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Post by Kisuke Leemara on Jul 7, 2009 13:20:25 GMT
The collectors shop had been around since before the current owner was even born, filled with keepsakes of ever manner and kind, from used toys to strange creations that no one could have known existed. Some even said that this particular shop sold things from the Forest of Columns, seeing how unusual everything seemed. Nothing purely normal walked into that shop--not even the people.
The owner, however, seemed as unusual as one could get. A tall, slender figure often adorned with black pinstriped pants and vest with shinny black shoes and an fresh white shirt--looks of a butler of sorts. However, he didn't come off as old or frail as many butlers did. He had a youths face, but with the stoic eyes of a watchman. He often wore glasses that seemed to create a proverbial wall between him and his customers. As his gaze suggests, he wasn't always the warmest of host to those that entered the shop unless the intrigued him some how. This curiosity he could not hide. This was made very apparent by the sudden presence of something else in his shop. Not a buyer or seller. Not a trinket or toy.
A cat.
A red stray had made its way into his shop. Kisuke wasn't sure how to really handle the situation and took to ignoring the animal...for the first few days. It caused no harm and sometimes barely moved a muscle as if watch for its next master to appear, much like the items he held within his walls. The cat was slowly but surely becoming apart of his shop.
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Post by Tawny Addison on Jul 7, 2009 15:11:26 GMT
(sorry love, had the farrier come out and had to deal with it.)
The cat currently is lounging on the counter of the shop, playing with dust flecks in a ray of sunshine that hits at just the right angle, his tail lashing with merry amusement and ears pricked as he swats and rolls, seeming to laugh at himself. He musses papers in his play, knocking several to the floor, and peers down at them in what seems to be apology before lifting his head to meow loudly and demandingly at Kisuke. He saunters over, swatting without claws at one hand. Pet me, I'm more important then whatever you're doing. He seems to be saying, tired of being ignored by the shop owner.
He is not a very attractive cat. His fur is matted, and dirty, and sparse; around the ears and eyebrows he's almost bald. he's a tabby, kind of; his long red fur has stripes of a lighter off-red color along his back, but no where else. But there is something in his blue eyes, something keen and intelligent and almost human in nature. This is no normal cat, though what he is is unknown. Of course, being the world this is, a normal cat would be more unexpected then one that is not. Still, the cat seems content to just be a cat, for now, and doesn't seem to want anything more then to be near Kisuke. He's there every morning, and would follow the man up to bed at night if he was allowed. As it is, when thrown out, he sits at the door and meows for an hour straight.
The cat is not used to being told no.
Or to being ignored.
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Post by Kisuke Leemara on Jul 8, 2009 23:10:29 GMT
The cat took the phrase bright eyed and bushy tailed to another level as the week went on. It was as if, it became more sure of itself around the collector. He never caused any trouble or broke anything. It seemed far more interested in gaining Kisukes watchful gaze as it wandered about the shop. It got to a point where Kisuke would move to move some things onto shelves and the cat would be right behind him. If he collector was fixing something, the cat was there to help...or make it take longer by throwing itself into the middle of it. The strongest observation Kisuke could make was that the cat was quite selfish. The cat did cry for his attention now and then and the meowing did get kind of annoying after he put the cat out for the night. He just felt like the cat was up to something, but after he kicked him out at night, the thing just sounded lonely, as if it had some kind of separation anxiety.
By the end of the week, Kisuke found himself just staring at the cat, trying to figure it out. People, he had figured out for the most part...but animals...they did what they wanted and didn't have to have a pattern or reason behind it. Animals...they just got away with so much. Though cats were probably the worst of them all. However...this one caused no havoc and bade no displeasure to him...aside from the fact that it looked quite dirty. Twas a stray he could only assume. Why else would a cat return day after day, promptly with each opening of the store. Then there was the fact that Kisuke started to actually be affectionate to the cat instead of ignoring it: Petting it. Giving it something to play with when customers were around to keep the cat entertained. He even thought to feed it, but thought that a bit much for a cat. It was his silent companion...like it or not.
"You need a bath, Red Tabby," he said, calling the cat by its earned name. No other way to describe a cat of suck a look. "You are probably the most displaced thing in this shop, but at the same time...you belong here. Even with your grudge look...I still let you in the shop without fail everyday. Does that mean you would like to stay?" The man seemed to sing prose to himself, not even sure the cat cared to listen to what he was saying or even understood as he scratched it behind his ears. He didn't even know of the things was a boy or a girl...
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Post by Tawny Addison on Jul 8, 2009 23:36:25 GMT
It seemed he has found a home of sorts, here, and being a cat, he was staying if he is wanted or not. But it doesn't seem like Kisuke really doeesn't want him; if he didn't, he wouldn't tolerate him. Wouldn't pet him, and talk to him, and allow him to follow around the shop, or harass the customers for a pet or two. Anytime one of them even suggested taking him out of the shop it was met with the cat vanishing into some dark corner or under the desk. If the matter was pressed, he hissed and showed teeth and claws both. He would not go anywhere he did not want to go.
Indeed, the wailing at night seemed to have turned into less of a cry for attention and more a mournful plea, like a rejected friend only wanting to make up and be with a special person. And when the door is opened to him, he would begin that loud, powerful purr, greeting Kisuke as if he had not seen him in weeks.
