⌞ Ҝ卂ㄒ卂几卂 ⌝ ރ

" For Broken Honor And Retribution. "

╭────────── 𖥸

（( My companion sometimes brings back small 'gifts' when it returns from flight. )）

（( Teru is free to come and go as he wishes. I rarely restrict my barn owl from leaving the wooden roost box i've made for it, unless he was injured or so. I trust him to return back eventually. )）

...

（( With that said, back to the point.. apologies, )）

（( Teru can bring back various different things. Though the most notable item i've observed him bring the most during those occasional instances... is bux. )）

（( Although I am not complaining, sometimes I ponder... where did he picked this up from? I never taught my avian companion to pick up bux. )）

...

（( Hm. )）

☕︎ ──────────╯

（( ... )）

For a moment, Katana just didn't answer. At all.

The only notable motion on him was the barn owl, getting all comfy again, before it began grooming for loose feathers within its underwing.

（( ... )）

Katana squinted his upper eyelid.

（( Why am I looking at you like that? )）

He repeated. Subtly adjusting his sitting position.

（( How long do you plan to not say a word? )）

Katana's voice became quieter.

...

Once again, there were exactly two ways to interpret what was he doing.

...The latter option was likely making him nervous again. If it is exactly what he suspected.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Note from admin:

• Katana not going easy on bro.. the mental gymnastics kinda crazy /j

a  long,  drawn-out  squeal  escaped  shuriken's  lips,  and  he  felt  his  heart  drop  as  katana's  words  hung  in  the  air.

‘  how  long  do  you  plan  to  stay  silent?  ’

panic  washed  over  him,  and  he  almost  shrank  back,  wishing  he  could  disappear.

‘  phuuuuuuuuuuuuck,  i’m  so  dead…  ’  shuriken  thought,  desperately  trying  to  keep  his  face  neutral  while  locking  eyes  with  katana.  even  as  he  was  sweating  bullets,  however,  the  mounting  panic  of  the  weight  of  his  double-life  was  starting  to  fray  at  the  edges.

this  was  no  ordinary  tea  time  chat;  it  felt  like  a  scene  from  a  suspenseful  thriller,  and  he  couldn’t  help  but  wonder  if  this  was  precisely  why  they  rarely  spent  time  together.

screw  this!  he's  losing  his  grip! 

“  say  a  word  about  what  !?  ”

（( Do not spin it in another way. )）

（( It is risky to continue this, Shuriken. )）

（( I am in no way shaming you for it. It is noble to take on a responsibility that most would dare not to. )）

（( ..However, you still have decades ahead of you. A warm bed to return to, and companions to rely your head on. )）

（( And what if one day... one, wrong, move were to be made? )）

（( What then. )）

“   …   what   if   i   don't   care?   ”

“   what   if   this   is   my   calling,   and   i'm   willing   to   die   for   it   ?   ”

“   what   if   I   don't   care   if   i   —   ”

╭────────── 𖥸

（( Then you have lost your mind. )）

Katana's eye briefly widened for a moment— before it turned sharper.

His tone was even more firmer. And yet it did not rise any higher.

Yelling will do no good here.

（( You are no longer under the watchful eye of the Shogun. Unlike myself, you are not bound by a code. )）

He doesn't understand.

Shuriken had freedom that many would wish to grasp their hands on.

And yet..

（( Shuriken. Priotizing your own well-being and close ones is important above all else.. you would rather perish for a Inphernal you barely knew and leave your siblings grieving the aftermath? )）

He wish he could change the topic. He hadn't anticapated a answer so selfless— he felt like he HAD to emphasize the flaws in Shuriken's ideation.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Note from Admin:

" For Broken Honor And Retribution. "

╭────────── 𖥸

（( My companion sometimes brings back small 'gifts' when it returns from flight. )）

（( Teru is free to come and go as he wishes. I rarely restrict my barn owl from leaving the wooden roost box i've made for it, unless he was injured or so. I trust him to return back eventually. )）

...

（( With that said, back to the point.. apologies, )）

（( Teru can bring back various different things. Though the most notable item i've observed him bring the most during those occasional instances... is bux. )）

（( Although I am not complaining, sometimes I ponder... where did he picked this up from? I never taught my avian companion to pick up bux. )）

...

（( Hm. )）

☕︎ ──────────╯

（( ... )）

For a moment, Katana just didn't answer. At all.

The only notable motion on him was the barn owl, getting all comfy again, before it began grooming for loose feathers within its underwing.

（( ... )）

Katana squinted his upper eyelid.

（( Why am I looking at you like that? )）

He repeated. Subtly adjusting his sitting position.

（( How long do you plan to not say a word? )）

Katana's voice became quieter.

...

Once again, there were exactly two ways to interpret what was he doing.

...The latter option was likely making him nervous again. If it is exactly what he suspected.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Note from admin:

• Katana not going easy on bro.. the mental gymnastics kinda crazy /j

a  long,  drawn-out  squeal  escaped  shuriken's  lips,  and  he  felt  his  heart  drop  as  katana's  words  hung  in  the  air.

‘  how  long  do  you  plan  to  stay  silent?  ’

panic  washed  over  him,  and  he  almost  shrank  back,  wishing  he  could  disappear.

‘  phuuuuuuuuuuuuck,  i’m  so  dead…  ’  shuriken  thought,  desperately  trying  to  keep  his  face  neutral  while  locking  eyes  with  katana.  even  as  he  was  sweating  bullets,  however,  the  mounting  panic  of  the  weight  of  his  double-life  was  starting  to  fray  at  the  edges.

this  was  no  ordinary  tea  time  chat;  it  felt  like  a  scene  from  a  suspenseful  thriller,  and  he  couldn’t  help  but  wonder  if  this  was  precisely  why  they  rarely  spent  time  together.

screw  this!  he's  losing  his  grip! 

“  say  a  word  about  what  !?  ”

（( Do not spin it in another way. )）

（( It is risky to continue this, Shuriken. )）

（( I am in no way shaming you for it. It is noble to take on a responsibility that most would dare not to. )）

（( ..However, you still have decades ahead of you. A warm bed to return to, and companions to rely your head on. )）

（( And what if one day... one, wrong, move were to be made? )）

（( What then. )）

" For Broken Honor And Retribution. "

╭────────── 𖥸

（( My companion sometimes brings back small 'gifts' when it returns from flight. )）

（( Teru is free to come and go as he wishes. I rarely restrict my barn owl from leaving the wooden roost box i've made for it, unless he was injured or so. I trust him to return back eventually. )）

...

（( With that said, back to the point.. apologies, )）

（( Teru can bring back various different things. Though the most notable item i've observed him bring the most during those occasional instances... is bux. )）

（( Although I am not complaining, sometimes I ponder... where did he picked this up from? I never taught my avian companion to pick up bux. )）

...

（( Hm. )）

☕︎ ──────────╯

（( ... )）

For a moment, Katana just didn't answer. At all.

The only notable motion on him was the barn owl, getting all comfy again, before it began grooming for loose feathers within its underwing.

（( ... )）

Katana squinted his upper eyelid.

（( Why am I looking at you like that? )）

He repeated. Subtly adjusting his sitting position.

（( How long do you plan to not say a word? )）

Katana's voice became quieter.

...

Once again, there were exactly two ways to interpret what was he doing.

...The latter option was likely making him nervous again. If it is exactly what he suspected.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Note from admin:

• Katana not going easy on bro.. the mental gymnastics kinda crazy /j

a  long,  drawn-out  squeal  escaped  shuriken's  lips,  and  he  felt  his  heart  drop  as  katana's  words  hung  in  the  air.

‘  how  long  do  you  plan  to  stay  silent?  ’

panic  washed  over  him,  and  he  almost  shrank  back,  wishing  he  could  disappear.

‘  phuuuuuuuuuuuuck,  i’m  so  dead…  ’  shuriken  thought,  desperately  trying  to  keep  his  face  neutral  while  locking  eyes  with  katana.  even  as  he  was  sweating  bullets,  however,  the  mounting  panic  of  the  weight  of  his  double-life  was  starting  to  fray  at  the  edges.

this  was  no  ordinary  tea  time  chat;  it  felt  like  a  scene  from  a  suspenseful  thriller,  and  he  couldn’t  help  but  wonder  if  this  was  precisely  why  they  rarely  spent  time  together.

screw  this!  he's  losing  his  grip! 

“  say  a  word  about  what  !?  ”

（( Do not spin it in another way. )）

" For Broken Honor And Retribution. "

╭────────── 𖥸

（( My companion sometimes brings back small 'gifts' when it returns from flight. )）

（( Teru is free to come and go as he wishes. I rarely restrict my barn owl from leaving the wooden roost box i've made for it, unless he was injured or so. I trust him to return back eventually. )）

...

（( With that said, back to the point.. apologies, )）

（( Teru can bring back various different things. Though the most notable item i've observed him bring the most during those occasional instances... is bux. )）

（( Although I am not complaining, sometimes I ponder... where did he picked this up from? I never taught my avian companion to pick up bux. )）

...

（( Hm. )）

☕︎ ──────────╯

（( ... )）

For a moment, Katana just didn't answer. At all.

The only notable motion on him was the barn owl, getting all comfy again, before it began grooming for loose feathers within its underwing.

（( ... )）

Katana squinted his upper eyelid.

（( Why am I looking at you like that? )）

He repeated. Subtly adjusting his sitting position.

（( How long do you plan to not say a word? )）

Katana's voice became quieter.

...

Once again, there were exactly two ways to interpret what was he doing.

...The latter option was likely making him nervous again. If it is exactly what he suspected.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Note from admin:

• Katana not going easy on bro.. the mental gymnastics kinda crazy /j

[ But what is strange that hes alone here for once, now that was something special. He needed a night out after the strange happenings going on with himself recently... ]

[ Perhaps he needs some company to help pass the time... ]

( open interaction... You may write with this silly snow leopard... )

Current location: Layer ? — Inconspicuous Bar

Time: 12:30 AM

Note from Admin: LET ME FEED ALL OF YOU WITH YAOI.

╭────────── 𖥸

The atmosphere tonight was lively.

Even with the unspoken gloom that clung like a second skin to the Mercenary, the bar he frequented goes on like usual:

chatter! -.. chatter? .- chatter

-. chatter... --. chatter . chatter?!

. chatter chatter~ .

chatter - chatter!!

With the thoughts that swirled within his mind, the chatter of the other Inphernals went in one ear and out the other.

The Capital was the centerhub of all four regions however. News of what's going on would reach ears, words exchange, maybe some details lost along the way...

It was an unreliable source. You can never be sure if it's just rumors some bored bloke started, or it had a trinkle of substance.

...

The Bartender has been keeping an eye out, as there was.. alot more chatter going on more than usual.

" At this point, it's hard to tell what's genuine or not.."

The Bartender muttered quietly to themselves, cleaning a empty glass that still had leftover froth from a previous patron. They were situated adjacently to Hyperlaser.

" ... Do you want another one? "

They offered in a mindful volume, with a hint of slight.. nervousness. You can never be too wary afterall, even if its a Inphernal you've seen quite often within your space. Besides, the Inphernal picked up on the 'mood' going for him.. he seemed to be dazing off.

But before he might try to answer—

..

-. chatter.. -. chatter -. chatter

chatter --- chatter. -- chatter ..

chatter!! -. chatter --. chatter

" -and within one night, everything was gone!— "

SKKREE!

A sharp cry rang out, immediately piercing through the chatter. It even caused the Bartender to sit up straighter, and their eyes to widen. Their head swiveled from Hyperlaser to the door.

" Go off now. Be mindful of the corvids. "

—That voice.

a familiar Inphernal has arrived. 20 minutes of solitude had came to an end.

flap! flap!

The chatter has died down just a tadbit from the sudden screech. Sounded like a barn owl.

" -the hell? " ... " WHERE IS IT?! " " HCHCHKS— "

" you okay buddy? " --- " —yeah im fine man! "

" oomf- " --- " my drink... :C " -.

" Oh! your friend's here! "

The Bartender whispered quickly, their temporary fright quickly subsiding when realizing it was just one of their frequent patrons.

They sounded somewhat a tadbit hopeful. As if they hoped he could bring him out of his headspace.

clink...

clink

clink!

" Good evening. "

Katana had finally arrived. As he peers down at Hyperlaser.

He stood next to the seat he was meant to occupy. He did not sat down yet.

[ Hyperlaser stared down at the bottom of his near empty glass, watching the ice swirl around. He lifted his head as he heard the bartender speak as he looked at him opening his mouth to speak before being suddenly interrupted by what sounded like an owls cry. It didn't disturb him like it did the other bar patrons as he knew who it was... Hyperlaser lifted his head and silently ordered another glass under his breath not needing to look back at the door like the others, things like this didnt disturb him. ]

[ The mercenary finally turned his attention to Katana standing next to him by his usual seat, giving a curt nod as a welcome. ]

Hey. Good to see you again.

