A Roof in the Rain (Silv/Amane)

[Silvador]

The streets of BonBon were deserted. Though it was mid-afternoon, little light bathed the streets. The sky was dark with clouds as rain poured into the paved streets of the town.

Silvador stood by the door of his store and looked out at the thick veil of falling water that marred the typically joyful and colourful street of BonBon. He'd gone to his store just after lunch to receive that latest delivery of sculptures for him to sell. Then, the day was as it usually was. But in a couple of hours the skies darkened and the rain began to fall as though the ocean itself were falling on BonBon.

With a sigh the panther watched the puddles ripple as numerous drops of rain continuously disrupted their surface. The large market district that was usually filled with stalls and courtesans was filled instead with only a few empty tables and countless puddles. When the rain had set in, everyone had closed shop and gone home for the day. But the panther had chosen to stay. He could shelter from the rain just the same in his store as he could at home.

[Amane-Chan]

"Oh, how lovely. It's raining. This gives me my muse to continue writing that novel I started so long ago." She said aloud.
"I'm terribly lonely though... And I don't want to trudge around in this weather."

[Silvador]

Silvador turned from the door and looked around his new store. It was larger and fit more sculptures then before. Making his way to the back, where the counter was, the panther sat down and began aimlessly drawing, occasionally looking up to look out the large window into the empty market square.

[Amane-Chan]

"Forget it... I'd rather be in the company of my own home doing these things." She exclaimed.
Grabbing her button down coat and rain boots, she set out to journey through the rain to get herself safely home.

[Silvador]

Leaning back in his chair, the panther looked out his store window once more and spotted a figure walking briskly through the street. Standing, he went to the door and opened it. From the doorway, Silvador called to the figure who looked to be a female fox.

"Hello," he called to her.

[Amane-Chan]

She turned around abruptly and looked towards the man beckoning her.
"Oh, hello." She responded startled.

[Silvador]

"Most people stay at home to bath," Silvador called out with a chuckle. "Would you like some place dry to rest while the rain passes? Or is there some place you need to go to?"

[Amane-Chan]

"Ahaha. Very funny." She smiled warmly.
"I was just on my way home, actually. But... My fur is pretty damp, I guess I could spend a few moments under your roof."
She quickly approached the door and waltzed right on in.

[Silvador]

Silvador stepped back quickly as she entered, getting out of her hurried way.

"I'm afraid I don't have any towels. But there is a small fireplace in the back room," the black panther said. He went past the fox and opened the door behind the counter that led into the back room. Inside was almost like a small lounge room. To the left of the door was the panther's red velvet couch, a simple but comfortable 3-seater. To the right was a small bar with only a couple of half empty bottles of liquor, a bowl of fruit and a glass jar of hard candy. Directly across from the bar, against the far wall, was Silvador's artist desk. The slanted desk, with it's attacked over-head lamp sat at an angle facing the whole of the room. And on the left wall was the small fireplace with a small log burning in it.

"Just in here," Silvador said, stepped back to allow his guest entrance. "Feel free to have a drink if you want. I don't really know what's there, though."

[Amane-Chan]

"How splendid. Thank you very much!"
She gave sincere appreciation then scurried over to the warm embers.
Her fluffy tail shook fiercely due to her low body temperature.
As she sat down, her tail wrapped around her soaked body.

[Silvador]

Silvador walked over to the fireplace and dropped a larger log on. The flames sputtered for a moment before beginning to wrap around the new food.

"So, what brings you out into this weather? If you don't mind my asking," the panther asked.

[Amane-Chan]

"Well, I was headed home actually to do some more writing on my novel. I have no commission work to do tonight, so I thought the rain as my muse would help me to write more... I love painting too."
She glanced over at his drawing desk in excitement.
"You're an artist, also?"

[Silvador]

"I wouldn't say artist," the panther said humbly. "I mostly sketch designs for new sculptures. That's not to say I don't draw anything else."

Shuffling through several papers, Silvador picked one out and handed it to his guest. The image depicted a naked otter sunbathing on the side of a slight hill.

[Amane-Chan]

"Art is always a beauty to me, no matter what shape or form it's presented in. This is magnificent."
She adored his work thoroughly.

[Silvador]

"Thank you," Silvador said. "If I may ask, what do you write?"

[Amane-Chan]

"Quite welcome." She gracefully answered.
"My writings consist of all sorts of things. I particularly love war stories to be honest. I guess I was inspired by my grandfather when I was a child. He was a veteran and a hero."

[Silvador]

"Oh. I see," Silvador said as he sat in the chair behind his desk. After a few minutes of silence, the panther spoke again.

"How do you like BonBon?"

[Amane-Chan]

"It's rather pleasant here. Full of life. Far different from my original town back home. It'll take some adjusting but I'm sure it won't be too long."
As she was speaking she was carefully looking around at the room with much fascination.

[Silvador]

Silvador sat in his chair for long minutes. He couldn't think of anything to say. Standing, he went over to the bar and poured himself a glass of water while glancing out the door. Outside, it was still pouring rain.

"Doesn't look like this rain is going to let up any time soon," he said. "Is there anyone waiting for you at home?"

[Amane-Chan]

"Oh, no. I live on my own in a flat. I don't have any real tending to do at home."
She answered looking at her previous writings.

[Silvador]

"I see. I'm much the same," the panther said, returning to his seat.

[Amane-Chan]

She was starting to take notice of his short replies in conversation.
"Is something the matter, sir?"
She was a bit concerned.

[Silvador]

"Hm? Not at all," Silvador said. "Just a lack of ability to think of something to say. It's not often I entertain guests, so I find it difficult to find subjects of conversation. I'm sorry."

[Amane-Chan]

"You're fine, sir." She said in reassurance.
"I'm rather enjoying myself, thank you... May I have something to drink? I'm rather parched."
She scooted closer to him to give more company.

[Silvador]

"Of course," the panther said as he picked up a glass off the rack and set it on the counter. "I have water and I think scotch and whiskey. I'm not really sure. I don't drink myself. These were a gift from the cheetah next door when I moved stores. I used to have my store across from the Inn."

[Amane-Chan]

"Ah, I see. Water shall be fine by me. I like the fact... That we both have professions in art related things. I'm a clothes designer, myself. I do everything by hand. At the end of the day it kills my little fingers though."
She said laughing lightly.

[Silvador]

"Iris, next door, might like you. She sells clothes and makes some herself, I believe. She gave me these gifts," the panther said.

[Amane-Chan]

"Oh! Sounds lovely. I would be more than happy to meet with her... My fur is finally drying. I hate when it gets matted though. It can be such a hassle." She smoothed her coat firmly to remove any possible kinks.

[Silvador]

"She was a lovely person," Silvador said.

[Amane-Chan]

"I'll take your word for it." Her voice was sweet and peaceful as she spoke.
Grabbing the water from his hand, she sipped some down to refresh her dry throat.
"If you don't mind, I'd love to watch you build a sculpture sometime?"