recolle | [open] replacing sound with sound

[open] replacing sound with sound

WHO: Kiyoshi, his dog, sometimes his cats, and also you
WHERE: Apprassage, Crimson Crest area parks
WHEN: September first to fifth; between the app going down and the app sucking them up
WHAT: The sound of static is annoying, so the obvious solution is music.

[ So this whole thing, “you have sounds buzzing in your ears now, you’re welcome” thing that’s going on is not too popular in Kiyoshi’s mind. As a result he, during his free time, takes out either his shamisen or his koto to one of the parks not too far from where he lives. He keeps the koto closer to home, it’s a little heavier and bigger and all, but the samisen he can bring along further.

His large dog is tagging along as well, and once in a while either of the cats can be found in the area as well. The dog is leashed and for the time surprisingly calm, though people - particularly friends but also people who just seem interesting - get greeted by her happily coming as close to them as the leash allows to cheerfully greet them. The cats are cats, and as such should be acting, or at least pretending to act, a bit more dignified, but the tomcat has always seemed to think that he’s a dog just like the actual dog. The girl is a lady and does not stoop to such levels.

In those parks, he can be found playing either of the two instruments, with different songs like Rokudan no Shirabe and Asakusa, or Like a Flower, and Sakura. But in the mix there are more modern songs that more people might recognize, like Barbie Girl and Smooth Criminal, or Like a Prayer and Bridge Over Troubled Water among others. ]

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[ so many animals! how can Leon not be attracted to such a sight... other than the man who was playing the plucked instrument, and this cat's ears are already swiveled and pointed in the direction of the music unknown to him. not that he's complaining; the static had been driving him up a wall and he couldn't really take it anymore. in a way, the fact it was so quiet compared to when it initially exploded out of his phone was even more annoying: a sound that made itself known no matter what, a background reminder of something that has probably gone terribly wrong.

but anyway.

he immediately walks over, kneeling down to give the big dog a hug. she's clearly a familiar face and he hopes that he is still that way to her? and hopefully the cats don't feel threatened by Leon's cat ears and tail. after all, he is cat-like but not a cat. ]

[ Oh yes, he's familiar to Hestia! But she loves hugs in general, they're so wonderful and all that. Kiyoshi peers up a brief moment to see what the fuzz is about. He did not expect to see Leon. To his credit, Kiyoshi only slips on the strings for a fraction of a moment and he does a save to focus on the song until the end.

Meanwhile, Hestia is super excited and is trying to slobber doggy kisses all over and the more curious of the cats has put its front paws against the koto, and he's observing the new person that his mostly-human is trying to not focus on right now because he wants to finish the song first. ]

[ oh no... not super wet doggy kisses! it takes all of his strength to keep himself from getting too many of them, lest he smell too much like dog breath. some people like it, but Leon would rather keep his scent profile as neutral as possible.

the slight hiccup in the music sharpens his smile, if only for a moment, but it fades back into something relaxed and calm as he continues to stay down as Kiyoshi performs.

and when he's done: ]

... you're a musician, too?

[ But doggy wants to give him kisses until he's been properly covered in them.

Once Kiyoshi stops playing he picks the cat off of the koto, to stop him from climbing all over the strings. The cat isn't too pleased with being poked by all the plectrums stuck to Kiyoshi's fingers, plus he's curious about this stranger. ]

Sometimes, at least. My- my mom taught me how to play.

She did? [ a pause, as he reaches out to give the displaced cat a gentle rub behind the ears. ] Then you have been blessed with such a fantastic talent, and I'm fortunate to have stumbled upon you like this.

[ there's... very little he can hide at this point. to say he had a soft spot for Kiyoshi would be the underestimate of his life, and it wasn't just because of sharing certain inhuman characteristics. ]

I wish I had the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument. I know it's not too late to learn, but my focus is on so many other things as of late.

[ and people. ]

She did. [ Kiyoshi is very proud of the skills his mom- his foster mom, not his biological one- taught him. The cat licks its nose and leans into the rub. ] I am lucky enough to know a lot of talented women willing to teach me these things.

[ And ah, Leon is very close now, as a result of him coming up to pet Beatrice. It's leaving Kiyoshi a little nervous, though maybe he could just pretend that his cheeks are flushed because he's a bit drunk (not that he is). Radish is completely unimpressed with the both of them, and Hestia seems like she might be planning something again. ]

There are instruments that are a little less time consuming to learn than the koto.

