synflux | ( closed ) life like the unplumbed sea;

I'm taking you away like you asked. Do the semantics really matter?

[ A tilt of his head, followed by a series of pats for the backseat. Even if he can't make out her expression, he can make out the outline of her silhouette well enough from the spilling light of the café. His grin doesn't diminish, but it does cause it to quirk further upwards as if he's witnessing something amusing. ]

Feel free to cooperate or see what happens if you don't. [ An underlying threat with no real weight to it, hehe. ] If all you're worried about is being cold—this is for you.

[ What kind of considerate kidnapper would he be if he didn't research into his kidnappee? He tosses a jacket her way; she best get to it unless she wants him to make good on his word. ]

[ wow, if only all kidnappers were this kind.......

no, but. he is missing the point?? and ishmael can't tell if he's that excited to go camping with her or he's just being obtuse in purpose. either way, she has no other choice but to follow his whims. this is what she also wanted, after all.

still, she meet his grin with one of her groans as she puts the coat on (she'll have to change out of her uniform when they get there) and hop onto the backseat of his ride. she debates between putting her hands on his sides or just... keeping her hands free before settling for the latter. depends on how fast he's gonna go once they take off. ]

I'm just telling you to read the room, is all. [ sighs. ] Ready when you are.

[ If they were actually camping, he'd give her more notice, please!! As is, this'll just be a regular old trip out under the stars until he drives them back in the morning to make it in time for his routine check-in.

Lest he wants to get throttled by a handful of different people for not being able to stay in one (1) place, after everything that's transpired that probably isn't a good idea. ]

What's gotten you all shy? [ They've held hands, hello? She hops on and has her internal debate, and while he's a little too late to get in there before she overthinks it, he hasn't started speeding away yet, reaching behind him to take her hands in his, gently tugging them around his waist. ] C'mon. Hold on tight! Don't want you flying off now, that's for me.

[ 'Cause he's a bird… get it… If she doesn't want to and takes her hands off to grip on the saddle again, he isn't going to press the issue and will drive a little slower. It's fine. ]

[ they're still going to spend some considerable time outdoors, hello?? but camping or no, elysium would already have brought along some supplies regardless. ishmael thinks back to their little hiking trip in okinawa like wow... that felt like centuries ago......

and for the record she is NOT SHY she's just. gauging. on how much she's allowed to hold another living person after clinging onto a corpse just last week. despite elysium's terminal illness, he's still so full of life while--

no. she's got to stop dwelling over that.

with an exhale through her nose, she wordlessly wraps her arms around him from behind and leans the side of her head against his back, watching the neon landscape pass them by. he's free to can go as fast as he wants now, and the sooner they get to their destination, the better. ]

Edited 2024-10-22 14:33 (UTC)

[ Another person's warmth really is comforting, isn't it? As comforting as it is discomforting, a solid reminder of what they have around them and what they stand to lose. She isn't the only one reflecting on it—how not long ago, those same hands had to bear the weight of someone important to them. Those hands had to carry that body to its final resting place, the sensation of it likely not easily forgotten.

He calls her shy, but he doesn't really think she is. She's always been brave about wearing her heart both on her sleeve and on her face. Unlike him—he wouldn't even recognise his own heart were it pulled directly from his chest.

… The ride will be a bit of a long one, even at top speed. Plenty of time for them to get lost in their thoughts whether they choose to admire the scenery or keep to themselves. As they exit Neo Tokyo proper and neon lights bleed into nature and debris, it'll at least give her some time outside of the noise of the city, outside of the noise of Elysium himself—just to be.

About an hour later, they arrive at what appears to be Elysium’s usual haunt: a spot overlooking a lake that reflects the moon, framed by expanses of wild grass with a dilapidated cabin nearby. Though too worn down to use, it's easy to guess that the roof is where he typically goes for a vantage point, the same place he had called before.

More importantly, it's quiet. Aside from the softly fading sound of the engine, the only other sounds are their voices and the natural symphony surrounding them: the occasional chirp of crickets and the gentle rustling of leaves stirred by the wind. ]

I first discovered this spot back in May, back when there were fireflies would dance all around. What do you think? [ Stepping off the motorcycle, he pivots a quick one eighty on his heel, leaning forward with his hands laced behind his back with a grin. ] Welcome to my favorite getaway—the number one spot for when I need to escape.

