[closed] all these familiar faces

[galactically]

Who: Sheryl, her shinki, Hajime, and Rin
What: Aftermath of the late night vampire attack + trying out the outdoor pool
When: backdated to May 4th and May 7th; May 10th
Where: Sheryl's temple in all prompts (except for one at Hajime's)
Warnings: Some mentions of blood and violence

(OOC: Individual prompts are inside the post.)

Comments

Zoro | backdated to May 4th | late at night

[galactically]

["Get away, run home."

It's the phrase that stands out to Sheryl the most, echoing through her mind as she sits on the stairs in front of the entrance to her mansion. Her hair is a mess, random pink strands sticking to her now sweaty forehead, and her face is deathly pale, hands clutching on to her bleeding knees. Shaky, unstable breaths slip out of her lips with little restraint.

Right now, Zoro is out there fighting that one man who dared to assault her on her own way back to this temple. It was a terrifying sight, an unusually strong man with claws and glowing eyes who tried to take advantage of her in the middle of the night. With her life at risk, she had no choice but to fight him off, finally resorting to using her powers on him so she can put him in his place when kicking him, using a bag of groceries as a weapon, and kneeing him in the groin didn't work.

Her shinki is a strong man and she's certain that he'll live, but...]

Please come back, Zoro.

[A quiet plea in the night. Sheryl stares at the sky from where she sits, then closes her eyes with a shaky exhale.]

[wadoichimonji]

[it takes him a bit to get home. He's unharmed, if anything just a bit faced, not really used to fighting a vampire, he thinks.

Now he's really glad for whoever gave him a sword.

He walks in quietly, looking behind him as he crosses the gates, letting go of a breath he didn't know he was holding when he sees that there's no one behind him. He can't help but smile softly when he sees his goddess sitting there, looking small and fragile, something he's not really used to seeing.]

Hey.

[He speaks into the darkness as he walks over to Sheryl, waving his left hand, right one resting on the sword comfortably tucked at his side.

[galactically]

[Small and fragile aren't the usual adjectives to describe Sheryl, but the veneer of confidence that she normally uses is pretty much gone, feeling as haggard as she looks. Blood is now dirtying her fingertips after clutching her knees in her attempt to close up the wounds.

But as soon as she hears a pair of footsteps, any worries about her appearance is cast aside in favor of lifting her head. It's Zoro. He's here. More importantly, he's alive and well just as she wished.

Tears prick at the corner of her eyes and slide down her cheek at the prospect of him finally returning from that fight. With relief washing over her, she rises from the seating position, climbs down the stairs, and runs over to him.]

Zoro!

[Stretching her arms outward, she tugs him into her embrace and buries her face against his chest.]

[wadoichimonji]

[Zoro isn't one for hugs, really, he's not big on contact at all, but he can't help but smile when Sheryl thumps against his chest.]

Hey, it's ok, I'm here to protect you, aren't I?

[He laughs, before he pats the girl on the head.]

How are you? Are you hurt?

[galactically]

[Sheryl is feeling too many emotions at once — frustration at herself, relief at her shinki — that she doesn't comment of the headpat for once, keeping her hold on Zoro extra tight.]

I'm so glad you made it!

[A double meaning: that he rescued her on time and that he made it back to the temple safely.

She pulls her head away for a bit, lifting up a hand to wipe her tears aside with a soft sniffle out of her.]

... I'll be okay. I just need to grab my bandages and clean myself up, that's all.

[It's her attempt to sound assertive, though with a shaky undertone to her voice once she notices how much of a mess she is. She's not 100% okay.]

[wadoichimonji]

Of course I made it. You have one hell of a shinki you know?

[He laughs, loud and happy, and puts one of his arms around the girl's shoulders.]

Perfect, want me to help you get there?

[He's smiling, sweetly, at her.]

I know princesses like to be carried, and I'm strong enough to do so!

[galactically]

Only the best for Sheryl Nome. Accept no substitutes.

[If only Sheryl was in better spirits to even laugh jovially, so she settles for a small chortle at his words instead, smiling weakly. Slowly she changes the positions in her arms so they wrap around his neck instead, jutting her chin up a bit.]

Then a strong man like you should have no problems handling me.

[A wry response, as much as she can make it while she sniffles.]

Eno | backdated to May 4th | after the above prompt

[galactically]

[Sheryl is currently lying down on the couch, still shaken after what just transpired, but thankfully both her knees and wrists are bandaged up, scrapes all clean even if the bruises on her shoulders, legs, and forearms are visible from the tank top and shorts combo that she's wearing. The flashbacks just won't stop, no matter how hard she's trying to dig up a proverbial hole to bury them in, but no, they just keep crawling out like roaches.

A troubled expression mars her face, eyebrows pinching together as she hugs Lily closer to her chest, feeling the tiny creature nuzzle against her neck. Meanwhile, Motoki the Conqueror jumps onto the couch and meows, bumping her head gently against one of Sheryl's forearms.]

You're worried about me, aren't you?

