((Ouch O_o ... I had to use mine yesterday like 4-5 times... something's in the air >.>))

The raven's eyes widened at the hard kiss, pressing into it before the neko pulled away. Something like a light whine resounded in his throat, but was replaced by an embarrassed chuckle afterwards. "I'm glad that I'm the 'good thing,' then," he replied, rubbing Hikari's ears gently before shifting him off his lap and standing up, the floor sending a chill up his spine. "How about some breakfast, eh?" With a smile, Ikuto stepped into the kitchen, grabbing a few bowls out of the cupboard and washing his hands. "Whadaya want?" he asked, grinning brightly.

The morning was only so cheery because Hikari was around. Thinking about it clearly for once, Ikuto realized that if Hikari wasn't here, there was no way he'd be this happy. Merely the fact that he was still alive was proof of Hikari's uncanny effect of quelling Ikuto's inner rage. That cat was able to make him love again -- he was enthralled to be able to love such a wonderful person.

((oh nice. today was rough for me health wise. to the point i called in....))

Purring at the sensation hikari gave a light 'hrmph' at being set aside but realy didnt mind. Food sounded wonderfull but he didnt know what he wanted so he merely comented "what ever your having of course" the slight grin he held told of his teasing intentions. arms crost and leaning forward, chest on the arm of the couch, the neko layed there staring at Ikuto. Hikari's teasing grin turned to a sudden broad smirk, his inner warmth shining through to give itself to Ikuto. inwardly though hikari once again fell on the thought if Ikuto's happiness, he did after all owe the boy a debt. Red eyes had a dream and the neko was compelled to help him in this persuit. "hey red eyes, you ever think of going back to school?" the question just kind of popped out with little regard for its own implications. Never the less it was out there and Hikari shamelessly smiled at the suggestion.

((Yeesh O_O :hug: I'm sorry D: ))

With a light chuckle, Ikuto grabbed some things out of the cupboards and started mixing them together into pancake batter. He started to whistle a tune after saying, "Well, pancakes it is." After a moment of silence and some stirring, Hikari asked the raven a question that was... painful to answer, to say the least. He finished his last year of high school before his traumatic experience and damaged mind could have a negative effect on his schoolwork. "You see, Hikari..." the raven started, his tone becoming serious, morose. "I could probably get accepted into a few good colleges, but... the money just isn't here. I don't have the money for school tuition, and Japan doesn't give out loans. I'm having a hard time paying for this apartment in the first place, so... school isn't an option." He returned to whistling his tune, starting to cook the batter on a saucepan -- he had to forget about any notion about going back to school.

The neko's smile disapeard as he slid silently from the couch and held Ikuto lightly from behind. He had upset the boy and he knew it, this displeasing notion left him longing to make it right. "i didnt mean to pry." he whispered into red eye's ear and looked over his shoulder at the pancake batter. Ikuto's cooking was always to die for, even the simplest things turning in a master peice at his pale hands. i'll find away to make your dream come true. he silently swore.

today was a day of rest, this time he meant it unlike their prior attempts that only landed them at the backery and once in th throws of passion. since his arival Ikuto had dedicated all his time to the neko or the bakery and hikari thought it was high time he took a day for his own pleasure.

Surprised, Ikuto twitched slightly at the neko's touch, grinning serenely at the embrace. He became filled with warmth again, just like he always was when Hikari and he were together. "It's not a big deal, don't worry about it," he countered, turning to kiss the boy's forehead lovingly. Obviously, it seemed as through his cooking had entranced the other yet again, making the raven smirk in approval. Flipping the pancakes with sheer lithe movements, their breakfast was finished in no time, and Ikuto had already taken to preparing the table as they cooled. It suddenly felt as though he had not had a real day-off in quite some time -- his other attempts ended up with taking care of the neko, going to work, and having fun on the couch. Perhaps, it would be good to take a rest...
No, I can't do that. I need to get paid... to be able to pay the rent and all that wonderful stuff.. Ikuto sighed mentally, sitting down at the table. "Care to join me?" he asked Hikari, smiling gently.

washing his hands and smirking in reply to Ikuto he joined him at the table for what smelled like a savory meal. "it'd be my pleasure." he commented. munching peacably after a while he asked curiously "so, any plans for the day?" testing the water to see if ikut was thinking about heading into work. hikari was more than prepared to squash that thought should it airse, by any means necessary. sometimes even though he had th boys best interest at heart his determination to persue them could be frightening.

