yes, i admit my defeat (semi-open!)

[amurder]

Who: Salieri, Amadeus and y o u.
When: Late May, full moon.
Where: The Shopping District
What: First changes.
Warnings: Mild body horror, not so-mild mental distortions.



— closed to Amadeus (quam)

[The moon hangs her body against the dusk- exalted, luminous.

She at first compelled Salieri to keep to the safety of his new home, away from lights and noise. It was a tempting offer given his recent illness, and a mercy when he felt the tumultuous energy of his own body finally fitting into place. Despite that ready comfort, despite the urge to stay inside and shield away from what was inevitably coming to take place-

—He takes his coat and leaves.

The freshly swept roads and color-tinted sidewalk of the District lead him to a bordered music shop with fanciful musicians painted along the walls. Trumpeters and violinists pose within its windows and inside a seamless phonograph fills the shop with a mild concerto consisting of strings. Salieri's demeanor barely warranted even the most subtle glance and like smoke he glided through each room with a haunted, hooded gaze. Patrons of the store come and go, the hour wanes into night. One can still hear the phonograph playing merrily as the store illuminates its showrooms and light candles with flicking wrists.

But another sound carries just beneath the merriment.

The gradual crescendo of keys float up from a distant corner of the shop. A small hallway past the winds leads to a grand parlor room with ghostly curtains swaying in the night breeze. In the middle of the room Salieri sits, hunched over the shop's only grand piano. His hands diligently follow each note to memory, strike each key with a flow that seems nearly mechanical. The music is low enough that its managed to go undetected all this time, but another sound is steadily climbing its way above that pitch.

It's the sound of Salieri's ragged breath as he plays and clings to the keys as though his survival depended on the sounds they produced.

Something heavy and sharp scrapes across the polished floorboard. There are muted noises now— crackling bones, fabric tearing. Something beneath the piano grows until it can barely fit. The thud of a great, weighty paw resonates as it slams down on the pedals beneath the bench. Claws protruding from the fur catch the wood, graze it with razor-like tips and leave wide carved streaks in their wake. Salieri stifles a groan— keeps the noise lodged in his throat and lowers his head even more. Sweat drips from his bangs and splatter on the ivory keys.

There's certainly no doubt about it now— with Salieri's pants in shreds and newly grown legs bent painfully under the bench, it's all too clear. He is changed— indefinitely.

And he continues to play— until he suddenly doubles over what seems like a sharp spasm of his chest.] Gngh...!

You've— you've finally answered, h... haven't you, Signore?

[Salieri lets out a wheezing laugh, thick and hollow at the same time.] Damn you— I still— I still have my fingers. You cannot take that away, aha.... gh—


— OPEN.

[And then life goes on!

Somehow, at least. For Salieri, this night certainly started off a bit differently. Painful, elongated limbs aside, it seems the full moon simply hasn't had enough of manipulating the dour Maestro. He's made quick use of his new furred legs and for good reason, considering the glares the locals were giving him. It's quite obvious that Monsters aren't welcome on the more posh side of town— newly changed ones more so. Salieri makes himself scarce, barely keeping an eye on the trail itself as he focuses on simply walking. The rough pads beneath his paws barely register the texture of the road underneath them— it's unsettling, to say the least, but so long as he can make it back to his room then all should be well.

But of course, it simply isn't that easy.] Ah...!

[God, not again.

Salieri shuts his eyes against the splitting headache, sways as he narrowly avoids running right into a couple in his way. He can feel the wary stares and hear the whispers— Really? Out here? No, don't look- those things are bad luck, you know how it is.

How easy it would be to turn and snarl at them.

He almost considers it too, whipping his head around to scan which eyes were currently pinned on him. He feels a growl build in the back of his throat—

and feels his head jerked to the side.] —!?

[He's... caught on something. But not just something— a plant. A long, thick vine protruding from an apothecary's stall has reached out and entangled itself around him.

