synflux | [closed] we shape our buildings; thereafter, they shape us

[ Kaito accepts both, though he quietly deposits all the clips into one of his pockets. He starts smoothing the brush through her hair, and Malkuth will probably notice warmth and dampness—because he's cheating and using his magic to make the process of straightening her hair out much more streamlined. ]

That's okay. She can be jealous. [ Kaito's practically preening at this point. But her question prompts a small frown that he hides behind her face so that the mirror across from them doesn't pick it up. Get to work.

The brunette's hair is split into three strands, and he sets about deftly braiding them together. He talks while he works—but by the kami, he's working fast. ]

Actually, I've been in a lot of pain since the mission. The electricity wasn't good for me. [ Oh. Terrible. He hasn't shown a single flash of discomfort or vulnerability all day, and it's been a good while since the kaiju fight. But he's smiling all the while, taking the lengthy braid he's woven and carefully arranging it into a large bun against the back of her head. ]

I wouldn't miss this for the world, though, [ he adds, smiling fondly as a flash of yellow pops up in the mirror. Where'd he get that yellow ribbon? Trade secret. It's being used to decorate the braid bun and distract from the dang size of it. Malkuth, you have so much hair. ] So I took some painkillers. I'll be okay for the rest of the day.

[ Beaming and absolutely not taking any criticism for his decisions, Kaito taps behind his ear and opens a video feed, sending it to the brunette so she can see the results of his handiwork. ]

Thoughts?

That you're a total idiot and I'm glad not to be the only one dosing on painkillers.

[ but she turns her head this way and that, pleased at the braid before turning to the side to lift her leg a little. don't be scandalized, she's showing the minor bruising at her ankle. ]

I'm recovering from a sprain, but I couldn't afford to miss this class. [ it's nonrefundable. sunk cost fallacy sank in. ] Thanks for the braid, Kaito. It looks good.

[ there. she's happy with it, and happy she won't be scolded for coming anyway. ☆ hypocrites that they are. ]

Thanks, Kettle. I'm glad you like it.

[ She makes it way too easy to smile, even as she shows off her bruise. Kaito moves his chair next to hers and plops down. His left hand extends, palm up. ]

Now give me your ankle. We're going to nip this in the bud before it gets in the way of our date.

[ She was only asking him out for drinks. When did it officially become a date? ...When he said so, of course. Either way, he's smiling expectantly at her. ]

It's fine, Kaito. I just need a little rest before we go on.

[ she doesn't want him touching her ankle. it'll be like verg and the wrist all over again. she just knows it. can feel it. ]

And I'm not planning on really doing anything tomorrow, [ this is a lie she has hot springs to go to, ] so I'll be posted up in bed all day. Keep your hands to yourself.

[ besides. she doesn't want to owe him more than she already does, even if they aren't owing each other anything. ]

What date are we on, by the way? I need to start thinking about your collar.

I won't touch it, then. Now hand it over. I'm helping you because I'm your friend, so you won't owe me anything.

[ The quick-drying cement, the cinderblocks... They're steadily being chipped away. So he has a pretty good hunch that she doesn't want him to touch it because it'll affect the both of them...

But he also doesn't care. At the very least, he can respect the desire. But he's not letting her screw her ankle up any further. ]

I'm not sure about the dates, by the way. I think this is number two? You'd better hope it's not the third. This would be a really awkward time for me to start talking with my hands.

[ He looks up, gaze level. There's a brief flash of a smirk, but he's otherwise (trying his best to be) serious. ]

Don't do some... fancy magic thing for it either. Okay? I'm serious, I'll kick you. It feels fine.

[ heal it and she'll end his life, is what she's saying. she's fine. one day of dancing isn't going to kill her. massaging it would be okay though, and after a reluctant moment she'll lean back in her seat and prop her ankle up. ]

How so?

Kick me, then. I acknowledge the consequences of my care.

[ He's lying TWICE OVER, gasp! He's gonna touch and heal, though the latter won't be apparent until much later. Kaito makes sure his gloves are on for this... if only because he's not sure how either of them are going to react to skin-to-skin contact.

Fingertips carefully brush against the bruised, swollen skin. He's clearly got some experience traipsing around injuries, because while the contact is initially quite uncomfortable, his fingers work quick to soothe through massaging.

...And at the same time, a faint energy flows through his fingertips, into her skin. He doesn't dare make eye contact while working. ]

It doesn't matter if it feels fine. You're still putting heavy stress on it. At the very least, I can counteract that strain and help it heal over smoother. I don't have direct healing capabilities through my magic anyway.

