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synflux2024-04-30 06:51 pm
hitokiller) wrote in synflux2024-04-30 06:51 pm
( the hard pitter-patter of raindrops atop the temple shingles. the faint clatter of hooves and snorts from just around the devastated halls of the abandoned building. izou wonders, briefly, before drawing his blade, if these monsters' eyes reflect an instinctual fear anymore. most hadn't had it while looking him in the eyes, but humans had. they'd blinked in disbelief and had inspected him with wide pupils in the dark, hoping to identify their assailant—so wide that they nearly swallowed the iris much like a snake does to an egg, any semblance of light left in them quick to vanish as traces of blood filled in spaces between the rocks in the soil below.
he wonders, but doesn't see it when his blow comes from behind a ripped shoji screen, tearing through the rest of the paper with sharp steel. a horrifying squeal is followed by the tell-tale splash of entrails, and izou figures that must be the end of it when a smaller set of hooves comes ripping down the corridor right for him, mud and all trailing behind it. goosebumps spread across the back of his neck, his blade slicing upwards one second too late to stop immature tusks from slicing neatly through both flesh and suit.
shit. let the little asshole run off and into the woods if it wants to, izou grumbles internally, red dripping from his arm as he runs the back of a palm across a nose that's also wet, having just barely escaped a full-on assault by those mid-sized cloven hooves.
all that matters is that he's done right not only by the organization, but also by a certain someone he was keeping an eye on in the first place. a someone who's been exploring the high-rise expanse of kiyomizu-dera herself, a someone that had him sparing more than a single glance towards on his way in. the downpour and the thump of his own heartbeat are all he can hear if they catch each other's gaze in the dusty passageway. )
Guess I would've been better off gettin' soaked than fighting 'em head-on in here.
( there's a lilt of amusement in his voice, like it's supposed to be funny. )
he wonders, but doesn't see it when his blow comes from behind a ripped shoji screen, tearing through the rest of the paper with sharp steel. a horrifying squeal is followed by the tell-tale splash of entrails, and izou figures that must be the end of it when a smaller set of hooves comes ripping down the corridor right for him, mud and all trailing behind it. goosebumps spread across the back of his neck, his blade slicing upwards one second too late to stop immature tusks from slicing neatly through both flesh and suit.
shit. let the little asshole run off and into the woods if it wants to, izou grumbles internally, red dripping from his arm as he runs the back of a palm across a nose that's also wet, having just barely escaped a full-on assault by those mid-sized cloven hooves.
all that matters is that he's done right not only by the organization, but also by a certain someone he was keeping an eye on in the first place. a someone who's been exploring the high-rise expanse of kiyomizu-dera herself, a someone that had him sparing more than a single glance towards on his way in. the downpour and the thump of his own heartbeat are all he can hear if they catch each other's gaze in the dusty passageway. )
Guess I would've been better off gettin' soaked than fighting 'em head-on in here.
( there's a lilt of amusement in his voice, like it's supposed to be funny. )
Edited 2024-05-01 03:06 (UTC)
[ March is... managing, she'd say, if asked, by someone close enough to get an actual answer. Otherwise, March is fine. Of course she's fine. Why wouldn't she be fine? She's been full of energy and liveliness and cheer, as she always is, with nothing to give her pause.
But no, she'd told herself... she'd waited long enough, hadn't she? She hadn't been avoiding Izou, she just hadn't sought him out as much as she usually did, a little more reluctant to do so with each day that had trickled past where he hadn't mentioned what he'd apparently told Malkuth so readily.
She isn't a fan of shoving things down when it involves more than just her and maybe this had been an opportunity before the boars had attacked, hair still damp from having dealt with the rain in the first place and tiny rivulets making their way down her face from her bangs. She doesn't risk getting soaked in here, but there are other problems and her bow vanishes in a soft blue glow as she frowns and closes the space between them in three quick steps.
His hands are occupied, so she reaches for his face instead, palms pressed gently to his cheeks and that cheer from before is gone, joking disregarded. ]
Hold still for a second, I can heal you.
But no, she'd told herself... she'd waited long enough, hadn't she? She hadn't been avoiding Izou, she just hadn't sought him out as much as she usually did, a little more reluctant to do so with each day that had trickled past where he hadn't mentioned what he'd apparently told Malkuth so readily.
She isn't a fan of shoving things down when it involves more than just her and maybe this had been an opportunity before the boars had attacked, hair still damp from having dealt with the rain in the first place and tiny rivulets making their way down her face from her bangs. She doesn't risk getting soaked in here, but there are other problems and her bow vanishes in a soft blue glow as she frowns and closes the space between them in three quick steps.
His hands are occupied, so she reaches for his face instead, palms pressed gently to his cheeks and that cheer from before is gone, joking disregarded. ]
Hold still for a second, I can heal you.
( he doesn't expect her to breach their distance so blatantly, to tap fingertips against his cheeks and startle the soft part of him that stays hidden behind fangs. it feels alien, this tenderness, and this is the first time she's done this, hasn't she? for the sake of healing him, mind you.
a healing aid she gained through a ton of pain, and the memory of that settles izou and keeps him from squirming away from her touch. )
S... Sure.
