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( jase feels entirely out of his element β and maybe it's because he is, surrounded by so many different types of people that overwhelm heightened senses in possibly the very best way, a little dizzying in how strong it all is, but a steadying exhale lets him feel the sense of calm in the air, the familiarity between everyone, alike or otherwise.
fingers curl into the now-overlarge sleeves of his deep burgundy sweater, stretched out from years of doing the very same thing, much to the chagrin of the family's launderer who pinches the bridge of her nose each and every time and reminds him of all the money wasted on ruined clothing. it's never been an issue for jase, though, who has quite literally worn this sweater for longer than any man should considering the single large pull-turned-hole near the hem. he thinks it makes him look pretty cool, anyway, not quite so uptight as the rest of his family, even with it half-tucked into dark grey tailored trousers and leather shoes that make the wooden floor creak with every step he takes further inside this β
coffee shop? that's what it smells like, anyway, the overpowering fragrance of roasted beans enough to block out the chaotic mess of scents of the other patrons the closer he meanders towards the counter. jase was really looking for something a little more ... magical coming here, some sort of impossible solution to his little previously unspoken internal dilemma, an apothecary as promised by the woman he'd asked on the street β but maybe a latte will have to make do in the meantime.
he's sheepish when he finally stops in front of the counter β once he finally lays eyes on the beautiful boy standing on the other side with a genuine smile on his face, with dimples that seem to deepen by the second, those eyes bright and his features soft and as delicate as jase has ever seen and. ahem. words. hands end up shoved hastily into his pockets so he can fight the urge to shield his face from the doofy grin, wide and bright, that seems to creep across his cheeks as he looks up and pretends to read the menu board. ) Iiiiiiii ... am not sure I'm in the right place β
fingers curl into the now-overlarge sleeves of his deep burgundy sweater, stretched out from years of doing the very same thing, much to the chagrin of the family's launderer who pinches the bridge of her nose each and every time and reminds him of all the money wasted on ruined clothing. it's never been an issue for jase, though, who has quite literally worn this sweater for longer than any man should considering the single large pull-turned-hole near the hem. he thinks it makes him look pretty cool, anyway, not quite so uptight as the rest of his family, even with it half-tucked into dark grey tailored trousers and leather shoes that make the wooden floor creak with every step he takes further inside this β
coffee shop? that's what it smells like, anyway, the overpowering fragrance of roasted beans enough to block out the chaotic mess of scents of the other patrons the closer he meanders towards the counter. jase was really looking for something a little more ... magical coming here, some sort of impossible solution to his little previously unspoken internal dilemma, an apothecary as promised by the woman he'd asked on the street β but maybe a latte will have to make do in the meantime.
he's sheepish when he finally stops in front of the counter β once he finally lays eyes on the beautiful boy standing on the other side with a genuine smile on his face, with dimples that seem to deepen by the second, those eyes bright and his features soft and as delicate as jase has ever seen and. ahem. words. hands end up shoved hastily into his pockets so he can fight the urge to shield his face from the doofy grin, wide and bright, that seems to creep across his cheeks as he looks up and pretends to read the menu board. ) Iiiiiiii ... am not sure I'm in the right place β
[ this happens more often than not. the coffee smell tends to overpower anything else, even when certain mixes involve scents as strong as lavender or vanilla. ( though briar admits that when less attractive ingredients must be used, it's always wise to immediately turn on the espresso machine. ) he's been working at this place since his late teens, having somehow inherited ownership from a kindly outcast fae ( former fae, he supposes ) who had known exactly the kind of path briar wanted for himself. there is magic in him, there is no denying that, but there are so many things he would much rather do with his time than look down his nose at other people. helping them is more of priority and perhaps his kindly nature had been his burden to bear even as an infant.
there are two counters split down the middle along the left wall of the narrow shop covered in mismatched wood paneling, stools and small ottomans squeezed in to accommodate as many denizens as possible. mari, the part-timer, hurries behind the coffee counter to fill a bulk order for a frazzled business wizard, but her superspeed helps with the process. it's what briar has his eyes on, ensuring that she isn't endangering herself or the customers, before he turns his attention to the tall young man who has confusedly entered his cozy shop.
his smile his soft, voice softer but somehow still audible above the din of the room. ] Well, I have answers. Perhaps not the ones you're looking for.
[ he leans forward, pulling his hands out of the pockets of his teal-green apron to fold his arms over the counter, tilting his head to the side. he doesn't have to look at this boy for very long to know exactly what he is, though he's curious as to what has brought him into this little nook in the first place. ] How can I help you?
there are two counters split down the middle along the left wall of the narrow shop covered in mismatched wood paneling, stools and small ottomans squeezed in to accommodate as many denizens as possible. mari, the part-timer, hurries behind the coffee counter to fill a bulk order for a frazzled business wizard, but her superspeed helps with the process. it's what briar has his eyes on, ensuring that she isn't endangering herself or the customers, before he turns his attention to the tall young man who has confusedly entered his cozy shop.
his smile his soft, voice softer but somehow still audible above the din of the room. ] Well, I have answers. Perhaps not the ones you're looking for.
