Home in a shop... with kitties + Gupta

[Antonio F. Carriedo]

A productive day meant attending a meeting – one that went well – and exploring a block or two more of the city. Even if he was still in his suit, a simple dark blue, and his longer more formal coat Antonio still very much planned to get in his fair share of walking and investigating of whatever little thing caught his child-like interest. So far it had been a tiny little nook of a bookstore and coffee shop – yeah, had to keep that one in mind for the coffee, that always helped on a dreary cold day – as well as another bakery. So far he wasn’t doing too bad. Two restaurants, two bakeries, a grocery, a bookstore/coffee shop, and a movie theater. Not bad, not bad.

There was even a faint grin of content in his expression as he walked. He nuzzled his chin and mouth down into his scarf, hands into his pockets, and laughed lightly to himself. He could be doing a lot worse, after all. And he was proud of himself for dealing so well with the cold. On most occasions he had no problem with it, having a naturally warm body that many swore up and down was either some sort of internal sun or just a lot of absorbed and contained sunlight from his youth in Spain. But his mother had been a bit wary of Russia, as it would be one of the colder locations he had ever visited. That she knew of, anyway. Either way her worry had turned out to be for nothing. While even he had to wear thick layers when he went out, he still felt comfortable enough to walk most of the time as long as he bundled up. It had only been a short time, but hey, he hadn’t gotten sick either! That was a positive.

In crossing the street to another line of shops Antonio rose his head to take in the signs, some puffs leaving his lips. There didn’t appear to be anything especially exciting-wait.

“Hassan Pets and Supplies,” he read, sounding out the words. It took him a moment or two of standing and staring at the sign in awe. A pet shop…

A PET SHOP.

The widest, most exuberant grin broke out across the grown man’s face. Something honestly more suited for a child in a candy store. Like that he entered, positively ecstatic to see some cute animals, only to once again have to stop and fully see his surroundings. Upon entering the difference of the interior and what he’d seen of most other establishments since his arrival was abundantly clear. It was-striking, although not especially overbearing, perhaps if only to him. Instead there was something about the appearance of the walls… that made him feel especially at home. It reminded him a lot of stucco, something not quite so used in his own childhood home but still especially common in Spain. It had been a fair while since he'd been in his home country, and it brought a warmed lull of his heart to be reminded of it. To the point that the overzealous sort of excitement was softened into an easy happiness. Like that he walked slowly along the walls, quietly admiring the design and all the was shown.

It was in this way that he came across the door into the cat room. And, of course, right in his line of sight was a little tuxedo cat. A warm smile is born as he steps in and bends down before the cage. “You’re a handsome guy, aren’t you?” He says, laughing softly.

Words: 609

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Word Count: 680

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes: Sorry this took forever!

The small city always seemed to be peaceful when it wasn’t during the time of the auction. With the underground and Weeds of Tomorrow just outside of the city lead to at least once a year the city being packed with foreigners. When mutants graduated from Weeds of Tomorrow humans would flock trying to purchase one of the broken children before someone else could get their hands on them. It was as if they were purchasing a new toy to avoid later having to purchase a slightly used or broken model. How the humans viewed the mutants seemed to make them objects; pets were better treated than the mutants always appeared to be. Unless a highly wanted mutants was returned to the underground the city was left in a peaceful calm and that only seemed to become a little more hectic when an auction approached.

Due to the city being less of the focus compared to Weeds of Tomorrow and the Underground it was left rather simplistic. There wasn’t a need to have multiple of shops around the small city. Most shops were small businesses, sometimes even family owned, that gave off a more familiar feel of being at home. All tried to welcome the citizens of Archadia and the few visitors during the monthly actions.

Walking around the shop Gupta dusted the many shelves and straightened the objects resting on each other them. Each day he made sure to clean the entirety of the store, usually beginning with cleaning the cages in the morning and then working through the rest of the store only to end with cleaning the play area for the animals. Currently being the only worker of the store often made dealing with customers while accomplishing the cleaning of the store a taxing job but Gupta never found himself ever to skip corners. Due to always exerting himself throughout the day to keep his store up kept for each customer it began to make his side job of dancing difficult. After each dance he felt his body ache but it was never enough to break his habit.