（( As same it is for you, Friend. )）

Katana seems to have squinted his eye from within the mask. Although the 'wise sage' trait of his is still there, it's noticably more loose this evening.

（( I apologize for taking a.. considerable amount of time to get out of the bath. )）

Katana finally sat down beside Hyperlaser. His atitre shifted, and there was a faint 'clink! clink!' as he does so. The ring around one of his dark-red bull horns glinted brilliantly under the bar's light.

（( I dozed off briefly. )）

The Bartender walked off temporarily from the duo, as a patron waves them over.

The atmosphere was now much more lighter.. less jarbled, and more stable for Hyperlaser.

Katana's presence, whether he would want to admit it or not.. was grounding.

He simply just had a way of making the room feel less suppressed... in a way that Hyperlaser can't exactly pinpoint how.

（( I hope to not have kept you waiting for long? )）

Katana rests his hands on the bar counter. Still maintaining 'eye contact' with Hyperlaser.

" For Broken Honor And Retribution. "

╭────────── 𖥸

（( My companion sometimes brings back small 'gifts' when it returns from flight. )）

（( Teru is free to come and go as he wishes. I rarely restrict my barn owl from leaving the wooden roost box i've made for it, unless he was injured or so. I trust him to return back eventually. )）

...

（( With that said, back to the point.. apologies, )）

（( Teru can bring back various different things. Though the most notable item i've observed him bring the most during those occasional instances... is bux. )）

（( Although I am not complaining, sometimes I ponder... where did he picked this up from? I never taught my avian companion to pick up bux. )）

...

（( Hm. )）

☕︎ ──────────╯

mask  off.  make  sure  he  doesn't  notice. 

he  rushed  over  to  katana,  completely  ignoring  the  owl  currently  holding  a  talon  full  of  bux.  who  cares  about  thievery  right  now  when  his  neighbor  was  finally  out  of  his  home! 

“  heyy  !  it's  really  you!  "

he  ran  up  to  hug  katana,  but  before  he  could  hug  the  guy,  he  froze  up  completely  before  backing  away  and  giggling,  voicr  quieter  than  before  as  he  rubbed  the  back  of  his  neck.  it  was  then,  in  that  moment,  that  he  noticed  the  bird.

Current location: Layer 2 — Apartment

Time: 5:10 PM

Note from Admin: YESSS ive summoned the Thieves Den Peopleejrnskw... also yes, you are allowed to reblog! and I just woke up.. that's the only reason why I didn't respond instanously... (im obsessed with roleplaying dont be shy)

╭────────── 𖥸

（( Hm? )）

Katana and his avian companion, Teru turned to look at Shuriken in a uncanny sync. The lone ring of gold on Katana's red upper bull horns glinted faintly in the dim light of the sunset.

（( Ah. It's you. )）

SCREE!

（( He is greeting you aswell. )）

Katana didn't flinch whatsoever when Shuriken almost wrapped his arms around to hug him. At that, he only merely cocked his head to the side.. with Teru following the same motion as it's life-long companion.

（( It is fine. You didn't mean to. )）

Katana adjusted his body so that he would be facing in Shuriken's direction properly. There was a faint tiny 'clink!' when he turned around.

（( Good evening, Shuriken. With how quick you were to run up to me, Im assuming there is something to be asked of me? )）

Katana kept his head tilted, as he formally greets Shuriken this time.. full attention is on Shuriken now. Evidently so, with the way his eye is staring dead-on at the former Darkage Ninja.

...

Teru adjusted it's grip on the bundle of bux it managed to get its claws on from earlier. The barn owl slowly scooted downwards, just abit from Katana's shoulder.. as if trying to meet Shuriken at eye-level.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes:

• Katana seems to be relaxed, and remained undisturbed by the fact that Shuriken was this close to hugging him.

the  young  inphernal  reached  out  a  hand,  curious  about  the  presence  of  a  bird  with  his  samurai  friend.  however,  just  as  quickly  as  he  extended  his  fingers,  the  Inphernal  hesitated,  retracting  his  hand  and  slipping  it  back  into  the  safety  of  his  pockets.

“  oh,  i  wasn't  …  asking  you  of  anything  !  ”

shit  he  had  no  plan,  did  he?

his  eyes  darted  briefly  to  the  side,  a  hint  of  distraction  flickering  across  his  face,  before  settling  back  on  the  owl  perched  before  him.  to  steady  his  racing  thoughts,  he  focused  on  the  creature’s  magnificent  wings,  reaching  out  to  touch  their  soft  feathers.

（( Careful. )）

Katana's eye seems to briefly widen when Shuriken reached out to try to touch the barn owl's wings—

SCREEE!

—Katana reached out with his free hand to halt Shuriken's hand, gripping his wrist in a firm but characteristically gentle manner.

（( ... You can't touch a owl's wings. Or back. )）

He quickly tried to give a small lesson on bird-handling to Shuriken, before they'll move on.

（( Trying to touch them in those areas... stimulate a certain stress response. Those areas are not touched by anything but their partner. )）

He hoped.. Shuriken got what he was trying to say.

Teru flapped his wings briefly... and held them out in a sprawled motion. As if the avian was shocked itself.

（( ... )）

Katana slowly lets go of Shuriken's wrist, before using the same hand to gently scritch the top of Teru's head.

...

The avian slowly brought his wings down.

（( The head however, is a safe spot to touch. No room for misinterpretations.. and avian confusion. )）

Katana quickly added. While he was talking, he slowly pried the bux from his companion's talons, just incase it wished to hop onto Shuriken's shoulder.

he  blinked  twice  as  katana  softly  scratched  the  owl  on  its  head—the  same  hand  that  had  almost  startled  shuriken.

“  okay  ...  the  head  …”

he  completely  understood  why  the  owl  might  be  feeling  nervous.  after  all,  if  someone  were  to  unexpectedly  reach  out  and  touch  his  chest—or  any  other  part  of  him—he  would  get  uncomfortable,  too.

it’s  all  about  that  element  of  surprise,  isn’t  it?  as  a  master  of  his  craft,  of  course,  he  would  know.   

shuriken  nodded.

“  yeah  …  i  got  it  !  ”

he  smiled,  brighter  than  the  sun.  his  hand  then  reached  out  to  the  owl's  head,  with  his  voice  just  as  soft  as  katana's  handling  of  the  bird.

“  i  just  wanted  to  talk  to  you,  i've  been  …  bored.  "

（( ... )）

Katana tilts his head to the other side, pocketing the bux he picked up from his avian. This time, Teru did not mimic the same motion.

SCREE!

Teru like Katana expected, hopped onto Shuriken's wrist first, before scooting side-to-side trying to get up to his shoulder—

—OW- OW– THE BIRD MEANS WELL BUT THE TALONS ARE SHARP AND TIGHT!

（( I see. )）

Katana commented simply. He uncorked his head, and blinked slowly. The middle-ranked samurai did not bat an eye at his companion clambering up the young Inphernal's shoulder.

（( And your siblings? )）

（( ... Normally I would see you accompanied by the other two. )）

Katana seems a tadbit puzzled why Shuriken wasn't with them.

（( ... )）

Katana slowly squinted his eye.

SCREE!

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes:

• Katana is suspectin that Shuriken is feeling particularly clingy this evening.

Notes from Admin:

• Katana sees everything /j

• Let me steal that hc rq.. /silly

shuriken  yelped,  instinctively  freezing  in  place  as  the  barn  owl  perched  on  his  shoulder  dug  its  talons  into  his  flesh.  damn,  those  talons  hurt  like  tiny  knives  on  his  shoulder!

“and  what  about  your  siblings?” 

the  question  landed  softly,  full  of  the  warmth  and  understanding  reminiscent  of  a  father  speaking  to  his  son.  it  caused  shuriken  to  halt,  his  heart  racing.

the  barn  owl  nibbled  at  its  wing,  completely  unfazed,  while  shuriken  straightened  his  back  against  the  railing,  flinching  as  the  owl  screeched  dangerously  close  to  his  ear.

“  uh  …  w-well…  um  …  ” 

he  released  a  breath  that  came  out  as  more  of  a  hurried  laugh  than  the  disgruntled  sigh  he  intended.

the  truth  was,  he’d  rather  die  than  confess  how  clingy  he  felt  toward  anyone.  the  thought  of  burdening  them  gnawed  at  him.

but  the  loneliness  weighed  heavier  without  his  siblings  by  his  side.

“  ahem  !  i-i  was  …  erm  …  training  !  for  something  …  for  lunch  rush  …  at  thieves'  rest,  totally  !  haha  !  ” 

（( ... )）

Katana's "expression" did not change in the slightest.

He already can see through him, can't he?

...

As if to add to Shuriken's embarrasment, Teru also slowly turned corked its head to look at him. Like he was judging him as much as it's master.

（( ... Right. )）

Said the middle-ranked samurai, with the most unconvinced tone Shuriken has heard out of him in awhile.

（( ... If you are trying to hide from your siblings, you might aswell do it efficiently. )）

Huh?-

Oh! He's already moving- back inside.

（( ... )）

He did not looked back over his shoulder to Shuriken, as he ducked down the doorway he came from.

SCREE!

Almost as if Teru is trying to snap Shuriken out of it, it screeched just as Katana got inside.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes from Admin:

• Translation: Get yo BUTT inside here boy. /j

shuriken trailed  behind katana as  they  both  entered  the  apartment,  a  mix  of  nerves  and  determination  bubbling  inside  him.  he  fumbled  for  excuses,  each  one  more  desperate  than  the  last,  hoping  to  find  something  that  would  ease  the  tension  crackling  between  them.

“  i'm  not  ‘hiding’  why  on  earth  would  i  be  hiding  from  them  ?  ” 

gradually,  the  tightness  in  his  muscles  began  to  ease,  as  if  the  weight  of  the  world  was  being  lifted  from  his  shoulders.

katana's  house  welcomed  him  with  unexpected  warmth,  a  cosy  retreat  that  felt  like  a  comforting  embrace.  The  air  was  infused  with  a  delightful  scent  of  maple,  wrapping  around  him  like  a  soft  blanket.

he  took  a  deep  breath,  savouring  the  sweet,  autumnal  aroma  that  filled  the  room.  Instantly,  a  sense  of  calm  washed  over  him—it  was  the  perfect  atmosphere  he  needed  to  quiet  his  racing  thoughts.

“  i  just  needed  a  change  of  space,  y'know  ?  you  get  me,  right  ?  ” 

（( I understand. )）

Katana did not look over his shoulder just yet, as he moved with grace for a Inphernal his size. He moved ahead of Shuriken.

...

（( It can get somewhat overwhelming, hm? )）

SCREE!

Teru briefly flapped his wings to instead position himself on Shuriken's head— ow-

（( I'll be brewing some tea. Do you have a preference for a flavor? )）

From the small kitchen, Katana was easily visible. He finally looked over his shoulder at Shuriken (and Teru).. holding a quite detailed ceramic teapot.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes from Admin:

shuriken let  out  a  soft  whine  as  teru  perched  atop  his  head.  the  owl  exuded  an  air  of  calm,  but  those  sharp  talons  were  dangerously  close  to  making  a  mess  of  his  hairline.

shuriken's  gaze  remained  intense,  fixated  on  the  delicate  ceramic  teacup  that  katana  cradled  in  the  kitchen.  His  ears  perked  up,  tingling  with  anticipation  for  the  soothing  ritual  of  tea  time  with  katana.

“  do  you  still  have  some  matcha  ?  if  not,  i  can  take  some  water.  ” 

shuriken  found  his  perfect  perch,  settling  on  the  nearby  table  with  effortless  grace.  he  crouched  there,  knees  tucked  to  his  chest,  looking  a  bit  awkward  but  completely  at  ease,  much  like  the  little  bird  perched  atop  his  head.

his  smile  radiated  an  infectious,  giddy  excitement,  reflecting  the  joy  he  felt  at  the  thought  of  spending  time  with  katana.

（( I do have some left. )）

Katana reaffirmed, as he hunched down momentarily. The sounds of lower cabinet doors openings..

Once he stood back up, he was now holding the necessary equipment to prepare the matcha. He set aside the ceramic teapot.

（( ... )）

For a moment, when everything was on the counter he simply.. stood there for 3 minutes.

Another slow blink.

（( ... )）

Before he got to work.

While waiting for the water to be lukewarm to prepare the matcha properly in a chawan bowl, he began to talk to Shuriken.

Which the young Inphernal likely didn't expect, as Katana wasn't much of a talker. It seems that he is in a good mood.