[ what mischievous pets Kiyoshi owns! to be so smart, or at least aware of the... bit of tension that somehow has roped these two together? with a slight smile, Leon looks up at Kiyoshi with equally grinning eyes. ]

Lucky for you to have many positive influences in your life as well. [ he reaches out to give Kiyoshi's knee a delicate pat. ] I just don't know if I have the time, and besides--- it's easier to listen and appreciate, isn't it?

[ his tail curls around him as his own ears twitch. ]

I suppose you practice quite a bit during the evenings?

[ They're a lot like their owner, but at the same time they're very different. There's a difference in their forwardness, for one, or how to show it. ]

Yeah, that is lucky. [ Not that he's only had positive influences in life. But he won't think of that. And he will also not show a reaction to being unexpectedly touched- he will at least not flinch but he does nibble a bit on his lip. ] I suppose that it might be; it's enjoyable to listen as well.

[ He sets the cat down on top of the dogs back, which neither animal seem the be against. ]

I practice a bit when I have the time , at least. Sometimes it's often, sometimes its not.

[ and herein lies the struggle, as he feels a familiar burn lapping across his cheeks. it's easy to compliment people, but to then be so forward to request a thing that seems pretty simple and innocuous... to a stranger. but to someone who has been as flustered as himself at times? ]

Would it be an awkward request to possibly listen to you practice? [ he almost blurts his question out too fast and eagerly, but he's somewhat able to keep it from sounding too immature. ] Other than now, of course.

[ he tries not to snicker at the sight of a cat on top of a dog like that; it's really cute??? he's never seen anything like it. ]

It might help steady my nerves.

[ Kiyoshi had been rubbing a plectrum against the wood, and at Leon's words, his finger twitch and makes a string vibrate. He presses his finger against it to still it. ]

Uhm, that's... Yeah I, don't mind that.

[ Somehow that feels awkward, even though he regularly plays as part of his job at Chabana, and even though he's played in front of so many people even before he came to the States.

The other cat yawns almost pointedly. Ridiculous humans. ]

[ he laughs nervously at the quick pluck and mute as he looks away from Kiyoshi for a moment, mostly to gather his thoughts and keep his cheeks from burning any brighter. ]

... do I make you uncomfortable?

[ because their last interaction could easily have done that, and there's the slightest nagging worry in the back of Leon's mind that makes him feel... a little scared.

if only the cat could advise him. ]

I apologize if I have.

[ Cats gives great advise, unless they're out to turn you into cash machines by using gossip about you in their gossip rags. ]

No! Well-

[ He scratches his scalp, and winces wen some of the plectrums get stuck in his hair and he has to carefully untangle himself. ]

....Actually a little. But it's-- not a bad sort of uncomfortable...

[ ah. those are the worst. ]

... oh. [ there's no way he can contain his blush, or the sudden tightness in his chest. but the latter is probably harder to see? maybe? his tail curls around his body and his ears fold. ]

If it's not bad, then...

[ following that logic, it's the same for him. ]

[ Cat body language is not helpful in hiding emotions around a cat owner. And this cat owner is wide-eyed at this tail and ear language. And his face and blush. nvm that Kiyoshi's face isn't clear of blushes, but the pain he rubs his knuckles against to clear is making him able to not stutter badly. ]

Then it's logically good, right? I like having you around even when it's a little uncomfortable and awkward.

[ Or a lot uncomfortable and awkward! Up and down in that regards seems to be the normal here. ]

I would like to move past the awkwardness at some point, though. It is not a bad feeling, but there must be some kind of comfort waiting ahead... right?

[ a part of him feels embarrassed acting like this: he's not new to having feelings of this nature, but it's hard for him to digest it all. he knows some things about Kiyoshi, but not everything.

and therein lies a little fear, too. ]

If things were more normal, I would want things to be more traditional. If that makes sense.

Probably, but give it a while, it'll probably calm down a bit.

[ He's been married thrice and it's nice to know that even after three failed marriages and other failed relationships, he can still get fluttery around cute people. ]

If things were normal, you mean without Retrospec? Traditional how exactly? With, um, like, proper dates...?

[ Wait did he say that? Apparently he did. Yikes, what if he's misinterpreted the air between them. ]

[ it's the opposite for him, having very little time for any sort of romance in his younger years. obviously, that doesn't stop him from getting fluttery around equally cute people with lovely pets. ]

... yes. Proper dates. Or at least, without the fear of something big disrupting the peace.

[ sort of like the current static on the phones. ]

But I like this, too. Seeing you grounds me, makes things feel a little more stable.

Um, thank you...

