( closed to @luck ) your turn to die: sou hiyori

[killed]

With varying vanities, from every part, they shift the moving toyshop of their heart.

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[killed]

[ Hinata? He supposes this one was abandoned by their owner. That's not uncommon, whether it be due to death or poverty or simple dislike of the animal. He's heard enough stories, but it's always been a faraway concept to him. The cat behind him puts a face on it, though. It's disquieting.

They say that rabbits can die of loneliness if separated, so perhaps cats are the same. ]

Ah... No, she doesn't make a habit of bringing them here. I don't believe that I've interacted with any others. How fortunate for me that you arrived in one piece.

[ There's those outside, of course, but he's never felt any real desire to when his needs are met. No, it's just this one that's caught his eye; the scruffy white fur and the dull green eyes. He'd been struck by the desire to look at him, to watch him, and then finally to approach him in a way that he hasn't any other. He slows his pace until he's beside him, bumping against him despite the previous warning. His tail swishes behind him as he picks up his pace again after.

Then, a little more gently: ]

Hinata, is it? Hmm.. Humans move around a lot, but they're fairly easy to locate in this day and age. Why don't you stay until you can? It can't do you any harm, now can it?

[killed]

It's nothing like that... Come now, there's no need to fret so, no one here will do you any harm... There, there... There, there...

[ His ears and tail droop before perking back up as he slips up behind Komaeda, wrapping his arms around his waist and bunting his head against the other; purring and even licking his cheek, all of those learned behaviors from when he was a kitten still receiving comfort and love from his mother. It's warm and affectionate, too much so for a stranger, but perhaps because he's so used to being handled he doesn't notice it, or perhaps he's already decided he harbors such affection for the stray cat. Then again, maybe it's just because he keeps being pushed off.

It doesn't keep him from licking all the way up to his ear. ]

Kocchan, was it...?

[ Or is he Nagito? Either way he's already shortening his name and using a cute honorfic... Pampered, polite, and formal, and yet overly familiar and affectionate with a veritable stranger. ]

[killed]

[ It's a bit too personal, but everyone is with him. It's fortunate that he's from a breed that's known for such things, or it might be rather difficult on him when so many visitors come and go. His ears lay back when he hears the growl, the purring come to a halt, and his fingers grip and play with the fabric of his clothes for a moment before he lets go. It's not like him to be so ill-mannered when compared to chis company, and he realizes that it has been quite some time since he's seen another cat - long enough that he can't remember it.

It won't do to act so undignified, nor as excitable as he has been. He takes a step back, blissfully ignorant of the itching and subsequent medication that would come later to dispose of the fleas that will soon be something of an infestation. He nods. ]

Oh... Yes... Yes, of course. How rude of me. Please excuse my behavior, I've grown far too accustomed to dealing with humans... They're a fair bit more intimate.

[ It's a nice way of putting it but it's hard to deny that most humans would find these actions comforting - but then, they can only do so because they're pets and not other people. He clears his throat, fixing his posture and expression alike. It's as though his personality simply snaps back into place as he resumes wearing a kind smile and speaking courteously, the familiarity dropped in favor of something more formal, keeping just the right amount of distance to avoid causing any discomfort, ]

Allow me to introduce myself as well; I am Sou. It's a pleasure to meet you, Komaeda-san.

[ His ears flick, his tail up as he maintains his interest in the other, and he starts to hold his hand out for a shake before thinking better of it. Hiyori places his hands on his thighs and gives a polite bow instead. ]

[killed]

[ It's jarring to be referred to by his last name when he's always simply been Sou. He doesn't quite like it, but there's no sense in trying to correct him when it's a successful effort to draw distance between them after having it so abruptly closed, as they've already exchanged scents and he's showed the other with affection. He's already tasted him, albeit Hiyori believes that he may be tasting more dirt, dust, and grime than cat. It makes him wonder if he should offer a correct in response, as the other seems to be more content now. ]

It's best that we match, [ He agrees at length, but his heart skips a beat when his fingers brush against his shoulder. The brief sight of his face gaining a hint of color had been quite cute too. The base of his tail vibrates, a motion that carries up as it swishes back and forth just once, and he wonders how much cuter he must be under the grime and blood that stains him.

