Day 77 - Closed

[individuates]

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?

Comments

[yinyangfox]

[ Opening his mouth to deny it, Seimei stops, then smiles faintly and chuckles. Of course, the automatic response was likely not the best, so he waits, thinks, and finally answers truthfully. ]

Yes, a bit. I am trying to understand things, for your benefit. Even so, I will no immediately understand.

[ He sniffs softly, looking around the room, hands tucked into their individual sleeves, fingers holding the hems as he gestures around himself for emphasis. ]

This is a very private place. This is your personal suite within the communal living and where - or rather, when - I am from, it is a very big deal to be invited some place like this. Whatever you may think of it, in my time it is very inappropriate for me to be here so casually.

However. [ He quickly interjects before protests occur. ] I will remain here in your company if it is not inappropriate to you, Kaoru. You are the one from modern times, and it is I who should adapt. I only beg your patience. These things...it is not a simple thing, to undo a life previously lived well.

[individuates]

[he can't help but chuckle softly at that, leaning forward slightly]

I do understand what you're saying but to me... this place is nothing more than somewhere I've been allocated to live - there is nothing personal about it. I am working on it, and it might feel like home at some point, but... not right now. Because to be honest, I... I don't like it in here.

If it's awkward for you... I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable. But you're not undoing anything by remaining here.

[yinyangfox]

Kaoru, if this place...If you do not like it, why do you stay? [ The onmyoji asks, tilting his head questioningly. ]

The Bastion is not a very large place, true, but surely you could find somewhere more to your liking? [ A faint frown forms, Seimei's expression thoughtful before he announces. ]

You are welcome to come to my home at any time. You need neither announce yourself, nor concern yourself with traditional gifts as a guest. If you like, I will even extend the porch, so that you may rest there over-looking the garden, and you can work in natural light. Perhaps it is only that you are alone here. At least at my home, you will always have the chickens, and my shikigami is often present as well. And when I am there, we can share drinks at your leisure. I have been experimenting with different plants and some of them make refreshing tea.

[ It all came out rather suddenly, words pouring out in a smooth rush like water from a tipped pitcher. Still, he felt rather good about himself after he'd said it, though he wasn't sure why. It simply seemed as though he'd been invited into Kaoru's home so suddenly, perhaps he could invite the young man to his own, less formally. ]

[individuates]

Because... because, I guess I wanted to try to stick things out on my own - to prove that I could? [Maybe it was a stupid idea...] And then all my stuff ended up here... I just kept telling myself I'd make it work, I guess.

That- - [he hesitates, surprised at the rush of words from Seimei, who usually measures everything. He can't deny... that it's a very tempting offer. Very tempting. His hands set to fidgeting again while he considers it.]

...if you're sure I won't be imposing. But... really, you don't have to redesign the place just because of me...

[yinyangfox]

I can only benefit from it as well, Kaoru. If I spend too much time alone, I'll fall back into my old ways of avoiding people. No one, myself included, can afford that in this place. Furthermore, I enjoy sitting out on the porch and had been considering making it a trifle wider. The weather in this place seems to be very good, for whatever reason. Mild at its worst, so napping out on the porch will not be quite as silly as it was back home.

[ Nodding once sharply, as if to say 'it is done', the onmyoji decided he would hear no more discussion on the matter. He would add to the porch without concern. It was nothing, if it meant the comfort of a friend. ]

Ah, also, I would like to replace the spell on Tama-chan, if you would not mind? I am certain by now the charm is likely bent and worn by now. Paper does not last forever.

[individuates]

[all right. Well. That's that decided, then.] ...I guess I can't argue with that. [He steps forward to take the bundle of clothes and fabrics, bowing his head slightly to Seimei as he does so with an almost shy smile] ...thank you.

[looking toward Tama-chan's armchair]

She seems quite happy as she is, but... go ahead and do that thing that you do.

[yinyangfox]

She, is it then? You've decided? [ He asks with a faint smirk. He was feeling surprisingly better, having invited a more permanent guest to his home. To say he had pep in his step would be exaggeration, but he certainly looked more at ease and happy doing something so reckless.

Pacing over to the chair, Seimei peels the ofuda free of the egg, turning it over in his hand a few times and checking it. A whispered word and the paper puffed into blue-green flame before simply burning up and vanishing. Casually as one might dust off their sleeves the onmyoji rubbed and flicked his fingers, then withdrew his ever-present calligraphy kit from his robes.
In less than a minute he had written up a new spell and pressed it to the side of the egg, radiating a gentle warmth. ]

There you go, that ought to do it. Be sure to keep an eye on it. If I were you, I'd ask some of the natives about Tama-chan. If they know anything, maybe they can tell you how long it will take to hatch? If nothing else, I would suggest a means of carrying it around with you more comfortably. When eggs hatch, whatever is in it tends to imprint on the first thing it sees. You'll want that to be you.

[individuates]

No, not decided yet. Even Tama-chan is just a place-holder name... it's much cuter than just Egg. But since we know it's a girl [or rather, he trusts Seimei's judgement on that front], it's nicer to say 'she' rather than 'it'. I'm working on ways to carry her around but I've been a bit busy putting some other things together... [he watches in interest as Seimei burns the ofuda and writes the new one, almost tempted to clap in awe at hisabilities, but he carefully refrains. In any case, his hands are full, though he quickly remedies that by setting his bundle down]

Thank you!