[ she keeps to herself the entire ride; she's exhausted from work and... all that, first off, and she's busy admiring the scenery change when they escape the cityscape and into the wilderness. apart from their missions that take them outside tokyo, she's never really gone beyond the borders -- something that she'll bring up once they make it to their destination. moreover, it's too cold out to speak and she doubts that elysium can hear her over the roar of the engine, so she'll settle into his warmth for the meantime.

by the time they arrive, she has to blink herself awake as elysium pulls himself away along with his warmth. clutching his jacket around her, she too steps off the motorcycle, mouth slightly ajar as she takes it all in. the nearby lake seems to pull her in too as she takes a couple of steps toward it.

she takes one big breath in, and out. unlike the forests of brazov, this place is tranquil. safe enough, provided that monsters don't come in and disturb the peace. she turns around to face elysium, not with glittering eyes but with a slight skeptical raise of her brow. ]

...Did you stumble upon this place when you went too far out that day?

[ when he got swatted......... she'd felt guilty about that back then, thinking that it was her fault for putting the thought in his head, not knowing that he was gonna go ahead and do it anyway like the born explorer that he is.

then she chuckles, mouth giving way to a small smile. ]

It's pretty. If only the fish here were as palatable as the ones from Transylvania. Then we could do that again.

[ of course she'd focus on the marine life........ but no, she's always liked lakes and other bodies of water. her mood has improved already. ]

I get why you'd think that, but surprisingly, no. I didn't have a motorcycle back then—instead, I just wanted to see how far my feet could take me and where it would.

[ While she's busy admiring the view, he's rifling through his motorcycle's attached trunk compartment. The soft rustle of a blanket, the stretch of a larger mat, and the crinkle of a grocery bag fill the air. He doesn't bother being subtle, laying everything out as they talk.

Squint, and she'll be able to make out several sake bottles, dried squid, and three shot glasses. ]

I ended up settling for combing through the immediate area more carefully. I was always planning to, but I guess it just happened to be moved up the schedule?

[ Once everything's smoothed out, he beckons for her to join him on the mat, arms outstretched, wide as he makes himself comfortable. ]

C'mere! It's our party for three. [ ??? ] If a guy who's seen the world couldn't find a place as easy as this, then he's a fraud.

[ see? he did bring supplies. just... not the stuff she'd expected him to bring along. more along the lines of either camping gear or a simple flask or coffee or hot chocolate (or tea), really.

but nope, he's brought an entire picnic instead. all that's missing is candles, but the moonlight provides enough illumination for them. perfect for a night under the stars. although -- ]

Aren't you... trying a little bit too hard here? [ she's a little doubtful as she carefully removes her shoes and sits down seiza-style on the mat. tfw she's still wearing her maid uniform, help. ] I mean, I appreciate you going all out, but you could've just let me know in advance on what to bring so that you won't have to spend a lot.

[ and that'd be unfair on his part. he says she's been dealing with his selfishness, but it's not like she hasn't been selfish with his company either. ]

[ candles… how romo

but no, that's what the blanket's for, promptly deposited onto her lap. can't let her legs get cold… ]

What's a best friend to you, Ishmael? If what you're worried about is me trying too hard, then I guess you'll just have to try just as hard. Or is that too much pressure? Thinking of backing out now? You're the one who told me to commit to my word.

[ In contrast, he sits with his legs stretched out, eyes fixed on the sky above. ]

… Money really isn't an issue. I know it's different where you're from, but that's just the nature of being a traveler, what more our basic necessities already being covered to begin with. Don't think anything of it—or, if you feel like you owe me, just treat me to another meal or however many you think is necessary until you feel you've paid it back.

[ with his jacket and now a blanket on her knees, she's all but bundled up. snug as a bug on a rug. or in this case a mat? ]

I did say that, didn't I. [ she and her big mouth. huffs. ] No, I'm not going to back out if you still want me around as a best friend. Though I'm sure you're already aware of the risks involved by now.

[ ugh, there she goes again. why people still want to hang out with her gloomy ass even before transylvania happened, she doesn't know. she helps herself to some dried squid, ripping a huge chunk out of it with her teeth to keep her mouth busy. look at her chew like some stupid hamster. ]

Sure. You want me to treat you to eel again? [ mmmm, eel. ely's free to choose other exotic seafood for them to partake, though. ] I guess I'm just surprised that you're already up and about, is all. I bet you're not even fully healed, but I won't get into your case for that this time.

[ he's... probably just using her as an excuse to get away from it all too. she won't mind. they both needed this. ]

Edited 2024-10-23 11:11 (UTC)

[ so covered up that if it weren't for her signature hair, most would find it difficult to identify her from afar. but that distinctive feature is just an inseparable part of her, impossible to obfuscate; he wouldn't have it any other way, finding the way it spills out from her cocoon almost endearing.

