[Open] Moving up from the bottom

[grandspark]

Who: Rude and OTA
When: Latter half of July Juril.
Where: Around Aefenglom.
What: Catch-all stuff. Still getting used to the city. Quests: Blink and Miss 'Em, A New Look. Some monster changes. Etc, etc.
Warnings: N/A, can be changed if necessary.



I. Around the City

It was entirely too hot of weather to be walking around in a full business suit with gloves, shirt fully buttoned, and everything perfectly in place--and yet here was the immaculately dressed bald man walking around in the heat with a perfect suit on as if it were nothing. He kept up a great game face but truth was he was just as hot and miserable as anyone else on the street during the day with this heat bearing down. The only occasional sign of discomfort he showed, however, was a need to scratch at his elbows from time to time and that had nothing to do with the heat.

Rude was walking the city some more in his time off from the few odd jobs he'd picked up for money. He hated to rely on charity forever and though he disliked jobs that weren't Turk-like business he wasn't entirely without experience for the lesser or mundane things either. Surviving was surviving no matter what life threw at you. In the meantime, he was still intent on learning the streets better and the only way to do that was simply to walk them. It wasn't like Midgar here but a city was still a city at least. He was getting the hang of it pretty quickly truth be told. No one else had to know that though so occasionally he did stop to ask for help with general directions or suggestions on places to visit. Interacting with the various people in town was a learning experience, too, giving him insight on the area and its usual suspects.

He did this sort of thing any time he had free time right now honestly. It gave him something to do as well as knowledge he could use for living here.

- - -

A rarer occasion saw the bald man eying the Witches on the sides of the streets selling their cool treats. It had been a while since he had indulged in such childish things but it certainly was hot outside and ice-y snacks made for a good distraction from the heat. This wasn't a vacation but he had the money for it and if there was one thing he knew about life it was to always live it like today was the last day. He caved.

He walked up to one of the Witches that was haggling prices for her popsicle goods and looked more closely at the flavors to chose. After requesting one from the Witch and haggling down its price a bit, he turned to the person nearest him that looked interested but uncertain about purchasing one and asked, "Would you like one?"

Either he was feeling extremely friendly and generous today, or he had an intention for it in mind. Or maybe it was just a little of both for now.

II. Blink and Miss 'Em

Rude had been helping out with the kitten care sporadically in the past week and, since technically he was actually earning money for it, he managed to slip in a few days per week for the remainder of the month as well in between working a few other jobs. He knew Reno was aware of it despite their non-spoken agreement to not talk about it because Rude had found Reno cursing at stray cat hair one morning. Rude would have apologized but it was easier not to admit that he enjoyed working at the uniquely named pet store. He would have preferred to work a little more with birds but the kittens were nice, too. And, again, more importantly, he was making cash just by showing up to play with a bunch of furry critters.

So, there he was: Mr. Stoic flicking a feathered cat toy at a bunch of randomly teleporting kittens just to keep them occupied and out of everyone's way. Then again, sometimes he was playing hide and seek with a stray kitten that teleported off to no one knew where until they looked. And then, just sometimes at the end of the day, he ended up a cat's tree stand as he sat on the floor and let them crawl, knead, and sleep all over him. A big guy like him couldn't possibly be tuckered out just from babysitting a bunch of kittens, right? Nah, there's no way he could fall asleep while they licked at his beard like that--or, wait, could he...??

III. A New Look

This was still awkward. Rude had been initially dragged to this clothing store by Reno one day and forced to model the most ridiculous (and, in his opinion, embarrassing) outfit this place could have fostered onto him. Reno had enjoyed every second of it. Because of course his partner had. It had probably only encouraged the redhead to have fun whenever he keyed in on Rude's awkwardness towards most of the job.

Now, however, he was stuck with it. Much of the time he and Reno worked together. The designer seemed to like it when the two of them wore matching outfits to compliment one another or to compare the two styles against one another. It tickled Reno's fancy but Rude continued to find it exasperating.

Sometimes they didn't work together though. Reno would get whisked away for another project while Rude stood out in prominent view to advertise the new style, or they just wouldn't end up with the same shift every other day. So Rude could be found either in the back with one of the seamstresses tweaking the outfit they had him modeling for anyone also working the job to find, or out on the sales floor modeling one of the new outfits that was already ready to be requested and bought by customers where anyone could spot him.