As Ikuto ate his breakfast slowly, he savored it's sweetness. It also reminded him that he should probably go to work at the bakery soon -- it was probably busy by now, and although the boss was probably handling it well, Ikuto needed the cash in order to pretty much continue living in his current state of affairs. "Huh? Oh, I was planning on going to work, but if you don't want to go, you don't have to," the raven replied, cocking his head to the side. Hikari looked determined about... Something...

finishing a sweet bite of pancake the neko's ears went back and he pointed his fork at ikuto. "you'll do no such thing." he said flatly. "youve done too much lately and i think it'd be good if you took a break. now if your worried about money dont be, i can go in if you like but youre staying here." hikari would not tollerate back-sas on the matter much less any argument, that much was clear. taking antoher bite of the delicious pancakes he savored it, his tail curling in pleasure, and continued to give ikuto a determined stare inspite of himself.

A piece of the pancake slipped from Ikuto's open mouth -- did Hikari just command him to not go to work? What? He was about to argue on that very point, about how he should still work that day, but Hikari's flat voice and determined glare made the raven sink into his chair. His wavering eyes locked with Hikari's until he groaned and rubbed his head. "Fine, fine. So, what do you want to do today?" Ikuto leaned forward, elbows on the table, chin resting atop his folded hands.

smirking in truimph the neko took another bite and munched while. that was a good question and he had no answer. "its up to you realy..." he replied not minding what they did as long as ikuto was enjoying himself. his eyes glazed over in thought a while. the neko hadnt 'done' much in his life, just tried to survive the day to day and that was it.

finishing is food, syrup slining to his lips, the neko took care of his plate. there where many things he'd never had before he met ikuto and at times he wondered how he managed to get by. Either way he was happy enough then and he was happy now, if only less ignorent of the true nature of himself and others....mainly humans.

Ikuto make a little tsk sound with his tongue, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms behind his head. What was there to do on a day like this? There was the option of going to for a walk in the park, but that would become boring after a while. There was also the beach, but then they'd have to deal with the cold air and train ride to a clean coastline. It was better than nothing, though -- sea air was good for you, even during winter. As long as you didn't go into the water and had a warm jacket on, everything would be fine. "How do you feel about going to take a walk along the coast? There's a wonderful beach that's about a 2-hour train ride from the nearby station. It'll be cold, but it's worth it. I can treat you to lunch and dinner on the coast, too. We'll make it a day-long excursion. What do you think?" Grinning, the raven peered at Hikari, cocking his head to the side playfully.

ears perked at the idea of food the neko pondered it a while. Having a distinct dislike for water but casting off any noton of having to go in it he finaly decided it'd be enjoyable. "sounds good to me." hekari said beaming, watery blue eyes gleaming in the pale dinging room lighting. He had never once been on a trian, much less out of the city. He had always been on the roofs and in the backallys carefull not to venture outside peice of city he called home. being the only stray in the area made easy an yet difficult. he was abl to claim a plot young an expand on it but humans and not others of his kind, or animals, became the problem. He'd had a scuff with a dog befoe but nothing like the boys who chased him.

nothing like the night he almost died.

how could he be so unwelcome in their world and yet ikuto took him in so graciously, so lovingly. His pale and tender touch always reminded him of that kindness. It fed the warmth inside Hikari and cuased him to devote his affections all the more to this boy.

