003. like a cat

[hanabee]

[Rinne had mentioned once that Takasugi was prone to falling asleep on the couch, and ever since, Niki's made it a point to take a peek into the living room every time he passes by. There isn't always an opportunity to stop, of course—if he's on his way out to work, or in the middle of cleaning, he usually wouldn't bother him, letting him rest while he goes about his business. He certainly doesn't have a problem with him being there. It's just... there's something that's been on his mind for a while...

"Shinsaku looks like a cat," Rinne had explained to him. "But he's more like a dog, you know? So when you see him chillin', don't be shy."

Today, Niki's just come back from his shift, so right now, he has time. That means when he catches sight of Takasugi seemingly asleep on the couch, Niki quietly sneaks over to get a closer look.]

Comments

[takasugi]

( a blanket drapes over his lower half and spills onto the floor, takasugi appearing to be asleep. atop his lap, a clipboard with sketches and shapes that resemble some sort of vessel, complete with schematics featuring stick figures and notes in flowy, messy handwriting that seem to be guiding the the reader as to where the fuel is and what goes below the hull. he doesn't stir when discovered, head reclining back against the arm of the couch.

but that's only thanks to the comforting scent that clings to the both of them, like a sunbeam shining down on a clearing. it always helps him sleep, that. keeps him away from the darker things in one's dreams that don't open to ochre or tourmaline, a beast's memory within him so tinged with the darker colors of malice, let alone his own.

a hand that's open and resting up near his head flexes, as if searching for the graphite pencil that's fallen to the floor. )

[hanabee]

[Hehe. Isn't he cute like this? It's not something Niki gets to see often, and even those times when Takasugi had ended up in their bed, it wasn't necessarily something that Niki'd had too much time to appreciate. But now, with all the free time in the world (until dinner, that is), Niki notes how gentle he looks. The thinness of his cheeks almost isn't even noticeable with how soft his features are, and Niki thinks that this is probably what a Takasugi without a care in the world would look like. He wonders if he sleeps better here than the place he used to live... He hopes so.

Niki glances at his work, but only for a second. None of the sketches mean anything to him, and it's none of his business, anyway. (It's kind of hard for Niki to read his handwriting in the first place.) He looks right back at his face instead, and... reaches for his device.

Sorry. He just looks so cute and peaceful, how is he supposed to do anything but take a picture? Slowly, quietly, he makes his way closer so he can get a good shot of his face. He'll have to send this to Rinne later... or maybe use it as a bribe. He'll see.

After that, he waits to see if Takasugi stirs at all. He'd always thought he must be a light sleeper, but...]

[takasugi]

( this is grade A evil, shiina niki...

not that he knows takasugi has already sent their third a picture of himself sleeping blissfully, because of course he has.

one of his comically large ears flicks, takasugi tilting his head more towards the inside of the couch. he's been staying up late, as he's often want to do, poring over ideas that might only stress the other two: on how to leave, and what he might have to sacrifice to ensure that they make it there. the blueprint is coming along nicely even if he's always been sort of so-so on drawing, having used his more intricate setup of several computer monitors in SAITAMA to arrange for arahabaki's construction on a more professional level.

that all said, takasugi flexes his open hand again. it's hard to tell whether he'll spring to attention or not, just like all those samurai dramas where vagrants stay half-awake as they wait at attention at the door for an ambush. only there is no ambush here, or at least, takasugi feels relaxed enough in their home to not anticipate anything. )

Mmh...

( a tiny groan. like maybe he is dreaming about something? or maybe not. )

[hanabee]

[He's totally going to spring awake.

But even though Niki knows that's a very real possibility... He really, really can't help himself! He's so curious! So he crouches down beside him and carefully reaches for one of his ears. He gently takes the tip of it between his fingers, his touch light. Rinne said he wasn't a cat, but Niki chooses to approach it as if he were, careful not to use too much pressure in case he actually hates this.

...well, he's not Rinne, so maybe he will hate this. Niki's already prepared for that outcome. But he isn't totally doing this for a reaction, either. A reaction could be fun, but mostly, he wants to know if his ears are actually as cute and soft as they look.]

( 1 / 2 )

[takasugi]

( oh, it's the complete opposite of hate. in fact, takasugi's face scrunches up with an almost indescribable emotion.

the gentle pressure of fingertips on the delicate skin of his ears makes him twitch. it's an unusual sensation, teetering between sleep and waking, where a strange warmth pools all the way down to sink deep into his muscles. he tightens his throat, holding back the barest sound that's trying to escape. trying being the key word here, sharp canines shuddering against his bottom lip like he's about to bite right through it. they are soft, of course, the red fur that nary a single soul is ever given the consent to touch striking plush with every stroke, and if he were awake, takasugi would have surely swatted niki's hand away. )

Wait, ... not so hard, Amagh—

( mumbling, as if that scenario would actually come to pass. his open hand pushes forward to grasp at his assailant's wrist, and then— )

( 2 / 2 )

[takasugi]

... Shiina,-kun... rather.

