2026-05-19: Get Cherished, Idiot
- Log: 2026-05-19 Get Cherished, Idiot
- Cast: Ren Amamiya, Morgana (NPCed by Ren Amamiya), Futaba Sakura
- Where: Back Alleys - Yongen-jaya
- OOC Date: May 19, 2026
- IC Date: November 11, 2012
- Summary: After the Black Mask's invasion of Futaba's Palace, Ren and Morgana check in on Futaba--one by text, the other in purrson.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Through much of Sunday, Ren sits on a bench in Inokashira Park, practicing the saxophone while Morgana sits next to them, chilling and listening and occasionally offering feedback. The biggest feedback so far is that they sound distracted. They've improved, but they don't sound like their heart is in it.
Ren has to admit that Morgana is correct. They originally started playing the sax because of who in their life they thought would be interested in it. They've come to realize that they're in love with Akechi--and as of lately, they've realized they fucking despise the Black Mask.
If the two of them are the same person, this is A Problem.
This is something that's been on Ren's mind ever since they fought him in Futaba's Palace. It's a problem for many, many reasons, but the most pressing reason, in terms of practicing the saxophone, is...
...is keeping this up stupid, when they've got so many other things they could be doing?
Sure, they like playing the saxophone. They're getting decently good at it, too; their e-tutor has been helpful and informative, to the extent they can be when they don't have the time to meet up with them in person. Still, they have a lot of other things they're doing, learning, practicing. At the end of the day, they started this because they thought the person(s) they like would like it in turn.
If Akechi is actually unequivocally their enemy, is learning to do something that would please him stupid?
It would be great if they could get some definitive proof one way or another, finally. They really want their similarities to be a coincidence, or even a horrifying non-coincidence that points to a second person. However, they cannot bet their life, their friends' lives, and the life of the girl they're trying to save on that.
Eventually, they set the sax down and sigh, rubbing their lips. They've been out here all morning and a decent ways into the afternoon. It's time to go home.
~ * ~
As they're on the way home, Morgana and the sax riding in their bag while they read a book they bought recently on expert billiards techniques, it occurs to them that it doesn't matter if Akechi and the Black Mask are the same person or not. Akechi is an inextricable part of their life now, and they don't want him to go.
They shut the book and lean over their lap to stare at their feet for a moment. Then they sit back up and pull out their phone from their pocket.
> Hey, Alibaba. Checking in. You're still not feeling unwell?
> More than usual, I mean.
Futaba has been generally unwell for a long while now, after all, especially after Ren called her out on being Alibaba. They wouldn't be surprised if she hated or feared them now. Their big concern right now, however, is her life.
It was only a couple days ago that the Phantom Thieves encountered the Black Mask in Futaba's Palace. Ultimately, they weren't able to follow him to wherever he disappeared to. The door at the top of the stairs remained impassable, and there simply were no other passages within the tomb that led further in. At least... none they could find. So now, all there is to do is... check in with her regularly, and pray.
It's not a good feeling.
Morgana pops his head out of their bag then to peek over their shoulder. "How's she doing?" he whispers.
Ren glances at him, and gets an idea...
~ * ~
Not long after this conversation, there is a soft tap-tap-tap at Futaba's window. Should she peek out from behind her starry blackout curtains, she'll spot a furry, kitty face; part them further, and she'll spot Ren down on the street, looking up at her.
They wave, then turn their back and take out their phone in a broad, easily visible gesture.
> That's my cat outside your window. He's friendly. His name's Morgana.
> You don't have to let him in if you don't want to, but he's good company.
Good company--and a good bodyguard, for if the Black Mask returns for her.
<Pose Tracker> Futaba Sakura has posed.
A reply comes from the mysterious figure that is 'Alibaba.'
> Ah, you've greeted me today.
It took about five minutes to come, but the tone and correct diction are probably hopeful.
> I don't like the weather changing.
> It makes me tired.
'Tired' might cover a lot of things... but they're cogent replies, not signs of deep distress. Cautious hopefulness, perhaps, is indicated.
