𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚡 𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚜 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
synfluxmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
synflux2025-02-12 08:44 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in synflux2025-02-12 08:44 pm
KAIJU FIGHT #6
KAIJU FIGHT #6
▶ 001. SOMETHING IN THE SEA (KAGOSHIMA.)
It takes time to traverse the difficult terrain and fend off the corrupt wildlife but eventually, Redemption and Brimstone will arrive at the Ohsumi, where they will be sent coordinates to travel towards Sakurajima. There, they will find a very thin strip of land that forms a sandy and rocky path towards the island. They will be advised to wait until low tide when the path is easiest to cross.
Fortunately, as they wait, they will be largely undisturbed. The poison here is significantly more concentrated and any wildlife that lingers too long suffocates. For safety, Outsiders must continue wearing their protective suits to avoid the same fate.
Finally, the tide begins to recede and gives way to a rough and rocky path towards Sakurajima. The ground is hard and difficult to traverse; some parts are slippery with water. As they cross, a great tremor starts and the waters around them become turbulent. There isn't much to hold onto, but they're at high risk of falling into the sea especially when the land begins to rise.
When the tremors stop, there's a loud, hissing roar. The Outsiders will find themselves on the back of a giant turtle that is disguising itself as a small island. It appears this kaiju is the cause for the rift energy on this side of Japan.
Outsiders will be instructed to use water as their advantage as the creature uses fire and magma abilities. Electric attacks will weaken it, but the key is to tear off its shell from its body. Outsiders will be instructed to try this tactic, and after everyone's effort, the Gigakame will be defeated.
Fortunately, as they wait, they will be largely undisturbed. The poison here is significantly more concentrated and any wildlife that lingers too long suffocates. For safety, Outsiders must continue wearing their protective suits to avoid the same fate.
Finally, the tide begins to recede and gives way to a rough and rocky path towards Sakurajima. The ground is hard and difficult to traverse; some parts are slippery with water. As they cross, a great tremor starts and the waters around them become turbulent. There isn't much to hold onto, but they're at high risk of falling into the sea especially when the land begins to rise.
When the tremors stop, there's a loud, hissing roar. The Outsiders will find themselves on the back of a giant turtle that is disguising itself as a small island. It appears this kaiju is the cause for the rift energy on this side of Japan.
█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEETThe Outsiders will have to cut off all energy supplies to stop feeding the newly named Yamadenki and then defeat them.
NAME: Gigakame
HEIGHT: ???
WEIGHT: ???
CLASS: Extremely Dangerous
LOCATION: Kagoshima, Japan
ABILITIES: Breathes toxic gas, inner core is hot with magma, spits fire.
WEAKNESSES: Electricity, destroying and separating the turtle from its shell, filling the core with water.
EXTRA NOTES: This is a kaiju that has never been documented by LILITH before -- not much information can be provided. However, just like normal turtles, it uses its shell as a shield for defense and can be weakened if the shell is destroyed and torn from its body.
█ █ █ ATTACHED PHOTO:
Outsiders will be instructed to use water as their advantage as the creature uses fire and magma abilities. Electric attacks will weaken it, but the key is to tear off its shell from its body. Outsiders will be instructed to try this tactic, and after everyone's effort, the Gigakame will be defeated.
▶ 002. KAGOSHIMA AFTERMATH.
The Gigakame washes up on shore dead. The bizarre weather begins to normalize, but the poisonous miasma still lingers. Outsiders disembark to Kagoshima's base to depart and assist their other team mates.
Thanks to the clear weather, it's much easier to return to Kagoshima's research base. There, the researchers reveal they have a few emergency teleporters which are only allowed to be used during an emergency. Presumably, there are just enough to evacuate the researchers, but unfortunately, there are more Outsiders. The staff admit they probably won't have enough power to warp everyone safely; they guarantee that the first handful to go through will arrive in Tokyo with minimal issue, but the more they push their machines, the worse the side effects they'll suffer.
Redemption and Brimstone must decide who to send forward first to assist. Either way, everyone on both teams will be successfully teleported to Neo Tokyo, though those who have drawn the shorter straw (literally or figuratively) will suffer more sickness than those who teleported sooner rather than later.
