to the sky

Lim Yumi | 20 | Daughter of Osiris Veterinary Studies Student at Phoenix University & Personal Assistant to Jade Kim

[mpxyumi]

gallant escort | mh + ym

minhomp​:

“Mhmm that is true.” He nods, agreeing to her comment about gods and their children. “I’ve never even met my ‘siblings’ until recently, let alone the god who sired me.” He shrugged, not at all wanting to pursue the topic any further towards him. He wasn’t always very keen about opening up, as amiable and willing to listen to others as he was.

“Oh me?” He looks down, meeting her eyes, having his thoughts trail off as always when it came to talking about his father. He quickly smoothed his features into something more neutral and friendly, and flashed another grin for good measure. “I live over at Ratatoskr apartments.” He gestured with a thumb over his shoulder as they neared the Residence district.

He chuckled at her appreciation of his teasing, and wiggled his eyebrows some more. “Aww come on, ‘ma’am’ is a completely polite way to greet an older relative. Though I suppose what with all the demigods on the island, related to gods in other ways, the age thing gets blurred. I mean none of the gods look like they could have any children our ages, you know what I mean?” 

“Oh Osiris? No, not personally. But I’ve seen him around. He’s kind of hard to miss. Plus I like to keep tabs on the deities on the island. I mean, I grew up just hearing stories about them, now I’ve got two bosses who once probably decimated a few cities or two back in ancient times. It’s weird you know?”

“That’s the... Norse one, right? I’m not too familiar with the Norse pantheon, honestly. Is it as messy as all the other ones?” By ‘all the other ones’, Yumi really just meant the Egyptians and the Greeks, since those were the ones she knew the most about, but it still seemed like a valid question. Based on what went on in Mount Phoenix, it did seem like all the gods had a tendency to be messy, at the very least.

“I’m only twenty! How old are you?” She asked, puffing out her cheeks. Unless he went through puberty at nine-years-old, he was surely older than her. She had to agree with what he said about the gods, though- her dad certainly didn’t look like he should have kids in their twenties, and it did make things a little strange at times. But hey, it was not any more strange than anything else on the island.

“True, dad is pretty hard to miss,” she agreed, a fond smile stretching across her face. Her father could be somewhat extra, but she loved that about him. Her dad had never been boring. “Yeah, that is kind of weird to think about. Like, my dad lived in the underworld for a long time. That’s wild. I try not to think about it too much, because I like to avoid existential crises.”

[mpxyumi]

mpxjade​:

Welcomed Chaos

Even though Jade did not feel comfortable leaving the confines of her self-made fortress, she did so to appease her beloved assistant. Yumi seemed to always know what would be best for her, and so, she gave the small demigoddess her trust without a second thought. Throughout all she had been through, Yumi had been the one there for her. 

“I’m glad you are having fun.” She nods her head as she speaks, pulling her gaze away for a moment to look at those around them. Jade snorts at their comment. “Why have you been so focused on other people’s gaze?” Jade asks with an amused grin. “Are you getting jealous, Yumi? If you want me to yourself, you just have to ask.”

Jade found the conversation humorous. It felt so nice to be with her friend. She had forgotten how fun nights like this could be. The last outing she had been to was the Mayan New Year, and that had started the months of her suffering, between Jordan’s first assault and her own heartbreak with Shuhua. She almost feared something bad would happen like that tonight. 

“This is nice, you know?” She states quietly. “Thank you.”

“I’ve been keeping an eye out to see if anyone checking you out might be worth setting you up with. So far, you’re out of everyone’s league,” Yumi teased in return, sticking out her tongue playfully. She was only partially joking, although she mostly just noticed people looking their way because she was observant- and a tiny bit too self-conscious, maybe, since she lost her leg. She hadn’t noticed when people looked in her direction nearly so much before that incident.

