[ at least one of them does. she is just having a grand time... analyzing herself. how much of her nerves are from the carnivora beside her, and how much from the unfamiliar squeeze he offers in return? which is better? who can say.
she sighs at his words though, shaking her head. ]
Oh, history's always like that! The person with the pen tells the story -- the truth gets buried beneath hearsay and rumor, or obscured purposefully by people who fear it. [ a wave of her free hand; old hat, honestly. ] One of my duties was putting together a timeline of events and sorting through various accounts of about a million different groups to paint a picture, and there were always... conflicting stories.
[ heroes and villains. what was good for one was bad for another, every pro a con... ]
... I'm a villain myself, despite my looks. At least according to history.
That so. Looks like we’re going to get along just great, you and me, the evil masterminds. But I get exactly what you mean, and it's that the victors get to paint the picture. The victors being us, in this case, with the sort of success I'm envisioning in our future in Karteria now that I brought you on board. Which, given I'm offloading a ton of responsibility on you, let me know how you want my support. I didn't hire you just to be a tea server, after all.
( ah. he almost forgot something important. )
I appreciate you listening and coming to my rescue, by the way. Turning people down en masse like that would've been bad PR for sure.
[ a lot of responsibility and expectations, wording it like that... she's really got to do everything she can -- and more -- to make sure she doesn't disappoint them. ]
Just one of my many offloaded responsibilities, Takasugi. So if you really want to help me help you...
[ hmm. ]
There's two things. One is that you always tell me what you want, no matter how selfish or silly it sounds, when the idea strikes you. And the second thing is exposure therapy. I don't have to why, do I?
Any selfish little thing I'm thinking? ... You shouldn't give a man that sort of power right off the bat.
( in fact, it kind of irks him to hear it.
amagi rinne said similar at some point, an "i'll do anything for you", and how does he keep meeting people like this? it isn't funny or interesting to witness them give themselves over to his demands without argument. well. maybe it's a little funny. either way, she should really value herself a bit more, especially when he considers how quickly she wrote herself off to be his possession.
so.
he pulls her back by the hand, spinning her around to bring her smaller frame right into the curve of his. hopefully, no one’s noticing the sexiest guy in 3kon making such a bold move, but he’s not really not thinking about all that right now. )
[ it happens smoothly and suddenly, overwhelmed by his warmth and soul practically hollaring at her about how right it was, so it should be little surprise when her kneejerk reaction is a hoof right
beside, beside, beside his foot, close enough that it definitely had meant to be on him instead and she'd moved at the last second. malkuth is quick to put space between them with her free hand, face flushed and mouth like a fish's as she tries to-- ]
That's not what I meant, Takasugi!
[ sharp but a hint of tremble, naturally, and she presses her lips tight in frustration at herself. it's fine. he's being a little mean. but that's because they need to set boundaries. an exhale. ]
As an idol. Things you want to do, things you want to try, as an idol. I'm managing you, so I want you to be able to do the things you like, you find fun, even if you don't know what that is right now, even if it sounds silly or selfish or stupid -- I want to be able to help facilitate it. [ not as a man. ] I didn't realize I had to be specific.
( look. if she had kicked him, he would have totally deserved it.
but he gets the message. there's space between them again, and he places a hand on his hip while tilting his chin at an angle to size her up properly. like the day they met, she states her terms and designs with such conviction that he can't help but think his luck is coming in handy for once. she's been thorough from the moment he made her accountable for something that most definitely came out of nowhere, this idol business of theirs.
his right ear flicks, and for now, he feels totally in control. )
Right. I'm not really sure what else an idol does for fun apart from making people smile, but I'll think on it. I don't like to be too predictable.
( if she hasn't figured that out by now... bad takasugi. bad!!!! )
You don't have to worry about me holding back on anything silly, though. People have always called me crazy for speaking my mind. Not that it's ever stopped me.
Clearly. I'll bet there's few people in your life, here or before you died, that've had the nerve to refuse you.