Or rather, his newly curled horns which he... didn't even realize had taken form. He takes a moment (or two) to consider the idea that he'll more than likely become an abomination by the end of the day, then finally considers on how to untangle himself from this extremely stubborn vine. It clings tight, as though it wants him to stay. With a long suffering sigh Salieri reaches for his dagger.

And the vine clings on tighter.] Nn! Wretched little—

[There's no possible way this blasted thing is alive... is it?]

Comments

[fordeath]

[ that's not right, he thinks.

there's much to be said about whose fault it truly is that salieri's reputation ended up warped so. in truth (and as much as he may be slow to admit it), not all blame can rest on the shoulders of a cold, gossiping public. all the terrible dramatics in his life that led he and his father to fantasize quite descriptively about italian cabals and all their conspirators played their part just as well.

no, amadeus is the center of those rumors — fabricated by a populace who thrived on tragedy, who revered the genius posthumously better than they had in his years of living — but is the reason nevertheless, that salieri was forgotten as the esteemed hofkapellmeister and remembered as mozart's killer.

so then ... what could salieri possibly mean when he says he's "ready again"? because of him? what did he do other than call salieri a fool? ]

... I think you're underestimating yourself a great deal, Kapellmeister. Yourself, and the nature of the world we find ourselves in.

[ leave it to him to strip the moment of its romance. ] You were always capable of it, Maestro, but the Sisters seem to have given you the form to act on it. [ form, like a style of musical expression, but form like the way this world and its magical properties deconstructed them as servants, and rebuilt salieri ... in this way. ] Perhaps practicing some paganism is due. Hahaha. [ ha ha ha ]

[amurder]

['You were always capable of it, Maestro.

The lines of Salieri's eyes deepen as he watches the man across from him– observes the air about him which remains light and fanciful even now. A look of deep pensiveness overtakes his expression and from behind him his tail quietly brushes over the steps.

Was he always capable of it? Did Amadeus truly have such confidence in him that he would think it possible for Salieri to admit such feelings whilst still in the throes of his rage? Or did he mean that Salieri would be capable of producing music even when the only sound to reach him then was dissonance?

... Perhaps Amadeus truly is that naive then.]

Hn. You will not find me kneeling before any alters anytime soon, Maestro.

[Hmph. Salieri glances down at the cake box in his lap.] As for this form... I suppose it's a suitable shell for now.

Even with its features. [He grumbles the last words, and takes the opportunity to lightly extend the claws beneath his paws. Such... a strange sensation, truly.]

[fordeath]

[ salieri. the imperial kapellmeister antonio salieri. the court's favorite – the emperor's favorite, the man who lived out his seventy-five years of life and witnessed the absolute highs and the absolute lows of one's career... a teacher, a friend. his friend. that salieri was in there, under the layers of rumors-made curse, all along.

and no amount of him and his genius could have helped pull him free from the shackles of an avenger. never on his power alone.

that's what he meant. he's only giving credit where it's due.

this world has performed miracles upon arrival the likes of the holy grail might be capable of. it's fascinating and bizarre. ] Ahaha, I don't think they do that here.

[ as salieri demonstrates one of said features, amadeus leans closer (and effectively decides to ignore the rather morbid use of the word "shell" to describe his body—) to get a better look. ] They're pretty big, but I imagine you'll be used to them before long. [ some kind of sparkling excitement shines in his eyes as he examines the spotted, fluffy legs rather intimately. then: ] ... Can I touch them, Salieri?

[amurder]

[If only Salieri saw it as such.

He's content to leave it at that– the topic of their conversation suspended and left there for another time. Perhaps if Amadeus were to bring up the strength of his ambitions yet again he would be more liable to agree... but until then, he's only just begun to view his situation with thoughts unclouded.

He huffs. Capable, was it?

Ah, well. Salieri is all too prepared to close the conversation there- when he sees Amadeus leaning in close, that all too evident curiosity gleaming in his stare.] —! [His tail bristles, he looks down quickly with a scowl.] Honestly, I've already—

[—...