Hearing a soft chime of someone entering the shop Gupta head leaned around shelves trying to catch a glimpse of whoever entered the shop. Catching sight of the grin as green eyes traced over the details of the shop. Turning back to the shelf Gupta finished cleansing the surface and moved to place the cleaning supplies behind the front desk. Giving unfamiliar customers a chance to explore the shop before being questioned how he could service them. Dusting his hands off on his white robe he listened to see where the male vanished. A soft joy filled voice directed Gupta toward the feline room to find the Spaniard.

Getting a better glance at the male it was a surprised to see sun kissed skin that wasn’t his own in Russia. Many of the humans were pale even if not Russians themselves making a slight confusion for Gupta to see something different. His own skin was skill dark compared to the customers but it creating interesting similarities between the two.

“Feel free to take him from his cage, even if you’re not sure if you’re interested in purchasing I encourage playing with the pets.” Looking toward the Spaniard Gupta tried to show his happiness that someone showed attention to one of the animals within his shop but his face didn’t display much emotion. The corners of his lips turned up ever so slightly but it was hardly noticeable to someone who hadn’t studied his face previously. Extending his right hand toward Antonio the Egyptian bore into the other green eyes, “I am Gupta Muhammad Hassan, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” The voice was soft and welcoming but seemed to attempt to remain formal.

Whenever someone acted inviting and friendly toward animals Gupta found himself already believing them to be a caring person. It was hard to say if this person would be caring toward mutants or not but it seemed they could care for something else that was living.

made by MISSO for use only by DEE

[Antonio F. Carriedo]

Although it didn’t last long, the quiet smile that Antonio had given in his speaking to the cat did falter to give way for his faintly surprised blank expression. Hearing the voice he turned – blinking at the light robe he was met with before he tilted his chin up to cast his gaze on the man that had spoken to him. The person before him definitely seemed to fit the design of the shop, or perhaps it was the other way around. It had been some time since Antonio had last seen anyone with a skin tone at all similar to his own.

A second blink – playing with the pets. He looked back to the cage for a moment. Ah, right. The pets. So he was the owner of the pet shop. That was a very casual sort of way of doing things, allowing people to spend time with the animals even if they weren’t a definite customer. This, in addition to his greeting, brought about the reemergence of the Spaniard’s smile. Although now it was a bit broader, friendly and perhaps a bit curious.

“Antonio Carriedo,” he responded, reaching up to shake the offered hand as he stood from his kneeling position in front of the cage. “It’s nice to meet you too, Mr. Hassan.” Friendly and bordering on idiotic though he may be, Antonio had been raised to keep manners in mind. It just so happened that when it came to the respect of using names, at least initially, stuck better due to his time in the business world. Better than a number of others. Even then, however, his tone and expression made it seem rather natural. The impression was only continued by the way his hands then slipped into the pockets of his coat, turning his gaze back to the cages.

“I really was just walking by until I saw the sign and, well, kinda went into auto-pilot,” he snorted. It tended to be the way he went when it came to animals. Or tomatoes. Or flowers… He seemed to go onto automatic a lot. “I just arrived and don’t have a place yet either.” Because, knowing him, even if he had just walked right into a pet store he would have brought home an animal he was attached to with exactly zero planning ahead to have a pet. When one didn’t have a home to bring said companion too, though, there were problems. Even he felt he had to draw a line at being impulsive enough to put a cat through staying at a hotel for a while.

But God, was it tempting. Just to sit for a while and play with some cats. He grinned at the mere thought. “Plus, I’m afraid I might end up being here all day if you put me in a room with so many cute cats.”

Words: 477

Tags: @egyptiangod

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Word Count: 623

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes: Sorry this took forever!

Noticing the pigment in the flesh of the customer didn’t cause any surprise for Gupta as he himself was foreign and stuck out among the white. While excitement didn’t stir at the sight of tanned flesh the Egyptian was pleased to see that see that he was able to tell there were other foreigners living within the area. Thinking a moment the pleasure seemed to fade as a relation that the Spaniard could be a tourist visiting the shops of the city as they waited for the next auction to begin. The auctions seemed to bring humans from all over to purchase the mutants that the Weeds produced and yet when he was able to visit it didn’t seem as if any mutant ever escaped the underground for long. If only here for the auction the tanned man would vanish as if he never was part of the city. The few years he has lived in the city Gupta noticed how often faces faded from the city as if never there.

