thebastion | Day 117 :: After the Core Hunt [open]

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Day 117 :: After the Core Hunt [open]

Who: everyone, get in here
Open: Open
When: late in the day on Day 117
Where: all around the Bastion
What: There is a new building in the Bastion, and all the buildings now have power
Format: action
Warnings: some of the PCs are a bit broken

[Once again, it was a difficult hunt for the core. Though there was less physical damage this time, the mental damage is very apparent: four residents of the Bastion come back in far worse shape than they left in, and many others are possibly affected as well.

But not all is bad. With the return of a core, new life springs into the Bastion. All around, lights flicker into existence. Light fixtures and electrical sockets spring out of walls and ceilings. Stoves change to become more modern, and refrigerators suddenly appear in all of the apartments.

There is now free, unlimited electricity in the Bastion.

In addition, a new building springs up on the southern side of the Bastion. This apartment building is eight stories tall, and contains both a laundry room and several three-bedroom apartments. While the first apartment building is by no means full, this gives everyone more places to choose to live.]

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[a quiet, snuffly noise and he nods against Seimei's chest]

I won't leave you. You're stuck with me.

[with both of them. Tama-chan comes creeping up from Seimei's other side, butting her face against his shoulder. At least it's not her horn - though if you have any unexplained bruises, Seimei, she's the one to blame]

Not such a bad thing to be plagued with. [ He whispered softly, relaxing back into the bedding. A thin crease appeared between his brows as he listened to his shikigami speaking to him, unheard by anyone else. when Tama-chan prodded him, the onmyoji relaxes again. ]

We're having a guest, it seems. I could say no, but I feel inclined to reward Taisan for his obedience despite the risks. [ Inclined to offer reward, and to soothe his own lingering guilt. ]

Do you mind? [ He asked, still not opening his eyes, his words breathy sighs spoken on steady breaths. He felt too tired to put much effort into speaking, but he needed to ask - his admission carried many underlying commitments, not the least of which being that Kaoru now had a say on what guests Seimei had while the boy was present. ]

If you don't, I don't. [lifts his head to watch him, stroking away Seimei's hair.Tama-chan leans her head against him and gets comfy.]

You're tired, Seimei, don't talk anymore. Just rest. [adjusting the covers, running his hands over them to smooth them] I'm right here if you need anything.

[ He sighed softly, twitched in an attempt to shift and eventually gave up. Moving his body was too much effort. ]

Just your company. [ He paused, thinking, then smiled faintly. ] And perhaps a little water.

Now? I'll get it for you, if you can do without me for a few moments.

I won't go far, I promise.

[ He snorted a soft laugh, amused at Kaoru's words and mildly embarrassed by his own weakness. He made a small sound of understanding and consent, settling silently into the bedding to think about everything. Being awake made it easier to ignore the horror and focus on the cathartic release of his admission.

He was in love. Real love. It was enough to open his eyes again, dark orbs sliding sidelong to watch the red-head move about his home.

It was in that moment, he realized Taisan and himself had a great deal of work ahead of them. The home was suddenly too small to contain everything.

When Kaoru returned with water, Seimei watched his face, sipping carefully. Licking his dry lips afterwards, he stared steadily.]

Tell me again that this is real, Kaoru. That you are here and alive and you'll be here tomorrow.

[It's no weakness to need someone, Seimei, shush. Kaoru is not content to be away for longer than strictly necessary to get the water, and carefully sets it on the other side, away from Tama-chan, when Seimei is done.]

[a fond smile. Tomorrow is doable, though Kaoru had a little longer than that in mind] As many times as you need to hear it, I'll tell you. I'm here now. And I will still be here tomorrow.

[stroking back Seimei's hair, then gently resting a hand on his cheek] Need anything else? Are you warm enough?

I am quite fine, Kaoru. I am not injured or broken in any way. I am simply drained and exhausted. Please do not fret overmuch. I am only...I was worried. You were dead and very angry with me, in that hellish bog.

[ He sighs softly, tilting his head into Kaoru's palm. ]

Take some of my shards, Kaoru. Go and buy bedding that you prefer. Taisan will help you bring it here. He has to buy some as well. It seems I will be housing his...friend.

[ He inhaled and exhaled deeply, squinting his eyes at the rafters. ]

I just want you to be comfortable and rest. You had me pretty worried too, you know? You weren't even moving when they brought you home...

[smiles a little at the way Seimei leans into his touch.] ...all right. I promise I'll rush there and hurry back. You sleep for now, all right?

No need to rush. Take your time, stretch your legs. You should gather some clothes if you plan to stay over. Taisan will help me bathe later, and change, so if you like, you should go to the onsen.

[ He wasn't about to ask Kaoru to sponge him off after all. ]

[smiles and nods but he doesn't plan on taking it too slowly, or even straying particularly far. He's tired too, you know? In fact he could curl up quite comfortably and sleep now.]

