galehaut.

❝ I'm not afraid of the price I pay I won't lie down as you walk away.❞ Hibiki Kiryu [ Affiliated with Città Alveare ]

[heidun]

His eyes narrowed at both the sheer surprise on Hibiki’s face and his admission. “I don’t know what that means, but as you can see, it doesn’t happen often.”

“It wasn’t anything special for either of us. Getting her to meet you would have just made everyone uncomfortable.” It’s okay, just Liu being Liu makes things uncomfortable. “Don’t worry about it. There won’t be anyone around tomorrow.” 

[sorelais]

[ Σ ]—— At least he can agree with the fact he would feel quite uncomfortable meeting the woman who most likely slept with Liu behind his back. Hibiki’s not even sure why that fact bothers him so much, but even being reassured it was ‘nothing special’ doesn’t make him feel better.

      It’s petty and irrational, yet he can’t stop these stupid feelings bubbling inside him.

      “So I take it she was just a one-night stand.” The wording leaves a bitter taste in his mouth. “I’m impressed, old man. I never thought for a second you needed that kind of company.” An idea makes room in his head, and somehow his own pettiness pushes him to form the words in spite of himself, accompanying them with a smirk of his own.

      “How disappointing. I was sure I was already a good company for you.”

[heidun]

✧ shield

A mysterious earthquake one moment, and then the return of a nightmare the next: this span of time really was a gift. Liu had been out with Hibiki surveying the damage and attempting to help others when the change settled in, bringing back an intact city and a hoard of enemies. He was used to this by now, but that didn’t make him any happier to face it.

“Don’t worry,” he told Hibiki as one of the disjointed Pariah approached. Its deathly pale skin was dotted with red, remnants of those it had torn apart before. Hiding hadn’t helped at all, but he’d make sure his temporary partner would stay safe. 

Putting full force behind his kicks and dodging when necessary took out the first Pariah. No more were around at the moment, but Liu was sure another would appear soon. They had to get somewhere else—somewhere like home.

“Let’s get moving while we can.”

@sorelais

[sorelais]

[ Σ ]—— Hibiki’s control over sudden dire situation has been better lately than when he first stepped into the city. When the earthquake hit and claimed his surroundings, he brought all the iron in his system to avoid panic and stand by Liu’s side. He cannot fight those putrid creatures, but he still has two hands and feet. Helping people with that much is more than enough.

      It is sadly not enough to face an enemy whose power is way beyond his management-- a punch would definitely break his hand if he tried fighting a Pariah-- but Liu’s fast reflexes and capabilities make up for Hibiki’s uselessness. Gritting his teeth, he tries to hold back from breathing quickly and let any hint of panic break through his cool character. They can survive this, too.

      “Yeah. They must have a shelter somewhere.” He tails behind Liu, not exactly brimming with hope. “I don’t think our own home is any safer at this point.”

[heidun]

Liu’s mouth curled up, a small smile easing into a competitive smirk. He reached back for the dock. They didn’t really have a place to start otherwise, so he might as well mark it as the beginning line. His hand flat on the smooth wood, he focused his gaze on the finish line. “All right. We’ll go on 3,” he explained to Hibiki. “One, two…”

Without adding a “three”, he dove forward, arms extending to pull him through the water. It might have been a cheap move if Hibiki had decided to obediently wait for that final number. Liu didn’t trust him enough to wait, and so decided to go at the earliest reasonable opportunity.

His strokes were quick as he shifted into a full front crawl. Considering no lines cut between them, he could only really focus on swimming faster than Hibiki to avoid one of them colliding with the other on accident. He kept his goal in mind, and probably would only look back once he reached it.

[sorelais]

[ Σ ]—— Something told him Liu wouldn’t complete his count, yet Hibiki is slightly too slow to realize, and his start is delayed by a second, enough to put him at disadvantage. He wants to berate the old man for such a low move, but then again he should have realized sooner, and shouting in the middle of a challenge wouldn’t be dignified of him. Hibiki will surely pay the discourtesy back, but at the moment his only concern is to swim his way close to his opponent and push a dent into their distance.

      Liu is fast, but Hibiki’s determination is nothing to sneeze at. He makes up for the lack of fitness with his faster brain. Broader strokes may drain his energies fast, but he can at least catch up some amount. The water filling his nostrils and eats bother him terribly, but despite his more disgraceful way to swim his way to the goal, he is trying his best.

