I'M BARELY BREATHING // mural

[Grimm]

Subdued once rampant euphoria edged with impish delight, relished the destruction of restricting walls enclosing with a thin finality, to whims alone he subordinate. Low had he been brought by the machinations of nature and anatomy alike, in tandem working. Idle grown in days that passed in sluggish pace, lacking entertainment that was duly sought, adhered restrictions for his own body seemed against him, a prison crafted from sinew and bone. At the least brightened days interspersed among the worst, bout of energy allowed for more extensive activity, though meagre still that he may perform without issue.

One of those days seemed to arise and beckoned him forth, beneath dragging blanket hidden, dull coat once silver and ivory ragged, speckling with frost that slipped through the gaps. Ponderance was brief when eyes alighted on the images Lovekit had painted along dull stone, recalled in fuzzy moments the insuing fight, mere play that saw both muddied with various hues. Query posed to another and, other reluctant to retrieve the supplies sought, at the least no harm may come and persuasion softened the doubt.

It was as such that saw Foam perched before an open portion of the cliff face overshadowing the camp, about him various coconut shells and the like filled with paint.

"Mmm," gentle hum arose from pursed lips, upon chin tapping a paw as assessed the craggy surface as plan was made. He bore a basic idea of what he wished the end product to be but the manner to go about it, in such that would not muddle the image or leave it undecipherable, escaped. In time he chose simply to begin, red staining tiny paws as he set to work. Lengthy the process, some briefly halting in their own work to assist when he could not reach a too high point, the mural coming together rather slowly.

Some hours later, with the sun hanging overhead obscured beneath clouds that allowed only a slight hint of illumination to spread along the sand covered expanse, paws clapped together and a grin settled upon paint smeared features. Depicted a simple scene, in front Rhine standing alongside the kaleidoscopic mess that was Quasar, the more dulled and pleasant to look upon Tree on the other side. Behind Vaas towered and either side was occupied by Dovah and Medusa. Room enough was about them, painted in sweeping strokes the beach beneath, and time enough to add those forgotten, exhaustion weighing heavy on the child in that moment.

"Family." Muffled singular utterance as paw rubbed along drooping eyes, tighter drawn his blanket as he looked over his work.

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I think I’m not quite ready to let you circle the drain. all the things we’ve broken can be puzzled together again, all your sums and your pieces are enough to clean up all the messes you’ve made

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code by Wisker

[VASS .]

the evening was quiet, placid still as the sound of waves along the shore proved to keep the tiger within the main stretches of camp. Amidst the huddled snow that now crept along their beach like an infection, vaas was clear of it. The large cat a blight against the sense of sight. Brilliant rusted orange with the flairs of black striping. He didn't hide, even know there was a sense of confidence, of a prowl along the edge's of his gait as he moved deeper into the clan camp. Finding comfort in the quiet, in the chill, watching with amusement as some sense of childishness as his breath puffed out of his mouth like a billowing smoke.

Suprisingly sober, and in a good mood. The tiger noticed Foamkit along the edge's of camp, the cliff face had been something Vaas hadn't really took the time to ponder, but knew the small alcove the clan had carved for itself was large and sprawling. THe vivid display of color near the kit caught his eye, and he stalked closer, eyes watching them finish up the small painting before he tried to decipher it.

It was a kid's drawling, but even still there was a sense of wonder, aw at the sight of it. Vaas felt proud of the other, the whisper of the kit's voice confirming it. Family. In the quiet evening he had been assured of it, and Vaas sat down beside the other. his tail curling over the other's painted paws; knowing the chill.

"You did wonderful, Foamkit" Vaas' voice was suprisingly soft when he spoke, the emotion weigning his own enthusiasm as he took the moment to marvel at paint spattered paws, it wasn't that long ago Vaas himself set out to pain something, but this was an unprompted thing, where Vaas took the request Quesar had given not too long ago.

"Family is important to us, it builds you up" Vaas confirmed for him, a low rumble that sounded akin to a purr escaped the throat of the tiger. 