He pins Amadeus with a stare. Did he just say... touch them?]

Touch? [TOUCH? Salieri quickly feels himself losing control of his reaction!] You mean to touch my... legs?

This?! [With a hiss and a quickly reddening face he gestures to them.] Amadeus??

[He just did that. To ask for such a thing!! Right here in the open!!]

[fordeath]

— [ his lips part, a smile suspended with no words to come as salieri goes through the motions, within which he finds no solid answer to his request.

once the leopard has finished making a fuss, amadeus raises a brow, but slyly avoids that accusatory stare. ]

Okay, okay! ... I take it that's a no? You could simply say so, Herr Salieri. [ he turns to nurse his coffee like he would the small, smarting wound of rejection. ): ]

[amurder]

...!! [What? What?!

Just as Amadeus had watched him go through his motions, he also stares as he watches Amadeus play through his... rejection.

Rejection!

Guilt, sudden and all too unpleasant, churns in his stomach. With hand over his mouth Salieri considers the idea a little more... carefully. Well. It's not as though Amadeus would be touching his bare legs, he supposes... and it must be only natural that the Maestro would be curious. He was always far too curious for his own good, after all. Salieri frowns.

...]

Scusi. I didn't mean— [He starts, shoulders straightening slightly.] to shout. I was surprised.

[Salieri's voice softens here.]

Amadeus, you may... [His tail twitches.] touch them.

[fordeath]

[ aren't they his bare legs? the fur coat on them isn't exactly meager, but still.

from that dejected angle of his, amadeus snorts into his coffee, shoulders lifting sharply when salieri gives in so quickly. he didn't really mean to guilt him into it — he can take rejection, after all, but he won't say no after that humble concession.

now he smiles a smile at salieri which is both outwardly patient and yet clearly gleaming with a barely veiled zeal. ] Really? You're sure? [ ... seen in the way he moves forward despite those questions.

amadeus places a hand at salieri's knee and immediately sinks his fingers into the dense fur there, ruffling it a bit. ] Wow — it's thick, Salieri, and soft. Come, feel! You haven't yet, right? [ come to think of it they sort of just sped their way out of that music shop to this spot. had salieri been sitting there with two strangers for legs without attempting to be acquainted this whole time?

meanwhile, amadeus brushes along the grain, down the man's shin in short, light pets. eventually he introduces nails — watches salieri's expression as he scritches ever so slightly in that spot. ] Perhaps this goes without saying, but they also seem much more powerful now, don't they? I wonder how high you could jump with them...

[amurder]

[Ah– this... is what Salieri feared the most.

He doesn't immediately respond to the suggestion of touching his own furred legs, for the thought of feeling that newly thick fur over his flesh hadn't even crossed his mind up until now. Like the limbs beneath them they were new, and yet his mind had already registered them as something he may as well have been born with. Something kept with him through his entire life.

So it's something else entirely to see Amadeus reach for his knee and brush those long fingers across the silvery grey fur there. A shiver climbs up his spine as the Maestro explores. Salieri struggles to keep his expression neutral, despite the wrinkling of his brow and tight press of his lips. The flush staining his cheeks still hasn't relented.]

Amadeus– [He thinks to demand a change in conversation– to ask Amadeus what he finds about these legs so fascinating. Surely, he wouldn't go petting the first vicious beast he ran across, would he–]

!! [But at the first scratch Salieri's leg jolts.

He quickly turns his head away, a delicately curled hand coming up to press against his lips- as though he were attempting to conceal a cough. As though of its own will he leans his leg higher into that hand.] M-Mmhm.

I couldn't begin to tell you. [He murmurs, demure and quiet. His tail attempts to sway against the steps. He wants... more nails. More scratching.

This is becoming too much!]

[fordeath]

[ by the time amadeus has noticed salieri's discomfort (or, what he perceives to be), he's already fiddling with the fur at the backs of the chimera's legs where it hangs at its most fluffy. ] ?