“No need to thank me, Jade. I’m just glad you came,” she replied, a warm smile on her face. She was also glad to hear that her boss was having a good time, because it would have all been for naught if she was miserable. It was a relief to see Jade smile and have fun again, after the last few weeks. She had honestly been really worried for a while there.

“Not to be cheesy, but I’m proud of you. I know it can be really hard to get all dolled up and drag yourself out when you’re hurting. Just let me know when you’ve had enough, okay?”

[mpxyumi]

mposiris​:

[ when you were little ]

“do i want to dance?” he echoes her question with ample amounts of disbelief in his voice. “my sweetest darling, do i look like the type of father who wouldn’t want to dance with you? here i got all suited up in this beautiful colour to not make you look bad for having a dreary old dad and you think i did it so i can stand aside and watch you dance with other people!?”

he shakes his head like he can’t believe she thinks of him this way and then easily sweeps her up in his arms, carrying her the few steps towards where people are dancing and then slowly setting her down again, right atop his feet, to answer that second question she’d posed of him.

“now remember to hold on tight, baby, you know how enthusiastic your dad gets about dancing with you,” he warns her with some amusement, before he starts to spin the both of them around to the rhythm of the song currently playing in this or the other old ballroom style dance he’s still retained memory of.

Yumi laughed at his response, aware how silly a question it really was, since she had known that he would of course want to dance. “Ah, you put on that blue suit just for me? I’m truly honoured,” she replied, her smile warm and fond. A powder blue suit that looked like it was straight out of an old teen movie probably wouldn’t have been her choice, but it did suit her dad to a T, so she couldn’t complain about it. Only Osiris could pull off something so ridiculous and actually make it work.

She squeaked and dissolved into giggles when he swept her up and took her onto the dance floor, wrapping her arms around his neck and clinging to him like she had when she was a kid. It was something of a relief when he set her down on his feet, too, because she really was not a very good dancer- something that she would blame on her leg, but came more from a general lack of grace on her part.

“Okay, dad,” she agreed, kissing him on the cheek and tightening her hold on him as he began to dance them around. She really did feel like she was a kid again, in the best way. “Everyone looks so nice tonight, huh? It’s fun seeing everyone all dressed up.”

[mpxyumi]

mpxjade​:

Welcomed Chaos

@mpxyumi

She had dragged her out to the gala. Jade had wanted to do nothing more than soak in a nice bubble bath, but there was no way she could have canceled this date. So, she put on her happiest face, which was never hard around Yumi. Her excitement and beauty did the trick immediately, and after enjoying their delicious meal together, she found herself on the dancefloor. 

“Are you enjoying yourself?” She asks with a soft smile. Her arms wrapped firmly around around Yumi’s waist, pulling her in closer. It was truly a lovely evening so far. “You know. You were warning me just a few weeks ago about the danger of you looking irresistible, and look at you tonight.” She teases her friend as they rock to the music. “Are you trying to tell me something, Yumi?”

When Yumi had heard about the gala, her first thought had been that it would be a good opportunity to drag Jade out and get her to have a little fun. Her boss had been so sad and withdrawn lately, and as much as she probably did not feel like going to a party, a little bit of socializing might just help her mood lift a little bit. She knew as well as anyone that isolating yourself and drowning in your misery, while appealing when you were in a dark place, just wasn’t good for you in the long run.

Even so, she did not want to push Jade too hard, of course. So, while she was really happy when the older woman had agreed to go to the gala with her, she made sure to stick close to her when she could and check in from time to time, giving gentle reminders that they could leave at any time if Jade felt uncomfortable. After all, just setting foot in the ballroom felt like a pretty big step.

“Yeah, I’m having lots of fun,” she replied with a bright smile, resting her hands on Jade’s shoulders. She laughed at the teasing, shaking her head. “Oh, stop! Have you seen yourself tonight? You’re the irresistible one. You’ve sure been getting a lot of looks, you know~”

[mpxyumi]

"look at you shining," he says when he runs his hand over his daughter's hair again for the umpteenth time that evening. perhaps he shouldn't be so much of a dad when she's looking so gorgeous and should probably mingle with the other people to get all the attention she deserves, but he just loves her too much not to. "i can't believe i get to be your father? incredible. other gods can only dream of such luxury."

