thebastion | Day 77

Entry tags:

Day 77 - Closed

Who: Kaoru Hitachiin and Seimei
Status: Closed ._.
When: Day 77
Where: Seimei's pad.
What: Worried Kaoru is worried, and ~~stalks~~ follows Seimei back home.
Style: Action
Warnings: Nope?

[Once the discussions end, Kaoru slips away again, making his way in the the same direction Seimei had gone. His attention was probably completely unwanted, but... Seimei had seemed so troubled when he had left. Kaoru couldn't just stand by and leave him to it. So here he was, trailing after as usual. He was always the one following behind like a lost puppy. Did that make him the kind of person who could only survive by attached himself to someone else? Wasn't that just futile, given how this place had already proved how fragile these attachments could be?

But this wasn't about him and his issues. Kaoru was just worried. He just wanted to check in - even if Seimei told him to leave, at least Kaoru would have tried. And even if Kaoru couldn't help... at least he could listen. That counted for something, didn't it?

He hesitated, approaching Seimei's lean-to, and called before he had a chance to change his mind-]

Seimei-san? Seimei-san. [He admonishes himself quietly. He can't help it, it's still a little weird to drop the honorific when addressing an elder] ...Seimei, are you there?

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[raising his hands defensively] I know, I know, and I don't have a problem with it, well not much anyway, I mean it's a perfectly fine way to dress if you're from as far back in the past as you are, but yes, considering supplies are limited...

...we may have to negotiate a little.

I do not think I could dress as the others, or you. Could...is there. [ He huffs a faint sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. ]

Is there a way to maintain the core elements of the noshi? Maybe not six layers but...at least something familiar?

We can discuss it. The main thing is that at least the lowest layer, you could probably do with multiples of, right? At least a pair, so you can wash one and wear the other. As for the rest... I may not be able to manage all the layers, but the ones I can... they`ll take up a lot of fabric, but not all of it will suffer wear-and-tear. So how about when you`re done with them, you bring them back to me to repurpose into something else?

Not that I`m a fan of recycling but it would be better than just throwing them away.

I could dress in peasant fashion. [ He remarks with a sniff and sigh, long suffering surrender to the inevitability of compromise. ]

Considerably less layers. More freedom of movement. It is simply more practical. I can wear it if I must. If it is simpler for you I will do so, and you may use my robes now as material for what you need.

Whoa, hey, stop, let's... let's not go that far. [It's going to be hard work, but he's not just going to stick you in any old random junk. Nobody more than Kaoru wants people to maintain at least a decent dress standard in this place.] Let me see what I can do before you give up completely, all right? I wouldn't put you through that kind of indignity...

Kaoru, I assure you, no greater indignity can I suffer than the one I did in arriving here, and never sensing there was anything wrong before it.

[ The onmyoji sighs, plucking at one sleeve and frowning at the fabric. ]

You are right. For me to dress like this is absolutely indecent. I am misrepresenting myself. Whatever you can do, Kaoru, I submit to your superior knowledge.

I'll do my best for you. [he's beginning to realise the challenge he's taking on though. Even regular hakama are a pain - no, no, challenge to make. Sashinuki-bakama mean more panels... more fabric... but if he does it a little at a time, he'll gradually get it done.] To begin with, we might be able to alter what you have to make it last a little longer. It's the cuffs of your sleeves that are in the worst state. I can take them in a fraction, or take a small strip from the inside to bind the edges. They're not ready to fall apart just yet!

Ne, Seimei? How are those chickens doing?

[ Looking at his hands briefly, forgetting the sleeves for a moment, the onmyoji allows himself a small smile, eyes tracing the paths Kaoru's thumbs had taken. Blinking twice, his gaze flicks up and fixes on the younger man's face with a faint nod. ]

As I said, I defer to your judgment. If I may, however, I would like to make a personal request?

[ Teeth press briefly against his lower lip before that familiar glitter in his eyes rises to the surface - that gentle amusement. ]

Make some for yourself as well? I would like to see you in....respectable clothing.

[Kaoru blinks, momentarily surprised by the question. He is dressed quite respectably, considering he has had to make do with materials and clothes he has found. The trousers had been just a touch too baggy when he found them, but he had tailored them himself. And the weather isn't too warm or too cold either, so he's quite comfortable in a short sleeved shirt hanging open over a vest.]

[he does a little turn on the spot, as if to look himself over - what did he miss?!] H-huh? Is something wrong?

No, I suppose not. Not at all, when you are from, I imagine. I am...merely curious what you would have looked like in my own era. With your hair and eyes. I cannot decide if you are a summer or an autumn. I find myself interested in the idea of you in Heian fashion. Is that so strange?

[ He asks, arching a brow and cocking his head with that small smile of his. ]

Besides, I would feel odd being the only one dressed in such a manner. It would help me transition into something less ostentatious?

[raises an eyebrow in return] Eh? Really? Tono made us try it once, for club, but is was such a pain. So heavy and cumbersome. I guess I've been spoilt by all the western clothing in my life, it's much easier to move around in.

[...and up goes the other eyebrow] ...you mean you want me to wear a matching outfit?

What? Matching? [ He blinks several times, looking at himself, then up. ] Would that be strange? I had meant for you to design something in Heian fashion...but of your own choice in colors and fabric. I...

[ He pauses, embarrassment evident as he shakes his head, clears his throat, straightens his robes and offers a small, polite bow. ]

Forgive me. I was being presumptuous and foolish. It will not happen again.

