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inbox — hello yes this is cat speaking
"—Nagano here. Actually, I'm not here. Leave a message."
TEXT • AUDIO • VIDEO • ACTION
"—Nagano here. Actually, I'm not here. Leave a message."
TEXT • AUDIO • VIDEO • ACTION
Then we have ourselves a deal! Looks like that whiteboard in my room is going to get some use after all.
Alright, I've got to get going. No rest for the weary, y'know? There are a lot of bad actors out there, and only one of me to make their lives incredibly inconvenient. Make sure you get enough rest between shifts, got it?
[ And it is only now that the writer realizes that he swapped over to text formatting somewhere along the way because of the Netherwork thread. Unbelievable. What a clown. ]
Alright, I've got to get going. No rest for the weary, y'know? There are a lot of bad actors out there, and only one of me to make their lives incredibly inconvenient. Make sure you get enough rest between shifts, got it?
[ And it is only now that the writer realizes that he swapped over to text formatting somewhere along the way because of the Netherwork thread. Unbelievable. What a clown. ]
[ Everything hurts. It's true that she didn't fight capture (much, and not physically), when she arrived at the Gallows, when they ripped everything from her, oh. She fought. Has physical proof of that beneath the tatters she wears. That's all they left her; even the ring she wore at all times is gone. And while it hasn't served its purpose since she got her (hasn't been necessary, which feels weird and unsettling), Hibiki feels incomplete without it. The last gift her mother left her, gone.
The physical pain is bad, but the emotional is much, much worse. Both of which she makes sure to block from the connection she shares from Kaito, a wall erected around it.
Galloping at a full gait for what feels like forever, Hibiki holds the reins of the aqua equine tightly. Her ab muscles tightened in an attempt to not twinge in pain as her passenger holds on, they've long since put the Gallows behind them. But it's not enough. She needs to put more distance between them and that horrible place. She needs to blow its stench from her, break the shackles she can still feel on her wrists and ankles and be free.
But intellectually she knows that that will never happen. No matter how far or how fast they go, she will never fully break free. That place has its hooks in her. Once the Gallows is only a memory, Hibiki tugs on the reins, slowing the stead down to a trot. Forcing herself to keep her eyes forward, they ride in heavy silence for a few more moments. ]
...We should probably decide where to go. I can't go back to Stygia, and I don't know if there's a way to get to the Shadowlands from here.
[ It's not just a can't, but a won't. Not now. Possibly not ever. ]
The physical pain is bad, but the emotional is much, much worse. Both of which she makes sure to block from the connection she shares from Kaito, a wall erected around it.
Galloping at a full gait for what feels like forever, Hibiki holds the reins of the aqua equine tightly. Her ab muscles tightened in an attempt to not twinge in pain as her passenger holds on, they've long since put the Gallows behind them. But it's not enough. She needs to put more distance between them and that horrible place. She needs to blow its stench from her, break the shackles she can still feel on her wrists and ankles and be free.
But intellectually she knows that that will never happen. No matter how far or how fast they go, she will never fully break free. That place has its hooks in her. Once the Gallows is only a memory, Hibiki tugs on the reins, slowing the stead down to a trot. Forcing herself to keep her eyes forward, they ride in heavy silence for a few more moments. ]
...We should probably decide where to go. I can't go back to Stygia, and I don't know if there's a way to get to the Shadowlands from here.
[ It's not just a can't, but a won't. Not now. Possibly not ever. ]
[ He's so tired.
How much blood did he watch stain the prison floor in the last few hours? How much had he himself shed? No lives were taken, sure—but Kaito certainly didn't bother stopping anyone past Hibiki and Company from ending any lives. Marius, Claude...
His Shadow's been having a hell of a time watching Kaito toe the line. But he's tired. He's barely hanging on to Hibiki as they ride off past Stygia (the kelpie (he thinks it's a kelpie) is really cool, but now isn't the time), and it won't be long until they hit the shoreline.
Hibiki's doing her best to seal her discomfort and pain away, but they're outside the Gallows now. He doesn't need the bond to feel her anguish.
Kaito doesn't wrap his arms tighter, but he does scoot closer and rest his chin on her shoulder. He's warm. Even through the blood caked on his cheek, he's so warm. ]
Do you want me to teleport us to my place?
[ A beat. He can see the waves now, and it adds an extra layer of queasiness that he really doesn't need right now. ]
...Actually, don't answer that. I'm going to open a portal.
How much blood did he watch stain the prison floor in the last few hours? How much had he himself shed? No lives were taken, sure—but Kaito certainly didn't bother stopping anyone past Hibiki and Company from ending any lives. Marius, Claude...
His Shadow's been having a hell of a time watching Kaito toe the line. But he's tired. He's barely hanging on to Hibiki as they ride off past Stygia (the kelpie (he thinks it's a kelpie) is really cool, but now isn't the time), and it won't be long until they hit the shoreline.
Hibiki's doing her best to seal her discomfort and pain away, but they're outside the Gallows now. He doesn't need the bond to feel her anguish.
Kaito doesn't wrap his arms tighter, but he does scoot closer and rest his chin on her shoulder. He's warm. Even through the blood caked on his cheek, he's so warm. ]
Do you want me to teleport us to my place?
[ A beat. He can see the waves now, and it adds an extra layer of queasiness that he really doesn't need right now. ]
...Actually, don't answer that. I'm going to open a portal.
[ Hiding as much as she does is a futile effort, she knows, but it gives her something else to focus on as they ride. The pain, the bloodshed; seeing others fight for those who had been captured, to set them all free... They don't tell you how brutal being a hero can be in stories. Hibiki isn't squeamish, but she knows dwelling on anything that happens would make her sick to her stomach.
She has to hold it in. She has to hold everything in.
Feeling him place his chin on her shoulder, his cheek warm near her neck, Hibiki adjusts slightly to rest her head carefully against his. Is it to comfort him or herself? Who knows (and who cares) at this point?