( the wet tangle of the strands that frame her face are more distracting up-close, and really, what else is he supposed to do besides stare like this? unable to look her in the eye at first, izou listens to the rain and its attempt to wash away the sight of blood and the comfort that comes with its warmth. listens to the way his chest rises and falls as he does his best to settle both the excitement coiling in his chest at the way her bangs stick to her face and the uncomfortable realization that her usual sunshine dissipated the moment she reached up.
maybe it's because of the rain. his imagination, or something. )
You're not gonna experience any weird side effects or nothin' after using this, right?
a healing aid she gained through a ton of pain, and the memory of that settles izou and keeps him from squirming away from her touch. )
S... Sure.
( the wet tangle of the strands that frame her face are more distracting up-close, and really, what else is he supposed to do besides stare like this? unable to look her in the eye at first, izou listens to the rain and its attempt to wash away the sight of blood and the comfort that comes with its warmth. listens to the way his chest rises and falls as he does his best to settle both the excitement coiling in his chest at the way her bangs stick to her face and the uncomfortable realization that her usual sunshine dissipated the moment she reached up.
maybe it's because of the rain. his imagination, or something. )
You're not gonna experience any weird side effects or nothin' after using this, right?
[ Despite herself, her huff is fond and she shakes her head. Her thumbs brush over his cheekbones, willing the healing from her palms into his skin. She's gotten a little more used to the feeling now, the warmth she can feel tingling through her palms when she does this.
Again, he's worrying about her. But... ]
I'll be fine. Anyway, while I've got you here--
[ Before any other pigs break down a wall, before anyone else investigates this place, while she's staring at him and the blood smeared beneath his nose because she's unwilling to look away... ]
There's something I wanted to ask you.
Again, he's worrying about her. But... ]
I'll be fine. Anyway, while I've got you here--
[ Before any other pigs break down a wall, before anyone else investigates this place, while she's staring at him and the blood smeared beneath his nose because she's unwilling to look away... ]
There's something I wanted to ask you.
( izou swallows as warmth passes from those palms and over skin that's cold from the rain, a good deal different when you're made of flesh now and not just magic. he's grown used to the real sensation of touch these past couple of months.
but what really gives him pause, drops of red receding from the cuts down his forearm and back as everything begins to graft and heal, is the seriousness of her gaze. )
Well, you got my attention. Obviously. What's on your mind?
( there's the rumbling of thunder in the distance briefly, a sign that the rain isn't letting up anytime soon. )
but what really gives him pause, drops of red receding from the cuts down his forearm and back as everything begins to graft and heal, is the seriousness of her gaze. )
Well, you got my attention. Obviously. What's on your mind?
( there's the rumbling of thunder in the distance briefly, a sign that the rain isn't letting up anytime soon. )
[ Obviously.
She should be able to release him in a few more seconds, but for now, her hands remain where they are. She's not sure what kind of answer she wants from him, at this moment. Maybe she just wants an answer at all.
Finally, after a pause-- ]
The good and the bad, Izou. I told you that, remember? Whatever being your friend came with.
[ And there's a flicker of hurt in her eyes as she stares at him now. ]
So why didn't you tell me you were dead? Why did I have to hear it from Malkuth?
She should be able to release him in a few more seconds, but for now, her hands remain where they are. She's not sure what kind of answer she wants from him, at this moment. Maybe she just wants an answer at all.
Finally, after a pause-- ]
The good and the bad, Izou. I told you that, remember? Whatever being your friend came with.
[ And there's a flicker of hurt in her eyes as she stares at him now. ]
So why didn't you tell me you were dead? Why did I have to hear it from Malkuth?
( she did. she had told him.
but that doesn't prepare him for what she says next.
"why didn't you tell me you were dead?"
izou freezes, instantly, face blanched with surprise. )
but that doesn't prepare him for what she says next.
"why didn't you tell me you were dead?"
izou freezes, instantly, face blanched with surprise. )
( his mind races to deny it, to put hands against the accusation and shove it away, but he had told malkuth. he had, hadn't he? in a moment of understanding, so casually and so far from march who had been his first proper "friend" after ishmael. from someone who he knew...
and march's hands are gentle, just like her voice even as she calls out his reluctance to tell her all this time that he's more a phantom than a person. just a concept from a bygone era, and maybe it's that gentleness to her that makes the wave of guilt so heavy.
why... why's she gotta keep a hold on his face for?
izou tries to tilt his head away only to be met with the press of her palm against his cheek. a reminder. and then, through a grimace and a furrowed brow of his own, he stares down at march's face and the shape of her features. )
What I tell Malkuth's... my own business. But I didn't keep it from you all this time to hurt ya. You've gotta... You've gotta trust me on that.
