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 Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 8:30 pm
Tovarish, Tovarish….he’d taken that word so happily, yes, but what did he really think of it…Couldn’t think of much other than her at the moment, in all honesty, but it did have its meaning to him…
The majority of it, though, was that she was the one who called him Tovarish. It was her word for him, and that’s what he cared about…her. He had…nothing to compare to, yet he could feel it, deep inside him, in his…heart, that this was it. What did ‘it’ entail, hm? Oh, that was lost in the details, but who cared about those little things when he could just feel it, enjoy it, enjoy her. Whatever this was…was real.
He’d forgotten so, so much his life, everything he’d cared about, yet, somehow, he could not imagine forgetting her. She was different, she was more important than anything else in the world, she was his world, and he couldn’t bear to think of ever giving it up.
Hm, the green strands of hair, the…endless galaxy of blue eyes, before…these features meant nothing to him, just characteristics, but, when he was with her these were the most beautiful works of art in all imagination, breathtaking…This was so strange, to feel, yet lovely to behold…what was wrong with him? …Or, better put, what was right.
And so on went the waltz of the morning, former novices became masters in minutes, a togetherness that drove their efforts, a tie that fueled perfect cooperation. The food was coming along beautifully, yes, must be her doing, Elst reasoned. And then, how lovely, she spoke again…
“Hmmm, I suppose… A nice walk wouldn’t hurt…” ‘As long as you go too’, was what his eyes said. Mmmm, up crept that smile again, so nice and close and warm…Oh, time to go…? Hmm, a nice gentle pull and they were on their way, a silent murmur of ‘…okay…’ his only words.
Ahh, the nice fresh air out here, sun, so much nicer with her to share it with, yes…He almost decided to yell out for Aoi, but…something just stopped him from inside, it would…ruin that feeling, wait, what feeling…
Before he could think on it though, a rustling from one of the hedges cut him off. A flowery head emerged, heterochromic irises simply glimmering with a sense of ‘Ohoho, look whaaat Iiii fouuund~’. A wide ‘Hurrhurrhurr’-style grin slowly widened.
“Hmmm…looking for someone…?” His voice was soft, a little playful, a sort of ‘Oooooh, I have a seeecreeet’ tone.
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Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 9:01 pm
Oh dear, she'd turned him into a puppy. A big, friendly, placid-looking puppy he'd been before, only now the thing actually dared to wag its tail, as if only now realising it had one. At the sight of Elst going along with her soft direction-giving so docile, so absolutely sweet, half of the Ruska began pleading to the gods he'd find his dignity back somewhere soon. Hopefully he'd just lost it under the couch, so they could go and pick it up again later.
However heart-melting he was like this, she'd really prefer him to regain some autonomy here, sheesh. For a moment she even felt a little mean for reducing him to this state, but she vowed not to take advantage of it, nor let anyone else attempt to.
It wasn't like there was much she could do about it... The way he looked at her, the way he moved, spoke, was just there, so close to her, that was enough to make the usually abundant crude remarks and rough-friendly attitude quieten into tranquility. Never before had she felt so at ease, to be able to let go of feeling like everyone around needed to know just how tough she was. Yes, let's be soft together then. The worst that could happen was someone giving her a prod, and then she'd just lazily haul up the spikes and shields and weaponry again to show that there was no reason to assume this kitten had lost her claws. As long as they didn't hurt him... nobody would have to suffer.
Even as those vague throughts crossed her mind, she could only smile. Not a shred of hostility was in her, only the crystal-clear knowledge that should things come down to the worst, she'd fight for him, and love doing it, too. Nobody, nobody messes with Longway's loved ones and doesn't regret it after she's done with them.
Of course, that's why it was so easy to simply not connect to anyone. You owed yourself nothing if you left people to muddle and err that way eh?
WHY was Elst so different then? What was it about him that had made her give in? Wait, what exactly was so special about HER to make him do the same...?
Who knows, who knows... Let the questions fade, face the facts, face the sun, the air, lords above this place was truly magnificent wasn't it... Like a little shard of paradise on earth, if paradise was an actual garden and not a place filled with cookies and cream and clouds, of course.
As they'd been walking rather slowly, sluggish in the late-morning air -due to Timka's sudden decrease in pacing or Elst's, who would say- it was at least easy to halt in time when Aoi so sneakily-cheekily made his presence known.
Blink.
"Ah... Hey. You. yes, we were... looking for you."
You're allowed to speak up miss, no need to semi-whisper... Also, not all answers work by reformulating the question into an affirmative. Hoho, this sudden third presence, while sought after, felt odd now. Hey there twinkle-eyes, don't mind me latched to your 'dad' here. Glue-accident. Too much oxygen or something. Yes. Something like that. Not sure anymore, not sure of anything, but it feels so good.
Blink.
Umm...
"... had a good night, Aoi?"
Well, she really couldn't think of anything else to say right now, how unlike her. Had a good night?
They sure had, at least.
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Gracious Conversationalist
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2009 12:31 am
Dignity…Hm, who needs it when you have her…and so the docility stayed, stayed with her…he didn’t want to do anything that might repel her, no…She made him…at peace with himself, a true bliss so foreign to him…happiness. The least he could do in exchange would be to show it. And did he ever, he just couldn’t lose the smile…
Sure she seemed a little hazed, last time he’d seen her she’d been a bit more…alert, was the word? But Elst was on a different planet, just completely besotted, helpless plant he was. Together the soft underbelly could come out, they could just…be together, be themselves, no pressure from the outside, just that…heat from within. Hm, lucky he didn’t have blood, or his face would be a constant pink, just a little flush from her very presence…How much more of this’d he be able to take, anyway?
Hm, that…protectiveness, that was there, too…He could barely feel it, but it was just waiting for a threat to arrive…he was formerly so docile, nothing could get to him, nothing…but with her, in a flash the molasses his heart seemed to be pumping would turn to fire, anything to protect her. He’d never considered his life valuable, not once in his life…but she…made life worth living. He’d finally had a reason to live, yet…he was all the more willing to give it away if it meant it would save her.
