Danger Zone // Antonio

[Lovino Vargas]

He's the meanest little kitty...

Lovino was feeling sick to his stomach.

When he first heard the footsteps echoing in the hall, Lovino tried to pay no mind to it. It had been a few days since the underground opened up and started showing the public, one person at a time with a guard by their side at all times, to survey through the cells and pick out which one they wanted to take home like they were a bunch of cattle for sale. Men, women and sometimes even children walked through the halls, chattering on about who to take home and which mutant would be useful for their own greedy gains.

Lovino got a few people looking into him as a special family pet, but when he hissed at or lashed out at the children at the scene, the worried parents or saddened women were often taken aback, and soon Lovino found himself easier to just not pay attention unless the footsteps were accompanied with the scent of food signaling meal time. This is why when these particular footsteps were heard, it was a rare occurrence for Lovino to pick up on them and listen in, his nose quickly sniffing out an oddly familiar scent that wasn't one from the underground.

He jumped off the top bunk of the bed with ease in his fluffier form, stretching his short limbs and shaking his body quickly to wake himself up from the dazed state he was in. The white fur was coated lightly with the dust, but that poofed away with the shake, leaving the cat clean and ready as a show cat would be.

The familiar scent bothered him as he tried to remember it, and the cat mutant found himself approaching the bars of the cell within the next moment. He blinked when the guard came into view first and hissed as always, stepping back and fluffing his fur all over his frail frame, sending a glare to the owner of the scent he was smelling. The tanned skin, brown curly hair, the emerald green hues... And that big goofy smile. Oh, well shit.

Lovino remembered this gender-confused male from the festival a month or two ago. He would be lying if he'd say he was angry to see the other in the place, looking at him and talking to the guard about purchase. The man provided him with food and patience even from the other side of the bars that day, and the cat mutant hadn't forgotten it. That however didn't mean he was jumping in joy to have him paying money for him, however.

Being stuffed into an animal carrier, Lovino was carried to a separate room with the very man, and was made to sit still and quiet in it for almost two hours as the guard explained everything and anything else needed in caring for him. Money was exchanged, paperwork was signed, and just as Lovino was beginning to doze off in his kennel, he felt it get lifted up, making him mewl in a squeak-like reflex. He stared out the bars as he was carried into a car after a quick few minutes of being able to breathe fresh air, hearing the man chattering on about something and completely ignoring it.

And now here he was, after a bit of a car ride, in an open room of a house. The whole carrier was just placed in the middle of the open space, and Lovino found himself curling up inside it, his ears flat against his head. He ignored any tries the man offered to get him to come out of the safety and scent of the underground, just wanting to study his surroundings on his own.

A smell of a cat... Or a kitten, perhaps? That was what bothered him the most. Though human, he was also cat; perhaps at times more cat than the other. Smelling the scent of the other animal was enough to keep him hidden in fear, knowing he had stepped into the territory of another. The other, too, seemed to have hidden as soon as Lovino's scent assaulted it's nose, so Lovino didn't worry about immediate encounter, but still was going to take his dearest time. No rush... No rushing.

Nothing came out of rushing.

Any time the man would walk by or get too close, Lovino hissed loudly and let out a feline growl. And now here he was, curled up in the farthest corner from the opening of the kennel, glaring straight at the very human that brought him into the environment. He bared his fangs by pulling back his lips, his claws unsheathed completely for immediate use.

"Stay the fuck away..." He warned, his eyes wide with caution and what would be considered fear. He was fearful of this new place, the human, the cat, the new noises, smells, every object around the house...

Of putting any damned trust into a human.

Last time he did that, he was given a chip in his neck and thrown into the cell once more. Never again, he had told himself, would he open up again.

No human was safe.

Word Count: 858

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes: Will this work?

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[Antonio F. Carriedo]

For some time the angry, dirty little face of a certain feline had stayed just near the surface of Antonio’s mind. Whilst he worked, went about the city of Archadia. How was the Lovino kitty doing? Did he still look so small? Was he at least warmer down in the underground cells, out of the snow? Had someone purchased him, brought him out to be a simple housecat? Only, perhaps, to become irritated by his snark… Or, maybe it was only with Antonio that he was like that. Apparently his cheer tended to bring that out in people. For some reason…

To that end, and perhaps a few others, Antonio later found himself among said cells. Ones that weren’t any hint warmer than what he remembered in his visit prior. He had thought it could be chalked up to the nature of his friend’s powers. That it was natural the area around the cell in which they kept someone that created ice would be on the chilly side. It wasn’t entirely different going down another hall, though.

“Hello again,” Antonio smile, despite the less than favorable greeting he got in return.

He would have preferred to hold Lovino or let him walk himself, anything beyond him being shoved into another cage. Although he didn’t agree with it, he understood the legal reasons behind such a procedure. When he was later given information and made to sign papers it was explained to him why it was done for safety reasons as well. Antonio did quite like having none scratched up arms and face, at least.

On their ride in the taxi to the shop and apartment Antonio kept a conversation going. His conversation partner was rather silent the whole way, but he made up for it. He told Lovino that he hoped he would be comfortable. He had a few cat things, including a bed. Or he could sleep on the couch, that there was a room he could use too if he wanted. Told him about his shop and some of his favorite customers. His favorite flowers, ones he could show him. No apparent interest in these subjects or even talking to him didn’t seem to bother Antonio one bit.