Slowing the horse down to a stop, the small blonde carefully discounts before offering Kaito a helping hand. If she were in a better place mentally, she might insist that he doesn't have to worry about it. She could offer her place (again).
Hibiki doesn't protest when he offers his own, don't act surprised at all. She's also tired and in pain, and arguing would only deplete the stores so close to running on empty. ]
Can you do that right now?
[ They're both basically spent, she doesn't want him collapsing from exhaustion. ]
She has to hold it in. She has to hold everything in.
Feeling him place his chin on her shoulder, his cheek warm near her neck, Hibiki adjusts slightly to rest her head carefully against his. Is it to comfort him or herself? Who knows (and who cares) at this point?
Slowing the horse down to a stop, the small blonde carefully discounts before offering Kaito a helping hand. If she were in a better place mentally, she might insist that he doesn't have to worry about it. She could offer her place (again).
Hibiki doesn't protest when he offers his own, don't act surprised at all. She's also tired and in pain, and arguing would only deplete the stores so close to running on empty. ]
Can you do that right now?
[ They're both basically spent, she doesn't want him collapsing from exhaustion. ]
[ Kaito would rather fall flat on the ground than actually take the effort to lower himself off the kelpie, but he grabs Hibiki's hand regardless. Smooth and steady is his descent, but the way he leans back against the summon makes it clear that he's running on fumes.
Still... ]
I don't know, but I will.
[ Yanking his gloves off and tossing them aside, Kaito reaches for the blonde's hands and grabs without leaving any room for protest. The harsh feedback that follows serves to steady him, rattling him out of his fading state.
Golds lock to blues, and they begin to sink.
When the portal drops them off, they land in a grassy meadow. A gentle breeze rolls along while the sun beams down from a cloudless sky. There is an ample amount of shade, however—thanks to a gargantuan cedar tree that appears to be the anchoring point for the teleport.
In the near distance, a ramshackle building stands, with fragments of brick and stone jutting out from either side to suggest that it was ripped out of an alleyway and simply dumped into the greenfields.
When Kaito feels solid ground beneath his feet, he instinctively dips backwards, still holding onto his soulmate—and thus pulling her down on top of him. The landing's a bit rough for him, but she'll have an empath-shaped cushion to soften her fall.
Kaito closes his eyes and sighs. ]
Can't say it's nearly as aesthetically appealing as your ryokan, but this is my 'home.'
Still... ]
I don't know, but I will.
[ Yanking his gloves off and tossing them aside, Kaito reaches for the blonde's hands and grabs without leaving any room for protest. The harsh feedback that follows serves to steady him, rattling him out of his fading state.
Golds lock to blues, and they begin to sink.
When the portal drops them off, they land in a grassy meadow. A gentle breeze rolls along while the sun beams down from a cloudless sky. There is an ample amount of shade, however—thanks to a gargantuan cedar tree that appears to be the anchoring point for the teleport.
In the near distance, a ramshackle building stands, with fragments of brick and stone jutting out from either side to suggest that it was ripped out of an alleyway and simply dumped into the greenfields.
When Kaito feels solid ground beneath his feet, he instinctively dips backwards, still holding onto his soulmate—and thus pulling her down on top of him. The landing's a bit rough for him, but she'll have an empath-shaped cushion to soften her fall.
Kaito closes his eyes and sighs. ]
Can't say it's nearly as aesthetically appealing as your ryokan, but this is my 'home.'
[ She knew that he was in bad shape, but she doesn't quite grasp the full extent until she sees him lean into her summon. Hibiki knows better than to protest right now, and as she reaches out to steady him, Kaito snatches her hands up as they begin to slowly sink into the earth.
As they resurface, Hibiki squints a bit, her eyes needing a moment to adjust to the light. But she forces herself to keep her eyes open, to take in the sight of this domain in full. A simple meadow, existing under a cloudless blue sky. A building in the distance. And speckled shade overhead that feels incredibly familiar despite never having been here before.
A giant tree.
Her senses dulled with everything else, Hibiki feels the tug a little too late. She could try to disengage, to keep from falling, but... she just lets it happen. Landing on top of him, she can't hide the sudden mental keysmash that happens behind the scenes. Her head resting against his chest, her own frozen mid-breath, when she feels him sigh, Hibiki exhales as well.
He's warm. Maybe it's the bond that they share, or the fact that she can't remember the last time she's been this close to anyone, but instead of flustering and trying to take command of the situation, she readjusts. Laying her head against his chest, feeling a lifetime of tension begin to slowly unwind, Hibiki looks out toward the horizon. ]
It's beautiful.
As they resurface, Hibiki squints a bit, her eyes needing a moment to adjust to the light. But she forces herself to keep her eyes open, to take in the sight of this domain in full. A simple meadow, existing under a cloudless blue sky. A building in the distance. And speckled shade overhead that feels incredibly familiar despite never having been here before.
A giant tree.
Her senses dulled with everything else, Hibiki feels the tug a little too late. She could try to disengage, to keep from falling, but... she just lets it happen. Landing on top of him, she can't hide the sudden mental keysmash that happens behind the scenes. Her head resting against his chest, her own frozen mid-breath, when she feels him sigh, Hibiki exhales as well.
He's warm. Maybe it's the bond that they share, or the fact that she can't remember the last time she's been this close to anyone, but instead of flustering and trying to take command of the situation, she readjusts. Laying her head against his chest, feeling a lifetime of tension begin to slowly unwind, Hibiki looks out toward the horizon. ]
It's beautiful.
[ There's hesitation in how he doesn't immediately wrap her in an embrace, but when she relaxes against him Kaito hooks his arms around her waist and pulls the blonde into a ginger, gentle hug.
He should be tending to their wounds, but right now he's so tired that all he wants is a moment's reprieve. Just a few precious seconds to slow things down—something he hasn't been able to afford since 'dying.' ]
If you'd believe it, when I was alive my clan had a little pocket dimension. The inside was shaped by the current clan leader, so when I took over, well.
