[ He'll start heading off the direction back towards the castle since it sounds like Simon wants to go there? Akira hadn't had plans of doing that, but it only makes sense he would go with him considering their newfound arrangement. ]
Yeah. I guess our cultures are different. In Japan, we have public bath houses called an onsen. Everyone bathes together. I didn't mean to startle you. Maybe if you see a big monster flying around with fur, horns and a tail, you'll know it's me.
[ He's a little disappointed he can't show off his cool form because.. he does think it's pretty cool and he'd like to impress another guy his age. You know, boys. ]
.. Well, maybe make sure it's me before you go near it.
[ Considering he ran into a harpy earlier, he's not sure what other creatures could be here. ]
There's nothing wrong with just having girls for friends.
[ UM OFC THERE ISN'T STUPID TOXIC MASC BOY ]
My closest and most dearest person who protected me many times.. she was a girl.
[ And I couldn't even protect her in the end. His voice sounds light and distant as he says this, walking ahead of Simon and idly breaking off a small branch from a tree as he walks past it. ]
Oh! Where I'm from we have locker rooms and gym? But, uh, I sorta left before I ever had to deal with any of it...
[Simon smiles at the mention of the best friend, because um, same. Grace has saved his pale little behind more times than he can count.]
Mine too.
Her name's Grace.
[When he's too wrapped up in his own mind, Simon gets massive cases of tunnel-vision, but when he's actually paying some damn attention, he is pretty observant. He notes the usage of "was," and the angry grabbing at the tree branch.]
Hey, Akira?
Say, why don't you show me your demon form after all? Just... This time I'll turn around and close my eyes before you start.
That sound, merp, swanky?
[He tries to catch up with the other and show him an awkward thumbs up. How do you do friends...]
[ So he has a special person too. Akira wonders if he loved this girl as much as he loved Miki, but he doesn’t feel like talking about Miki very much. The image of seeing her head speared on a stake and mocked, freshly decapitated as her blood rained down on the laughing mob of hysterics.. a change of conversation was good and fortunately it’s one that could easily distract him from his sorrow. Simon might notice him looking sad by the time he catches up to him. ]
If you really want to. I just thought it might be helpful since we made an agreement. I forget that some foreigners aren’t really used to the human body.
Love would imply mutual understanding and an unconditional desire for the other person to be okay, a lack of selfishness perhaps, and realistic standards for the partner in question. What Simon feels towards Grace is something more like obsession and entitlement. She is his friend first, she saved him from death and so he has been fiercely loyal to her ever since, listening to her every word and doting on her hand and foot.
It's worse that she feeds him small tidbits of affection here and there, and while Simon knows in his heart that she has yet to show even a sliver of romantic interest in him, he holds out that if he waits long enough, they will at least grow old together and maybe one day they can romantically hold hands over the body of a null that they've heroically vanquished and said hand-holding will last for more than five seconds.]
[ Sounds a lot like Ryo, really, but that guy didn’t believe love existed.. even if he was willing to wipe out the human race, reclaim the Earth and have Akira live with him forever. Just the two of them and their army of demons. No humans to interfere.
Of course he’s ready— he’s already unfastening his belt before Simon can completely turn around and as he transforms, Simon will hear what sounds like the snapping of bones and heavy breathing.. but his lungs sound even bigger now. His height difference isn’t too impressive, but he’s over six feet now, fur covering the lower half of his body (and plenty of it to properly censor himself between his legs, don’t worry, Simon.) He idly holds his clothing in one hand while the other settles on Simon’s shoulder.
Yeah, he’s a depressed kid, but he’s still just a kid, so he can’t help but utter a quiet “boo” I even though he doesn’t do anything to startle Simon. ]
[Simon can learn what it is like to really love someone, maybe.
In all fairness, his future can still be changed. To grow up in a cold, if fantastical, landscape with only your dear friend and lies to keep you company, it will ruin you.
But redemption is a path he must choose for himself.]
Gah!
[Even with the warning, he still jumps, his hands forming a makeshift karate position, although he knows jack all about martial arts. As he turns around, he lets out more kooky Simon noises.]
[ That’s right. He does have horns. Only two of them in between his winged ears. Simon’s reaction earns another chuckle, though it’s deep and almost sinister. He doesn’t really mean to be, but in a transformed state, it’s a lot easier to let those demonic behaviors slip out.
Simon isn’t running or crying or trying to kill him like some people did when they saw him like this, so it’s good progress that makes Akira think more about the fact that maybe not all humans are the same. ]
Fufufu— It wasn’t easy becoming like this. There was a chance that I could have died when it possessed me.
