#soft spoken rocker: diego

[familylightfox]

@hexellent asked:

The canine smiled at the large cat's entrance, right on time. He watched the feline rub his body against them both, laughing a little when pawed at. With a little difficulty, he squats down, petting and scratching at Fafo's cheeks and chin. "Did I summon you? Were you havin' fun outside?" He was more than aware of the concerned looks directed toward him, and it makes him a little anxious. Watching them leave, despite the kind smiles and cookie snatches, for some reason stung. He didn't want to seem like a burden, and he hoped he wasn't ruining or interrupting anything. Still, he waved politely and pushed himself to stand. "Ok ok, I get it. I never thought I'd be herded by a cat." Chuckling, he wanders over to the couch, dropping onto it with a soft sigh. He smiles at Volt, shaking his head. "You're busy. I didn't mean to interrupt. Actually, do you need help?"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Mrrrrrroooooowwwwwlllllll~" The snow covered paws were slightly damp while papping at hands. For as much fun as he was having outside, he loved those inside the inn just as much.

In true content cat fashion, Fafo was eager to get Diego to sit down so that he could make himself comfortable across their lap. It was enough to draw a few more chuckles from those who were heading out the door, but they all made sure to give their waves before they did so. The scritches to his fluffy cheeks had already got the motor of a purr going and Volt only shook his head at the sight.

Once they were seated, the feline had wasted no time in rolling over so he could get as many belly rubs as possible while Volt went to the counter to grab something. That something being the brush used to keep the kitten's coat from becoming matted.

"Just cuz I'm busy doesn't mean I can't check up on ya love." Yes, things were hectic. But they weren't so hectic that Volt couldn't look after his partner. Even if Fafo was taking over the majority of it, he was still a little worried.

"I don't need any help at the moment with anything. This is my second year with the Yule Festival so I've got a bit o' a routine. But if ya wanna brush him out while he keeps ya company, that will make it easier for him."

[familylightfox]

“You’re always welcome t’ come celebrate anytime here. Most o’ Sternenberg will take any chance t’ party. Should see when somebody has a major birthday.” Volt’s tone made it easy to know that he wasn’t joking, but that was just another part of the village’s charm in his opinion. They looked out for one another, they cared about each other and would be damned if someone tried to hurt anyone while they were staying there.

Even if it was only a temporary arrangement. Once someone came to the village, they were considered a part of it.

“Thankfully I only usually have t’ worry ‘bout making breakfast for guests. The longhouse down the hill handles the rest o’ the meals.” At some point Volt really did have to bring Diego on an official tour of the village. Introduce him to some of the residents and show just how everything worked the way it did for the mountain village that only a select few outside of it knew of. At least, officially.

“I handle meals for myself and Harmony when she’s not runnin’ errands or doin’ chores. Sometimes she’ll come home for lunch, and sometimes she’ll get fed by whoever she’s helpin’ out that day. I know Eustace in the long house always has something cookin’ on his fire pit in the longhouse for when she’s zippin’ ‘round.” He knew that look and used one hand to gesture in the direction of his kitchen.

“I know the exterior o’ the place looks old, but I got a modern kitchen and you’re welcome t’ use it anytime. All I ask is ya put my bakin’ supplies back where ya found ‘em. The last time someone moved my flour I had t’ tear my cupboards apart t’ find it.”

Diego has caught sight of the various knickknacks and items around, wanting to take inspiration from them, but also have the giftee's opinion, since he liked to make personalized things. Maybe an earring..? Bracelet? Or maybe a poncho. He knows the hybrid hardly needs it, he runs hot as oven. But still...in case of harsher winters...

He idly begins to untangle another color skein of yarn. "I pretty much celebrate the same things. Though I didn't have a village to celebrate with like this. A small community with my mom, but yeah. Lots of food and drink are usually how things go. It's been awhile since I'd baked or cooked anything for anyone other than myself these days. I wonder how much time it'd take to make enough food for a village..."

His mind starts to run through all the things he knows how to make and how long they'd take. Probably longer than a night...maybe he can pull a 24 hour thing..?