Thanks to the clear weather, it's much easier to return to Kagoshima's research base. There, the researchers reveal they have a few emergency teleporters which are only allowed to be used during an emergency. Presumably, there are just enough to evacuate the researchers, but unfortunately, there are more Outsiders. The staff admit they probably won't have enough power to warp everyone safely; they guarantee that the first handful to go through will arrive in Tokyo with minimal issue, but the more they push their machines, the worse the side effects they'll suffer.
Redemption and Brimstone must decide who to send forward first to assist. Either way, everyone on both teams will be successfully teleported to Neo Tokyo, though those who have drawn the shorter straw (literally or figuratively) will suffer more sickness than those who teleported sooner rather than later.
▶ 003. SOMETHING IN THE SKY (TOKYO.)
While a huge sigh of relief sweeps the country when the kaiju in Kagoshima is defeated, there’s no actual time to relax. Outsiders will be ushered to go through the makeshift portals and/or are encouraged to find other means of arriving at the outskirts of Tokyo immediately. The Imugi has been spotted, and time cannot be wasted-- this is due to the influx of rift energy that is surrounding the city of Tokyo. While LILITH did complete the basic evacuation measures for the citizens of Neo Tokyo, there’s still an ominous air around the city and it’s not just from the rift poisoning, either. With small rifts cropping up here and there within the city, appearing and disappearing, the LILITH base is the most likely target for the Imugi.
While the hatchlings were moved to different facilities for safekeeping and monitoring, the Imugi seems largely uninterested in chasing them at present. The Imugi is resolved in its movements, and no amount of mimicking the hatchlings' vital readings can sway the Imugi off its intended path. As expected, within three hours of the initial fluctuations in rift energy, the Imugi appears at the emptied base. Similar to its behavior in Seoul, it sweeps over the base erratically, almost as if enraged. Its state is a direct mirror of how it appeared when avenging its mate, and it seems this is just the start.
Utilizing the insurmountable amount of rift energy it has built up around Tokyo, it eventually releases a deafening sound that causes the hatchlings to react, drawn to their mother. They make their way through the rifts, traveling through them at her beckoning, only to end up at the basement of the base. Just like that, the Imugi sinks its large claws through the roof of the structure and destroys not just the base, but also its young.
The energy produced by this creates a devastating explosion that destroys parts of the base and some of the surrounding area. While there were limited casualties due to the evacuation efforts, the area is now heavy with rift poisoning and the Imugi has every intention of destroying the city. It becomes clear that it did not desire to chase its young, but to use them to exact revenge.
While the hatchlings were moved to different facilities for safekeeping and monitoring, the Imugi seems largely uninterested in chasing them at present. The Imugi is resolved in its movements, and no amount of mimicking the hatchlings' vital readings can sway the Imugi off its intended path. As expected, within three hours of the initial fluctuations in rift energy, the Imugi appears at the emptied base. Similar to its behavior in Seoul, it sweeps over the base erratically, almost as if enraged. Its state is a direct mirror of how it appeared when avenging its mate, and it seems this is just the start.
Utilizing the insurmountable amount of rift energy it has built up around Tokyo, it eventually releases a deafening sound that causes the hatchlings to react, drawn to their mother. They make their way through the rifts, traveling through them at her beckoning, only to end up at the basement of the base. Just like that, the Imugi sinks its large claws through the roof of the structure and destroys not just the base, but also its young.
The energy produced by this creates a devastating explosion that destroys parts of the base and some of the surrounding area. While there were limited casualties due to the evacuation efforts, the area is now heavy with rift poisoning and the Imugi has every intention of destroying the city. It becomes clear that it did not desire to chase its young, but to use them to exact revenge.
▶ 004. TOKYO AFTERMATH.
The storms increase in intensity as the Imugi circles around the sky of Neo Tokyo. Fortunately, its ire still appears to be largely focused on the area around the base, and so the torrential downpour and lightning only seems to reach around this immediate area. LILITH tries to keep this space contained, attempting to work on stabilizing some of the rifts in order to cut off the Imugi’s potential escape routes. In the meantime, they will offer Outsiders as many resources as necessary to remain in the fight. They will send in supplies occasionally, including their specialized energy drinks and medical equipment. The new injections they drop off are able to heal light wounds and minor injuries, which can be administered quickly on the field. They anticipate this to be a long battle and advise Outsiders to pace themselves and work together.
By the latter half of the battle, all Outsiders should be accounted for in the final fight.
