thenearshore | December

Entry tags:

December

Who: All OPEN with Shizuo!
When: September 20th-24th (just pick a day, for timing/personal record reasons)
Where: Around! (Each one is being noted)
What: Sometimes Shizuo is an idiot. Occasionally he just has bad luck. These are just a few of those days.

A @ Yona's Temple (Cnoc Áine)

[ Originally, having been impaled by a chainsaw served as a great reason to have skipped out on training. He had been kind of avoiding meeting up with Sharak ever since his impromptu confession had gone up in flames. At this point, it's been... almost a month since the last proper training, hadn't it? After the whole 'incident' during that moon viewing, or incidents as the case really was, the idea of seeing the monk just turned into a ball of awkwardness that he wasn't ready to address, and wasn't able to pretend that it never happened. The injuries were also the reason why he hadn't met up with Izumo or Goten for training either.

After talking to Hakkai, it seemed like there was going to be a countdown until it all blew up. Him telling Hakkai that he used to train under Sharak, being a little more covert in walking around and taking less conventional means up the 'hill' to the temple, and conveniently forgetting his phone at the bar, or in his room.

This time he was awol with no ways of being in contact for most of the day by having obscured himself on the temple grounds where the horses were grazing and relaxing today. One of them seemed to be particularly large at this point, so it was honestly worth checking on them once in a while. Thing was, Hak knew horses way better than he did, so Shizuo knew that he could laze around them or take a brief look to make sure they were in good health, but that was about it.

Eventually, he'd have to go back inside and continue with his business for the day.

When was the last time he even trained on his own? Thinking about it now, he's starting to realize that maybe, just maybe, he got into a bit of a lazy streak. ]

B @ Around the Far Shore by rivers and creeks
[ Poetry was definitely an improvement to all of the splashing that these fish have been doing. Save for the fact that the few times the blond stopped to listen to them, they were mostly subtle critiques, or references to giving them a taste of blood from the sky. A reference to what happened a little over a couple of weeks ago. Which leaves the man less than impressed. He almost always has a different comment to them. One of which being; ]

You'd have better luck singing for food.

[ Which earns him a rather large splash in the face. Pushing his hair to slick it back and keep the hair down, instead of a wild mess, he moves further back and out of range. ]

Damn koi are gonna end up a fish fry if they keep this up.

C @ Double Cross Bar
[ Izumo may be gone, but there was still a business to be run, and someone had to get there to open the doors. So while later than Izumo would ever get there, he finally reaches the doors. With several chestnuts stuck in his hair and on his clothes thanks to the spines of the shell. Which he hasn't noticed, having only caught and held onto the ones that landed on his arms or smacked him in the face.

Well, they could be used for something. Which is why they weren't just tossed off to the side, though this may start attracting some crows at various nearby rooftops. ]

Sorry for being late. Lemme just get the doors.

[ After all, with the picture wall and how people just stay in the apartment upstairs at times, Shizuo knew there were more than just customers that came to the bar. ]

D @ Wildcard
[ For all your prayer and mission needs, or coming up with anything else! Just run with an idea, or hit me up at

demonia ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Although Yona knows Shizuo has been taking it easy since his run-in with the chainsaw, she hasn't quite realized how much he's cut back in the training he'd been doing quite religiously for a while there. And it hadn't occurred to her to ask, honestly, since her shinki had always been quite talented at keeping himself busy most days.

So she's unaware that anyone might be unhappy with this sudden extended change and is currently the only one to be found at home in her temple while her shinki is off elsewhere avoiding his prior commitments.

Seated at one of the small tables near the edge of the orchard, Yona's munching on an apple and reading a book while the herd of fae horses grazes nearby, keeping an eye on things during the otherwise quiet afternoon. ]

[Initially, it had seemed prudent to give Shizuo some space. Let him skip a few training sessions. Have some time to himself, to sort through his feelings. During that time he got run through with a chainsaw, so it's understandable he didn't rush back into work again. Just as Sharak was thinking she needed to get hold of him so they could move past any awkwardness, they met during the moon viewing party and... became more awkward.

Clearly leaving Shizuo alone isn't a solution. He's also voiced no desire to be left alone to her- quite the opposite, going by their initial conversation at the party. So Sharak decides to give him a call. He doesn't answer. She stops by the bar. It's closed, for some reason. She visits Shizuo's usual training ground. He's nowhere to be found. Sharak begins to become annoyed.

She knows who his goddess is, though they haven't properly met, and where her temple is because of course she does. Of course she does. Walking up the stairs is easy. Walking into the temple is also easy. Doing a quick survey, failing to spot her target, and instead taking a seat across from Yona at her table isn't particularly difficult either. ]

Good afternoon.

[ Yona blinks slightly when an unfamiliar person takes a seat across from her, apple paused halfway to her mouth for another bite. Lowering it, she glances around briefly to make sure no one else was going to suddenly appear to join them, before fixing the woman across from her with a friendly smile. ]

To you, as well. Is there something I can help you with?