Setting aside her own perceived qualities as a friend, it's not as if Elysium lacks shortcomings. Actions speak louder than words, so he closes the distance between them, shifting over to bump their arms together. ]

Are you saying that because you have a craving for eel? [ His laughs are still muted, but at least they don't hurt anymore, what's left of the events a dull ache. ] I don't mind. But if we're going to have multiple meals, consider this my request for sashimi.

[ … she won't get on his case for it, but it doesn't stop the mention of it from causing him to shudder beside her anyway. More than his care attendants, there were people that probably shouldn't find out… yikes! ]

… And, yeah. I actually have another week to go, which is why I have a bit of a curfew. But it's not for a while, and the night's still young. [ After popping a bottle and pouring out three glasses, he sets one glass in front of them and holds out another. Once she takes it, he'll pick up his own. ] … To Wriothesley. [ … ] We'll keep doing our best—for him, and for us.

[ he is free to join the cocoon society at any time.

but all right. it's been a while since she had sashimi too, so she'll tuck that away at the back of her mind for when everything blows over -- because it will, inevitably. they've experienced this song and dance plenty of times in their respective worlds already, and wriothesley's passing, heart-rending it may be, won't be the last.

she takes one of the glasses from him, and listens to his toast. short and sweet, no flowery nonsense that he would've turn his nose up at. she thinks about the vigil set had held for her a while ago, wondering if he truly is looking down at them right now and how he truly feels at this very moment if he's even capable of it after death.

... ]

Cheers.

[ she clinks her glass against elysium's before downing half of it. it tastes nice and warm, but hardly enough to knock her out. the night is still young, like he just said. ]

Mm, we'll continue doing our best. Though in your case, you'll have to do your best not to get caught once you get back. [ so much for not getting on his case, but at least she doesn't sound chiding about it... ]

[ He'd be a part of the cocoon society if he weren't a (half) white-haired anime character who likes the feeling of wind against his skin. Besides, it isn't late enough in the year to really be chilly yet nor he does he have the disadvantage of bare legs; maybe the next time they make the journey they can be two literal peas in a pod, but for now

he settles with how he is, their glasses clinking in their ensuing silence. Down it goes, warm and pleasantly. … Eventually: ]

What are they gonna do, put me under 24-hour surveillance?

[ Is what he says, but following the incident with Callisto that's pretty much how it went down… and he's physically recoiling at the thought of it. Eugh.

… ]

Scratch that. Been there, done that. Don't really want a repeat nor would I be surprised. [ He taps his glass with a huff, offering to top her glass off again before he refills his to the brim. ] … But I guess it is safer for me in there than it would be elsewhere. I wonder how long it'll take for LILITH to cure everyone's vampirism. [ … ] I didn't even know that was a thing that was possible.

You say that like they don't already do that to all of us.

[ LILITH, she means, tapping her temple with a single finger. they were already chipped when they manifested here, hello. she's not exactly sure the extent of their surveillance, but hopefully the ones in charge of overseeing them don't need to look too deeply into what they're doing out here in the wilderness.

she lifts her glass for elysium to top off, before taking a sip of her drink once more. ahh, that hits the spot. not as much as rum, but she's had sake with izou before and that had also tasted nice. must be the fact that she's drinking with someone else. ]

You don't have Bloodfiends where you're from? I guess they go by another name here. [ and in most worlds, apparently. ] I mean, I sure hope they can find a cure. Don't want any of us bleeding to death and triggering your... you know.

[ yeah, she's thought about it. it's hard not to, with her track record of keeping friends alive. ]

Edited 2024-10-25 02:05 (UTC)

I like having the suspension of belief, what can I say?

[ Much like how he tends to have selective hearing and reading when it's convenient to him, he opts not to think about how Synthia is probably privy to their every thought and action. But Ishmael mentioned it herself, bro got swatted. You really don't forget something like that so easily. Out here, they're technically no less monitored than within the city, but at least the quiet gives the illusion of it, something he's more than willing to play along with. ]

And no, we do. "Vampire" seems to be a pretty common way to refer to people who have a taste for blood, but the ones I'm used to are a little different. For Terran Vampires, it's a matter of birth, not something they're turned into by others.

[ … He's pouring himself out another shot and downing it. ]

It's the reverse I'm worried about. Me being a vector for infection if they decide to drink my blood. [ and another. ] I never told you, did I? That the reason my world has Catastrophes to begin with is because of Originium.

