• コノエ.

Carry the words, deliver the emotions -- The words of truth, find it, reach it.

[konyaaoe]

calamity ⊱ CLOSED

Having absolutely and undeniably no idea what in Ribika's good name was going on was, suffice to say, jarring.

He tried not to panic really but with the way his cat ears kept twitching at even the slightest sound, it was hard to relax. Konoe wasn't prone to just sitting around and letting things be decided for him however -- he acted and he acted fast. The closest to him was Bardo in terms of distance and he'd made a mental note to get to Asato somehow, someway, but for now, he hurried to where Bardo was.

Luckily for him, he was able to keep himself hidden for the most part and slip through nooks and crannies if need be. Not so luckily and something he denied vehemently was his sense of direction. Cats should have good directions so why did he kept going in circles?! Hadn't he already seen that wall too? -- Shaking his head, he was losing it and growing frustrated wouldn't help him. Konoe frowned and huffed and puffed and went around one more time until he finally came into contact with the larger ribikan.

"Bardo! Have you been here the whole time..? "

"Never mind that - come on, we should hurry and move!"

Exhaling and sounding snappy was hardly his intention but he couldn't really control being riled up like this. As much as Konoe tried to suppress that empathy that connected to others all around him, all the widespread panic and fear made him sluggish, made him just as panicked and fearful if not more. But he had to put on a strong face, he wouldn't let this curse or whatever it was, beat him down. Forgetting his laments, the smaller cat tugged on Bardo's arm as if to urge him along, eyes already in clear slits from the dominant predatory instinct.  

"You haven't..run into any of those things yet, have you?"

[whycantieatflowers]

a rose by any other name

[whycantieatflowers]

Their shared moment soothed his heart, reassuring him that Konoe was well. Not only with mere words, but the look on his face. The rose red of the tabby`s cheeks mimicked that of bright scarlet flowers, just as vivid as the petals; they were a sign of the life running underneath his skin. The glittering of his gaze remained in the black cat`s even when the warmth in his arms was gone. Konoe had maneuvered around the table, while a single thought remained in Asato`s mind. The youth`s gentle personality, an image that was reminiscent of his smile, lay in those glowing amber eyes and Asato remembered. He began pursuing the sudden, invisible thread, silently mouthing the words to himself.

"Your eyes are beautiful."

Asato said that to Konoe. When did he say that? They had met in the city before anything…yet they were of the same species. This couldn`t have been where their first meeting was. Dusk blue eyes blinked as though reality were calling back to him, the voice of his companion calling like a bell that caused him to look forward. Slowly, he moved towards where the smaller Ribika had perched. "…Yes, I think so.” After a moment`s pause to consider, he answered in a way that most would consider wishy washy. Asato would probably be chided by most for tacking on an unsure statement. After all, he was talking about himself, and who knew you better than yourself? It wasn`t just because of those strangely absent memories, but more attributed to his usual speech pattern. That`s just how he was, and always would be. ”It`s simple, but beautiful.”Was the short but sweet affirmation he gave to the delicate display he`d crafted, nodding towards the blooms. Delicacy and subtle sweetness, flowers seemed to offer an even more poignant message than words ever could. Words were clunky, clumsy, and sometimes rolled off his tongue in a strange manner. Just as when he was unsure of stating his own likes, and just as he preferred to search Konoe`s face for the language that could only be spoken with bodies.

It was much easier to tell by the way Asato`s clawed fingers stroked the bud of the alabaster flower that quivered under his touch. Just before sitting back down, rather than keeping the vase on the table, he plucked it off and set the vessel right onto Konoe`s lap for better viewing. ”Do you like them, Konoe?” It was merely meant for a sample display, for customers to see the potential of the blossoms that lay inside. But if Konoe wanted it, there was a stirred feeling within Asato to give the flowers to him.

[konyaaoe]

"Do I like...flowers? --"  

The question was posed in an innocent and almost carefree tone yet Konoe halted on giving a definite answer. His attention lulled from Asato to the flowery vase set in his lap and he as delicately as he could - brushed a fingertip against the petals. Mindful of his claws, Konoe proceeded to do the same with the rest of the arrangement all the while emitting the faintest of purrs with an accompanying sway of his crooked tail. After enough (slightly stifling) time had passed, the tabby cat eventually drew a modest smile and nodded to reply.