The offer had pulled him from his thoughts, a blush reaching up behind his bangs. "Oh...that...that sounds nice." A soft, amused snort follows. "We'll see how long that promise lasts." He says jokingly, not really thinking about the implication of his joke.

[familylightfox]

@hexellent asked:

The smell of strawberries and baking dough wafted from the kitchen, Diego having been in and out for hours at this point. He seemed to be in his own little world, bustling about the kitchen, rotating rather systematically between prepping treats to bake, to notebook he had propped open, to the oven to check on the current batch, then to the sink to wash what he used. Baking tools either currently being used, waiting to be cleaned, or sitting in the drying rack to be used again. Diego himself was dressed in a t-shirt and loose sweatpants with a black apron with moons on it, hair and bangs pulled back with a hair tie and bandana, and slightly tinted glasses. He barely seemed to notice anyone who came across him, but did sense when someone finally entered the room fully. Without looking up from his work, he gestures to the fresh strawberry puff pastry tarts sitting on the counter cooling, chocolate bits sprinkled in some. "Can you try those? I was thinking of making them for the festival. I was thinking I could make different types to accommodate for any allergies or dislikes."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The smell alone that had begun to fill the lobby was enough to draw attention to the nearby kitchen. Most of the regulars who had stopped by to chat with the hybrid behind the counter snickered as they noticed his occasional glance over his shoulder. After the third or fourth time, they teased him enough to finally take a look at what was being made while he was busy.

And what a sight to see. The snacks looked delicious, but seeing his partner the way he was; now there was something Volt was enjoying immensely as he entered into the kitchen fully. One was picked up and popped into the hybrid's mouth with a purr soon filling the room. From that moment, he had crossed the space and gently brought his arms around Diego to draw them close.

"They're delicious love." And to prove it, a kiss was given to share the taste. "I think anyone who comes by and tries one is gonna be wantin' t' thank ya for 'em."

[familylightfox]

@hexellent asked:

Diego is leaned up against the kitchen counter, earbuds in his ears. His head bobbed to the beat as his hands moved. At first glance it might look like random gestures, but it was actually sign language, accompanied by very soft humming. An egg timer ticked beside him as the scent of apple pastries begins to fill the air.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

If anything could draw the attention of a certain teenager, it was the smell of apples filling the kitchen and out onto the back porch. Harmony had just finished with a few of her usual chores when she picked up the scent and her curiosity got the better of her. When she came inside, she expected to see her father hard at work at the counter but smiled when she saw who it was.

Watching, it took only a moment to recognize some of the gestures. A wag of her tail started and listened for a little longer to the humming before finally speaking up.

"Hey, Diego. Whatcha makin'?" She raised a hand to wave and hopefully not startle him as she crossed the rest of the space to sneak a peek into the oven through the little window. A pause as she stood back up with a grin.

"If yer really lookin' t' spoil my dad. He loves strawberries." And just like that, she was making her way back outside.

[familylightfox]

@hexellent asked:

The scent of baked goods, strawberries and breakfast fills the kitchen, accompanied by some music playing quietly from the radio. Diego bustled about the kitchen, having gotten up at an ungodly hour to cook. He had hoped to catch the hybrid before he got up for the day, but he may have spent a little too long trying sipping coffee to wake up. Nearly fell back to sleep at the counter even! Still, a tray lay on the counter, breakfast already set up on it. A ding from the oven brought the canine over to it, pulling out a fresh strawberry pie. Heart shaped tin and everything. Gods, he felt so mushy… But it was worth it to repay all the…love from Valentine’s Day.

Volt wouldn't admit that he had woken up when his partner had gotten out of bed. Mainly because he was curious as to why Diego was being so quiet. It wasn't until the scent of breakfast and music reached his ears that he smiled and started getting himself out of bed.

A satisfying pop came as he stretched his arms up and made his way out of the bedroom and into the kitchen. He smiled as he snuck his arms around his partner's middle from behind with a kiss to one shoulder. The soft purr from his throat grew as he looked over everything that was waiting for him and only let go when the time went off.

