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( closed to @luck ) your turn to die: sou hiyori
With varying vanities, from every part, they shift the moving toyshop of their heart.
With varying vanities, from every part, they shift the moving toyshop of their heart.
With varying vanities, from every part, they shift the moving toyshop of their heart.
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[ In his case, that would mean until he's free of his infestation. The water is truly disgusting by now. It's full of dead insects and dirt and God only knows what else, and that's more than enough reason to keep him for a time. It does ease his heart, and the thought of spending more time with him is enough to cause butterflies to flutter in his stomach. It's just for a short time, but he finds himself caring less about the state of their bath as he sets a bottle to the side.
He brings his heels in, shifting onto his knees before facing the edge of the tub that faces the stairs. He places his hands on it, looking up and to the side. They have a towel holder, but he'd been distracted enough that one set had been left on the floor. His ears lay back as reaches over for that, half pulling himself onto the ledge as he claws at it before finding purchase. There's a wave as he settles back in with it, content with having succeeded.
It's a surprise that he's willing to expose his back to Hiyori given his nervousness, but perhaps he has started to settle a touch. There's a nice scent wafting through the room, and perhaps that's what's helping to improve his mood as well. ]
I'd be happy to... Here, turn around -
[ He dips his hand into the water, watching as the washcloth flutters up before settling as it collects the water. He lifts it back up, wringing the water off before dripping a liberal amount of soap onto it. ]
- I've never had another cat in the house, so it's a bit like being visited by a distant cousin for me.
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The corners of his lips twitch up into a smile as the tail swishes against him. It looks terrible, and it's not quite pleasant, but it's nothing that can't be washed up and the damage is nothing that such care can't fix. They have access to better resources than most, so the process will be far less painstaking than it might be were he to find himself in the hands of any other.
Eventually, as he's working his way down from his upper back to the small of his back, he answers, ]
... I would be disappointed if they hadn't found me by then.
[ Hiyori is fortunate in every way, but in that regard he doesn't think himself to be special. There are owners who don't care, but even those in poverty will painstakingly look for pets that they have lost, plastering up missing powers and offering monetary rewards that they simply don't have. Nor is it especially difficult in this day in age where animals are advertised and there are conscious efforts to reunite those lost with their owners.
Maybe he had tried and failed, or maybe something had happened where he had to stop. It wouldn't change the hurt he would feel if he were left to find them instead. It's fortunate that he has such things to focus on; they chase away any odd thoughts of wrapping his arms around the other and licking and nibbling on his ear, or letting his hands wander lower and lower at a time when such things would be more inappropriate than ever, instead focusing his thoughts on something less crude. His ears lay back, his tail curling around his body. ]
I suppose if I had no where else to go then I would, but... Hm, I'm not certain what I would do if I found somewhere else.
[ He hesitates with those last words, afraid they might come off as baiting. But it's the only honest answer that he can give. If he went back, he's not sure he would be able to look at them the same... But the cat in front of him might be different. He seems lonely, but resigned to that as much as anything else in his situation. ]
If it's what you want, we can certainly assist you in returning to your owner. It should be easy enough to find them.
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[ It's sad to hear. His owners have protected him from all harm. Those that come into their home are carefully curated to ensure they'll do none, while he's kept from the outside where such fates await. He takes his time in finishing up with the remainder of his back, touching upon a few parts of his side that are so easily overlooked. He wonders if he would be amenable to redrawing the bath after he's done. It's filthy enough that they're just going to get dirty all over. Still, he looks far better than he had, and the shivers and lack of growls or hisses tells him that he's not being so rough as to cause offense.
He'll have to get him some water after this, and some wet food. He would do well to have a good meal and to hydrate, and then perhaps he can invite him to the sunroom to warm up his cool body. His owners are generous hosts, and so he must be as well... But it's a bit more than that. Hiyori wonders if he does well, if the other might not find himself less hesitant to stay in his presence.
How strange, how strange... Maybe that really is why she brought him in, aside from her own kind heart, as he's heard that cats do better in pairs. ]
Ah... You are free to stay here if you would like... It's only myself and my owners, as they never had children, and we want for nothing. It would be no trouble to house another. I believe we would all come to be rather fond of you, and, ah... I truly am not normally so inconsiderate...