As expected, the battle lasts for over half a day and with the rift energy dwindling, the Imugi appears to be weakened. In fact, the Imugi has shrunk down to its original size prior to Seoul. Feeling its life is at risk, it uses the last of its energy to flee to the foot of Mt. Fuji. Fortunately, it doesn’t make it to the summit, and the Outsiders will be able to make quick work in pursuing it. For those that require it, ground vehicles and planes will be provided accordingly. Let's make sure it doesn't get away!
Upon arrival, they will see the final battlefront isn’t nearly that dramatic. The Imugi is significantly weakened, barely staving off attacks. Instead, it seems to focus on consolidating energy into its core while thrashing about. Eventually, a killing blow will be delivered but even then, it doesn't die easily. Similar to its young that were sacrificed, it appears to be using its own body to summon a final rift. Unfortunately, it cannot be stopped. Outsiders will be advised to temporarily retreat, after seeing the destruction that its young can do. The Imugi's body glows, increasing in intensity as it continues to gather energy. This is the warning to retreat. Within a matter of minutes, it self destructs, and a new rift is seen in its place. All Outsiders and LILITH are safe. The researchers immediately alert the area to be closed off for inspection.
Upon preliminary examination of this rift, they find that not only did it level a good portion of Mt. Fuji, but the power from it is unparalleled. Unlike the rifts they’ve encountered in prior battles, including their most recent venture in Transylvania, they discover this rift cannot be closed. What could this mean?
█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: IMUGI ♀
HEIGHT: 1000 feet across, 30 feet high
WEIGHT: 2000kg
CLASS: Extremely Dangerous
LOCATION: Neo Tokyo, Japan
ABILITIES: Control over weather conditions, including summoning of heavy storms, lightning strikes and hurricanes. Can fly up to 1000 feet. By flying amongst the clouds, Imugi releases chemicals into the atmosphere that bring about acid rain. Armored scales, sharp teeth and claws.
WEAKNESSES: Piercing it in the gaps between its impenetrable scales. There is also a particularly weak spot under on it's neck that will deal significant damage if pierced.
EXTRA NOTES: From its initial appearance and behavior, specialists believe that this female Imugi confirmed to be the mother of the hatchlings. This appears to be the female counterpart to the kaiju in Seoul that was killed by the Outsiders after causing havoc on South Korea. Despite them both being the same type of kaiju, likely derived from the same rift, this kaiju seems slightly more agile and openly aggressive.
By the latter half of the battle, all Outsiders should be accounted for in the final fight.
As expected, the battle lasts for over half a day and with the rift energy dwindling, the Imugi appears to be weakened. In fact, the Imugi has shrunk down to its original size prior to Seoul. Feeling its life is at risk, it uses the last of its energy to flee to the foot of Mt. Fuji. Fortunately, it doesn’t make it to the summit, and the Outsiders will be able to make quick work in pursuing it. For those that require it, ground vehicles and planes will be provided accordingly. Let's make sure it doesn't get away!
Upon arrival, they will see the final battlefront isn’t nearly that dramatic. The Imugi is significantly weakened, barely staving off attacks. Instead, it seems to focus on consolidating energy into its core while thrashing about. Eventually, a killing blow will be delivered but even then, it doesn't die easily. Similar to its young that were sacrificed, it appears to be using its own body to summon a final rift. Unfortunately, it cannot be stopped. Outsiders will be advised to temporarily retreat, after seeing the destruction that its young can do. The Imugi's body glows, increasing in intensity as it continues to gather energy. This is the warning to retreat. Within a matter of minutes, it self destructs, and a new rift is seen in its place. All Outsiders and LILITH are safe. The researchers immediately alert the area to be closed off for inspection.
Upon preliminary examination of this rift, they find that not only did it level a good portion of Mt. Fuji, but the power from it is unparalleled. Unlike the rifts they’ve encountered in prior battles, including their most recent venture in Transylvania, they discover this rift cannot be closed. What could this mean?
▶ 005. RE-GROUP.
With parts of the base destroyed and Neo Tokyo undergoing cleanup from the aftermath of the battle, Outsiders will be advised to take a break in the underground bunkers between Mt. Fuji and the city outskirts. As part of Mr. Fuji was also destroyed, some of the bunkers aren’t accessible, but Outsiders will find it is an entire maze of a city beneath the surface. If one traverses far enough, they will find it even connects to the amusement park that they saved last year. Exploration aside, Outsiders will be provided medical assistance and anything else required, and LILITH staff that are on hand will remain devoted to getting things back on track.
