[ He gives Manuela a helpless look when she comes over, a bit too nervous to move too quickly and catch the kittens in reflex— that's the last thing he wants happening right now, and he sighs. ]
They must have gotten in when I was cleaning the Professor's chambers next door.
[ There were a lot of jellyfish. A lot... ]
Would you... mind lifting them off me, Professor Manuela...
[ He really doesn't want to hurt them by lifting them off himself, with how bad he is with delicate things. ]
Oh certainly, dear. Though that doesn't at all explain how they got up on top of you.
[Carefully she lifts one off to nestle it against her chest. The other is a little more tangled but she eventually gets them free and cuddled against her. Stroking there little heads, she gives them both smiles before looking back to Dimitri.]
May I ask why you were cleaning the Professor's chambers?
... I can't say. They're happy in the box with the yarn, then decide to climb on me.
[ And he's afraid to pick them off because of his strength. There's relief when she lifts the cats off him so that he can move, unsure of why they suddenly decide to climb him when they get bored of whatever he's trying to distract them with.
And it's a little difficult to not look at where Manuela is holding them, a sight that- ah, he shouldn't be staring at too much, before- right, she has a face. Look at her face-
Though her question makes his eye widen before he glances away for a moment- ]
I was... careless when fighting the jellyfish off of him. So he's staying with me for now while I clean up. He shouldn't have to... to.
Professor, perhaps you oughtn't hold them too close to your skin. They've got claws.
[ Don't look down, Dimitri. ]
play your cards right and you can get more pussy, Dimitri
[She scratches their ears. Currently it seems they're happy to rest on her breasts. Then again, who wouldn't want to? They're a glorious set obviously. She takes very good care of them since they are two of her best assets.
Manuela smiles at the kittens then looks back up at him.]
Have you found them a home yet?
[Wait. Is he looking at her...
She looks down. Oh. That's not kitten he's looking at.]
[ The mun would like to point out her rear is also very attractive-
He does, at least, have some propriety to keep his singular gaze on the top of her head, so it looks like he's staring at her (very pretty) eyes. He has a feeling it's this place, because he's never even thought of Manuela or anyone in terms of appearance-
Though he does recall how small and fragile she'd felt when she'd been attacked by the Black Knight... he'd been the one to carry her to safety back then, and he'd worried intensely for her.
Right now, though- she's in no such danger, and he finds himself releasing an exhale of breath. ]
No. They seem to be strays, much like the ones at the Monastery.
[ His gaze does soften though. ]
... Have you been well, here? I apologize for not having asked after you sooner.
Well, at least she can confirm he's a healthy young man with good taste. Looking up again, she purses her lips for a moment. No home for these? At the monastery that's fine because there are so many and they essentially take care of any rodents. These two though... That's mildly concerning.]
I don't know that these two will be able to manage like the ones at the monastery. We'll need to find them a home.
[For now they can be happy purring against their newfound pillows.]
You don't have to apologize. This place is quite a bit to take in and then that whole incident with the Iris moon? Let's just say that I've settled in since then. It seems that you have as well. Have you figured out which of these moonblessings you have yet?
He knows plenty of young men back at the Monastery who had craved Manuela's attention in their youth- he'd simply given her the respect that was due to their educators. Not that he'd ever been immune to the fact that she was a revered beauty among their staff, but his focus had been on other matters.
Yet somehow, the Professor had challenged even that...
At her question, he nods his head. ]
... Ironically enough, it seems as though I am under the Cordis moon. What about yourself, Professor?
[ His glance towards the cats, not her chest that's conveniently in the way, should also add that he means his transformation was that of a cat, too. ]
You can move them to their box. I've fed them already. Professor brought back plenty of fish. We'll figure what to do with them after.
[ As always. The box is layered with a blanket and some yarn balls they can play with. ]
[She carries them over to their box so that way she can set them down in it. Which means lots of mewling because the nice pillows are no longer giving them attention anymore. She bats a ball of yarn to distract them before looking up at the young king.]
