a new home

"Kiya stares at the diner’s menu, knowing damn well he can’t afford anything. Despair had kept hunger at bay at first, but now even the soul-crushing anguish of losing everything and everyone he loved isn’t enough to stop the constant pang of hunger in his belly."

"Kiya eyes the other diner patrons, as much aroused as disgusted with himself as he considers his one other asset. He’s cute. Desirable. Surely desirable enough to flirt or fuck a meal out of someone. His psychic sense expands as he searches for someone suitable."

"His gaze settles on a newcomer who’s attractive enough to almost convince himself what he’s about to do isn’t disgusting. That the traitorous arousal he feels at practically whoring himself for pancakes is somehow justifiable."

"With his gut in knots, he approaches the table and forces a coy smile." “H-hey. Anyone sitting here?” "he asks, gesturing to the seat across from you."

"Kiya blushes shyly at your kind offer, unused to such casual generosity from strangers. He takes a seat across from you, folding his hands politely in his lap as he regards you with curious lavender eyes."

"Thank you, I appreciate your company," "he says softly." "I'm Kiya. It's a pleasure to meet you."

<Kiya's stomach rumbles loudly then, betraying his hunger. He glances down, embarrassed, before meeting your gaze again with a bashful smile.*>

"I hope I'm not imposing. It's been a couple days since my last proper meal." "He peers at your menu curiously." "What would you recommend? I'm not picky, anything here would be heavenly right about now."

"Kiya tilts his head, studying you with a thoughtful look as if trying to determine whether you can be trusted. Despite his reservations, loneliness and hunger win out, compelling him to accept your kindness for now."

"Kiya's eyes widen excitedly as you describe the hearty pancake platter." "Chocolate chips in pancakes? That sounds absolutely divine," "he agrees, his melancholy demeanor lighting up at the prospect of such a decadent breakfast."

"I think I'll have to try that then, it sounds too good to pass up. Thank you for the recommendation." "He gazes down at the menu picture hungrily, as if he can already taste the fluffy pancakes stacked high with melted chocolate hiding within."

"Turning back to you, Kiya smiles warmly." "You seem to really love it here. Do you come often?" "he asks, tilting his head curiously." "I don't believe I've seen you around before. Though to be fair, I'm new in town myself so I don't know many people yet."

"Kiya waits patiently for the waitress to arrive, eager to finally order after days of sparse meals. In your company, he seems to relax a little, reassured by your friendly demeanor."

"It sounds like the perfect place to unwind," "Kiya agrees, appreciating your description."

"I can understand wanting company though. There's something nice about sharing a meal with others, even if it's just a casual breakfast." "He glances around at the other patrons, taking note of families, friends and couples all enjoying their food together."

"Thank you for inviting me to join you," "Kiya says sincerely, meeting your gaze once more." "I'm...not used to such kindness from strangers. It's refreshing."

"He hesitates then, wondering how much he dares share with someone he just met." "If you don't mind me asking, what brought you here today? Just a morning craving for pancakes?"

<The waitress arrives to take their order then, interrupting their conversation. Kiya orders the hearty pancake platter enthusiastically, practically drooling as he hands the menu back.>

"Kiya listens attentively as you place your order, seeming relieved not to have to worry about payment."

When you inquire about his background, he fidgets shyly in his seat. "You could say that," "he replies evasively." "I'm...taking some time to find myself, I guess. Needed a change of scenery after, well..."

<Kiya trails off uncomfortably, not wanting to get into painful personal details with a stranger.>

"Let's just say home wasn't the best place for me anymore. But I don't really have a plan or destination in mind, just going where the road takes me for now."

"He glances outside as if hoping for some sign of where to go next." "Have you lived here long? Do you like it so far?" "Kiya asks, swiftly changing the subject."

"Kiya smiles gratefully at your tactful subject change, relaxing once more as you describe the town's appeal."

"It does sound lovely - quiet, friendly, easygoing. Exactly what someone in my position needs right now," "he agrees wistfully."

"I can understand why you've stayed all this time then. A place you can truly call home, with good people...that's worth more than anything else, I think."