[ That's going to change tomorrow. Kaito finally musters the nerve to look up at her—and Malkuth is treated to a first-time sight. Flecks of blue spot his golden irises, but neither color is dominant quite yet. ]

I don't know. That's the scary part. Maybe I'll get too touchy feely. Maybe you'll get too touchy feely. Isn't that a scarily exciting idea?

[ she. will kick him after this, since she doesn't want to jostle his work and it does feel quite nice; counteracting is... okay, that makes sense, it's just a new experience to heal from injuries that she doesn't want to waste it. a little of a funny reason, perhaps, but she thanked someone for letting her feel complete hopelessness one time so ykyk.

still. his eyes are really beautiful right now, and malkuth can't stop her hand from reaching out to touch just under on his cheek. oooh. hold still let her look at them peepers. ]

We can be that way without a date, though. I don't see what's embarrassing about it.

[ Kaito smiles warmly under her touch. Malkuth gets what Malkuth wants, at least when it comes to his eyes.

Then she opens her big idiot mouth and his ears are on fire again. ]

I know the answer is yes, but do you really ever think before you speak? Idiot.

[ He's smiling like an idiot, though. Kaito gives Malkuth's ankle a gentle squeeze before returning her leg to her. Time to change the topic before she asks too many questions that he isn't ready to answer. ]

I think I made another friend from the City.

[ he is being sooooooo cute. malkuth rolls her ankle a little, slowly and carefully, before resting it back onto the ground. and then kicking him with her other foot. she said she'd do it, it isn't hard though. ]

Oh yeah? Ishmael said you texted her super early one morning, but I'm guessing it's someone else. There's only a couple of us here that I haven't asked you to keep an eye on.

[ so it's rodya or verg... rodya would have fun with him she thinks. ]

—Oof. [ Back to grinning. ]

I like Ishmael. I think she thinks I'm annoying. But maybe that's just going to be how most Brimstone folks see me.

[ He's none too eager to get out of his chair right away, so Kaito just kinda sliiides down a bit so he can recline a bit (less) more comfortably. Don't mind him veering to the left in a bid to bonk his head against her arm. ]

Vergilius. He definitely thinks I'm annoying, but I think we bonded enough during the mission that I can assume a one-sided friendship.

[ getting him a cat plush was a good idea. nts remember to have her drop it off. would he like it if she scratched his head like she did rumba. ]

Oh, Vergilius! He's sweet, right? We go out drinking together sometimes, it's fun. How'd you meet?

I'm not surprised you two are already acquainted. [ Though it leaves an inexplicable feeling in his throat. ]

I tried pranking him with white chocolates last month. He didn't take kindly to it. But we made up in the haunted mansion. He seems tired. I saw something familiar in him that made me want to get to know him.

[ pranking... a guy with dark hair and a smug face... ]

Oh, you're his least favorite.

[ hahahahaha ]

Yeah, I get what you mean. To be honest, he's one of the reasons I don't feel so alone here -- we're both travelers, and... we've a number of similar, if different tragedies in our time. Just don't mess with him too much, okay? He's like me, except he really will drop you if you annoy him too much.

Did he really say that I'm his least favorite! Hah!

[ They share a laugh, but past it Kaito continues to etch her words into his mind. He's taking notes. He's. Not sure why he's so intent on taking these notes. Kaito realizes he was drawn to Verg because of what he perceived as a bond of many shared traits just waiting to be unearthed. That's been partially true so far.

But these two also have a candid connection, and that's. It's.

—That's good. It's good for Malkuth, who needs the camaraderie most. Who doesn't deserve to feel so lonely.

Yeah. Kaito's eyes have glazed a bit through that stint of deep thought. He shakes the fog out. ]

I think I'm finding a balance. Our first meeting should have ended in disaster, but our second was more than half-decent. I think I can at the very least earn his friendship before things get to dicey. Or icy.

He likes direct, honest words and appreciates a good cup of black coffee. Won't turn down a free meal either, and...

[ hmmm. what else can she say. resting back in her chair... ]

I think as long as you keep at it, as slowly and as patiently as you were with me... then he'll at least give you the time of day. Vergilius doesn't put up a fuss about us going out anymore, anyway. I consider that a win.

