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Oh...?
[Jae-ha raises a brow at that - and his expression turns curious. Wondering. There's no hiding his surprise if only because - ] Who told you that...? Is it because of what that man said?
[The one in Souji's memory - the one who question what he'd be able to do with a body like that. Jae-ha thinks back on it and he contemplates. Souji had both his arms, he had both of his legs - he could have done plenty. Even in that hallway, he managed to do plenty. Making a difference for the people that you care about, even if you think they're small in the long run...]
I think I remember telling you once that I thought you possess the loyalty of dragons - but I never once thought that you'd be shackled to fate the same way that we are.
To be thinking so far ahead - as if something will happen to you, and you cannot escape it - maybe I'm telling you the wrong thing...
But I don't think someone as beautiful as you should pay attention to something as small and fickle as 'fate'. [He pulls one hand away from Souji's face, taking one of Souji's hands instead and bringing it over his own chest, with his heart beats steadily.] You and I are similar that way.
Each breath you take is already an act of defiance, and your heart obviously beats for something more than the time that you have.
If it's already like that, why put up the facade of bare minimum satisfaction?
[Jae-ha raises a brow at that - and his expression turns curious. Wondering. There's no hiding his surprise if only because - ] Who told you that...? Is it because of what that man said?
[The one in Souji's memory - the one who question what he'd be able to do with a body like that. Jae-ha thinks back on it and he contemplates. Souji had both his arms, he had both of his legs - he could have done plenty. Even in that hallway, he managed to do plenty. Making a difference for the people that you care about, even if you think they're small in the long run...]
I think I remember telling you once that I thought you possess the loyalty of dragons - but I never once thought that you'd be shackled to fate the same way that we are.
To be thinking so far ahead - as if something will happen to you, and you cannot escape it - maybe I'm telling you the wrong thing...
But I don't think someone as beautiful as you should pay attention to something as small and fickle as 'fate'. [He pulls one hand away from Souji's face, taking one of Souji's hands instead and bringing it over his own chest, with his heart beats steadily.] You and I are similar that way.
Each breath you take is already an act of defiance, and your heart obviously beats for something more than the time that you have.
If it's already like that, why put up the facade of bare minimum satisfaction?
[The first question is one that earns him a little laugh, and Souji shakes his head a little even though he doesn't bother moving it away from Jae-ha's.]
Yamazaki-san is a fine doctor. He only worries as a doctor would.
[Honestly Yamazaki deserves a gotdam award for putting up with him. In any case, it's not that that's unnerved him, and he feels he'll continue to defy Yamazaki's well-intentioned orders until he's physically incapable of continuing to do so.
As his hand is moved and he can feel Jae-ha's heartbeat beneath his fingertips, he feels a little more at peace, somehow. There are certainly moments he hates this castle and hates being here. But he'd meant it when he said he doesn't regret it. Not if it brings him to people like this, who say they understand and truly, truly do.]
...It's a kind thing to say. A nice one to hear, too. I will fight, you know? I'll fight for as long as I can.
[Because he is defiant, and he'll always push himself to and beyond his limits in search of more than what he has. Affection, love, time, health. His fingers curl a little into the fabric of Jae-ha's shirt. A beat of silence passes.]
...There are people here from the world I know, but much farther into the future, long after I've died. I suppose you could say I'm a piece of history to them.
[Along with everything written out; all their victories and losses, all their triumphs and defeats, all of the suffering whittled down to pages of print in a book. The notion of reading it is more terrifying to him than the thought he might die here, honestly. It's an answer to Jae-ha's first question, in any case; no one told him. Not exactly.]
Yamazaki-san is a fine doctor. He only worries as a doctor would.
[Honestly Yamazaki deserves a gotdam award for putting up with him. In any case, it's not that that's unnerved him, and he feels he'll continue to defy Yamazaki's well-intentioned orders until he's physically incapable of continuing to do so.
As his hand is moved and he can feel Jae-ha's heartbeat beneath his fingertips, he feels a little more at peace, somehow. There are certainly moments he hates this castle and hates being here. But he'd meant it when he said he doesn't regret it. Not if it brings him to people like this, who say they understand and truly, truly do.]
...It's a kind thing to say. A nice one to hear, too. I will fight, you know? I'll fight for as long as I can.
[Because he is defiant, and he'll always push himself to and beyond his limits in search of more than what he has. Affection, love, time, health. His fingers curl a little into the fabric of Jae-ha's shirt. A beat of silence passes.]
...There are people here from the world I know, but much farther into the future, long after I've died. I suppose you could say I'm a piece of history to them.
[Along with everything written out; all their victories and losses, all their triumphs and defeats, all of the suffering whittled down to pages of print in a book. The notion of reading it is more terrifying to him than the thought he might die here, honestly. It's an answer to Jae-ha's first question, in any case; no one told him. Not exactly.]
[A piece of history.... Jae-ha thinks about that, his expression contemplative for a moment, thinking about what it would be like to live in a world where someone could tell him how the future played out. He could learn how everything turned out ten years down the line - with simply a word as to who the ruling family is. He could learn what kind of world fell into shape after he passed.
... and he will most certainly pass. That is the one unshakeable fact that he can't dissuade himself from. The end will come.
But even if he heard what kind of future awaits him - ]
Do you think that future is set in stone? Do you think that your choices don't matter, and since that what you've been told will happen, that's what's going to happen?
[It still sounds a bit like a prophecy, doesn't it?
Isn't that what Jae-ha's always spent his life living in spite of?]
... and he will most certainly pass. That is the one unshakeable fact that he can't dissuade himself from. The end will come.
But even if he heard what kind of future awaits him - ]
Do you think that future is set in stone? Do you think that your choices don't matter, and since that what you've been told will happen, that's what's going to happen?
[It still sounds a bit like a prophecy, doesn't it?
Isn't that what Jae-ha's always spent his life living in spite of?]
[Well.
Kissing is a no-go considering he doesn't want anyone to die, but hugging is still fine. Rather than answer the question directly at first, Souji just shakes his head and steps forward, moving his arms so he can fold Jae-ha into them and rest his forehead against his chest.
His feelings are conflicted, largely due to Yasusada and what he'd heard about his sword's mission - to protect history as it happened. Yasusada had been so proud, even with everything he'd been through, everything to come on Souji's side of time. Would it be selfish, wanting to change that distant future for his own sake? Wanting to potentially alter or even destroy the happiness of people he'd never met and never would, just because in some strange butterfly effect, his death made their future possible? Probably.
He's a selfish person, though. Rotten to the core - someone who would surely jump at the chance to rid his body of the illness destroying it, if only he could have more time by the sides of his precious people.]
All I know how to do is fight.
[It's not self-deprecative, though. It's a simple statement, muffled slightly though it is, and an answer to those questions.
He knows he'll continue to fight. He just also knows he can't win against an illness with no cure.]
Kissing is a no-go considering he doesn't want anyone to die, but hugging is still fine. Rather than answer the question directly at first, Souji just shakes his head and steps forward, moving his arms so he can fold Jae-ha into them and rest his forehead against his chest.
His feelings are conflicted, largely due to Yasusada and what he'd heard about his sword's mission - to protect history as it happened. Yasusada had been so proud, even with everything he'd been through, everything to come on Souji's side of time. Would it be selfish, wanting to change that distant future for his own sake? Wanting to potentially alter or even destroy the happiness of people he'd never met and never would, just because in some strange butterfly effect, his death made their future possible? Probably.
He's a selfish person, though. Rotten to the core - someone who would surely jump at the chance to rid his body of the illness destroying it, if only he could have more time by the sides of his precious people.]
All I know how to do is fight.
[It's not self-deprecative, though. It's a simple statement, muffled slightly though it is, and an answer to those questions.
He knows he'll continue to fight. He just also knows he can't win against an illness with no cure.]
[It's far too easy to hug Souji - and his arms wrap around the other securely, holding him close as he lets his chin fall atop Souji's head as if it was a practiced motion. It's an idle, simple action simply meant to take up space and time as he presses his lips to the top of Souji's head too as he listens, and waits.]
... good. I think you're at your best when you're fighting.
[Now that he's seen it - because Jae-ha understands. Those passionate ideals that drive you to someone, that drive you toward a family that you chose for yourself, where you carved out a place and made a home where you got to belong. He'd worked himself ragged for people before, and he would do it again without question.]
Whether it's against the time limits that people tell you have, or a future that's been decided for you - I hope that you keep fighting.
... good. I think you're at your best when you're fighting.
[Now that he's seen it - because Jae-ha understands. Those passionate ideals that drive you to someone, that drive you toward a family that you chose for yourself, where you carved out a place and made a home where you got to belong. He'd worked himself ragged for people before, and he would do it again without question.]
