[ Subaru likes to be moving. His apartment in Shinjuku felt like a matter of formality at many points — a place for his phone he never answered, for his work contracts to gather in the formalized net of his answering machine. Bereft of life, wreathed in smoke, perforated by the city's lights through half-drawn curtains. There were so few things he was attached to there, all of them preserved by memory.
He hasn't much had the heart to call anyplace home in this city, either. But he's dutiful and the tether thrums with the soft stability of his answer: ]
[ As a traveler of universes, a Nameless, Caelus can certainly understand the feelings of those constantly on the move. That's why he didn't push when Subaru didn't seem interested in settling in one particular location, and why this particular idea eventually came to him. It seems to be a good solution in Caelus's head! Though this solution is actually incomplete even in its "finished" stateβ¦
Regardless, Caelus wants to see if Subaru is willing to try it. When Subaru's soft voice comes forth, Caelus is unable to stop his smile. He doesn't think he'll ever tire of hearing this comforting voice. ]
Oh, I'm okay! I just wanted to show you something. If you're free, can you come to this location?
[ Sending him the coordinates through the tether⦠]
[ No way⦠For several seconds, Caelus is almost stunned. He feels as if he imagined that, but of course, it's real. It's not the first time he's felt or seen Subaru's smile, but that just now⦠It felt very different that he simply stops. After catching himself again, he clears his mind.
After Subaru's confirmation, Caelus patiently waits at the mentioned location, silently appreciating the short conversation in his head. If only he could've seen it right in front of him. ]
[ Subaru doesn't idle, but neither does he rush. He was already out and about, as he usually is, scrying meaning from the cracked maw of the city they inhabit. He's always more focused on the nature of the violence it endured during the moon's fall, in the monstrous florals, the poetry and song seemingly scorched into the fabric of this reality. It's as if the entire thing sits cradled in the hands of a ghost.
But, as those around him are so colorfully reminding him, even in comfortable silence over the Murmur — it can't always be his focus.
His birds arrive at Caelus's location just before he does. Tiny, enchanted wisps of paper on dry wings, but still stronger and swifter than his last set as he grows accustomed to rune magic. They usually accompany him in the city in case of danger; one flutters low to land on the trailblazer's shoulder. It remains there until Subaru finally rounds the corner, hands in his coat pockets and scented faintly like smoke. ]
[ Instantly awed by the sight of flowing origami seemingly dancing, Caelus can't help but focus his eyes on the paper birds in flight. Their movements are so graceful, every flutter of wing reassembling leaves within autumn winds. He lets out a cheerful laugh when one of the birds introduces itself to him, moving a gentle finger to stroke the top of its head. ]
Little one, are you a friend of Subie?
[ Subie, the paper bird digilently guarding the hotel. Caelus gestures to the familiar friend with his other hand, the sight of it resting on a nearby rooftop. Though once Subaru arrives, the trailblazer turns in the direction of the precious one's voice with such radiant life. Here it is again, his recognizable warm energy, unchanged. ]
Hello! [ Lifting his hands, he uses both to wave several times, maintaining his expression as he does. ] Not at all. I have company, after all.
[ Seeing him is like a flood of warm water, a balm against the transgressions of the world that rises up around them. Immediately, some of the spiritual malaise that clings to Subaru lessens. His expression eases, in turn. ]
It's good that you didn't have to wait alone for long. [ As if responding to some silent magical cue, the bird takes flight again, wheeling upwards and over the buildings behind them to keep watch. Subaru tracks its movement briefly before his attention returns to Caelus. ] What was it that you wanted to show me?
[ The expression shift on Subaru affects those who see it without a doubt. At the very least, Caelus always is. Understanding what that really means for someone so subdued like this onmyoji, the trailblazer is always immensely humbled to witness every one of them. He will never take every sight of it for granted, always keeping it among his dearest memories as he observes every detail.
Every lovely color of Subaru's sides. Even if the world has yet to notice it, the trailblazer always will. Caelus closes in their distance and reconnects their hands, a cool wind seemingly encouraging his movement as he steps forward. He smiles once more, then pulls the beautiful onmyoji along with his excited motions. He takes him to a nearby parking lot, where this trailer is waiting.
