Kiba: -fiddles with his collar, crouched under the park bench, ears flat against his skull. He was tired of the outdoors. He wanted a home, a home where someone loved him... Not the life of a stray.-

Darian:: -lounging quite lazily on his own bench but the sight of another cat just across from his bench caught his eye. He seemed troubled while hiding under his own bench, and Darian thought he could help. He jumped off and seemed to have a certain bounce in his step as he drew closer to the black and white cat.- Excuse me, but I happened to notice that your frown is upside down. Any reason for that? -gives the boy a friendly smirk.-

Kiba: -pulls his ears back, arching his back as the gray striped male with no tail came from nowwhere, it seemed- I...uhmm... -wasn't sure whether or not to tell the stranger the truth or not- I don't have a home. What about you? -tilts his head a little, frowning still- You wear a collar... Where's your home?

Darian:: -tilts his head curiously at the kid as he asks what his problem was. Did it look like Darian had a problem?- Oh uh... nothing.... -when he asked where his home was he gave the kid a sympathetic smile and sat beside him, patting his back comfortingly. He wasn't a shy person.- Hm, My home... is uh... well it's complicated...

Kiba: -looks surprised- You don't have a home either? Get booted out of your happy place too? -says almost bitterly, half sadly- I don't want to be a stray... -mutters softly- I want to curl up on a cushion and sleep without fear of someone chasing me off. I want them to give me my food in a bowl and I don't wanna steal. What am I supposed to do? -buries head in his hands-

Darian:: -widens his eyes from the surprise of this kid being in such pain. He hates seeing people like this.- Hey, hey, hey now! Don't be so down. Come on, cheer up. It can't be all that bad. I mean, I don't think it is, but then again I'm a totally sly and sneaky fellow! -stands up from his place on the floor and stands proud with a grin.- You know, I'm probably the greatest stray of all time. -chuckles and goes to take a step but purposely trips himself and falls to the ground. He wanted to get a laugh out of the kid.-

Kiba: -knew he was being depressed but he was so hopelessly lost without an owner. He couldn't even protect himself, let alone knew how to hunt well, other than what his friend Owen had showed him- You're sly and sneaky? -a small smile appeared on his face as the lynx tripped and fell, but no laugh came- Perhaps you have some street smarts, then? How long have you been a stray?

Darian:: -gives a slight sigh of defeat as the kid didn't laugh. That made Darian feel a bit sad but he wouldn't show it.- Ahhh, let's see... -uses his fingers to count each day- Ah, I believe about six days. -he held up the fingers for Kiba to see.- How about yourself?

Kiba: -drops his head, looking sad himself- I lost count... -whispers it- I...found a second home, you know, but...the kid was allergic. I got put on my own again. What am I supposed to do? -grinds his palms into his eyes, then takes a deep breath and sits up straight- I have to get stronger. I have to learn the ways of the street...but I'm afraid...

Darian:: -feels a little depressed just being around this kid, but he's determined to fix this.- I'm sorry to hear that, ouch. Uh.... well, I'm new at all of this but I survive. I could help you if you'd like. You mean to tell me you haven't met any nice cats since you've been on your own?

Kiba: -pulls his ears back, feeling like he's bringing the other male -- such a friendly guy, too -- down with him and he forces a smile- It...It's okay. It'll be okay. -took a deep breath- I met one cat...Owen. He taught me how to hunt rats in an alley, though I'm shabby at it. -chuckles- And Achilles...though he's only as old as me, but I'm pretty sure he's got a home among the strays.

Darian:: -lets a grin fix itself upon his face as well as the boy smiles- Well, see! At least you're making friends! And look, you already made another one! ^_^ -brings the kid closer and gives him a soft noogie on the head.-

Kiba: -giggles at Darien, stretching out his legs- Yeah, I suppose you're right! -blushes a little and grins at the noogie- I'm Kiba, by the way. -holds out a hand, green eyes nervous- I guess I need a mentor, haha.

Darian:: -smirks at the whole mentor idea- Oooh, riiight. I guess I could teach you all I know, for a price... friendship. -chuckles as he takes Kiba's hand and introduces himself.- The names Darian. You can call me Dare, though. I actually prefer it.

Kiba: Dare... -tries the name out on his tongue, lips twisting into a grin- It fits, from what I've seen of you. I like it. I'd...like that. -likes the idea of a new friend, and a possible partner when it came down to hunting and learning the rules of the city- But...if I get annoying? -looks away- Just...tell me. I don't want to be a burden... -the old fear comes back, lapping at his throat like acid-

Darian:: -raises an eyebrow with a serious expression before breaking out into crazy laughter.- Oh my god! You've gotta be kidding me! -he wipes away a fake tear for show that it was truly hilarious.- Kiba, if you haven't noticed, I'm not one who is easily annoyed. In fact, it's quite the opposite usually. I'm the annoying one. -He gave a few more chuckles, patting the kid on the back.- Don't worry. I think this is the beautiful beginning of a long friendship.

{Fin}