quatrains | stained window, yellow candy screen

stained window, yellow candy screen

[ He wakes up with the beginnings of a headache in his right temple. It probably doesn't help that he's overslept his 8AM alarm and been roiled by dreams since the night before. His excuse is that the dreams weren't clear enough on Tuesday. And he had work. It's hard to focus on anything after work, especially not the vague images of an uncertain future.

They're becoming easier to understand now. He Ming rubs his eyes as if that'll help as he slopes down the street, trying to make it to a coffee shop. When he gets to a crossing, he stops just long enough for the stars to clear and for his eyes to land on a furry white shape that's somehow familiar. ]

Strawberry!

[ The cat actually looks up. Whether that's her name or not, He Ming doesn't know, but he takes the advantage the moment he gets it: that cat is going home with him today. Nor does he know what's going to happen if he doesn't succeed, he just knows it's bad. ]

Strawberry, c'mere. [ He starts towards her. The cat's tail raises slightly, a beacon of alarm, before she turns tail and begins to trot further down the alley. ] Hey, come on, don't run away...

[ Well, it looks like coffee is going to have to wait. He Ming picks up the pace. ]

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[ It has been a long day working at his family's fortune telling cafe... Many pressing couples asking about their love lives and plenty of superstitious aspiring business owners asking if this is the season to make their pitch into a reality. Of course, a lot of it is small talk to coax their clients to tell them more about their lives. Circulating information is part of the family business, too.

Dealing fates isn't so easy... It's more like scavenging a sea. Sometimes, if not a lot of the time, you see things you don't want to see. That includes a fate involving this sweet white cat. It catches his eye as he walks down the alley from another side, then a mysterious man? Eyebrows knit as his lips press into a fine line. ]

Hey. [ Ugh, he sounds tired, so he tries to lighten up his tone. ] Is that cat yours?

[ Jaeha knows it doesn't belong to him, considering He Ming wasn't present in any of his visions related to this small errand. Maybe he should feel bad about all the deception he has to sprinkle in his day-to-day, but he can't. A concerned and curious passerby is his guise now. Fortunately, he has left his uniform at the cafe, so the casual attire should help him. ]

[ He Ming calls out again as he follows the cat down the alleyway. He still has the impression that Strawberry is her name, but repeating it isn't working at all.

He jerks slightly in surprise when someone calls out to him. ]

Huh? [ Glancing back and forth between the stranger that's just arrived and the cat that is continuing to walk away, He Ming only pauses for a moment. ] I'm trying to get her out of the street. She's a housecat for sure.

[ That's not a lie, technically. He wouldn't want to lie to a friendly stranger who's just concerned about a lost cat. He Ming offers a little smile. ]

Um, she's getting away. Sorry, do you mind if I..? [ He's already walking sideways and hoping he doesn't knock into a dumpster. ]

[ Jaeha hums since... That isn't a clear answer to his question, is it? But everything else spells it out for him. He has to monitor this situation closely—the cat has to return home. Sorry, stranger. The ends of his lips quirk into a small smile, apologetic as he steps aside. ]

I'll help you, then. It should be easier to catch her with two people.

[ It's decided and Jaeda takes steps deeper into the alleyway, giving He Ming enough space to walk past him if he wants. However, he will make sure to follow him closely if he tries. ]

You were calling her name, right? [ If true, she's still running. ] It might be better to lure her out instead...

[ He Ming has never tried to catch a cat—he's only had little pets, ones that lived in cages and tanks—so he'll take the aid with a smile. ]

Thanks! [ The alleyway is just wide enough for them to walk side by side, so He Ming does just that. Hopefully it'll prevent Strawberry from getting past them and escaping back the way they'd come. ]

And yeah, Strawberry... do you think she'd follow us if we had treats?

[ He slips into the first person plural right away. They're a team now. ]

But I don't have any in my pockets. Oh, but there's a store right on the other side of the block you could go to.

[ If she somehow does, Jaeha isn't going to say anything. Hopefully, He Ming will keep his eyes peeled for his own sake. With the snap of his fingers, he points as an affirming gesture. ]

Definitely! Food works on a lot of things, including cats. I used to leave a can of tuna out and tons of them show up... Eventually they wait outside the door for you, then meow constantly and try to sneak in. Neighbors start seeing this as a problem and threaten to call the authorities. [ This is all very specific and rambling on about it is fun, yet also exasperating. A sigh. ] It's just case-by-case how friendly they are.

[ ... ]

I already have some treats on me.

[ Probably predictable. Don't look at him. ]

Kinda sounds like you have experience with that... [ Specifically being threatened by neighbors. He Ming eyes him with interest anew. But that's evidence that the tuna tactic might work, so it's unfortunate that he doesn't have— ]

You must really like cats.

[ He holds out a hand. Ahead of them, Strawberry pauses to deign them with a suspicious look, as if asking What are those foolish humans trying now? ]

Can I try one? She seems friendly.

