Caelus notices the crack of her voice. Nice touch! Really selling it, March! Like hell the lad is gonna let his bestie down. A cough, underplayed as he covers his mouth with a free hand, staring down at it in mock horror as it, too, becomes painted with the same red liquid currently ingrained against his torso. What it a bit much? Probably. Did the silver regret it? Nope! It's all part of the drama. A fake guilty smile traces his lips, eyes half mast as he glazes over his friend ( again, a bit much? Yeah- and it's not like anyone BUT him is gonna know he blurred his vision- but it helps him play into a bit. ) before moving the hand not currently "holding his innards together" to weakly lay over the lass's hand covering his own. Caelus hopes March doesn't mind him sharing the stage blood- he can apologize after.
A pitiful chuckle shakes his frame, turning to stare skyward as he quickly comes up with the source of his injuries. Seems like he's really trying to play up his own "good guy ego"- but hey, audiences like a good hero, yeah? For extra effect, Caelus softens his voice, leaving a string of humbleness to weave through his words- even tossing in ragged breaths here and there for the fun of it.
❛ Oh you know me- trying.. to keep other's from.. getting hurt. But hey-- I managed to.. at least get that kid.. out of the way- before the debris.. hit them.
I'd say that's.. a job.. well done.. Don't.. you? ❜
At the end of his little monologue, the Nameless finally, actually, looks at his stage partner- and is immediately hit with guilt. March... she looks genuinely terrified. Wow- she's so good at this that she's even fooling him! He'll have to ask her for pointers later- ( a tiny whisper, in a voice that's not his own- nor one that he recognizes- say's that it's not an act ). Right! He has a task he's supposed to accomplish.
Time to play ball!
Hand that was resting against the rose haired lass' drags said hand up to his face, affectionately pressing it against his cheek- a tiny nuzzle adding a cherry on top of the action. An unspoken desire burning in his eyes, a regret of not being able to overcome cowardice- until there is nothing left of you.. but ashes. He feels himself choking up a bit even at the thought of what he's about to do- damn it's gonna be so good if he's getting himself worked up!
❛ M..March-- I.. I know this.. probably.. isn't the best time- for this..
But I-- I have something.. I need.. to say.. to you.
Will you listen.. to an old friend's secret..? ❜
The silver originally wanted to say "an old friend's dying words" or "last words"- but something about how freezing March's hands are ( colder than he's used to- but he's also a walking flaming star so that's not a fair comparison if he's being honest- ) stops him from going that far.
STARS. / a quiet, idle exhale under her breath, “...it's nothing like the real thing.”
it's the first thing the nameless has said since she took her seat, cross-legged on the ground. there hadn't been much to say—even someone like march 7th needs a break from the festivities from time to time. the cup in her hand has long since stopped steaming, piping hot cooled to warm enough for her to bring it to her lips for a sip.
it really isn't anything like actual stars, though—that just can't be helped.
still, march 7th turns her head slightly to find the person next to her, eyes creasing as she smiles. “i think that makes it more beautiful, though. don't you, miss?” she raises one hand to the makeshift sky, palm spread open before she curls it gently into a fist like she can catch them. “there are too many stars in the universe for me to ever know all their stories. but i can learn all of these ones by name!” she laughs, pleased. “i think that's great!”
#GHSnowswept2025 - Part 1
WHEN THE PEOPLE OF BELOBOG'S UNDERWORLD BUILT THESE MAKE-BELIEVE STARS, did the fact they were nothing like the real thing matter to them? you smile back at the stranger beside you, a distant smile, and watch as she reaches for these within-reach stars. it's a charming gesture, one that reminds you of — past hopes, faltered dreams, lost companions — in the most abstract sense. the stranger's laughter foreshadows your own, and as you look back up to these numerable stars — some comically large, some ridiculously small, some not lighting up when they should — you find yourself agreeing.