Admittedly, it had already looked like this for a few years, but this is the design I went with. Even if it's just a simulacrum, this is where I can enjoy just a hint of tranquil peace.
[ She's just as warm, and so he buries his face into the crook of her neck while talking. This kind of intimate embrace would be saved for partners, wouldn't it? That's not what they areyet lmfao, but their bond is something much more special than close friends or companions.
It's hard to put into words, save for one: soulmates.
Kaito slowly closes his eyes. Presses his ear against her, to listen for her heartbeat. ]
This cedar tree is supposed to be special to the Nagano clan. Something about symbolizing the central kami whose blessings were granted to our ancestors.
...I don't know why it's this obnoxiously huge.
He should be tending to their wounds, but right now he's so tired that all he wants is a moment's reprieve. Just a few precious seconds to slow things down—something he hasn't been able to afford since 'dying.' ]
If you'd believe it, when I was alive my clan had a little pocket dimension. The inside was shaped by the current clan leader, so when I took over, well.
Admittedly, it had already looked like this for a few years, but this is the design I went with. Even if it's just a simulacrum, this is where I can enjoy just a hint of tranquil peace.
[ She's just as warm, and so he buries his face into the crook of her neck while talking. This kind of intimate embrace would be saved for partners, wouldn't it? That's not what they are
It's hard to put into words, save for one: soulmates.
Kaito slowly closes his eyes. Presses his ear against her, to listen for her heartbeat. ]
This cedar tree is supposed to be special to the Nagano clan. Something about symbolizing the central kami whose blessings were granted to our ancestors.
...I don't know why it's this obnoxiously huge.
[ She doesn't move when he wraps his arms around her waist, but instead lets out a long, heavy sigh through her nose. Tired both physically and emotionally, being held like this temporarily eases the turbulence churning in her head. Shifting to hook her arm under his, she just barely holds on to him, bloodstained fingertips tracing tiny masterpieces near his shoulder blades.
It's the first time since move back to Tokyo that she's had a moment to breathe. Resting against him, feeling Kaito's chest rise and fall against her as his words are practically murmured into her skin, she can't remember a time when she's felt more at peace.
Her free hand finds the back of his head and rests there, as she resists the urge to caress it. Just barely. ]
So that place is just for you, then. Wish I could see it. [ His own slice of paradise. Hibiki smiles gently.
One day, they would go back home, hopefully to those places where they truly felt like themselves; but the fact that those homes were on completely different Earths doesn't occur to her right now. All that's on her mind is how warm he feels and the way he rests his head in the crook of her neck. Tipping her chin upward, Hibiki rests her head against him.
If it were anybody else...
(She wouldn't want it to be.)
Giggling silently, she opens her eyes. ]
I think it's a prerequisite for sacred trees.
[ Jokes the woman with a giant cherry blossom tree behind her own door, but she's at least self-aware enough to draw the similarities. ]
We have something like that, at the family shrine. I don't know the full story, but I believe it was planted as a gift when part of the Fujiwara clan left Tohoku for Chubu. A wisteria tree was planted on the shrine grounds, in honor of their joining with another clan. It's been there for generations, and blooms every summer.
I'm not sure if there's a kami connected to that tree, I honestly wouldn't have been able to tell while I was alive, but I wouldn't be surprised. It has to be a couple hundred years old, at least. But it's the symbol of my family.
It's the first time since move back to Tokyo that she's had a moment to breathe. Resting against him, feeling Kaito's chest rise and fall against her as his words are practically murmured into her skin, she can't remember a time when she's felt more at peace.
Her free hand finds the back of his head and rests there, as she resists the urge to caress it. Just barely. ]
So that place is just for you, then. Wish I could see it. [ His own slice of paradise. Hibiki smiles gently.
One day, they would go back home, hopefully to those places where they truly felt like themselves; but the fact that those homes were on completely different Earths doesn't occur to her right now. All that's on her mind is how warm he feels and the way he rests his head in the crook of her neck. Tipping her chin upward, Hibiki rests her head against him.
If it were anybody else...
(She wouldn't want it to be.)
Giggling silently, she opens her eyes. ]
I think it's a prerequisite for sacred trees.
[ Jokes the woman with a giant cherry blossom tree behind her own door, but she's at least self-aware enough to draw the similarities. ]
We have something like that, at the family shrine. I don't know the full story, but I believe it was planted as a gift when part of the Fujiwara clan left Tohoku for Chubu. A wisteria tree was planted on the shrine grounds, in honor of their joining with another clan. It's been there for generations, and blooms every summer.
I'm not sure if there's a kami connected to that tree, I honestly wouldn't have been able to tell while I was alive, but I wouldn't be surprised. It has to be a couple hundred years old, at least. But it's the symbol of my family.
One day, I'll show it to you.
[ His smile bleeds into the words.
Y̷o̶u̷ ̸c̴a̸n̴'̵t̷.̵ ̶Y̷o̸u̷ ̴t̸w̷o̵ ̵a̴r̶e̸ ̷f̵r̷o̵m̷ ̴d̵i̸f̵f̶e̴r̴e̴n̸t̸ ̶w̴o̶r̵l̸d̶s̶.̶ ̵D̶o̵n̶'̶t̶ ̶f̵o̷r̵g̴e̶t̷ ̸t̸h̵a̷t̸.̷
'It doesn't matter. Even if I can't...'
A beat.
'No, I will be the one who shows her the Domain.'
The short exchange goes unheard across the link, but it seems to have a significant effect on the empath. Mustering a bit of strength (and murmuring a 'scoot' under his breath), he manages to drag himself back so he's sitting up against the tree with a golden retriever in his lap.