[ he leans forward, pulling his hands out of the pockets of his teal-green apron to fold his arms over the counter, tilting his head to the side. he doesn't have to look at this boy for very long to know exactly what he is, though he's curious as to what has brought him into this little nook in the first place. ] How can I help you?
Well.
( and he pauses, because β well. jase could explain his whole family story through generations and generations, how they once were mighty protectors of kings and secrets and treasures, but the world has changed so much since then and decisions must be made to adapt to it, to make their family flourish for centuries to come. he could explain how he's never once seen his parents transform β how, wealthy as they may be in the mortal world, celebrated and revered, there's still vitriol and judgment from certain circles of the underground for abandoning their heritage, for choosing the meager spoils of the mortal world instead.
or jase could just make a joke about it. )
You see, I have these ... abilities, ones that I've never really tried to use until recently. Suffice to say, I'm having some performance issues.
( and his crooked half of a smile persists, unwavering though he could practically run away screaming about the fact that he's making goofy innuendos to his own detriment to this very beautiful boy, who looks up at him with an equally persistent sense of genuine curiosity and wonderment that makes his legs feel like jello. fingers tap idly against the countertop, nervously maybe, to give him something to do with his damn hands. )
Maybe you could ... hel...p me...?
( and he pauses, because β well. jase could explain his whole family story through generations and generations, how they once were mighty protectors of kings and secrets and treasures, but the world has changed so much since then and decisions must be made to adapt to it, to make their family flourish for centuries to come. he could explain how he's never once seen his parents transform β how, wealthy as they may be in the mortal world, celebrated and revered, there's still vitriol and judgment from certain circles of the underground for abandoning their heritage, for choosing the meager spoils of the mortal world instead.
or jase could just make a joke about it. )
You see, I have these ... abilities, ones that I've never really tried to use until recently. Suffice to say, I'm having some performance issues.
( and his crooked half of a smile persists, unwavering though he could practically run away screaming about the fact that he's making goofy innuendos to his own detriment to this very beautiful boy, who looks up at him with an equally persistent sense of genuine curiosity and wonderment that makes his legs feel like jello. fingers tap idly against the countertop, nervously maybe, to give him something to do with his damn hands. )
Maybe you could ... hel...p me...?
Hmm.
[ if briar is amused, it's hard to tell save for the slight quirk of the corner of his mouth. looking at him, he can already put together a few pieces of his story β it feels familiar to him, even if his own abilities slowly made themselves known as he grew up. he folds the too-long sleeves of his blue button-down up to his elbows ( though the fabric always sinks down to the middle of his forearm ) and turns to face the curved wall of jars behind him, pulling a few things out, sliding a few jars back onto their individual shelves. ] I think I might be able to help you β overcome certain barriers.
[ he turns around in a flourish and arranges the potential ingredients between them before leaning forward again, a little closer this time as his mortar and pestle slide across the table. it's his way of at least making the magic here known, as some quiet attempt to let him know that he has indeed found the right place. ]
I have a few ideas on how we can begin, but I will need to know more about what keeps you from transforming. [ oops, he didn't say a single thing about what his abilities are, briar. ]
We specialize in healing here. Is that what you need?
[ if briar is amused, it's hard to tell save for the slight quirk of the corner of his mouth. looking at him, he can already put together a few pieces of his story β it feels familiar to him, even if his own abilities slowly made themselves known as he grew up. he folds the too-long sleeves of his blue button-down up to his elbows ( though the fabric always sinks down to the middle of his forearm ) and turns to face the curved wall of jars behind him, pulling a few things out, sliding a few jars back onto their individual shelves. ] I think I might be able to help you β overcome certain barriers.
[ he turns around in a flourish and arranges the potential ingredients between them before leaning forward again, a little closer this time as his mortar and pestle slide across the table. it's his way of at least making the magic here known, as some quiet attempt to let him know that he has indeed found the right place. ]
I have a few ideas on how we can begin, but I will need to know more about what keeps you from transforming. [ oops, he didn't say a single thing about what his abilities are, briar. ]
We specialize in healing here. Is that what you need?
Maybe β I'm not really sure.
( and if jase is at all surprised by the shopkeeper's assessment of his problem, it certainly doesn't show on his face; he's far too attentive to the way the seemingly slight boy reaches for ingredient after ingredient seemingly intuitively without needing to stop and contemplate anything. wow, this place β this boy, too, really must be magical. maybe his curiosity gets the better of him for a moment as he breathes in, tries to really focus in on his scent to maybe identify what he really is beneath those doe eyes, but he's never sensed anything remotely like him. huh.
he lets out a huff of a laugh, like he might expel any remaining traces of nervousness from his body in the process, his lingering embarrassment. )
It's not that I can't transform, it's just that I end up β mm, I'd show you, but it's a little embarrassing ... It doesn't work the way it's supposed to. ( theres a beat, where he lets that thought hover for a moment. ) I know it's hard to tell β ( sarcasm. dry, dry, sarcasm. ) β but this isn't really my usual scene.
