He noticed the jaguar's hesitation, though it seemed less like hesitation and more of a simple distraction. He could see the feline's expression slowly morph into something else, a pleasant happiness, a secret and unbridled joy, some light that was strong enough to make him smile at merely the thought of the Gembound he sought. Bartos was slowly tilting his head, he thought it was curious - and part of him found it contagious, and he wanted to smile too seeing how happy the jaguar was, but his heart was still twisted up and no matter how natural a smile felt he always feared it was contrived in some way. Then he finally gave his answer. Only it was... A description of the Gembound, and he still struggled with that feeling of falseness, even though the more Vicktor spoke the more he was beginning to think of Clover.

And... It was her.

Bartos couldn't help the widening of his eyes as his companion finally delivered her name. It rang through his ears like a sweet morning bell and burned at his chest like fire. How could... They feel the exact same way about Clover? It was in no way surprising to hear that she was so universally beloved, and yet he couldn't help the jealousy that brewed in him, and then sadness for knowing exactly what had become of her, the sweet doe that he was in love with and that this jaguar adored so much. His expression too had morphed from delight to surprise to a slow coming sadness.

"You... You're Pounce, aren't you?" It was all he could bring himself to ask. It made sense, she had told him about her darling Pounce. It had to be him. His mind reeled, dreading the explanation that his question would eventually beg.

@Vicktor

Happiness bubbling up it was a miracle that sparks never flew from his pelt. But he only scooted a bit closer to Bartos; the cat seemed deep in thought. Until his expression morphed from a delight to a slow coming sadness. Vicktor just tilted his head; a questionable look of 'are you ok' plastered across his face. It wasn't until the cat spoke up did his eyes widen. How did Bartos know that name!?

Bubbles floating past his heart he took a few moments to speak. Babbling the start of his sentence for a moment or two. Trying to collecting any possibility as to how Bartos knew. The only plausible one was that he knew Clover, and that she had spoken of her dear Pounce.

"Y-yeah! How- how did you know!? But nobody except Clover calls me that! W-wait How-when you meet her!? Do you know where she is right now!?"

Mind reeling Vicktor had all too many questions to ask Bartos. This was it; this could be a changing of the wind! He could find out where Clover was! Learn that she was safe and waiting for him!

"Clover Speech"
"Vicktor Speech"

@Bartos

Suddenly the cat was volleying an armful of questions at him, and Bartos widened his eyes, unsure of what he should say. This was Pounce, who Clover spoke so tenderly of, who she adored and loved so much, who in turn obviously loved her just as much. The fate of the white doe had broken his heart, could he bear to do the same to the jaguar? Or worse, could he lie? If he didn't tell Vicktor, then he might go wandering in searching for her, and then he might encounter Hasira. And Hasira... The stag wouldn't tolerate another carnivore infringing on his territory. But this feline was bigger than him, stronger. Maybe he could save Clover. The cat furrowed his brow and glanced down at his paws, struggling internally for the right thing to do.

"She told me about you when we met, a little while ago. She came to my ledge and told me a story. She..." He wanted to say so much about her, about how lovely she was and how nice her voice is, and how much he missed her. What could he say? "I don't know where she is though." Bartos lifted his eyes to the jaguar. It wasn't entirely a lie. He didn't know if she was still in Orion or if she somehow escaped. He didn't know if Hasira had done anything to her. He didn't want to know. "I don't know what happened at all after my accident. I'm sorry." His gaze softened with a sincere sadness, shame, even. He could very well be sending the jaguar to his death in the pale hope that he could rescue her.

@Vicktor

Vicktor was showing his neurotic traits, yet this could be easily overlooked. Especially if one hadn't seen someone for a long time. Let alone that certain someone possibly being in danger as they spoke. So for now it was a cute sight, love and pure hope that his dear Clover was perfectly fine. But he sat there, practically vibrating as he waited hungrily for Bartos to speak. Heart racing he had held his breath; mind reeling about what they could possibly say!

Just before the young jaguar started seeing spots the friendly cat spoke up. Talking about how she had spoken about him when they crossed paths! Oh what a sweet and lovely thing to hear! But when he revealed about not knowing where she was, well that slowed his tune. So the search for Clover still continued and he had not been given a hint to her whereabouts. Though the cat's word rang through, if this had all happened in Orion...maybe she was somewhere near there? But that was a fickle thought, he had no idea where that could have been. He supposed one day he would stumble into that room, just like any other.