(In her room, Futaba has spent more time laying in bed. She's put on internet video on her monitor bank just to listen to some familiar series while doing it. The shift is drastic enough that she's detected it, but it's hard to tell, from her seat, if it's truly better or worse. The hell of it isn't in the crises, it's in the intervals between. Marking time, waiting.)
And it is in bed that she is when there's a tap tap tap at her window.
Futaba bolts upright suddenly, eyes wide as saucers. (This may sound like a slight rustling to alert feline ears.) She stares at the window, and then she rises up because it seems to be quiet and faint. The curtain slips back...
Back...
GLEAM!
Late-afternoon light glitters on a round lens.
"A kitty...?" But then past the cat is the familiar form of Ren, who waves. Futaba finds herself flinching back, but -- but Ren's like fourteen meters away. They're clearly distinct, yeah, but they're a floor and several layers of glass and fabric behind. Futaba leans momentarily out of 'frame' but not far, enough that she can still see Morgana. (The curtain is peeled back a little more, but other than a faint suggestion of the top of the head, she can't be seen.)
(But she's *real.* Not a ghost!)
Her head turns to look at the computer monitor. A little squinting to read the phone emulator, and...
About thirty seconds pass.
The window slowly opens. The air inside is... 'fetid' isn't the right word, but air conditioning isn't engaged at this hour, and the heat certainly isn't. It's still in there, and the influx of fresh autumn air may be doing just as much as a possible feline landing.
If AND WHEN Morgana leaps in, he will find a hand reaching out to touch his side. And face. And head. Basically every cat-like area within Futaba's grasp. "... aw..."
Soon enough, Futaba makes it to her chair and taps out a reply.
> He's handsome.
> Did he come with you from where you lived before?
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
It's a nerve-wracking five minutes, but the tone of the response /is/ hopeful. There's a distinct difference between 'correctly typing' Futaba and... not. The answer itself is a little surprising, though. She notices the change in seasons? Maybe it's because there's less of a need for A/C once the humidity of summer has passed...
> That sucks. I like the cool weather, but I doubt I would as much if it drained me too.
They confer with their feline companion about their idea; he agrees with it.
> I've got something for you. I'll be by soon.
Sure enough, some time later, there is the tap-tap at the window and the handsomest little man just outside. Morgana's curiously bright blue eyes watch her.
Down on the street, Ren doesn't expect too much from Futaba. A peek out the curtain, an acknowledgement that they're there, a response to their texts--that's enough for now. It's okay if she flinches out of clear sight.
The window slides open; Morgana takes this as an invitation and slips inside. He's snuck in here before, enough to at least see the place, but now he gets to see it openly. There's a lot of trash bags...
"Myah!" he utters, startled, when Futaba first pets him. He's not thrilled to be manhandled on all spots, but he tolerates it, for her sake. She's clearly softening at the sight of him, and if it helps stabilize her heart to have a... cat-looking person... in proximity, then it's his duty as a gentleman to help!
...At least, that's how Ren sold it to him. Morgana was hard-pressed to disagree, though. Because he doesn't look human, he can help her in ways the others can't. This is something only he can do--and frankly, that's something Morgana has been missing. He doesn't want to be only good for rides through Mementos and the like.
He'll take up a spot on her lap, assuming she didn't already carry him over, once she sits. Given her preferred method of sitting, he may simply hang out on the desk next to the keyboard instead. Either way, he'll watch the responses.
"Heh heh. Darn right I am!" he says cheerfully at Futaba calling him 'handsome.' Already the manhandling (cathandling?) is forgiven!
...of course, Futaba only hears happy cat noises, like a trilling sort of chirp.
> No. He was a stray here in Tokyo, as far as I know.
(Morgana privately admits that this is more or less true. It's not like he remembers differently...)
> He followed me home, and Sojiro-san let me keep him.
> He rides around in my bag with me now.
<Pose Tracker> Futaba Sakura has posed.
Futaba hadn't brought her legs up in a fetal curl just yet. She does that in the seat often, but sometimes she has to lean in to type hard, and it's kind of hard to type hard when you're extending out your noodly arms to do the needful.
Which means Morgana has an opening.