Okay, back to snuggling. ]
Huh. I wonder if that makes ours a sacred tree, too. All grandfather told me about it is that it's been a part of our Domain since the space was first created. But there are no books on it in our library. —Ah, yeah. That's what's missing. This space had a library with all the knowledge the Nagano clan had gathered over the centuries, but it looks like the knockoff decided to substitute it with the ramen place I worked at.
[ He points towards the out-of-place looking building in the near distance. ]
When we get out of here, you're gonna have to take me to Shizuoka so I can see the tree and shrine. Our family doesn't have anything fancy like that to our name. I guess it's because we've always kept to ourselves, hidden from those living outside the supernatural world.
[ His smile bleeds into the words.
Y̷o̶u̷ ̸c̴a̸n̴'̵t̷.̵ ̶Y̷o̸u̷ ̴t̸w̷o̵ ̵a̴r̶e̸ ̷f̵r̷o̵m̷ ̴d̵i̸f̵f̶e̴r̴e̴n̸t̸ ̶w̴o̶r̵l̸d̶s̶.̶ ̵D̶o̵n̶'̶t̶ ̶f̵o̷r̵g̴e̶t̷ ̸t̸h̵a̷t̸.̷
'It doesn't matter. Even if I can't...'
A beat.
'No, I will be the one who shows her the Domain.'
The short exchange goes unheard across the link, but it seems to have a significant effect on the empath. Mustering a bit of strength (and murmuring a 'scoot' under his breath), he manages to drag himself back so he's sitting up against the tree with a golden retriever in his lap.
Huh. I wonder if that makes ours a sacred tree, too. All grandfather told me about it is that it's been a part of our Domain since the space was first created. But there are no books on it in our library. —Ah, yeah. That's what's missing. This space had a library with all the knowledge the Nagano clan had gathered over the centuries, but it looks like the knockoff decided to substitute it with the ramen place I worked at.
[ He points towards the out-of-place looking building in the near distance. ]
When we get out of here, you're gonna have to take me to Shizuoka so I can see the tree and shrine. Our family doesn't have anything fancy like that to our name. I guess it's because we've always kept to ourselves, hidden from those living outside the supernatural world.
[ M̵a̴k̵i̷n̵g̷ ̷e̷m̸p̶t̷y̸ ̴p̸r̵o̶m̶i̶s̵e̶s̴ ̶n̴o̴w̴?̵ ̴W̷e̵ ̷a̴l̴l̵ ̴k̴n̶o̶w̸ ̸t̶h̸a̶t̸ ̸i̷s̴n̶'̵t̸ ̷p̶o̴s̴s̵i̴b̵l̴e̸.̴
She doesn't care; they'll find a way. When everything is said and done and they go back to their worlds, they will find a way to see each other again.
O̵p̸t̵i̸m̵i̵s̸m̶ ̸w̷i̶l̴l̶ ̴o̴n̶l̸y̴ ̵g̵e̶t̶ ̵y̴o̷u̶ ̸s̵o̸ ̷f̵a̷r̶,̷ ̴y̴o̵u̷ ̴k̸n̷o̸w̸.̴
The only evidence of the conversation going on in her head is a vague ping of indignation, directed internally at her shadow. As Kaito shifts, she shifts with him, continuing to block the pain she feels. Moving hurts, but not as much as she thinks it should. Thankfully, she has something else to focus on, and as she leans back against him, Hibiki closes her eyes peacefully. ]
It's possible. If it holds some significance to your family, then it's possible. A kami protecting the space maybe? Or protecting your clan in general.
[ Her eyes open when she feels his arm move, eyes following the line he draws from where they sit to the small, brick building in the distance. It's disappointing that the library isn't there, but-- ]
And you'll have to take me to that restaurant, and to meet your grandfather. He sounds like an interesting guy, I'd love to pick his brain when it comes to technique.
[ Leaning forward and reaching for his outstretched hand, Hibiki cups hers around it before slowly attempting to draw it back toward her. A quiet smile spreads across her lips. Take him to the shrine, huh? What would grandfather say--not that it matters in this moment. The blonde takes a deep breath before exhaling. ]
Consider it done. I think you'd like it. It's near the base of Mount Fuji, the last stop for some trails heading upward. We get a decent number of travelers who make it a stop on their hike, to pray for safe travels. The wisteria tree is pretty easy to find, and I'll have to show you my tree too. [ A beat, before she smiles meekly. ]
It's not actually mine, but you know what I mean. And we'll go out to Ginkoya so you can see what it's really like. I'll make sure everybody gives you the five-star treatment.
[ It's all wishful thinking, she knows, but he's become an important person to her in such a short amount of time that she feels obligated to give him the grand tour. And even if she isn't sure how, Hibiki is determined to find a way. Her main objective will stay the same when she finally makes her way back home... but maybe she'll make this a reward, for cracking the mystery.
Turning her head slightly, Hibiki tries to look back at him. ]
Maybe that's it. If your clan has such strong ties, that could be a potential lead. You never know.
She doesn't care; they'll find a way. When everything is said and done and they go back to their worlds, they will find a way to see each other again.
O̵p̸t̵i̸m̵i̵s̸m̶ ̸w̷i̶l̴l̶ ̴o̴n̶l̸y̴ ̵g̵e̶t̶ ̵y̴o̷u̶ ̸s̵o̸ ̷f̵a̷r̶,̷ ̴y̴o̵u̷ ̴k̸n̷o̸w̸.̴
The only evidence of the conversation going on in her head is a vague ping of indignation, directed internally at her shadow. As Kaito shifts, she shifts with him, continuing to block the pain she feels. Moving hurts, but not as much as she thinks it should. Thankfully, she has something else to focus on, and as she leans back against him, Hibiki closes her eyes peacefully. ]
It's possible. If it holds some significance to your family, then it's possible. A kami protecting the space maybe? Or protecting your clan in general.
[ Her eyes open when she feels his arm move, eyes following the line he draws from where they sit to the small, brick building in the distance. It's disappointing that the library isn't there, but-- ]
And you'll have to take me to that restaurant, and to meet your grandfather. He sounds like an interesting guy, I'd love to pick his brain when it comes to technique.
