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Post by Aphelyon on Feb 27, 2017 13:49:52 GMT -5
The two stared awkwardly at each other for a moment. The bakeneko's first instinct was to just flee without another word, which he would be entirely capable of doing at this point. After all, the human had now seen this form, and it would be easy enough for him to just get up, open the door, and leave. He did consider that possibility. Still, the human had been kind to him since he had chosen the cat from the shelter, even if he hadn't let him get to the fish, and had kept him in the carrier the night before. The bakeneko couldn't really hold that against him- after all, he had just been treated as a regular cat, and the human had had no reason to believe he was anything else. Plus, it seemed that the reason for bringing him home was that he desired some form of companionship, and the thought of abandoning him after such a shock as this, with no explanation, was too cruel even for the bakeneko. So, he may as well start explaining.
"So, uh, I'm your cat. Hi."
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Post by ValkoinenLeuka on Feb 27, 2017 14:09:31 GMT -5
Julian remind frozen in place, processing this. He wasn't exactly keen on believing this so easily, but... He looked over the stranger again. The odd eyes... scar and paleness. It would line up. But where was the cat? It had been on his bed, and the door was closed. There wasn't really an 'under' the bed, so there wasn't really anywhere it could hide... Human-level intelligence would explain why the cat was so understanding. And the resistance to the kibble.
"I... don't understand how." He mumbled slowly.
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Post by Aphelyon on Feb 27, 2017 14:22:43 GMT -5
("and the resistance to kibble" yeah lol)
The bakeneko frowned, uncertain how to explain in a way the human could understand. He only had a limited understanding of humans in general, and his knowledge extended about as far as a basic understanding of language and some human activities. And besides, how does one explain the basic aspect of their existence? He simply was what he was- it would be like a human trying to explain what exactly a human was, to someone who had little concept of them. He was not aware of any alternate state of being with which he could compare his existence to. Still, he had to at least try. The human hadn't completely freaked out yet, so that was a start.
"I can... change shapes." The cat figured that was a good place to start, and though he felt that that much was obvious at this point, it was probably worth reiterating. "I know that's hard to believe. I've never met anyone else who can do the same." That much was true, at least. He had never met another cat quite like himself, which got a bit lonely at times. Humans couldn't understand what he was even if he could speak to them, and normal cats were generally relatively unintelligent. That was another reason he generally avoided interaction- it's far easier to pretend you're not lonely when there's no one around to make you feel worse about it. But now wasn't the time for self-pitying. He watched the human's reaction, wishing he could give a better explanation for himself.
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Post by ValkoinenLeuka on Feb 27, 2017 15:08:20 GMT -5
"Okay..." Julian mumbled, trying to think this through. "But... why did you pretend to be a house pet?" He asked. Considering the stranger wasn't really making any move to attack or start trouble, Julian was starting to relax a bit. Not completely, but his heart wasn't pounding in his ears anymore, and he certainly wasn't considering phoning the police about the intruder. Though it might be hard to explain when his friends asked to come over and see the cat...
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Post by Aphelyon on Feb 27, 2017 15:15:41 GMT -5
The bakeneko grimaced. "It wasn't exactly planned. My intention was to leave as soon as I got here- I would have last night, but you locked me in the carrier." He wrinkled his nose, casting a glance at the carrier in the corner of the room distastefully. "To summarize, I got stuck at the shelter and couldn't escape until I was let out of that awful cage. But I couldn't exactly just change shapes and leave once we got here either, because, well, this would happen." He let out an exasperated sigh, raising one eyebrow at the human. All things considered, he seemed to be taking this quite well.
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Post by ValkoinenLeuka on Feb 27, 2017 15:30:05 GMT -5
"Oh..." Julian followed his gaze to the cat carrier with a small frown. "Well, um, that won't happen again..." He stated, though that seemed obvious now. "I mean, you don't have to stay here if you don't want to." He added. He wasn't sure about extending an invitation to stay. Was he supposed to say he wanted a pet or a roommate? Neither statement seemed right for this.
