thenearshore | 015 | Sky Full Of Stars

Entry tags:

015 | Sky Full Of Stars

Who: Everyone!
What: Tanabata Festival
When: All day July 5
Where: The Near Shore
Summary: The Heavens are throwing a party and you're invited!

Edit: OVERFLOW is here!

With Tanabata drawing close, the Heavens have decided that there is nothing wrong with a little celebration for the annual occasion. So they have invited everyone on the Far Shore as well as a large number of people from the Near Shore to attend a festival for Tanabata. Tanabata festivals are not uncommon in this area, so the Near Shore residents are none the wiser, though some of them are a little uncertain about where this street they've never heard of popped up from...

Tanabata is a festival held to celebrate the one time a year that the lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi can meet across the vast expanse of the Milky Way. Many birds have been working their tail feathers off to create a bridge for the two lovebirds and that bridge - perhaps unsurprisingly - touches down on this street, in the middle of the festival.

The Heavens have prepared entertainment, food stalls, and as many tanzaku as might be needed for everyone to write down wishes, along with plenty of bamboo stalks to hang the wishes from.

New arrivals will find themselves ushered to the festival and offered traditional clothing after their normal briefing at the Meeting Hall.

Stalls

There are festival stalls of every kind present, all run by shinki dressed in white robes and bearing the golden chrysanthemum of Amaterasu. Many of them seem a little bruised still, but they are happy to smile for anyone who comes to the stall they are running. There is food, games, and drinks available of all kinds, so feel free to roam around to your heart's content sampling everything that you can.

Performance

A large stage has been erected at one end of the festival street. The Heavens know that there are many talented gods and shinki present, so they are more than willing to clear spots in the scheduling for those people to perform. Anytime a Far Shore resident isn't on stage, there are plenty of Near Shore acts to go on, ranging the gambit from traditional music and instruments all the way to a rock band that has somehow found themselves here for the celebration.

Wishes

NOTE:

The Bridge

with

In Summary:

Enjoy the festival
Watch some quality entertainment
Make and/or answer wishes
Meet Orihime
Traverse the bridge
Have fun~

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Now, here's the worrisome part.

Lavi's eye flickers with an emotion he can't quite describe but:]

I'm not going to ask him to release me.

[He respects Lux enough to be honest with her, and he pulls away.

There's. Something interesting on his face as if he looks torn between telling her and asking her. Both of them had been through this...thing since the beginning, so it was only right to tell her.]

In other words, would you be alright with me remaining a nora for Allen?

[ That was why he called her here, was it not? To keep her in the know, to make sure that she was aware so that, should it come to it, she could deal with the aftermath. The complicated and heavy smiles, the saying it's fine when in reality...

In reality, it would be far less tense, but still sad regardless. But, in the end, perhaps it was for the best.

Painful in the short term, but in the long term-- ]

Edited 2017-04-18 14:42 (UTC)

[ But his words aren't at all what she expects, and for a fleeting moment she wonders if she might have imagined it. If she had only dreamed that he would proclaim such desires to fight at the other man's side unabashedly yet in a way that was also so flickery and earnest.

Her eyes opening then, she looks absolutely struck. Because Lavi, that was–after everything they had said to one another, the mutual fear that they both drown in... And not only that, but the fact that he seemed insistent to ask her approval, like he needed it, sought it before moving forward.

It's breathless, the wind completely knocked from her. Because to say all of that, despite everything, she had to ask: ]

Lavi, are you sure about this?

[ Breathless, but so very hopeful. ]

[It was perhaps because of everything that has happened, of what they've been through together that has helped Lavi in making this decision. If it was just Allen, then Lavi wouldn't make this choice. But at the same time, they needed that middle person.

Someone they both can talk to.

We keep each other's secrets, right?

Both of them have drowned in his dream, pulled into that ocean of dark ink that seems to cling onto Lavi even now, but he--

He won't let this stop him.]

I'm sure.

[ Never tell her that, Lavi; her heart might not be able to take it. Because the thought of being the catalyst that made this happen, that helped the two of them connect, it might just be a little too much for her.

"We keep each other's secrets, right?"

And now more than ever, he was her—

No, responsibility wasn't quite the right word. It made it seem like somehow she was above him in this weird hierarchy that wasn't a hierarchy at all. She can't see it like that—won't see it like that.

