Welcome to Gaia! ::

Dhiren raised an eyebrow at the bristling little furball next to him and snorted. "Hardly, I avoid humans with good reason." Flicking an ear, the older tom began checking out shops as they walked, looking for something that would work for this little cat, "No human has ever called me a 'cute fluffy head.' A few of them had some pretty colorful nicknames for me, though." Another chuckle made it's way through the Somali's throat and he waved his tail slowly. "You have strange tastes...but I think I know a place that will suit you." Leading the way, they eventually made it to the market, and Dhiren sniffed at the air a little before spotting the vendor he was looking for.

At a cart, a man was stirring something in a strange pan. Steam rose steadily and a continuous sizzle sounded. "Takoyaki." Dhiren explained quietly, glancing at Asher, "It's not exactly fish, but I think you'll like it all the same." Sitting on his haunches, the older cat waited for the man to finish his job. Carefully, the human turned and turned several small balls with toothpicks in a slotted pan. As they watched, he added green onions, ginger and chopped up octopus tentacles. Soon the balls were golden brown, and the man started putting them into containers, then he poured a light brown sauce over them and sprinkled fish shavings as a finishing top. He then began talking to several other people who had been waiting, and started serving them. At that point, Dhiren got up and padded quietly around to the side of the cart and looked around. Just behind the cart were some crates, and the somali got an idea. "Alright, get ready to run, kid." He warned, jumping onto the crates and turning back to the cart. Positioning himself at the edge of his leverage, the fluffy cat locked eyes on the target and prepared himself to jump.

What followed was nothing short of chaotic as Dhiren launched himself at the cart, careful of putting his paws near that hotplate. Both the cook and the humans awaiting their food began yelling in surprise and anger, but the tom made quick work of his task. Slapping one of the plastic trays off the edge of the cart for Asher to catch, he fastened his teeth into another one and dove off the side with it. "Let's go! Grab your food and follow me, and don't lag!" He growled around his mouthful, amber eyes meeting green for a moment before he took off, tail streaming out behind him. The shouting intensified and the cook gave chase. Humans were slow though, and he wouldn't follow for long; this much Dhiren knew. So, he continued on until he was quite a few blocks away, at which point he ducked into an alley and leaned against the wall, chest heaving as he breathed. Instantly, he looked about for Asher, making sure the kid followed alright.

(This is what they're eating, btw! :3 )

(Ahh... Gaia's so dumb sometimes XD;; )

When the little orange cat darted into the alley a few minutes after him, Dhiren sighed and let a relieved smile settle onto his face. "Not bad, kid." He panted, a little impressed that he had gotten it right the first time and didn't drop his meal. Settling into a crouch against the wall of the alley, the somali tom popped open his container and sniffed at the takoyaki balls inside of it, his mouth watering in response. Grabbing one up between the claws of his thumb and index finger, he popped it into his mouth whole and chewed. He loved this type of snack, and waited for the kit to try one as well. Thoughtfully, Dhiren munched on his takoyaki as he watched Asher. It was true that he did have a lot to learn about living on the streets, and Dhiren wasn't entirely sure the kid wanted to leave his humans completely, but offering to help him had taken his mind off of his problems with his mate. As he watched the younger cat, the tom couldn't help but wonder whether Alice would be opposed to him returning with the kid in tow. If anything, the university would be a safer territory to learn the ropes of living on your own in than some of the other territories around town, and it was definitely better than trying to learn on your own. Though the Somali wasn't at all sure of how his mate would react to taking care of a kid, he was at least certain that she wouldn't be able to turn away a homeless cat.

Closing his eyes for a moment, Dhiren realized he was getting a little ahead of himself. He poked at another ball before picking it up and taking a bite out of it. "So? How do you like it?" He finally asked, realizing Asher had gotten into his own meal while the older cat was busy thinking.

At the kid's sudden yelp, Dhiren blinked at him and grinned. "I take it you like this food, then?" He chuckled, raiding another fried ball to his mouth, "I'm glad." As he watched the kid, his gaze grew serious again; this kit was missing out on so much by staying with those humans.Giving a wave of his tail at the curious inquiry he received from the younger tom, he paused and then set his tray down beside himself. "Hey, kid, how would you like to see more of the city after we're done?" He offered him a grin, feeling somewhat guilty over how he intended to run the rest of the afternoon, "You said you hadn't been far from your humans, why don't I show you what you're missing?"

It was true that as far as having fun was concerned, Dhiren probably wasn't the best cat to turn to, but he had his own favorite places that he was sure even a sheltered kit would be able to enjoy. In the end, the tom didn't intend on bringing Asher back to his humans' home. Instead, he planned on making his way to the University grounds, and he hoped that by the end of the day, the young tom wouldn't mind.