There appeared to be about the same amount of interest in him when they finally got home. Antonio set the carrier down in the living room, up against a wall so Lovino could see a good majority of the room, and opened the door. That was as close as he was allowed to get to Lovino though without an intense amount of hissing and such. Figuring he would come out eventually, Antonio went off to work about the apartment and return periodically to check on him.

Later that afternoon he returned a millionth time. “Churrooo?” He called, pulling up a folded blanket from one end of the sofa, seeing nothing, and replacing it. “You haven’t seen Churro have you? He’s small, black and-Churro!” In turning to look at the carrier as he spoke he finally saw the kitten. Keeping a good two yards away from the opening, staring into it. Also when he heard the threat coming from inside.

“Are you wanting to say hello?” Antonio asked, sitting behind where Churro stood to pick him up into his lap. “Churro, this is Lovino. Lovino, Churro.”

Words: 555

Tags: Lovino Vargas

made by MISSO for use only by BECCA

[Lovino Vargas]

He's the meanest little kitty...

The man babbled on and on, continuously, throughout the ride back to the house from what Lovino could remember. The taxi ride was far from a silent trip, as the man spoke the whole way, seemingly unable to stop himself or even to take a breath. One subject to another he jumped like a rabbit unable to concentrate on one thought, that Lovino momentarily was made to remember the same trait that laid in his brother when he was in a good mood as well. From flowers, to food, to the house, the customers, and just anything that would come to his mind was explained in great detail in terms of the man's opinion on every single one of them, the cheery voice chattering. Lovino had to admit, soon he just half listened and half toned him out of his mind after a few minutes, like one would when listening to music, only to tune in and block them back out repeatedly again.

Once the carrier was brought into the living room and set down against the wall, Lovino refused to come out even as the door was opened, curling himself up against the back of the kennel. As new scents and noises wafted to him, he couldn't help but to bristle his fur anxiously and sway his tail wildly to express his aggravation, or as much as he could, from inside the carrier. Every time a hand came near the entrance, he hissed loudly and let out kitty-growling noises, relaxing only once he left. Of course, every time he was in sight the same noises started up once more just like a feral cat would in an unknown environment; his case very much so.

As olive green hues glowed in the dark shadows from the depth of the carrier, the afternoon approach caused the cat mutant to let out hisses again, each time it becoming worse seeing he just wanted to be left alone for himself. He narrowed his eyes into a glare as he was questioned about a cat in the same house... Ugh. That was what he was smelling... Churro? What a weird name...

Lovino watched as the man searched for this creature, eyeing the movements with great suspicion for him to suddenly approach him again and try to forcefully pull him out the safety of his cramped dark space. He flexed his claws in case that happened, when instead a furball of tiger stripes came near the kennel to stare inside at him. The moment the two eyes met, Lovino pulled his lips back and snarled, flashing his fangs to warn the kitten to stay away. This only caused the kitten to pull his lips back as well in response; of course it did. This was his property. Like any cat, territory was everything. This little squirt sure knew how to live by his instincts already...

And this was why Lovino too was hostile from the start, unable to claim anything as his own yet desperate to do so. Share space? Oh please. That was nonsense.

As the hissing and low growling continued, the kitten seemed to get agitated, his tail almost wagging at the threat. This however all came to a halt when the idiot human stepped in however and lifted the equally hostile kitten to his lap, introducing the two as if they were equal humans as himself. Did he think the wagging of the tail for a cat was the same as a dog? Lovino couldn't help but to feel annoyed, especially once the kitten held his head and tail high once in the human's lap, showing clear dominance.

This irritated Lovino more than anything. Here he was, being mocked by a kid of a cat, and he was still inside this small crate unable to do anything about it. Well then... He would have to show this kitten what it was like if he wanted to claim dominance. To be dominant, one would have to be strong enough to stand on their own.

And Lovino doubted this kitten had it in him to do so.

Flexing his claws once more, he slowly creeped out his carrier to the human and the kitten, his fur fluffed up and tail leveled with his body. His ears laid flat and his whiskers pulled back just as the kitten did the same at the approach. In the flash of half a second, Lovino suddenly lashed out by giving the kitten a cat slap in the face, claws unsheathed, causing the kitten to squeal in pain at the sudden pain and scratch wound, bolting away out the room. Lovino too jumped back towards the safety of his carrier but managed to stop himself in front of the opening, his tail now held high as he claimed the space as his own.

He glanced up to Antonio just as he was able to hold his ground, and however, that sense of victory was replaced once more with fear. He pulled his lips back to flash his fangs in case he tried to approach him, ignoring the kitten that was peeking in now from the door while trying to clean his small wound.

"...Take me back." Lovino hissed once he saw the sight, glancing back up to Antonio. "You are going to anyway, right? Don't make me wait... You don't want me here--no one ever does. Just take me back to that cell...!!"

