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[ Ugh. The smell is awful, but... Well, if it isn't apparent by how his (newly reformed) arms immediately snap around her waist and pull her in tight, or by how he buries his face in her shoulder, blood be damned...
Yeah, this is punishment. But he was worried out of his mind too. ]
Not as awful as you smell, [ he retorts, voice muffled but still bright and warm. Warmth wreathes both of their forms—it's water, washing away the blood and grime in a manner that leaves them behind nice and dry and all too conveniently clean. That's a pretty good way to describe his powers, sometimes. All too convenient.
Either way, he only lets off enough that he can meet her gaze again. Blues finally fade out to gold. He kinda slumps against her immediately afterward. ]
No apologizing. It hurt like hell, but that's normal. We were fantastic. I will not accept any criticism from anyone else.
[ A beat. He smiles against her shoulder, a bit dopey. ]
...Carry me home? I'm still a little numb.
Yeah, this is punishment. But he was worried out of his mind too. ]
Not as awful as you smell, [ he retorts, voice muffled but still bright and warm. Warmth wreathes both of their forms—it's water, washing away the blood and grime in a manner that leaves them behind nice and dry and all too conveniently clean. That's a pretty good way to describe his powers, sometimes. All too convenient.
Either way, he only lets off enough that he can meet her gaze again. Blues finally fade out to gold. He kinda slumps against her immediately afterward. ]
No apologizing. It hurt like hell, but that's normal. We were fantastic. I will not accept any criticism from anyone else.
[ A beat. He smiles against her shoulder, a bit dopey. ]
...Carry me home? I'm still a little numb.
[ ... at least it's a charm point? the city wasn't built in a day, and it won't change in it either. neither will she.
malkuth turns her head to it, trying to imagine herself in the dress displayed and. maybe she can't do this. but she doesn't like to give up, so she wavers on her crutches, back and forth, before she helps herself forward with a nod. ]
Good as any! Let's hope they have something to match for my hair too, I'm definitely putting it up so it doesn't smack someone in the face.
[ a real worry! okay! long hair is so dangerous when it whips! if only she could weaponize it! in they go, that nice lightly perfumed scent nice dress places always seem to have greeting them along with the computerized sales clerk.
as always, if they have need of anything, simply ask. the femininity in here is off the charts to malkuth... in a good way, they're so pretty to look at. ]
malkuth turns her head to it, trying to imagine herself in the dress displayed and. maybe she can't do this. but she doesn't like to give up, so she wavers on her crutches, back and forth, before she helps herself forward with a nod. ]
Good as any! Let's hope they have something to match for my hair too, I'm definitely putting it up so it doesn't smack someone in the face.
[ a real worry! okay! long hair is so dangerous when it whips! if only she could weaponize it! in they go, that nice lightly perfumed scent nice dress places always seem to have greeting them along with the computerized sales clerk.
as always, if they have need of anything, simply ask. the femininity in here is off the charts to malkuth... in a good way, they're so pretty to look at. ]
[ sure, she started it
but this is a lot of contact in a short time and it leaves her thoughts fumbling, the wash of water startling her enough to let them reset into something less panicked, less... no, still the same sort of bashfulness, and her neck warms as he slumps back against her.
... what's she supposed to do, it's different than hugging march or being hugged by her, she nearly feels like she's suffocating; she isn't, but she is, and after a moment malkuth finds her voice, strangled as it sounds. ]
As if. [ wings she sounds terrible. why. she's clearing her throat. ] You're gonna have to walk it off, Kaito, we're not done until LILITH says we are.
[ so, so sorry, but he's being dumped onto the ground so she can stand, turning away to pull at her hair again. it's so static-y still... ishmael and rodya are gonna have it rough too, huh? maybe she should ask them for some advice if they manage to make it without frizzling up.
the last bastion of her comfort, truly. why doesn't the plugsuit protect her from the phantom feeling of his arms around her waist. maybe there's still electricity in the air still with how it's still tingling. ]
... You can just, you know. Lay there for a bit. I'll keep an eye out.
but this is a lot of contact in a short time and it leaves her thoughts fumbling, the wash of water startling her enough to let them reset into something less panicked, less... no, still the same sort of bashfulness, and her neck warms as he slumps back against her.