[She murmurs, a forced smile tugging at her lips as she scoops the black kitten up for a hug. Now both of her arms are filled with cats. Closing her eyes, she can feel her throat tightening up, an overwhelming sense of relief washing over her.]

... Thank you.

Re: Eno | backdated to May 4th | after the above prompt

[hackberrydragon]

[ He wasn't any good on the battlefield. His abilities only served as radar but if he had to fight, it was no use. His sword was useless too. Silently he cursed his inability to fight... but there would be more time for self-flagellation later. His lady needed him now.

So he approaches, bringing with him a pot of chamomile tea and a teacup on a tray. He finds he makes a better PA than a bodyguard. ]

Sheryl?

[ And setting down the tray, pouring her a cup of tea. ]

How are you feeling?

[galactically]

[The scent of chamomile tea fills in Sheryl's nostrils, prompting her to carefully push herself in a seated position and plop her kittens down on her lap. Now that Eno is serving her something warm to drink, she'll at least try to make herself less troubled and more happy... even if the smile that forms on her lips is still strained.

It won't do to keep any of her shinki worried — not anymore than they already are, at least.]

I'll be back in perfect condition before you know it.

[A soft reply, as confident as she can make it, though it sounds a bit forced.]

... Thank you, Eno.

[hackberrydragon]

[ Hey no, none of that. Suppressing your emotions is a bad thing. But it's probably good gods can't sting shinki right back.

He does put his free hand over hers though. There's a bit of hesitation before he does because part of him worries if he's being too close but heck, it's there and she might need the contact after all. ]

Don't push yourself. Take as much time as you need, okay?

[ He's trying to smile for you too. ]

You're human too... even if you're technically a god right now.

[galactically]

Eno...

[Sheryl feels Eno's hand on top of hers, surprise flitting across her face for a second before she curls her fingers slowly around his. It's comforting to hold someone like this, and though she won't admit it too much, what he told her just now is what she needed to hear.

Her shoulders slack as she closes her eyes, chuckling under her breath. Lily butts her head against Sheryl's stomach as this happens while Motoki climbs on top of the other kitten to jump off the couch.]

Some goddess I am... I never thought I'd actually use my powers on a creep.

[hackberrydragon]

[ Normally he'd be a flustered mess that would be freaking out over a girl holding his hand but not today. This was important. He knew the importance of contact when it came to times like these and if Sheryl had no one else's hand to hold, then certainly his would be good enough. ]

You did what you had to... especially if it was a creep.

[ It was probably a good thing Zoro went off to fight him. At least someone could get him for her. ]

Like I said. You're human. You're new to this god thing like I'm new to this shinki thing. Things happen.

Hajime | backdated to May 7th | afternoon

[galactically]

[Is Sheryl back to her usual bodacious self? Not quite, not after weaving through a crowd of townspeople drained of their will to live, filled to the brim with listlessness, almost like corpses with still-beating hearts. But she must admit, a certain meeting with one of her adorable fans from her world brings a certain spark back in her eyes, like she can do anything and be herself once more. Heck, she even learned that her song magic can make Jae-Ha jump even higher than ever before. Definitely worth an ego stroke or two!

And what better person to mention this than the owner of the colorful estate before her? She needs to talk to Hajime about this.

Sheryl wastes no time in ringing the doorbell, all smiles as she smoothes away the wrinkles from her sundress. It's thanks to Freyja's healing song that none of the injuries from days ago are visible.]

[birdstheword]

[It's been three days since she crossed paths with a vampire and two days since that attack on the near shore. She didn't get to help nearly as many people as she wanted that day due to the state of her body but she did help out a little. But she's doing a lot better now. Her perky attitude was never gone, just some of her energy which she is steadily getting back.

Sitting in the kitchen, she's slicing up an apple when the door bell rings. Davesprite is out and it isn't like him to ring it so it's a vistor! She perks up and makes her way to the door. She's wearing casual house ware. A colorful T-shirt and a pair of shorts. The only thing out of the ordinary would be the large pink bandaid that covers a good part of the right side of her neck. It even has hand drawn flowers on it.

Opening the door, she looks out]

Hello! [PERK! She beams when she sees who it is]

Sheryl! [That's all the warning she gets before Hajime spreads her arms and leaps at her!]

[galactically]

[Sheryl may be used to Hajime's hugs, but she's no less amazed at the strength of it, stumbling back a little as her eyes open wide. Nonetheless she's quick to regain her balance, stretching her arms out to hug her friend in return and twirl her around. Yes, this is now a thing.]

Hajime! It's been too long!

[Maybe just a few days or a week. Still feels too long for Sheryl either way, a few cheerful laughs bubbling up from out of her.]

[birdstheword]

It has! It hassss~!

[Hajime sings right back, giggling in joy at the twirling as she hugs Sheryl that much tighter! It may have only been a few days, but thats a few days too long!]

How have you been? What have you been up too? We need to get back to our morning jogs, you know~!

[Seeing Sheryl just makes her beam. The idol is amazing, a ray of sunshine of her own.]

[galactically]

Slow down, slow down! I'll answer you as soon as you invite me in.

