[closed] kitten therapy

[galactically]

Who: Sheryl (galactically) and Slaine (adept)
What: A shinki and his cat are about to be graced by a pop idol's presence
When: Forward-dated to Saturday, April 23rd
Where: Horus' temple
Warnings: this might turn hideous due to Slaine being one of Sheryl's favorite teasing targets

[It all started with a simple phone call from yesterday. There was no bodacious coquettishness, voice far reserved than intended. Just unusually brief words that started on one end and reached another: can I come for a visit, Slaine?

Sheryl could either stay cooped up in her temple (out of the question; this is Sheryl), or she could actually get some fresh air by going outside. Nothing will ever erase the fact that A) she got hurt in what might've been the hardest ayakashi battle yet, and B) Elsa is gone. Both of them sting her, though losing a friend stings a bit more. Still... she did say that she'll come and visit Slaine. That promise alone is enough to her to leave the temple.

But first, she must buy a gift.

Several hours later, Sheryl can be seen standing in front of an unfamiliar temple, so futuristic yet ancient at once that she turns her head this way and that, sheer awe in her expression. She could do without the random ruins, though. Either way she knocks on the door, her free hand clutching a small plastic bag.]

Yoohoo! Slaine, open up!

[A simple visit as it may be, she makes sure to dress fashionably.]

Comments

[ex_adept179]

[It comes as a surprise to Slaine that Sheryl asks to pay him a visit. Their interactions of late have been puzzling ones, running a wide gamut between embarrassing concern for his lack of interest in relationships to tense, stilted debates on personal beliefs regarding the nature of what one can and cannot change. Such a variance leaves Slaine off-balance, unsure what he should expect.

Still, he avoids having any expectations in mind. He'll see what the tenor if their interaction is this time when Sheryl gets here, and it's not as though either case is something that he can't deal with.

When he hears a knock on the door, he gets up to answer, Lily bounding from the back of a nearby chair and onto his shoulders in a manner he's long since become accustomed to. By the time he opens the door, she's found her balance on him, perched as she's often inclined, so Sheryl will be greeted by both of them]

I see you had no difficulties getting here.

[A mild observation as he steps aside to let her in]

[galactically]

[Slaine has been a constant enigma to Sheryl underneath his baby-faced looks. He irritates her, he snubs her, he turns into a brick whenever he gets hugged... but he's also a considerate man. He tells the truth without sugarcoating, he protects her modesty, he's helped her out a few times before.

She wishes her enthusiasm lasted a bit longer, but by the time Slaine opens the door, she's deflated like a balloon. A smile tugs at her lips and stays there, but that's all.]

You described this place to me, right? Of course I wouldn't have problems. I'm Sheryl, after all.

[Casually said with her brand of absurdly high self-confidence as always. She steps inside and lets out a soft coo at seeing the kitten on his shoulder.]

My, you weren't kidding when you said she's grown! [Time to pet the kitty? Yes.] Aww, so adorable as always.

[ex_adept179]

[It's impossible for Slaine to ignore the way Sheryl's energy seems to falter. This time around it doesn't appear to be the result of something he has said or done, but she seems to be struggling to maintain a cheerful veneer, some weight pulling heavily down on her.

He thinks to question it, before she lights right back up and starts fussing over Lily. Perhaps it was a misread on his part...]

She's become quite athletic recently as well.

[Slaine will never be able to conceal the fact that he's proud of his little girl, and it's surely for the best that he doesn't try. He spares his cat a soft smile as she bumps her face against Sheryl's hand, lifting one of his own to help ensure Lily doesn't lose her balance]

Last week she started bringing her toys to me...if I toss them, she chases them down and brings them back.

[One gift of amnesia: he doesn't know what fetch is]

[galactically]

[As Slaine speaks, Sheryl giggles at Lily bumping her face against her hand, looking at his smile from the corner of her eye. It's so easy to tell that he's very proud of his cat, that she's very important to him. Perhaps if she plays with Lily, this can take her mind off of what transpired these past few days.

She might actually gain more mental energy to tease Slaine as usual.]

She learned to play fetch with you! How cute. [A beat.] Did you say toys?

[Her eyes light up at the mention of them, darting over to the small bag that she's holding. After moving her hand away from the cat, she presents the bag to Slaine.]

This is for you and your cat. Well, one of them is for you, anyway.

[The bag contains the following items: a bright blue bow fit for a cat, four yarn mice, and a box of strawberry-flavored pocky.]

[ex_adept179]

[Fetch... Slaine wasn't familiar, but he trusts Sheryl wouldn't make up an erroneous term. He doesn't have long to think on it when she offers him a bag, and at first, all he can do is stare down at it with wide, puzzled eyes.

Shortly thereafter he recovers, taking the bag in a manner one might characterize as cautious]

You needn't have gone to such trouble...

[He doesn't believe he's done anything to warrant a gift, exactly.

And while he and Genos exchange presents now and then, they're always offered as thanks for something very specific. Although Slaine hasn't the self-awareness to consider that, perhaps it's the fact that they give these reasons that either of them is comfortable with receiving gifts...

Or maybe some gifts being for cats makes it an easier matter. Supposing it would be rude otherwise, Slaine looks in the bag, Lily peering from her perch over his shoulder]

...The toys are small enough that you could try for yourself, if you were so inclined.