（( Your siblings.. they are doing just fine, I take? )）

（( I haven't seen them this day. And for once, you're sister's vines did not intrude upon my meditating area. )）

!!~

Teru seems to be comfortable within his new perch. The talons are still tightly gripping and sharp though-

‘  either  way,  ’  he  tilted  his  head  with  a  playful  smile,  now  perched  comfortably  on  the  table,  ‘  i  like  it.  means  i  get  to  spend  more  time  chatting  with  someone.  ’ 

with  a  soft  giggle,  he  spoke  up.

“  it  seems  everyone’s  busy  with  the  café.  I  am  too,  but I  always  find  myself  with  plenty  of  free  time  afterwards.  ”

“  i'm  really  glad  your  meditation  hasn’t  been  interrupted  in  a  while,  katana.  ”

shuriken  said,  a  hint  of  admiration  in  his  voice  before  he  continued,  yawning.

（( What is stopping you from doing so? )）

...

Hey when did it got so chilly—

（( I've noticed something, each time we've interacted. )）

Katana slowly turned his head.

（( You're never fully awake. The only times that you seem to be fully aware of what is happening, is when I rattle you enough to focus. )）

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes from Admin:

• It okay!!

• " You wanna tell something to the class? " ah ah Katana...

'  you’re  never  fully  awake.  '

a  statement  as  sharp  and  clear  as  a  blade.

shuriken  felt  his  heart  race  at  the  declaration.  it  wasn’t  a  question  or  a  mere  suggestion;  it  was  a  bold  proclamation,  an  unwavering  truth  that  echoed  in  his  mind.

and  perhaps  it  was  the  truth.

as  the  silver  shadow,  shuriken  was  the  enigmatic  vigilante,  the  cool  figure  cloaked  in  mystery,  who  swooped  in  to  help  those  in  peril.

he  was  at  the  height  of  his  power,  living  out  his  purpose  with  unwavering  resolve.

but  if  anyone  were  to  uncover  the  reality  lurking  beneath  his  heroic  facade,  it  could  unleash  chaos.

let  alone  katana…

“  ha  ha…!  i  suppose  i’ve  been  having  more  nightmares  than  usual,  huh  ?  ”

he  threw  out  the  half-hearted  jest,  trying  to  sound  tough.

（( ... )）

He's still looking at him. Even as he slowly took the luke-warm water to add onto the matcha powder that he has set in the chawan.

（( That is not normal. Having nightmares every night. )）

Katana slowly started whisking the matcha.. but his eye remained on Shuriken.

This must be how his enemies felt like.

（( ... )）

Katana always provides this certain distinct atmosphere he provides when he is in a room.

Most times, it isn't evident. When he isn't keeping his guard up, he remains a formidable but stable, gentle guarding presence.

Though when he does chose to exert pressure?

（( ... )）

It felt like something, alright.

It felt like something akin to a large apex thieves' den predator, moments before it lunges—

（( Shuriken. )）

—He called out, with a firmer tone.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes from Admin:

the  pressure  hung  in  the  air  like  a  thick  fog,  suffocating  and  overwhelming.

shuriken  had  faced  this  feeling  before—staring  down  formidable  foes  on  the  precipice  of  life  and  death  as  the  elusive  silver  shadow.

with  effort,  he  pushed  himself  off  the  table,  his  gaze  locked  onto  katana,  who  was  expertly  whisking  the  matcha  in  the  chawan,  each  movement  fluid  and  precise.

“  YES  SIR  !?  ”

In  an  instant,  shuriken  sprang  to  attention,  his  feet  firmly  planted  together  as  he  erupted  with  a  panicked  shout,  his  voice  slicing  through  the  tension  like  a  blade.

“  wh-  what  is  it  !?  ”

a  tightness  gripped  his  chest,  each  breath  a  laborious  struggle  as  he  fought  to  draw  air  into  his  lungs.

SKREE!

The avian still sitting on top of his head, squawked with the sudden burst of volume— the tiny flaps of panic reminding Shuriken of what was still sitting on his head.

（( ... )）

Katana's hand halted entirely.

（( ... )）

He tilted his head upwards, his eye never changing it's directive.

（( ... )）

before—

（( You are not taking care of yourself properly. )）

...

Flap! flap!

...

–w.. huh?

（( Let me remind you, how very important sleep is. )）

wha-

（( Sleep clears cellular debris from the brain, cements memories, and powers learning, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Missing out can lead to brain fog, poor judgment, and increased impulsivity. )）

...

（( You, are not being efficient enough. )）

...

While Shuriken was trying to process the immediate abrupt change of atmosphere, Katana was already infront of the small table he chose to sit by. Holding the finished matcha drink.

（( One day, it will cause you greatly. )）

Katana still has that look in that eye. One that Shuriken admittedly, initially thought was anger..

But now? He's not so sure. Was it just fierce concern?

（( ... )）

Or.. did... he kn—

SKREEE!

—OW!- ow-

shuriken  was  caught  off  guard.  among  the  multitude  of  scenarios  swirling  in  his  mind,  he  never  imagined  that  katana  would  suddenly  veer  into  an  impassioned  monologue  about  self-care.

with  a  mix  of  caution  and  curiosity,  shuriken  approached  the  small  table  and  settled  down  in  a  seiza  position.  at  the  same  time,  a  familiar  nervous  habit  took  hold,  with  his  hand  now  reaching  for  his  arm  as  he  scratched.

just  then,  teru  burst  into  a  flurry  of  flapping  wings,  jolting  him  from  his  thoughts.

“  got  it  …  ”

（( ... )）

Katana slowly sat down on a pillow, across from Shuriken. There was a small 'thud! ' when he did, despite the soft padding.

SKREE!

Due to his little comfy spot was disturbed, Teru flapped upwards and rejoined his companion's shoulders. The small, tiny knives sensation the barn owl's claws provided slowly diminished. Just as when Shuriken slowly gained his bearings too.

（( I take neither of them know about the "nightmares" aswell? )）

Katana asked slowly, giving him the finished matcha tea. He reached out to scritch his bird once again.

It still feels like.. he knows something about him. Even at face value, his words could be intepreted as a older Inphernal simply being concerned for a young'un.

That stare-down he gave-

...

-Its gonna be engraved in the back of his mind, alright.

The only time Katana had felt that intense to be around was when the Trio was still learning about their new neighbour. But even so, the pressure this time, seemed to have been intentional unlike that instance.

（( ... )）

Did he knew?

He's still keeping his direct eye contact on Shuriken.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Note from Admin:

• Took abit because I thought I sent my reblog.. but I forgot I had my option set to 'save draft' 🥀

• Im getting sort of self concious about my writing again.. rhrjwksm..

[ But what is strange that hes alone here for once, now that was something special. He needed a night out after the strange happenings going on with himself recently... ]

[ Perhaps he needs some company to help pass the time... ]

( open interaction... You may write with this silly snow leopard... )

Current location: Layer ? — Inconspicuous Bar

Time: 12:30 AM

Note from Admin: LET ME FEED ALL OF YOU WITH YAOI.

╭────────── 𖥸

The atmosphere tonight was lively.

Even with the unspoken gloom that clung like a second skin to the Mercenary, the bar he frequented goes on like usual:

chatter! -.. chatter? .- chatter

-. chatter... --. chatter . chatter?!

. chatter chatter~ .

chatter - chatter!!

With the thoughts that swirled within his mind, the chatter of the other Inphernals went in one ear and out the other.

The Capital was the centerhub of all four regions however. News of what's going on would reach ears, words exchange, maybe some details lost along the way...

It was an unreliable source. You can never be sure if it's just rumors some bored bloke started, or it had a trinkle of substance.

...

The Bartender has been keeping an eye out, as there was.. alot more chatter going on more than usual.

" At this point, it's hard to tell what's genuine or not.."

The Bartender muttered quietly to themselves, cleaning a empty glass that still had leftover froth from a previous patron. They were situated adjacently to Hyperlaser.

" ... Do you want another one? "

They offered in a mindful volume, with a hint of slight.. nervousness. You can never be too wary afterall, even if its a Inphernal you've seen quite often within your space. Besides, the Inphernal picked up on the 'mood' going for him.. he seemed to be dazing off.

But before he might try to answer—

..

-. chatter.. -. chatter -. chatter

chatter --- chatter. -- chatter ..

chatter!! -. chatter --. chatter

" -and within one night, everything was gone!— "

SKKREE!

A sharp cry rang out, immediately piercing through the chatter. It even caused the Bartender to sit up straighter, and their eyes to widen. Their head swiveled from Hyperlaser to the door.

" Go off now. Be mindful of the corvids. "

—That voice.

a familiar Inphernal has arrived. 20 minutes of solitude had came to an end.

flap! flap!

The chatter has died down just a tadbit from the sudden screech. Sounded like a barn owl.

" -the hell? " ... " WHERE IS IT?! " " HCHCHKS— "

" you okay buddy? " --- " —yeah im fine man! "

" oomf- " --- " my drink... :C " -.

" Oh! your friend's here! "

The Bartender whispered quickly, their temporary fright quickly subsiding when realizing it was just one of their frequent patrons.

They sounded somewhat a tadbit hopeful. As if they hoped he could bring him out of his headspace.

clink...

clink

clink!

" Good evening. "

Katana had finally arrived. As he peers down at Hyperlaser.

He stood next to the seat he was meant to occupy. He did not sat down yet.

" For Broken Honor And Retribution. "

╭────────── 𖥸

（( My companion sometimes brings back small 'gifts' when it returns from flight. )）

（( Teru is free to come and go as he wishes. I rarely restrict my barn owl from leaving the wooden roost box i've made for it, unless he was injured or so. I trust him to return back eventually. )）

...

（( With that said, back to the point.. apologies, )）

（( Teru can bring back various different things. Though the most notable item i've observed him bring the most during those occasional instances... is bux. )）

（( Although I am not complaining, sometimes I ponder... where did he picked this up from? I never taught my avian companion to pick up bux. )）

...

（( Hm. )）

☕︎ ──────────╯

mask  off.  make  sure  he  doesn't  notice. 

he  rushed  over  to  katana,  completely  ignoring  the  owl  currently  holding  a  talon  full  of  bux.  who  cares  about  thievery  right  now  when  his  neighbor  was  finally  out  of  his  home! 

“  heyy  !  it's  really  you!  "

he  ran  up  to  hug  katana,  but  before  he  could  hug  the  guy,  he  froze  up  completely  before  backing  away  and  giggling,  voicr  quieter  than  before  as  he  rubbed  the  back  of  his  neck.  it  was  then,  in  that  moment,  that  he  noticed  the  bird.

Current location: Layer 2 — Apartment

Time: 5:10 PM

Note from Admin: YESSS ive summoned the Thieves Den Peopleejrnskw... also yes, you are allowed to reblog! and I just woke up.. that's the only reason why I didn't respond instanously... (im obsessed with roleplaying dont be shy)

╭────────── 𖥸

（( Hm? )）

Katana and his avian companion, Teru turned to look at Shuriken in a uncanny sync. The lone ring of gold on Katana's red upper bull horns glinted faintly in the dim light of the sunset.

（( Ah. It's you. )）

SCREE!

（( He is greeting you aswell. )）

Katana didn't flinch whatsoever when Shuriken almost wrapped his arms around to hug him. At that, he only merely cocked his head to the side.. with Teru following the same motion as it's life-long companion.

（( It is fine. You didn't mean to. )）

Katana adjusted his body so that he would be facing in Shuriken's direction properly. There was a faint tiny 'clink!' when he turned around.

（( Good evening, Shuriken. With how quick you were to run up to me, Im assuming there is something to be asked of me? )）

Katana kept his head tilted, as he formally greets Shuriken this time.. full attention is on Shuriken now. Evidently so, with the way his eye is staring dead-on at the former Darkage Ninja.

...

Teru adjusted it's grip on the bundle of bux it managed to get its claws on from earlier. The barn owl slowly scooted downwards, just abit from Katana's shoulder.. as if trying to meet Shuriken at eye-level.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes:

• Katana seems to be relaxed, and remained undisturbed by the fact that Shuriken was this close to hugging him.

the  young  inphernal  reached  out  a  hand,  curious  about  the  presence  of  a  bird  with  his  samurai  friend.  however,  just  as  quickly  as  he  extended  his  fingers,  the  Inphernal  hesitated,  retracting  his  hand  and  slipping  it  back  into  the  safety  of  his  pockets.

“  oh,  i  wasn't  …  asking  you  of  anything  !  ”

shit  he  had  no  plan,  did  he?

his  eyes  darted  briefly  to  the  side,  a  hint  of  distraction  flickering  across  his  face,  before  settling  back  on  the  owl  perched  before  him.  to  steady  his  racing  thoughts,  he  focused  on  the  creature’s  magnificent  wings,  reaching  out  to  touch  their  soft  feathers.

（( Careful. )）

Katana's eye seems to briefly widen when Shuriken reached out to try to touch the barn owl's wings—

SCREEE!