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"take me into your heart , accept me as your savior nail me to the fucking cross and let me be reborn" — an antagonist with a silver tongue , a pirate with nothing to loose and everything to gain .  vaas montenegro ; he who lives to fight demons should be weary he himself does not become one ." it's not like i am fucking crazy — "

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[SirDio]

[align=center][div style="width: 45%; text-align: justify; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -1px; font-family: times new roman;"]♡ — Family. While Medusa had never truly experienced such a wonderful thing before Palmclan, you'd be surprised at how Medusa viewed herself within the group of cats and dogs she found herself with. A distant friend more than ever, even if her friends would say otherwise. They were so close-knit, so it was a bit surprising for her to see the mural that Foam had made as she stepped into camp to give a scraggly vole to the pile. Skin was already sagging a small bit around her midsection from where she hadn't eaten all that much. Words caught in her throat for a moment, but she walked over anyway. Focusing on everyone on the mural but herself, she smiled. [color=#0C7805]"Such talent! It looks amazing, Foamkit." As she continued to admire all the parts of the art that she loved (everyone but herself in the mural, like she wasn't even in it, to begin with), she sat down, looking at Vaas and Foam with a sense of pride for the little kitten. It was pretty hard to hide the tiredness and loss in her voice, but hopefully, her words felt as genuine as she meant them to be.

[color=#0C7805]"Speech"

[number nine.]

Number Nine had never really been artistic, all things considered. It wasn't from a lack of respect for the arts – he certainly saw the appeal and benefits of many different works – but mainly due to a lack of skill. Despite how bright and creative his own appearance seemed to be, with scattered piebald patches and the flowers that hid his eyes, he didn't really have a painting – or drawing – bone in his body. The jaguar had only attempted drawing anything when he was younger, and it had come out disastrous, looking more like an abstract piece than the work of Lewis he had been hoping to create. Ever since then, he had decided to leave art to the true artists, and resolved to protect them. He had always been better at fighting, so what better way to contribute than to make sure that the creative types wouldn't be interrupted? Foamkit was obviously included in Nine's group of "the protected," but it wasn't because the jaguar had previously known him to be an artist. Rather, it was because Foam was a member of Palmclan, and also nothing more than a kit. To not protect him would've been practically a sin, at least in Number Nine's mind.

Of course, the bounty hunter's perception of the little feline shifted slightly as he walked into camp that day, eyes immediately being drawn to the mural that had been painted high above. Nine found himself chuckling, smiling toothily as he drew closer to get a better look. Perhaps some would've felt insulted by being left out of Foamkit's work, but Number Nine found that he didn't mind all that much. After all, he hadn't been living in the group for nearly as long as some around here had, and he didn't have any sort of familial bond with Foam, yet. It made sense that the boy would at first think of those like his father, Rhine, or the pups that were like brothers to him. So, feeling no sense of ill will, Nine just spoke in an impressed rumble, "Wow, Foamkit. I 'ad no idea you had this kind of artistic talent. Maybe I should get you to do a portrait of Lewis 'n' I sometime, eh?" His voice grew a teasing lilt at the end, as he lightly flicked his tail against Foamkit's back. It was meant to be a friendly pat, rather than anything that would startle the child.

HELLBENT ON MAKING YOU LOVE ME TOO

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

Family was a complicated subject for Rhinestone, at least nowadays. At one time, he had considered his family to just be himself, his siblings, and his parents. However, as he had grown older and started to take on more responsibility within the group, he had begun to see the entirety of Palmclan as his family. While that had initially presented him with no problems, he couldn't deny that it was starting to nowadays. After all, considering everyone to be his family meant that he cared very dearly about them, and when he cared so much... fights hurt that much more. His recent spat with Medusa had been proof enough of that, with her harsh words digging straight into his heart as soon as they had left her mouth. On one paw, he knew that she hadn't meant to hurt him, and she had just been venting because of the myriad of frustrations that were stacked upon her. On the other paw, it had caused him to begin to wonder... did the hybrid even want him as family? Was he just too much, trying to offer his support even when it meant very little to her? The thought hurt, but it also didn't seem all that implausible. Maybe he just needed to back off, and put some distance between himself and those he had considered family.