In the meantime, Outsiders can utilize whatever supplies are available and use the rooms at the Kyoto base freely. Each room contains anywhere from 2-4 beds, and everyone will be encouraged not to be alone in case of another emergency, especially as the rift remains open at the base of Mt. Fuji. These rooms are set up like traditional houses rather than a flashy base, with sliding doors and tatami mats. Floor futons will be used instead of Western style beds. There is one communal and traditional bath house for all sexes to use, a makeshift medical area, and an underground market that have several restaurants... but the food options and quality of amenities are questionable. They are mostly run by gritty characters or A.I robots.
As the portal between Kyoto and Neo Tokyo is still active, for those who are still able to, they will be advised to assist in retrieving any Imugi parts that remain from the scuffle. While its main body is being contained and promptly dealt with by LILITH, there are parts and scales scattered around Neo Tokyo and the old base. All parts are to be bagged, marked, and returned to LILITH. It's hard to say just how much of LILITH's base was destroyed and Eiji Shiro along with Captain Yamakawa are evaluating the state of the base before sharing a detailed report of the destruction. Stay tuned until February 25th for a follow up post.
In the meantime, Outsiders can utilize whatever supplies are available and use the rooms at the Kyoto base freely. Each room contains anywhere from 2-4 beds, and everyone will be encouraged not to be alone in case of another emergency, especially as the rift remains open at the base of Mt. Fuji. These rooms are set up like traditional houses rather than a flashy base, with sliding doors and tatami mats. Floor futons will be used instead of Western style beds. There is one communal and traditional bath house for all sexes to use, a makeshift medical area, and an underground market that have several restaurants... but the food options and quality of amenities are questionable. They are mostly run by gritty characters or A.I robots.
As the portal between Kyoto and Neo Tokyo is still active, for those who are still able to, they will be advised to assist in retrieving any Imugi parts that remain from the scuffle. While its main body is being contained and promptly dealt with by LILITH, there are parts and scales scattered around Neo Tokyo and the old base. All parts are to be bagged, marked, and returned to LILITH. It's hard to say just how much of LILITH's base was destroyed and Eiji Shiro along with Captain Yamakawa are evaluating the state of the base before sharing a detailed report of the destruction. Stay tuned until February 25th for a follow up post.
▶ 006. AFTERWORD.
Welcome to our sixth kaiju battle, and it's a double whammy!
There are two kaiju to attack this time. Please read the instructions at each header about how to play. Remember, you only have to fill out your attack information once and we will RNG a HIT or MISS result two times per character.
It is highly likely that if your character did not pack certain belongings with them that they could be amongst the rubble of the base. The state of the base will be explained in a follow up post on February 25th, but fret not, you may assume whatever items are still in tact and operational and can be retrieved shortly. If you'd like for items to be perished and destroyed, be our guest!
All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards February AC.
There are two kaiju to attack this time. Please read the instructions at each header about how to play. Remember, you only have to fill out your attack information once and we will RNG a HIT or MISS result two times per character.
It is highly likely that if your character did not pack certain belongings with them that they could be amongst the rubble of the base. The state of the base will be explained in a follow up post on February 25th, but fret not, you may assume whatever items are still in tact and operational and can be retrieved shortly. If you'd like for items to be perished and destroyed, be our guest!
All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards February AC.
EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. SOMETHING IN THE SEA (KAGOSHIMA): Teams Redemption and Brimstone arrive at the Ohsumi to receive coordinates to Sakurajima, where they must wait until low tide to cross. The poison in the area is significantly concentrated; Outsiders are advised to wear their suits to avoid suffocating like the rest of the wildlife. Once they are able to cross, they discover that the land they are on is not an island, but a giant turtle kaiju responsible for the influx of rift energy on this side of Japan. Outsiders will be instructed to use water against the kaiju and try to separate the shell from the body.
2. KAGOSHIMA AFTERMATH: After defeating the Gigakame, Outsiders will be instructed to join their other teammates in Tokyo via emergency teleporters located at the Kagoshima research base. There is a limited amount of power to warp everyone safely, and Outsiders must decide who to send through the teleporter first. Eventually both teams will safely arrive in Neo Tokyo, but those who have gone through the teleporter later may suffer more side effects.
