thenearshore | The More Things Change

Entry tags:

The More Things Change

Who: Dust, Marinette, and Wendy
When: December 23.
Where: Orihime's house.
What: Orihime isn't moving. Dust would like to know why.

[If this is bad news, Dust is still ready to cut down everything wrong about the world.]

[He shouldn't expect that, but he does. Which is why his measured pace down towards the river and the little house there carries with it intensity as sharp as a razor, his mouth fixed in a frown. But, well aware that he expects it and can get possibly a little too intense, he'd made sure to invite a counterbalance in the form of Wendy. And perhaps complicating matters further, when Marinette heard where he was heading she'd asked to come along, and he couldn't say no to her...]

[So, not for the first time, Wendy, Dust, and Dust's god set off to try to put things regarding Orihime right again.]

...Remind me to ask her about my suit while we're here. If I can. She was almost insistent the last time we talked and I never caught up with her about it.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Hey, you're all focused on the main thing, so someone has to focus on the clothing part.

[She gives a little hop when he points out Orihime's home, however, curious.]

You know, I don't think I've ever actually been here myself.

You say that like clothing isn't important.

[At that, she's giggling and shrugging. And then she's turning her attention to Orihime's home when it comes into view.]

It'll be like an adventure!

Right. Well, I got through the first adventure without having to cut down any old gods, here's hoping for two in a row.

[Dust is smiling. Dust is not really joking.]

[Up to the door he walks, politely knocking. There might be a better way to announce himself; he doesn't know it.]

[ When she does slide the door open, she's wearing a blue yukata with pale obi. She's dressed in semi-formal attire with hair done, makeup done, and clearly ready for guests at a moment's notice. She started speaking through the door but stops when the door is fully open. ]

Welcome! Please do come in-- Oh my! Well...

[ She smiles. Not the people she was expecting, so her shoulders clearly relax. ]

Dust - to what do I owe the pleasure?

Hi, Orihime! [From around Dust, Wendy leans out with a wave.] We'e here, too. Or, well- you remember me from the god meeting, right?

[If not, she expects Dust to make some introductions.]

Hi, Orihime! [Unlike Wendy, she was sure she'd never actually met Orihime before. But she'd agreed to come along for this, and she'd never been particularly shy, so she couldn't feel bad about following the other girl's lead now.

And if Dust had to introduce them all well... it'd be good for him!]

Hi, Orihime.

[Dust echoes his friend and his god with an amused smile, though he always has a smile ready for Orihime. After everything that had happened, how could he not? But beneath that is faint tension. From her attire and body language, he's guessing that the gods of the Far Shore are badgering her about the very matter he's come to speak to her about.]

[Not what he wants to know.]

[Stepping slightly sideways, Dust motions to the two girls.]

This is Marinette, my god. And Wendy, who was a huge help with, well, everything. [Dust hasn't forgotten how much he owes Wendy, and of course never will.] They heard I was coming down to talk to you, and were very eager to come along. And they're also going to make absolutely sure I mention that suit we once talked about.

Your suit... but I thought I had already...

[ Her eyes drift over Marinette, then back to Dust. ]

I am so sorry. Perhaps the attendant I sent it with deposited at... your former temple. No matter, I shall make another - I still know all of your measurements.

[ She looks back at Marinette, before gesturing for them to come in by stepping aside. ]

I will be most pleased to formally make your acquaintance, Goddess Marinette, and of course I remember Wendy. I am delighted that you two have become so well acquainted, Dust.

[ Leaving enough space for them to all stand in her living room, or sit on the floor pillows at their leisure, Orihime looks back at the group. ]

Although I fear I cannot know what else you would like to speak with me about, Dust, or I might have better prepared...

[ She has a smile on, but her tone and eyes radiate concern and confusion, as well as apprehension. ]

[Don't mind if she takes a seat, then! Wendy still isn't entirely familiar with the most proper ways to go about this, but she can kneel well enough and have her back be straight, so that should do for now.]

We can talk about all sorts of things, especially while you and Dust figure out about that replacement. But you know, I didn't know you had a shinki, Orihime!

[Because that's what an 'attendant' would be for a god, right?]

[It's only a little odd being addressed that way, and Marinette is just going to smile in response, and follow everyone else inside.]

It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, too.

[If nothing else, she knew enough to be on her best behavior. Not that it was a huge change from her normal behavior. Following Wendy's lead, she'll take a seat. Except she's going to sit cross-legged at first.]

We're friends, Dust. Of course I came down with you.

[And because she was always going to be curious about this kind of thing.] What color is the suit going to be?

You wanted to talk to Orihime about clothing. [Dust looks sidelong at his god with a smile, not letting her get away with that half-truth.]

[Dust intends to remain standing as long as Orihime does, being -- well, Dust. And he is perfectly aware that she has a hunch what he's here to talk about, though he permits Wendy and Marinette their questions first to let the tone stay light.]

My apologies for the confusion. [ She bows to Wendy. ] The attendant is not a shinki of mine. I... have not yet been assigned one by Heaven.

[ Although she smiles without continuing. ]

My my, Dust, do you mean that you found another goddess with a portfolio that includes weaving?

