[Well, that was forward. The young man was not accustom to being touched so much, but he usually let the fey man get away with it. Perhaps it was because he felt he was in his own element, the paranormal, when he was around Cheshire. Out of respect for his newest friend, his brain started to move the cogs and gears in thought...]
[His eyes fell on the plant behind the catman. Mai had chosen it, as he requested. It reminded him of how Eugene had always spoken about life, growing vibrantly before the rest of the world, yet it sets down roots that remain even after death. The two people that had stemmed roots into his life the deepest had left him feeling quiet empty once the roots no longer feed into his heart. First, Eugene had been ripped away from him forever, leaving him half the man he ever had been. Then, just when he was beginning to think he had found a person to fill the void in his heart, Mai had vanished from Hypnosia. More ways than one, huh?]
I suppose I do fall into patterns with people like them.
[ Of course. Cheshire was either cryptic, or forward, depending on what mood he was in. The cat had that sort of nature.
As Kazuya thought, Cheshire looks over a few more of the books, even though he was curious about exactly what sort of thoughts were passing through the his mind. He kept from actually glancing up, though, and only observed him through the corner of his eye, until he spoke. Then Cheshire looked up from the pages of the book. ]
To me? It would imply they were toxic relationships, but I should think I learn to move forward when they leave... As my brother would say though, one cannot live in the world alone forever. Such relationship tend to be draining to me honestly. They demand a great deal of... attention.
[He can remember vividly how both of them would impede on his reading time or while he was thinking about something. They both griped and complained about his lack of sympathy like broken records. He wasn't his fault he wasn't as empathetic as they were. He tried, but it just seemed pointless in the end.]
[ In Wonderland, not moving forward after a loss would be deadly, as the Regrets would be attracted to feelings like that. But, he might or might not have mentioned it before, but he's not going to mention it now.
But his brother said that? He was right about that; though Cheshire had difficulties with that, too. In Wonderland, he found it dangerous to get attached. In the first place, it wasn't his role to protect the Duchess, least of all from the Duke, but he had, and he had been badly wounded for it. He could understand the reasons for wanting to stay away from getting deeply involved with people (and that was why he had so many lovers) ]
Then, you just need more practice. Of course you get tired by doing something you're not used to doing.
[ But of course he's not going to reminiscence out loud. ]
[He felt things were coming to a head with Nocturne. They were not going to stand idly by much longer, and with the gate so near its needed repair, it was just a matter of time in Kazuya's mind before something big happened... but he couldn't hint at that to Cheshire. No need to burden the catman with such troubles.]
Some would say I am already a lost cause. I believe I mentioned how not many find me pleasant company before. I do not hold that against anyone. I am not like others, and I do not seek out those that would hold me back from who I am. I have grown accustom to being alone.
[Kazuya paused a moment, considering what to say to that. He was still unsure of his current status back in his own world, as Mai came from his past. He walked toward the large window to look out a the city, solemnly.]
I am not certain I will awaken once affairs have been settled here.
[ "Awaken"? Did that mean he was either dead or comatose? Well, either way, that was a gloomy look, and that wasn't something that Cheshire was all too fond of. ]
[A gasp escape him when the catman picked him up off the ground. This was not something he was accustom to. No one picked him up. Ever. He gaped down at the smiling face. Cheshire was something else. He had made the ever serious Kazuya Shibuya... blush?!]
Ch-Cheshire!
[Have a nervous grasp on your arm for added security.]
[ He isn't going to drop him, no matter how... precarious the position may be. It's not in the plans, at least, and as long as Kazuya doesn't start to struggle, all should be fine.
But that was a bit of an unexpected reaction. Also a reaction that was both cute and amusing. ]
[He doesn't struggle. He just glances down at Cheshire's face with a face of surprise. He couldn't remember a time when he was picked up by someone... that wasn't a medical emergency. The arm was strong, holding him fast. He didn't fear falling for some reason. The only thing that crossed his mind was...]
Why...? Why did pick me up?
[He didn't sound angry. He didn't even sound startled anymore. His curious mind just wanted to know why someone so alive would take interest in someone so... dead.]
[ He grins, and had he still had two arms, he would have poked him inthe cheek or something. Though that wasn't going to happen, so just staying like this is plenty. ]
You... felt like it? Do you normally pick people up from the ground, Cheshire?
[It was a harmless question really. More for curiosity sake than anything else. He was still wondering what the catman found so amusing with him. After all, he of all people knew how much of a pain in the posterior he was...]
[ It's not a lie. He used to gave his mistress piggyback rides before she died, and carrying her was common. Otherwise, he might pick up a few residents on rare occasions but.... No, it's not that common, despite the way that he is. ]
Then this would be another instance of being interest, right?
[Kazuya looked down at Cheshire. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to do in this situation. He didn't look angry or upset, but he was at a loss nonetheless. He hoped Cheshire would shed some light on what came next...]
Weird... no. No one has ever picked me up because they felt like it before. It's... different. Not bad, just different from what I've experienced.
[He seemed unsatisfied with his own answer, clearly shown on his face. Different was far to generic a word for this situation. He tried to think of a better way to express his thoughts...]
Or rather, I've never experienced it before, so I don't know how I am to react.
[ And here he often gets told "I don't want to be called weird, because you're the weird one" and suddenly something he does is not weird? That in itself was sort of weird. ]
Sometime has to be the first time for anything.