The purr rumbles forth now, as he leans into Kisuke's hand, eyes closed and paws kneading at the desk with pleasure. He lets Kiki's words wash over him, enjoying the sing-song quality to almost everything the man said, his purr growing in volume and-
-wait, what?
His eyes snap open, lifting his head from the head. Blue eyes narrow darkly, and he lets out a low, warning meow. His ears pin to his head, tail lashing across the desk to knock off whatever he can, head turning away as if utterly snubbing Kisuke and all thoughts of forcing him to bath. He can keep silent no longer, not with this insult.
"I am a cat, so I do belong here, as I belong anywhere." The cat says bluntly, turning back to Kisuke with an impish gleam in it's all too human eyes. "Though I am glad you think so, as I have come to be rather fond of you even though you leave me at night. And I am not grungy."
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Post by Kisuke Leemara on Jul 9, 2009 0:59:01 GMT
Had he been working to hard? No...maybe one of the customers brought something weird in...because there was no posibility that said a cat could outright talk. None the less, Kisuke didn't exactly freak out as much as he just stared quizzically at the wine colored cat. Not only had the cat pronounced human syllables, he was even angry about what he had said. So much for the cat possibly just being normal. Just being a cat. However...seeing what the world was like...would it really be out of order for something like that to even be suggested?
"So you finally decide to speak up then?" asked the collector as he closed the paper he had been attempting to read only moments before. "What you say is not something I can agree with, but if you suggest that cats belong everywhere, then you should go rant it out with the people who don't like cats." The cat saying that it was found of him was also quite obvious a sno cat would let you touch it if there was no mutual desire to be petted. It was as if the cat was controlling the situation...as most cats did. An "I say jump, you say how hi" type of situation. "I do not leave you every night, Red Tabby. I do as anyone would to a cat they do not own, set them back where they came from and shall roam free. This is no place I would wish to keep a cat."
The day had been rather slow today and he had a little time to think about why the cat was actually here and even more time to consider why he didn't mind if it stayed. Cats were far too mischievous, but Kisuke would dare not put she a thought into its little head if it had been no trouble before hand. The whole time the shop keeper had been talking to the read would-be nuisance , he didn't raise his voice and it cam rather calmly, even though...she conversed with a cat.
"I suppose I could actually call you by your name, now that I know you can speak it. Do you have one?"
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Post by Tawny Addison on Jul 9, 2009 1:31:11 GMT
If cats could raise eyebrows, this one would have; as it is, he seems surprised but content that his ability to talk is taken in stride. A dramatic reaction would have only annoyed him and made more of the situation then necessary. But this is partly why he chose Kisuke; because the man seemed unlike anything the cat had seen before. And he was curious, and interested, and this only made him more so. Even in a world of dreams, only certain people would not react badly to a cat suddenly speaking to them. Or rather, a certain quality of person.
"No one dislikes cats." He said, rather haughtily, though it mighthave been percived that there is laughter in the tone, if a cat could have such a thing. Perhaps the cat knew his own words to be folly. He took to grooming himself, but kept half an eye on Kisuke all the time, as if by letting the man out of his site he would slip out of reach, as well. "Some only don't know they like us. I'm sure you didn't, until I came. But now you like them. More to the point, you like me, and that is a rare thing I mean to enjoy."
He yawned, and stretched, rising to his feet. "I like roaming free, and I always will. You will not keep me if I do not want to be kept. But I also like to lay next to you and purr you to sleep, and warm your feet, and steal you favorite spot in a chair or lay on a book just as you get to the best part. The life of a stray is a lonely one." He blinked, butting against Kisuke's hand again. "I have many names, and I do not like any of them. I like when you call me Red Tabby]-it is as attractive as I am not. Poetic. So you may call me Red Tabby, or Tawny, if you want something shorter. And you are Kiki. I know." Oh yes, if a cat could smirk, this one would be wearing one.
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Post by Kisuke Leemara on Jul 9, 2009 1:58:13 GMT
"We'll have to agree to disagree then my feline friend..." said Kisuke after a hearty laugh. People will believe whatever they want to believe...even if they are looking it in the face every waking hour of every day.. The cat definitely had a mind of his own and it seemed he might have a knack for politics as well...as most politicians were definitely full of something worse than sin. He wouldn't argue with the cat. It wasn't about likeability anyways. It was about the fact that he had been playing dumb for the past few days and now there would be rejoice because he could talk.
The cat also seemed very adamant on staying, but also being able to do whatever he wanted. Like...call him Kiki and demand that he be petted. "All you have managed to describe is that cats are seeking to disrupt lives and make them their own personal play thing. I won't have a hand in that, no matter how much you claim I like you. And my name is Kisuke, not this Kiki you've notched in. I've never known an animal to be so attached. Why had you such an interest in this shop and myself, Tawny?"
DId he even want a cat? Sure, the cat was intelligent enough to possbly care for itself, but it was still something he would have to contend with. It was a good companion, however, but that didn't stop it from wrecking havoc whenever that day came. Kisuke wasn't very violent, but he didn't think he would take well to something coming up broken or missing within the shop due to a cat burglar.
