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CHARACTERS: Konoe, Asato, Netherlands
LOCATION: Cats' room, 001-088.
WARNINGS: None?
SUMMARY: Netherlands visits some cats with snazzy body art and the monkey comes out of the sleeve. Or several sleeves. Several monkeys. Dutch is weird.
NOTES: Backdated to a few days after the 17th jump

[It's been over a year of freedom and he's still got his habits.

The stasis fluid sometimes erases his mark entirely, sometimes leaves ragged, faded edges that stain his towel when he scrubs off right after. But he's never without it for more than a day; it would've been easier for him to just try to find someone who could tattoo it on him, but Asato doesn't want this to be easy.

He doesn't understand precisely why he keeps drawing it again, but he does.

A long conversation and many hours holed up in their room later (apologies to anyone who tried to contact them in that time, but this required concentration!), he's painted the same mark on Konoe's arm with his fingertips--something he never thought he'd see, something he still struggles to comprehend in retrospect, promises and whispers aside. Not for a moment does he regret doing as Konoe asked, and he draws no further attention to it while they are out and about together. Without an explanation given, this may as well just be another Weird Cat Thing, but he's made an exception here and a grave one at that.

Still, he feels no shame and no guilt, and he goes about his days as always. Patrols, checks, visits, lunch, garden time, catnap. Routine is good, and he likes to have his peace.

He's practiced telling the afternoon time more precisely than hungry or sleepy because he wants to prepare for company, more aware of his own scramble to come answer the door after being over at Netherlands' a few times. But cats will still be cats, so he hardly stands in front of the door counting down the seconds until someone knocks, preferring to laze or discuss with Konoe--he hopes Netherlands will bring the rabbit today! He likes that rabbit, he's soft and warm, and maybe they can have dinner together (but not involving the rabbit because that would be wrong!). Sometimes he'll accompany Konoe and wander around the hall, maybe make a pit stop in the kitchen beforehand.

He'd tried to tidy up the room today too, perhaps only to see if he could, but that was a lost cause from the minute he started. The place is a mess, it will stay a mess, but at least it's a comfortable mess.

And if Netherlands isn't used to at least that much by now, then he doesn't know what to tell him.]

Maybe... [A pillow set aside for their guest, and that's as ready for company as they might ever be. A glance to his communicator where he left it on his bed, but he hardly feels like he should double-check Netherlands on his punctuality.]

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[There are times when Konoe treats it like an honor, with frequent ducks of his head to peer at his arm, reaches of his hand to touch where a mark now rings it, even when a sleeve covers it up. Those always leave him quiet, because while he doesn't know the whole story of the pattern, he knows to bear it now, as an outsider, means a lot.

But there are still more times when, like his Touga, he treats it as though it's something he's simply lived with for ages. Something there that he doesn't have to think about, but can't forget entirely, either. Refuses to.

He can leave it alone for now, since they have food and guests big and small to talk about. These subjects always manage to get a smile out of him, even more when he can expect them soon, too, and getting swept up in Asato's excitement doesn't take long at all. Though not even his help can tame their room gone wild.]

That one is good! [He's pulled back from a critical peer at the chosen pillow, nodding in approval with a grin. At least they've settled on this much.

With their focus on seating arrangements, in all of their busywork, Konoe doesn't give much thought to his appearance for the day. Not to say it's bad. His hair's braided back as ever, his tail is pristine as can be, and he's dressed as he's come to like on days he just rolls around in their room like this: with sleeves he needn't pull up to groom his arm.

It offers a chance to glance at the dark design on his skin, but with a twitch of his ear, his attention turns to the door instead.]

... Could that be him already?

[It's totally him already. While he likes being right on time, he made the mistake of asking Lodewijk if he wanted to come along with him (yes he talks to his rabbit and yes his rabbit knows what he's saying because Hetalia pets) and he basically got dragged down to 001 by his pants leg. It's not that early, but even five minutes is enough to have him waffling outside the door, not sure if he should knock or swing by the kitchens first. Bring something, maybe.

