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[ There's something to be said for making an effort to adjust to a new culture, but when it comes to thank you gifts nothing but what Akechi's used to feels right. So once he has a confirmation from Connor that it's actually okay to drop in, he makes his way to their home with pair of boxes - one mall and cutely wrapped, and the other even smaller and in much plainer wrapping - in hand. His left hand, specifically, since Saburo is perched on his right shoulder and the crow is a little too pointedly interested in the bright colors on the wrapping paper.

It's not really a surprise, considering that Connor and Hank both seem to have arrived well before Akechi himself, but their house is much nicer than his apartment. He wonders if that's hard to maintain with a dog as large as Sumo around, though it's not until after he knocks that it occurs to him to wonder if Sumo is the sort of dog that looses his mind when there's someone at the door.

He supposes he's about to find out. ]

[Sumo lets out a single, half-assed "boof" and not much else. It was one thing when Connor was breaking into Hank's house, Sumo had been protective of his owner at first. But otherwise, Sumo isn't really much for running around and barking.

Connor opens the door and eyes the crow briefly before smiling and gesturing for Akechi to come inside.]

Hello again, it's good to see you.

[The inside of the cottage is pretty tidy. Connor keeps things clean despite the dog, cat, and giant dragonfly. There are dog chews on the floor, though. The front door leads to a short hallway where bags and coats can be left, and then into the main room where Hank is. Even so, Connor calls out to him like he isn't aware there's a guest.]

Hank? It's Akechi.

[Yeah Sumo, the most protective dog that ever was - looks at someone breaking and jumping into their window for a few seconds before moving away to lay down. Sumo who is currently half-asleep by the door with a three legged grey cat making biscuits on top of his back. He looks over to Akechi (and the crow) briefly before setting into the warm fur. Doesn't even bother wanting to make a break for the door or attack the animal.

When they show up in the main room, Hank was busy finishing a potion, but sets everything down once he hears their guest has arrived. The large dragonfly was sitting on his head again - Hank's usage of fire made him slightly hotter (no pun intended) than the average human. It had taken a long time but they'd gone from Hank trying to avoid the thing on sight to letting it do what it pleased as long as it didn't fly into his face.]

Hey. Welcome to our home.

[Hank hasn't had guests in a house in years. It's still pretty weird to him to have people over, no matter what age they had.]

You need me to help you with those?

[He means the packages. He'd go for a handshake but Akechi did seem occupied.]

[ Well, at least Akechi doesn't have to worry about causing a Sumo rampage - though given how their first meeting went, he shouldn't have expected it to be a problem anyway. He brightens when Connor answers the door, giving him a nod at his greeting. ]

It's good to see you, as well. Thank you again for having me over.

[ With that, Akechi only lingers on the doorstep long enough to make sure that the crow is also allowed inside. It's not often that he walks into a new place and is confronted with two equally odd sights to study, but both the cat sitting on the dog and the (enormous) dragonfly sitting on Hank's head are too interesting to ignore. His attention bounces between the two for a moment, but ultimatel, Akechi keeps his focus on Hank, while the crow on his shoulder seems more interested in (though not at all fearful of) the cat. ]

These are for you, actually.

[ He offers the boxes out. They're not very heavy, and even the larger of the two should rest comfortably in Hank's hand. ]

A thank you for your help after I first arrived. [ There's a pause before he adds: ] The smaller one is a treat for Sumo, though I hope that doesn't make the other two jealous.

[ He's not even sure what to get for a dragonfly... ]

[The dragonfly darts off Hank's head upon seeing the newcomer, and Connor holds a hand up at it to stop it from flying too close to Akechi.]

Stop it.

[It has to be spoken to firmly when it comes to other people. Connor wouldn't want it to spit fire at anyone. It seems to reconsider and nestles itself on Connor's head instead. He gives Akechi a tired but apologetic smile.]

I'm sure it'll be fine. Thank you, though. Is this your familiar?

[He nods to the crow.]

Well uh, I'm gonna apologize if I end up being a shitty host. Haven't had guests over even back home for a while.

[He does change the subject before it becomes a subject. He takes both packages, carefully and easily, giving him a small nod.]

Hey you didn't have to. I mean, I'd be kind of an asshole if I didn't help people out, you know? [Important lesson; Hank is always full of excuses why he's nice.] And don't worry about it I'm sure the rest of the zoo can get treats later.

[Grateful at Connor for the dragonfly save, he sets both boxes on the table so he can inbox them properly. Upon hearing his name and the word 'treat' Sumo moves his head up enough that the cat jumps off of him in surprise, stretching out before hopping away to a nearby piece of furniture before the large dog makes his way towards both Akechi and Hank, placing his head on top of the table.]

Heh heh. Figures you'd show up. You want to give it to him yourself? Mind the drool, it's a feature of the breed.

[He'll let him answer Connor's question first, of course.]

[ Dragonfly incoming. Akechi leans back, but before he can do anything else Connor steps in and... saves him? Saves the dragonfly? Saves the both of them from an impending collision, maybe. He watches with some amusement as the dragonfly then settles itself on Connor's head, next. 'A zoo' is a good way of describing it, huh...? ]

Ah-- yes. This is the crow I mentioned, Saburo. I'm sure I'll have no complaints about your ability as a host, since he can be a rather rude guest.

[ Upon hearing his name the crow finally looks away from the cat, cocking his head as he tries to figure out where his attention should go now. Akechi doesn't pay him much mind, however. ]

[ His faintly amused expression doesn't fade when Hank comes up with excuses for why he's being nice. He doesn't go so far as to call him out, but... ]

That makes it even more important to repay kindness with kindness, doesn't it?

[ No matter how skeptical he might be of the sincerity behind altruistic actions, he can still appreciate their existence.

But never mind that, there's a dog asking for attention and Akechi's been given permission to give it. He visibly perks up at the offer, though he stops shy of acting on it. ]

If that won't be too disruptive, I'd be honored.

[It's a zoo because Connor works at a pet store and can't resist the animals that get rejected, whether by its peers (the dragonfly) or by potential buyers (the cat). It's only going to get worse from here.]

Hi, Saburo.

[Connor reaches up to rub a finger along one of the dragonfly's wings, an act which he still doesn't fully understand what the creature gets from it but it seems to satisfy it regardless.]

Feel free to sit down, just mind the cat. He'll curl up in your lap before you're even settled. Would you like anything to drink?

( CLOSED to: Connor, Hank )

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( OPEN: at the Coven )

( CLOSED to: Akira )

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