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Yomiel's ears filled with the sound of rushing blood, arms pumping and feet thudding sharply upon the asphalt as he raced along the pavement, his skin slick and glistening with sweat. When he reached the gate, he came to a halt and bent over, supporting himself with hands on his knees as he gasped. Once he'd managed to catch his breath, he straightened, reaching up to wipe an arm across his brow.
"Ahh." Stepping through the gate, Yomiel traversed along the path, reveling in the feel of the cool breeze that swept past, caressing his hot and sticky skin. He drew in a deep breath, pausing for a moment just to let it all soak in, the tranquility of an early morning, birds still singing from the treetops as the pale sun beat down, how soothing the fresh air of spring felt after a long run.
Once inside, Yomiel made a beeline for the fridge and took out a bottle of water, gulping down the contents. It was so cold and refreshing as it coursed down his throat. Just then, he heard the quick pace of footsteps. Turning around, he saw Sissel bustle into the kitchen. A smile lit up her face as she saw him.
"Oh, you're back, sweetie." Sissel came up to him and planted a kiss on his lips. "Did you have a good run?"
"Mm. Why don't you join me sometime?"
"Sure, when I have time. Maybe at the weekend?" Sissel tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, I'd better get off. Going to have an early start today. Hmm, maybe I'll do some shopping after work, get something for dinner. Does spaghetti sound alright?"
"Sure, sounds great. Have a good day at work." Yomiel leaned in to give her a swift kiss on the cheek. Sissel snatched up her purse, waving her hand at him before walking out the door. He continued to sip at the water, watching her as she hurried away toward her car.
As the sound of the car's engine faded into the distance, he was left feeling conscious of the fact he was now the only one in the house. With a long exhale, Yomiel set down the bottle. Well then, he supposed, it was time for a shower.
Inside the cubicle, standing beneath the cascade of scorching water, Yomiel began to feel a bit better and even started humming, lathering himself with a smile of contentment. It was so easy to just while away the time in here, letting the minutes pass by as he reveled in the sensation of the droplets hitting his skin, running along his bare, smooth skin in rivulets. It was the little things like this he had really come to treasure. Although, he wasn't sure Sissel would see it his way when it came to extra long showers. Oh well. Allowing himself a few more minutes, he finally stepped out and grabbed a towel, rubbing himself dry, passing by the cat sitting by the door and going to sit on the bed. Wait a minute...
Yomiel blinked. Yes, there was indeed a little black kitten with a red scarf sitting there by the door, watching him. As he continued to stare, the kitten mewed then came over to rub against his leg. In a flash, Yomiel found himself pulled into the familiar world of swirling black and red, face to face with the cat.
Sissel's ghost form nodded imperceptibly, tail waving behind him. "Good morning, Yomiel."
"Oh, uh. Yes, good morning," Yomiel responded. "So I guess you just let yourself in then?"
"I certainly did. You were in the shower, so I went right ahead. Popped open the window and squeezed through." Sissel tilted his head. "I hope that isn't a problem?"
"Of course not. You just took me by surprise, that's all. You know you're always welcome here." Yomiel knelt down to scratch Sissel behind the ears. Sissel started purring and butting his head against Yomiel's hand, eliciting a fond smile. "Anyway, I'm just gonna get ready. Won't be long."
While Sissel entertained himself by wandering around the house and playing with various things that were capable of being manipulated, Yomiel got dressed and grabbed himself some toast and coffee. He sat down in front of the computer and booted it up while starting on his breakfast. Sissel hopped up onto the desk, glancing at the screen.
"What are you up to now?"
"I'm just gonna check my email quickly. Don't worry, I've got plenty of time for you." Yomiel took a bite of toast, washing it down with a mouthful of coffee, clicking the way to his email in the meantime. "Oh."
"Hm?" Sissel's ears pricked up.
"It's a response to one of my job applications." Yomiel took a breath before clicking.
Sissel watched Yomiel's face as he read the email, seeing his face slowly fall. His worst fears were confirmed when Yomiel's head dropped and his shoulders slumped. "I'm sorry, Yomiel. Hopefully you'll have better luck next time."
"Yeah." Yomiel released a long sigh. "Shockingly enough, not a lot of people are willing to hire someone who recently got out of prison after taking a child hostage. At this rate, it just feels like I'm never going to get a job because nobody wants an ex-con working for them." He placed his elbows on the desk, resting his forehead in his hands.
"Hey." Sissel came closer, rubbing his head against Yomiel's cheek. "I'm sure you'll find something soon. Maybe I can ask Detective Jowd, see if there's anything he could do?"
"Any help would be nice, I suppose. Just thought I'd try to get out there on my own, but it's not easy." Yomiel raised his head, giving the screen a rueful look. "Honestly, it's pretty frustrating. I keep trying and trying, but... ugh. I'm just so tired of this." A stinging sensation swept over the back of his eyeballs, prompting him to rub his eyes.