Yumi couldn't help but grin and blush as her father complimented her, practically preening under the praise. She did feel really pretty in her dress, and it was nice to hear that her dad thought she looked nice too. Although, in typical Osiris fashion, he was maybe laying it on a little thick. He was where she got her flare for the dramatic, after all. "I truly am the perfect daughter. All the other gods must be so jealous," she agreed with a laugh, standing on her toes to kiss him on the cheek. "Do you want to dance, dad? Can I stand on your feet like when I was little~?"

[mpxyumi]

Summer Gala 2021 with @mpxjade

I know this journey can be hard and lonely at times You can lean on my shoulder then I want to be on your side

As clear as your soul I'll protect it and keep it safe Happily ever after, until the beautiful sunset I'll always walk by your side

Yumi arrives at the Summer Gala with Jade, having essentially dragged her boss/friend out for the evening in an attempt to help cheer her up. She wears a deep purple dress, black ballet flats and a gold ankh necklace, her hair freshly dyed blonde and worn in loose waves.

[mpxyumi]

hippity hoppity;

mp-callum​:

Yumi. He didn’t pay much attention to people. Not even in his circle of friends. Or, well he thought they were his friends but he didn’t actually know the meaning of the word. He might remember her though. This whole experience was probably going to sear itself into his brain like a scar. Gods he fucking hated his powers sometimes. Yet despite that he still held the bunny close as it remained with him.

The question caught him off guard as he looked up at the girl confused for a moment. “I, I didn’t…ask.” He didn’t want to talk to the rabbit. He didn’t want to talk to any animal. They would answer him and somehow that felt like acknowledging how much of a freak he was. But, the little bunny had almost died. The thought alone was enough to send another wave of emotion over him. Fuck he hated this so much. With a deep breath he leaned down and asked the bunny it’s name, too ashamed and embarrassed to ask openly with the girl right there. A second later he looked up confused. “It doesn’t have one.” For some reason that just made him more sad. The little bunny would have died alone and hurting without even a name to leave behind. More tears gathered in his eyes and he wanted to scream and punch something in frustration as his own emotion just made things worse.

Yumi sat quietly as he asked the rabbit its name, just gently petting the little creature and pretending she did not even hear. He seemed a bit embarrassed, so she did not want to make him uncomfortable or self-conscious. She sighed softly when he said the rabbit did not have a name, her expression a little sad for a moment. It seemed to her that the poor little thing deserved a name. A good name. And who better to give it to her than Callum?

“Well, maybe you should give her one, then? Something pretty and sweet, like her,” she suggested, smiling down at the rabbit before bringing her gaze back up to his face. He could even ask the rabbit if it liked the name, which was pretty awesome, in her opinion. Honestly, she couldn’t understand why he seemed to dislike his powers so much- well, aside from the trauma of having the rabbit die, but it seemed like he had been disdainful of his powers for a lot longer than just the last few minutes. “What do you think? I know I can’t understand her like you can, but I think it would make her happy.”

[mpxyumi]

gallant escort | mh + ym 

minhomp​:

Minho nodded, not at all bothered by her refusal to offer her bag. The gesture had been offered with the intention of purely wanting to help after all. If she refused it, he wasn’t about to throw a fit. So instead, he keeps a respectable distance between them, making sure not to crowd her. He kept astride her by being around her proximity just in case any would be attackers would think to do anything stupid. He hadn’t had trouble when he walked home after dark, but he lived in different places where he knew that was a privilege not everybody could expect.