There was something that he couldn't quite place but maybe he wasn't meant to - but that something was a blossoming warmth that told him he did indeed find fondness in flora. It wasn't exactly a grand interest or anything on Asato's level but the memory of flowers as faint as it was in the back of his mind made him feel at peace. Which seemed to be a seldom feeling for him. Not that he could understand as to why that was exactly but he wouldn't delve too deep just yet. Instead had his mind filtered backwards to what Asato had complimented that Konoe hadn't quite caught the first time. It made him horrendously self aware and his eyelids fluttered in a modicum of fluster and he just couldn't help but avoid his gaze in response -- burying that supposedly stunning color of his eyes among douses of white petals. 

It only made them stand out more though the Sanga failed to realize this, tilting his head mildly towards the taller ribikan. His cat ears twitched to the faint sounds of the wooden boards creaking beneath them with even the smallest inch given but Konoe couldn't help his awkward shuffling. After pulling the vase close to his chest and abruptly facing Asato - Konoe managed a faint smile and a quiet laugh under a short breath.

"That's weird to say, isn't it? Besides your fur...your tail, it's a lot nicer than mine."

It was tentative of him to say and even more so of him to extend an arm out but he felt oddly comfortable enough to move the Kiran cat's fringe from his eyes and boldly lock that same gaze from earlier. Moving to then lightly pat the crown of Asato's head, Konoe quickly pulled his hand back, feeling embarrassed to have been so forward really. But they were surely friends for him to feel this way, right? That thought allowed him to ease into a relaxed state, a happy sigh parting his lips before he moved on, admiring the flowers in his lap once more. 

"This is really pretty too...I wonder how much one of these costs?"

[taguelhybrid]

This.. It was fun! Yarne rarely had time to play games or anything while he was back home.. Nor did he usually find people to play such games with — Owain’s games were strange that’s one thing — so.. Well. It was a rush! Though his survival instinct kicked in at some point and maybe he’d bounded a bit too quickly as opposed to keeping a pace that Konoe could actually keep up with.. But his bunny ears could pick up anything! And he was proud of his taguel heritage more so when he could pick up on the little things..

Upon hearing a change in Konoe’s pace and then the other’s footsteps coming to a stop, Yarne’s ears perked up a bit and he’d turned his head just in time to see his friend become victim to the snow. “Konoe—” Skidding to a stop, Yarne lifted himself onto his hind legs and sniffed in his friend’s direction. Oh no. Was he stuck..? Panicked, he started back towards his friend carefully. 

"Sweet carrots, Konoe…" 

Hopping more carefully towards his cat friend and nudging the other’s cheek with his nose, Yarne seemed to chuckle a bit before wiggling his tail. Though, this wasn’t too funny.. Considering the harsh weather, he grew more and more worried for his friend’s safety. “You got yourself in a pickle, huh..? H-Here…” Carefully, he nudged his paws into the snow and started to dig a bit in front of Konoe to loosen the snow around him. Patting his back foot onto the snow to make sure it wouldn’t sink in on him too, he dug a little more before pressing his forehead against Konoe’s chest.

"Come on! Just grab on, I’ll pull you out.. D-Don’t pull too hard though, ok..? I’ll be mad if you do..!" 

Really, his main focus would be getting his friend warm again..! 

[konyaaoe]

"W-Wait is this even --?"

Beggars couldn't be choosers and Konoe's situation left him more towards the "beggar" category. Regardless of his frigid cautions - Konoe was still careful when grabbing onto the Taguel to then subsequently being freed from a freezing prison. His waist and below felt completely numb and no matter how many times he shook after the snow relented from his fur, the feeling couldn't quite find its way back to the Sanga. This left Konoe with a long sigh emitted and another flop (or face plant) into the ground -- or so he would have thought if not for the beastkin right in front of him.

When the ribikan tumbled forward in utter defeat -- he was only met with the warmth of the Taguel's fur. It was comforting none the less though clearly unintentional and he very well couldn't find the willpower to move after all the exhaustion weighed down his limbs. Not to mention the numbness still leaving him partially immobile. Konoe sheepishly and hastily mumbled an apology to Yarne yet rather than make an effort to detach, he only nestled against the inviting comfort and rest.

And of course, when a ribikan like Konoe found something particularly pleasant, he couldn't help but purr in mild and modest content.

"Ahh...this is really nice."

Even if his tail had gone a bit frosty, well, it still subtly swayed from side to side in tandem with his purring and an occasional ear twitch. Despite the situation prior, he felt undoubtedly cozy now. He only had Yarne to thank for that and with a soft sigh later did Konoe verbally thank his friend for such consideration, something he wasn't entirely used to but found in doses perhaps, made him appreciate these actions all the more. "Sorry for making you do that -- but you really helped me out just now, thanks Yarne."