WHICH HE SEIZES
"!!!!"
Jump! But not dislodging jump; just a startle. This may lead to a long delay as Futaba looks down at her lap, currently containing one (1) cat, and has her hands floating in the air for several long moments before bringing that right hand down to run a long smooth *pet* down Morgana's back.
It's kind of clumsy. She must not have pet many cats before. (Not that Morgana is a cat, of course, but he has the *appearance* of a cat, and Futaba can't tell the difference right now.) Pet.
Pet.
Pet.
> he jumped in my lap!
> he's really great.
> sorry if i write less well.
> one hand's now
> occupied.
Because that petting is ongoing. Get cherished, idiot.
> cats are easy to keep pets, right? if he's a stray, he might be eating a few people's food.
> i've read about cats lke that.
"You don't mind being in Ren's bag?" Futaba asks Morgana, before letting out a little laugh and giving his neck/scruff area an extended squooze. "Hah... You must be a really tough cat, but you don't look like it." Speaking aloud has a quavery tone to it - disuse, perhaps. How often does she actually talk, except maybe to call Sojiro with an arbitrary demand?
Speaking of which.
> did you find something?
> I had wondered some things, to be honest with you
"Do you see how they disappear like that, kitty?" Futaba continues, her voice syrup-sweet. She leans over to better cherish the face. Which unfortunately for Morgana's pride, involves some cheek-rubby-squeezy.
Already Futaba can feel a little trickle of that lassitude creeping back. Maybe she's slightly more rough with Morgana than she ought to be. A friendly cat is a delight, after all.
But...
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
"Ah!" Morgana utters when Futaba startles. He almost jumps off--but it was only a little jump on Futaba's end, and she doesn't rush to shove him off, so he settles into a sit and stares back up at her. He has a yellow collar and such intensely blue eyes.
Soon enough, though, that thin hand strokes down Morgana's back, and--
To his immense chagrin, his butt rises automatically.
It might be clumsy, but pets do still feel good, as long as they don't rub his fur the wrong way...
Soon enough, he'll turn around again and settle his butt so he can properly watch the computer screen, then guide Futaba into the spots he wants petted or scratched by rubbing those spots into her hand.
On the street, Ren grins at the response.
> That's fine. He is great. He's really smart and clever, too. Talk to him and he'll respond.
Which probably gives Futaba some context for many a wire-tapped conversation between Ren and Morgana. Overall, though: she already knew that. At least now, she's heard it from them.
> I didn't get to have pets growing up, but my hometown has a lot of stray cats. They seem to fend for themselves pretty well growing up.
> That said, he's not a stray now. He lives with me.
> ...He might still be going around eating other people's food when I let him out, though.
"Hey! I resent that!" Morgana protests to the screen. "yowwwl," Futaba will hear, followed by a grumble-rumble that is Morgana muttering, "Even if it's true."
He looks up at her when she asks him about the bag. This exposes his neck and cheeks for more squoozing. "Mrat," he utters, both in cat and in actuality. "I'm tougher than I look, you know," he grumbles, which is more grumble-rumbling. There's some respite when she types more, but then she's talking again and cherishing more, and all he can do is sigh.
Which is a weird sound coming from a cat. Either way, he accepts the manhandling with dignity and zero smacking or scratching, as any normal cat would do in his situation. Futaba really is lucky he's so friendly.
"Hmmm. So you saw that, huh..." he does say softly when she asks about the disappearing. This is more soft, cat noises.
> We did. There's something we need to discuss, on that mark.
> What did you wonder, out of curiosity?
<Pose Tracker> Futaba Sakura has posed.
"You speak Japanese?" Futaba asks Morgana, with a mix of skepticism and delight. The place where the child meets the cynical adult. Her hand keeps on petting, and to her credit - or to blind luck - or to the sensory fact that Morgana's hair, like hers, mostly goes 'one way' - she does not back-ruffle the fur.
Not much anyway. Nobody's perfect.
"Haha. Does Ren get on the computer with you in their lap too, Morgana?" Futaba asks, with more of that childlike wonder, the petting continuing for several long moments, before *rubbing back* begins.