The store owners tended to like to fit Rude with either sleek, modern-esque designs reminiscent of his usual business suit but with the local Victorian-like twist, or, for some reason the Turk could not figure out, various flowing robe styles many of which he suspected were intended as ceremonial garb (such as the first one for Bonding ceremonies that the designer had gleefully put him and Reno into their first day).

IV. Minor Monster Growing Pains

The past few days Rude had been more itchy than usual. He noticed there was a pattern but tried not to grow concerned despite the fact that he couldn't think of a reason why he would have itchy skin--particularly since it was only in a few places and the skin there didn't appear to have any issues. But those places wouldn't stop annoying him and even applying a cream didn't help. He chose to studiously ignore it and not think about the implications. No reason for needless concern over something he couldn't control. No matter how much it bothered him on a deeper level, he just kept shoving it further down.

Then something unexpected happened. One day Rude woke up to find something strange as he looked in the mirror. He might not have noticed it until later if he wasn't so immaculate with his look, spending the careful time to manage his beard. As he was working on his jawline he paused for a moment as he stared into the mirror. Then he ran his finger up the length of his ear to confirm what his eyesight already told him was true. His ears had elongated over night. His first thought was of how fantasy elves were described and his second was of some of the more humanoid monsters that roamed the land, unusually pretty and siren-like. He scoffed at that. If this world made him into some sort of feather-y or fish-y siren beast he wouldn't be amused. It certainly didn't seem to fit him though he supposed that probably didn't matter to this world.

He sighed and finished his business as usual and hoped that Reno wouldn't notice this early in the morning. Though the changes were inevitable he had hoped to avoid them for a little longer than this. He also hadn't considered what would change first or how too much yet since he still had no clue what it was he was supposed to become. This didn't really help him narrow it down yet either.

- - -

As the day went by Rude found that the itchiness factor had stepped up a notch. Now he began to suspect more changes on the way as one of the areas still itchy was around his ears. While it was highly irritating he managed to be thankful for it; he'd heard the stories about how many of the transformations were not very pleasant and had expected the worst. If this was his first step into monsterdom then at least it wasn't the worse of experiences so far.

When the sensation got to its worst heights Rude stepped inside a public establishment--whatever was closest, it didn't matter what--to get out of the heat. He was distracted by something unusual on his head as he rubbed the area around his ears. It almost felt like hair with his gloves blocking the exact texture from his fingertips. Except--

He pinched at it and pulled till it came off. He stared at the offensive thing in his hand for a long enough moment to be noticeable. It didn't help that he hadn't really gotten that far into the door to wherever he'd escaped inside. He might have even accidentally bumped into someone without care as he frowned down at the deep purple feather caught between his fingertips.

So. Was he turning into a bird? The irony was not lost on him.

- - -

The itchiness didn't get any better as the day wore on and Rude grew feathers around his ears and down the back of his neck. In fact, the Turk was positive it got worse and even spread to new areas. His elbows were the worst offenders and he had the distinct feeling it didn't help that presumably more feathers were growing there, stifled under his clothing and shifting awkwardly due to the fabric. He was almost constantly rubbing at his elbows by evening time. Even though he kept telling himself to stop he couldn't help it and five minutes later he'd catch himself rubbing at them again.

If he wasn't scratching at his elbows or ears, he was rubbing the back of his neck and feeling the downy feathers there, or trying awkwardly to reach around his shoulders to rub at his back a little. It had spread to his shoulders and some places on his back. It was just getting more and more awkward as the day went on. Eventually he took off his suit jacket and loosened his tie so that his shirt hung more loosely and aired out better. It helped with the itchiness a little but he also found that unfortunately now he could reach the feathers on his shoulders and plucked at them unconsciously as he wandered aimlessly.

That's when he finally started to head back to the apartment and get away from prying eyes. He just couldn't take it anymore. Belatedly, he realized he probably should have headed back a lot earlier in the day, when he first discovered the feathers growing in honestly, but he thought if that was as bad as it was going to be then he could weather it out. He'd had worse in the form of physical and magical injuries after all, what were a few feathers growing in? He was a Turk, damnit, he could tough it out. But he realized that was just his hubris whispering to him and he should have been more cautious. What if something else had decided to sprout that was much worse than a few quills?

As his steps hurried he pushed his way through the crowds with little remorse as to his actions. It wasn't as though he was actively trying to shove people around, but he wasn't going out of his way to avoid it either. If people were in his way he just didn't seem to care and his intimidating build tended to lend itself to making him room through the crowds.