Word Count: 904

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes: I told you they're going to have a rough start. Like all cats. XD

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[Antonio F. Carriedo]

As he had been watching for any signs of movement from within the carrier, Antonio did not particularly catch the exchange that was happening between Lovino and the cat in his lap. From what he could tell, at least at first, was that Lovino was finally starting to move outside of it. The automatic reaction to this from Antonio was a smile. Naturally, I mean, this adorable kitty that he had brought home hoping to get to see more of him was finally coming out of his little cage after hours! Of course his lips would begin to broaden out, just a hint, and his eyes would widen that little bit in hope.
It just couldn’t be that easy though. Not when it came to this specific combination of personalities.
No, rather than an easy, albeit slow, introduction of housemates, it turned into a bit of a… well, a slight bit of a mess. Before Antonio could say anything or even react much at all Lovino was very much out in the open. Enough to dash forward and swipe at Churro’s face, sending the kitten squealing away into another room. Instinctually Antonio had begun to get up to chase after the younger of the two and check on him. He stopped, however, with only one foot planted on the floor and his hand on his knee to pull himself to a stand. Lovino’s speaking made him pause in his mission to look at Churro’s possible wounds for care.
A brow rose and Antonio, slowly, settled a little bit. “What-?” He frowned. No one ever does? “Why would I-? Why would I take you back?”
Sure, Lovino may be troublesome. Anontio hadn’t known him for a full day altogether yet and he could tell that much. But take someone out of that sort of environment just to bring them right back? Just because he was a little abrasive?
Okay, a lot abrasive, but still.
Slow, so as to hopefully not frighten him or make him anxious, Antonio fully sat back down on the floor. From there he did not reach for Lovino. He did not try to scoot closer to him. He just… set his hands in his lap and glanced to the doorway, saw that Churro seemed relatively okay, and turned back to Lovino to speak. “I wouldn’t go there and do so much if I didn’t want you here.” He said then, soft with the frown still in his expression. After he heard what he’d said he backtracked a little. “I mean, more than anything I wanted to see what a cute kitty like you would do outside of a horrible place like that.” He admitted.

Words: 447

Tags: Lovino Vargas

made by MISSO for use only by BECCA

[Lovino Vargas]

He's the meanest little kitty...

When the man almost stood up, with his hand on his knee and his other leg bent to hold balanced support of the rest of the body, Lovino expected him to keep going with his current actions and follow after the kitten that ran off. It would make sense if he did; it was nothing unusual. Need to check the damage done on the younger one always first, right? If he learnt anything about having a younger brother and a caring mother he used to love so much, it was that the younger was always cuter, more innocent, and never did anything wrong. So naturally, they got the first and full attention and the elder was left to fend for his own, or think of what ‘horrible’ act he just committed by scratching or biting at an innocent figure. This was why when Antonio instead paused and looked down at him with a frown, Lovino expected for the man to scold him, though that would be with the surprised look that mixed into those green eyes. Possibly from his precious pet being hurt. Never did Lovino think what he said was a surprise.

As the once bright and excited smile faded off from the man’s face and a frown replaced it instead, the cat mutant took a few steps back towards his crate carrier. Here it came… The humans were idiotic creatures who thought that whatever was in their possession was the most important thing in the world, that when a mutant /they/ decide to bring home damage it in any way, they had a tendency to get angry. If it was up to Lovino, it would’ve made most sense if they never brought home a mutant then to begin with, but it seemed humans lacked common logic. Keeping a close eye on the man and his tail in between his back legs, the frightened animal mutant just waited for the yelling that would sting his ears, the kicks that would bruise for days, the slaps that burnt him for weeks and left a bright red mark.. Anything. Anything he was used to having happen to him. What he got instead however were words spoken, and slow, careful movements coming from the man as he sat back down where he was.

“What-? Why would I-? Why would I take you back?”

Ok… So this human was dumber than some of the others. Regardless, Lovino’s ears flattened as he stared at the other with a careful glare, not wanting to take his eyes off of him for a single second in fear of him suddenly lashing out at him. Why would he take him back? Because he just hurt his pet. Lovino himself wasn’t dumb; at least, he didn’t think he was. On the very first day, within the first couple hours, Lovino managed to hurt a family pet. Yes, it was being a little ass to him, but humans were unfortunately unable to speak cat as well as he did it seemed. Even though those facts were in place, Lovino knew he went a bit far at times… Not that he was going to ever admit it to whiny idiot people.

At least this man knew better than to try to reach for him like some others would try. Lovino’s fur was all standing on the ends, his tail was a large fluff of fur at this point, and he could feel himself shaking a bit in both anxiety and fear. He swallowed a nervous lump in his throat and forced himself to sit down when the man turned his head to glance at the glaring kitten at the doorway, and flinched clearly when he turned back to look at him.

“I wouldn’t go there and do so much if I didn’t want you here.”

The man said, making Lovino slowly blink up at him in confusion. The frown on his face was clear, and at this point Lovino wasn’t sure if it was from disappointment or anger. So he braced himself for sudden yelling, protecting his ears by keeping them flat against his small head. He could feel his heart beating hard in his chest, and almost felt nausea from the constant adrenaline rushing in his veins. His vision blurring a bit in what mocked a dizzy state after running around in circles, Lovino took a deep breath and tried to focus and stay stable. It’s okay… It’s okay…

“I mean, more than anything I wanted to see what a cute kitty like you would do outside of a horrible place like that.”

Hah… Haha…

Lovino had to hold back from bitterly laughing at the man’s final phrase. He couldn’t help but to glare towards the kitten that was sending him ugly looks of disapproval and flex his claws a bit while looking back up to the human, his eyes narrowing into a glare.

