( 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]

[ Hiyori sinks down further into the tub, wiping his body down with a washcloth to remove any lingering sediment. It's warm, and he's not eager to feel the cold air on his skin once more. Kocchan it is, Hiyori decides, as he doesn't feel the need to reward such inconsideration... Nacchan would be even cuter, but he'll probably kick up a fuss about it if he takes it that far, and their meeting has been sour enough... It's a bit uncomfortable. It's the pheromones, he supposes. They're barely noticeable in humans, but it's much stronger in another cat.

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.

[killed]

[ ... Forage? He blinks, a touch confused as to why he would ever need to do so. It would be habitual for a stray though, one who lies off of scraps thrown by humans and whatever they can find for themselves. He has the distinct sense that this uncivilized creature will run out just as he is and come back as filthy as he was if he allows him to, but even that must be nothing more than a part of the routine.

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!

[killed]

My owners, mostly. They're at the top of their fields, so I've been able to learn quite a bit from them. For what they couldn't teach me, I've had more than enough time to teach myself.

[ 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.

[killed]

[ He flinches as the tube is knocked out of his hand. It smacks against the cabinet before falling to the floor, blobs of the ointment inside sticking to both. His eyes trail down to it, then his hands, and finally back to Komaeda. There's a cut in his glove where a claw cut it, but it seems to have stopped just short of breaking the skin... He frowns a little, puzzled as to why anyone would be bothered by something so commonplace. ]

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.

[killed]

[ He's been taught to be human without giving any of the freedom. Humans like beautiful and rare things, they see opportunity in picking up something that no one else has, and so he's been kept tightly locked up and carefully watched for thoughts of who might decide to take him as their own otherwise. Even if someone were to do so, there wouldn't be anyone upset at the loss of a cat - they would be frustrated and pitying of the owner for the monetary value of what had been taken. It's not inaccurate to say that pets are like toys.

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. ]

[killed]

[ He lifts an eyebrow at the comment. It's a bold request, but what does he lose if the other says no? He's in no position to lash out, but then they do say not to corner a rat. In either case, if Hiyori had meant harm he would have done it by now. Komaeda is sickly and injured, a frail thing that he could so easily pin down and tear out chunks of his throat with sharp teeth. But that sort of savagery isn't how one treats a guest. Besides, he's fond of this one despite his impertinence.

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. ]

[killed]

[ His tail is in no better condition than the rest of him. Hiyori takes care as he slips the tail into the palm of one hand, using the other to gingerly slide his fingers down it, inspecting mats and making an effort to check the skin beneath it. Where he's able to, he pauses to spray the smaller mats with a touch of dentangler and comb them out. The larger ones he leaves for the time being. It's heaver than it should be and unpleasant to the touch, but even a small amount of care starts to improve its appearance.

Unfortunately, he only gets so far before the swish of the tail in his hand catches his attention. This, combined with the words that come after, are more than a bit concerning. His own is squeezed and toy with by the other's hands. It's uncomfortable, as he's no more fond of such a sensitive part of him being handled than anyone, but there's little more than the twitch of the tip to show his discomfort as pressure is applied and released.

He turns his head, his ears perking up as he examines the other's expression, and pauses his work for the time being. ]

... Are you alright? We can stop if you need. There's no need to do everything in one sitting.

[ He speaks in the patient and gentle tones of a doctor speaking with their parent, or perhaps a parent to a child. He's already made up his mind don finishing this out, but it does no good if he stresses him out to the point of lashing out in the process. ]

[killed]

[ He really is a pitiful creature. As if the dirt and tangles weren't enough, even his tail is covered in wounds and pierced by foreign objects. It's a small miracle that he's not in worse condition. Hiyori can only stare as the younger cat suddenly pulls away, as though he were just suddenly realizing the problem. ]

Please, there's no reason for you to worry... You haven't hurt me yet, have you?

[ He's uncertain of what to do when the other seems to react poorly to both unwanted touch and words, but he places his hands on his thighs as he pushes himself up to join him. It doesn't seem as though either of them have done wrong here, but perhaps it's a natural consequence of handling a cat so unaccustomed to kindness. ]

If you weren't meant to be here, then you wouldn't be.

[killed]

They have no monetary concerns, and if they did they should be content with the sum they'll get by selling any kittens that I can produce. You were brought in to be kept.

[ He was all too expensive, and once mated his kittens would be equally so. Still, if he continues this line of discussion most more it'll only agitate him further. Hiyori's ears lay to the side, his tail swishing slowly behind him as his eyes fall back to the other's tail. He's no fan of leaving him in this state, but his cooperation has come to an end for the moment. They can try again later once he's less agitated.

He slips his shirt over his head and pushes his hands and arms through the sleeves. He tugs it down and adjusts it until he's content before picking up the second set and padding his way over to the younger cat to offer them up. His ears perk back up as concern colors his expression. ]

... We can stop here for now. If you're hungry, we can get food in water, but after that I believe it would be best for you to rest for a time... It's nice to curl up under the covers after a warm bath, don't you think? I can offer you a guest room for the moment, or you could stay with me if you would prefer.