... what's she supposed to do, it's different than hugging march or being hugged by her, she nearly feels like she's suffocating; she isn't, but she is, and after a moment malkuth finds her voice, strangled as it sounds. ]
As if. [ wings she sounds terrible. why. she's clearing her throat. ] You're gonna have to walk it off, Kaito, we're not done until LILITH says we are.
[ so, so sorry, but he's being dumped onto the ground so she can stand, turning away to pull at her hair again. it's so static-y still... ishmael and rodya are gonna have it rough too, huh? maybe she should ask them for some advice if they manage to make it without frizzling up.
the last bastion of her comfort, truly. why doesn't the plugsuit protect her from the phantom feeling of his arms around her waist. maybe there's still electricity in the air still with how it's still tingling. ]
... You can just, you know. Lay there for a bit. I'll keep an eye out.
[ The adrenaline finally ekes away, and Kaito's left to consider his own thoughts, Malkuth's emotions, and the fact that he's clinging to her like he's almost lost his most important person all over again. His stomach twists into a knot, flips twice, and lands on a lego piece.
But he can't stop smiling. Idiot. He doesn't want to let go, but he also doesn't want her to feel too uncomfortable. A part of him is thankful that she eventually dumps him like a sack of potatoes. ]
Oof.
[ He's a ragdoll by now, falling off her more than being dropped. ] You could have at least laid me out nicely. I look like I belong on a crime scene.
[ And he does. He's splayed out like he's been shot. It's actually kinda funny. ...But how did his hair avoid frizzing up? It's not that short. ]
No. We should... go. LILITH wants us to kill the generators, and there are three in our immediate... area...
[ His fingers twitch. Kaito considers using his magic to maneuver his body around in lieu of actually moving, but that's kinda creepy.
—So that's exactly what he does. Azure ignites in his eyes once more as an aura wraps around his body and floats it up. OooooOOOOoOOoOoOoooooOOOO. At least he can move his head, so he doesn't completely look like a reanimated corpse. ]
Race you to the first one?
But he can't stop smiling. Idiot. He doesn't want to let go, but he also doesn't want her to feel too uncomfortable. A part of him is thankful that she eventually dumps him like a sack of potatoes. ]
Oof.
[ He's a ragdoll by now, falling off her more than being dropped. ] You could have at least laid me out nicely. I look like I belong on a crime scene.
[ And he does. He's splayed out like he's been shot. It's actually kinda funny. ...But how did his hair avoid frizzing up? It's not that short. ]
No. We should... go. LILITH wants us to kill the generators, and there are three in our immediate... area...
[ His fingers twitch. Kaito considers using his magic to maneuver his body around in lieu of actually moving, but that's kinda creepy.
—So that's exactly what he does. Azure ignites in his eyes once more as an aura wraps around his body and floats it up. OooooOOOOoOOoOoOoooooOOOO. At least he can move his head, so he doesn't completely look like a reanimated corpse. ]
Race you to the first one?
[ so creepy... malkuth smacks his back to push him along. ]
Sorry, wish I could, but if there's more of those things out there then I have something way important to do than kick around a few generators.
[ like protect yesod and netzach, who absolutely cannot defend themselves and are at the forefront of her mind. she breathes in, breathes out, and re-assumes the page from before, cyan wings bright against the greenery around them as she takes off into the air.
this, she can focus on. easily. ]
Keep safe, okay? Try not to get shocked too much. I'll catch you when I do.
Sorry, wish I could, but if there's more of those things out there then I have something way important to do than kick around a few generators.
[ like protect yesod and netzach, who absolutely cannot defend themselves and are at the forefront of her mind. she breathes in, breathes out, and re-assumes the page from before, cyan wings bright against the greenery around them as she takes off into the air.
this, she can focus on. easily. ]
Keep safe, okay? Try not to get shocked too much. I'll catch you when I do.
[ He's weightless. Or playing at it.