Oh, what the hell. He knocks.

Even if he's a bit early he doesn't think it will matter, so long as both Asato and Konoe are around. Their room is never really clean and it's not like they serve coffee and a cookie to guests - there's not much they have to do in the way of preparation before he shows up. And he doesn't think they'll be offended. He doesn't bother to scoop up Lodewijk. If the little guy wants to dash in and greet them himself, that's up to him.]

[Five minutes early is better than five minutes late; for the latter he'd start to worry if something had happened, especially without a prior message. No reason for him to complain about Netherlands coming by a couple of minutes early, though, aside from that he needs to roll back off the bed, where he'd wanted to settle in for a little more idle chatting with Konoe. Nothing life-altering, just a decision of what they'd like to eat tonight, or if they could take a garden trip later, or if he was in the mood for a spar before they retired for the night.

His eyes follow Konoe's line of sight to the mark, but before he can say anything more he sits up again, ears perked at Konoe's prompting, scanning the silence for a second.

In his intensity he actually starts when there's a knock at their door, but he quickly smooths out his ruffled tail (he's not looking much less casual than Konoe, except his hair's not long enough to braid--just long enough to get in his eyes) and stands to go answer.

Netherlands he greets with a small smile and a nod, then his gaze drops down to his feet, where he spots Lodewijk, and immediately he brightens even more, turns back to Konoe without a word--company! When he turns to face Netherlands again, a brief pause goes by before he realizes he should...probably step aside and let him in.]

Ah--we have...Netherlands can sit there. [He nods to that pillow he's put down just for him, away from the worst of the mess. No coffee or cookies, though he's got some trail mix in a bowl that he wouldn't mind sharing if things really have to get so formal.] If you want.

[Asato's surprise nearly makes him laugh, though he's wondering what's brought Netherlands early, too, as Asato gets up, and his head tilts aside in his thought. Maybe he just felt like it! No harm in that.

When they realize they've got two guests after all, his look for Asato in return is just as excited - I know! - and his attention falls down to the rabbit making his way over their threshold. Konoe gets up, bending a bit down to offer a little "Hey, you!" to Lodewijk, his eyes gentler than they'd been in the beginning of their visits. This is a definitely a friend of his here, not a... resource.

Looking up again and leaning to peek over Asato's shoulder, Konoe wants to greet Netherlands, too. Y'know - once he's let in, and he's already piping up at him.]

We have other ones, too...! [Plenty of pillows, dozens, maybe more - they're all free for Ned to choose.] And water and... Asato, do we have any of that stuff left?

[He takes the chance to scoop Lodewijk up into his arms first, meanwhile, careful with him as ever, and looks for their snacks and a new spot to sit at the same time.]

[His greeting in return is a simple nod and hello to the both of them, so busy watching them get excited over Lodewijk's presence that he doesn't notice that Asato's in the way until he moves. Even then he doesn't step in immediately, just flicks his eyes over the room, then to Konoe as he watches the two greet one another with a quiet smile on his face, and finally to the offered pillow.]

That one's fine.

[As he says it he steps across the mess, probably more careful than is normal for a room in such a state, and plops right down - all sprawled limbs, though he peers up at Konoe and raises his brows at the word "stuff". It's a good word, stuff. He loves stuff.]

What stuff.

[And in the meantime Lodewijk is attempting to give Konoe all sorts of bunny rubs and kisses. Which makes him snort, reminds him of why they're a little early, too.]

Fuzzball wanted t'see you two. Wouldn't leave me alone, even after I told him it was too early to come here.

[After he's stepped aside and Netherlands has come in, Asato lets the door slide closed behind him and turns his full attention to their room, where Netherlands is traversing the mess. Nothing in there is fragile or of much worth; their swords are in the corner where they won't be a bother (or a danger) while their personal belongings are kept close, and the rest of the floor is nothing but blankets and pillows and maybe a book or two.