“yes, i think so, too.” just like how there are too many stars in the universe, there are too many people — even here, even the ones gazing at man-made lights — for anyone to know all their stories.
a stretch of silence passes. it's almost warm.
in this silence, you wonder what the children of belobog's underworld think of these stars now — now that the real night sky, too, is something within reach. do they find their newfound smallness a point of ridicule? or, like this stranger beside you, a point of beauty, of admiration? you look back toward her, and ask, “how many stars do you think it has? we could count them together.”
SONG. / “don't you want to dance too, mister bard?” a beaming smile in greeting as march 7th drifts away from the crowd of dancers toward one of the musicians. she gives his instrument a cursory glance, but she doesn't know the first thing about playing an instrument, really. the most musical she gets is switching the music in the parlor song and pulling pom-pom along to spin around with her. “it doesn't seem fair if everyone but you gets to.”
the nameless holds out a hand with a laugh in invitation, the corners of her eyes creasing. “do you want to dance with me? my other partner got tired, but i've still got lots of energy to go around! ...though i'm still not that good at dancing yet, but i promise i won't step on your feet!”
Throughout the campsite the steady rhythm of the music beat like a heart; the soaring melody its voice and the joy of the dancers its soul. He’d been here for the past hour, or two, or three—he’d lost count but wasn’t particularly keeping track in the first place—accompanying the Belobogian troupe with Der Frühling until someone handed off a fiddle and he picked that up instead.
Truthfully, he would be content sitting performing into the wee hours of the morning, but it would be rude to decline such a thoughtful invitation! Venti grinned and accepted the pink-haired girl’s hand. “I’d be delighted to join you, ehe! Well, then… shall we?”
The dance they shared was clumsy—true to her word, there was no trampling of feet, though there were some near-misses—but full of life, and Venti had to admit, it was certainly just as fun being on this side as it was on the other.
✦ ghough: a state of panic that everything good will be taken from you too early, which makes you want to swallow the world before it ends up swallowing you.
@crimsondragcn asked:
maru mori: the heartbreaking simplicity of ordinary things.
obscure sorrows drabble prompts ( 1 + 2 ) | Not Currently Accepting.
WARNING: NON-CANON-TYPICAL ( MILD ) VIOLENCE.
Shopping with March is always fun- and educational. Caelus has never been one to be that aware of things such as "fashion" or "aesthetics", but he does know he likes March's aesthetic and style choices. It's both soft and cute, and makes him happy. The lad is tempted to ask his best friend to dress him however she deemed fitting, but that would be a dangerous can of worms to open ( lovingly, of course. ) by giving the lass free reign over his appearance. Still.. it would be fun, even if just once, and a part of him is curious as to how she'd dapper him up. Would she create a style that would suit him best, or would she dress him up in a fashion similar to her own? An amusing thought, if nothing else.
The two of them are walking around Penacony, going between all the stores and stalls they come across. After a few hours, Caelus has several bags in his hands filled with random things the silver thought were cool, and a few clothing items March had gotten for herself. He of course offered to carry both of their things, wanting to give the pinkette the chance to roam around freely as she shopped, seeing as she is more of a shopper than the lad ever likely will be. Who knows, maybe with enough outings with her, Caelus will find him matching her enthusiasm.
His feet move slower, each step bringing him closer to stopping right in the middle of the path- but he's only barely able to keep his feet from freezing in place by the bright smile and sparkling eyes looking back at him as she speaks at him. The words are impossible for him to register, easily floating in one ear and jolting out the other, but Caelus tries to nod along and give some hums of acknowledgement to at least pretend he was listening to her properly.
He doesn't want to lose this small moment right here shared between them. A simple, mundane task that really isn't anything special. Just two friends hanging out and tossing their money out of their pockets. Such a.. human thing to do, intimate in a way to share your time with someone precious to you, not knowing when you no longer have that time to offer up.
Caelus can tell how tightly his hands are gripping onto the bags, glancing down at his limbs as if shocked by the sudden tense feeling that is mimicked in his chest. A quiet breath is taken as he tries to shake the feeling off, briefly closing his eyes as he quickly shakes his head.
