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 Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2017 6:34 pm
Quote: The line for Santa is miles long and doesn’t seem to be moving. At the front, it appears there isn’t enough help to keep everything running smoothly. Suddenly you are tapped on the shoulder and turn around to find a woman dressed as an elf looking at you with panic in her eyes. “There you are! Where have you been? Why aren’t you dressed? Hurry up! We need more hands up there!” It appears she has mistaken you for one of the missing elves. Do you go along with it? Set her straight? Visiting a mall Santa wasn't something had done in years. Several years. She was pretty sure, now that she thought about it, she hadn't visited a mall Santa since just after hitting double digits as far as her age went. And it wasn't, necessarily, that she had stopped wanting to. More like there were always more pressing matters to deal with. Pressing matters being concerts music wise and practicing said music for those holiday concerts. A day in the life of being a child who could play an instrument really, really well. Since she'd stopped all those years ago, however, she'd never picked the habit back up. It was always harder to when you grew up and the magic of a man in a red coat who left you presents every year vanished in the face of reality. It had always left her with the question of why bother lying to your child about such things? But that was a thought process to deal with another day because today she had something important to do. Something she'd promised someone and Melody Klein did not break promises. Especially not to impressionable guardian cats who looked up to her. Okay maybe she could understand a little why one would lie to children about the magic of Santa Clause. It didn't help she and Itsuki had been keeping his Instagram updated and they'd done so much in the way of Christmas related things for the site. Visiting Santa just seemed like the inevitable for his Instagram. Itsuki the Cat meets Santa Clause! The kids would love it. Which is why she was standing in the rather long line holding on to the lilac-point cat who had to be going crazy. It wasn't easy for guardian cats to be out with normal civilians to begin with but to have to be in this incredibly long line and not be able to talk?? Well, not easily anyway. Shifting him some, brown eyes peered down to the cat as she tried to ignore how slow the line was moving and how much longer it seemed to be getting behind them. "Do you want to try moving to my shoulder, Itsuki? Would that be more comfortable?" She made sure to make it seem like she was talking to a normal cat, even going so far as to shift him more so that he was facing her shoulder and could hop onto it if he wanted. That... was normal cat owner behaviour, right? Maybe? Well, he wasn't a normal cat anyway, wouldn't have been even if he hadn't been a guardian cat (she was sure) with how behaved he was (currently) and hopefully people just assumed he was one of those cats who just did amazing in public. And hopefully the guy dressed as Santa wouldn't be too weirded out about having a cat to take pictures with. "You're being such a good boy~ I'll have to get you a treat once we finally get through this, hm?" Lucifer Force let me know if you want me to tweak anything~
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2017 7:28 pm
Itsuki, for his part, was thoroughly enjoying the experience. He wasn't a heavy cat by any means (somewhere between 9 and 11 pounds at best), and was easily shifted in Melody's arms. When her arms and shoulders got tired, Itsuki would be set on the ground to walk beside her like a well-behaved dog. The lilac point even volunteered to remove his usual pink sash and replace it with a cat harness to help with the illusion in public (and give him a constant reminder not to talk, and to try and act as mundane as possible. His Instagram wasn't incredibly successful (which could be a good thing, since no one knew how much the Negaverse looked at this sort of thing), but it was a cute and fun hobby for Melody and Itsuki. Besides, a cat in public doing unusual things wasn't entirely unheard of - there were surfing and swimming cats, Grumpy Cat was a movie star, Lil Bub was famous as well. The internet was filled to the brim with cats and cat videos, so a cat posing for Santa couldn't be too unusual. Shifted onto Melody's shoulders, Itsuki was able to get a good look at the line ahead of them. At the front of the line was some contained chaos and crying children, and the poor overworked elves were likely trying their best. One harried elf, a young lady with curled pink hair, seemed to be hurrying in their direction. Itsuki hid his head behind Melody's hat and hair, mimicking a cat's want to bump their loved ones with their head, to give her a warning. "Melody-san, one of the elves is coming this way!"Upon the young lady's approach, Itsuki greeted her from Melody's shoulder. "Prrrt? Prrrrrt?" "Oh my gosh there you are!" came her anxious, breathless plea to Melody. The Mauvian on Melody's shoulder didn't recognize this woman, tilting his head at her. "We're soooo short-handed, Sam. You're late and we need you! I have an extra outfit but you have to come with me! It's crazy up there!" She reached for Melody's hand, intent on pulling her from the line and towards the North Pole setup all these people were funneled towards.
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2017 8:19 pm
The goal of Itsuki's Instagram wasn't really to garner popularity, at least not to her. Perhaps it was sorrow for the little girl who lost her cat to the awakening of a guardian cat, not that she wished it differently, but the account had been made to carry on her love of showing Itsuki to the world. Plus it was a way to keep Itsuki busy when he wasn't doing Guardian Cat things. She did sometimes find herself hoping that the little girl would one day find it and see that Itsuki was alive and well. As Itsuki moved to her shoulder and curled up, leash left to hang over her shoulder and down her chest untouched, she was glad that moving him in such a way had lead to a way of communication. More so when he mentioned that someone was heading their way?? One of the poor worker elves at that! Oh dear, had someone complained about the cat in line? Apparently not as the lovely lady seemed to have her confused for someone else, someone who worked as an elf and was running late. Confusion cleared for Melody's face as she heard her out, an apologetic look replacing it. "I'm so sorry miss, but I think you have me confused for someone else. My name's Melody, not Sam, and I'm just here to visit Santa with my cat~" A point to the lilac-point on her shoulder who was purring up a storm in greeting for the poor elf.
