thenearshore | (closed) leave a trace

[Reisi didn't get a wink of rest last night. Unlike Suoh, Reisi had subscribed to the idea that a King never rests, something carried over into his mentality in the afterlife. If he does indeed sleep, he's certainly not one who allows others to see it.

Which is why even though the night's effects on his emotional state have finally worn off, Reisi is still quite tired. At least now, he's capable of actually hiding it under his everyday mask of expressions.

It was exactly 8:00 in the morning when Reisi sent Tatara the following text message:

Tatara—

Although this is of short notice, I wish to visit your temple at your earliest convenience.

—Reisi

However, he didn't actually start heading to the other man's temple until after receiving a reply. Still, it doesn't take long before he arrives to announce himself at the door.]

Good morning, Tatara. [A testament to how efficiently he organizes people in his mind is how quickly he's come to drop Tatara's title entirely...

Anyway, while his greeting seems standard at best, his expression still bears the slightest traces of weariness from the night before.] Are you well this morning?

[ In case Tatara had any lingering doubts about the proceedings of the night before, hearing his name without title assures him fully that yes, they are indeed “like that” now.

Oh my.

Still, that had been exactly what the god had wanted right from the beginning, right? To have a more relaxed, less stilted relationship with this man? Nevertheless, it’s still a bit of a surprise, albeit a pleasant one. ]

Of course! [ Stated as if to ask why he wouldn’t be. Then, with a rather informal gesture, he ushers his guest inside. ]

Please, come in.

[Sweeping through the door and into the temple,] Good to hear it.

[As Tatara moves to close the door, Reisi goes to the breakfast bar but opts not to seat himself.]

I trust you were unaffected by last night's events?

[Even though he's asking a question, it sounds more like a statement in hopes of making it more true.]

[ Tatara, meanwhile, moves to the opposite side of the breakfast bar out of pure habit, facing his guest. ]

Events...? [ He’s not playing dumb; merely asking for a clarification. ] Which events?

[ Is he speaking of the events of the moon, or the events between the two of them? The answers to those two are... similar, but not same. ]

[Given how much he'd dealt with last night, Reisi hadn't come to consider his invitation much of an event. But one look at Tatara says it all, and Reisi's expression softens.]

Ah.

I'd meant what might have affected gods and shinki alike last night; however... [A pause.] I can see why you needed to ask.

[In truth, he hadn't been prepared for Tatara to accept. He'd actually thought the other man would turn him down, so then he'd leave the offer on the table for Tatara as an unlikely just in case. It would've served as further proof that there's no room for indulgences in Reisi's life.]

In that case, might we address whichever you wish to discuss first?

[ There’s a light chuckle at that remark, tinged with sheepishness. Yes, he gets it now -- the need for clarification. Surely, as unexpected as the god’s response was, so too in equal measure was the shinki’s question. Or, request, rather.

No one has ever asked him to stay by his side before. Not even his own king. One would think he’d mention that topic first, then. However...

Gesturing for his guest to take a seat behind the bar, Tatara drapes himself over the counter then, arms folding, resting neatly on its surface. ]

Mm. [ A beat. ]

You... [ his smile widens here, a sort of subconscious gesture of good intentions; or perhaps preemptively apologetic for what he’s about to say--] ...weren’t quite yourself last night, were you?

[ Deflecting and detracting from his own experience, as per usual. He’s not the important party in this, anyway. Regardless, a hand emerges from his present positioning, arm unfolding to extend it across the space between them so that Reisi might take it, if he wants. (Or needs.) In Tatara’s expression, there’s a benign concern. ]

Do you feel better today?

[Reisi bides his time seating himself, buying himself a little time to think. He takes a slow and deep breath.]

Yes, I do feel better today. Thanks for asking...

I. Must admit I wasn't quite myself at all last night. But I can say with absolute certainty that doesn't change my concern for your well-being.

[Feeling his heart racing, he falls silent to manage his breathing. As he studies Tatara's countenance, his own falters enough to reveal some degree of worry.]

...I meant it. When I invited you to stay by my side.

[He's sure Tatara knows, but still. Emotions were running high, and Reisi couldn't manage them in the slightest. It'd be easy to excuse it as something that shouldn't have happened, but Reisi doesn't want that.]

And I would do so again, here and now, sound in body and mind. [He looks serious and intense as he carefully takes Tatara's hand.]