[he moves over the the arm chair, grinning] See, Tama-chan? You're all cute again~! [he has been dying to stick a ribbon onto the shell - you know, to pretty it up a bit. You have no idea how hard it has been not to]

[yinyangfox]

Hm, what will you do if it ends up being something more like a person? [ He asks, curious as he runs his hand over the shell. He still can't understand why he can't sense what it is. Perhaps not enough experience with creatures in the Skyway? ]

I mean, like an actual child instead of an animal? I can speak to animals as people quite easily, but for you it is more natural to coddle a creature that is not exactly human. Are you preparing yourself for the possibility of something with more needs than a typical pet?

[individuates]

[puffs up his cheeks and blows out a sigh] ...I don't know. I mean, I figured I'd be ending up raising her - whatever she is - anyway, and I may need a lot of help as it is.

But I would need a lot more, if it were more like a child. I mean, I would be at a complete loss as to where to even begin. [He loves kids but he's only sixteen. Teenage parenthood was not his plan!]

[yinyangfox]

I have no experience with children. [ The onmyoji admits, voice and expression unreadable. He had no particular feelings about it one way or the other. He had no problem with children, had not spent much time with them in his own youth and never expected to have any. Just as Seimei had never had the nerve to court anyone, no one had ever even considered him as a marriageable option. ]

I will help with what I can, but I am afraid the old adage "It takes a village to raise a child" may indeed be true. One of the ladies here is pregnant. You might consider asking her for advice.

[individuates]

[hums quietly] Well, I can't spend forever worrying about what she's going to be... I'll just find out what I can about animals that hatch and what they might need afterwards. [and worry intensely about what it might need instead]

Right now the only possibilities I can think of are "bird" and "lizard". What would I feed it, bugs? What if it can't handle solid food at first...?

[yinyangfox]

Then you mash up the food with a mortar and pestle. If it is a reptile it will be able to handle solid foods right away, but a bird may not. And not all birds can live on insects; some require fruits, or other meats. [ He nods, folding his hands into his sleeves and cocking his head to one side to regard the younger man. ]

Do not worry yourself overmuch on the issue, Kaoru. I will help you, and I am fairly certain most of the other inhabitants will as well. So far as teaching a bird to fly or a lizard to hunt, many tend to these things instinctively, but I can discuss it with the shikigami and I assure you, they will have no trouble adopting an animal form and teaching Tama-chan whatever she needs to know.

[individuates]

[sighs] You see, I'm glad you know this stuff. We love animals but we were never allowed a pet in the house. We used to catch frogs and bugs a lot and once we even managed to keep a mouse for about a week before it escaped... [laughs a little awkwardly] Oh, we got in a lot of trouble for that one...

Anyway, my point is I've never actually raised anything in my life before. It'll be a learning curve but... to be honest, even though I'm doing all right so far, that's mostly down to your guidance...

[yinyangfox]

Well, as I said, you have me, and no doubt everyone else. You have many friends at hand here, and you are not limited by the rules of house in this place.

[ Leaving the egg behind, Seimei trails across the room to the window, standing in the light from outside, eyes heavy-lidded and expression distantly thoughtful. ]

You are a good man, Kaoru. Good men cannot fail at good tasks.

[individuates]

[hums quietly, picking up Tama-chan in his arms] ...I may not be "limited", as you say, but I was hardly gifted in the first place...

[he colours slightly at the "good man" comment. Now, which part is it that he objects to?]

[yinyangfox]

[ Silence stretches between the two, Seimei's eyes eventually sliding sidelong, casting a surreptitious glance over his companion. Pondering the situation, the onmyoji finally lowers his head in a small bow. ]

while it pains me to do so, I should leave. Duty calls, as they say. My house will not build itself and there is yet much to be done, particularly if I am to arrange an extension of the porch. In the meanwhile, consider what sort of decorations you might add? I should ask you not to make it too busy, or too far from traditional homes of my ear. It is supposed to be a sanctuary, after all.

[individuates]

[smiling at him over the top of the egg, stepping aside to make sure he's not blocking the path to the door.] All right.

I happen to pride myself on my excellent taste, but I'll be extra careful so as not to do something you dislike. Once it starts taking shape, I'll be able to get some ideas. In the meantime though, I'm willing to help out with the construction!

...just don't overdo things and wear yourself out, all right?

[yinyangfox]

I certainly hope not! I led a particularly sedentary life before all of this. The events in the year prior, and whatever propelled us into this place, have been the most exciting events I have ever endured, aside from learning about my mother or joining the Onmyo...

At any rate. Take care of yourself. Do not hesitate to visit, should the mood strike you. In the meanwhile, I wish you good luck and good rest.

[ He dusted himself off and offered another bow before heading towards the door, pausing at the entrance to look over his shoulder at Kaoru briefly. A few moments, a steady, unreadable stare, then he nods and heads down the hall, a deep, shuddering sigh the only sound he makes. Barely able to contain his own elation, Seimei decides now is probably the best time to build, and work off some of that nervous energy. ]