The paint is recent, as Caelus had to refresh its dilapidated look. The plants are artificial, since he didn't want to place zombie plants around the house. The fairy lights are currently unlit, but there's unique wiring on them connected to a nearby device. He'll likely explain that eventually. There's a nice-sized campfire at the side, also unlit, but there's already some chopped firewood in it. ]
This! What do you think?
[ Considering its renovated state, it's undeniable who did it and who it's meant for. A person who is always on the move, a house just the same. Well, it obviously won't be moving anytime soon without a working car attached to it, but it opens up the option in the future. ]
[ Hand in hand, Subaru is content enough to follow Caelus's lead into the lot that sits square to a Chelsea neighborhood. Or what remains of it. The sight of the trailer is conspicuous in comparison to what the state of the city has otherwise accustomed him to — it's bright. His fingers briefly slack in wonder. Carefully, his gaze travels the trailer, noting the manner in which it's been preserved, cleaned, and detailed. It looks like an incredible amount of work went into its restoration, even without electricity. ]
It's amazing. [ He doesn't measure his words in saying so. It comes from the heart. ] You did all of this?
[ Normally, Caelus would be all over compliments. He's shameless, after all. But coming from someone like Subaru, someone so reserved, silent, yet so kind, the trailblazer feels an immediate reflex to keep his mouth shut. He's struggling to contain his smile, so he looks away for a short while to let it out. Pink blooms across his face as he looks into the horizon, releasing the positive energy elsewhere rather than throwing it all to Subaru.
But not all of it! Once most of the heavy blows have flown away, Caelus returns his gaze straight at Subaru and redirects that giddy smile. He raises both their connected hands, pressing the older man's palms against his own face, his own palms over them. Heat of that pink blush transfers easily to their layered hands, increasing the luminosity of this area. A trailer equally bright as its renovator. ]
[ Subaru stills when Caelus brings his hands to his face, pulse jumping. Though quiet, it's not often that he's at a loss for words. Even redirected, diffused by a conscious effort to not pressure him, he's so warm. Subaru has channeled the energies of earth and heaven alike. These hands have borne the will of the stars since he was old enough to speak the spells. He's wreathed flame, flumed water, cracked the earth, cut with winds. And yet... ]
You are... [ His hands press to his skin of his own accord, intent in the cool lay of his palms, growing ever-warmer. ] very special, Caelus.
[ He hopes he feels it. The reflected light that chases the loneliness in the corners away.
Grip slacking, he finally looks to the home he's made. ]
[ These delicate hands on his face, Caelus understands how much they've done. Subaru told the trailblazer before, that his burdens shouldn't be carried by him, but Caelus was quick to disagree.
"I'm not someone whose burdens you should shoulder."
"Everyone needs help now and then. All I want to do is make it a little easier for people."
This aside, Caelus is also doing it because he knows that Subaru deserves more. He doesn't know his background or his past, but it doesn't matter. Simply looking at this beautiful soul, it's not difficult to see why he should be treasured. Subaru, who always silently protects othersβ¦. Subaru, so dutiful, so hardworking, so gentle, so selflessβ¦ He more than earned at least one person there for him.
But Caelus does not doubt that Subaru has many people who love him. How can anyone not, after getting to know him, even a little? He has an overflowering charm that he doesn't even realize he has. So when he calls the trailblazer as someone special⦠Caelus can't help but laugh. The warmth intensifies, the lovely sensation of his cheery voice running through the other man's palms. ]
You are the special one.
[ Though these days, Subaru's aura does feel much softer than it already is. Caelus naturally noticed. After all, he's always watching over him. Just the same as Subaru and his paper birds. Lowering their hands, but remaining together, the trailblazer nods and leads the onmyoji into the trailer.