Kaito sighs as she ascends, but that's better for him anyway. He can appreciate some time alone while he goes after the generators. Alone. And thinks about how warm she was, alone.
Tsk. Well, at least the feeling is starting to return to his extremities. He wiggles a bit, then straightens up. ]
Fine, fine. Leave me to do all the work again, [ he teases, knowing full well that that misconception was shattered a while back. ]
Don't miss me too much, okay?
[ A single wink—and he vanishes into motes of water, off to seek out his first distraction. ]
Kaito sighs as she ascends, but that's better for him anyway. He can appreciate some time alone while he goes after the generators. Alone. And thinks about how warm she was, alone.
Tsk. Well, at least the feeling is starting to return to his extremities. He wiggles a bit, then straightens up. ]
Fine, fine. Leave me to do all the work again, [ he teases, knowing full well that that misconception was shattered a while back. ]
Don't miss me too much, okay?
[ A single wink—and he vanishes into motes of water, off to seek out his first distraction. ]
[ He already wishes it was none.
But she clearly does not look like she's going to relent any time soon and he doesn't actually want to die via dangling upside down by his ankles, so it only takes another few seconds before he's sighing loudly in defeat. Wriothesley Will Remember This Though. ]
Fine. They're the rulers and protectors of each nation, gods with their own visions and ideals that they use to shape and influence the nations they preside over.
[ Or so it'd been explained to him as a child. Reality is, as always, quite different. ]
Next?
But she clearly does not look like she's going to relent any time soon and he doesn't actually want to die via dangling upside down by his ankles, so it only takes another few seconds before he's sighing loudly in defeat. Wriothesley Will Remember This Though. ]
Fine. They're the rulers and protectors of each nation, gods with their own visions and ideals that they use to shape and influence the nations they preside over.
[ Or so it'd been explained to him as a child. Reality is, as always, quite different. ]
Next?
[ she brightens, tapping her cheek as she tries to decide the next question she should ask of the others she wanted. maybe it was too presumptuous to ask if he'd been an accountant to a prison. everyone probably knows the issues with their justice system. the fortress is a sick name for one though. ]
Why does Fontaine seem to value theatrics over real order? You said it had to do with the Archon herself, but I still can't imagine what's so fun about making a spectacle with such odd laws. I know that reality doesn't line up with the ideal that they're supposed to protect people -- the City has its own share of problems there -- but it seems a little much.
Why does Fontaine seem to value theatrics over real order? You said it had to do with the Archon herself, but I still can't imagine what's so fun about making a spectacle with such odd laws. I know that reality doesn't line up with the ideal that they're supposed to protect people -- the City has its own share of problems there -- but it seems a little much.
[ She's really going to use one of her four questions on this, huh. He lifts (lowers??) one hand, gesturing to one side. The motion causes him to sway a little. ]
You'd be much better off asking Furina that. [ Too bad Furina isn't here. ] We've never really seen eye-to-eye on things, so it's a little diffcult for me to understand her viewpoint on many matters, including this one. But if I had to guess, maybe that's just the type of person she is? I imagine most gods aren't bound by the same concerns that plague mere mortals.
You'd be much better off asking Furina that. [ Too bad Furina isn't here. ] We've never really seen eye-to-eye on things, so it's a little diffcult for me to understand her viewpoint on many matters, including this one. But if I had to guess, maybe that's just the type of person she is? I imagine most gods aren't bound by the same concerns that plague mere mortals.
[ she could be
and... that sounds like a god thing to do, as far as she's able to tell through hokma's roundabout words on his topic. they're not bound by the same concerns, they do as they please, and while they may look after their people in a way it isn't out of goodwill as their worshipers would think -- it simply is as it is. it sounds oddly human to remark that it's the type of person she is though, and malkuth finally nods her satisfaction. ]
A coworker of mine would have a better time understanding her, I think, since he's in charge of what little religious texts found in the City... maybe even without having to meet her. Though the belief in gods and stuff is pretty non-existent now.
