ryuwrighthistory | Empatheias IC inbox

[...You know, that outfit looks good on him, now that Naruhodou's not a mess and actually gets a good look at Asougi change in attire. Guess it was inevitable he'd have a change of clothes, being in Britain. Appearance aside, Naruhodou will close the door behind him and settle himself in front of the bed.]

Asougi...? Um, there's still a few more hours before dinner, so...if you want to sleep a little more, you can.

[ He opens his eyes slowly, seeming mildly disoriented at first. Where was— what was— . . . right. Right. This wasn't London, these weren't the quarters Vortex had placed him in, and he wasn't some nameless, faceless figure lurking in the city any more. Asougi. He was Asougi. Is Asougi, for better or for worse.

It takes him a moment or two but once he's gathered his bearings enough, Asougi sits up slowly, running a hand over his face as if to wipe that moment of tired confusion away. ]

How long was I out?

[Watching him force himself up, he wonders if he should have given him those extra hours.]

For about three hours...did you want a little more time?

. . . No, I've slept long enough.

[ He would probably benefit from more sleep, but that would also require being less stubborn. Asougi rubs at his head once more, then lowers his hand. His head wasn't throbbing any more at least, though there was a dull ache lingering, mostly as a minor distraction. ]

[He really wants to ask if he's sure, but suspects he'll insist he's fine.]

I probably should have brought something up for you to drink. Anyway, before anything else... [He didn't get the chance to do this before Asougi went to sleep, so he'll do it now. They never really belonged to him afterall, it's only right that he returned them to their rightful owner. He removes Karma from his waist, and then his armband. He then presents them both, holding the katana the long way with both hands, armband resting on top.]

After what happened on the ship, Susato gave me your things for safe keeping...and to ensure that I saw your mission through to the end. Since you're here though, you should definitely take these back.

[ He perks up almost immediately upon seeing Karma. How long had it been now? At least it had been safe and in good hands. If there's anyone he'd trust with it in his absence, it's Naruhodou and Mikotoba. His eyes fall on the red headband tied around the hilt and he lets out a soft huff of appreciation. Right. That had been there, hadn't it. Asougi reaches over, running a hand down one end of the headband briefly. ]

I can't believe you kept this, too.

[ He shakes his head, a small smile crossing his face, and he quietly takes Karma from Naruhodou, making a point of sliding the armband off the top of the katana as he does so, so that it slides back into Naruhodou's hands. ]

Well you made such a big deal about it, how it was the "symbol of the hardship you overcame"! Of course I was going to hold onto it. It's what made you, you.

[When the armband slips back into his hand though, he looks to Asougi with confusion.]

[ "It's what made you, you." Asougi smiles softly at that remark, running a hand along the sheath before placing it back at his side. He glances up, catching that confused look, and nods at the armband. ]

It's yours now. You've earned it.

[He's earned it...the area seems to have suddenly gotten brighter, a warmth spreading throughout the room. It feels like he just received the highest honor he could ever get. He smiles, as he puts the armband back on. Eventhough this was his best friend, he finds himself bowing his head out of respect.]

Thank you. I'll make sure not to tarnish what it stands for and wear it proudly.

I know you will.

[ Tarnish what it stands for . . . that's right, as the "new" exchange student, Naruhodou could actually fulfill what the program should stand for, rather than what it actually did. Asougi frowns to himself at that thought, fingers curling into a fist briefly as the air around him cools considerably. He shivers at that, shaking his head. ]

You don't need to bow to me, you know.

Oh, no but... [He blushes.] I feel honored to be entrusted with something so important.

[Why did it feel cold all of the sudden? Maybe he shouldn't have opened every window.]

[ Asougi rubs his hands together, blowing on them. Where did this even come from . . . ? ]

Stop that. You're my best friend. Of course I'd trust you with something like this.

[ Or anything, provided it wasn't incredibly dangerous. ]

[Urk, did he make him mad?] Ah, right. Sorry.

[...] Are you cold? [It does feel like the coldness is in one particular spot.]

[ Of course he would trust him with anything. Asougi nods slowly, glancing back over at him. ]

Yes. It wasn't this cold a few moments ago, and then . . .

[He hasn't had these windows open for that long so then...]

Is there something troubling you?

[ Asougi raises an eyebrow. Why would he hone in on that? Unless— there was that bizarre indoor rain storm . . . ]

Is there something I should know about this place?

Well, do you remember when I said how this world is run by our emotions? [He glances off to the side.]

When I was upset before, I caused that rain in the living room.

. . . So I'm the one causing it to be cold, then.

[ No use in beating around the bush. ]

This always happens? With everything?

[A nod.] It's more obvious when you're feeling strongly about something.

[...should he, or should he not?] Can I ask what you were thinking?

Hence the rain.

[ He sighs. How to phrase it exactly . . . ]

I've caused a lot of trouble for you. That's all.

[He tilts his head, and then proceeds to laugh a little.]

Yea, you did...but it's okay. You can make it up to me while you're here.

[ He seems surprised by that for a brief moment and then laughs as well. The room temperature warms a bit, and gets just a bit brighter. ]

Alright, fair enough. And how should I start, then?

[...In a rather small voice.]

Could you help me find my amulet?

. . . How did you lose something already?

[ did you miss this look. did you. ]

I-I had it with me this whole time! But then when I checked before coming in here, it wasn't in my pocket! [That means it wasn't there the whole time, Naruhodou]

Maybe it dropped after I came back from the market.

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