“What did you expect this ‘cute kitty’ to do? Purr, rub up against your ass like some sick pet and call you master? To cook you dinner, keep guard of the house, and come at your command so you can have some flimsy shit time petting something other than your disgusting piece of fur over there? What the hell did you expect? Tell me. What did you want?!”

It was the humans that put him in the underground. Humans that tortured him, put him through misery and put the blame on him when he couldn’t live up to their impossible standards of a perfect pet mutant. That’s all they wanted; and Lovino was far from their expectations. So really, why not take him back…? Surely there are other mutants that could live up to what this bastard human wanted…

Word Count: 954

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes: uwu -pets lovi-

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[Antonio F. Carriedo]

“Rub against my-?” Antonio repeated, fixating on that for whatever reason at first. He shifted up from his sitting position if only just enough to look back at his butt with a bit of a quirked brow. He tried to visualize such a thing, a cat rubbing against his ass. “How would you even manage that? You’re not tall enough to reach unless – maybe if you were on a table I guess, but…” He wasn’t so tall that his butt was that far above many counters or tables. Maybe if it were a lower one it could work out, or if Lovino could float in the air somehow… Now that was a bit of a terrifying, albeit awe-inspiring visual.

After that brief moment of thought, Antonio slowly sat back down fully and watched Lovino. He let out a bit of a sigh, resting his cheek in his palm and his elbow on his knee. He… really must have been through some eccentric contract owners before. Even Antonio had to admit that eccentric may be too kind of a term, considering how Lovino spoke and was acting…

Such a thing only made him… more sad. Not only that Lovino had probably experienced less than optimal care even when outside of the underground, but that he had come to expect it… There was something singularly upsetting about it all to Antonio.

He spoke slowly again. “While the thought of a cute kitty cooking is neat, I don’t – I didn’t bring you here expecting you to do anything. I enjoy cooking, and I don’t really feel like anyone needs to ‘guard’ my house.” Whether it was intentional or not, Antonio tried to sound as genuine as possible when he spoke. How it was received was up to Lovino. And… perhaps Antonio in how many actions he backed up his words with as time went on. Sighing again, he realized that that probably would be his best bet at this point. As of now Lovino didn’t seem too especially trusting, or to believe him when he spoke. So… might as well let him see that he meant it.

Taking that all in mind, Antonio breathed in, straightened a little, and smiled. For now, it’d be better to not think about such depressing things and just get through day to day with Lovino and his usual life. “Speaking of cooking – what do you like to eat? I should probably get started on food right about now.” He tilted his head, “you seemed to like the fish from last time. I bought a few different kinds of fish in preparation. Do you like it seasoned or cooked in any specific way?” This time around his voice was a bit more of its usual excitement and odd optimistic joy, although it be a bit calmer after. A bit.

Words: 471

Tags: Lovino Vargas

made by MISSO for use only by BECCA

[Lovino Vargas]

He's the meanest little kitty...

For a moment Lovino was unable to stare blankly in confusion when Antonio was fixated on the phrase he mentioned about rubbing up against the disgusting human ass, unable to understand why the human was stuck on that very phrase. Did he really wish for it? Well that was disgusting. Lovino, in his mind, vowed to never do such thing to humans or other mutants as well, rolling his eyes as the man tried to think of ways it was possible for him to do so. He sighed, before his eyes widened when the man slowly moved to sit down fully, jumping back and unsheathing his claws in an instant.

His heart beated rapidly in his chest as he kept his eyes glued to the man once more, unable to stop staring in fear of the man suddenly reaching forward for him. He gave one peek towards the kennel he was carried in to this very room and a sense of relief washed through his body in waves, knowing that there was at least that place to hide in still if he needed to. Relaxing a bit at that thought in mind, having already made the kennel his own little safety box that nothing could harm him in. The fur slowly laid flat against his small frame and his ears perked up a bit from their protective stances. When Antonio began to speak, he even twitched his whiskers a bit in reponse and listened in. The slowly spoken words were easy to pick up once he wasn’t in frantic fear.

But the words that reached his ears confused him further, making him slowly tilt his head to the side. If there was no purpose of buying him to make him work… Then why was he here? He just couldn’t wrap his mind around how the Spaniard just wanted his company, never having had experience of it before. Humans always wanted him for something, whether it was for the food he could cook, a housepet, a slave to take of sexual needs (Though Lovino always resisted that with all he had and had yet to do anything for that, always being kicked back into the underground before they managed to make him work), that being told that he just needed to chill in this new house… It brought a new sense of nervousness in the feline mutant.

The next question that left the Spaniard’s lips however made Lovino a bit excited, though confusion was still clearly mixed in his hues. Was he just asked… What he wanted to eat? He had a choice? Why? How? What did he do to get that reward? The choice to pick what food he wanted to consume? Shifting his weight from one forepaw to another in thought, Lovino swallowed once in hops to not get his voice caught in his throat and hesitated before he mewed out a mixture of cat noises to make out words. Maybe he could test this a little bit…? “D-Does it have to be fish…?” He asked shakily, positioning himself to scoot closer back towards his kennel, ready to dart back in in case the man in front of him suddenly snapped. “Do you know, how to… Make pasta…?”