[taguelhybrid]

Getting to know one another was a nice thing about friendships.. Though he was still rather shy, Yarne was rather open with Konoe from time to time. Expressing what he knew of the taguel, things about home.. He liked talking to Konoe. He felt more comfortable with him sometimes as opposed to the others, Nah being an exception for something of a reason. 

Today was a special day, indeed. But the past few years it wasn’t so special as it was a day to keep in mind. So when he told Konoe about it he probably didn’t give it much thought.. 

"Huh?"

Hearing the knocking, Yarne’s ears perked up. Today was one of the days that those he shared the apartment with were out so… He made the best of it and stayed out of his room for awhile. At first, he’d gotten up if only to go back to his room to hide out until whoever was at the door left but when he heard the voice his heart fluttered in his chest a bit and he smiled just a bit as he went to open the door for his friend.

"Konoe..?"

Pulling the door open just a little bit at first and then all the way, Yarne peered out at his friend. Blinking once, he stepped out into the hallway to join his friend as opposed to inviting him in and closed the door a little, but not all the way, behind him

"Something for me? What is it?" 

[konyaaoe]

Konoe hadn't really ever celebrated things like this and he wasn't entirely sure how these things were supposed to go.

The Ribikan culture worked primarily on seasonal calendars, not month to month -- which explained the mating seasons and the festivals. Birthdays weren't something that were really celebrated at least not to this Ribika. He couldnt' really remember ever celebrating the day he was born nor could he even remember the exact day or time or even the season. He had made the effort to remember Yarne's however when he had been told about it. 

Which is why on this day and this time, Konoe was here.

"Well, it's your birthday today."

Now he started to get embarrassed. How was he supposed to do this? -- His cheeks burned dark red and honey hued eyes looked to the floor. Konoe dug his sole into the ground and kicked at the air before he gathered his wits. He met Yarne's gaze steadily and pulled out the first surprise from behind his back and held it out towards Yarne.

"It's a pillow kind of --you like things like this, don't you?"

There was a little haste to his next surprise, pulling out a cake that he had gotten for his Taguel friend too. His face was still as red as ever but he had a small curl of his lips, a small laugh following as he handed both to his birthday friend. Even if he was sheepish, he leaned over and up (dam u Yarne for being tall) and bumped their foreheads. 

"Happy Birthday, Yarne."

[konyaaoe]

It had been in a passing conversation but he remembered that today was definitely a special day for his Taguel friend. Thus, he had approached where he remembered Yarne had told him he lived (with a bit of trouble as his sense of direction caused him to loop around twice) but he eventually came upon it.

He hid two things behind his back which left his hooked tail to tap on the door three times to call for Yarne.

"Yarne, can you come out? I have something for you!"

[devilmarked]

"Hm.. It’s gotten pretty quiet around here."

A striped tail moved side to side as he contemplated the idea that the city was actually a little calm for once.

"It’s nice."

[konyaaoe]

Opinions seemed to differ between this Touga and this Sanga.

Konoe's head tilted to the side and his crooked tail swayed slowly from one side to the other. There was something to be said but he couldn't quite figure out how to say it. Well, he wasn't going to beat around the bush either so maybe being a little blunt every now and again was suitable.

Bardo was the type of cat to not be bothered by things like that, anyway.

"It's too quiet, don't you think? It makes me feel unsettled, like something bad is going to happen."

[redeyedualitate]

“Another week passes. A lot seemed active a few hours ago but now the city is draped with silence once more. Is it always like this?”

[konyaaoe]

"Speaking as someone who's been here for awhile. . ."

It was kind of concerning and made the Ribika's tail sway thoughtfully behind him.

"It feels like people are hiding because of everything that happened awhile back. But who knows? Maybe everyone is just taking some time to themselves."

[bleureine]

a vampire and a cat. [closed: konoe]

[bleureine]

     When Diva sang, she would be completely in the zone and block everything out. It was the best way to stay focus on herself, on her breathing and how high the notes she would need to hit be. If she was to get disturbed and her song not up to the proper quality to her ears, she would be upset.

     Her lips thinned out to a small smile and she bowed her head. “Thank you!” She always got a sense of pride when someone commented on her singing, and her songs because she worked had on them.

     The person — or maybe it was best to call him an animal — who said the kind words about he songs, surprised her because she had never met a being with animal ears before. Or a tail, or even claws. This place really did bring all sots of beings together.

     ”It’s a song that I thought of a few days ago.”

     As a singer, it was her duty to create and sing her own songs. Diva never liked singing other peoples song because they didn’t sound right to her, she just couldn’t connect with them as she could with her own emotions.

