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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[ 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.]

[ Oblivious to Kaoru's dawning realization, Seimei guides their path back to the lean-to, where he rolls back his sleeves and begins folding the clothes up, breaking down his makeshift futon. ]

Not at all, Kaoru. If your talent does not lay in construction, I am certain you could take an eye to my gardening. Or decorating, if you're any good at artistic expression, as I am mixing paints for the interior doors. There is no doubt something you can do, to add your touch to my home.

[he makes a start himself, shaking the fabrics out before folding them into careful squares] I can manage either of those, definitely. I'm all right with plants, though I'm better at arranging them than growing them. My grandmother practices ikebana, she's not half bad... [understatement much, Kaoru? Just like her daughter, Kazuha goes all over the world to practice her art.]

I guess the talent runs in the family, but she's still a tough teacher. Carrying the family name doesn't mean a thing if our work sucks, so... she has exacting standards, little patience for sub-par pieces. She never wastes any time telling me when my work is worthless. [he runs a piece of fabric through his hands thoughtfully] In the end, we have a name and a reputation to protect. [and in the end, his name and his skills are really all that he has here]

It fascinates me to hear these things and to realize how little the world changes over time. Peole are not so very different from one century to the next. Yes, perhaps they do have different standards of etiquette, or fashion. Yet the core principles, they seem strikingly similar.

[ The onmyoji nods slightly, finishing gathering up the fabric and setting it aside for Kaoru, dusting his hands off. Casting his eyes towards the skeletal house, Seimei smiles thoughtfully. ]

Would you like to decorate my house, Kaoru?

[Kaoru's turn. His head jerks up and he almost loses his grip on the fabric he's holding]

E-eh? But... but you've hardly even seen any of my work yet! What if I screw it up. Or, or worse, what if you don't like it?

I assure you, should you try your best, you will not disappoint me. Besides that, I imagine anything you put your heart into can only be judged as perfection.

[ The onmyoji offers one of those infuriating, unreadable smiles with those glittering, amused eyes. It seemed as good an excuse as any to spend more time with Kaoru.]

You can do your fabric crafting here as well, if you like, in the meanwhile. No doubt the open space will be suitable.

[he can't help pouting and glowering slightly at Seimei as he runs the fabric from one hand to the other]

[deadpans] I never know what you're thinking when you smile like that. Makes me doubt your intentions.

Oh? [ He asks, looking perplexed before a broad grin splits his face. ]

Allow me to allay your concerns. what do you think my intentions are?

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