But I vanquished it. I’m the conqueror of this vessel now, and it’s mine.
[ A slight jab to that solid chest of his with his thumb. ]
[Simon does not run. In fact, he comes closer and circles round Akira as if to inspect him, like he's some sort of experiment. Talks of battles and vanquishing enemies are indeed impressive, but he'll believe it when he sees it, frankly speaking. Akira seems like a show-off anyway, so Simon is certain he'll have front row seats to that.
He, instead, gets on his tippy toes and... Taps one of said horns twice with his finger, then bringing his hand back to his own chin, rubbing those 6 sparse chinhairs thoughtfully.]
Hmmm, not exactly ideal for marshmallow roasting... Looks like we've got the wrong length.
[S I M O N!!!!!]
All the wingy-thingies are pretty cool though! Hats off to the, uh, Devil or whatever, 'cause your color scheme's like... Totally neatsicles. Very easy on the eyes.
[neatsicles. easy on the eyes? he is a DEMON]
And, hey, did your chest get bigger?
[I guess Simon's more of a boob man than a butt man. Sounds about right though, those are the guys with mommy issues.]
[ Don't look too carefully, but Akira's tail wags back and forth slightly at the compliments. He puffs up just a little more. He beats his chest before propping one arm up to pose and flex it. ]
You bet! Everything did!
[ oh... ]
Amon was the name of the demon that merged with me. He used to be the God of War in Hell and feared by all of the demons, but he was no match for me.
[ Akira cannot really describe the sensation of being possessed but able to still be Akira. It's a phenomenon that even Ryo didn't know much about, but he sacrificed everything so he could be this way. ]
I became like this so I could save the human race, but.. They're not really worth my time anymore. Not after what they've done.
[Unfortunately he does catch the tail-wag. Honestly, it's very cute, if a little unnerving, almost null-like.]
Everything?
[Simon looks away, definitely pausing to consider what things could have become ahem enlarged-]
Soooo... You got taller?
[asdlfkjasd
If Akira is telling the truth, which, by all accounts it really does appear that he is, as he has the fancy superpowers and demon form to prove it, that means that he's... Like, amazing. And, as it seems, practically indestructible, at least physically. Feelings-wise he's a total mess, that's as clear as day, but hey, Simon isn't going to judge that too harshly.]
Sounds like that whole situation did a real number on ya, buddy.
[It occurs to Simon that he is at a major disadvantage here. He's been thrust into a world of not just nulls and human passengers, but magicians, demons, and possibly aliens? He may have tactical skills, survival knowledge, and training in hand to hand combat, but clearly that isn't enough.
He will have to be careful while assembling his team; building an army from the ground up won't be a walk in the park, no siree.
He'll have to start here.]
It must've been so hard.
[It's questionable whether he actually means what he says, but Simon is a master at appearing sincere. Akira won't be able to detect a hint of deceit in the little heathen's voice.]
I can't say I know exactly what you're goin' through, buuut~!
I'm gonna do my very best not to letcha down. After all, we're in this together, am I right? Same color, same team.
[ The rather proud and fangy grin slowly eases to a frown as Simon talks. He's got no reason to mistrust Simon thus far (other than the fact he's human, so that's a little sus, but you know..) but what the other boy is saying sounds sincere; he's just skeptical of all humans right now. They have some kind of arrangement, though, so going by that, Simon's sympathy must be true.
Right?
Akira snorts a bit of smoke from his nostrils. ]
I don't.. team with people, alright? We're not a team.. we're just..
[ just ... ]
People who agree and understand one another. That.. maybe have similar goals in mind.
[Simon maintains a neat little smile. Nothing sinister peeks its way through the farce just yet, though the fact that he is alone without Grace or the Apex to support himself-]
Sure!
[Is hitting him now. Harshly and all at once.
He can hear it again, the muffled screams of rage, boring at the insides of his skull. He hates this place and the fear it instills in him, but mostly he is angry as he liked what he had.
He worked so hard to build it. He was happy and accomplished-]
So, allies, then? What would you prefer. The ball's in your court, bucko!
I just wanna know what I should call ya. I need to know where we're at so I'm not misunderstandin' the terms here! By the looks of it, you could crush little old me with just by making one of those demon wings go flippy-flap.
Ain't that right? I'm just tryin' to get outta this alive, same as you! Or, well, I guess I shouldn't be makin' any assumptions.
[ Akira doesn't say much to that. He might would say he doesn't want company cause he doesn't ant to get attached and then lose that person again, but.. He's also alone. So incredibly alone. It hurts to do anything for literally anyone and then have them take everything from you. ]
I'll never have my mind off of things. I'll never be at peace.