He is unsuccessful despite his best efforts. Perhaps that's because Caelus take note of a few individuals practically staring at the two Nameless. Something about being watched by strangers annoys him, even if Caelus had made a name for himself as a hero on multiple planets, and even winning that one contest a while back here on Penacony. So it'd only be natural that people might be curious about him, or those he kept close.
The boy emits a uneasy chuckle before an apologetic smile covers his face as he outstretches his arms to hand the bags over to March. He has to do something before someone takes her away from him, before someone takes his family away from him.
❛ Sorry March, I gotta use the restroom. I'll be back in a bit. Wait for me over near the stage? The band is surely playing something good. It'll work as a good break between stores, so scope us out some seats. ❜
They will take this away from him if he does nothing they will take this all away they will take this away from him if he does nothing they will take this all away t̷h̷e̷y̷ ̸w̶i̸l̵l̶ ̸t̶a̵k̶e̶ ̶t̸h̶i̵s̸ ̷a̴w̷a̷y̵ ̷f̷r̷o̶m̶ ̴h̵i̸m̸ ̵i̵f̷ ̶h̷e̶ ̷d̸o̶e̴s̵ ̶n̴o̷t̵h̴i̵n̶g̶ they will take this away from him if he does nothing t̶h̷e̵y̸ ̸w̶i̵l̷l̵ ̴t̴a̶k̷e̸ ̵t̷h̵i̷s̵ ̴a̶l̴l̵ ̶a̴w̷a̵y̷ they will take-
Caelus waits until March agrees and starts walking away to turn around and walk as calmly as possible towards the people he knew were watching him. The lad most definitely waits until March is well out of view before Caelus talks to them and even offers to have a chat with them over somewhere else. It's almost a little too easy as they agree and they all go over near one of the stalls the farthest away from the main shopping area as possible.
He starts off polite enough, a forced friendly smile tugging at his mouth as he gets their names. Once the last one provides their name, Caelus quickly snaps, rapidly walking over towards whichever person was closest and grabbing them by their collar and lifting them a few inches off the ground. Then, he stalks over towards the next closest target, repeating the same action of harshly tugging them up by the hem of their clothes, then proceeds to slam the two into a nearby wall with just enough force to be threatening ( he only just manages to hold back on his aeon's give strength from causing actual harm to the unlucky souls ).
❛ Let me be quite clear, folks. You are not to go anywhere near my companions. You aren't allowed to even glance in their general direction. ❜
Caelus speaks plainly, a rough and venomous tint painted along the edges of his voice. Then he lifts the two up another inch or so, eyes narrowing dangerous as he glares between them.
❛ If you do, I will now. And I will find everything you hold dear and burn it to the ground without hesitation. Do you understand me? ❜
He gives a sharp turn to scowl at the individual that had been fortunate enough to not be given the physical shake down. Caelus almost takes pride in the way they all whine and tremble as they either nod or give a verbal confirmation. He practically tosses the two in his grasp against the wall as he lets them go, watching with an almost sadistic glee as they scramble and flee.
Caelus has been gone long enough, possibly even longer than necessary, so he figures it's time to head to meet March. With a quick wipe of his hands along his pants, the lad starts his trek, grabbing a quick treat for both of them from one of the stalls he passes by.
It doesn't take long for him to get there, his steps hurried as he tries to make up some time and because he needs to get back to her as soon as possible. No one is going take her away from him, and he needs to be there to make sure that doesn't happen. Once he sees the familiar cotton candy colored hair, Caelus easily sneaks up behind her before curling his arms around her front as he pulls her gently into his chest. He even rests his chin on the top of her head, simply to annoy her because she's just short enough for him to do so.
❛ Hmm.. I've had worse spots, I guess. ❜
The boy gives a playful thoughtful hum before retracting his hands from around her, quickly sliding into his jacket pockets where he pulls out the lemon bread slices he had snagged along the way. He immediately holds up the one intended for her, a warm grin tracing his features, as if he hadn't just threatened random civilians mere minutes ago.