“That’s me as well, living in a building with all relatives.” He gives a nod and a small smile before shrugging. “Though I hardly ever met any of them before moving to the island, strange right?” They walk a few blocks, and thankfully the streets on these side of the district were well lit enough that Minho could check for possible areas of danger. 

“Ahhh,” He nods now recognizing the name. “Yeah, Lt. Jinseok, yup. But now I probably should address you as “ma’am” if you’re his aunt.” He grins good-naturedly. 

“Oh, wait. Does that mean you’re an Osiris kid?” 

Yumi nodded, humming thoughtfully. “From what I’ve heard, that’s not very strange for demigods, actually. I knew my dad and a few of my siblings before moving here, but apparently that’s pretty out of the ordinary for the gods,” she commented, shrugging her shoulders. She definitely considered herself lucky to have a dad who actually gave a damn about his children, because from what she heard, a lot of the gods did not bother to even keep tabs on their demigod children; let alone care for them.

“What pantheon are you in, though?” She asked, glancing up at him curiously. She couldn’t even hazard a guess, just knowing that he wasn’t in her pantheon. And she did not know enough about any of the other ones to know which were full of family or not. Were they all full of family? Were all the gods of each pantheon related? Maybe she should go to the library and look at some god family trees sometime, just for fun.

“Ma’am? Geez, that makes me sound so old,” she joked, giggling. It seemed like Minho was maybe about the same age as Jinseok, who was about six years older than her, so the idea of him calling her ma’am was a little ridiculous. “Yep, sure am! Do you know my dad?” She would not have been surprised, since her father was awfully outgoing.

[mpxyumi]

mpahri​:

sip & gogh | ahri + yumi

continued from here with @mpxyumi

“They’re only supposed to give you one glass though.” Ahri’s voice held no judgement for the younger demigoddess, just concern. The paint hadn’t come off as effectively as she had hoped and there was still a large smudge of the shade on Yumi’s cheek. “Was it fun?” Her eyes were curious, even as she spoke softly, wondering when was the last time she had gone out and done something as interesting as paint and drink wine.

“I always thought they watered the wine in places like that to stretch it among customers.” Ahri dug into her purse and pulled out a small pack of wet wipes, handing it to Yumi.  

“I think they’re a bit freer with the wine here than in some other places. After all, would you deny someone like... I dunno, Aphrodite, another glass? You’d probably live to regret it, right?” She commented, giggling as if it was all very funny. She was not a very good painter, so to be fair she may have purposefully done more drinking than painting to make her work look better, at least in her slightly glazed eyes.

“Mm. Maybe they do. I dunno. I’m kinda a lightweight, though,” she shrugged, taking the pack of wet wipes and going through the great effort of taking one out. She lifted it to her cheek, just scrubbing at that entire side of her face because she was not really sure where the smudge was. “Better?” She asked, offering Ahri a goofy grin.

[mpxyumi]

mpxjade​:

Fragmented Reality

Jade leaned against Yumi. Her chin moved to rest on their shoulder as she accepted their back rubs happily. “It may be a while Yumi. At least a week, truthfully. Will you please see if Freyr can pick up the slack? I rely on him in my stead. If not, I will come back as needed.” She speaks softly. While she was Yumi’s boss, they never worked in that normal assistant/manager relationship. She viewed Yumi as her equal, as a business partner. 

Yumi’s presence seemed to have a calming effect over Jade. With the small female in her arms, she basked in their warmth and cherished their touch. Yumi would not hurt her nor would she judge her. Jade had learned fast that Yumi’s true beauty was not her lovely face or her pretty body, but far deeper under the surface. For that, she felt entirely blessed. 

“Well, I guess I am lucky that you cannot flirt. It will save my heart from getting into any type of trouble.” She jokes softly, even despite the fact that their current positioning screamed far more trouble than any words that may leave Yumi’s lips. “But, thank you.” She manages a smile, even if small and weak. “For everything ahead of time. You are all I need.”

Jade watched her as she looked over at the tablet, and a small sigh of relief left her lips. Yumi’s compliments tried to make her feel better, but she had no hope that the salon artists would be able to  make something decent out of her hair. “Your confidence is appreciated.” She sighs softly. Jade takes the tablet, and she sets it to the side of the bed. Her arms snugly wrap around Yumi as she lays down, bring the woman down with her. “Does this mean you can stay with me for a nap?”

“I’ll call him later. I’m sure he’ll be able to hold down the fort until you feel up to coming back to work. And I can help him, of course. After all, I have everything important in the almighty tablet~” She replied with a reassuring smile, giving Jade a little squeeze. “And if you try to come back before you’re ready, I’ll fight you. With my fists,” she joked, leaning back and scrunching up her face in a way that was supposed to be menacing but came off more cute than anything else.

“You are lucky. Imagine how irresistible I would be if I could flirt? It would be over for you and everyone else~” She laughed at the thought, shaking her head. As if. “No need to thank me. I know you’d do the same for me,” she stated, her tone suggesting she would hear no argument on the matter, kissing Jade on the temple.

“Just you wait and see. I’m totally right and you’re gonna look cool as hell,” she replied, letting Jade take the tablet and snuggling right in as the other woman pulled her down. She was itching to clean up the apartment, but Jade needed her attention more at the moment, so that was just going to have to wait. “I guess I can nap with you. It sounds like quite the hardship, but anything for you~”

[dahyun]

210625 aespa @ music bank // winter 💞

[mpxyumi]

minhomp​:

gallant escort | mh + ym

just a touch of gallantry with @mpxyumi continued form here

It had been a good thing Minho decided to take the long way home after his shift, as that lead him past the cafe and into the younger woman. He hadn’t intended on stopping, but his situational awareness had made him wary of the few lurking people outside and had offered the escort before he thought twice about it. He knew his general size and height made others think twice about doing anything stupid, so he liked to at least extend the same level of safety to any he thought would need it.

“Here, do you need any help with that?” Minho was all gentle smiles, gesturing at the heavy tote the other girl carried. It was a genuine offer, but he wouldn’t be pressed if she preferred to carry it. His intention was to really see her home after all.

“And don’t worry about it.” He added, talking about her early refusal. “You’re just making sure after all.” He gestured that she could start walking to where she was headed and he stood just a little behind her, keeping himself in view if ever she was being followed. “You can’t be too careful these days.” Minho gave another reassuring smile.

“If you prefer I can escort you to where you can feel safe, a friend’s house or something. If you prefer me not to know where you live?” Again, genuine suggestions for safety and to reassure her he wasn’t intending on doing any funny business.

Yumi’s smile grew warmer, as she felt just a touch of relief at not having to walk home alone so late. Sure, she could have called her dad to pick her up or something, but this way she was not inconveniencing everyone- all the apartments were in the same area, after all, so as long as this man was going home, she was not making him go out of his way.

“No, that’s okay, thanks,” she replied with a smile, adjusting the tote on her shoulder. It was a nice offer, but she could manage it on her own- she wasn’t strong by any means, but as a student she was used to lugging around heavy books, after all. And she was just a little too stubborn to let someone else carry her things, anyway. Those kinds of offers were usually made out of pity that she did not want, after all; although she knew that was not his reasoning.

She nodded along when he said that you can’t be too careful, pressing her lips together for a moment. He was right, it was never a bad thing to be vigilant, especially on an island full of people with powers and weird god genes. Who knew how many psychopathic Zeus kids were wandering around, for a start...

“Oh, no, that’s okay. Like everyone in my building is directly related to me, so if you tried to stalk me and kill me I don’t think it would turn out very well for you. My dad wouldn’t like that,” she commented, flashing a smile. She got a good vibe from him, so she was not very worried- and the fact that she lived right next to her big brother helped, too. “Actually, you probably know my nephew, Jinseok? He’s a firefighter too.”

