dissimilates | INBOX.

[ Yes, that one. Jyuto's eyes light up and he is pleased, rubbing his chin on the base of the fruit, giving Kogami's fingers a little lick and nudge. When he thinks he's made his point clear enough, he lowers back into his seat. These ought to make for a good dinner, he thinks— a balance of crispy and juicy. Now that that's settled, what's Kogami planning on eating tonight? One of Jyuto's ears lolls lazily to the side, falling forward when he tilts his head. ]

Hmmm.

[ kogami puts the pear in the trolley, too, leaning down to give jyuto a sweet little forehead kiss before they move forward. he buys hamburger patties next, burger buns, lettuce, a pack of steaks and a bag of fries and green peas.

it's a mixed bag, really. they're moving down the cereal aisle now, and kogami pauses at the oats section. come to think of it, he never really thought about jyuto's favorite foods, what he prefers, what he likes in the morning -- ]

What is it that you eat in the mornings?

[ Jyuto is looking at all of the items (that's a lot of meat, Kogami...) in the pit of the cart when the question is posed to him. What it is that Jyuto likes to eat for breakfast? He wonders if it's even available here, in Lunatia. There are plenty of Japanese moonblessed here to make a demand for it, but... Jyuto keeps his eyes peeled. The first thing he spots not too far from the grains and cereals are the sacks of white rice. He rises and does the rabbit warlord point at them again, this body language a direct and concise way of showing Kogami an answer. Rice, eggs and natto. He's no cook, and with these foods, he's never really had to. The eggs and natto won't be found here, they'll be refrigerated. It's a shame he can't answer up front. What if they spend the whole day in this store? ]

Nya, naaa! [ The bunny cries out. It doesn't seem language is going to happen. He can't make himself say "natto." But if Kogami were to give him a phone or pen or something, maybe he could communicate that way? Sighing after his own attempt to speak, he looks up at Kogami, annoyed that he can't say what he wants to. ]

[ okay, so. kogami's very quickly getting the hang of body language, and there are literally a hundred other vocalisations that a rabbit can make, but jyuto's specifically made this battlecry, together with the adorable, boss af pointing to the rice.

he picks up the rice then, clearly in response to jyuto's eagerness. if jyuto likes japanese rice, then the rest of the food should be japanese too, right? so what's the japanese food staple?

kogami smiles to himself before he wheels them to where the eggs are first, gesturing to it and taking a tray. ]

Yes?

[ Yes, yes! Look, Kogami's so fucking smart! Jyuto drums his paws on the front rail to confirm that this is indeed one of the foods he'd eat on a morning he has time to before work. He has the urge to do a rabbit binky, but knows that it isn't safe to do so in this cart. It takes everything in him to suppress instinct, but the delight is apparent in his eyes when Kogami's arm comes near him and Jyuto shoves his head up against the bottom of his wrist for pets. Now, how to communicate natto... ]

All right.

[ so there's one confirmed -- kogami will have to make tamagoyaki for him, then. so, next. petting him affectionately, rubbing at the base of his ears, he grins at his delight. ]

Let me guess, the next word starts with N. That's why you made that sound, right?

Naa!
[ Jyuto brays one more time up at him, confirming that the N was voiced on purpose, yes. He thinks Kogami can figure this one out. It's an extremely common breakfast food in Japan, even if it isn't for everyone. But think, Kogami, think. Bunny Jyuto believes in you. What's an easy food for Jyuto to eat that still offers him a lot of benefits nutritionally? He nuzzles into Kogami's palm while it's still close enough, licking the pads of his fingers because he's certain Kogami will find his answer on his own if he continues riding through this train of thought. ]

Edited 2020-02-24 12:54 (UTC)

[ oh, of course. kogami pulls away from him to guide the trolley down where he's sure he'll find the food that jyuto's so enthusiastically advocating for.

and there, a tub of natto, placed on the seat next to jyuto :)

he knows you, baby. ]