[konyaaoe]

His ears perked when she answered and Konoe curiously inclined towards the woman. A song she had thought of? The words echoed in the Ribika's mind and he certainly believed he could learn a thing or two from Diva. The problem lay in actually asking something like that which went hand in hand with explaining the whole Sanga thing in the first place. How many times had he already done that? He didn't particularly mind telling or re-telling the lore of Sisa yet he could do without the befuddled reactions.

Konoe's crooked tail curled towards him and a well meaning smile turned the corners of his lips. The Sanga commented in reply that Diva's song was indeed beautiful and he would be happy to hear more if she would be so inclined. If not now then another time but he definitely wanted to hear more. The emotions that had stirred at the melody from earlier could definitely be equated with songs he'd sung before. He remembered them distinctly as emotions had this way of ebbing and etching themselves into one's heart and soul.

"Do you write all your own songs? -- Can I ask you something?" 

He waited a beat before he proceeded with his question. There was the slight uncertainty that he should even ask this but Konoe was determined to become a better Sanga. He couldn't let this opportunity to learn from another singer pass him up!

"When you sing. . .what kind of feelings do you have?"

[mushyaaaan-deactivated20200818]

by 子猫

[whycantieatflowers]

a rose by any other name

[whycantieatflowers]

If his stupor had been interrupted by a customer, he would gather his courage to speak well enough. Asato wasn`t completely a loss when it came to socializing (or else he`d be useless at work) but words were certainly not something that came easy to him. On top of this, he`d earned interesting looks for the ears and tail that, for some odd reason, practically no one else had. So often when he saw a stranger come in, he would tense for a moment before attending to business — mind over matter. But when he saw those familiar brown tipped ears, he felt his breathing still to calmness.  When he saw him unsteadily tip forward, the Kiran cat inched forward by reflex, although Konoe managed to catch himself just in time and retract the tail that almost caused the accident. It was peculiar, that tail of his. While most, if not all tails were smooth and sleek, his was crooked, something Asato had never seen…and because of that, it was beautiful. His eyes lingered as long as they could before Konoe hid himself. ”That`s fine.” He had no idea what the smaller cat wished to speak of, but he felt calm around him, so his apprehension was nonexistent. He looked behind him, through the threshold where he was previously working. The back room was for employees only. Asato explained that it was where the flowers, vases, and all other decorations were stored for safekeeping. But if it was for Konoe, well… ”It`ll be our secret.”

Without missing a beat, he lifted the Sanga into his arms effortlessly, glancing down at the floor to watch his steps. With one arm under his knees and the other at his back, Asato wanted Konoe to be safe, after all, so he avoided the few knots or loose floorboards he still had to repair. Always task oriented, he was in complete focus until they reached the open door, gently setting him down once they were in the smaller space.  Granted, it was far messier in here than the room presented to the public, what with flowers everywhere, the cramped space being taken up by boxes, glass, and the sink…but Konoe was a cat just like him; their balance was not poor, and they would always land on their feet, after all. He returned to where he had been arranging the simple presentation of white roses, motioning for Konoe to come closer and look at them.  Blue eyes returned to the vase, tucking a fallen petal into a nearby glass, but his keen ears caught the sound of something bumping erratically, turning to see exactly what he had feared would happen. The tabby cat was certainly clumsy, wasn`t he? But Asato did not feel troubled or annoyed at all by this discovery. Rather, he instantly moved forth to catch him. His arms circled around the young Karou cat, protecting him from running into the floor, or even worse, meeting the vase on the table with his cheek. His hold tightened with a squeeze just once to affirm his companion that everything was just fine and to likewise dispel the shock that came with suddenly alarming every nerve that you were in danger. ”Are you alright?” He didn`t move to let him go, however, almost by instinct. His earnest sapphire gaze looking down into amber eyes to see if there were an signs of pain, inquiring with a soft voice if Konoe had injured his foot.

[konyaaoe]

With business being near closing time -- the Sanga thought it would be fine if they broke this rule for now. Like the Kiran cat had said just now - it would be their own little secret. His lips turned with a modestly thankful smile and he gave his quiet gratitude to Asato with a nod since he doubted that Asato was the type to really break away from rules and the like but he was doing so for the Sanga. Konoe wouldn't abuse his kindness that was certain, that was his off handed thought whilst taking a step towards the back room only to find his legs meeting air instead.