[ Leaning forward and reaching for his outstretched hand, Hibiki cups hers around it before slowly attempting to draw it back toward her. A quiet smile spreads across her lips. Take him to the shrine, huh? What would grandfather say--not that it matters in this moment. The blonde takes a deep breath before exhaling. ]
Consider it done. I think you'd like it. It's near the base of Mount Fuji, the last stop for some trails heading upward. We get a decent number of travelers who make it a stop on their hike, to pray for safe travels. The wisteria tree is pretty easy to find, and I'll have to show you my tree too. [ A beat, before she smiles meekly. ]
It's not actually mine, but you know what I mean. And we'll go out to Ginkoya so you can see what it's really like. I'll make sure everybody gives you the five-star treatment.
[ It's all wishful thinking, she knows, but he's become an important person to her in such a short amount of time that she feels obligated to give him the grand tour. And even if she isn't sure how, Hibiki is determined to find a way. Her main objective will stay the same when she finally makes her way back home... but maybe she'll make this a reward, for cracking the mystery.
Turning her head slightly, Hibiki tries to look back at him. ]
Maybe that's it. If your clan has such strong ties, that could be a potential lead. You never know.
...There isn't even a shred of doubt in your mind either, huh? That we'll be able to meet again.
[ In a way, he's acquiescing to his Shadow's doubts by voicing the thought. There's a not-so-small part of him that agrees, that this is wishful thinking without merit. But he believes it can be done, and maybe right now he just wants to hear her agree.
Either way, he takes his free hand and sets it over her chest. The slow breeze rolling across the field suddenly kicks up a notch, and a floral scent begins to fill the air. A rose gold aura surrounds Kaito's body, thrumming with life and warmth. ]
Before you ask, I don't really know where this came from. I only really discovered it the other day, after we became soulmates. But there's this magic that feels like it was suddenly just... written into my soul, without me doing anything. It definitely doesn't belong to my Shadow. Either way, it's a healing spell, so sit tight.
[ Kaito rests his head on her shoulder again, curling the fingers of his held hand around Hibiki's. The aura around him pulses, and another, sharper wind kicks up around them. Motes of light begin to twinkle into existence, transforming into cherry blossoms that hover in mid-air.
As they dance, the warmth exuded from his aura begins to pool into her, concentrated over her bruises and wounds. Its effects take hold rather quickly, offering immediate relief from the pain. Petals slowly drift down directly onto the blonde's damaged skin, sealing cuts and even cleaning away any dirt from the site. ]
It's weird, [ he murmurs, watching the spell's handiwork with wonder. ] This doesn't look like your aesthetic either, save for the blossoms. I wonder what could have caused all this...
[ In a way, he's acquiescing to his Shadow's doubts by voicing the thought. There's a not-so-small part of him that agrees, that this is wishful thinking without merit. But he believes it can be done, and maybe right now he just wants to hear her agree.
Either way, he takes his free hand and sets it over her chest. The slow breeze rolling across the field suddenly kicks up a notch, and a floral scent begins to fill the air. A rose gold aura surrounds Kaito's body, thrumming with life and warmth. ]
Before you ask, I don't really know where this came from. I only really discovered it the other day, after we became soulmates. But there's this magic that feels like it was suddenly just... written into my soul, without me doing anything. It definitely doesn't belong to my Shadow. Either way, it's a healing spell, so sit tight.
[ Kaito rests his head on her shoulder again, curling the fingers of his held hand around Hibiki's. The aura around him pulses, and another, sharper wind kicks up around them. Motes of light begin to twinkle into existence, transforming into cherry blossoms that hover in mid-air.
As they dance, the warmth exuded from his aura begins to pool into her, concentrated over her bruises and wounds. Its effects take hold rather quickly, offering immediate relief from the pain. Petals slowly drift down directly onto the blonde's damaged skin, sealing cuts and even cleaning away any dirt from the site. ]
It's weird, [ he murmurs, watching the spell's handiwork with wonder. ] This doesn't look like your aesthetic either, save for the blossoms. I wonder what could have caused all this...
Of course not. Between the two of us, I know we'll figure it out. We're way too stubborn not to.
[ Where he's acquiescing to his Shadow's doubts, Hibiki is throwing down the gauntlet. Because yes, it feels impossible, but she's confident that their reuniting once they leave the Netherworld is a non-zero chance. If that much is true, then she will find a way. Tell her no and she will fight even harder to make something a reality.
Feeling the breeze begin to pick up, a glimmer of warm rose gold radiating from his hand, the blonde's eyes widen in surprise. He explains and she listens, but as petals wink into existence from the particles of light swirling around them, her attention is split between the spectacle and... something else. It's hazy, and she doesn't see it as much as she feels it, distant and familiar and warm.
Watching the spell unfold, she feels it working its magic, each petal depositing that same warmth as it mends what's been beaten or battered. Her eyes briefly draw to the side, to try to look at him. ]
...Cherry blossoms are my aesthetic? [ That's the first time she's heard that. ]
[ Where he's acquiescing to his Shadow's doubts, Hibiki is throwing down the gauntlet. Because yes, it feels impossible, but she's confident that their reuniting once they leave the Netherworld is a non-zero chance. If that much is true, then she will find a way. Tell her no and she will fight even harder to make something a reality.
Feeling the breeze begin to pick up, a glimmer of warm rose gold radiating from his hand, the blonde's eyes widen in surprise. He explains and she listens, but as petals wink into existence from the particles of light swirling around them, her attention is split between the spectacle and... something else. It's hazy, and she doesn't see it as much as she feels it, distant and familiar and warm.
