#innerbeast 𓆩⟡𓆪 m1

[hollowfaith]

"I am a friend to all catkind."

[hollowfaith]

on that note,

keeping cats is such an expensive hobby…

[hollowfaith]

He paid for a good show.

Pity it didn't last long, with Dar looking so unusually intense before he aims to exit the scene. His teacher did seem quite busy these days, so the promise of a next lesson was delightful. Dust really did help the world go round.

"I prefer that nickname to the other one," he muses.

"But go if you must. Don't keep me waiting too long for class."

He's sure Dar has a lot to say for the next one. How fun.

the most reasonable --

... the smile worn is something mangled and forced; brought on through twitching muscle and a boiling, spiteful rage kept behind a locked jaw and ground teeth. crimson sits a mere flicker away from lighting his gaze with visible fury.

a beast on a leash and that holy smile is the stick that pokes him.

if not for the extra digits elongating that payment he might have broken and snapped. oh, he was in physical pain at this point.

"oh, i'm sure ya do, doll! i'm sure ya do!" ignore the sounding crack in his hand, it's fine. he's fine! "should schedule another lesson for ya, soon -- one's long overdue. in the meantime, i've got somewhere to be...!"

and something to break.

[hollowfaith]

Watching him wavering between one choice or the next is almost as interesting as any of their actual lessons. But Aurelius is admittedly happy when Dar gives into his whims and takes the easy way out.

"You're the most reasonable cat I've ever met. I enjoy placating you immensely."

But blahblahblah, talk was cheap. After getting the okay from Klaus, Aurelius promptly forwards the Dust and oh—it's five times as much as usual. Yay!

begrudgingly, there are some congratulations to be given, as the angel has managed to shut him up for a brief moment. a rare feat, honestly!

keep his mouth shut, swallow his pride and accept the payout? or ruin a perfectly good means of income because he had a sensitive temper he wished to let loose? there may be a visible struggle taking place within his expression.

"... haaaah!" up go his hands, surrendering the mood, "spittin' on the lit fuse ain't gonna work forever, but it's workin' for now. fine, i'll play nice, s.c."

[hollowfaith]

"Don't misunderstand—I haven't had a need to ask Klaus for a cent until now."

"I'd rather do a large investment in one shot, rather than spoonfed you Dust by the hour. Though if you're set on being contrary, we can shelve the payment entirely."

-- wait.

"are ya tellin' me ya've been diggin' a hole in klaus' pocket to pay me? oh, garuda's winds take me."

"y'know, that huntin' game is soundin' better by the minute, actually. cats can be such fickle things, even if ya do give 'em what they want!" he's going to punch himself for playing into this later.

[hollowfaith]

Hold that thought while he gets his phone.

"Hello, Klaus? Can you lend me some Dust?"

"I found something I like that I want to buuuuuyyyy~"

"oh, just for me? how sweet.~"

"got enough dust to keep me at bay from 'em before ya go likenin' my features to a house cats again? i might just play the part next time. i do so love a good hunt."

[hollowfaith]

"Most of the time I keep them out of sight."

"...are you saying you want me to reserve mine just for you?"

"better not tempt 'em all with those wings, then, if ya wanna keep it up."