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Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2017 12:12 pm
Kapoodles Shiloh has a tag that reads, Fragile! Handle with Care!Poor Mister Shiloh. He'd been through so much tonight! Nearly devoured by a youma, discovering his own special abilities, and having to keep this whole building clean! Sutai thought it was just too much for any one person to take. Shiloh had a specific evening routine, which Sutai could relate to - he simply must say goodnight to good Mister Alexei! The Squire wasn't one to miss an opportunity to say hello, and explain her patrolling definitely made the judiciary building a much safer place. Perhaps now would be a great time to answer any other questions Mister Alexei might have for her? Bouncing up and down, the Squire practically vibrated in excitement, eager for praise from the good judge and a chance to prove she was useful. The clean floors on the inside of the building did not go unnoticed by Sutai, though she was also very busy bouncing and making all sorts of jingling noises behind Shiloh. "Ah! Mister Shiloh, you did such a great job on these floors! You see, your work around here is so very important. If not for your diligence, this building would be so very dirty and gross and then nobody could get any work done which way is Mister Alexei's office I can't wait to see him and tell him aaaalllll about the youma and explain that I should definitely keep patrolling around here because security guards are great and everything, but---" Eventually she would have to breathe in.
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Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2017 1:04 pm
Shiloh seemed rather anxious as he lead Sutai through the building, blushing terribly under all of the compliments she gave him. He was a simple soul when it came to it, and didn't seem to know how to handle all of her praises and energy, but he was trying his best. There was something about that vibrant energy that just forced him to smile a bit, even if it made him a little uncomfortable, and maybe, just maybe, that was a good thing. Alexei certainly would like a smiling Shiloh more than a crying and panicked one, right?
It did seem extra embarrassing though that the reason they were in here was so he could tell the judge goodnight before he headed home. Normally it was a casual and gentle thing he did alone, something that managed to soothe his nerves before he headed out into the darkness alone and praying he'd make it back home safe. This time... Well, he had the most bouncy and jingly escort ever following him straight towards Alexei's door.
"Miss Sutai, t-thank you, but you really should breath!" He called out softly, turning down a hall that held Alexei's office at the end. It seemed further away then the others, but it was also a bit grander as well, so it made sense to have the extra space off to the side. Part of him began to worry that it wasn't the best idea to bring Sutai here, given how much Alexei emphasised how much he valued his time and how he was always so busy... And he certainly was a private man so bringing someone who was not a close friend to the office seemed like a horrible thing to do, in hindsight... But it was too late now, and he stood in front of the large closed doors.. At least he knew that the judge wasn't too busy tonight... And even if he was, it must be very difficult to ignore the odd sound of Sutai's jingling...
With a deep breath and a shaking hand, Shiloh knocked on the judge's door.
"S-sir... It's me, Shiloh... I-I have a guest, Miss Sutai... May we come in...?"
Lucifer Force As a note, that tag is attached to his forehead with spit. xD
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Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2017 10:32 am
The knock itself was not startling; Alexei had come to expect that Shiloh would visit him. He was not, however, accustomed to guests. Particularly, powered guests.
Alexei’s eyes flashed and he stood quickly from his desk; he moved with quick, deliberate strides and opened the door quickly. His jaw was clenched and he looked as tired as he did serious. He took one look at Sutai and exhaled. “Please tell me you did not prance through the courthouse looking like that. If anyone saw you—”
His eyes drifted to Shiloh; it wasn't uncommon for him to be squinting at something and even now his eyes were narrowed just slightly. He wasn't angry but he was confused.
This was entirely unexpected. What was Shiloh doing with her? And what was she doing here?
He glanced down the hallway behind them and, finding it empty, moved aside. “Come inside,” he urged quickly. He took Shiloh’s arm first and gently pulled him in. Promptly, he did the same to Sutai and closed the door behind the two.
A stack of paper was on his desk; his suit jacket was hanging on the back of his chair and the room smelled heavily of coffee. Everything was neat and orderly and in place—except for his guests.
“I hope you’ve prepared and explanation,” he said. His voice was softer now, as if he was deliberately trying to temper his emotions so as not to frighten Shiloh. He looked at Sutai. “What’s going on?”