( is making excuses... all he's good for?
but this is man-slayer izou, and the blood drying on the floor beneath them serves as a reminder, too. )
and march's hands are gentle, just like her voice even as she calls out his reluctance to tell her all this time that he's more a phantom than a person. just a concept from a bygone era, and maybe it's that gentleness to her that makes the wave of guilt so heavy.
why... why's she gotta keep a hold on his face for?
izou tries to tilt his head away only to be met with the press of her palm against his cheek. a reminder. and then, through a grimace and a furrowed brow of his own, he stares down at march's face and the shape of her features. )
What I tell Malkuth's... my own business. But I didn't keep it from you all this time to hurt ya. You've gotta... You've gotta trust me on that.
( is making excuses... all he's good for?
but this is man-slayer izou, and the blood drying on the floor beneath them serves as a reminder, too. )
[ The air smells like blood and rain, the scent of the latter seeping through parts of the tile that have broken off from nature's disregard and past monster attacks, she's sure.
And March draws both hands back as he speaks. He's not wrong. What he tells Malkuth is his own business. What he doesn't tell her is also up to him. But there's that same sharp ache in her chest from before, prompting her to rest one of her hands against her heart again because she thought, maybe. Maybe that would stop once she knew the answer. Or maybe she'd been wrong.
But he'd just said it. That he had kept it from her. And she-- ]
I know you didn't do it to hurt me. But it...
[ It hurts. Right now, it hurts, and she squeezes her eyes closed.
No, that's not all she has to say about this, does she?
A shaky, shivery exhale. ]
And March draws both hands back as he speaks. He's not wrong. What he tells Malkuth is his own business. What he doesn't tell her is also up to him. But there's that same sharp ache in her chest from before, prompting her to rest one of her hands against her heart again because she thought, maybe. Maybe that would stop once she knew the answer. Or maybe she'd been wrong.
But he'd just said it. That he had kept it from her. And she-- ]
I know you didn't do it to hurt me. But it...
[ It hurts. Right now, it hurts, and she squeezes her eyes closed.
No, that's not all she has to say about this, does she?
A shaky, shivery exhale. ]
[ This is just narrative timing here, that the thunder rumbles, closer and louder, at the same time that March opens her eyes again and they're blazing, as hotly as her voice because actually, no, she doesn't feel like being gentle in this precise moment.
Maybe that had been the problem. Maybe he thought she was delicate.
Well, screw that, and instead of a hand over her chest, it's a fist over his. It's not really a punch, honestly, it's just contact. But from the tension in it, it's perhaps apparent that she'd be shaking him by the civilian clothes if he had them on right now. ]
I'm--not stupid, you know? I knew there were times you'd start to say something and then stop and I figured it was fine, you'd tell me when you were ready, but you never did! And I don't know! I don't know if it's because you trust Malkuth more or because you think I can't handle it or because you think I'm weak, because I can't read your mind!! You being dead hurts, of course it does, but if it's true that you kept it from me to, to--for my own good--!!
[ It's the same. It's the same as what the messenger had said. Poor little March 7th, named herself after a date, should not be exposed to pain and sorrow, the harsher edges of a truth, because isn't it better that way?
She doesn't want to believe that. But-- ]
Maybe that had been the problem. Maybe he thought she was delicate.
Well, screw that, and instead of a hand over her chest, it's a fist over his. It's not really a punch, honestly, it's just contact. But from the tension in it, it's perhaps apparent that she'd be shaking him by the civilian clothes if he had them on right now. ]
I'm--not stupid, you know? I knew there were times you'd start to say something and then stop and I figured it was fine, you'd tell me when you were ready, but you never did! And I don't know! I don't know if it's because you trust Malkuth more or because you think I can't handle it or because you think I'm weak, because I can't read your mind!! You being dead hurts, of course it does, but if it's true that you kept it from me to, to--for my own good--!!
[ It's the same. It's the same as what the messenger had said. Poor little March 7th, named herself after a date, should not be exposed to pain and sorrow, the harsher edges of a truth, because isn't it better that way?
She doesn't want to believe that. But-- ]
Why can't you trust me, Izou?!
[ It's angry. It's desperate. She's aware of how she sounds and maybe that's pathetic, but she chokes those words out anyway. ]
At the very least, tell me to my face that you don't have that kind of faith in me!!
[ It's angry. It's desperate. She's aware of how she sounds and maybe that's pathetic, but she chokes those words out anyway. ]
At the very least, tell me to my face that you don't have that kind of faith in me!!
