Pleased that the other’s wounds are now healed, Cygnus then nods his head. When the other tells him his name, glad that the other was willing to tell him. “I’m Cygnus,” he introduces; not remembering the last time he actually had to do so. Yuki mentioned salmon, to which Cygnus had to frown. “Ah… I think… so?” he had caught some fish the other day, but –– he wasn’t sure if they were salmon or not. Still, as long as he ‘cooked’ it, then it should be fine? He really wasn’t sure what nigiri was after all. Oh, it should be fine.

     “Make yourself comfortable and I will go prepare it,” he assured it –– but really, leaving him alone in the kitchen wasn’t a good idea at all. Not that Yuki would know such a thing, but he would learn soon enough. Once in the kitchen, Cygnus pulled out the fish that he had, looking it over with slight confusion. Humans cooked their food… and cooking food meant that you had to heat it, so… using his own fire should be fine. Opening his mouth, flames soon spouted forth and burned the fish; leaving it brown – almost burned – and crispy. Not bothering with a plate, Cygnus took the now ‘cooked’ fish and return to the other’s side. “Here!”

          It doesn’t doesn’t feel good by any means, to feel as though one is a prisoner...but there will be no hope for escape if he doesn’t calm down, and rest. He hadn’t had enough time before being abducted to take any of his most potent poisons with him, and the creature has proved already that such venoms have little effect on him...but perhaps if he were to make something more refined, more concentrated, he might have a chance of at least sedating him long enough to make some distance toward home again. As he waits for the other to return, he moves throughout the garden, studying the plants and collecting the more deadly of the buds and roots for later work, hiding them in tiny tincture-carriers and vials he kept on his person. Belladonna buds, Crab’s Eye seeds, Nightshade berries...but then the other returns, sooner than he had anticipated, and he hides what he’s gathered quietly before turning to observe the food he’s brought...

        If Yoichi is acting, then he’s awfully good at it –– so good so that Mamoru is finding himself feeling doubt. Doubt that perhaps his instincts are wrong. They have been before, but… well, he won’t allow himself to rest so easily. He will be keeping an eye on the other; and each word that leaves his mouth will be considered. Turned over his head and analyzed. You can never be too careful with these kind of games. One step wrong would lead him down a road of failure. He offers a smile though, it being gentle and appreciative. “I appreciate the fact that you wish to help, but I do not wish to put you in danger. Still… information from someone in the public eye who isn’t an officer can be quite useful, so it would help me out quite a lot if you would keep an attentive eye out. You’re undoubtedly smart, so I’m sure you would notice something amiss here. Even if it is just a feeling or an assumption, then I would love to know,” he replies, smiling as he does. It’s best to make a friend for now and not a foe. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, like someone once said.

     Once the food is offered, he doesn’t hesitate to dig in; feeling his stomach rumble as he enjoys the udon bowl. It tastes good, there’s no doubt about it. He allows himself to enjoy it, not remembering the last time he ate a home-cooked meal like this. He relies mostly on fast-food lately; so much so that it’s almost pitiful. Getting some real food is nice. Finishing his sake, he hesitates a little, but decides to ask anyway; “Could I get some more sake?” Getting drunk wouldn’t be wise, nor does he intend to do so, but… perhaps it would make the other let his guard down if he does act the part of it. “Also… nothing good will come from worrying. The situation isn’t ideal, but if something does happen… well, it will be entirely out fault for not being able to handle things at a faster pace. Still… we would have to search this place thoroughly if it comes down to it –– if the killer does come here frequently, then he might have of left a clue behind; but, we will see in due time. For now, I would like to enjoy my free time, if you don’t mind? Talking about work makes me feel exhausted.”