—Katana reached out with his free hand to halt Shuriken's hand, gripping his wrist in a firm but characteristically gentle manner.

（( ... You can't touch a owl's wings. Or back. )）

He quickly tried to give a small lesson on bird-handling to Shuriken, before they'll move on.

（( Trying to touch them in those areas... stimulate a certain stress response. Those areas are not touched by anything but their partner. )）

He hoped.. Shuriken got what he was trying to say.

Teru flapped his wings briefly... and held them out in a sprawled motion. As if the avian was shocked itself.

（( ... )）

Katana slowly lets go of Shuriken's wrist, before using the same hand to gently scritch the top of Teru's head.

...

The avian slowly brought his wings down.

（( The head however, is a safe spot to touch. No room for misinterpretations.. and avian confusion. )）

Katana quickly added. While he was talking, he slowly pried the bux from his companion's talons, just incase it wished to hop onto Shuriken's shoulder.

he  blinked  twice  as  katana  softly  scratched  the  owl  on  its  head—the  same  hand  that  had  almost  startled  shuriken.

“  okay  ...  the  head  …”

he  completely  understood  why  the  owl  might  be  feeling  nervous.  after  all,  if  someone  were  to  unexpectedly  reach  out  and  touch  his  chest—or  any  other  part  of  him—he  would  get  uncomfortable,  too.

it’s  all  about  that  element  of  surprise,  isn’t  it?  as  a  master  of  his  craft,  of  course,  he  would  know.   

shuriken  nodded.

“  yeah  …  i  got  it  !  ”

he  smiled,  brighter  than  the  sun.  his  hand  then  reached  out  to  the  owl's  head,  with  his  voice  just  as  soft  as  katana's  handling  of  the  bird.

“  i  just  wanted  to  talk  to  you,  i've  been  …  bored.  "

（( ... )）

Katana tilts his head to the other side, pocketing the bux he picked up from his avian. This time, Teru did not mimic the same motion.

SCREE!

Teru like Katana expected, hopped onto Shuriken's wrist first, before scooting side-to-side trying to get up to his shoulder—

—OW- OW– THE BIRD MEANS WELL BUT THE TALONS ARE SHARP AND TIGHT!

（( I see. )）

Katana commented simply. He uncorked his head, and blinked slowly. The middle-ranked samurai did not bat an eye at his companion clambering up the young Inphernal's shoulder.

（( And your siblings? )）

（( ... Normally I would see you accompanied by the other two. )）

Katana seems a tadbit puzzled why Shuriken wasn't with them.

（( ... )）

Katana slowly squinted his eye.

SCREE!

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes:

• Katana is suspectin that Shuriken is feeling particularly clingy this evening.

Notes from Admin:

• Katana sees everything /j

• Let me steal that hc rq.. /silly

shuriken  yelped,  instinctively  freezing  in  place  as  the  barn  owl  perched  on  his  shoulder  dug  its  talons  into  his  flesh.  damn,  those  talons  hurt  like  tiny  knives  on  his  shoulder!

“and  what  about  your  siblings?” 

the  question  landed  softly,  full  of  the  warmth  and  understanding  reminiscent  of  a  father  speaking  to  his  son.  it  caused  shuriken  to  halt,  his  heart  racing.

the  barn  owl  nibbled  at  its  wing,  completely  unfazed,  while  shuriken  straightened  his  back  against  the  railing,  flinching  as  the  owl  screeched  dangerously  close  to  his  ear.

“  uh  …  w-well…  um  …  ” 

he  released  a  breath  that  came  out  as  more  of  a  hurried  laugh  than  the  disgruntled  sigh  he  intended.

the  truth  was,  he’d  rather  die  than  confess  how  clingy  he  felt  toward  anyone.  the  thought  of  burdening  them  gnawed  at  him.

but  the  loneliness  weighed  heavier  without  his  siblings  by  his  side.

“  ahem  !  i-i  was  …  erm  …  training  !  for  something  …  for  lunch  rush  …  at  thieves'  rest,  totally  !  haha  !  ” 

（( ... )）

Katana's "expression" did not change in the slightest.

He already can see through him, can't he?

...

As if to add to Shuriken's embarrasment, Teru also slowly turned corked its head to look at him. Like he was judging him as much as it's master.

（( ... Right. )）

Said the middle-ranked samurai, with the most unconvinced tone Shuriken has heard out of him in awhile.

（( ... If you are trying to hide from your siblings, you might aswell do it efficiently. )）

Huh?-

Oh! He's already moving- back inside.

（( ... )）

He did not looked back over his shoulder to Shuriken, as he ducked down the doorway he came from.

SCREE!

Almost as if Teru is trying to snap Shuriken out of it, it screeched just as Katana got inside.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes from Admin:

• Translation: Get yo BUTT inside here boy. /j

shuriken trailed  behind katana as  they  both  entered  the  apartment,  a  mix  of  nerves  and  determination  bubbling  inside  him.  he  fumbled  for  excuses,  each  one  more  desperate  than  the  last,  hoping  to  find  something  that  would  ease  the  tension  crackling  between  them.

“  i'm  not  ‘hiding’  why  on  earth  would  i  be  hiding  from  them  ?  ” 

gradually,  the  tightness  in  his  muscles  began  to  ease,  as  if  the  weight  of  the  world  was  being  lifted  from  his  shoulders.

katana's  house  welcomed  him  with  unexpected  warmth,  a  cosy  retreat  that  felt  like  a  comforting  embrace.  The  air  was  infused  with  a  delightful  scent  of  maple,  wrapping  around  him  like  a  soft  blanket.

he  took  a  deep  breath,  savouring  the  sweet,  autumnal  aroma  that  filled  the  room.  Instantly,  a  sense  of  calm  washed  over  him—it  was  the  perfect  atmosphere  he  needed  to  quiet  his  racing  thoughts.

“  i  just  needed  a  change  of  space,  y'know  ?  you  get  me,  right  ?  ” 

（( I understand. )）

Katana did not look over his shoulder just yet, as he moved with grace for a Inphernal his size. He moved ahead of Shuriken.

...

（( It can get somewhat overwhelming, hm? )）

SCREE!

Teru briefly flapped his wings to instead position himself on Shuriken's head— ow-

（( I'll be brewing some tea. Do you have a preference for a flavor? )）

From the small kitchen, Katana was easily visible. He finally looked over his shoulder at Shuriken (and Teru).. holding a quite detailed ceramic teapot.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes from Admin:

shuriken let  out  a  soft  whine  as  teru  perched  atop  his  head.  the  owl  exuded  an  air  of  calm,  but  those  sharp  talons  were  dangerously  close  to  making  a  mess  of  his  hairline.

shuriken's  gaze  remained  intense,  fixated  on  the  delicate  ceramic  teacup  that  katana  cradled  in  the  kitchen.  His  ears  perked  up,  tingling  with  anticipation  for  the  soothing  ritual  of  tea  time  with  katana.

“  do  you  still  have  some  matcha  ?  if  not,  i  can  take  some  water.  ” 

shuriken  found  his  perfect  perch,  settling  on  the  nearby  table  with  effortless  grace.  he  crouched  there,  knees  tucked  to  his  chest,  looking  a  bit  awkward  but  completely  at  ease,  much  like  the  little  bird  perched  atop  his  head.

his  smile  radiated  an  infectious,  giddy  excitement,  reflecting  the  joy  he  felt  at  the  thought  of  spending  time  with  katana.

（( I do have some left. )）

Katana reaffirmed, as he hunched down momentarily. The sounds of lower cabinet doors openings..

Once he stood back up, he was now holding the necessary equipment to prepare the matcha. He set aside the ceramic teapot.

（( ... )）

For a moment, when everything was on the counter he simply.. stood there for 3 minutes.

Another slow blink.

（( ... )）

Before he got to work.

While waiting for the water to be lukewarm to prepare the matcha properly in a chawan bowl, he began to talk to Shuriken.

Which the young Inphernal likely didn't expect, as Katana wasn't much of a talker. It seems that he is in a good mood.

（( Your siblings.. they are doing just fine, I take? )）

（( I haven't seen them this day. And for once, you're sister's vines did not intrude upon my meditating area. )）

!!~

Teru seems to be comfortable within his new perch. The talons are still tightly gripping and sharp though-

‘  either  way,  ’  he  tilted  his  head  with  a  playful  smile,  now  perched  comfortably  on  the  table,  ‘  i  like  it.  means  i  get  to  spend  more  time  chatting  with  someone.  ’ 

with  a  soft  giggle,  he  spoke  up.

“  it  seems  everyone’s  busy  with  the  café.  I  am  too,  but I  always  find  myself  with  plenty  of  free  time  afterwards.  ”

“  i'm  really  glad  your  meditation  hasn’t  been  interrupted  in  a  while,  katana.  ”

shuriken  said,  a  hint  of  admiration  in  his  voice  before  he  continued,  yawning.

（( What is stopping you from doing so? )）

...

Hey when did it got so chilly—

（( I've noticed something, each time we've interacted. )）

Katana slowly turned his head.

（( You're never fully awake. The only times that you seem to be fully aware of what is happening, is when I rattle you enough to focus. )）

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes from Admin:

• It okay!!

• " You wanna tell something to the class? " ah ah Katana...

'  you’re  never  fully  awake.  '

a  statement  as  sharp  and  clear  as  a  blade.

shuriken  felt  his  heart  race  at  the  declaration.  it  wasn’t  a  question  or  a  mere  suggestion;  it  was  a  bold  proclamation,  an  unwavering  truth  that  echoed  in  his  mind.

and  perhaps  it  was  the  truth.

as  the  silver  shadow,  shuriken  was  the  enigmatic  vigilante,  the  cool  figure  cloaked  in  mystery,  who  swooped  in  to  help  those  in  peril.

he  was  at  the  height  of  his  power,  living  out  his  purpose  with  unwavering  resolve.

but  if  anyone  were  to  uncover  the  reality  lurking  beneath  his  heroic  facade,  it  could  unleash  chaos.

let  alone  katana…

“  ha  ha…!  i  suppose  i’ve  been  having  more  nightmares  than  usual,  huh  ?  ”

he  threw  out  the  half-hearted  jest,  trying  to  sound  tough.

（( ... )）

He's still looking at him. Even as he slowly took the luke-warm water to add onto the matcha powder that he has set in the chawan.

（( That is not normal. Having nightmares every night. )）

Katana slowly started whisking the matcha.. but his eye remained on Shuriken.

This must be how his enemies felt like.

（( ... )）

Katana always provides this certain distinct atmosphere he provides when he is in a room.

Most times, it isn't evident. When he isn't keeping his guard up, he remains a formidable but stable, gentle guarding presence.

Though when he does chose to exert pressure?

（( ... )）

It felt like something, alright.

It felt like something akin to a large apex thieves' den predator, moments before it lunges—

（( Shuriken. )）

—He called out, with a firmer tone.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes from Admin:

the  pressure  hung  in  the  air  like  a  thick  fog,  suffocating  and  overwhelming.

shuriken  had  faced  this  feeling  before—staring  down  formidable  foes  on  the  precipice  of  life  and  death  as  the  elusive  silver  shadow.

with  effort,  he  pushed  himself  off  the  table,  his  gaze  locked  onto  katana,  who  was  expertly  whisking  the  matcha  in  the  chawan,  each  movement  fluid  and  precise.

“  YES  SIR  !?  ”

In  an  instant,  shuriken  sprang  to  attention,  his  feet  firmly  planted  together  as  he  erupted  with  a  panicked  shout,  his  voice  slicing  through  the  tension  like  a  blade.

“  wh-  what  is  it  !?  ”

a  tightness  gripped  his  chest,  each  breath  a  laborious  struggle  as  he  fought  to  draw  air  into  his  lungs.

SKREE!

The avian still sitting on top of his head, squawked with the sudden burst of volume— the tiny flaps of panic reminding Shuriken of what was still sitting on his head.

（( ... )）

Katana's hand halted entirely.

（( ... )）

He tilted his head upwards, his eye never changing it's directive.

（( ... )）

before—

（( You are not taking care of yourself properly. )）

...

Flap! flap!

...

–w.. huh?

（( Let me remind you, how very important sleep is. )）

wha-

（( Sleep clears cellular debris from the brain, cements memories, and powers learning, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Missing out can lead to brain fog, poor judgment, and increased impulsivity. )）

...

（( You, are not being efficient enough. )）

...

While Shuriken was trying to process the immediate abrupt change of atmosphere, Katana was already infront of the small table he chose to sit by. Holding the finished matcha drink.

（( One day, it will cause you greatly. )）

Katana still has that look in that eye. One that Shuriken admittedly, initially thought was anger..

But now? He's not so sure. Was it just fierce concern?

（( ... )）

Or.. did... he kn—

SKREEE!