( the confusion is plain on his face. )

Wait. What're you...

( it's so dire when they both smell like someone else, let alone when he's trying to make sense of it all while drowsily blinking himself back to the real world. he's careful not to move too much and stimulate that spot again with niki's fingers, lest the heat threaten to dip past his chest and down into his belly again. please.

his grip on niki's wrist tenses a little, but it's not tight enough to punish. )

Is this how you wake people up normally? Feeling them up while they're defenseless?

[hanabee]

N-nahaha...

[Niki laughs awkwardly, his expression sheepish. He doesn't try to pull his wrist away, accepting the fact that he's been caught in the act. There's no way he could fight Takasugi off even if he wanted to!]

Sorry, Prez. I tried really hard not to.

[That's a lie. He did not try at all.]

But when there's a cute, fluffy animal sleeping in front of you, it's only human nature to want to pet it, right? I didn't mean to wake you up, though.

[takasugi]

( he didn't!! he didn't try at all.

but the stuck feeling in takasugi's throat doesn't vanish just yet, and for all niki looks self-conscious to admit he gave into temptation, takasugi's irritation starts to wane. those fingers are still close enough to make his toes want to curl, the distraction of his own weakness so imminent. he can't be the only one who folds to the tenderness of his own ears, right? other carnivora are surely going through it. still, he won't be hard on him. takasugi's never been the type to snap at someone unless it were a real problem. after a brief, tired pause, he releases his grip as smoothly as he took hold.

it takes a moment to sit up, an elbow hanging against the armrest as takasugi's fingers rap against his cheek. )

I get that. I really do. Mine are so velvety they're practically irresistible, ... and yet. There are some places only certain people should be able to touch, right? Like I can't just go touching you anywhere I want if I wanted to. Not the back of your neck, or your hips, for example.

( not to imply his ears are just as special as that, but. also, why does it feel like he's giving a lecture after immediately waking up? )

[hanabee]

[When Takasugi lets go, Niki straightens up. He's a good kid (usually), so even if it feels like he's being oh-so-gently lectured, he's willing to accept defeat.

...even if he wouldn't have minded touching them a bit (a lot) more. They were so cute and soft!]

I guess I would be bothered if a stranger did it, but honestly, I'm actually kinda used to it. Rinne-kun's been doing stuff like that without permission for years.

[Niki admits, completely casually. It's not TMI or showing off when Rinne's always doing these things to him in public to begin with.

...also, those examples were so specific. Aren't those just places Takasugi likes to be touched?! Niki's noticing a pattern here!]

So I guess that means you are sensitive there, huh? I think you really are like a cat. It's too bad I didn't get to hear you purr.

[Just kidding. Probably. He sounds pretty sincere, though!]

( 1 / 2 )

[takasugi]

( hold on. is that comment about the teasing for being cat-like, or does niki know takasugi can pull that off?

there's a pang of sleepy irritation in his chest at the thought of rinne sharing every little intimate detail he discovered, but takasugi doesn't hold that against niki, either. these two really do share everything, don't they? should he be more cautious? ... no. that'd be ruining his fun, let alone getting in the way of takasugi's own wants. )

Sensitive enough for it to be an erogenous zone, in fact. If it wasn't that dire, I'd probably let you touch them as much as you want.

( maybe. )

( 2 / 2 )

[takasugi]

( and if it weren't the three of them, admitting that would probably be strange. fortunately, not a one of them are normal. even the vague reminder of fingertips ghosting along the rim of his ears to press into them is enough to send a tiny shudder down his back, but he's trying to focus on niki here. focus and ignore the shameless side of him that would love to indulge in the lazy wash of hands where they shouldn't be, from ear down to neck and then further as the force makes him gasp.

... takasugi just needs to wake up all the way. wake up and be the reliable hero from choshu, and actually, he ... )

Come to think... I owe you a gift for that holiday, don't I? If you promise not to thumb the skin too hard and focus on petting the fur, you can handle them a little more. Just petting. That aside, I've got some questions to ask, so you might as well stay close while I continue to stir.

( without waiting, takasugi works to set the clipboard aside and fold the blanket repeatedly so it doesn’t fall to the floor without a care.

the assortment of items is stacked in front of him while he kneels into the couch, allowing niki to sit behind him as long as his own tail is tucked out of the way. )

1/2

[hanabee]

Whoa, really?

[Niki blinks, unable to hold back his surprise. He genuinely didn't expect Takasugi to relent at all... Especially after admitting just how sensitive he is there. Can he really be sure that Takasugi is actually awake right now and not just, like, sleep-talking or something? This is kind of crazy!