The circumstances that would require that were…unimaginable, but he would be ready for them. But all this was unclear for now; too…warm to concentrate.
He’d never considered the Nursery to be paradise, either, it was just , home, his haven. With her here, though…That could change.
Hey…we stopped moving…why’d we stop… His mind sort of jarred, blurry for a moment, as he nearly ran into her, oh no, that’d be terrible, no… He’d be closer to her though, that’d be nice…Hey, there’s Aoi…
He was quiet though, she was talking, might as well enjoy her voice, eh?
The Alter, amused smile hung on his face, stretched a little, his arms splaying in the morning sun. Oh yes, he was a little groggy, but this…was just too entertaining to mess up by acting tired. The smile remained.
“Looking for meee? Thought never crossed my mind…” His words seemed to flow with sarcasm, but his tone remained playful, still friendly, ‘s alright… “My night…was quite nice, just working on a project. Now…I can likely say the same for the two of you eh?” The smile widened a little still . Ohohoho…this was just too fun.
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2009 3:20 am
It might not be such a bad thing that Timka had no way of fathoming just how deep this ran for him right now. Ye gods, she'd have every right to be intimidated by the sheer depth of her impact on him, how would she be able to actually live with Elst having attached to her this quickly, this thoroughly? La, she didn't mind, she enjoyed it, this, here, being with him, around him, seeing him this calm and warm and alive...
No, she'd never push him away, she wouldn't break that newfound, rediscovered heart of his, not before breaking her own, but it wasn't a bad thing she had the room to experience all of this just a notch less plunged-down-the-deep-end. Ho, wake up dear, wake up, before you end up getting stuck like this.
Unshelled, vulnerable, newborn almost, but still safe, play-in-the-dandelions in a rush of new experiences and wishing it to never ever end... One would be reluctant to get back to routine, to normality for less. Longway could only wish for all the best and hope she could guide him back to a state that was able to function properly without needing to yank him down from seventh heaven quite as crudely as th metaphor sounded. No use denying she'd rather eat Misha's cap right now than break him out of this lovely spell any sooner than absolutely necessary, though. No, this was much, much too welcome a feeling, for now still greatly overpowering the desire to have her pragmatic side take over again.
If she wanted to avoid puppy-Elst from ending up being harmed by this boundless new environment, new problems and unexpected dangers lying in wait for sure, she would have to get him to at least curl up again a little more. Right now everything felt like sunshine and daisies and a spring of happiness forevermore, but hooboy, usually the world didn't agree with that and did everything to prove people the contrary. For now he was safe, with her, with Aoi, but that couldn't last forever.
Aoi was at least doing a good job prodding that part of her awake more and more with every word he said, forcing her to actually start formulating a decent sentence again and think. Whoo, hadn't been aware somebody dumped a special delivery of cotton and clouds on the border of my mind last night...
"Uh... but you're..." You didn't think I.. wait, you didn't think Elst would wonder where you were? But he's your owner, you're his little buddy, you've been there for him for exponentially longer than I have... Wait, of she traced back to why they were here now, she had to admit it had been largely her idea to go and find him. Eeeeelst, what's up with that suddenly? You're not going to ditch your kiddo here are you, that'd be.. indescribably sad. That sudden notion actually had the Ruska pull a little on-the-verge-of-displeased pout, glancing from one to another for a moment.
"O-of course we came looking for you. We're making breakfast, I thought that you'd want to come join us?" Wait, why did that sound like a peace offering now... It really wasn't some form of making up for yoinking his master, but it suspiciously sounded like it. How flustering.
Hey, was he looking a little worn out there or was that just her imagination projecting her own fogginess on the Alter now? So hard to read, the youngling...
"You've been busy hmm... Ah, wh-what? Project? What project, he's not a project of mine, tsh, that's..."
Indeed a misnomer, but as soon as she'd gone into defensive, taken off-guard by the idea of Elst being some sort of an 'issue that needed to be fixed' for her, she realised Aoi probably hadn't meant it exactly that way. Oho, touchy much, Timmy-lass?
"Err.. I.. guess you could say.. things.. happened? We don't really know anymore, I guess. Just sorta... Funny huh..." Hah, you have fun watching the grown-up lady admit openly she had no clue what was happening here more than vaguely now, don't count on it to last too long.
"... but you know, I dun'mindonebit." Yeah, that smug knowledge that rationality and explananations could bury themselves sideways was quite pleasing there. Who needs why and how if all that's important is the fact it felt so absolutely nice beyond decription.
__~
"But err.. now now, do you want to come? The food's getting ready on the stove as we speak, we could chat all day here but continuing this inside would be more productive?" Meep? Awh longway, who's talking about productivity here, you're not talking to the duke bringing in a report...
Anyhow, she seemed to have made up her mind -and Elst's, too, as the man seemed mostly incapable of thinking for himself at the moment- and started sluggishly turning back, took them all back indoors. Hard to say who was clinging more to whom though, even if she was the one doing the navigating. Human magnets, still a rather twee concept to behold in action.
And then rather out of the blue, the magnetic field was disturbed with the flighty action only hasty females were known to undertake. Quite without any prior warning, she suddenly quipped up in the middle of the hallway, and let him go, muttering something yippy about needing a potty break real quick now.
Gone she was suddenly, briefly shifting into another part of the house for that exact reason -not even love halted bodily functions after all, and from she moment Timka had become aware of the rising discomfort, she'd taken action to silence it as swiftly as possible, just like always. Tovarish or no, there was no fibre in her body that thought he needed to follow her to the 'little room' and wait for her, seriously now.
~She'd be back soon enough.
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Gracious Conversationalist
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:58 pm
A little clearing in Elst’s mind, just a little, only enough for him to begin realizing just how…confused he was. It was all so new, absolutely out of the blue, he had no idea of what he was supposed to do. He’d been…down for the count this entire time, just trying to stir through his being, bring up whatever it was he needed to handle this, but…he couldn’t find it. She’d already done so much for him, yet, he still needed help.
Confliction ever arose somewhere in the mist, even. Do I…deserve this? I didn’t earn it…I owe her so much…She deserves better, someone who…doesn’t leech so much…
The warmth, though, numbed these thoughts even still, and the smile, though less dopey, still projected that subtle happiness…only a line of reality seemed to be slowly pulling him in. Hm, never lasts, does it…the underlying happiness, though, remained…untouched. As much as his core self-doubt, his age-old worrying told him otherwise…nothing could take that away from him. Never again.
All he’d had protecting him, for all these years, was denial. Those thick-walled defenses had held so strong against the world, against himself…In an instant she shattered them, broke them apart…and after so many years of being walled in from everyone else…she brought him out. He saw the world…through new eyes, vulnerable. His defenses were gone, and, with her, just maybe…he could build a new defense: stability. Happiness. To not hide from the world, but live it.
Finally, he had a chance.
~
Aoi had…to put it simply, came over at the right time. His familiarity, his understanding, proved to be an anchor for the plant man. At first, as he’d made his appearance, Elst had been…so lost in thought lost in her, he…hardly even noticed the flowery figure. But the very instant Aoi’s mental connection, his personality, through that hidden yet strong link, reached Elst, the plant in a way fell back to life. That familiar mentality was a haven for him, his fellow, his son, was here. He needn’t rely on the blessed woman alone, needn’t drag her down.
The smile remained wide, but this time, at least a fragment of his mind backed it.
“Aoi…been working on another project, aren’t you the active one…what for, you hadn’t told me you were working on something.” His voice still held that loving tone, that happiness, but there was thought behind it. It was not alone that blissful pull towards the…woman unique in his mind; it was also in concern, care for what he considered his child. There was even a tint of guilt in that tone; he’d indulged so selfishly in togetherness with her…the one which called him Tovarish. He’d not even worried for Aoi, at least not as fervently as usual, and he felt ashamed.
How was he supposed to know it was the Alter’s doing that prevented him from worrying, that Aoi had intentionally gone into his mind to dampen every concern Elst felt for the Essentic so he would enjoy Longway’s company all the more? Oh yes, Aoi’d been busy with his ‘project’, yes, but it hadn’t been the only thing that’d been on his mind.
~
Aoi’s eyes continued to display that certain…glee he felt. Awww, look how happy they are, this is just too perfect… He honestly was just enjoying seeing how happy the both of them were. And, uh oh, had he concerned her? Something altered that happiness he could read from her mind, same with Elst’s, though his seemed different. Damn, he was worrying again…
“Aw, I knew you guys were after me, hmm, why else would I pop out like this, eh? The both of you, stop worrying, relax…” The smile hooked a little, he was trying so hard to make her stop seeming so uncomfortable… “Dad worries about me enough, any more and someone’ll have a panic attack…And breakfast, my, sounds good, yes, I might have to stop in for a bite.” Now, uh oh, might have phrased that a little odd, the whole project thing… “Oh, no no no, I wasn’t meaning the project part, no, I meant I assume you’d both had a nice night, and…I’m glad you did, eh?” Oh, now she seemed confused? So many emotions at once, living with Elst, Aoi wasn’t used to this…
Hm, seems Dad’s not the only dazed one, she looks a little hazy too. It was, so cute, for lack of a better term, the both of them. Rather amusing that Aoi, the former shy recluse himself, was one to talk about that.
“Hm, we all have times like that, eh? It’s all good in the end though, yeah? Even if you don’t know what it is, at least it’s there.” Well, there’s a first, Aoi being supportive when there isn’t a crisis, maybe that whole ‘sign of the apocalypse’ thing was right after all…
Regardless, the smile continued, the Alter relishing the happiness the duo radiated. The worry, well, worried him, but hopefully he could help rid them both of that in time. He’d stay close, yes, and leave them be once he resolved those little issues, then back to that project… “Productive? I dunno about that, but I think I’ll come along for the food and the company, sounds good.” The grin took on the edge of a bemused smirk. He followed along, all the way to the house.
~
All of a sudden, she’d ran off. Elst, clear as his mind finally was, had still been a little dazed, and an abrupt jolt coursed through his body as the warmth had suddenly unwrapped from his hand. Thankfully Aoi’d revived him a little; he would have panicked if it had been just a few minutes earlier. He looked, instead of devastated, confused; he hadn’t quite heard what she’d said. He slowly looked down to Aoi, as if to ask, why’s she gone? His eyes held a sort of glazed sadness, not realizing he’d not caused her to leave.
Hey, relaaax, just the call of nature and all that, she’ll be right back…, Aoi urged into Elst’s mind, to get him to understand. Wait a second, he wasn’t familiar with that phrase, was he. A slight eye roll accented his next reassurance, accompanied with his voice. “Bathroom, dad. Calm down.”
At hearing this, Elst’s eyes widened just barely in awareness, the sadness vanishing instantaneously. The longing was still there, yes, but in healthy measures.
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2009 8:46 pm
Ooooh, nice to hear you speak up again there, friend-mine, tovarish-mine. All in all it was a subtle relief to find a spark of presence back in his tone, his consciousness slowly washing ashore after having been adrift for a ridiculously long while now. Welcome back dear, welcome back, see, indeed I'm not the only one here for you, waiting, supporting.
Elst would always be able to count on her and Aoi to provide him with a helpful hand, some steadiness when he wavered, friendship and care and go ahead and call it love. No, for as far as the young Ruska was concerned, he wouldn't ever have to face the world alone anymore. They would be his shield while he rebuilt his own defenses, maybe a healthy, breathing wall this time, that would allow him to grow and bloom. A functional basic barrier that wouldn't constrict him, deny him the freedom to just be, that was something worth working together for. They wouldn't let him slip anymore.
Aoi could work from the inside, Longway could get him in touch with the outside again. At least, Timka really hoped she could be of merit here, wary of driving a wedge between Elst and his 'child'. Unrelated to her opinion of the Essentics' humanity this was, as not even she denied the fact they had something akin to a heart and soul, able to connect so readily with their owners. She would only contradict her own proof of Elst's own heart by choosing to ignore what everyone could see hiding in plain sight, and she quite severely disliked hypocrites.
Yes, he had a chance, the three of them had a chance like this. It would take some adjusting, some time to settle, and quite frankly just get to know each other better.
Oh, and Misha, too.
__~
Active one indeed, how DID he stay awake all night? Oh well, he and Elst had lived together for quite a while now, they'd know what would and wouldn't harm him, right? At least, Timka hoped they did...
Wait, why did she care again? Oh yes. No wait, she didn't really know, apart from the fact she couldn't possibly neglect Elst's chosen, bonded companion here huh? After all, she was pretty much the intruder here.
"Oh I'm not... worried. I'd just hate it if something happened to you because of err..." me fluffing with your 'dad'. Your dad fluffing with me. "... you not receiving the care you deserve, I guess? At least you two seem to take good care of each other." Yes, no doubt they shared a very strong connection, and that despite the young Alter's cheeky behaviour he seemed to really care a whole lot about people's emotional wellbeing. The fact he appeared to be almost too amused over her own skittishness she could live with for now, after all she WAS acting rather deserving of some nonverbal teasing.
"Ah, I'm glad, too." Laaaa, Aoi, no worries there eh. She's just a little flustered, but not in a bad way. See, she can still smile, heehee. I believe all three of them still had to find the right rhythm for this sort of interaction, and they all meant it so well for one another. 't Would be a true shame if they ended up with communication problems now, expecially with such a perceptive young Essentic around.
"Yup, it's all good, all normal. People aren't made to make too much sense, not even to themselves." heheh, too true. Hence there was no need to worry about the temprary 'failure to compute'. Some things were just as fine left untranslated, there's something quite charming about foreign symbols. In rational language, it might be disheartening to read they held oddly non-passionate or unexpectedly blunt content.
"Nice of you to join us, all good things come in trios I heard." Mood soar, do begin. Yes, this was pleasant now, slightly more awake, slightly less bopped-with-a-fluffy-bat, a more comfortable balance between love-cosy and in charge of one's own head. During the little walk back indoors, Longway caught herself having to resist the urge to lay a hand on Aoi's shoulder, pet his head, something motherly. How odd.
__~
Awake enough now, not in the least because of the fresh air outside and the invigorating effect Aoi seemed to have on both of them, Timka had no trouble tracing back to the bathroom. Female things ensued, no needless fussing there, so she could return to her companions swiftly after washing her hands and splashing the remnants of sleep out of her eyes.
Upon returning to her compadres, the first thing she noticed was the fact they were 'right where she'd left them'. Usually she liked things not moving around behind her back, but that was more about paperclips and heavy files. Elst really didn't have to stay put, and he surely knew where his own kitchen was, right?
... aww, look at that look again. While not quite as overwhelmingly puppy as it would have been a while before joining up with the alter, it was still clear to her he'd waited for her.
"Hey there lads, I'm back." Yes, everyone who is not blind can see that. "Allez-oup, what are you waiting for, the food's not going to enjoy itself now is it."
With a content smile, she ushered them onward with friendly pressure, and -oh yes- attached back to Elst-magnet neatly, so that by the time they were in the kitchen she was holding his hand again.
And yes, look at that, the omelet was done now, ready to be served.
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Gracious Conversationalist
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Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 7:11 am
Yes…Elst was, in a way, glad to be back. Even though that bliss-glaze was gone, his mind cleared…But hey, a clear mind, all the better to think about her with, right? Just lucky that his return wasn’t a crash landing…
No, no crashing…Elst finally had…support; more importantly, he was willing to accept it. He…would give back all he could, try to support them as they’d done for him, and, honestly, he would do anything for them. Despite the fact that they had no blood-ties they, just maybe could be…a family.
To never again be alone…seemed impossible to him, there were so many obstacles, how could that be possible, who would ever want to stay with someone like him… Yet it was happening, wasn’t it. So strange, he wondered, why the blazes would she ever want t be around him so often, be so close? …not that he minded at all…he just couldn’t figure out why she’d…
A thought struck his mind, a feeling he’d felt this entire time, his mind clear enough only now to consciously consider it. That warmth…That desire to protect, to be with always, maybe even why she was willing to be around him, could it be… No. His brain spat out at him. You don’t deserve it, can’t feel it, and never will. Too useless to feel such a wonderful thing. Too much of a leech to be happy…
Yet, even through his brain’s tirade upon himself, that warmth stayed put. Soothed it away…They were, however odd, a family of sorts, all they were missing was Misha…
~
Aoi was there too, would always stand by his…their sides. He could so easily see her affect on him, how happy he now was. She wasn’t driving a wedge, oh no, absolutely not. Aoi could not help but lo…like someone who made Elst that happy. Even though she had just accomplished in such a short time what he had failed to do after all that work…
But, hey, he would at least be seeing more of Mish, hopefully...Misha was such a wonderful brother to have, too, really held a special spot in Aoi's heart.
~
Now, how did he stay up that late? Essentics need their rest and all… Elst was somewhat concerned, but from the ‘Everything’s fiiiiine~’ vibes Aoi was sending him, Elst couldn’t help but believe it. What he didn’t know was that this wasn’t the first sleepless night Aoi’d had, oh no…very far from it.
All that, though, Aoi hid behind his cheery smile, along with a little self-applied aesthetic magic. And oh, uh oh, did she think he felt uncared for? Aoi cocked an eyebrow, yes, should set that straight before anything else… “Not getting the care I deserve? I’m getting all the care I need, too much sometimes with how much Dad worries about me, don’t worry about that. We’ve kept each other goin’ so far…” He almost finished, ‘…and we’ll do even better with you.’, but stopped himself. What in the world was he thinking, there… He couldn't help himself from beaming a wide smile back up to her.
Yes, though, despite the dripping sarcasm he’d earlier held…he really did care. If there was someone uncomfortable, sad, nervous, any of it…he’d put his heart and soul into making them feel better no matter what it took, as long as he could make them happy. He couldn’t stand others being unhappy, especially with loved ones…he just was worried for them, is all…
And…there. He felt her mood soar, that’s what he cared about to his core, that’s what he wanted to see in her eyes. Happiness. Strange, though… as they walked to the house, he moved to Elst’s other side, so he could be between them, close to both of these people he so very much cared for, Longway and her…Tovarish.
~
As Aoi and Elst both waited for her return, no words were exchanged; only a constant flow of concepts through their mental link.
And hey, what do you know, she’s back… Indeed, they hadn’t left the spot; waiting for her was polite, don’t you know, and Elst had silently insisted they wait. As she vocally urged them to the kitchen, both males nodded back to her in agreement over breakfast.
As they walked back towards the kitchen, Elst was thankful to be re-latched-upon; subconsciously giving her hand a soft little squeeze as his met hers. Aoi fell behind a bit, symmetric to them both; he was not only doing this to give them their space; there was a distinct erratic stagger his walking had taken on that he didn’t wish to worry them over.
As Elst entered the kitchen, he walked calmly over to the omelet, pleased with how it had turned out. He opened a drawer, removing a spatula which he used to first scoop the various fillings Longway had chopped up for him and pouring them on top of the egg, then folded it in half, giving it a good press to keep it closed. All without breaking that precious connection with her, of course. The omelet was ready to serve.
He opened the nearest cupboard, removing three plates, setting them on the round kitchen table next to three adjacent chairs, then picked up the pan and brought it over, set it next to the plates, and went back to grab the spatula once more. The egg was still nice and soft; he cut two equal portions for Longway and Aoi using the spatula, saving the smaller portion for himself. Finally, the omelet pieces were scooped up and put on their proper plates; even the air in the kitchen smelled savory enough to eat.
All of it was getting rather difficult with only one hand, but keeping close to her was oh so worth it.
One last trip, though; he grabbed another cup, filling it with some milk, and grabbed the two glasses of juice. That settled the drinks, now…everything was ready, it seemed. Aoi, who had just set out the silverware, took the seat on the far right, where the milk had been sat down, and Elst pulled out the leftmost chair for Longway, gesturing towards it.
“And a seat for you?”
Yes, he could get used to having her around, he rather lov…liked it.
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Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 12:35 am
Misha... Misha?
Oh him. Yes, the bunny... Almost forgotten, he'd be fine. If desperate enough he would scavenge some food in the kitchen instead of waiting for her, yes, he'd be fine.
Indeed, he was fine. Returning at yet another ungodly hour in the morning, he hadn't found her. He'd been worried, he'd fretted, he'd told himself not to worry, and by the time he had run out of non-ideas and caught a bit of a nap, it had been time to go back to the office. There, he and Banning found Timka to have pretty much vanished. Hasn't been seen since last evening, nope.
Eventually Banning had decided to send Misha out into the city to deliver her a message -he would find her surely that way- and find out why in the world she hadn't even called him up. At least there was no reason to be too worried, she wasn't dead. How relieving...
Fact is fact though, Misha could still feel her on the other end of their bond, and used a combination of that and his natural almost magical locating skills to lead him to the right place. Relentlessly he chased that feeling, that blip on his internal radar, untilhe found her. Until the end of the world he would go, even if he wished he would please be able to settle down a little soon.
... the nursery?
__~
That oddly twisted 'everything is fine trust me' feeling Longway was getting as well, but then again, who was she to call him out on it, right?
"Ah... keeping each other going can mean anything from things going just dandy as holding up the last pilons of a crushed temple..." muttermutter, don't mind me too much, I really don't mean to imply you're not doing a good job... honestly.
"But if you say so, I can tell you two stick together." Yes, that's of essential worth here, no? "I'm happy to see you find support and friendship in each other, and... more?"
__~
And there she was again indeed. Re-latched and ready, and returning his little squeeze with reassuring firmness.
"Ah, never had someone wait for me quite so chivalrously lads. Hope I didn't take too long... You had a chat or something? It's like you're talking behind my back sometimes while I'm right there, hee." she grinned, mood still uplifted, chatting here and there and everywhere relaxedly while watching Elst fiddle with the omelet and the spatula and trying not to 'throw off his aim' there. "Woot, skilful handling of utensils there. Oh dear, that smells goooooo~d."
Good morning? So much.
So many things were half distracting her now, the actions going on, the entire situation needing constant reaffirming -I AM awake, right?- and the feeling she was missing more disconcerting things happening right under her nose, phew. Maybe halt time for a little, I can't focus on everything at once. Why did she get the impulse to pout, worry whenever she looked at Aoi now? Maybe she hadn't missed on the signs, she just hadn't thought about them consciously yet. Na, she'd keep an eye on him... Now, time for smiling.
It did feel like a strange sort of natural high really, now quite the reverse of her earlier cottony daze. Ohoho, and Elst, you hero, you.
"Oh, I'd love to kind sir." she chuckled, sat down graciously, for a moment looking right up at him, casually checking if he was still 'all there' by fixing eye-contact for a while, smiling that cattish-content smile. Hey, how come she'd decided she really liked that green now? Couldn't remember herself actually thinking it before, but duh, of course she liked it.
... since when were tinted glasses so absolutely adorable?
Noticing she'd been gaaaazing for quite a while again, she eventually broke contact again, did another complete scan of the room, then uttered a sound not unlike a purr. "So you converted into kittydom, or is that just because you 'have to'?" she murred at Aoi, holding back a light snicker. Misha wasn't too fond of milk, he claimed, but she made him incorporate it into his diet like any proper 'mom'.
That was the moment she suddenly became aware of a minor teensy tiny neglect she'd overseen. Whoops.
"Misha..." Uh-oh, I should have let them know... one night he could do without her, but maybe like this she was needlessly worrying him?
"Yes, miss Longway?"
A rather worn-out voice, a flutter of soft, subdued gasps. Yes, he'd made it. Looking only half as tired as Aoi was, but having no means of hiding it, he gazed around the kitchen quietly, almost exuding those questions he had now, his doubts, worries, reservations about the floral pair almost tangible now. Is she alright? Why was she here with them, why hadn't she come home, was that because of them? Little brother, what's going on here, please, someone tell me...
He didn't expect his own mistress to do so, not with that slightly stunned gawk at him.
Gonk. HOW did he get here?
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Gracious Conversationalist
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Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 8:56 am
And then there were four…Four? Four what? Four for our completed quartet, that’s what, for four forgetful members were now together, wonder, had their forebears foreseen that?
Anyway, Misha was welcome to complete the family, eh?
~
Aoi listened as she spoke, seeming to get more and more used to her by the minute. My, so strange; he hadn’t felt so comfortable with anyone but Elst before now. Quite peculiar. Uh oh, this one was perceptive indeed… He’d need to get a little more, how to say it, detailed in his reassurances; he stifled a yawn before, at least he hoped, anyone noticed. “Hm, your concern is so…nice, ma- Miss Longway, and I guess I’ll clarify a little? We’re doing better than just pushing on, now.” Again, he very nearly finished ‘…now that you’re here.’, but, again, he held that back. His eyes said it all quite frankly, though, he looked rather happy in her company.
“Yup, we’ll stick around each other ‘till the fabric of time and space tears apart, or something like that, don’t you worry about that, we’re here for each other…” Oops, almost finished with ‘And we’re here for you.’, but, though barely this time, he managed to hold it back. His eyes betrayed him again, though; the concern was clear in his eyes once more. If he wasn’t careful something might slip out… He’d be careful, then.
While they weren’t looking, he wiped at his eyes a little; the bags and lines under them were becoming all too clear; his cheeks were a little sunken in, too… Not good, he couldn’t let them see this and ruin the moment… Over his fingers glazed that familiar emerald mist - some magic was afoot, it seemed - and he slid them across his face, across every little mark that indicated his exhaustion; the mist stayed there for a moment, then seemingly sunk in. Soon, the markings were gone; he looked like the energetic flower-child he’d been before. Hopefully, not even his bunny-eared brother was there to see it, how far had he made it through the house by now, hm?
~
Mmm, yes, they’d waited for her, definitely. Such was the way to treat the valued woman, yes? Elst pulled out of his thoughts for a moment. “Oh, uh, we were…happy to wait for you.” He meant every word; he couldn’t even imagine just flat-out walking off into the kitchen, oh no.
And so they entered the pleasant-scented kitchen; everything seemed so nice, the food was turning out well, the company was lovely, and hey, she complemented his spatula use. That usually wouldn’t have mattered to him; but coming from her, he was lucky his body hadn’t yet discovered how to fluster. Those words had meaning when it was she who spoke them. Such a wonderful morning this was turning out to be.
But yes, he felt it too; that subtle internal nagging that there was something amiss. He felt it, ever so faint, across the bond he shared with his Essentic; a weariness Aoi couldn’t quite hide despite his skillful veiling of it. Yet somehow, Elst had a distinct feeling that now just wasn’t the time. Aoi was so happy; it would ruin it for him if Elst brought it up just now. So silent about it Elst remained, but only for now. The second the timing was right, it was time for a little chat.
But yes, for now, smiles. That part-dazed, part-blissful, part-aware, yet 100% enamored grin held; he wasn’t even thinking about it now, it just came naturally. His eyes held a quiet concern for Aoi; but quiet it remained, simply sending soothing feelings along their bond to the exhausted child. Oh, if only Elst knew the full extent of it; if he did, the timing would no longer matter. But, Aoi, that persistent master of disguise, held his reserve strong enough to mask the full problem. That he was sure to hide better than all else; he simply couldn’t stand the thought of making them feel so sad and worried about him, he just wanted them happy.
~
Grinning a bit as the ‘kitty’ comment was made, Aoi looked over to the milk for a moment. “Hmmmm? Oh, the milk? Mmm, yeah, I kinda like it sometimes… If you get a look at me I’m far from Combat, I wanna keep myself fortified a little… What seemed like a half a blush crossed his face. “…and I usually like a little strawberry syrup in it too, tastes good…” What? He’d never admit that, yet, he did? There was something about her, alright. As the thought crossed his mind, Aoi reached over to the far end of the table; sure enough, a bottle of strawberry syrup was sitting at the end. He poured what he considered a ‘little’; a fairly generous portion, into the milk, turning it a deep, lush pink. He still has a sweet tooth, after all. As much as he strived to seem like he wasn’t, he was still a kid.
Elst savored her grin up to him as she accepted the seat, his jade eyes happily locking to peer into her very own azure oculars; they were so nice, too… As she pondered a liking to green, a love of aquamarine formed in his own mind, but he just couldn’t quite figure it out. Oh yes, alertness was quite clear in his gaze; that didn’t mean, though, he was any less besotted, any less confused about the feelings he held. It seemed, actually, that the more he focused on her, the stronger that deep warmth felt, and the more scatterbrained he became in regards to it. He sat down between his Essentic and his…what was she…Tovarish, his hand never leaving hers.