Me? Oh, I'm not sure if I should. My life is such a mess that I worry I would just be a terrible kitty mother for them.
[She sighs and rests her chin on her hands even as she stays crouched like that.]
They should have a better home than with a mess like me.
How fitting. It suits your gentle nature, Professor Manuela.
[ He knows that she can be as sharp as a blade, but he's always seen her as incredibly nurturing, regardless. She puts a lot of herself out, seeking the same affection, but never hesitates in giving it at any time. ]
I cannot speak for your state, but I've always known you to be very brave. That hasn't changed even now.
[ She's taking this place a lot better than most, as well. He follows her to kneel beside her, as they watch the kittens play. ]
I imagine they'd want someone gentle like that, rather than someone who could hurt them as I could.
[She heaves a sigh and reaches into the box to push the yarn around a bit. Such sweet little things.]
I think that you have the potential to be more gentle than you think though, Dimitri. I was told who carried me after I was stabbed, after all.
[Manuela smiles at him. He's come such a long way and she can't help but to feel rather proud as she looks at him now.]
If you could be gentle enough to handle me then I think you've got potential. But if you're very uncomfortable I can keep them at my place until I find a home for them.
[ It's calming to watch her, though when she brings up what he had done for her all those years ago, he can't help but feel a bit of a bit flustered— a strange feeling, even now. Even after everything, even after he's begun to welcome these affections again.
He does listen to her talk, finding her voice soothing— almost like a memory of times when they only did rely on instruction to get by. When the worst of their problems were studying for their next certification.
He almost misses it. ]
... when you put it like that– I could try. But you weren't difficult to be gentle with, Professor. Then again— I don't recall thinking too hard. I just knew I had to get you to safety. As for these...
[ He reaches into the box to let his fingertips brush over the kittens' heads. ]
They're so much smaller and helpless. Perhaps, you could advise me on how to be gentle at all.
Try not to think about it so hard with these little ones.
[Manuela gently takes his hand to help guide him into scratching the ears of one of the kittens.]
They're very small but they can handle a little more than you think. As long as you are not squeezing them or crushing them then they will let you know what they like.
[Reaching into the box, she pulls out one of the kittens.]
[ He does scritch gently behind the kitten's ears, though he only allows himself enough to brush his fingertips there. Any more and he's sure he might squeeze or hold too hard.
However, when Manuela asks for him to hold his hands out, he nervously looks over at her- and the kitten, and very hesitantly holds his hands out in an open-handed "receiving" pose. ]
Professor, it's best I don't...
[ Oh, Goddess. Here he is, King of an entire land, terrified of holding a kitten. ]
[She lifts one of the kittens up and sets it right in his hands before he can protest further.]
There. You're holding a life just like you held mine. Just like I was in the best of care, this little one is safe with you.
[Manuela lightly rests her hand on his arm.]
You see that strength you have as destructive. When really it means that you are capable when others are not to hold others up. To support them and carry them so they will not fall.
[Her other hand gestures to the kitten he's holding.]
You are scared but that just means that you'll know how to restrain. To take care of them and show them that the trust they have in you isn't misplaced.
[A smile.]
That the trust we all have in you isn't misplaced. You will be a wonderful caretaker.
[ When she's this close, he can pick up on her warmth. Perhaps her perfume, too, which is a bit harder due to his inability to detect taste— but he can make it out, enough that it feels pleasant when she moves close to him.
Her words are just as gentle, and he can't help but feel comforted by them as he looks at the little kitten sniffing around his hands. He's quiet and tense, yet somehow calmer around her comforting presence. After a while, he finally relaxes his shoulders, and very carefully draws the kitten close so it can climb against his chest.
With a mewl, it purrs, and tries to climb up over his own chest to get some more cuddles. He keeps a hand carefully under it as though worried it will fall, but he does look over at Manuela curiously. ]
Alone? Well I've had the new friends I've made here. Sylvain comes over now and then...