Watching the spell unfold, she feels it working its magic, each petal depositing that same warmth as it mends what's been beaten or battered. Her eyes briefly draw to the side, to try to look at him. ]
...Cherry blossoms are my aesthetic? [ That's the first time she's heard that. ]
[there's a delivery of a small mason jar, just about 290mL, with a simple note-- even if the writing is anything but simple. in fact, it's downright elegant, a cursive only seen in people who went to expensive, fancy schools or had special tutoring. no signature, except the "S" in spiced tea is stylized specifically to be a snake, larger than the rest of the writing, and eye-catching.]
Spiced tea, but with a little kick! (Don't drink too much in one go, please.)
As a small token of friendship, may it keep you warm even for just a moment in this snowy weather.
[inside the jar itself is a light brown liquid, still with a bit of the ingredients used to make it-- a thin slice of lemon, zest from an orange, so on and so forth. as for the kick? it's rum.]
Spiced tea, but with a little kick! (Don't drink too much in one go, please.)
As a small token of friendship, may it keep you warm even for just a moment in this snowy weather.
[inside the jar itself is a light brown liquid, still with a bit of the ingredients used to make it-- a thin slice of lemon, zest from an orange, so on and so forth. as for the kick? it's rum.]
[ Kaito turns his gaze to the side in tandem with her glance, and the result is a soft bump of his temple against hers. Something about it feels so innocent that he wants to laugh. Instead, he smiles. ]
I've started associating them with you since you showed me your sacred tree. And this is after the fact that we are now both familiar with a woman literally named Sakura.
[ Fingers drift to carefully wrap around her left forearm, but he takes care not to tug away the sleeve covering her skin. He can only imagine how terrible the branding looks, and he can empathize with wanting to keep it hidden.
Still, that doesn't stop him from starting to lift her arm towards his face, and if allowed, he'll plant a soft kiss on the fabric. ]
I'm the one who should have apologized back there. If I had been faster, I could have made it before...
[ He trails off, pressing another kiss before closing his eyes and simply holding on to her. The warmth of his healing spell has started to wane, but those ephemeral petals continue to drift onto her wounds. ]
I've started associating them with you since you showed me your sacred tree. And this is after the fact that we are now both familiar with a woman literally named Sakura.
[ Fingers drift to carefully wrap around her left forearm, but he takes care not to tug away the sleeve covering her skin. He can only imagine how terrible the branding looks, and he can empathize with wanting to keep it hidden.
Still, that doesn't stop him from starting to lift her arm towards his face, and if allowed, he'll plant a soft kiss on the fabric. ]
I'm the one who should have apologized back there. If I had been faster, I could have made it before...
[ He trails off, pressing another kiss before closing his eyes and simply holding on to her. The warmth of his healing spell has started to wane, but those ephemeral petals continue to drift onto her wounds. ]
[ Her sacred tree, he says. It isn't in the literal sense, there's no kami associated with it to her knowledge (her family would know, right?), but it still feels different to her. Maybe Hibiki can interpret it like that, something sacred and special to her specifically, rather than in general.
That thought thankfully isn't given any room to grow, and as Kaito takes her arm, the blonde stills. Winces, not out of pain thanks to his healing, but... shame maybe? Or the unsettling knowledge that's been branded in every sense of the word, that she's somehow disfigured. Those thoughts circle in her head for the brief instant before he places a gentle kiss on her arm.
On her end is complete radio silence, but not because she's blocked the link between them. Frozen in that moment, her mind goes blank. If it weren't for him foolishly apologizing to her, she might have stayed that way. ]
...Kaito, you don't...
[ It usually takes a lot for her to get emotional, but hearing him blame himself for this before placing another kiss on her branded arm sets Hibiki over the edge. She takes a ragged breath, gripping the arm he has wrapped around her with her free hand as she bows her head. She's tired--so, so tired. Even before she died and showed up here, she's been holding so much in, and his guilt-ridden apology is what finally pushes her past her breaking point.
A single sob escapes her, filled with so much emotion. Anguish and anger directed at no single target, but at everything all at once. The fact that he feels like he has to apologize for any of what happened... ]
...This isn't your fault...
[ Please, don't say anything else, Kaito. She doesn't want to cry, not in front of him like this. ]
That thought thankfully isn't given any room to grow, and as Kaito takes her arm, the blonde stills. Winces, not out of pain thanks to his healing, but... shame maybe? Or the unsettling knowledge that's been branded in every sense of the word, that she's somehow disfigured. Those thoughts circle in her head for the brief instant before he places a gentle kiss on her arm.
On her end is complete radio silence, but not because she's blocked the link between them. Frozen in that moment, her mind goes blank. If it weren't for him foolishly apologizing to her, she might have stayed that way. ]
...Kaito, you don't...
[ It usually takes a lot for her to get emotional, but hearing him blame himself for this before placing another kiss on her branded arm sets Hibiki over the edge. She takes a ragged breath, gripping the arm he has wrapped around her with her free hand as she bows her head. She's tired--so, so tired. Even before she died and showed up here, she's been holding so much in, and his guilt-ridden apology is what finally pushes her past her breaking point.
A single sob escapes her, filled with so much emotion. Anguish and anger directed at no single target, but at everything all at once. The fact that he feels like he has to apologize for any of what happened... ]
...This isn't your fault...
[ Please, don't say anything else, Kaito. She doesn't want to cry, not in front of him like this. ]
[ Empaths are prone to taking on the emotions of those around them as if they're their own. It's so much easier for Kaito to absorb those feelings and be overwhelmed by them.
And here? Now? Hibiki's aura, so full of back-breaking thoughts and emotions... Just a faint echo of it could bowl him over and cause him to lose his composure. When she shakes from that sob, he wants to break down and join her.
But he won't. It's his turn to be the pillar, and so when she murmurs that faint rejection, he shakes his head and pulls her in even tighter, dipping in to nuzzle the crook of her neck. ]
Maybe not, but I can still apologize. I'm very good at apologizing.
...You can let it out, y'know. [ Squeeze. He's this close to planting a kiss on her cheek. Or neck. Either would be absolutely disastrous. ] I'm your soulmate. I'm your anchor. That's what we agreed on, right, partner?