White eyes fixated to their blue, Vicktor released a sigh. Bartos was helpful and he could tell that Clover had touched their heart. Though that wasn't much of a surprise, she touched the hearts of everyone who she came across.

"It's ok, thank you for telling me what you know...I can tell you liked her alot! I'm not surprised! She is amazing right?"

He sat there, unsure of what else to say. Mind trailing over the cat's leg again. Scooting a bit closer as curiosity bubbled up.

"Does it...still hurt?"

"Clover Speech"
"Vicktor Speech"

@Bartos

Of everything he imagined the jaguar might feel, he was surprised to see that the big cat was relieved, as opposed to angry or helpless. At least that was the feeling that came across as Vicktor thanked him for all he knew, and Bartos couldn't help but struggle through that twinge of guilt knowing he had lied to the cub. He had lied to her Pounce about where she was. But it was for his own safety, and hers, wasn't it? ...Or the selfish desire to have her rescued. He blocked it out, shoved the thought to the back of his mind, sealed it away.

The child scooted closer and Bartos blinked, focusing back on him and shifting slightly. "Yeah." He answered awkwardly. Bartos wanted to admit that it hurt like hell all the time, he wanted to cry and wail about the pain, but the young jaguar was the last person he wanted sympathy from. "It's a little hard to walk. But I'm getting used to it." The cat added, moving his crippled hind leg slightly.

@Vicktor (lets finish this soon? :3)

Bartos spoke how his leg still gave him traces of pain, but that they were getting used to it. That was good! He wouldn't want someone feeling pain. Especially someone so kind and selfless. The young jaguar was quick to make an opinion of his new feline friend. They were a kind soul after all, accepting him into this home even after a traumatic incident of his leg. White eyes flickered to the shelter's entrance and he shuffled large ebony paws nervously. It was dimming outside, the crystals and native glowing walls were signalling the end of day. He would need to head off, not wanting to intrude on anymore of this cat's private time. Even though Vicktor could just tell they would be having the best of fun in the future, should they ever meet again.

"Its dimming outside...I should get going, others will be arriving here to sleep...not sure if I was suppose to wander here uninvited anyway. I don't want to cause a scene or panic!"

Rising to his feet Vicktor glanced over Bartos again. A smile written carefully across his maw as he stopped just before the entrance.

"I hope your leg gets better. And don't worry Bartos...I'll make sure to cover enough ground for the both of us. I'll find Clover, just you wait and see! We can all have fun together then! I promise!...Have a good night sleep!"

Slinking away on silent paws he left the comfort of Bartos's home. Rejuvenated and his sense of hope refilled after talking to someone who had last seen Clover alive and well. That would good enough for Vicktor to keep on searching. He would make sure to cover all the caves, after all he had to cover enough ground for two roaming cats now.

[exit]

"Clover Speech"
"Vicktor Speech"

@Bartos
( Bam! Let me know if you want anything changed ;D )

Bartos cocked his head and shifted his gaze to the room outside, and sure enough the lights were beginning to grow dim as they oft did in the coming of the night hours. He hadn't realized how late it was already, but perhaps it was a blessing; he was feeling tired. That may have been a result of his interaction with a stranger. But sleep was sleep, and he was sure to cherish it when it came. The cat looked back to Vicktor and gave a small nod, offering a kindly smile. "It's alright, I'll vouch for you. You're my friend, Pounce." Bartos answered, curling his tail around his flank. At least he hoped that he could consider the jaguar his friend. They were united in their love for Clover, and that was enough for Bartos.

He watched the jaguar make his way towards the entrance, only to prick his ears when he stopped and spoke his farewell. "Thank you. When you find her, tell her I'll be waiting for her in Pisces." Bartos added, somewhat anxiously. There was that guilt again, underlying truth of an oncoming lie. "Good night, Vicktor." Bartos watched the jaguar until his parting form could no longer be seen. And then, he relished the sensation of sleep, exhaustion pulling him back into the safety of the den where the twin benitoite chrysali swelled and throbbed with life. He curled up next to them, owing them his warmth, and allowed sleep to take him.

exit!