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Post by Aphelyon on Feb 27, 2017 15:39:28 GMT -5
("oh, good" *gets up and leaves* *end of roleplay*)
The bakeneko couldn't help but let out a small snort of amusement. "That almost sounds like you're inviting me to stay. That's a first." He gave a small smile, mostly to himself. "You almost don't even seem fazed now." The human seemed to have gotten over his initial fear and now just seemed confused and a bit awkward. Unfortunately, the bakeneko wasn't quite sure how to deal with that; it was far easier to know how to respond to someone screaming and whacking him with a broom. Of course, he had had more pleasant interactions than that with humans before, but only ever when they assumed he was also a human- he'd never actually had a calm, coherent conversation with someone who knew he was a shapeshifting cat. Well, there's a first time for everything.
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Post by ValkoinenLeuka on Feb 28, 2017 1:45:27 GMT -5
(XD we went to my husband's boss's house for dinner and video games. back now)
Julian gave a small shrug. "I think I'm just in denial. It'll hit me later. For now, I can see it being... difficult to find a place to stay with your-" What was the word? Condition sounded like something was wrong... It didn't seem wrong, just unusual. "Situation." He finished. He looked toward the bedroom door, taking a few steps over and opening it.
"So... maybe we talk about this over a not-kibble breakfast?" He suggested.
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Post by Aphelyon on Feb 28, 2017 2:17:18 GMT -5
(nice I hope that was fun )
The cat shrugged. "I usually stay in the forest, in my... other form. You can see where coming around people has gotten me." He scowled, but that expression faded as he watched the human go the door, and changed to mild excitement at the mention of food. "Yes, I'm starving!" he exclaimed, not bothering to actually stand but instead rolling onto all fours, shrinking as he did so. Fur grew along his spine and then spread down the rest of his body as his plumy tail appeared, his skull and facial features shifting to become more cat-like and his fingers shrinking into small paws. He was completely cat as ran past the human in into the living room, jumping up onto the back of the couch. He looked at the human with hopeful eyes, letting out an expectant meow.
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Post by ValkoinenLeuka on Feb 28, 2017 2:36:20 GMT -5
Julian froze in place at the transformation, as he hadn't expected it. It was strange to see with his own eyes. Either way, he was able to shake off the initial shock hopefully soon enough that it wasn't too uncomfortable. "Can you digest human foods with a cat stomach?" He asked, starting to walk toward the kitchen. "We can make eggs again. I think there's some bacon. Can you eat bacon...?" Julian's last question was a little quieter, more of a musing than a real inquiry.
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Post by Aphelyon on Feb 28, 2017 2:48:03 GMT -5
The cat transformed again, lying on his stomach on the couch with his arms crossed on the arm of the couch, and his chin resting on them. He looked at Julian with an almost hurt expression. "Of course I can eat bacon."
(I think it's also worth noting that he doesn't have any clothes or anything on lol. They don't shift with him so obviously he doesn't have any rn. Just figured I'd point that out tho bc idk if Julian is, like, gonna be bothered by that or if he just doesn't care anymore lol. Also sorry for the real short reply.)
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Post by ValkoinenLeuka on Feb 28, 2017 2:59:53 GMT -5
(it's all good. And I'm sure Julian will try to suggest that he borrow some clothes fairly soon. I kinda figured this was the case ) "Alright, just wanted to check. Toast, too? I don't want to make anything that might make you sick." He asked, starting to take all the ingredients out of the fridge and set them on the counter. He fetched the pan from the drying rack and started to heat it over the stove. He tried to think of things that were usually bad for cats... He'd have to ask about them, too. Especially caffeine.
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Post by Aphelyon on Feb 28, 2017 3:06:16 GMT -5
(Yeah I figured you probably did but I thought I'd specify just because that's one of those things that changes a lot depending on the particular work of fiction. It's a huge pet peeve of mine though lol)
The cat let out a short laugh. "Don't worry about it. The benefit of having a human form is I don't have to worry about that. Anything humans or cats can eat, I can eat." He watched as the human's every move curiously as he made the food. He didn't really understand how cooking worked, and it fascinated him how- so far as he could tell- putting it in a certain container would make it come out so different. Humans had so many strange objects that did so many strange things.
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Post by ValkoinenLeuka on Feb 28, 2017 3:14:43 GMT -5
Julian nodded. "That's good. Though there still are some things that humans have special allergies too. I've been trying to make a point to ask before I make someone sick." He said. He looked over the food as it started to cook in the pan, though he wasn't exactly sure what to say now. Actually, he did have a question.