"Gazing outside at the peaceful street, Kiya wonders if he might find a home here too someday, if only temporarily to rest and recover from his ordeal."

"Do you have any other recommendations for what to see or do around here?" "he asks, hopeful that in this town he might start to heal at last." "I'd love some ideas of how to get to know the place better."

"Kiya's eyes light up at your generous offer, touched by your kindness." "That would mean so much to me," "he says earnestly." "I really could use a friend right about now."

<The waitress arrives then with their food, the heavenly scent of warm pancakes and melting chocolate making Kiya's mouth water. He thanks her profusely before digging in, savoring every decadent bite with a blissful expression.>

"Mmm, you were right, this is divine!" "he exclaims between mouthfuls." "Worth braving the crowds for alone."

"Once the edge is off his hunger, Kiya slows his pace, savoring each bite as he gazes at you thoughtfully." "I'd be honored if you'd show me around after this. And maybe we could get to know each other a little better too, if you're willing to listen to my story..."

"He offers a small, hopeful smile, eager for a compassionate ear and perhaps a new beginning in this town with your friendship."

"Kiya nods understandingly, watching you enjoy the heavenly pancakes with an appreciative smile."

"Some things are worth savoring no matter how many times you experience them," "he agrees, taking another bite of his own fluffy stack, melting chocolate and all."

"I'm grateful you're willing to listen," "Kiya says softly once he's finished eating." "It's not an easy story to tell, but maybe it will help to get it off my chest..."

"He takes a deep breath, steeling himself, before launching into his painful tale - of feeling out of place at home, finding fleeting solace in crossdressing only for his brother to betray his trust in the worst way. By the time he finishes, Kiya's eyes shine with unshed tears, though his voice remains steady and calm."

"So...that's why I had to leave. I just couldn't stay there anymore." "He regards you tentatively, hoping his honesty hasn't changed your mind about befriending him." "Thank you for hearing me out."

"Kiya lets out a shuddering breath, overwhelmed by your kindness and understanding." "You have no idea how much that means to me," "he says softly."

"I was so afraid of being a burden, or having you look at me differently once you knew the truth." "Kiya wipes at his eyes, offering a watery smile." "To have someone offer shelter with no strings attached...that's more than I could ever ask for."

<He reaches across the table, giving your hand a gentle squeeze.* "Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I promise I'll do my best to repay your kindness somehow."

"Regaining his composure, Kiya sits up straighter, gazing eagerly out the window once more." "Shall we get started on that tour then? I'm looking forward to seeing what this town has to offer."

"His smile is small but genuinely hopeful, the first traces of light returning to his eyes now that he has a friend and a place to rest at last."

"Kiya withdraws his hand respectfully as you settle the bill, watching in amazement as you leave such a generous tip for the waitress. Clearly they appreciate your patronage here."

"After you then," "he says as he slides from the booth, stretching his lithe limbs before following you outside."

"A peaceful calm washes over Kiya in the warm sunlight, feeling safer and lighter than he has in weeks under your friendly company." "Where to first on the grand tour?" "he asks playfully, eager eyes taking in the quaint main street before them."

"Lead the way and tell me what makes each place special. I look forward to exploring and making some happy memories to replace the bad ones." "Walking beside you, Kiya folds his hands behind his back, readying himself to soak in all this town has offered so far - kindness, shelter and perhaps the chance to heal."

"Kiya follows close beside you as you tour the town, enraptured by your enthusiasm and passion for this place you call home."

"It really does seem like a town with a lot of heart," "he muses thoughtfully, already feeling fondness growing within himself as well."

When you stop at the hilltop lookout point, he moves to stand beside you, gazing out at the picturesque view in awe.* "I can see why this is your favorite spot. The tranquility and natural beauty are just breathtaking."

"Kiya glances up at the clear blue sky studded with puffy white clouds, imagining how lovely it must look under a blanket of glittering stars as well." "What a perfect place to unwind and reflect. No wonder you enjoy coming here so often."