—OW!- ow-

" For Broken Honor And Retribution. "

╭────────── 𖥸

（( My companion sometimes brings back small 'gifts' when it returns from flight. )）

（( Teru is free to come and go as he wishes. I rarely restrict my barn owl from leaving the wooden roost box i've made for it, unless he was injured or so. I trust him to return back eventually. )）

...

（( With that said, back to the point.. apologies, )）

（( Teru can bring back various different things. Though the most notable item i've observed him bring the most during those occasional instances... is bux. )）

（( Although I am not complaining, sometimes I ponder... where did he picked this up from? I never taught my avian companion to pick up bux. )）

...

（( Hm. )）

☕︎ ──────────╯

mask  off.  make  sure  he  doesn't  notice. 

he  rushed  over  to  katana,  completely  ignoring  the  owl  currently  holding  a  talon  full  of  bux.  who  cares  about  thievery  right  now  when  his  neighbor  was  finally  out  of  his  home! 

“  heyy  !  it's  really  you!  "

he  ran  up  to  hug  katana,  but  before  he  could  hug  the  guy,  he  froze  up  completely  before  backing  away  and  giggling,  voicr  quieter  than  before  as  he  rubbed  the  back  of  his  neck.  it  was  then,  in  that  moment,  that  he  noticed  the  bird.

Current location: Layer 2 — Apartment

Time: 5:10 PM

Note from Admin: YESSS ive summoned the Thieves Den Peopleejrnskw... also yes, you are allowed to reblog! and I just woke up.. that's the only reason why I didn't respond instanously... (im obsessed with roleplaying dont be shy)

╭────────── 𖥸

（( Hm? )）

Katana and his avian companion, Teru turned to look at Shuriken in a uncanny sync. The lone ring of gold on Katana's red upper bull horns glinted faintly in the dim light of the sunset.

（( Ah. It's you. )）

SCREE!

（( He is greeting you aswell. )）

Katana didn't flinch whatsoever when Shuriken almost wrapped his arms around to hug him. At that, he only merely cocked his head to the side.. with Teru following the same motion as it's life-long companion.

（( It is fine. You didn't mean to. )）

Katana adjusted his body so that he would be facing in Shuriken's direction properly. There was a faint tiny 'clink!' when he turned around.

（( Good evening, Shuriken. With how quick you were to run up to me, Im assuming there is something to be asked of me? )）

Katana kept his head tilted, as he formally greets Shuriken this time.. full attention is on Shuriken now. Evidently so, with the way his eye is staring dead-on at the former Darkage Ninja.

...

Teru adjusted it's grip on the bundle of bux it managed to get its claws on from earlier. The barn owl slowly scooted downwards, just abit from Katana's shoulder.. as if trying to meet Shuriken at eye-level.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes:

• Katana seems to be relaxed, and remained undisturbed by the fact that Shuriken was this close to hugging him.

the  young  inphernal  reached  out  a  hand,  curious  about  the  presence  of  a  bird  with  his  samurai  friend.  however,  just  as  quickly  as  he  extended  his  fingers,  the  Inphernal  hesitated,  retracting  his  hand  and  slipping  it  back  into  the  safety  of  his  pockets.

“  oh,  i  wasn't  …  asking  you  of  anything  !  ”

shit  he  had  no  plan,  did  he?

his  eyes  darted  briefly  to  the  side,  a  hint  of  distraction  flickering  across  his  face,  before  settling  back  on  the  owl  perched  before  him.  to  steady  his  racing  thoughts,  he  focused  on  the  creature’s  magnificent  wings,  reaching  out  to  touch  their  soft  feathers.

（( Careful. )）

Katana's eye seems to briefly widen when Shuriken reached out to try to touch the barn owl's wings—

SCREEE!

—Katana reached out with his free hand to halt Shuriken's hand, gripping his wrist in a firm but characteristically gentle manner.

（( ... You can't touch a owl's wings. Or back. )）

He quickly tried to give a small lesson on bird-handling to Shuriken, before they'll move on.

（( Trying to touch them in those areas... stimulate a certain stress response. Those areas are not touched by anything but their partner. )）

He hoped.. Shuriken got what he was trying to say.

Teru flapped his wings briefly... and held them out in a sprawled motion. As if the avian was shocked itself.

（( ... )）

Katana slowly lets go of Shuriken's wrist, before using the same hand to gently scritch the top of Teru's head.

...

The avian slowly brought his wings down.

（( The head however, is a safe spot to touch. No room for misinterpretations.. and avian confusion. )）

Katana quickly added. While he was talking, he slowly pried the bux from his companion's talons, just incase it wished to hop onto Shuriken's shoulder.

he  blinked  twice  as  katana  softly  scratched  the  owl  on  its  head—the  same  hand  that  had  almost  startled  shuriken.

“  okay  ...  the  head  …”

he  completely  understood  why  the  owl  might  be  feeling  nervous.  after  all,  if  someone  were  to  unexpectedly  reach  out  and  touch  his  chest—or  any  other  part  of  him—he  would  get  uncomfortable,  too.

it’s  all  about  that  element  of  surprise,  isn’t  it?  as  a  master  of  his  craft,  of  course,  he  would  know.   

shuriken  nodded.

“  yeah  …  i  got  it  !  ”

he  smiled,  brighter  than  the  sun.  his  hand  then  reached  out  to  the  owl's  head,  with  his  voice  just  as  soft  as  katana's  handling  of  the  bird.

“  i  just  wanted  to  talk  to  you,  i've  been  …  bored.  "

（( ... )）

Katana tilts his head to the other side, pocketing the bux he picked up from his avian. This time, Teru did not mimic the same motion.

SCREE!

Teru like Katana expected, hopped onto Shuriken's wrist first, before scooting side-to-side trying to get up to his shoulder—

—OW- OW– THE BIRD MEANS WELL BUT THE TALONS ARE SHARP AND TIGHT!

（( I see. )）

Katana commented simply. He uncorked his head, and blinked slowly. The middle-ranked samurai did not bat an eye at his companion clambering up the young Inphernal's shoulder.

（( And your siblings? )）

（( ... Normally I would see you accompanied by the other two. )）

Katana seems a tadbit puzzled why Shuriken wasn't with them.

（( ... )）

Katana slowly squinted his eye.

SCREE!

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes:

• Katana is suspectin that Shuriken is feeling particularly clingy this evening.

Notes from Admin:

• Katana sees everything /j

• Let me steal that hc rq.. /silly

shuriken  yelped,  instinctively  freezing  in  place  as  the  barn  owl  perched  on  his  shoulder  dug  its  talons  into  his  flesh.  damn,  those  talons  hurt  like  tiny  knives  on  his  shoulder!

“and  what  about  your  siblings?” 

the  question  landed  softly,  full  of  the  warmth  and  understanding  reminiscent  of  a  father  speaking  to  his  son.  it  caused  shuriken  to  halt,  his  heart  racing.

the  barn  owl  nibbled  at  its  wing,  completely  unfazed,  while  shuriken  straightened  his  back  against  the  railing,  flinching  as  the  owl  screeched  dangerously  close  to  his  ear.

“  uh  …  w-well…  um  …  ” 

he  released  a  breath  that  came  out  as  more  of  a  hurried  laugh  than  the  disgruntled  sigh  he  intended.

the  truth  was,  he’d  rather  die  than  confess  how  clingy  he  felt  toward  anyone.  the  thought  of  burdening  them  gnawed  at  him.

but  the  loneliness  weighed  heavier  without  his  siblings  by  his  side.

“  ahem  !  i-i  was  …  erm  …  training  !  for  something  …  for  lunch  rush  …  at  thieves'  rest,  totally  !  haha  !  ” 

（( ... )）

Katana's "expression" did not change in the slightest.

He already can see through him, can't he?

...

As if to add to Shuriken's embarrasment, Teru also slowly turned corked its head to look at him. Like he was judging him as much as it's master.

（( ... Right. )）

Said the middle-ranked samurai, with the most unconvinced tone Shuriken has heard out of him in awhile.

（( ... If you are trying to hide from your siblings, you might aswell do it efficiently. )）

Huh?-

Oh! He's already moving- back inside.

（( ... )）

He did not looked back over his shoulder to Shuriken, as he ducked down the doorway he came from.

SCREE!

Almost as if Teru is trying to snap Shuriken out of it, it screeched just as Katana got inside.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes from Admin:

• Translation: Get yo BUTT inside here boy. /j

shuriken trailed  behind katana as  they  both  entered  the  apartment,  a  mix  of  nerves  and  determination  bubbling  inside  him.  he  fumbled  for  excuses,  each  one  more  desperate  than  the  last,  hoping  to  find  something  that  would  ease  the  tension  crackling  between  them.

“  i'm  not  ‘hiding’  why  on  earth  would  i  be  hiding  from  them  ?  ” 

gradually,  the  tightness  in  his  muscles  began  to  ease,  as  if  the  weight  of  the  world  was  being  lifted  from  his  shoulders.

katana's  house  welcomed  him  with  unexpected  warmth,  a  cosy  retreat  that  felt  like  a  comforting  embrace.  The  air  was  infused  with  a  delightful  scent  of  maple,  wrapping  around  him  like  a  soft  blanket.

he  took  a  deep  breath,  savouring  the  sweet,  autumnal  aroma  that  filled  the  room.  Instantly,  a  sense  of  calm  washed  over  him—it  was  the  perfect  atmosphere  he  needed  to  quiet  his  racing  thoughts.

“  i  just  needed  a  change  of  space,  y'know  ?  you  get  me,  right  ?  ” 

（( I understand. )）

Katana did not look over his shoulder just yet, as he moved with grace for a Inphernal his size. He moved ahead of Shuriken.

...

（( It can get somewhat overwhelming, hm? )）

SCREE!

Teru briefly flapped his wings to instead position himself on Shuriken's head— ow-

（( I'll be brewing some tea. Do you have a preference for a flavor? )）

From the small kitchen, Katana was easily visible. He finally looked over his shoulder at Shuriken (and Teru).. holding a quite detailed ceramic teapot.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes from Admin:

shuriken let  out  a  soft  whine  as  teru  perched  atop  his  head.  the  owl  exuded  an  air  of  calm,  but  those  sharp  talons  were  dangerously  close  to  making  a  mess  of  his  hairline.

shuriken's  gaze  remained  intense,  fixated  on  the  delicate  ceramic  teacup  that  katana  cradled  in  the  kitchen.  His  ears  perked  up,  tingling  with  anticipation  for  the  soothing  ritual  of  tea  time  with  katana.

“  do  you  still  have  some  matcha  ?  if  not,  i  can  take  some  water.  ” 

shuriken  found  his  perfect  perch,  settling  on  the  nearby  table  with  effortless  grace.  he  crouched  there,  knees  tucked  to  his  chest,  looking  a  bit  awkward  but  completely  at  ease,  much  like  the  little  bird  perched  atop  his  head.

his  smile  radiated  an  infectious,  giddy  excitement,  reflecting  the  joy  he  felt  at  the  thought  of  spending  time  with  katana.

（( I do have some left. )）

Katana reaffirmed, as he hunched down momentarily. The sounds of lower cabinet doors openings..

Once he stood back up, he was now holding the necessary equipment to prepare the matcha. He set aside the ceramic teapot.

（( ... )）

For a moment, when everything was on the counter he simply.. stood there for 3 minutes.

Another slow blink.

（( ... )）

Before he got to work.

While waiting for the water to be lukewarm to prepare the matcha properly in a chawan bowl, he began to talk to Shuriken.

Which the young Inphernal likely didn't expect, as Katana wasn't much of a talker. It seems that he is in a good mood.

（( Your siblings.. they are doing just fine, I take? )）

（( I haven't seen them this day. And for once, you're sister's vines did not intrude upon my meditating area. )）

!!~

Teru seems to be comfortable within his new perch. The talons are still tightly gripping and sharp though-

‘  either  way,  ’  he  tilted  his  head  with  a  playful  smile,  now  perched  comfortably  on  the  table,  ‘  i  like  it.  means  i  get  to  spend  more  time  chatting  with  someone.  ’ 

with  a  soft  giggle,  he  spoke  up.

“  it  seems  everyone’s  busy  with  the  café.  I  am  too,  but I  always  find  myself  with  plenty  of  free  time  afterwards.  ”

“  i'm  really  glad  your  meditation  hasn’t  been  interrupted  in  a  while,  katana.  ”

shuriken  said,  a  hint  of  admiration  in  his  voice  before  he  continued,  yawning.

（( What is stopping you from doing so? )）

...

Hey when did it got so chilly—

（( I've noticed something, each time we've interacted. )）

Katana slowly turned his head.

（( You're never fully awake. The only times that you seem to be fully aware of what is happening, is when I rattle you enough to focus. )）

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes from Admin:

• It okay!!

• " You wanna tell something to the class? " ah ah Katana...