[ Actually, Strawberry seems like the sort of aloof Persian-adjacent fluff that graces the packaging of the kind of cat food that costs more than human food. He Ming remains stubbornly optimistic. ]

Wait, did you mean it depends on how friendly your neighbors are? Or the cats that come to eat the tuna?

I guess you can say that... Sometimes things happen.

[ He was easily coaxed by the soft mewls despite not intending to feed them, then suddenly he feeds them every day. Sure, it was within his control, but... He puts that aside and fishes for the bag in his jacket pocket. With some gentle taps, a couple of frisky treats pop onto He Ming's palm.

His eyes shifts to Strawberry, affirming that it's the same cat in his visions, and wow. She looks more like a princess in person? The face he makes is less optimistic. ]

The cats. My neighbors are always fussy. [ His attention is drawn back to the stranger, incredulous. ] You sure about friendly? She was running away from you.

[ These cat treats smell... not good. He Ming wrinkles his nose slightly but gamely holds them out towards Strawberry and shakes them around. ]

It's only because we're outside. [ He says, making excuses. ] She's scared because of the... unfamiliar environment.

[ He gives the treats another rattle. The cat doesn't approach, but she stays where she is, nose twitching slightly. ]

Straw-berry. [ Taking a few shuffling steps forward, He Ming starts crouching down at the same time until he's closer to her level. ] Come here. C'mon, sweetie. Lemme take you home.

Please don't sniff them.

[ Jaeha would find this all funny if he weren't nervous that Strawberry might grow fond of He Ming in the span of two minutes of shaking some treats in front of her. He watches cautiously from behind, staying quiet as He Ming tries to work his magic.

... Doesn't seem like it's working. Scratching his cheek, he guesses he should be encouraging here. ]

Try not sounding so desperate. [ IS THIS REALLY ADVICE? It is advice. ] And shouldn't we return her to her owner?

I was just testing... [ Testing the smell, you know, as you do, to make sure they're for cats and not for humans. He rolls the treats around on his palm, which at least garners another step forward from Strawberry. She finally sniffs his fingers. Despite making first contact, He Ming stays still, waiting for her to come close enough to be picked up.

That's basically the extent of his plan. He doesn't want to lie to do it, but it's the quickest way to get her indoors and out of the route of the unwanted destiny. Perhaps she was to knock over and destroy someone's computer. Maybe she would cause a car accident if she spent much longer out here. Regardless, He Ming waits for Strawberry to nibble one of the treats from his hand before swiftly scooping her up in his hold. ]

I'm going to take her home! [ Somewhat to his own surprise, Strawberry doesn't claw at him, just settles in with an affronted meow, tail all puffed out.

He Ming allows himself an exhale of relief. ] ...see? She'll be just fine with me.

[ If they ever fly up He Ming's nose, that isn't his fault. Jaeha approaches and offers Strawberry a couple of fingers to appraise first. Go ahead and sniff or claw him, he's used to it. If the cat doesn't return home, disaster waits. He tries to push the vision out of his mind—the last thing he wants is to picture it.

He pushes out a deep exhale. Here we go. ]

... You know this is catnapping, right?

[ He gives the stranger one more chance, though he's curious how many more excuses He Ming is going to throw at him. ]

[ Strawberry sniffs Jaeha's fingers, then fixes him with a blank look. He Ming takes this as her being unimpressed and gives her a few gentle pets as a reward.

That all stops at the mention of catnapping. In response, he turns a frown of distinct disapproval at Jaeha. ]

What do you mean?

[ Such a rude thing to accuse a stranger of! Well—he's not wrong, but it's still rude! So rude that He Ming is not going to admit to it. Besides, since Strawberry is seemingly comfortable in his arms, he doesn't even feel bad about it. ]

[ Well, while He Ming pets her, Jaeha gently scratches under her chin since she isn't going to bite or claw him yet. There, there, kitty. Just hold out a little longer while the adults talk. Jaeha is apologetic, he really is. This is a tough position to be in and he hates meddling despite knowing so much about things he shouldn't...

His lips press firmly together as he thinks some more. How does he say this. ]

This cat isn't yours and I'm sure her owner misses her?

[ That's what he means! The most obvious point any regular person would be thinking. Why are you being weird and suspicious it's kicking up my paranoia is a thought. He checks for her collar, hoping there's some kind of tag. ]

If you want a cat, there are plenty up for adoption.

[ He Ming seems like a good guy... Maybe he can persuade? ]

[ Ah, darn. He Ming was really hoping to get away with just spiriting Strawberry back to his apartment and getting all the cat supplies later. He was even starting to get excited about it—he wants to buy her so many toys—but he probably can't get away with just running off from this stranger now.

They have a rapport! ]

Well.. [ He gives Strawberry a slight squeeze. To the stranger, he turns a beseeching look. He still doesn't want to lie. Just his luck, though, ] She doesn't have a tag.