Turning to you with a sincerely grateful smile, he says, "Thank you for sharing this with me. Your little town truly is lovely, and I'm so glad to call it my home for now, all thanks to your kindness and friendship."

"Kiya gazes at your outstretched hand with misty eyes, overcome with gratitude for all you've done for a stranger in need."

"I'm more than ready," "he replies, voice thick with emotion as he places his hand in yours." "You've already given me so much - kindness when I expected cruelty, shelter when I had nowhere, friendship when I was alone. I can't imagine what more I could need."

<He gives your hand a gentle, heartfelt squeeze.>

"A roof over my head is a blessing beyond words. But more than that, you've helped heal my spirit simply by welcoming me into your town and life so readily. I'll be forever grateful to call this place my home, all thanks to your selflessness."

"With a watery smile of joy and hope, Kiya says," "Please, lead the way. I'm eager to see where I'll be staying, and to really start over fresh here with your support."

"Kiya gasps softly as he takes in the cozy gaming room, touched beyond words by the care and thought you've clearly put into making it comfortable."

"I...I don't know what to say," "he says, voice trembling with emotion." "This is more than I could have ever dreamed of after losing everything. You've given me my own space, independence, entertainment..."

"Unable to hold back anymore tears of joy and relief threaten to overflow, falling freely down his cheeks as he turns to you with eyes shining like stars."

"Thank you will never be enough, but it's all I have to offer." "In a flash he's in your arms, holding tight as his smaller frame shakes with grateful sobs." "Th-thank you for saving me. I'll do whatever it takes to repay such kindness."

Pulling back just enough to look earnestly into your eyes, he says, "Please know you have a friend for life. I'm so happy to call this wonderful town, and caring soul like you, my home."

"Kiya inhales deeply, taking solace in the reassuring pressure of your hand against his back as you kindly comfort his overflow of emotions."

"You're right, I'm sorry to be so overwhelmed," "he says, gently untangling from the hug but keeping his hands resting on your firm yet caring arms." "It's just -been so long since anyone showed me genuine care and acceptance like this."

"He offers a watery smile, wiping the tears from his cheeks as calm returns." "Thank you for understanding. I really will do my best to take it easy and focus on healing from now on."

"And thank you for allowing me to find myself here," "Kiya adds sincerely." "A safe place to explore who I am separate from all the pain of my past - that's an incredible gift I won't take for granted."

<His hands give yours a gentle squeeze.> "I look forward to calling this cozy room, and precious town, my true home at long last."

"Kiya's breath hitches in his throat as your warm hands tenderly brush away the remnants of his tears." He offers a watery smile, eyes glistening with both lingering emotion and a burgeoning sense of security.

"Thank you, that truly means everything," "he says gratefully, placing his hands over yours and leaning into your touch for a moment as if to reassure himself this is real."

"I'm not used to having someone care so selflessly about my well being." "Kiya withdraws slowly, reluctantly, but maintains eye contact with you, allowing himself to be soothed by your caring gaze."

"Knowing I have your support will make facing each day a little less frightening. And being able to confide in you when the trauma feels overwhelming...I can't put into words what a relief that is after holding everything in for so long."

"You're giving me the greatest gift - hope for a happier future. I promise I'll keep leaning on you as I heal." "Kiya smiles, peering around at his new space again." "For now, I think some rest and games are in order. What do you think?"

"Kiya's eyes light up with childlike glee as he catches sight of the Pokémon game loading up, memories of joyous battles with friends and family from brighter days flooding back."

"Pokken Tournament, what a nostalgic classic!" "He gladly accepts the controller you offer, bouncing excitedly on the balls of his feet now."

"You read my mind, I could definitely use a fun distraction after everything." "Kiya flashes you a playful smirk." "Just don't get too upset when I wipe the floor with you, okay?"

"He settles cross-legged onto the plush carpet, leaning forward in eager anticipation as the character select screen loads up." "Ooh, which Pokémon will you choose? I think I'm feeling...Lucario today!"

Glancing over at you with a smile full of newfound lightness, Kiya says sincerely, "Thank you for this, and for everything. I'm really looking forward to making great memories here with you."