[ those who need someone to blame or are desperate for change without having to do it themselves tend towards that. money is what moves things more often, though she can think of some Abnormalities that would certainly be categorized as living gods themselves. ]
Last question. [ ... ] What's your type?
and... that sounds like a god thing to do, as far as she's able to tell through hokma's roundabout words on his topic. they're not bound by the same concerns, they do as they please, and while they may look after their people in a way it isn't out of goodwill as their worshipers would think -- it simply is as it is. it sounds oddly human to remark that it's the type of person she is though, and malkuth finally nods her satisfaction. ]
A coworker of mine would have a better time understanding her, I think, since he's in charge of what little religious texts found in the City... maybe even without having to meet her. Though the belief in gods and stuff is pretty non-existent now.
[ those who need someone to blame or are desperate for change without having to do it themselves tend towards that. money is what moves things more often, though she can think of some Abnormalities that would certainly be categorized as living gods themselves. ]
Last question. [ ... ] What's your type?
Hanging upside down doesn't impede your hearing, Wriothesley.
[ she needs to bring goss back to march. this clearly isn't checking for herself in his range, since she isn't playing coy about it, but while she's got him held hostage she might as well ask. ]
What kind of person catches your eye? And I'd like a better response than "someone who lets me hang by my ankles", thank you in advance. Physical features, personality... stuff like that.
[ she needs to bring goss back to march. this clearly isn't checking for herself in his range, since she isn't playing coy about it, but while she's got him held hostage she might as well ask. ]
What kind of person catches your eye? And I'd like a better response than "someone who lets me hang by my ankles", thank you in advance. Physical features, personality... stuff like that.
No, but it is beginning to impede my ability to process information.
[ This is hell, actually. He would rather go back to prison as an inmate than be subjected to questions about his own personal details. (Not really, but he's thinking about it.) ]
I'm not sure what this has to do with collecting information about Fontaine as a whole.
[ This is hell, actually. He would rather go back to prison as an inmate than be subjected to questions about his own personal details. (Not really, but he's thinking about it.) ]
I'm not sure what this has to do with collecting information about Fontaine as a whole.
Are you always so dodgy when your well-being is on the line? It only takes a minimum of five minutes before the brain begins to suffer the consequences of extended inversion. It can take up to hours or a few days before someone dies, but I still wouldn't recommend any longer than necessary.
[ ... would she really let him hang that long, though? ]
[ ... would she really let him hang that long, though? ]
[ Hilarious that he has the audacity to smile right now, even if it's utterly devoid of any actual good humor. ]
Looks like we'll just have to find out how long it actually takes then, won't we?
[ ..... ]
But since you're so concerned for my well-being [ she didn't say that ] I'll be charitable and say that I prefer people who are physically fit, courteous to others, and don't mind indulging in a cup of hot tea.
[ This is the blandest of all answers but he will not be elaborating further. ]
Looks like we'll just have to find out how long it actually takes then, won't we?
[ ..... ]
But since you're so concerned for my well-being [ she didn't say that ] I'll be charitable and say that I prefer people who are physically fit, courteous to others, and don't mind indulging in a cup of hot tea.
[ This is the blandest of all answers but he will not be elaborating further. ]
You're really doing the bare minimum, huh?
[ but she's more amused than annoyed, and malkuth's eyes return to their natural brown as she moves towards a tree with little hesitation to work at the snare's mechanism. no, she wouldn't leave him hanging there. enjoy your somewhat jerky descent down. ]
... I had a timer going the moment I saw you hanging, so I was prepared to let you go when it dinged anyway. I don't want to cause others pain like I did before.
[ but she's more amused than annoyed, and malkuth's eyes return to their natural brown as she moves towards a tree with little hesitation to work at the snare's mechanism. no, she wouldn't leave him hanging there. enjoy your somewhat jerky descent down. ]
... I had a timer going the moment I saw you hanging, so I was prepared to let you go when it dinged anyway. I don't want to cause others pain like I did before.
Ohh--ohh....
[ She trails off, even as she offers a wave to the sales clerk. ]
I wanted to play with your hair...
