He is definitely listen. Its important to memorize specific sounds and purr types.
"To be fair, Roxy knows to look out for us if we actually go 'missing.' Church is a mother hen and he hardcore adopted Choco. And Epsilon would be the same for me. Its the whole 'time usually isn't passing' that's usually a problem. Its why Lott feels like he only saw us two months ago even though its been like...a year. Or something. Its been a long while, time is a mess," Wash said. "And I'm pretty sure Donnie is making interdimensional tracker schematics by now."
So much gently scritching for the ears. "There is also something to be said for making connection. They managed to get through to a lot of people in crazy situations just by taking chances for people who may not deserve it," he said. "But they've never been wrong regarding second chances." Maybe first chances, but not seconds.
His purring is much deeper than a cat's, for one thing, and it has a wildness to it that house cats don't.
"I could've told you that time is a mess and I don't even remember exactly how old I am." No surprise there. "Interdimensional travel isn't really my area, but I've done some reading about it to impress Red so I'm confident when I say it's complicated as hell. Explaining what will happen is exponentially harder than explaining why something did happen."
He hums and leans into the scritching. "I'm all for making connections. Making the best of what we have. All that. Why do you think I'm letting you at my ears even though it goes against centuries of habit?"
"It is very complicated. I think Roxy and Caboose are the only people I know who could understand it fully," he said. And one is literally made for it, and Caboose just might be an eldritch being, it would not surprise him. "I'd need to count the days to really say how much time has passed."
"Because I'm great at scritches?" Wash teased and scratched at the base.
"Connections are important though. That's why I told you everything. While I was under Article 12, I was stuck with people I knew would kill me if I tipped the scale from 'potentially useful limited resource' to 'threat.' That they were trying to find ways to break me and mold me to something useful and I had to make them think it was working. They always chose these fresh doctors and nurses to help me, and it didn't take long to figure out the threat. I try to leave, they're not going to be careful with their shots. Couldn't ask for help because getting transferred was the lucky outcome. And they'd always ask me about the agents who fled. Reminded me constantly that none of them had come back for me. Despite my best efforts, I can't say that didn't have an impact. Not as strong as they would have liked, but...it did enough," he said, staring at the sky. "I didn't want you to feel alone with all that pain, because its so much harder to keep from letting it change you."
"You are pretty great at scritches. Must be all that practice." Macaque keeps on purring and a few soft chirps also filter through, though they probably won't mean much to Wash.
And then the rest of that.
"I was still a stranger. You knew that Choco and I were something, potentially, since I was in there, but you didn't know much else. Even though you had your own reasons, it still meant something to me that you did it. I'm not sure if I could rip myself open to someone I just met like that. I remember sitting in that room and being a bit in awe."
"Had to tempt those strays home somehow," Wash said. He has no idea what the chirps mean, well, not exactly. He's always been good at the nonverbal cues.
"It did help that you were important to Choco. Even when she makes friends with the shadiest motherfuckers around, she still charms them and that meant there was a safety net," he said. "And I wouldn't wish for the Epsilon isolation combination on...well, okay, I would on a few people, but I'm a spiteful, vindictive asshole and I know some really evil people. But there's a really long list of bad people I wouldn't wish it on."
"I'm nothing if not a stray." He says it like a lighthearted joke, even if it might sound rather heavy. Macaque is fine with being a stray, now that he's found places to go home to.
The chirps are equally light, affectionate but in an easygoing way. Clearly approving of being petted and scritched.
"You've probably guessed by now that most of my shadiness is a show. Smoke and mirrors. I only started using it after I died, as a way to keep myself from getting close to people. Didn't work especially well. Now I just do it for fun." Everyone knows he's a marshmallow but he's gotta keep people on their toes somehow.
"Not the worst thing in the world. At least you don't scratch as much as I did," he said with a chuckle.
He hummed and nodded his head. "It is really fun. I cannot tell you how many people call me out for being cryptic and its funny every time. I spent so long being seriously dramatic, about time I got to just be goofy about it," he said.
"Said the person I scratched the hell out of the other day." He's just saying. What Macaque won't do if given the right kind of encouragement.
Oh no, that's really cute. "I can get behind you being a goofball. I'll try to bring all the terrible puns I can carry to the cat cafe to further the cause."
"Yeah, but I was very much asking for it," Wash said. There is a pause. "We would probably have to have a discussion about kinks if we do decide to sleep together because that can get...dicey with my everything and it can vary what is and is not on the table on any given day."
He is a mess and he knows it, okay. And what might be coping one day isn't another.
"I am always here for puns. Puns are great," he said. "And a cat cafe is the purrfect place for them."
"Sounds both fun and productive. Even accounting for diceyness." Talking about what you're planning to do is and should be fun, even if there are serious pieces. "I know not to surprise you, but I'm fine hearing whatever else whenever you care to tell me."
"Oh please, that was cat-astrophic. But that's your only preview, I'm saving my good material."