                          ‘ really? ‘ she perks, eyes glowing in ribbons of brilliant red and orange - soft pinks streaking across her irises like the morning sunrise. the phoenix approaches, wariness dissolving as she tucks gathered roses into her book bag - red peaks through as she settles before the stranger and asks, ‘ i’m not very familiar with japanese dishes so i would love to try anything you have, but - i don’t want to get in the way.. you must be busy opening shop, right? ‘

         “That’s good to hear,” Mamoru isn’t completely assured though, because this whole situation is just downright horrible when it comes down to it. The murder had to be something close to insane, with the way the victim is usually left behind. Still, Mamoru isn’t sure if the kid would be this killer’s type, but it’s still an option. They don’t have too much of a pattern yet after all. He offers a small smile though at the other’s words; slightly amused that the other saw his words as a threat. Well, he supposed it could be seen like that; especially because Yoichi seemed to yearn for his company, but it had been more of a statement if anything. “I didn’t intend to threaten you, but well –– it seemed to work out in my favor either way,” he chuckled at that, revealing that there was much more than what met the eye. 

       “Of course. I’ll do my best to leave it at home next time,” he agrees then, giving the impression that he would indeed come here again; even if he hadn’t made his mind up about it yet. Taking a sip of his own sake whilst keep a close eye on Yoichi, he simply hums at the other’s reply. “Is that so? Well, it shouldn’t take me by surprise. Even if we try to keep information tight, then the media always finds out either way,” he sighs at that, too used to it by now; and therefore seemingly buying the other’s explanation easily. “I suppose everybody who uses their brain could figure it out, but I still don’t hope the public decides to do anything stupid because of it. We already have our hands full.” He was still definitely suspicious though. Yoichi was a little bit too perfect in his eyes; and Mamoru knew that everything was too perfect always had something to hide. Still, he allows himself to relax. He lowers his defenses and for the first time during that evening, he shows how tired he truly is. It’s all calculated, but it’s a nice feeling too. “Just… do tell me if you find anything suspicious. Finding the killer as quick as possible is optimal. I don’t want to tell another pair of parents that their kid has been murdered.”

Friday follows the taller man, taking his seat in the booth, grateful for a chance to rest his weary body. He had traveled far, his lungs filled with the dust from the road, and he was sure his bones would ache well into the morning. The warmth of being indoors had finally begun to seep into his skin so he removed his coat, folding it and placing it on the seat next to him. A bashful smile adorned his lips as he straightened his back, meeting the other’s gaze to reply. “You’re right, I’m very grateful for your offer.” Rude or not, the other had been rather helpful and Friday was not someone to disregard a favor. “It is nice to meet you, Yoichi. My name is Friday.” He hoped to avoid any sort of inquiry about his name, he grew weary of them after being questioned so often, and instead turned to the waitress and thanked her for the service. He preferred his tea bitter and so declined the offer to have it sweetened. 

As he took a sip he eyed the other quietly up and down, his senses on their usual high alert and listening in on any interesting conversations around them. He hadn’t come here to relax, after all, and was very much still on the trail he had managed to sniff out a month ago. Even while this exhausted and worn he kept searching for a lead, anything that might help him on his journey. It wouldn’t do for him to be distracted for too long, however, as he was currently a guest. Putting the cup down on the table, using it to warm his frozen hands, he decided to put his connection with this stranger to use. “I believe I caught that you work here? That would entail you meeting a lot of people, in a town as small as this,, isn’t that so?”  

       Ah, finally. His treasure seems throughly impressed by the garden – but he had expected nothing less. Outside of his hoard, then this was his most treasured place. He could spend hours upon hours taking care of the place; or he could simply sit and enjoy the scenery. It was peaceful out here. The perfect utopia. Hearing his treasure’s words, he tilts his head to the side, confusion clear on his face. “Of course I’m serious.” Otherwise he wouldn’t have of gone this far. Human were usually nothing more than a nuisance; so he would never bring one back with him if he wasn’t serious. 

      Noticing the blood, he moves forward, a frown soon appearing on his lips. “You’re bleeding,” taking the other’s hands in his, he licks at the small wounds; causing them to heal instantly. Keeping the other’s hand in his own, he lowers them so he can stare into the other’s face. “Nothing inappropriate, I assure you. I will treasure you. Make sure you keep shining,” he explains, deciding that he should get the other a change of clothes now that there is blood on them. “What should I call you? Also – are you hungry? I can prepare some food for you, if you wish.” He didn’t know much about cooking, since he mostly lived on raw human or animal flesh, but it couldn’t be that hard.