It's not really hard to imagine, though, and honestly, Niki thinks there's no shame in admitting it. After all, Niki likes being touched there, too. Who wouldn't? He'd always liked headpats to begin with, but not being entirely human anymore has definitely made it feel like something else. He's pretty sure anyone would feel that way.]

[hanabee]

[But Niki relaxes quickly, plopping down into the seat beside him without hesitation.]

Well, as long as you're okay with it! I promise, I'll be a good Niki~.

[More than anything, he'd just wanted to touch them, so he doesn't actually mind Takasugi's condition here. As much fun as it would be to take advantage of him, the fact that Takasugi has been so honest and forgiving of his mischief is actually really sweet. He can definitely hold off on a little teasing for now.]

I didn't actually expect you to take me seriously about that. [The gift, he means. Maybe it's just convenient, but he thinks it's pretty cute that he remembered.] But yeah, sure, you can ask me anything you want, Prez!

[takasugi]

Great. Also. Just so you’re aware, this is a one-time deal. After this, I won’t be as lenient if I catch you trying it again.

( because he thinks he gets it now, in that he's being seen as the family pet more than anything else.

more than being stubborn, if he can assuage niki's curiosity a little, he can nip this in the bud for good. a bit of petting like he's a dog or something shouldn't be too hard to handle, right? and like he said, takasugi totally gets the temptation to want to do something you're not supposed to. it's agonizing. as long as niki abides by his word and is gentle, where he's never given takasugi reason to doubt him, everything will be fine. when he thinks about what niki's been witness to recently and how it might cling heavy to his heart, a little request to touch him is nothing. well. as long as he has control over it, takasugi wrinkling his nose.

as for rinne, well... he'll figure out what to do or say about that later.

the soft clack of his claws resounds on the wood of the clipboard, takasugi having shuffled it back into his hand. his current expression, unreadable as he faces away. )

Anyhow. Do you have any experience with canning or prepping anything nutrient-dense for long voyages?

( straight to business, like he's not concerned in the least. be a good niki. )

[hanabee]

[Niki's tempted to ask him what exactly he'd do if he catches him doing this again, but the question about food preparation catches him completely off-guard.

He tilts his head, and for just a moment, the matter of Takasugi's super cute and fluffy ears is totally assuaged. Niki doesn't even try to lift his fingers just yet.]

Only a little. I haven't been on many long trips since I was a kid, and back then, it was mostly my parents doing that stuff. I'm pretty sure I could do it just fine, though.

[He knows nutrition and food storage... He can probably give advice on what to eat in the wilderness, too.

But more importantly...]

Are you planning to go somewhere, Prez?

[takasugi]

Are you worried that I'm going to up and leave on my own? Because I'm not exactly the best at sailing. In fact, I got pretty seasick the last time I was on a vessel that traveled overseas. But I have been thinking about it... about how we can't stay here forever under this oppressed regime of theirs, and how we might be better off leaving for somewhere else, as fantastical as that sounds.

( fantastical in the sense of what it might do to their bodies, as takasugi isn't sure yet. there are more questions than answers at this point. )

Karteria is limited in what it can do for us as idols, and even for you as a chef. Wouldn't you like to explore the cuisines of other places beyond here? To nations that have never tasted your cooking... worlds, maybe. I'm not entirely sure what I'm getting at here just yet, but...

( one of his ears flicks. it lays flat atop his head despite the way he sits with shoulders unmoving, every word off his tongue insistent. )

I want to keep our lives interesting, but I won't leave the two of you behind.

[hanabee]

Honestly, I was starting to think you were getting bored of us.

[It's a bit of a tease—at this point, "getting bored" probably isn't much of an option, given their bond. Still, for as much as Niki doesn't think too hard about who or what Takasugi is, it's not lost on him, either, that Takasugi is someone historically significant, and Rinne and Niki are just... a couple of guys.

Well, to Niki, Takasugi is just some guy, too, really. No matter what happened in life, he's still just a person with a heart and feelings. He, too, is just human.]

Um, you don't have to convince me or anything. [Takasugi's justification makes it sound like he thought Niki would be against it. That's understandable, but...] I mean, I'm definitely excited to learn more about what people eat here. I always wanna try new things. But I wouldn't wanna go anywhere without you guys, either. We have to look out for each other.

[There was Takasugi's condition, but he also protected them, too. And Rinne... Rinne wasn't the type of person to sit still. If there was a way he could improve their situation, even just a little bit, he would try to do it, so...

But then again, regardless of the circumstances or outcome, Niki would follow him anywhere. As long as he was with Rinne, then anything would be fine.]

I'm pretty good at handling sensitive stomachs, so, actually, it kinda sounds like you need me.

[takasugi]

I'm the one who gets to decide whether I'm bored or not.

