In The Arms Of The Beasts

Sway with me

The next morning
I sat by the riverside watching other creatures play in the water laughing in the sun, but water just wasn't my thing. My hands toyed with the flowers as some kids dashed for the water with their parents trailing behind smiling vacantly, it made me wonder what it was like to have completed what I wanted to in life and have nothing else to do

"Oh baby, it was awful! All night without your cuddles or warmth, who knew Bakugo sleep growls?!" Kirishima obviously had a rough night which Bakugo looked like he slept like a baby who'd been dragged out of bed at first light, I felt kinda bad for him but it was revenge for making me get up everyday!

I rubbed the blonde's cheek sympathetically "I'm sure it wasn't that bad, you're both getting married soon so shouldn't you enjoy that sort of thing?" Kiri's arms pulled me into his lap as he indulged in the attention he'd missed out on all night

"What's the 'pebble way'?" It was clear Bakugo had been 'talking' with the locals, I supposed they must've been asked why he was here since most the folk who go came the dryads were frail folk who had no where else, and they weren't usually royalty.

"It's treatment for cats who get way too high and addicted off catnip, it's like getting a massage. They lay cold stones on your body and you're supposed to get addicted to that more than the powder" like all races, we had things that weren't meant to be displayed...like our addictions and weird feline habits

"Personally I prefer my catnip in a solid form" my head turned away slightly as I lowered my voice unsure whether this information was okay to share or not but it didn't seem like they heard me, it was probably better that way

"One thing catfolk can't resist is open fields...and bells...and this weird herb called 'catnip'...and ear rubs" I raised an eyebrow at Kiri's folk knowledge, I honestly thought he was going to keep going! It was true that catfolk found it difficult hold back when it came to certain objects

"That's four things" Bakugo suddenly pulled out a little bell jingling it slightly but my attention was already pinned! My eyes locked onto the gold ball as he shook it slightly studying my reaction with a peak of interest

"Come get it, or are you too scared?" He rolled the ball around in the palm of his hand mischievously as I hesitated before taking the gold orb into my own hands mesmerised

"Arisu! Are you going to do the tradition?" My ears perked up as a few fellow catfolk appeared out of no where, I'd completely forgotten about it! Once catfolk were engaged, they threw this tribal party thing celebrating that they were going to be linked to one another

It would mean that I would have to dance on my own since I'm a female and the boys are guys. It's very much a gender vs gender dance party, they'd do their part then I'd do mine showing off my personality and culture

"Tradition?! You never told us about any traditions?" I rubbed the back of my neck nervously "so what's it involve, Hah?! Just what have you dragged us into this time?!" My hands began to toy with the grass patch in front of me trying to avoid eye contact at all costs

"Well, I guess it's a tribal ceremony - an official coming of age for catfolk when they are promised to another. A lot of dancing around and being very primal? I honestly didn't think about it. I was a going to skip it originally" Kirishima's face shifted into one of shock whereas Bakugo was smirking devilishly, what had I done?!

"I didn't think it was that big of a deal and...I've never been to one before" I mumbled the last part, it was events like these that made me so insecure about my traits, my background and all that. There really wasn't much to me

"It's a right of passage! You must!" Kiri crept closer as the feline complained about my decision "It's a free party, you really think we're gonna pass that up? Better yet, it's all about us! I'm up for it!" A sigh of defeat left my lips as Bakugo also announced his approval of the idea

"Well I guess I'm outnumbered then aren't? Fine, we'll do it" the boys cheered throwing themselves onto me in a falling motion before attacking me with kisses - it was strange but everything just felt better since we came here, lighter even...like all my problems had temporarily vanished out of sight but I also missed them - I missed having something to do trudging around a castle trying to control the chaos

But I loved every aspect of my life and where it was headed...