[ she fusses with her hair for a moment, soothing her nerves as she smoothes it and her pinned ears down, before she holds out her hand again. ]
We'll start off like this. I just need the other soul to know you aren't a threat, and maybe when it stops telling me to gore you with my horns for intruding on my personal space I'll hug you. Okay?
[ acting like he's the one who wants affection and it wasn't just to scare her... ]
No. They refused me plenty, some of them. ... Some of them.
( and it hurt, really.
their rejection is mapped in him deep down, stuck in the crevices of his ribs as it refuses to leave. their deaths are something black blooming in him always.
so. if he can help get her acclimated to his soul, then all the better. he'll meet her request gladly, for the sake of their future partnership. and also a hug, apparently? he extends the same clawed hand out tentatively, turning it so his open palm faces her. those red eyes flit up to catch her gaze, that annoying smile gone. )
[ it surprises her to hear, clearly seen on her face, and... that expression remains even as she returns his tentative gesture with her own, palm resting on his, though it softens to a quiet kind of curiosity. not quiet for long though. ]
Really? But you're so handsome and well-spoken... I thought you'd have no shortage of people seeing if they could curry your favor before you'd even thought to ask them, not be refused when you did need a hand. Or wanted for more.
Isn't that kind of twisted, saying people should do what I want because I'm good-looking? But you're right about others trying to curry my favor. Attractiveness aside, I was born into a fairly well off household. Not the most prolific, but we were well off enough. So. They would've known that and all my achievements before we met.
( so many probing questions on her part.
takasugi lets her explore his hand, even as a smaller one resting in his palm pricks at the part of his soul that wants him to lunge. he's resisted it thus far, the sickly sweet whispers of his soul wanting him to mark everything, and he can keep resisting even more. but the strength of one's will can only take you so far. if he can imprint on her, he might be able to hold it off for a while longer.
regardless of all those thoughts, takasugi still swallows. )
Well? Is it everything you hoped it would be? Fondling my hand, I mean.
[ okay? well? it happens? not to her, because she is nowhere good looking enough to have people do as she asks, but to others...
anyway. she's pinching his clawed finger. ]
Shut up. I'm only doing this so I can actually interact with you three, not because of anything else. Remember that.
[ even if
it does feel nice, and she doesn't mind the claws as much as she thought she would. the ruminantia soul isn't entirely quiet either, but it seems to be cautiously allowing at least this. tense still, ready to spring if he tries anything else -- if he even moves too quickly.
...
takasugi probably has a limit. it'd be selfish to try and press that for her own benefit, even if it'd benefit them both in the end, so after a moment more malkuth's hand drops and she steps back, staring at the wall. ]
I grew up somewhat well off too, but that doesn't mean much in a Nest. The most I got was matchmaking... offers [ read: threats ] if I wasn't considering working at a Wing, but nothing like what you grew up with. You're actually the first guy I've touched so much.
( people are always telling him to shut up for some reason. funny thing, that.
but as he mentally brushes that off fairly quickly, what surprises takasugi even more is her confession. the corner of his mouth lifts lightly. )
Me? Seriously? A girl as cute as you? The men where you're from must have no taste is all. But let's put that aside for now; you're going to explain what a "Nest" is, right? Ah, and don't think I'm trying to poke fun at you or anything about your background. I'm just curious. Since we're going to be seeing a lot of each other from here-on out, I might as well get to know you, too.
( it's a secluded village or something like that, surely.
without waiting for her response, takasugi gently pulls her away from the wall, natural soul be damned. they might as well keep moving, right? standing off to the side while the crowd approaches will only make them stand out more, and being different from the average karterian was already enough of a reason to other them outright. takasugi needs to look out for this one too, he feels, and not just to pay her back for the earlier rescue. )
[ maybe he should take it to heart sometime. malkuth's lips quirk up at the compliment, just because she's still not used to being called-- that, and she exhales slowly as her natural soul resists the lead for a moment before she follows after. side by side, then. ]
The City, which is what it's actually called, uses avian terminology for a lot of things. Within its high walls are twenty-six separate Districts, and within each District are two distinct areas: The Backstreets, home to the downtrodden and unlucky, and The Nests, which are where the well-off and affluent share a space. Those born in Nests often go to work in each District's respective Wing, and thus they're generally called Feathers.