With a light chuckle at the sudden perk in the boy's mood, Ikuto stood up and took the plates to the sink, merely placing them at the bottom. There was no time to waste if this was the case. "Alright, here," he said after grabbing Hikari's coat and flinging it over to him. Meanwhile, the raven threw his own over his shoulders. There was no time to waste -- the next train was leaving in about 30 minutes. "We've gotta hurry to get on the train." Gingerly taking the neko's hand into his own, Ikuto led Hikari outside where the cold nipped at their skin. Nevertheless, Ikuto guided him to the train, pondering certain things on the way.

In reality, the cold air outside was synonymous with the raven's old personality -- one of loneliness, pain, and sheer mental agony. The cold snapped at him just as his mind used to, forcing him to harm himself countless times. Those scars would never truly leave him -- they'd remind him of all the times he was an idiot.

Sighing, Ikuto hardly realized that the two of them made it to the train station with 5 minutes to spare. Pulling the neko along with all the strength he had -- at this point, the two of them were just running. If they didn't the train would leave without them. Tumbling in the train, Ikuto leaned against a pole and panted. "Sorry 'bout that," he laughed.

It all went by to fast for hikari to realise what was going on until they crashed into the train, the neko leaning on a wall close to Ikuto. Smilling and giggling a bit at the lingering rush he replied "we made it?.....hey no problem." he said luaghing and straitening after a moment of catching his breath. looking about at the crowded car his ears droops and his eyes became a watery blue. Sittuating himself close to Ikuto by the trian pole Hakari kapt his eyes only on the dark haired boy. There where so many.....he handled himself at the caffe well enough but without his uniform he felt bare, his true face exposed to them.

In the guise of a servent only there to take an order he had found people more inclined to his pressense but a half breed like him out on the streets was a dangerouse thing, even in the company of a human. He coudlnt tell if he was receiving dirty looks or if it was the paraniod irritation of his mind but either way the neko felt uncomfortable. It wasnt until the day Ikuto ad rescued him that the neko had felt an ill will to humans despite their apparent dislike of his kind.

Ikuto was thoroughly surprised when Hikari became nearly a nervous wreak, getting closer to him until they were nearly touching. For a moment, the raven couldn't understand why the neko had this reaction -- he was always so bright and cheery with the loads of customers that arrived, so why was there an issue now? Slowly, Ikuto realized everything, his eyes widening. Many people on the train were looking at the boy with menacing glares, obviously thinking that he was a stray or just a nuisance in general. Add that to his dislike of people and it equals exactly what was happening here.

Slightly peeved by everyone's thought that Hikari was a stray, the raven took the initiative and put his hand on the neko's lower back, pulling the neko into his chest gently. Their lips met in light, warm kiss, the eyes of all the passengers widening at the public display of affection. So now, the thought in their heads was that Hikari wasn't a stray nor a nuisance -- hopefully. "Sorry, again," Ikuto whispered as he pulled away, kissing the neko's forehead.

Hikari gave a sudden grunt in surprise, even his eyes widening in disbelief. What are you doing? his mind screamed but his body relaxed and melted with the warmth ikuto brought forth from him. It wasn't acceptable to.show affection in public, even the neko knew this much. His watery blue eyes falling on ikuto's red ones the blond silently forgave him. His posture striatening slightly Hikari stooped by red eyes. The presure of a.hundred flares was gone but the chilling air of a.hundred averted eyes assumed its place. He endured the.rest of the train ride in silence, ice kreeping into his ever so slightly. It was unsettling even to him to be such a suddenly closed off person but he couldn't help it despite ikuto's pressense.

(Posting from phone.)