He gives a soft laugh. ]

You need not thank me. However much I'd like to take credit, I have little say in who comes and goes in this place, but I'm glad to be able to welcome you, Komaeda-san.

[ And how should he do that now? He can't be left to topple on furniture with his filthy body or put his grimy hands on anything as he is... He needs a bath and clean clothes, as does Hiyori for having touched him. ]

Ah - I was supposed to be showing you around, wasn't I?

[killed]

[ stoooppp he's just going to put his scent on him again after!!

Is the way that he is so strange? Hiyori doesn't think so. It's more likely that the other is reading too deeply into everything thing; cats are cautious by nature, and he's no exception to that. Why, then, he approached a strange, filthy cat then, is a question to be asked despite his breed's disposition. If it were another, he might have been a bit less overeager. But it's of little consequence when the other is proving to be generally inoffensive.

He keeps his easy posture, though his ears turn and flick as he listens to the footsteps behind him with care. He'd rather not have a repeat of being bit when that will only cause issues for both of them once somebody hears the commotion. ]

I should consider myself lucky to have such charming company! ☆ Why don't we take a bath first? You need it, and so do I...

[ He glances over his shoulders, his eyes crinkling as his smile grows and he lifts a hand to wave it before continuing on in a teasing tone, ]

We have two, so there's no need to worry about me pouncing you while you're in there... Unless you'd like me to wash you after all? 𝅘𝅥𝅮

[ He looks forward once more, keeping his head high and his tail up, the tip curved forward a hook He seems happy enough. He hums thoughtfully as he considers the other dilemma, namely that his guest's clothes are as disgusting as he is. ]

... Ah, I'll bring you clean clothes though. They might be a little big on you, but they should do for now.

[killed]

Hmm... Really? I should to be trapped with someone in such close quarters, but perhaps I have adopted one too many of their mannerisms...

[ He lets out a light laugh, his posture remaining the same, but there's just the faintest change in tone. It might be thoughtful, or it might be irritation, it's difficult to tell when he shows no other signs of or even amusement; it's impossible to say when he shows no other signs of a shift in mood.

It's there and gone in an instant, but at the very least there's no threat behind it. That, too, is a perfectly normal cat behavior - none of them terribly like to feel cramped together. What's of more interest might be the the brief moment when he mentions finding someone, as his smile does falter for just a moment with those last words Komaeda speaks, the corners of his mouth twitching and threatening to fall before he solidifies it, and he continues on without offering him enough time to think on either point, ]

Why, I've met you, haven't I? I'm sure there's a cute little feline hidden beneath all the grime. ♡ [ A joke, of probably, ] At any rate, rest assured that it's nothing like that. I can't fit into them any longer, you see, but you're thinner than I was at your height.` You may keep them, or you may throw them in the fireplace once you're finished with them, I hardly care.

[ Naturally, after not wearing them for so long there his scent would be long gone as well, and even the scent of detergent and clean linens drawn out. But he shrugs, as though to say that it's his choice if he wants to be so pedantic as to worry about a speck of fur being left. ]

[killed]

[ Perhaps he senses the anxiety felt by the other, because his head turns to glance over his shoulder once more; he doesn't need his eyes to navigate when these walls have been his entire world for as long as he can remember. They're mapped out so thoroughly that every step is boring, even the sound of his own footsteps would bore him if not for the second set behind him, for it's all been mapped out in his head so thoroughly. ]

Please, don't think anything of my comment, as I only meant that you might need a belt. I'm not so pampered as to not realize my circumstances, Komaeda-san.