[ so. not a secluded village, no. ]
While Nests... do offer a lot, to the point that anyone who'd willing leave it for something else is considered a childish fool, they have their own set of problems. Those problems are just-- worse, in every way, in the Backstreets of each District. You follow?
I follow. You had far more districts than I could've ever sectioned off my city of SAITAMA into, it sounds like. But for as different as our worlds might seem, there's one thing we'll always have in common: there will always be people who are oppressed, and those who are oppressed will always be looking to someone to lead them. Even here in Karteria the seeds of persecution can be traced back in their history.
( her problems, their problems. they must trail after them in every world, like a persistent hound nipping at the heels of the unfortunate.
takasugi had never moved for his country's sake, or even the people's sake alone. he only does what intrigues his annoyingly unique sense of justice. but here, lately, it feels like while he understands that even a god can't fix everything, he's had a particularly enlightening discussion in a dressing room with a certain someone from their group. as they walk side by side, takasugi reflects on that chat about the significance of idols, and a silly, affectionate smirk appears on his face as he remembers the gentle way claws brushed against the nape of his neck.
which, he doesn't need to be smiling like that right now. he rubs the tip of his nose lightly with a hand. )
But those seeds don’t necessarily need to be planted in the same way when we can support the less fortunate in different ways. Idols can illuminate the people's senses and bring a smile to their face, or so I've seen firsthand.
[ he doesn't, but it's... a sweet look on him, whatever caused it. her ears flick in interest, but she leaves it be. ]
... To be honest, that's part of why I agreed so readily to helping you out. [ outside of giving her direction, that is. ] I thought it might be similar as something we'd been chasing back in The City with how you described it, and when I saw you three perform I knew for certain it was -- and I really do want to nurture that light until it becomes a beacon anyone, born high or low, can look to for a moment's respite.
[ he'd described them as a star shower in summer, but couldn't they as easily become a roaring blaze that offers comfort and warmth to those who seek it? that could burn away the stifling cloth of obscurity and give those that come some fresher air? malkuth thinks so, and it only takes a little kindling to turn a spark into something bigger. she's happy to be that tinder. ]
Just like back in The City, no one feels like they have the time for anything other than their own survival. But they don't realize just how important things like dreams or hopes are to living -- I left my Nest because I did, and I wanted to be able to do something for my family, my neighbors who couldn't. So this is kind of the same, except this time I'm not being scolding for lifting my head when I should just keep it down.
( his pace slows slightly, and it's like being back hundreds of years ago for a moment.
the sun is shining bright. the thick, purple clouds that trick the birds are trying to cover the world below as he strolls alongside his comrades. they’re all just looking for an exciting way to step into the spotlight of the new era ahead, to keep on living reckless and free together.
as a light breeze picks up strands of his hair, sending them flying forward, takasugi exhales out his nose lightly, a different, earnest smile playing across his face. )
That's right. You won't need to beg for favors or lower yourself to anyone anymore. We're all equals here in 3kon. Well. Aside from the fact that I'm technically the president of this whole affair, having basically kickstarted it by investing all of my numis in Amagi-kun from the very beginning. But I'll tell you what I told him. "Live interesting in an uninteresting world". I penned a poem like that in life, and I'm living by that very philosophy even now. All we need to do together is discover the unconventional, and have fun while we're doing it. If we put our hearts into our very existence and the music we work into the people here, it'll all have meant something.