Creating friendships among the citizens could become a challenge with most only coming to purchase mutants and even more often a mutant that was forbidden to speak without permission. Gupta didn’t mind the purchasing of slaves as the freedom fighters seemed to oppose it. Not allowing a mutant to speak to other humans or mutants that crossed their path, however, did disgust the Egyptian to varying degrees. Mutants already lost most dignity being the servant of a human but robbing them of their rights was too much for Gupta.

Some might find how Gupta allowed people to spend a few moments with the pets odd but it always was how he went about things. Children often came to the shop and cared for some of the animals for him; never did they ask for pay as they only wished to pretend to have a pet their parents refused to allow. His shop gave them a taste of the fantasy they had without burdening anyone. Each pet without the store deserved more affection than he alone could give making the customers or even just visitors a help to giving the attention the animals deserved until adopted. If possible Gupta would house all the animals as his own.

Shaking his head there was a trace of a smile on his lips. “You can just call me Gupta. Mr. Hassan is a bit too formal and cold.” The snow covered country surely made their colored skin stand out almost glowing against the bleak surroundings but also provided a cold enough atmosphere. While Antonio was focused on the cages one of the loose cats jumped onto Gupta’s shoulder. Stroking the creature tan hands returned the fur covered creature back to the cage next to Antonio. Leaning forward Gupta placed a soft kiss on the kitten’s head then shut the door.

“If you don’t have a place where are you staying?” His face remained blank but concern formed in his eyes showing he didn’t feel alright with the knowledge that someone was without a home. Hardly knowing this man he still felt an urge to offer up his extra room until they could find a home of their own. Having an extra bedroom that he had set up for guests meant there was little trouble to room someone for a while but at the same time it was worrisome if he should trust someone with living in his home. Despite wanting to be home Gupta spent most of his time in the shop below his home along with working to get booked for dancing. “Allowing someone to lack a home doesn’t sit well with me. I can give you a place to stay if you’re in need.”

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[Antonio F. Carriedo]

Not only was he pleasant – if a bit on the polite side of the spectrum –, an animal lover, and similar to Antonio in a sense, but he was friendly too. Antonio grinned. “Gupta,” he obliged, sounding out the name himself. Casual enough to allow someone the use of his given name on their first meeting. He liked him even more. If that didn’t earn Gupta a place high in Antonio’s regard already, then certainly the following actions of the Egyptian man did.

Antonio watched as a cat leapt upon Gupta’s shoulder with silent ease, the sort of grace cats were often known for. Gupta gifted the animal some soft strokes before he gently placed it in a cage, kissing its forehead sweetly. The comfortable sort of way that this all occurred spoke to the fact of it not being that rare of a scene. Perhaps it happened often, daily. An affectionate and calm care for the animals – ones that may very likely be taken from his care to another home someday, no less. Although those that knew him and some of his past experiences on the matter might have said otherwise, Antonio himself liked to think he was a good judge of character. That he could tell who he would get along with best rather quickly upon their first meeting from those he may have a more difficult time with. Gupta was proving to be of the former by a landslide.

The Spaniard still had some sense of propriety – or perhaps common sense – though. Emphasis on the some.

“I’m in a hotel for now, I’m not on the street or anything.” He shivered just at the thought. There had been a time during his years of travel that he had been robbed and unable to get anywhere to receive a money transfer from his family. A day or two may have been spent sleeping in less than comfortable accommodations… but that had been in a much more mild climate, the sort that made that kind of thing possible. Just a single night in a Russian winter would probably test that theory about his own internal sun…

And, really, as nice as Gupta seemed it might be a bit much to stay with him right off. Not to say that Antonio hadn’t found a place to spend the night in such a way before, but… Well. “I’m kind of surprised you’d offer so fast, though,” he said. Kind, yes, but Gupta still gave a rather polite feel. “Either you’re incredibly nice, or I seem that trustworthy.” Antonio laughed. There was, of course, also the possibility that Gupta had more colorful reasons to give a stranger a place for the night. Feeding his animals ground stranger meat. But, hey, that definitely wasn’t the case here!

Words: 464

Tags: @egyptiangod

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Word Count: 738

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes: Once again sorry for the wait!