[ if they're truly in trouble for going too far out into the outskirts, they would've been swatted by now. ]

By birth, huh. I guess our Bloodfiends can turn others into one of their own and call them their Kindred? We don't really know much about them.

[ not at this recent canonpoint anyway. the less she knows about them for now, the better. besides she's clearly more interested with that other tidbit he just said, her eyes widening. what did he say about originium again? ]

And, kind of. You mentioned it in that dream before. You exposed yourself to it in order to establish better communications, but it wore you out and...

[ her voice trails off as she flashes back to brasov, where she's been dragging him around like a portable wifi hotspot. she looks away, if only to pour herself another shot too. ]

I guess I should apologize for that. Not that I wasn't the only one pushing you around at that time, but I contributed to it. [ she brings her knees up to her chest before taking said shot. ] At least now you know that I'm a lot more to handle compared to you.

[ wow ]

That's giving me too much credit. [ … reaching an arm around and ruffling her hair messily. His hand lingers, if only to give it a pat. ] Even though my signal wouldn't have reached if it weren't for it, catching a terminal illness wasn't exactly on the agenda.

[ The hand slides down; he doesn't have to be a member of the cocoon society to directly benefit from it, wrapping an arm around where her shoulders should be and drawing her in with a laugh. ]

It's fine, really. I would've done the things I did regardless of whether you were there or not. [ The promise he'd told her he had to fulfill. ] Besides, [ the slightest pause, ] Izou was the one who covered you for the home sprint and you weren't even the one who'd given me the most trouble.

[ If she's paying attention, she might note the slight tensing of his hand, head knocking against hers before it rests there, almost tentatively. ]

… I screwed up, but if you asked me if I'd change anything I probably wouldn't. [ … ] Say. Is it that you aren't mad at me, or is it that you don't have the energy for it?

Edited 2024-10-27 14:05 (UTC)

[ -- no, she just spoke too soon. all of a sudden he's petting the fuck out of her head which she's gotten quite used to by now, but then he puts his arm around her shoulders and pulls her in and elysium can definitely feel her own body tense as well.

it's strange, being in very close proximity like this with someone who isn't wriothesley, and even then he usually respects her personal space unlike this birdbrain here. but elysium's probably just like this to his friends, and... they aren't just friends, are they? they're best friends. even he himself is kind of hesitating, with the way his hand jerked just now.

but there's nothing wrong with a little skinship between friends, is there? so it's fine to lean her head against his as well, swaddled in his casual, warm embrace that she sorely needed since transylvania. ]

It's not just Izou. Everyone else helped me on the way out. It made me realized how loved he was. [ another sigh through her nose this time. ] And luckily for you, I'm too exhausted to get mad. I don't even know why I should be mad at you in the first place.

[ who's gonna tell her ]

Besides, I screwed up too. That means we're even. [ she closes her eyes. ] That means... you aren't alone in this.

[ Nothing wrong with sharing a little intimacy between friends under the cooling autumn air … nothing wrong at all. At least, he isn't thinking anything of it beyond offering her a shoulder, his own problems so far and away. That in of itself is the problem, but it's fine—if he had to really dive deep, he would say this is what he prefers. ]

We've got a lot of reliable people, don't we? As loved as Wriothesley is… you're cherished, too. More important than those who have moved on are those left behind is a time old sentiment.

[ Finagling with refilling their cups and drinking might prove awkward at times, his proximity this close still managing to wax and wane. But he maintains the closeness because it's what he's promised to do: be there for her. ]

In your shoes, I think most would be. [ most already are. laughing it off, ] But who's comforting who? I'm not the one trying to isolate myself. [ what she doesn't know really can't hurt her… ] Silly you.

[ a finger flick to her temple. hmph. ]

[ hey wtf. he's going to get a flick right on the forehead for that. hmph. ]

If you want me to get mad at you so badly, it's not that hard. I can just do that right now.

[ except she won't. can't believe someone actually wants her wrath. did he not see her beat up a traumatized teenager's ass last month? though then again, heathcliff used to like inciting her rage but that was then, and this was now.

she reaches over to down her sake with one gulp and, feeling nice and toasty, pulls away from elysium to finally lie down on the mat. ]

Come on. Let's do what we came here for already. [ it's stargazing time! ]

Edited 2024-11-07 08:12 (UTC)

Yeah? I happen to subscribe to the belief that if someone has the energy to get angry, they've got the energy for just about anything else. Glad to hear it, Miss [ heh. ] Ishmael.