Sissel gazed at Yomiel, feeling a pang of sympathy. "I wish there was something I could do."
"All I can do is keep trying, I guess. But... honestly?" Yomiel slumped back in the chair, turning his gaze up at the ceiling. "Sometimes I feel like I just want to break down and cry. I won't do it when Sissel's around, though. I can't make her worry."
"You can cry now. I'm not going to tell anyone."
Yomiel let out a short laugh. "Yeah. Alright. Seriously though, I'm alright, just feeling kinda bummed. Wishing I could get a break already, you know? But I get it. I did a terrible thing, and I have to pay the price for it. I can't expect to have everything served to me on a platter."
"You know, I'm always up for hugs if it makes you feel any better."
"Well, alright then. You know, I'm really glad that you came to visit me on this particular morning." Scooping Sissel up, Yomiel carried him over to the couch and lay down with the kitten resting on his belly. Sissel stretched himself out and began to purr loudly while Yomiel ran his hand along his body. Yomiel was well aware that Sissel couldn't feel a thing and yet the little kitten still did his best to act as if he was truly experiencing these sensations and expressing his pleasure as would be expected from a living creature. Truly, he was a natural at this, but Yomiel supposed he would have to be.
Sissel arched his back and stuck his legs out, flashing his paw pads. Yomiel couldn't resist the urge to grab hold of one of those little paws and poke at the pads, rubbing his thumb over them. "You used to be so ticklish. Whenever I did this before, you would always pull away."
"Well, I suppose I am willing to indulge you now. I take it you find my paw pads quite fascinating?"
"Heh. Kitty beans."
(Uh, that really doesn't explain anything, but okay...)
Yomiel continued to play with SIssel's paws, while Sissel lay still, slowly thumping his tail as he stared at Yomiel. It really was so comforting. His thoughts drifted back to the past, when he used to just lie there with Sissel, stroking and playing with him, listening to him purr continuously. Even if he couldn't feel the soft touch of his fur, or the heat radiating from his body, it had still brought him considerable comfort. Sissel had always been there, ready to listen to him, let him hold him in his arms, content to lie on his lap while the hours passed by.
If he thought further back, he could remember what a playful kitten Sissel had been. The cat had mellowed in his later years, but when he was younger, he certainly hadn't failed to keep Yomiel entertained. Sissel used to just race around, pouncing on invisible things and chasing the toys Yomiel bought for him. His antics had rarely failed to bring a smile to Yomiel's face, just like right now.
"What are you thinking about now?" Sissel peered at him.
"Ahh. I was just reminiscing." Yomiel paused. "Thinking about the time we spent together, way back when you were still just a kitten. You used to run around, jumping on shadows, and you loved playing with toys. Even when you got older, you still liked to play. Do you still enjoy it?"
"Heh. Well, the little lady certainly does her best to keep me entertained and I do my best in return. Maybe it does get a bit old sometimes, but I'm not about to disappoint a lady. Anyway, if I've really had enough, I can always feign tiredness and pretend to fall asleep. Works every time."
"Heh." Yomiel's lips twitch. "You really were a handful as a kitten. But I appreciated it. It was a nice distraction from the dull monotony of my existence." He fell silent, staring into the distance. "I really appreciated it, you know. Every moment. Whether you were being absolutely bonkers, or during the quiet moments when you'd let me put you in my lap and just stroke you while you napped."
"Yes. I too felt the same." Sissel stretched his legs out. "It was always such a comfort, being in your lap, held in your arms. I was truly content, being by your side." He closed his eyes. "No matter what, you were always willing to pay attention to me, petting me, playing with me, whatever I wanted, and I really was... truly happy to be with you."
"We had a lot of good memories together, didn't we? Doing all sorts of things, like fishing. I bet you remember the fish."
"Oh yes. It was delicious."
"I had never even fished before in my life, but I learned to do it, for your sake. Turned out I wasn't so bad at it. It was a nice activity to pass the time too, which was just as well because I had way too much of that."
"You were always trying to find something to do, weren't you?"
"Mmm. Yeah. Even just going for walks, wandering around, carrying you around with me wherever I went. Remember when I first put you on a leash? You weren't so keen on that thing in the beginning but eventually you got somewhat used to it."
"Hmm. Yes, I do recall that. Though you'd mostly just carry me in your bag anyway. You took me to all sorts of places. I got to see all sorts of things with you. Honestly, it didn't mean much to me, seeing all those views and different places, but it was nice to just be by your side."
"Right. I used to take you everywhere, didn't I? Used to get odd looks for it sometimes even. You were the one constant presence in my life." Yomiel gazed at Sissel, a smile lingering on his lips.
"So." Sissel sat up. "Are you feeling any better now?"
"Yeah." Yomiel picked Sissel up and brought him closer to his face, looking into the kitten's eyes for a second before placing him against his cheek in a soft embrace. "Thank you, Sissel. I really appreciated it."
