The Root of the Problem

[Meadowlark]

Coricopat sat at one of the corner tables, a drink before him, his focus on his claws as he rasped the file over them. His ears tipped toward the stage as the jazz band started yet another number. His tail twitched as his foot tapped idly in time to the music. He had some time to kill before he was due at the Demoniaque and after the day he'd had he felt he deserved to indulge his vice.

[victoriousscarf]

Misto entered the establishment a bit nervous. He had spent the rest of the day moving his suitcase into the house on Fourth Street and then cleaning the house. It did not look very lived in, and not just because of the dust. It was strange to have an entire empty house to himself and feel like a trespasser the whole time.

Looking around the room, his brows rose as he noticed none other than Coricopat sitting alone at a corner table. Seeing the other surprised him a little--the sitting alone did not. He walked across the room, nervous that he would trespass with the other, just like he felt he had at the house.

[Meadowlark]

Coricopat glanced up at the sound of approaching footsteps, one eyebrow arching at the sight of the street magician. "Good evening."

[victoriousscarf]

"Hey," Misto said, rolling his shoulders a bit. "Would, do you mind if I sit with you?"

[Meadowlark]

He shrugged, returning his attention to his claws. "It's a free country."

[victoriousscarf]

"Well, yeah, but there are other tables if you'd rather be alone. Or, uh, was that an invitation?"

[Meadowlark]

Coricopat waved the nail file in the direction of the seat opposite. "Just sit down."

[victoriousscarf]

Misto sat down quickly. He turned toward the stage, blushing a little.

[Meadowlark]

Coricopat arched an eyebrow, but turned back to sharpening his claws. "How are you settling in?"

[victoriousscarf]

"Good," Misto said, shoulders stiff and eyes on the stage. "It's strange but... good. I get the feeling that no one's ever lived in that house though..."

[Meadowlark]

"Well, that's not quite true, but I know the fellow has other places he prefers." Cori replied, thinking of the suits he knew the owner kept in the closet of the larger bedroom.

[victoriousscarf]

"Yeah, I mean, I saw some stuff around, but not much. Nothing that... made it personal, you know? Most houses have things like that."

[Meadowlark]

Coricopat nodded slightly. "I see, well, some prefer a colder approach."

[victoriousscarf]

"I'm not... saying like it's a bad thing. It's just... a little creepy to feel like I'm moving into an empty museum or something of what someone thinks a house should look like. Okay, maybe a little bit bad, but not..."

[Meadowlark]

A dry chuckle came in response. "Well, then do as you see fit to make it more welcoming. Just make sure it stays tidy."