( it's anything but pathetic, but izou can't read minds and can't find it in himself to voice a response at first.
not when march's upset hits him in waves.
not when the mortifying realization of how he hadn't been discreet in the least in hiding something from her hit like that monstrous kaijuu had soared straight into the mucked up dirt—hard, and with little to no grace whatsoever. izou's teeth grit, because who's the real idiot here? here he'd been, keeping this little detail about himself a secret out of a supposed concern for march, doing the thing he hated most that others had done to him most convincingly in keeping him out of the loop, and now...
for a short, blissful period, it felt like he had been on top of things.
but maybe this is why... this is why they thought him a liability back then, because he just didn't get it. and maybe this is why he couldn't keep people at his side, when he was bound to ruin his relationships with his crudeness and stupidity. if izou could just... trust march like she trusts him, that balled fist against his chest so much smaller than his but just as forceful, then maybe this confrontation wouldn't have happened. maybe he could've prevented himself from seeing march so disturbed over a man who couldn't even handle telling a cute girl who opened her heart to him that he had a gravesite. that he had stared at the sky that day, malnourished and empty and ready to be done with this world that refused to let him go no matter how many names he spat out.
his face scrunches up in anger unintentionally, a redness rising to his cheeks. )
How'd you... How'd you get it in your head that I told her all that 'cause I trust her more? That isn't true. If anything, I told her 'cause it was easier. Just 'cause it came out when I felt like I didn't have anything to worry about.
( his free hand, the one that hasn't been holding steel this whole time, reaches up to grip tight at the wrist that march has planted against him.
now he's the one stammering back at her, expressive in the sense that he's clearly trying his best not to snap. no woman has ever confronted him like this before, not even his master, and this is where the comparisons fold completely. )
But maybe, I... maybe it's true I went and kept it from you, thinkin' you didn't need to hear it. That I didn't want the girl who told me she's missin' memories to know she was talkin' to a guy who might not even be around later. I shoulda just, told you there and then before it came to this. But how could I—
( he bares his teeth, pained by the mess he's made and by the hurt in march's expression. the rain, ever tenacious, remains beautifully cool. )
How am I 'sposed to bring it up when I care about you this damn much? Huh?!
not when march's upset hits him in waves.
not when the mortifying realization of how he hadn't been discreet in the least in hiding something from her hit like that monstrous kaijuu had soared straight into the mucked up dirt—hard, and with little to no grace whatsoever. izou's teeth grit, because who's the real idiot here? here he'd been, keeping this little detail about himself a secret out of a supposed concern for march, doing the thing he hated most that others had done to him most convincingly in keeping him out of the loop, and now...
for a short, blissful period, it felt like he had been on top of things.
but maybe this is why... this is why they thought him a liability back then, because he just didn't get it. and maybe this is why he couldn't keep people at his side, when he was bound to ruin his relationships with his crudeness and stupidity. if izou could just... trust march like she trusts him, that balled fist against his chest so much smaller than his but just as forceful, then maybe this confrontation wouldn't have happened. maybe he could've prevented himself from seeing march so disturbed over a man who couldn't even handle telling a cute girl who opened her heart to him that he had a gravesite. that he had stared at the sky that day, malnourished and empty and ready to be done with this world that refused to let him go no matter how many names he spat out.
his face scrunches up in anger unintentionally, a redness rising to his cheeks. )
How'd you... How'd you get it in your head that I told her all that 'cause I trust her more? That isn't true. If anything, I told her 'cause it was easier. Just 'cause it came out when I felt like I didn't have anything to worry about.
( his free hand, the one that hasn't been holding steel this whole time, reaches up to grip tight at the wrist that march has planted against him.
now he's the one stammering back at her, expressive in the sense that he's clearly trying his best not to snap. no woman has ever confronted him like this before, not even his master, and this is where the comparisons fold completely. )
But maybe, I... maybe it's true I went and kept it from you, thinkin' you didn't need to hear it. That I didn't want the girl who told me she's missin' memories to know she was talkin' to a guy who might not even be around later. I shoulda just, told you there and then before it came to this. But how could I—
( he bares his teeth, pained by the mess he's made and by the hurt in march's expression. the rain, ever tenacious, remains beautifully cool. )
How am I 'sposed to bring it up when I care about you this damn much? Huh?!
[ How they went from working together to yelling at each other is a little too much of a callback to the last time they'd been on a mission together, except this time, there's enough of a difference for March to be conscious of it. Last time, the distance had hurt.
This time, it's the closeness that hurts, the reason why she'd finally spoken up about it, because she wants so badly to understand him and that's so difficult to do when there are still things she hadn't known. Something like that, at least, and as Izou grips at her wrist, March stares up at him with widened eyes.
She doesn't mean to pull this kind of raw honesty out of him, knows he probably isn't fond of it either, but those words feel like they're echoing, sinking into more than just her ears.
How could this guy, man-slayer or not, ever think that killing was all he knew how to do when he could tell her right now that he cared about her this much? That that was why?
His hand around her wrist feels almost like a brand but she doesn't pull back. ]
It's hard to lose me. [ She'd told him that before. And she says it now, a little unsteadily, a flush from losing her temper still warming her cheeks. ]
And you--even if you're not around later, you're in front of me right now, aren't you?? You're letting me make memories with you right now, aren't you??
Even if you disappear or whatever, that doesn't make you any less important to me! And I'd never let that go, that I got to know you and befriend you and care about you just as much, whether you were dead or not!!
This time, it's the closeness that hurts, the reason why she'd finally spoken up about it, because she wants so badly to understand him and that's so difficult to do when there are still things she hadn't known. Something like that, at least, and as Izou grips at her wrist, March stares up at him with widened eyes.
