Runaway Rivalry

- // 05 // Speak up -

The Ragdoll dashed down the planks with his tail between his legs and a quick surveying of every corner. His mind was pacing, and his heart was racing.  He had no idea this day would emerge; what had he done wrong? Was he not quiet enough?

Is there anything he left behind? Perhaps a hint? He only remembers leaving his large art books and his pet rock, which he regrets... He misses Wilbert and has left his family behind. What could you possibly gain from those?

He then came to a halt, skidding slightly at the trapdoor beneath his feet, almost passing it as his thoughts raced. He knelt down, his breathing quick. He knocked on the door with his hand. Please, no one but Gemini. He'd understand and stop asking so many questions until the cat went insane. He had no idea what was going on or who was looking for him. That is why he would consult with a trusted companion.

He perked up weakly as he heard the door latch slide, his body gasping his lungs rapidly. His mind was too full to hold, he was dizzy, and his tongue was horribly dry. Much more than usual.

The door then swung open, revealing the Raven's face; his prayers had not been answered. Vivian examined him from every angle she could find, raised an eyebrow, and then asked, rather bluntly, "Why do you look like that?" He just thought it was a funny question because the Raven didn't look too good in his opinion. He gasped for air, his fur spiked and on edge. "How come I look like this?! Oh, I'm not sure, maybe because I ran the entire way here without stopping!".
"You could've walked," Vivian said simply.

"Just let me in, I need water, meds, and the biggest cup of tea we have in here," Cosmo scowled. His eyes were filled with sadness. Vivian looked into his eyes and seemed to finally offer him refuge. Cosmo took a cautious step down the stairs as his vision grew tired. He prayed to whatever god there was that he didn't fall and kill himself before this other cat from the roof does it for him.

He quickly rose from the bunker floor and took his usual tea cup, patterned with hand painted flowers and vines, obviously painted by him. It was one of the first things he did upon entering the bunker. Vivian gave him a chipped tea cup and told him he could do whatever he wanted with it, so he washed, repaired, and painted it.

As his lungs finally began to slow, he set the cup on the counter and boiled some water, while his mind continued to rise. He wasn't dizzy anymore, at least. Curiosity may kill the cat, but it has now killed the Raven, Vivian leaned against the wall. "What exactly happened out there?" " Was this done to offend or was it genuine? Cosmo wasn't sure whether he should speak up or not. The silence, on the other hand, created awkwardness. He let out a sigh and buried his face in his hands, speaking through the gap in his hands beans. How could he begin? "There's someone looking for me..." That'll do it.

The Raven cocked her brow, a cat? That's strange. "Why would a cat be looking for you?" Did you take any action? I knew you'd get into trouble! " She exclaimed as Cosmo sighed; he had no idea how to respond. If he mentioned the possibility that it was a henchman from his father, he would be directly blamed for 'not covering his tracks.' He could swear it was his father's business, and he'd not rest until Cosmo was controlled like a wild animal and shackled to a dog house outside. "I'm not sure, Vivian, I'm not sure." He spoke, and she had no right to know.

"What do you know about the cat or just this thing in general?" Vivian pondered for a moment before asking the cat. There are so many questions. So little tolerance. "All I know is that there is a Cat after me, a male...I believe...oh, and he was talking with another voice on a communicator about me having a price on my head!" He told her this as he poured boiling water into his teacup, which he had been making with camomile tea and sugar.

Vivian would then nod after a brief pause, "I'll look into it and keep an eye out, but get a good night's sleep, I have an idea on what we can do in the meantime," she said. "Relax now, Gemini is at Work.". Was she really being nice? To Him? She'd never spoken to him in this tone before. Cosmo nodded and picked up his tea cup, clearly pleased. It was now completely filled with the luxury of tea. The delicious nectar that kept him going. "Will do..." he said as he walked away from the scene.

That's when Vivian scowled, determined to put a stop to this so-called cat. She hoped it wasn't who she thought it was...she couldn't afford to lose another partner.