( and it is a tease, but that doesn't erase the slightly irritated sulk in his tone.

maybe it's just the leftover fatigue, and maybe it's because he knows he was never supposed to be a permanent fixture, but. his claws scratch into the back of the clipboard in an attempt to erase his discontent with all the things he's doing that a servant was never meant to. the living need a push to make their future bright. they didn't need the dead clinging to them all the time with dreams of their own, even for as much fun as takasugi was having discovering new aims as a product of their singing. )

But it's true. You'd be the most valuable member of our voyage, actually. Neither of you would have to learn how to read a compass or the stars, but meals that are easy to eat in the rolling sea are crucial, let alone knowing what we should rely on to keep our stamina up. That's not my area of expertise, keeping track of all those little details. So.

I'll take care of steering, you handle food prep, and Amagi-kun.... can be support.

[hanabee]

[Truthfully, Niki wonders if Rinne wouldn't end up getting seasick, too... But there's no reason to bring up Rinne's constitution, so he won't. That's a future them problem, if it ever even ends up being one.]

Actually, I can read a compass just fine. It could lead me to food, after all~♪. [That's not how that works?! He also wonders if Rinne can't read the stars, too... But then again, even if he could, he'd probably avoid it unless he absolutely had to. But really, either way:] I'd be more than happy to leave all the complicated stuff to you, though. The less I have to work, the happier my stomach will be.

[This isn't reassuring at all! At this point, though, Niki lifts a hand up to gently scratch behind one of Takasugi's ears, just at the base of it, where his fur meets his hair.]

What do you think we're gonna find?

[takasugi]

( oh. that's... good, whatever he's doing. scritching him behind the ear. it doesn't catch him off guard in the sense that it's sensual, but it's nice.

takasugi tilts his head back to lean into every press of nail just so, exhaling slowly through his nose. he even waits for it. )

All sorts of things, I hope. Mermaids. Sea creatures the like of which would tear a boat apart. The only time I’ve actually traveled outside of a dream or a simulation was when the province gave me the chance to witness what was happening in Shanghai.

( more realistically, though... )

Somewhere that isn't this world, where the two of you will be safer. As much as I would've liked to fix this place, my priority is doing what's best for what I care about. You can't thrive in this place that's meant to tear you down, and I’m not just talking about our bodies; the radiation on this planet will keep deteriorating, and if that happens, none of our dreams will come true. At first, I thought the coast was too risky to navigate, but over time, it’s become easier to turn my thoughts and abilities to reality again.

( it goes against his original purpose, doing this. but that's fine. he's always been one to do things his way. )

[hanabee]

[Oh, it feels like he's leaning into it... Hehe. That's so cute. So even someone like Takasugi can't resist!

As he thinks that, he listens to what he says. He thinks he's kind of starting to understand how a person like this managed to bring change to the country they came from. At the very least, it probably takes someone like this... A person with dreams and imagination and passion. As someone who doesn't really have those things, hearing Takasugi talk like this is a little refreshing.]

You really think we can go somewhere else? [There's a certain implication in his words...] Like, another world?

[Technically, the fact that they were here meant it was possible, so Niki doesn't doubt that. But did he really think he could achieve that?]

I wonder if a place like that really exists. [Somewhere safer... That does sound nice.] I wouldn't mind it, though. Honestly, I don't really care where we end up, as long as we're together. That's all that really matters to me.

[takasugi]

( it might not exist, really. humanity is bound to repeat their idiocy no matter the realm. the clipboard sits on the arm rest, takasugi tousling the fur of his tail a bit. )

Would you, now.

( a pause, as if he needs to weigh the coming words properly. his tone is light. )

But would you give up a part of yourself to make that pipe dream real?

[hanabee]

Nahaha... That makes it sound like there are parts of me that shouldn't change. Honestly, I'm pretty sure God could afford to start all over with me.

[He answers maybe a little too easily. He can't think of a single part of himself that he would be afraid to lose. Even his ability to cook was built upon necessity, a solution to a problem he'd probably have to deal with for the rest of his life. It is a little scary to think about that happening—it's the only part of him that he sees any value in—but even then...

He shrugs lightly, continuing to scratch his ears.]

I promised myself a long time ago that I would take care of Rinne-kun no matter what, so... yeah, I guess so. I'd do anything to make sure he always has a place to come home to and a nice, warm meal.

[takasugi]

( niki agrees so readily, and... he isn't sure he likes a portion of that answer. )

Turn around.

( a command with an urgency behind it, takasugi's tail rolling across fabric as he rearranges his seated position to be facing niki instead. sorry. niki literally just gained some privileges, and yet. )

[hanabee]

[Niki doesn't try to fight back when Takasugi starts shifting his position, his cute, fluffy ears escaping his touch, but he hesitates to do what he asks.]

Um, why do I get the feeling that I'm in trouble all of a sudden...?

[But slowly, he turns around, and... braces himself!]