The interior has been renovated, too. The main room with the view of a small bedroom at the back and the connected open kitchen right beside it. The kitchen comes with a small sink (the trailer has a water tank that needs to be refilled time to time). The shelves are mostly empty, but there are a couple of canned goods and small food items like instant noodles as added tiny gifts. At the side, a small dining table by a portable fireplace. ]
Sorry, I'm not skilled enough yet to work on the bathroom, so there's nothing in there. [ pointing at the door next to the hallway leading to the bedroom ] You can use it as a closet or something, for now!
[ Special. Not different. Not unnormal. But special.
As Caelus leads him into and around the space, Subaru is left with the abundance of feelings that have long laid dormant and sedimentary at the bottom of his soul. It's almost... a little painful, to have this kind of warmth radiating at all the softened points of his demeanor. He'd steeled himself so long ago that he convinced himself there was no need for it, but the weld is poor. Gentleness still bleeds through the weak points.
Such thoughts drift through him even when he's dutifully taking note of everything Caelus accomplished. At the end of the tour, Subaru shakes his head, steadying his fingertips on the countertop thoughtfully. ]
No, you've done plenty with it. I couldn't ask for anything more than this.
[ It's then that his gaze rises to meet the trailblazer's. ]
It may be a little late for this, but there is something I can do. Jichinsai. Or, a groundbreaking ceremony.
[ The fleeting pain didn't go unnoticed within their peaceful connection, their tether. But Caelus can tell that it's something out of⦠loneliness. Perhaps something (⦠someone?) Subaru misses dearly. The trailblazer silently glances at the onmyoji's delicate face without making it obvious, observing his natural expressions as he takes in the new environment.
Despite Caelus's cheeriness, he does have his own buried loneliness as well, so he can still relate to those feelingsβ¦ He hasn't seen the Astral Express in so long, as even before Manhattan, he was forced to remain in Amphoreus. He worries about so many people back home. Not only the people on the Express, but his friends in Amphoreus. How he wishes he could go and find everyone, but that journey will have to wait. For now, he will continue supporting the friends right beside himβ¦
When Subaru moves his single lovely eye to meet Caelus's pair of golden ones, he meets them back with a bright determination. ]
[ So often he finds that their similarities resonate, something he feels echoing deep down without quite being able to reach it. Not because Caelus would stop him, he thinks... but he wonders if the trailblazer holds it back for his sake, afraid of shattering the glassy mirror they sometimes catch sight of each other through.
Subaru slips his hand more securely into Caelus's, fingers tightening. Recognition he doesn't give voice to, only the comfort of understanding. ]
I have paper. So... branches, rope or twine. Alcohol is also common, but I can use purified water in its place.
[ He steps away from the counter. ]
There's a park nearby we might be able to get the wood from.
[ There may be a mirror there, but it's still meaningful. Passing glances may seem like a lonely concept, but it's the beginning of something for someone like Caelus. After all, meeting eyes is a connection. That is one of the essences of trailblazing as well, seeking out a connection with those they meet. So whenever Subaru's gaze is against that mirror, Caelus will never fail to approach and beam out a smile right at him, letting him know he's there. He's here, close by, always listening.
Just as their hands squeeze together now. Caelus doesn't hesitate to tighten the warm touch, parrying away what lingering coldness there is in the possibly autumn air. They don't know the current season yet due to a lack of a way to verify the actual dates, but hopefully, they'll find out if it starts snowing soon enough. And if it does snow, Caelus will continue to provide warmth anytime. Maybe more than ever before. ]
Got it. Let's find our branch, then.
[ Though reluctant to part their hands, Caelus has to because of the tasks they'll be doing soon. So he slowly lets go, but not without another fond squeeze. Once his hands are freed, he reaches into his messenger bag to get something⦠A Swiss army knife he carries around. He releases the blade from it, ready to cut down their wood once they have it. ]
A lingering light-flash of a smile precedes his nod. Out of the trailer and back onto the streets crippled by Sleep's influence, Subaru leads the way down the block to the small park. He's only seen it in passing and he doesn't suppose they'll find any wood that's not entirety rotted by the strange fungal blooms that seem to affect all the flora, but he can make do. Even shifted to a power source that's not his, Subaru is confident in his skill.
