faithfulflame | Tenth Prayer: Fanning the Flames [Action/Video]

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Tenth Prayer: Fanning the Flames [Action/Video]

[What a week! Rei couldn't remember a time she'd been more exhausted in her life. The minute she made it in the door of House 3 she'd just dropped into bed like a wilting flower. And she'd slept. For days. When she finally managed to get up and feel...human...again, though, she had things to address. Lots of things.

And the first thing on that list? The shrine. And preparations for a trap she planned to lay on two unwary wizards. After that, she had promises to keep and work to do. This was going to be a long day...]

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[Rei spends the early part of the day around Tsukino Shrine. She's been gone for more than a week, and the whole thing needs a bit of tending, just basic chores. While she works, Phobos and Deimos play around the small courtyard, flapping around merrily in the spring breeze. It's a pretty nice time, a far cry from the insane battle the week before. Anyone's welcome to come by and help out with chores, or setting up for her foray into forced match-making.

Midmorning, before she sits down to have lunch she opens her journal and sends out a broadcast. Phobos and Deimos are probably pawing around the camera, being nosy birds as usual.]

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Good afternoon, Luceti. This is Rei Hino. I would like to inform you that fortune telling at Tsukino Shrine will resume today as normal. I'd also like to express my sincerest condolences to anyone who was injured on the draft last week, and even more to those who lost someone in battle. Words...fail me at the moment, but if you are in need of a place to pray or find a peaceful place to think, you are welcome to use the shrine here for that. I hope you are able to find some measure of solace, however you choose to seek it. If you need me for anything, I will be here until six this evening for fortune telling or prayer services.

Additionally, I would like to ask a question. What are ways that you've learned to relieve stress? Particularly after a battle. How would you go about creating an atmosphere to help people relax? I have a small project that I'm working on down this vein, and I could use some suggestions. I would appreciate it a lot.

[A little later she sends out 3 more filtered broadcasts]

Locked to Max Woodville

Max-san, can we talk?

Locked to Okita Souji

Souji-san, if you have time, I would like to make good on my promise.

Locked to Helios Sprensonne
Helios-san, can you visit the shrine tonight at around seven? There is something very important I need to discuss with you. I'll prepare dinner, so please come hungry. This may take some time, as well. And it's a sensitive issue, so I'd appreciate it if you could leave your journal at home.

(OOC: Feel free to just drop by the shrine instead of responding to the broadcast if that suits your character better.)

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[It makes him chuckle slightly, a genuine laugh for what feels like the first time since the draft.]

You're right. Also, she's locked us in here so she at least owes us dinner.

[He follows Helios over, a little nervous, feeling an odd flutter in his stomach although he knows that it's just the two of them being pragmatic. Friends eat together all the time after all. They can talk like civilised adults, sort things out and then leave tomorrow.

He sits down opposite the other man, reaching for a couple of bottles of beer and examining the labels. Looks nice.]

You want one?

[ Helios will laugh smiling and shaking his head. Max did have a point though what did it say about them for falling for such a plan. ]

You do have a point. Locking us in here certainly requires some sort of repayment I think.

[ Because who honestly did something like that? Aside from a sailor senshi apparently. Helios tries to keep his anxiousness well concealed, he knows nothing will happen, and they're just going to talk like civilized adults. He's shaken from his thoughts as he offered beer bottle. He normally doesn't indulge but this night he felt called for such a thing. ]

Oh! Um. Yes thank you. It's-it's been a while since I've indulged. I Suppose a celebratory drink is in order. F-For the, um, success at-at the draft I mean.

Oh definitely.

[His tone is dry because really, this was the kind of thing you saw in stupid romantic comedies, where everything always ended up perfectly and unrealistically.

He passes over one of the bottles and then groans as soft music begins playing. It's nothing overwhelming, but it's definitely intended to set a particular mood.]

I did say we should have a pint when we got back I guess so this is appropriate.

Y-Yes you did. [ Helios' eyes widen at that music. His face is just...one big palate of red right about now. He inwardly groans at that music light and not too loud but it was definitely there for the mood. It was just...unexpected. ]

This definitely counts then. [ Music aside this is pretty nice actually. ]

[Helios looks like he's about to die of embarrassment when the music starts and oh hell, they have what? And entire twelve hours of this to go before Rei lets them out.

