they reached a taxi stop where they could wait and hire a cab to take them home. "A nice portfolio where they can keep their art is always appreciated, so is a box to hold their paints or drawing pencils," she suggested.

"You are very welcome, Ezra," Natasha said as she flashed him a very pleased look when he thanked her.

"I am going to assume that for both you and Tadashi a weekday or evening is not the most suitable time to have a reunion of any sort," Nat said thoughtfully as she considered all of the best and worst options.

"How about next Saturday afternoon?" she suggested after a fashion as she also mentioned that it wouldn't be a problem finding an artificer or a witch that could enchant objects. She was sure the Del Bosque witches would know somebody, and if they didn't she could ask around the MCSS.