awashlogs | June catch-all with Some Dumb Cat

[ Caramia usually complained about things that inconvenienced him, but this once, even if it was the most inconvenient way to receive his medications, he didn't have any sort of luxury to complain. In fact, he was... quite happy with this? He was so worried about getting his meds, and now here they were, just sitting on his roof. Daily, too, how lucky was that? And with a nose like his, it as hard to miss the fact they were up here.

Mid-reach for one of the bottles, he faltered a bit when he heard someone's footsteps, and nearly pushing the bottle off in the process. Albeit lacking in any grace, he still managed to catch it before it went toppling down off to the side, heaving a relieved sigh.

He slid over to the edge of the roof, shooting his visitor his usual friendly smile. What do you mean something was wrong? No, no, this was just your usual Caramia. Nothing weird here... ]

Ciao!

Nothing weird here at all! Just like there's nothing weird about how Kyrie decided to drop by, not... terribly keen on straying from Ruga for too long until he's certain no more disappearing hijinks are in order. He'd stayed in Flavo the night before, so it's only fair that he spend his day here again! It's not as if he has much better than to pester Caramia after all, and with these new quests--

...I'm sorry. Is he on the roof?

...No, yeah, that's definitely an idiot-shaped something up there, isn't it? It doesn't look like he's got any tools up there with him, so it isn't as if he's repairing the damn thing again.

He sighs as he makes his way closer, Caramia slowly slipping from view as he nears the front of the building--only to pop back up again as he leans over the side, prompting a raised brow from Kyrie as his steps slow to a stop.

"Caramia. What in heaven's name are you doing up there?"

[ He seemed a little surprised by the question. Clearly because he was thinking "can't you see what I'm doing" and not "How did this random stranger know my name". Because why would he think the latter? Haha...

Still, with the bottle in hand, he slid down to the edge of the roof, and found careful footing along the sides of the house to get himself down. Then, excitedly, he held out the medication to his new guest. ]

Found this hanging out up there. I kind of need this stuff to... um, not catch anything, you see. Kind of important of me to have it. Don't worry about me, I'm used to climbing things.

[ Even with Caramia forgetting completely about him, Kyrie still hovered around Ruga where this stupid lion lived. Kind of funny, wasn't it? Not that Caramia thought much of it. But he certainly wasn't going to turn his company down. Besides, he was a yellow, right?? They could go on those quests together if that were the case! And really, how could anyone turn down this enthusiastic smile?

Or, maybe Kyrie just didn't want this dumbass going into the forest by himself? All very reasonable things to think.

The next person to visit him in Ruga, in the midst of him getting ready to go into the woods, is someone he actually recognizes! He was probably just here to visit, but that's too bad, because Minato, you're about to be dadnapped. ]

Ciao, Minato! Would you like to join us? We're gonna go looking for those strange sheep. Do you wanna help??

[ As if he was going to say something other than "yes". ]

[He had known something was wrong when he watched them interact on the network. But seeing them together now, going on some sort of quest...

That feels normal.

Still--

(Is everything really okay...?)

Caramia knows Minato well; of course he just nods quietly.]

Oh... of course. I'd love to come along. Thanks for inviting me.

[Don't mind him, he's just...glancing over at Kyrie curiously. (Is everything really okay?)]

[It's after the positivity event (which was honestly nice; it was good to see everyone there and enjoying themselves) that Minato goes to find Caramia properly, knocking on his door casually after a good night's rest (which he will never take for granted again).

Thanks where thanks are due; Caramia did good work organizing this for everyone, and Minato wants to express that to him!

Knock knock, Caramia!]

Haha wow, everything sure isn't okay!

And yet, despite anything and everything being distinctly 'not okay', Kyrie still manages to catch up to where Caramia darted so quickly ahead, looking... actually pretty fine? Maybe he doesn't look happy but like hey, when does he ever.

"We hardly need a third for something so simple--" look at that Minato, he even sounds fine! "--but, if nothing else, I suppose he ought to make better bait than you."

...But that's where it falls flat, if Minato is mindful enough to catch it. The insult (if saying someone wouldn't make good bait is an insult?), directed to Caramia, just sounds... empty. Like it's obligatory, but without the lighthearted taunt or expectant grin that would usually accompany such a thing.

But Kyrie's moving right along, sparing a glance to Minato as he continues.

"Do you even know how to shear a sheep?"

Kyrie steps back to accommodate the idiot clambering down in front of him, eyeing the medication as it's shown off. Its appearance is suspicious, but it's not as if they have many options available to them--and even if it means only another month of safety, it's still enough to send a wave of relief through him before any more information is given.

...But it's then that Caramia decides to provide that information, and that short-lived relief stutters into the unfamiliar and decidedly uncomfortable feeling of uncertainty.

"Of course I would know why you need it, you stupid, idiot lion." His tone shifts only towards annoyance as he tries to wrap his head around the strange phrasing offered. "Honestly... Did you hit your head falling from your first attempt to grab it?"

There's a slight falter in Caramia's expression. He seemed... confused by Kyrie's annoyance. How strange. He knows he goes talking to people about his personal life maybe a bit too often, but he's fairly sure he's never talked to this stranger about anything. Or maybe he has? Maybe he's someone on the forum? (He doesn't recall talking about this on the forum, but??)

He sheepishly rubs the back of his neck.

"Ah, scusa. Do I make it that obvious?" He laughs softly. "Or have you just been doing your homework?" How else would he know about him being a lion if not from the forum, after all!