[ So maybe Kazuya was as weird as anyone else. Just without being as off his rocker, like just about anyone that Cheshire knew happened to be. ]
I suppose you make a logical point there. That still doesn't tell me what a reasonable response should be.
[That's right, Cheshire. He's telling you to take responsibility for confusing him. Do enjoy this moment of power of the narcissist before he finds his logic-footing again...]
Did I? Then I have to find a more illogical point, then, hm~
[ How do you take responsibility for confusing someone in the first place? When he's been told to "take responsibility" before, they wanted him to get married, but he didn't exactly have any desire to marry anyone. ]
I was not aware that marriage normally followed such an embrace. Is this a normal custom of Wonderland or Looking Glass, Cheshire?
[This is his sarcastic face, Chesh, but he seems to be getting comfortable in this position after being here this long. He might not want you to put him down...]
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He chuckled, and tapped a finger against Kazuya's chest, over his heart. ]
Why don't you give it some thought?
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[His eyes fell on the plant behind the catman. Mai had chosen it, as he requested. It reminded him of how Eugene had always spoken about life, growing vibrantly before the rest of the world, yet it sets down roots that remain even after death. The two people that had stemmed roots into his life the deepest had left him feeling quiet empty once the roots no longer feed into his heart. First, Eugene had been ripped away from him forever, leaving him half the man he ever had been. Then, just when he was beginning to think he had found a person to fill the void in his heart, Mai had vanished from Hypnosia. More ways than one, huh?]
I suppose I do fall into patterns with people like them.
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As Kazuya thought, Cheshire looks over a few more of the books, even though he was curious about exactly what sort of thoughts were passing through the his mind. He kept from actually glancing up, though, and only observed him through the corner of his eye, until he spoke. Then Cheshire looked up from the pages of the book. ]
And is that a good or a bad thing to you?
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[He can remember vividly how both of them would impede on his reading time or while he was thinking about something. They both griped and complained about his lack of sympathy like broken records. He wasn't his fault he wasn't as empathetic as they were. He tried, but it just seemed pointless in the end.]
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But his brother said that? He was right about that; though Cheshire had difficulties with that, too. In Wonderland, he found it dangerous to get attached. In the first place, it wasn't his role to protect the Duchess, least of all from the Duke, but he had, and he had been badly wounded for it. He could understand the reasons for wanting to stay away from getting deeply involved with people (and that was why he had so many lovers) ]
Then, you just need more practice. Of course you get tired by doing something you're not used to doing.
[ But of course he's not going to reminiscence out loud. ]
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[He felt things were coming to a head with Nocturne. They were not going to stand idly by much longer, and with the gate so near its needed repair, it was just a matter of time in Kazuya's mind before something big happened... but he couldn't hint at that to Cheshire. No need to burden the catman with such troubles.]
Some would say I am already a lost cause. I believe I mentioned how not many find me pleasant company before. I do not hold that against anyone. I am not like others, and I do not seek out those that would hold me back from who I am. I have grown accustom to being alone.
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[ He's probably picking up on it in the most subtle ways, anyway. But oh, speaking of his world! ]
When it comes to it, will you be looking forward to seeing your own world again?
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I am not certain I will awaken once affairs have been settled here.
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[ So obviously, the best thing is to appear behind him and pick him up (in a very awkward way because only one arm) and twirling a little with him. ]
It's Wonderland, so it's easy. [ Except rules and all. And he did promise to give him a name. ]
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Ch-Cheshire!
[Have a nervous grasp on your arm for added security.]
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But that was a bit of an unexpected reaction. Also a reaction that was both cute and amusing. ]
Yes?
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Why...? Why did pick me up?
[He didn't sound angry. He didn't even sound startled anymore. His curious mind just wanted to know why someone so alive would take interest in someone so... dead.]
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Because I felt like it?
[ What other reason does he need? ]
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[It was a harmless question really. More for curiosity sake than anything else. He was still wondering what the catman found so amusing with him. After all, he of all people knew how much of a pain in the posterior he was...]
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Not really.
[ It's not a lie. He used to gave his mistress piggyback rides before she died, and carrying her was common. Otherwise, he might pick up a few residents on rare occasions but.... No, it's not that common, despite the way that he is. ]
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[Kazuya looked down at Cheshire. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to do in this situation. He didn't look angry or upset, but he was at a loss nonetheless. He hoped Cheshire would shed some light on what came next...]
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[ Being a puzzling creature was his job. Sort of. He did delight in confused expressions, just as much as he did seeing awkward faces. ]
Do you think it's weird?
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[He seemed unsatisfied with his own answer, clearly shown on his face. Different was far to generic a word for this situation. He tried to think of a better way to express his thoughts...]
Or rather, I've never experienced it before, so I don't know how I am to react.
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Sometime has to be the first time for anything.
[ So maybe Kazuya was as weird as anyone else. Just without being as off his rocker, like just about anyone that Cheshire knew happened to be. ]
Even being picked up by a stray pet cat.
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[That's right, Cheshire. He's telling you to take responsibility for confusing him. Do enjoy this moment of power of the narcissist before he finds his logic-footing again...]
Well?
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[ How do you take responsibility for confusing someone in the first place? When he's been told to "take responsibility" before, they wanted him to get married, but he didn't exactly have any desire to marry anyone. ]
But you know, marrying a cat is pretty weird.
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[This is his sarcastic face, Chesh, but he seems to be getting comfortable in this position after being here this long. He might not want you to put him down...]
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