> he's rubbing against my hand
> i assume that's good hehe
Rub. Rub. Squinch squinch squinch. "You're not eating three dinners every night, are you? I bet that guy takes great care of you but if they ever forget, don't just keep your head to yourself, okay?" Futaba continues, before trailing off. Her hand goes still, although the pet will resume if Morgana prompts it with a nuzzle or a rub.
Ren doesn't get a response for several minutes.
> hold on a moment.
> you might lose connection for a second.
SOMETHING seems to flicker in the messenger app for a moment. Unbeknownst to Ren, though they might be able to guess, this is from shifting the connection to a different loop with PGP encryption enabled. (Futaba knows what a PGP key is, and has one; she is also not even technically in high school yet. On its own, this may speak volumes.)
> are you there?
> i was moving this to an encrypted channel
> i guess i can't guarantee it's safe.
> but it's safer.
> i'll get right to it.
> ( ... )
It takes nearly a minute for Futaba to get back to typing out an answer and in that time her hand moves over Morgana slowly, not really looking at him, just sort of... staring. In her mind, several uneasy things move nearer. Memories, perhaps, of conversations when her mother was there. Or of earlier times. Or simply having run out of that momentary flash of delighted energy that a friendly cat provoked.
> all of you disappeared when it happened.
> either you became completely imperceptible, or you went somewhere.
> don't answer this if it would ruin what you're doing...
> but where did you go?
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
"I speak perfect Japanese," Morgana says loftily. ("Mow mow mrrow meow mow.") The pun wasn't even intended.
He tolerates the mild amount of backwards-rubbing. He can tell she's not trying to do it on purpose, and she really does seem delighted by his presence.
> Yeah. When a cat rubs its face on you, that means it likes you, or so I read.
Morgana tolerates the calling-of-cat with dignity. It's not like Futaba can know the truth. Instead, he replies, "They don't even have a computer--just their smartphone." ("Maow mowmow meow mowrr mow mrrow.")
It really is like he's holding a conversation with her! There's something charming about that, isn't there? Even most 'talking' cats only give one- or two-syllable responses, unless they're howling in agitation.
"Don't worry, I can take care of myself. Buuuut I guess it wouldn't hurt if I popped over here more often, heh heh. Ow! T-take it easy, would ya?"
The tone of the meows does generally follow the tone of the words, at least. Still, no swatting, no running away.
In between responses, Ren takes out their book and resumes reading. Their phone remains next to them, and with no one around, there's no fear of anything happening to it. They pick it up in time to see that initial response--then there is a flicker--and then she responds anew.
> I see. I'm still here.
They read while they wait; they read when she responds.
...oh. Yeah, that... that would seem really strange on the outside, wouldn't it...
Ironically, though, even though Futaba invites them not to answer, the answer they can give is actually quite straightforward:
> Into your Palace.
They hesitate for a second or two; then they decide to commit. This will help segue into what they need to ask of her, anyway.
> We saw about your mother there. And the suicide note, and the suits who read it to you.
> Pigs.
<Pose Tracker> Futaba Sakura has posed.
The look on Futaba's face, though upside down, may be irritatingly familiar to Morgana... even in this case, it's probably all for the sake of the mission rather than being a burden of a dire and unknown enchantment. The look of 'I love that you're talking but I don't know what you're saying.'
But it is the same face as that pallid Shadow, and it does look... happy; or at least, that there is happiness there.
"You are *chatty*," Futaba tells Morgana, with a little more head-squinching. "Awww. We had a cat on the terrace once... She was a lot less friendly than you. I guess you wouldn't know her, though..."
A cat of childhood, unnamed but remembered.
Futaba looks back to the emulator. 'Into your Palace.'
> what does that mean?
Futaba's hands are now both going towards the keyboard, leaving Morgana bereft, at least for a few seconds, until the next message comes in and Futaba freezes.
Still, in a lap-seated position, Morgana is a position to know something that's rarely easy to tell when someone freezes like that. The muscles in her legs - and they are there despite the high noodle quotient in both her diet and general physique - go suddenly tight, knotting almost. Morgana may find himself perceptibly shifting in Futaba's lap.