[ As anxious as he is, the lateral offer will liekly be refused, but it's the thought behind it. ]

Would that be alright?

[killed]

You're thinner than I was at your height, so they might be a touch loose, but they should fit well enough. You're rather chilly, so the layers would do you good.

[ He must not quite understand his confusion, because he offers an earnest description. It's been long enough since he wore them that his scent should have faded by now, or so he hopes. If not, the other cat's will replace it quickly enough. Either way, he's relieved that they seem to fit well enough to cling to him. The water splashes onto him and stains his clothes. Hiyori wipes a few drops off of his face, his ears pointing up along with his tail. It's a little uncouth for a guest to so hard to tend to their host, but he forgives it because a stray needs things to be an exchange.

He really is cute with his hair resting clinging to his skin like that. It'll probably puff up once it's dry again, though he hadn't been able to apply the flea medicine either... He adds it to his mental checklist, along with seeing a guest bedroom set up for him. They have half-baths in them, so he should make sure that appropriate toilitries are stocked too...

He's snapped back to the present by the mention of going outside. He shakes his head. ]

... Hm? You really don't have to do that, especially not after just cleaning yourself up... You'll be filthy by time you get back, and we do have a pantry...

[ But he must already have the sense that this will all go in one ear and out the other because he touches Komaeda's arm to signify that he should follow. It's a light and brief touch, offering just enough to tell him that he should follow as he starts toward the bathroom door. ]

... You won't bring back anything strange, will you...?

[killed]

[ There's that rudeness again. He really can't stand to have others look down on him, much less by an animal who looks as though a stiff breeze might knock him over. Hiyori huffs, his ears laying back and his tail swishing back and forth. Cats are curious creatures by nature, but it's quite frustrating to be looked down on and picked at in such a deliberate way. He's this and that, he's not a real cat, and other such unpleasant accusations. How uncouth. ]

I'm not allowed to go outside.

[ The answer comes out sharper than he'd like, but there's no helping that when any response he can give will only be met with further contempt. How lucky his owners are to have a pet that doesn't feel the need to try and bolt out doors and windows, as cats are much like humans in how their personalities can vary. He keeps eye contact for several seconds before breaking it to open the door and stepping out into the hallway.

The other must be the sort who enjoys the thrill of killing other living creatures, albeit Hiyori is much in the same. On those rare occasions when he's found another living creature in the house it hasn't lasted long, including the pair of birds that his owners had once kept. ]

I can let you out, but you'll need to go alone.

[killed]

[ Honestly, what is it that he finds so unpalatable about one being a housecat? He's missing out on little save winding up with a mess of cuts, matted hair, and other such unpleasantness. But then he supposes a person with nothing has to find some way to make themselves feel better, and looking down on those more well off allows them to. He might have said as much if Komaeda pushing up against him didn't take him so off guard. ]

I-I really shouldn't... There are reasons my owners keep me inside, and they'll make such a fuss if they find out...

[ He swallows, his ears perking straight up as his cheeks tint pink. He's not shy by any means, but it's a little embarrassing to think the filthy things that come to mind with a stranger... But now that he's clean Komaeda is pleasant to the touch, his fur is soft beneath the matting, and he does have a pretty face. The mixture of him leaning and the sensation of a tail wrapping around his leg is enough to make his own tail quiver excitedly. It slips down to curl around the others for just a moment as soft purrs rumble in his chest/.

He would like to spend more time with this cat, though he can't imagine why he's so insistent on this point. Perhaps it's his own way of trying to earn his keep...? He does seem rather concerned about being sold or worse. Then again, maybe he just likes being the knowledgeable one. In either case, won't it just hurt him to continue refusing? But there's reasons that he's kept inside...

He bites his lip. ]


Though I do appreciate it...

[killed]

[ It's uncomfortable to have a stranger walk in only to try and uproot his entire life. Hiyori is a housecat through and through, one who has never ventured further than a backyard patio. The idea of going so far out is enough to make his ears lay to the side and his tail curl around his leg. It's not unlike asking a person who's unable to swim to jump into the ocean. ]

It's a bit boorish to come into another cat's territory before proceeding to try and drag them out of it, all while telling looking down upon how they live, don't you think...?

[ Whether it's humans or cats, there's none who appreciate being ordered and pushed around within their own space. It's more than that, in fact, it's a sign that he has no respect for him. That's a dangerous prospect, as those who do so are inclined to continue pushing and pulling while believing it to be their right to do so. If he allows it once, then it'll be twice, and so on and so forth.

He keeps walking to keep himself from growing too agitated by that prospect. Perhaps it would be better if he didn't fret about having company if his only reward is being looked down on. Humans are at least fond of him as he is, scratching behind his ears and under his chin and lavishing him with praise and compliments for his appearance and soft fur and his mild demeanor. ]

That aside, I'd rather not entrust myself to a cat I just met, and one who until now has made their distrust of me so clear.

[ Who would go along with a person like that, really? He's making an effort to be pleasant despite his mood bouncing back and forth, but Komaeda has made it difficult from the start. ]