He was her friend. Someone important. Even if the sentiment might not be mutual (she truthfully wasn't sure), something changed in that moment. Shifted, to a point where he ceased being an acquaintance and was someone she would protect as well.

Her expression hard to read even in the pale light, her countenance shifts, becoming more subdued. Sobered by the steadfast conviction in those two simple words.

"I'm sure."

It's not quite uncertain as much as it is careful, cognizant to the fact that the gesture might not be welcome. Where she might have grabbed for his sleeve before, when they were running about the Near Shore, this time...

A hand extended, not taking his but offering hers to him.

I look forward to fighting by your side, Lavi.

As a comrade, and as a friend. ]

Then tell me what I can do to help you two.

Edited 2017-04-18 19:25 (UTC)

[No, not her responsibility. He isn't anyone's responsibility but his own. It was something he'd argue against but not this time, right? They were each other's confidantes in a way that Lavi can't trust with anyone else.

Not because he can't, but rather because there isn't anyone else who understands as much as Lux does.

Not friend, but not an enemy either.

She was someone he can trust and that was the importance of it all.

He tilts his head when she reaches out her hand - an offer. It takes a split second before he takes her hand, fingers curling around hers in a gentle and comforting hold.

Let's make sure Allen doesn't get himself killed, yeah?

In the end, that person is what connected the two of them together in the first place. If anything, Lavi is grateful to the young god for that. He smiles slightly.]

I'm going to talk to Allen later, so I'm gonna have to ask you not to tell him about this just yet.

[Until after he talks to Allen, at least.]

[ ~~You mean again?~~

Ah, it's a good thing he doesn't leave her hanging for too long, her hopeful little heart probably wouldn't be able to take it. But feeling him clasp her hand, it's like the remaining weight that she carried to their meeting, the fear and unease that sat heavily on her shoulders, melts as if it was never there.

We're in this together.

Just know, Lavi, that plucking the Exorcist out of the fire was a full time job. She'll shoulder this as much as she can, but admittedly, having the extra help, and knowing that this was just the beginning of what was to come...

It's nice.

Giving his hand one quick and firm shake, as if to say "I've got this, she disengages, pulling out a cellphone that is tucked away in her sleeve. Thumbing through–

Take your time and enjoy tonight. I can wait as long as you need.

Sent. She smiles up at him. ]

He is all yours for the evening. And I promise I won't say a word.

[Partners in crime, was it? ~~In the end, where would that leave Link once he realizes?~~

Lavi doesn't expect it to be an easy job when it would come to Allen. From the time he's gotten to know the young god, he's already given the redhead enough heart attacks that might last more than a lifetime in the afterlife. After all, Lux shouldn't be forced to handle it all by herself.

Even if in the end, she might have to prevent both of them from doing something stupid.

He looks a bit surprised, watching her send the text message, and her smiling at him. It gets a soft chuckle to escape.]

Thank you, Lux.

[A brief hesitation (because what is contact) before he reaches out with his other arm, curling around her shoulders and bringing her into a hug.

That's...That's how people do it, right? He's only ever hugged Cardia, but he's always had to be careful not to touch her skin.]

[ ~~Link can be the mom for these dumb kids it's basically canon.~~

Now hopefully Allen would check his phone to get the message. Then again, knowing him, even if he didn't, he would probably end up arriving late. And that would be okay; she meant their meeting to be as much for him as it was for her. A moment of quiet, to exist outside of the mutual need to fight, to protect.

To feel alive in a very different sense; to give him a chance to relax.

And something told her that this would help. Just a hunch.

Hearing him chuckle at her, she beams in mock triumph. ]

Now we can–

[ A brush of something against her shoulders. A curl of an arm much stronger than she was; lanky and somewhat awkward.

Then all at one, she is moving, pulled in like she was weightless. And for a moment in surprise, she might as well be. Because–

A hug, both strong but seemingly uncertain, like he didn't quite know what to do with himself. His arm wrapped tight around her, could he tell how very small she was just then, her head only coming up to his chest; her body tensing at the sudden touch, the sudden proximity. Shoulders high and breath held in her chest like she dares not let it go. Like she too doesn't know what to do with this.

Someone who comes off as so warm, so bright, but when she's pulled in like this–

(Lavi, she still has something in her hand!!)