"Surprise is the biggest thing. Anything that involves blind trust takes a while, even when trust isn't a problem at any other time," he said. "Safe words are also very important if you...know what that is. I don't know how much you know about the kink etiquette that...I think started in the 20th century. It may have been 21st or 22nd," he said.
"Hey, part of the fun is taking the easy ones," he said with a chuckle, shifting and pressing his face against the top of Macaque's head.
"I didn't figure you were one to test proverbial trust falls on. And I know what a safeword is. For humans all that started in the 20th century, though I was dead for all of it. I've been told about the concept. It's probably safe to assume I know the ideas but not the buzzwords, I've been alive and screwing around for a lot of years."
Macaque's hair is as soft as his fur, and he just allows Wash to cuddle there for as long as he likes. Macaque even smells nice because he's bathing twice a day, stupid imminent shedding.
"A good instinct. And I can explain it. Some of it is very handy tools, especially if you do want to try stuff that sometimes just doesn't go well and you can find that out really quickly. Its like safety nets," he said.
He hums and nuzzles the top of his head. He IS really soft. "It can help feel like there's more control and stuff."
"I'm open to whatever you want me to know. What would be the good of jumping into bed if it's not fun for everyone?" And, as he said, talking about it doesn't bother him. "Teach away. We're coming from opposing ends of a spectrum on a few levels, with what you're referencing and me with the magic. But it was obvious that I shouldn't just go for it, there's a reason I didn't use any magic." He could read the room that far.
Macaque smiles as Wash nuzzles at him. Getting sleepy up there? (Notably, Macaque's purring kicks up ever so slightly.)
"Well, there are a few scenarios, but everyone should want to be there on some level," he said. "I'd definitely need whatever tricks you think of because I probably wouldn't. I'm good at coming up with tactics, not necessarily stuff to use in the bedroom until presented. I'm not the most geared to think that way," he said. "But I do know a lot of the etiquette stuff. I did a lot of research while trying to figure out my deal."
"Cute," he muttered against his head, arm wrapping around his shoulders.
"You didn't get to experience it, but I'm good at talking through it." Just ask MK. "I'd be interested to hear about the research sometime, actually. I'm up to my ears in languages and technology, haven't gotten there yet. And it'll sound better from you than from a book."
Macaque chuckles, low and easy. "I'll take that compliment, thank you." He tugs the shadow blanket around them both a bit more. Rest, Wash.
"It would probably be more concise. There is a lot of careful language, which is good when you're trying to be clear, but not always necessary. Especially for someone whose used to shapeshifters, probably don't need it so thoroughly described," he said.
He hummed, tugging hims closer along with the blanket. Nuzzling just behind his ears.
"Probably. And I like listening to you talk, so win-win." A slight pause. "Did you mean that you're used to shapeshifters, or I am? Just curious." And amused.
Macaque keeps on purring and lets Wash nuzzle him, a few more gentle, affectionate chirps slipping through.
"You. Surprisingly, not a lot of shapeshifters for all the interdimensional kidnapping," he said. "A lot of the careful language is to help explain gender and different forms of attraction. None of that is going to be too new to you conceptually, just like...the words."
Its really cute, honestly. Definite nuzzles and resting against his fur.
"Ah. Definitely not new concepts, one of my sworn brothers was nonbinary before there was a word for it, which I did look up because I wanted to see if humanity caught up. Demons love nothing more than defying human norms."
"I'm really quite good at shapeshifting, by the way. One of the very few who can sneak past true sight. It can be fun for some people, the shifting. And I promise, really, no surprises." Only shifts with proper advanced consent.
Macaque slides his arm loosely around Wash, hoping that he's close to comfortable enough to get some rest. He really needs it. Not that Macaque wants to stop talking, but he can only assume that cuddles will continue unabated while Wash crashes.
"Good on them. Way too much imperialism nonsense and...stuff. Colonization influence," he muttered. History is harder when one is letting sleep take hold.
"Hm, that's cool," he said. "Could be fun. We'll see. You're cute as is, but probably cute other ways." It takes really seeing to know how much he can appreciate.
The cuddles will definitely continue though. The touch starvation rules when he's not conscious.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
"To be fair, Roxy knows to look out for us if we actually go 'missing.' Church is a mother hen and he hardcore adopted Choco. And Epsilon would be the same for me. Its the whole 'time usually isn't passing' that's usually a problem. Its why Lott feels like he only saw us two months ago even though its been like...a year. Or something. Its been a long while, time is a mess," Wash said. "And I'm pretty sure Donnie is making interdimensional tracker schematics by now."
So much gently scritching for the ears. "There is also something to be said for making connection. They managed to get through to a lot of people in crazy situations just by taking chances for people who may not deserve it," he said. "But they've never been wrong regarding second chances." Maybe first chances, but not seconds.