      He really wants to get back at the old man for the false start, but the only thing his brain suggests him is to try reaching out and pull his trunks down. There’s little room for imagination as to how Liu would react if he made that plan a reality, but it’s still very tempting.

[heidun]

✧ bound

[heidun]

Hibiki announced his intent to fend off the second enemy, and Liu left him to it. He focused on moving his body with his partner’s movements and avoiding the target’s strike zone. His mind shifted to the last man, and a swift strike through his temple assured that he was on the ground within seconds. 

The fight ended with the three thugs on the ground. Though the second man to face his mental attack didn’t seem completely knocked out, he was unable to move much. Liu left him and charged for the door. It didn’t budge when pushed, so he stepped back to deliver another rough kick. It swung outward just after his foot met the wood.

A dark night sky waited past the door frame. Liu hurried out, dragging Hibiki along if necessary. His breath crystallized in the cold air, but at least it wasn’t the dusty stale air from inside. “Must’ve been an emergency exit,” he muttered. He hadn’t heard an alarm go off, but he expected a group of thugs to disable it. 

“That wasn’t half bad,” he told Hibiki, a little more approval in his voice than on his face. “But we should hurry, before any others find us. Hope you can still run.”

[sorelais]

[ Σ ]—— His plan to knock the door down with a kick loops with Liu’s. It was the only option after all, not like a strong teamwork he’s sure they have yet to achieve together despite managing to knock down enemies with little damage on their persons. The sight that invests his vision washes his system with relief. Splotches of grey paint the clouds over a deep blue sky. He never paid any consideration to it before, but this is the first time he finds himself being deeply grateful there is a world outside the four dirty walls they were caged in.

      The cool air doesn’t do good things to his headache, but the pain is momentarily buried under adrenaline and streams of hope that they could actually manage to get out of this hell alive. It’s not over yet, but he can finally see freedom within his grasping range.

      “Thank you,” He answers Liu with something that isn’t sarcasm for once. Without looking back, he sets to proceed forward and fight the pain sitting in his temples. “I can run. We’re going back home, then find something that breaks these stupid handcuffs, and then I will try to peacefully forget this dumb B-movie scene ever happened in the first place.”

[sorelais]

✦ backstreet’s back, alright

[heidun]

Liu fell into a steady silence at about the same time Hibiki made his observation. Within the darkness, his eyes weren’t perfect, but he was better able to navigate and pick out silhouettes than most. There were a pair of women striding fluidly along the pavement ahead. The bats circled around them about as attentively as they did the walking jellyfish. 

He had already stopped in his tracks, but now he moved slightly in front of Hibiki. On reflex, he was trying to guard his “partner”. That thought occurred to him, but he didn’t have time to scowl over it. This was an opportunity, either to get assistance or strike first. “Hey,” he called out to grab their attention. The women were still moving in his and Hibiki’s direction, but paused at the sound of his voice. He was calm but characteristically suspicious. 

“Do you know where the station is? Or the nearest road out. That’s what we’re looking for.” 

The shorter woman appeared to size them up before answering. “No. We’re just as lost as you. But maybe we can look together?” Her smile caught the light, simultaneously disarming and disquieting.

Liu pursed his lips in response. His disapproval was written on his face, but for the moment he had no confirmation that the two were planning to pose a danger to them. The two pairs were at a standstill. With a questioning glance at Hibiki through the tentacles, he waited for the other’s words or opinion.

[sorelais]

[ Σ ]—— Rational thoughts are hard to mantain within a highly distressful ordeal. Hibiki can hardly compare it with his near death experience at the hands of the man next to him. But he still finds himself trembling with anxiety, his legs barely moving along the added weight of his costume. He doesn’t protest when the old man poses himself ahead of him, chalking it up as some strategic position of defense. Or he’s just worried about Hibiki. The thought makes him chuckle on the inside.

      His perception did not betray him. Two new figures have appeared indeed, and the fact they’re women could put him at an advantage as he could smoothly talk his way out of this dumb situation. Fate is against that plan, however, since he’s sadly aware of how they would definitely not take the words of a jellyfish/human hybrid seriously. His precadiment is even worse than he even possibly thought.

      Besides, they seem to be no help either. At first slightly offended that Liu spoke before him, Hibiki feels the power cradling back into his hands when he senses the other’s stare towards him. He could flip the situation and ditch the women if he felt the slightly bit suspicious of them, but what if they’re actually innocents and he’s going to deny the little help he could give? Morals are complex and bothersome sometimes.

      “I don’t see the problem with it,” He concludes while looking back at Liu, smiling with a depth into his eyes. If the pair tried to attack them, they would defend themselves. If they refused to help, there’s also a good chance they’d get attacked anyway, so he’s going to mark the least of both evils.

      “Four brains and eight eyes are better for this, aren’t they? If you have anything that could hint to the direction of our goal, please let us know.” His smile is now directed at the two ladies, ill feelings pushed so far behind his mask for the sake of looking like he’s sitting above all issues instead of the discomfort of having to cohabit with a parasite costume.

[heidun]

✧ starry night

[heidun]

At the confirmation, Liu nodded and carefully detached from Hibiki. He didn’t glance at the lurker again as they began to move through the crowd, but kept his guard up. He’d look again once they stopped, as otherwise they’d catch on to the plan. Liu moved casually, expecting the same of Hibiki. Hopefully he could at least do that much without being told. 

Spotting the drinks station, Liu shifted his trajectory to meet it. “Might as well get something to drink. A glass of champagne or something.” He shifted his gaze to Hibiki. “I don’t think they ID here unless you look ten, so your choice whether you try to get something or not.” 

“Champagne. Brut,” he told the bartender, not caring what else happened to be on the label aside from that. It took a few moments, but he held a plastic flute in his hand soon enough. As he lifted it to his lips to test, he watched Hibiki. He half expected the kid to order a glass of water.

[sorelais]

[ Σ ]—— Hibiki trails behind his partner, acting natural as it’s easy for him to do despite the predicament he’s found himself in. He doubts anything serious could happen on the same ground hundreds other people are lingering on, but that doesn’t often stop a terrorist from doing their act. Though he is mostly sure he’s not dealing with someone with dangerous potential.

      Getting tipsy is not amongst his priorities, but admittedly he needs something to easen up his nerves. Liu’s presence is calming enough, moreso than other occasions, but his comment stirs the younger man into a challenging mood. He can take liquour better than anyone can predict.

      “At least I don’t look ten at all,” He huffs, listening to the other’s order and actually looking over the list of drinks available. “I’ll have... a Limoncello,” A single finger-waving gesture to the bartender before he settles to wait. Hibiki is not one of those kids who drink only to look bigger and cool, but he had his share of beverages he tried out at least once. If there’s anything to brag about, it’s the fact he’s not that much of a lightweight.

      He swirls the yellow content into his glass, staring down at it and reveling in the aroma it emanates. He his eyes before taking a first sip. If he needs to make this look as natural as possible, they might as well start a normal conversation.

      “Ah... it’s actually not so bad. I thought it had a stronger flavour.”

[heidun]

That answer pleased him. “Heh. Maybe you’d be all right after all. In reality, you’re not likely to get that kind of power again unless someone like Steiner tricks you again. That, or… getting one of these.” Liu lifted his hand to his left ear lobe, visibly tapping at it. Although there was nothing there for him, Lancelot was attached to Hibiki’s ear for the moment. “Lux Pains can give or amplify power, but they test their wearer to see if they’re worthy. If not, you die.”

Following that very calm explanation of death, he stood and casually walked closer to where Hibiki, in his body, sat. Liu leaned on the armrest and peered at him. “I’m so much smaller than you like this. It’s annoying.” 

[sorelais]

[ Σ ]—— Liu’s gesture prompts Hibiki to touch his own ear and indeed feel his skin brush against metal. “Well, that’s news. I knew you guys got powered up by the peeps at FORT, but such method is quite...” How can he define it? He thinks for a moment. “Dangerous. And hardcore, in a smaller part.” The description of the ‘ritual’ frankly sends shivers to his spine, but eventually he wouldn’t let that stop him if and when he was mentally empowered enough to withstand the challenge.

      The lighter shift in topic has him smirk. “What, are you afraid I’m going to suddenly pick you up and carry you to places?” He teases, a bit forced due to the need to feel better about this stupid situation, somehow find something remotely positive among the pile of crap they’re in right now. 

      “Don’t think I feel so good about being in your body, either. Being so tall gives me a headache. I can also feel the old man wrinkles all over my face, especially the spots where you constantly frown.”

