[Good evening what in the ever loving jumpscare fuck?
He's mid hammer swing on this goddamn statute for his final evening enrichment time before semi-unspoken quiet hours occur, since his neighbor can't sleep through the noise when-
This happens. Awesome. The flowers and hunt for Maruki - it's somewhat apparent what the intent is. He's Not Happy. Not at all.]
Excuse me?
[A little flabbergasted, somewhat stunned, before finally sliding back into his little act.]
I'm - hello. Yes, my apologies - you're looking for the next window. That's Maruki's room. In fact, I know he's in there right now. Would you like me to inform him?
[Yes? No? Doesn't fuckin matter - his fist collides with their shared wall, like a forced knock on a door! He's so helpful!]
Like this was a fucking home decor choice and not an eternal curse shoved into his space by a spiteful little puppet.
Right, he should talk. Tense, coiled and too airy to be natural.]
Thank you - I'm quite fond of it.
[But then he hears the second part, thankfully, before Maruki gets another blast against the shared wall. He isn't upset the dogs are outside, actually. It's kind of-
Nice. They have snacks in the kitchen - he looks a bit less wound up as he drops the hammer.]
I don't mind, however this isn't my home. I'm unsure where Vash stands on pets, but if there's an issue I'm sure Maruki-san would be more than happy to clear the air on the matter. Feel free to let them in.
[ One of the many pros of the castle: It's incredibly well-built, thick reinforced stone walls dampening most noise. It's definitely a step up from shoebox apartments in Tokyo where he could time his morning routine by the children's show commercials playing nextdoor.
Most noise. Casual conversation, definitely. Music, if they had it, probably. Not statue destruction. And definitely not pounding on the wall.
Maruki sits cross-legged on his bed, some of Lioriley's papers fanned out in front of him along with both of his notebooks. He's shirtless, because any fabric touching his back still makes him want to die, still covered in scrapes and cuts and bruises in various stages of healing, his right arm is in its sling.
He picks his head up from his reading and raises his voice loud enough to be heard through the wall, a decibel level he's now practiced well with Akechi. ]
[They are good, well behaved dogs. There's a strong temptation to lay the groundwork for Maruki to have to explain their appearance with subtle, innocent inquiries to Vash, but-
For now, he hears Maruki. Sees her smile. She asks a question that Akechi is all too happy to answer with the utmost confidence.
He knows for a fact that he's unarmed and without a persona. It's not like either one of them will get hurt from a surprise appearance.]
Oh, I think I'll let that be a secret. It's confirmed he's there, so feel free to simply walk into his room. He has no self-preservation skills, unfortunately. He doesn't lock his door. Ever.
[He's such a Good Boy that he even opens his bedroom door for her to leave.
Get out.]
Please leave the dogs in my care for now - I only ask that you don't come into my room again in return.
[ Huh. No response. Guess it was nothing. Maybe statue shrapnel, if Akechi really got lucky.
Whatever! Head back down into his notes. He's operating on like seventeen different levels of cognitive psience bullshit right now, he's galaxy brain meme for real, he's in his happiest place of all. Nothing and no one can take that from him. ]
Yeah, of course. Sorry about that. Have fun with the boys!
( She promptly exited the room, headed to the designated door, and pushed it open, making sure to pose seductively in the doorway because she is nothing if not a fucking menace to society and, more specifically, to him. )
Maruki! I meant to visit sooner but- holy shit are you okay?
[ The sound of the heavy door scraping stone startles him; Akechi and Vash are both nothing if not polite and conscientious housemates, and if they ever need him, they knock. Perhaps Zazie, who may not understand all social niceties due to Being Bugs, but–
Oh, he straight up yelps and flails back against the empty air, the papers clutched in his left hand flying as he scrambles to brace himself before he falls backwards.
IS HE DREAMING? DEAD? BACK IN THE LABYRINTH?? ]
Ah! Night Sky, you scared me, I–
[ Her question, the shock on her face. How bad he knows he looks, right shoulder and back still wrapped in thick bandages and every other exposed part of him beat up.
Also! Too much of him is exposed!! He was in the privacy of his own room where he's allowed to hang out in just pyjama pants!!! H E L P ]
I'm fine, I just– what on earth are you doing here?
( Night Sky's initial excitement waned quickly, the flowers placed on the closest flat surface and forgotten, for now, so she could hurry over to his bedside. She knows she startled him - that was the point, but she thought he'd be flustered and healthy, not flustered and horribly wounded. )
I wanted to see you. ( A beat. ) Not for a counseling session or anything, just because. I - seriously. What happened?
Yeah, a lot worse... ( She had been in there plenty of times to know how shitty it could be. On the other hand, sometimes it was... oddly nice? For what it was.