3. SOMETHING IN THE SKY (TOKYO): The Imugi has been spotted in Tokyo with a large influx of rift energy and has its sights set on destroying the LILITH base. Although the hatchlings were moved to different facilities, they are inevitably drawn to their mother and travel through rifts to the empty Tokyo base; however, instead of a reunion, the hatchlings sacrifice themselves and the ensuing explosion destroys parts of the base and the surrounding area.
4. TOKYO AFTERMATH: The rematch with the Imugi and the Outsiders begin, with LILITH working on stabilizing rifts to cut off the Imugi's escape and sending in supplies in the form of energy drinks and new medical equipment. The battle lasts for over half a day, with the Imugi attempting to escape to Mt. Fuji, weakened to the point where it can't reach the summit. Outsiders are advised to retreat as the Imugi self-destructs and creates a new rift, one that can't be closed.
5. RE-GROUP: With parts of the base destroyed, Outsiders will temporarily stay in the underground bunkers between Mt. Fuji and the city outskirts. While Outsiders are provided medical assistance and anything else required, LILITH staff that are on hand will remain devoted to getting things back on track. Outsiders are welcome to help themselves to the limited amenities and room with others; however, sharing is encouraged and the food options are questionable. As the portal between Kyoto and Neo Tokyo is still active, some Outsiders may be asked to assist in retrieving Imugi parts. At this time, Eiji Shiro and Captain Yamakawa will assess the damage on the base before sharing a detailed report at a later time.
no subject
He's not going to baby Tsurumaru, but he's not going to leave his side, either. ]
You're not going to get out of it that easily.
[ Getting to his feet, he goes over to the sword and takes it into his hand, returning to his chair and holding the blade gently. He's going to have to do some work to take care of it, but at least he knows how to work a blade and get it back in shape. ]
Do you need anything? Tea?
no subject
(Let him off easy... come on, Aki.
Resting, waiting, watching as Aki goes over to retrieve his sword, he holds his breath from the moment he picks it up to the moment he sits down. Once he settles back beside him, Tsurumaru can too. He lets out a slow breath and his entire body seems to relax. After a moment, he slowly turns over on his side, curling slightly while doing so. He wants to face Aki, see him, reassure him, no hide away and make him worry more,)
Tea. (He'll never say no to tea and it will be good to keep Aki busy.) ... And something sweet.
no subject
It's as if he's still stuck feeling that strange, discomforting feedback loop of grief and hurt and the edge of death coming too close.
Watching Tsurumaru, he hesitates for a moment before he breathes out. ]
I'll make you some tea, and get you something for your sweet tooth. [ A pause, and then...
Then he bows his head just a little. ]
In a moment.
no subject
Give me your hand.
(And before Aki can give him his human hand, Tsurumaru adds,)
Your other one.
(His metal prosthetic.)
no subject
Now isn't the time to question it.
Metal fingers hold on to Tsurumaru's briefly, and he sighs softly. ]
I'll bring you sweets, but I'm going to bring you some apples, too.
no subject
I'll look forward to it.
(If their situations were reversed, he would do the same. Carefully cut and peel fruit, keeping his hands busy with something instead of twisting and digging his nails into his palms. But speaking of, he brushes his fingers against Aki's palm, gentle and careful not to damage himself. He wonders if Aki can feel it.)
Do you remember the first time you gave me your hand?
(Almost exactly a year ago after a miserable battle in Tokyo's bay? Drenched and agitated because of the sea water, soaking wet in a different infirmary.
He keeps his voice soft, quiet so only Aki can hear,)
Maybe... Happy anniversary.
no subject
Being here. Caring for the sword. Making him food.
Maybe the healing upgrade isn't such a dreadful idea after all. ]
I remember coming here, and you thought you were drowning. I had no idea what you meant.
[ A shake of his head, and he brings Tsurumaru's fingers to his mouth, trying to hide his relieved laughter. ]
This is what you call the anniversary?
no subject
He shifts just slightly so Aki can kiss his fingers. It would be easy to feel ugly as bandaged and damaged as he is but from Aki, he doesn't feel any disgust or any less love. He manages to get a laugh from him and it makes him smile,)
An anniversary. The first of many. (Just the first one for the year and he gives Aki's hand a small squeeze,) So celebrate with me.
Don't be miserable because of me. I'll keep myself together.
no subject
[ It's not a lie, exactly. He's sad, and on edge, sharp with his worry and breathless from the flood of concern. He hasn't really rested since the fight itself, and his need to take care of Tsurumaru is almost as agonising as his body's desperate demands for him to take it easy and pause, but all of that seems to rush out of him with a pulse of one heartbeat to the next.