[pulling a little face at him, poking out his tongue]

Aaaa, you're telling me I smell again? How romantic of you...!

[ He sighs, offering a vaguely apologetic look. ]

Kaoru...we were in a bog surrounded by rotting vegetation and poisons. Taisan wants to treat our clothes, and I am rather something other than human. My sense of smell is a bit more sensitive.

B-but I'm cleaner than I was!

You are, of course. Whatever you choose to do, Kaoru. I will be here whenever you return, either way.

I know you will be. [and that's a small, ever so slightly shy smile]

[kisses Seimei's cheek and makes sure the covers are straight before he gets up more than a little reluctantly. He's a fusser. He can't help it]

I'll be back soon. [he probably will stop by the onsen, though he'd much prefer a quick shower. At least he can blast his hair dry now!]

Edited (Gdit iPhone.) 2013-10-25 03:06 (UTC)

[ coloring faintly at the kiss and pursing his lips he looked off to the side, allowing the fussing for the moment. Under normal circumstances he might had resented being babied in such a manner, but he had to accept that Kaoru was as worried as he had been, and really, he probably would have fussed over the boy were their positions reversed. ]

Take your time. I won't be alone so if I need anything I imagine it will be handled.

[ Meanwhile Taisan was just arriving at the house with Alucard, stopping at the front to point to the raised step at the door. ]

Foxface would kill me if I didn't point this out, so see where those boots and slippers are? You take your boots off there and don't wear shoes into the house. He'd be livid if you went tromping around in there gettin' the place all dirty.

[ He paused when he saw Kaoru, raising a hand in greeting. ]

Hey kid. I'm droppin' off Alucard and headin' back out with you. If you wanna buy the stuff I can bring it all back easy enough while you get cleaned up. Ah... [ Taisan turned, swiveling his attention back to Alucard. ]

Help yourself to the food. I can always make more. Just remember, if you walk around outside first, when you come in, be sure to take your boots off. Alright. You'll be fine, right? [ He asked, cocking his head to the side then grinning and bowing with a flourish, pressing a kiss to the back of Alucard's hand before releasing his grip. ]

We'll be back soon!

Edited 2013-10-28 00:37 (UTC)

[Tama-chan lifts her head from Seimei's shoulder but... mmh. Nope. Going with Kaoru would involve moving. So she lowers her head again and gets comfy. Don't worry, guys. She'll protect you.

Kaoru can't help chuckling at the face Seimei pulls, but slips toward the genkan, putting on his shoes obediently and indulging in a quick stretch. The sooner he gets done, the sooner he can get back, right?]

...let's get stuff quickly so I can sleep before the sun rises.

[For a moment Alucard just stands there looking rather shell-shocked as his face rather quickly works its way up from being it's usual unearthly pale tone to a rather nice shade of red. It's half instinct that has him finally just sit down on the step and bury his face in his hands to hide his embarrassment. If there's one thing that had been quite clear in his time even amongst demons, it was that only women were to have their hands kissed as a token of parting, platonicley or otherwise. He can't quite pinpoint why his body feels the need to react to something so small in this way, but the dhampire is resolved to sit here and focus on getting the feeling to pass before he goes inside.]

[ Seimei watches Kaoru leave until he can't see him around the wall anymore, then tilts his head enough to rest his cheek against the Anklegator, sighing softly. ]

My life was already so complicated, Tama-Chan. What am I doing? ,small>[ He asks, knowing full well she could understand him better than she could anyone else, and her intellect was already quite superior to that of most common creatures. ]

Dear girl, would you go and make certain our guest does not trample the garden? I've chastised you enough times that you know what he should and should not do. When you think he's wandered quite enough why not bring him in to have a meal. No doubt he could use rest as well.

[ Nodding once in reply, Taisan hurried alongside Kaoru, humming cheerily and elbowing the young man with a wink. ]

S~o I saw you two made nice and everything. How's that, huh? Feelin' pretty good? You looked happy enough. And now boss wants to expand the house and all. When you two finall do it, can I watch? [ Not that asking was creepy or anything. ]

I'm askin' because its polite. I won't if you don't want me to but you're totally gonna do it and I wanna get all the pointers I can, because I'm totally gonna do it someday too. Totally. That word is extremely enjoyable to say.

Edited 2013-10-31 16:58 (UTC)

[Tama-chan makes a little noise, nuzzling against Seimei gently. If Mama is happy, and Papa is happy, Tama-chan is also happy. She doesn't see why everyone being happy together should complicate things further.

She pulls back to lick his cheek before slinking away to babysit Alucard. She feels so important, having a job and all. If he wants to explore the garden, she'll lead him along the paths. Otherwise she'll sit quietly with him until he moves.]