[ Those words are cautious and careful, the tone of a person who wishes to ensure that they don't come off too strong in their proposal. He flinches as the water splatters across his face. Hiyori rinses off the washcloth once more, squeezing fresh soap onto it before leaning over to offer it to him, careful not to press against his back for fear of agitating his injuries. ]
I was mistaken... This may be a touch bold, but you are a beautiful cat, and you seem to be charming in your own right, and I should think that anyone should be happy to have you in your home.
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I'm only being honest. I feel as though I've mined a precious gemstone and begun to brush the dirt off.
[ It's such a flowery way of speaking that it might be seem excessive to others, but it's the only way he knows how to communicate. They're honest words, filled with affection and meant to reassure the person before him. If only it didn't leave the water so disgusting, the bugs floating about it in make his skin crawl to see. He'll need to wash off all over again, as his skin is dirty and he's certain he can feel things caught in the lose hair that's touched the water.
He lifts his hands up and shakes him off, wanting as little of him soaking in it as possible. The open air is chilly, but he resists the urge to place them back in and instead leans over so he can fold them on the edge. He could dismiss those others of hand, but he suspects that if he does so he'll only dig his heels in; it's clear that he's been through quite a bit of unfortunate events. ]
I see... You've had no luck in staying in a single place, hm? I won't force you to, but the option is there... Ah, would you like to refresh the water once you're done scrubbing off? It might be a bit more enjoyable without all the grime floating about...
[ Though perhaps he'd rather not be in it for that long... Hm. He'll have to make sure that he rinses off in the shower at least. ]
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Yes, I'm a bit old to be introducing another cat to. I suppose it should have been done incrementally, but my breed is known for being amicable and enjoying the company of others.
[ I think I gave the wrong breed before but it's Siberian cats who are known for how needy and noisy they are... Siberians' are known for their amicable personality and how well they do with humans and other animals alike, even going so far as to greet guests; they're a vocal breed who actively seeks the attention of others, and Hiyori has an exceptional temperament. It's easy enough to acclimate to a cat that is subservient to him. ]
But I must admit, you do have a different air about you than most strays do... Ah, you're less uncouth than I thought one might be.
[ That's not quite what he' referring to, but it is one more point in his favor. His ears flick as the sound of the water going down the drain hits him, and once it's started to reach the end he'll dump the water over him before filling it back up and repeating the process a couple times. It has the added effect of washing away any dirt and bugs still clinging to the floor, and what isn't caught by hat is by the way he splashes it across the tub floor. He leaves the water running now, testing the temperature to ensure it's warm before taking his hand back. ]
Is this warm enough for you?
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[ Hiyori is a fair bit more dainty about stepping back into the bath water. It's much nicer, he thinks, clear with bits of steam wafting off of it. He draws his kneels partway up as he sinks down, tail quivering beneath the water as the other goes on and his ears standing up. He would have thought it would have been stranger to take a cat with another bath than it is, but perhaps that's because his bath partner is so casual about it... No, he finds that it's nice to have someone to converse with like this. ]
Of course it is more personal, but Kocchan is quite cute, is it not? Of course, I wouldn't be so rude as to force a nickname upon you.
[ He does have some semblance of manners! He places his hands on his knees, leaning forward. He can throw them around easily, but nicknames are typically reserved for those who share a special relationship rather than strangers. There are those who throw such norms out the window, but they tend to be the ill-mannered and socially stunted types, or girls who still have a bit of a childish side of them... If they were family, he might call him by their first name, but that's a bridge too far. ]
Are you worried of what others will think?
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I suppose not. "Sou" is the only name that I can recall being addressed by, but I can't say if I was given one prior to that.
[ It's odd to be referred to as Hiyori, but he's willing to allow it. He turns his head to the side and shifts his position, trying not to focus his attention on the view that's offered to him. Humans are embarrassed by their own bodies, but they also fear being seen as sexual beings, and he finds that concern to be perfectly reasonable now. How much nicer would that delicate, pale skin feel under his fingers now that it's not covered in layer after layer off grime? It's a shameful question to ask himself, and he only looks back once he hears the splash of water and the waves it creates brush up against him.
