So Vaughn was lonely… And also ridiculously open. Mao had to wonder at someone so willing to talk about things like feelings and social inadequacies, because when it came to himself, he always tried to hide his softer side. You just had to, growing up how and where he did. Signs of weakness meant you got chewed up and spit out. He’d have to be pretty hard pressed to admit to being lonely, even though he was.
“Hmm….” Yeah, about that opening up thing. Giving Vaughn his real name would be too close to that, and though the guy was a total pushover, he couldn’t be fully trusted just yet. So, Mao chose to play man of mystery. Or was that cat of mystery?
“How about you name me?” That cheshire grin was back, but in a big and scary form, his jaws full of gleaming sharp teeth. “Would that make you feel like I was your pet?” The monster cat seemed to find this oh so very amusing, and coupled with the ‘open relationship’ comment, the vibrations of his rumbling purr of a laugh filled the car. He certainly seemed like a jovial thing, despite being a man eater. His casual way of conversing and general silliness were at odds to the sleek regal creature he looked to be on the outside.
“You could call me Kitty if you wanna, but I think it’d be more fun if you come up with something on your own.” Mao had his reasons for not giving his name, but there was another more instinctual one he was following despite not being aware of it. In countless religious and cultures, to know a demon’s name gave a person power over it. A fact evidenced even in fairy tales. Rumplestiltskin, anyone?