[ Caramia doesn't notice this, because it's not like he knows how Kyrie usually acts or anything. He's just happy to have a ~~very friendly~~ willing yellow to help him with this task. He beams happily at the two of them, holding up the old-fashioned shears he was bringing with them. ]

Yeah! Sort of? I'm not professional, of course, because my territory back home didn't really deal with animals, but I know the basics of it. Admittedly, trying this on an invisible sheep is going to be challenging, but certainly not impossible. [ There's a quick glance back to their new companion. ] What about you, Minato?

...This isn't right.

Nothing about this is right, is it? From Caramia's unnecessary explanation to his reaction to Kyrie's insults. It's unsure, and unsteady, and unknown, and wrong, and yet a nagging piece at the back of his mind says no, says this is familiar, says you know what happened--

And he does.

Because of course he remembers.

Of course he knows.

And of course he can piece together what it means, in this context, in this town, and surely no facade no matter how well-worn could withstand the crushing pressure that settles itself in his chest. A piece of his composure cracks by way of a startled laugh; his lips twist into a smile that might have been a sneer once, dulled only by the ache trying its absolute damnedest to strangle his voice away from him.

"This... isn't funny, Caramia." A conversation so different, and yet so much the same. "You aren't so cruel to joke about this, are you...?"

But unlike a conversation they may have had once upon a time, Caramia doesn't get upset with Kyrie. He did not tell Kyrie to calm down, or anything of the sort. He does not even look at him with such familiarity with this situation, or try to show him any sort of closeness he often did with his friends.

Instead, Caramia only laughs nervously, clearly unaware what was happening in this situation. He doesn't understand how Kyrie is being so familiar with him. How does he know his name? How does he know so much about him? Something isn't right. But...

"This isn't a joke, no. I'm not trying to be funny, signore."

Eat your heart out, Kyrie.

... [Nothing is fine, he thinks--

So.

Minato just keeps his eyes on Kyrie, and then back to Caramia, and then back to Kyrie again.

...]

... No, I don't know how to shear sheep. I'm along for emotional support.

[He says that blandly... but he's concerned, so it's not entirely a joke.]

"That makes you more useful already."

...Which is also not entirely a joke, said with a small laugh as Kyrie ducks his head and begins walking again. He'll pass by the pair if they don't decide to keep pace.

He can't say he's particularly interested in this quest, nor in the idle chatter that will come with extra company though. Sorry, Minato.

"I've already told him I won't be assisting in shearing anything. I'm here to officiate the quest, and that's all."

[ Hello, son! Caramia doesn't give Minato the usual greeting hug, but there is a smile when he opens the door to greet him, nonetheless. ]

Ciao, Minato. [ This week sure has been a busy one, hasn't it? He steps aside, anyway, to let him in. ] Still sleeping well?

O-oi, hang on, does that mean you're both just going to watch me shear an invisible sheep? That doesn't sound productive or entertaining!

[ Is he pouting? Yes. Yes he is. ]

Least one of you could do it's help me hold it down. There's no telling what other weird mutations it's gonna have here.

Yeah, thank you.

[Thank god for that.]

I'll never take sleeping for granted ever again. How are you doing, Caramia-san?

[It's fine. This time, of all times, Kyrie has a very good excuse for being short with them and unhappy.

So.

Minato just rolls with it, glancing at Caramia.]

I mean... I'll help how I can. I just probably won't be that helpful.

Good, I'm glad! [ Minato deserves good things! Like sleep. But preferably not the eternal kind. ]

Things are a bit quiet since the party. Gives a strange sense of foreboding... like... the calm before the storm? It's probably just me, though.

Edited 2018-06-19 22:49 (UTC)

Mm, no... I think I understand. Aside from the punishments, we haven't had anything weird happen this month yet, right?

[... Still, he just shakes his head.]

But we can't spend all of our time worrying about that either. I wanted to come by to thank you for setting up the party, Caramia-san.

[ Ah yes.... the punishments... Caramia shifts awkwardly in his spot. He had been thinking a bit too much about that, lately. Especially so, since after the party. Conveniently both of which Minato brings up! Thanks, Minato. ]

No need. I was just glad I could help. It seemed only fair we got everyone together after that time of being apart.

Edited 2018-06-21 00:22 (UTC)

[He...certainly does note that awkward shifting. It'd be hard for him to miss.

Hm...]

... That's true. It helped everyone a lot, I think.

But... are you okay? You seem kind of uncomfortable.

Hm...??? Ah. Scusa... I've had a bit on my mind, lately.

[ Maybe this is what people mean when they say he's too predictable? He doesn't mean to be so easy to read! Geez. ]

Oh, really...?

[Hm...!]

Do you think it'll help to talk about it? I'd be happy to listen.

Wh-...? [ Minato's already dealt with so much of their shit! He'd feel bad!!! ]

It's nothing, really. I mean... I was just thinking about old things that have... [ ...It's inevitable, isn't it? Besides, Minato was really close with Kyrie. Maybe, if nothing else, he could try to be there for him, if he knew his story a little better?

There's a long moment of hesitation as Caramia stares silently at the floor. There's a lot of emotion in those big, cat-like eyes of him very briefly, until finally, they settle for a much more somber look. ]

A while ago, when... when Kyrie had realized that the people in town forgot... [ Admittedly, he didn't know how much Minato knew, but... ] forgot Dorothy. Kyrie told me about that. Did he tell you...?

June catch-all with Some Dumb Cat

For Kyrie (6/3)

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For Kyrie/Minato (6/4)

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hello here i am (6/13)

Y'all were just gonna let me forget all about this starter

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