[ Kiyoshi is confused. Kiyoshi does not understand this logic. How would being around him make anyone feel grounded or stable? Except he hopes his kids does but- other people! Do not! Feel those sort of things! Around him! ]

That's, you know, that might be a bit difficult, with the circumstances as they are. I mean with the peace thing. Does that make trying anyway not an option?

[ just being around those who are still here is quite good enough, what with the slow but sure loss of friendly faces. it just so happens that Kiyoshi's face is one of his favorites. ]

Trying is still on the table. [ and he stands, giving each animal one gentle pat on the head before he moves to sit with Kiyoshi. ] This could count, though I suppose it'd be unusual to go on a date with all of your pets as well...?

[ Say that out loud and Kiyoshi will be really embarrassed. ]

It is? [ This is good new, he thinks. ] People go to things like cat cafés for dates so I wouldn't say it's unusual.

[ ----wait.. So... Oh. ]

[ with a gentle laugh, he gives Kiyoshi's leg a pat. ]

Well, I don't know if I'd go to my own café for a date. Would a cat that owned a café be called one?

[ both of his ears twitch as Leon leans back and hums. ]

I wouldn't mind just going somewhere for dinner... or tea... or something.

Not unless you let people pet you while they're visiting.

[ Hey, dog wants a pat too, give pats, here's a nose! ]

That would, sounds nice.

It does, doesn't it?

[ and then he nervously rubs the back of his own head, while also giving the dog a few extra pats for being a familiar fuzzy face (and cute). ]

... would you want to pet me?

[ The dog's tail thumps happily against the ground, while the fox's fingers rubs against the koto. ]

Yeah. [ Ah. ] Sound, sound nice I mean. Not that I wouldn't want to pet you though! [ Ah. ]

[ Kiyoshi's response makes him smile, brighter than the anything he's done thus far. maybe it's because he likes hearing the fox get flustered? or maybe it's because... well, his particularly skilled fingers would feel better against his ears than others? ]

It's... no worries, that was a little forward, wasn't it?

[ his ears go flat, giving the dog some more attention. ]

[ Oh why does Leon have to make such cute faces. ]

Just a little forward. But I do still want to touch them.

[ They have discussed this before. ]

And you're welcome to touch mine though they're a bit stranger.

They're all yours, whenever you want them. Free of charge as well. I started thinking about selling headpats at my cafe, but I realized that could be considered too odd for food service.

[ he reaches forward, but hesitates as his fingers curl at the side of Kiyoshi's cheek. ]

... I like your ears, but... are you absolutely sure?

[ he's full of nerves, now. ]

Eh, are you sure? Well you may need a permit relating to animals if you want to do that, though I don't know if it would work that way legally or not.

[ There are cops on the app, isn't there? Not that Kiyoshi gets involved with those if he can avoid it. ]

You- Even though they're weird.. [ Like they can't decide if they want to be furry or furless. ] I trust you, and that you won't suddenly pull on them.

I suppose that would make a cat cafe a different kind of cat cafe.

[ same in name. different in purpose. also, considerably more risque. ]

They're not weird, but they are different. Adorably so.

[ also he totally understands the ear pulling thing, and he lets one finger slowly drag against the top of one of Kiyoshi's. ]

Yeah I'm pretty sure it would.

[ Okay he just did that. That's strangely nice. It's a bit more awkward than he expected. ]

Ah... No, yours are much cuter.

[ of course he just did that... there are times when playing coy is right, and there are times when it's not right. this is one of the latter. ]

... despite the unusual circumstances that have led to us rediscovering our old physical forms, I feel that we are blessed to be cute together.

[ he looks at the ground, then to the various pets, and then back up to Kiyoshi. ]

[ Kiyoshi is normally very coy, he's good at the coy, but around Leon he can only get it to work part of the time. Sometimes it goes very well, sometimes- like now- he just turns into a blushing mess. ]

We-well, I guess that might be- sure I can agree with that.

[ The pets are having various reactions. The dog is just being like the dog usually is, happy with people and a risk of nudging them as a result. One cat is still looking at them like they're idiots, and the other has started to try to wash his tail as it flicks out of his reach repeatedly. ]

[ tbh the astute cat is his favorite but all pets are valid. ]

Good. [ another smile, as he gathers his courage to continue to pile on the words that'll keep Kiyoshi blushing. ] I don't think I could let you disagree, even if you wanted to.

[ he moves a little closer. ]

[ say that when astute cat wakes you up in the middle of the night by sitting on your throat because she suddenly gets a random need to be petted. at least the other two don't do that even if the dog thinks she's lapdog sized sometimes (which she absolutely isn't). ]

Oh? What would you have done if I didn't?