Night Sky moved to sit on some clear spot on the bed, pushing some scattered pages into a pile. )
Looks like it really did a number on you. You know there are magic healers that can get that fixed a lot faster, don't you? ( a nod to his arm. )
[ He looks down at the arm too. It isn't actually horribly injured, beyond the superficial half-healed bumps and bruises everywhere. But the wound that's been bandaged starts at his shoulder before snaking halfway down his back, and he's supposed to keep it immobilized, so– sling. He hates it. His right hand flexes irritably, tired of being useless. ]
I know. I made the decision not to pursue a magical cure. If push comes to shove– that is, when this place gets dangerous again, if I'm still too unhealed to be of any use I'll ask Venat-san to help.
[ It would be impossible to explain his logic behind this to anyone but Akechi. It hardly even made sense when Maruki told him.
He shrugs his good shoulder and grins at her. ]
You really came to see me? That was very kind of you.
So long as you know your options. ( Some people - most people back home - weren't inclined to trust magical healing. Maybe Maruki was like that, and she wasn't going to hound him about it either if that was the case.
The worry in her eyes remained, but she willed a smile to her lips.)
Yeah, of course. I figured you weren't working since it's kind of late - missed the mark a little and ended up in Akechi's room, but. ( A shrug. Because popping in someone's window was normal?? ) I brought you flowers. ( reaching over to grab the bouquet and offer it to him. )
[ And suddenly, the strike to the wall makes sense.
Oh, Maruki is never, ever going to live this down.
However, his full body panic over her entering his room, via Akechi, dressed the way that she is, with flowers for him–
Is waylaid by the realization that she? Has flowers? For him? ]
Oh! Oh, you did say you were going to do that, didn't you...
[ They're lovely, fragrant. Scent memory is a strong thing and his vision shakes for a moment before he looks from the flowers to Night Sky, grin faded into something more quietly grateful. ]
Thank you. I don't know what else to say to something like that...
You don't have to say anything else. You're welcome. ( She smiled back at him, warm and still a touch concerned. ) You don't have to water them or anything, and they won't die. I always make sure of that when I grow them myself. ( a boon of magical abilities.
She cleared her throat and gently traced her finger over the bedsheets. )
[ Oh. They won't die. Permanent jasmine for his room. Incredible. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes, Maruki.
Well, maybe it'll be good exposure therapy. He'll have to find a vase for them, but for now he just lays the bouquet in his lap and gives a nervous, self-deprecating laugh. ]
Oh, just research. Old habits die hard. I'm trying to apply the concepts and principles of the field that I studied back home to what happens here, with middling success. It's slow going, but– I enjoy it.
[ He will start gathering up the papers though, because they really did take over his bed.
Wait.
He should not still be in his bed. ]
Ah, I'm sorry, there's not really anywhere else in here to sit... Did you want to go somewhere?
She was seconds away from suggesting she leave, give him space so he could rest and recover and look over his notes- but then he asked that question, and Night Sky actually laughed; the sound airy and accented with genuine surprise.)
Like... out? ( She didn't think she'd get this far, honestly. For once her cheeks flared with color. ) Uh. Yeah! Yeah - sure. I know a few places around if you're... you sure you're good to go out?
Oh! Oh, no, I just meant... I mean, we could! I could get myself together, if you wanted. I mostly just meant, if you wanted to, ah... hang out...
[ Vague gestures around the room with his left hand. It's not as sparse (read: fucking empty) as Akechi's room, but still. A bed, a small chest of drawers, a table acting as a desk that's mostly just acting as a station for Lioriley's papers and everything he needs to haul to his new office when he has the strength. ]
There's not anywhere to do that in here except... well, here.
( Well now she was embarrassed, because what the hell did that mean? Just... hang out in a different room of the castle? Probably for the best, given his condition, but that seemed potentially awkward too. Night Sky briefly debated the merits of leaving just to save them both from the embarrassment-
-but then a familiar opening presented itself. Night Sky laughed. )
I wouldn't mind staying in bed with you. ( And it's such a fucking joke because yeah, okay, she wouldn't mind, but that's very clearly not what she came for. ) Whatever you want to do, seriously. I don't mind.
And then he hears the joke inherent in her words and bursts into relieved, delighted laughter. ]
Oh, thank god. No, we can stay here. If I can be honest with you, I feel terrible.
[ Which is a HUGE get, good job Sky! He would have forced himself up and out if she truly wanted to take him somewhere – god knows he needs to see more of Somnius than he has – but it wouldn't have been misery. ]
Here, let me put this nonsense away. Make yourself comfortable! We can just chat for a bit, if you'd like.
[ As friends, not in counseling. Right. That's good for him.
In... his bed....... right. That's ??????????? for him.