Hm? Whatever you're feeling, Kapellmeister, come out and say it. [ for now, he'll pull away. though the display of childish curiosity might say otherwise, he does understand that stroking these legs, no matter how fresh and new they are, is just as good as doing the same to the avenger's human ones; strange and intimate. ] You won't touch them?

[amurder]

I... suppose. [It's something of a small relief, when Amadeus's tickling fingers pull away from the thick fluff of his shins. Now that he's sated most of his interest Salieri can truly look at the heavy legs he's been gifted with. Yes, perhaps they could help him leap from great heights... but why on earth would he want to do that now?

With a pinched brow Salieri shifts back slightly. With some visible effort he lifts his left leg up, and slowly drops it over his right knee. There's no denying it- it's a funny sort of sight, seeing a Chimera casually relaxing with crossed legs on the steps of some building. Nest to a Witch, for that matter.

But he just wanted to check, to see something... and there it is.

Thick, black round paw pads just underneath his foot. They're only slightly dirty from the walking he's done from the shop to here, but how strange that he barely felt them at all...]

To think I truly will become used to this. [He mutters as he finally reaches a hand and avoids the paws all together- going instead for his knee, which he brushes with his fingers.] ... It's soft, at least.

[fordeath]

[ if amadeus had a tail of his own, it would surely be swaying and wagging right about now.

the moment salieri crosses his legs and shows off those black paw pads underneath, a sudden "oh!" escapes his lips, and the sparkle in his eyes seems to shine its brightest.

amadeus quickly scooches closer, sitting right next to salieri on the same step now, and laughs. ] Ahaha! What kind of reaction is that, Salieri? [ he shakes his head. can't the man see how exciting this is? ] Well, maybe you just need more time with them. [ as he says this, amadeus leans over, peers at them ... and then, gently pokes the center of the largest pad. it's squishy... ]

... Will you be wearing shoes over these, Kapellmeister?

[amurder]

!! [He doesn't readily expect Amadeus to press into his space so eagerly– so when the Maestro does the hairs on the nape of his neck stand- his back goes straight and still. He's so... fascinated! Merely by his new appearance. Fascinated by something that had absolutely nothing to do with music.

Salieri feels himself flush and grumbles.] Shoes? Hn.

Perhaps something that will be less constraining... sandals or something of the sort.

As for now... [His shoulders rise at the first innocent press of his paw. He gives Amadeus a careful side glance.] ...you seem to enjoy them just as they are, Herr Mozart.

[He's just a bit exasperated, yes... but there's also some humor leaking into his tone now.]

[fordeath]

You know, I think the tailors in the Shopping District make spats solely for the purpose. [ he makes mention off-hand, before salieri says that. ]

Enjoy them? [ how does he enjoy them when they're not even his, he wonders? ] Well, it's true that I find them exceptionally fascinating.

I would almost say [ —inappropriately, given the ordeal it was for salieri to sprout them, and the attitude shift in his direction because of it— ] that I'm jealous, but I think I prefer simply touching your changes, Salieri. [ oh. maybe he does "enjoy" them after all.

and now that he's said that, he's going in for it— amadeus pushes the width of his thumb against salieri's large black pad, clasping his hand around that enormous foot of his (feeling the still impressively soft fur at the top), navigating those toes, and squeezing the whole thing. ] Eheh, oh. You're also very warm.

[amurder]

You're— [Exaggerating. Is what he means to say, his voice clogged somewhere in his throat when Amadeus fully gives his pawed foot a squeeze. He closes his eyes. It's certainly not uncomfortable but still all too surreal to have the Maestro feeling around his paw pads as though he were teasing a big, lazing... cat.

Just like a cat...!]

It's not that exciting, Amadeus. [He murmurs. He's even squeezing his paw pad... and with every prolonging touch he feels a twinge in his foot- as though he isn't sure if he should allow him to continue or pull his foot away completely.

And yet, a part of him does enjoy seeing that excitement on the Maestro's face.

So after some thought, Salieri concedes to the touches... if only for a bit longer.] And if what you say is true, then they won't be so easy to explore next time.