'  you’re  never  fully  awake.  '

a  statement  as  sharp  and  clear  as  a  blade.

shuriken  felt  his  heart  race  at  the  declaration.  it  wasn’t  a  question  or  a  mere  suggestion;  it  was  a  bold  proclamation,  an  unwavering  truth  that  echoed  in  his  mind.

and  perhaps  it  was  the  truth.

as  the  silver  shadow,  shuriken  was  the  enigmatic  vigilante,  the  cool  figure  cloaked  in  mystery,  who  swooped  in  to  help  those  in  peril.

he  was  at  the  height  of  his  power,  living  out  his  purpose  with  unwavering  resolve.

but  if  anyone  were  to  uncover  the  reality  lurking  beneath  his  heroic  facade,  it  could  unleash  chaos.

let  alone  katana…

“  ha  ha…!  i  suppose  i’ve  been  having  more  nightmares  than  usual,  huh  ?  ”

he  threw  out  the  half-hearted  jest,  trying  to  sound  tough.

（( ... )）

He's still looking at him. Even as he slowly took the luke-warm water to add onto the matcha powder that he has set in the chawan.

（( That is not normal. Having nightmares every night. )）

Katana slowly started whisking the matcha.. but his eye remained on Shuriken.

This must be how his enemies felt like.

（( ... )）

Katana always provides this certain distinct atmosphere he provides when he is in a room.

Most times, it isn't evident. When he isn't keeping his guard up, he remains a formidable but stable, gentle guarding presence.

Though when he does chose to exert pressure?

（( ... )）

It felt like something, alright.

It felt like something akin to a large apex thieves' den predator, moments before it lunges—

（( Shuriken. )）

—He called out, with a firmer tone.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes from Admin:

" For Broken Honor And Retribution. "

╭────────── 𖥸

（( My companion sometimes brings back small 'gifts' when it returns from flight. )）

（( Teru is free to come and go as he wishes. I rarely restrict my barn owl from leaving the wooden roost box i've made for it, unless he was injured or so. I trust him to return back eventually. )）

...

（( With that said, back to the point.. apologies, )）

（( Teru can bring back various different things. Though the most notable item i've observed him bring the most during those occasional instances... is bux. )）

（( Although I am not complaining, sometimes I ponder... where did he picked this up from? I never taught my avian companion to pick up bux. )）

...

（( Hm. )）

☕︎ ──────────╯

mask  off.  make  sure  he  doesn't  notice. 

he  rushed  over  to  katana,  completely  ignoring  the  owl  currently  holding  a  talon  full  of  bux.  who  cares  about  thievery  right  now  when  his  neighbor  was  finally  out  of  his  home! 

“  heyy  !  it's  really  you!  "

he  ran  up  to  hug  katana,  but  before  he  could  hug  the  guy,  he  froze  up  completely  before  backing  away  and  giggling,  voicr  quieter  than  before  as  he  rubbed  the  back  of  his  neck.  it  was  then,  in  that  moment,  that  he  noticed  the  bird.

Current location: Layer 2 — Apartment

Time: 5:10 PM

Note from Admin: YESSS ive summoned the Thieves Den Peopleejrnskw... also yes, you are allowed to reblog! and I just woke up.. that's the only reason why I didn't respond instanously... (im obsessed with roleplaying dont be shy)

╭────────── 𖥸

（( Hm? )）

Katana and his avian companion, Teru turned to look at Shuriken in a uncanny sync. The lone ring of gold on Katana's red upper bull horns glinted faintly in the dim light of the sunset.

（( Ah. It's you. )）

SCREE!

（( He is greeting you aswell. )）

Katana didn't flinch whatsoever when Shuriken almost wrapped his arms around to hug him. At that, he only merely cocked his head to the side.. with Teru following the same motion as it's life-long companion.

（( It is fine. You didn't mean to. )）

Katana adjusted his body so that he would be facing in Shuriken's direction properly. There was a faint tiny 'clink!' when he turned around.

（( Good evening, Shuriken. With how quick you were to run up to me, Im assuming there is something to be asked of me? )）

Katana kept his head tilted, as he formally greets Shuriken this time.. full attention is on Shuriken now. Evidently so, with the way his eye is staring dead-on at the former Darkage Ninja.

...

Teru adjusted it's grip on the bundle of bux it managed to get its claws on from earlier. The barn owl slowly scooted downwards, just abit from Katana's shoulder.. as if trying to meet Shuriken at eye-level.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes:

• Katana seems to be relaxed, and remained undisturbed by the fact that Shuriken was this close to hugging him.

the  young  inphernal  reached  out  a  hand,  curious  about  the  presence  of  a  bird  with  his  samurai  friend.  however,  just  as  quickly  as  he  extended  his  fingers,  the  Inphernal  hesitated,  retracting  his  hand  and  slipping  it  back  into  the  safety  of  his  pockets.

“  oh,  i  wasn't  …  asking  you  of  anything  !  ”

shit  he  had  no  plan,  did  he?

his  eyes  darted  briefly  to  the  side,  a  hint  of  distraction  flickering  across  his  face,  before  settling  back  on  the  owl  perched  before  him.  to  steady  his  racing  thoughts,  he  focused  on  the  creature’s  magnificent  wings,  reaching  out  to  touch  their  soft  feathers.

（( Careful. )）

Katana's eye seems to briefly widen when Shuriken reached out to try to touch the barn owl's wings—

SCREEE!

—Katana reached out with his free hand to halt Shuriken's hand, gripping his wrist in a firm but characteristically gentle manner.

（( ... You can't touch a owl's wings. Or back. )）

He quickly tried to give a small lesson on bird-handling to Shuriken, before they'll move on.

（( Trying to touch them in those areas... stimulate a certain stress response. Those areas are not touched by anything but their partner. )）

He hoped.. Shuriken got what he was trying to say.

Teru flapped his wings briefly... and held them out in a sprawled motion. As if the avian was shocked itself.

（( ... )）

Katana slowly lets go of Shuriken's wrist, before using the same hand to gently scritch the top of Teru's head.

...

The avian slowly brought his wings down.

（( The head however, is a safe spot to touch. No room for misinterpretations.. and avian confusion. )）

Katana quickly added. While he was talking, he slowly pried the bux from his companion's talons, just incase it wished to hop onto Shuriken's shoulder.

he  blinked  twice  as  katana  softly  scratched  the  owl  on  its  head—the  same  hand  that  had  almost  startled  shuriken.

“  okay  ...  the  head  …”

he  completely  understood  why  the  owl  might  be  feeling  nervous.  after  all,  if  someone  were  to  unexpectedly  reach  out  and  touch  his  chest—or  any  other  part  of  him—he  would  get  uncomfortable,  too.

it’s  all  about  that  element  of  surprise,  isn’t  it?  as  a  master  of  his  craft,  of  course,  he  would  know.   

shuriken  nodded.

“  yeah  …  i  got  it  !  ”

he  smiled,  brighter  than  the  sun.  his  hand  then  reached  out  to  the  owl's  head,  with  his  voice  just  as  soft  as  katana's  handling  of  the  bird.

“  i  just  wanted  to  talk  to  you,  i've  been  …  bored.  "

（( ... )）

Katana tilts his head to the other side, pocketing the bux he picked up from his avian. This time, Teru did not mimic the same motion.

SCREE!

Teru like Katana expected, hopped onto Shuriken's wrist first, before scooting side-to-side trying to get up to his shoulder—

—OW- OW– THE BIRD MEANS WELL BUT THE TALONS ARE SHARP AND TIGHT!

（( I see. )）

Katana commented simply. He uncorked his head, and blinked slowly. The middle-ranked samurai did not bat an eye at his companion clambering up the young Inphernal's shoulder.

（( And your siblings? )）

（( ... Normally I would see you accompanied by the other two. )）

Katana seems a tadbit puzzled why Shuriken wasn't with them.

（( ... )）

Katana slowly squinted his eye.

SCREE!

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes:

• Katana is suspectin that Shuriken is feeling particularly clingy this evening.

Notes from Admin:

• Katana sees everything /j

• Let me steal that hc rq.. /silly

shuriken  yelped,  instinctively  freezing  in  place  as  the  barn  owl  perched  on  his  shoulder  dug  its  talons  into  his  flesh.  damn,  those  talons  hurt  like  tiny  knives  on  his  shoulder!

“and  what  about  your  siblings?” 

the  question  landed  softly,  full  of  the  warmth  and  understanding  reminiscent  of  a  father  speaking  to  his  son.  it  caused  shuriken  to  halt,  his  heart  racing.

the  barn  owl  nibbled  at  its  wing,  completely  unfazed,  while  shuriken  straightened  his  back  against  the  railing,  flinching  as  the  owl  screeched  dangerously  close  to  his  ear.

“  uh  …  w-well…  um  …  ” 

he  released  a  breath  that  came  out  as  more  of  a  hurried  laugh  than  the  disgruntled  sigh  he  intended.

the  truth  was,  he’d  rather  die  than  confess  how  clingy  he  felt  toward  anyone.  the  thought  of  burdening  them  gnawed  at  him.

but  the  loneliness  weighed  heavier  without  his  siblings  by  his  side.

“  ahem  !  i-i  was  …  erm  …  training  !  for  something  …  for  lunch  rush  …  at  thieves'  rest,  totally  !  haha  !  ” 

（( ... )）

Katana's "expression" did not change in the slightest.

He already can see through him, can't he?

...

As if to add to Shuriken's embarrasment, Teru also slowly turned corked its head to look at him. Like he was judging him as much as it's master.

（( ... Right. )）

Said the middle-ranked samurai, with the most unconvinced tone Shuriken has heard out of him in awhile.

（( ... If you are trying to hide from your siblings, you might aswell do it efficiently. )）

Huh?-

Oh! He's already moving- back inside.

（( ... )）

He did not looked back over his shoulder to Shuriken, as he ducked down the doorway he came from.

SCREE!

Almost as if Teru is trying to snap Shuriken out of it, it screeched just as Katana got inside.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes from Admin:

• Translation: Get yo BUTT inside here boy. /j

shuriken trailed  behind katana as  they  both  entered  the  apartment,  a  mix  of  nerves  and  determination  bubbling  inside  him.  he  fumbled  for  excuses,  each  one  more  desperate  than  the  last,  hoping  to  find  something  that  would  ease  the  tension  crackling  between  them.

“  i'm  not  ‘hiding’  why  on  earth  would  i  be  hiding  from  them  ?  ” 

gradually,  the  tightness  in  his  muscles  began  to  ease,  as  if  the  weight  of  the  world  was  being  lifted  from  his  shoulders.

katana's  house  welcomed  him  with  unexpected  warmth,  a  cosy  retreat  that  felt  like  a  comforting  embrace.  The  air  was  infused  with  a  delightful  scent  of  maple,  wrapping  around  him  like  a  soft  blanket.

he  took  a  deep  breath,  savouring  the  sweet,  autumnal  aroma  that  filled  the  room.  Instantly,  a  sense  of  calm  washed  over  him—it  was  the  perfect  atmosphere  he  needed  to  quiet  his  racing  thoughts.

“  i  just  needed  a  change  of  space,  y'know  ?  you  get  me,  right  ?  ” 

（( I understand. )）

Katana did not look over his shoulder just yet, as he moved with grace for a Inphernal his size. He moved ahead of Shuriken.

...

（( It can get somewhat overwhelming, hm? )）

SCREE!

Teru briefly flapped his wings to instead position himself on Shuriken's head— ow-

（( I'll be brewing some tea. Do you have a preference for a flavor? )）

From the small kitchen, Katana was easily visible. He finally looked over his shoulder at Shuriken (and Teru).. holding a quite detailed ceramic teapot.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes from Admin:

shuriken let  out  a  soft  whine  as  teru  perched  atop  his  head.  the  owl  exuded  an  air  of  calm,  but  those  sharp  talons  were  dangerously  close  to  making  a  mess  of  his  hairline.

shuriken's  gaze  remained  intense,  fixated  on  the  delicate  ceramic  teacup  that  katana  cradled  in  the  kitchen.  His  ears  perked  up,  tingling  with  anticipation  for  the  soothing  ritual  of  tea  time  with  katana.

“  do  you  still  have  some  matcha  ?  if  not,  i  can  take  some  water.  ” 

shuriken  found  his  perfect  perch,  settling  on  the  nearby  table  with  effortless  grace.  he  crouched  there,  knees  tucked  to  his  chest,  looking  a  bit  awkward  but  completely  at  ease,  much  like  the  little  bird  perched  atop  his  head.

his  smile  radiated  an  infectious,  giddy  excitement,  reflecting  the  joy  he  felt  at  the  thought  of  spending  time  with  katana.

（( I do have some left. )）

Katana reaffirmed, as he hunched down momentarily. The sounds of lower cabinet doors openings..

Once he stood back up, he was now holding the necessary equipment to prepare the matcha. He set aside the ceramic teapot.