( and if jase is at all surprised by the shopkeeper's assessment of his problem, it certainly doesn't show on his face; he's far too attentive to the way the seemingly slight boy reaches for ingredient after ingredient seemingly intuitively without needing to stop and contemplate anything. wow, this place β this boy, too, really must be magical. maybe his curiosity gets the better of him for a moment as he breathes in, tries to really focus in on his scent to maybe identify what he really is beneath those doe eyes, but he's never sensed anything remotely like him. huh.
he lets out a huff of a laugh, like he might expel any remaining traces of nervousness from his body in the process, his lingering embarrassment. )
It's not that I can't transform, it's just that I end up β mm, I'd show you, but it's a little embarrassing ... It doesn't work the way it's supposed to. ( theres a beat, where he lets that thought hover for a moment. ) I know it's hard to tell β ( sarcasm. dry, dry, sarcasm. ) β but this isn't really my usual scene.
No one is going to judge you here, especially me, [ briar assures him gently, his voice light and airy as always.
this is a curious case from what he can decipher but not unusual. there have been wolves who have needed help in either state, stuck as a human or a beast ( or for the less fortunate, the transition state ), vampires who can't sleep during the day β everyone has their off days. or off months, however it may be. ] I believe powers are sometimes like muscles that need exercising. When one hasn't been active, it needs to be tended to.
Let me try to put you at ease here, especially since all are welcome. [ and a soft smile follows that as he extends his hand across the counter. though the history of this boy's family is not quite familiar to him, he can sense that there is something very powerful within him; he might just need a little nudging. ] My name is Briar.
this is a curious case from what he can decipher but not unusual. there have been wolves who have needed help in either state, stuck as a human or a beast ( or for the less fortunate, the transition state ), vampires who can't sleep during the day β everyone has their off days. or off months, however it may be. ] I believe powers are sometimes like muscles that need exercising. When one hasn't been active, it needs to be tended to.
Let me try to put you at ease here, especially since all are welcome. [ and a soft smile follows that as he extends his hand across the counter. though the history of this boy's family is not quite familiar to him, he can sense that there is something very powerful within him; he might just need a little nudging. ] My name is Briar.
Briar, ( he repeats, voice light and soft in return. briar, a name unlike any he's heard before, which seems to make it all the more special. fingers close around that delicate hand that's offered and jase nods, a small squeeze his version of a handshake.
it's enough to make his lips curve up into another smile, anyway, still a little bashful no matter how badly he wants to school his expression into something cooler. ) Call me Jase.
( he withdraws his hand before he hangs on for an uncomfortable-for-a-stranger amount of time, shoves both hands into his pants pockets again. gods, he's glad that his hands aren't sweating. there's a dramatic roll of his neck, a roll of his shoulders, and he streeeetches out his back, like he needs some extensive warming up to be able to exercise those very muscles that briar has mentioned.
his shy smile turns a little smirky, a little goofy, and he suggests: ) Is there somewhere more private we can go? I'm not sure I can do it with so many people watching.
( please, someone stop him. )
it's enough to make his lips curve up into another smile, anyway, still a little bashful no matter how badly he wants to school his expression into something cooler. ) Call me Jase.
( he withdraws his hand before he hangs on for an uncomfortable-for-a-stranger amount of time, shoves both hands into his pants pockets again. gods, he's glad that his hands aren't sweating. there's a dramatic roll of his neck, a roll of his shoulders, and he streeeetches out his back, like he needs some extensive warming up to be able to exercise those very muscles that briar has mentioned.
his shy smile turns a little smirky, a little goofy, and he suggests: ) Is there somewhere more private we can go? I'm not sure I can do it with so many people watching.
( please, someone stop him. )
Jase, [ he hums, always a little musical in nature. it's endearing, really, watching him try to be something else β always trying to transform into someone else, it seems like. lowering his hand to the table again, briar lifts his eyebrows at the question and looks around the room; there isn't anyone here who would take offense at any kind of display but if the customer wants something, he will at least try to provide it. ]
Mari, I'll be in the back for a moment.
[ he slips out from behind the counter after the girl nods her acknowledgment and, without waiting, grasps jase's wrist to lead him into the back area of the shop, through a door that leads them into a narrow alleyway. in theme with all the lights in the cafe, there are lights strung across balconies and fire escapes, still lit even though the sun remains high in the sky.
satisfied as the door magically closes behind them, he turns around the gives jase's wrist a small squeeze again, as if wanting to convey the same message a few times over. ] Will this do?
Mari, I'll be in the back for a moment.
[ he slips out from behind the counter after the girl nods her acknowledgment and, without waiting, grasps jase's wrist to lead him into the back area of the shop, through a door that leads them into a narrow alleyway. in theme with all the lights in the cafe, there are lights strung across balconies and fire escapes, still lit even though the sun remains high in the sky.
satisfied as the door magically closes behind them, he turns around the gives jase's wrist a small squeeze again, as if wanting to convey the same message a few times over. ] Will this do?