[ There's no reason to detail the differences between him when such a thing would only be self-righteous; he's cared for on a perfect schedule, examined and treated with a rigidity that most humans would be envious of, and so much more that differentiates him from a common stray. He is sheltered and not stupid. His fingers interlock behind his back, his tail flicks back and forth just once before pointing straight back up as he thinks on that. Hiyori is beloved, an expensive prize that would never complain about his circumstances, and yet... ]

We were both born as we are, yes? I chose the color of my fur and eyes no more than you did.

[ He shouldn't choose any other pedigree either, for he is content with the life that he has. It is perhaps a bit lonely as he waits for another like himself to be found and paid for, one who he'll mate with here and there without any lasting bond, but better to be lonely in a gilded cage than a scraggly moggie on the streets. His thumb rubs the back his hand for but a moment before he claps them together before him. His moods are as fluid as water, coming and going without rhyme or reason so long as he sees it fit for the circumstances, because who is he acting for if not an audience? ]

So then, the matter is settled! I'm happy enough to lend you clothes until we can wash yours, and a your suggestion we shall bathe together. ♪

[ It's such a light and easy voice that he really might have suggested it rather than sneering at him for being so ignorant of norms, as humans are scared of vulnerability above all else, because he chooses it to be such. Sheltered, but not stupid, for he has to remember to temper himself always because while it's hardly the same as being so beloved and doted on - ]

I shall - [ There's a beat, a little pause where there shouldn't be one, and he covers up his hesitation with a little cough followed by clearing his throat and an apologetic smile, ] - enjoy your company for as long as it lasts. I, ah - as I said, my breed is near extinction, so it's rather difficult to find another...

[ Does that mean he's lonely? Of course not, he's perfectly happy with things as they are. All the same, this fondness that fills his stomach with butterflies is new - quite unlike what he'd expected. ]

[killed]

[ The bathroom is just a couple doors down. It's as vast and expensive as the rest of the house. It's a sleek and modern design of blues and whites with a glass walk-in shower and a large step-up jacuzzi tub. It comes complete with a few sinks, a vanity, cabinets, and a small closet for linens. There's even a dressing area in the back. Hiyori hums as he swings in to answer, making a beeline for the closet so that he can locate both. ]

Your spot would be filled, but it would be by someone entirely different.

[ He collects the linens, staring down at the fabric with a small frown as he considers that. They've only just met, and so it would be of little consequence to replace him with one of the hundreds of others that have a similar composition. It is, he supposes, a consequence of his own naive hopes of keeping the other here. It's not as though he's lonely, as he's given everything that he desire and more. It must be the novelty of having another cat in his presence.

Komaeda is kind enough to drop the matter of him finding another, but in the end he decides to clarify all the same, ]

I already know you better than I'll ever know the cat that I'll produce a litter with, should one be found, so I am satisfied.

[ At the very least, he will by the end of their conversation. This, too, seems reasonable to him when there's little reason for a purebred to mate than to ensure that their breed is continues. He does wonder how long it might take though. It should certainly be easier than it has been, and it's more vexing to think of knowing that negotiations must be had and arrangements made even after someone suitable is found... He might be just as happy with a filthy stray from off the street, if one were to catch his eye.

What an undignified though. He shakes his head to clear it away as he sets the items closer to the tub, instead trying to recall where his old clothes might be. He wonders if he might not be lucky enough to find a few sets in the closet here. ]

[killed]

[ His ears twitch as Komaeda explores the room and flops around in the tub. There's the sound of drawers opening and closing, along with doors, but with a little bit of digging he's able to find a few older outfits. He's a stray, so he likely wouldn't want anything as constricting as what Hiyori is so often dressed up in. He settles on a simple t-shirt and a pair of lounge pants with a tie in the front. They were snug on him even when he could wear them, which means they should fit the other a bit better. After some thought, he pulls out a similar set for himself. A couple pair of boxes, socks, house slippers... ]

Ah... How unfortunate. I've heard stories of that. It never ends well for either party, and it's truly repulsive of humans to force themselves on an animal.

