thenearshore | Missing Kings

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Missing Kings

Who: Reisi and Tatara.
When: Following Mikoto Suoh's disappearance.
Where: Minerva's Temple.
What: When a King goes missing, he leaves behind a void.

[Reisi knew it and felt it even before seeing the familiar Zippo lighter with the HOMRA symbol on his nightstand. There was an emptiness that only another like themselves—himself and Suoh—could understand. And while he knows many things with his power, Reisi wasn't completely certain to make of this predicament.

Suoh... is gone.

Their bond had already been broken months ago, further isolating Reisi more than usual. But his rival's abrupt disappearance left a huge void inside the King of Order, along with many conflicting feelings he wasn't certain how to process.

It's after some time contemplating that Reisi decides to contact Tatara:]

Did anything of Suoh's suddenly appear in your temple?
[Although some receive items from their home worlds, and it doesn't always mean someone's gone missing, Reisi knows...]

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Mm.

[ It’s all the response he can give, for more than a moment or two.

Of course, then again, what does he say in a moment like this? When he’s confronted with what is essentially definitive proof of his king’s disappearance...? ]

Well, looks like you were right. [ Said far too casually; nigh chipper. (Call it force of habit.) And no, Reisi didn’t out-and-out say it, but... it really isn’t that hard to discern what he was getting at, now.

Tatara gently runs fingers over the worn-in keys on the jukebox’s front face. ]

I guess he really is gone, after all.

[ And, well, rather than addressing the way that that fact makes him feel, personally, it’s far easier for him to turn to inquire about Reisi. ]

Are you alright?

[Reisi knows he didn't directly say it, but he certainly had implied it. He'd known before asking Tatara, he'd known before seeing the item at his bedside. Because even after breaking their bonds, they both were Kings, and despite not having his memories, Reisi knew and felt Suoh's presence or lack thereof as simply as most anything else.

Normally, Reisi likely wouldn't admit to being affected. But studying Tatara's expression, Reisi already knows the other man needs something or someone else to focus on rather than himself. There's a pregnant silence before he finally pushes up his glasses and replies.]

... I wonder.

[In one hand, Reisi tugs at one of the cancers sticks in his box of Blue Sparks. With the other hand, he plucks the Zippo lighter with HOMRA insignia out from his coat pocket.]

Hm? [ He wonders what?

At first, it doesn't click; and then, he sees the zippo lighter. ]

...Aah. [ Well-intended smile seemingly stuck in place on his face, his chin nevertheless lowers, eyes closing in a long blink. ] So that's what he left you.

[ So that means--]

I guess he really is gone, isn't he?

[ Yet another instance where he'd not been afforded the chance to say a farewell. Tatara... isn't quite sure how to feel about it just yet. He'd certainly prefer to feel nothing, at this point. But, at least Mikoto had mended the fences between himself and his rival king, or so it seems. Regrettably, he can't say the same for their own tarnished relationship. As it stands, receiving this parting gift is something of a surprise, considering the Red King had pushed him away weeks -- maybe months -- prior. ]

[Or so Tatara would like to think the Kings had mended fences that day when the Red and Blue Swords raised over the forest, when Reisi moved to save Kurosaki, Fushimi, and Suoh. But what Reisi feels isn't even remotely like closure.

Tatara... must feel worse. Which is why he'd tried to focus on Reisi first.]

I'm sorry. [Suoh isn't simply sleeping or imprisoned in whatever dream visited him in his cult-induced trance state in the forest. He's truly gone.] There's an emptiness now, where there once wasn't.

[ He would, of course, very much like to believe that. Just as he'd like to assume this colorful parting gift offers him any semblance of closure, when it in fact does not. ]

I bet. [ No, he feels it too. But again, he's all chirpy, unrealistic optimism and detachment from the situation, which in turn mandates that he gently step over that sincere offering of condolences and focus elsewhere. Sorry, Reisi.

Smile still present, (if to a lesser degree), he chances a glance back to the jukebox. ]

It might be better this way, you know? King wasn't very happy here. [ A soft chortle at his own phrasing. ] ...Not that King was ever a really happy person, but... he was unhappier here than I've ever seen him, in all my years by his side.

[ A beat, and he glances back to Reisi again. ] Plus!

Now this means you're safe, doesn't it?

[ Grasping at straws for silver linings, here. ]

[No, no. Acknowledgement might perhaps be a bit too painful to endure, and it's bad enough seeing Tatara's smile slightly dampened. Reisi continues listening and studying Tatara's features as he goes on to mention Suoh's unhappiness.

For all that Suoh and he found each other unbearable, the incident at the Temple of Ra was perhaps the most enjoyable of their interactions. Reisi doesn't think either of them had truly recovered from the consequences of that—in fact, the repercussions had forcibly changed Reisi despite Kurosaki rescinding his punishment.

