Matters of the heart and family [N and Kiara]

[N]

I give a nod and take a seat. It was kind of upsetting when she pulled away... Why did that bother me? "That sounds great." Personally, I didn't care what it was. And it wasn't because I was hungry. "What kind are we having?" I ask, to make conversation. It felt awkwardly quiet compared to usual with us today.

[Kiara]

"Ham, cheese, and tomato!" I reply as I bury my head into the fridge to pull stuff out. "All on cheese covered bread."

[N]

I begin salivating when she says this. "That sounds great, Kiara-chan." I begin drawing circles on the island top with my finger, then tracing triangles and squares, then diamonds as I wait for the sandwiches. I wasn't sure of what to say.

[Kiara]

I make quick work of our meal and set N's plate in front of him before sliding into a chair next to his, "Eat up~." As I take my first bite I watch him from the corner of my eye, something is up with him and I wanna know what... He's quieter than his normal quiet... I wonder what's on his mind... "Cat got cha tongue?"

[N]

I smile at the pun. "No. I think I'm fine." I was more than fine. I was great. I was perfect. I pick up the sandwich and take a rather generous bite of it. Was something wrong with me?

[Kiara]

"Good," I say firmly, and I hold back the dark tone I get whenever I think of someone hurting N and the hiss that usually follows. "Don't wanna have to hurt another cat or somethin'."

[N]

I smile. She was always looking out for me. And while I didn't like violence, her intent was sweet. I finish the rest of my sandwich rather quickly and patiently await Kiara to finish.

[Kiara]

When I finish I nuzzle N's side before jumping down to my feet, "Come on! Come on! Next stop is the play floor!"

[N]

I instinctively hold her close to me when she nuzzles into me, enjoying her warmth. I begin walking as though I were leading her, or knowing where I was going. "Play floor? Are those cubs from earlier going to be there?"

[Kiara]

"Probably, but its the floor just above this one," I smile. "So we'll have to pass through it either way... Third floor is the rooms and fourth floor is off limits... So is the rooftop." He's holding me again and I really don't have any reason to complain, as a matter of fact I'm purring at the closeness.

[N]

I don't bother to question the access restriction on the two floors. Her purrs tickle my chest, making me laugh lightly. "What is the play room like? Is it as big as the kitchen?"

[Kiara]

"play floor," I correct quickly. "And much bigger! Its spans a crossed the whole floor with different areas with different things, even some books in a smaller room for those who prefer to read over pouncing."

We get to the stares and I have a bounce in my step, "Personally I prefer pouncing...! Maybe we can practice sometime! Or wrestle? Or... Or... Somethin' else fun~!"

[N]

I don't know why, but I blush. "I used to run around my bedroom with some strays. I suppose it won't be much different." I decide to bounce with her, letting myself a little loose. I feel like I've been a bit... stiff in my stance today.

[Kiara]

But I'm not a stray.

I'm your Kiara-chan.

I'm sure he knows that.

Don't pout, it doesn't suit you... Especially since that would be something Master would like.

I'm still not a stray.

I couldn't help it, but a small pout forms for a moment before I brighten up and touch my nose to N's cheek, "Awesome." Then restrain myself from pouncing him, that would hurt on the stairs. "And here we are~! The second floor~ Where a young demon can play to their heart's desire."

[N]

My face had to have been a tomato when she touched her nose to me. It sends a delightful shiver down my spine before I gaze upon the play floor. It would make sense that they had an entire floor to play in. The strays were all so energetic and playful when they got fed. "This.. is huge, Kiara-chan." I could hear the thoughts of the cubs nearby, waiting to pounce us. I chuckle lightly. "Kiara-chan, the cubs are waiting just around the corner..."