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2017 9:23 pm
The poor pink haired woman was so frazzled, perhaps her anxiety left her unable to initially realize Melody was not the "Sam" she was looking for. She mumbled at poor Melody for a few moments before coming to the proper conclusion. "....oh. Oh, oh my god, I'm so sorry. I swear, I thought you were Sam. You look just like her with your hair up like that. Oh gosh, I'm so sorry..." "Amandaaaa~!" came a cry from behind the young lady, and she whirled around. She looked tired, as if she had come running from a fair distance away, backpack still on her back and a Starbucks cup in her hand. "SAM, OH MY GOD, you're so late!" This Sam, indeed, looked similar to Melody with sunkissed skin and blonde hair, but her eyes were green and she was slightly shorter. In all the stress and confusion, it could be reasonably assumed they could be mixed up. Itsuki settled himself on Melody's chest as a sort of security blanket while things were figured out between Sam and Amanda. "We need you at the front, pronto. There's so many people up there!" The pair disappeared shortly thereafter, with the line becoming somewhat disgruntled due to tired children and the long wait. Thankfully, it seemed as though Sam's assistance was sorely needed, as the line started to finally move at a reasonable pace. Itsuki chirped and chittered to the children as needed to keep them happy, despite some people's complaints about possible cat dander. Thankfully, Mauvians only looked like cats. Taking time to bump Melody's chin in affection, it served as a great way to whisper to her without getting caught. "Glad that's over, Melody-san~ I thought for sure she might just drag you up there! At least the line is moving now~"
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Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2017 8:42 pm
She had to admit she felt a little bad to have had to tell the lady, Amanda she would soon learn, that she wasn't who she'd been thought to be. Especially with how behind they seemed to be. Just as she opened her mouth to reply, probably more apologies for not being who the other needed her to be, someone else called out. And it just happened to be the "Sam" in question! The day was saved! As the two headed off to contend with the line and get everything running smoothly once more, Melody let out a soft sigh. Had that gone on any longer the blonde might have actually gone up to help. With Itsuki on her chest, she smiled some and snuggled him closer. God he was absolutely precious~ Was he ever this cute for Zach? "I was about ready to go up there and help," she admitted with a soft chuckle. "She seemed about ready to cry." A kiss to the cat's cheek. "Maybe we should go and buy them some cookies or something after our visit with Santa?" She did her best to keep her voice in a whisper but at least she seemed to keep her words in such a way that it sounded like she was just talking aloud to the cat.
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Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2017 4:45 pm
"I bet they'd love some cookies, Melody-san~ They're volunteering, I think. It must be very stressful with all these kids--"With the line moving at a relatively steady pace, the kids around them in line were getting excited and bouncy. Itsuki made to prrt at them, chirping and trilling to keep them entertained. Kitty! Kitty! was cried by the younger ones among them, pointing and laughing that a cat was going to ask Santa for something. Was kitty good this year? What would kitty ask for? Probably catnip! said one little girl, or toys!
Maybe fish!
A new kitty tree!This banter happening around Melody seemed to keep the kids entertained as the line moved along. It seemed as those Sam's assistance was helping move things at a reasonable pace, ushering children and tired parents to Santa for pictures before sending them back to the print station. There, they could print out various sizes of glossy photos to take home. All seemed to be in working order. It took roughly twenty before Melody found herself at the front of the line, a wooden fence wrapped in tinsel and garland running around the perimeter of Santa's Workshop. A large faux Christmas tree and painted snow on a backdrop was behind Santa's large, plush crimson chair. It was the perfect background for pictures. "Next!" The young elf who mistook Melody for Sam gave the blonde a tired smile, but she seemed relieved. The work was now being divided among more people, and with the line moving more reasonably, people's patience wasn't worn so thing. "...thank you so much for your patience," she said, pausing to smile at the cat resting against Melody's chest. "I'm so sorry I almost pulled you out of line. Your kitty's really well-behaved. We've had a few dogs, but no cats." Amanda gently took Melody by the arm to lead her over to Santa, who seemed surprised to see a cat. "Ho ho... meow!" the jolly man said, holding his belly like the real Santa might.