"What's your name?" He asked. He doubted Snowball was correct. Kitty didn't seem like a good thing to be calling him by either.
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Post by Aphelyon on Feb 28, 2017 3:19:18 GMT -5
The bakeneko frowned, taken a bit by surprise by the question. He hadn't really considered it; after all, he generally had no need for a name. He thought about it for a moment, trying to remember the nicknames he had been given in passing by humans, but they were all just as terrible as Snowball, so finally he just shrugged. "I don't have one."
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Post by ValkoinenLeuka on Feb 28, 2017 3:36:58 GMT -5
"Oh.. Well, is there anything you'd prefer I call you by?" He asked, though he was a little hesitant to persist an answer. He had to remember that the shifter was clearly used to a different lifestyle. Should he suggest a name? Or should he just...let that be?
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Post by Aphelyon on Feb 28, 2017 3:43:29 GMT -5
The bakeneko shook his head. "Just not Snowball. Fluffy is also out," he added with a wry smile. "Besides that... call me what you like, I guess. I don't care. I have no need for a name, but I know humans enjoy assigning them, so if you feel that I should have one...." He shrugged again.
(I must head to bed, it's almost 4am for me and I need to stop staying up super late lol. So, goodnight)
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Post by ValkoinenLeuka on Feb 28, 2017 3:53:49 GMT -5
(haha its the same time here, except I don't have a concept of sleep time. Night~)
Julian considered this before shrugging. "I suppose something simple might help for if people come over. That and some pants. Mind if I start calling you Aster?" He asked. It was short and easy enough to remember, but still not too common like Bob or Tom. He moved the eggs off the pan and watched the bacon as it grew close to finish cooking. As the last few pieces cooked all the way through, he moved them onto the plates. He considered starting toast. Well, if the shifter was still hungry after this, he'd make toast. He poured a glass of water for the both of them and headed over to the coffee table, setting everything down. "Come on over and eat."
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Post by Aphelyon on Feb 28, 2017 13:29:14 GMT -5
The cat frowned at the idea of having to wear clothes, but really he was surprised that it had been this long before it was mentioned. For whatever reason, humans had a strange desire to cover themselves. Perhaps it was for protection, since they didn't have fur? Either way, he didn't like them- they felt very constricting- but it was easier to comply. His distaste was forgotten, however, when a name was suggested. "Aster." The bakeneko rolled the word over in his mind. "Hm. A nature name. Yes, that should do," he replied after a second, nodding. When the food was brought over, he rolled off the couch and sat cross-legged by the coffee table to eat. "Thanks for the food," he added as he grabbed a piece of bacon. The human was being oddly kind to him, considering... well, everything. It was actually pleasant. After a moment, though, something occurred to him, and he tilted his head as he looked at the human.
"So, what is your name, then?" he inquired.
(ah are you in EST as well?)
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Post by ValkoinenLeuka on Feb 28, 2017 21:33:45 GMT -5
"Oh, right. I'm Julian." He answered, sitting down across from the shifter and offering a small smile. It was rare he had company to eat with, and even if this was a little strange, the change was nice. He picked up a fork and took a few bites of eggs before he continued. "But, in regards to what you said before, you're welcome to stay if you want to. But if you decide to go out in that form, you at least need to borrow some clothing. You can get in a lot of trouble going out like that."
(For now. We're moving to TX in a few days.)
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Post by Aphelyon on Feb 28, 2017 21:48:59 GMT -5
(Ah. Neat.)
The newly-christened Aster frowned, eating in silence for a few minutes as he considered the possibility. It was about the last thing he expected, not only for the human- Julian, apparently- to react so well to the discover of the bakeneko's true nature, but then invite him to stay anyways. It almost seemed like a trap to him, but even as he worked it around in his mind, he couldn't figure out what the motive could possibly be. Perhaps Julian was just very, very lonely. Still, it seemed to Aster that it would be simple enough for him to return to the shelter and just find a different cat, a real cat.
Once he had meticulously cleared his plate and couldn't really delay a response any longer he looked up at the human. "What would the benefit for you be?" He raised one pale eyebrow. "I'm sure you know that if I did stay, it would not be as your pet." He snorted. "Though depending on which form I took, other humans may see it as such."