[ Excellent work. The rising suspense that had built in that moment finally wanes, and Jyuto rubs the corner of his mouth into the edge of the natto pack, showing Kogami that he's correct in his conclusion. His eyes glimmer happily in the fluorescent lights of the supermarket, and he's finished, as Kogami's gathered everything he needs. He'll have to pay him back when he's a human, though. Or at least offer to try and do so, if Kogami tries to resist him. Melting into a loaf beside his food, he'll ride along for the remaining duration of Kogami's shopping trip, reflecting on how impressive his deductive skills are. His intelligence? Super sexy. ]

[ eventually, kogami makes payment -- however, it seems like he's got himself a flirty, pretty young cashier who seems to like what she sees. add to that, it's a slow day, with too many cashiers for too few shoppers, and so they're making conversation.

jeanine is her name, with bright eyes on kogami as she flirts and makes small talk, building on kogami's courteously warm responses as she tells him that it's rare to see men like him these days, out and about with their pets, and is he sure he isn't a model, because she's sure she's seen him somewhere. ]

[ Jyuto waits for Kogami to turn down cashier Jeanine's advances, since he's here with him ~~rabbit or not~~? He looks very pointedly between Jeanine and Kogami when the conversation goes on for too long, and when it doesn't seem like Kogami's looking down to notice him because he's too polite and warm and nice to turn his attention away from the woman, Jyuto squints at the interaction and huffs at it because it's a stupid one. He understands getting caught up in small talk, but...! Isn't Kogami forgetting someone, here? A thump of his hind legs jostles the child seat a little, but if this woman doesn't back off of him soon or Kogami doesn't take his leave, he'll up the theatrics— ]

[ kogami's not actually paying attention to jyuto this time -- not because the cashier is entirely compelling (she is pretty, though), but because he's helping to sort out the groceries into the different bags.

as it turns out, however, her hand comes to rest on his as she cheerfully apologises and tells him that she'll re-pack the bags, and she's so sorry, and would he be free for some coffee later?

looks like theatrics are needed. ]

[ Oh, okay. He sees how it is. But he's a rabbit, and he can do whatever he wants to. Being an animal seems to have enabled immature impulse, and despite being as collected and professional as he is, he can still be riled up and made impetuous over petty things that do not matter. Right now, Jeanine is just an annoyance. She's getting in their way. Jyuto doesn't even think Kogami will accept her invitation because he's too busy rabbit sitting, but it doesn't stop Jyuto from dramatically throwing himself against the back rest of the seat, keeling over suddenly with a cry of pain and shivering like he's freezing, faking a cough. The timing is fucking obvious and likely to be dissected by Kogami once this moment's over and done with, but right now, Jyuto doesn't think it through because he just wants the two of them out of this store and alone again. No more NPC's! Go away, Jeanine! ]

[ oh.

the sudden loud rattling of rabbit against the steel bars of the trolley is jarring, and kogami pulls back immediately when he hears him cry out, a pained little shriek that pushes everything else to the back of his mind.

in this moment, nothing matters but his shivering rabbit, and kogami quickly cuts short the conversation to make payment -- and jeanine's too startled to protest.

bags packed, kogami picks up jyuto worriedly as he keeps a hand on a trolley, the other cradling the shivering rabbit. and yes, they're out of the supermarket in record time. ]

Jyuto! Hey. Are you okay?

[ No, that hadn't been the best way to approach things. Because even though it'd worked in diverting Kogami's attention, Jyuto's gone and worried Kogami over a stunt pulled out of sheer self-centered impulse. He's hit by a wave of guilt, adult reason overriding that mysterious burst of irritation, and in being cradled close, he stops his fake coughing and pulls it back into sniffles, the shivering dying down in intensity. He can't make it too obvious it was faked, right? But if he draws out his performance, Kogami may actually be scared enough to contact a veterinarian. Either Kogami witnesses some of his true colors, or Jyuto leads him on and orchestrates a lie that'll only shatter once he receives medical attention.

Fuck.