V. Wildcard!

[[Feather shenanigans can be added to other prompts for added fun. If you think of anything else you would like to see and/or play out, let me know! I'm probably up for it for fun times. I can be reached by PMs and pings to aisuyoukai. Or just tag in with the idea and see how it goes!]]

Comments

I leading into either III or IV or both because i can

[electrod]

If anything, Reno had it a biiiit easier with the heat, due to his tendency to keeping his shirts open... at least that was the theory. In practice, he still avoids the direct sunlight— getting sunburnt (or worse, exploding into freckles) when they're tight on budget, doesn't seem like a good idea.

At least that clothing shop gig offered to give them some unused prototypes of clothing should there be any left. Can't guarantee what they will get, but it will be something. Means potential outfits they don't have to pay cunes for. Score.

They still got a moment before the appointment and Reno has waited in the arranged spot only for five minutes before Rude arrived. Tired, friendly greeting, commiseration in the misery (why is it so hot) and then Rude's attention got diverted. Reno kept close and just observed wordlessly at how Rude expertly haggled down the price. His partner was a man of few words, but when he uttered them, they always mattered.

And suddenly a question, or rather a tempting offer—

"Yeah sure, as long as it's not vanilla" He hasn't been even paying attention to the options of the treat. Sweets weren't usually his go-to snack, but ice-cream in this weather sound like a blessing. They could be just flavorless ice-cubes and he probably would take them with a thank you. "Did they got any strange flavours as an option?"

Like the black sesame ice-cream, affectionately called "concrete".

all the things!

[grandspark]

Rude glanced back at the cute little menu with hand-drawn pictures to represent some of the flavors on offer. He read a few interesting ones off with a little encouragement from the witch (who pointed out some of them).

"There's ones like 'Phoenix Feathers', 'Mermaid's Ink', and 'Dragon's Scales.' Then some of these others look a little like Wutai specialty treats," he mentioned but didn't dare try to pronounce this world's version of the names for them.

After turning back towards Reno to wait for an answer he realized he probably should have yanked the redhead over to look at the menu for himself instead of indulging him by reading it aloud for him. Well, he supposed it was his own damn fault but he really shouldn't let Reno get away with things like that so often. It'd be like dealing with a pampered cat later down the line.

[electrod]

A pampered cat is quite a good comparison. But hey, he got indulged, it's like back scratches, puts in a good mood. Which is a nice change, since the genuine good mood has been hard to come by recently.

The names don't tell him anything, and that's what makes it exciting.

"Ooh— I'll take Dragon's Scales! I have no idea what that might taste like." that's his amused answer. Ink might be similar to the black-ink taste, while feathers promise something fluffy. If he was going by names alone, he expects a sharper taste from the dragon one.

"I'll get us coffee after that, and then it's time for work" Since he owes Rude for indulging him.

[grandspark]

"That kinda defeats the purpose," Rude said as he turned around and handed Reno his treat after dealing with the payment. He made a point of emphasizing the idea with the thrust of the popsicle as he said the words. Coffee was hot. It seemed out of place right after a cool treat.

As requested, Rude handed Reno a popsicle with the 'Dragon Scale' flavor. It looked as cool as the name, sporting scale patterned shape down its length and two little wings on the sides.

Rude, meanwhile, had something a little plainer looking though the exact flavor was indeterminable from the look and color of the little treat he held.

[electrod]

Oh, Reno understands exactly what Ruse meant and he replies, sporting a shit-eating grin.

"I'd order it iced." Like a barbarian... but despite his earlier threat of ordering coffee he makes no indication about doing any of that. Instead he retreats to nearby shadow, (making sure it has space for two, and a cool wall to lean on) to savour his ice-cream in peace. Yeah, that means he's gonna be silent for a while. Aside for appreciative hum at the treat.

The ice-cream is unlikely any flavours they got back home. It has a little sharper, spicier tinge to it, beside the sweetness a bit like ginger with orange.

"You really should try it" he finally speaks when the ice-cream is almost done. "The phoenix one was interesting but it would be kinda weird... I mean, feathers"

They're both growing them. Rude more obviously even. But Reno kept finding them on himself too. Neck, shoulders. Kind of weirs to check the treat based on them.

[grandspark]

"Hmph," was Rude's only response to the comment about the iced coffee. Reno already knew his opinion on the matter so no reason to give him the pleasure of a comment this time. He knew the little redhead was being facetious on purpose anyway.