At least the beer is good.

He sits awkwardly for several moment, the silence growing between them. He sips at his beer and then sets it down on the table, looking up at the other man apologetically.]

I'm really sorry I've put you in this position, Helios. It was kind of... heat of the moment, back on the draft, I mean, and I never thought Rei would take it upon herself to do something like this.

[ At least the beer is good and the company even better. Helios is trying to forget about the whole purpose to this night. Helios takes a sip blinking at the unfamiliar flavor of it but it's not half bad.

Helios looks down at the bottle cradled in his hands. He shakes his head and smiles a little. ]

I-I'm, um, not going to blame you Max. [ He could never really do that. ] I-I wasn't exactly objecting when it-it happened. So-so I suppose it's only natural for Rei to-to have such thoughts afterwards.

[ His has is slightly red from the red and the cozy heat of the room. He doesn't know why he hadn't pulled away it was something he kept asking himself. ] H-Heat of the moment seems reasonable enough.

[ Of course, yep, heat of the moment is a good excuse the both of them could use. ]

[The company is excellent and normally he would have nothing to object to, it's just the embarrassment and Rei's intentions for the evening which are making things uncomfortable.

The beer is pretty good though, has a different taste to what he's used to, but he definitely like it. Part of him wants to gulp it down, hope it makes things a little easier, but that's probably a terrible idea.

He ducks his head to hide the heat in his cheeks when Helios points that out. No, he hadn't been objecting had he? It still didn't make what he'd done right.]

Surprise can freeze you, I guess. You should have just punched me or something. I mean... I'm not normally- I can take a hint, is what I mean. So it- it won't happen again.

It would be nice if you still wanted to be friends though.

I-I... [ he sighs. He isn't sure if he should even bring it up now. Everything was so intensely awkward at the moment. Helios will just gnaw on his lip and he takes another sip of his beer. ]

I didn't...really mind. I-I mean it-it was from the surprise but it just...reminded me of-of, um, Valentine's Day. And it's just, it was nice. [ He looks so terribly flushes at that comment. Almost surprised it even managed to pass his lips. ]

But I do. I want to be friends with you still. [ But he's just so confused if they could be something more and he doesn't really know what to say. ]

I-I'm sorry for-for everything. [ For being like this and for causing Max so much grief because of it. ] I'm thankful that you would still want to be friends with me, even after everything. [ And the next part is said rather hastily. ]

And that you s-still...love me despite-despite everything about me. [ He's forgotten what it feels like to have someone love him and he misses the fact that he can't reciprocate it back anymore. ]

[Oh, Valentine's Day. The start of all of this. God, he feels like a fool. It makes him smile though. It was a good memory. That Helios thinks it was nice, that catches his attention, as if Helios didn't already have it.]

It was. Nice, I mean. And- thanks. I'm glad you don't- don't hate me for it.

[He looks up giving a small smile at the apology, impossibly fond despite everything.]

You really don't have anything to apologise for, Helios. It's just something I need to- it's all on me.

[His expression sharpens into surprise when Helios says that, surprise that he even would say it, surprise that Helios could even believe that. He leans forward a little, giving Helios an intent look.]

Helios, I- you are so easy to love. You're the sweetest, kindest person I've ever met. There's nothing not to love.

[He's kind of surprised that he doesn't have half of Luceti falling over themselves to say the same.]

I could never h-hate you for that Max. [ On the contrary it was something of the opposite at the time, and even now Helios holds no ill will towards the other man.

He blinks in surprise at the intensity of Max's gaze, unable to look away for that moment. He'll bite his lip gently unable to really discredit the other's words. ]

I-I'm sure why. [ Because there are things he's done, unintentionally, that were still terrible to even speak about. ] But I-I believe you. I can't even reproduce those feelings anymore. And I'm sorry that I can't because I-I did enjoy our time together.