Edited 2019-03-13 02:06 (UTC)
( jase doesn't need enhanced senses to be able to hear how loudly his heart beats in his chest, pulse quickening the moment those delicate fingers slip around his wrist and tug him away from the counter and towards the back of the store; he can't help but watch the boy before him and admire the ease with which he moves, the calm, effortless nature that seems to radiate off of him in waves. he envies that, as someone who's never really been sure of what his place is in this or any world. they walk, and jase finds himself practically staring in awe, like the more he watches briar, the more he'll be able to learn about him and about what he is.
they arrive in the back alley behind the shop, and the moment they stop and briar gives his wrist another squeeze, he realizes that he's been smiling giddily this entire time. wow, he's super embarrassing.
he clears his throat and tips his chin up so he can look at the sky above, all those stringed lights and fire escapes that stretch high over his head, and he thinks that he's maybe finally gathered himself. )
Yeah, I think it'll work. ( and jase rolls his shoulders again, stretches out his arms, bounces on the soles of his fancy leather shoes like he's gearing up for something big β or maybe he just facetiously thinks that there's something to briar's muscle theory (ha). he lets out a long breath, eyes fluttering closed ... and when they flash open again, pupils are slitted, and he grins cheesily, offers: ) I won't blame you if you laugh.
( and then it happens in a practical blink of an eye: his tall, broad frame is gone, those designer clothes, that grin, and in its place? a common house cat, fur jet black save for the occasional deep brown outlines of where spots might be, more visible in the sunlight than at any other time.
hoooo, briar looks so much bigger from down here β and probably because he is, and probably because jase still isn't very used to this change in perspective yet, having only succeeded in getting this far maybe five, six times. a very pointed meow, as though to say: see? )
they arrive in the back alley behind the shop, and the moment they stop and briar gives his wrist another squeeze, he realizes that he's been smiling giddily this entire time. wow, he's super embarrassing.
he clears his throat and tips his chin up so he can look at the sky above, all those stringed lights and fire escapes that stretch high over his head, and he thinks that he's maybe finally gathered himself. )
Yeah, I think it'll work. ( and jase rolls his shoulders again, stretches out his arms, bounces on the soles of his fancy leather shoes like he's gearing up for something big β or maybe he just facetiously thinks that there's something to briar's muscle theory (ha). he lets out a long breath, eyes fluttering closed ... and when they flash open again, pupils are slitted, and he grins cheesily, offers: ) I won't blame you if you laugh.
( and then it happens in a practical blink of an eye: his tall, broad frame is gone, those designer clothes, that grin, and in its place? a common house cat, fur jet black save for the occasional deep brown outlines of where spots might be, more visible in the sunlight than at any other time.
hoooo, briar looks so much bigger from down here β and probably because he is, and probably because jase still isn't very used to this change in perspective yet, having only succeeded in getting this far maybe five, six times. a very pointed meow, as though to say: see? )
[ he seems to float when he walks, it's true, though for the most part, he tries to remain grounded, content with this human form he had been given as a child. despite his open face and his eagerness to help others in need, there is much that briar would rather keep in the dark. ( if the boy wants to unravel a few small mysteries, however, he is welcome to try. ) when briar does turn around, he doesn't expect to see that kind of smile on his face. curiously, he cants his head to the side in a silent question, waiting for him to explain or continue. ]
I won't laugh.
[ but as soon as that sentence leaves his lips, the boy is gone, a cat in his place. a very pretty cat, though not quite the size he expected to see. though his eyes do not widen in wonder, he does observe bemusedly for a moment before slowly lowering himself to sit on the ground, feet tucked under his rear. ]
You mean to be bigger, I see, [ comes a murmur finally as he leans forward, folding his arms across his lap so he is just about nose to nose with the cat before him. ]
It sounds to me like you just need more practice along with a calming remedy. There is a lot rattling around in that brain of yours, [ he points out, lightly tapping the top of the cat's head. ]
I won't laugh.
[ but as soon as that sentence leaves his lips, the boy is gone, a cat in his place. a very pretty cat, though not quite the size he expected to see. though his eyes do not widen in wonder, he does observe bemusedly for a moment before slowly lowering himself to sit on the ground, feet tucked under his rear. ]
You mean to be bigger, I see, [ comes a murmur finally as he leans forward, folding his arms across his lap so he is just about nose to nose with the cat before him. ]
It sounds to me like you just need more practice along with a calming remedy. There is a lot rattling around in that brain of yours, [ he points out, lightly tapping the top of the cat's head. ]
( there's that pause between his transformation and briar's reaction that feels like an eternity, and jase wishes in that moment that he were capable of spreading those paws of his nice and wide and shout ta-daaaa, or really just do anything to break the relative silence other than stare meekly up at the boy with widened pupils and ears that turn outwards and threaten to press flat back against his head. and then.
and then briar simultaneously diagnoses his exact problem and makes him nervous as shit all in one fell swoop, tail fluffing up to twice its size as that boy kneels in front of him, bending lower so jase ends up eye to large, doe-like eye with him. ohhhh, no, why does he have to be so ... beautiful ...