[ if only he knew how much had changed since those days, of following someone's shadow in hopes of something more. malkuth... believes she's standing on her own two feet, walking her own path, at least now. here especially she can.
but the world is so, so large. she turns her head to watch the streets as they pass through, smile loosely amused. he wrote poetry, too. definitely a well off young man. ]
I'm kinda surprised how much we have in common, deaths aside... You're more charismatic than I am, though.
[ hmm. having seen the man now, she understands his star power, but... ]
What made you want to go all-in on Rinne anyway? Just because it seemed fun?
For sure, it was for fun, but when I asked Amagi-kun for a sample, he sent it over immediately. You heard him at our concert, right? The echo of it reverberates in you for a while, and it's no weak voice either. It's loud and and powerful enough that when it reaches inside you, it stirs you to life. From that moment, I knew I had to have him. I'm his very first fan here, you know.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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( hahah.
but he gives her hand a little squeeze regardless, well aware of what the warmth passing between them might mean. )
In my time, I was a fairly skilled negotiator, you know? Depending on how one looks at it, my own history could paint me as the hero or the villain.
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she sighs at his words though, shaking her head. ]
Oh, history's always like that! The person with the pen tells the story -- the truth gets buried beneath hearsay and rumor, or obscured purposefully by people who fear it. [ a wave of her free hand; old hat, honestly. ] One of my duties was putting together a timeline of events and sorting through various accounts of about a million different groups to paint a picture, and there were always... conflicting stories.
[ heroes and villains. what was good for one was bad for another, every pro a con... ]
... I'm a villain myself, despite my looks. At least according to history.
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( ah. he almost forgot something important. )
I appreciate you listening and coming to my rescue, by the way. Turning people down en masse like that would've been bad PR for sure.
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Just one of my many offloaded responsibilities, Takasugi. So if you really want to help me help you...
[ hmm. ]
There's two things. One is that you always tell me what you want, no matter how selfish or silly it sounds, when the idea strikes you. And the second thing is exposure therapy. I don't have to why, do I?
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( in fact, it kind of irks him to hear it.
amagi rinne said similar at some point, an "i'll do anything for you", and how does he keep meeting people like this? it isn't funny or interesting to witness them give themselves over to his demands without argument. well. maybe it's a little funny. either way, she should really value herself a bit more, especially when he considers how quickly she wrote herself off to be his possession.
so.
he pulls her back by the hand, spinning her around to bring her smaller frame right into the curve of his. hopefully, no one’s noticing the sexiest guy in 3kon making such a bold move, but he’s not really not thinking about all that right now. )
Is this enough exposure for you?
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beside, beside, beside his foot, close enough that it definitely had meant to be on him instead and she'd moved at the last second. malkuth is quick to put space between them with her free hand, face flushed and mouth like a fish's as she tries to-- ]
That's not what I meant, Takasugi!
[ sharp but a hint of tremble, naturally, and she presses her lips tight in frustration at herself. it's fine. he's being a little mean. but that's because they need to set boundaries. an exhale. ]
As an idol. Things you want to do, things you want to try, as an idol. I'm managing you, so I want you to be able to do the things you like, you find fun, even if you don't know what that is right now, even if it sounds silly or selfish or stupid -- I want to be able to help facilitate it. [ not as a man. ] I didn't realize I had to be specific.
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but he gets the message. there's space between them again, and he places a hand on his hip while tilting his chin at an angle to size her up properly. like the day they met, she states her terms and designs with such conviction that he can't help but think his luck is coming in handy for once. she's been thorough from the moment he made her accountable for something that most definitely came out of nowhere, this idol business of theirs.
his right ear flicks, and for now, he feels totally in control. )
Right. I'm not really sure what else an idol does for fun apart from making people smile, but I'll think on it. I don't like to be too predictable.
( if she hasn't figured that out by now... bad takasugi. bad!!!! )
You don't have to worry about me holding back on anything silly, though. People have always called me crazy for speaking my mind. Not that it's ever stopped me.
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[ she fusses with her hair for a moment, soothing her nerves as she smoothes it and her pinned ears down, before she holds out her hand again. ]
We'll start off like this. I just need the other soul to know you aren't a threat, and maybe when it stops telling me to gore you with my horns for intruding on my personal space I'll hug you. Okay?
[ acting like he's the one who wants affection and it wasn't just to scare her... ]
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( and it hurt, really.
their rejection is mapped in him deep down, stuck in the crevices of his ribs as it refuses to leave. their deaths are something black blooming in him always.
so. if he can help get her acclimated to his soul, then all the better. he'll meet her request gladly, for the sake of their future partnership. and also a hug, apparently? he extends the same clawed hand out tentatively, turning it so his open palm faces her. those red eyes flit up to catch her gaze, that annoying smile gone. )
Okay. I'm more than ready.
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Really? But you're so handsome and well-spoken... I thought you'd have no shortage of people seeing if they could curry your favor before you'd even thought to ask them, not be refused when you did need a hand. Or wanted for more.
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( so many probing questions on her part.
takasugi lets her explore his hand, even as a smaller one resting in his palm pricks at the part of his soul that wants him to lunge. he's resisted it thus far, the sickly sweet whispers of his soul wanting him to mark everything, and he can keep resisting even more. but the strength of one's will can only take you so far. if he can imprint on her, he might be able to hold it off for a while longer.
regardless of all those thoughts, takasugi still swallows. )
Well? Is it everything you hoped it would be? Fondling my hand, I mean.
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anyway. she's pinching his clawed finger. ]
Shut up. I'm only doing this so I can actually interact with you three, not because of anything else. Remember that.
[ even if
it does feel nice, and she doesn't mind the claws as much as she thought she would. the ruminantia soul isn't entirely quiet either, but it seems to be cautiously allowing at least this. tense still, ready to spring if he tries anything else -- if he even moves too quickly.
...
takasugi probably has a limit. it'd be selfish to try and press that for her own benefit, even if it'd benefit them both in the end, so after a moment more malkuth's hand drops and she steps back, staring at the wall. ]
I grew up somewhat well off too, but that doesn't mean much in a Nest. The most I got was matchmaking... offers [ read: threats ] if I wasn't considering working at a Wing, but nothing like what you grew up with. You're actually the first guy I've touched so much.
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but as he mentally brushes that off fairly quickly, what surprises takasugi even more is her confession. the corner of his mouth lifts lightly. )
Me? Seriously? A girl as cute as you? The men where you're from must have no taste is all. But let's put that aside for now; you're going to explain what a "Nest" is, right? Ah, and don't think I'm trying to poke fun at you or anything about your background. I'm just curious. Since we're going to be seeing a lot of each other from here-on out, I might as well get to know you, too.
( it's a secluded village or something like that, surely.
without waiting for her response, takasugi gently pulls her away from the wall, natural soul be damned. they might as well keep moving, right? standing off to the side while the crowd approaches will only make them stand out more, and being different from the average karterian was already enough of a reason to other them outright. takasugi needs to look out for this one too, he feels, and not just to pay her back for the earlier rescue. )
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The City, which is what it's actually called, uses avian terminology for a lot of things. Within its high walls are twenty-six separate Districts, and within each District are two distinct areas: The Backstreets, home to the downtrodden and unlucky, and The Nests, which are where the well-off and affluent share a space. Those born in Nests often go to work in each District's respective Wing, and thus they're generally called Feathers.
[ so. not a secluded village, no. ]
While Nests... do offer a lot, to the point that anyone who'd willing leave it for something else is considered a childish fool, they have their own set of problems. Those problems are just-- worse, in every way, in the Backstreets of each District. You follow?
