"You assume I'd be carrying him," Tsume said dryly, watching as Kuromaru lifted one leg and paddled until he found a palm. He stepped up onto it, and rose another twelve inches, nearly spilling over Katsuko's shoulder--and suddenly bent head. Front paws planted on her not-completely-flat-chest, stopping himself from sliding right over. His tail wagged as he shifted to keep from breaking her neck, and he paddled the other leg until he found her other hand.

Tsume watched, her face twisted up, waiting for Katsuko to overbalance or collapse--or both--at any minute.