[ He can stop looking there. He Ming turns away with the cat in his arms. ]

Leave her alone. I'm going home.

[ Jaeha blinks so many times in astonishment. They have rapport(?) and suddenly he's being told to leave the cat alone despite offering him treats and some chaperoning. Wait, no. He wasn't chaperoning. ]

Why are you being so weird about this?

[ Says him, knowing very well he's just as suspicious. However, his reaction is tens, thousands of times more normal than whatever He Ming is doing. Cat burglar? Cat burglar. That is this guy's nickname now. Jaeha reaches out and grabs cat burglar by the shoulder, forcing him to turn back. ]

Listen. I'm warning you, if you take that cat home... Terrible things will happen. [ Ugh. He loathes this. ] Cross my heart and everything!

I'm not being weird, you're being weird!

[ When in doubt, turn it around on the asker! He keeps firm hold of Strawberry, who is beginning to look slightly annoyed, throughout. He Ming himself yelps out loud when his shoulder is grabbed.

What kind of a warning is that? He Ming looks at him suspiciously, but he stops trying to get away. ]

Only kids say that. And why would you say something so creepy?

Even if I'm being weird, you're being weirder?!

[ Cat burglar running off with a lost cat, looking super excited. Suspicious! Weird! Anyway, what a good argument. What a solid statement there. He's doing great. This is going super well.

Maybe he should call the cops now, but there's a chance they'll laugh since this altercation is over a cat. His grip on He Ming isn't crushing, just steady enough to keep him here for a bit. Grumbling, he sifts through his options. ]

This will sound ridiculous if you're those skeptical types, but I come from a family of diviners. If we [ Yes, we. ] don't return the cat, its owner will get into an accident looking for it.

I'm being normal!

[ At this point Strawberry mewls, unhappy with the shouting and He Ming's increased squeezing. When he hears it he immediately loosens his grip and gives her an apologetic kiss on the top of her head—and then sneezes.

It takes a bit of the energy out of him. His shoulders sag. ]

So, like, fortune-tellers?

[ He's listening. It would be hypocritical of him not to, considering the reasons he'd gone after Strawberry himself (i.e. flickering visions of danger and desire). ]

How do you know that for sure?

[ Even the cat says you're not being normal, but he bites that comment back. Jaeha regrets coming down this alley, regrets being snared by what goodwill left in his soul, and regrets standing here as He Ming just sneezes right in front of him. He tenses at the abrupt noise, then closes his eyes and mumbles something like at least try to sneeze into your shoulder.

The next question has his expression twist. Most people ask that, then they laugh off the answer. It's unnecessary... ]

How else? Through visions—if you're going to laugh, do it quick.

[ Again, it would be hypocritical of him to laugh off visions. (He trusts that he's being told the truth about the existence of the visions in the first place. It would be an odd choice for a lie.) ]

I wasn't gonna laugh. [ Indeed, he might even look solemn! ] What did those visions tell you, exactly? Are you sure it was this cat?

[ This comes to him as a surprise since he was prepared for it. His shoulders were drawn, tense, but now they relax when he hears that He Ming is going to hear him out. It's... Weird. It should be comforting, but he needs a moment to process.

Is He Ming just really nice? Or is he an idiot. ]

It was definitely this cat. As I said, the owner will get into an accident while looking for it. They were really tired from their search, started to hallucinate their cat across the street, and followed after without checking the pedestrian signal. If the cat returns...

[ Then maybe such a fate can be avoided. Jaeha isn't sure. ]

What's your reason? You can't expect me to believe it was love at first sight with "Strawberry."

It could be. [ The cat is very pretty! Besides, He Ming is prone to flights of fancy; it wouldn't have been out of the question for him to really just want her—or for him to believe a stranger when he talks about having visions. ]

But I just thought it would be a good idea to get her inside. I still think it's a good idea. Why aren't you finding the owner, instead of the cat?

The cat is by chance.

[ He had little plans on preventing anything... The stars decided to align for this moment, though, and like an idiot he decided to meddle despite his family's warnings and disapproval. ]

I kind of know where the owner lives, but what am I supposed to do? Knock on their door and tell them not to look for their cat? Or to go outside?

[ Tell him, whimsy boy, if there's time, because at the end of the alleyway someone yells "what's going on there?!" ]

[ Huh. He's lucky, then. He Ming never has such luck! He'd had to go down this alley and start chasing the cat in the first place. As it is, he has to content himself with Strawberry being relatively pliant in his arms. ]

Why don't you just go and talk to them? [ a.k.a., yes, just go knock on the door. That's what He Ming would do. ] Tell them you have their cat already and they should stay where they are until you bring her back.

[ Well... He Ming looks down at Strawberry, who peers up at him with clear blue eyes. ]

Until I bring her back. Which will be soon.

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stained window, yellow candy screen

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