chippedsoul | The Journal [Inbox]

[ If Kazuma rises early enough, he will feel Susato's weight gone from his bed, and a note neatly folded and tucked at his nightstand where he keeps the yellow lily. His name isn't on it, but it has familiar handwriting: ]

I apologise for suddenly leaving. I did not want to wake you, but I think Miss Tifa is in trouble. She was reaching out for help in a dream I had, and I plan to find out what is the truth and what may merely be my imagination. I will bring my journal with me and send word as soon as I am able. Yours, Susato Mikotoba Don't worry. I won't be alone.

[ Who knows how long ago that was now? Even after recuperating at Ori and Diluc's house, she can feel the entire evening's events catching up to her. Her whole body aches as she moves, and it's a struggle to keep her eyes open, but she has to get home.

Home... Where is home now?

Selfishly, she'd spent recent nights at Kazuma's, but guilt is finally starting to weigh on her, thinking of the ones she'd left behind. Mr Sholmes... is he eating? Is he bathing?

Her shoulder sags with what little remains of the jars of Dawn petals she brought. tucked away in her messenger bag. There is a hissing in her ears when she can feel herself start to doze off. A snake on either of her shoulders, and one making a mess of her hair. How they found her, she'd never know, though she can probably make some guesses. Those guesses would lead to her decision to leave rather than stay the night at Ori's, as was so graciously offered. ]

I am awake. And what are you doing up there...? You've been spending too much time with Mr Turtle... [ A tired mumble. She stifles a yawn. ]

[Surely, Susato doesn't really expect him not to worry. Soon as he read the message, he's up and about, occasionally writing a message to her, getting more concern when he doesn't get an answer. At some point, he ends up sending out his serpents to locate her, make sure she was fine, where ever she had gone off to.

Suddenly, he's starting to understand what Susato goes through when he wanders off. He sighs, pacing around the patio when a snake arrives to give him a message. Susato is safe, she's returning. He starts walking down to the first floor, walking a bit in hopes of seeing her. He has no idea where she would be coming from and just walking aimlessly. In his arm, a blanket, that maybe Susato would need after just wandering off all night. Great Buddha he hopes she's not hurt, the snakes didn't seem to indicate as such. Imagine his relief when he finally sees her come into view, seemingly unharm. He moves surprisingly quick, already within arm's length in a short time.]

Susato...! [He looks her over, the snakes whispering words to him.]

[ Her kimono is probably in rough shape. Wet, probably torn in places. Suddenly the two snakes at her shoulders crawl onto Kazuma's arms as he closes the distance, their job having been done. The one atop her head, meanwhile, seems content to stay where she is. ]

Kazuma...?

[ She's confused. Why is she confused? She blinks. ]

Thank you for them. I'm sorry, I didn't...

[ A glance to her messenger bag, where her journal sat untouched. Yeah, she hardly checked that at all. ]

[She sure didn't touch her journal at any point. But he'll get on her case about it later.] You're soaking wet... [The decision to bring a blanket was a good call, as he wraps it around her. The snakes whispering to him.]

Can you keep walking? [Does he have to carry her? ~~again~~]

[ Everything is slowly catching up with her. Her clothes are heavy against her skin, and it feels like her feet have been dragging behind her the whole time. In addition to being soaking wet, she's also freezing cold to the touch. She can feel her body protest, especially when the stairs come into view. A prickly, stinging sensation beneath her skin, which has dulled over the past few hours, makes itself known once more. Ice that burned, seeping deep within her soul... her mind.

But of course, she nods. The blanket does cause her to stop shivering quite so much, however, and she looks relieved when he places it around her. Ryusei flicks her tongue in approval, but at the nod, she seems to slither down onto Susato's shoulder, with both now being vacant. ]

Yes, of course. [ Susato had closed her eyes at the warmth, but quickly opens them again upon feeling Ryusei's scales against her cheek. ]

[Even through the blanket, he could feel the cold from her. The cold from the snakes that have rejoined him. He's putting his arm around her shoulders, hoping this cold isn't a sign of something more serious.]

Watch the steps. [He won't hesitate to lift her if he sees her struggling or start to tumble. The two snakes on his shoulder were still whispering things to him.] I have every confidence in her abilities, but that doesn't change how worried I've been. [Snakes pls. There was apparently a noctaere involved??]

[ Hey, they don't get to talk about her like she's not here. She looks down, feeling badly about worrying him, especially after how much grief she gave him for doing much the same in the past. This makes it more difficult to watch for those elegant steps, but she knows Kazuma's house so well by now, she doesn't miss a beat. ]

Rightfully so, I'm afraid. [ There's a shiver in her voice as she takes those first steps. Kazuma's natural warmth causes her to lean into him without realizing it, and she starts to confirm some of their whispers. ] Eustace...

He turned.

[He's trying to keep it together, not blow up on her. And she probably already knows how bad this appears. He still doesn't feel better about this. Her confirming a Noctaere was involved doesn't help. Deep breaths. Foolish. Just breathe.]

