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

[ 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...

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[ 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. ]

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[ Hiyori frowns. Perhaps it was a mistake to let his owners bring a foreign animal in here, but he can't cause them such trouble as to pick a fight over it now. He would rather be a housecat than a filthy stray. It isn't as though the other cat's done anything more than roll around in the mud and nearly get himself killed, hardly anything to be proud of. But he bites his tongue, as it's true enough at least that he didn't choose to come here.

None of this shows in his face or body language, as he's mastered the art of masking his emotions. The touches had caught him off guard, but that was the entire point of it. He shrugs. There's nothing for it but to take care not to allow it to fluster him in the future.]

The two aren't mutually exclusive, [ He remarks instead before continuing on to answer the question, ] But I've never had kibble either.

[ It's garbage food that's full of fillers and other additives that are harmful to cats, and that's to say nothing of the recalls, or so his owners' thoughts would go. It's not unlike canned food, albeit he doesn't mind canned tuna or similar products. He hesitates for a moment before clarifying, ]

I believe they call it "fresh cat food"... But it might be more accurate to say that they allow me to have whatever might be available.

[ There's the specialty bags that are procured specifically for him, ones that match his delicate taste buds, but he's just as often simply given access to fillets and sashimi. It's a been a trend among pet owners for some time now, and in particular the rich and wealthy who can so easily make such a switch. The idea is to bring a cat as close to their natural diet as possible without the risks of raw foods and the like. But he's sure it'll just be one more bit of proof that he's not a real cat and that he lacks essential life skills such as being able to break a rodent's neck - which he can do just fine, incidentally.

Will it be a comment about how human it is? How his so-called hunting skills go as far as venturing into the kitchen to be hand-fed? Or perhaps he'll go on about how pampered he is even by a house cat's standards. There's no shortage of options. ]

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[ His tail quivers when the other accepts his offer at last. It's not what he expected, but it does a fine job of dampening his irritation. He's a cat, but he's one that were raised by humans. Humans aren't able to raise kittens properly. They don't know the right way to scruff or groom them, they can't teach them to hunt or communicate, nor any other common cat behaviors, nor even how to avoid blurring those lines. Perhaps if he were with his mother for another handful of years it might have been different. As it is, he has no trouble serving as the master of the house in their absence. ]

... I believe tuna would do quite nicely. They can' be found around here... I'm sure it would go well with mushrooms, if you would be so kind as to get those...

[ It's a way of trying to share in what Komaeda offers. He is curious, and he believes that this will serve well as a compromise. He doesn't eat anything that hasn't been chosen for him by his humans, while tuna is a saltwater fish that can't be found in the area. They're one of the better ones for cats as well due to their oils, and with any luck it will do well for the other... Sashimi and mushrooms might make for an odd mix for humans, but he's not object to the idea.

Those factors aside, it's just a slight twist on Komaeda's prior suggestion - they'll just have raw tuna rather than canned. ]

I have the most beautiful color, don't I? Who wouldn't treasure such a rare breed with a color that's all but disappeared from the gene pool? But that's all humans admire about me. If I were a common black cat, no one would pay me any mind.

[ He's sheltered, but not ignorant nor stupid. He waits a beat before he adds, ]

It would be nice if we were judged by our efforts as much as humans are, wouldn't it? But as it is there's no difference between us in the eyes of humans save aesthetics, and so you deserve assistance no less than I.

[ It's a roundabout way of saying that neither of them have any true value in the eyes of society. Komaeda is a beautiful cat, so perhaps it's his sickness that makes it difficult for anyone to treasure him properly. It's difficult to own a sickly cat. They have too many needs, they're often moody and require more patience and love, and they're far too expensive for most to want to bother. ]

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No... It's the opposite. They're concerned that my value will attract unwanted attention.

[ They're only loved for their appearance, so they're far easier to take without guilt or worry. They're fat easier to kill for fun, and how much would the authorities care? Not much at all. They're protecting their beloved pet because the would the human world doesn't see his value in anything more than dollar signs.