there's a boop to the top of his head, and jase would very much like to even try articulating to briar just what is rattling around in this brain of his β a silly crush based almost entirely on attraction, excitement at this new world he's stumbled right into, a fear that he might not be able to find a solution, and their family's genes will grow more and more dormant by the day. it's a lot of weight to bear, especially for such a small cat β and goodness, does he wish he could ask how briar is capable of reading him so accurately.
despite the very telling body language, this cat tips his head curiously, lets loose another series of meows, head tilted. what else are you able to tell about me? )
and then briar simultaneously diagnoses his exact problem and makes him nervous as shit all in one fell swoop, tail fluffing up to twice its size as that boy kneels in front of him, bending lower so jase ends up eye to large, doe-like eye with him. ohhhh, no, why does he have to be so ... beautiful ...
there's a boop to the top of his head, and jase would very much like to even try articulating to briar just what is rattling around in this brain of his β a silly crush based almost entirely on attraction, excitement at this new world he's stumbled right into, a fear that he might not be able to find a solution, and their family's genes will grow more and more dormant by the day. it's a lot of weight to bear, especially for such a small cat β and goodness, does he wish he could ask how briar is capable of reading him so accurately.
despite the very telling body language, this cat tips his head curiously, lets loose another series of meows, head tilted. what else are you able to tell about me? )
ββ[ββ without thinking much on it, briar lifts his fingers to nudge them behind a folded ear, scratching behind it β yet anther way to ease his worries. it is a brief thing, a small thing, smoothed away by the tips of his fingers before he takes his hand back, keeping his arms folded over his bent knees.
he cannot officially speak to animals but he does have a certain sense for their intentions and he mimics the way jase tilts his head, light brown hair falling in his eyes that he doesn't bother pushing away. ββ]ββ
Mm, that looks a little bit like a challenge.
ββ[ββ a small laugh escapes him, never mocking. ββ]ββ You said this wasn't your usual scene. Have you never been around magic before?
he cannot officially speak to animals but he does have a certain sense for their intentions and he mimics the way jase tilts his head, light brown hair falling in his eyes that he doesn't bother pushing away. ββ]ββ
Mm, that looks a little bit like a challenge.
ββ[ββ a small laugh escapes him, never mocking. ββ]ββ You said this wasn't your usual scene. Have you never been around magic before?
( jase can't help it β despite the way his eyes seem to quadruple in size as briar's hand draws nearer and nearer, the moment those fingers scratch so softly behind his ear, he's toast ... complete and utter toast, bright eyes closing in satisfaction as an unfamiliar feeling in his throat starts, a pleasant hum, and β oh, no, he's purring, feeling it carried on each and every inhale and exhale that he takes, even once that hand is withdrawn.
gods, if he could go back in time β if he could know what was in store for him here in the magical world β he would've turned himself to a cat and back at least a hundred times, because he's far too uncomfortable in this form the way it is, constantly surprised by each new thing he's presented with. never has jase been so happy with his lanky, occasionally awkward human form. at least that is something he can handle, having had twenty-five odd years learning how to.
briar is speaking now, though, so that brings jase right back to attention, his whole body shaking from his ears to the tip of his tail as though trying to rid himself of his nerves. phew.
he supposes that there are about a million ways he could answer that question β have you never been around magic before? β but most require far more explanation that his current linguistic abilities are capable of, so he just shakes his little head no. he's gonna have to work on his communication skills before next time.
next time? next time. )
gods, if he could go back in time β if he could know what was in store for him here in the magical world β he would've turned himself to a cat and back at least a hundred times, because he's far too uncomfortable in this form the way it is, constantly surprised by each new thing he's presented with. never has jase been so happy with his lanky, occasionally awkward human form. at least that is something he can handle, having had twenty-five odd years learning how to.
briar is speaking now, though, so that brings jase right back to attention, his whole body shaking from his ears to the tip of his tail as though trying to rid himself of his nerves. phew.
he supposes that there are about a million ways he could answer that question β have you never been around magic before? β but most require far more explanation that his current linguistic abilities are capable of, so he just shakes his little head no. he's gonna have to work on his communication skills before next time.
next time? next time. )
Ah.
[ there hasn't been a more endearing sight than this confused kitten purring after the briefest scratch behind his ears. contrary to what has been experienced so far, he actually cannot read minds though his intuition and ability to read people have helped him 'diagnose' others in the time he has been behind the counter.
briar sits back on his rear, folding his legs and gesturing to the inside of the shop. ] Stay a while, then. I would say this place is the best way to get your feet wet at the very least. You are among friends.
[ he's been there before, having discovered at a younger age exactly what he was capable of doing, straddling the line between the human world he was raised in and this new world just around the corner. it's scary, perhaps even scarier when you have been living a certain way for much longer. though it doesn't show on his face, he feels a measure of sympathy for him, wanting to at least provide a welcoming introduction if only to help that transformation process. ]
I will go and prepare your order in the meantime.