The pie was just the cherry on top in his opinion.

"It all looks delicious love." The space between them was closed again for a sweet kiss. "But ya know 's even better when ya share it."

[familylightfox]

@hexellent asked:

It may not show on his face, but Diego was incredibly nervous about the present in his hands. It’s been quite some time since he’s made something for someone he deems important, and he can feel his palms start to sweat. It takes everything in him not to shove the box at the hybrid and bolt. Inside was handmade jewelry. There were two sets of earrings, one being a short dangle set, adorned with amethyst pieces. The other were simple little hoops, one with a strawberry and one with an apple. Those were mostly for funsies. “Happy Yule. I uh…also got Harmony a gift card if she wants it, one of those ones you can use anywhere.” He’s fidgeting nervously now. “I know it’s a cop out— but I didn’t know what she’d like just yet and I didn’t wanna leave her out— a-and I also made some cinnamon blondies if you guys want those too, uh—“ he wishes he could stop fucking rambling like a moron.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

If anything would hopefully keep his partner from bolting, it was hopefully the hand catching his wrist. Volt smiled and closed the space for a soft kiss and also to place a box of his own in Diego's hands.

"Happy Yule love." It seems they had both gone for handmade items as the gift for the canine was leather braided ties for his hair and a messenger bag for when he went on grocery runs inside the village. As Volt looked over the earrings, he took out the normal hoops from his ears so that the ones with amethysts could replace them. They might take a bit of getting used to, but he loved them.

And he showed as much in the light kiss he placed on his partner's lips just before Harmony came into the room.

"'S okay. I wasn't sure what t' getcha either so I made ya somethin' instead." With a wag of her tail, the teen held up the necklace she had made with snowflake obsidian beads and a pristine quartz crystal secured in soft cord.

[familylightfox]

@hexellent asked:

Diego was once again wandering about the Inn, bringing a batch of cookies to the front for passing visitors and customers alike. However, if looking hard enough, something seemed slightly off in his gait. Setting down the wicker tray with a cloth under the cookies, he sighs, raising a hand to the back of his neck and rolling his shoulders. A light grimace on his lips. "Fafo around? Was hopin' he'd agree to being a weighted blanket."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

With the Yule festival just on the horizon, Volt was busy. Rooms needed to be cleaned and checked, and he had only just been pulling a load of clean sheets from the laundry when he heard his partner. Violet eyes has turned, noticing the few concerned glances from those within the lobby before he ended on the canine. His own brows furrowed as he set the blanket he had been folding back into the laundry basket.

"Aaaaalllllloooooo?"

Speak of the feline and he shall appear. In from the snowy porch if the flakes on his dense fur were anything to go by. It didn't take him long to come closer and rub the length of his body against both of their legs before stretching up and pawing at Diego with another vocalization.

"Mrrrrrpppppp." Volt had a chuckle as the kitten seemed insistent on getting the other to take a seat on the couch that some of the regulars were quick to vacate. They could gossip later and waved their goodbyes (after sneaking a few more of the cookies on the way out).

"Did ya want me t' grab ya anythin'?"

[familylightfox]

“Oh I see how it is.” A playful tone was given along with a look. “Guess that means I’m the late night fluffy heated blanket.”

No harm in a little teasing and the hybrid’s tail wiggled just slightly against the floor by his feet. Volt went back to finishing the last bits of blankets that needed to be folded while considering his partner’s stipulation.

“I’m pretty sure that beyond a few check ups, he’s got the day free.” As far as he knew, there hadn’t been any major incidents that could have kept his adoptive father too busy. But he also knew that it could change at the drop of a hat sometimes. All it took was a cave in down in the mines or someone getting a little too rough in a sparring match and his father would have his hands full.

But, again, it was the slow season. Not as much to keep track of.

“Pops just likes to keep himself occupied. Keeps him feeling ‘young und hip’ as he says.” The accent of the canine’s was almost flawless if not for Volt’s snickering. “I’ll send him a message when I’m done and ask him t’ stop by. I need his help with that panel he brought over. ‘S in a spot I can’t reach with a wrench.”