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Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2017 12:20 pm
kapoodles Sutai swears she didn’t stick the tag to Mister Shiloh with spit. She doesn’t spit on people. That’s gross. :< Sutai couldn’t help but beam with 100% pure happiness directly at Mister Alexei’s stern features, like a column of warm sunlight. Pew pew! She was so proud of the fact that she’d done something right for once, and protected someone important, that she simply forgot the fact that she was powered up and jingling like an Icecapades escapee right through the middle of a very important, serious judiciary building. The Squire squeaked when pulled inside the room, jingling to a stop in front of a Very Serious and Important Desk on Which Laws Were Probably Made. No, wait, Mister Alexei was a judge, not a lawmaker. Big difference. The Very Serious and Important Desk on Which Lives Were Changed. That sounded more like it. Spinning around in the typical Sutai-brand fashion, the Squire had her hands on her hips and a jovial smile on her face. “I don’t think anybody saw us, Mister Alexei. Don’t you worry! But… Mister Shiloh, you see, I was patrolling outside…” She frowned slightly, knowing full well Alexei specifically told her not to, but the events that transpired would hopefully please the judge anyway. “...ah, Mister Shiloh, you see sir, he was outside doing his job and taking out the trash, and this monster appeared!” Sutai shook her head as if to scold the monster in her mind. Truthfully, it shouldn’t have even thought to harm poor Mister Shiloh. He was a sweet man who didn’t deserve that! “Mister Shiloh could have been seriously injured, or even worse! So I threw my sextant at it! Don’t you worry, Mister Alexei, the monster is dead and there aren’t any other monsters nearby. And Mister Shiloh wasn’t injured - I checked. He’s probably very shaken, and I was going to escort him home to make sure he was safe the whole way, but he said he always says goodnight to you! The monsters are known to go inside buildings too, you see, so it is my solemn duty to protect people and make sure no other monsters are lurking in the shadows.” The Squire finished her explanation with a curtsy and a rosy smile.
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Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2017 9:52 pm
Shiloh immediately found himself shrinking under Alexei's gaze as the man questioned their presence in the courthouse at this hour. While Shiloh had an excuse, and a good one at that, he couldn't bring his mouth to open, frozen under the scrutiny of the judge. The arm grabbed him and he squeaked in surprise just as Sutai had done after him, and suddenly felt even smaller than before.
He was expecting to be yelled at, to be scolded for doing such a thing as bring Sutai into the building and he knew it was wrong but it was just... He was scared. Yet his words were locked behind his own tightened lips and his gaze was glued to the ground. Even though the judge's questioning was soft, and his words easing out in a way Shiloh knew was because of him and his frail hearted self, his shoulders still shook.
He had messed up. He knew it, he knew he shouldn't have brought Sutai in. Shiloh had been under the impression that the judge would be happy to see Sutai, but it really just seemed like he had made a mess of things as he always had. While the judge did not frighten him, Shiloh still felt incredibly guilty for what he had done and couldn't shake it off.
Luckily for him, Sutai was more than willing to inform Alexei of what happened, and by the time her busy words managed to cover anything, he somehow managed to find his own, though only enough to whisper.
"I-I'm sorry, sir... I just... I was scared... And I just... I'm sorry... I wanted to just say good night... I'll go home.. I'll just go home, I'm sorry..." Even Sutai's bouncy ways and her sweet smile couldn't seem to steady Shiloh. Too many things had happened at once, and he was tired; his body worn out from the encounter with the youma and from just working all night anyway.
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Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2017 10:34 pm
Alexei’s eyes went to Shiloh immediately and it didn’t take long for him to realize that the younger man seemed a bit weak on his feet. “Go home? Shiloh, you can’t walk. The busses won’t be running for hours. Come here,” he said, taking Shiloh by the elbow and leading him behind his desk. He guided him to the chair without really giving him an opportunity to protest. “Take a seat, catch your breath. You’ve no reason to be scared, you’re safe in here.”
He sounded convinced of that and placed one hand on Shiloh’s shoulder, silently urging him to sit. He did not make any effort to remove the hand. His attention focused on Sutai promptly. “I’ll take care of him. I’ll see to it that he gets home all right, thank you for bringing him here. And keeping him safe.”
He seemed genuinely grateful despite the stoicism that seemed to cling to him. “Do either of you want a drink? Something to eat? I have coffee, and a vending machine outside.”
It wasn’t much, but he was making an effort at least. His hand remained firm on Shiloh’s shoulder and occasionally he watched him from the corner of his eye. “I should apologize if I alarmed you. Forgive my caution. It’s been a long day. What monster were you fighting, Sutai? –You’re sure you’re both alright?”
Alexei was usually less obvious with the questions he was asking but if his words hadn’t made it obvious that he was worried, the fact that he still hadn’t moved his hand from Shiloh’s shoulder must have meant something.