Hearing his name be sounded out with the Spanish accent made Gupta have to hold back a chuckle as his name sounded a bit odd said with another accent. For years of living in Russia he had become used to Russian accents stumbling through his name whenever they heard it but it wasn’t common to hear someone that didn’t have a Russian accent. Gupta usually kept to himself not showing much emotion to those around him even if he felt himself pleased or complimented. Having a small glimpse of the Egyptian smiling or even laughing for a second usually were intimate moments not everyone found themselves able to see. Animals were something Gupta loved and would take care of until he was sure they found the right home, no animal he raised were to be living on the streets after being matched with someone wrong. Each were like a child to him and yet he didn’t name them to keep himself from growing too attached to the creatures that he would have to give up to another home when someone arrived. Gupta was glad that Antonio seemed to understand his friendly nature even if he didn’t wear the same grin as the Spaniard. Many didn’t seem to understand that Gupta did care as he didn’t often smile over small acts of friendship or other reacts often shown by others to display friendship.

Even if Gupta wouldn’t admit to it he slept most days giving the many animals individual attention to keep them happy and understanding that they were loved. Before he closed the shop each night Gupta would put each of the animals to sleep giving them a kiss on the head and setting them in their beds one at a time before turning off the lights allowing the animals to sleep peacefully each night. If he heard a ruckus Gupta would often rush back to the shop to make sure each of the animals were safe as he would do anything to protect them even if his other merchandise was stolen. The animals were a family to the small Egyptian.
Whenever one of the animals were sick the sweet shop owner would bring them to his home so he could watch them through the night and keep them cared for. There was no need for a sick animal to suffer in a cage, he wouldn’t wish such a thing on anyone when they could be in a warm bed with someone to care for them until they got over the cold. A small room in Gupta’s house was set up just for that.

Hearing that Antonio did have a place he was saying just didn’t own a home yet caused Gupta to relax some. “That is good. I was worried you were living on the streets for now. Sometimes people struggle to find hotels here since people visit from all over when an auction begins. I would rather give a stranger a bed than allow them to sleep on the pavement.” When it came to allowing someone into his home Gupta would be careful to lock away anything he cared for and sleep with his door locked but other than that he wouldn’t worry about his guest. He could often read people and Antonio didn’t seem the type to use someone, not as far as Gupta had been able to read from him. Antonio gave the impression he’d give all of his money to someone who told them about a tragic past and not care if that left him poor instead.

For a moment there was a small smile on Gupta’s face. “You remind me of some of the dogs I found living out in the cold. Always wagging their tails no matter how bad it got and eternally thankful to anyone that bothered to help. I couldn’t turn them way so why would I turn someone like you away if it meant keeping you off the streets?” People who acted like animals that Gupta once had often made him a little more open to them as he felt as though speaking to a human version of that animal. Antonio was like most animals he found and rescued, the world was beautiful thanks to the smallest gesture from someone they met. Never would they be able to thank the person enough but they’d live their life knowing that there were people in the world willing to help.

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[Antonio F. Carriedo]

There was a minute tilt of his head when the word ‘auction’ was dropped into the conversation. Antonio was new enough to the town to have not experienced the full rush of it, while still not being oblivious enough to not have some idea as to what Gupta was referring to. Why would that bring so many people, though. As far as Antonio knew – no, he wasn’t going down that road. Fortunately for him the continuation of the conversation was quick enough that he didn’t even really have to stop himself from doing so until his attention was already on something else.

That something else would be being compared to an animal. A happy, endlessly grateful stray dog being shown care and affection for the first time in who knows how long. Antonio knew the image well, having been on the other end of that interaction more times than he could count with a number of animals. He couldn’t recall ever being compared to the other side, though. Or being compared to an animal… at all. It automatically made him stop, blink… and then laugh. A good natured sort of snort followed by a few released breaths of laughter. This would be one of the times in his life he was the least like a sad stray dog. With a job to be doing and a reliable source of income coming in rather than the odd jobs or questionable ability to be wired/sent some by his family that he had been given to in years prior.

“So it’s incredibly nice. I’m glad.” He said after he’d had his short laugh, his smile warm now. Gupta had earned even more fondness on their first meeting. “If you’d do that for both people and animals then you are definitely a kind person. No wonder all the animals here not only look well cared for but well loved.” With a glance about the room, noting that the cats didn’t appear skittish or uncomfortable in their cages. None were pressed against the back walls of their enclosures in fear of the humans that had now been standing there talking for a couple of minutes. He could sadly all too easily overlap these images of those with animal shelters he had been to over the years that were different.