He nestles against Kogami and drops the act with some reluctance, now seeming completely healthy but unable to look him in the eyes. Jyuto shuts his eyes and hides his face somewhere in the pit of Kogami's elbow. ]

Edited 2020-02-24 14:53 (UTC)

[ is he sick? did someone hurt him? kogami, who hasn't considered that it might be fake, simply holds him close, bags in the other hand as he keeps him warm and snuggled against the softness of his jacket.

he's hurrying back home without a word, the rabbit snuggled into the crook of his elbow -- for all of his imperiousness, jyuto hasn't behaved like this before, and he lifts his arm a little to press a soft kiss to his fur. ]

All right, we're going home now.

[ it's minutes later that he's reached the warmth of their home, kogami immediately leaving the bags on the table so that he can raise jyuto up, hands closing around that small body to lift him so that they're face to face. ]

Jyuto...

[ Jyuto's still ashamed. Even if he's happy that the woman is gone, happy to feel lips against his spine. Kogami treats him so kindly, and he's throwing fits because Kogami was being civil with a stranger at the supermarket, because Kogami took his attention off Jyuto for a mere few seconds and gave it to someone else. What's gotten into him? He knows better than this. Honestly...

Jyuto's body hangs limply when Kogami lifts him, the cord and Kogami's makeshift tag dangling from his neck. He turns his furry face up to look and meet his eyes when his name is said. He doesn't want to lie to him anymore, so he tries to look less hard on himself, since the body language might be interpreted as unwell.

It was an act, Kogami.
Jyuto's nose wiggles, his ears lean forward to listen. ]

[ kogami's relief is visible when it looks like jyuto isn't in pain or agony. he looks -- fine? fine, and when his nose wiggles, those ears leaning forward, kogami exhales a soft chuckle and presses a soft kiss to that nose before nuzzling him.

he's tucking him into his arms again to spare him the embarrassment, stroking those long, fluffy ears back as he settles on the couch to pet him while the pieces fall into place. ]

So you're really okay, aren't you? You just didn't like the cashier.

[ is he amused? yes, he's amused, and impossibly fond. ] What a troublesome rabbit you are.

[ So he's realized. Jyuto shuts his eyes in shameful reflection, but when he's kissed and then lowered he's a little confused. A warm hand falls over him and pets him in large arms, and his eyes creak back open, completely puzzled by what's happening. Kogami's not mad, but why not? This reaction is completely unanticipated, and Jyuto almost feels like he's been rewarded for what's considered by most people unacceptably selfish behavior.

He looks back up at Kogami, and since Kogami isn't angry enough to scold him (if "troublesome rabbit" can be counted as being reprimanded), he stretches his front paws up to push on Kogami's chest. His round eyes shine in the light of the living room, and he tries to read Kogami's expression. Such a strange person.

He wants to know why Kogami is so unbothered. In attempt to pry him to elaborate, Jyuto scrapes the ends of his nails into Kogami's diaphragm, digging lightly but not hard. Abruptly stopping the motion afterward, he tilts his head. Answers, please? Jyuto squints, almost wanting Kogami to chide him properly. Because if he doesn't, who knows how spoiled Future Jyuto may become. If he's let off the hook like this, he imagines even if only subliminally that Kogami almost likes it. But that can't be true, can it?

Kogami should probably be angrier... ]

Edited 2020-02-26 02:18 (UTC)

[ why would kogami be angry? he looks down at the cute little rabbit jyuto is now, that small, furry little face expression perplexed concern when he reaches out to him wordlessly, obviously prompting an explanation. kogami has never imagined that a bunny can actually look perturbed, but there jyuto is, in all of his bunny glory.

he makes a soft noise when jyuto digs, hands coming under his front paws to hold him up so that their gazes can meet. kogami's own is steady, and he exhales a soft sigh -- where does he start? surely jyuto is not used to this, to what is clearly not a normal reaction to that display of childish theatrics. but. ]

I appreciate it, you know.

[ jyuto is right, too -- kogami likes it. ] Back in my world, you're discouraged from expressing any kind of negative emotion, no matter what it is, or else your criminal coefficient could get higher. So people were like ghosts. Or sheep. Never letting on their real feelings. But you -- you were genuine. And real.

