voice| on the other (octopus) hand

[ohrlyeh]

[Usually Howard interacts with the network through text, since he's nervous of using any other format, but this time, his deep and weary voice can be heard.]

Um. A question out of curiosity, I-I suppose. If you've "received" a physical change through Retrospec, what was it? If you've received several, what is the worst one...?

[There's the sound of something falling off a table onto the floor. He lets out a shuddering sigh, his tone slightly exasperated.]

Yeah. [A pause.] Before I forget, I need someone who can go out and get some groceries for me. I'll pay you for it. I just don't feel like going outside for a while. I-I'm fine...really...............

[ooc: somebody's got tentacle hands now. life is fun!]

Comments

[ohrlyeh]

Making up for the decisions of your past life...well, I can understand that.

[Even if he's still clueless as to what his other self actually wanted, he still wants to do all he can not to be like that...that monster. Whatever it is.]

[He smiles.]

Anyways...you're a very kind person, Leon. You really are.

[ascatic]

[ that smile wavers, but his face brightens up considerably with a healthy shade of pink darkening his cheeks. ]

Ah... ha, thank you. If only my employees thought the same thing!

[ they do, as far as he knows. he's just kidding... well, except for the threat of cat-ear wearing. ]

If you don't mind, I'd like to stay for a bit longer but then I will have to depart. However, I hope that you will soon feel comfortable enough to leave your apartment... perhaps those without the application will acclimate to you quickly.

[ohrlyeh]

They should.

[He says it just matter-of-factly - why wouldn't they feel the same way?]

That's completely fine. I'm glad for the company and...that's a nice thought. I hope that happens. [His expression turns a bit bashful, one tendril going up to rub at his cheek self-consciously.]

This might be rude to ask, but...can I just...t-touch them? Your ears. Just briefly, I just want to see what they're like...

[ascatic]

I have no idea why they might not, but...

[ and his ears wiggle as he holds back a laugh, only the corners of his lips firming up before completely relaxing. Howard's request isn't unusual by any means; it wouldn't be the first time he's been asked and wouldn't be the last, so... ]

Not rude at all. [ his tone is soft, edging a little closer to Howard. he's heard of pets being used as therapy. technically, he could accomplish the same thing? ]

They're a little sensitive, but I trust you will be delicate.

[ohrlyeh]

I'll do my best.

[It's going to be awkward, because, well, he doesn't have hands, but he'll make do with what he has. He reaches up with one arm, a tentacle uncoiling upwards before it rubs over the nearest ear with its tip.]

Heh. It's soft.

[ascatic]

[ it takes every fiber of his being to not tense up or recoil, the sudden touch of cool flesh making that tip twitch and flutter several times. he squeezes his eyes closed, tail going still until he knows he's fine.

and he is. it's not the most relaxation sensation Leon's ever felt, but quite different. ]

It is a cat's ear... I would be a little disappointed if it wasn't.

[ another flit, and he opens his eyes. ]

I do try to keep them in a presentable condition. Those who wish to touch them don't deserve anything less than satisfactory.

[ohrlyeh]

[There's a pause. And then Lovecraft laughs. It's a bit of an odd sound, coming from his usually morose-looking face, but it's a laugh nevertheless.]

Do you? I wonder what kind of regimen you have to go through.

[He rubs the ear down to its base, like he's trying to mimic scratching behind it (though he has no nails).]

I imagine that it must be strange to wear hats...

[ascatic]

A very soft brush, not getting water or soap inside of them... they are much more fragile than a human's ear. Not to mention, they are more exposed.

[ a dangerous life, being a cat-man. ]

Sadly it means waking up a little earlier nowadays, but it is good to see the sunrise.

[ the scratches are... well, he knows what Howard is trying to do. it still feels nice, eyelids drooping in relaxation. ]

Most likely, but I've never been one to wear hats. This will just be a permanent reminder that hats do not belong on my head.

[ohrlyeh]

That sounds very intensive. I couldn't even imagine waking up early...

[He decides to lavish a bit of attention on the other ear as well, his smile content. This man is soft in so many ways...he quietly counts his blessings, his anxiety momentarily put aside for the feeling of simple, quiet joy.]

That's sad. Maybe you could cut out holes in your hats to make them fit?

[ascatic]

[ with a sigh of relief, Leon has to almost shake himself out of the growing stupor settling on his mind: a combination of realizing that he is certainly not a cat, and that he is still a functioning 'human' adult with some kind of shame? ]

Ah... probably. Maybe. It's been harder making sure my pants are able to properly allow my tail to thread through the hole I've made in them.

[ imagine ruining every pair of pants ever owned. ]

But I apologize... I hope I haven't overstayed my welcome.

[ohrlyeh]

Oh, I even forgot about the tail...

[That...sounds like a problem. In some ways, he's glad the tentacles he has are only coming out of his sleeves. He couldn't deal with, like, a tentacle tail.]

No, no, you haven't overstayed at all. [He draws his "hands" back with a low hum.] If you ever want to come over...I'd be happy to have your company. I mean it.

[ascatic]

It does its best to stay out of the way, doesn't it? [ he laughs politely, covering his mouth with a hand. ] I've broken so many mugs and glasses and plates... my employees have gotten used to the sound already.

[ he just deduces the cost of the many unfortunate victims of an uncontrollable tail from his own paycheck. ]

... I will do my best to make sure this isn't the first and last time I've visited you.

[ with a polite nod, he stands up and stretches--- hands up as far as he can reach, tail and ears mirroring the upward motion. ]

[ohrlyeh]

Goodness...that sounds dangerous. Please be careful...

[Don't break everything with your tail, please!]

[And sorry, Leon, because he's going to let out a slight "oh!" at the movement because...well...it's really cute. He can't lie.]

Exactly like a... [He catches himself before he says the word, also moving to stand up.] Thank you for the good time, Leon.

[ascatic]

[ both ears flick, tail curling in curiosity... but he can fill in the blank, and his smile remains in place. ]

No, thank you. I'll leave you the rest of the muffins and the other cup of tea. Microwaving it isn't the best, but it'll keep some of its flavor.

[ standing up, Leon smooths out of his sweater and jeans, stealing another look at Howard as he slowly heads for the door--- careful not to step or trip again. ]

Just don't forget that my cafe is a safe place for you, okay?