As the train arrived at their stop, Ikuto couldn't help but silently chide himself for doing this to Hikari -- he'd probably made the situation both better and worse at the same time. He wasn't like the neko. He couldn't sense things the same way, and thus, things like this didn't affect. Or, better yet, the raven probably didn't care in the first place -- eyes always seemed to linger on him and judge him harshly for his old attitude. When the train came to a halt, Ikuto gently gripped Hikari's hand and walked out of the station with him, the chilly air of the not-so-far ocean ruffling through their hair. A sigh passed through his lips before he turned around to face Hikari. "Hey..." Gently, he cupped the neko's face in his palm, looking at him straight in the eyes. "On the way back, don't think about anyone else there. Don't look at anyone else. Only look at me. That way, they don't matter." The raven smiled softly and then kissed the top of the neko's head, chuckling lightly.

His drooping ears and curled tail raised slightly at the thought. After all Ikuto was the only thing that mattered. catching a wiff of ocean air through the din of perfumes other human smells he suddenly became far more interested in getting out of the station and into the open air than with the people who grimaced or made huffs as he walked past. "can we go out now?" he asked finaly finding his voice again after theyd been there a few moments and walked around.

the stair well out was crowded but hikari wanted to be out in that air, that blessed air. salt and fish rode in on the chilled air that colled the stuffy tunnel's heated temper. seeing an opening as the crowd temporarily split the neko grabbed ikuto's coat wrist and swiftly guided them through and out up onto the street above. He could smell it but not see it and Hikari looked to ikuto confused.

((SO SO SO SORRY about the wait.... I had so much work piled up... ))

"Nghaah!" Ikuto grunted as he was pulled along. The neko was eager to see this new thing. His senses were probably in overdrive right about now -- the sea, the air, the smells -- they probably drove him completely insane. When he gave the raven a confused look, Ikuto couldn't help but laugh and hug the neko. "Silly, the ocean is still a short walk away. The city isn't built right on top of it, but the smells and salty sea-feeling spread through the whole town." Taking his hand, the raven led him down a few blocks, inhaling the lovely sea air -- even he could smell it now. It was salty and refreshing, exactly like his old memories.

...Old memories.
He could still remember all the summers he used to spend with his family in this very town, running to the beach every day, playing, eating by the seaside. But, those days were over now. He was an adult. And Hikari was his new family. Things would be.... different, but an amazing kind of different. For a moment, the raven could tell that his mood had sharply sunk into something similar to bittersweet depression and happiness combined. Shaking his head lightly, Ikuto tried to make sure it didn't get in the way of Hikari's fun today. There was no time for bitter memories or sad memories, although... Ikuto was sure the neko would pick up on it. At least, he knew that at this point, he could hide his feelings a lot better.

When they made it to the boardwalk, Ikuto's heart sank, although his face showed a grin. Memories, memories... They flooded back, making his smile waver. However, he was able to take a deep breath of the air and smile before turning to Hikari. "This is the ocean you so wanted to see." The wind was cold, yet surprisingly calming, and the scent of the air was almost intoxicating. There was no one else at the beach except the raven and the neko.

((ive had alot going on too (0)___(0) im so worn down but i realy missed our RP))

Too overwhelmed by the sights and scents the neko had a hard time keeping his whits about him. Blue eyes skipped acros all they could take in from the sky to the people as the building slowly became smaller then abruptly stopped. It filled him the brim with an ecstasy beyond anything he'd felt before in this vast city. It was even more compelling that the rush of living on roofs and looking down on the people. though he was wearing shoes the sand beneath his feet felt strange. nothing like the concrete he was used to.

there is was vast and empty yet full of wonder. How could something like this be here? so beautiful in a city full of vile hateful scum. thats right....theyd glared on the train, stared in streets....those who thought they where better than a half breed. comeing back to himself and feeling the dip in his freinds spirits as well Hikari looked to Ikuto and replied. "It's wonderful." the neko's fluid, cool and soothing soul longed to share warmth with it's lover to see him happy again. kissing those pale lips tenderly he hoped to ignite a fresh spark of happiness.