[ and so wholly human that kogami's in love with it. he presses his nose lightly to jyuto's furry little belly before he looks at him again, smiling. ]

I treasure that, more than anything.

[ So he does like it, the weirdo. Upon hearing his explanation, though, it makes sense. In a world like Kogami's, someone's life path is decided for them based upon algorithms that quantify human characteristics such as temperament or potential. It's disturbing to think about, to say the least. That an impulse like the one Jyuto pulled in the supermarket might spike this theoretical "criminal coefficient" that Kogami speaks of— a concept to Jyuto, but a harsh reality to Kogami.

His heart sinks a little, as he thinks about it. He's glad that Kogami doesn't have to be there anymore, that Kogami's here with him instead. He's happy to be here, too. The longer he stays, the more at home things start to feel.

Jyuto wants Kogami to know how much he appreciates his explanation, and he licks the side of Kogami's face as he comes down to nuzzle his stomach. If something as simple as a soft tummy of rabbit fur can help cement him in his new reality, so be it. Jyuto's grooming moves higher, and he finds himself licking at his hairline. He doesn't stop. This is the only way he can kiss him, and what he wants most right now is to hold Kogami's face in his hands and kiss him tenderly, kiss him until the thoughts of his old world dissolve into nothingness. ]

Edited 2020-02-26 15:06 (UTC)

[ and clearly jyuto likes that he likes it, the weirdo. he makes a soft noise when jyuto decides to groom him with that tiny tongue, and he's chuckling softly before he gently lowers him so that he can press a soft kiss to that nose, nuzzling into him.

jyuto looks satisfied with that answer, and he's lowering him so that he can cuddle up on his chest, leaning down so that jyuto can still reach his face, because the bunny seems determined to lick at least a few layers of skin off of him. ]

You seem pretty happy with that answer. Are these kisses?

[ Yes, they are.

Jyuto deliberately licks Kogami's bottom lip once asked, not caring that he isn't in the right body for it. He draws away, gazing back at Kogami with all of the feelings he's locked inside of himself. They shine behind dark, glassy rabbit eyes. The moment is heavy for him despite an inability to speak.

He reaches, a single paw touching the side of Kogami's jawline. ]

[ kogami leans into that little paw. jyuto is so very, very small, but he can't help his own warm pulse of emotion, of feeling that's filled in his chest. he's seen, and accepted -- jyuto, in his wordless way, takes him as he is and seems to be fonder of him for it.

his own eyes are tender, even as he carries the rabbit back to the room, climbing back into bed so that he doesn't have to keep lifting him, and jyuto can be comfortable against the pillows. he's pretty sure bunnies aren't made for extended handling.

settling in beside him, he turns on his side to face him, pressing another soft kiss to that paw. ]

It's so strange. I feel like you're more honest with your feelings when you're a rabbit.

[ It does feel that way, he agrees. Jyuto looks down at his makeshift collar again. Perhaps it's because he doesn't have the expanse of his vocabulary to hide behind, the roundabout inflections of his voice or the intricacies of being human constricting his thoughts, trapping him in a complex pattern of wanting to be seen by Kogami a certain way. He's still him of course, but somehow like this, he's been able to express himself in an extremely raw form. In only his actions. He wonders how Kogami's interpreting all of this, right now.

Jyuto shifts in the pillows, plopping onto the mattress and collapsing into a rabbit puddle. His toes curl lazily when Kogami kisses the tip of his foot, and he blinks once, complacent in the companionship he's providing Kogami with. He places his chin on the bed. He really has shown Kogami a lot of himself today, hasn't he? Should he fear that? The vulnerability he's expressed leaves room for a lot of heartbreak, should this not fall into place. Even so, he feels oddly at peace with it right now, like Kogami can't disappoint him.

Scooch, scooch. His eyes shut when he's beside Kogami.
Maybe if he takes a nap, he'll wake up human again.
The more he hears Kogami's voice, the more desperate he feels about answering it with his own. ]

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