[sorelais]

✦ lovecraft would be proud

[themisarcher-blog]

His shaky, forthright statement of before made, Hugh’s focus is mainly on just getting to the fountain of the park safely - hopefully ending this entire nightmare. He’s not going to sleep for MONTHS after this, he already knows it: but if he’s this riled up, the back of his mind sternly reminds him that Hibiki has it a lot worse. Goodness knows how traumatizing having a bloody costume be PART of you is, let alone slowly dying without water. It would be selfish to let his problems become obvious, so he masks it. Like he does majority of his true nature, and keeps going.

It’s not healthy, he knows it from how shaky his hands feel and how rattled his breathing still is. There isn’t any other choice, though, is there? Hibiki speaking up, voice seeming to be very weak and falter from dryness at this point - exclaiming that he knew Hugh could do it, because he was tough - pushed this point even more home.

He couldn’t let his own troubles show now. Not when there was someone counting on him. Yet, despite this fact pushing his tension more to the back - it also gave him courage, determination. It lessened the shakes, at least - so the driving was a lot more steady. Hugh knew he’d have to thank Hibiki for that, when there was time.

The fact the car was now silent also fueled Hugh’s focus. They were running out of time, as he’d guessed: there wasn’t the time for too much chatter or worry now. Had to get to the park soon - and it seemed there was a shining beacon of hope - a green beacon, in this case, for Hugh spied the trees coming into view as well, and sighed in utter relief.

“Y-yeah…thank the gods for that. I’ll park as close as I can to the fountain - that way all we have to do then is get you in there.” 

He wasn’t going to waste any time with that, and so pushed to get as close to the fountain as was possible and park - stopping the car.

The park…seemed quiet. Eerily so, for (understandingly) all the folk had long fled here. There wasn’t any stray zombies, was there? Or costumes? There wasn’t even any time to worry, he had to take the seatbelt off and open the car door - the fountain was right THERE. Hibiki had to get his water now, right?

[sorelais]

[ Σ ]—— As they inch closer to the long craved destination, Hibiki feels like all remaining strength is leaving him more rapidly than he hoped. It’s the kind of draining you usually get when you finally reach the end of the tunnel after breaking through a million obstacles. He will have to drag himself through the ground once they’re out of the car, but he has no time or care to maintain his dignity at this point.

      With labored breaths, he reaches out to the taxi’s door handle and simply drops his hand on it, using his increased body weight to push out and open. While trying to disentangle from the mess of tendrils that make his cursed costume, and finally getting one leg out, he turns briefly to Hugh. “If I fall face first into the ground, which will probably happen, I’m going to need a little help.” He pushes himself forward, struggling with the grand jellyfish head and feeling actual pain shoot through his body as the umbrella-like mass squeezes against the tight exit. This is bad. The transformation is carrying on.

      After long minutes of anguish, he’s out, barely standing on his own two feet. Even the tentacles that felt strong until now give him a hard time keeping his balance. He grips the car’s door for dear life. No, he definitely can’t do this alone. A begging pale face turns once again to his companion.

      “Yeah... I can’t afford falling after all.” Supporting a half dead person means touching, and he knows full well what jellyfishes do when they’re startled. “I promise I will control my body so you won’t end up zapped or with ink on your face, so can you come over here and help me?”

[heidun]

“Just your knowledge,” Liu answered curtly, somehow a little more offended that Hibiki would suggest anyone could break in without him knowing. 

“There was a woman here. She wasn’t here for long.” He sighed. “If there’s a mess somewhere, I’ll deal with it.”

[sorelais]

[ Σ ]—— The abrupt truth coupled with such revelation force Hibiki to reel back, eyes narrowed as a mix of emotions bursts out full force. His lips line together, and quickly recomposing himself, he crosses his arms and fixes Liu with a stare.

      “I never pegged you as the type to invite ladies over.” He fights back the weird eruption in his chest, choosing the teasing route to prick at the old man. “Is she your girlfriend? You could have introduced me to her.”

[sorelais]

@heidun

[ Σ ]—— “Hey, old man. Don’t you think there’s something off about the house today? It feels like something, or someone had been here without our knowledge.” He may not exactly intend to speak in plurals, suspicion rising with each gaze he exchanges with Liu.

      “Do you know anything about that?”

[heidun]

✧ starry night

[heidun]

“You’re all right,” he complimented Hibiki offhandedly, glancing aside with a muted smile. It didn’t sound much like praise, but right now it was the best anyone would get out of him. “Determined, at least. Did you sneak into parties when you were twelve? I’m sure that got you far up that ‘ladder’.” As always, he was well aware of Hibiki’s age—but couldn’t resist a tease. 

