Melpomene’s Tragedy, Thalia’s Comedy / [KILL THE PAST/ END]

The morning brought with itself all kinds of sounds that were typical of a city as big as Manehattan. Not the wholesome chirping of birds, but traffic movement. Even still, Gray slept peacefully even by the time Carmine had begun moving again. A little squeeze here and there… Gray scrunched his muz... View MoreThe morning brought with itself all kinds of sounds that were typical of a city as big as Manehattan. Not the wholesome chirping of birds, but traffic movement. Even still, Gray slept peacefully even by the time Carmine had begun moving again. A little squeeze here and there… Gray scrunched his muzzle in his sleep, but it did not manage to wake him. Then Carmine put his head on his neck and spoke to him. Now, that? That couldn’t be ignored. The gesture was met with a groan, one that likely would become a ‘5 more minutes’ request. For how chaotic their waking life was, Gray was at the very least a very peaceful sleeper. Normally he would curl up in a ball and stay that way all throughout the night and until morning. There was no sleep talking nor kicking, and only occasionally light snoring. …It was waking up that was often a problem. A still sleepy Gray grunted and grumbled, “Awwwghhh… C’mon… Don’t go to work today…” He grimaced, yawned… He threw his arms up for a stretch and attempted to roll around to face Carmine. A miscalculation that ended up squeezing the PI right up against the backrest, snout to snout. But hey, that did manage to wake Gray up! …At first, he seemed shocked to find Carmine there, but soon enough reality befell him. Gray nervously grinned, “…Sorry” and rolled out of the way until he was laying on his back, finally giving the detective some room to move. He himself, he made like he was about to sit up but instead he only stretched more and yawned a second time. “Good morning…” That was the best sleep he’d had in a long time! It was too bad that… the more he regained consciousness, the more he began to remember. Past those beautiful moments with Carmine, and into the gruesome truth that waited for them two right outside their little apartment. That Berry was still comatose at a hospital, and some maniac was after her and lose in the streets. The actor was coming back into himself, he felt around the couch then actually pulled himself up to sit. “We have to go to the orphanage today.” he informed Carmine, who was most likely already awake. Gray was looking at him, his messy mane and still somewhat sleepy expression. It was a wonderful sight, honestly. He sighed in contentment, “You know… we should’ve listened to everybody else’s advice and started doing this way sooner.” He snickered. “…Hmmmph… You woke me up because you couldn’t get out, didn’t you?”

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Like September 18, 2022

Carmen Gumshoe

As gentle as he could be with Gray, Carmine also knew that sometimes tough love needed to be used in controlled circumstances. There’s been more than one occasion where Carmine’s saved his part in a movie or play by splashing some cold water on to the actor’s face after the fourth ‘Five More Minutes... View More

Like September 18, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

That kiss on the forehead warranted a bout of nervous laughter and Gray pulling back to shield his rapidly blushing cheeks. “What kind of a counter argument is that??? Stop…!” He grabbed the smallest, fluffiest pillow he could find and tossed it to Carmine’s chest. It was the lightest toss, nothing ... View More

Like September 18, 2022

Carmen Gumshoe

Well, it would be nice if he didn’t have to cook. The dishes haven’t received as much attention as they should have due to the chaos of the past couple of days. That, and it’s not like the orphanage was going to suddenly up and leave if they took fifteen minutes out of their time to eat a muffin. ... View More

Like September 18, 2022

Carmen Gumshoe

There was no point in chasing a hopeless lead. ‘Jim’ might not be dead, but he certainly doesn’t care whether they know he’s alive. With no other lead besides ‘I saw him on tinder,’ he was basically a loose end that may never be closed up. “Right. Let’s go see Berry, then. Let her know how we’re d... View More

Like September 20, 2022

Dr. Lilith Sawbones

And that’s not all! A certain bird-beaked fellow was hovering over the patient with a stick incense. Her cleansing stopped as the door opened. “Gray! Hello!” And then, her covered gaze fell upon Carmine. “Hello.”