[ there hasn't been a more endearing sight than this confused kitten purring after the briefest scratch behind his ears. contrary to what has been experienced so far, he actually cannot read minds though his intuition and ability to read people have helped him 'diagnose' others in the time he has been behind the counter.
briar sits back on his rear, folding his legs and gesturing to the inside of the shop. ] Stay a while, then. I would say this place is the best way to get your feet wet at the very least. You are among friends.
[ he's been there before, having discovered at a younger age exactly what he was capable of doing, straddling the line between the human world he was raised in and this new world just around the corner. it's scary, perhaps even scarier when you have been living a certain way for much longer. though it doesn't show on his face, he feels a measure of sympathy for him, wanting to at least provide a welcoming introduction if only to help that transformation process. ]
I will go and prepare your order in the meantime.
( get your feet wet β ha, that's kind of funny, considering the bad reputation cats and water have; he'll go so far as to mimic dipping a front paw into a puddle and recoiling, a faux-shudder rattling through him from ears to tail. could he laugh, he would, a goofy thing. if this whole pursuit of his doesn't work out for him, maybe jase ought to just start a career as a cat-pantomiming act.
staying a while sounds pretty damn good to him, though, if it means standing in this boy's aura for even a little while longer.
despite the way his little heart seems to jump into his throat each time briar looks down at him so calmly, it's reassuring to have someone so β well, sure of themselves to guide him through his uncertainties. jase still feels too big for this body he's rocking right now, but he's maybe becoming a little more comfortable with this idle sway of his tail, the way his whiskers twitch when he thinks he's smelled something or someone new wafting through the back alleyway. all things considered, this is somehow the longest he's spent in this form; previous attempts left him so shaken by the unintended result that he leapt right back into human form as quickly as he could.
jase certainly doesn't intend to wait it out by himself if briar's going to make his β what, potion? antidote? something? he's clueless β and as such, he nudges a small, wet nose against the back of briar's palm, trotting towards the door to the inside of the cafΓ© again before looking over his shoulder at the boy.
expect a cat weaving in and out of your legs as you re-enter the shop, briar; call it instinct. )
staying a while sounds pretty damn good to him, though, if it means standing in this boy's aura for even a little while longer.
despite the way his little heart seems to jump into his throat each time briar looks down at him so calmly, it's reassuring to have someone so β well, sure of themselves to guide him through his uncertainties. jase still feels too big for this body he's rocking right now, but he's maybe becoming a little more comfortable with this idle sway of his tail, the way his whiskers twitch when he thinks he's smelled something or someone new wafting through the back alleyway. all things considered, this is somehow the longest he's spent in this form; previous attempts left him so shaken by the unintended result that he leapt right back into human form as quickly as he could.
jase certainly doesn't intend to wait it out by himself if briar's going to make his β what, potion? antidote? something? he's clueless β and as such, he nudges a small, wet nose against the back of briar's palm, trotting towards the door to the inside of the cafΓ© again before looking over his shoulder at the boy.
expect a cat weaving in and out of your legs as you re-enter the shop, briar; call it instinct. )
You're having fun, aren't you?
[ he doesn't coo like most people would at the sight of a cat, knowing fully well that there is a grown boy there. he brushes his fingertips against that cat's chin and offers him a rare, knowing wink. it's endearing, watching him figure himself out.
hmm.
briar giggles softly at the brush of a nose against his hand and his eyebrows disappear beneath his hair as he watches that cat make his way towards the shop again. pushing himself onto his feet, he brushes himself off lightly and makes his way into the cafe once more. the antidote should be easy, mildly effective in nature as the ingredients he has in mind have helped many others get over their magic blocks, though in truth it's more of a placebo for jase's sake. ]
Oh, I think you're having a wonderful time, [ briar teases once he feels the brush of fur against his calves. ]
[ he doesn't coo like most people would at the sight of a cat, knowing fully well that there is a grown boy there. he brushes his fingertips against that cat's chin and offers him a rare, knowing wink. it's endearing, watching him figure himself out.
hmm.
briar giggles softly at the brush of a nose against his hand and his eyebrows disappear beneath his hair as he watches that cat make his way towards the shop again. pushing himself onto his feet, he brushes himself off lightly and makes his way into the cafe once more. the antidote should be easy, mildly effective in nature as the ingredients he has in mind have helped many others get over their magic blocks, though in truth it's more of a placebo for jase's sake. ]
Oh, I think you're having a wonderful time, [ briar teases once he feels the brush of fur against his calves. ]
( jase is practically walking on sunshine as he trots right on into the shop, head held high and basking in the glow of briar's wink as that lithe little body of his darts between briar's legs, brushing up against him and far too pleased with the amusement that he's brought to that lovely face of his.
he is having a fun, wonderful time, thank you very much.
somehow, even though he's about maybe an eighth of his prior size, he feels far more at ease in this shop β or maybe it's because of that, considering he can now slink gracefully through this place practically unnoticed. no one pays a cat any mind, certainly not as much as a tall, gawky boy might think they'd notice him when he stands tall, all limbs and lankiness, carrying the weight of such uncertainty on his shoulders. no, it's much easier to stay here relatively out of the way, only obligated to focus on himself and briar at the moment β and that little concoction that he's going to brew for jase.