Reflected in her glasses are words:
Mother
Suicide note
suits
Futaba doesn't move for nearly a minute, before that tension breaks; she sags, trembling a little, and since she can't easily just huddle herself up, the hand that had been petting comes down now to rest on Morgana's back. It feels colder, and slightly damp, from sweating. (Sweating? If anything, the room's probably getting *too* cool for comfort, even for a burrowing animal like Futaba.)
She comes out of it. Her eyes, or maybe a friendly meow or headbump helps, and she brings shaking hands up.
> yes
> ( ... )
Things get tapped out in rapid fire, erased, tapped back out, erased again, not even looked at as she hits the delete key four or five times with increasing vehemence, and then stops. She pants for breath. Heart rate estimate 140 beats per minute, Futaba thinks. They know.
> does that mean
> Are you in my memories?
> were* you in my memories
Futaba's hand tightens on Morgana - at this angle she's not (for a blessing) squeezing any really specific part of him, but it might get uncomfortable.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
It is irritatingly familiar. It's why and how it was easy for him to adapt to not talking in public, even though--as Futaba acknowledges--he can chat up a storm (well, he is un chat, as they say in Kagurazaka) if he wants to.
So he does hush up a bit here as she talks about another cat that of course he wouldn't know, not all cats know each other Futaba!! AND HE'S NOT A CAT!! ...sigh. The fact that this is the pale face reflected in that despairing, haunted Shadow means he continues to bravely put up with it. She's a lady, and he's a gentleman, first and foremost...! He can bear with this for now, for her sake!
...And it is nice that she remembers this other cat, even though it was only once that she saw her. Being kind and thoughtful to animals reflects a pure heart. Her distortions aren't her fault; Morgana and the others know that already.
The emulator displays new text. Morgana looks with her, and is freed for a moment--but being seated where he is, can feel when she freezes up. The text is right there, but he doesn't even need to see it to know.
> It's... complicated. In short, it's related to those questions I asked you about your "distortion."
> A Palace is a representation of that made real. If we know a person's name, their distortion, and the place they're distorting, we can enter it.
> More than that is a secret.
Ren of course can't see or sense Futaba tensing up, but the matter of her mother's suicide is a heavy thing to bring up in any context. They'd be shocked if she were unaffected. They are patient as she collects herself, those damning words burning into her retinas even through the protective mask of her glasses.
As they go back to reading their book, they push their own glasses-as-mask up their nose.
On Futaba's lap, Morgana watches Futaba's face with growing concern. Her hand returns to his back, but it lacks that affection from before. Ren, are you sure telling her the truth was the right move? he wonders. In the end, he does both: he nudges Futaba's hand and gives her a concerned "mew?" He even hooks his paw around her hand for a moment, until she returns it to the keyboard to respond.
After that, he watches her type. More than once, he wonders if she's going to break that keyboard. When she squeezes him again, he winces, and again tries to gently set a paw on her hand to encourage her to go easy on him.
> Not exactly. What we saw wasn't a literal play of your memories, but a more metaphorical reinterpretation done up like an Egyptian mural.
> Palaces are like that; they aren't literal reality, but the way you see the world around you in your heart. Not everyone has one.
> We aren't all the way in yet, though. There's a point that we can't get past. For that, we're going to need your help.
> There's a point in your Palace that looks like a door--your door. We can't get past it, because you see your room as a sacred space no one can enter.
> We need you to let us into your room so we can make it the rest of the way in.
> I know that's scary for you. I wouldn't ask it of you if it weren't 100% necessary.
Is it 100% necessary, though? Ren pauses and stares at their own messages. If the Black Mask really can get further in, then did he find another way? Or... has she let him in somehow at some point?
> Just to check: have you ever let anyone else in? Sojiro-san made it sound like even he isn't allowed inside.
<Pose Tracker> Futaba Sakura has posed.
Futaba clings to Morgana. He may be doing more than he knows. They also purrve, who stand and wait.