[ He tries to go for coy but it doesn't go very well. ]

[ bad news, if it ever gets to that point... Leon might take her place. accidentally. hopefully they don't get into a cat fight. ]

I would have to be as convincing as possible. Whether that means a few more gentle strokes of your ears or not, I cannot say.

Persistence is key, after all.

[ wink! ]

[ if leon takes her place she will simply have to switch tactics. or scare him off.

Kiyoshi seems to, at least temporarily, find control over his face and a smirk slips into place. ]

Should I try to need more of your convincing, then? To test your persistence.

[ what a nice smirk... ]

I feel that I will do it regardless. It is difficult to not want to around you.

[ taking a soft breath, Leon leans in to bump his forehead against Kiyoshi's. ]

... sorry. Cat-like instincts.

[ he has none of those ]

[ -a smirk that did not last long, though at least part of it persists in a startled smile. ]

Ah, well, um, I don't, I don't mind, really.

[ He raises one plectrum-tipped hand, and pets Leon on the head. ]

....Your hair feels nice.

[With ears as sensitive to sound as Suzu's, the static was almost unbearable, and with her terrible luck, she had once again forgotten her headphones at home. Not that they would have helped much in the long run, as she wasn't allowed to wear them at her part-time job, but they definitely would have made the commute to and from home more bearable.

However, it's because her ears were uncovered by headphones that she's able to hear the distinct twangs of a shamisen's strings in the distance on her way home. As much as she'd like to keep her interest in music under wraps, she couldn't help but be drawn to it, and oh... Cats! The one species she feels great affinity with! And a really cute and friendly dog, too...

She kneels down briefly to give the greeting pooch a scratch between both ears with her hands, her tired mismatched eyes actually showing a small hint of warmth and fondness for a moment, before straightening herself to turn her attention to the music. She only wanted to check it out for a moment, but a second becomes minutes, and eventually she begins subtly nodding along to the music, quietly humming along.]

[ The dog is overjoyed at the scratches; she absolutely loves when people gives her attention and she licks hands in return and seats herself with her tail wagging happily in in front of the stranger. The cats are looking at the stranger too, one more curiously than the other.

Kiyoshi is aware that they have company, but he doesn't stop playing until the song is over. He never likes leaving a song not planned until the end. Once the last twang from the shamisen falls silent, he finally looks up. ]

Good afternoon, seems like you've become Hestia's newest friend.

[When the music's over, Suzu had expected him to just continue on, paying no mind to her. She blinks with slight surprise as he acknowledges her, and lowers her gaze to the ground, smiling timidly as she fidgets with the hem of her sweater.]

"Hestia"...? That's... a good name... [It makes her inner-chuunibyou stir, but the company of a stranger keeps it in check.] U-Um... Sorry, your playing was just... very good, and I couldn't help but stick around to listen... I-I can be on my way, if you'd like---

[ Well, he would continue and he will in a bit, but he enjoys people and doesn't mind a little chat. ]

I agree! The one that chose it chose it well. [ Alas, he adopted Hestia from the shelter. ] Thank you for the compliment, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it. There's no need for you to leave though, none of us mind the company.

[Ah, what a kind soul. Suzu honestly much preferred the company of cats, but her brother's dog made her warm up significantly towards canine companions. She nods in appreciation, though her eyes wander towards the shamisen.]

Umm... It's okay if you do, but... Do you mind if I, um... try it... for a bit? There's something I've been wondering about...

This? [ His shamisen? ] Sure, I don't mind if you do. [ He holds out the shamisen and the bachi plectrum for her to borrow. ] What is it that you've been wondering about?

Just wondering if the theory is the same.

[The reply she gives as she accepts the instrument and its bachi doesn't help much. She seats herself on the conveniently-didn't-mention-until-now bench, and going from her memory of observing how he handled the shamisen, plays a few experimental notes, which don't sound too bad, albeit clunky and disorganized. Eventually, the random notes becomes scales, and then... an actual song, completed with actual vocals, though her voice is quiet and gentle than how she usually has it, thanks to Suzu being not very used to singing without the protection of a computer screen.

It's decidedly very American. Guess edgelord tendencies are hard to shake off, even in the face of social anxiety.]

Hmmm..

[ The theory? Of..guitar or some other instrument? He watches her as she settles on the definitely-there-the-whole-time bench, and as she familiarizes herself with the instrument. Oh, he is familiar with that song. And she's pretty good. ]

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[open] replacing sound with sound

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