[ and it's obvious she's fairly fond of the old geezer too, even beyond the advice she gives -- her tone's a little affectionate, amused at the way vergilius is. ]

Direct, honest words. If only he could have met me ten years ago, [ Kaito teases, sticking out his tongue. But he keeps the rest of that in mind. They share a coffee preference.

The rest of those feelings tugging and twisting away at his heartstrings can fuck right off. He reluctantly leaves his Malkuth-shaped perch to stand and push everything down and away—except her, of course. She gets an outstretched hand. ]

Thanks for the encouragement. If I'm half as fortunate with him as I've been with you, I think we'll be good friends before you know it.

Now, shall we get to the bar and enjoy our second-slash-third date?

[ she'll take his hand, pull her up carefully now. ]

Only if you promise not to let me drink too much. I've been told I'm a pretty terrible drunk.

[ but she doesn't seem bothered by that fact! ]

[ Her ascent is as smooth as the tail end of that spin maneuver they practiced in class... to the point that Kaito almost pulls her flush to his body. He just freezes, lets his ears burn, and offers an apologetic smile before hooking his arm 'round hers. ]

You'll drink just enough to have all the fun you want, on my honor. [ Good. An unclear, vague quantity. ] Send me the bar's name again? I'll program the route into my bike.

[ Speaking of which, the moment they step outside, his fancy schmancy new cycle roars to life, complete with the same yellow accents and trim that adorn his usual hoodie ensemble. Kaito swings on first, then extends his hand again to help her mount the seat. ]

[ he will regret the unclear quantity once she starts hitting them back and all of a sudden she's very interested in being right against him like she almost was just now (heart skipping, frozen for a moment herself before she laughs it off and hooks her arm to his) and then doesn't remember anything in the morning.

but that's a later problem, malkuth is staring right now with some trepidation at the motorcycle. hold on let her. send him the info. there. okay. ]

... Is that safe?

Statistically speaking, no. This is far more dangerous that being in a car or even walking.

But you're with me, and I'm experienced in driving these from back home. If it makes you feel safer, you can sit up front and I can cover your back. You're small enough that we can manage it.

[ hmmmmmmmm. she's staring at him, then at the motorcycle in contemplation. behind... she would be putting all her trust in his ability to drive, and she'd have to hold onto him. in front of... she'd be able to see the road, but he'd completely envelop her. just like...

...

no... that's not good... malkuth's neck burns and she carefully steps to behind him, patting his shoulder. ]

I think I'll live dangerously.

[ she cannot... quite handle the way the thought of it makes her feel otherwise, an emotion unfamiliar yet nostalgic in a way. let her on, kaito, she needs to figure out how best to adjust her dress to sit comfortably. and once settled (it's. an interesting experience already, she decides she likes motorcycles) she'll wrap her arms around him.

this could be comfy. it's sort of nice she has someplace to rest her cheek. ]

Like this?

[ In fairness, he regrets offering her the front spot almost immediately. Thank god she seems to also detect the Danger™. Kaito's happy to help her onto the rear end of the seat. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a spare helmet. But he also doesn't plan on going too crazy. The bar's not too far away anyhow.

Her arms feel like they're phasing straight through his clothes to embrace him directly. Gods. It's a good thing he has HIS helmet so she won't see any aspects of his blush. ]

Yeah.
Hang on tight, okay?
I'm gonna ease us to top speed, but this thing goes fast.

[ Vroom.

Sure, it's not nearly as fast as either of them at their peak, but that's not the point. It's a new experience for her, or so he hopes. Before long, they're streaking down the main thoroughfares to get to their jazzy destination.

The whole ride probably doesn't reach five minutes, but for Kaito it feels like five hours. Stupid brain. ]

Edited 2024-04-10 03:20 (UTC)

[ it very much is a new experience.

and his feeling isn't going to be helped by how tightly she holds onto him once they're off, air stolen from her lungs when she laughs at the speed of it. where it feels like five hours to him it feels over far too quick to her, and she lingers against him missing the wind whip around her already.

at least the braid held. it's a little frayed, naturally, but it's held enough. ]

... I want one.

[ can you hear her sparkling. ]

[ Once they're parked, Kaito swings his leg clear over the bike to hop off first. Flexibility, ahoy. This time both hands are offered to Malkuth to aid in her dismounting. Then: a playful 'chop' to the forehead. ]

Quit smiling all cute like that... LILITH will afford us some discounts. I'll help you navigate it when we get back to base.

[ For now... The bar awaited them. And booze. Lots and lots of booze. ]

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