What Ren is saying is something different. It's a different topic. It's related, but it's not the same topic. Futaba can feel her pulse slow down. 120 bpm. And... yeah, below the threshold where she can feel it even in hyperawareness. Morgana might have a better idea, with how much of her hand is splayed on his furry back!
Though the touch of a paw does seem to draw her attention down with a half-voiced 'buh?' and a confused look. "... was I hurting you? Sorry, I didn't..." Her hand tenses as if to lift off, but instead just stays 'on the back of the friendly cat,' but barely.
Futaba's eyes swing back upwards.
> technically it's probably a fresco rather than a strict mosaic.
> most of the art we have access to was actually specialized.
> funeral and tomb stuff.
> like if you had to reimagine japanese art from the contents of an old manga shop.
> sorry. that's not important right now
Futaba breathes in. And breathes out. She keeps reading. She just had to get that one out of her head, it felt good, and Ren seemed interested, so sharing it was a pretty reasonable thing to do. She keeps reading.
Words gleam in her glasses.
135 bpm.
> sojiro helped me set it up...
> things weren't as bad then.
> he mostly left me alone though.
> it's not his fault.
> ( ... )
Futaba looks at the door for a moment.
If I open it, thinks Futaba, then the Phantom Thieves can change my heart. Right? That's what Ren is saying. That's what can happen, if I open the door and let them in. If I let them come *INSIDE* here. If I let them violate this place, thinks Futaba, and her hand has left Morgana's back to clutch the lower half of her face, squeezing the sides of her own cheeks and jaw. (Score one for Morgana's completion of a cat quest to spread face-rub-smell. ... Not that he wanted to complete it.)
> i need to think about it.
> i'm not trying to be hard.
> does it have to be right now? it just looked like you outside.
> i'm really sorry! I'm just
> ( ... )
(After a minute or so, the ( ... ) stops. No more typing is going on, at least.)
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
"Mew," Morgana replies, feeling foolish. It's mitigated by the fact that he does see he did something for Futaba--she comes back to earth, leaving her hand on him in a softer way. How much he did for her, well--maybe that's something he could only see in her Palace. He settles on her lap so he can give her a little nuzzle, but otherwise keeps reading the conversation on the computer screen.
> Oh yeah? I don't know a lot about that stuff, but that's cool.
> I did get a vibe like that. One of our members is a serious artist. The two of you might get along.
> It's fine. Good to have extra context.
Futaba insists it isn't Sojiro's fault. Ren's eyes soften.
> I know.
Morgana peeks around again at the room. The bed, the incredible computer set-up, the black-out curtains, even the mini-fridge... Obviously there's also the trash, but at least it's mostly bagged up. This is definitely something someone would've had to help her out with.
He 'mostly left her alone,' though, huh...
Morgana follows her gaze to the door. He doesn't know what Futaba's thinking, but he has a reasonable guess--especially when she removes her hand from him to clutch her own face. From down here, it looks painful. At least she smells nice.
...
HE'S STILL NOT A CAT!!!
> It's OK. I figured you'd probably need time to emotionally prepare yourself.
> It doesn't have to be right now. I just came by to say hi and introduce you to Morgana.
> If you WANT it to be now to get it over with, though, we can do that.
> But we aren't going to force you. We can't. You have to choose to open it yourself.
How true is that actually? Ren doesn't know. They're going to act like it is, though, in good faith. Not only does it empower Futaba more, it makes them feel less anxious about the possibility of her just dropping dead before The Phantoms can save her. Just because the Black Mask says something doesn't make it true.
[OOC] Ren Amamiya says, "well if there's more trash than remembered, like old magazines and shit as you say, then I can blu-ray Morgana's commentary on it"
<Pose Tracker> Futaba Sakura has posed.
Morgana may not know from PC systems, but this is a pretty sweet setup. If Morgana's seen a computer here and there, he can see several distinct towers. And the desktop on Futaba's computer doesn't look quite the same as any other computers he may have scoped out in various contexts.
Of course, he may not have much need to look at a computer.
They're pretty brain-draining, after all.
