sevenhorrors | [early morning cat posting]

Entry tags:

[early morning cat posting]

Who: everyone
When: July 25
Where: class 3-C
What: a few visitors!
Warnings: none!

[On Friday morning at 6:00 a.m. on the dot, the student body is awoken not by the bell, but by the sound of meowing echoing over the intercom.

[It's not just the PA system, either. Soft, gentle, and very cute mewls fill the classroom hallways; distant on floors one and two, but much louder on floor three. Intrepid explorers who follow the noise will find that one of the third floor classrooms has been overtaken by a pack of ghostly cats!]

[Each creature is the size of a normal housecat, and has the mannerisms of one. That is, they will attempt to hop into your lap for some prime cuddling time, ears and tails flicking adorably all the while. Their bodies are a pale, ghostly white, and their eyes glow a soft, gentle blue. Although they are translucent, they are still solid to the touch, and they feel just like a normal cat does. Soft fur and everything! Aren't they precious? Aren't they just so stinkin' cute??? DON'T YOU JUST WANT TO SMOOSH THEIR ROUND LI'L KITTEN FACES??]

[So long as characters are kind to the cat spirits, the Nekomata are completely harmless. They just want to play and snuggle!! Although. . .]

[Anyone who touches a cat spirit will find themselves hit with a sudden need for physical contact. This can range from something small (desiring a high five) to something bigger (needing to CUDDLE THE SHIT outta someone). Being surrounded by more than one Nekomata means the compulsion becomes stronger, too! One cat means it can probably be safely ignored, but five?? If you don't HOLD SOMEONE'S HAND RIGHT THIS SECOND you JUST MAY DIE!!]

[Oh, so you don't like cats? No problem! The Nekomata are mischievous creatures, and they WILL leap onto people's backs and shoulders without warning. Being cat spirits, they can also teleport from one place to another, so. . . you can be minding your own business one second, blink, and then be staring into the eyes of a cute cat spirit perched on your lap the next.]

[The Nekomata will be drawn towards members of Anzen more than anyone else per their target lock curse, but they are excited to shower literally anyone in a bit of cute kitty affection, regardless of their homeroom]

[Please let me know if your character is being violent and/or aggressive towards the Nekomata. Otherwise, enjoy some compulsive physical bonding with a cute ghostly flair!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ His skin felt normal to Mark, is part of the thing, though. His own might be smooth and uncallused, relatively soft because of a healing ability he had previously possessed — but also a substantial amount of his socialization is done with fellow superheroes, many of whom do not possess a healing factor of that extent. They're rough, they scar, it's normal.

Azure rubs at his hand and Mark cannot tear his eyes away from it. He could— but he can't, his curse. It's not fair to Azure— ]

Oh.

[ He shoots his gaze back up to Azure's eyes at his voice, but... he isn't looking at him, so was it. was it really okay.

probably not, but Mark's just trying to laugh it off now, as he tries to put his energy into petting the cat still with him instead. ]

Well, um... that's good to hear. I know it can be weird, but I'm really trying— Like, I'm trying to take it kind of easy. I don't want to upset anyone or...

... yeah.

[ A beat. ]

Are you sure things are okay...?

[ If they were, would he be avoiding looking at him like this... ]

[He smoothes out his expression into something practiced and even, a calm smile to cover up his uncertainty. If he looked at Hiro right now, he's sure the urge to hold his hand would take over again. So instead, he folds both hands in his lap.]

I assure you, there's no offense. You have to understand that someone of my station...

[He pauses, halfway through a diplomatic answer.]

I'm often... inapproachable.

[And it's often lonely.]

[ It's all Mark can do for a moment but sit there, petting the cat still in his arms as it settles back down, nestles against his chest. Which really isn't helping his desire to approach Azure again, but he doesn't know that — he just knows there's an ever-steady pull, and it's something he can't act on.

Being inapproachable makes little sense to him, because, ] But you're approachable right now.

[ A pause. He really would just go for it again if it wasn't for his curse, but he's the problem here, so he has to be respectful, forcing himself to stay in place. ]

There aren't stations here right now, are there? We're all just stuck here on our own. Trust me, I'm the problem, not you.

[ Is this going to be his future, what if this never goes away... A shuddering breath as the realization sinks in on him, because that's going to suck. ]

[Azure's been accused of being too soft before - it makes for a weak leader, according to some. And maybe it's true. But he can't help but feel his too empathetic heart clench when Hiro says, I'm the problem.

No. How could that possibly be true? Azure's hands tighten into fists.]

I only mean to say-- I'm equally unused to reaching out to others as I am being reached for. That's not a failing on your part... you did nothing but feel your honest feelings.

Such a thing... should never be a burden.

[ Oh. That's... really sad, actually.