[ He shakes his head to show his distaste for both the story and the idea of practicing it himself. He's never been outside to know how others live their lives, but he's intelligent enough, and one can pick up more than enough just from hearing humans gossip and tell stories amongst each other. That might very well be what would have happened if he were picked up by another. ]

You need not worry about that here. She's a kind woman, one who is in a happy marriage and who has enough money to find other means to satisfy whatever desires she might have. The same can be said of her husband. Their guests perhaps.

[ He's sheltered, but not at all stupid. He's well aware of the comments and compliments that have only increased as he's grown, looks and touches from people who stop visiting thereafter. He believes that there were efforts to kidnap him once or twice when he was a kitten, but that's nothing that he can remember. Beautiful cats seem to be a rare treat for humans to indulge in. But those humans are far and few between for him, as most are content to simply dote on and fawn over him, and so such problems remain distant and detached from him.

He sets the clothes down in separate stacks before sitting on one of the stairs for the tub before continuing, ]

As for me, I am content to wait. I owe it to them, and it would be a problem if I weren't able to produce at least one litter.

[ Well, it wouldn't matter, actually - there's no need real need for purebred cats when genetic diversity is of greater value in nature, but that thought doesn't occur to him. ]

[killed]

[ It's only natural that he'd be so considerate, isn't it? For all the differences between humans and cats, both are the product of their upbringing. Hiyori is well bred and well groomed to act as he does, to the point where acting in any other way would feel unnatural. But in return he's lost a piece of what makes him a feline. It takes a bit of thought, but he can still remember what his mother taught him when he was younger... That's right, he shouldn't have approached so quickly. He had been frightened when he was brought here, enough to hide for days.

What else is he forgetting? Plenty, he's sure. He knows how mating works for cats, the way that they mark, and the litters that they create. He finds himself detached from all that, as he's only needed until he can create a viable pregnancy. He'll have those encounters with his partner perhaps once a year until it's no longer viable, but that's how purebreds are handled in cases like his. Regardless, he should be more cautious than he is. This is his territory, but that only means so much.

It catches him off guard when Komaeda rubs against him, but it would make it easier on him if he were to scent mark, wouldn't he? It's a form of bonding for cats, but it's been long enough that just the words he offers leave him a touch embarrassed by it. He squirms a bit, but those efforts are otherwise rewarded with the low purr that rumbles in Hiyori's chest as it rises and falls. ]

That's an awfully cruel thing to say to someone, isn't it?

[ He closes one eye, but the twitch of the tip of his tail and the perked ears promise that he's not all that offended yet. It's nostalgic, and one always does crave the presence of their own. Though the thought of putting his hands all over the other is, ah - he doesn't quite mind the idea of that, and that seems to Hiyori to mean that he shouldn't think about overmuch. He shifts away from the subject, ]

I suppose it is a good thing, as I'm not very fond of answering pointless questions, but I shouldn't think you would want my hands to be all over you. You seem rather anxious, so I was certain that you'd rather I keep my hands to myself now.

[ Then again, perhaps he's changed his mind. Cats are fickle creatures, but sometimes they'll test the waters. So long as it's on their terms, they're more amenable to being handled. He reaches up a hand to brush his fingertips against one of the arms wrapped around him, so thin and frail when compared to his own, a part of him wondering if he might not squeeze.

He's getting his dirt all over him too... He doesn't think he's ever felt such a grimy person. ]

[killed]

[ He regrets the touch immediately. Hiyori no longer has the excuse of not realizing that the other doesn't wish for it, but he was unable to help himself. It's no different than a human who's been isolating. Now that he's in contact with another cat, he wants to see if it's real and solid, if their skin and fur are like his. He closes his eyes as the grooming continues before coming to an abrupt end. ]

Yes, you're right. Please excuse my carelessness.