In all honesty, Diego became quite fond of the kitten quite fast. It was hard not to, with how sweet he was. They practically dote on him whenever possible at this point, fully comfortable with taking over mat brushing duties. He enjoyed it, really, and got a free pressure therapy on top of that. Win win, he thinks. “What, and give up my very soft and fluffy heated blanket? No way.”

In terms of being helpful around the inn, they know Volt would never ask for more from him, the canine couldn’t help feeling he was falling behind in some way. Especially since it seems like their partner was also noticing it. It took everything in him not to apologize since he knew the other would never blame him. After all, Diego took it upon himself to start helping.

He doesn’t pause this time in his brushing, but there is a moment of silence while he turns the other’s words in his head. On the one hand, he didn’t want to be a burden, especially with how long he’d been independently dealing with his problems and pains. On the other hand, whatever it was, it was actively slowing him down. And maybe if it was figured out, he could be of more help.

Getting tired and achey as frequently as he was certainly was a concern, but his relationship with pain is…an intimate one, so to speak. They were more than capable of pushing through it if need be. But, he had to remember wasn’t in that situation anymore, much less alone to deal with the aftermath, a concept he struggled with constantly.

Finally, he speaks up, a hesitation in his voice. “I…suppose so. I mean, if it doesn’t interfere with whatever he has goin on. He, uh, seems like a busy guy.” Granted he only seen the guy once or twice at this point.

[familylightfox]

If Fafo was nothing else, it was that he was a very gentle feline. Despite his size, he only ever used his claws if he absolutely had to. Even when he did, it was usually only enough to get attention and then it was bops with the massive grinch paws until he got what he wanted.

Which was exactly what he had done the brushing paused. One paw tapped the other cheek with the standard kitten start up noise.

“Most o’ the guests are used t’ his hair being everywhere. I tell ‘em if they don’t want fur on ‘em, quit sittin’ on the furniture.” Volt’s head peeked around the pillar where he was pulling the laundry free, the grin clear as day.

Pulling the rest of the sheets from the dryer, it was loaded into the basket and brought over so that the hybrid could sit across from his partner at one of the tables usually used for dining. The table was more than wide enough to make folding easier and he could stick the finished ones in the chair next to him.

“I’ll give ya that. Normal’s subjective in this inn, but being part alien does give me a bit of an advantage in the category.” Violet eyes watched for a bit, since it was just them in the lobby now. His expression softened further as he watched the interaction between his boyfriend and Fafo. Just how relaxed the large feline was spoke volumes. He was enjoying being spoiled, even making air biscuits between runs of the brush.

“He’s gonna expect ya t’ do this everyday… Ya know that, right?”

Diego fought back a chuckle at Fafo stretching himself further, catching the hint and getting to work as he spoke. Sure, the purring was damn near vibrating his whole body, but it wasn't the loudest thing he's been around. You eventually learn to mostly read lips when you've been in crowds long enough. And his hearing was pretty good all things considered. Sometimes too good, making noise overwhelming. But for now, it was fine.

"I guess folding sheets with cat hair on me would probably only make it worse huh?" He drags the brush through Fafo's fur, being careful about getting any mats out. "Big as he may be, I have my ways." Mostly a bluff, but the distraction from his aches and eyeing customers was welcome.

Speaking of distractions, he was caught mid brush stroke when his partner closed in to kiss him, his cheeks immediately gaining a warmth to them. "...Cheater." He mutters under his breath.

"I dunno if I'd call myself 'normal' by any means, but I feel as though Fafo might hate me if I stop now, so you win this round by default." The canine concedes in mock defeat, though his tail is tapping against the couch from the kiss earlier.

[familylightfox]

"Second year runnin' the Inn for the holiday." Volt smiled as he watched Fafo all but stretch out even further to make sure the brush strokes were long. It was a wonder his partner could hear him speak over the sound of purring. "I'm fine. I only got a few more sheets t' fold and take 'em up t' the second floor."