Whatever. Busying himself with piling all the papers and notebooks and putting them over on the absolute organized chaos mess of a desk. ]
( They can raincheck. God knows the poor guy couldn't get rid of her now if he tried, and she would absolutely be back to drag him around town once he was better.
Since she had two working arms and didn't feel like shit, Night Sky moved to assist him and speed the cleaning process up. She was flopping back down onto the empty bed afterwards. )
Soooooo. Getting your ass kicked by monsters aside, had any other adventures?
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He's mid hammer swing on this goddamn statute for his final evening enrichment time before semi-unspoken quiet hours occur, since his neighbor can't sleep through the noise when-
This happens. Awesome. The flowers and hunt for Maruki - it's somewhat apparent what the intent is. He's Not Happy. Not at all.]
Excuse me?
[A little flabbergasted, somewhat stunned, before finally sliding back into his little act.]
I'm - hello. Yes, my apologies - you're looking for the next window. That's Maruki's room. In fact, I know he's in there right now. Would you like me to inform him?
[Yes? No? Doesn't fuckin matter - his fist collides with their shared wall, like a forced knock on a door! He's so helpful!]
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( She's just going to scope out his room while she's in here. ) Nice statue. Oh! My dogs are outside. Do you mind if they come in?
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Like this was a fucking home decor choice and not an eternal curse shoved into his space by a spiteful little puppet.
Right, he should talk. Tense, coiled and too airy to be natural.]
Thank you - I'm quite fond of it.
[But then he hears the second part, thankfully, before Maruki gets another blast against the shared wall. He isn't upset the dogs are outside, actually. It's kind of-
Nice. They have snacks in the kitchen - he looks a bit less wound up as he drops the hammer.]
I don't mind, however this isn't my home. I'm unsure where Vash stands on pets, but if there's an issue I'm sure Maruki-san would be more than happy to clear the air on the matter. Feel free to let them in.
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Most noise. Casual conversation, definitely. Music, if they had it, probably. Not statue destruction. And definitely not pounding on the wall.
Maruki sits cross-legged on his bed, some of Lioriley's papers fanned out in front of him along with both of his notebooks. He's shirtless, because any fabric touching his back still makes him want to die, still covered in scrapes and cuts and bruises in various stages of healing, his right arm is in its sling.
He picks his head up from his reading and raises his voice loud enough to be heard through the wall, a decibel level he's now practiced well with Akechi. ]
What?
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Night Sky seemed to perk up at the sound of Maruki's voice, a grin spreading across her lips. She kept her voice low. )
Just tell him he has a visitor. Any idea if his door is unlocked?
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For now, he hears Maruki. Sees her smile. She asks a question that Akechi is all too happy to answer with the utmost confidence.
He knows for a fact that he's unarmed and without a persona. It's not like either one of them will get hurt from a surprise appearance.]
Oh, I think I'll let that be a secret. It's confirmed he's there, so feel free to simply walk into his room. He has no self-preservation skills, unfortunately. He doesn't lock his door. Ever.
[He's such a Good Boy that he even opens his bedroom door for her to leave.
Get out.]
Please leave the dogs in my care for now - I only ask that you don't come into my room again in return.
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Whatever! Head back down into his notes. He's operating on like seventeen different levels of cognitive psience bullshit right now, he's galaxy brain meme for real, he's in his happiest place of all. Nothing and no one can take that from him. ]
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( She promptly exited the room, headed to the designated door, and pushed it open, making sure to pose seductively in the doorway because she is nothing if not a fucking menace to society and, more specifically, to him. )
Maruki! I meant to visit sooner but- holy shit are you okay?
GET FUCKIN REKT, AKECHI'S INBOX
Oh, he straight up yelps and flails back against the empty air, the papers clutched in his left hand flying as he scrambles to brace himself before he falls backwards.
IS HE DREAMING? DEAD? BACK IN THE LABYRINTH?? ]
Ah! Night Sky, you scared me, I–
[ Her question, the shock on her face. How bad he knows he looks, right shoulder and back still wrapped in thick bandages and every other exposed part of him beat up.
Also! Too much of him is exposed!! He was in the privacy of his own room where he's allowed to hang out in just pyjama pants!!! H E L P ]
I'm fine, I just– what on earth are you doing here?
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I wanted to see you. ( A beat. ) Not for a counseling session or anything, just because. I - seriously. What happened?
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[ she fucking WHAT.
Focus!! Maruki seats himself upright again, tries to laugh it off. Which works fine over the network. Not so much in person. ]
It's not so... no, it is pretty bad, isn't it. Ah, Akechi-kun and I explored the labyrinth. We had quite the time.
[ Great non-explanation, idiot.
A beat. ]
There were monsters taller than skyscrapers. It could have been worse.