[She rests a hand on her cheek, tilting her head to the side. Alone? Are any of them alone here? It's so easy for them to see other people in this place.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Oh. Oh my.
Manuela stares before she chuckles softly and comes over to lightly pet one of the protesting kitties.]
Now how did they get up here, Dimitri?
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They must have gotten in when I was cleaning the Professor's chambers next door.
[ There were a lot of jellyfish. A lot... ]
Would you... mind lifting them off me, Professor Manuela...
[ He really doesn't want to hurt them by lifting them off himself, with how bad he is with delicate things. ]
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[Carefully she lifts one off to nestle it against her chest. The other is a little more tangled but she eventually gets them free and cuddled against her. Stroking there little heads, she gives them both smiles before looking back to Dimitri.]
May I ask why you were cleaning the Professor's chambers?
that's getting some pussy alright
[ And he's afraid to pick them off because of his strength. There's relief when she lifts the cats off him so that he can move, unsure of why they suddenly decide to climb him when they get bored of whatever he's trying to distract them with.
And it's a little difficult to not look at where Manuela is holding them, a sight that- ah, he shouldn't be staring at too much, before- right, she has a face. Look at her face-
Though her question makes his eye widen before he glances away for a moment- ]
I was... careless when fighting the jellyfish off of him. So he's staying with me for now while I clean up. He shouldn't have to... to.
Professor, perhaps you oughtn't hold them too close to your skin. They've got claws.
[ Don't look down, Dimitri. ]
play your cards right and you can get more pussy, Dimitri
[She scratches their ears. Currently it seems they're happy to rest on her breasts. Then again, who wouldn't want to? They're a glorious set obviously. She takes very good care of them since they are two of her best assets.
Manuela smiles at the kittens then looks back up at him.]
Have you found them a home yet?
[Wait. Is he looking at her...
She looks down. Oh. That's not kitten he's looking at.]
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The mun would like to point out her rear is also very attractive-He does, at least, have some propriety to keep his singular gaze on the top of her head, so it looks like he's staring at her (very pretty) eyes. He has a feeling it's this place, because he's never even thought of Manuela or anyone in terms of appearance-
Though he does recall how small and fragile she'd felt when she'd been attacked by the Black Knight... he'd been the one to carry her to safety back then, and he'd worried intensely for her.
Right now, though- she's in no such danger, and he finds himself releasing an exhale of breath. ]
No. They seem to be strays, much like the ones at the Monastery.
[ His gaze does soften though. ]
... Have you been well, here? I apologize for not having asked after you sooner.
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Yes. One her other...ASSets.Well, at least she can confirm he's a healthy young man with good taste. Looking up again, she purses her lips for a moment. No home for these? At the monastery that's fine because there are so many and they essentially take care of any rodents. These two though... That's mildly concerning.]
I don't know that these two will be able to manage like the ones at the monastery. We'll need to find them a home.
[For now they can be happy purring against their newfound pillows.]
You don't have to apologize. This place is quite a bit to take in and then that whole incident with the Iris moon? Let's just say that I've settled in since then. It seems that you have as well. Have you figured out which of these moonblessings you have yet?
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He knows plenty of young men back at the Monastery who had craved Manuela's attention in their youth- he'd simply given her the respect that was due to their educators. Not that he'd ever been immune to the fact that she was a revered beauty among their staff, but his focus had been on other matters.
Yet somehow, the Professor had challenged even that...
At her question, he nods his head. ]
... Ironically enough, it seems as though I am under the Cordis moon. What about yourself, Professor?
[ His glance towards the cats, not her chest that's conveniently in the way, should also add that he means his transformation was that of a cat, too. ]
You can move them to their box. I've fed them already. Professor brought back plenty of fish. We'll figure what to do with them after.
[ As always. The box is layered with a blanket and some yarn balls they can play with. ]
Are you interested in keeping them?