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
"I could've told you that time is a mess and I don't even remember exactly how old I am." No surprise there. "Interdimensional travel isn't really my area, but I've done some reading about it to impress Red so I'm confident when I say it's complicated as hell. Explaining what will happen is exponentially harder than explaining why something did happen."
He hums and leans into the scritching. "I'm all for making connections. Making the best of what we have. All that. Why do you think I'm letting you at my ears even though it goes against centuries of habit?"
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
"Because I'm great at scritches?" Wash teased and scratched at the base.
"Connections are important though. That's why I told you everything. While I was under Article 12, I was stuck with people I knew would kill me if I tipped the scale from 'potentially useful limited resource' to 'threat.' That they were trying to find ways to break me and mold me to something useful and I had to make them think it was working. They always chose these fresh doctors and nurses to help me, and it didn't take long to figure out the threat. I try to leave, they're not going to be careful with their shots. Couldn't ask for help because getting transferred was the lucky outcome. And they'd always ask me about the agents who fled. Reminded me constantly that none of them had come back for me. Despite my best efforts, I can't say that didn't have an impact. Not as strong as they would have liked, but...it did enough," he said, staring at the sky. "I didn't want you to feel alone with all that pain, because its so much harder to keep from letting it change you."
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
And then the rest of that.
"I was still a stranger. You knew that Choco and I were something, potentially, since I was in there, but you didn't know much else. Even though you had your own reasons, it still meant something to me that you did it. I'm not sure if I could rip myself open to someone I just met like that. I remember sitting in that room and being a bit in awe."
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
"It did help that you were important to Choco. Even when she makes friends with the shadiest motherfuckers around, she still charms them and that meant there was a safety net," he said. "And I wouldn't wish for the Epsilon isolation combination on...well, okay, I would on a few people, but I'm a spiteful, vindictive asshole and I know some really evil people. But there's a really long list of bad people I wouldn't wish it on."
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
The chirps are equally light, affectionate but in an easygoing way. Clearly approving of being petted and scritched.
"You've probably guessed by now that most of my shadiness is a show. Smoke and mirrors. I only started using it after I died, as a way to keep myself from getting close to people. Didn't work especially well. Now I just do it for fun." Everyone knows he's a marshmallow but he's gotta keep people on their toes somehow.
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
He hummed and nodded his head. "It is really fun. I cannot tell you how many people call me out for being cryptic and its funny every time. I spent so long being seriously dramatic, about time I got to just be goofy about it," he said.
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
Oh no, that's really cute. "I can get behind you being a goofball. I'll try to bring all the terrible puns I can carry to the cat cafe to further the cause."
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
He is a mess and he knows it, okay. And what might be coping one day isn't another.
"I am always here for puns. Puns are great," he said. "And a cat cafe is the purrfect place for them."
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
"Oh please, that was cat-astrophic. But that's your only preview, I'm saving my good material."
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
"Hey, part of the fun is taking the easy ones," he said with a chuckle, shifting and pressing his face against the top of Macaque's head.
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
Macaque's hair is as soft as his fur, and he just allows Wash to cuddle there for as long as he likes. Macaque even smells nice because he's bathing twice a day, stupid imminent shedding.
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
He hums and nuzzles the top of his head. He IS really soft. "It can help feel like there's more control and stuff."
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
Macaque smiles as Wash nuzzles at him. Getting sleepy up there? (Notably, Macaque's purring kicks up ever so slightly.)
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
"Cute," he muttered against his head, arm wrapping around his shoulders.
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
Macaque chuckles, low and easy. "I'll take that compliment, thank you." He tugs the shadow blanket around them both a bit more. Rest, Wash.
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
He hummed, tugging hims closer along with the blanket. Nuzzling just behind his ears.
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
Macaque keeps on purring and lets Wash nuzzle him, a few more gentle, affectionate chirps slipping through.
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
Its really cute, honestly. Definite nuzzles and resting against his fur.
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
"I'm really quite good at shapeshifting, by the way. One of the very few who can sneak past true sight. It can be fun for some people, the shifting. And I promise, really, no surprises." Only shifts with proper advanced consent.
Macaque slides his arm loosely around Wash, hoping that he's close to comfortable enough to get some rest. He really needs it. Not that Macaque wants to stop talking, but he can only assume that cuddles will continue unabated while Wash crashes.
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
"Hm, that's cool," he said. "Could be fun. We'll see. You're cute as is, but probably cute other ways." It takes really seeing to know how much he can appreciate.
The cuddles will definitely continue though. The touch starvation rules when he's not conscious.
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
He chirps again, softly, after being called cute. Slightly more affectionate than the previous ones. "You're not bad yourself."
"Rest, Wash. I've got you." And Wylan, who he can hear loud and clear.
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
He sighed. "Keep an ear on him?"
Re: A couple days after the Questionable Coping
"I'll keep all six on him." The rest of Macaque, Wash can do as he likes with. Snuggle, sleep on, all that.