And if she still had a heartbeat, it would be drumming in her ears, likely deafening. Her mind racing, she tries to remember–what does she usually do in this kind of situation. What would she do if this was– ]

...

[ But this wasn't the same thing. Where her interactions with Allen had been based on pure instinct, moving to a rhythm that was at times terrifying and at others almost liberating, this was... different.

She has no point of reference here, and that...

(...was that the sort of life I led?)

Maybe that's why the three of them were drawn together. It never made sense before, but standing there, caught in a one-armed embrace, it dawned on her. Like lonely satellites drawn in by each other's gravity; and she was a part of it too.

And if that was the sort of life she lived, once that made her so uncertain in moments like this, one that was so deceptively lonely that even basic physical closeness made her panic–

Gingerly, she crouched down, just enough to set the container of takoyaki somewhere. Then slowly standing upright again, she hesitates.

(I don't want that. I don't want that!)

Before putting both arms around the other shinki, still tense, but posture slowly easing, bleeding off her as she leans into him. Clinging after a moment, like she might fall off the world if she doesn't. Lights dancing under the skin of her hands like excited fireflies on a hot summer night.

Because if someone here should be thankful... ]

Don't. It's ok.

[ It's her. ]

Edited 2017-04-19 01:02 (UTC)

[Drawn together, trapped in an orbit none of them really knew about.

She was short. That was one of the first thoughts that came into Lavi's mind, but somehow it felt. Almost familiar? In a way, it made him briefly recall Cardia from when he last hugged her.

But there was a certain kind of warmth that she radiated that immediately drew the redhead's attention to her. Almost like a moth drawn to a flame.

He briefly wondered if he had gone too far.

Neither of them seemed to be particularly physically affectionate people, but--

But she's allowing him to hug her?

Lavi, however, nearly pulls away when he feels her move; did he do something wrong?]

[She's hugging him now, but she's.

She's glowing?]

["Don't. It's ok."

Lavi can feel himself relax at her words.

She has her arms wrapped around him now, returning his embrace and for once, he's not bothered by such physical contact. (Why would he when he was the one who initiated it?)

It doesn't escape his attention that she's tensed, as if she isn't used to it either, but she's clinging onto him now and Lavi nearly does the same. Not clinging, but holding her as if she's become an anchor. She isn't, not in the way Cardia and Allen are, but she's definitely someone Lavi knows he can trust to knock some sense back into him.

Allen: The fading Sun.

Lux: The silvery glow of the moon that only appears in the midst of shadows; the dim light of the horizon from where the Sun rises.

They're both bright enough that it's enough to leave Lavi in the shadows, but he's alright with that. He can't move in the light like they can, but the shadows are where he feels most at home.

It's where he can help them best.

So, it doesn't take long until he has his other arm wrapping around her as well.]

[ Look. It's a thing she does and she's mildly sensitive about it. Just. Don't.

And don't doubt yourself, Lavi. She wouldn't want that for you at all, not after sounding so sure of yourself in your convictions. In the desire to fight together with someone who so desperately wanted (needed) him by his side. And while she couldn't be sure if this was a good idea or not, she would help in any way that she could. To make sure that it was.

You two were a pair of stubborn, hardheaded, frustrating and lonely souls, and she would be damned if she let either of you down.

Standing there with both arms wrapped around him, she can't help but smile and realize in that instant–

Ah, maybe she was too. Stubborn and lonely.

Not wanting to break that mesmerizing spell of silence but knowing she would have to eventually, Lux's grip eased, settling into something less urgent and desperate and more comfortable. ]

Does your goddess know?

[Forever gravitating towards each other without knowing the cause - it seems to be the highlight of his life right now.

But he can relate. After all, was this really going to be a good thing in the end? No one knows, but it's up for them to decide, isn't it? There's no turning back now; their only choice is to walk forward into that future not one of them knew about.

In a way, they were all stubborn and lonely.

As she eases her grip on him, asking him that question, Lavi's eye flickers over to something over her head. Not quite looking, not quite wanting to answer.]

......

[So he gives a nod instead. He suspected Cardia has somewhat known, but at the same time, does it make him selfish for wanting both her and Allen to be there? But it's not something he wants to say yet, not until he can talk to Allen.

Cardia is always number one, though.]