Quiet for a stretch of time as they walk, he ventures: ]
[ Prepared for any scenario, a habit Caelus formed as a Trailblazer. Cumulative experiences from journeying constantly can do that to anyone. As they walk, Caelus falls temporarily quiet as well, gently breathing as small puffs of white mist escape him due to the cold air. His eyes look around, familiar enough with the forlorn scenery. After all, he's been coming here constantly for the past week to work on the trailer.
A passing thought to himself. He can't believe it's been almost a month since they arrived. Time always did move way too fast, sometimes. They all were certainly kept busy, dealing with strange events and adjusting to this unfamiliar city. But it wasn't all bad. After all, he's met so many wonderful peopleβ¦
When Subaru speaks again, Caelus can't help but melt from hearing the question. He releases a small smile to himself as they walk. Then, he responds, concentrating like last time so he could get his original accent to come out. ]
[ Ceremony ]
Is that term earlier, Jiβ chiβ [ Sorry, he's struggling to say Japanese againβ¦ ] the word for it?
[ Having done most of his exploring and training on his own since arrival, there is a comfort to this. Something he didn't often get even in the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo — at least not anymore. Two sets of footsteps on the pavement, the soft sounds of someone simply being next to him as they walk. ]
Ceremony. [ It does take concentration on the syllables to say them aloud without their ambient connection shifting his language, but Subaru manages. ] Thank you, I think I can remember it.
[ As they enter the tiny park situated at the end of the block, Subaru doesn't immediately turn his attention to what trees remain. There's a playground in disrepair, most of it rusted and overgrown. A swingset remains, just across the sandbox. He glances at it, but ultimately ends up slowing to a stop to gesture for Caelus's hand instead. ]
Jichinsai is a specific ceremony. It's to bless the land something is built on. This... [ With one hand supporting Caelus's from the bottom, Subaru traces kanji onto his palm with his index finger. ] Gishiki. A ceremony. Or a sacred ritual.
[ Ah, here it is again. Caelus thought he's used to this by now. Will this person's beauty ever stopβ¦ Blessed with such looks, voice, heart, and personality, and soft moments like these, also display stunning gracefulness. It's mesmerizing to simply listen to Subaru talk, to witness his slender fingers move so slowly against his hand. The sensation is soβ¦
It all causes Caelus to pause, doing his best to commit it all to memory. The characters are shown to him, drawn carefully. Maybe he won't be able to remember all the strokes of this kanji right away, but he exerts every effort to recall as much as he can. The terms taught to him as well. Everything, he wants to keep in his heart as treasures. ]
Jichin⦠sai. Gi⦠shi⦠ki.
[ Some leaves being carried by the wind pass them by. This abandoned park may have been forgotten by time, but with Subaru and Caelus here, creating new memories together, this park has now been remembered once more. ]
[ Language transmutes with his touch. It was in his blood as an onmyouji, it remains there as a runecaster, no matter how it's changed. Hands are the tools of prayer, the instruments with which people sow connection. Subaru believes that, even through the violence that's been enacted upon him — and by him, just before here.
Caelus's hands are warm, but now so are his.
This time, he traces the simpler shapes of kana onto his palm, punctuating each one with its syllable: ]
[ Though unused to the Japanese accent, Caelus is surely picking up. It comes with his ability to adapt as a trailblazer, a person who is always having new encounters. He has always been a fast learner. He takes a significant pause to memorize these as well, and when he doesβ¦
He says it, with the perfect tone, a high note of appreciation. The kind of pitch that no one can easily reach, not unless they're bursting with emotion like he is now. ]
[ There are so few bridges that connect Subaru to others in a lasting manner. He remembers everyone. He remembers every emotion that's ever come to him, in faith or fatuity, in heartbreak, elation, gratitude. He just never expects others to regard him the same way. But listening to the way that Caelus picks up on the language he shares in these tiny increments makes him think that this might really be one of those bridges, brilliant in its traversal, pleasant in pitch.