And now, Suoh's gone. Perhaps to someplace where he can be less unhappy if he can feel anything at all. Though when Tatara goes on to mention Reisi's safety, Reisi wonders how true the sentiment is when he hadn't felt unsafe to begin with...]

Oh, is that so? [He appears curious, then thoughtful.] Are you referring to our "rivalry"?

[ "Rivalry"? Sure, one can term it that. Tatara would term it a friendly one, in that instance. But for two men -- two Kings -- one losing the other is...

Well, it's got to be lonely, even if Tatara himself doesn't acknowledge that on a personal level, more a logical one. And that is a gap he can't hope to bridge; an empty space he can't hope to fill.

Watch him try anyway, carried on wings of pure optimism. ]

Aah. [ But, more importantly: ] Neither of your Swords were in good shape to be doing the type of fighting that you were.

[ Now, Tatara has hope; though, thinking that Mikoto leaving will prevent all further damage to Reisi's Sword? That's just pure foolhardiness. ]

[Ah, the Swords: the white elephant in the room. At the mention of them, the mere thought of their condition makes Reisi feel nauseous.]

—I suppose not. Though, it might be best not to talk about it.

[Normally, he might not be so direct in avoiding a topic, especially one that he knows is so important. However, it's also because of its importance that Reisi can't help these disgusted and painful feelings niggling at him.]

It seems dangerous. [Added for context.

Gazing directly at Tatara with a piercing intensity,]

I know I'm not specifically your King, and I'm but a shinki; however, I will afford you whatever it is in my power to do.

[Of course, he'd already been doing so, but he feels the need to affirm this all the more in Suoh's absence.]

[ It may take a beat -- but nothing more than -- before Tatara slowly nods his assent. ]

Mm. You’re right -- we probably shouldn’t. [ Lest something, (or something else), go awry.

Looking from Reisi to the jukebox and back again, and given the course of their conversation, the last thing the god is prepared for in this moment is the severe stare he’s met with next. However, the words that follow are less unexpected; after all, that’s what Reisi has been doing much of this entire time, isn’t it? Protecting Tatara, regardless of their conflicting affiliations...?

Nevertheless, he’s quick as ever to close their relative distance to one another, heels off the ground just slightly to press a kiss to the King’s cheek. ]

I know. [ A simple affirmation will suffice, he figures; there’s no need to delve deeper, for now.

A hand skirts along Reisi’s cheek, cupping only briefly. ] You’re a good man, Reisi. [ his lips attempt a small, sincere smile. ] I trust you.

[Reisi softens, relaxing his gaze slightly at that kiss but then a little more as Tatara caresses his cheek. Seeing Tatara's small smile, Reisi returns a tiny, tender one of his own.

Then, he allows himself to be visibly relieved. Though he still has proper posture as usual, he relaxes even a little.]

Is there anything I can do for you now? Or, would you perhaps like to go somewhere?

[Having confirmed what they know, it might be best to put these things out of their minds.]

[ The tiny smile and relax in posture say about as much as they need to, in this moment. As they part in every other way, Tatara discreetly seeks one of Reisi's hands, without any real intent. Just contact is nice, for now.

Although, a distraction might be nicer. ]

We can go out somewhere, if you're up for it! [ He sounds his chipper self here; but in the next sentence, his voice shifts. ]

...You'll stay tonight, won't you?

[ The exact weight and gravity of what has just happened will hit sometime later, if at all. ]

[It was through Tatara's offhanded contact that he'd inadvertently reached Reisi, and so Reisi not only offers his hand but also takes Tatara's in response. Tatara still needs to cope, still needs assurance, especially given that follow-up question.]

Of course, I will. [Barring any emergencies that may crop up, there aren't any matters that require his immediate attention. This, however, is urgent business of a more personal nature, but not the sort of thing Reisi can or would entrust to anyone else.] In fact, I'd planned on staying the night to begin with.

[As to what to do for the rest of the day...]

In any case, would you like to visit Osaka, perhaps?

[ Secretly, it’s a bit of a relief to hear he won’t be alone on this evening. While he’s not without the ability to cope with something like this, (if worse came to worst, he could always text his shinki, or invite a friend over for tea and conversation), the two of them staying together tonight perhaps kills two birds with one stone. Since Reisi really shouldn’t be managing this alone, either.

Especially when all Shun would manage to say about it is surely something along the lines of “good riddance”.

But of course, Tatara being who and how he is, he can only smile a bit more broadly and offer--] Good.

[ It’s been a while since they’ve spent a night, after all -- let alone gone on a proper date! Which is absolutely what he’s counting this as, breaking away from Reisi momentarily to find his red winter coat and favorite scarf. In case that doesn’t answer the question already posed, well... ]

Osaka it is~!

[They spend a relatively warm day in Osaka, wandering about to check out various sights and looking for the best places to see some Christmas lights later in the evening. It's already nightfall at about 5pm, so they're able to see some spectacular light displays rather early in the evening.