Tatara Totsuka, I invite you to stay by my side. If I'm not overstepping my bounds, so long as I remain here, and it is not against my ideals, I will not turn you away or cast you aside.

Edited 2017-11-22 08:01 (UTC)

[ For as serious and intense as Reisi looks, Tatara seems his polar opposite.

...That is, after the initial shock at such a turn of conversation wears off.

Seeing this man now, taking such care in choosing his words and delivering them, ever-poised and courteous, he has to wonder: Had he lived to really, truly meet Reisi Munakata in their last life, would this same eventuality have come to pass?

Doubtful. Not only was the Blue King far more concerned with his duties, (when he had them), but he has this sort of habit of denying himself the truly good things in life that seems to have carried over into this existence. He’s got a ways to go yet, on the latter front; Tatara can help with that.

Nevertheless, there’s a soft chuckle and a shake of his head, not intended to be dismissive, but to assuage Reisi’s perceived anxieties over his approach. ]

Still so formal...

[ Even from just the touch of a hand, he feels tense, somehow; seems as though he could do with a little reinforcement. So the god uses a thumb to rub the hand that holds his as best he can, as though to quiet him. There’s no need for such stilted ceremony to something like this -- not in his eyes, at least. As a matter of fact, the idea is rather foreign to someone who keeps the kind of company Tatara does.

After a moment of stilling the other, fingers part and spread, seeking to lace with others longer, and perhaps more meticulously-kept than his own. ]

You said the same thing last night, you know; and I meant what I said, too. My answer hasn’t changed.

If you want me by your side, then that is where I’ll be.

[ Tatara smiles with a sort of finality then, eyes closing against the expanse of a wide smile. ]

There. Simple, isn’t it?

[There's something light and warm in Tatara's little laugh and the way he shakes his head in response to Reisi's gravitas. He's still observing Tatara when the other man comments on his demeanor; then, Reisi softens up a bit, calming as Tatara brushes his hand with a thumb. By the time they lace fingers, Reisi isn't taking such slow and deep breaths anymore but is instead gradually syncing up with the other man's.

This is reality. Their feelings and responses here and now are real, and knowing that much feels so incredibly wonderful and relieving.

With a tiny chuckle,] ...Yes, that actually was quite simple.

Almost surprisingly so, in fact. [A hint of his sleeplessness from the night before peeks out as he returns a small and peaceful smile of his own.]

Thank you.

[Now that's done, Reisi feels somewhat lighter and a little more free than he had been earlier. So he decides to bask for a bit rather than jump right into the next line of business.]

[ A small wink accompanies a well-intended, soft chortle. ]

Told you.

[ He gives another light squeeze of their joined hands and, while about to dismiss the thanks as unnecessary, he thinks he catches a hint of something. Is he... tired? ]

Reisi...? [ It still feels relatively unfamiliar against the traditional ‘Munakata-san’, but this is not at all a change for the worse. None of this is, for that matter.

Dishwater blond fringe shifts as Tatara’s head tilts slightly to one side. ]

Did you not sleep well last night?

Oh? [Looking pleasantly amused but also knowingly guilty as charged,] Ah, well—about that...

[Still holding hands, he pets the other man's hand with his thumb.

His amusement slowly wanes into something more neutral. He lets out a small sigh.]

Unfortunately, I didn't sleep at all. There was a lot that went on last night.

I see. [ With that, a returned rub for one given in exchange.

He won't cause a fuss over a simple missed night of sleep, no. But that's not to say he won't look for a solution, either. ]

Would it help if I stayed by you tonight?

[ Is he offering to share his bed with the Blue King? Perhaps. The invitation is without "adult" implications, of course; but Tatara most especially is familiar with the benefits of human contact. People sleep more restfully with someone beside them, after all.

(...Don't ask him how he knows. He read it in a book somewhere.) ]

Or, I can make some tea and snacks-- [ lest he forget, Reisi is a shinki, and shinki love food ] --and we can talk about it. Either option, or both -- it's no sweat!

[While Reisi would prefer to make his own tea, he hadn't actually come prepared with his tea ceremony set this morning. As he blinks, he drops his gaze to hide a brief flash of disappointment before schooling his expression.]

Tea and snacks would be delightful along with our discussion, then.

[And as for the first suggestion... Reisi had indeed wanted to seek out Tatara last night but instead properly returned to Temple Nekhbet like a dutiful shinki.]

And if you would have me, I also would like to spend the night with you by my side.