[Playing with Lily, that is]

[galactically]

I don't mind if it's you.

[Sheryl says softly, glancing at the way Slaine stares at and takes the bag, like he's scared it'd have a bomb inside. It's so small and she shouldn't pay mind to it, but that's enough for her smile to falter completely, the corners of her lips tugging down.

She only goes through such troubles for people she deems worthy of her presence — her friends.

Today her emotions seem to oscillate all over the place. First she's upset, but right when Slaine mentions the toys, she perks up again. Only for a little bit.]

Can I actually try them out? That's very thoughtful of you. [Sheryl pulls out the blue ribbon from the bag, then wiggles it in front of the cat.] I want to put this on her! She'll be the most beautiful cat of all Takamagahara.

[ex_adept179]

[Slaine does notice the way Sheryl's mood appears to shift, and it suggests that there's something on her mind. Not wishing to pry in case she would prefer not to discuss it, he thinks better of questioning her for the time being]

So that's what you intended that for...

[Well, he already thinks his girl is the most beautiful feline, but-]

That is a fine color.

[It should look nice with Lily's eyes]

Perhaps after playing with her? So it won't get damaged...she becomes rather excited when she chases toys down.

[A true kitten, Lily]

[galactically]

I picked it because blue is a wonderful color on her.

[Sheryl takes some pride in making good things look better than they are, kittens notwithstanding. After putting the ribbon back inside the bag, she scoops Lily up with both hands and nuzzles her cheek against the soft fur.]

We're going to have so much fun together, you see.

[Cats sure make a nice distraction from all the crap she had to deal with. She giggles at the texture against her skin, then glances up at him.]

Come on. Lead us the way, Slaine.

[ex_adept179]

[With Lily in safe hands, Slaine turns and heads for an open room with more space for his kitten to run. Given the size of Hope's temple, it's not a difficult task, and it doesn't take them long]

This should suffice...

[Some rugs have been laid out on the floor as well, which is easier on Lily's claws]

You need only ensure she sees it before throwing.

[galactically]

[The room looks vast enough for a cat to run around and scratch her claws all over the rugs. Giving it a quick glance, Sheryl kneels down on a rug and lowers Lily to it.]

Here you go, precious.

[She turns around to reach for the bag, grabbing the yarn mice from inside it before she wiggles a red-striped yellow mouse in front of the kitten.]

Awww, so cute! Slaine, you should join in, too.

[ex_adept179]

[Slaine takes a seat beside Sheryl, but he waves the thought off]

I have that privilege all the time. Please, feel free.

[Play with his little princess to your heart's content, Idol Goddess]

[galactically]

Don't mind if I do!

[Sheryl laughs as she tosses the yarn mouse at Lily, then pulls the toy by its tail to make the kitten chase after it. Playing with her is oddly therapeutic.]

This almost makes me want a kitten of my own, if I wasn't such a busy woman.

[ex_adept179]

If you shared the responsibility with your shinki, it could be within your means.

[At least, Slaine is inclined to think so. After all, he and Genos each seem to be doing fine.

And somehow Hibari manages with a whole gaggle of kittens]

[galactically]

Zoro is surprisingly good with animals, now that I think about it. Eno might like one, too.

[She appears amused, a fond smile tugging at her lips at the thought. Taking another yarn mouse, she throws it at Lily.

There, now she has two mice to chase after.]

My, she runs really fast! You really weren't kidding when you said she gets excited.

[ex_adept179]

Yes, she's quite athletic.

[And oh, he'll remain fond and proud of his little girl forever. It certainly shows, not that he realizes it.

But Lily is a safe outlet for his affection, one he doesn't have to worry or feel bad about, as she tears across rugs to pick up a mouse and trot it back to Sheryl]

I recall observing that Zoro attracts animals quite easily.

[galactically]

[Oh, she definitely notices, looking at Slaine from the corner of her eye before a furtive smirk tugs at her lips.]

Oho... you really care about her, don't you.

[A plain observation, no question about it. Sheryl lets out a soft croon at Lily, picking up the mouse from her and wiggling it next to her furry face.]

Such a good girl! I love you. [Then back to Slaine with a grin:] He's the animal whisperer. Whenever he's next to a cute creature, it always flocks right to him.

[ex_adept179]

[His smile flickers out at that, pointedly focusing on Lily rather than making eye-contact]

He seemed to warm up to some of those spirit-cats, after initially feeling overwhelmed.

[Slaine sees no reason not to convey this to Sheryl, especially since it gives him a few moments to compose himself. It's quite true that he adores Lily, and she's the one individual he can freely show some attachment to, but his cheeks adopt some color all the same]

I imagine one should care about those they look after.

[The most furtive of replies, not that it isn't clear to him that she's already read his sentiments]

[galactically]

[An owlish look briefly crosses her features until her mouth parts into an "O" shape, then she makes a face.]

Oh. You mean those annoying cats with two tails? Cute things like that shouldn't talk.

[Sheryl remembers dealing with them, watching them chatter away and making Slaine carry the heavy urns. Seeing the light tinge of pink on his cheeks hitches a smile right back on her face. It's so easy for her to tell that he really loves his kitten.

She tosses yet another yarn mouse for Lily to chase after.]

You're a good man, Slaine.