ah, that reminds him. the view is terrible from down here, so catch jase leaping from the floor and up onto the countertop, landing gracefully on his feet before sitting and looking at briar so purposefully, very ready to watch how this happens here, food safety inspection grades be damned. )
he is having a fun, wonderful time, thank you very much.
somehow, even though he's about maybe an eighth of his prior size, he feels far more at ease in this shop β or maybe it's because of that, considering he can now slink gracefully through this place practically unnoticed. no one pays a cat any mind, certainly not as much as a tall, gawky boy might think they'd notice him when he stands tall, all limbs and lankiness, carrying the weight of such uncertainty on his shoulders. no, it's much easier to stay here relatively out of the way, only obligated to focus on himself and briar at the moment β and that little concoction that he's going to brew for jase.
ah, that reminds him. the view is terrible from down here, so catch jase leaping from the floor and up onto the countertop, landing gracefully on his feet before sitting and looking at briar so purposefully, very ready to watch how this happens here, food safety inspection grades be damned. )
[ he knows instantly that this poor creature is instantly smitten with him and the notion doesn't make him as uneasy as it has been with anyone else who happens to take a gander at his otherworldly face. it's the fae in him, the part of him that had been suppressed for so much of his life. he must have had another form as a child but the current one, the near-human one that he has grown up with seems to suit him the best, setting him apart from others just enough.
briar understands that feeling, being out of place, unsettled in your own skin. it's something he continues to contend with but the older he gets, the closer he comes to acceptance.
it's why he's keen to help jase, understanding inherently what he might be going through, pesky new crushes aside. it's sweet, however, the way that cat follows him in, brushes up against him in a way only a cat can get away with. he doesn't mind when he sits up on the mixing counter as briar himself begins chopping up ingredients, grinding some with a mortar and pestle. ]
Come back if this doesn't have any kind of effect in a few days. I will try another recipe.
briar understands that feeling, being out of place, unsettled in your own skin. it's something he continues to contend with but the older he gets, the closer he comes to acceptance.
it's why he's keen to help jase, understanding inherently what he might be going through, pesky new crushes aside. it's sweet, however, the way that cat follows him in, brushes up against him in a way only a cat can get away with. he doesn't mind when he sits up on the mixing counter as briar himself begins chopping up ingredients, grinding some with a mortar and pestle. ]
Come back if this doesn't have any kind of effect in a few days. I will try another recipe.
( it's in this moment that jase decides that he could watch briar for hours, no matter what he's doing; he has an effortless way about him, the way he moves so easily throughout this space of his, fingers plucking ingredients without taking a single glimpse at the shelves. it's such a silly, simple thing β but jase watches with wide feline eyes, bright as ever, head canted slightly to the side as his gaze flicks down towards those delicate fingers curled tightly around the pestle as each ingredient ends up ground down.
briar is fascinating β just about the epitome of everything that jase is not, with his delicate features and soft voice, his aura that's β okay, and this is cheesy, and he knows it β practically magical, alluring. maybe he's projecting all of his wide-eyed and bushy-tailed amazement onto this boy but ... who could blame him?
his tail flicks back and forth idly and jase nods, probably a weird thing to see a cat do very purposefully, but that's okay. in all honestly, he can't help but start planning his next visit to the cafΓ© already; he's a sucker. )
Mrr~? ( jase asks, streeetching his neck down so he can sniff at the concoction taking shape within the mortar, too many new and different scents for him to fully parse and identify. so many that it makes him sneeze, a small, pathetic thing, and he sits up straight again, shaking it off.
what's in there? )
briar is fascinating β just about the epitome of everything that jase is not, with his delicate features and soft voice, his aura that's β okay, and this is cheesy, and he knows it β practically magical, alluring. maybe he's projecting all of his wide-eyed and bushy-tailed amazement onto this boy but ... who could blame him?
his tail flicks back and forth idly and jase nods, probably a weird thing to see a cat do very purposefully, but that's okay. in all honestly, he can't help but start planning his next visit to the cafΓ© already; he's a sucker. )
Mrr~? ( jase asks, streeetching his neck down so he can sniff at the concoction taking shape within the mortar, too many new and different scents for him to fully parse and identify. so many that it makes him sneeze, a small, pathetic thing, and he sits up straight again, shaking it off.
what's in there? )
Edited 2019-03-26 02:27 (UTC)
[ that. might have been the cutest thing briar has seen all day, the sight of a curious cat sticking his nose into mysterious places, only to sneeze at the mixture of scents. he can't help himself around animals, even if animals happen to be instantly enamored boys on the inside, and he scratches jase behind his furry ears. ]
I hate to say it, they do say things about cats and curiosity, [ he teases lightly, ducking behind the counter to find little biodegradable satchels beneath, pulling out about ten of them. he begins to fill them with his crushed mixture, the leaves and such now tiny specs. ]
Root of dandelion, [ briar explains finally, tapping his tiny spoon against the rim of the bowl. ] lavender, black tea from England, aconite, a pinch of nettle...