[He needs to protect them somehow. Finally, he begins to unwind his legs.] Are you satisfied then?

[fordeath]

Oh, fine. But you have to promise to keep me updated on how you keep your fur clean—

[ oh, he's pulling away...! ] Ah, wait! [ he was, in fact, not satisfied just yet! amadeus frowns, and rubs the paw pad still in his grip a little more. ] They're only going to get dirtier from here, Kapellmeister — er, given that you at least have to walk home, at least... [ in case suggesting this brand new, unfamiliar part of salieri is dirty was somehow offensive. ]

One more squeeze? [ he says, like a question, and yet moves ahead with taking one of salieri's toes and pinching the thing between his index finger and thumb. out comes that deadly-looking claw, so sharp and so big!

in the chimera's voice he hears uncertainty, and knows his little experiment session is coming to an end... but he did want to feel the leathery sole of those toes. they're ... so endearing, and the juxtaposition of the fatal claw lying just underneath was too fulfilling not to witness for himself. ] ... Does it feel strange when I do that, Salieri? [ then, he snorts! ]

[amurder]

[One more... ?! The flush which reddened his face only slightly returns full force as Amadeus keeps his foot right where he wants it– even going as far as to pinch the very bean pad of his toe. Salieri wills his hands to fist tightly in his lap, lest he make the impulsive mistake of swatting the Maestro away.] Strange?

[The word comes out just a little strained. 'Strange' isn't quite the word he'd use... and even then he's not sure if he could come up with a word for this particular situation. Then again, that's not quite what Amadeus asked.

Being touched so casually in such a familiar way... it brings about memories and emotions he isn't sure he wants to unveil just yet.]

Not strange. [He corrects, as though he were chiding a student.] Only new.

It's a new feeling... and if it had to be anyone doing this then of course I'd prefer it'd be you.

[... That was an strange compliment. Salieri frowns and clears his throat while trying to pry his foot away one last time.] Have you had your fill yet, Amadeus?

[fordeath]

[ that compliment makes him laugh. as well as wonder.

sure, he's got skilled hands, a meticulous touch that he uses to strike and pluck and weave brilliant harmonies, but something tells him that's not what motivates such a thought. ] Ahahaha, you could always experiment yourself, Salieri! Do so at home, if you're too shy to do it here. Just don't get too into your "exploration," hm? Ehehe! —Oh, actually...

[ he trails off, the runaway train of his thoughts almost visible on his face as it slows down, nearly collides with a rather explosive idea. that little dirty joke of his has him ... wondering. (in the meantime, he does in fact pull his hand away from those toe beans.) ]

Say, Salieri... [ oh, here it comes. you have a chance to stop him before things get truly explicit, salieri! ] Your entire lower half changed, didn't it? The whole thing? Does that mean...? [ he bites his lip to keep his smile from creeping any wider. ] I mean, clearly something changed, right! I can't even see it from here, after all... [ "it." "it." ]

1/2

[amurder]

[It was a surprise in itself to have Amadeus sitting so close to him– but now the Maestro seems to be positively gleaming and it's making him bristle even more so than usual.] Amadeus...?

[Something... else? The whole thing? Somehow, someway, it doesn't immediately strike Salieri that Amadeus may be referring to a completely different part of his anatomy all together. It takes a moment or two for the previous Kapellmeister to follow the Maestro's train of thought... and when he finally does——Salieri feels choking heat erupt in his face. His expression twists with shame!] What...

Just what exactly are you referring to, Wolfgang...!!

[amurder]

[Salieri's hand flies- right against Amadeus's face, pushing the nosy composer away!] I'm well aware that everything has changed, thank you very much!

In fact... [Almost to himself, he bites his lip as he considers:] Perhaps I ought to go shopping. Posthaste.

You understand, don't you? [He can't walk around pant-less for much longer!!]

[fordeath]

[ that scandalized reaction is all he could have hoped for, but it seems he can't savor it for very long. as he erupts into laughter, that hand comes swatting against his face. ]

Ah—!