Subaru returns his hand to him in a serene slip of his fingers, but there's less finality in the motion than usual. ]
[ As Subaru is gently lowering their hands, just before their fingers separate, Caelus suddenly reconnects the grip. Similarly to earlier, when Subaru squeezed their hands tighter, Caelus does the same now. He wants him to know without a doubt that this feeling is unquestionably mutual. Whatever they share, they're all real, and they didn't need this tether to prove it.
He lifts his radiant gaze to him, giving him another smile as if the earlier ones were never enough. Which is true. They're just never enough. He can keep smiling for this person, always. With that, Caelus finally lets go and approaches the most stable-looking tree nearby. He gestures to it, indicating he's ready to proceed. ]
Do you need a thin branch, or does it have to be large?
[ With their task at hand, rising up over the ambient wash of interconnected feeling, so warm and sweet that it nearly manifests corporeal in his throat, Subaru follows Caelus to the chosen tree. It's not in great condition, but few things in this landscape often are. His gaze sweeps the branches, keen in spite of being halved. ]
Thin is fine. Two of the same length is preferable.
[ Subaru measures out a distance of around sixty centimeters with his hands. ]
Like this, [ He demonstrates. ] if the tree will be kind enough to help us.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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He hasn't much had the heart to call anyplace home in this city, either. But he's dutiful and the tether thrums with the soft stability of his answer: ]
No, I'm not. Is everything alright?
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Regardless, Caelus wants to see if Subaru is willing to try it. When Subaru's soft voice comes forth, Caelus is unable to stop his smile. He doesn't think he'll ever tire of hearing this comforting voice. ]
Oh, I'm okay! I just wanted to show you something. If you're free, can you come to this location?
[ Sending him the coordinates through the tether⦠]
Take your time. I'll be here for a while.
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Of course. I can come to you right now.
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After Subaru's confirmation, Caelus patiently waits at the mentioned location, silently appreciating the short conversation in his head. If only he could've seen it right in front of him. ]
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But, as those around him are so colorfully reminding him, even in comfortable silence over the Murmur — it can't always be his focus.
His birds arrive at Caelus's location just before he does. Tiny, enchanted wisps of paper on dry wings, but still stronger and swifter than his last set as he grows accustomed to rune magic. They usually accompany him in the city in case of danger; one flutters low to land on the trailblazer's shoulder. It remains there until Subaru finally rounds the corner, hands in his coat pockets and scented faintly like smoke. ]
I hope you weren't waiting for too long.
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Little one, are you a friend of Subie?
[ Subie, the paper bird digilently guarding the hotel. Caelus gestures to the familiar friend with his other hand, the sight of it resting on a nearby rooftop. Though once Subaru arrives, the trailblazer turns in the direction of the precious one's voice with such radiant life. Here it is again, his recognizable warm energy, unchanged. ]
Hello! [ Lifting his hands, he uses both to wave several times, maintaining his expression as he does. ] Not at all. I have company, after all.
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It's good that you didn't have to wait alone for long. [ As if responding to some silent magical cue, the bird takes flight again, wheeling upwards and over the buildings behind them to keep watch. Subaru tracks its movement briefly before his attention returns to Caelus. ] What was it that you wanted to show me?
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Every lovely color of Subaru's sides. Even if the world has yet to notice it, the trailblazer always will. Caelus closes in their distance and reconnects their hands, a cool wind seemingly encouraging his movement as he steps forward. He smiles once more, then pulls the beautiful onmyoji along with his excited motions. He takes him to a nearby parking lot, where this trailer is waiting.
The paint is recent, as Caelus had to refresh its dilapidated look. The plants are artificial, since he didn't want to place zombie plants around the house. The fairy lights are currently unlit, but there's unique wiring on them connected to a nearby device. He'll likely explain that eventually. There's a nice-sized campfire at the side, also unlit, but there's already some chopped firewood in it. ]
This! What do you think?
[ Considering its renovated state, it's undeniable who did it and who it's meant for. A person who is always on the move, a house just the same. Well, it obviously won't be moving anytime soon without a working car attached to it, but it opens up the option in the future. ]
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It's amazing. [ He doesn't measure his words in saying so. It comes from the heart. ] You did all of this?