[ Tatara has no doubt he would have preferred to make his own tea, if afforded the chance! Alas, he’ll have to settle for what loose-leaf teas the god has here at his temple. At least there’s a variety to choose from. Parting from Reisi to do so, of course, he’ll set out different containers on the counter. ]

Guest gets first pick! And, it’s no problem to have you stay the night.

[ But now, time for the more... intimate question, shall he say. ]

I have a spare room, if you like. [ Putting one last canister up for approval then, delivering this proposal with a straight face-- ] Or, my bed is plenty big enough for two.

[ The way he’s able to say such things without batting an eye never ceases to amaze. Then again, perhaps if he had other plans in mind beyond just sleeping, there’d be a bit of pink on his cheeks. So, it should speak volumes for his intentions to state all that so plainly. ]

[Looking relaxed and a little bit sentimental, Reisi smiles just a little more broadly as he watches Tatara pull away to gather up some tea. He's about to thank Tatara and comment on his selection of teas, but whatever he prepares to say dies in his throat as the other man continues.

Tatara's first suggestion makes perfect sense. Generally, people have spare rooms for this express purpose. But then Tatara suggests his own bed, earning a muted but nonetheless wide-eyed look of surprise.]

—I wouldn't want to trouble you, Tatara. I should take the spare room.

[Although Tatara likely isn't one to offer his own bed out of sheer politeness, Reisi politely declines out of reflex. In truth, Reisi actually wants to spend as much time as possible with Tatara...]

[ Why do you deny yourself these simple creature comforts, Reisi? Sometimes Tatara wonders. Actually, in truth, he wonders a lot. Dismissively, he waves a hand, still smiling all the while. ]

You know, I wouldn't offer if I found it troubling.

[ Actually, he would. But that's beside the point. ]

Plus, now that I think about it, you're just as likely to lose sleep in a strange place without someone there, so it really makes no sense to offer you the spare room!

[ There's a small laugh and a slight shrug of his shoulders before he settles into something discernible as seriousness. ]

So, stay with me tonight. If not for your own sake, then because I insist.

[ Indulge me, please. ]

[There's a piercing and analytical curiosity in Reisi's violet eyes at Tatara's response. Because basically, the point of Reisi's polite response wasn't to actually decline Tatara's offer but instead to verify it.

It's somewhat baffling that Tatara had offered the spare room out of politeness, though if his insistence is anything to go by, he'd meant for Reisi to share his own bed with him all along. Otherwise, Tatara would have accepted Reisi's answer. However, he's presented an excuse for Reisi not to stay in the spare room and even insisted upon Reisi taking up his own bed with him.

Somewhat amused and even a little bit coy,]

...I can't possibly refuse if that's the case.

[Here, he slips into honorific speech simply for effect, though it's clear he's deliberately overdoing it.]

Then if it so pleases you, nothing would bring me greater joy than to stay by your side tonight.

[Thoroughly entertained, Reisi smirks as he turns his attention to the tea canisters set out before him.]

[ He'd perhaps not intended, but preferred to share his own bed, in truth. However, Tatara being Tatara, he'd wanted to give Reisi an 'out', should he find the idea too, too improper for what in essence will be a first night.

It's a relief to hear him accept without further argument, even if he goes out of his way to do so with a verbal flourish. Unnecessary though it is, something about it doesn't fail to elicit the tiniest tinge of pink. Despite that, however -- lest Reisi forget, two can play at this game. ]

In that case, it will be my honor to bring you that joy, Munakata-san.

[ Said with elegant posturing and a slight bow, all before elbows come lazily back down on the counter. Chin propped up on an upturned palm, a free hand idly turns the nearest canister toward Reisi. ]

Will one of these teas meet your needs? [ Hazel eyes narrow playfully, and Tatara once more offers that hand, as before. ] Or should I find something else?

Oya.

[Is Tatara attempting to one-up him in politeness? Now, that's interesting. Reisi's eyes seem to light up with a glint of playfully amused interest before his gaze follows Tatara's hand turning a nearby canister before the other man offers it to him.

Pleased and intrigued, he takes Tatara's hand back into his own, first cradling it from beneath before lining up their palms. His heart seems to skip a beat when a warmth seems to spread out from it. Then his countenance slowly eases into a somewhat affectionate expression.

He hums.]

Ever unworthy of your truly gracious esteem, this lowly and simple one shall never forget the unending depths of your kindness should you deign to grant a humble request for darjeeling.