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Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2017 10:02 am
Sutai beamed from praise, bouncing on her heels. Almost being ripped to shreds by a youma would scare anyone witless, she thought. Shiloh was doing his best to keep things together as it was. "It's what Knights do, Mister Alexei. Don't you worry about me, okay? Mister Shiloh needs our help the most right now. And besides... my big brother always said I shouldn't have any caffeine, because it's like dividing by zero." The Squire gave a short giggle. What monster were you fighting? That question was one Sutai could answer readily. "A youma, sir, like the kind you see sometimes on television. They come from somewhere else, and they traipse around the city and hurt people. The Negaverse people sometimes have them at their command. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen a youma attack a Negaverse officer... Only knights and senshi and civilians, mostly..." The girl tapped her chin. This was something Valhalla or Sessrumnir might know more about, given their tenure. She shook her head, chalking it up to something she could worry about another day. "People like me, we can sense them from a distance, so even though I wasn't right at Mister Shiloh's side, I could feel the youma, and so I came running. I can't sense civilians so it's better to be safe than sorry. Right?" The offer of food from the vending machine was gently turned down. Sutai had some of Mama's fresh curry waiting at home for her. "I can escort both of you home, if you want? I mean, you may not be able to sense the bad guys coming, and civilians are the most at risk, you see. I'd really hate to have something happen to you... guns don't work on them, you see... At least, not that I've known..." With a sigh, Sutai twiddled her fingers. She had no doubt that Mister Alexei, in all his stern and stoic glory, could probably suplex a car in half, but a youma? Only people with magical powers could deal with youma. At least, as far as she knew. "I can make myself scarce, you know... stay hidden? If you're afraid people will see me."
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Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2017 6:59 pm
It wasn't until Shiloh found himself sitting in Alexei's chair that he found himself able to think clearly once again. For all the times he had been in this room, to clean or to just talk, he had never had the chance to sit in it, and once he did, he realized just how cozy it was. It would have to be, given the amount of time Alexei spent in it. And now here he was, and not only that, the other man held onto him. It was only his hand, but it was more solid of an anchor to focus on than he could ever imagine. It was more than enough to bring him back from his ever growing self doubt and keep him in the conversation.
To the offer of food, and then to the question of how he was, he shook his head.
"I'm fine..." Softly he tried to assure both Sutai and Alexei, though he had a feeling that neither would believe him. How could they after that emotional display he gave not moments before? But that was alright, he was at least just a little better now. And as they spoke more, Sutai explaining things further, and the Judge offering to take him home, Shiloh found himself without the strength to protest, not with the hand still holding him in place. In fact, he placed his own hand over Alexei's, allowing himself to squeeze it shyly and then letting out a breath he hadn't known he had been holding in since they first entered the room.
"Sutai... You are kind, thank you... B-But I couldn't trouble you for that... you've already saved my life once... You can see Alexei home, however, I'll be fine, I just need to rest for a moment or two, t-then I can make it home..."
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Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2017 12:21 am
Alexei gave Shiloh a stern look. “I don’t need anyone to see me home,” he reminded. “Sutai, I appreciate the offer, but I think we’ll manage. My house is a bit out of the way, it would just inconvenience you. You’re probably of more use here in the city. I doubt we have any reason to fear monsters or youma where I live.”
At least, he’d never seen anything strange or amiss, but to be entirely fair he wasn’t usually looking. His property had enough security on it to deter most people but he supposed monsters probably didn’t operate on the same wavelength. He had more questions about the idea of monsters but now really didn’t seem like the time.
“Shiloh,” he said; he lifted his hand from Shiloh’s shoulder for only long enough to pry his coat from the back of the chair and slide it on. Within a few seconds, his hand had returned. “Do you need to pick anything up before we leave?”
He had made up his mind; he wasn’t letting Shiloh leave here, unattended. Not only was it a ridiculous walk, it was a ridiculous wait for any busses, and he certainly wasn’t going to let the boy loose in the world if he’d been recently traumatized. “I’ll drive you home. You’ll give me instructions?” he prompted. “Are you of sound mind enough to do that for me, or shall I just take you home with me, tonight?”
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Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2017 6:29 pm
Sutai tapped her chin. Would they be safe in a car? Probably more so than on foot, definitely. If they see a youma coming, Alexei could probably step on the gas and out-speed most pursuers... And Shiloh, being a Page himself, might be able to escape with Alexei in a pinch if he used his powers... hmm... Mister Alexei was quite insistent, and if she were to trust Shiloh to anyone, Alexei would likely be the best candidate. All that in mind, the Squire gave a firm nod. "Okay! But do keep in mind, Mister Alexei, that the youma and the Negaverse agents can appear anywhere. Not to make you paranoid or anything..." She seemed worried after mentioning it, even though she'd had the best of intentions to protect the two men. "...I just want to make sure you're safe. I'll see if anyone patrols near that area, and can keep an eye on you." She quickly trotted to Shiloh's other side - the one not occupied by a stern judge - and gave him a warm hug. "If you need anything, please contact me, okay??" came a whisper in the young man's ear. She knew he couldn't divulge his identity to Alexei, at least... not yet. Soon, Sutai would have her ring and that would make communications that much easier. Returning to her previous place in front of the impressive desk, Sutai curtsied. "You probably don't want me to run around through the main building so... do you mind if I use a window, Mister Alexei~?"
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Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 6:14 pm
Thankfully, Shiloh had not turned his gaze up towards the older man, for that look would have silenced him instantly and made him shrink back as he had earlier. And he would have to admit, Alexei was right. He really didn't need anyone to see him home. He wasn't weak like Shiloh always seemed to be.
"Sir...?" He finally looked up at the older man, bright blue eyes seeming a little more dazed than normal but otherwise alright for the moment. The hand left him for just a moment, leaving him feeling suddenly naked and exposed to the world around him, but it came back with it's comfort and he managed to shake his head again. He never had much to begin with.
And yet for all the calmness that Alexei provided, he still managed to let out a surprised squeak when Sutai hugged him, whispering soft and kind words into his ear before releasing him. To them, he nodded and offered a sheepish smile, happy he had made a new friend, and oddly looking forward to becoming stronger one day. Strong enough where he wouldn't have to depend on others, where he could be the one protecting Alexei, even if he didn't know it.
For now, fear still gripped his fragile heart, and he found himself terrified of the judge knowing just what kind of squalor he lived in. "I want to go home with you... I-I don't... I don't want to be alone."
The moment the words left his lips his cheeks flushed red, realizing what he said, what he meant, and what would happen next. It both terrified him further and made him excited.
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Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 10:12 pm
Alexei didn’t seemed swayed by anything—the threat of monsters appearing anywhere, the woman who wanted to exit through a window, or Shiloh wanting to come home with him. Instead, he nodded and seemed to have made up his mind. To Sutai, he nodded towards the window and said, “By all means, the window is yours.”
She would have to leave first so he could appropriately close up so he moved to the second closest window and fiddled with the latch. It took a few seconds but he was able to easily lift the window. It was only when peering out that it became obvious why he’d selected this window; the other windows had a row of bushes beneath but this one had a slight gap that would have allowed her the easiest way to exit.
“Please be safe,” he insisted, moving back to the desk so he could pack things up. “I’ll have to speak with you at a later time so we can discuss this. I want to know more but now doesn’t seem like an opportune time. So stay in one piece until then, won’t you?”
The question was somewhat rhetorical; his eyes glanced up to meet hers once before he resumed picking up loose papers and straightening up his desk.
To Shiloh, he offered the faintest smile as he tried to reassure the man. “I’ll see to it that you aren’t. My house is very safe.” He moved to place a hand on Shiloh’s forehead, claiming, “You feel a little cold. Do you need to borrow my coat?”
He seemed ready to hand it over but added, “We’ll have to stop and get you something to eat. It’s good for the nerves and might help you sleep easier.”
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Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2017 4:33 pm
"Okay bye bye! Please be safe, both of you! I'll be back later and I promise to keep an eye out around here. Please get plenty of rest and be safe okay byyyyeeee~!" Lifting the nearby window with surprising strength for someone of her size and stature, Sutai winked and scooted straight out. Much could be said for the gifts the universe bestowed upon people. Despite being well above street level, and despite a fall from that height being dangerous for normal folk, Sutai landed without trouble. The music of the charms upon her outfit followed her out the window and down onto the street, a giggle floated up to Alexei and Shiloh. Sutai had disappeared into the night, making her way back home where a delicious dinner was awaiting her.
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Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2017 8:41 am
Sutai's overwhelming excitableness left Shiloh drained and exhausted, but not offended by it. It was just strange and a bit much for him at the moment, especially when the shock of the whole night was finally wearing away and he found himself a bit more on edge than normal. Still, he managed a soft 'Good Night...' before she bolted out, so that was something atleast.
Everything felt so strange, and the Judge's fussing over him left him feeling both comfortable and uneasy as he tried to convince himself inwardly that he wasn't being a burden. Alexei did seem to genuinely care, and for once in his life, Shiloh felt too tired to protest or give into his anxieties, craving only that comfort and calmness that the Judge's fingertips again his skin provided.
"I'm fine..." He murmured once again and finally stood up, his legs no longer feeling like jelly under him. He could walk just fine at this point, but still stood close to Alexei, his hand coming up to grip lightly at the fabric on his elbow after the coat had been placed back on again.
"Alright... Just something small..." Shiloh didn't want to say no, so he compromised, even if his stomach was doing flips at the prospects of eating anything right now. The way the Judge seemed, he really wasn't going to take no for an answer, and Shiloh was more than willing to let him dictate their steps. After all, he did say he'd be safe with him, and that he'd make sure he wasn't alone. That's all that Shiloh could ask, and it would be rude not to accept anything the Judge offered him, which he was slowly realizing was much more kind and gentle than he originally anticipated.
Patiently, he waited for the Judge to close and lock the window and grab the rest of his things, shifting from foot to foot in a bit of anxious energy, ready to follow when Alexei made to leave.
Lucifer Force *blows Kisses* A fin from me! Kyuseisha no Hikari Hng... Should I start the next one or would you like to?
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