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πππππ‘ β ππππππ.
EVEN WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS
EVEN WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS
[ Caelus is so careful around him. He feels it pulsing, aware, alive. As if the trailblazer is mapping him like his namesake constellation, as if he's capable of seeing its seventh star. That is the nature of connection to others, to lay fault lines bare knowing one could break open at any provocation, exposing the raw nerves aching beneath. That is the nature of tethers. But Caelus navigates them with such a reactive softness...
It's been difficult to remain on his guard. ]
You did mention that. How you weren't sure what was going to awaken in you. [ Briefly, he remembers the hue of his eyes. Like direct sunlight glowing off metal. It was so striking. ] Has something changed for you?
It's been difficult to remain on his guard. ]
You did mention that. How you weren't sure what was going to awaken in you. [ Briefly, he remembers the hue of his eyes. Like direct sunlight glowing off metal. It was so striking. ] Has something changed for you?
[ Though Caelus is being so gentle in approaching, there's also an irrefutable desire lingering in that tether to break through and hurriedly make his way to Subaru. But it's very subdued compared to his larger intent to remain patient. He knows to take his time, as acting selfishly will never lead him to true understanding with a person.
In fact, it may even cause the opposite effects that he wanted⦠The mere idea of that is heartbreaking. So he'll wait, no matter how long. He smiles a little when he proceeds to explain his findings, wanting to continue the good mood of their gentle conversation. ]
I don't know if anything changed specifically, but some strange things happened. There was a time I was looking through the luggage trolleys for hauling my scavenged items, then they started moving on their own for a minute! I almost thought the hotel was haunted.
Another time was when I was repairing devices. Some of the devices actually powered on for a split second, and I was so shocked. They don't have a power source, so that should've been impossible.
In fact, it may even cause the opposite effects that he wanted⦠The mere idea of that is heartbreaking. So he'll wait, no matter how long. He smiles a little when he proceeds to explain his findings, wanting to continue the good mood of their gentle conversation. ]
I don't know if anything changed specifically, but some strange things happened. There was a time I was looking through the luggage trolleys for hauling my scavenged items, then they started moving on their own for a minute! I almost thought the hotel was haunted.
Another time was when I was repairing devices. Some of the devices actually powered on for a split second, and I was so shocked. They don't have a power source, so that should've been impossible.
[ There was a near past where Subaru was certain he didn't want anyone to reach him. Where a gentleness like this would have been wasted on the ruination of his heart. Whatever warmth he felt he was quick to release so it wouldn't catch in the undertow of his true wish, so it wouldn't drown with him. Now, pulled back to the surface by a force he hasn't even begun to grasp, now, given an impossible second chance, now...
Now, he's not so sure.
It's easier to focus on what's right in front of him, the shape of his thoughts coalescing around what Caelus shares about his experiences. ]
Do you think it's something to do with electricity? Or metal? [ That molten color shines in his memory. ] The latter would explain the trolleys... it could be related to polarity or magnetism.
Now, he's not so sure.
It's easier to focus on what's right in front of him, the shape of his thoughts coalescing around what Caelus shares about his experiences. ]
Do you think it's something to do with electricity? Or metal? [ That molten color shines in his memory. ] The latter would explain the trolleys... it could be related to polarity or magnetism.
[ There are lingering complicated emotions in their tether, and Caelus is aware it must be related to how he must've accidentally stepped on something he shouldn't have. So knowing he needs to leave it alone for now, he continues to distract Subaru with something else.
He keeps smiling for both their sakes, further increasing the sensation of warmth and security to keep away any traces of that seemingly lonely confusion within the other's heart. He hopes one day, they can face that more bravely together. ]
I think so. It has to be related. After I found out that I can power devices like that, I tried to experiment with various items, like flashlights, table lamps, clocks, cameras, gas stoves, electric stoves, and even a motorcycle engine. The only thing that didn't work in that list is the gas stove. Though, it wears me out really, really quickly, so I can't do it efficiently right now.
That wasn't the end of it. I didn't notice at first since I already have a love for engineering and⦠um, random objects. [ Trash-loving raccoon⦠] But I think something caused my crafting skills to significantly improve as well. I was "sure, I can fix this" good, but I wasn't "sure, I can fix this, and upgrade this and that while I'm at it!" kind of good!
He keeps smiling for both their sakes, further increasing the sensation of warmth and security to keep away any traces of that seemingly lonely confusion within the other's heart. He hopes one day, they can face that more bravely together. ]
I think so. It has to be related. After I found out that I can power devices like that, I tried to experiment with various items, like flashlights, table lamps, clocks, cameras, gas stoves, electric stoves, and even a motorcycle engine. The only thing that didn't work in that list is the gas stove. Though, it wears me out really, really quickly, so I can't do it efficiently right now.