Whether it's against the time limits that people tell you have, or a future that's been decided for you - I hope that you keep fighting.
[It's a little sad to realize how much he misses being held like this, even if it's easy to relax into Jae-ha's arms like he's someone Souji has known for years. He sighs a little when he hears the comment about his fighting, too - a sound that's somewhere between satisfaction and exhaustion. He thinks the same. A sword is good in battle; that's where it will always shine the most brightly, and that's why he wants to stay where the fighting is.
Jae-ha knows exactly what it's like.
(The others get it too, in their own ways. They would just prefer that he do what he can to prolong his own life, even if there's not much to a life that's bedbound.)
After a few seconds pass, he leans back enough to peer up at Jae-ha's face and smiles.]
I'm glad to know someone who understands how important those things are. Thank you, Jae-ha.
[He will absolutely keep fighting.]
Jae-ha knows exactly what it's like.
(The others get it too, in their own ways. They would just prefer that he do what he can to prolong his own life, even if there's not much to a life that's bedbound.)
After a few seconds pass, he leans back enough to peer up at Jae-ha's face and smiles.]
I'm glad to know someone who understands how important those things are. Thank you, Jae-ha.
[He will absolutely keep fighting.]
Is that something you really need to thank me for...?
[He hums quietly at that, even as he's content to just hold Souji close to him. When Souji leans back to peer up at him - Jae-ha laughs and leans in to press a brief kiss to Souji's cheek. Perhaps a bit closer to his mouth than he really needs to be, but that sure is just Jae-ha playing with fire.]
I'll tell you again any time that you need to hear it - I think your way of life is beautiful.
Thank you for sharing it with me.
[He hums quietly at that, even as he's content to just hold Souji close to him. When Souji leans back to peer up at him - Jae-ha laughs and leans in to press a brief kiss to Souji's cheek. Perhaps a bit closer to his mouth than he really needs to be, but that sure is just Jae-ha playing with fire.]
I'll tell you again any time that you need to hear it - I think your way of life is beautiful.
Thank you for sharing it with me.
[why must the slut play with tb fire
In any case, Souji just laughs, light and bell-like, and pulls his arms away to reach for Jae-ha's face again. This is a handsy man. All he does this time is briefly run his thumbs over the ridge of his cheekbones though, and then take a step back.]
You've said all that I should be saying to you, you know? This castle can be awful, but at least it brought me you.
In any case, Souji just laughs, light and bell-like, and pulls his arms away to reach for Jae-ha's face again. This is a handsy man. All he does this time is briefly run his thumbs over the ridge of his cheekbones though, and then take a step back.]
You've said all that I should be saying to you, you know? This castle can be awful, but at least it brought me you.
[Souji is welcome to reach for Jae-ha's face - because Jae-ha's arms are still going to be securely wrapping around Souji instead of moving in that moment. He likes keeping them close together - there's enough warmth in it, and the familiar motion of holding someone smaller to him isn't bad either.
He'll let go when Souji steps back and not a second sooner.]
You could make a dragon blush with words like that, you know.
But - I am glad that I've gotten the chance to meet you too. I'll treasure all the time we get together.
[so all the ones so far and then uno more day]
He'll let go when Souji steps back and not a second sooner.]
You could make a dragon blush with words like that, you know.
But - I am glad that I've gotten the chance to meet you too. I'll treasure all the time we get together.
[so all the ones so far and then uno more day]
[UNO MORE DAY. Souji will end up taking it for granted since he just expects Jae-ha to stick around forever, unbeatable dragon with an intense love of life that he is!! What a fool.]
I will, too.
[But he still beams anyway and it's still a genuine statement. He does cherish his time here, even if he may overestimate the amount that others have.
Either way, though he'd honestly still prefer to be resting in Jae-ha's arms like the affection-hungry fool he is, he'll take another step back and hold a hand out.]
Shall we? I think I'd like something warm to drink after that.
[Nothing like a good ol' cup of tea to soothe your existential crises.]
I will, too.
[But he still beams anyway and it's still a genuine statement. He does cherish his time here, even if he may overestimate the amount that others have.
Either way, though he'd honestly still prefer to be resting in Jae-ha's arms like the affection-hungry fool he is, he'll take another step back and hold a hand out.]
Shall we? I think I'd like something warm to drink after that.
[Nothing like a good ol' cup of tea to soothe your existential crises.]
[this is extremely cursed
But Souji is here, and Souji is healthy, and Souji is absolutely delighted to see Jae-ha again now that the stress of the trial has ended. Being dead for 2 seconds apparently hasn't dampened his enthusiasm much, since he just fucking launches himself at this stupid man the second he sees him.]
We did it—!
But Souji is here, and Souji is healthy, and Souji is absolutely delighted to see Jae-ha again now that the stress of the trial has ended. Being dead for 2 seconds apparently hasn't dampened his enthusiasm much, since he just fucking launches himself at this stupid man the second he sees him.]
We did it—!
Edited 2018-07-29 02:19 (UTC)
[do you know how fucking scared i am
because once everything is over and they're restored - Jae-ha is absolutely going to open his arms and sweep Souji up into a a crushing hug, no longer worried about squeezing him too tight, and spinning him around in his arms with a laugh to go with the momentum]
We did - we did...!! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes?
because once everything is over and they're restored - Jae-ha is absolutely going to open his arms and sweep Souji up into a a crushing hug, no longer worried about squeezing him too tight, and spinning him around in his arms with a laugh to go with the momentum]
We did - we did...!! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes?
[STOP DON'T SAY YOU'RE SCARED THAT MAKES ME SCARED!!!!!
Souji just laughs right along with him, though, for once not having to worry about the air getting tripped up in his lungs on its way out. There's no blood on his lips, no sand in his mouth. Jae-ha is whole again, no longer lying still inside of a glass case.]
I don't think death has changed me that much. [His two seconds of it.] You look the same as ever, too.
Souji just laughs right along with him, though, for once not having to worry about the air getting tripped up in his lungs on its way out. There's no blood on his lips, no sand in his mouth. Jae-ha is whole again, no longer lying still inside of a glass case.]
I don't think death has changed me that much. [His two seconds of it.] You look the same as ever, too.
[i mean fair enough
because Souji's just going to stand here and not move away at all, resting against Jae-ha and keeping his arms looped around his neck even after they stop hug-spinning.]
Someone was kind enough to give me a reprieve, it seems.
[THOUGH HE DOESN'T KNOW WHO! OR WHAT THEY WISHED FOR!! And he's honestly still terrified that once he returns home his tuberculosis will return with him, or it'll be like it never left at all and he'll have to re-acclimate all over again - but those are tomorrow worries.]
...I've been fortunate to meet such wonderful people here.
because Souji's just going to stand here and not move away at all, resting against Jae-ha and keeping his arms looped around his neck even after they stop hug-spinning.]
Someone was kind enough to give me a reprieve, it seems.
[THOUGH HE DOESN'T KNOW WHO! OR WHAT THEY WISHED FOR!! And he's honestly still terrified that once he returns home his tuberculosis will return with him, or it'll be like it never left at all and he'll have to re-acclimate all over again - but those are tomorrow worries.]
...I've been fortunate to meet such wonderful people here.
[ . . . hah. Jae-ha laughs faintly at that - and he doesn't hesitate then to simply pick Souji up in his arms given the fact that he doesn't seem to have an issue with being closer.]
Shall we go somewhere?
[A rhetorical question because he's walking already anyway :/ but regardless....]
... it's difficult to be mad at everything, isn't it? Given who we've been able to meet along the way.
Shall we go somewhere?
[A rhetorical question because he's walking already anyway :/ but regardless....]
... it's difficult to be mad at everything, isn't it? Given who we've been able to meet along the way.
Ah--
[UP HE GOES, APPARENTLY. Having been set back to a point before tuberculosis touched him, he's definitely not as frail and sickly-thin as he'd been the last time Jae-ha was able to carry him around. He still settles into the arms carrying him without much fuss, though... It's nicer when it's not out of necessity because he's dying, okay.]
It looks like we already are.
[PUNK. But that aside, he quiets down into something more contemplative.]
...I can't say that I regret it, even now. Being able to meet everyone here has been one of the best things to ever come to me.
[tfw murdercastle is still better than your actual life]
[UP HE GOES, APPARENTLY. Having been set back to a point before tuberculosis touched him, he's definitely not as frail and sickly-thin as he'd been the last time Jae-ha was able to carry him around. He still settles into the arms carrying him without much fuss, though... It's nicer when it's not out of necessity because he's dying, okay.]
It looks like we already are.
[PUNK. But that aside, he quiets down into something more contemplative.]
...I can't say that I regret it, even now. Being able to meet everyone here has been one of the best things to ever come to me.
[tfw murdercastle is still better than your actual life]
[Jae-ha is honestly far too comfortable carrying Souji - and his footsteps naturally guide him outside, as if they're simply meant to be under the stars.
But at that... Jae-ha laughs faintly, offering a soft smile.]
.... Do I get to be counted among that number?
[don't dig for compliments you dumb slut]
But at that... Jae-ha laughs faintly, offering a soft smile.]
.... Do I get to be counted among that number?
[don't dig for compliments you dumb slut]
[It's nice, being able to breathe in the crisp night air without it making his whole chest ache. His eyes are drawn upward as soon as they're outside, mapping out the stars - unfamiliar at the start, but things he'd certainly grown more used to.
They drift back to Jae-ha at that, though. This lil shit...]
Mmm... I don't know about that, really. That's something I'd have to think about a little more. It's a very difficult question, you know?
[Congrats, Jae-ha, you've reached the tier of affection where Souji just becomes a godawful bully.]
They drift back to Jae-ha at that, though. This lil shit...]
Mmm... I don't know about that, really. That's something I'd have to think about a little more. It's a very difficult question, you know?
[Congrats, Jae-ha, you've reached the tier of affection where Souji just becomes a godawful bully.]
[ . . . but.
Jae-ha loves bullies.
There's a little raise of his brow at that - and he definitely lifts Souji up in his arms while at the same time bending his head closer so that their faces are most certainly closer than they really need to be.]
What's this?
Did your good health suddenly make you want to play hard to get?
Jae-ha loves bullies.
There's a little raise of his brow at that - and he definitely lifts Souji up in his arms while at the same time bending his head closer so that their faces are most certainly closer than they really need to be.]
What's this?
Did your good health suddenly make you want to play hard to get?
["jae-ha loves bullies" is going to be the statement that condemns us both
Anyway, as per usual for these two HORRIBLE PEOPLE, Souji isn't at all bothered by Jae-ha just dipping right into his personal space. If anything, the spark of amusement in his eyes seems brighter, even as he trains his expression into a theatrical look of innocence.]
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by that? I've always been this way.
[NOT UNTRUE... This is the Souji beneath the TB ballerina, god.]
Anyway, as per usual for these two HORRIBLE PEOPLE, Souji isn't at all bothered by Jae-ha just dipping right into his personal space. If anything, the spark of amusement in his eyes seems brighter, even as he trains his expression into a theatrical look of innocence.]
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by that? I've always been this way.
[NOT UNTRUE... This is the Souji beneath the TB ballerina, god.]
Oh? Have you...?
[He hums faintly at that, his lips curling into a contemplative smile. The stars are probably judging them from far above because we've swung into every single genre of kdrama and have apparently ended up right back in dumb flirting.]
... maybe that's true. It would explain my interest in you since the beginning, after all.
[he loves what he can't have
wow]
[He hums faintly at that, his lips curling into a contemplative smile. The stars are probably judging them from far above because we've swung into every single genre of kdrama and have apparently ended up right back in dumb flirting.]
... maybe that's true. It would explain my interest in you since the beginning, after all.
[he loves what he can't have
wow]
[The stars are definitely judging them because legally, someone has to. This stupidity cannot go unjudged.]
Are you sure that wasn't just because I enjoyed a good drink and could tie your hair up nicely?
[But it's said on a little breath of a laugh, as Souji reaches up to gently tug on a small pinch of Jae-ha's hair as if to make his point.]
Are you sure that wasn't just because I enjoyed a good drink and could tie your hair up nicely?
[But it's said on a little breath of a laugh, as Souji reaches up to gently tug on a small pinch of Jae-ha's hair as if to make his point.]
[There's a little quirk of a smile at that, and Souji shifts his hand a little so that he can cup the side of Jae-ha's face and the corner of his mouth.
Then, in a brief break from the stupid flirting:]
I've never heard as many nice things as I've heard here... About me, I mean.
[It's still a shock to him like 8 weeks later when people claim to be his friend, okay. This is a lot for one little Souji to take in...]
Then, in a brief break from the stupid flirting:]
I've never heard as many nice things as I've heard here... About me, I mean.
[It's still a shock to him like 8 weeks later when people claim to be his friend, okay. This is a lot for one little Souji to take in...]
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