Leaning in, he sinks down, lower and lower, until he is pressing his face into the space beside Tsurumaru, his free hand gripping the sword on his lap like it's the only thing keeping him stable. ]
Tsuru... I was...
[ Afraid. Frightened. Scared. His fingers grip at the sheets, and he squeezes his eyes shut. ]
I love you.
no subject
You're totally miserable.
(He can feel it. Even without the ring, he can feel it in the way he holds onto his sword form like it's some safety line. It's been a long time since he was last held like that. He can barely remember when the last time was.)
I love you too. (His hand stills, just resting on top of Aki's head,) I don't think I can die like this.
(He's always been comfortable speaking about death. Maybe a little too comfortable at times. It doesn't bother him and he rarely cares if it bothers others.)
... Sorry.
(But when it's Aki, of course he cares.)
no subject
I'm happier now.
[ Because his lover is here, breathing, battered and bruised but alive. Aki knows that feeling intimately, in echoes and from his own experience, so it's going to take him a little while to muster himself, to feel more like the man he had become.
Leaning into him more, he shakes his head. ]
It's okay. You're engaged to a dead man, so...
[ Surely Tsurumaru is in a worse position. ]
no subject
(He sounds unbothered, more amused than anything, and he runs his fingers through his hair, the tips brushing against his scalp in a slow and soothing way,)
You're alive. (At least, he is here. Right now, he's alive.) And when you die... that won't stop me.
(He'll go with him to the grave when that time comes. He'll stay with him until he rusts away. He doesn't even have to think twice about it. Ah, but this topic feels so dark and heavy considering their current circumstance so he sighs,)
Hey, Aki-kun. (He says it endearingly, teasingly,) Stay here tonight.
no subject
Should he let the emotion he feels overcome him gently? Should he fall into it with nothing but the weight of his own feelings? Or should he accept it for what it is, the soft touch to his face, settling him and anchoring him? He really isn't sure.
Turning his head, he tries to kiss Tsurumaru's bared skin. ]
I don't know if they'll let me.
[ As if that would stop him. ]
But I'll see what I can do. I need to take care of your sword either way.
no subject
Take me with you then. (His sword.) That way, we can be together.
(He brushes his fingers against Aki's lips and quietly, softly, he confides,)
Do I still look beautiful?
(Weak and broken and totally useless in bed? Is this really one of his priorities right now? Of course. He's always been proud of his appearance and one of the few times he ever gets self-conscious is when he feels his looks aren't up to standard.)
no subject
[ Aki leans in, trying to urge him to settle, to rest, and be careful with himself. Trying to make sure that he doesn't push himself too hard, that he doesn't do anything that's going to cause himself any more pain, any more suffering - that's the last thing that Aki wants. He wants Tsuru to be alright, and it's hard for him to put those things into words.
Lifting his hand up gently, he kisses his fingers gently. ]
You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
no subject
He's the most beautiful thing he's ever seen, he says and Tsurumaru can't help but stare in quiet wonder. What he thinks right now isn't anything new. He's known for months. He's known it for almost a year: Aki is one of the most wonderful humans he's ever met.
Nearby, a digital chart, linked to Tsurumaru's vitals begins to beep quickly but steadily. With their rings, Aki will be able to further tell that it's not because something is wrong. Nothing is wrong when a warm waves washes over him, making his chest feel full, his heart beat faster, and it just feels so nice right now.
He isn't good with words. He's confusingly careful, frustratingly vague, and it's only recently that he's begun to speak more openly and directly. He's tried to get better, whispering in the safety of their privacy, trying to express little things. Sometimes he needs guidance, sometimes he needs a cue, sometimes he needs to hear from Aki first so he can reply in turn. And little by little, he gets better, he becomes more comfortable, until he can eventually (even if quietly) say without prompting,)
...I love you.
(Just as a robot assistant rolls in, interrupting them, asking to check his condition. Its AI voice asks for help turning him over onto his back again so it can check for physical signs. He's fine. Both he and Aki will know there's no reason to worry but that doesn't stop his heart.
As the assistantbot checks him, Tsurumaru keeps his hand held out for Aki, eyes still on him as the robot explains each step on its programmed checklist. He only barely registers what it is saying. His attention is clearly elsewhere. )