It's not tidy, but it wouldn't do to have it dirty, either. It's organized chaos that's got all the comforts of home and none of the mud and dust, with little dips in the piles of pillows that mark their favorite napping spots.]

Stuff... [He has to look around for a moment while he tries to decide what Konoe might be talking about, but finally he grabs the bowl off the desk, where only a little bit of free space is left. They don't entertain many guests in this room aside from Netherlands, and of all people who's expectations they might have to meet... Asato's just glad he comes by and doesn't make a fuss.]

You can have some. If it's not good, I can get something from the kitchen. If you're hungry. [Leaning down, he offer Netherlands the bowl. Trail mix, with most of the dried fruit already gone. At Netherlands' explanation, he glances back at Konoe and the rabbit he's got in his arms. Lodewijk let him know all that?]

[He leaves Asato to figure out what he meant on his own, a little distracted by the bundle of enthusiasm he's trying to hold. He settles with sitting in his - former? - bed on the opposite wall, bunny in arm as he crosses his legs.]

Yeah, that!

[Konoe will have to claim most of the blame for lack of said fruit in it, however ("It's the best part..."). Remembering how much is missing from the mix as it's offered, his head lifts up from his soft purrs to Lodewijk to look at Netherlands again, an apology ready on his tongue.]

Some of those melty things are in it still, I think...! If you like those.

[The yogurt chips were the targets of his next wave of attack, honestly, but he's happy to see them go for a good cause....

The state of their snack stores might speak differently of where they come from, when having a lot of anything was a great thing indeed. But save for a penchant they've grown for pillow collecting, little is of excess in their room, really. Once they're out of something they'll see if they can get more. When they're out again, repeat. It's been something of a comfort for Konoe especially... there's always something around to fill up with later.

Still, it can lead to impromptu runs for things. His ears turn forward, piqued for Netherland's decision as though it were quite serious. He wouldn't want Asato to have to cut his time with their friend short while out... but he wants Ned to be happy, too. What's a catboy to do?]

I'm not. [Hungry, that is. Which upon Konoe's follow-up, is itself followed up with:] It's fine.

[He makes no move at all toward the snacks, but mostly it's because he's trying to convince himself that he doesn't need to take shit just because it's free.

And in the meantime he does catch that weird-ass tattoo, but. He just got here. Not yet.]

It's okay to take some. A few things are missing, but it's still good to eat. [He's reassuring but not pushy, setting the bowl right by Netherlands in case he happens to get peckish later. In part he's still used to people denying food on principle, at least food that's freely offered, though it's been more than a year since he first arrived here. One of two things seemed to be the norm--a cat offered and had what little they saved up raided blind by the more unpleasant, opportunistic types, or he offered and received a refusal that let them find some companionship in being hungry.

But not here, he's rarely been hungry here, it's just a walk to the kitchens or a trip to the gardens and there will always be something to eat. He remembers he's got Netherlands to thank for some of that...or that's the impression he gets.

Which reminds him.

He takes a seat next to Konoe, mark-to-mark and tail-to-tail, black curling around cream (and a crooked tip, but no cat is perfect) while he finally reaches in to give Lodewijk some much-needed attention in the form of a rub behind the ears. A look back up to Netherlands, a pause while he tries to recall their daily schedule.] It's not too early... And being late isn't bad either. The gardens, it probably gets busy there. [And those gardens are important as anything, so he won't hold it against Ned if he needs to take a little longer. But now he's curious about Lodewijk telling Netherlands things, so he leans down, pricks his ears, and stares the bunny down.]

I don't hear anything.

[His attention's back on Asato, but not only because they're side-by-side.]

What are you listening for?

[He gives his tail a bit of a twist further 'round its friend, as opposed to flicking it (thus both of them) in his curiosity. Lodewijk isn't a silent thing per se, warm and alive, but he hasn't made many other sounds yet to try catching in particular. But as if in encouragement, Konoe tries giving him another pet to see what happens.]