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Post by Tawny Addison on Jul 9, 2009 2:13:38 GMT
Well, that was a good question; and this man was disturbingly keen at seeing through to the truth, at seeing below the surface. The tabby pulled away, padding to the edge of the desk and batting small items around, pouncing and leaping as any cat might, all the while holding a perfectly human conversation. It didn't seem so much as an attempt to distract as an unconscious reflex; as if the cat's instincts weren't completely suppressible. "I have interest in you," He said, perfectly honestly, "because you have no interest in me. But you do, even though you don't." Apparently, the cat spoke in riddles when the mood struck. "You aren't like anyone I've seen. The more I watch you the more I wish to know you." He stopped his play, came back over to sit again.
"I only want to know you. I only want to be yours until I am done with it, and to have a memory of you after I go. I am only a very small cat. What can I hurt? I have not done damage to your shop all these weeks. I have never had anyone call me anything like Red Tabby, or not mind that I am dirty, or pet me as you do, or not be surprised at a talking cat. I am lonely, as I said. And I think you are, too, and so I will change it until we are both not. And then I will leave, as you will want me to do."
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Post by Anasi Visatta on Jul 9, 2009 3:00:56 GMT
IGNORE ME!
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Post by Kisuke Leemara on Jul 9, 2009 3:05:37 GMT
It almost seemed as if the cat had a minor dealing of adhd. It seemed to not pay attention, yet have all its cards in place at the same time. It seemed in such a small time frame...he had forgotten that a cat is stil a cat even if it does talk. Fascinating. The cat made himself sound so inviting, as if nothing could go wrong. Like a salesman with a quota to fill. At the same time, he made himself quite detached from the whole thing, announcing that even though all this stuff is nice and everything...I am bound by nothing. His words were like fine print you weren't meant to read until after the purchase.
Once again...it didn't bother him as much as it should of....but it stood out.
"You are lonely you say. I am sure there are plenty of other people who want a cat, as temperamental as they may be," said the collector, removing his steal framed glasses as he looked at the cat. He crossed his arms across his chest as if ready to punish someone, looking quite disappointed and stern. "You want me to take you in on the premise that I need you. I will admit, that your company is appreciated. However, I have no room for the games you want to play. I will not resort to being your play thing...but you also offer me continued companionship until our needs are met. The real question is, how much does a Stray need a master and am I really the one fit for such a job to you?"
The last question came as a surprise to even himself. He never really did any soul searching, but the last remark sounded as if he questioned his worth, and he did not like it. He was more than just a man to own a cat, but a maker of great things. This cat was coming to his shop and trying to turn it upside down. Would he regret this some how?
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Post by Tawny Addison on Jul 9, 2009 3:17:32 GMT
"No one is my master." The words are suddenly harsh, backed up by a feline growl. The eyes narrowed, the ears flattened, the cat was on his feet, his tail lashing. "Partners, friends, companions, brothers. But I will never have anyone call themselves my master." The cat leapt off the desk in one smooth bound, hits the floor with the light silent grace traditional of his kind. "I am a cat that can speak, Kisuke Leemara, how dare you compare me or any cat to a dumb beast?" He stalked to a shady corner, sitting down there and glaring out. He lifted a paw, washing it deliberately, glaring the hole time at Kisuke. After another moment, he finally speaks again.
"I am always playing games, Kiki, I will not lie. I am a cat, and we do like our games. The world is a game, and we are all pawns in it, like it or not, so you are playing games even while you refuse to do so." He snaps out, anger and insult still in his tone. But it softens when he speaks again. "You are more then fit to handle me, Kisuke. I would not have come to you if I didn't think so. What do you want me to do to have your company?" For even in his anger, the cat does not want to loose his Kiki. Not yet.
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Post by Kisuke Leemara on Jul 9, 2009 4:10:00 GMT
A touchy point was definitely hit there and Kisuke didn't really seem to care. He could see that it might be more of the same with this cat. Fighting for independance but then wanting Kisuke as some kind of savior. "Kiki" didn't care about anyone elses game. Whethe it affected him or not. He cared about what this cat proposed.
He went from angry to desperate.
HIs Red Tabby seemed so desperate to be kept around willingly. To have his unbridled attention and his love. You could only love a cat soo much though...before you became dependant. Deep down, It was an obvious fact that if the man could live life without a cat before, then him disappearing won't be too bad. Kisuke's stoic eyes, looked away from the cat to a drawer beneath the counter. Opening it, he looked in side and the number of things that appeared to have no home nor a connection to one another. However, after digging for a little, the man pulls out a black collar and puts it upon the counter top. Attached to it was a silver bell. It let out a Silent chime to make itself known.
The collar. It as the ultimate way of showing that a cat belong to someone. Even though he roamed free, that little bell would remind him that he is someones," I want you to wear this collar. You can wear it till our situations change, as you said and you may keep it as long as you like. We will be companions. You keep me company and I you. Thats all I ask. Don't destroy what you believe we have by playing your little games as long asyou fulfuill what I ask. Mpt as a master, but a a mutual acceptance
'
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Post by Tawny Addison on Jul 9, 2009 4:25:50 GMT
He watched quietly, letting Kisuke decide, emotionless, calm now after his little outburst. He didn't want this to end before it even starts, this odd, tense relationship he's uncertainly forming with Kisuke; some part of him is so deeply drawn to the man that it frightened him. But at the same time, he'd never felt anything like it and he wanted to explore it more, to understand it. This icy cold man; this steely, powerful man; he wanted to break him. Break him and own him and be owned by him. He wanted, more then anything, to see what lay so well hidden behind that wall. He padded over as the man rummaged, rearing up on his back paws to see inside, too.