[ Ah, then he's further along than she expected. Somehow that doesn't surprise her, knowing the sort of person was; she and him were so very much alike in that respect. Planning and anticipating, making sure to leave nothing to chance. Of course he would talk to her. Then she approved?

Or was that a difficult conversation as well? Because from what she knew, the other girl wouldn't. But to be so certain, so sure that this was the right thing to do, and to not (outwardly) hold any guilt or regret–

That's a relief; she smiles gently against him before slowly moving back. Not out of the embrace, but to make herself more comfortable there, the top of her head resting just shy of his collarbone. ]

I want you to come by the church when you can.

[ Its quiet. ]

I need to see what you can do, and the same goes for you.

[ Because this is how she fights; and she was adding a bishop to her chessboard. ]

Edited 2017-04-19 14:42 (UTC)

[Lavi inclines his head a bit.

He can understand that.

It's weird to still be holding Lux, the same person he's blown off before and then kept calling back to him because in a way, he knows she is able to understand what's going on and how to understand him in ways that neither he nor Allen really know.

A nod.]

Alright, I will.

[But when will that happen? He's not sure.

He's made a resolve to fight with her, with Allen.]

[ Then what? Lavi, that's such a silly question, and one that is so simple to answer that it should come as no surprise that he hasn't figured it out.

They fight together, laugh together, cling, cry and share their pain together.

But more than that, the simple answer?

They exist.

BecUse where Allen might tell him to live, that as long as they continue to press forward, they were still alive. But ya different.

(No heartbeat. Not a single one between the three of them.)

Smiling quietly she tips her chin up slightly. ]

Don't think I'll go easy on you, either. No secrets; I need to know everything.

[ Train him like you train yourself. Don't hold back. Learn. Push. Figure out where the breaking point is. ]

[Being put through training; somehow, that doesn't surprise Lavi. He's been doing some training himself, and training with spells with Kairi as well as his Borderlines.

While he's sure it's to be different considering it's Lux, he's not too worried.

He chuckles.]

If you say so.

[Because there will always be secrets, especially in fighting. He's willing to go along with her, but there are still some secrets he'd like to keep to himself. Somehow, in the back of his head, he can still hear that voice from his dreams taunting him.

You don't want to figure out his breaking point. Lavi has one, but Bookman Junior is another story completely.

He smiles, pulling away.]

You oughta get back to the festival. There's still a lot to enjoy.

[ Feeling him pull away, she reacts in kind, taking a step back. And while he seems quick to dismiss her, to assume that she had any number of other places to be (she might, for all he knew)...

Nope, that isn't going to work, and grinning up at him, she looks almost smug about it. ]

I am enjoying myself, thank you very much.

[ You called her here, and they had a moment. He's stuck with her for at least a little while longer. Bending down to pick up her container of takoyaki, she continues to smile radiantly. ]

Even more now than I was before.

[Lux always seems to be a busy body. It wouldn't be surprising if she has other arrangements.

He makes a soft sound, almost amused.]

Well, glad I can help make your evening enjoyable then.

[ Seems to be? Lavi, you wound her! But that's beside the point.

And smiling at him like she has some kind of secret, she whirls around a bit, suddenly feeling much more free and easy about things. Genuinely cheerful and bright. ]

Can I see you later? After you've taken care of things?

[He watches her, placing a hand inside his pocket and simply looks on in amusement.

This is definitely a side of her he's only managed to catch a glimpse of once when they went on that shopping trip together.]

Sure thing. [A smile, strained yet fond. A semblance of who Lavi is and not the other persona that often takes over when he's around her.] I can just send you a text later after Allen and I have talked things out.

[ What? She can't be serious all the time! And seeing that bit of a fond smile pull at his lips, and the way he seems to relax with one hand in his pocket, Lux exhales deeply.

All right. This is good. This will be good. ]

Of course, of course. Please, take your time. I don't mind at all.

[ Pausing for a moment, her expression smooths over, countenance shifting to something more subdued. Measured but only there's such there's such a weightlessness on something that felt so heavy.

Like the three of them could finally start moving forward. ]

Oh, and Lavi?

[ Her head tilting to the side, she keeps her distance. Physically. But emotionally?

For once, there's no wall, and where she might have kept vaguely at arm's length, there's no distance here. Standing side-by-side, shoulder to shoulder, metaphorically speaking. ]

Thank you.

015 | Sky Full Of Stars

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