[And his attention is on those marks, side-to-side along with the two of them. Huh. He raises a brow, questioning and it isn't even about the marks, though he's dying to ask - what does Asato hear indeed. He jerks his head toward Konoe - what he said.

In the meantime Lodewijk settles down for a good long nap.]

[At the same time, Asato looks up to Netherlands with a questioning expression of his own, then nods down to the rabbit as if that ought to illustrate precisely what he means. Try as he might, though, he can't hear anything; all that's in front of him is a bunny hunkering down for some sleep.]

He doesn't talk? [That would be normal, wouldn't it? Rabbits don't talk, but after how Netherlands' talked about Lodewijk, he's curious to see if maybe this one is special in some way. Or maybe it's just Netherlands who's special, with his odd ability to hear bunny-talk.] I thought, maybe, if I listened hard...

Ah... well, he hasn't before, has he? Not to us....

[And then he does wonder if it's something only Netherlands can hear, looking up with Asato, too. He knows how to do a lot of things they don't, and understanding this quiet language is apparently one of them.]

Does he really talk to you, Netherlands? Or can you just... feel it?

[This is Konoe asking after all. What sense is gained from someone else can mean plenty behind what comes out of their mouths. If not more, for this one.]

[That's - he can't help it, he snorts and ducks his head before lifting it to shoot a crooked grin up at the entire ensemble cast. That's fucking adorable, and when he's finally convinced he can speak without laughing - because Asato tends to be sensitive and Konoe is nothing if not sensitive to Asato's everything - it's still a bit laced with amusement.

It's not at anything, let alone anyone.]

Doesn't talk.

[Though feeling it - he sobers up a bit and nods, and that is totally directed to Konoe. He gets what you're asking, ket.]

Don't feel it, either. Not like - [not like his people and certainly not like Konoe can feel things but that's off topic, and he's not sure if that entire subject has been broached besides. He swerves away from it, in a split second.] - been living with him long enough. Body language shit, I guess.

[Trying to comprehend that takes a second, then two, until finally Asato turns all his attention to Netherlands, a touch of a furrow to his brows--not about that snort; he heard it but he's not hurt by it, just curious where it came from (did he say something weird?)--while his silence lasts another moment longer. Two moments. Two and a half--] That's amazing.

[The tone of his voice doesn't quite convey how impressed he really is, in part because he's equally baffled. It's simply something he can't fathom, reading rabbit body language for anything other than hunting them, and he's long since stopped considering Lodewijk a snack in the making. A bat of his tail over Konoe's to affirm,] It's amazing, right?

[As if they're not aware of the importance of feeling, the two of them together, a peaceful energy in the room that he's as used to as the white noise of the ship's constant hum. Wavelengths and marks on their bodies shared least of all for aesthetics--feeling creatures, cats. These two are no exception.] Is he very old?

You don't?

[His head tilts a bit at that. If he were told it's worthwhile watching a rabbit's body language for anything but signs of vulnerability even a few months ago he may not have believed it. But time with Lodewijk has changed that of course, and even he's learned a little of the nicer things rabbits do. The strange joyous hops and twitches of his little nose... their meaning still a bit fuzzy through his feline lens, but positive enough to get a gist of. That Netherlands understands all of it seems amazing indeed.

The time between the two's answers gets him glancing from one to the other, just wondering what would be first; an expansion on that or Asato's response - but when the latter comes he smiles almost in relief as much as agreement. With a duck of his head, his own tail curls upward around Asato's in return.]

It is!

[He looks down to Lodewijk again, curious if anything could be read while he's asleep, too. Though the newest question gets his ears twitching Netherland's way. Asato's wavelength is one he can easily end up riding, and now he listens for the rabbit's age, trying to guess.... A year or two?]

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HACKS DOWN things wah idek lately

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