[ She looks to Marinette, seemingly happy to focus on that line of questioning. ]

I should be delighted to learn of it. I cannot tell you how many gods' portfolios include the elements, such as fire or water.

I see...

[While Orihime is preoccupied with Marinette, Wendy tries to exchange a glance with Dust. She still hasn't moved, and still hasn't gotten a shinki? That's even stranger.]

[But she'll let the two of them talk, instead, just for the moment.]

That too~ But I figured that would happen after whatever you needed to speak to her about.

[She's not even going to deny it, but even Marinette knows that there's a time and a place for everything.]

Another?

[To be fair, she didn't know an awful lot about Dust's life before she'd run into him outside the temple that night, so it's entirely possible that his former god was also into making clothes.]

Actually I've never tried weaving, but I've made other things~

[Well, good luck for a second deciding if your glance meets home, Wendy. This is Dust we're talking about.]

[But he nods, slightly. Yes, this is exactly why they're here, talking about suits aside.]

[Trusting that Orihime hadn't noticed that, Dust turns his attention back to the two gods.]

I figured you two would get along well. You could... use more friends.

... Oh!

[ She's quite taken aback by Dust's statement, but in a touched way. If it had been in public, or she didn't know him better, or both, she might have been quite offended. ]

You... came all this way with Wendy just to introduce me to this young goddess? That is most kind of you both.

[ And since she can certainly make conversation, she continues- mainly at Marinette at first. ]

By 'another' I was simply including myself in that number. I suppose you must have Dust staying at your temple now, as you are his goddess. I hope the trip was easy enough for those with the power to teleport with ease across the heavens, even with two shink in your company.

It's fine~. [Pulling out the usual award winning child smile, Wendy leans forward cheerfully.]

The exercise is fine! The Far Shore is so beautiful, too, that is hardly seems to take too long~. Oh-

[She raises a finger.]

You should visit us sometime, too!

[Step 1 before interrogating her about her living choices... encourage her to even go there at all.]

[She's not even mad to hear that Dust had maybe brought them all this way so she could meet Orihime. Because really, she's always on the lookout for more friends, and the other goddess seems nice enough, even if they've only been here for a very short time.]

He's very thoughtful, isn't he? And Wendy's a good girl.

[Marinette's not biased at all.]

He's been with me for a little while now, and it's been nice having him. [She smiles at that, and glances over at Dust as though she's expecting him to comment.] The trip was nice, and it's a beautiful day.

[Wendy's comment makes her smile, and she nods emphatically.]

You really should come visit us sometime, too! I can show you some of the things I've made.

[Dust wouldn't have made his comment in public, or if he hadn't though he and Orihime had some measure of understanding between them. It might have been tactless, but tact sometimes isn't the best way to make a point.]

Seems there's something of a push to bring you into the social circles of the Far Shore. [Which did Orihime have more in common with? The old gods or the new? She's the former, of course, but seems ostracized from them -- and is continuing it by choice, to judge from their presence here.]

Ah, well...

[ Orihime brushes a lock of hair behind her ear. First, she turns to Marinette. ]

I am more than happy to visit, now that I am more able to do so at my own leisure.

[ She lowers her gaze down to the floor, before raising it back up at Dust. The smile is gone now, replaced by a faint frown. ]

I suppose if I do not embrace such kindness with open arms I am doing a disservice to those who have championed my causes for so long.

[ Her head tilts ever so slightly in Dust's direction again. ]

I wonder what you may have heard from those social circles...

[Let her just field that question by flicking a finger over in Orihime's direction.]

That you're a really pretty girl who needs to get out more, see more people, have some fun?

[A beat.]

Not that I would know, no one talks to little girls about anything like this.

[But that's what she's sure they're all here for, and, as far as she's concerned, they're the only social circle that counts. If Heaven has a problem with it, then they can speak up instead of pretending to be distant and better than everyone. Besides, there's no point in her just staying here like this!]

[This is as good a segue into things as they're likely to get. Dust mentally steels himself, knowing that this conversation won't be pleasant.]

There's... a certain amount of grumbling in the heavens that you're still here and not in a more 'suitable' temple.

[ Her smile flattens. ]

Ah. I suppose that is... Mmm.

[ She tries to fix the smile again, but it doesn't last. ]

I suppose that it is only natural they would not understand.

[ She rests one of her hands on a closed box on a nearby shelf. ]

There is nowhere else in the Far Shore I would rather spend my days.

It's been home for you for a very long time.

[And that much is true, but he hopes Orihime will say more on that score if he leaves it at that for now. Truthfully, he doesn't care if she moves; he doesn't see the need for her to have some grand new temple, no matter her current position. All he wants to know is what lines the battle will be fought on.]

[ She shakes her head. ]

This building holds no value to me that could not be replaced.

[ She lifts her hand from the box, vaguely pointing out the window instead. ]

That... that is what I would give up if I left.

[ Orihime turns and looks out the window, although there is room to come stand next to her. ]

For most of the year, this is the closest that I can possibly get to him.

no subject

no subject

I will summon Orihime!

/is summoned!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject