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...]

Action

[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.]

Video

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.)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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.]

[ He snorts at that. Well then that is a tad bit awkward but they were just getting into this. He can do this, yeah right, he can. ]

Oh! Yes of course. Hm. [ Ah physical contact was not his forte. But he could think of a few things. It's a bit easier given that they spent the night together already. There wasn't anything to really hide between the two of them anymore. He'll wince a little when he stretches his wings as he thinks. The broken one was still sore and painful but it was healing rather nicely at the moment. ] I-I'm not...not really, um, sure. I mean...

[ He hasn't talked about this in awhile and he doesn't want to be a bother but he shrugs. ] There's not all that much that's-that's pressing to know. You've s-seen and know about most-most of the things and you accept them. [ He smiles softly. That's really one the major things but it's a definite weight off his mind. ]

I don't think there's t-too much to go over. But I'm sorry if-if I make things difficult in the future. [ Oh dear. There he goes with apologizing again. ]

But I think you might be right. About the theme song I mean.

[He catches that wince and after a moment, reaches out to rub Helios's back just below them. He's careful though not to touch the wings themselves, remembering exactly the effect that touching them had at Valentine's. The memory makes him flush a little bit and oh god, neither of them is going to be able to keep anyone from guessing for five minutes, are they?]

How could I do differently? You've done the same for me. Accepted things I thought were unacceptable about me.

It's not making anything difficult, Helios. I- I just want you to be comfortable. All you have to do is tell me.

[He laughs again at the idea of a theme song, shaking his head.] I think she'd probably like that far too much.

[ There's a slight exclamation when he feels Max's hand on his back. It's a pleased noise when he begins to rub because that felt rather good after everything that happened. Similar memories of Valentine's Day seep in but he manages to curb his blushing to something minimal. He sighs happily and shakes his head. ] Just, ah, be p-patient with me? That's really all I can ask. You've done everything right so far. I-I certainly can't complain about anything.

[ He leans back to look over at Max with a genuine, bright, smile. ] And I want you to be comfortable too.

[That's a good sound, and Max continues, rubbing the tense muscles there gently, hoping that it would help to ease some of the ache there. Heh, he'd never thought he'd have to be worrying about helping someone's broken wing recover.]

I can be patient. Some things are worth being patient for. Some people.

[He smiles back warmly, and this is really happening, isn't it?]

[ Helios will give a contented sigh because that feels rather good at the moment. He hadn't realized how tense and knotted his muscles were. He might tense just a little bit but he's trying to allow this contact to continue for prolonged periods of time. But he trusts Max and his right wing will stretch a little outward as the other continues those ministrations. ]

Thank you. I-I really do appreciate that. And you're absolutely right. [ He'll turn around then to give Max soft, light, kiss on the cheek. His own smile as bright and happy because this really is happening. This isn't a dream or some sort of shift, it's just them and them alone. ]

[He's glad that he can help, even in such a small way and he gives a pleased noise when Helios's wing stretches out like that. It already looks better than it had on the draft. He looks much better and when he smiles like that, it's like a world of hurt has been taken off his shoulders.

He's a little surprised at the kiss, but it makes him smile, just to have Helios initiate something.]

You have the most amazing smile, you know, solnyshko.

Edited 2013-04-11 04:32 (UTC)

[ It's more than small, really. For Helios such acts are, well, more compassionate and meaningful in their own rights. His lack of help back at home might have something to do with it. Luceti has made it better with all the help he's gotten here, but it still makes him feel so much happier and warmer with such acts. He smiles brightly and warmly when Max calls him that. ]

Solnyshko. I'll have to learn Russian soon, if I'm to come up with a name for you. [ Or maybe he can think of something in Romanian. He laughs, soft and amused. ]

[He could get so very used to hearing Helios laugh like that and it's kind of embarrassing how much he likes it.]

It fits. [Especially when he smiles and he thinks he sees what Jack meant, about expecting romantic music to start playing. He has it so bad.]

We're not exactly short on time here to study, I guess. The knowledge here is... it's amazing.

I look forward to hearing what you come up with.

No we're...certainly not. [ A good and bad thing, really. More time to figure this out and get more acquainted with one another but then there's always the Malnosso and their own plans that get fitted into the matter as well. Helios smiles and nods. ] It's...amazing how much I've learned since arriving here. So many worlds and magics I've never known about. It's-it's a shame that...that we won't be able to remember it.

[ All that wasted knowledge that they can't return with. ]

Hopefully it'll be, ah, fitting. I'll have to think on it some more.

Plenty of time. [Max can't help the slightly teasing tone in his voice when he says that, grinning at him. The expression fades though when Helios mentions that they won't remember. That's- knowledge is one thing, but... god, the people he's met. He doesn't want to forget them. He doesn't want to forget Helios.]

It's heartbreaking. [He lets out a slow breath and then moves to lean his head against Helios's shoulder comfortably.] Just have to enjoy it while I have chance then.

[He smiles against his neck and nods.]

I'm sure whatever you think up will be perfect.

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