[ Attempting to one-up him in ceremony perhaps, but in truth, Tatara should have known better. Well, at least Reisi seems to get a kick out of it...?

In order, then: The god flusters first, and chuckles second -- an earnest sound that seems to come from a place in his chest, something that can't be fabricated. ]

Aah, I yield, I yield! [ This said with the wave of a free hand in gentle dismissal. Once the amusement passes, there's yet another bid to lace their fingers, albeit momentarily, for a squeeze. ]

You know, it's not very nice to lie about yourself like that, Reisi -- you're hardly 'lowly and simple'. [ A stroke of his thumb seems to punctuate this. ]

Anyway, darjeeling it is~! [ He draws away then to make the preparations. ] I can still hear you, if you want to tell me about last night while the tea steeps.

[His victory secured, Reisi studies Tatara's reaction with an almost innocent look. He manages to hold back his amusement as the other man grows flustered, but then his laugh coaxes out one of Reisi's most tender but genuinely pleased smiles yet.

Then their fingers lace again for a brief moment for a soft squeeze. When Tatara teases him about using his humble form, Reisi feels a warmth spread on his face. There's a stroke of the thumb before Tatara breaks away, leaving Reisi feeling... undone, but in a strangely pleasant way. So when Tatara brings the original topic back around, at least Reisi's already opened up somewhat.]

Of course. [His tone shifts as he gets down to business.]

The first thing I should mention then... is that Suoh and I have, to some extent, reached an agreement that we will not be approaching or engaging each other from now on.

[There's an edge of finality to his words now, whereas reporting it to Kurosaki last night had left Reisi a pained and broken man.]

[ The tempo and atmosphere of their interaction seems irrevocably changed once Reisi begins talking about serious matters.

...Funny how it's almost like he's slipped back into that Blue King role at the drop of a hat. If anything, this only further proves to Tatara that he previously was seeing another side of the man -- one he's betting isn't revealed often, if at all. That's far more flattering than any polite gesturing could ever hope to be. ]

Mm, I do remember mention of needing to keep the two of you apart...

[ And for what it's worth, he's in favor of that. Fighting here serves no purpose that the Red Clansman can see; it only causes destruction. Destruction of Swords, destruction of property, and so on. It's not necessary. More... compulsory? If he had to give it a description.

In any case, he's playing with the tea infuser, idly poking it back down whenever it dares surface. That is, of course, until something in Reisi's statement seems to catch up to him almost belatedly. He catches violet eyes directly, unblinking. ]

Wait -- King agreed to it, too?

[ Now that's something new. ]

Not to any official capacity.

[If asked, Reisi couldn't provide any evidence, and Suoh hadn't actually said anything that attests to it.]

However, his actions spoke clearly to the decision he'd arrived at. Which, as it turns out, is in accordance with the one I have made.

[Even if Reisi hadn't wanted to make that decision and is suffering for it. Here, his expression falters slightly, but Reisi's quick to replace the mask on his emotions.

With a slightly disdainful sigh,] As if he and I would ever truly come to a formal agreement...

Edited 2017-11-25 02:48 (UTC)

[ Don't think for a moment that he misses that falter, Reisi. In response, there's a hint of a sympathetic -- maybe even remotely concerned -- expression before that's overwritten by simple warmth and optimism. ]

It's fine, don't sweat it! That's... [ a bit of a stumble as he catches himself ] ...just how he is.

[ He'd wanted to say "how you two are" but... in the interest of keeping Reisi safe, censorship is best, now. ]

...Is that what's bothering you?

I won't deny I have my concerns.

[Because he's not so much bothered as he's concerned. He pauses, carefully selecting his words.]

It's come to my understanding that he and I are not friends, and that there are others here in whom his powers are manifest. [Here, Reisi's clearly implying that Tatara is among those people.] Similarly, there are those in whom my powers have also manifested.

[Though there are even fewer of those people now than there had been, and who's to say there have ever been more than Enomoto and Fushimi. Not to mention Reisi already knows the latter seems to manifest both his and Suoh's powers for whatever reason.

Trying not to seem so concerned results in Reisi appearing perhaps a little too contemplative instead.]

However, I don't take this to mean that we are enemies, which therefore begs the question of our exact involvement with one another... Something I imagine you probably cannot tell me for obvious reasons.

[So it's only natural that Reisi's somewhat frustrated about the predicament because this puts him back at square one. If he hadn't been frowning before, he's certainly doing so now as he drops his gaze to the counter.]

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