“Shown that sort of kindness and a place to wind down with such cute happy animals – if it takes me much longer to find a place I might have to take you up on that offer,” he grinned, already feeling better in the idea to even not so jokingly say so. At worst that he could imagine now he owed an eventual friend for putting up with him for the time it takes to find a house.

Words: 461

Tags: @egyptiangod

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[Deleted]

Word Count: 532

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes: Antonio stop being so cute

Even if Gupta had been hired by the government he wasn’t going to be one to talk too much about the auctions or other things that weren’t the most pleasant involving the mutants. Chipping the mutants for the government he had seen the conditions that these mutants had lived in and even the scars that were caused when shoved into the arena. There were many things the government did that weren’t the most pleasant, it was best not to think of them when it wasn’t necessary or else he might find himself trying something risky like setting free one of the mutants or even taking them in. None of it would be wise to do. Noticing how Antonio tilted his head it was a good enough hint that he should speak of something else unless he wished to make someone understand how cruel the government were to the poor creatures they kept locked away from the public eye.

When the over began to laugh over being compared to a stray dog Gupta couldn’t help looking confused as how such a comment would make Antonio appear happy. It was rare that he met someone who reminded him of an animal with their happy nature and outlook on life but some he had met and told this didn’t take his words as a compliment. Those words weren’t meant as an insult but it didn’t seem humans enjoyed being compared to a helpless animals.
Maybe Gupta was simply drawn to things he felt were helpless such as strays and people who were new to the city? It would explain why he always seemed so willing to help some of the strangers that wondered into his shop despite them giving him no reason to believe anything they told him. Humans weren’t always the best at lying. There were always sighs, or so he believed, that made him able to trust that he wasn’t being lied to when someone spoke of a sob story.

“Animals can’t always care for themselves and the same is true for humans. There is no reason to turn someone away when they are in need. Just as with animals it’s also best not to expect anything in return as acts of kindness are done not to receive anything in return.” It was a good sign that Antonio was what he appeared to be seeing as the cats continued to play or sleep peacefully as the two of them spoke. It wouldn’t be the first time he saw the animals press themselves to the back of the cages when someone was around. It was difficult to not let on when someone wasn’t trusted as the animals reacted negatively when the person came near.

Giving a short nod Gupta made note he should set up a place for the Spaniard so if this happened he would already have somewhere prepared for the male. He trusted they would find somewhere but expecting the best and preparing for the worst always made things easier in life. “My door will always be open if you need it. If I’m not home I’m sure my dog will let you in if you knock. She knows I trust you.”

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[Antonio F. Carriedo]

For all of his apparent naivety and blind trust in others, Antonio did seem to have a sort of… instinctual feeling in regards to others. It would not be right to say that this gut emotion guided his actions, as he was aware enough to be able to put on acts if need be (even if some of these acts failed terribly.) However, in this case… Antonio could not help the softness that came over him when Gupta spoke thusly. Helping others, animals and people alike, with no thought of personal gain or repayment… few could say such things and actually mean them. As much as the sentiment aligned with the base teachings of Christianity that he had grown up with… he felt he would have felt endeared to Gupta even without such a background.

“That’s a wonderful way of thinking. I can’t believe I’m so lucky to have met someone so kind so soon in a new place.” There certainly were some parts of the city that gave off a – less than pleasant air that even sunny Antonio had picked up in his short time there, although that may have been already set by what he had heard of the main ‘trade’ done here. And yet here he was, meeting such kind and helpful people by what appeared to be complete and utter coincidence. He was inclined to believe otherwise.

Antonio did have to laugh, though. “Your dog has a level of smarts and ability I’m envious of.” He wasn’t even sure he could even call that ‘training.’ The world in relation to that level of trust felt innately wrong to Antonio, almost belittling even. He was sure some people could train their dogs to open, possibly even unlock the door for others when they came up. But to do so when there was a level of trust between the owner and a – just short of a stranger? That was more than just training. He was pretty sure he remembered hearing of a few stories where an over excited pooch opened the door for robbers that he could cite for his… thought process. If you could call it quite that much.

Words: 362

Tags: @egyptiangod

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