The song wound down, and the stars rearranged themselves above their heads. A flicker of light passed over Hibiki’s head, and spurred on by it, Liu found his hand softly tousling that turquoise hair. His feet carried him through the quieter notes, keeping the dance going. “I still think your hairstyle is stupid,” he remarked, though his tone was missing the usual insulting edge. “…But it’s softer than mine, and it suits you.” 

He wasn’t really thinking right now, or he would’ve already let go. It took the sighting of someone staring daggers into Hibiki’s back for him to remember his place. Without changing his expression, he leaned closer to whisper to his dance partner. “Someone’s watching. Do you want to move somewhere else?” If they were a danger worth confronting, they’d likely follow.

[sorelais]

[ Σ ]—— Hibiki gives him a ‘ha ha funny’ look, boredom briefly displayed across his eyes. Those jokes are getting old, just like the geezer in front of him. “Though I am a genius, I still wished to have fun like an actual twelve years old boy. The idea spurred me years later.” Step by step, he merely uses the music as a means too keep himself going, matching with Liu.

      A hand sneaks into his hair, and he nearly startles before realizing his partner is the one who got the idea of suddenly making that move. Dark eyes dart to meet the other man’s gaze with confusion and a bit of flustering wonder, although the heat over his cheeks delays to deliver once the insult reaches his ears. “At least yours looks stupider,” he retorts childishly, not above resuming the back-and-forth banter. Except it seems their brief moment is being interrupted by the very reason why Liu agreed too come along.

      “Let’s go. Lead the way.” Aware of the plan to check if the person Liu suspects will follow them, Hibiki tugs at the sleeve of his partner’s suit, not turning or throwing any hint that he had noticed anything.

[heidun]

“Hmph. I doubt it. And I doubt you want me to try it out. I’d break your foot before I put a crack in the wall, even with it as dilapidated as it is.” Even if they switched back within the hour, he didn’t want to deal with any injuries for that long.

Feeling restless, Liu sat up. “Is that how you feel? I can’t really get your true feelings out of what this body’s given me, though I know you… regretted what happened at Kisaragi School.” What happened to Tadashi Yamato was a shock to everyone, and gave FORT the red flag it needed to act.

“My power is suited to destruction. Do you still want that?” he asked, a simple question with a not so simple answer. If it was, Liu would understand it already.

[sorelais]

[ Σ ]—— A wave of uneasiness floods his mind, as if the tension he’d felt until now wasn’t enough. He scowls harder, escaping Liu’s gaze and focusing his eyes somewhere else in the room. His elbow against the couch’s armrest, Hibiki covers his mouth with a hand and seems to give it a deep thought about the possibility of possessing a power that could let him kill again. The thought of repeating that mistake renders his blood colder with fear.

      “I don’t know,” he mutters, ignoring the previous comment, and trying to keep anxiety at arm’s distance. Being reminded of his past mistakes was the very last thing he needed right now, and all because he made an off-handed reply. He glares at the ground instead of Liu.

      “What I meant was that I would have preferred a different context. Surely not like this, trapped in another body, with powers shoved on me against my will.” He makes a nervous attempt to save himself from confrontation. “Of course I regret what I’ve done, so if I ever wanted a power like yours I’d first make sure I’m ready for the responsibility to handle it.”

[kanivalos-deactivated20161202]

“I would obviously be wondering about foreign individuals, you know. My curiosity has steered me into indulging myself in the literature of angels and demons. Have you ever considered it?”

Raspbel should really be considering her options here because she is seriously walking into some dangerous territory. Talking about her own species just might bring her to speak out of hand, and it might ruin her status as a human in disguise. She makes sure to keep her cloak properly in place on her head, but the idea of revealing her identity is pretty exciting.

[sorelais]

[ Σ ]—— “My, that’s quite interesting.” The existence of angels and demons among humans is a subject among those that interest him. It’s good to find a common ground with someone and draw some learning experience from it, assuming Raspbel would provide it.

      “I have occupied my time with such literature before, although I was admittedly drawn to novels that told stories in a more fantasy-like fashion. Frankly speaking, I would be thrilled by the idea of meeting an actual angel or demon in this city.”