If so… His mouth watered, having not had one of his favorite dishes in several long years… Last time was when he was still in Weeds of Tomorrow, where they were served regular meals in routined consistancy. Three meals a day, each what the children were used to eating back at home, from hamburgers to cotton candy to even heavy portions of steak or fried rice on special occasions… And Lovino remembered always complaining about the pasta they served, it having not had been as tasty as the ones his father made back at home, but at this point even that sounded like a feast. At least it was pasta… Something he could never get anymore in the underground.

But was he being too greedy…? In fear that he had crossed the line, before waiting for Antonio’s response, he already had one of his back paws back into the security of his kennel, his eyes locked on the man for any sudden movements. He probably looked like an idiot to the kitten that was watching him from the door, quivering in fear of the man he was probably so used to being pet to, but it never could hurt to be too careful, right?

Word Count: 743

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes: 

template made by MISSO for use only by PUCHI

[Antonio F. Carriedo]

Even to one as oblivious as Antonio, and on the face of a cat as opposed to the usual expressiveness of a human, he could see the confusion run across Lovino’s visage a number of times in that moment. Perhaps for more than one reason. Later he would think back and figure through the possible reasons for such. He could not comprehend the idea of someone taking him out on contract for any reason beyond wanting him for some kind of work, or that he would be given the choice of what he ate. What was more depressing, he wouldn’t be able to decide.

For now … Antonio blinked owlishly when Lovino spoke so hesitantly. Did it have to be fish? Antonio had figured that as a cat, and by the reaction to the food he’d offered him at the cages during the festival, that fish was Lovino’s favorite food. He supposed that was a little simple minded of him. But… pasta?

Antonio laughed openly, the sound light and airy. “Do I know how to make pasta? Lovino, I am Spanish. I am from the Mediterranean. What type of pasta do you like? Spaghetti? Fettuccini? Macaroni? Ravioli? I can cook a lot. If I haven’t before I can always look it up and give it a try too. Go to the store if I don’t have everything.” He thought for a moment, ticking off ingredients on his fingers as he thought out loud. “I have spaghetti and tomato sauce, although depending if you like meatballs or things in your sauce I might need to go shopping. I also have angel hair pasta. I might be able to whip up some alfredo.” When he paused in his list-making Antonio caught Lovino’s worried steps back towards his kennel. Antonio’s delighted smile softened.

“It doesn’t have to be fish, Lovino. If you like pasta I can make pasta. If you like stew I can make stew. It’s way more fun to have someone around when you try to make them comfortable and happy than just ignore them.” He spoke, again trying to sound as genuine as possible. Antonio tilted his head as he said it, smiling. “It’s no trouble. I can cook enough for two if I like it as well, which could be the case most of the time. If not we can have leftovers for you in the fridge and I can make myself something.” There was consideration and thought in his words. Antonio was trying to address as many as possible of Lovino’s worries that he could have about the subject. If it would be annoyed to have to cook two meals, if Antonio couldn’t be bothered with it.

He shrugged easily. “I like cooking. It wouldn’t be that much of a bother.” He stopped, stuck his tongue out in childish disgust and corrected himself. “Unless you like English food. Then we might have a problem, although I guess I could still try.”

Words: 493

Tags: Lovino Vargas

made by MISSO for use only by BECCA

[Lovino Vargas]

He's the meanest little kitty...

As Antonio blinked back in response to Lovino’s hesitant request at first, the cat mutant gulped and slowly pushed half of his body inside the kennel he was carried in. He gulped nervously, ignoring the images of the past owners ready to grab him and drag him out of his proclaimed safety box, his ears flickering as he listened closely to the man’s words in case he suddenly demanded something in return. He explained on and on about the pasta he could make, what he had available, and the fact he was from the Mediterranean area. Lovino found himself half listening, just waiting for the key words of demanding or commanding tones. He could see the kitten peeking in and giving him a snarl, the small lips curling back and baring the milk fangs. Not one bit threatening, in all honesty, but Lovino found himself still giving off a small shiver.

When Antonio’s face softened however, he finally found himself glancing back up to the tanned man’s smile. He continued to speak, now the tone changing from excited to one of genuine care, one that sounded as if they were actually concerned or worried for the receiver of the words. Slowly Lovino’s tail curled around his body for safety measures, to protect his stomach and chest from any sudden blows cautiously. This is when the humans could try to make him lower his guard, right? To make him relax and make him an easier target to hurt…? Gulping nervously he lowered his head more towards his paws and pulled his whiskers back, his hazel hues focused solely on the Spaniard, ignoring the kitten that was jumping onto the couch to keep watching the newcomer curiously.

The human however seemed to not notice the tension, or decided to ignore it completely for the sake of the cat’s heart from suddenly having an attack, as it was thumping so loud that Lovino almost felt deafened by it. He blabbered on about how he liked to cook, how he had leftovers in the case he didn’t want to eat the same thing, and then shrugged and stuck his tongue out childishly to comment about English food. Honestly Lovino had no idea what any of the differences were, having been mainly raised only in an Italian home and then in this Russian preschool where meals were made to satisfy the taste buds of Russian children instead of the others. What was the difference? Did their pasta taste different or something? He shook his head slightly to rid of the random flying thoughts. “What…S-Spaghetti, maybe…?” He finally asked after a long pause, the hues speckling still hints of distrust. Sure, he might be able to control him possibly now that he tested if fish suggestion could be changed to pasta, but that didn’t mean he would eat it… Who knew what the human could mix into the sauce. Sure he might be able to sniff out the drugs if he tried anything silly, but Lovino himself knew that some could be unknown to him for him to not recognize it as such. Might as well just stay safe… While also learning how to control this weirdo how to stay away from him.