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Night Sky moved to sit on some clear spot on the bed, pushing some scattered pages into a pile. )
Looks like it really did a number on you. You know there are magic healers that can get that fixed a lot faster, don't you? ( a nod to his arm. )
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He gives it to Bear Heart to lay on. Rubs on his back a little too. Really get the dog smell and hair deep into it.]
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I know. I made the decision not to pursue a magical cure. If push comes to shove– that is, when this place gets dangerous again, if I'm still too unhealed to be of any use I'll ask Venat-san to help.
[ It would be impossible to explain his logic behind this to anyone but Akechi. It hardly even made sense when Maruki told him.
He shrugs his good shoulder and grins at her. ]
You really came to see me? That was very kind of you.
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The worry in her eyes remained, but she willed a smile to her lips.)
Yeah, of course. I figured you weren't working since it's kind of late - missed the mark a little and ended up in Akechi's room, but. ( A shrug. Because popping in someone's window was normal?? ) I brought you flowers. ( reaching over to grab the bouquet and offer it to him. )
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Oh, Maruki is never, ever going to live this down.
However, his full body panic over her entering his room, via Akechi, dressed the way that she is, with flowers for him–
Is waylaid by the realization that she? Has flowers? For him? ]
Oh! Oh, you did say you were going to do that, didn't you...
[ They're lovely, fragrant. Scent memory is a strong thing and his vision shakes for a moment before he looks from the flowers to Night Sky, grin faded into something more quietly grateful. ]
Thank you. I don't know what else to say to something like that...
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She cleared her throat and gently traced her finger over the bedsheets. )
What were you working on?
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Well, maybe it'll be good exposure therapy. He'll have to find a vase for them, but for now he just lays the bouquet in his lap and gives a nervous, self-deprecating laugh. ]
Oh, just research. Old habits die hard. I'm trying to apply the concepts and principles of the field that I studied back home to what happens here, with middling success. It's slow going, but– I enjoy it.
[ He will start gathering up the papers though, because they really did take over his bed.
Wait.
He should not still be in his bed. ]
Ah, I'm sorry, there's not really anywhere else in here to sit... Did you want to go somewhere?
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Eating little meats - Akechi's throwing them in the air and having them catch it in their mouths.
They're so smart - hitting every single mark. He rewards them with a small sip of water from Maruki's favorite cup.]
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She was seconds away from suggesting she leave, give him space so he could rest and recover and look over his notes- but then he asked that question, and Night Sky actually laughed; the sound airy and accented with genuine surprise.)
Like... out? ( She didn't think she'd get this far, honestly. For once her cheeks flared with color. ) Uh. Yeah! Yeah - sure. I know a few places around if you're... you sure you're good to go out?
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Wait. He made HER blush? What??? ]
Oh! Oh, no, I just meant... I mean, we could! I could get myself together, if you wanted. I mostly just meant, if you wanted to, ah... hang out...
[ Vague gestures around the room with his left hand. It's not as sparse (read: fucking empty) as Akechi's room, but still. A bed, a small chest of drawers, a table acting as a desk that's mostly just acting as a station for Lioriley's papers and everything he needs to haul to his new office when he has the strength. ]
There's not anywhere to do that in here except... well, here.
[ Awkward pat to the bed.
Oh god, what is he doing. ]
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-but then a familiar opening presented itself. Night Sky laughed. )
I wouldn't mind staying in bed with you. ( And it's such a fucking joke because yeah, okay, she wouldn't mind, but that's very clearly not what she came for. ) Whatever you want to do, seriously. I don't mind.
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And then he hears the joke inherent in her words and bursts into relieved, delighted laughter. ]
Oh, thank god. No, we can stay here. If I can be honest with you, I feel terrible.
[ Which is a HUGE get, good job Sky! He would have forced himself up and out if she truly wanted to take him somewhere – god knows he needs to see more of Somnius than he has – but it wouldn't have been misery. ]
Here, let me put this nonsense away. Make yourself comfortable! We can just chat for a bit, if you'd like.
[ As friends, not in counseling. Right. That's good for him.
In... his bed....... right. That's ??????????? for him.
Whatever. Busying himself with piling all the papers and notebooks and putting them over on the absolute organized chaos mess of a desk. ]
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Since she had two working arms and didn't feel like shit, Night Sky moved to assist him and speed the cleaning process up. She was flopping back down onto the empty bed afterwards. )
Soooooo. Getting your ass kicked by monsters aside, had any other adventures?
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Adventures in hanging out with dogs - he's ruffling their big smart heads and doling out ear scratches.
They're even playing a light hearted game of catch with one of Maruki's shoes.]
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congratulations maruki. you have now held hands with two women in somnius
im so proud of him
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1/???
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end.................help
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god bless this mess we can wrap here or in one more if u want
now we wrap