But his value to his humans will always be far above that of a cat, pet or stray. He wrinkles his nose at the teasing, but he seems willing enough to take it in stride, just as he does the splatters on the floor. It's a bit uncouth, but nothing that will damage the property... Besides, for all his irritation flares, he's trying to temper it more than he might otherwise for the fact that he's interacting with another cat. It's not as he'd hoped it would be, not even close, but... Nonetheless, it's something he's wanted for a long time.

Cats have a reputation as solitary creatures. They're a far cry from pack animals like dogs, but even they get lonely when left alone so often. If it's a mistake in ways, it's a blessing in others; he wants him to be comfortable enough to stay, if not forever then at least for a time. ]

I'm not allergic to anything, no. I'm grateful to you for being so willing to do so.

[ That, too, is genuine; cats aren't always so inclined to share, and so even this much is a kindness. They're close to the door now, and his tail droops in response. It's always a bit lonely to see someone off, but it's easier when he thinks of being able to share in something new with them. But then, perhaps he'll just never come back? Ah, that would be quite the disappointment. After all... ]

... I'm happy to be able to share a meal with another.

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Sometimes. They work a lot, and they take their work with them as well...

[ The idea of a cat eating at the same table as its human owners is a repulsive one, but the extremely rich and genius are always the oddest and they're often inclined to invite him over. Still, their eating schedules don't align often even when they're home, amongst other issues, and when guests are over they wouldn't want a filthy animal sitting with them. He's not dirty at all, but no amount of grooming would convince anyone otherwise... But, he really does want to share a meal with someone like him.

His head tilts back, nose rising as he sniffs the outdoor air. It's fresh and clean, the smells he associates with the windows and doors being opened on nice days. The other cat has agreed to stay until he's better, but it makes his chest tighten to think of when he leaves for the last time. This could be it if he so chose. He twists the handle of the door a few times. ]

Alright... I'll be waiting, then...

[ He perks up when the other stumbles, and there's a step forward before he comes to a sudden halt and draws back, as though he'd run into some invisible wall. His ears lay back, his tail slips between his legs and curls around him, and he bites his lip. It's an embarrassing display of cowardice, but it's a testament to how well his owners have conditioned her. ]

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[ Hiyori is quick to shut the door after. The idea of leaving is enough to make him shiver, and he toys with the lock for a few seconds before clicking it. The bolt lock and chain he leaves undone, though he stares for an additional several seconds before he abandons it. There's a heaviness in his chest that wasn't there earlier today, that shouldn't be there now, and he can't quite understand why that is.

There's no sense in worrying about it. Rather than try to understand such a complicated wanna unnecessary feeling, he quickly checks the adjacent rooms until he runs into a servant to ask for help with both cleaning up the now soaked bathroom and preparing a guest room properly, listening extra linens and a few other things to make another cat more comfortable. It's not quite so much that he's in charge in the absence of his owners as that he knows when to approach them.

Once that's done, he'll slip into the kitchen to at least start pulling out the tuna. It's close enough to the entrance room that he'll hear the door so there's no particular reason for him to wait around like a dog waiting for it's owner, but...

Still, he finds himself drifting out and back into the entryway with his ears perked up, listening for any sign of someone returning. ]

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[ It does nothing for him when he approaches the door, his ears perked, nor when he peers out the window to see nothing but plant life. There's trees and bushes alongside the flora, a well manicured garden that he's never once touched. They have a few catnip plants that they pluck the flowers off of in addition to both indoor and outdoor cat grass, but he's never indulged in the latter as he's seen strays do

But he's not some slobbering mutt, so he won't peer out the window and whine like some slobbering mutt; until his owners come back, he's as in charge as any animal can be, and he has to keep himself busy. So keep himself busy he does, slipping back into the kitchen and beginning to slice up the tuna - thin slices that he shapes into hearts and shapes into roses. The scraps are placed in a bowel for later. If grilled or poached and marinated in gravy they'll make a perfectly fine wet food.