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[She carries them over to their box so that way she can set them down in it. Which means lots of mewling because the nice pillows are no longer giving them attention anymore. She bats a ball of yarn to distract them before looking up at the young king.]
Me? Oh, I'm not sure if I should. My life is such a mess that I worry I would just be a terrible kitty mother for them.
[She sighs and rests her chin on her hands even as she stays crouched like that.]
They should have a better home than with a mess like me.
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[ He knows that she can be as sharp as a blade, but he's always seen her as incredibly nurturing, regardless. She puts a lot of herself out, seeking the same affection, but never hesitates in giving it at any time. ]
I cannot speak for your state, but I've always known you to be very brave. That hasn't changed even now.
[ She's taking this place a lot better than most, as well. He follows her to kneel beside her, as they watch the kittens play. ]
I imagine they'd want someone gentle like that, rather than someone who could hurt them as I could.
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[She heaves a sigh and reaches into the box to push the yarn around a bit. Such sweet little things.]
I think that you have the potential to be more gentle than you think though, Dimitri. I was told who carried me after I was stabbed, after all.
[Manuela smiles at him. He's come such a long way and she can't help but to feel rather proud as she looks at him now.]
If you could be gentle enough to handle me then I think you've got potential. But if you're very uncomfortable I can keep them at my place until I find a home for them.
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He does listen to her talk, finding her voice soothing— almost like a memory of times when they only did rely on instruction to get by. When the worst of their problems were studying for their next certification.
He almost misses it. ]
... when you put it like that– I could try. But you weren't difficult to be gentle with, Professor. Then again— I don't recall thinking too hard. I just knew I had to get you to safety. As for these...
[ He reaches into the box to let his fingertips brush over the kittens' heads. ]
They're so much smaller and helpless. Perhaps, you could advise me on how to be gentle at all.
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[Manuela gently takes his hand to help guide him into scratching the ears of one of the kittens.]
They're very small but they can handle a little more than you think. As long as you are not squeezing them or crushing them then they will let you know what they like.
[Reaching into the box, she pulls out one of the kittens.]
Hold out your hands, Dimitri.
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[ He does scritch gently behind the kitten's ears, though he only allows himself enough to brush his fingertips there. Any more and he's sure he might squeeze or hold too hard.
However, when Manuela asks for him to hold his hands out, he nervously looks over at her- and the kitten, and very hesitantly holds his hands out in an open-handed "receiving" pose. ]
Professor, it's best I don't...
[ Oh, Goddess. Here he is, King of an entire land, terrified of holding a kitten. ]
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There. You're holding a life just like you held mine. Just like I was in the best of care, this little one is safe with you.
[Manuela lightly rests her hand on his arm.]
You see that strength you have as destructive. When really it means that you are capable when others are not to hold others up. To support them and carry them so they will not fall.
[Her other hand gestures to the kitten he's holding.]
You are scared but that just means that you'll know how to restrain. To take care of them and show them that the trust they have in you isn't misplaced.
[A smile.]
That the trust we all have in you isn't misplaced. You will be a wonderful caretaker.
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[ When she's this close, he can pick up on her warmth. Perhaps her perfume, too, which is a bit harder due to his inability to detect taste— but he can make it out, enough that it feels pleasant when she moves close to him.
Her words are just as gentle, and he can't help but feel comforted by them as he looks at the little kitten sniffing around his hands. He's quiet and tense, yet somehow calmer around her comforting presence. After a while, he finally relaxes his shoulders, and very carefully draws the kitten close so it can climb against his chest.
With a mewl, it purrs, and tries to climb up over his own chest to get some more cuddles. He keeps a hand carefully under it as though worried it will fall, but he does look over at Manuela curiously. ]
Thank you. I shall hope to live up to your faith.
[ And a pause— ]
You haven't been alone all this time, I hope.
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[She rests a hand on her cheek, tilting her head to the side. Alone? Are any of them alone here? It's so easy for them to see other people in this place.]
What do you mean, dear?