I Scream, You Scream...

[Samuel Javal]

We all scream for ice cream?

Sammy admits that he could easily have gotten some from home himself. It isn't as though the freezer doesn't always have dad's favorite rocky road, or mom's little tub of vanilla (which he really shouldn't snack from but she never seems to do more than say 'OH YOU~' and ruffle his hair before vanishing off elsewhere in the house.).

But while he could do that, the house isn't here, and the ice-cream store is, and it's right in the middle of the park.

And it's not as though anyone noticed the cat in his bag, the place was pretty much a concession stand. It wasn't even technically selling ice cream, just a few flavours of particularly pricey frozen yogurt, but either way it wasn't as though there was anything wrong with a little boy getting himself something cold to eat before going to sit elsewhere in the park.

And of course, AFTER he got his yogurt and paid for it and sat down nearer to the grassy area...

"Okay, out you come Sekmet..!"

"Maaaaaaouuuuu..." The kitty clambers out of the bag, curiously poking her head around before immediately honing in on the boy's treat.

"AH- N-No, this is mine!!"

"Mrraaaaaaaaaouuuuuuuu!"

"No no no, you can't have it, ah-!!"

Whoops.

[Kaiser Kittes]

It was somewhat warm out today and the sun was shining. That's a perfect day if you ask Kaiser. The boy leaned up from his Aunt's couch. He decided instantly that he wasn't about to waste this beautiful day just lounging around the house, no. He was going to explore the town. He checked his wallet to make sure he had some cash, just in case he got hungry. "Hey! Aunt Holly, I'm going for a walk ok?" He yelled out to the back room where his aunt was. With a positive response the boy slipped on his shoes and headed out the door. "Let the adventure begin!"

He had been walking for a good bit before he made it to the park. 'I wonder what's going on?' He thought to himself. The park had a good amount of people out and about today. Though it was probably just because the weather was so nice. A smile seemed plastered to the kid's face. All little Kaiser wanted to do was lay in the grass and roll around, though that would probably attract some pretty strange looks. Though, he could find a hiding place and shift. Then he could roll around wherever he wanted. The boy shrugged. He'd just be normal Kaiser for now. He then spotted something amusing. A cat trying to eat some boy's icecream. He decided to walk over to the other kid.

"Looks like the kitty is hungry huh?" He asked, squatting down next to the two of them. "It is hot outside though, probably just wants to cool down or something." He said giving the boy a smile. "I'm Kaiser by the way." He said as he sat down next to them. "Hope I'm not intruding or anything, if you want I can leave. Don't want to be a bother." That was most certainly true. Kaiser was what some would call a "Southern gentleman." He had to be or it was a pop on the back of the head if he didn't abide by his father rules on manners. "So what's up?"

[Samuel Javal]

It was probably lucky for him that Sekmet had the sense to back away from the ice-cream when someone arrived, even if it was only after that someone- er, Kaiser- spoke. As it was, looking up to him was just enough time for the kitty to snatch a bit from the spoon by batting it with a paw, and half way between a 'eh- oh, hi!' and a panicked 'ah- SEEEEEKMEEEEEEEET!!', it was quickly disappearing into her mouth.

"Aaaaaaaaah, Sekmet no that's not good for you..." he moaned, holding the remaining treat above his head as the cat stared expectantly. Nonetheless he turned, smiling. "Sh-She's had food, really..! She just really likes milky things, um..."

He laughed a little nervously, shaking it off. "I'm Sam..! Pleased to meet you- you really aren't intruding on anything, it's fine! I just got here really..."

There's a loud meow at the side, and a pained smile is turned toward it. "Sekmeeeeet... No...."

"MrraaaaaaaooooUUUUUUUUU~"

"Um... A-Anyways. This is Sekmet," he managed to say a little lamely, rubbing his neck somewhat awkwardly. "She's my cat... ...Um. I don't suppose you have one, do you?" he added, watching the pet sniff at him curiously. She seemed fairly certain that there was another around at least, given how she was sniffing in Kaiser's direction...