[ … Just. Musing to himself a little of a the time where their interactions had been far more fraught. With his body in the condition that it is, maybe he shouldn't be provoking her. For what they've been through though, it is a bit of a miracle how she hadn't smacked him around for his hubris at the height of their tension.

She has a better handle on her temper than she thinks—at least, that's his impression of it. Or, had he formed that great of a first impression to counteract it? Ha. ]

Hmm. I'd say the moment you got on the motorcycle was the moment we accomplished what we sought out to do. Everything else's extra. [ Joining her flat on his back, eyes closing. ] What mattered was getting away. … Under the open sky, everything feels so inconsequential, doesn't it?

[ well, that's true. but she'd rather save what's left of her energy for another day. maybe she'll get pissed at elysium for an entirely different reason tomorrow, who knows. or maybe she'll even find out what he's been hiding from her this entire time, if he really is doing just that.

but it's like what he said. under the starlit sky, it seems like nothing else matters. ishmael cranes her head over to elysium's, her eyes searching the stars for something specific. ]

The open sea has made me feel like that, too. Like you're just... a tiny, insignificant drop in the ocean. [ a light chuckle. ] But I didn't want it to be like that. I wanted to live a life unlike everyone else's, so I left everything behind.

[ and look where it'd gotten her. ]

Was that the case for you, too?

Edited 2024-11-10 13:40 (UTC)

[ okay but would ishmael give him her rebound deets if it were to theoretically happen… all he's hiding is his affair(?) with her vtuber oshi is it really that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things??

and, well, his fraught relationships with several of their mutuals at the moment but that's not so much hiding as it is neither here nor there. If she were to ask! He'd answer! It's gauche when relationships could be repaired or mended over time unlike an entire death. ]

If anything, seeing the world exacerbated the feeling. [ His smile is dim, but with nothing more than the light of the moon and its reflection off the surface of the lake, it's probably hard to tell. Even as she shifts next to him, his gaze remains fixed upwards. ] Iberia wasn't really a place to live… or so I thought. Travelling the world and meeting so others makes you realise just how many people find value in being able to live alone. Because it's only when you live that there be hope for the future, right? A chance to create that life unlike everyone else's.

… I just left to see what Terra had to offer, really. Nothing nearly as grand. Being a traveller, moving from one country to the next, doing what I could, when I could—that was enough for me. [ He's closing his eyes, steadying his breathing. ] Still is, in a manner of speaking.

[ IT DEPENDS ON WHO IT IS??? though, considering the kind of people they currently have in base right now, she's not really interested in some of these. rip.

she hums in acknowledgement, placing her hand back down on her stomach and continues to take in the starry sight above them. ]

That... sounds nice. You're living my dream, actually.

[ well, not sure about the part about helping people because she's not that kind. she lets out a deep breath regardless. ]

Or at least, a life I wish to have once I'm done with my contract at the company I'm currently working at. It's only recently that I figured out what I truly wanted to do, and it's to see everything the City has to offer. Warts and all. And I know I'll be doing it on my own once I'm free from other obligations, but...

[ she closes her eyes, her smile wistful. ]

It'd be nice to travel with someone one day. Just so they can have your back, especially with how dangerous the City can be. Back then, I didn't know who I am and... until now I still don't, but I'm starting to have an idea on what I want to be the more I sketch it out in my head. [ a soft laugh, now realizing how... idealistic she sounded just now. ] It's corny, isn't it? You can say it.

Edited 2024-11-12 12:02 (UTC)

[ Living her dream, huh? If he can inspire others to continue on where his journey ends, maybe it's enough for him not to be able to realise it himself. It's not as if it's anything extraordinary—there will always be others who dream of exploring every distant land and star. But there's an inherent comfort in knowing that someone who carries your memory on, will. ]

No more corny than wanting to become someone who connects the far corners of the world together. If dreams aren't allowed to be corny, what is? Dream big, aim big. Most of us only live once, and for so long at that. We gotta make it count while we can.

[ A hum, to indicate that he's turning over everything else she's saying in his head, too. ]

It's along the lines of what I told you before, though. So long as you're chasing something, that's still making something out of your life. We can't compare ourselves to others when we've all lived such totally different lives. Some people figure it out earlier, some——later. All we can do is what we can, when we can.

Unless you wanted me to tease you for it? I can do that too. [ Heheh. ] But I'm not surprised to hear you're a romantic, Ishmael. Travellers and voyagers alike tend to be. It might be premature to say this, but I hope you are able to find that someone. Someday.

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