"You're welcome." Sissel rubbed his head against Yomiel's. "I know it must be hard for you at times, but hang in there, okay? Things are bound to get better."
"Mmm." Yomiel nodded, his expression turning serious. "Of course, this is nothing compared to, you know. Being unemployed and alive far beats the alternative." He looked up at the ceiling. "It just gets me down sometimes. Back then, I really thought I had it made, engaged to the love of my life with a decent job and being on a project that was getting me a good salary. Seemed like it was my big break. Then, on that day, my whole life was changed and I was plunged into a nightmare."
"Yomiel..."
"But at least you were there. What I went through was hell. Still, I had you by my side, and I have so many wonderful memories of you. Those were the good times and I'll never, ever forget any of that."
"Yes. Those were truly good times."
Yomiel sat up, placing Sissel in his lap and running a hand down his back. "I got my life back. I got her back as well. I am deeply grateful for that, and I know I shouldn't be complaining. It just kinda gets me down sometimes."
"It's okay. I understand." Sissel reared up, resting his paws on Yomiel's chest as he butted softly against his chin. "I'm sure you'll get back there one day. Whenever you're down, I'm always happy to come to you. I'll cheer you up if you need me to. Just like the good old days."
"Yeah. Thanks." Yomiel scratched Sissel behind the ears. "Hmm."
"What's up?"
"Oh, I was just thinking, what if I was to get some cat toys?" Yomiel smirked. "Relive those days of your kittenhood. If you're happy to do it for Kamila, you'll do it for me too, right?"
(Oh, brother...) "Sure, Yomiel, if you really want to, then I don't mind. Just remember that catnip doesn't work on me anymore."
"You can't even pretend?" Yomiel's face fell.
"No way, that's too much work. I barely even remember how I used to act on that stuff."
"Heh. Well, I do. You would be totally out of it. It was a delight to watch. You rarely failed to entertain me, Sissel."
"Well, uh. I guess I'm glad I was able to entertain you. But, you know, I'm more about using my powers of the dead these days, pushing buttons, flipping levers, poking anything that moves. Have you bought any new appliances lately?"
"Appliances are off limits!" Yomiel gave him a stern look.
"Geez." Sissel lowered his head, his ears flattening. "Okay."
Yomiel chuckled, then lowered Sissel to the floor. "Right then." He went to pick up the mug and plate, carrying them into the kitchen. "Time to face the rest of the day."
Sissel followed, watching him as he stood at the sink, running the tap. "Have you got anything planned for today, then?"
"Hmm." Yomiel rinsed off the plate and wiped it clean, gazing out the window to the street beyond. "Nothing in particular, really. I suppose I could type up some more job applications. Watch some television, pass the time until Sissel comes back home. Maybe I should do some chores as well. She'd surely appreciate that." Setting the plate down, he glanced in Sissel's direction. "How about you? Though I suppose you don't really have much to do, being a ghost cat and all."
"Well, Lynne and Detective Jowd do call on me now and then. Sometimes I like to just go along with them for the ride. But, today, I think I'm just going to relax. I might just explore a bit, watch people as they go about their day, find some new places over the phone lines, who knows."
"I hope you don't go scaring too many people out there," Yomiel said with a smirk.
Sissel sat perfectly upright, wrapping his tail around his legs as he gave Yomiel an innocent look. "I have no idea what you could possibly mean."
Yomiel made an amused noise, shaking his head. "Honestly. If you're not careful, you might give somebody a heart attack one of these days."
"Oh, that's okay. If they die, I can just bring them back to life."
"Sissel." Yomiel said his name in a somewhat firmer tone, though he was still smiling.
"Seriously though, I do prefer not having to go through the trouble of reviving them." Sissel stretched his body out then rubbed against Yomiel's legs. "Anyway, you'll be okay now, won't you?"
"Yeah, no worries. I just got to keep myself occupied. Perhaps I should pick up a hobby or something." Yomiel turned around to rest against the counter while looking down at the little kitten. "Say, I might pop over to the pet shop at some point. Would you like to come with me when I do?"
"Hmm?" Sissel cocked his head. "You mean so I can choose the toys, is that it? Heh, alright. Of course, anything I could manipulate is fair game. Maybe you could find something really interesting for me."
"Something really interesting, huh?" Yomiel crossed his arms, gazing into space. "Well, I wonder. I'm sure you've discovered all sorts of things to play with by now, but sure, I'll try and think of something. Anyway, it would be nice to just hang out and do some stuff together sometime, don't you think?"
"Sure, why not. I'd like that."
"Alright, it's settled then." Yomiel nodded. "A man and his cat hanging out together, just like the good old days."
"Right. Just like the good old days." Sissel met Yomiel's gaze. "Well then, I think I'll go off and do some wandering now. I'll be seeing you around, Yomiel."
"Yeah, sure." Yomiel walked with him to the front door and opened it. "See you later." He watched Sissel walk off down the path, with a fond smile on his face all the while.