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( her problems, their problems. they must trail after them in every world, like a persistent hound nipping at the heels of the unfortunate.
takasugi had never moved for his country's sake, or even the people's sake alone. he only does what intrigues his annoyingly unique sense of justice. but here, lately, it feels like while he understands that even a god can't fix everything, he's had a particularly enlightening discussion in a dressing room with a certain someone from their group. as they walk side by side, takasugi reflects on that chat about the significance of idols, and a silly, affectionate smirk appears on his face as he remembers the gentle way claws brushed against the nape of his neck.
which, he doesn't need to be smiling like that right now. he rubs the tip of his nose lightly with a hand. )
But those seeds don’t necessarily need to be planted in the same way when we can support the less fortunate in different ways. Idols can illuminate the people's senses and bring a smile to their face, or so I've seen firsthand.
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... To be honest, that's part of why I agreed so readily to helping you out. [ outside of giving her direction, that is. ] I thought it might be similar as something we'd been chasing back in The City with how you described it, and when I saw you three perform I knew for certain it was -- and I really do want to nurture that light until it becomes a beacon anyone, born high or low, can look to for a moment's respite.
[ he'd described them as a star shower in summer, but couldn't they as easily become a roaring blaze that offers comfort and warmth to those who seek it? that could burn away the stifling cloth of obscurity and give those that come some fresher air? malkuth thinks so, and it only takes a little kindling to turn a spark into something bigger. she's happy to be that tinder. ]
Just like back in The City, no one feels like they have the time for anything other than their own survival. But they don't realize just how important things like dreams or hopes are to living -- I left my Nest because I did, and I wanted to be able to do something for my family, my neighbors who couldn't. So this is kind of the same, except this time I'm not being scolding for lifting my head when I should just keep it down.
no subject
( his pace slows slightly, and it's like being back hundreds of years ago for a moment.
the sun is shining bright. the thick, purple clouds that trick the birds are trying to cover the world below as he strolls alongside his comrades. they’re all just looking for an exciting way to step into the spotlight of the new era ahead, to keep on living reckless and free together.
as a light breeze picks up strands of his hair, sending them flying forward, takasugi exhales out his nose lightly, a different, earnest smile playing across his face. )
That's right. You won't need to beg for favors or lower yourself to anyone anymore. We're all equals here in 3kon. Well. Aside from the fact that I'm technically the president of this whole affair, having basically kickstarted it by investing all of my numis in Amagi-kun from the very beginning. But I'll tell you what I told him. "Live interesting in an uninteresting world". I penned a poem like that in life, and I'm living by that very philosophy even now. All we need to do together is discover the unconventional, and have fun while we're doing it. If we put our hearts into our very existence and the music we work into the people here, it'll all have meant something.
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but the world is so, so large. she turns her head to watch the streets as they pass through, smile loosely amused. he wrote poetry, too. definitely a well off young man. ]
I'm kinda surprised how much we have in common, deaths aside... You're more charismatic than I am, though.
[ hmm. having seen the man now, she understands his star power, but... ]
What made you want to go all-in on Rinne anyway? Just because it seemed fun?
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( and modest, too. someone dunk this punk. )
For sure, it was for fun, but when I asked Amagi-kun for a sample, he sent it over immediately. You heard him at our concert, right? The echo of it reverberates in you for a while, and it's no weak voice either. It's loud and and powerful enough that when it reaches inside you, it stirs you to life. From that moment, I knew I had to have him. I'm his very first fan here, you know.
( not to FLEX!!!!!!! )
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So that's why he's on your phone, huh? Is he your first fan too?
( 1 /
......
...... ah, wait. yeah.
his syntrofos wallpaper. )
i ffukcing forgot abt his wallpaper
end
( takasugi's gaze flits away briefly.
he doesn't actually know the answer to the second one, but if it's not amagi-kun, then who the hell is it? rather, it better be. )
i never forget.
Too bad, but I guess that makes sense... I wouldn't be your first at this point anyway.
[ she never is. ]
I was really taken by your solo performance, that's all. My birthday is March 24th if you'd like to give me another one.
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We've still got a while to go before then, but why hold off? I can play my shamisen anytime. It's not a one-time deal.
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