He blinked several times as he slowly came to the realization that the Touga had hoisted him into his arms. Cheeks burned red at Asato's actions and thought to ask him why he had so suddenly done this but his words fell flat when honey hued eyes caught sight of the loose floorboards in the backroom work space. This was probably for his own safety. . .still, that did little to disquiet the dark shades on his cheeks. A long sigh left his lips when he was set down and he mumbled a "thanks" and moved about on his own with tail eagerly swaying from side to side behind him.  Konoe took to admiring the work space for as long as he could until a misstep had caught his boot and he stumbled forward.

Ribika were able to land on their feet just like any Two Cane cat. No matter how clumsy, Konoe would be able to land on his feet that is if he wasn't about to meet the nearby desk -- in this enclosed area, he couldn't maneuver as well. Luckily for him, a black cat was nearby. He had braced for impact but when his eyes fluttered open to feel warmth around his thin frame, Konoe blinked up at Asato as if in awe. It took him a second to come down but given the reassuring squeeze brought the smaller Ribika back to attention.

"Huh? Oh yeah, I'm fine thanks to you."

He stared and met Asato's steady, concerned gaze -- he wasn't sure what to say and words failed him when he was questioned about any injuries. Slowly, he could only shake his head before he shifted himself to stand upright, ears twitching as he faintly thanked Asato for saving him. Konoe made sure to go around the loose flooring this time, taking a seat near a vase of an in progress arrangement. He gave a glance to the seat across from him then to the Kiran cat as if silently telling Asato to sit besides him. 

"Did you always like flowers, Asato?"

[xtouga]

Pink clouds

[xtouga]

Rai felt the presence of the other had been intriguing to say the least, as his own actions seemed to be dismissive of feelings he seemingly felt. Which was strange, only because he knew Konoe’s type. How innocently he viewed the world, yet the actions the other caused from the gentle touch of his tail and the tapping against his shoulders couldn’t help but stir Rai the wrong way, “What the hell is getting into this idiot cat?’ The taller Ribika asked himself, eyeing his interactions and listening to the other as he continued to speak.

“The two cane’s are weird in there ways and they seem all too comfortable with the life they are living. As if they have nothing to fear… Its easy to understand that, we get food on our tables and a place to sleep. Yet it pisses me off that they are treating us like pets… The two cane gods who apparently rule this realm." A small hiss emitted from his throat, factual statement undermining what went on in the background to their dismay. What did go on? He’d ask himself only because his lie was in the corner of all this. Sifting through others as if he had no control over it. Lightly his tail twitched, but he hadn’t moved away nor motioned any further to Konoe as he watched his adoring interactions of Rai continue. He was more interested in how far the other would go and to what lengths did the intoxication take him to. Perhaps, he’d use this day against the other in the future.

“Seeing as your fine… I think the curse is lifted until Leaks arrives… He can’t do anything here can he? Not as if he exists in this place anyway." Rai mused thoughtfully, staring intently down into Konoe’s eyes.

[konyaaoe]

When night turned to morning and the Sanga recalled these events -- he would find heart sinking embarrassment at his actions. There was a part of him that knew his overly affectionate actions weren't appropriate or like him at all but the intoxication drove common sense to the corners of his mind. A soft purr emitted from the back of his throat with a light twitch of his ears following. Konoe remained with his cheek to nuzzle against Rai's shoulder all the while, his tail slowly beginning to thump behind the Touga and Sanga whilst he bore the weight of Rai's reassurance.

Could he really rest at ease with just the knowledge that Leaks really wasn't in the city? Maybe he was being too paranoid in thinking that this could all very well be an illusion that Leaks had crafted to fool Konoe and the other Ribika. It wouldn't be the first time as he recalled the village and all of those zombie like cat that they had to mow down. But Rai's not wrong -- the Sanga thought so anyway and whether he'd admit this out loud or not, Rai did have a good intuition with certain things. The Touga himself made that well known on several occasions but he was digressing. 

"I feel the same. . .the ears and the tail doesn't mean we're pets for the Two Cane. Aha, it's weird, isn't it? I'm really happy that we agree and can talk like this, Rai." 

Maybe it was the lasting effects of the catnip that was leaving his words inhibited but the Sanga admitted that he enjoyed being able to really talk to Rai normally, calmly. It seemed rare that the two weren't arguing in one way or another or that Konoe wasn't being insulted or bossed around by Rai which he would fight back against. He muttered about the warmth that the bigger cat was giving off, finding it comfortable and relaxing -- he quietly confessed that he hoped Rai wouldn't leave if Konoe fell asleep.

"Hey, Rai. . .when was the last time I sang for you?"