And you didn't get into contact with him, did you? [The snakes claim she hasn't, but...she's so cold.]

[ His posture, his tone. The way she could feel the temperature rise subtly, starting at his very core and permeating into the air around him. Fists form at tighten as she leans in even closer to him, seeking that warmth.

Her tone is pleading, her voice small as it practically cracks. ]

No, I didn't. I... My priority was Miss Tifa, first and foremost. Once she was free from the ice... If anyone was able to get through to him, we knew it would be her, but then...

[ Ryusei hisses at her shoulder between them. As a personal favor, it was Ryusei herself of all the snakes who managed to find a way through the ice wall separating the two groups, and she was able to deliver the message regarding some necklace with a star shape. Apparently, while she did this, Susato was planning to melt the ice prison surrounding Tifa.

Ryusei had slithered her way back to proudly announce her success in delivering the message. She spotted Susato in the midst of melting free the two corgis as well before being rudely interrupted by the one called Eustace, bursting through the wall. She was then forced into hiding among the starflowers. ]

[He listens to Susato, Ryusei retelling the incident. A door creaks open as they reach the porch.]

...I'm glad you managed to return safely. [Relief in his voice, exhaustion perhaps mixed in with a bit of linger anger. Did he really want to hear a full explanation? Maybe not right this moment.] All of you. [He glances at his snakes, making sure they know he appreciates the work they've done and ensuring Susato's return.]

Would you like me to prepare a warm bath for you? Or would you rather rest?

[ The moment they enter his home, she does feel an overwhelming urge to curl up on the nearest couch. As she is, however, she doesn't think she'll be able to sleep like this. She takes off her messenger bag once they're inside, causing the blanket to fall off her shoulders on top of Ryusei, who had crawled off her shoulder at some point pokes her little head out sleepily.

Susato blinks. Not that she minds, of course, but wouldn't she be more comfortable in the garden? ]

S, Sorry about that, Ryu. [ She tosses the messenger bag to the side as she picks up the blanket, then turns to Kazuma. ] A... A warm bath sounds...

[ lovely is what she means to say, but instead there's just a yaaawn. No, she most definitely does not have the juice to warm up the bath herself, but she can try. She will not be a burden. ]

[And Kazuma will most definitely not allow her to burden herself with any sort of work. Even should she try to move toward the bath, he will direct her to the nearest sofa to sit down. The fireplace is lit, warming the area.]

Stay here. I'll prepare the bath. [He lowers his hand so that the snakes can rejoin her, curl up inside her blankets. He hasn't forgotten Ryusei. No she can come have a ride with him for now. Eventually the sound of water running can faintly be heard.]

[ Susato doesn't even question him. She can feel her shaky breaths as she sinks down into the couch, tugging her blanket tighter around her as Ziggy and Ruby join her. Ryusei takes their place at Kazuma's shoulder, and she can only meet her eyes with a blank stare as Kazuma walks off.

. . . While he's gone, Susato waits, trying to push down that empty, helpless feeling creeping up within her. Her hands shake as she strokes both Ruby and Ziggy's heads through the blanket, thinking back on everything that happened. She doesn't quite fall asleep, but comes close, lulled by the sound of the rushing water in the distance. Kazuma reappears just in time, and it's like her eyes flicker to life again when she sees him. ]

Oh. [ He's back. Not that she expected it be too terribly long... ]

[Kazuma will return with one snake missing. Ryusei seems to have taken to the warmth of the water and has decided to linger in the water. Kazuma did tell her to leave once Susato arrives, not sure if she'll listen though. He's still worried about Susato's health, pressing a hand to her forehead.]

The bath is ready. [His other hand slides down to reach hers.] How are you feeling...?

[ As she feels the warmth and caring behind his touch, Susato can't help but think of Rei. She can imagine her similarly fussing, diligently checking, but when Susato stands, it is with confidence. Back straight. posture ever perfect, though it pains her after a moment. Her back and feet protest, as do Ziggy and Ruby, who had been enjoying the soft rubs through the fabric.

After a quick apology to them, she turns to Kazuma to respond, but finds the words caught in her throat. Perhaps she doesn't want to lie to him. ]

I... [ Her voice shakes slightly, and there is a pause like she is looking for the words, but something comes over her suddenly. Tension flows out of her shoulders and she's leaning up onto her tip-toes to kiss him on the cheek. ]

I'm home.

[ In that moment, she truly feels lucky that she can be here, with him. Which is to convey--she hopes--that she will be just fine.

The lack of Ryusei doesn't escape her notice, but she doesn't ask. She just quietly walks past him with a smile, following the faint sounds of water splashing in the bathroom. Hm... ]

. . . [His is still holding on her hand as she walks. He gently pulls her back and into a hug. Didn't matter she was still soak, he believe this is how he should respond in return.]

Welcome home. [Ziggy and Ruby poke their heads out from under the blankets to watch them. They'll get to the bath momentarily.]