[ He smooths his hair out, brushing the bangs out of his face. His hair is slick. It's a nostalgic feeling, one that sinks down into his stomach and weighs him down as well as an anchor. The days when he missed his mother have long since passed as she's faded into the back off his memory, as have those days when loneliness discolored his world, and to revisit it is like crawling under a blanket in the freezing cold. The warmth might come, but not until he's laid under it for some time. But it'll be ripped away long before that can occur. But he shouldn't dwell on that.

He turns over onto his knees, his calves half-protruding off the step as he folds his arms and cants his head to watch the water sink into the tub. His ears twitch as he listens to the water splash against the bottom and sink into the drain. His too pale for it to be anything but health issues. Hiyori knows more than enough about medicine and biology, both that of humans and felines, to guess, but he says nothing as his eyes flick up to the other. His tail gradually sinks down, laying partially on his legs and extending to the step as he settles.

He looks down at his own shirt at length, reaching down with one hand to toy with the hem. Komaeda is so gaunt compared to him too, his fit and toned frame something that many would be jealous of. But there's no one here today but his owners and the other cat, so he slips it off and loosely folds it in his hands before setting it off to the side. He wonders about the other's seeming unwillingness to remove his pants, but he can't imagine that anyone would take a bath with them.

He's always hated being looked down on, but especially for not knowing things. It's irritating. It makes him want to gouge the eyes out of anyone who does so they can no longer see down their nose, and to rip their tongues out to silence their worthless words. He has the distinct sense that he can only look forward to more of that now though. Quite frustrating. ]

Komaeda-san?

[killed]

[ It makes it more difficult for him than if he were able to ease up a tad. It's unfortunate that his own had decided to introduce a new cat in such a way, really, as doing so is often russian roulette as to whether or not they'll be able to adapt. It's a fortunate combination of factors that allows for this amicable meeting, including Hiyori's breed and personality but extending past that. He grows irritated about other cats drawing too near to his property to the point of slapping against the glass, but this one he's willing to share his space with. The air about him is different. It makes him less threatening.

So he shakes his head, holding his hands up in front of him with his fingers splayed before dropping them back down. ]

Please, there's no reason to worry so much, Komaeda-san. I've invited you in, have I not? That means that I've decided you may stay.

[ He's a bit ill-mannered, yes, and he's is still a little sore about their initial moments. He's decided to forgive that small misunderstanding so long as it's not repeated. Hiyori has decided that he may stay and has laid a claim on him in the same way he might a new favorite toy. He smells odd, but for the moment he's content with the fact that they've been able to exchange scents.

He's not sure how to say that he's a fair bit more civilized than some alley cat without causing offense, so he opts for something different, ]

You can leave them. We have servants, so they'll take care of it for you... Hm, are you particularly sensitive to scents? I believe that a mix of lavender, rose, and neroli can be quite soothing.

[ Putting essential oils in the bath is out of the question, as it sticks to fur and skin and can be licked off later, but there's an oil diffuser on one of the shelves. It's a nice combination for stressed out cats, such things are often used to help new cats adjust to each other. He undoes the button of his pants as he asks, smile plastered on his face. ]

[killed]

[ There's no more a need to conserve water than anything else, so the action doesn't bother him. It benefits Hiyori, who won't be forced to return to a cooling bath now. He's glad to hear it, as there are those with allergies who can be sensitive to scents, and the tension from the other is catching. Humans often use scents to relax after a long day and in stressful times, so why shouldn't they? If Hiyori has adopted so many human habits, it's likely because he's been treated like one in so many ways.

His tail perks back up as he places his hands on the edge of the tub and pushes himself back and off of the step, the soles hitting the floor first before he pushes off and presses back on his heels into a proper standing position. ]

Please. I'll join you once I've finished.

[ He fixes the button of his pants back into place. He can always undo it again if what he needs is in here, but he would rather not leave the room without at least this much. It's one thing to agree to it around another cat or his owners, but it's another to bump into the humans who work and visit in such a state. He walks over to one of the sinks first, checking in drawers and the cabinets beneath. He takes out one bottle, but the rest must be missing, because he disappears out the door soon after. ]