That was his whole thought; that is, until, the kitten decided to come up and rub against the human’s leg with a small purr as if to show who truly owned him. Blood stained at its cheek as he desperately tried to claim what was his, and Lovino finally casted a glance to the kitten before silently turned back to Antonio.

“…Just go make it already… And take me back. I don’t want to be here…! I’m tired of all the bullshit you humans put us through… You think it’s funny to look down on us and… Play with us as soon as we decide some of you are decent and… Just always prove us wrong… Sure you gave me food at that fucking festival and all but… That doesn’t make you any different! You already have a fucking cat, you know how to cook for yourself, you obviously know how to decently clean-“ He said, casting quick glances at the surroundings, “And… And… You’re just trying to trick me! Like all the others!! Go away! Cook the damned pasta to feed us and just leave me alone!! You can’t trick me… I… I…” The cat didn’t know what he was saying anymore. He himself was confused, not knowing what to think of his current situation. There was that thin bit of wanting to trust the man who offered him food at the festival, who now told him he didn’t expect any work and just wanted the cat to relax… And to make himself at home and keep the man company… But at the same time, he knew how dangerous that was to do. His brother may have called him pathetic at this point, some of the underground mutants may even gasp hearing he was turning down such an offer about having a comfortable life for a short while, but… Those same ones were the ones who hadn’t been through the abuse human owners could put mutants through, most likely. The ones who lived through it would understand… Wouldn’t they?

Word Count: 877

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes: -smacks kitty- >>;

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[Antonio F. Carriedo]

There had been a spark of hope that Lovino making a specific request meant they were getting somewhere. Some hint of trust had been gained. However, once he had narrowed down his food choice to spaghetti, Lovino fully backed himself into his carrier and continued saying that he wanted to be taken back. He didn’t believe a word Antonio said and expected him to be terrible and conniving – expected him to be as bad as every other human he had come into close contact with, it seemed. He especially continued to not understand the concept of Antonio already having a house cat and still bringing Lovino into his home.

A sigh left Antonio’s body. It was disheartening… but perhaps not completely unfounded or surprising. It was as he had thought before. The best he could do was back what he preached with action. And first, that was providing Lovino with the food he wanted. “Let me know if you need anything,” he said, finally standing – slowly – to leave the room. As he passed him Antonio bent down to scoop up Churro and take him to the kitchen as well – figuring he could give him a quick look over before he started cooking.

“This is gonna be a hard one, huh?[/colr]” Antonio says to Churro, sitting him on a counter and gently holding his face to inspect his battle wounds. Once he’d cleaned the blood away it seemed he would be alright, and gave the kitten a good ear scratch and stroke of the head in sympathy. “I guess you were easier because you’re so young. You must not have seen as many bad things.” Antonio’s heart felt a little better at that, stroking Churro one more time before he let him down on the floor.

For all of Antonio’s social behavior, he didn’t mind silence so much, a nice quiet day in. Those were needed occasionally, especially if he needed to get some work down. He did, however, like to have some sound while he was cooking. He had yet to move a small TV into the kitchen as he was often given to have on. For now he would have to be happy with a small stereo on the breakfast table, set to play one of his Spanish balled CDs from home. Something to listen to in the background or friends to talk with always made the time fly by no matter what he was doing. Made the already enjoyable cooking five times more fun too! To the point that he was back to grinning when he had finished, bringing the bowl of spaghetti into the living room to place a foot or two in front of Lovino’s carrier.

“I hope it’s not too bad, I tried to keep it low on spices,” he said, stepping back from it. He wasn’t sure why, but he figured going crazy with flavor wasn’t in his best interest with an angry cat-mutant that didn’t trust him.

Words: 494

Tags: Lovino Vargas

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[Lovino Vargas]

He's the meanest little kitty...

The disheartening sigh that left Antonio's body caused the cat mutant to give a small flinch. He waited, waited for the moment the Spaniard would now suddenly snap, but it never came. Lovino didn't notice he had his eyes closed until he slowly opened them in question when no smack came. When he saw that no one was peeking in from the opening of his sanctuary kennel anymore, he relaxed visibly, taking a deep breath as his heart thumped wildly in his chest.

"Get yourself together... You're okay, get it together, dammit!" Lovino quietly hissed to himself, unable to stop his shaking body that just waited for the new bruises and burns. His tail tucked between his back legs, giving off the animal universal sign of being frightened to no end. Gulping down the small bit of saliva in his already dry mouth, Lovino finally lowered his head to his forepaws, listening in to the music and boiling of water coming from the direction he could only assume was the kitchen. When he focused, he could also hear soft purrs coming from the kitten he had scratched up earlier, the young animal making him feel a bit foolish to be acting out in his own way as such. The soothing sounds reminded him of an old memory in feeling, when his father would walk out the basement and prepare meals for his hidden wife and son. When his mother would scratch him gently behind his ear as they waited for that very meal, causing soft purrs as such to escape the feline mutant. Back when he only knew two humans and trusted them fully, despite often getting angry with them when they doted upon the youngest of the family with snuggles and kisses on the cheeks whenever he made a peep.