[mirrorcantus-blog]

“Maybe. It would be harder if we did not try to better it. The progress we have made so far fill me with hope for the future. I believe I can live contently as long as I know I am creating a better world.” That was a good way to live, satisfied with slow improvements. They would make a better tomorrow with the time of each today.

“Oh?” He shifted to the side at their look of surprise, reflecting his own. This was certainly unprecedented. 

“I’m so sorry…” Satoru audibly gasped at hearing of their heroism. Of course, Saki should have been able to use her cantus to avoid it, but saying that would only belittle such a noble action. They had been in the same position now, and both chose self sacrifice. In a way, it made Satoru doubt the man’s words from before. They were not of different views at all if this had been his choice as well.

“You have my deepest thanks and gratitude. If there is anything her or I can offer you, do not hesitate to ask.” He stepped closer. “You said that you do not make friends easily, but you are now my greatest friend, from your actions and words alone.” 

[sorelais]

[ Σ ]—— Hibiki is a man of contrasts, his preaching sometimes differing from his actions. No matter the distance between himself and humanity, he cannot ignore a life at risk. He’s capable to do stupid things after thinking about it for one second, and deciding to take action rather than standing around and watching a person die. One could define him with every negative adjective, and selflessness is not one of his traits, but what he surely will never be is an uncaring villain.

      He watches the inevitable shift in demeanor from Satoru and closes his eyes, smiling with a bit of a demure front. “I accept your thanks. Who would have thought I was having a deep provoking talk with the husband of a woman I helped?” Hibiki has no qualities of a hero, regardless of how he’d like to be one. Pride won’t let him just reject the thankful words, like those who would still speak as if what they’ve done was no big deal. He couldn’t move his whole arm for weeks. That was a big deal. 

      “I ask nothing except for your future aid should something problematic occur.” He actually can’t think of anything, and it’s not like he spills too many expectations out of people, though what he hears next is among things he never thought he’d hear from anyone. An offer of friendship, that he can either accept or pretend to ignore. “Well... I hope someday I can share the sentiment with the same intensity, but I’m glad you consider me a friend.” Leaving alone the ‘greatest’ part, Hibiki offers the other a gentle look.

      “I suppose that means we should hang out sometime?”

[heidun]

✧ starry night

[heidun]

“Yes, it does.” He wasn’t against keeping up the banter either. The entertained expression that accompanied it, conceited but cordial, steered it closer to flirting than arguing. Hibiki’s hand fit well in his. As he stepped into the flow of the music, his steps were closer to mechanical than passionate, but at least he knew enough to keep it up and not step on anyone’s feet.

“I don’t do it frequently, but you might be surprised what we were instructed to learn at FORT,” he explained, voice level enough for Hibiki to hear but not loud enough to carry. “Atsuki was expected to act as a normal teenager at your school. I’ve had missions where we were supposed to infiltrate parties. Some skills you don’t forget.” Even if he was rusty. 

So far, he’d kept his eyes averted in order to focus on the movement of the dance. Once he expected he recalled enough to follow it without thinking, he dropped his gaze back to Hibiki. “When did you learn to dance?”

[sorelais]

[ Σ ]—— He could keep arguing with something like ‘No it doesn’t’, and they could go back and forth like children as the music muffles their voices to the nearby pairs dancing along. Hibiki opts to let the matter go, and regard Liu with his tongue sticking out, letting his actions speak for him. As if challenging the other-- no, not as if, he is challenging him-- he becomes bolder in his movements, swiftly following every step with his own, matching the pace so he and Liu are on the same level, not just a lead dragging the other party along.

      The moment he realizes he’s actually starting to enjoy himself fast, Hibiki won’t bring himself to stop. He smirks up at Liu, hearing of the bizzarre training FORT allegedly provides to their workers in order to complete missions. Actually he’d learned those details already, but to have them confirmed by one of their best members makes the ordeal sound even funnier. What a good pick he’d make if only he had a chance to join, but he’s not in the mood to get bitter about his powerlessness.

      “A few years ago,” he answers, eyes closed as he reminisces a good episode of his past. “It was an interesting pasttime back then, but I realized it could be a useful skill if I wanted to climb up the social ladder. Not that I found it absolutely necessary, but I like to impress.” It worked with most girls. He’s no professional, but still a quick learner.