[Some playful chiding slips up as Sheryl releases Hajime, her cheerful expression still intact. It'd be virtually impossible to be sad when she's around her, after all. So many things have happened, both the good and the bad, that it'd be wrong to rush into things.

It's right when she notices the large pink bandaid that covers the right side of Hajime's neck that her smile falters at the slightest bit. No matter, she'll ask about it later. There's a nod of agreement.]

But you're right, we should definitely get back to our jogs soon.

[birdstheword]

Oh! Right!

[She parts from Sheryl suddenly, holding her at arms length before taking her right hand in both of hers and gently guiding her inside]

Come in then! You know you're allllllll~ways welcome too. Sheryl, you don't need to wait for an invite!

Rin | May 10th | 3pm

[galactically]

[Three o' clock at her temple, Sheryl said. She promised that she'll give Rin the best view, she said.

Sheryl Nome is a woman who does her best to keep her promises — in every sense of the word. Not only does she plan to show off the outdoor pool attached to her temple, but also her new bikini, currently hidden under the fluffy cream bath robe. The "best view", such a double meaning straight out of her mind because hey, she knows she's in great shape and her temple is also great, so why not show it off?

Rin also promised her a sight that she's never seen before.

Upon noticing a visitor (it must be Rin!), Sheryl opens the door with a grin on her face, two kittens right at her heels.]

Welcome to the temple of Euterpe!

[sharkmaid]

[Three o'clock. That's what she said and that's what he promised. But he shows up a few minutes early out of courtesy and all that, figuring she might not be the type who likes to be kept waiting.

It's a beautiful temple, elegant yet simple, and judging by the architecture, there's quite a bit of Greek influence. Which leaves him wondering... Will the two of them have many similarities in terms of strength or powers or whatever else he still doesn't understand? For all Rin knows, it might not even work that way. At any rate, he follows the steps up the front door and while waiting for Sheryl to answer, he carefully adjusts the sports bag hanging from his shoulder. This might not be a swim meet or anything, but he takes his sport very seriously, so he can't afford to be unprepared.

Oh. Door's opening. Here's hoping he's mostly presentable... in a pair of baggy sweatpants and a sports jacket, no less.]

Yo.

[Er-- Is that too informal? What he means to say is,]

Thanks for inviting me over.

[The bit of movement at her feet catches his attention for a moment though and soon he glances down, eyes suddenly wide and bright in interest. With a laugh,]

Friends of yours?

[galactically]

[Sheryl isn't exactly 100% dressed to the nines while she's in a bath robe and with two kittens peering curiously at the visitor, but she won't be picky when it comes to attire. It's supposed to be a casual meet-up, one that she's excited for regardless, judging from the way she steps back with the slightest bounce to her feet as she tucks a few pink strands behind her ears.]

A lady never breaks her promise.

[So she announces with a playful, confident lilt, flicking some of her hair back. Motoki, a black kitten, bumps her nose against Rin's foot for a quick sniff, while Lily, a white kitten with a blue bow, lets out a meow. Sheryl laughs and nods, bending down to scoop both kittens up in her arms.]

That's right. These adorable fluffy kittens have been living with me since about a week or so. [As she rises to her feet, Lily scrambles to climb up on a shoulder.] Geez, you like using me as a tree, don't you Lily?

[sharkmaid]

[He laughs a little towards that slight bounce of hers and even more when she flicks her hair with that confident remark. Well, he can definitely get behind someone who keeps their promises. Not that he ever doubted her in the first place.

Just as he's about to move though, he feels that little bump against his foot and glances down, surprised to see one of the kittens giving him some attention. It's tempting to want to reach down and at least offer a little scratch behind the ears, but he'll leave that to Sheryl for now since she's already scooping them right up off the ground.]

Really? I bet they've been keeping you busy. Ah-- Like that.

[said as he notices Lily starting to scramble up on Sheryl's shoulder. Ah, what the heck. He'll help her out a little, reaching over to carefully pick the kitten up and hold her before she can fall over. Judging by how he handles her, he's probably done this before.]

They look a lot like the ones I used to see at my school.

[galactically]

They're not the only one.

[She says with a wry smile, casting an adoring gaze towards each of the kittens in her arms, first at Motoki who's currently wiggling her tail, and then at Lily who is thankfully being held by Rin so she doesn't fall off from her owner's shoulder. The way he handles the kitten is so sturdy that Sheryl can't help but peer over in a mix of awe and curiosity.]

Did you get to take care of cats in your school, Rin?

[She watches Lily stretch out her paws against the cloth as she's being held, then her eyes flicker to Rin with a chortle. Perhaps she can let him play with her kittens later since he's doing a nice job keeping Lily secure.]

[sharkmaid]

[He perks up a little at that question before looking away and awkwardly raising his hand to rub at his neck.]

Ah... sort of. Not all the time really.

[Just more frequently than anyone probably ever did. At any rate, with Lily now tucked away in the crook of his arm, Rin steps in through the door and shuts it behind him. She... might be cold or something, you know. Wearing an outfit like that--]

So, uh. Ready for a swim?