He followed Reno to the shade and stood with his back facing the wall so he could watch the passerby as he and Reno enjoyed their frozen treats in silence. He didn't mind the quiet of course it was familiar and calm to him. He automatically chose to stare out in the opposite direction that his partner faced as if they were covering the whole area for potential threats or targets. Habit.

His head swiveled to look at Reno whenever he spoke up finally. His eyes darted towards the treat in Reno's hand and then he turned away to look back out at the crowd again. "...Yeah. Feathers are weird."

And itchy. Talking about them really made Rude want to scratch at his elbows and ears. He reigned in the urge with a quick shake of the head instead and a refusal to acknowledge the growing feathers any further.

[electrod]

Reno tilted his head in Rude's direction too. He savored the ice-cream for a little longer until he had to bite off a larger chunk (or risk it melting off). And then he, of course, insists.

"I've seen you plucking them out, man." He states casually, there is no real judgment in his tone. If only because he's been doing exactly the same. The ones growing on his neck had a colouring similar to his hair so were simultaneously easier to hide, and more annoying to find. But he can be dedicated. "Word is, it's going to only make it worse."

Denying the changes, ah, something like that.

[grandspark]

Rude shifted uncomfortably. Unlike Reno, he hadn't tried to pluck all of his feathers in one go. Mostly, he tended to scratch at the really annoying ones when they came in and if a few so happened to fall out in the process--oops. He tried to pretend that wasn't, sometimes, his intention.

He had too many to pluck by this point anyway. He could already tell that his entire ears would soon be covered. He wasn't as sure about his neck and back but it was beginning to worry him. And then there was his elbows.

He avoided Reno's gaze. "Then you should stop," he reprimanded Reno for doing the same thing, only worse, while ignoring his own problem with it in the same breath.

[electrod]

A huff. And some more attention to the ice-cream, because no way in the world he's letting that go to waste. With how hot it is, it's also starting to annoyingly melt, and a droplet almost reaches his fingers. Almost.

Once he catches it, like a hungry brat, he's ready to make his statement.

"Don't turn it back on me, partner, I'm serious." For once. And because he's both concerned about Rude and has a stake in not bringing his own actions to the light. They know each other too well and are living too close— no matter how subtle he'd be, Rude is bound to notice.

So he needs to give him something to notice, feathers from neck gone, so he doesn't notice the reddened skin on his shoulder.

"So serious I'm not going to say we can make it match your style— I mean, it can totally be done, but you know. Not the point here—"

blink and miss 'em -- hope you don't mind a late tag-in!

[byanyother]

It's not often she sees a man completely beseiged by a handful of kittens, turned from threatening stranger to a completely compliant toy in their small paws. The sight is absolutely charming, enough that she stops in her tracks to gaze at the sight for far longer than she should. She contemplates snapping a picture on her device - she'd been taught about the functionality a few days ago, much to her everlasting delight - but in the end dismisses that idea, also too aware of how finicky skydwellers are about their images being captured by strangers.

Though, the longer she stares, the more she realizes that the man is less a toy and more a comfortable bed as he snoozes gently. Hard to tell given the sunglasses perched on his nose, but the rhythmic rise and fall of his shoulders, barely visible, tells another story.

Nice as it would be to let him rest - he must have been tired to have fallen asleep here - it's probably best not to sleep unguarded in a public place. And as cute as the kittens are, they don't exactly make the best watchdogs.

So she saunters over, tapping him on one shoulder.

"If you're thinking about a nap, I'm sure I could find you somewhere more comfortable to sleep."

quite the opposite! v. happy to have this get my tag mojo back in action!

[grandspark]

His hand snapped out and grabbed her by the wrist as soon as her hand touched his shoulder--perhaps even a little bit before?--no, maybe it was just so quick it was hard to tell. Despite the reaction her voice was instantly registered as non-threatening and his grip on her wrist was never all that hard though perhaps startling. He didn't release it until he had opened his eyes and gazed up at her for further assessment.

"I've slept in worse places," he said, voice rough from just waking but otherwise steady. On second thought, that probably wasn't something anyone wanted to hear much less needed to know. He shifted awkwardly as he attempted to reposition without disturbing too many of the kittens from their places. Partially because sleeping kittens were the best kind but also because he really didn't need any of them to teleport off unexpectedly.