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Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2017 2:04 pm
The kids around them all trying to guess what a cat might ask Santa for as a gift made her smile and giggle, petting Itsuki more to elicit more purring from him for the kids to hear. She was glad he was a hit with the little ones and she could only hope that his garnering attention of the children helped to soothe the parents and keep the stress down overall. "I'm thinking a variety of cookies, I'm sure we can get something that maybe everyone can eat." She didn't know if anyone had any food allergies or the like, though she could probably ask? But she wanted it to be a surprise... Suddenly they were next in line and the lovely Amanda was greeting them. "I understand how stressful the holidays can be, there's no use getting upset over things none of us can control." A sweet and friendly smile given to her. "You all are doing amazing and I'm glad we could meet~" A glance down to Itsuki as well and the smile grew a little brighter. "I know Itsuki's glad to be here too! He loves people~" Stepping over to where the mall Santa was seated, Melody continued to smile as she shifted Itsuki to face the jolly man. "Hello. I hope you don't mind a cat, Mr. Claus."
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2017 5:43 pm
"Oh goodness me. I don't get very many pets on my list, but... have you been good this year, little one?" With Itsuki placed in Santa's lap, the cat made to knead gently on the big man's leg. The whole purpose to coming here was a photo opportunity, after all! Purring and chirping his happiness, Itsuki certainly didn't mind the extra attention and scratches behind the ear. It looked as though Amanda and Sam were both setting up the camera for the shot, waving for Melody to sit on Santa's lap too. The man playing Santa had incredible patience with all these children and their stressed parents. It was a volunteer job, done in shifts, with different men playing Santa every day of the three-day event: Friday, Saturday, Sunday. The window was only five hours long on each day, but an incredible amount of people from all over Destiny City gathered to visit and get a picture with Santa. "And what is your name, young lady? Have you been good this year? What can Santa get for your and your kitty?" "Nya~!"
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2017 2:06 pm
"Itsuki has been a very good boy," she replied as she watched him play up the cute for the jolly red man. "And a life saver in some cases." While not the whole truth it was certainly true. Itsuki had helped her a lot, not to mention anything else he'd done that she didn't know of. Which she was sure he'd gone and helped a lot of others. Though she wondered if Zach would agree with her sentiments. A small giggle to herself just thinking about him being grumpy at the cat. "My name is Melody, sir." A sweet smile. "And I would like to think I've been good." Moving for his lap to sit, although a little awkardly because she hadn't thought about her being in the picture too, she glanced to Itsuki before glancing to the volunteers. "There isn't much I would like for Christmas, in all honesty. Except for maybe if you or your helpers have any allergies, so I can surprise them with cookies. Itsuki, however, I believe would like thumbs for Christmas." An odd request, yes, but. "Or at least with how he keeps trying to get at cans of tuna himself, its what I could guess he'd like."
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Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2017 6:21 pm
"Nya~"Itsuki seemed more than happy to purr and knead and headbutt the jolly man in red, keeping an eye on Melody for the opportune time to pose for pictures. Santa seemed amused by Melody's suggestion for thumbs, chuckling in the merry way Santa always should. "Ho ho~! Thumbs? Well, I don't think I could give you thumbs, fuzzy one, but I'll see about lots of tuna with pull-tabs. How does that sound?" Giving Itsuki scratches on the head, the Mau sat down on Santa's knee. Leaning over to the blonde for just a moment, Santa smiled very genuinely at her. "...that's very thoughtful, Melody. I'm sure you've noticed everybody's stressed... instead of cookies, maybe... a coffee or three? We've got like two hours left on the shift and we're all exhausted. If you don't mind, that is." "Nya~"With the tired elves in their positions for pictures, Sam was snapping her fingers to get Itsuki's attention. The Mau dutifully obeyed, stretching out to put his two front paws on Melody's knees and touch her chin with his nose for a kiss. Santa couldn't help but give a jolly laugh. FLASH!"Oh my," Santa's chuckle trailed off and he blinked to rid his eyes of the dancing colors from the flash of the camera. "Thank you Melody, and your kitty too. You've made Santa's day just a little more joyful." Sam went to usher the blonde and her cat to the back of the workshop where several other elves stood at computers and printers. "Thank you for your patience. They'll have your picture ready in just a couple moments, and you can get one with or without a border. Thanks for being a good boy, kitty!" She reached over to scratch Itsuki on the forehead, to which he replied, "Nya~"All in all, a successful trip!
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Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 5:36 pm
"I'm sure the tuna will be much appreciated~" she replied with a small laugh, glad he hadn't been too weirded out by the suggestion of thumbs. It had been worth asking though! Santa's idea of coffee over cookies was definitely the better option and she'd wondered why she hadn't thought of it herself. Aside from not being a coffee drinker that was. As Itsuki Moved to pose himself, the lovely elves ready to take their picture, Mel sat perfectly still with a smile on her face and her gaze trained down to the lovable cat in her lap. With the picture over she scooped up the cat and moved to stand though she had yet to leave. There was a moment where she leaned over to talk to the mall santa quietly before thanking him and his crew for their time and leaving. Not that they left the mall completely. Aside from needing to do a little bit of shopping, especially since she had Itsuki with her, there was the nice treat for the poor overworked elves. With orders from Santa, who knew his elves well, coffee was purchased and brought over as sneakily as possible without getting caught. "Sakura ninja!" Itsuki had quietly gasped and she smiled at the nickname. Maybe Amanda had been right to think of her as an elf after all.
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