((sorry about the delay again -- dunno what's up with the teachers and their projects, I have like 5 all due tomorrow XD.... *KOs from sleep deprivation* T-T))

Ikuto was inhaling the scent of the sea when he suddenly felt a pair of warm, loving lips upon his own. The raven's arms moved by themselves to wrap around the neko's shoulders, pressing back gently, as well. When they parted, one of the boy's hands sneaked its way to the top of Hikari's head, running his fingers through the neko's soft hair. A warm smile spread across his face as he said, "I'm glad you like it so much. We'll come here more often, especially in the summer, then." After sweetly kissing his lover's forehead, Ikuto gently intertwined their fingers and led Hikari closer to the water. The scent was soothing and yet haunting at the same time. It felt amazing to have Hikari at his side, but painful memories were also close by. However, at this point, Ikuto realized how sensitive the neko was and tried to calm himself down before something close to a mental breakdown was to ensue.
"The water's really cold now, but when summer comes, it'll be warm again," he started, patting the other's head. "It gets mighty hot in the summer, and that makes the water great for swimming. We'll come back if you'd like." Grinning at the neko, Ikuto ruffled his hair playfully before looking back out to the sea with glistening, crimson-blood eyes.

being satisfied and sufficeintly calmed by his lover's kiss Hikari had enough resolve now to approach the chilled waters. it was lovely indeed but no loveleir then those red eyes he had admired so upon their first meeting. HIs every sense flooded with the salt and chill as his feet sank and crunched on the sand he froze a time staring down into the waves. They forever rushed in and out, in and out...he wished to freeze it in time, to grasp it and hold onto it. So much in his life had come and gone as he let it complacently pass but he did not want this to pass. Having been filled enough by it's sight and fearing Ikuto would catch chill he urged they move on to other buissness with a tander care and furmnece befitting hisnow iced over eyes.

((yikes. i should get my ass in gear for scholarships but with AP eng, work, and impossible math i find myself fallen quite behind schedule. ))

The waves were just as beautiful as ever. It seemed as though nothing changed since the last year he was here. A relief, actually. At least one thing didn't change.

Chuckling lightly, Ikuto acknowledged the neko's concern about staying in the cold for too long -- they'd both become sick if they kept this up. However, leaving this sight was slightly upsetting. It was too gorgeous to abandon, but it would be too bad if they got sick. "Alright... How about we go get some lunch?" It was nearing noon, anyway, and their stomachs were bound to growl at some point. "I know a great place near here. What do you say?" Squeezing the neko's hand gently, Ikuto smiled serenely.

Hikari smiled warmly at the thought. Lunch sounded nice and although he had always anything he could get agile of he enjoyed eating even more with Ikuto around. No more picking through street corner trash cans or scrounging up enough change for vending machine food. Above all else it was ikuto's cooking he prized. Ever since the day he'd first had an old treat from their trash it had become a favorite scavenging hole of his. "Sounds great to me." He replied with a strong sense of asertion and happiness. These where the days he wished would never end. That however was selfish and he knew it. Ikuto had to move on and he knew it. His love had lost their dream once and the neko was determined to make that dream a reality but for now he solimply placed a firm and reasuring kiss on his pale companion's lips.

Again, the raven was slightly shocked when he felt the neko's warm lips upon his own. Cracking a small smile, the boy cupped his lover's face in his hands and pressed against the other's lips gently, nipping the neko's lower lip as he parted. "You're very kissy today," the raven teased, crimson eyes seeming to dance in the winter sunlight. "I like it." With a calm laugh, Ikuto pulled Hikari along, away from the beach and back onto the city streets. "We'll come back soon, I promised."

Walking along the streets was another nostalgic moment for the raven-haired male -- it seemed like only yesterday he was walking along this road as a child with his parents. It made him overjoyed that he was able to come here with the one he loved, but the memories almost felt as though they grabbed his heart and gave it a light squeeze. Sighing, Ikuto pushed away the feelings and managed to get to that old restaurant -- it still looked as lively and as quaint as ever. "Are you fine with this place?" he asked Hikari, glancing at the neko's face.