Like September 20, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

There was nothing remarkable about the drive to the hospital, at least, nothing other than the building anxiety as they approached their destination. He’d only been to Our Great Mercy two times; today… and the night of the attack. But even then, he had never gone past the ER waiting room. This vis... View More

Like September 20, 2022

Dr. Lilith Sawbones

“Have you ever heard the phrase ‘no news is good news?’ She’s showing no signs of failing… but, at the same time, there’s no improvement. That means she’s stable as can be.” Though only the lower half of her face was visible, it appears even Sawbones felt bad for Berry. A frown trembled on her blac... View More

Like September 20, 2022 Edited

Carmen Gumshoe

Indeed, nothing remarkable about the trip itself. Carmine kept to himself in contemplative silence, he spent his time assessing, thinking, theorizing, preparing… all while linked to the hand with the actor. His rock and comfort… Within a few dozen minutes, the two would be brought to the steps of H... View More

Like September 21, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

If Gray hadn’t known any better, he might have thought they were approaching a jail or an asylum. This was an orphanage!? His eyes were wide with shock and a hint of concern. Places filled with children were expected to be bustling with noise. These poor foals were eerily silent though. They were ... View More

Like September 21, 2022

Carmen Gumshoe

Normally this kind of misunderstanding wouldn't get under the detective's skin, but now that the rumor is mostly true, he couldn't help but let it sting... granted, it didn't show on his face. He still kept a stern look about him. The lady did seem a modicum more compliant that there was an investig... View MoreNormally this kind of misunderstanding wouldn't get under the detective's skin, but now that the rumor is mostly true, he couldn't help but let it sting... granted, it didn't show on his face. He still kept a stern look about him. The lady did seem a modicum more compliant that there was an investigator here... not a legal officer, but a hired detective? Carmine stepped forward between Gray and the mare. Both of them looked like they were ready to start swinging, and he wasn't really sure which one. "Can I get a name?" asked he. "Headmistress Halogen. What're you here for?" she mumbled. 'The conditions of this place,' he wanted to say. With an attitude like that, and facilities so soul-suckingly terrible, he couldn't help but feel terrible for any kid dropped here. But he kept that little bit of shade to himself. "There was an attack two days ago. We didn't find much, but we did find a stuffed toy. Hand-stitched tag that apparently said 'Property of Halogen Orphanage.' Dunno why the attacker would have a toy from here if it weren't related." "Toys? We aren't missing any toys, thank you. We do a head count every day; kids get to handle their stuffed toys until bed time. We wake, we divvy them out, they keep them until they sleep. Been that way for 10 years now, thank you." An odd system. Wouldn't the kids want to sleep with their toys? As much as he wanted to berate this lady to the end of the world, her lips were shut tight. "Right, well, what about ten years ago? Hm?" The lady, of course, had a retort. 'Kids didn't need them ten years ago!' but at the same exact time, another lady would pop out from behind a very, very large tree to the courtyard's side. She was younger than the old crone, but not by very much. She did not make a sound, but she did gesture for Gray to come with waves of her hands, beckonings toward her and the ever present 'Shh' noise where she presses her extended finger to the middle of her lips. Carmine and the lady were still chatting, it seems. Well, now it'd turned in to arguing.

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Like September 22, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

It was a good thing that Carmine got in between and broke that glare the two were casting at each other. Were Gray still shielded by a wall of money and fame he would’ve been a lot more vocal about his displeasure. After all, he wasn’t used to biting his tongue because his agent was the one usually ... View More

Like September 22, 2022

Carmen Gumshoe

Well, Gray certainly learned a great many things about Macbeth’s past. If he had a name, and he definitely had a record, then there must be *some* record about where he currently is. Under any other circumstance, Carmine would be grinning ear-to-ear. This was a solid catch and should be celebrated a... View More