It was probably a bad thing to do, especially in public, seeing as his actions obviously reflect back to the Astral Express and it's reputation. But, quite frankly, Caelus could not care less. He needed to make sure what was his, what he cherished, would not be stolen from him.
He will not let anyone take the few good things in his life away from him.
there aren't many people for march 7th to say goodbye to. after all, the people she cares for the most are the crew of the astral express, and all of those nameless remain alive and well. so when she strikes up a match and puts it to the ends of some incense to light them aflame, it's not those nameless she addresses.
“hmm...i know i didn't really know any of you,” she recites to empty air, “but i think our wishes were still the same, right? and even if your journies ended on penacony, if we still remember all of you, isn't it like you've come to liyue harbor with us too? hehe, and it's really pretty! i'm going to take lots of pictures before the lantern rite is over.”
“...i hope you're all resting well among the stars now. i'll try to move forward with no regrets too, so there's nothing left to worry about.” a long pause, then at last a half-turn of her head over her shoulder, a worried frown painted over her expression. “did i do that right, mr. yang? i've never tried burning incense before.”
an awkward laugh to punctuate, then a nod to the side, where the spare incense sticks still sit. “sorry, i was just gonna light them and go, but i guess i had more to say than i thought. we still have some left, though! did you wanna light some too?”
LIGHTING INCENSE FEELS ALMOST AS NATURAL AS BREATHING, a tradition from his past eagerly shared, and yet he lingers in blissful silence as March conveys her thoughts and hopes to the nameless that walked this path before them. He can't help but think of Mikhail, Tiernan and Razalina as she speaks, of their endless journey to freedom amidst the stars. Even her words are a better offering to the departed than he could ever utter, that soft, yet no less proud smile, on his features as he moves to stand beside her.
"I believe they'd be more than happy with your words, March." A reassuring hand comes up to rest upon her shoulder, eyes trailing over the lit incense that serves as a means to convey the myriad thoughts and feelings of the young nameless beside him. "The method of which we perform the rites matter less than the earnest feelings that we allow them to carry, after all." A proud smile even as he takes the offered spares, bringing a hand to light them ever fluidly before it returns to his chest in symbolic prayer.
"To Joyce, who never stopped teaching even in death, to Henrietta whose compassion taught me more than experience ever could, to Elias, may your thirst for knowledge be ever inherited." When was the last time he made an offering to them, he wondered? Invoked the ghosts of the past so casually and yet so freely as the hand on March's shoulder squeezes reassuringly. "... And yet, if I didn't know better, I'd wager you passed that thirst onto March old man... May your souls find rest amidst that starry sea." There's no melancholy to his words, merely a pride he hopes that March knows he feels for her inquisitive nature.
"Yes... I think you'd like her more than your precious books... father."
[CUP PONG] - If gambling isn’t your kind of thing, maybe something lower stakes, though your stomach may hate you tomorrow. And don't worry about what's in the cup, it's totally just Fonta.
“are you cheating?” march 7th whines after the fifth—or maybe sixth?—glass of fonta in a row she has to down. she sets her head down on the table with a groan. challenge the swindler and get swindled, she guesses, but come on. “seriously, i can't drink any more fonta. i think i'm going to be sick...”
"Now, now, Miss March. Accusing a man without proof isn't very trailblazer-like."
Last he'd checked, anyway. Ball in hand, Sampo takes his time, feigning a casual inspection of it. Turns it this way and that. Bounces it on the table once or twice, catching it with a practised swipe.
"... We could find you some SoulGlad-" surely, the pervasive drink had even made it all the way out here to Fontaine "-or some other local drink if you wanna keep playing." A pause. "Unless, of course, you're ready to cede the victory to yours truly?" A wink. "No shame in that, you know! Part of the wisdom that comes with age is knowing when to call it quits."