（( ... )）

For a moment, when everything was on the counter he simply.. stood there for 3 minutes.

Another slow blink.

（( ... )）

Before he got to work.

While waiting for the water to be lukewarm to prepare the matcha properly in a chawan bowl, he began to talk to Shuriken.

Which the young Inphernal likely didn't expect, as Katana wasn't much of a talker. It seems that he is in a good mood.

（( Your siblings.. they are doing just fine, I take? )）

（( I haven't seen them this day. And for once, you're sister's vines did not intrude upon my meditating area. )）

!!~

Teru seems to be comfortable within his new perch. The talons are still tightly gripping and sharp though-

‘  either  way,  ’  he  tilted  his  head  with  a  playful  smile,  now  perched  comfortably  on  the  table,  ‘  i  like  it.  means  i  get  to  spend  more  time  chatting  with  someone.  ’ 

with  a  soft  giggle,  he  spoke  up.

“  it  seems  everyone’s  busy  with  the  café.  I  am  too,  but I  always  find  myself  with  plenty  of  free  time  afterwards.  ”

“  i'm  really  glad  your  meditation  hasn’t  been  interrupted  in  a  while,  katana.  ”

shuriken  said,  a  hint  of  admiration  in  his  voice  before  he  continued,  yawning.

（( What is stopping you from doing so? )）

...

Hey when did it got so chilly—

（( I've noticed something, each time we've interacted. )）

Katana slowly turned his head.

（( You're never fully awake. The only times that you seem to be fully aware of what is happening, is when I rattle you enough to focus. )）

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes from Admin:

• It okay!!

• " You wanna tell something to the class? " ah ah Katana...

" For Broken Honor And Retribution. "

╭────────── 𖥸

（( My companion sometimes brings back small 'gifts' when it returns from flight. )）

（( Teru is free to come and go as he wishes. I rarely restrict my barn owl from leaving the wooden roost box i've made for it, unless he was injured or so. I trust him to return back eventually. )）

...

（( With that said, back to the point.. apologies, )）

（( Teru can bring back various different things. Though the most notable item i've observed him bring the most during those occasional instances... is bux. )）

（( Although I am not complaining, sometimes I ponder... where did he picked this up from? I never taught my avian companion to pick up bux. )）

...

（( Hm. )）

☕︎ ──────────╯

mask  off.  make  sure  he  doesn't  notice. 

he  rushed  over  to  katana,  completely  ignoring  the  owl  currently  holding  a  talon  full  of  bux.  who  cares  about  thievery  right  now  when  his  neighbor  was  finally  out  of  his  home! 

“  heyy  !  it's  really  you!  "

he  ran  up  to  hug  katana,  but  before  he  could  hug  the  guy,  he  froze  up  completely  before  backing  away  and  giggling,  voicr  quieter  than  before  as  he  rubbed  the  back  of  his  neck.  it  was  then,  in  that  moment,  that  he  noticed  the  bird.

Current location: Layer 2 — Apartment

Time: 5:10 PM

Note from Admin: YESSS ive summoned the Thieves Den Peopleejrnskw... also yes, you are allowed to reblog! and I just woke up.. that's the only reason why I didn't respond instanously... (im obsessed with roleplaying dont be shy)

╭────────── 𖥸

（( Hm? )）

Katana and his avian companion, Teru turned to look at Shuriken in a uncanny sync. The lone ring of gold on Katana's red upper bull horns glinted faintly in the dim light of the sunset.

（( Ah. It's you. )）

SCREE!

（( He is greeting you aswell. )）

Katana didn't flinch whatsoever when Shuriken almost wrapped his arms around to hug him. At that, he only merely cocked his head to the side.. with Teru following the same motion as it's life-long companion.

（( It is fine. You didn't mean to. )）

Katana adjusted his body so that he would be facing in Shuriken's direction properly. There was a faint tiny 'clink!' when he turned around.

（( Good evening, Shuriken. With how quick you were to run up to me, Im assuming there is something to be asked of me? )）

Katana kept his head tilted, as he formally greets Shuriken this time.. full attention is on Shuriken now. Evidently so, with the way his eye is staring dead-on at the former Darkage Ninja.

...

Teru adjusted it's grip on the bundle of bux it managed to get its claws on from earlier. The barn owl slowly scooted downwards, just abit from Katana's shoulder.. as if trying to meet Shuriken at eye-level.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes:

• Katana seems to be relaxed, and remained undisturbed by the fact that Shuriken was this close to hugging him.

the  young  inphernal  reached  out  a  hand,  curious  about  the  presence  of  a  bird  with  his  samurai  friend.  however,  just  as  quickly  as  he  extended  his  fingers,  the  Inphernal  hesitated,  retracting  his  hand  and  slipping  it  back  into  the  safety  of  his  pockets.

“  oh,  i  wasn't  …  asking  you  of  anything  !  ”

shit  he  had  no  plan,  did  he?

his  eyes  darted  briefly  to  the  side,  a  hint  of  distraction  flickering  across  his  face,  before  settling  back  on  the  owl  perched  before  him.  to  steady  his  racing  thoughts,  he  focused  on  the  creature’s  magnificent  wings,  reaching  out  to  touch  their  soft  feathers.

（( Careful. )）

Katana's eye seems to briefly widen when Shuriken reached out to try to touch the barn owl's wings—

SCREEE!

—Katana reached out with his free hand to halt Shuriken's hand, gripping his wrist in a firm but characteristically gentle manner.

（( ... You can't touch a owl's wings. Or back. )）

He quickly tried to give a small lesson on bird-handling to Shuriken, before they'll move on.

（( Trying to touch them in those areas... stimulate a certain stress response. Those areas are not touched by anything but their partner. )）

He hoped.. Shuriken got what he was trying to say.

Teru flapped his wings briefly... and held them out in a sprawled motion. As if the avian was shocked itself.

（( ... )）

Katana slowly lets go of Shuriken's wrist, before using the same hand to gently scritch the top of Teru's head.

...

The avian slowly brought his wings down.

（( The head however, is a safe spot to touch. No room for misinterpretations.. and avian confusion. )）

Katana quickly added. While he was talking, he slowly pried the bux from his companion's talons, just incase it wished to hop onto Shuriken's shoulder.

he  blinked  twice  as  katana  softly  scratched  the  owl  on  its  head—the  same  hand  that  had  almost  startled  shuriken.

“  okay  ...  the  head  …”

he  completely  understood  why  the  owl  might  be  feeling  nervous.  after  all,  if  someone  were  to  unexpectedly  reach  out  and  touch  his  chest—or  any  other  part  of  him—he  would  get  uncomfortable,  too.

it’s  all  about  that  element  of  surprise,  isn’t  it?  as  a  master  of  his  craft,  of  course,  he  would  know.   

shuriken  nodded.

“  yeah  …  i  got  it  !  ”

he  smiled,  brighter  than  the  sun.  his  hand  then  reached  out  to  the  owl's  head,  with  his  voice  just  as  soft  as  katana's  handling  of  the  bird.

“  i  just  wanted  to  talk  to  you,  i've  been  …  bored.  "

（( ... )）

Katana tilts his head to the other side, pocketing the bux he picked up from his avian. This time, Teru did not mimic the same motion.

SCREE!

Teru like Katana expected, hopped onto Shuriken's wrist first, before scooting side-to-side trying to get up to his shoulder—

—OW- OW– THE BIRD MEANS WELL BUT THE TALONS ARE SHARP AND TIGHT!

（( I see. )）

Katana commented simply. He uncorked his head, and blinked slowly. The middle-ranked samurai did not bat an eye at his companion clambering up the young Inphernal's shoulder.

（( And your siblings? )）

（( ... Normally I would see you accompanied by the other two. )）

Katana seems a tadbit puzzled why Shuriken wasn't with them.

（( ... )）

Katana slowly squinted his eye.

SCREE!

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes:

• Katana is suspectin that Shuriken is feeling particularly clingy this evening.

Notes from Admin:

• Katana sees everything /j

• Let me steal that hc rq.. /silly

shuriken  yelped,  instinctively  freezing  in  place  as  the  barn  owl  perched  on  his  shoulder  dug  its  talons  into  his  flesh.  damn,  those  talons  hurt  like  tiny  knives  on  his  shoulder!

“and  what  about  your  siblings?” 

the  question  landed  softly,  full  of  the  warmth  and  understanding  reminiscent  of  a  father  speaking  to  his  son.  it  caused  shuriken  to  halt,  his  heart  racing.

the  barn  owl  nibbled  at  its  wing,  completely  unfazed,  while  shuriken  straightened  his  back  against  the  railing,  flinching  as  the  owl  screeched  dangerously  close  to  his  ear.

“  uh  …  w-well…  um  …  ” 

he  released  a  breath  that  came  out  as  more  of  a  hurried  laugh  than  the  disgruntled  sigh  he  intended.

the  truth  was,  he’d  rather  die  than  confess  how  clingy  he  felt  toward  anyone.  the  thought  of  burdening  them  gnawed  at  him.

but  the  loneliness  weighed  heavier  without  his  siblings  by  his  side.

“  ahem  !  i-i  was  …  erm  …  training  !  for  something  …  for  lunch  rush  …  at  thieves'  rest,  totally  !  haha  !  ” 

（( ... )）

Katana's "expression" did not change in the slightest.

He already can see through him, can't he?

...

As if to add to Shuriken's embarrasment, Teru also slowly turned corked its head to look at him. Like he was judging him as much as it's master.

（( ... Right. )）

Said the middle-ranked samurai, with the most unconvinced tone Shuriken has heard out of him in awhile.

（( ... If you are trying to hide from your siblings, you might aswell do it efficiently. )）

Huh?-

Oh! He's already moving- back inside.

（( ... )）

He did not looked back over his shoulder to Shuriken, as he ducked down the doorway he came from.

SCREE!

Almost as if Teru is trying to snap Shuriken out of it, it screeched just as Katana got inside.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes from Admin:

• Translation: Get yo BUTT inside here boy. /j

shuriken trailed  behind katana as  they  both  entered  the  apartment,  a  mix  of  nerves  and  determination  bubbling  inside  him.  he  fumbled  for  excuses,  each  one  more  desperate  than  the  last,  hoping  to  find  something  that  would  ease  the  tension  crackling  between  them.

“  i'm  not  ‘hiding’  why  on  earth  would  i  be  hiding  from  them  ?  ” 

gradually,  the  tightness  in  his  muscles  began  to  ease,  as  if  the  weight  of  the  world  was  being  lifted  from  his  shoulders.

katana's  house  welcomed  him  with  unexpected  warmth,  a  cosy  retreat  that  felt  like  a  comforting  embrace.  The  air  was  infused  with  a  delightful  scent  of  maple,  wrapping  around  him  like  a  soft  blanket.

he  took  a  deep  breath,  savouring  the  sweet,  autumnal  aroma  that  filled  the  room.  Instantly,  a  sense  of  calm  washed  over  him—it  was  the  perfect  atmosphere  he  needed  to  quiet  his  racing  thoughts.

“  i  just  needed  a  change  of  space,  y'know  ?  you  get  me,  right  ?  ” 

（( I understand. )）

Katana did not look over his shoulder just yet, as he moved with grace for a Inphernal his size. He moved ahead of Shuriken.

...

（( It can get somewhat overwhelming, hm? )）

SCREE!

Teru briefly flapped his wings to instead position himself on Shuriken's head— ow-

（( I'll be brewing some tea. Do you have a preference for a flavor? )）

From the small kitchen, Katana was easily visible. He finally looked over his shoulder at Shuriken (and Teru).. holding a quite detailed ceramic teapot.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes from Admin:

shuriken let  out  a  soft  whine  as  teru  perched  atop  his  head.  the  owl  exuded  an  air  of  calm,  but  those  sharp  talons  were  dangerously  close  to  making  a  mess  of  his  hairline.

shuriken's  gaze  remained  intense,  fixated  on  the  delicate  ceramic  teacup  that  katana  cradled  in  the  kitchen.  His  ears  perked  up,  tingling  with  anticipation  for  the  soothing  ritual  of  tea  time  with  katana.

“  do  you  still  have  some  matcha  ?  if  not,  i  can  take  some  water.  ” 

shuriken  found  his  perfect  perch,  settling  on  the  nearby  table  with  effortless  grace.  he  crouched  there,  knees  tucked  to  his  chest,  looking  a  bit  awkward  but  completely  at  ease,  much  like  the  little  bird  perched  atop  his  head.

his  smile  radiated  an  infectious,  giddy  excitement,  reflecting  the  joy  he  felt  at  the  thought  of  spending  time  with  katana.

（( I do have some left. )）

Katana reaffirmed, as he hunched down momentarily. The sounds of lower cabinet doors openings..

Once he stood back up, he was now holding the necessary equipment to prepare the matcha. He set aside the ceramic teapot.