[mpxyumi]

" you need a lift? "

simping softness meme | accepting

It was absolutely pouring. One moment, Yumi had been peacefully walking home from class, and the next she was being drenched by a torrential downpour. She started fast walking, not wanting to go too fast in case she slipped on the wet cement, but slowed when Lio pulled up next to her and offered to give her a ride.

Considering she already felt like a drowned rat, even with a rain jacket on, he did not need to ask twice.

She climbed into the vehicle, a shiver running through her as she buckled up. Yeah, she was very relieved to be out of the storm. "You're a life-saver!" She announced gratefully, offering him a smile. "I totally owe you one. This rain is crazy, huh?"

[mpxyumi]

mpxjade​:

Fragmented Reality

Jade appreciated Yumi’s concern. She always made her feel so cared for and loved, even in their short time together. Yumi had came to her as an angel, and she offered her some salvation from the horrors she had been through up into this point, even if she didn’t know it. “There is no need to apologize. What is done is done. All I can do is try to move on.” She sighs softly, shaking her head. “I just can’t do that today.”

Even though Yumi tried to cover her shock, she had already expected it, and she understood it. Her skin had been so beautiful and blemish-free, but now, it showed the signs of battle. The compliments felt nice coming from Yumi, though she attributed them just to pity. “Are you trying to flirt with me in a moment like this?” She manages out a weak joke, in hopes that it would calm the both of them down. Jade feared that Yumi would not react well to any of this, but in truth, who would?

“Thank you, Yumi. For everything.” She sighs softly, and she lingered in the woman’s arms. She pulled away to look at Yumi’s face, and she leans forward to press a soft kiss on their cheek. “You did not sign up any of this, but I could not have asked for anyone else to be here to help me.” Her words are genuine and soft, and her fingers move up to stroke Yumi’s hair soothingly. “Did you manage to book the hair appointment? How long must I look like was ran over by a lawn mower.” She softly jokes, trying to find some humor in all of this. The majority of her sadness dissipated for the time being.

Yumi smiled sympathetically, nodding her head. “You don’t need to do it today. Or tomorrow. Just take it at your own pace,” she murmured soothingly, rubbing circles into Jade’s back. She was perfectly prepared to push any and all appointments for the foreseeable future off as long as was necessary and take care of what she could by herself if it meant that Jade took the time she needed to heal. That was infinitely more important than any vendor meetings or business dealings.

“What? Me? Jade! Quite frankly, I’m appalled you think I’d try to take advantage of your vulnerable state by trying to flirt,” she huffed with a small smile, giving her a squeeze. “I don’t even know how to flirt. But I did mean every single word, so don’t you go brushing it off!”

She just shook her head, blushing slightly when Jade kissed her cheek. “On the contrary, this is totally what friends sign up for. I’m happy to be here for you.” Yumi felt the need to stress that point, because she did not want the other woman to feel like she was being a burden or anything of the sort. She was just trying to be the type of friend she wished she had had when she was going through the aftermath of her accident and provide the support Jade needed.

She paused, glancing at the tablet to see if she had gotten a response from the salon. “Looks like you only have to look like a lawnmower victim until two,” she replied with a small giggle, looking back up at Jade and running her fingers through her choppy hair try to tame it a bit. “You know, the short hair actually suits you- brings out your bone structure. You’ll totally rock it once it’s fixed up a bit.”

[mpxyumi]

" you... sorry, you just got a little something on your face... here, let me get it for you. "

simping softness meme | accepting

Yumi blinked at Ahri's words, going to lift a hand to try to find whatever was on her face when the other woman reached out to wipe it away. She squinted at the purple smudge on the older demigoddess' finger, then let out a surprised laugh, the sound a little louder than she had expected.

"Oh, I just came from one of those paint and sip things- you know, where you drink wine and try to paint something? Things got a little out of hand around glass three, but I didn't realize I had become part of the art," she explained, still giggling. It was not like she minded that she had paint on her, since she had had fun and she was a little too tipsy to care, regardless.