Most of the time the hybrid didn't have to change the sheets until someone checked out, but he always left extras in the main areas in case someone wanted another blanket. The Inn was warm, but not everyone had thick fur to deal with the chill outside.

"And let's face it, love. You know as well as I do that he's not gonna move 'til his whole full is brushed now." A finger was used to point to the very content feline. Nothing short of an emergency was going to get him to move. Volt used it to his advantage, coming over to lean down and place a gentle kiss on his boyfriend's cheek.

"You don't have t' try t' keep up with me. I don't tire as quick as a normal Mobian." He felt like a gentle reminder was needed as he got back up to go back to folding the sheets nearby. Still within earshot, and could hold a conversation.

Diego was as all gentle smiles as the feline settled his heavy self on their lap. He didn't even have to put on a show to get the canine to get belly rubs. They would've done it regardless, already gently carding through fur to keep from matting it. The added weight on their legs, and being off their feet had already relieved a lot of the tension they were holding, though their shoulders continued to ache. He decided to ignore it for now, taking the offered brush.

"Maybe so, but I know that look. I'm fine." For the most part anyways. But he didn't deem it worth anyone's concern for now. "Sure, I can do that. Even trade if you ask me." He knows what its like to have matted fur, his tail fluffy enough to need it's own maintenance often enough. "Second year? Like, at the Inn or in general? Are you sure you don't need any help?" How he'd get from under the large cat, he didn't know, but he'd try if needed.

[familylightfox]

At this rate, Volt wouldn’t have been surprised if Fafo started to consider himself royalty with how often his partner was pampering him. But the kitten loved the attention and a good brushing did wonders on all that long fur, especially when he would spend hours out in the woods hunting rodents. Far too often he was the one having to carefully brush out the mats before they could become a problem.

Yet Volt found himself snickering at the retort. What was a relationship if you couldn’t occasionally throw a pun at one another, even horrible ones like those.

While sitting at the table, a brow was raised at the comment. Thinking back, he had noticed the difference since when his partner had started helping around the inn. Breaks were needed more often, not that he minded. The Inn was in the slow season, so it wasn’t like much work needed to be done beyond the typical laundry and wiping of tables.

Honestly the hardest job was the one Diego was currently doing. Keeping the long haired feline content and mat free.

“You know you can nudge him t’ sit beside ya, right?” But that would defeat the purpose of having the fluffy heater. “Did ya want me t’ see if pops can stop by later? If ya haven’t been feelin’ well, maybe he can figure out what’s going on before he gets too serious.”

Fafo has not used his claws on them, but frankly, Di would take it like a champ regardless of if he was in the wrong or not. The paw pressed into his cheek is effective in catching his attention, and his gaze drops the the kitten. He smiles and sticks out his tongue playfully. “My apologies your majesty. I’ll resume the grooming at once.” Pressing a kiss to his paw pads, he gently pulls away and continues on with his duty.

At least, until Volt hit him with that godawful dad joke. It caught him off guard, pulling a snort from him and another brief pause in brushing. But to avoid cute and fluffy wrath, he quickly starts back up again, even throwing in a few chin scratches for good measure. “Booooo. I can’t believe you’d throw such a catastrophic joke at me.”

His own grin nearly matches Volt’s.

He’s more than delighted when his partner decides to sit closer, tail idly swishing from where it’s half hanging off the couch. “That’s fair. Alien biology does typically mean an auto-advantage. On top of that, I’m starting to feel like a rickety old man for some reason.” Annoying, feeling like he can’t keep up with his usual routine. He feels drained sooner than normal and feels like he’s been frozen in place for months rather than a few hours when waking up in the morning.

He fought every urge to coo at Fafo making biscuits in the air, very happy that the mane coon was so relaxed with him. He never had a pet, couldn’t afford one when he was young. So this was filling that void quite nicely.

“At this point, I would do this every hour if I could keep the blood flowing through my legs during. As it stands though, I’m pretty they’re gonna be asleep by the end of this.”