[ well, he probably did deserve that, but it's not as though he was staring! he thought he'd been keeping his distance well enough, but oh well.

amadeus swipes the hand away and rubs his nose, an impish little smile shone on his face before he looks away, for good measure. ] Well, I'm asking you how, but I'll concede if you're not inclined to answer, Kapellmeister.

[ hm? shopping? right now? that cafe they had just visited was on its last late-night shift – it's doubtful they can find something tailor-made at this hour. ] Oh? I understand that you want to leave, but it's late now, Salieri. You should be heading home after the ordeal you've undergone tonight.

[ amadeus finally rises, and tosses his empty coffee cup into the nearest bin. ] I'll take you shopping tomorrow. How does that sound? You can borrow my coat in the meantime. [ not his large, ornate one, but the one that he's wearing – an only somewhat large solid black frock coat, which he shrugs off his shoulders now. ]

[amurder]

[Amidst the Maestro's easy talk beside him he's still in the middle of his hastening plan– attempting to remember the shops he saw when they passed here, which seemed open enough for even a monster such as himself to get through. It's going to be an endeavor indeed, getting back to his temporary place of residence while bare (somewhat) from the waist down. He's garnered enough attention for a lifetime.

But when he hears that—] —! Your...

[His... coat?

He pauses at that— his expression tinged with confusion before it eventually smooths out into quiet understanding. Again with some effort he brings himself off his feet and slowly rises. He joins Amadeus as he makes his way down the steps, and stops beside him.] ... Offering me your coat and escorting me about town, Amadeus?

If I didn't know any better I'd say you were attempting to gain my better graces for a chance at my paw again. [He huffs dryly, and yet there is an unmistakable gentleness under the the tone— tinged with a quiet gratitude.]

But even so... I'm in your debt, Herr Mozart. [A subdued red gaze falls on Amadeus then.]

[fordeath]

Do you really think I'm so petty? [ salieri ... don't be so coy when there are other snow leopards about this place that he could ask as well. ]

For lending you my coat? Please. [ he huffs right back at the mention of being in his debt, as he dusts the coat and his pants. ] Though, you do owe me for the cake, Kapellmeister.

[ he grins a teasing grin at him, then hands the coat over. seeing as how salieri's own jacket tails already cover the back, it would probably be best to wrap it around the front, but... whatever the chimera finds most suitable! ] But ... I'll call in that favor when I get a lead on theater here, Salieri. If you really meant what you said earlier.

I'm holding you to that. [ he meets that gaze with an expectant one of his own. ]

[amurder]

[Don't even think about it little man he can smell them on you now.]

Of course. [He concedes easily enough, taking the coat with a nod.] I expect you'll make it your first mission, Amadeus. I'll be waiting, mind you.

[Oh, he will be. With a bit of hesitation Salieri goes about securing the coat around his waist– fastening the arms behind him so that his front is completely covered. It's a very strange ensemble so far but Salieri has endured worse.] That'll have to do for now... [Mumble mumble.]

Well, then. [That last bit was mostly for himself. With a final tug Salieri takes a few tentative steps forward before resigning himself to finally heading home. Home, is it?

He turns to Amadeus– quietly grim expression returning once more, but with a slightly more grateful edge to it.] Until tomorrow, Amadeus. You will be heading straight home, yes?

[He won't leave until you reassure him!]

[fordeath]

[ at that, amadeus considers his reasons for coming out here to begin with — that inkling of a craving, and a sense for late-night adventure ... it would seem his radar for such hasn't dulled in all this time. ]

We're headed in the same direction, Antonio. Let's walk together.

[ he steps in-line with salieri and leads the way – down the streets he traveled just earlier to follow the mystical pull that he now suspects was emanating from his transformed friend.

transformed. in several ways.

"i am salieri."

...

yes, tonight was fruitful and productive, and he can concede to going home now, especially after the kapellmeister's promise. ]