Despite the unpleasant memories also arising with the thought of his past life as a child, as if now he was living a life that the loved upon son should've never have, Lovino found himself relaxing in his kennel when Antonio returned with the requested meal. He twitched his ears when Antonio settled down and told him the level of spice used, or rather, the lack of, in the meal. Keeping his eyes empty and cold, he just stared at the plate for a moment before finally just ending with a small sigh, and walked up to the entrance once more. A quick sniff was enough to make the cat's mouth water instantly, but he was still careful, trying to sniff out any drugs he was familiar with that could've possibly been mixed into the sauce. It was hard to hold back from diving in and devouring the meal, but Lovino managed to have enough self control to at least convince himself first that there were no tricks involved. He couldn't smell any sleeping pills or such in the sauce, at least, of the types he knew of. Who knew what these sick humans could come up with in such short time frame in an attempt to trick animals into swallowing their drugs...

Quietly and quickly, unable to take it any longer, Lovino finally dipped his head down into the plate on the floor set in front of his kennel and began to eat, not minding the red sauce getting stained into his otherwise latte colored fur. After one bite he was already unable to be stopped, swallowing down mouthful after mouthful, obviously having been hungry for quite some time. A purr rumbled deep in his chest, and his ears finally laid flat against his head as he relaxed, enjoying his favorite meal the first time in what seemed like too long.

Word Count: 613

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes: 

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[Antonio F. Carriedo]

Slowly Antonio sat in the doorway across the room, hoping it was enough space for Lovino to feel comfortable. It may also be beneficial in blocking the way for Churro for now. Or at least to be able to see the kitten start climbing over his legs to get into the room should he feel the need to inspect their new housemate yet again. That would have to happen at some point. Buuut one step at a time seemed like the best advice Antonio could ever give himself for the Lovino-situation he had gotten himself into.

Like this he watched Lovino. His expression, especially in the eyes, could be described as anticipative, excited. Would he, wouldn’t he eat it? Spaghetti was more than easy enough for Antonio to make. It would be great if something as simple as that could do something to lessen Lovino’s obvious anxiety. While he would be sad, though, Antonio would not be entirely surprised if it did little of that. Although any sort of positive reaction would be nice.

He did not have to be any kind of cat expert to think that he got what he wanted, hoped for when Lovino finally began eating from the plate. And even purred. Flattened his ears in contentment and ate with absolutely adorable abandon. There was nothing Antonio could do to hide the wide grin that broke out across his face. Overtook his whole expression with giddiness. Lovino seemed actually happy. Over something like spaghetti. That in itself was simultaneously cute beyond belief and… rather sad to think about it, if he allowed himself to dwell on it long. The fact that it probably meant he had not had a proper meal in ages, much less one as flavorful and good as spaghetti. And he hadn’t even done half as much as he could have when it came to spices and deliciousness!

But Antonio pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind in favor for the positive. Making him laugh a little, rest his elbow on his knee and his cheek in his palm with a small tilt of his head. His smile softened a bit with the laugh – as if releasing the built of pressure of joy like a balloon letting out hot air and slowly drifting back to the ground. “I guess that means it meets your approval?” He ventured. A little bit more he laughed at the sauce sticking to the fur round his mouth. He might have to get him some water to drink after this to help with that. Even he doubted this meant he earned being able to actually touch him enough to wipe it away himself.

“There’s more in the kitchen if you want it. You can have it for dinner if you like. Though by then it’ll have to be heated up again.”

Words: 475

Tags: Lovino Vargas

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[Lovino Vargas]

He's the meanest little kitty...

Bite after bite, Lovino swallowed down the food in his mouth, contently purring continuously as the tomato flavored sauce filled his mouth with each mouthful. The fangs took no trouble in chewing up the noodles and small bits of beef, and only once he finished about half of his plate did Lovino finally take a break to lift his head and breathe. A small cough leaving his throat from the lack of oxygen during the time he devoured his meal, the green eyes sought out the Spaniard that stat at the doorway across the room he stayed in. He sighed hearing the man comment about it meeting his approval and simply shifted his gaze away, not wanting to admit it full out that he was enjoying it; even though the purring might've made it quite obvious for any cat owner.

“I guess that means it meets your approval?” The laugh the human let out made the feline's ears twitch and flick, and the tip of his tail finally relaxed as it wrapped around his fore paws, the tip tapping the ground slightly in a random rhythm. He grumbled, almost wanting to curse out the human for pointing out the obvious... The not so obvious as Lovino was trying to make it... The current situation, but held back, biting his tongue for now. The food was good, it was decent enough to make him want to keep eating, so... It would be a waste to see it be taken if he were to be stupid and make a mean comment.