"Want one?" he suddenly asked her to quickly change the focus of the conversation.

[byanyother]

Ah.

He's quick on the uptake, hand closing around the slender circle of her wrist before she can even blink. It might not be a vise-like grip but she stiffens all the same, her free hand lowering reflexively to the hilt of the dagger that sleeps at her waist. A witch she might be, but her newly-given powers are still a work in progress. Better safe than sorry, with a skill she's honed for years before arriving.

But the longer she waits, and the more he moves, finally releasing the grip on her wrist, the more she lets her shoulders relax again. She had been the one to intrude on his personal time, after all, and from the looks of things he'd be acting out of ingrained instinct.

It does make her wonder just what exactly he's done in the past.

He seems unwilling to give out any details though, and she's not one to pry (at least not on first meetings) and so she accepts the shift in conversation with an easy smile.

"They are quite adorable, but I'm afraid I can't. I don't think a certain roommate of mine would approve." A certain four-legged, golden-furred roommate. "Have you been tasked with finding them new homes, then?"

[grandspark]

The bald man tilted his head one way and then the opposite, eventually eliciting a small pop from his neck. One of the more awake kittens took the opportunity to swipe at the frame of his sunglasses and it knocked them askew. His reaction was simply reach up and adjust his glasses with all the calm of a zen master and when the kitten then went after his hand the Turk simply let it. He even waggled his finger to keep the kitten's attention focused on its handy prey.

"Something like that," he said as he looked up at her. "The idea is to keep them occupied and safe until homes are found for them. They're rather...unique. Which makes them a bit harder to corral than normal. Good kittens though," he amended at the end, "if you know anyone who might want one."

It may have not been his explicit task to find them homes but it would only get easier to care for them as there were less and less. Besides, they did need good homes and Rude wasn't so callous as to not at least try to help them a bit.

[byanyother]

It's hard not to sneak a peek at his face as the sunglasses tip off. Even with his eyes obscured, it's hard to miss the even slant of his nose and the high set of his cheekbones. And that height...she's always considered herself an appreciator of fine things and this man is certainly fine.

Maybe that's what spurs her to keep the conversation going, rather than demurring with a simple no.

"Hmm, I might know one person. She's very sweet and would be a wonderful caretaker for these kittens, mischievous as I'm sure they are." And she's sure it would be nice for Orchid to be surrounded by more friends, even of the four-footed variety. "But I'm sure giving away one single kitten won't help thin your numbers any. If you need a hand helping find them homes, or watching over them temporarily, I'm happy to help."

[grandspark]

"It would be one kitten with a place to call home," he countered amiably. Even that much was something nice to have accomplished.

He looked down at the kittens surrounding him and in particular the one still chewing on his gloved finger. He might need to find a pair of replacement gloves soon if he was going to be playing with these fellows for the foreseeable future. Something to keep in mind later.

Rude look back up at her again with a simple nod. "Another volunteer would make things easier." Especially while it was just him handling it at the moment. Gazing up at her more assessing he realized he wouldn't mind her particular company either.

so sorry for the delay!

[byanyother]

"Then it's settled!"

Not that she'd given him all that much time to object, but she's quite sure that if this particular man hadn't wanted her loitering around, he would have sent her off long ago. Either way, it's a win in her book.

Before they can get started though, she hums lightly.

"Though if we're to work together, it would be terribly rude of me not to ask for your name. After all, I can't refer to you as Mr. Kitty Cat while trying to send these adorable creatures to new homes."

Even if Mr. Kitty Cat has a perfectly nice ring of its own.

no worries! and also same. |D

[grandspark]

Was that a slight hint of red on his cheeks at the mention of calling him 'Mr. Kitty Cat'? It was though it was short-lived as the stoic man managed to regain control of his flush rather rapidly.

"You can call me Rude," he said, voice even despite his brief lapse of embarrassment. He played with the kitten indifferently as a distraction from it.

blink and miss

[boneofsword]

Dealing with cats is like dealing with free-spirited children that have much more energy than they should. Archer isn't surprised to see a fellow victim co-worker wiped out from trying to keep all the kittens safe— or rather keeping people around safe.

"Would you like some coffee?" he offers from a nearby seat. Unfortunately as a fire dragon he doesn't mind a hot drink during hot weather. Fortunately he can prepare a cold drink though.

[grandspark]

Especially these kittens with their unique ability. At least it kept the day interesting while also being quite fatiguing.