All of this had been on Rhinestonestar's mind as he laid inside of his den, still feeling sick. He had begun to feel more and more nauseous as of late, and it was getting harder to get out of bed without an hour or so of hyping himself up. He was still trying his hardest to ignore it, not wanting to worry anyone in the group, or have them see him as weak. His eyes had just been beginning to drift closed when he heard the sound of voices outside, some impressed and some excited. Despite the way that his head spun at just the thought of getting up, he still pushed himself up and out of his bed, shaking out his rust red fur. When he padded out and spotted the mural that was now painted onto the side of the meeting rock, he found himself briefly shocked, pale gaze just staring at the collection of various Palmclan members. When he realized it was Foamkit who had painted it, he immediately felt a pleased and proud grin come to his face. He moved closer to the boy that was like his son, tail wrapping around Foam as he leaned down to press his nose lightly atop his head, "It looks beautiful, Foamkit. I can't believe you made it all on your own... and you're right. We're all family here, together." His eyes darted briefly around to each of the others that had gathered around, his gaze softening. Despite the illness that had dampened his mood as of late, Foam's mural had really done wonders to make him feel something positive.

NEVER OPENED MYSELF THIS WAY
LIFE IS OURS, WE LIVE IT OUR WAY

— Reggan

[Grimm]

Slight the cant head takes, from between half closed lids observed work that fades and brightens in irregular intervals, exposed pale teeth in a yawn gaping wide, downward drawn chin. Rudimentary the end product, apt to deem it a muddied scrawl with basic shapes cleaned and detailed by those who had been drawn forth to assist, a child of all though some few held more claim. Begun already the slow tick of thought, spaces open filled, the grains beneath paws disturbed as claws worked deep.

Halted the creeping progression of ponderance, brazen beast adorned in burnished hue, a stalking predator even within the lax tread of wandering progression unimpeded by chosen destination made known. Wide the soft green depths that perceived the final portion of his approach, above towering yet unimposing, well known the other and accepted for that which others may deem the mere thinking of a child wanting to see the best in all. Yet known the qualities inclined towards the positive , the depth at which it was buried impeding the discovery, an obstacle minor with enough time.

Tone hushed, imbued with that which drew to pale lips a smile shakey, a quality not of company, origin easily pinpointed as another yawn arose. About drawn tail, touch a gentle weight atop paws pulled close, tip caught and tucked beneath belly as Foam allowed himself to lay against the snow streaked sand. Further action stalled, quickened beat heart pressed into his ribs, disentangled a paw extending out. Proximity may not allow the distance to be entirely closed, intent evident enough even as as Medusa tried to deem herself separate, not another number but someone with a place carved out specifically for her.

Yet.

Tangible weight held behind the simple structure of singler word, effectless the construct with the basis of prior experience. Favourable the outlook other was regarded within, if further held for he was an unknown along a sea of faces, always may that gulf be traversed, willing the hand tentatively extended. Awkward the manner of turn, body lifting partially, caged still tail between small paws, averted vision moments after regarded other. Freely given reassurance and compliment, degraded in part by prior wandering necessitating the opposite in scolding, forward and unending each that added their voice. Possibly it was the exhaustion grown a leaden weight, the sullen crackle of white noise populating the spaces between sluggish thought, embarrassment burning hot along his skin, face briefly hidden.

"No good, Nine pretty." Behind fabric pulled taunt the low murmur proved barely audible, tongue tripping over the few words as he tried to formulate them, incapable of looking upon Nine with the admittance hanging heavy. Momentary respite arrived in another arriving, paired with the manner Nine lightly brushed along his back enough to derail prior thoughts, from behind his blanket and paws Foam peered up at Rhine.