She doesn't mean to pull this kind of raw honesty out of him, knows he probably isn't fond of it either, but those words feel like they're echoing, sinking into more than just her ears.
How could this guy, man-slayer or not, ever think that killing was all he knew how to do when he could tell her right now that he cared about her this much? That that was why?
His hand around her wrist feels almost like a brand but she doesn't pull back. ]
It's hard to lose me. [ She'd told him that before. And she says it now, a little unsteadily, a flush from losing her temper still warming her cheeks. ]
And you--even if you're not around later, you're in front of me right now, aren't you?? You're letting me make memories with you right now, aren't you??
Even if you disappear or whatever, that doesn't make you any less important to me! And I'd never let that go, that I got to know you and befriend you and care about you just as much, whether you were dead or not!!
( the wind picks up, whipping away at what's left of the fabric of the shoji screen.
but izou stands resolute, his one visible eye fixed on her, unable to relax as his hand starts to grab the hilt of his blade so tightly that his fingertips might pierce his palm.
all-at-once, his head is starting to pound, the anger melting off his face. why's she... why's she so... )
I am. Right now, this Okada Izou... is the real deal, a man made 'a flesh standin' before a woman who's been kinder to me than... than anyone's ever been.
( he licks his lips, vulnerable and watched... but maybe not as vulnerable as march is, practically trembling before him as she shares her distress. )
But even then, you... you're cruel in yer own way, you know that? Sayin' stuff like "I'd never let that go," to a man you just consider a friend.
( the wounds have healed and the dried blood has vanished from his upper lip, march's touch now possessing the power to sustain life... to keep him alive, as it were, and really, isn't that warmth she's imparted a permanent part of him as well? or at least... it feels permanent in the moment, even if he's not sure if it'll last or what will happen if they manage to save mankind together.
what izou does know right now is how much he shook her up and hurt her, and how just looking into those eyes of hers that always seem to hold a sparkle makes him all stupid in the head with how badly he wants to comfort her through his mistake.
and so he tugs hard on her wrist, hoping to lift her into him if she lets him.
and so he leans in, too, if she'll let him, closing the gap between their faces with his teeth and his lips before izou can even think to stop himself. )
but izou stands resolute, his one visible eye fixed on her, unable to relax as his hand starts to grab the hilt of his blade so tightly that his fingertips might pierce his palm.
all-at-once, his head is starting to pound, the anger melting off his face. why's she... why's she so... )
I am. Right now, this Okada Izou... is the real deal, a man made 'a flesh standin' before a woman who's been kinder to me than... than anyone's ever been.
( he licks his lips, vulnerable and watched... but maybe not as vulnerable as march is, practically trembling before him as she shares her distress. )
But even then, you... you're cruel in yer own way, you know that? Sayin' stuff like "I'd never let that go," to a man you just consider a friend.
( the wounds have healed and the dried blood has vanished from his upper lip, march's touch now possessing the power to sustain life... to keep him alive, as it were, and really, isn't that warmth she's imparted a permanent part of him as well? or at least... it feels permanent in the moment, even if he's not sure if it'll last or what will happen if they manage to save mankind together.
what izou does know right now is how much he shook her up and hurt her, and how just looking into those eyes of hers that always seem to hold a sparkle makes him all stupid in the head with how badly he wants to comfort her through his mistake.
and so he tugs hard on her wrist, hoping to lift her into him if she lets him.
and so he leans in, too, if she'll let him, closing the gap between their faces with his teeth and his lips before izou can even think to stop himself. )
[ March is already on the verge of talking, fierceness softening into confusion, to ask what he means by cruel when she'd meant what she said and--
A lot of things cut her off midsentence: the way she's pulled up and against him so suddenly, her other hand clutching at his shoulder for balance. There's no real time to gasp until two seconds after he captures her mouth, which is definitely belated, but then again, so are her thoughts.
Which consist of the following in no particular order: Would've been nice if he'd let her get a sentence out, is this friendship behavior to him, no probably not, he's so warm, this was not an accidental trip or stumble, he's kissing her--
And inanely, March remembers the mission with him, the guy she hardly knew, and how her first thought had been that he had a face like a thundercloud. That's what it feels like now, like lightning racing down her spine, and maybe there's something dangerous about it, but also something exhilarating, but these are all thoughts that happen in an instant, colliding with each other and she hadn't taken a breath before he'd yanked her in. If she had, maybe she'd be able to...
...
She does have to breathe, drawing back, and her face is a brilliant red with her heart feeling like it's lodged in her throat. Somehow, she hadn't seen that coming, had dismissed Malkuth's suggestion sincerely because it had taken so long to befriend him, now that he had comfortably settled in that role of his own free will, surely anything else wasn't going to happen.
But it's a little hard to say that with any kind of confidence now, gazing up at that lone amber eye and fighting every single urge in her body to do That Shoujo Thing and touch her lips in shocked disbelief.