His eyes go right to Azure's fists, because of course they do, but it's a gesture he's familiar with, digging for that strength within yourself amid a swirling of negativity. He's quiet, thinking those words over — and right alongside the desire to still take his hands in his own (again), there's also the need to alleviate someone else's pain.

God, this shouldn't be as hard as it is. ]

I mean, I don't think it's a burden. Normally. Normally it's nothing, I don't really have anything to hide with how I'm feeling. Just, if it's weird for other people, I don't want to burden them. It's not fair to do that.

[ Like he has thoughtlessly done in their time here so far... he's got to get a grip on that.

But also. ]

But look, if I'm not a burden to you, then you won't be one to me, okay? If you don't mind my whole... deal, then you can reach out to me any time. Promise.

[They're just two earnest boys with a lot of baggage and sad feelings...

Hiro would find a pair of bright blue eyes turn to him, visibly moved.

How could those words not stir Azure's heart? Hasn't it always been his own wish, for someone to reach out a hand to him in understanding and acceptance? There were no barriers here, except the ones constructed from his own fear, his misplaced propriety.

Breathe in. His hands relax.]

No. I don't mind at all.

[He says with a soft smile, extending his hand. Even if it is a burden, he wanted-- to help bear it.]

[ There's a surge of hope lifting through him at the sight of Azure's gaze. Not just that he finally meets his eyes, but the emotion behind them. Mark may never feel his emotions for himself — and that is, almost certainly, a good thing; he would not wish this curse on anyone else — but being able to read them, see that he's had an impact, is more than enough.

Smiling, he takes his hand with his free one, curling his fingers in against Azure's. He feels soft, light, hopeful; happy to have been able to help someone so.

(The relief and joy at getting physical contact is its own other thing, something he doesn't quite understand, but... hey, it's still all good.)

He takes a second, searching for Azure's feelings in those blue eyes, before just asking. ]

This is okay for you?

[ Seeking confirmation, not self-flagellating. If others don't mind then why should he, right? Right. ]

Edited 2025-08-03 08:00 (UTC)

[being as pale as he is, it's impossible for Azure to hide when he blushes. After a second, he shyly curls his fingers around Hiro's grip in return, with a not insignificant amount of effort to make sure his grip stays gentle and not crushing. That would really ruin the moment.

Because it's so nice. He always strives to help others, so of course it's rewarding to see them achieve happiness - but how often was that feeling pumped directly into his chest? Never, it's normally impossible.

But here it is: Hiro's bright, fluttering hope. Delicate and beautiful. Azure wants to protect it.

He doesn't reply immediately - instead, closing his eyes to relish the feeling. With Hiro's emotions here, his own feel... further away. Quieter.]

...Yes. More than okay.

I admit it's-- a welcome change from all the thoughts in my own head.

[ Not that Mark hasn't had his hand broken before, but he does take note of the gentle touch Azure employs. And he assumes it's just related to the blush... There's the flitting instinct to point out that he does have a girlfriend back home, but that really does not feel like the point right now, either.

No — all there is is a surge of warmth at Azure's acceptance, taking in how truly wonderful this feels. Once or twice he's dabbled in thoughts of this curse actually being beneficial, but that was when ignorance could provide bliss. Now, though, the sentiment is returning. ]

That's... really nice to hear, actually. [ A small laugh as he gives Azure's hand a little squeeze; he has no enhanced strength of his own to be concerned with at present time. This all feels surprisingly normal. ] I've been worried about all of this being weird, I didn't think this could help people. I'm really, really glad to hear it... And I'm all good to keep this up as long as you are.

[ And with one of the cats still resting in his other arm, he is certainly not going to be inclined to let go of his own volition any time soon. ]

[strangely, with all these cats still cuddled up against him, he doesn't feel like letting go!]

All the same, you mustsn't feel as though it is an obligation. They are still your feelings, after all - and a precious thing to give another.

[VALUE YOURSELF FOR WHO YOU ARE, not just by what you can do for others! said the hypocrite]

[ Just two boys, outside on a school's front lawn, holding hands. A tale as old as time. ]

I never thought of it that way, but I don't mind. Really, I don't. It's kind of, I don't know... It's kind of beautiful in a way, to be able to share myself with someone else? As long as they're okay with it, then there's something to just... being.

[ He feels light, warm, fuzzy. Mark might also be a hypocrite, but more than that, he just loves people, and this is a hell of a way to get that message across. ]

'Just being'?

[He echoes the words like they're a foreign sentiment. Or at least, so far removed that they had no place in Azure's reality anymore.

He could never simply be himself anymore. He didn't belong to himself - a prince belonged to his people first.]

Yes... I suppose I haven't done that since I was a little boy.