~
But wait, she was worried as she mentioned her Essentic, both the plant-bound owner and Alter could figure out as much. And suddenly, a voice was heard from behind them; Misha? Well wasn’t that the surprise, but both Elst and Aoi found it to be a pleasant one. It seemed Elst wasn’t destined to remain seated, though; time to get something for MishMish as well.
“Oh…Good morning, Misha, nice to see you…Let me get something for you to eat so you can have breakfast with us.” Without another word, he got up, hand giving Longway’s another little squeeze before - ever so reluctantly - parting them. He gave a calm, perhaps even calming smile to Misha before approaching the cabinet, grabbing another plate. It seemed, however, they were out of omelet, though… Elst immediately put the plate back, grabbing another glass, retrieving the juice from the fridge and filling it halfway. He came back with it, pushing his own plate over to another chair as he set the glass down next to its new position. He reassumed his former, now plateless seat.
“Here, you can have mine; I don’t actually need to eat, after all, I can just enjoy my juice. Just tell me if you‘d like milk instead and I‘d be glad to pour some for you, by the way.” Once again, any awkwardness to the moment was utterly lost to him; he now simply had another person he could have the pleasure to have as a guest. That needed feeding.
Aoi’s eyes widened as he sensed the new mind suddenly; he, for some odd reason, hadn’t noticed Mish’s mind when he first came into the house. Why his telepathy had slipped this time around, he’d never quite understand, at least not for now. His smile shifted to a cheerful, playful grin. Oh, he loved all his siblings, yes, but Misha easily had a little bit of an extra edge of affection. How did he even get here? Wasn’t even a question to cross Aoi’s mind; all he cared was that his precious big brother had arrived. His voice slipped into thought-mode again, if for only a moment. His tone, though cheerful, was soft, not loud in the slightest.
Big brother! So good to see you, glad that you managed to get here…Come sit with me and have some omelet, it’s really good! He hadn’t actually tried it yet, but the smell alone was mouth-watering. His tone was very gentle; he, unlike his ‘father’, could explicitly detect every last bit of awkwardness and confusion that had built up; time to break all that down. Gently, of course.
He grabbed the plate and glass Elst had shoved away from himself, and scooted over a bit farther to the left of Elst, pulling over a chair to fit between them, right in front of the plate and the glass.
There you go… He continued the nice, warm smile to his older brother, wanting him as comfortable as could be.
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Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 1:41 am
Longway had been listening rather intently to the Alter, now able to do so with the fog cleared. While Aoi corrected himself quickly, she couldn't help but pick up that stray word though.
... uhhh.
Oh heck, probably meant something else, no need to jump to conclusions was there? The only important message here was that they stuck together, and she nodded contently at that. The signs of his fussing with his magicks was lost on her though, she'd never had much affinity with non-tangible things at all. The only help she'd been in Misha's efforts to learn magic for himself had beent he fact she'd gotten him the books, all that 'get in touch with your core' yibbayabba just went straight past her.
Not that she didn't half-actively dodge incoming trains though, she just didn't feel like getting dragged into that. Before you knew it they'd ask her if she could do it herself...
The traces of the source activity wheren't lost on Misha when he came past minutes after though, but he couldn't make anything of it, didn't know what it had been used for. There was something erratic about the charge though, and he couldn't put his finger on what it was that felt so worryingly electric.
What could he know eh, about last charges of a battery?
__~
Longway was indeed slightly less.. loads less consciously aware of the state Aoi was in, but for now she didn't feel like it was necessary to address the 'problem' either, things were fine, no? Besides, she trusted the kid to know when to ask for help or a break, having no idea what his problem was. If it turned out to be something grave, she sure as hell would find out.
"Ah, keeping yourself strong and healthy's a good objective to keep. ... Oooh, sweet stuff. You enjoy that, yo. The world belongs to those who can enjoy sweeeet stuff." she chuckled, adding that preference of his to her mental checklists. She never saw him as anything but a child really, if a skilled one, with more maturity than most showed, least of all at several months of age. Living with Misha had surely taught her that, oh yes, and more. Like the fact that while looking rather grownup, unless you taught them how to look after themselves they were about as helpless as four-year olds, honestly now...
She could only hope Aoi had that problem a little less than Misha. At least the bunny had trouble with how to look after little injuries, but didn't drive himself into exhaustion if he had any say in it...
__~
At least all niggling worries about the current situation were temporarily erased when the next 'problem' arrived. Oh dear.
... wait, hey. Awesome. Her two recent companions were handling it now...?
Oh dear, oh dear, Elst, you... Not bad. Not baaaad, chap, just ignoring the awkwardness and getting on with it, I never tried that before. No implications assumed, just invite him over, sure. Not like it was 'bad' to just ditch him last night without as much as leaving a note -she'd honestly believed she'd be able to get back in time.
Indeed, the uncomplicated treatment did baffle the other Alter somewhat. Atthe very least he was too tired, and not in the mood for retaliating to a friendly approach 'just because', to find this turn of events too twisted. Okay, so I was sort of a little irked, a little angry even at you two for stealing my mistress away, but hey. It's all good. Yes, it's all good. Timka didn't look like she was being kept against her will, and Elst welcoming him as if they'd been waiting for him all along, it was enough to make up for that.
"Good... morning..." It's almost noon, you two, how is it morning? Food? Sounds incredible, you don't need any? Oh, if you say so. Alright. Why not. "Okay... Ah, juice is fine. I guess... Thanks, mister Elst."
Aw, he looked so out-of-place as he stood there, a little less than overwhelmed, but not sure of how to act now. A quick scan of the room at least linked that haze of magic he'd passed through earlier to Aoi, and at his younger brother's smile at him, he couldn't help but return one mellowly. Hey there, nice to see you again, how've you been? Had he leanred how to suppress his energy now, or was he really that low? Oh well, he'd ask later. Things need clearing up first.