I was hoping to meet with Shizuo Heiwajima today. I assume he'll be back here eventually, right? If he's not nearby already.

[Hiding from her like a coward. Sharak looks perfectly comfortable sitting across from Yona like this is a normal thing to do. She's chill.]

If you don't mind, I thought I'd wait for him here.

Shizuo? [ She blinks for a moment, before turning her attention to the link she has with her shinki, feeling for his presence. She's been a little on edge since Izumo has vanished. ] Ahh, yes, he should actually be on his way back, so he should be here shortly. Is everything alright? I hope he hasn't done anything wrong?

[ She eyes the woman a little uncertainly. And then pauses, some of the pieces clicking together from what little Shizuo has told her. ] Ahh, wait, might you be Sharak?

[Sharak inclines her head politely.] I am the 28th of Arhat, Sharak Sanzo. Don't worry, Shizuo hasn't done anything wrong. I simply have some business to discuss with him.

[Look how nice she's being, not tattling on Shizuo to his goddess. Yet. The "yet" is important there.]

[ Luckily, Yona is distracted enough at finally meeting this woman that she doesn't pick up on the fact that there is a 'yet'. Yet.

Her expression bright, she sets aside the book to lean forward in interest. ]

Shizuo has spoken about you a great deal, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Yona. Although you... probably guessed that, considering you're here.

Has he really? Well, it's kind of you to want to meet me anyway, then.

[Because obviously Shizuo only has terrible things to say about Sharak. What a generous soul Yona must have.]

It's my pleasure, Yona.

Would you like some tea? Or an apple? [ She gestures at the treats set out at the table in offering, since she hadn't been planning on company, but she has a little to offer her. ]

And he speaks very highly of you. You've been training with him, have you not?

[ Shizuo has never said a single negative thing, in fact. Conspicuously so. He usually is very blunt if he doesn't like someone. Then again, he hasn't let on to his goddess how much he does like Sharak, either. ]

Some tea would be wonderful, thank you.

[Why would Shizuo ever say anything negative about such a charming, polite priestess? Sharak is the model of kindness and courtesy and it's easy to see how Shizuo could form such a positive and yet dispassionate opinion of her.]

I've been training him lately, yes. He asked me to not long after we met. But it's been a while since he came to work with me, so I was becoming concerned. I didn't think his injuries were still bad enough to leave him bedridden.

[The only excuse she's prepared to accept.]

[ Surprise flits across her face before she reaches for the teapot and fills one of the cups for Sharak. ]

He's no longer bedridden, it's true. He was very badly injured, but the number of days Hakkai gave him to rest and take it easy have passed now. He... seems to be better? Although sometimes it is very hard to tell, and he doesn't like to worry me, so sometimes I have to guess how much he might be letting on about anything.

[ She sighs, because sometimes Shizuo is a handful as a shinki. ]

It's kind of you to come check up on him. I'm sure he will appreciate it. [ Right? ]

[Sharak takes the cup with a polite nod.]

I hope so. I did see his injuries a few days ago, but our training doesn't have to be physically strenuous. I've made adjustments based on his injuries before. After all, it's not like the point is for him to learn how to fight so much.

[Shizuo doesn't like fighting. He likes being able to pet people on the head without crushing their skulls. So that's what Sharak has been trying to help him with.]

It's unfortunate that in trying not to worry you, he worries you even more... He can be difficult that way.

Ahh, then what is he training for, if you don't mind me asking? [ Shizuo hasn't actually explained much beyond 'training'.

Still, she gives a quiet laugh at Sharak's understanding. ] He can be. He can be very stubborn when he makes his mind up about something. But I know he means well.

Control, mostly. Sometimes that involves fighting, but it isn't required. We're trying to help him understand his own strength better.

[And so Sharak throws rocks at him. It's great and Shizuo definitely enjoys it, why he'd want to skip it is a mystery for the ages.]

[ Understanding flashes across her face as she quickly grasps the meaning behind that. ]

Ahh, I see. Then I am even more grateful. I know how much that troubles him. And in some way limits him, as well. I know hurting anyone around him accidentally is frequently a concern on his mind, as is breaking anything that might be of import to someone else.

Yes. He's made a lot of progress since I met him, but that's why I don't want to just stop now. Even if he has already mastered ruffling someone's hair.

[Maybe one day he can even hold someone's hand. The future is an exciting place.]

But more important is making sure he doesn't hurt people by accident.

[ The future is scary and filled with unknowns. Especially when the future becomes the present. Like now.

He'd seen that mess of hair earlier, so Shizuo figured that he'd go up to the temple the long way. Which meant up the cliffside, by the horses and through orchards, just in case Sharak was watching the stairs and path. He wasn't expecting his god and his teacher/crush to be at a table, chatting over tea. ]

...

[ Maybe if he stays quiet, they won't notice him going by. ]

[Just stay quiet, Shizuo. Maybe you'll make it past the dragon. Sharak's still talking to Yona, apparently continuing that last thought.]