It really has been a while since they'd been on a date, and Reisi was more than happy to just be with Tatara. Holding hands and taking pictures... Making new memories. It's always something special seeing Tatara light up with interest at one thing or another, and Reisi's more than happy to indulge him so long as they don't get into trouble.

After having some of the best specialties Osaka has to offer for dinner, the two finally return to Tatara's temple. As warm as it had been during the day, the night air is much cooler. So once they settle down a bit, it's time to prepare for bed, and the two get into the shower together.

Although Reisi had seen the HOMRA mark on Tatara's back before, seeing it now reminds Reisi of their most recent loss. Averting his gaze, he can't help suddenly growing quiet at this unexpected reminder.]

[ Osaka’s surprisingly-warm winter air is exactly what the pair needed to brush the entire saddening event aside and lift their spirits, however momentarily. Tatara is, of course, sure to bring his camera, stopping the two of them at random for the cheesiest and most cliché of winter couples’ selfies, among other things. Though the climate is too temperate for a proper winter stroll, the scenery is pretty nevertheless. Tatara can always edit snow in in post, if he so chooses.

By the time their dinner concludes, they can see their breaths hanging in the air on the journey home. It’s nothing a warm shower won’t fix, of course -- and the god is, as always, happy to share one without issue.

Things are going about as routinely as to be expected, conversation light but ongoing... until it isn’t. The sudden silence in place is sharp enough to call attention to itself without assistance, and given where Reisi is standing at the time it happens, Tatara has some assumptions about the cause. Glancing over a shoulder first, (as though to check), he turns fully back to the shinki not long after. ]

Sorry...

[ It’s habitual; he has nothing to apologize for, and they both know it, but contrition is so reflexive for him that he can’t help it. Regardless, with any suds rinsed clean first, he’ll move to wrap arms around Reisi’s neck. Internally, he knows it has to be lonely -- and not just for one of them. Tatara himself is a clansman with no King now, after all.

But that’s a very negative way of looking at matters, isn’t it? So he’ll avoid the topic entirely as best he can, simply letting them enjoy a quiet embrace, skin-to-skin. ]

—!

[He'd hoped Tatara wouldn't notice since he didn't want to concern the god. But while the emptiness won't go away, there's some measure of comfort in Tatara's arms. Letting out a small and quiet breath, Reisi relaxes before reciprocating with an embrace of his own.]

So am I.

[Whatever other thoughts and feelings he has on the matter, he doesn't express because voicing them would only solidify the loss they're both still processing and coping with.]

Apologies for falling silent so suddenly. Would you rather that we skip the bath?

[Getting into the bath would aid in relaxing, especially after a day of wandering around. But it might also make them even more somber, presenting them time to contemplate and reflect on things...]

Edited 2018-08-02 07:29 (UTC)

[ Of course he’d had hopes -- and not unreasonable ones, either. When it comes to matters of Tatara’s attention span, (and thus, his attention to detail), it can be a bit of a crapshoot as to whether or not he’ll pick up on subtle tells such as this one.

At least, in this situation, being caught is none for the worse. ]

It’s fine; you don’t need to be sorry for that.

[ It’s a reminder, he knows. Right now, one he can’t help, either. ]

...Eheh. [ An awkward sound escapes before he releases Reisi enough to meet eyes with him again, smiling half-sheepishly. ] Maybe.

[ As noncommittal an answer as anyone could have expected. Hopefully Reisi didn’t anticipate anything more. ] It might be better if I put some clothes on, I think.

[ He’s not the type to wander around -- or even sleep -- without them, anyway. It’s no great loss. ]

[For most, there's safety in noncommittal responses. But Reisi doesn't like them, namely because they suggest uncertainty and indecisiveness. However, he can't fault Tatara for it—having the mark is hardly his fault. Reisi should have better schooled his expression... but then again, he'd promised to express himself more openly, whether good or bad.

Still, he'd like to assure Tatara that none of this is his fault.]

Then allow me to first wash your back.

[He suggests it because he needs to confront this since he's never fully resolved it for himself. And he doesn't see why he shouldn't face it head on when he's capable of doing so.]

[ Of course Reisi doesn’t like them. That’s to be expected. Perhaps Tatara would have given a more decisive answer were he able to read the other’s mind; but he’s already taking the matter far harder than the Blue King that Tatara remembers from Scepter-4.

By now, one would think he’d be able to divide the two -- that man, and the Reisi Munakata who stands with him here and now -- evenly from one another, but... apparently that’s still difficult, from time to time. While the leader of the Blue Clan would see the disappearance of the man he knows to be most antithetical to himself one way, to this Reisi, losing Mikoto was likely more akin to losing a piece of himself than an adversary.

That’s a gap that... really, Tatara can only try to bridge, and hope it works. Then again, that’s kind of been his strategy from the beginning, now hasn’t it?

So, he’ll honor that request with little more than the momentary perk of a brow, turning on a heel to bare that side to his partner. Just one caveat, though: ]

You’ll allow me the same when you’re done, right?

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Missing Kings

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