[Kaiser Kittes]

Kaiser couldnt help but grin as the cat, Sekmet, swiped the ice cream from the boy. "Most cats do like milky things so it's not that strange." The boy took a seat by the other boy and his cat. "Nice to meet you as well!" He said with a chuckle. This kid was pretty adorable, but obviously a kid. He had to be, judging by his looks...thirteen at most? His hand went to the cat. "Hi Sektmet, nice to meet you too." Kaiser gave the kitty a small rub. "No, I don't have a cat, but let's just say I know a lot about them." He said with a playful smile.

"So you live around here?" He asked the other boy. "I just moved here somewhat recently. Just a few years under my belt. It takes a lot of getting used to, Texas was almost like a whole different country." He said with a small laugh. "Have you ever been there? If you haven't I don't recommend it! It's hot and there are tons of rednecks. Not the type of place a kid like me wants to live." He continued to pet the cat. "She's really pretty by the way."

[Samuel Javal]

"Haha... I still wish she wouldn't get into things so much..." Ahhhh. Good thing he kept his bones in a separate pocket he supposed, though it would be kinda rude to start munching on those in the middle of a conversation... The mentions of 'knowing a lot about them' did bring a few different theories to mind though; however, he decided to keep them to himself.

Sekmet froze a little at the touch- she'd only really known Sammy for the most part- but quickly purred and rubbed her head against the hand. True, he smelled like another cat but... ...Well Sammy smelled like a giant cat-carrion-eating bird really, so tomato tomahto.

Meanwhile, in human languages... "Ah... Y-Yea! I grew up here actually," he adds with a smile. "I can't say I've been too far from Miami much though... Um... My Grandparents live near Tampa Bay, so I've been to their place... I don't doubt you though!" the boy continued. "There are lots of different places in the states alone- I don't know about people, but I heard it was definitely hotter than here sometimes..!" Back to Sekmet, he continued to smile, the expression potentially enlarging even. "Haha- I think she likes the compliment..."

Yesss. Yes she did actually.

[Kaiser Kittes]

It wasnt as if being a shifter was something noone knew about. They're everywhere, if you go anywhere you're bound to meet mostly shifters. But it was still good to be cautious, though he didn't assume this boy was actually going to start running away if he revealed his secret. "Fun place to grow up I assume. Lots of place to wonder around, I've found that our most certainly." It was true, Kaiser loved his walks around the city. Sure, it probably wasn't the safest thing this boy could do...but if anything did happen he could just shift and run away.

"Yeah, over a hundred degrees in the summer and as much as I love sunny weather that would ignite my hair into flames! I do like it much more here though..the people are much more accepting of whatever lifestyle you live." He said running his hand through his hair. "Not like the old Tex, if you were the slight bit different you got targeted...and let's just say I'm more than slightly different." He eyed the cat. He was certain she had some idea of what he was. "Of course she does. If you compliment a cat they take it to heart." Kaiser grinned, of all people he would know for sure.

[Samuel Javal]

Well. With the 40-60 percent ratio it was closer to a '2 out of 5' chance that the one you were speaking to was a shifter, but oh well. It was rude to assume either way after all..!!

But hey, looked like they had similar tastes in this regard. "Yea! It's fun to wander around sometimes- I've only been doing that recently though, it was getting a little closed in at home, hahah..." That'd be the bird talking, yep.

"Mmm... 100 degrees in Texas... Yea, that would definitely be worse than out here..! Um-" He blinked a few times, thinking over Kaiser's words a moment. "Oh... Are you... A shifter then?" ...Probably not what he meant, not that Sammy guesses that sort of thing immediately... "Er- though if it's something else, then I'm sorry!" he quickly added, laughing a little nervously as he smiled. "I don't want to be rude, haha..!"

Sekmet's purring could rival a motorcycle's engine, though at this point she was beginning to bat Kaiser's wrist with her paws. No claws were out mind- but she was definitely looking to play, and with a small look, her owner got an idea. "Ahh... Sekmet~" He pulled out a small bell ball, the cat turning with wide eyes. "Want the ball?"