[ But he's gonna try. That's something he would say if he felt like it. Anyway, it's beginning to sprinkle some rain and Akira grumbles as he starts trek towards the castle. ]
... Why medieval things? What's so great about that?
[Clearly, Akira is sad and a little lonely. That much is relatable to Simon. When he's not sucked into a vortex of his own misery, he can actually be a real sweetheart.
Would it have killed him to lean into that a little bit more?]
Don't knock it 'til you try it.
[Simon slides over and bumps his shoulder against Akira's playfully.]
Here, c'mon. It's raining and I'm pretty sure nobody likes a wet demon.
[ There's a growl when he feels the other boy bump into him and his initial instinct is to stop and bristle up his fur, um.. looking like he's ready to fight??? But he resumes walking by him soon enough. Grumble grumble. ]
Yeah.
[ Mutter mutter. ]
I love reading.
[ hearing I love reading from a monster is just.. too funny. ]
[ Quite the conversationalist right now, isn’t he? Though, something is refreshing about seeing a human so excited and joyous over something to simple. There was passion there. Not just fear and hysteria. It was a selfish gesture to indulge in something too much, but that didn’t mean he was a bad person, right? Akira doesn’t know what to do about him.
The rain picks up, starting to drench them both. His fur is starting to soak and he’s probably beginning to smell like a wet dog. He hesitates, though, and reluctantly stretches a wing out over Simon, at least keeping some of the rain off of him. ]
Oh Akira, you have no idea just how selfish Simon can be.
The rain gets Simon to quicken his pace at a maddeningly alarming rate. The gesture with the wing, however hesitant, does strike a chord within him. Something visceral and old, like a feeling he had when he was small.
He does not make much of verbal stir about it, but his eyes dart over his shoulder and back at the thing, as if he's considering something silently.]
Okay, Mr. Wet 'n Stinky.
[Jokingly, he pops out from under the wing and walks into the castle doorway.]
Time to dry off. You may be part demon and have fancy-schmancy superpowers, but I'm pretty sure you can still get hypothermia.
C'mon. I'll help you.
Seems like some places on ya might be hard to reach.
[He means... Like... The back. Right between the wings.]
[ It really doesn't seem that way— not with how Simon is offering to help him so much, but his memories are clouded with people who are especially selfish, cold, murderous, afraid and without any inkling of sympathy. Surely this guy isn't like that. That's what Akira is very hesitantly lead to believe.
They enter the castle and Akira falls on all fours, wings folding up against him as he shakes himself off, starting from the shoulders and all the way down to the tip of his tail. ]
I'll be fine.
[ Simon, though. He can't generate controlled heat with his hands and he doesn't have a pelt to keep him warm. ]
[In some ways, Akira might be right. All humans are capable of being consumed by their own selfishness, so much so that they lose sight of comon decency and reality altogether. Simon is no different and, if he doesn't dare to change his fate, will be just another glaring example of why Akira has been so disappointed by all of mankind.
But in some ways, though the horrors and atrocities he has committed up to this point, albeit unknowingly... Perhaps they can be atoned for. Maybe the future will be brighter. Simon has only had one friend his whole life, after all, and maybe that is why-]
I'll live.
[Losing her had felt like the world was ending. Or would, hm.]
Y'know, for someone who seems to keep puttin' it out there that they really don't care...
[He could think of worse people to spend his time with. Samantha, for one.]
[ Akira sits his fuzzy ass right down, folding his legs together and tipping his palms upward. They illuminate a faint blue glow, his body warming up, evaporating water off of him. It's like being in a sauna. His nose curls, upper lip twitching to reveal his row of sharp teeth. Simon was thanking him, but was he really doing that much? Akira doesn't think so. He knows in the back of his mind it's probably just a matter of time before what small amount of trust in Simon he's placed already becomes broken.
He's hurt. He's so so badly that he just expects to be hurt again.
Akira doesn't say anything to that but reaches a hand out, pushing warmth in Simon's direction. It'll feel like standing near a campfire. ]
[Simon sputters. He knows that he looks tiny, and it's true, he's quite thin. The Apex has managed to gather enough to survive, but it's certainly not an excess.]
Well, you're smelly.
[Simon, you already said that.
He huffs and puffs and folds his arms around himself, though the warmth is. Soothing.]
Ugh. But, I guess, no matter what... We're stuck with each other.
A deal's a deal.
[He looks mad but he... Is scooching very noticeably closer ALSKDFJ]
[Simon stares in the other teen's direction, blinking once or twice.