That wasn't the end of it. I didn't notice at first since I already have a love for engineering and⦠um, random objects. [ Trash-loving raccoon⦠] But I think something caused my crafting skills to significantly improve as well. I was "sure, I can fix this" good, but I wasn't "sure, I can fix this, and upgrade this and that while I'm at it!" kind of good!
[ As they return to the trailer site, Subaru diligently listens to each of the aspects Caelus describes. People call him a workaholic, but... clearly, the trailblazer also can't be kept down when it comes to finding answers for himself. And, just like it'd benefitted Subaru to lean into the native flow of magic, Caelus had been able to help secure them clean water in the treatment plant by the same measure. ]
I don't doubt that it'll be a valuable skill to have in this landscape. Metal is an important element in onmyoudo too... even though everything I've seen here is more advanced than what I know.
[ Even in ruin, he can tell this time is not the same one he inhabited. Its wreckage gleams too focused, concise, sharp. ]
Your interest in it means you'll probably adapt quickly.
I don't doubt that it'll be a valuable skill to have in this landscape. Metal is an important element in onmyoudo too... even though everything I've seen here is more advanced than what I know.
[ Even in ruin, he can tell this time is not the same one he inhabited. Its wreckage gleams too focused, concise, sharp. ]
Your interest in it means you'll probably adapt quickly.
[ "More advanced than what I knowβ¦" Oh, that's right. Subaru did promise to tell Caelus more about his world. He wonders if this topic is okay? He seems to hesitate a little, afraid of stepping on something wrong again, but he decides to ask regardless. There's no way for him to find out if he doesn't.
So, very curiously, and at the same time timidly⦠]
Subaru? Will you tell me more about your home?
So, very curiously, and at the same time timidly⦠]
Subaru? Will you tell me more about your home?
[ Ah. ]
I can. [ Subaru stops near the fire pit, his notched branches held carefully in his hands. Whatever he has planned for them he mindfully pauses, giving Caelus his full attention instead. ] Was there anything specific you wanted to know?
[ He does, of course, think firstly of Japan. But then — Caelus has traveled the stars. Would the Earth itself be more suited? ]
I can. [ Subaru stops near the fire pit, his notched branches held carefully in his hands. Whatever he has planned for them he mindfully pauses, giving Caelus his full attention instead. ] Was there anything specific you wanted to know?
[ He does, of course, think firstly of Japan. But then — Caelus has traveled the stars. Would the Earth itself be more suited? ]
[ !! Does that mean it's okay? Caelus brightens, feeling excited to hear about this. He can't help but approach Subaru closer, beaming up at the taller man. ]
Ehh, let's see⦠[ What does he know about Japan so far? He'll try to review⦠] So, so! Japan is⦠on planet Earth. Where people speak Japaneise! The continent is called A⦠A⦠[ Hold on, he has this. ] Aseeia?
[ β¦ Well, almost got it. Look at him, his pronunciation is getting a little better at least! ]
On Earth, there are many other continents I don't know. But I heard of Korea. And Ameri.. America! Is where we are, Manhattan! America is the one that looks like a big whale on the map! I heard the term New York too, but I don't know what that is.
Ehh, let's see⦠[ What does he know about Japan so far? He'll try to review⦠] So, so! Japan is⦠on planet Earth. Where people speak Japaneise! The continent is called A⦠A⦠[ Hold on, he has this. ] Aseeia?
[ β¦ Well, almost got it. Look at him, his pronunciation is getting a little better at least! ]
On Earth, there are many other continents I don't know. But I heard of Korea. And Ameri.. America! Is where we are, Manhattan! America is the one that looks like a big whale on the map! I heard the term New York too, but I don't know what that is.
( Shrill on the Murmur, limpid; the schooled sharpness of pointed delivery. Fatigue should live in the bones, not on the tongue. )
I'm afraid to inconvenience.
I'm afraid to inconvenience.
( A moment to navigate the, ah, complications: )
An adjacent complication.
An adjacent complication.
[ His head feels like it is swimming. The emotions felt in the song daze and confuse; it pulls pain that isn't even his to the surface. What is he to do with it? His own trauma is minimal at worst. Ah, what a world they've awakened. ]
... how is my coworker?
... how is my coworker?
Unfortunately.
You ... you are all right, aren't you?
[ The question he wants to ask if "how." Is it some trick as a Sumeragi? Or a Dragon of Heaven? Here he thought he knew all their little gimmicks... ]
You ... you are all right, aren't you?
[ The question he wants to ask if "how." Is it some trick as a Sumeragi? Or a Dragon of Heaven? Here he thought he knew all their little gimmicks... ]
Don't you want to know if this world has just killed a god?
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