[konyaaoe]

chococat rain ⊱ CLOSED

[devilmarked]

It had been awhile since he taught another cat anything.. Even something like cooking. Well. Especially something like cooking. Running his Inn, he’d been the only one to do all the cooking and most of the work that came with the Inn. Rarely, did he get help other than a receptionist. So a pupil.. Well, he still had patience to spare.

With that in mind, he didn’t seem too bothered by his environment. It was a little cramped and it didn’t leave much room to cook with another person but it would have to do, wouldn’t it? He’d already accepted his situation and his little hut seemed to say that as well. It was cozy, actually.. Soon enough, he’d move to a place more comfortable but for now this was a temporary home away from home.

"Hm..?"

Ears flicked in Konoe’s direction before he’d turned to look back at him once more. While he may have had something more devious in mind when he chose the apron for Konoe, he answered easily. 

"I had to guess the size.. And this was the only one that looked like it would fit properly."

He didn’t expect that Konoe would give in so easily, however. The younger cat really must need his help if he wasn’t putting up a fight.. A chuckle escaped him at Konoe’s request and he nodded to agree to the terms. Rai and Asato would never know of this frilly pink apron. Perhaps to add to Konoe’s frustration, Bardo had moved behind him to adjust the way he’d tied the apron, tightening it just a bit before starting back to where he’d prepared some supplies. 

"Alright, alright…" 

A claw trailed over a recipe he found that he could read. With some help, he’d found the specified ingredients and after picking out a knife, he handed it to Konoe and maneuvered him to the dark chocolate he’d already laid out on parchment paper. 

"Chop this up a bit, hm..? Into small pieces. I’ll start on something else."

With that, he trusted Konoe to start with that at least. If he needed help, Bardo would aid him but for now he’d started measuring out the whipped cream that had been picked, placing the pot over heat soon after. Tail swishing from side to side, he was just as intrigued by the process as Konoe might have been.. After all, he hadn’t done this before either. And while waiting for the cream to heat up, he’d turned to see Konoe… Moving slower than Bardo had expected. 

"Hm.."

Stepping up behind the younger cat, he reached around him to place his hand over Konoe’s. 

"You’re going to slow. Have more confidence… Chop it like this.." 

Taking the lead for a moment, he guided Konoe’s hands in order to move the process along. After a few moments, he backed off to let Konoe continue. If he’d gotten the hang of it by now or not, Bardo smiled as he wandered to check on the cream.. Bubbles. Alright. Remove from the heat and wait for the chocolate.

"Almost done? Just add it in with the cream and stir.."

Konoe wanted to do this, after all. So while he’d guide him along, Bardo wasn’t about to do all the work for him. 

[konyaaoe]

When Bardo fiddled with the bow on Konoe's back where the apron ties met -- the Sanga's tail swayed from left to right and he bit back any little comments he wanted to say. He felt ridiculous in this but he should have likewise expected it of the older cat. Bardo had this weird way of working from what he knew of him yet there was no denying that he did his job well. Konoe would rely on him and do what he asked just this once and bear with whatever teases or tricks the other may relish in. Honey colored eyes moved to Bardo and he leaned over to peek at the recipe but found it hard to make out, eyebrows knitting together and lips parting to ask what all of that meant.

Before he quite could however, a knife was in hand and the smaller Ribika was directed to do some chopping work. Konoe was quick on the uptake so even if he wasn't practiced in cooking, he could pick up what was taught to him easily. His hand was unsteady at first and he definitely took his precious time only because he didn't want to mess any of this up! It's fine, it's fine. He told himself over and over up until his ears shifted in the direction of Bardo's oncoming footstep, confused did the Sanga turn towards him only to find the larger Ribika's hand over his own. 

"Wha -- I want to be careful that's --" 

Konoe's cheeks burned in embarrassment and rather than argue, he tried to concentrate. When Bardo had parted from him, he continued at that pace and gave a content purr when things seemed to pan out. Bardo definitely knew what he was doing and it showed. Just as he was getting the hang of this however, his attention was drawn to the other and his ears twitched prior to leaning over and peeking at the mix. His tail suddenly stood straight and he glanced around as if looking for something and he very well was. 

"Wait -- the cream is where? Oh, uh, Bardo? Which one is the cream?"

[konyaaoe]

cat calling ⊱ CLOSED

Konoe could sleep anywhere.

It was more comfortable to sleep inside and on a warm bed but he wasn't opposed to sleeping outside if he had to. He was a cat after all and could find comfort in the most curious of places. Which was the case as he lazed himself about in a tree on a sunny and warm day in Hive City. He had stretched himself out and hid himself among the brush and most wouldn't have noticed him if not for the swinging hooked tail that peeked out and swung from side to side in a gentle sway.