"Thanks for the hand, unnie! You're the best~"

[mpxyumi]

beautiful things | w/Yumi

lioxmp​:

Lio tried to focus on what Yumi was saying, only with a little difficulty named Matcha starting to touch everywhere on his arms and chest with her little paws. His whole being paused for a short second at the mention of Jasmine, then a little smile came to ease his stiffened facial expression. “Ah, my half younger sister’s name was Jasmine too.” It still felt rather strange to him, saying his half sister’s name using past tense, but Lio guessed he would get used to it, sooner or later. 

His attention was now back to the little furry ball as he tried not to let her wiggle out of his arms and fall on the ground. After taking a look at the way Yumi holding Earl Grey, he managed to carry Matcha properly, and realized the kitten had not yet stopped mewling softly and looking up at him with those round amber eyes. 

Lio lifted his head up as Yumi explained, light confusion and another big question was now written on his face. “Is that means I’m picked by her?” He glanced back at Matcha, as if the kitten would give him any sign of confirmation, then shifted his gaze back at the demigoddess. “What exactly should I do with her now?” 

Yumi caught the use of past tense when he spoke of his half-sister, but she decided not to comment on it, not wanting to make things sad or uncomfortable. And besides, she selfishly hated talking about death- and that was the only reason to talk about a family member in the past tense, right? Yeah, that was definitely not a can of worms she wanted to open. Not when she was supposed to be cheering him up, at least.

“Might be. Do you think she’s picked you?” She asked in return, raising an eyebrow with an amused smile. It was kind of funny, how out of his element he seemed to be. She always found people who were awkward around animals endearing- after all, that awkwardness usually seemed to stem from being worried about hurting them or being unsure how to act. There was something very pure and cute about that kind of worry.

“Well, you could take her home, if you wanted. If not, I’m sure she’d get over it. Kittens are resilient and it’s not like she’s too attached yet,” she assured him, not wanting to make him feel obligated to take the kitten if he did not want her. “Look at that cute little face, though. Don’t baby animals just make your heart feel like it is going to explode?” Or maybe that was just her.

[mpxyumi]

mpxjade​:

Fragmented Reality

...

Jade lets go of Yumi, moving to unbutton the silk pajama shirt that she wore. She threw the garment to the ground, leaving herself in a small bralette. “Look at me. I’m hideous now.” A sigh leaves her lips, and she cannot even dare look at Yumi. However, she knew the woman could now see the scars that trailed up her arms and on the side of her torso, some were deeper than the others but all visible.

Yumi did not know what to say. She could not imagine what it would be like to have someone control your mind and hurt you, and then to not remember it... It sounded like a horrible nightmare. Suddenly, the state of Jade herself and the apartment made sense. Most people would have lost it a lot sooner- but, of course, Jade was strong. Maybe too strong, considering she apparently thought she could handle all of this alone. “That sounds terrible. Gosh, Jade, I’m so sorry you went through that.”

She was confused when Jade suddenly started undressing, although she understood when she saw the scars. Her eyes widened, and she had to press her palm to her mouth to stop herself from gasping. She was shocked, but she did not want Jade to take it as a negative reaction. “Hey! Don’t you ever say that, Jade. You’re beautiful. You’re like the most beautiful person I know. Inside and out. No scars are going to change that.” She meant it. And she knew it- not defining yourself by your flaws was a lesson she was still in the process of learning. Maybe it was something you never had to stop reminding yourself of.

She took a trembling breath to compose herself, although she felt tears welling in her eyes as she took in Jade’s injuries. She felt awful, that her friend had been going through so much and she hadn’t had any clue. It made her heart hurt, but she tried to blink back the tears. She couldn’t just fall apart when Jade needed her. Instead, she pulled the other woman back into a hug, holding her as tight as she could. “You’re going to be okay. I’m here for you.”