[ When he was normal and not like...this. He was happy and normal and not as lonely for an entire week, and maybe that's all he needed. But who was he kidding? He wished it had lasted far longer than it had. ]

That's good. Makes me feel a little better about everything.

[He was glad that Helios had enjoyed it, that maybe it had made him happy for a while when he still seemed so sad much of the time.

He wants to reach out and touch, brush his thumb across Helios's lips to stop him biting them, like he had back at the hot springs. He tightens his hand on te beer bottle instead.]

Because you're so worth loving.

[He sighs softly, staring down at the table. It just makes the love-sick feeling worse, Helios saying that.]

I knew that going in, remember? I- I'm not... I didn't go into it expecting anything beyond that. I still don't. I'm glad you enjoyed it though. I really am.

You think so? [ The blush is undeniable as it lingers on his cheeks for a good long while. ] I suppose I'm just too used to people telling me otherwise. Even if I've...had time here to be taught and-and shown otherwise.

[ Helios' smile is sad and a little empty as he sighs. ]

You don't...expect anything even after all of that? [ But what sort of relationship would that be then? Helios still worries his lip but he shakes his head and takes another sip of his beer. ]

I wished it could have lasted longer. It's been so long that I-I feel selfish even th-thinking about loving anyone else...

[ He blinks and looks away. He didn't really deserve it, did he? ]

I really do. You more than most.

Yeah well, some people are arseholes who don't know what they're talking about.

[Starting with Helios's brother.

He tries to wrap his head around how to best explain himself.]

You- you don't owe me anything, Helios. I make my own choices and I can live with the consequences. So no, I never expected anything. We had a good night. And I have a good friend. That's all I could ever ask for.

[And Helios's friendship is something that he treasures.]

It's not selfish. It's human. I don't- [He hesitates, because he really isn't sure that it's his place to say anything, and he doesn't want to appear selfish.]

The way you talk about her, I don't think she'd want you to be lonely or feel bad about caring for someone, even if it's just to surround yourself with friends who love you.

[ Maybe it's the beer but he actually laughs at that. His laughter going silent after a few moments as Max continues to speak. ]

I-I understand. [ He purses his lips and looks away towards the fire glowing brightly in the shrine's hearth. But what if they could have more than that? He blinks surprised at the mentioning of Elise. ]

You're absolutely right. She...wouldn't have wanted me to-to be this lonely or sad with or without her. She'd p-probably tell me to-to go for it to be honest. [ Here he might flush a little at that very direct statement. He knows that she would never be replaced and that he was never going to replace her. And that Max wasn't trying to replace er in those regards. But maybe is was...time to perhaps move on. ]

I think it'll be alright then. Most things usually turn out that way, don't they? M-Moving on is just...something I've never thought about doing. I've never really thought of myself deserving a second chance because of what happened. But maybe it would help if I did try. I-I'm certainly not the man I was upon arriving here after all. And that is-is perfectly fine too. People change and without you and everyone else I don't think I ever would have. [ He'll turn back and smile. ]

Happy endings aren't just for, um, fairy tales I suppose.

[That laugh, it makes him smile a little to hear it, a little of the awkward tension draining out of the room.]

Just- the last thing I want is for anything to be out of- out of obligation.

[He couldn't bear that. it would be worse than being outright rejected.

And yet, when Helios speaks like that, he can't help but feel a little flicker of hope. It's ridiculous, perhaps, but still... he's always been a bit of a fool.]

Everyone deserves a second chance. I- I mean, even if it isn't me that you- uh... even if you do want to be friends and that's all.

[He could deal with that. Helios had been here for three years. He'd been here for three months. Surely Helios knew people he'd have more interest in.

He smiles back warmly though, nodding.]

Yeah, maybe they aren't.