A collar.
The cat sat back on his haunches again, listening, one ear twitched back and the other pricked up. A collar with a bell, like some kind of pet, like a pet dog. Still; "It does not mean you own me." He reminded harshly, but there was something softened in his words. He stood and moved forward, placing front paws on Kisuke's leg and standing in acceptance, ready to have the collar placed on his neck. "But your terms are acceptable, and all I asked. I think even after I have gone I will wear it. To remind me." He says, solemnly, cat eyes very human once again. To remind him that there was someone who could tame a cat; who could dare try to speak to a cat in the manner one might a pet.
But still. He found he couldn't mind as much as he should, and instead is only glad he would now have the chance to play with his mostly unwilling Kiki. But if he was going to form the relationship like he wanted, well- he couldn't stay a cat forever. But he could certianly always remain a stray, and he meant to. Collar or no, intrigued or not, Tawny would not allow himself to be owned. By anyone. Ever. Would not.
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Post by Kisuke Leemara on Jul 14, 2009 4:04:37 GMT
Kisuke kneeled down and clasped the collar onto the cat. It was as if he was sealing the deal of their little agreement. Even though the collar symbolised ownership of some kind, deep down, Kisuke knew he would never own this peculiar cat...and wasn't even sure STILL if he wanted to. There was just something forever alluring about this cat, that made him want it close by. May it be to try to figure things out about him, or to find out more about himself. Things rarely changed about this place until the cat showed up. His routine was faltered, he was distracted often, and found himself pondering out of curiosity. The cat was slowly turning his world upside down.
But he didn't mind...
Kisuke reached over and scratched under Red Tabby's chin. His mind flowed to the shop again. Almost all of his time consisted of caring for this shop--this shop of memories. It was both his greatest possession and his greatest henderance. He had gained this shop because his father thought he would appreciate it the most. This shop of wonders, he could have called it, gave him everything and nothing at the same time. Provided for him things he could have not necessarily created himself. He couldn't imagine life without it.
"Sometimes...I feel like this shop is my addiction. It is my life and I crave more and more from it with each passing day," stated the short haired man. Bronze eyes scanned room, his life in many different pieces. "You may see this as your new play ground, Red Tabby, but this place....is the only thing I have ever dedicated my life, too. I wonder if you even truly know what this shop is. Do you my friend? You know I collect things...but what is it that I am collecting?"
The question seemed like it needed to be answered, but at the same time...how do you answer such a question. How much did this cat know...?
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Post by Tawny Addison on Jul 14, 2009 4:16:53 GMT
The cat begins to purr again as his chin is petted, leaning into the touch and setting the bell to ringing gently. The purr pauses a moment, as if surprised, then picks up, head rubbing in affection against Kisuke's fingers. "You say you collect memories." He says around the purr. "I have heard you say it, when I am watching. You forget I have watched youa very long time. I do not know how one would go about doing that, though, or why he would desire to." He opens his glinting blue eyes, wandering around the room. He seems to be inspecting everything rather throughly. "It seems sad, to me." He goes on, snuffling at an old stuffed animal, then backing away with a delicate sneeze.
He returns to the desk, rolling a pen around idely. "Better to make memories of your own, isn't it?" He goes on softly, then pauses, looking up, something intense and hot in that aloof cat gaze. Something very human, too human for comfort. "And when you say it, you sound aching. I thought you were joking, at first, but I suppose not. Why do you collect memories, Kiki?"
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Post by Kisuke Leemara on Jul 14, 2009 4:41:35 GMT
"I'm interested in stories and memories hold just that. I feel I am a collector of unique things and this shop holds things you can find no where else in the world," his voice triumphant and proud for a moment. "Though...I have been searching to complete the collection...and I have yet to see an end."
He stood up, leaving the Tabby to play on the counter as he went to look at his wares. They all seemed to come to life when he got near, doing random things upon the shelf. A dog doing flips, a little boy fighting an invisible wind, a ship in an imaginary storm upon imaginary waves, and other things you might think of. They all sang their individual stories to the Collector. "I've been collecting for years...it was my fathers past time. I have a unusual a fixation to unusual things--the exact definition of someone who desires too much...I haven't found anything to fill that void though. And yes...creating my own memories is the best...but I have limited myself to helping others preserve their memories without real justice to my own. I guess it never really mattered to me before..."
He now sounded quite distant...a strange silence following his answer. As if jolted from his own thoughts, he moved from the shelves to the back of store again. "Its been a long morning and its almost well past noon. A late lunch is in order...lest I get too busy to eat..." A slender hand raised toward the door, the open sign switched to out to lunch and then the door locked, "I think a bite to eat would do us both some good. Maybe I can get to know you a bit better since you are a talker now?"
The man almost jetted up the stairs, knowing that he was avoiding any further talking of the subject at hand. It caused him to think far too much about something he thought he knew all too well.
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Post by Tawny Addison on Jul 14, 2009 4:55:12 GMT
And yet the cat's play slowed to a stop as his newfound companion spoke, his gaze still intensely focused on his slender back. What a life, to disregard your own memories and desires, your own wants and needs, in favor of harboring someone else's, everyone else's, until it became some kind of sick obsession. To admit freely and openly that yourself came second to your shop. Although he could understand the pride that came with it, too; this place was almost magical, if in a slightly sad way. Beautiful, the cat had to admit; but it is Kisuke that made it beautiful, Kisuke that made it wondrous. Without him this would only be a slightly frightening shop of memories and knick-knacks.