... Or himself. [Sharak draws her gun, aims it behind her and fires- the bullet flies past Shizuo's face, so hopefully he stops moving forward.] We wouldn't want that.

[The future is a dangerous place.]

Edited 2017-12-19 14:11 (UTC)

[ Yona had just caught sight of Shizuo trying to creep along the edge of the temple behind where Sharak is seated and her eyes widening the slightest bit might have also given him away - because Yona is really bad at surprise subterfuge. She hadn't even decided whether or not she should say anything yet (because on one hand, she has a great deal of loyalty to her shinki, and on the other hand, sometimes he makes some really dumb choices), but making a choice was interrupted anyway by the woman across from her drawing something out and aiming it over her shoulder. And then shooting it.

Which has Yona doing what any medieval fantasy princess would do when one had never even seen a gun before, let alone witnessed one being shot. She screams. ]

[ Huh. There's a bunch of red in his vision- oh, that's because the very tip of his nose got grazed by that bullet. That'd explain it. Thanks Sharak, now Yona's screaming. ]

Y-yona, it's fine-

[ He'll go right past Sharak to go over and console his poor goddess. Also making sure to wipe the blood off his nose while doing so, because that wouldn't help. ]

It was just a warning shot, see? What she's got is sort of like a crossbow. Just louder.

[ And more dangerous- Sharak why? This is the second time you've pointed a gun at him. ]

If you hadn't moved, it wouldn't have even grazed you.

[No guilt. Shizuo is fine. Anyway, if he won't get a broken nose then this is the next best thing his pretty face could ask for. Sharak does gently put her hand on Yona's head for a moment, tone once again calm and apologetic.]

I'm sorry for startling you, Yona. I just needed to make sure I had Shizuo's attention.

[Then she drops her hand and glares at Shizuo.]

We need to talk.

[ She had been startled more than anything. She hadn't expected anything so small and compact to make a boom louder than a lightning strike and just as sudden. Her heart is still racing and she looks a little pale, eyes wide, but at least it was only one scream and now she's glancing between the two of them and looking a little shocked.

She manages a nod though when they both turn to reassure her. Right, it's fine, nothing is wrong here, clearly. It's just a loud crossbow. And Shizuo's nose is bleeding. But she'd shot at Hak before and as long as it's just his nose... that's probably fine, right? ]

I think you certainly have his attention now. [ And possibly everyone else's in the temple compound. There's a horse nearby staring at Sharak accusingly, half-eaten apple still gripped in its teeth.

Yona glances from Sharak's glare to her own shinki and wisely starts pushing to her feet. ] Ahhh.... why don't I let you two talk then?

[ Although she's suddenly really curious about the relationship these two have. Shizuo hasn't been telling her a lot, apparently. ]

[ He was walking when she shot- but he wasn't actually going to say that. If only because that would be putting words to what they already knew; he was trying to sneak by. ]

Yeah... Ah, I'll check with you later, Yona.

[ He's just gonna wipe off the new droplets of blood that were forming up before sitting at the table. He knew this was probably going to come, and waiting was just going to make it worse, but all he could think of was that maybe a little more time will let him stop thinking of those things. It was probably the only thing of guilt that he felt since the moonviewing, and with guilt and regret he did admit to Yona that he made a lot of mistakes during that whole thing. Which he wasn't proud of.

Giving Yona a pat on the shoulder so she knew it'd be okay, and that she could leave without worry, for a little Shizuo said nothing. ]

I know, I... missed training.

[ Probably more than one session, and it's more than just missing. It was skipping. ]

I'd apologize, but you're probably sick of hearing me say I'm sorry.

[Sharak just glares at Shizuo, an intimidating presence no matter what. She's silent to start with, letting him decide just what they're going to talk about now. She has other business to discuss, but sure. They can start here.]

Apologies on their own don't mean much. [She doubts he plans on changing his behaviour. He's already said he won't.] If you don't want to continue your training with me, for whatever reason, fine. But tell me first.

[Standing her up and ignoring her is just annoying.]

If it's too awkward to be around me at all, tell me that as well. You can't cut ties without letting me know.

[ He's not exactly sure what else there was, past him avoiding her after that whole mess of events at the moon viewing. ]

It's not that I don't want to continue training. It's-

[ He's moved past scratching the back of his head over to pinching the bridge of his nose. He didn't know how to explain it- hell, he couldn't completely understand it to explain. It all left Shizuo frustrated at himself, more than anything else. ]

Look, if I went to tell you that things feel weird, you'd probably call me an idiot. That's not really something I need to be told. That whole night said it pretty well in itself. So I was... trying to figure it out.

[ Never mind what he told Hakkai- he was just trying to avoid the whole awkwardness that came up last time they talked about Sharak.

Maybe it's because every time he looked at Sharak, he kept feeling the shame of his other mistakes that happened. It was... Not his best night. ]

A - For Sharak, first!

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Skipping ahead in the queue

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