Of course not. It...it never was out of that I assure you. If-if it were to happen it certainly wouldn't be because of-of obligation. I-I enjoy your company and it's certainly not because of obligation. We've sh-shared so much together and I do love our time together too whether it be locked in a shrine or-or not. [ He smiles. ]

And isn't that what, um, l-love is about anyway? Sharing moments and times like this with someone you cherish? [ The sexual aspect was another part of it, but Helios doesn't really see that as a requirement for such things. Love was something more than just physical attraction and he and Max had always had a...connection of sorts from the moment they met. And it's not as if that haven't already slept together before. Helios' face flushes as he tries to drown it out with another long sip of beer at that thought. And oh is Max really saying what Helios thinks he's saying? Well of course he would, he was head over heels in love with him wasn't he? It was something like the situation with Robert back all those years ago and he never took initiative because he never believed himself to be worth it. Max was like Robert in that he didn't care about the lack of reciprocation and that it was fine the way they were. Helios can accept that now, especially since he's learned to move on and that it's alright to do so. And that this is...perfectly okay the way they are. ]

Max. I. I think what I-I'm trying to say is... [ oh my gosh how does he even say this? It's been so long and he is so terribly out of practice. He's just going to fumble with his words for a moment okay? ] Is that I'm...ah.

[ He's never been good at this who is he kidding? He's terrible at this actually, another reason why he never really tried to go for this sort of thing. He might look more than a tad bit embarrassed now. ]

Good. That's good. And- I enjoy your company. More than I can say. I mean... yeah. That's good.

[Oh god, words. Why are you so difficult at the times when you are most important?

Helios's words though, he feels hope flicker in his chest at that, although he tries to keep it down, lest he be seeing only what he desperately wants to see.]

That's always been the important part, yeah. I mean- having someone to go home to. That's always what I liked when I was with someone.

[Someone to share the stupid little moments of the day with. Someone to wake up to and fall asleep with. And even if Helios doesn't feel the same overwhelming love, he obviously cared and that, in his mind at least, was plenty to build something on.

Helios is stammering again, worse than normal and it's so endearing. He laughs softly, smiling at him and shaking his head.]

We're both awful at this, aren't we? I think Rei should have left prompt cards.

I love you, Helios. And that- it's... whatever you decide, whatever you want to make of it, I'll be happy.

Edited 2013-04-08 21:15 (UTC)

That is the most important part. And if-if you think it could work out then I...I think it might be good for the both of us then.

[ He is stammering and smiling, his face flushed with heat at the words being spoken and the realization that they could probably make this work. ] E-Even if my own love isn't-isn't exactly the s-same in regards to this sort of thing. I-I do want to make you happy as much as I'm capable. I want to-to share things with you that I otherwise never could with anyone else. [ And most importantly he doesn't want Max to be alone because he deserves more than that. Helios never would have thought it to be him to fill in that void but if Max will have him be that then he would do everything in his power to do so. He feels happy and...warm for once in all these years right now. It's such a strange and uncommon feeling to have. But he likes it and he wouldn't give it up for the world. ] If-if you'll, ah, accept that then I-I don't think there's anything else left to say on the matter.

[ He's stammering and smiling but he manages to laugh because dear lord they really do need cue cards for this, don't they? Helios wonders how long it's been since Max has had anyone either. But he figures it must have been a long time if the other man, who wore his heart of his sleeve, was also a bit embarrassed and moving with caution. It's been a long time since he's heard those words in earnest. Without the Malnosso interference or anything else getting in the way. This could work if they both wanted it to. And so without much else to do or say Helios smiles as he moves in a bit closer and press his own lips to Max's. A soft kiss and he's blushing profusely now because, well, he hadn't really expected this night to turn into well...this. But he can't really complain, now can he? He's not sure he could be entirely angry at Rei anymore after all of this is said and done. He pulls away his voice but a soft murmur between them. ]

Whatever we m-make of it you mean. [ Love was a two fold path after all, not just determined by one person or the other but both in unison. ]

I do! I mean- I want it to.

[And Helios is smiling, looking so happy and hopeful and Max is fairly sure he'd agree to anything Helios asked at that moment. And he... he wants this too. He can't quite believe it, had convinced himself that it was impossible, something to be hidden and locked away until it burnt low enough to pretend it was gone. And now... He's smiling like a complete love-sick idiot which is- well, pretty accurate right now.]

Yes! I mean- [He gives a soft laugh, awkward and embarrassed at his outburst, but happy. And it has been a while, a long time since he was with anyone for more than a short-term thing. Hell, a long time since he'd had even that. So maybe his lack of finesse can be forgiven.