[ ... Nah he wants more, actually. Gently nudging his other arm up, Mark is able to coax the sleepy cat up to curl on his shoulders, around his neck. And with his other hand free, maybe he can reach out to take both of Azure's... ]

I think it's important to have that. We're all people, right? So that comes with the territory, just getting to sit with ourselves. Share that with other people.

You wanna talk about it?

[excuse me you're taking both my hands?? are you PROPOSING

Azure, feeling deeply grateful that this isn't a two way emotion share street because his heart rate jacks up again. He's valiantly trying to hide the fact, but his face is even redder now.]

I could hardly withhold anything now, when you are giving so freely.

But how would I even begin? I cannot live only for myself. As a prince, my life belongs to my kingdom.

[ He is taking both of his hands now. Mark remains pleasantly oblivious — the blush may be obvious, but the specific cause behind it less so, so he's just carrying on like normal, despite the apparent need to hold hands.

An encouraging smile! ]

Does it? I mean... your life still belongs to you. How can you do anything for others if you don't take time for yourself? I think that's just as important.

[His head bows slightly, trying to digest Hiro's words. It's clear from the conflict on his face that, even though he can't disagree with them conceptually, he's still having a hard time accepting it as something he can live by.]

...It's true that I am not yet king. This may be the last chance I have to act as I wish, and not as the head of a kingdom.

And yet... [There is a twist in his heart. His voice drops to a mumble.] most days I question if I deserve to.

... Ah.

[ Giving both of his hands a little squeeze. ]

I'm not going to act like I know what it's like to be a king, or in charge of people, but I think I get it on some level. I have to protect my planet, and it isn't even a matter of deserve — I just have to.

But I think that, when it comes down to it? If you're not sure about yourself... and if you have good people around you, to help you? Then you've actually got a pretty good chance of getting it right.

I do understand the wisdom of such words. Truly, I miss their guidance every day.

[still a stubborn bitch about actually accepting the help though.

He looks up into Hiro's eyes, this time searching.]

But - what rank do you hold that you are burdened with protecting so much?

[ A slight, melancholic smile at the sentiment of Azure missing that guidance, because yeah. He usually relies on his mom and his girlfriend, and he has been missing both a lot.

The smile fades at the question, though. ]

... I'm a superhero. Not the only one, but I'm easily the strongest. The others can help — they do help — but for the really big threats? Without me, Earth is kind of fucked. Even when I get to make the choice, I'll always choose to help; I couldn't live with myself otherwise.

[ Self-deprecating, now. ]

Still, not always the most reassuring thing, knowing you're the last line of defence. Especially when you can't be there.

[A super hero... Azure's eyes widen. He might not have a full understanding of it (why the adjective), but he's read more than enough of his ancestors, the Ten Elites, Heroes blessed by the Goddess herself. These are larger than life figures, and true to Hiro's description, the defenders of mankind.

Unconsciously, he clutches those hands back with a CRUNCH of super strength]

Incredible...! The strongest one, at your age... You're practically a figure out of legend!

[ Aaaahhhhhh that earns a wince. A creaky, pained smile. ]

I guess so, but trust me, it's not all it's cracked up to be.

[ ... ]

Azure, do you think you could... I'm sorry, I'm just, I think this place took most of my strength...

[ help ]

Ah!!

[In his shock and mortification, Azure lets go of Hiro's hands completely]

I'm so sorry. It really does flare up unexpectedly... You aren't hurt, are you?

[ Mark just takes a second to shake out his hands. whew...

Looking back up at Azure. ]

No, no, it's fine. Trust me, I've definitely had way worse.

[ ...

they aren't holding hands anymore

just reaches out to take one of Azure's again ]

I got my flight back, so maybe I'll get my strength back too? [ Grinning at him. ] Then maybe you won't hurt me at all.

[Ah. There's some sort of flutter there - that, even despite hurting someone, they would still reach back for him without fear. That blush is not leaving.]

You're truly that indomitable? [Goddess. and Azure is enough of an outlier for being able to bend steel.]

In truth, while I carry the blood of Heroes in my veins, it has been watered down through the centuries. My Crest is only a minor one, and such powers grow rarer with each generation.

It would be a great honour to learn from you, Hir...

[Squint.]

...Hiro? Is that why you chose that name?

[ It wasn't even a thought in his mind — of course he was going to reach back. Even beyond the need for physical contact, it's not like Azure meant to hurt him, so why wouldn't he?

Although there'll be a blush of his own at his awe. Indomitable feels like a big word, but not inaccurate. He's about to open his mouth to respond — try to downplay his abilities, or say that they should totally work out together, but—

closes mouth. ]

Okay, so.

[ Just a touch flustered. ]

The girls in my group thought of it first, and it seemed fitting, so...

yeah.

[early morning cat posting]

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