( like leaks is afraid of catching a claw or two the side? or fangs gnashing and plunging into his skin? or maybe even better, a sword that could slice and dice him with the extra strength coming from a cat looking for current and future revenge? he's had plenty of time to think about how his death may come when he can't protect himself with his magic, unable to break the confinement that is socially acceptable behaviors. perhaps yoshiwara did something to dull his own anger, declawing him in some ways that he couldn't predict.

but here, he has no fear of that. even asato's implied threat can't make him flinch. )

I will do what I please, as I always have.

( which is why leaks lingers longer, slipping some of the yarn pieces into his robes. the scarf he wishes to make for himself can be easily made here, but what he plans to use these for later would remain a secret. there's something magical about them to begin with, which make him want to pull apart each fiber with a focused eye. )

You will find me unavoidable. Whether you like it or not, you will have my company.

( the one that has changed and leaks will never find the same, is his need to be with others. a desire to have the warmth of someone nearby, despite how cold they may be to him. where there once used to be a hermit whose exploration of magic allowed him to keep others away, there stands a cat who found some comfort in perhaps not being forgotten to those foreign to his world.

his story sounds better to a non-ribika. )

Asato...

( but his name dies on leaks' lips, beginning to frown. he wants to say something, but the words don't come easily. )

... I will see you again and sooner than you think. Or want.