Plink.
Another ball bounced into another cup.
"That bit of advice comes free of charge, by the way. Hehe~" Who says Sampo doesn't treat his pals well?
[RING TOSS] - A classic game known all across the galaxy! Toss the ring onto the bottle, and earn a prize: your very own miniature armored crab!
is that...? a disbelieving harumph! leaves march 7th's lips as she twists her way through the festival crowds to catch up with him. see, she knew he was gonna get bored on the express with only the conductor to keep him company. “what did i say?” her voice finally pipes up in her most i told you so tone once she's right behind him. “you could've just come down with us from the start, you know.”
march just can't help her pleased little grin, though. it's a rare day indeed when the entire crew gets off the express together. if only the conductor was here too—then it would really be perfect. “anyway, since you're here now, come on!” a light nudge to his shoulder as she breezes past him. “there's this ring toss game that i've been playing forever and i still haven't won a single time. you're gonna help me win one of those crabs, okay? and then”—she raises a finger to poke him, her other hand planted onto her hip—“we have to go find the others. i demand at least one picture with all of us in it.”
Ah, there it is. Dan Heng freezes on the spot as a familiar voice calls from just behind him (has she really become so skilled in sneaking up on him, or does he actually let his guard down a little more these days?), before he turns to see March 7th, pleased as pie to see him out on the streets of Fontaine. He huffs quietly.
"I spent four hours sitting in one place to update the data bank. Even I need to stretch my legs sometimes..."
And of course, as things go with March, he is now being dragged off to some "fun" and "interesting" "game" that she discovered. Looks like some things never change, no matter what.
Except, he is actually fully aware that he's not being dragged at all. She merely asked and nudged him, and he's in reality following her of his own volition.
(That phenomenon has, perhaps, indeed seen some change in his attitude over the last months. He wonders sometimes just when, how and why he seems to have changed. One thing he knows, however, is that he isn't worried about it.)
"... You realize that I never play any games, yes?" He points out, his tone the same deadpan that has always been the norm for him, stating a fact with no emotions attached to it. "I can try if you really want me to, but I make no promises."
After that, though it is almost unnoticeable unless one knows him really well, his expression softens just a tiny hint.
"I passed by Mr. Yang just a moment ago, so I know where to find him. A picture to commemorate our visit to Fontaine does... sound good."
SCENE THREE! ❛ “good morning everyone, welcome aboard! please have your tickets ready and proceed right this way!” geez, how many extras did they get for this scene? march 7th hasn't even caught a glimpse of her scene partner yet and she's already getting tired. she waves the person in front of her through with a bright smile, raising up on her tiptoes to see if she can find her partner. “good morning,” she begins automatically to welcome the next person, gaze shifting back to them, “welcome, mr. jiao—?” a sharp cough as she cuts herself off, furiously shaking her head, “i mean, um, welcome aboard, mister! please have your ticket ready and you can proceed right this way. if you need anything, feel free to let any of the crew know.”
who, what, where? scene 3!
now, this scene was perhaps the most peculiar of them all. how exactly was he supposed to picture enjoying a... luxury cruise? it sounded like the kind of thing that only a lunatic with an emotional support baby crocodile in his arms would think is a good idea.
oh.
right, the prop in his hands.... he is that exact lunatic.
hearing the bubbly voice of miss march 7th though adds another layer to this... may as well start with the needs for this creature he's bringing along. "thank you, miss, for your kind hospitality. I do have several questions, mostly pertaining to fluffy here -- " he lifts the prop baby crocodile to show her -- "first, I need to know where the proper facilities are on board for fluffy to relieve herself. second, is the pool heated? she needs water of around eighty-five degrees fahrenheit for at least fourteen hours a day, preferably in direct sunlight... and for when she doesn't have that, I will need a heat lamp in my room that has the adequate wattage to keep her body temperature regulated. and... some fish, though I'd imagine that won't be too hard to come by. chicken or quail or flamingo also suffice."