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Post by ValkoinenLeuka on Feb 28, 2017 22:06:18 GMT -5
Julian considered this a moment. "I... what do you mean, exactly?" He asked. He wasn't sure what benefit the shifter was looking for him to answer with. "I mean, I guess I won't be by myself as often, no matter which form you're in. I don't really think I'd see you as a pet considering you're clearly smarter than an average cat. I guess you might have to do some pretending if other people come over."
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Post by Aphelyon on Feb 28, 2017 22:16:24 GMT -5
Aster sat back against the base of the couch, crossing his arms as he thought. So that was really it, huh? Julian was just lonely. Aster could work with that. Even having to pretend to be a regular cat on occasion didn't bother him all that much- that had always been the case when he was around humans in that form, after all. Still, he wondered why Julian was so willing to allow him to stay.
"Wouldn't you prefer to just get a normal cat instead?" he asked, tilting his head. After all, if Julian had trouble with being around other humans, then Aster couldn't imagine his company would be all that much different. Surely it would be better for Julian to just find a real pet.
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Post by ValkoinenLeuka on Feb 28, 2017 22:38:39 GMT -5
"I really don't know much about taking care of pets." He admitted. "The fish are really the best I can do. At least with your ability to speak around, you can tell me if you need something." Julian replied. "I've never actually had pets before the fish tank." He continued eating, slowly clearing his plate. He gathered up the dishes and headed over to the kitchen to rinse them.
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Post by Aphelyon on Feb 28, 2017 22:55:05 GMT -5
Aster watched him, not entirely sure how to reply to that and heavily debating whether he should accept the offer or not. On the one hand, he wasn't all that fond of the idea of staying in the city for very long- he had really just been passing through on the way from his old territory to... wherever his next would be. And, though he found many things of theirs fascinating, he generally found humans distasteful. Still, there was the same thing that had been at least part of the reason he hadn't left the first chance the night before: he would feel bad just abandoning Julian, especially now, after he had been so hospitable. And besides, having a warm and dry place to sleep that he didn't have to fight over, as well as access to human food... that wouldn't be a bad trade-off. Not to mention having some company. And if he changed his mind, he could always leave later. Finally, he let out a sigh.
"I suppose I can stick around for a while, if you're sure that's what you want," he finally answered, shrugging nonchalantly.
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Post by ValkoinenLeuka on Feb 28, 2017 23:09:31 GMT -5
Julian offered a small smile in return. "You're welcome to stay as long as you want." He turned on the faucet and ran the dishes under the water a few seconds before turning off the sink and walking back over to the living room. After a short pause, he changed direction midway and walked into the bedroom a moment, returning with a pair of sweat pants. He passed them over to Aster. "These should fit you."
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Post by Aphelyon on Feb 28, 2017 23:21:24 GMT -5
Aster looked the sweatpants over, not excited about having to wear them. But Julian was giving him food and a place to stay, so he may as well be courteous. "Thanks," he said, albeit not sincerely or altogether enthusiastically, as he stood and began to put them on. He struggled for a moment, like a young child trying to dress themselves for the first time. When he was done, he plopped back down on the couch and curled up on one cushion much like a cat, his chin resting on the arm as he looked over at Julian. He wasn't really quite sure what to do or say now; this was probably the longest, and definitely strangest, time he had ever spent with someone in his human form.
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Post by ValkoinenLeuka on Mar 12, 2017 21:58:19 GMT -5
(I'm settled and home I'll start my reply for this and Origin)
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Post by ValkoinenLeuka on Mar 12, 2017 22:02:22 GMT -5
Julian picked up his laptop from the counter and sat down on the opposite side of the couch. "Well, there should be a few books or something if you like to read. I've got some work to get done." He said, opening the laptop and powering it up. As the screen lit up, he opened a few coding programs and began typing. As usual when he did his work, he sort of let time slip and spent more time than he meant to and forgot to eat. Occasionally, he looked over toward Aster, trying to gauge if he was comfortable or bored.
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Post by Aphelyon on Mar 12, 2017 22:11:53 GMT -5
"I don't know how to read," Aster replied, raising his head to look at Julien. He knew that's what humans called staring at the strange lines that they put on, well, everything, which apparently somehow represented spoken word. Still, he had never quite been able to figure out their pattern, or how to interpret them. He thought he came close a few times, but each time something proved his understanding of the lines flawed.
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