But he doubted anyone has ever told the man that. He doubted, in fact, that Kisuke had ever been told anything by anyone. No one had held him and told him he was beautiful, or driven him to utter mad distraction and then soothed him with kisses and caresses. No one had ever dragged him into places he does not want to go or followed him to places he did.
"Well." Tawny mutters to himself as the man practically flees after his little moment of soul-bearing. "Time to change it." Tawny did not think he was enough to fill the void for anyone for good; he was a scruffy, raw, ugly, dirty stray. No one wanted him around for long. But he could possibly be enough for a short time. Enough to bring a smile to the solemn face. To show the man what he needed and was missing.
Either way, he meant to try. It would be fun. A game. That was all this was meant to be, a game.
The cat leapt off the desk, changing in mid-jump. He hit the ground in a crouch, but it was hands and shoes that supported him, rather then paws and haunches. Straightening slowly, he follows Kisuke up the stairs. The only way this could be more amusing was if the Change did not allow Tawny to stay clothed. That would be a real sight. But alas, he was fully dressed- and around his neck, that damn bell still was. He touched it lightly, surprised, amused to note that it had stretched to fit. He dinged it as he reached the top stair, and waited for Kisuke to see him as he now was.
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Post by Kisuke Leemara on Jul 14, 2009 5:21:32 GMT
Upstairs, the lone man had taken to preparing decent sized lunch in a reflectively small kitchen it seemed. The apartment above the store was pretty large, even though Kisuke didn't believe he needed the space. In the front where his living quarters. Very simple. A large bed by the window, dressed in a thick black comforter. Beyond that was a small desk and chair that had a few nick nacks here and there upon it, but seemed to be there for the predominant use of writing from all the papers spread a stray. Then came the small kitchen which consisted of an ice box, an old stove and a sink-like water basin and some counter space. There was even a dining table with chairs ideal for seating two. In the back of the top portion of the shop was a make shift library upon a few shelves and a large red chair next to a tall lamp and matching Ottoman. The chair seemed well worn but ever comfortable. Though one thing was very evident and consitant about the living space as if was all very tidy.
As soon as Kisuke arrived upstairs, his mind had went directly to the fish he had bought early this morning. A rather large fish it was, able to easily feed a few. He hadn't thought to ask the butcher to cut it up for him, but had no quarrel to do it himself. He had begun the process of de-scaling the fish, attempting not to get fish all over himself in the process. Just working with the fish for a few moments, he began to wonder if cats even ate fish as much as people thought. Were they really that peculiar?
His sharp ears managed to pick up someone coming up the stairs lightly and he assumed it to be the Red Tabby he had grown intrigued with. "I hope you have an interest in fish. I had a meal in mind and don't see any reason for me not to share. I'm sure you would steal a piece anyways, if you really cared too," the smallest of smiles came onto his face as he spoke, but he didn't remove his attention from the action at hand.
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Post by Tawny Addison on Jul 14, 2009 5:40:45 GMT
"I have been known to be something of a thief, from time to time." The voice from behind him replied, and something was so utterly off about the cat's voice; somehow, it was just different. There was a new-found rasp to it, a smoker's rasp backed by a low, husky quality. He came in further, the bell dinging gently with each silent step, until he was right behind Kisuke, and it was hands, not paws, that landed light as a feather on the taller man's shoulders. Pale hands, thick with callouses and marred with scars.
Then he was in sight; a small, quick red-headed figure with blue eyes dancing with mischief and a small silver bell around his neck that undeniably marked him as Red Tabby. He was just as dirty as the cat. Not to say he was repulsive or stank; he was clean-ish, but his hair is lank and tied back rather then well groomed and full, and his skin, pale as winter, had traces of dirt on one cheek and filthy nails.
Clearly, he kept as clean as he could, but he was obviously a stray in either form, rejected by most and living where and how he could. He was dressed in tight jeans and a fishnet top, leather jacket, and leather, fingerless gloves, with sneakers that had seen better days. Still, he was strikingly beautiful in a feminine way. Particularly his eyes; white-blue like a dusk sky and expressive as a child's.
He gave an impish smile, crammed his hands in his jacket pockets. Dimples show. "But of all the people in the world, Kiki, I could not and would not steal from you." And then he braced, getting ready for the inevitable explosion. Oh, this was going to be fun.
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Post by Kisuke Leemara on Jul 14, 2009 6:12:30 GMT
The momentarily distracted collector almost didn't catch the unusual voice. It was obvious after a second that he wasn't expecting it, turning his head slightly in thought, just before a whisp of red hair disappeared behind him. The peculiarity didn't end there tho, especially with the tender touch upon his shoulders that made him jump and drop the fish he was working on. He spun around in alarm, but not necessarily fear, to be met with the now life size cat. His eyes registered from surprise, to curiosity, to his usual stoic, with an obvious disdain. Earthen eyes met the cool sky of the new figure. The shorter man definitely looked rough around the edges with his raw exterior. There was an appeal about him that clocked out any normal thought processes for the collector, but that changed soon enough. Giving the red-head a once over, he found his eyes darting up to the collar the man wore...