He thinks too much, but so does his companion. Names are a method of humanizing another. It gives them an identifier and promises them that they mean something, that they are someone, rather than just being a concept or an object. ]
... "Komaeda-san" will be fine then. It's unusual when living with someone, but not unheard of, and I should hate to see you continue handwringing over something so inconsequential. My owners should be willing enough to do the same. If you would show the same respect by using my given name, I would be grateful.
[ He's not pleased with this compromise, but he finds that it would at least be acceptable. ]
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Naturally, a person who's rolled around in the mud and been stuffed into cages and done God only knows what else with other disgusting animals wouldn't have such a reaction... How annoying. ]
It's kind of you to offer, but there's no need. I'm already given everything and anything I desire... Your company is enough.
[ He sits up straight, wringing his hair out. He's reluctant to do so, but he stands up and steps out of the tub. He takes a towel and uses it to scrub his hair first, then wipe down his body, before finally wrapping it around his waist. He walks over to Komaeda, pulling open one of the drawers and taking out a detangling spray. He holds the bottle out. ]
Work this through your hair and spray it on the brush. It'll help with the knots in your hair.
[ As for the meal... Wild mushrooms can be poisonous to cats, albeit at their weight it would take a fair amount, but the ones bought at the store are largely fine. Cats crave them, in fact, and Hiyori isn't an exception to that, albeit... He's not sure how they might be mixed with tuna. ]
... If you would be so kind, I'd be happy to try.
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He opens his mouth to reject the offer outright, then closes it as he considers. The idea of scarcity doesn't exist in his mind, but the other seems to view these occurrences as more transactional. ]
You're free to use those in the kitchen instead if you'd like... Please, don't feel as though you need to go out of your way. You are our guest, and I should like to treat you as one.
[ He's far more concerned with the niceties and appearances that they concern themselves with than solidifying the pecking order by stiffening his posture, hissing and swiping if needed. He busies himself with pulling on the edge of the mirror. It swings forward to reveal it as a recessed medicine cabinet, and he takes out a number of supplies before pressing it shut. ]
Now, let me take care of your injuries before you go about smearing mud into them again... I have medical training, so something like this is no trouble... Is your tail injured as well? it doesn't seem quite right, and you'll need to trim the fur on parts of it...
[ Hiyori's face briefly scrunches up with concern as he thinks of how much needs to be done. His hair is a little more soaked than it was, but a little too much won't hurt while making the knots far easier to remove, and the rest require nothing more than a bit of care followed by rest. He must be the type to dedicate himself fully to any project he takes on as it's only after he's said all of this that he finally answers the original question, only to go back to inspecting him, ]
Oh, and I don't have any allergies... Ah, now that you're cleaned up I can see what a poor state you've found yourself in, but not to worry, you'll be better before you know it!
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[ He starts the process of placing soft caps over his claws. It's a bit inconvenient to have them at times like this, as they tend to rip right through the thin latex as he pulls it on. He's better educated than any cat should be, really, enough to recognize the need to downplay it around others. His owners have nothing to feel insecure about when they're talented as they are, but for others it would be a hindrance to have a pet that might exceed them.
The gloves go on next, and he opens a tube and squeezes a healthy amount of a the contents onto a cotton ball. ]
They never had any children, so I suppose they wound up pouring the affection that should've gone to their next of kin into their pet... This solution will help keep infection away, and it'll expedite the healing process.
[ Then again, maybe they're just odd. They're geniuses who except in multiple areas, and between the pair they seem to be able to do anything at all, and those types are always unusual. He starts the process of patting the cotton ball against his injuries, quick and light motions meant to help it sink into the sink. He'll no doubt go through a few of them and much of the tube, but that's not a problem. He's not completely ignoring his dismissive comments though, and he continues on, ]
I'm paying forward the kindness they've shown me, and I hope that if given the opportunity you'll do the same for another.