          There is a tension in his arms as his wrists are lifted by the other, and he shivers in shock and disgust as he’s LICKED, but before he can scold the other, he notes that his wounds are healing. How incredible. It leaves him baffled and speechless a moment before he retracts his hands, scowling. Nothing inappropriate? So, he wasn’t brought here to be a concubine -- so, is he just an object to this creature? Just something to oogle and call his, but to toss aside when he doesn’t feel like playing with him? It makes his blood boil...but there’s nothing he can do about it. He’s a DRAGON -- a beast of immense size and power. There probably aren’t enough herbs in this entire garden that could make a poison potent enough to kill him...or even put him to sleep for awhile. Things were beginning to look bleak.

                          the phoenix perks at his words, eyes ablaze as they turn to look him over (he too is kissed by the winter chill, paler than the frost that leaves her lips with each breath). flowers settle in her palms, petals brightening beneath her touch as she asks, ‘ that depends: what kind of tea are you serving? ‘

       Ah… had he said something wrong? Cygnus didn’t believe his view was wrong, but apparently his treasure took great offense to his words. Well, so be it. It would change over time, he was sure of it. Still, the threat of the other’s family coming after him only made him frown. He didn’t like being threatened –– and especially not now that he has found such a precious treasure. Eyes narrowing, he gives the other a warning glare. “You do not wish for such a thing. If they come here, I’ll kill them.” It isn’t an empty threat either –– at least not completely. If the other’s family is like him though, then it wouldn’t be too hard to kill them; but he won’t kill them unless completely necessary. 

      Once he has shown the other his nest, he had hoped to see a better expression on his face, but… apparently not. “You will sleep here together with me,” he informs, a small sigh leaving his lips at that. “I will show you the garden now. Come,” the tour is far from over; and on the way to the garden they pass by both the kitchen and the bathroom –– the first of which is barely used. That would have to change now though, since there is a human together with him. Once they come overground again, it doesn’t take long to reach the garden –– the only place outside of the hoard that is kept well. The temple is a ruin after all, but the garden stands out. It’s beauty nothing less than otherworldly out here in the mountains. “You can enjoy the garden as much as you desire; and I’ll allow you to do with it as you please as well. Plant new flowers.. anything of the sort.”

          Just as he feared; his family likely wouldn’t stand a chance against a creature like this -- but there’s no telling for certain. Ichi is a master of explosives, Hachi can wield any blade ( surely one that could pierce this beast’s flesh ), and San was out of his bloody mind -- his weapons were strong enough to cut through steel. There’s no way he couldn’t slice this creature into shreds. Even so, he feels WORRIED. He almost hopes they don’t come after him. He couldn’t fathom the idea of them dying for his sake. He feels his hands trembling, fingers clenched so tightly into fists that his nails are cutting into his palms, and blood is soon trickling down onto the floor as he stalks through the halls. He’ll be sleeping with him? The thought disgusts him, but he says nothing for now, ignoring most of his surroundings as they go, blinded by rage. He needs to calm down, or he’ll get too heated. How is he supposed to get out of this?

        His treasure seems amazed as they stand before his hoard, but it doesn’t last as long as he had hoped. Cygnus doesn’t understand; because how can one turn away from such beauty? All the treasures he has collected for so long… kept in perfect condition and each standing out on their own. His most favored one are in a separate; but he’ll wait a little with showing his new treasure those, not wanting to overwhelm him too much in one day. His treasure doesn’t seem too happy though, making Cygnus frown as he turns to look at him.

     So… this male had kitsune blood in him. Well, it explained a lot – the inhumane beauty of the other; and it only proved that h was one of a kind. An unique treasure unlike any others. Still, the other’s words didn’t manage to reach him properly at all, but a frown does settle on his features. “It’s alright. This will be a new home – and your family will soon forget you. Humans are… fickle like that,” they changed their mind so easily. One day they would worship you; the next day they would hunt you down. They couldn’t be trusted. “Come now –– I’ll show you my nest…” the rest of the other’s words were dismissed at that; and he led the way again, not having to walk far before he reached his ‘bedroom’. It was mostly a lot of blankets and pillows and soft things piled on top of each other, forming a circle with more than enough space for two. 

        – like this post for a starter with ROKU.

personals, please refrain. mutuals only.

please keep in mind that these may contain triggering topics.