She refrains. ]
I--U-um--
[ Use your words, March. ]
W-wait, I thought you... that you didn't like... when it took so long for you to even call me a friend, I--
[ Nothing is making sense to her right now, except that she definitely feels far warmer than she usually does and her lips are still tingling. Had she missed something? How long had she missed this??
Izou, please explain, she's short-circuiting a bit. ]
A lot of things cut her off midsentence: the way she's pulled up and against him so suddenly, her other hand clutching at his shoulder for balance. There's no real time to gasp until two seconds after he captures her mouth, which is definitely belated, but then again, so are her thoughts.
Which consist of the following in no particular order: Would've been nice if he'd let her get a sentence out, is this friendship behavior to him, no probably not, he's so warm, this was not an accidental trip or stumble, he's kissing her--
And inanely, March remembers the mission with him, the guy she hardly knew, and how her first thought had been that he had a face like a thundercloud. That's what it feels like now, like lightning racing down her spine, and maybe there's something dangerous about it, but also something exhilarating, but these are all thoughts that happen in an instant, colliding with each other and she hadn't taken a breath before he'd yanked her in. If she had, maybe she'd be able to...
...
She does have to breathe, drawing back, and her face is a brilliant red with her heart feeling like it's lodged in her throat. Somehow, she hadn't seen that coming, had dismissed Malkuth's suggestion sincerely because it had taken so long to befriend him, now that he had comfortably settled in that role of his own free will, surely anything else wasn't going to happen.
But it's a little hard to say that with any kind of confidence now, gazing up at that lone amber eye and fighting every single urge in her body to do That Shoujo Thing and touch her lips in shocked disbelief.
She refrains. ]
I--U-um--
[ Use your words, March. ]
W-wait, I thought you... that you didn't like... when it took so long for you to even call me a friend, I--
[ Nothing is making sense to her right now, except that she definitely feels far warmer than she usually does and her lips are still tingling. Had she missed something? How long had she missed this??
Izou, please explain, she's short-circuiting a bit. ]
Quit fiddlin' with stuff and get over here.
( a statement that barely holds any malice—more impatience as the two of them pass a myriad of shops with low ceilings and the loud rattling of busted electronic signs as they sway in the wind. hundreds of years later and the air here still feels familiar, the soil beneath his sneaker-clad feet still kicking up as easily as it did when stomping hurriedly after someone in the moonlight.
izou doesn't look particularly perturbed by the state of things, claw marks strewn across the metal of buildings that are unfamiliar to him, motivated more by his ego than anything else thanks to malkuth's request to show her around.
he points a finger up at an old-fashioned gate that's miraculously still in-tact, albeit a bit damp with the recent onslaught of spring showers. )
Here's where folks used to... y'know. If you had enough coin, you were in for a good time. They got a district like that where you're from? This "City" place?
( a statement that barely holds any malice—more impatience as the two of them pass a myriad of shops with low ceilings and the loud rattling of busted electronic signs as they sway in the wind. hundreds of years later and the air here still feels familiar, the soil beneath his sneaker-clad feet still kicking up as easily as it did when stomping hurriedly after someone in the moonlight.
izou doesn't look particularly perturbed by the state of things, claw marks strewn across the metal of buildings that are unfamiliar to him, motivated more by his ego than anything else thanks to malkuth's request to show her around.
he points a finger up at an old-fashioned gate that's miraculously still in-tact, albeit a bit damp with the recent onslaught of spring showers. )
Here's where folks used to... y'know. If you had enough coin, you were in for a good time. They got a district like that where you're from? This "City" place?
Edited 2024-05-02 16:44 (UTC)
[ she can't help it... there's so much and she'd like to document all of it somehow, be it with her camera or writing it down in her pad, debating taking a piece of history back with her... and her disappointment lets itself be known in her sigh as she continues along, stepping a bit faster to catch up.
the gate's still impressive in its age, though she tilts her head at the explanation before her cheeks color a bit. oh. yeah okay she gets it. cute that he dances around it a little... for her sake? or because it's odd to talk about? he's a tour guide, she doesn't mind. ]
I don't know about a dedicated District that focused on pleasure like that, but I do know that they were more commonly found in the Backstreets than their primmer counterparts, the Nests... Some Districts must've been more dangerous to do that in than others though, and no one'd want to be out when the Sweepers came around either.
[ a beat. taking a picture of the gate. ]
Sweepers are a group of unusual people that "clean up" the Backstreets at a particular hour, and it doesn't matter if you're dead or alive to them. A lot of people found their end after a drunken night if they weren't careful. Did you frequent places like this, Izou?
the gate's still impressive in its age, though she tilts her head at the explanation before her cheeks color a bit. oh. yeah okay she gets it. cute that he dances around it a little... for her sake? or because it's odd to talk about? he's a tour guide, she doesn't mind. ]
I don't know about a dedicated District that focused on pleasure like that, but I do know that they were more commonly found in the Backstreets than their primmer counterparts, the Nests... Some Districts must've been more dangerous to do that in than others though, and no one'd want to be out when the Sweepers came around either.