Red Tabby...?
"And so...it seems that not everyone can be fully honest..." started Kisuke, very thrown off by all this, but trying to remain as calm as possible. His mind felt betrayed and his anger flared a little at the idea of the cat...now man, pulling so much out of him. The things a person will tell a stranger... "I should have known...a suspicious cat shows up in my shop and seems to have a special ability to talk. I should have been able to guess that shapeshifting was involved. Are you done with your games Tawny, or do you have more things to unfold that my blinded eyes can't see..."
His voice was venomous and eyes tempered. Lying by omittion didn't stop it form being lying. One of the one things that he hated the most was being lied to. What was this "Tawny's" deal anyways? What was he up to. Was all he said a hoax? Kisuke felt conflicted...but wasn't exactly sure why..
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Post by Tawny Addison on Jul 14, 2009 6:28:06 GMT
"I'm showing you now, aren't I?" The smile weakened at the edges, but is still there, touching his eyes, though his dimples were gone. One long fingered hand reached out to touch Kisuke's cheek, light as before, and he moved forward, closing the gap. Well, this was not the violent, aggressive reaction he'd expected, but not a pleasant or agreeable one at all. "I'd never have gotten past those walls of yours without a little fur and purr. But nothing has changed, Kiki, not in my mind at least." He half-smiles now, head tilting to the side curiously, cutely. Oh, there was so much poison and anger in those brown eyes; so much heat and passion and he wanted it to surface, wanted it badly.
"I liked it better when you were giving me names." He said softly, moving his hand to touch the bell around his neck gently, not ringing it. "I think I already told you I don't like mine, and Red Tabby sounds so much prettier." He continued to finger the bell, slinking yet another step closer. There was self-consciousness in those blue eyes, fear in his eyes, but it is well hidden. Somehow, he was afraid of being rejected, sent away- something he was all too used to but had never been afraid of before. This was supposed to be nothing more then a game, but already he felt himself getting too attached, becoming too involved. He would never, ever say please don't send me away, no more then he would ever say I love you, no matter how long they know each other, but he felt it.
And frankly, it frightened him. But he hide it, pushed it away and reached for Kisuke's face again. "I told you what I came here for, and what I wanted. I'm still wearing this, see?" He said, motioning at the collar with the free hand. "I only want to be yours until I choose not to be any longer. Same as what I said as a cat."
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Post by Kisuke Leemara on Jul 14, 2009 7:38:35 GMT
His mind only strayved further from the truth as the conversation grew intimate...not in its subject...but its physical orientation. His touch gave him another wave of chills. Kisukes increased vulnerability did not go well with him. He didn't care to not know the things that were going on, nor did he not like ot be in control. The wool was pulled over his eyes and the situation only continued to get darker as the man grew nearer and caressed Kisuke's cheek. The tall slender man wasn't sure why he lashed out: if it was from anger or a reaction from his listen on insecurities about the situation. Kisuke had managed to make a bit of a mess, water and fish scales all over the floor and on his person as well. Just that alone disgusted him.
However...the nerve of this "stranger" to go about touching him as if nothing was wrong was definitely enough to make things worse. He grabbed the intrusive hand and pulled it forcefully away, "Keep those hands to yourself and do not call me 'Kiki', you know what my name is." This did not stop them from being close, the smaller man's breath tickling his lower lip. and harder to ignore. Kisuke turned his head, trying to dismiss the whole thing..., but unable to side step the man's invasion of his space and his mixed feelings as well.
Overwhelming was the catman's desire to please, this Kisuke knew for sure. He tried get Kisuke to come around. Nothing had changed and he just wanted to be with him, etc etc. All things the catman was saying, as if to get off scott free from his current discipline. "I will not be involved in your little games if it involves more of this. I don't care if you are wearing the collar or not. Now step away from so that I might finish what I was doing. I could care less if you liked what I called you before. You brought that change upon yourself, Tawny..."
With his mind clouded by all the wrong and confused senses, Kisuke didn't know what to do with him. He wasn't even sure how he felt...like he liked him? Although widely feminine, the cat man was very obviously a male and that seemed just awkward enough for him. He didn't know if his relationship with him could...exist..."correctly." He felt so backed into a corner, but instead of using extreme force, he gave Tawny a chance to back away on his own.
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Post by Tawny Addison on Jul 14, 2009 8:00:24 GMT
He gasped as he was grabbed, instantly writhing to break free, snatching away as if burnt. For a moment, the flash of rage that entered his eyes at master returned, and he cradled his wrist to his chest. Clearly, being restrained is not something he enjoyed. He didn't move back, though, breath speeding up, eyes wide and expressive. And the expression in them, under the anger, under the almost-panic at being grabbed, was laughter, and desire, and a flirtatious, playful nature, and youth. For all his age, he was very young. "Ki-su-ke." He breathed out, half whining, half breathy drawl. They were so close, inches apart, and his eyes half-lid, long lashes brushing his cheekbones.
"I've just said I didn't come for games." He murmured. He straightened more as Kisuke backs off, taking a step back himself now but only to give a touch of personal space. He was still very within arm's reach. "You never would have heard me out like this, Kisuke. You wouldn't have even-let-me-in-the-shop." Between every word, he closed the distance again. "You are very cold, Kisuke. And beautiful. Like an ice sculpture. I want to touch you, but you'll burn." He reached out again, something soft and longing in his face. "'Course, people've said that about me, just the other way. I'm not cold at all. I'm hot, like fire." A grin, wide and impish, erasing the softer, less desirable emotions. "You don't need to be frightened of me."