[ ... Things that are not easily accomplished with one broken arm. ]
[ She trails off, even as she offers a wave to the sales clerk. ]
I wanted to play with your hair...
[ ... Things that are not easily accomplished with one broken arm. ]
... Sorry. But try to avoid breaking your arm next time and you can.
[ a little tease, it's not something she could help. probably. no more than her own sprained ankle, knocking the brace against her crutch as she looks at the dresses. ]
Maybe between the two of us, we can work something out? I'll just end up putting it into a plain ponytail if I do it alone, so...
[ a little tease, it's not something she could help. probably. no more than her own sprained ankle, knocking the brace against her crutch as she looks at the dresses. ]
Maybe between the two of us, we can work something out? I'll just end up putting it into a plain ponytail if I do it alone, so...
[ He doesn't answer immediately, waiting until after she's lowered him to the ground and he's back on his feet, working to dislodge the rope off his ankle. ]
What can I say? I like to remain mysterious. But thanks.
[ How else is he supposed to keep people on their toes?? or lure them in with his boundless charm? Not that they're here to talk about him now that he's done his duty, and he will in fact be immediately pivoting the conversation towards her. At least he gave her due credit for lowering him down. ]
'Before'? You mean at that library of yours?
What can I say? I like to remain mysterious. But thanks.
[ How else is he supposed to keep people on their toes?? or lure them in with his boundless charm? Not that they're here to talk about him now that he's done his duty, and he will in fact be immediately pivoting the conversation towards her. At least he gave her due credit for lowering him down. ]
'Before'? You mean at that library of yours?
No, before even that. I stood behind a bunch of screens and watched people walk right into their death again, again, and again, all because it was more efficient to tell them to suffer than to change anything.
[ malkuth lingers by the tree, then ducks behind it. don't worry, she's still there. it's just
she doesn't really want to look at him, no more than she would anyone else. no more than she has anyone else. but her tone is frank and even, stating the facts of another workplace ten years old. ]
The ones that were weak, that hesitated or gave up, who's mental strength wasn't as good as others... ended up dying. Some might call them lucky. The ones who didn't, who were stronger and resilient, ended up going a long, long way in the Wing, and I watched as my employees became mockeries of themselves. Of humanity. All with a smile... or as much of one as my form allowed me. Because that was the sort of job I was set to do, and one I took pride in.
[ malkuth lingers by the tree, then ducks behind it. don't worry, she's still there. it's just
she doesn't really want to look at him, no more than she would anyone else. no more than she has anyone else. but her tone is frank and even, stating the facts of another workplace ten years old. ]
The ones that were weak, that hesitated or gave up, who's mental strength wasn't as good as others... ended up dying. Some might call them lucky. The ones who didn't, who were stronger and resilient, ended up going a long, long way in the Wing, and I watched as my employees became mockeries of themselves. Of humanity. All with a smile... or as much of one as my form allowed me. Because that was the sort of job I was set to do, and one I took pride in.
I can definitely look up a tutorial and tell you what to do, maybe? Or we can get someone else to help. It's fine, I'll avoid all rubble from... Minnie's House from now on.
[ Explosions happen, but it's fine!! ]
For now, the dress!
[ Explosions happen, but it's fine!! ]
For now, the dress!
[ for now, the dress... maybe they can ask rodya. she seems like she'd know a thing or two about it. the chiffon ones are nice. they flouncy cutely when she waves them up and down. solid, solid... a shop like this would be unthinkable where elijah lived -- at least, for her ordinary area. no richer than the people around her. blacks and white, eyes glued to pristine paper marked with words beneath their fingers tips, pencils and pens practically one with the hand that held them...
... malkuth wishes elijah could have experienced this, too. she would have loved it. that's what she thinks. ]
Should I just choose my favorite color?
[ if she looks back over she's not going to see a rising count of things for her to try on is she. as much as a one-armed girl can manage. ]
... malkuth wishes elijah could have experienced this, too. she would have loved it. that's what she thinks. ]
Should I just choose my favorite color?
[ if she looks back over she's not going to see a rising count of things for her to try on is she. as much as a one-armed girl can manage. ]
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