thenearshore | [closed] all these familiar faces

["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.]

Edited 2016-10-31 00:25 (UTC)

[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.

Edited 2016-10-31 00:51 (UTC)

[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.]

[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!

[ 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?

[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.

[ 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.

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.

[ 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.

I know, but...

[Eno's hand is perfectly fine. In fact, Sheryl doesn't seem like she wants to let go of it anytime soon, clenching it a little tighter. There's a brief pause as she begins to speak, a bit shakier than intended.]

That man... I saw that there was blood on his neck. I thought he got hurt so I gave him a handkerchief, but he just grabbed me and started to smell me. [Another pause, she purses her lips and scrunches her face in disgust. Her shoulders start to tremble again like she's cold.] He wouldn't let even go. I tried to fight him off and run away...

[Sheryl abruptly stops, wincing at the memories flooding in her mind, blinking rapidly with a sharp intake of breath. She had no choice but to use her own song against him.]

[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!]

[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.]

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.]

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.

[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?

[ He hesitates slightly. It might be unbecoming for a shinki to be so close to their master after all but he does decide to take a seat next to her. Close contact seems to be good for some people when they're troubled after all and he figures, given her reaction to his hand, Sheryl might be one of those people.

Again, another frown comes to him. Frustration. That's what he feels right now. That and a minor hint of guilt that he couldn't stop it, that he wasn't any help. Before he can call back the sensation, it might cause the smallest sting, the smallest heaviness in her heart. But it's gone in a heartbeat.

His hand instead, grips tighter. ]

You didn't have a choice... don't be so hard on yourself.

[ And quieter. ]

I'm just glad you're okay...

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!

[Of the two shinki, Eno seems to sting her the most, fleeing as they occasionally are and easily taken care of with just a quick splash of temple water. Her free hand presses against the back of her neck, feeling the sting until it fades away. She's just as frustrated as he is, but for a different reason. For all the confidence that she exudes, she doesn't feel strong enough.

It's been a long time that Sheryl Nome has felt this helpless. If she wasn't capable of defending herself, if Zoro wasn't there to save her on time...

I'm just glad you're okay...

That phrase echoes in her mind, and her expression softens even further as she senses a stinging sensation in her eyes. She's chastising herself for sounding vulnerable right now, but her mind is not quite there. Only a sliver of relief at knowing that she can still live another day, that she can still see her friends.]

Oh, Eno!

[Sheryl leans her head against his shoulder, her free hand reaching for his arm as she closes her eyes shut, a single tear sliding down her cheek. Lily meows and climbs in between their laps.]

[Sheryl wastes no time in curling her hand around Hajime's, fingers interlocked as she's being led inside the temple. Quite the familiar place, really, for someone who's been there during a pool party to perform for an audience from months ago. Such lovely memories that Sheryl will keep forever, she's certain of it.]

I knew you'd say something like that! [An amiable laugh.] Speaking of invites, Eno and I were talking about a potential hot spring resort visit. Guess who's on the top of my list?

[As soon as they're in the temple, Hajime spends around on the heels of her feet to face the goddess.]

Waaaaaaa---REALLY?!Sheryl! Sheryl! Sheryl! A hot spring resort sounds amazing~! [She throws her hands into the air, still keeping hold of Sheryl's all the while. Her eyes are lit with eagerness and limitless energy]

You always come up with the best ideas!

Edited 2016-11-01 22:51 (UTC)

[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?

[Sheryl's lips form a proud smirk, keeping her amused expression intact while her hands remain latching on to Hajime's. The more excited her friend becomes, the happier she is.]

Right? We totally deserve a break after working so hard. [A nod, like she's assuring herself.] That's right, it'll be amazing. Oh, but I can't take all the credit. Eno said that he'll research the places to go to, so there is still time for extra planning!

You gotta tell Eno thank you for me! I'll be sure to text him later for his hard work!

[She makes a mental note to do so later. If he is working hard researching then a little cheering on and thank yous may help give an extra boost too.]

I can't...remember the last time I was at a hot spring. Even just thinking about it is super relaxing.

[She giggles, finally lowering her hands. It really is a great idea. Soak away any and all troubles with friends.]

Oh! We're inside now soooo tell me how Sheryl's been!

Oh, I will. He'll even get a special reward for his efforts.

[She winks. It'll most likely be something to turn Eno's face into a nearly identical shade of pink as her hair.]

Me either. There is always something incredible about hot springs making all the tense muscles relax away, no more worries. I like that.

[Speaking of worries, her smile falters yet again at hearing the question. Yesterday has been a mixed experience for Sheryl, forcing herself to hide the thick amounts of despondence behind a tired face. Nothing like a certain incident from days ago, but...

She's quick to perk up, however, clasping both hands together.]

Guess what, Hajime? Yesterday I met one of my biggest fans! A girl with blonde and orange hair with a cute heart ornament that glows pink. She knows who I am!

Ah! Double or nothing! Double the special reward for having such a good idea!

[Eno is cute. He deserves all the love and praise. Hajime has no doubt about that or that Sheryl will give him something outstanding and worth while.]

Same! It's perfect for me too. I've been so stiff and sore no matter how much I stretch. I bet hot springs would wash all that way super ultra fast! We could both use it!

[ The faltering smile does catch Hajime eye, but she doesn't seem to react on it. If anything, she just smiles bigger and brighter, trying to be as reassuring as possible.]

You did? She sounds really cute! Uwah~! [Hajime bounces, cupping her own face all the while. This is great news! Someone from Sheryl's home that remembers her!]

I'm happy she remembers you that's really impressive. Maybe....you just make that big of impression! Yep! You really are the Galaxy fairy!

[closed] all these familiar faces

Zoro | backdated to May 4th | late at night

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

Hajime | backdated to May 7th | afternoon

Rin | May 10th | 3pm

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

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