And then Helios is suddenly close, really close and oh. He feels a little like a deer in the headlights, and this was probably how Helios felt the other day. He might whimper a little as he kisses back, can't quite believe that this is happening. He reaches up to cup Helios's jaw, remind himself that he's actually real.]

Th-that was a pretty clear answer.

[He laughs softly, leaning forward against him, and oh god, he can actually do that now, right?]

Yeah. What we make of it. Us.

[It gives him a little thrill to hear it.]

I-I apologize. I didn't...I'm not usually so, ah, f-forward with such things. [ But words kinda escaped him at that moment, and actions tended to speak louder than words.

Helios likes the happy enthusiastic outbursts. He finds them rather endearing actually, not that Max needed much help in the ways of being just that. But he's glad to see the other man so positively thrilled and just beaming with energy and happiness about all of this. He laughs and lets Max lean against him, the action met with as little awkwardness as possible. Helios is still getting used to it, the contact and intimacy, but he can be a quick learner if he tries. He sighs happily and contently his face flushed as he diverts his eyes. ]

I-I suppose we can't really stay mad at Rei for all of this now, can we?

[ Who would have thought this would even work? It seems so surreal right now. He'll turn to the food his stomach giving another angry protest. He gives a wry smile and a huff of laughter as he looks at max. ] We should...probably eat as well.

Edited 2013-04-09 07:11 (UTC)

No! It- it's perfect, Helios.

[And it really didn't leave him in any doubt as to Helios's thoughts on the matter which was what they'd been failing to get across with words. And now he doesn't have to hold back all of the things he's wanted to do for weeks, like just lean against him comfortably like this. It's a small thing but means so very much to him. And Helios looks happy too, which is just perfect.]

I guess not. We might actually owe her.

[He laughs softly when Helios's stomach rumbles and he's pretty hungry himself. And the food does look good.]

Yeah, that would be a good idea. Before it gets cold. Did she tell you not to eat before arriving too?

O-Oh good. I-I confess I'm not...not used to these sorts of things. It's...been a very long time. [ And there's a touch of sadness in his voice as he admits that. But it was probably obvious, even without Helios mentioning it. He huffs a laugh, a hand running through his hair to the back of his neck. ]

Oh dear. I guess we better start writing our thank you letters.

[ He laughs though and nods in acknowledgement. ]

She did. I'm glad she made as much as she did then.

I'm kind of... I like it. A lot. Being touched I mean. Even just casual stuff. So you don't need to worry about it not being welcome.

[He hoped that didn't sound as weird as it did now he thought it over. He did reach out though, resting his hand over Helios's, giving it a gentle squeeze. He knows that Helios isn't as comfortable as he is; it's something he'll have to work on, work out the boundaries, but maybe that encouragement might help? He doesn't even know but he might actually get time to work it out.]

We probably should. And I can see her saying 'I told you so' in that particular tone of voice.

Yeah, it smells really good too. She's pretty sneaky.

Edited 2013-04-09 23:13 (UTC)

O-Oh of-of course. [ He laughs sheepishly again. His face goes beet red because, well, if Valentine's Day was anything to go by then yes Max liked it quite a bit.

Helios is going to have to take a bit of time getting used to this again. Being touched and that contact again was admittedly still something foreign to him. But they can work on it, they have time at least. ]

Rei certainly knows how to-to play matchmaker. I suppose that's what sailor scouts are good at as well as fighting evil. [ He smiles brightly as he leans a little into Max. The action stiff at first but it gets increasingly easier to do so by the second. ]

O-of course you probably guessed that already...

[He broke off, giving an equally awkward laugh because yes, he had kind of given that away at Valentine's hadn't he? And he thought things were supposed to get less awkward with stuff out in the open.]

And you have to tell me if you don't like something. I mean, not planning on throwing myself at you in the middle of town but...

[He didn't want to make Helios uncomfortable if he could avoid it at all.]

She does. I think she needs some kind of theme song.

[And oh, he liked that smile and the way Helios relaxes against him like that.]

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