When things become unbearable, we keep each other grounded. Who else can you be vulnerable with, if not me? You'd do the same if the tables were turned. I'd trust you to do the same.
And here? Now? Hibiki's aura, so full of back-breaking thoughts and emotions... Just a faint echo of it could bowl him over and cause him to lose his composure. When she shakes from that sob, he wants to break down and join her.
But he won't. It's his turn to be the pillar, and so when she murmurs that faint rejection, he shakes his head and pulls her in even tighter, dipping in to nuzzle the crook of her neck. ]
Maybe not, but I can still apologize. I'm very good at apologizing.
...You can let it out, y'know. [ Squeeze. He's this close to planting a kiss on her cheek. Or neck. Either would be absolutely disastrous. ] I'm your soulmate. I'm your anchor. That's what we agreed on, right, partner?
When things become unbearable, we keep each other grounded. Who else can you be vulnerable with, if not me? You'd do the same if the tables were turned. I'd trust you to do the same.
[ After forcing herself to be strong for so long, it's difficult to remember what it's like to be vulnerable. So maybe it's a good thing that she's forged a bond with an empath, especially one that won't let her hide those difficult emotions behind a bubbly smile and other unhealthy coping mechanisms.
He doesn't need to say a word, pulling her closer to him and nuzzling into the curve of her neck serving as an effective one-two punch against a lifetime of learned behaviors. Her anchor, her soulmate; her partner. The one person in this twisted Hellscape she has who can keep her grounded.
Her grip tightens on his arm as she finally lets herself feel the weight of what she had just been through. Of what she's been through since arriving... and the events leading up to her arrival here. Hibiki clamps her mouth shut, lips pressed tightly together as slowly lets herself cry. It's like a deluge--once the spasms start, Hibiki can't control them, shaking against him as she still desperately tries to rein it in.
Don't think any less of her for this moment of weakness, please. It just feels like he's the only thing that hasn't been taken from her at this point, and having him see her as anything other than perfectly put together makes her afraid of losing that precious bond they share as well. ]
He doesn't need to say a word, pulling her closer to him and nuzzling into the curve of her neck serving as an effective one-two punch against a lifetime of learned behaviors. Her anchor, her soulmate; her partner. The one person in this twisted Hellscape she has who can keep her grounded.
Her grip tightens on his arm as she finally lets herself feel the weight of what she had just been through. Of what she's been through since arriving... and the events leading up to her arrival here. Hibiki clamps her mouth shut, lips pressed tightly together as slowly lets herself cry. It's like a deluge--once the spasms start, Hibiki can't control them, shaking against him as she still desperately tries to rein it in.
Don't think any less of her for this moment of weakness, please. It just feels like he's the only thing that hasn't been taken from her at this point, and having him see her as anything other than perfectly put together makes her afraid of losing that precious bond they share as well. ]
There you go... Just like that.
[ Soothing words and soft assurances float off his lips as one hand lifts to caress her cheek. They're so similar, he's come to learn. Experts in putting on a strong facade, more reliable than most, and always ready to carry the next person's burden at the drop of a hat.
It makes sense, then, that the weight on her shoulders is just as heavy as the one on his. All the more reason they need each other.
'What a fool I was to think I could shoulder it all alone.'
W̶h̴a̴t̷ ̶a̷ ̴f̸o̵o̸l̴ ̶y̴o̷u̸ ̴a̸r̷e̶ ̷t̶o̸ ̶t̴h̵i̷n̶k̴ ̵s̶h̸e̶'̴l̷l̵ ̵b̷e̴ ̴a̸b̴l̷e̴ ̵t̴o̶ ̴s̸u̸p̷p̴o̶r̸t̴ ̶y̷o̶u̵ ̴w̴h̶e̴n̸ ̴s̴h̸e̶'̵s̸ ̷s̴u̷c̸h̸ ̵a̴ ̸b̵r̴o̶k̵e̷n̴ ̸m̴e̵s̴s̷.̷
'Then I, the fool, will carry it all—and when I can't take it anymore, she'll be there to catch me and take over.'
.̷.̸.̵W̶e̶'̵l̸l̷ ̴s̵e̴e̴ ̸w̵h̵o̷ ̶c̴a̵t̸c̷h̶e̷s̸ ̷y̸o̶u̶.̸
The exchange goes unheard once more, a private exchange between Kaito and his Shadow. This time, however, he has no doubts to mull over. No matter what demons torment the blonde, he will be there to fight them away.
Someone has to. It's the least she deserves.
And so, with that spark of determination steadily growing in his chest, Kaito shifts his chin to rest on her shoulder and parts his lips. A few seconds pass as the last dregs of doubt cling to his throat, but eventually...
He starts to sing. Alone, unaccompanied by the music he's long since committed to memory, he sings.
Don't think any less of him if he stumbles over the words. ]
[ Soothing words and soft assurances float off his lips as one hand lifts to caress her cheek. They're so similar, he's come to learn. Experts in putting on a strong facade, more reliable than most, and always ready to carry the next person's burden at the drop of a hat.
It makes sense, then, that the weight on her shoulders is just as heavy as the one on his. All the more reason they need each other.
'What a fool I was to think I could shoulder it all alone.'
W̶h̴a̴t̷ ̶a̷ ̴f̸o̵o̸l̴ ̶y̴o̷u̸ ̴a̸r̷e̶ ̷t̶o̸ ̶t̴h̵i̷n̶k̴ ̵s̶h̸e̶'̴l̷l̵ ̵b̷e̴ ̴a̸b̴l̷e̴ ̵t̴o̶ ̴s̸u̸p̷p̴o̶r̸t̴ ̶y̷o̶u̵ ̴w̴h̶e̴n̸ ̴s̴h̸e̶'̵s̸ ̷s̴u̷c̸h̸ ̵a̴ ̸b̵r̴o̶k̵e̷n̴ ̸m̴e̵s̴s̷.̷
'Then I, the fool, will carry it all—and when I can't take it anymore, she'll be there to catch me and take over.'