You're to drink this as tea. I would recommend drinking with a little milk and some sugar.
I hate to say it, they do say things about cats and curiosity, [ he teases lightly, ducking behind the counter to find little biodegradable satchels beneath, pulling out about ten of them. he begins to fill them with his crushed mixture, the leaves and such now tiny specs. ]
Root of dandelion, [ briar explains finally, tapping his tiny spoon against the rim of the bowl. ] lavender, black tea from England, aconite, a pinch of nettle...
You're to drink this as tea. I would recommend drinking with a little milk and some sugar.
( oh, he's purring again, warmed immensely by the soft scratches behind his ears, a natural reaction to such a natural thing, the very human tendency to give animals affection and receive it in return. jase likes these silly little quips, practically preening about them and basking in their glow.
it's a weird thing, owning what he is, if only briefly. he's never fully embraced his feline side mostly out of obliviousness and then, as he grew older and learned about his family's roots, about their abilities ... he almost thought they were ashamed. but how could they be ashamed of something so wonderful that, in this moment, brings jase so much unbridled joy? he simply can't fathom it.
the dark cat eyeballs these little satchels, can hardly believe that this boy just created this magical mixture right before his eyes. with a small nod of his tiny head, jase stands up, pads delicately over the satchels so he can, unabashedly and only a little inwardly ashamedly, brush against briar's hand so he can receive one final pet from head to tail, giving this beautiful boy a small flick of his tail on that beautiful nose.
and just like that β it's in the blink of an eye but that cat shifts very quickly back into a boy, exhaling sharply because the whole thing feels so strange and it happens so fast, looking a little shellshocked, and also.
and also because he realizes that maybe he should have leapt off of the counter and onto the floor before trying to clumsily change back, if only because he's now a too-large boy sitting on the lip of a too-small counter, legs dangling off the edge and finding himself situated right in front of and extremely close to the bright-eyed shopkeeper, a tall boy made even taller by the height of his current seat. )
I, uhhhh β thank you?
it's a weird thing, owning what he is, if only briefly. he's never fully embraced his feline side mostly out of obliviousness and then, as he grew older and learned about his family's roots, about their abilities ... he almost thought they were ashamed. but how could they be ashamed of something so wonderful that, in this moment, brings jase so much unbridled joy? he simply can't fathom it.
the dark cat eyeballs these little satchels, can hardly believe that this boy just created this magical mixture right before his eyes. with a small nod of his tiny head, jase stands up, pads delicately over the satchels so he can, unabashedly and only a little inwardly ashamedly, brush against briar's hand so he can receive one final pet from head to tail, giving this beautiful boy a small flick of his tail on that beautiful nose.
and just like that β it's in the blink of an eye but that cat shifts very quickly back into a boy, exhaling sharply because the whole thing feels so strange and it happens so fast, looking a little shellshocked, and also.
and also because he realizes that maybe he should have leapt off of the counter and onto the floor before trying to clumsily change back, if only because he's now a too-large boy sitting on the lip of a too-small counter, legs dangling off the edge and finding himself situated right in front of and extremely close to the bright-eyed shopkeeper, a tall boy made even taller by the height of his current seat. )
I, uhhhh β thank you?
Everything is fairy-touched.
[ which may or may not be the answer to one of the questions that could be rolling around jase's brain. it's amusing, watching a cat have very human reactions to these things; that image doesn't get old, regardless of how long briar has embedded himself into the world that has surprisingly accepted him for who he is. or who he has shaped himself to be.
he tuts, however, at that last-ditch effort to get one more bit of affection from him βΒ it's nothing terribly grouchy but he knows what that was about.
standing completely still, briar's expression barely changes when the cat decides to become a boy again, a hulking mass of limbs now settled on his counter and he raises his eyebrows so that they disappear behind light brown bangs, lifting his chin so that he can assess this silly stranger once more. ]
I don't think that can hold your weight for very long.
[ which may or may not be the answer to one of the questions that could be rolling around jase's brain. it's amusing, watching a cat have very human reactions to these things; that image doesn't get old, regardless of how long briar has embedded himself into the world that has surprisingly accepted him for who he is. or who he has shaped himself to be.
he tuts, however, at that last-ditch effort to get one more bit of affection from him βΒ it's nothing terribly grouchy but he knows what that was about.
standing completely still, briar's expression barely changes when the cat decides to become a boy again, a hulking mass of limbs now settled on his counter and he raises his eyebrows so that they disappear behind light brown bangs, lifting his chin so that he can assess this silly stranger once more. ]
I don't think that can hold your weight for very long.
it'd probably be easier to list everything about you that i'm NOT thinking about, but i'll refrain for both of our sakes.
i'm thinking about your smile, how you let me see more of it little by little every time i'm with you but i don't think i've seen the full extent of it still.
i'm trying to think of new ways to make it happen.
i'm thinking about your smile, how you let me see more of it little by little every time i'm with you but i don't think i've seen the full extent of it still.
i'm trying to think of new ways to make it happen.
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