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But not all of it! Once most of the heavy blows have flown away, Caelus returns his gaze straight at Subaru and redirects that giddy smile. He raises both their connected hands, pressing the older man's palms against his own face, his own palms over them. Heat of that pink blush transfers easily to their layered hands, increasing the luminosity of this area. A trailer equally bright as its renovator. ]
All for you.
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You are... [ His hands press to his skin of his own accord, intent in the cool lay of his palms, growing ever-warmer. ] very special, Caelus.
[ He hopes he feels it. The reflected light that chases the loneliness in the corners away.
Grip slacking, he finally looks to the home he's made. ]
Will you show me what you've done?
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"I'm not someone whose burdens you should shoulder."
"Everyone needs help now and then. All I want to do is make it a little easier for people."
This aside, Caelus is also doing it because he knows that Subaru deserves more. He doesn't know his background or his past, but it doesn't matter. Simply looking at this beautiful soul, it's not difficult to see why he should be treasured. Subaru, who always silently protects othersβ¦. Subaru, so dutiful, so hardworking, so gentle, so selflessβ¦ He more than earned at least one person there for him.
But Caelus does not doubt that Subaru has many people who love him. How can anyone not, after getting to know him, even a little? He has an overflowering charm that he doesn't even realize he has. So when he calls the trailblazer as someone special⦠Caelus can't help but laugh. The warmth intensifies, the lovely sensation of his cheery voice running through the other man's palms. ]
You are the special one.
[ Though these days, Subaru's aura does feel much softer than it already is. Caelus naturally noticed. After all, he's always watching over him. Just the same as Subaru and his paper birds. Lowering their hands, but remaining together, the trailblazer nods and leads the onmyoji into the trailer.
The interior has been renovated, too. The main room with the view of a small bedroom at the back and the connected open kitchen right beside it. The kitchen comes with a small sink (the trailer has a water tank that needs to be refilled time to time). The shelves are mostly empty, but there are a couple of canned goods and small food items like instant noodles as added tiny gifts. At the side, a small dining table by a portable fireplace. ]
Sorry, I'm not skilled enough yet to work on the bathroom, so there's nothing in there. [ pointing at the door next to the hallway leading to the bedroom ] You can use it as a closet or something, for now!
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As Caelus leads him into and around the space, Subaru is left with the abundance of feelings that have long laid dormant and sedimentary at the bottom of his soul. It's almost... a little painful, to have this kind of warmth radiating at all the softened points of his demeanor. He'd steeled himself so long ago that he convinced himself there was no need for it, but the weld is poor. Gentleness still bleeds through the weak points.
Such thoughts drift through him even when he's dutifully taking note of everything Caelus accomplished. At the end of the tour, Subaru shakes his head, steadying his fingertips on the countertop thoughtfully. ]
No, you've done plenty with it. I couldn't ask for anything more than this.
[ It's then that his gaze rises to meet the trailblazer's. ]
It may be a little late for this, but there is something I can do. Jichinsai. Or, a groundbreaking ceremony.
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Despite Caelus's cheeriness, he does have his own buried loneliness as well, so he can still relate to those feelingsβ¦ He hasn't seen the Astral Express in so long, as even before Manhattan, he was forced to remain in Amphoreus. He worries about so many people back home. Not only the people on the Express, but his friends in Amphoreus. How he wishes he could go and find everyone, but that journey will have to wait. For now, he will continue supporting the friends right beside himβ¦
When Subaru moves his single lovely eye to meet Caelus's pair of golden ones, he meets them back with a bright determination. ]
That's a great idea. What do we need for it?
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Subaru slips his hand more securely into Caelus's, fingers tightening. Recognition he doesn't give voice to, only the comfort of understanding. ]
I have paper. So... branches, rope or twine. Alcohol is also common, but I can use purified water in its place.
[ He steps away from the counter. ]
There's a park nearby we might be able to get the wood from.
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Just as their hands squeeze together now. Caelus doesn't hesitate to tighten the warm touch, parrying away what lingering coldness there is in the possibly autumn air. They don't know the current season yet due to a lack of a way to verify the actual dates, but hopefully, they'll find out if it starts snowing soon enough. And if it does snow, Caelus will continue to provide warmth anytime. Maybe more than ever before. ]
Got it. Let's find our branch, then.