...Here's an interesting thing- a cat that plays fetch.

[Kaiser Kittes]

This kid caught on quick. That was always a good thing with Kaiser...he was never that outright with what he was talking about. He liked to have a bit of mystery mixed in. Sure, there was that big other thing that made him different. Boys liking boys still wasn't exactly the social norm, but hey who wanted to be normal anyways? Not Kaiser...not anymore at least.

"I am indeed." He said, answering Sam's question. "That's probably why Sekmet likes me so much. Cat shifter and proud." He said with a big grin. "Maine Coon to be precise, I'm one of the fluffiest cats you'll ever meet, also that's probably where my nickname 'Kitty' came from. So feel free to call me whatever...Kaiser, Kai, Kitty. I'll answer to any of them."

Kaiser was enjoying playing with the other cat. She was so much fun. His aunt didn't allow animals in her house...Kaiser being the only exception. That is as long as he agreed to not shift if he could help it. He wiggled his fingers in front of her face, just toying with her. Kaiser looked up to see what ball Sam was talking about. It did look fun to play with, hey, sometimes you just can't get out of the animal mindset...seeing as it was a part of you. "Watcha say Sekmet? Wanna play?" He asked giving her another scratch behind her ears.

[Samuel Javal]

"Wowwww... I haven't met anyone outside of online... Um. Sorry if I seem a little excited over that, hahaha..! A maine coon..." He nods, closing his eyes in thought a moment. "Yea- those are the largest of the domesic cats; they were from up north to start though, that must have been horrible in Texas..!!" Y-Yikes..!

"Um- I'm a shifter myself, actually- 'Bearded Vulture'. They're pretty big.." he admits a little uneasily, laughing, "And they look kind of like feathery dragons to be honest... It's a little creepy!! But it's still fun..! Sekmet's alright with it though," the boy adds. "Um... Apparently they live almost entirely on bone marrow... ...So I guess she doesn't feel too threatened by it..."

By this point Sekmet has been waiting expectantly for her ball, shame on you 'owner'! Looking back to her, he grins. "Okay Sekmet... Go!" The ball was thrown, and Sekmet tore herself from a rather pleasant scratch like a bullet from a gun. Bolting off at top speed she quickly found the ball- and, curiously, she came back with the small ball as well, receiving a head scratch for her efforts. "Hahah~"

[Kaiser Kittes]

"I've only met a handful of shifters. You're certainly one of the youngest I've met though...because most of them were adults my Aunt is friends with. She isn't one...but she loves shifters. She finds it's absolutely fascinating." Kaiser smiled at the boys knowledge about his shift form. "You're exactly right. I'm pretty large when I shift. And yeah it was terrible! So. Freaking. Hot." The boy listener as the other spoke. A bird. Interesting. And a big bird at that. "I think I might've seen them at the zoo before...maybe not. I don't know...it was some kind of vulture." He said shrugging. "And that's good to know...if we hang out again I know you won't eat me!" He said with a quick laugh.

Kaiser watched as Sekmet chased the ball. He giggled as the cat brought the toy back. A very neat trick...and it was pretty impressive as well. Cats are very hard headed creatures...he would know. "So are your parents fine with you being a shifter?" He asked, hoping he wasnt going too far into the other boys life. "If you'd rather not say I completely understand." He said with a more than understanding smile.

[Samuel Javal]

"Wow, really..?" Hnnnn... "I suppose that the younger someone is, the less developed the immune system would be though..." Uhhh... Yea. Yea that- Sammy how many kids your age would respond with that anyway.

"But I definitely wouldn't eat a cat..! I'm perfectly fine with my chicken bones and sandwiches..!!" he laughed, shaking his head. Taking the ball from Sekmet as he said this, he tossed it again, watching Sekmet bolt with a loud purring sound before blinking.

"Ummm... I think so? They certainly didn't seem to be very upset about it- it happened while I was at my Grandparents actually; they were pretty accepting themselves. I don't get to talk to my parents much though, they tend to be pretty busy," he admitted, rubbing the back of his head. "They haven't treated me any different outside offering to get something for my bird form to perch properly on though, so I would assume that means they're okay," the boy continues with a smile. "You're right though, I think they do have a bearded vulture at the zoo, haha! They aren't very rare where they're from, so it's possible."