[he can't resist laughing at the reaction. Seimei, you are just too cute.] Aside from school, where everyone had to wear the same uniform, I've never dressed - or been dressed - the same as anyone else in my life. Not even Hikaru. And that's saying something, because people have a tendency to do that to twins.

[with a grin] As for Heian fashion... even if I can make enough to clothe us both, you have no idea whether I'll manage in it or not. I may fall over. [...may. Thugh the truth is he has pretty good balance and is relatively graceful. It will probably be all right.]

As I said, it was a foolish request. I apologize for any offense it may have caused. [ He replies, ducking his head slightly and clearing his throat, shifting his weight uncomfortably. ]

I. Hm. Back to the original point. I will wear what you make. As for fabric... [ He gestures to the clothes on the lean-to and being used for the futon. ]

While I am out gathering supplies for the house I pick up anything I feel to be of value. I've found quite a bit of clothing and fabric. I have given you some here and there, but you are welcome to the rest.

I'll look through what I have first. I've quite a few bolts of this and that now, so it should be good.

[now he thinks of it, he really needs decent shelves for his growing collection of fabrics...]

We can work on dismantling your place once you actually have a house to live in. Until them I'm relying you to keep them safe from sun and-or chicken damage. Sound good?

Oh. No. take it, I insist. [ the onmyoji offers a crooked smile unlike the rest. Nervous, almost. ]

I had already grown accustomed to sleeping under the tree. The grass is sweetly scented and the ground is soft enough. My home will take a long time to build, the clothes will be a comfort until then.

[whut...]

...I'm not leaving you to sleep under a tree, Seimei. What if it rains? [not that is has, while he's been here, but what if?]

Ah, Kaoru, I do not believe it rains. As yet we have to experience any change in climate at all. [ The onmyoji blinks, tilting his head slowly. ]

I was sleeping under the tree before I gathered enough supplies for the shelter. This would be no different. Please, do not trouble yourself over it. If it were that much of a problem I would take a room in the...communal living. [ No mistake there, that idea was less savory than sleeping on the ground. Then suddenly, a slow grin and raised brow. ]

Unless of course I were invited in as a guest. Then it would be rude of me to refuse.

I know, I know that! But what if it did?! Then that would be awful, you'd drown!

And I think there's a room put aside for you anyway. [not taking your meaning :| Sorry.] If not, you should just be able to take one. But then where would the birds go?

[ Snorting softly at the accidental rebuff, Seimei shakes his head and raises a hand. ]

I am continuing to build the house. I have little interest in staying in communal housing. I lived outside of the capitol for a reason. I simply cannot live with so many people at once. It. My head....all the noise and voice and lives. It is too much.

I will say this, Kaoru. Take the cloth. I do not need it. I insist. and so you cannot argue, I promise you, I will sleep somewhere else and simply leave the cloth there to waste. So, put it to good use.

[He's usually quite perceptive but... even Kaoru's radar malfunctions from time to time. His posture straightens a little bit at that snort - what did he do? What did he say?!]

But, but... [it may be true that he cannot argue, but that won't stop him from trying] but that's all the more reason! You do need it now, when all that you have are pieces... [gestures to the paper and frames and the skeleton that will be Seimei's house.] I mean, I've never made a house before but I imagine it's quite a long and time-consuming process...

It is not so difficult when you have help. [ The onmyoji replies with a calm and reasonable tone, changing their path slightly and walking back around the house. He gestures to the frame work and dividers being erected. ]

I am still able to summon the shikigami. When I am building, they are building as well. Often, when I am collecting supplies, they will come with me in order to carry more, or they will stay behind and build until I return. It is a process, Kaoru, but not an impossible one. The reward at the end will be a place I can think and have the privacy I need to survive.

[ Seimei smiles warmly and arches a dark brow. Reaching up to scratch his forehead lightly he suddenly remembers leaving his hat behind, ears coloring. In his upset, he had been disinclined to wear it, ignoring basic social etiquette. Perhaps, he mused, he had been more upset than he'd initially thought. To Kaoru, he would certainly look more himself at this point. Flustered, possibly, but more attentive and less mourning. ]

We should head back. I would like to gather up the fabric for you and I should indeed return to my work. I imagine laboring on the house will give me time to think, and distract me from those things I cannot change.

Shikigami. Of course. [He manages to keep his tone quite flat but thank goodness he is slightly behind Seimei so he cannot see him face palming, completely out of arguments. Of course Seimei has shikigami. He hitches up a resigned smile, pressing the heel of his hand against his temple with a sigh.]

Well then. I suppose I lose.

[He glances back at the frames again, brows furrowing slightly]

...would I be able to help out, some time? I can't say I'd have any idea of where to start, but I'm willing to learn...

[ The onmyoji pauses for a moment, tilting his head to regard Kaoru over his shoulder. After a moment, the man smiles and nods, continuing back towards the lean-to. ]

Kaoru, I am flattered that you would offer, and I am honored to have you as my guest. Always.

[ Habitually, Seimei presses his fan to his lips, hiding the color of his face and the secretive smile below. ]

[his hands raise slightly] No-no, don't be too flattered just yet. I've never done anything like this before. If I make a mess of things you're more than welcome to kick me out or whatever...

[tilts his head slightly. He's getting it now, that nearly every time that fan comes out, there's something that needs to be hidden behind it.]

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