Complicated, simply upon the basis of the role and expectations thrust upon him without prior warning, the degrading response tied to the unusual weather patterns, his relationships with those who deemed the shoreline their home. Further muddied those waters with his own decision to welcome into the fold children deemed his own, the connects forged with others no less important. That he was subjected to may not be shared by another uniquely different the path each may walk, the internal conflict over such at the least similar to that some faced, a weight they may carry together.

His progress did not halt until he may curl the feathered plume of his tail about taunt child, observed for a moment before head tilted up into touch. Breath seeped between his teeth with the remarks put forth, filled the lull in conversation, quelled for a brief moment his prior distress, light the brightened edge to his voice. "Had help, no lone." Further meaning behind remark, the sweeping curl of a smile taking hold. They may all be individuals onto themselves, but community may be leaned upon and assistance found, together drawn for that which a combined populace may offer. " Rhi no lone."

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I think I’m not quite ready to let you circle the drain. all the things we’ve broken can be puzzled together again, all your sums and your pieces are enough to clean up all the messes you’ve made

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code by Wisker

[number nine.]

The utterance of the word "Nine" and "pretty" together caused the jaguar in question to pause, his hidden eyes briefly widening from behind their halo of flowers. While it wasn't the first time the warrior had ever been called pretty – especially with the presence of his husband around once again – he still found himself caught off guard. He had never been the greatest at processing compliments, mainly because of his past as a glorified science experiment. For some time, he had been just a simple, nameless test subject, and once he had escaped, he had become a seemingly nameless soldier, trying to make himself stronger. Neither a test subject nor a soldier had a need to be pretty, or handsome, so it was still difficult for him to assign such words to himself. Despite this, he found a ghost of a smile coming to his muzzle, not wanting the child to think that he somehow disapproved of it. Perhaps when Number Nine had been younger, and had been fresh in his transition after discovering his identity, he might've recoiled at the mere thought of the word pretty. These days, however, he saw it as more gender neutral. He was more comfortable in his own skin, particularly with his shift from soft and tiny domestic feline to muscular and flowing jaguar.

With a chuckle leaving him, the bounty hunter expressed softly, "Thanks for saying that, Foamkit... I'm sure that Lewis would no doubt agree with you." His ghostly husband always had a habit of showering him in compliments, even when the large feline wasn't expecting or asking for them. Of course, he was always fairly quick to return the favor. The thought caused him to grin as he continued, tone encouraging, "Still, I don't think you should completely disregard it. It's clear that you've got some skills, kid. I'm sure you'd be able to paint me really well with a bit more practice." He was always quick to encourage youths to expand their horizons in terms of hobbies, particularly in the arts. Mainly because he had spent the majority of his entire kithood far too focused on just getting ahead, rather than learning as much as he could.

HELLBENT ON MAKING YOU LOVE ME TOO

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

Foamkit's words were undeniably simple, considering his age and his growing grip on language, but they held a deeper meaning that caused Rhine to pause. The leader had always known that Foam seemed emotionally advanced, having to grow up slightly fast because of his abandonment, and fitting into Palmclan as easily as glue. However, the boy still never failed to occasionally stun him, causing a surprised and emotional smile to come to the tom's muzzle. He muttered softly, trying not to sound choked up as he spoke, "I suppose I should've figured you didn't do it alone... it was nice of others to offer their help to you..." He briefly glanced upwards, half for a moment of thought, and half to fight back against the tears in his eyes, unsure of why he was so emotional. Perhaps it was just because of how useless he had been feeling lately. To know that others had his back... it was invaluable. Letting out a wet little laugh, Rhinestine nuzzled Foam on the head, his next words coming out in a purr, "Yeah... you're right, Foamkit. I'm not alone, and I'm never going to be. As long as I've got you and everyone else by my side." With his chest feeling warm and full emotion, he glanced at all of the others currently gathered around, unable to keep the emotional grin from his face.

NEVER OPENED MYSELF THIS WAY
LIFE IS OURS, WE LIVE IT OUR WAY

— Reggan