It was a surprisingly peaceful day, one of few that the Ribika had in the city or in his life as of late. Not that he could quite recall everything really -- his body however could definitely use this rest and he enjoyed every bit of this relaxation indulgence. This lasted about all of ten minutes as light little footsteps caused his cat ears to shift and twitch and the scent that caught his nose was almost familiar. 

"Is someone. . .?"

Well, he didn't pay much attention to it, merely yawned and stretched himself out once more with his tail swaying comfortably. It'd be nice if he could just sleep here like this for hours and if no one were to interrupt him. Of course, Konoe didn't pay any mind or even come to think of the lithe and bubbly little blond that he had met informally a few times on the scene, potentially peeking up the tree to see the Sanga by now.

[whycantieatflowers]

a rose by any other name

Time was flowing at an entirely different pace now, like glacial waters. The days felt long but the week seemed to pass with quickness, leaving him feeling even more empty as he looked back over the moments that had passed. Even more than the expanse of time that left him with melancholy, the hollow feeling left behind of not being able to name all that had occurred to him before his arrival here left him feeling a sense of distress. It was a hazy one, however. It was hard to miss something you had no idea of how to miss. Just like one could not define ‘love’ or ‘normal’ when no solid definition had ever been given.

At the very least, his knowledge of flowers continued to expand. He recalled when Celes had instructed him on the most basic techniques of arranging flowers. He`d mastered doing the most simple kind, although his claws would sometimes still tangle in the ribbons, leaving them with a special box for his mistakes. At least they made for interesting play when he wished to muss about with his claws and no trees were readily available.

A very modest display of white roses lay before him, encased in a rectangular, clear glass vase that was already beading with condensation. When brown fingers held onto them, the water obstructed the fingerprints that ran over his skin, as though he were one with the water. If only he could blend like that, but his black fur and dark skin allowed him to blend in with shadow rather than light. Thinking of this made something within him stir, but what was it…?

Soft jingling brought him out of his reverie, hurriedly peering out of the back room and beyond the counter. In the door, light poured in, only to be obstructed by a figure with two ears that he could not hide, not even in his shadow.

“Konoe.” A name that had always tasted familiar, even though he remembered him from the city more than anything else. It was like he`d known him for longer than that…or maybe he was just special. A quiet hello spilled from his lips — he was always slow to speak and sparse with words, but they were always earnest and meaningful; he never spoke unless he meant to.

[konyaaoe]

Milling about wasn't Konoe's forte. So on that day, he had gone to a familiar flower shop that he remembered was half owned by Asato. The former Kiran cat was a close friend of Konoe's from everything he remembered of their time in the city. They had gone to a ball, ate food together, done a myriad of things that would tell anyone the two were obviously close. It was strange to the tabby Ribika however, that he couldn't place why they were -- they just were with no rhyme or reason. Still, Konoe couldn't deny he wanted to see how Asato was doing and poked his head into the flower shop with the accompanying bell ring of the store front. 

"Asato!" 

Taking steps forward, Konoe wasn't mindful about his tail as soon as he had come in and it had hit a vase on the way in. The Sanga was frantic and tried to catch it, coughing and clearing his throat as he set the vase upright and apologized a bit sheepishly. An awkward laugh followed and he tucked his tail close with the attempt to both keep himself safe and to hide his embarrassing crooked tail.

He met face to face with the darker cat this time, sighing softly.

"I wanted to ask you something, if that's okay?"

Konoe would be lying if he wasn't curious about the two of them and perhaps even more so Asato than anything. His earts shifted as if catching the noises of trickling water in the back room. The Sanga gave another quick look around the room before he met Asato's gaze with his own. Faintly, he asked if it was fine if the two could move to the back room instead since it was a bit more private. 

"Is that okay? I wanted to talk about a few things."

[in-sunlight]

Retry. Basically the same pic as yesterday, but I ended up unhappy with how that one turned out after a while so… repeat ._. I think I like this one a little better. Maybe.

[konyaaoe]

cataclysmic ⊱ HOMECOMING EVENT II

[xtouga]

Curiously, the Touga had felt that his day woke to a dreary start. Confused initially, but felt that all was normal once he accustomed himself to his room. Eye glancing around to the corners of his meek little shack, making sure that no one had touched anything within it. After an hour or so of inter conflict on what exactly he did in this place and why he felt slightly off being here. Rai felt no reason to stay in the hut any longer, and began to wander off into the streets of Citta. 