[Taisan is just... so energetic. Kaoru feels pretty wiped out in every sense, and all he can do is duck his head and laugh tiredly.] ...even if it were to happen sometime soon, so far as I'm concerned the only people who should be involved in the bedroom are me and him. That being said, if you can convince him I'm sure you can convince me. [not that that would leave Taisan with much hope though, knowing how hard Seimei was to convince]

[from the monument he gets the fluffiest and most luxuriant pillows and bedding he can find, adding a few of his own shards to Seimei's - what the onmyoji didn't know couldn't hurt him.]

[Alucard manages to calm himself shortly after Tama-chan shows up. With a last sigh, he removes his boots as asked and heads inside, leaving the anklegator to trail along behind him. Exploration can come another time, when he's not in need of food, rest, or giving his host thanks for allowing him to stay for a while. If the man is still awake, he'll thank Seimei first.]

Nah nah, I ain't gonna poke my nose in to your business. Once upon a time I probably would have but...well, I'm tryin' to do things your way. You know. The human way. I dunno how successful I'm gonna be but I'm doin' my best. Askin' permission and all. I think that's what I'm supposed to do.

[ Nevermind that asking permission to watch someone having private intimate moments was beyond weird or inappropriate. Taisan watched Kaoru buy things, not commenting on the boy using his own shards because as far as he was concerned, Seimei needed to stop smothering the kid. Reaching out and taking the bedding, he kicked teh red-head lightly in the rump and nodded vaguely. ]

Go on and get washed and all. Boss ain't goin' anywhere fast so you'll be find to take your time. See you back at the house.

[ In the home, Seimei dozed lightly, comforted by his surroundings, the additional warmth from the low fire nearby and the scents rising from the garden. When Alucard and Tama-chan finally entered the house, he opened dark eyes, watching them in silence under a veil of thick lashes. Noting the dhampire's more direct approach, he gathered his strength and forced himself to sit up, hair falling down around his face. It was the least formal Alucard had ever seen the onmyoji. ]

I apologize for not being in a better state to receive a guest. Taisan chose to request this on very short notice and under the circumstances, I sympathize. Please, be welcome in my home and do not consider yourself an imposition. [ He gestures to the cook pot and small bowls near the clay jug of water. ] Help yourself to as much as you like, familiarize yourself with the home. As they say, make yourself comfortable.

It's a good start. [Weird and inappropriate perhaps but hey. At least Taisan asked. It was good to know he wasn't just going to... wander in on something intimate. He hands over the bedding, but pouts slightly at the kick]

...if he asks, it was no more than one third. Like we agreed.

[he leaves for the onsen, intending just to clean off and not actually go into the bath but... he is tempted. And it would definitely help ease the aches in his body. So once he is all clean, he slips out into the open air bath and allows himself to soak for a little while, dragging himself out before he dozes off one too many times]

[Tama-chan follows along with Alucard, slinking past him and over to Seimei's side, giving one of his hands a small lick. She was worried about you - are you sure you should be doing that?]

[If Alucard is at all phased by Seimei's appearance, his face remains as impassive as ever.]

...Thank you for your hospitality. I will do my best not to become an imposition.

[And he is quite sincere about that, even if actual act of thanking the other half-human is a formality. Without any further preamble, he makes his way over to the soup. Given how little he had eaten that day, he likely would have managed more than one bowl before exhaustion has him finding himself a comfortable corner and dozing off.

While it might seem odd to others, it's a long-standing habit of his, born of practicality and the natural need of his kind to find enclosed spaces to sleep in.]

My lips are sealed. [ Taisan replied cheerily, bowing politely and heading to the house, leaving Kaoru to himself. ]

There is no need to thank me. [ Seimei replied casually, merely saying as much as part of the dance of courtesies familiar to them both, being from equally old and elegant times, albeit clear across the globe from one another.

Looking down at the Anklegator the onmyoji nods, acknowledging her concern and agreeing, he had little business pushing himself more than necessary. It amazed him how quickly Alucard recovered, really. Turning to adjust his bedding, he stretched out once more. He had expected to wait for Kaoru but ended up dozing off before he realized it was happening. Probably for the best.]

[ Taisan arrived shortly after Alucard finished eating, hopping up onto the porch, bypassing the front door and padding across the wood flooring quietly. He worked in silence, laying out Kaoru's bedding and pillows next to Seimei's, then checking the onmyoji. Giving Tama-chan a brief scratch, he slid further into the house, adjusting the privacy screen to hide most of the corner Alucard had chosen from the light outside. He hoped to provide more shade and quiet, at least until better arrangements could be made.

Satisfied with his work, he crouched down in front of the dhampire, wondering if he could be smelled like normal of if the man were too tired. He liked that Alucard sensed him like a real person instead of just a thought or vague presence. ]

Hey, china doll. Psst, pretty-face. Yoo-hoo, heart's desire, wake up. I've got some clothes and bedding. You should sneak off to the onsen while I set up a proper place for you. You know with like...pillows and shit.

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individuates - 2013-11-06 07:36 (UTC) - Expand

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