（( ... )）

For a moment, when everything was on the counter he simply.. stood there for 3 minutes.

Another slow blink.

（( ... )）

Before he got to work.

While waiting for the water to be lukewarm to prepare the matcha properly in a chawan bowl, he began to talk to Shuriken.

Which the young Inphernal likely didn't expect, as Katana wasn't much of a talker. It seems that he is in a good mood.

（( Your siblings.. they are doing just fine, I take? )）

（( I haven't seen them this day. And for once, you're sister's vines did not intrude upon my meditating area. )）

!!~

Teru seems to be comfortable within his new perch. The talons are still tightly gripping and sharp though-

（( Hyperlaser.. )）

...

（( How have you been? )）

（( It's been quite awhile since either of us had time to meet up once more. )）

☕︎ ──────────╯

Katana, it is nice to hear from you.

（( I see. Do not worry, I understand. We all lead our individual lives. )）

...

（( Only if you have enough time to. If you are still swamped with situations to be dealt with, do not force yourself to show up for my sake. )）

（( I am not busy. I've been trying to take care of myself while having the days off. )）

（( ... )）

（( If you insist. )）

...

（( Are we meeting at our usual? )）

（( Alright. )）

...

（( I'll be there in.. 20 more minutes. The bathtub is quite comfortable at the moment to get out of so soon. )）

（( ... I'll try not to doze off. )）

...

（( You can send me a message if I took abit more longer than the estimated time. Admittedly, I do have trouble getting out the hot warm water once I get in.. it may slip my mind, possibly. A reminder would be.. beneficial. )）

" For Broken Honor And Retribution. "

╭────────── 𖥸

（( My companion sometimes brings back small 'gifts' when it returns from flight. )）

（( Teru is free to come and go as he wishes. I rarely restrict my barn owl from leaving the wooden roost box i've made for it, unless he was injured or so. I trust him to return back eventually. )）

...

（( With that said, back to the point.. apologies, )）

（( Teru can bring back various different things. Though the most notable item i've observed him bring the most during those occasional instances... is bux. )）

（( Although I am not complaining, sometimes I ponder... where did he picked this up from? I never taught my avian companion to pick up bux. )）

...

（( Hm. )）

☕︎ ──────────╯

mask  off.  make  sure  he  doesn't  notice. 

he  rushed  over  to  katana,  completely  ignoring  the  owl  currently  holding  a  talon  full  of  bux.  who  cares  about  thievery  right  now  when  his  neighbor  was  finally  out  of  his  home! 

“  heyy  !  it's  really  you!  "

he  ran  up  to  hug  katana,  but  before  he  could  hug  the  guy,  he  froze  up  completely  before  backing  away  and  giggling,  voicr  quieter  than  before  as  he  rubbed  the  back  of  his  neck.  it  was  then,  in  that  moment,  that  he  noticed  the  bird.

Current location: Layer 2 — Apartment

Time: 5:10 PM

Note from Admin: YESSS ive summoned the Thieves Den Peopleejrnskw... also yes, you are allowed to reblog! and I just woke up.. that's the only reason why I didn't respond instanously... (im obsessed with roleplaying dont be shy)

╭────────── 𖥸

（( Hm? )）

Katana and his avian companion, Teru turned to look at Shuriken in a uncanny sync. The lone ring of gold on Katana's red upper bull horns glinted faintly in the dim light of the sunset.

（( Ah. It's you. )）

SCREE!

（( He is greeting you aswell. )）

Katana didn't flinch whatsoever when Shuriken almost wrapped his arms around to hug him. At that, he only merely cocked his head to the side.. with Teru following the same motion as it's life-long companion.

（( It is fine. You didn't mean to. )）

Katana adjusted his body so that he would be facing in Shuriken's direction properly. There was a faint tiny 'clink!' when he turned around.

（( Good evening, Shuriken. With how quick you were to run up to me, Im assuming there is something to be asked of me? )）

Katana kept his head tilted, as he formally greets Shuriken this time.. full attention is on Shuriken now. Evidently so, with the way his eye is staring dead-on at the former Darkage Ninja.

...

Teru adjusted it's grip on the bundle of bux it managed to get its claws on from earlier. The barn owl slowly scooted downwards, just abit from Katana's shoulder.. as if trying to meet Shuriken at eye-level.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes:

• Katana seems to be relaxed, and remained undisturbed by the fact that Shuriken was this close to hugging him.

the  young  inphernal  reached  out  a  hand,  curious  about  the  presence  of  a  bird  with  his  samurai  friend.  however,  just  as  quickly  as  he  extended  his  fingers,  the  Inphernal  hesitated,  retracting  his  hand  and  slipping  it  back  into  the  safety  of  his  pockets.

“  oh,  i  wasn't  …  asking  you  of  anything  !  ”

shit  he  had  no  plan,  did  he?

his  eyes  darted  briefly  to  the  side,  a  hint  of  distraction  flickering  across  his  face,  before  settling  back  on  the  owl  perched  before  him.  to  steady  his  racing  thoughts,  he  focused  on  the  creature’s  magnificent  wings,  reaching  out  to  touch  their  soft  feathers.

（( Careful. )）

Katana's eye seems to briefly widen when Shuriken reached out to try to touch the barn owl's wings—

SCREEE!

—Katana reached out with his free hand to halt Shuriken's hand, gripping his wrist in a firm but characteristically gentle manner.

（( ... You can't touch a owl's wings. Or back. )）

He quickly tried to give a small lesson on bird-handling to Shuriken, before they'll move on.

（( Trying to touch them in those areas... stimulate a certain stress response. Those areas are not touched by anything but their partner. )）

He hoped.. Shuriken got what he was trying to say.

Teru flapped his wings briefly... and held them out in a sprawled motion. As if the avian was shocked itself.

（( ... )）

Katana slowly lets go of Shuriken's wrist, before using the same hand to gently scritch the top of Teru's head.

...

The avian slowly brought his wings down.

（( The head however, is a safe spot to touch. No room for misinterpretations.. and avian confusion. )）

Katana quickly added. While he was talking, he slowly pried the bux from his companion's talons, just incase it wished to hop onto Shuriken's shoulder.

he  blinked  twice  as  katana  softly  scratched  the  owl  on  its  head—the  same  hand  that  had  almost  startled  shuriken.

“  okay  ...  the  head  …”

he  completely  understood  why  the  owl  might  be  feeling  nervous.  after  all,  if  someone  were  to  unexpectedly  reach  out  and  touch  his  chest—or  any  other  part  of  him—he  would  get  uncomfortable,  too.

it’s  all  about  that  element  of  surprise,  isn’t  it?  as  a  master  of  his  craft,  of  course,  he  would  know.   

shuriken  nodded.

“  yeah  …  i  got  it  !  ”

he  smiled,  brighter  than  the  sun.  his  hand  then  reached  out  to  the  owl's  head,  with  his  voice  just  as  soft  as  katana's  handling  of  the  bird.

“  i  just  wanted  to  talk  to  you,  i've  been  …  bored.  "

（( ... )）

Katana tilts his head to the other side, pocketing the bux he picked up from his avian. This time, Teru did not mimic the same motion.

SCREE!

Teru like Katana expected, hopped onto Shuriken's wrist first, before scooting side-to-side trying to get up to his shoulder—

—OW- OW– THE BIRD MEANS WELL BUT THE TALONS ARE SHARP AND TIGHT!

（( I see. )）

Katana commented simply. He uncorked his head, and blinked slowly. The middle-ranked samurai did not bat an eye at his companion clambering up the young Inphernal's shoulder.

（( And your siblings? )）

（( ... Normally I would see you accompanied by the other two. )）

Katana seems a tadbit puzzled why Shuriken wasn't with them.

（( ... )）

Katana slowly squinted his eye.

SCREE!

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes:

• Katana is suspectin that Shuriken is feeling particularly clingy this evening.

Notes from Admin:

• Katana sees everything /j

• Let me steal that hc rq.. /silly

shuriken  yelped,  instinctively  freezing  in  place  as  the  barn  owl  perched  on  his  shoulder  dug  its  talons  into  his  flesh.  damn,  those  talons  hurt  like  tiny  knives  on  his  shoulder!

“and  what  about  your  siblings?” 

the  question  landed  softly,  full  of  the  warmth  and  understanding  reminiscent  of  a  father  speaking  to  his  son.  it  caused  shuriken  to  halt,  his  heart  racing.

the  barn  owl  nibbled  at  its  wing,  completely  unfazed,  while  shuriken  straightened  his  back  against  the  railing,  flinching  as  the  owl  screeched  dangerously  close  to  his  ear.

“  uh  …  w-well…  um  …  ” 

he  released  a  breath  that  came  out  as  more  of  a  hurried  laugh  than  the  disgruntled  sigh  he  intended.

the  truth  was,  he’d  rather  die  than  confess  how  clingy  he  felt  toward  anyone.  the  thought  of  burdening  them  gnawed  at  him.

but  the  loneliness  weighed  heavier  without  his  siblings  by  his  side.

“  ahem  !  i-i  was  …  erm  …  training  !  for  something  …  for  lunch  rush  …  at  thieves'  rest,  totally  !  haha  !  ” 

（( ... )）

Katana's "expression" did not change in the slightest.

He already can see through him, can't he?

...

As if to add to Shuriken's embarrasment, Teru also slowly turned corked its head to look at him. Like he was judging him as much as it's master.

（( ... Right. )）

Said the middle-ranked samurai, with the most unconvinced tone Shuriken has heard out of him in awhile.

（( ... If you are trying to hide from your siblings, you might aswell do it efficiently. )）

Huh?-

Oh! He's already moving- back inside.

（( ... )）

He did not looked back over his shoulder to Shuriken, as he ducked down the doorway he came from.

SCREE!

Almost as if Teru is trying to snap Shuriken out of it, it screeched just as Katana got inside.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes from Admin:

• Translation: Get yo BUTT inside here boy. /j

shuriken trailed  behind katana as  they  both  entered  the  apartment,  a  mix  of  nerves  and  determination  bubbling  inside  him.  he  fumbled  for  excuses,  each  one  more  desperate  than  the  last,  hoping  to  find  something  that  would  ease  the  tension  crackling  between  them.

“  i'm  not  ‘hiding’  why  on  earth  would  i  be  hiding  from  them  ?  ” 

gradually,  the  tightness  in  his  muscles  began  to  ease,  as  if  the  weight  of  the  world  was  being  lifted  from  his  shoulders.

katana's  house  welcomed  him  with  unexpected  warmth,  a  cosy  retreat  that  felt  like  a  comforting  embrace.  The  air  was  infused  with  a  delightful  scent  of  maple,  wrapping  around  him  like  a  soft  blanket.

he  took  a  deep  breath,  savouring  the  sweet,  autumnal  aroma  that  filled  the  room.  Instantly,  a  sense  of  calm  washed  over  him—it  was  the  perfect  atmosphere  he  needed  to  quiet  his  racing  thoughts.

“  i  just  needed  a  change  of  space,  y'know  ?  you  get  me,  right  ?  ” 

（( I understand. )）

Katana did not look over his shoulder just yet, as he moved with grace for a Inphernal his size. He moved ahead of Shuriken.

...

（( It can get somewhat overwhelming, hm? )）

SCREE!

Teru briefly flapped his wings to instead position himself on Shuriken's head— ow-

（( I'll be brewing some tea. Do you have a preference for a flavor? )）

From the small kitchen, Katana was easily visible. He finally looked over his shoulder at Shuriken (and Teru).. holding a quite detailed ceramic teapot.

☕︎ ──────────╯

Notes from Admin:

（( Hyperlaser.. )）

...

（( How have you been? )）

（( It's been quite awhile since either of us had time to meet up once more. )）

☕︎ ──────────╯

Katana, it is nice to hear from you.

（( I see. Do not worry, I understand. We all lead our individual lives. )）

...

（( Only if you have enough time to. If you are still swamped with situations to be dealt with, do not force yourself to show up for my sake. )）

（( I am not busy. I've been trying to take care of myself while having the days off. )）

（( ... )）

（( If you insist. )）

...

（( Are we meeting at our usual? )）

（( Alright. )）

...

（( I'll be there in.. 20 more minutes. The bathtub is quite comfortable at the moment to get out of so soon. )）

（( Hyperlaser.. )）

...

（( How have you been? )）

（( It's been quite awhile since either of us had time to meet up once more. )）

☕︎ ──────────╯

Katana, it is nice to hear from you.

（( I see. Do not worry, I understand. We all lead our individual lives. )）

...

（( Only if you have enough time to. If you are still swamped with situations to be dealt with, do not force yourself to show up for my sake. )）

（( I am not busy. I've been trying to take care of myself while having the days off. )）

（( ... )）

（( If you insist. )）

...

（( Are we meeting at our usual? )）