He knew full well he was pushing too hard. He knew a explosion is coming, something, of some kind. He knew, he could sense it, the tension in the air is like butter. But this is just how and who he is. And frankly, he wouldn't take no, wouldn't accept it, never had. Not with things he really wanted. And he really wanted Kisuke, at least once. Maybe more then once. Hopefully more. His pulse was racing, his breath fast with anticipation of walking the knife's edge. Just a little more now. Just a little further.
Hopefully, a little further wouldn't be too far.
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Post by Kisuke Leemara on Jul 14, 2009 9:05:33 GMT
Well, it was definitely a change of pace to not have the other man like something he had done. No meant no here and Tawny seemed very opposed to it. The gentle song of his own name in his ear made Kisuke shudder inwardly, but he ignored the younger mans plead. There was some truth to what he was saying though, if given the option, he might not have yet him as close as he did. Not, that was for sure--there was no room for strangers and lies where Tawny seemed to want to be. The personal barrier, however, was broken again and Kisuke found himself staing face to face with Tawny again. His warm brown eyes seemed to lie about his present condition of anger, turning what seemed to be darker with his growing impatience and discomfort.
It was easily becoming too much for him and he just stepped away. Finally just walked away from the every "friendly" catman. Tawny was hell bent on getting a piece of him in some sick way or another, though he wouldn't get it as easily as he did before. With a wave of his hand, a wall was put up between them, Tawny unable to get even within arms reach of him, forced to stay on his side of the kitchen. Kisuke removed the drenched vest and tossed it onto one of the two chairs, taking a seat in the other as he dried his hands on a towel he called from a hook on the wall. Both hands ran through his hair, causing it to fuss about as he calmed himself down a little. Leaning over, elbow leaned on the table and chin in his hand, he gazed over at the questionable figure before him.
It was obvious he had some kind of attraction to this man some how. Whether it be the needy eyes, or the outlandish personality, or the strange feeling he received when he was a round. Kisuke didn't know exactly what his intentions were and probably wouldn't ever know if he just kicked him out of his shop and kept him out forcefully. Even then, Tawny would not be out of his hair. If what he said was true, Kisuke might be just like every other person out there, turning their back on him or not willing to listen. With such charades as the one that he just pulled...the collector could understand. He sat there for a long while just looking at the other man, his expression far more docile than it had been, but his voice still cold.
"...Keep your distance or I will force it onto you, Tawny," was all he said. It was a power struggle yes, but Kisuke couldn't deal with his mind being messed with far more than it needed to be. If the man was even to stick around for a little while, he wouldn't be doing with Kisuke what he pleased.
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Post by Tawny Addison on Jul 14, 2009 9:30:00 GMT
He lifts a hand to press it on the barrier, flattening his palm to it, head tilted in that odd, kittenish way once more. He runs his palm along it, slowly, in a stroking motion, eyes thoughtful and far away. "Clearly you can, Kisuke." He murmurs distractedly, a smirk curling up the corner of his mouth. "I've heard of putting up walls, but this is a little ridicules." He leans into the wall of force gently, those ice-colored eyes filled with laughter and perpetual offer to play, like a child or a kitten. But there is something far darker, there, too, offering to play in an entirely different way. He walks along the thing, trying to find a way past; when none is there, that spark of panic re-enters his eyes, well hidden but there. He moves back slowly, casually, but when he heads back the other way it's clear he's pacing. Like a tiger in a cage, unable to handle the confinement even to such a small degree.
He reaches up to fiddle with the bell, stopping at last. "Kisuke, please. You're being awfully silly about this entire thing, when you know if I wanted to harm you I would have done it by now. You're just very interesting and very pretty. Do I have to explain myself all over again? We're all entitled to secrets." A slow, wry smirk once more. "I'm sure you have yours." He drawls, blue eyes flickering impishly; but the panic is still there, immediate, demanding. Let me out, let me out, let me out.
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Post by Kisuke Leemara on Jul 14, 2009 9:59:17 GMT
What as it...What was it about Red Tabby that made him so attracted to the idea of letting him stay? Kisuke may have believed that there was no way that Tawny would every know him inside and out, but right now, he knew things that Kisuke wanted to change and he was willing to help with a price. His sanity.
At first, Kisuke merely watched Tawny become a little finicky and could tell that he was anxious with his pacing. Then he snapped his fingers and distinguished the same wall. The fascination was mutual by the way the catman spoke to him. Tawny was by far one of the uniquest and prettiest things in his shop, but he wasn't the same as those other objects. It was only then that he realized why he wanted to keep him. Kisuke wanted him. He wanted to add him to his collection of unique things, but this time...it was something especially for him. The soft lul of the memories from the last week reminded him of why Tawny seemed so precious to the shop. It was a flare the shop didn't have. Though, unlike his other things, he would let this ...unique being run free. He wouldn't be the same as a trophy on his wall.
Tawny was going to make him understand what people were truly made of.
"If you thought I would just accept the chain of events as is, then I think you are the one being foolish," said Kisuke, much less annoyed now. His mood held the same stoicism as it had before all that had happened. "My mind doesn't work like yours does and I dont' expect the same of you, but I did agree to let you stay here...even with the prethought of you just being a cat."