At Aoi's much more gentle invitation, he nodded, slipped out of his tense stasis, and loped over to his designated spot calmly. Alright, if you say it's all good, then it's all good. He'd come here half-expecting to have to put up a fight for his lady, and he was more than elated things were turning out like this. The fact it was confusing as hell he'd gotten used to already. Eat now, questions later. Or maybe inbetween bites, there apparenty was no rush.
Just as he gratefully sat down, Timka unfroze fom her 'ohcrap', also oddly surprised by the way those two floral lads managed to defuse the situation gracefully.
"Ah, I'm sorry Mish, I really didn't think I'd actually stick around this long, I'd have called up the office later, hones-"
"It's all fine, miss." Smiling at her, he reassured her that it really was, don't worry about me now. What was she even apologising for, it's her life, no? He'd hate to be a burden on her, and things like this she'd have no problem with if he.. if he hadn't existed.
Thanks Aoi.
"... uh? Okay then, it's all fine. Agreed." she glanced around at everyone, noticing she was the only female as a sidenote.
"... how about we eat first and then try explaining? Not like I really know what exactly happened, might be a good moment to try and figure it out?" A look up at Elst in particular.
Misha cast Aoi a questioning glance as well at that, then smiled and shrugged. Yup, sounds like a plan. His gaze lingered on his brother a little longer though. While Elst had his bond with Aoi to go by, and Longway only her own percetiveness, Misha appeared to have developed a rather keen sense for his siblings' essence outputs. He didn't know what to make of Aoi's, apart from the fact he too was getting a little worried.
Oh well, tuck in eh. At least everyone believed Elst when he said he was fine without anthing, though Misha'd surely leave him some.
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Gracious Conversationalist
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Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 2:32 am
Ah, a stray word, couldn’t mean much, right? Aoi himself didn’t quite know what he’d almost let slip there, he simply thought he misspoke. Question was, is that the case here? Aoi wasn’t planning on over thinking it.
And hey, the aesthetics turned out pretty well, despite the fact he felt like collapsing, he’d at least done a good job on this…looked good as new, though it drained his little remaining Source all the more. To him, though, it was absolutely worth preserving the peacefulness of this rather unique morning.
Ah, yes, his magic. How odd it had become. He used to focus so much on his floramancy, but now it had started to…slip? Maybe that wasn’t the word. The drain of his refusal to sleep, yes, that played a major part. He simply was far too starved of that precious, essential energy to do anything big, but that wasn’t the entire equation. Aoi’s magic had started to deviate. Making it rain, helping the flowers grow, that was nice and all, but Aoi had begun to unearth an underlying Purpose. All he realized, however, was that he felt a strong urge to aid others, despite harmful side-effects to himself when he overdid it. Which was often.
Regardless though, what this meant was that, if his big brother ever needed help trying to figure out his invisibility magic, Aoi’d be there to aid him. Even if, yes, he was on his ‘battery’s’ last bits of life, he didn’t care; he would be there for Misha, Longway, Elst. He would be there for them.
~
But no, nah, the problem was far from a crisis or anything, let’s just let it rest, hm? Elst would talk to Aoi later about it, but it was obvious it would only ruin the Alter’s morning to bring it up now.
“Yeah, I…try to eat well so I can keep strong, keep doing my job and all that…” A slight flush arose on his face as she noted the sweet tooth. “Well…could you maybe…well, not spread that around? It’s just too…kid-like and…” He fell quiet for a moment, the blush taking over a little more of his face; this really was embarrassing for him. Not only did he acknowledge one of his oh-so-childish loves, ‘pink’ milk, but he was actively hiding it, so immature in his mind. There you go, nail one of his insecurities right on the head; he felt he couldn’t ever let himself be a child. Just gets in the way of helping others, he felt. Oh well, enough dwelling on that. She wouldn’t tell anyone…Right?
Right?
~
But, yes, this problem would need a little negotiation. Aoi, though not completely, could figure out the bunbuns’ mixed feelings, a little hurt, a little confused, with a bit of…resentment thrown in? Hm, this would be difficult…Especially because he felt near to falling unconscious from exhaustion. Yes, difficult indeed, but hopefully he’d keep awake long enough to help his brother, didn’t want to fail him.
And Elst, well, wasn’t ignoring the awkwardness per say, but simply wasn’t aware of it in the first place. He saw Misha as a guest, of course, and that guest looked like he could use some breakfast. So Elst arranged for it. Of course, this wouldn’t solve the underlying issues, but, well, he wasn’t aware of the existence of such issues anyway. How would he know he was likely giving to poor bunny a feeling of pulling the rug out from beneath his feet? Ah, yes, issues to be resolved, many problems…if he defused the situation, that was certainly a good thing, but… He wasn’t aware that there was a fuse in the first place.
As Longway conversed with Misha, Elst simply sipped at his juice a little, but as she directed her gaze towards him, he snapped back into ‘pay attention’ mode. Hey, good suggestion she had there. He kept his gaze meeting hers. “Oh, yes, sounds like a good idea to me…it may very well be time to try and figure all this out a little, I’m far from truly understanding this, it’s rather…new to me…” He subconsciously took Longway’s hand again, under the table where his hand had been resting. His mind cleared a little as he did so.
Aoi fell a little silent as he began to eat, after he saw Misha begin first of course, guests first. The omelet was indeed fantastic, in Aoi’s opinion, grateful that he’d gained a mouth when he turned Alter. He sensed what alarmingly may have been a pang of some unpleasant emotion within his brother, but…all he could really do at the moment was remain pleasant towards Misha and hope to make him feel welcome, which he most certainly was. Aoi just hoped he could stay awake for a while longer. He nodded calmly at Longway’s suggestion they all just relax a bit and figure this all out; seemed like a good plan to him.
…how have you been, big brother? Well, other than this whole confusing deal…We haven’t really seen too much of each other, have we?
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