He doesn't complicate the presentation overmuch though, opting to keep it simple as he layers then on a pair of plates while leaving room on one side. The other doesn't seem like the type to want something overly complicated, which means the cute shapes should at as a nice compromise... Ah, do cats use utensils? His owners had always rubbed his ears and praised him so, certainly most of them should be able to, but... Ah, the other can simply ignore them if he wants.

He said he would come back, so it should be fine. ]

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[ Hiyori's ears twitch at the sound of the door. It doesn't take long for him to reach it. He should take more care in opening it, but as he already knows who to expect he decides to abandon his usual caution. This, of course, proves to be a mistake as what he finds waiting for him is Komaeda holding what appears to be... Is that a dead raccoon?!

His tail falls flat down, puffing up as he takes a startled step back, though it does seem to be the shock of it rather than an actual upset.

It's so disgusting, and he's dirty again too... Is this how cats outside live...? No, of course it is, that's how natural predators are supposed to live. ]

Welcome back.

[ There's no hiding his initial reaction, but he fixes his posture soon enough, and he does manage a small smile. His words are warm, and he is pleased to see him back. He shouldn't be ungrateful when the other is being kind enough to try and share his catch with him. ]

I'm impressed that you were able to hunt something in such a short amount of time...

[ why a raccoon though... ]

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[ That... That is a dead raccoon on the floor. He stares at it for several seconds before he pushes the door shut behind them, locking it up tight but leaving the chain undone. His owners will set it when they come back.

He takes the mushrooms next. The feline tries to ignore the blood splatters on them as he turns them over in an effort to identify them. ]

I believe you cut them open... If the insides are white, then they're safe to eat.

[ He has no practical experience, of course, but a lifetime spent indoors with educational material has at least left him with a fair bit of knowledge. The fur on his tail settles, though it remains low. ]

N-no, that's quite alright, but thank you for the offer... You're very kind to go so far.

[ What is he supposed to do with a dead raccoon... ]

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[ He doesn't remember Komaeda stating that he could be bringing a dead animal in with him. It's not as though Hiyori is a complete stranger to it or even particularly squeamish. His owners lost a pair of exotic birds to him as a kitten, and indoor cats are well known for killing for fun. ]

... Let me show you where the kitchen is. It'll be a better work area for you, and I can get you a knife and any other supplies you need.

[ He would rather not have his owners walk in to find a pool of blood. It won't be much better in the kitchen, but it'll at least be more reasonable. His ears prick, one ear angling to the side and his tail remaining low. ]

Will you need help...?

[ He'd rather not touch a dead raccoon, but it's rude for a host to simply dismiss something that a guest has brought for them in good faith.

Hiyori is going to be scolded for making such a mess in the house... ]

Edited 2022-09-13 17:48 (UTC)

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[ He's a bit too tactful to tell him how inconsiderate it is to drag a dead animal across the floor the same way a killer does their victim's corpse in a horror movie, but nor can he simply ignore it. ]

Er... Let me get that for you...

[ His face scrunches up as he bends over, turning his head away as his hand reaches out the same way a much might when lifting up something vile. He smooths his expression over seconds later, lifting it up and holding it a fair bit away from him. It might as well be trash in his hand, and it's awkward while his other holds the mushrooms, but he does find the right angle to keep it from dripping onto the floor so much.

He'll have to ask somebody to clean this up as well, but it's not as bad as it could be, right...? ]

Yes, I'm adept at working with my hands. My owners taught me how to work on other living creatures, in addition to other things...

[ So in all honesty, he could probably pick up on whatever he might need to fairly easily. He's just being prissy about it. ]

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You're not a vampire nor a mosquito, Kocchan, you shouldn't be drinking blood...

[ But he complies well enough, closing one eye as he adjusts his grip well enough to keep the thing from dripping onto the floor. He'd rather not make more of a mess than needed. There's a puzzled look at the mention of the brain as well, though he manages to keep his smile fixed in place. To his credit, he does well in keeping his thoughts to himself.

Why are strays so disgusting... He's glad he's never been one... ]

But yes, as I promised I made sashimi, if you'd like some...

[ It's fur is so course and dirty... It's difficult, but he's trying not to get nauseous over something that was done as a kindness... ]

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