[Kaiser Kittes]

Kaiser shrugged again. "I guess, I'm sure there are more out there but like I said...the ones my aunt Holly hangs out with are adults. Some of them have really cool animal forms too. One's a poison dart frog, another is a raccoon, but my favorite was Billy. He was a Bengal Tiger. We sort of connected I guess? Him being a cat too...a giant cat, but a cat nevertheless." He watched the boy's movements. He seemed a bit...awkward but it only added to the cuteness of the kid. He was probably really awkward at that age too...hell. He was still really awkward.

"You had it better than me then." He said looking at Sam. "My parents already thought I was a freak...then Versi hit and they were pretty much unaffected. Me on the other hand...well you already know." He said with a grin. "So they sent me to live with my aunt down here. Which, if you ask me was one of the best things that could ever have happened to me. To move from a family that was completely closed minded and conservative about everything to my aunt who is one of the most open minded people I have ever met...yeah...big change, but a good one!"

[Samuel Javal]

"Wowwwww... A tiger... Ah- There's no problems with poison for the first friend though right? It would be bad if he left a trace on something... For both another and himself! I don't think I could live with the kind of guilt that would come with that..." Hihhhhh...

He was snapped out of his mild shudders with Kaiser's next words, at which point he more or less settled into a light frown. "Your parents... They did that?" He looked down, frowning. "...Why would anyone... ...Well..." He fell silent briefly, before looking back. "I guess... You have your Aunt, at least right? So I agree..! It's a big change, but it looks like it was still a good one..!! Ah..."

Another blink. "So then... You've been here since Versi hit? Around five years then?" Absently he takes the ball from a now returned Sekmet, scooping the cat in his arms after putting his food to the side. Initially of course, the bengal was ready to go after it as well... But she was quickly distracted by a belly rub and a cuddle. "Ah, unless you don't want to say of course! I understand."

[Kaiser Kittes]

Kaiser gave the boy a shrug. "I don't really know? I don't think he's poisoned me and I've hugged him before." He said with a giggle. "I'm pretty healthy for the most part, though possibly a little small for my age." He said with a grin and playful wink. This boy was really easy to talk to, a great change of pace from a few of the other people he spoke with. He was much more gentle and kind.

"Well..." He pondered if he should share his other secret with Sam. "They weren't very open to the fact that I'm gay then I turned out to be a shifter and that was the last straw. They rather not have a son than a gay shifter freak." He said almost matter of factly. It didn't really phase him anymore. Sure at first it tore him apart at the beginning but now it was in the past and only made him stronger today. "Yeah though, living here has been a great change of pace." He said with another smile.

"I moved here right after Versi actually. My Aunt Holly took me in like I was her own son. She was never married and never had kids...so she was actually pretty happy to have me around, plus I help her with the chores. Though she doesn't mind my input when she's trying to find an outfit for a party, so I'd assume for the most part, she loves having me around!"

[Samuel Javal]

"Ah! That's good..! Some of the shifters I've spoken to online have had some slips apparently... One of them accidentally spat cobra venom, it didn't go very well..." Thankfully, the eyes were flushed immediately, as the 'lucky' victim happened to be in the same room as such an emergency eye wash station... But regardless, his friend was more than flustered about it regardless of any forgivness from the apparently understanding other.

"Aah..." Your parents sound... ...Unpleasant.

Yes go with that. "Well... I'm glad you have your aunt and her friends..! It sounds like you're much happier now, really..! Though..."

"Small?" he finds himself asking, blinking again as Kaiser's comment on his size comes to mind. "How old are you then?" Mind, he's not a very good judge of age since he hasn't seen too many people outside the house and spoken to them... But at the same time, even walking through crowds says that people are in all shapes and sizes regardless of age in the end.

Not to mention photos online. ...Though he hasn't posted one of himself...