Soon enough, to his surprise. A particular figure caught his eyes and his sense’s being a ribikia cat had allowed him to catch the scent of something familiar. A name popped to his head, yet he hadn’t a clue why. Perhaps he’d come across the lad during his bounty hunts, not that he’d introduce himself let alone become accustomed to interaction with anyone. “Eh.”

Low tone from deep in his throat as he gave the other a cocky look, “Rai. You are…”

A quick pause, unchanged expression, “Konoe." His tail swiftly flickered over to the side and he found himself leaning against a wall. Deep in his chest something urged him to stay in this moment otherwise he’d felt as if something form his life would be missing .Whether it was a memory, or a key part to his life. It bothered him, and he kept quite with no interest other than to observe the other as he spoke. Maybe this was a joke.

[whycantieatflowers]

The cold air felt new to his tanned skin as he walked slowly, much more slowly than he ever had before. His mind felt as though it were at a low hum, feeling rather calm. Although there was nothing to be upset about, at least, nothing that he could remember…the fact that he could not recall anything was alarming. Something big was missing when he had awoken. When he tried to recall his home, Sisa, the mark on his arm was only a vague insignia of a muddled world. Someone had taught him how to draw that mark on with ink, but he couldn`t recall who. All of those from Kira were gone from his mind. The scent of others had drawn him towards an already forming crowd of a white cat, and a tabby cat. While his mind had forgotten some things, his senses could never forgot something so prevalent. But names did not present themselves right away. He recognized that he had been with the smaller one in the city duing the winter celebration, and the white one… oh. They had gotten into a fight, hadn`t they? Not exacly a cheerful memory for the latter, but he couldn`t feel out why he felt uneasy around the taller Ribika. When he spoke, that name rang in his ears once, twice, like a familiar melody that escaped naming.

“Konoe…” Asato muttered to himself, loud enough to be heard most likely. Of course, being lost in thought, he didn`t realize when their attention had been directed to him. 

[devilmarked]

When he awoke, Bardo felt admittedly.. Lost. Ah, but he wasn’t the type to let that bother for him for two long. That, of he just wouldn’t let anyone see how much it actually affected him. Either way, he had work to do. The older cat had been awake since before the sun had come up, tending to the building he’d chosen to open his Inn.. Though even then it was strange.. While he was sure that he never opened an Inn before, not in this city. Doing the work seemed oddly… 

Familiar. 

Ah. He couldn’t let himself get distracted by silly things.. So he’d left the building for some time. 

"Whoa, whoa..!" 

A mind full of trouble and arms full of supplies lead to almost bumping into a certain black cat first. An apologetic glance was offered followed by one with mild curiosity. As if he recognized this one.. Ah. Asato, wasn’t it? But another cat caught his eye soon after.

"Ah. You.." 

His tail swayed from side to side, pleasantly surprised by these familiar cats. Even if he wasn’t too sure of their names at this point, well he did recall Rai before the others, Bardo approached the tabby and the white cat with confidence. One of the bags he carried was handed off to Konoe as well as a box before he rubbed his forehead with a soft sigh of relief. 

"Thought I’d be doing this on my own. Now, while I’m used to that.. I’d appreciate the help,  yeah? Let’s get moving." 

[konyaaoe]

There was something that he had wanted to say but his words had been caught in his throat and even more so when he found bundles filling up his arms and confusion took to his features. Konoe clicked his tongue with a following huff and tried to balance all that he held -- even tried to maneuver it back into Bardo's hand at some point but wasn't able to. Begrudgingly he held onto the materials with an angry little twitch of his cat ears, eventually motioning with his crooked tail for the black and white Ribika to come over and help him in not so many words. Or any, he just hoped they'd take the hint and notice his trouble. 

"Hey! Bardo. . .right? -- I'm not a storage barrel, take some of this back!" 

Too much had happened at once for the Sanga to process. He had just bumped into Rai and then Asato came, and now Bardo. Why had they all been drawn here and to each other, anyway? They seemed to know each other and he didn't doubt the familiarity that bred in his heart when he looked to the other cats. Konoe gave a look to Bardo first (maybe more of a glare), then looked towards Rai, and finally on Asato. There was somewhere they should all sit and rest and if he remembered. . .the reason Bardo had unloaded all of this onto the tabby cat was because they were opening an inn soon.

"I'm not entirely sure about everything but, there's some stuff I want to ask. Let's go to the inn for now, is that fine with everyone?"

[konyaaoe]

"I'm not a good doctor but I managed to help at least once."