[heidun]

✧ starry night

[heidun]

Liu lifted his gaze to somewhere along the starry ceiling, listening to the flow of the music. It sounded like the current song was ending and fading into another. He nodded to Hibiki. “Let’s go, then.” He didn’t take Hibiki’s hand, but Liu expected him to follow further into the ballroom. He strode across the floor with practiced fluidity, not bumping any shoulders. It was difficult for him to turn off the habits work had long drilled into him.

He stopped in an open space and turned back to Hibiki. The smile, crooked as it was, remained. For someone almost perpetually in a bad mood, it seemed out of place. So did his inclination to do this at all. The song filling the room was a slower one. Fortunately, he knew the simple steps it needed. 

“I’ll lead,” he explained, not accepting any protesting before he reached out for Hibiki’s hand with his left and beneath Hibiki’s shoulder with his right. “I’m taller, anyway.”

[sorelais]

[ Σ ]—— As a pair, there could be some form of physical contact to be expected, like holding hands, or at least that’s what floats in Hibiki’s mind as he follows Liu. He shouldn’t be disappointed, yet a pout appears over his features, and remains until the old man turns back to him, causing a light startle. The smiling and lack of gruff responses adds a bit to the nervousness, but it would be a stretch to call it uncanny or suspicious. He may be just in a good mood for some reason. Hibiki doesn’t feel like ruining that.

      “Being taller has nothing to do with leading, you know.” Hibiki snorts, not at all annoyed but merely throwing remarks for the sake of keeping their conversation at a certain level like their usual banters. He accepts the touch either way, his body leaning against the embrace as if moving on its own. A hand rests gently over Liu’s shoulder, while another gets trapped in a hold, fingers curled with uncertainty before Hibiki accepts the gesture and relaxes.

       This is just going to be one dancing session; there is no point worrying or being flustered by something so small and mundane.

      “You appear so confident in what you’re doing. I suppose you’ve done this a number of times before. It kind of surprises me.”

[heidun]

✧ starry night

[heidun]

Liu snorted at Hibiki’s response. His feelings were mixed about this entire situation. While it felt like it had been a decade since then, a previous ball had been a source of incredible frustration. When he tried not to think about it, he wound up trying to hassle the kid. At least the thoughts weren’t too intrusive. He could kick them from his mind for a while before they returned.

A short distance in the ballroom, they were accosted by a pair of people apparently working with the flower shop. One was overly helpful about attaching a boutonnière to the lapel of Liu’s jacket. He was affronted by the familiarity, but didn’t move to fight the worker off. He wouldn’t really have known how to attach it himself anyway. It was a strange, dark blue flower he couldn’t identify, but he wasn’t an expert on flowers to begin with.

Once the workers had moved on to the next set of people coming inside, Liu grimaced a bit. “I guess trying to fit in around here is better than standing out,” he muttered to Hibiki as an explanation. He touched the boutonnière suspiciously, but left it alone after that.

“What do you plan to do?” Standing around and watching other people for suspicious behavior didn’t sound like much fun to him. And for now—fun didn’t sound so bad. “I wouldn’t go too far from me if you want me to be effective in protecting you. I can’t tap into my power here.” It seemed strangely quiet when he couldn’t feel the intensifying emotions around him. He could only imagine how strange a more specific Σ user would feel.

“If you want,” he began, looking amused again, “You could dance with me.”

[sorelais]

[ Σ ]—— He is vaguely aware this ball was organized by the owners of a flower shop, and as such, they will obviously organize small events to boost their publicity. Nothing wrong with that, Hibiki thinks as he amusedly lets the pair of workers approach them. When the dark blue flower has been basically shoved onto Liu’s jacket, he can’t help chuckling, and decides that being matchies with the old man shouldn’t hurt anyone. He accepts another blue flower from the excited worker, thanking the both of them for their kindness.

      Admittedly, a flower looks a little better placed on Liu’s dark suit than his own. Blue and black paint each other nicely, he thinks as he stares at the taller man for a bit longer before he closes his eyes. “I don’t have plans for now,” he says sincerely. Dancing is not out of discussion, but especially now he doesn’t feel up to socializing with other people, finding the old man’s presence more comfortable.

      Then, the offer raises to his ears, and he blinks his eyes open to gaze back at his companion. How in the world does that sound so alluring out of nowhere? He opens his mouth, lacking words for a few mere seconds. It suddenly seems so foolish to just decline.

      “Sure, why not.” He fails at acting cool while saying that, but whatever. “I don’t mind. Whenever you think is the right time.”