Rude stirred slightly at the question but kept it minimal once he realized it was disturbing one of the sleeping cats. Best not to wake it up, one less teleporting kitten awake was one less kitten to have to chase if it got startled or just plain mischievous. He looked up to assess Archer from his current position without much movement instead.

"...It couldn't hurt." Might wake him up a little. Not that he minded sleeping with the cats but it probably left others wondering a little.

[boneofsword]

There's no better place to sleep than a pile of cats.

"Careful, it's hot." Archer handed him one of the mugs. Suddenly it occured to him that his companion isn't as used to hot drinks as he and his Bonded is. "Perhaps you'd prefer a cold drink in this weather." he added with a lopsided smile. "I tend to forget not everyone is as used to heat as I am."

It was a long day, and full of kittens.

[grandspark]

"It's fine," the bald headed man said as he took the mug in one hand. He didn't move to cool it off by blowing on it or even really look at it but instead simply held it idly in one hand for the time being. Looks like he wasn't in a hurry to drink it yet. Probably because it was hot rather than a cool drink for the weather but he didn't seem disturbed by that either.

Guess he just wanted the caffeine for what it was. Once it cooled down a bit on its own he would probably begin to drink it. In the meantime, he stared openly at the man that offered it to him in the first place. Mostly because his sunglasses made it harder to tell where he was actually looking but in truth he wasn't too shy about it. His gaze was assessing and attempting to gauge certain attributes with a hint of curiosity that didn't really show.

Eventually he did look down though. And quickly shifted to cover up the mug of coffee with his free hand to keep a curious kitten from shoving its nose into the hot liquid. Cats: can't live with them, can't live without their cute.

[boneofsword]

Archer didn't mind the scrutiny. He was perfectly fine with staring back; he suspected the other did so beneath his shades. His own draconic features were easily noticeable - red branching horns growing from his temples, dark leathery wings, scales resembling reddish snake skin framing his face. It was a visual reminder that newcomers would go through the same changes as he once did.

To be perfectly honest the worst thing with growing wings was not the pain, but how hard it was to find a well-designed dress shirt that would fit despite the changes.

What's most noticeable to trained eye, aside his dark formal outfit, how despite his relaxed posture he kept on guard.

The curious kitten made Archer act; with nothing to draw its attention with he had to think fast. Luckily his companion had been growing into his new feathers (literaly taken) and Archer could swipe a stray feather from his ear. Sorry (not sorry) for making your ears target to curious kittens, pal.

[grandspark]

Rude wasn't too dissimilar when it came to posture and demeanor. Especially while his partner was no where in sight. He could relax with the kittens but it didn't mean people got the same consideration.

Despite that, or perhaps because of it really, Rude tensed as Archer reached towards him and his hand was already moving upwards whenever the dragon grabbed a feather from his ear. He flinced even though it wasn't plucked necessarily but the closeness was uncomfortable. He only stopped--barely--from grabbing Archer's wrist because he saw what the other was attempting.

A distraction for the kitten. A feather to play with. Not bad.

He probably should have thought of that but honestly the feathers were too new--and he felt awkward enough with them, much less drawing attention to them. Now he had to hope the kittens didn't notice where there were more. It was only a minor miracle they hadn't tried chewing on him yet so far.

He dropped his hand. Watched the kitten play with the feather. Kept his mouth a firm line of disapproval for the other man to see.

Archer shows his lack of people skills

[boneofsword]

Those were some good reflexes— but it was the lack of action that told him more about the accidental companion. Paramilitary, perhaps secret ops judging by his outfit choice.

Archer wasn't surprised by the disapproval. He reacted purely on instinct and ignored personal space. It's been as bad as his Bonded's lack of such concept; it seemed that he's been rubbing off on him.

"My apologies." he spoke, looking about as pleased as Rude did. "I shouldn't act without asking first."

Those kittens surely did tire him out more than he realized. Usually he made such blunders with intention of antagonizing someone, not without meaning to.

It's okay. Rude's not helping tbh

[grandspark]

Rude made a noncommittal noise as his first response. The glaring act dropped a few seconds later and he relaxed visibly--a purposeful action that was less truthful and more for show of his forgiveness. He nodded in acknowledgement.

"It's fine," he said with an implied now in his tone somehow. He looked down at the kittens. "They're enjoying it." And that's what placated him to be perfectly honest. For anything else, he might not have let it go so easily.