The tall slender man stood then, walking over to Tawny, and raised a hand to gently stroke his chin down to his throat as one might do an actual cat, "Things have changed and I have changed how I am choosing to deal with you. If you choose to stay here still...I don't think you will ever be Red Tabby again...as long as I see you this way." With a flick of a finger, the bell chimed and in an instant, the moment was over. Kisuke meant what he said, as he couldn't be expected to treat him the exact way he would a cat, pet or not. His affections belonged to the Red Tabby.
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Post by Tawny Addison on Jul 14, 2009 10:18:35 GMT
Tawny relaxed as the wall dropped, stepping forward instantly, but when Kisuke stepped forward, too- he stopped. He stopped and tipped up his head to meet the taller man's eyes but keeps his hands by his side. His breath was unsteady with a mix of diffusing fear and very real desire; his eyes are dark and stormy, heavy lidded and thick with a maelstrom of emotion. This. This was a mere taste of what Kisuke had to offer, of what he could get out of the man. Butterflies danced in his stomach, hot and fast. A challenge. A test. Dangerous and powerful. Someone worth trying for. Someone that had him captivated.
He leaned into the touch, a low, rumbling purr just as when he'd been a cat. His hair was thick and soft, but dirty, oily from far too few washes. "Foolish is another thing I've been called." He replied softly, eyes closing the rest of the way, hungrily leaning further into the hand. "So how, Kiki, do you plan on....handling me?" He replied softly, eyes opening further and dancing with light, and laughter. He reached up a hand to grip Kisuke's wrist gently, "I will always be your Red Tabby, darling Kisuke." He whispered. "Yours, and yours alone. Even when I leave you." He moved his hand along the man's arm, gentle, soft touch.
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Post by Kisuke Leemara on Jul 14, 2009 16:09:34 GMT
That definitely shut him or for a minute. Kisuke definitely liked his silence.
This Tawny was definitely like a cat in every way, responding to his menstruations the same way any cat would. The purring just seemed natural for him. This foolish new pet of his would definitely keep his attention longer than anything else he did. As he said before, he would demand it and get it too. In his mind, of course he was still Red Tabby, but Tawny wouldn't get the satisfaction of hearing that for a while. Kisuke knew he could deal with the catman leaving right now, but what of in the next few days and weeks? What would he do then? Would he be more attached or more dejected?
He slipped his hand free of the feminine figure and went back to preparing the fish, "I shouldn't have to handle you, but you seem well off on your desire to be free and doing all that you want. I already know how to keep you at bay if you get too out of hand. It can all be avoided if you are good."
There was an obvious snicker there, but Tawny wouldn't be able to see such things. If he was to insist on calling him Kiki, he would insist on having a sense of humor. That and once more he felt a warm feeling from the mans touch. Though, at least now he was beginning to know that this "Tawny" wanted more than just a little friendship. For instance...how would the sleeping arrangements go?
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Post by Tawny Addison on Jul 14, 2009 16:45:11 GMT
Tawny took to straddling a chair backwards, tipping it back precariously on two legs and leaning his chin on the back, eyes still locked on Kisuke. "I am always good." He purred out at last, good humor at himself flashing in those too-blue eyes, so cool, so at odds with how he was. "Very, very good, often, in fact." He laughed at his own joke, but it caught in his throat, turned into a hacking cough. And no wonder, with the way he's lived. His chair thumped back to earth, expression tight as he gulped air back between coughs. Not a smoker's rasp, after all; sick. Probably nothing serious, just irritating, to a normal man; to one who lives where and how he could, it could quickly become deadly.
Even in the dream world, people were just people, and some did not lead ideal lives.
He got his breath back, standing and pushed hair back behind an ear in an almost-self consciouses gesture. "You see what you do, throwing me out into the bitter night air?" He drawled, half playful, sauntering close again. "I loose my throat, all that meowing for my Kiki to come back. Heartless." His lips twitched, but he stopped a good distance away this time, not desiring to be blocked away again. But Lord, how he wanted to touch. To grip Kisuke around the middle and whine and be cuddled until he felt better. Not, he thought, that this man would ever let him.
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Post by Kisuke Leemara on Jul 14, 2009 18:04:51 GMT
The collector highly doubted that Tawny would always be good, if not far from it. He was sure cause all sorts of trouble around here. That problem brought to air other things, like, the fact that he could tell that this all was a bad idea and he was still letting everything unfold. Was he slowly going insane? His logic was failing him terribly. Kisuke had just started to cut up with fish and heat up the stove when the younger man began to cough violently. He glanced over at him, a hint of concern in his eyes with a raised brow.
"You see what you do, throwing me out into the bitter night air? I loose my throat, all that meowing for my Kiki to come back. Heartless."
"Heartless?" asked Kisuke, washing and drying his hands again, stopping his cooking to pay attention to the other man now. "Heartless would have been knocking you out onto your rump after your last show, or dousing you with water before sending you out into the cold. Allowing you back to where you came from doesn't seem evil or vindictive to me. No one asked you to howl and cry like that for hours after I had long since closed the shop." Moving over to the catman, he raised Tawny's chin again in more of a concerned manner, "Now open your mouth and let me see what the problem is...We might have to take you to go see Shou..."
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