[ a beat. taking a picture of the gate. ]
Sweepers are a group of unusual people that "clean up" the Backstreets at a particular hour, and it doesn't matter if you're dead or alive to them. A lot of people found their end after a drunken night if they weren't careful. Did you frequent places like this, Izou?
( rather than for her, it was mostly for... himself. a man like him, from a long time ago, was still unaccustomed to discussing such topics openly with a woman, no matter how casual she seemed about most things.
but the way it rolls off her back relaxes him a little, a hand rubbing thoughtfully at his chin at her question. )
Huh. Maybe I would've had my head lopped off a lot sooner if I'd lived in yer world. Comin' back sober from a night spent in Shimabara, and early at that, woulda just been sad. But I guess we had folks like your Sweepers. Just not as efficient, given they never caught me. Heheh.
( the hint of a smarmy smirk plays across his lips. )
Those damned wolves—the Shinsengumi—took to patrollin' around at night, actin' like they owned the place when they weren't any better than us. But I wasn't 'round here much unless I had reason to be, or... the money to get me somewhere, if ya catch my drift.
but the way it rolls off her back relaxes him a little, a hand rubbing thoughtfully at his chin at her question. )
Huh. Maybe I would've had my head lopped off a lot sooner if I'd lived in yer world. Comin' back sober from a night spent in Shimabara, and early at that, woulda just been sad. But I guess we had folks like your Sweepers. Just not as efficient, given they never caught me. Heheh.
( the hint of a smarmy smirk plays across his lips. )
Those damned wolves—the Shinsengumi—took to patrollin' around at night, actin' like they owned the place when they weren't any better than us. But I wasn't 'round here much unless I had reason to be, or... the money to get me somewhere, if ya catch my drift.
[ that's right... just consider her one of the guys. ]
I catch it, you dog. [ playfully kicking his shin. ] My expectation of you hasn't risen or fallen.
[ he is simply. a backstreet boy. malkuth may not believe in such a division of class nor their stereotypes, there is no doubt that izou resembles it somewhat; it's charming and down to earth as long as it's not being inflicted on anyone she knows. ]
Two questions. First: Are the Shinsengumi a gang, or are they an official sort of "protectors" of the people?
I catch it, you dog. [ playfully kicking his shin. ] My expectation of you hasn't risen or fallen.
[ he is simply. a backstreet boy. malkuth may not believe in such a division of class nor their stereotypes, there is no doubt that izou resembles it somewhat; it's charming and down to earth as long as it's not being inflicted on anyone she knows. ]
Two questions. First: Are the Shinsengumi a gang, or are they an official sort of "protectors" of the people?
( like always, he acts, regardless of what the other has to say, and in acting without thinking izou reveals his heart.
his mind doesn't ponder on a thing as his mouth pries hers open, but his body, at least, does its best not to overwhelm her with how sudden his want is. best being that he isn't leaning in harder when it comes to this stupid, blinding desire to taste her, both eyes closed as the rough stubble on his jaw brushes against her chin. what he can't help is how his kissing lacks finesse, how it's as warm and as hungry as the blade that he wields, and it's only when march breaks it due to a lack of air that izou's breaths come in ragged as well.
he draws back, just as flushed. )
Well, you... you know how I feel now, don't ya? That I—
( like you. like the way she didn't back down, that she caught the end of the cord that she'd unraveled from his chest to tug on it and force him to confront her. like the groove of her body against his and how those palms had felt against his face, and honestly, as all these feelings well up in his chest again, izou feels greedy, like he ought to steal another kiss from her.
the thought of rejection, though, keeps him at bay.
he releases his grip on her wrist, wresting himself away slightly from their contact to flick any remaining drops of blood on his sword to the floor before sheathing it. a convenient excuse to try and recollect himself, because... he seriously just kissed her. just like that. what the hell?
don't mind him while he has a little freak-out of his own, because what if he just ruined it all further? it only makes sense that march is stunned. )
You... You don't have to respond me on that end, or nothin'. Not when I'm the one who's got a lot of answering to do. Feels like all I've done since we met is apologize, but. I... m'sorry. I didn't think... I didn't think, and that's the problem.
his mind doesn't ponder on a thing as his mouth pries hers open, but his body, at least, does its best not to overwhelm her with how sudden his want is. best being that he isn't leaning in harder when it comes to this stupid, blinding desire to taste her, both eyes closed as the rough stubble on his jaw brushes against her chin. what he can't help is how his kissing lacks finesse, how it's as warm and as hungry as the blade that he wields, and it's only when march breaks it due to a lack of air that izou's breaths come in ragged as well.
he draws back, just as flushed. )
Well, you... you know how I feel now, don't ya? That I—
( like you. like the way she didn't back down, that she caught the end of the cord that she'd unraveled from his chest to tug on it and force him to confront her. like the groove of her body against his and how those palms had felt against his face, and honestly, as all these feelings well up in his chest again, izou feels greedy, like he ought to steal another kiss from her.
the thought of rejection, though, keeps him at bay.
he releases his grip on her wrist, wresting himself away slightly from their contact to flick any remaining drops of blood on his sword to the floor before sheathing it. a convenient excuse to try and recollect himself, because... he seriously just kissed her. just like that. what the hell?
don't mind him while he has a little freak-out of his own, because what if he just ruined it all further? it only makes sense that march is stunned. )
You... You don't have to respond me on that end, or nothin'. Not when I'm the one who's got a lot of answering to do. Feels like all I've done since we met is apologize, but. I... m'sorry. I didn't think... I didn't think, and that's the problem.