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Have I given you some reason to write such a cynical narrative?
[ He offers a soft smile as he slides the gloves off one after another as he tries to work through the problem at hand. The claw caps come off next, though those takes a little more effort to tug off. He's never liked them. When he was a kitten his owners had tried to use them to protect their furniture only to find that he would use his teeth to pull them off within minutes each time, and even now he can only tolerate them for short amounts of time. He hated the feeling of them on his claws, especially at a time when he resented even being here.
When he thinks of it that way, Hiyori realizes how unfair it is for him to grow agitated now. It must be just as frightening for the stray before him. Still, it seems doubtful that he'll appreciate a clinical explanation, so he tries a different approach, though one that's no less honest, ]
Humans are quick to grow agitated if you don't use precautions when caring for them. Our claws are too sharp, and their injuries are easily infected... But we're both cats, so I suppose it doesn't matter.
[ He pulls the last one off and sets it down. He hadn't seemed to appreciate it much when Hiyori touched him last time either. He bends over to pick up the tube. ]
... There... I only need to do a bit more, so let me finish, alright? I'm sure it's unpleasant, but you'll feel much better after.
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It's much safer to have him as a housecat, locked up tight yet displayed for visitors as though he were a jeweled antique placed in a cabinet, and what problem is there when he's happy enough? It's not as though he wants for a world where he'd be looked down on or treated as a thing, and his owners are kind and loving individuals who ensure that his every need is met. Hiyori takes a moment to grab the boxers and pants that he'd set out before, slipping both on and tossing the towel aside before he grabs the rest of what he needs. ]
Hm... Is that so...?
[ There's a quiet, thoughtful sound as he processes both statement that matches his expression. The easy smile slips before locking back into place, his eyelids lowering halfway. It's not special, but cliches are so often cliches for a reason. Those stories of love and courage all go the same way, yet they can be gobbled up by many with ease for want of life to be real.
He inspects him with a bit more care now, dabbing it here and there, placing gauze and tape and bandages over the bigger ones. The smaller ones he leaves for the sake of not trying to turn his patient into a mummy. From his neck and then down until he's crouching down and inspecting the rest of him - for cuts and bruises, fractures that might not have healed correctly, and so on and so forth, avoiding touching the other cat more than necessary for fear of overstimulating him. There's a sharpness to his gaze as he does so, the sort of intensity and care that's reserved for those dedicated completely to their practice. ]
Humans and cats are quite similar, aren't they? Both are limited only by circumstances... If I've become more human, then it's simply a result of having the opportunity to do so, though it seems that I lost a few things in exchange... Ah, might I see your tail for a moment? There's clippers as well, so you can trim the fur when you're ready...
[ It's uneven and no doubt matted in places. The final question comes out in a slow and careful tone. It's a big ask, and it wouldn't be shocking if he responded with a sharp objection. But there's no harm in it, and it's what he himself needs. He doesn't lament who he is or what he's missing in terms of feline behavior, but his mind will start to slip into more forbidden territory - how much he could do, how much he could be, how worthless and talented so many humans are compared to him. ]
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He's confident enough. ]
... Perhaps, but the way you've been moving it hasn't seemed quite right. I've found that people and cats both can handle a bit of offense better than they do amputations.
[ It's unlikely that it's anything so serious, but it gets his point across well enough. There are worse things in life than an incredulous request. He considers the counteroffer with a thoughtful hum before nodding. He's heard that sometimes doctors will do similar tricks to put their patients at ease. ]
Yes, that seems fair to me... It wouldn't be right for me to ask for your trust without offering mine in return, would it? But I believe if you intended to do any harm, yo would've done so by now.
[ If not before, then at a better opportunity. He shifts his position, sliding next to Komaeda so they're sitting by one another. His tail is up, the tip curved into a question mark. It snakes out from behind him, thumping against Komaeda's lap playfully, the tip curling and uncurling now. It's as perfectly maintained as the rest of him, fluffy and soft as a feather. He's no more fond of doing so than any other cat, and he's sure to watch more closely now, but he has to set a good example. ]
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