[ She is soaked and shivering. She feels badly for it. Rather than the warmth and comfort she's come to associate with him, he'll be wet and uncomfortable, too, but she can't bring herself to pull away. She just quietly buries her face into chest, feeling it rise and fall.

She can't even cry, even though she wants to. She doesn't want to be alone.

But maybe she needs it, to process everything that happened. ]

[ When the moment appears to fade, she does pull back, making a half-hearted attempt to brush off dirt of his clothes, as if that would do any good. Soon enough afterwards, she is giving his hands a firm squeeze. ]

Thank you. [ For everything. More immediately, for always welcoming her into his home. For allowing his home to be her home, too. And also for the bath.

She's ready. ]

[He looks her over for a moment, nodding. A glance in the snakes' direction is apparently enough information to tell them to stay. If Susato was expecting him to leave her to it, that definitely isn't going to be the case. He's walking with her, still holding her hand.]

Let me assist you. [Once they've stopped at the bath, he gingerly pulls at the fabric of her clothes, indicating his intent to help undress her.]

. . .

[ Bold of him. That earns him a tired, somewhat cheeky grin, but she turns, allowing him to tug off what's left of her kimono: a sopping wet mess that is probably torn in places. Her hair is already down, at least--one less thing for him to fuss over. ]

I'll be fine.

[ She hands him the sad remains of pink and purple. There is not much left. It almost feels freeing to be left with a thin inner layer. She doesn't kick him out, but... ]

Why don't you wait for me? Ziggy and Ruby will be lonely. [ ......There's a glance at the steam coming from the tub and a familiar, wet serpentine head of speckles pops her head out innocently. Somehow she isn't surprised. ] Ryusei...

[ —I don't want to be alone. A voice cuts deep into her thoughts and straight to her soul. She hesitates, but despite this, she finishes the thought. ]

...go with him. [ Please. ]

[Whether she want it or not, he's also going to get her a fresh set of clothes once she's settled in the bath. For the time being, he listens to her words, her voice. He gets the feeling what she's saying isn't what she really wants. Ryusei flicks her tongue when addressed, looking to Kazuma as if expecting confirmation.]

. . .No, let her stay. I don't want to make her move when she's comfortable where she is. [That's what he says, but he's doing this so Susato isn't by herself. It's a win-win for Ryusei regardless.] I'll see to Ziggy and Ruby. Let me know when you've finished, I won't be far.

[ Ryusei flicks her tongue again in Susato's direction, as if blowing a raspberry. She's a very spoiled, proud snake. Susato can't help but fold, and her expression softens considerably. ]

Oh, alright. I won't be long. [ 'I promise.'

She thinks it. She does all but say it, because something stops her, but she doesn't know what. Instead, she'll watch Kazuma leave and shuts the door behind him, but pointedly does not lock it.

She walks to the edge of the tub, meeting Ryusei's eyes. ]

...He says you are comfortable, but I know he just wants you to keep an eye on me. [ Susato places a hand on her head. ] Well... allow me to wash up first, and then I will join you. Save me a spot... okay?

[Ryusei merely sways her head. Maybe that was his plan, but it doesn't change the fact she is indeed comfortable where she is and doesn't want to leave the nice warm bath. She starts to swimming to the opposite end of the bath to "make space".

Kazuma will go to retrieve the other two silly snakes, wrapped in the blanket at the moment.] How are you two holding up? [They would probably appreciate a warm soak too. He glances at the two of them. They're away from Susato for the time being...] Is she truly all right...? [He doesn't want to linger too long, just get some fresh clothes and then get back to check on her.]

[ 'She almossst died,' Ziggy hisses sleepily.

'We could have too,' Ruby adds, perhaps with some jealousy to his voice. There's a pause, however, because that's not what he asked. If a snake could sigh, he probably does here. 'She will need time, but she livess. You should ask your questionss when you are ready to hear the anssswers...'

...Meanwhile, Susato has stripped down to nothing, going through the motions as the hot water sizzles over her. It feels like she could stay like this forever. Her hair is undone, and the shampoo makes her hair feel so silky and smooth as her hand runs through its knots and tangles. The smell of the soap she uses to wash her body can almost eradicate the smell, the overwhelming taste of smoke.

But nothing is forever, and she somehow finds herself rejoining Ryusei without incident. Her foot gingerly steps into the inviting water, and she looks at the snake blankly. Ryusei almost seems amused.

'You look worsse than you did when you went in. I did not know that was posssible.' ]

. . . [Yep these are words he didn't want to hear, but not for the reasons the snakes think.] I'm glad all of you came home safely.

[He gives them both headpets.] And the both of you deserve a soak after handling the difficult task I had given you two. [They seem to like this, tongues flicking with enthusiasm. They're still chilly to the touch, even when they had been under the blankets.

He rather not disturb the two already in the bath, so he'll have to make a little detour to the kitchen and prepare a bowl of warm water for the two snakes. All the while, he can't get Susato off his mind. She nearly died. That can't be sitting well in her mind.]

late august

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