[ March is silent as he speaks, thankfully spared from stammering even more, because full sentences just are not coming out as eloquently and flawlessly as she would have wanted them to.
Which is not how it tends to work in the movies, but maybe the female love interest also saw it coming or was dealing with unresolved feelings and longing or something. If anything, her mind just keeps replaying the last few minutes, over and over again, as though it's worried she's going to forget that. Of all things. As if Izou hadn't just gone from Very Good Friend to Guy Who Kissed Her Like He Needed It More Than Anything. Reconciling them into one thing feels a bit like trying to walk calmly head-first into a wall right now.
She knows how he feels now? More than she knows how she feels.
Finally, she speaks again. ]
I forgive you. I mean that. I didn't know you cared about me that much, but there's no way I could think you were lying about that.
[ Not after all of this?? ]
But I do want to--respond, I mean, I just-- [ Ah, and there's the stammering again, March lowering her eyes in thought. Being left unanswered... isn't something she could do, not to anyone she considered a friend. ]
Can you... give me some time? To... think things over. Unless you just wanted to get that out of your system and never talk about it again, but...
I wanna think about it properly. [ A pause, and then she sighs, a little aggravated at her own wording. ] About you properly.
Which is not how it tends to work in the movies, but maybe the female love interest also saw it coming or was dealing with unresolved feelings and longing or something. If anything, her mind just keeps replaying the last few minutes, over and over again, as though it's worried she's going to forget that. Of all things. As if Izou hadn't just gone from Very Good Friend to Guy Who Kissed Her Like He Needed It More Than Anything. Reconciling them into one thing feels a bit like trying to walk calmly head-first into a wall right now.
She knows how he feels now? More than she knows how she feels.
Finally, she speaks again. ]
I forgive you. I mean that. I didn't know you cared about me that much, but there's no way I could think you were lying about that.
[ Not after all of this?? ]
But I do want to--respond, I mean, I just-- [ Ah, and there's the stammering again, March lowering her eyes in thought. Being left unanswered... isn't something she could do, not to anyone she considered a friend. ]
Can you... give me some time? To... think things over. Unless you just wanted to get that out of your system and never talk about it again, but...
I wanna think about it properly. [ A pause, and then she sighs, a little aggravated at her own wording. ] About you properly.
( ow.
as inquisitive as ever, though as izou explains, there's obvious distaste for them on his face. )
Not a gang. They were a head-ass buncha wannabe "samurai", though I guess they saw themselves as a sorta guard or whatever. Didn't care much for learnin' why they were so pro-shogunate. All I had to do was watch out for 'em, lest they try and rush whatever place we stopped to eat at. Pretty sure I could take on the whole lot of those assholes if they were still alive.
( hell, he'd asserted as much to the few members he'd met back in chaldea post-death. )
as inquisitive as ever, though as izou explains, there's obvious distaste for them on his face. )
Not a gang. They were a head-ass buncha wannabe "samurai", though I guess they saw themselves as a sorta guard or whatever. Didn't care much for learnin' why they were so pro-shogunate. All I had to do was watch out for 'em, lest they try and rush whatever place we stopped to eat at. Pretty sure I could take on the whole lot of those assholes if they were still alive.
( hell, he'd asserted as much to the few members he'd met back in chaldea post-death. )
[ hm... more things she doesn't understand. that does only incite her curiosity more, of course. ]
Follow-up question, but not my second one yet. What's wrong with being pro-shogunate? Neo Tokyo doesn't have one now... I think...? [ "shogun" isn't thrown around anyway. ] So I guess your side was successful in the end.
Follow-up question, but not my second one yet. What's wrong with being pro-shogunate? Neo Tokyo doesn't have one now... I think...? [ "shogun" isn't thrown around anyway. ] So I guess your side was successful in the end.
Nothin', I guess. They were just in opposition to the group I was in, and everything went to hell eventually.
( he waves a hand dismissively, the clouds rolling above them as dark as the wood of this gate. )
None of that matters anymore. Like you said, there're no leaders like that in Neo Tokyo. Just don't go asking me if I think things are better now than they were then. None of that politics stuff made sense to me outside of who was tryin' to step on your back.
( he waves a hand dismissively, the clouds rolling above them as dark as the wood of this gate. )
None of that matters anymore. Like you said, there're no leaders like that in Neo Tokyo. Just don't go asking me if I think things are better now than they were then. None of that politics stuff made sense to me outside of who was tryin' to step on your back.
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