Like September 22, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

Gray’s frantic sobbing diminished in intensity after the hug, although he’d still need some more time to put himself back together. How did it manage to catch him so off-guard…? Part of his frustration also stemmed from the fact that he hadn’t been able to follow through with a deeper investigation ... View MoreGray’s frantic sobbing diminished in intensity after the hug, although he’d still need some more time to put himself back together. How did it manage to catch him so off-guard…? Part of his frustration also stemmed from the fact that he hadn’t been able to follow through with a deeper investigation due to his own outburst. What conflicted him the most was how similar the crazed griffon and his own beloved friend were. Wasn’t Berry dangerous too…? If Macbeth deserved to be locked up forever, then… couldn’t the same be said for Berry? But Gray couldn’t concede that Berry’s case also required special handling. While he vehemently believed that Macbeth would be better off dead. And that was another troubling thing… He’d never ever felt so strongly about anyone, to wish death upon them. But when Carmine pulled him away to look him in the eye, all of those concerns had to be pushed into the background. The tears the detective rubbed away were the last ones Gray had cried, his cheeks, while reddened, remained dry afterwards. Carmine successfully drew Gray’s attention away from a past that was unchangeable and into the present, where they needed to stay. …It was true, while nothing could be done for Macbeth, the children that were currently held hostage in this awful place could still be saved. Maybe they would still be able to lead normal lives. But for that Gray needed to forget about the past and concentrate in the now. Looking into Carmine’s eyes, and the promise that they’d come back to this in the future further calmed him. He began to nod his head, he stilled his breath and straightened up, loosening the furious grip he had on Carmine’s clothes. “I’m sorry, Carmine… You’re right. You’re right, I just… I lost control. I’m alright… Don’t worry, I’m fine.” Gray breathed some more and gently let go. “…I’m really sorry about that. I doubt they’d let us inside to check the installations after that whole show…” he already knew that it wasn’t that big of a deal, since they had still obtained information. But he did fuck it up, and it was worthy of an apology.

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Like September 23, 2022

Carmen Gumshoe

“Don’t worry about it.” Yeah, it was a fuck up, but he can’t imagine they would’ve gotten much more than they did already. “With how Halogen was actin’, I doubt she would’ve let us check the bowels of this place anyhow. What you got was likely all we were gonna get. So, don’t worry. I got a plan.” ... View More

Like September 23, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

He had reached the point where he could return Carmine’s kind smile. Now… since their field investigation had been cut short, what else could do they for the rest of the day? Gray imagined maybe they would both be heading home now. That was quickly corrected, before the actor could even make a sugge... View MoreHe had reached the point where he could return Carmine’s kind smile. Now… since their field investigation had been cut short, what else could do they for the rest of the day? Gray imagined maybe they would both be heading home now. That was quickly corrected, before the actor could even make a suggestion. ‘Office work’ of course… Just because they had a name, that didn’t mean that the investigative job was done! This part was the most boring, and —like Carmine had already explained— Gray wouldn’t be much help… Although he had still wanted to come with. It would be a good opportunity to spend time together, even if he ended up napping at the couch. Seemed like it wasn’t in the cards though. “So…” he arched an eyebrow briefly. “You’ll be going to the office…?” Of course, it’s not like they had databases at home. As much as Gray had wanted to accompany him, he couldn’t find it in himself to ask. Not after having messed up their entire investigation today, due to his greenhorn’s unpreparedness. Besides… he would be more useful at home. “…Yeah, you’re right.” The actor scoffed light heartedly. The tilt in his ears indicated that there was some remained anxiety but… well, Gray said he was okay! “Plus, I bet it would be very boring to just sit around at the office while you work… Yeah, I need to lie down…” He sighed; he was pretending. Gray actually found the idea thrilling! He knew Carmine’s office had a kitchenette and didn’t doubt that the detective must have had all kinds of snacks waiting there! …And then there was that whole thing about being separated while there was a maniac--- Nah, now he was just making excuses because he didn’t want to be home alone. …It was for the better though, for Berry’s sake, he would tolerate it. Gray leaned into Carmine’s hand to give it a quick nuzzle before it had a chance to retreat. Since he wouldn’t be seeing the guy until later that night, he figured he might as well enjoy him some more. “God no… it was fun but it the couch is not meant to be used as a bed” he shook his head and groaned whilst reaching to rub the back of his neck. “…The springs were digging into my sides the entire night… Hah… I’ll have time to fix our living room and the kitchen while you work, huh?” “…If you get home late, theeeeeen… I’ll be at my room?” Gray offered. “I’d take yours, but I don’t know if your cats like me.” He jested. “Ah, well… I guess, I’ll see you then?”

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Like September 23, 2022

Melpomene’s Tragedy, Thalia’s Comedy / [KILL THE PAST/ END]

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