Licking his lips, Lovino lowered his head after sitting down finally on the floor in front of the pasta, feeling safe enough to not have to be standing the entire time. His ears were perked back up in the case of needing to suddenly move if the human or the other cat were to approach him, but otherwise his shoulders and back relaxed fully, just taking the time to enjoy the meal. He listened as Antonio explained to him that there were plenty more for later, and just grunted a response (If that even counted as one, really). Heh, more later didn't sound too bad... At least, at the current moment... Lovino still wasn't completely sure that the pasta wasn't drugged; he had to be prepared if he were to suddenly feel drowsy. After finishing his plate, cleaning it by licking it with his small tongue, Lovino's whiskers pulled back and he lifted his head finally, licking his fore paw and rubbing it over his face, trying to clean the smell of tomato sauce off his muzzle and cheeks.

"It wasn't bad," He grumbled between licking and cleaning, sighing right after, "I would use more herbs next time though... It's really plain. Did you even test taste this?"

Word Count: 467

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes: Lovi muse playing hard to get--Sorry this is so short ><

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[Antonio F. Carriedo]

If they were anyone but Antonio Carriedo, they may have been almost offended by Lovino’s critique of their cooking. He gobbled it up that fast, then had the nerve to call it plain, asking if he’d test tasted it? But if they were that specific Spaniard… they would have been elated.

Not only did Lovino eat his cooking so fast after having shown him such distrust, but he subtly complimented it before showing something of a refined palate. Enough to notice that he had made the spaghetti plain with little to no herbs or spices. That made him so much more excited to cook! He immediately wore a broadening grin, actually bursting out into a small fit of laughter before he could speak.

“I’m so glad you said that! I didn’t know if anything would be too much for kitty tastebuds so I didn’t season it much at all. I’ll definitely add more next time! It’s way more fun to season food than not to.” The grown man spoke happily, his interest and passion ignited by thinking he’d found someone that was as much of a foodie as he was, even if only to a degree. Anyone that liked good food couldn’t be bad in his mind, and with something that great in common there was no doubt they could be good friends in time… in his mind.

Much like a child who had found someone that could name drop their favorite superhero show, he grinned and continued further. “Are there any spices you like in particular? Garlic and basil are a must for spaghetti, I think, and there’s always room for more fun they’re in.” As he spoke he watched Lovino clean his face of the sauce with his paw, licking it and passing it along his mouth much like any other cat would. It really was an adorable gesture. At another pass along his nose, though, Antonio noticed something the made him remember what he’d been told. Lovino’s neck was bare.

This made him tilt his head, grin falling into a blank thinking expression. “You know, they told me that you would have to wear tags and a… collar of some kind. I don’t know about a collar or anything – but do you like necklaces? Maybe that could work…” He probably should’ve thought more about this earlier and stopped by somewhere to pick something up… Antonio wasn’t often one for jewelry, maybe a loose bracelet or a ring here or there, a necklace to go with his outfit in his broad sort of fashion sense. He supposed he may have something on hand that could do until he went out shopping… “What do you think? Do you have a color or style preference?”

Words: 455

Tags: Lovino Vargas

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[Lovino Vargas]

He's the meanest little kitty...

Antonio's reaction towards Lovino's comment about the bland tasting pasta made the feline mutant confused for a second, before he shrugged it off with a roll of his eyes. He ignored the man as he continued to speak about spices and ingredients he could eventually one day come to add to the meals for them to eat, still focused on cleaning himself. Smearing the orange sauce all over his cheeks and muzzle, and now his paws, he sighed in between scraping his rough tongue along the fur. It was taking a long time, but the orange sauce began to fade, his saliva doing most of the work of also making his cheeks damp. It was when he was almost finished when Antonio spoke up again, and though he pretended not to listen to Spaniard before, this time he couldn't help but to stop his grooming process long enough to send a hateful glare towards his way.

"You know, they told me that you would have to wear tags and a... collar of some kind. I don't know about a collar or anything - but do you like necklaces? Maybe that could work..."

The goofy grin was wiped off of the man's face, and instead a blank expression took its place. Lovino noticed himself staring right back at it, fight clear in his own olive green hues. If that alone wasn't enough to show his obvious distaste in the very idea the other man was suggesting, he even added more visibility by pulling his lips back into a snarl, showing his sharp fangs underneath. The fur on his entire body stood at edge, giving him a much puffier image. Any cat owner could tell the anger the feline was expressing outright; it wasn't exactly rocket science by any means. Regardless, the man continued talking, and this time Lovino found himself listening intently.

"What do you think? Do you have a color or style preference?"

A preference? Hah, now he was just joking, wasn't he? Playing around with him? If it wasn't for the curled lips, Lovino would've found himself smirking right now.

"Are you serious?" He asked, feeling his claws ache. Perhaps he could use this as an excuse if he felt the matter pushed further than he wished for it to. A nice, deep scratch should remind a dumb human to not toy with him. "Wait, let me get this straight... You are telling me to choose how I wish to represent a cute little pet for you?"

This of course wasn't the first time Lovino had to deal with collars being put around his neck. They happened every time he was bought, and there was no doubt he was no virgin when it came to being someone's pet. Every time, a heavy collar with annoying tags were locked around his neck; some with diamonds and some hand made with a couple of cheap rags. None of them made a difference really, in the end they were just something to show that he was property; something that couldn't be trusted alone without identification of who he 'belonged' to. Because of course, being forced to live under a human's roof wasn't humiliating enough.

Word Count: 531

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes: Yes Lovi, exactly what that means. XD

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