.̷.̸.̵W̶e̶'̵l̸l̷ ̴s̵e̴e̴ ̸w̵h̵o̷ ̶c̴a̵t̸c̷h̶e̷s̸ ̷y̸o̶u̶.̸
The exchange goes unheard once more, a private exchange between Kaito and his Shadow. This time, however, he has no doubts to mull over. No matter what demons torment the blonde, he will be there to fight them away.
Someone has to. It's the least she deserves.
And so, with that spark of determination steadily growing in his chest, Kaito shifts his chin to rest on her shoulder and parts his lips. A few seconds pass as the last dregs of doubt cling to his throat, but eventually...
He starts to sing. Alone, unaccompanied by the music he's long since committed to memory, he sings.
Don't think any less of him if he stumbles over the words. ]
Edited 2022-12-05 14:01 (UTC)
[ This isn't like her at all. Never the one to be a sobbing mess, to need someone to hold her and whisper quiet assurances as her body is wracked with pain and anguish. If she cries (when was the last time...), she does so alone. She's the strong one, she can take any burden with a smile and a few reassuring words. Someone needs to full of light in this dark place.
But when was the last time she was comforted like this? When was the last time someone held her like this?
Her shadow surprisingly quiet as she trembles against him, Hibiki takes a few stabilizing breaths as he starts to sing. His voice surprisingly soft, quiet and a bit uncertain, it helps pull her back into herself. Flickering in the distant like candlelight, the storm of emotion that wracks her body begins to abate as she focuses on the sound. Whether it's their shared bond or the way he's naturally drawn her in without her realizing that's causing the warmth she feels in her chest is hard to say... but it's nice. Nice in a way that feels comforting and a bit dangerous. ]
...You have a nice voice.
[ Her voice still feels strained, but she feels like she needs to say at least that much. Tilting her head to rest delicately against his hand, she continues to take a deep breath. She isn't putting a cap on this as a defensive maneuver, not completely, but because something about this feels overwhelmingly warm. ]
But when was the last time she was comforted like this? When was the last time someone held her like this?
Her shadow surprisingly quiet as she trembles against him, Hibiki takes a few stabilizing breaths as he starts to sing. His voice surprisingly soft, quiet and a bit uncertain, it helps pull her back into herself. Flickering in the distant like candlelight, the storm of emotion that wracks her body begins to abate as she focuses on the sound. Whether it's their shared bond or the way he's naturally drawn her in without her realizing that's causing the warmth she feels in her chest is hard to say... but it's nice. Nice in a way that feels comforting and a bit dangerous. ]
...You have a nice voice.
[ Her voice still feels strained, but she feels like she needs to say at least that much. Tilting her head to rest delicately against his hand, she continues to take a deep breath. She isn't putting a cap on this as a defensive maneuver, not completely, but because something about this feels overwhelmingly warm. ]
[ He's not really sure what compelled him to sing in the first place. The song isn't one he's really listened to since...
Ah.
Since Ritz, huh?
He's just gonna stuff those implications away for the time being. When he's through—or rather, when she speaks up—Kaito flashes a soft smile and curls his fingers in to stroke her hair. ]
I don't know about that.
[ Tilting his head to rest against hers, Kaito breathes out a long sigh. Part of him is glad she stopped him early, as he wasn't sure if that swell of emotions might have burst the longer she allowed him to sing.
Okay, it probably wouldn't have. Even he can see that it was having a good effect, dense motherfucker that he is.
Kaito's free hand finds her own once again, squeezing before lifting so that he can nuzzle his cheek to the back of it. As he lets go... ]
By the way, you dropped something on the way out.
Ah.
Since Ritz, huh?
He's just gonna stuff those implications away for the time being. When he's through—or rather, when she speaks up—Kaito flashes a soft smile and curls his fingers in to stroke her hair. ]
I don't know about that.
[ Tilting his head to rest against hers, Kaito breathes out a long sigh. Part of him is glad she stopped him early, as he wasn't sure if that swell of emotions might have burst the longer she allowed him to sing.
Okay, it probably wouldn't have. Even he can see that it was having a good effect, dense motherfucker that he is.
Kaito's free hand finds her own once again, squeezing before lifting so that he can nuzzle his cheek to the back of it. As he lets go... ]
By the way, you dropped something on the way out.
[ Why does this feel so natural? Coming down from that burst of emotions, feeling him rest his head against hers as he threads his fingers in her hair, normally Hibiki would cut this off before this point.
But she's exhausted in every sense of the word, and he's so incredibly warm. Like ocean waves gently crashing on the shore, something about his presence relaxes her. Should she be worried? Or should she just give in to that feeling and let it wash over her...
Her hand hanging there near his cheek as he lets go, Hibiki blinks a few times. She doesn't turn her head to look this time, not wanting to bump hers into his again. ]
Hmm? Dropped something?
[ Sorry, she isn't following. ]
But she's exhausted in every sense of the word, and he's so incredibly warm. Like ocean waves gently crashing on the shore, something about his presence relaxes her. Should she be worried? Or should she just give in to that feeling and let it wash over her...
Her hand hanging there near his cheek as he lets go, Hibiki blinks a few times. She doesn't turn her head to look this time, not wanting to bump hers into his again. ]
Hmm? Dropped something?
[ Sorry, she isn't following. ]
[ Feels like she's going through the same wringer that he was just a few seconds ago, huh?
Kaito's happy to not call her out on it. Even moreso when she asks for clarification. Smiling, he pokes scarred fingers against her palm. ]
It starts with an "r-" and ends with an "-ing."
Kaito's happy to not call her out on it. Even moreso when she asks for clarification. Smiling, he pokes scarred fingers against her palm. ]
It starts with an "r-" and ends with an "-ing."
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