> I
I could do it right now, thinks Futaba. I could - could -
She abruptly tries to curl up, which probably squashes Morgana at least a little even feeling the furry mass of Morgana's frame makes her immediately recoil with a miserable little bleat of surprise, and a "sorry kitty-- I just -- I --"
She clutches her head and curls forwards.
"I dooooon't..."
And then there is silence. Futaba doesn't move, although she breathes heavily and occasionally whimpers, for nearly a minute. It seems to pass afterwards, and the disruption to this comfortable landing pad may give Morgana the opportunity to see that what had probably looked like a carpeted floor is...
Carpeted, yes, but on top of it is... he can count about sixteen individual titles of magazines and newspapers, and even if some of them are the 300-yen mass print special, it's definitely scattered.
Finally, Futaba's hand comes up.
> now isn't good.
> you understand people pretty well, huh.
> even people like me.
She does this without looking at the screen. Not even a typo!
[OOC] Ren Amamiya says, "That works then, no blu-ray needed"
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Morgana doesn't know PC systems, at least not in any detail. He can see the towers and the screens and he can tell that this is more impressive than the average set-up he's seen at Ren's school or in a storefront, but that's about it.
More important to him right now is how Futaba freezes up again, then curls, then recoils and apologizes and moans. Morgana does indeed eject from her lap--he has to, she's having a minor breakdown--and although this reveals to him that the floor is way messier than he at first realized from in Futaba's arms or on her lap, it doesn't smell bad, so he decides any judgment can be saved for later.
Instead, he mews again as he leans his paws on the edge of her chair and stretches up towards her, then cheekrubs on her leg in an attempt to soothe her and calm her down.
He knows on Ren's part this has to be done, and he knows his role here is to look after Futaba and do damage control, but... it's still hard to see her in so much distress and be so limited in what he can actually do for her.
Eventually, though, Futaba does reply. Even from the messy floor, Morgana can just see the screen from where he is.
> I try.
> Let me know when you're ready. Please.
> And we don't have to bring everyone when you are. We'll save that for your Palace.
<Pose Tracker> Futaba Sakura has posed.
Morgana feels Futaba's hand on him again as he prods at her leg with his unfortunately burdened toe-beans, and rubs against her. It's blind, but it's a pet. She's breathing rapidly, but the burst seems past. She glances at the screen - he can tell she's afraid at what's going to be on it -
But it isn't the bad thing she'd feared. (Do it enough and it might stick.) (But there are greater problems at hand.)
> i promise.
> i can do that much.
> and
Futaba hunches her shoulders up.
> if i start getting
> I promise I'll open it in time.
Another huge breath.
The typing that comes after is a lot more ordinary, although in the interim writhing Futaba's crossed her legs sitting on her computer-chair. This may simply present a broader lap surface for Morgana's delectation, of course. Especially since what she's writing is...
> and
> Morgana is welcome to visit.
> Should I leave the window open?
> If it snows next week
> I make no promises.
> Is that okay?
> I guess I could ask him myself...
"... do you want to visit again, kitty? I won't shut the window, unless it rains really hard or it gets cold," Futaba finally says, and it's a discernibly simpler, pleading tone of voice, though she only looks down at Morgana after sending the last text message.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
On the other side of the phone, Ren breathes a sigh of mixed relief. On the one hand, she's promised, and they believe her; on the other hand, if she's only ready once she starts getting much worse...
No point in rushing her. She'll be ready when she's ready. They'll make it in time; they have to.
Inside, Morgana watches her type. She's crossed her legs, but he doesn't hop back into her lap this time; he just watches her from her side. And what she's typing of course, as well as what Ren texts back.
> He can tap on the window like earlier if it gets too cold, but yeah, you can leave the window open for him.
> Or even just unlocked. Like I said: he's a clever little man. He knows how to push a window open and shut.
For all that Futaba has no reasonable way of knowing he actually understands her, Morgana appreciates that she's talking to him like he does. "Of course!" he says with as much brightness as he can muster, which comes out as a firm, eager, "Meow!"
She doesn't need to plead. She's a lady in distress, in more ways than she realizes; of course he'll watch out for her.
And so, too, will Ren outside.