[ Though reluctant to part their hands, Caelus has to because of the tasks they'll be doing soon. So he slowly lets go, but not without another fond squeeze. Once his hands are freed, he reaches into his messenger bag to get something⦠A Swiss army knife he carries around. He releases the blade from it, ready to cut down their wood once they have it. ]
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A lingering light-flash of a smile precedes his nod. Out of the trailer and back onto the streets crippled by Sleep's influence, Subaru leads the way down the block to the small park. He's only seen it in passing and he doesn't suppose they'll find any wood that's not entirety rotted by the strange fungal blooms that seem to affect all the flora, but he can make do. Even shifted to a power source that's not his, Subaru is confident in his skill.
Quiet for a stretch of time as they walk, he ventures: ]
How do you say it in your language? "Ceremony."
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A passing thought to himself. He can't believe it's been almost a month since they arrived. Time always did move way too fast, sometimes. They all were certainly kept busy, dealing with strange events and adjusting to this unfamiliar city. But it wasn't all bad. After all, he's met so many wonderful peopleβ¦
When Subaru speaks again, Caelus can't help but melt from hearing the question. He releases a small smile to himself as they walk. Then, he responds, concentrating like last time so he could get his original accent to come out. ]
[ Ceremony ]
Is that term earlier, Jiβ chiβ [ Sorry, he's struggling to say Japanese againβ¦ ] the word for it?
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Ceremony. [ It does take concentration on the syllables to say them aloud without their ambient connection shifting his language, but Subaru manages. ] Thank you, I think I can remember it.
[ As they enter the tiny park situated at the end of the block, Subaru doesn't immediately turn his attention to what trees remain. There's a playground in disrepair, most of it rusted and overgrown. A swingset remains, just across the sandbox. He glances at it, but ultimately ends up slowing to a stop to gesture for Caelus's hand instead. ]
Jichinsai is a specific ceremony. It's to bless the land something is built on. This... [ With one hand supporting Caelus's from the bottom, Subaru traces kanji onto his palm with his index finger. ] Gishiki. A ceremony. Or a sacred ritual.
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It all causes Caelus to pause, doing his best to commit it all to memory. The characters are shown to him, drawn carefully. Maybe he won't be able to remember all the strokes of this kanji right away, but he exerts every effort to recall as much as he can. The terms taught to him as well. Everything, he wants to keep in his heart as treasures. ]
Jichin⦠sai. Gi⦠shi⦠ki.
[ Some leaves being carried by the wind pass them by. This abandoned park may have been forgotten by time, but with Subaru and Caelus here, creating new memories together, this park has now been remembered once more. ]
How do you say "thank you" in your language?
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[ Language transmutes with his touch. It was in his blood as an onmyouji, it remains there as a runecaster, no matter how it's changed. Hands are the tools of prayer, the instruments with which people sow connection. Subaru believes that, even through the violence that's been enacted upon him — and by him, just before here.
Caelus's hands are warm, but now so are his.
This time, he traces the simpler shapes of kana onto his palm, punctuating each one with its syllable: ]
A β ri β ga β tou.
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He says it, with the perfect tone, a high note of appreciation. The kind of pitch that no one can easily reach, not unless they're bursting with emotion like he is now. ]
Arigatou! Subaru!
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Subaru returns his hand to him in a serene slip of his fingers, but there's less finality in the motion than usual. ]
You're welcome.
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He lifts his radiant gaze to him, giving him another smile as if the earlier ones were never enough. Which is true. They're just never enough. He can keep smiling for this person, always. With that, Caelus finally lets go and approaches the most stable-looking tree nearby. He gestures to it, indicating he's ready to proceed. ]
Do you need a thin branch, or does it have to be large?
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Thin is fine. Two of the same length is preferable.
[ Subaru measures out a distance of around sixty centimeters with his hands. ]
Like this, [ He demonstrates. ] if the tree will be kind enough to help us.
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