He has never been the best at monitoring his emotions, constantly storming off to fill his time with routine habits, like making toys or training the others, or writing. Grace knows exactly what to say and how to calm him down, and he knows every in and out of her thought process, or so he thinks. He knows her favorite color and what day her birthday is, and that she loves pomp and circumstance and hates to smell bad. She's quick on her feet and is great with people, but can be careless with the little details, sometimes, and that's where Simon comes in.
But it's never occurred to him in any capacity, especially because for so many years it was just her and him, all by themselves-]
Sounds fair.
[That he actually does like company.
And that in this very instant Simon Laurent desperately would like to make a new friend.]
You just... Let me know.
[Strange, how someone so angry and even terrifying, spouting such cruel words...
Seems to so obviously have such a kind heart. Simon doesn't understand it.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
momijizukamori
no subject
Date: 2021-04-07 01:35 pm (UTC)Yeah. I guess our cultures are different. In Japan, we have public bath houses called an onsen. Everyone bathes together. I didn't mean to startle you. Maybe if you see a big monster flying around with fur, horns and a tail, you'll know it's me.
[ He's a little disappointed he can't show off his cool form because.. he does think it's pretty cool and he'd like to impress another guy his age. You know, boys. ]
.. Well, maybe make sure it's me before you go near it.
[ Considering he ran into a harpy earlier, he's not sure what other creatures could be here. ]
There's nothing wrong with just having girls for friends.
[ UM OFC THERE ISN'T STUPID TOXIC MASC BOY ]
My closest and most dearest person who protected me many times.. she was a girl.
[ And I couldn't even protect her in the end.
His voice sounds light and distant as he says this, walking ahead of Simon and idly breaking off a small branch from a tree as he walks past it. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-04-07 04:14 pm (UTC)[Simon smiles at the mention of the best friend, because um, same. Grace has saved his pale little behind more times than he can count.]
Mine too.
Her name's Grace.
[When he's too wrapped up in his own mind, Simon gets massive cases of tunnel-vision, but when he's actually paying some damn attention, he is pretty observant. He notes the usage of "was," and the angry grabbing at the tree branch.]
Hey, Akira?
Say, why don't you show me your demon form after all? Just... This time I'll turn around and close my eyes before you start.
That sound, merp, swanky?
[He tries to catch up with the other and show him an awkward thumbs up. How do you do friends...]
no subject
Date: 2021-04-07 04:55 pm (UTC)If you really want to. I just thought it might be helpful since we made an agreement. I forget that some foreigners aren’t really used to the human body.
no subject
Date: 2021-04-07 05:05 pm (UTC)Love would imply mutual understanding and an unconditional desire for the other person to be okay, a lack of selfishness perhaps, and realistic standards for the partner in question. What Simon feels towards Grace is something more like obsession and entitlement. She is his friend first, she saved him from death and so he has been fiercely loyal to her ever since, listening to her every word and doting on her hand and foot.
It's worse that she feeds him small tidbits of affection here and there, and while Simon knows in his heart that she has yet to show even a sliver of romantic interest in him, he holds out that if he waits long enough, they will at least grow old together and maybe one day they can romantically hold hands over the body of a null that they've heroically vanquished and said hand-holding will last for more than five seconds.]
Heh! Yeah, you're probably right about that one.
[Simon spins around ceremoniously.]
H'okay! I've got my ears open and my eyes closed.
You ready?
no subject
Date: 2021-04-07 10:02 pm (UTC)Of course he’s ready— he’s already unfastening his belt before Simon can completely turn around and as he transforms, Simon will hear what sounds like the snapping of bones and heavy breathing.. but his lungs sound even bigger now. His height difference isn’t too impressive, but he’s over six feet now, fur covering the lower half of his body (and plenty of it to properly censor himself between his legs, don’t worry, Simon.) He idly holds his clothing in one hand while the other settles on Simon’s shoulder.
Yeah, he’s a depressed kid, but he’s still just a kid, so he can’t help but utter a quiet “boo” I even though he doesn’t do anything to startle Simon. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-04-07 10:33 pm (UTC)In all fairness, his future can still be changed. To grow up in a cold, if fantastical, landscape with only your dear friend and lies to keep you company, it will ruin you.
But redemption is a path he must choose for himself.]
Gah!
[Even with the warning, he still jumps, his hands forming a makeshift karate position, although he knows jack all about martial arts. As he turns around, he lets out more kooky Simon noises.]
Wah! Hah, hoo...
[...Whoa.
If Akira's shoulders were broad before-]
Big horny guy!
[He is pointing. Simon, please don't point.]
no subject
Date: 2021-04-07 10:40 pm (UTC)Simon isn’t running or crying or trying to kill him like some people did when they saw him like this, so it’s good progress that makes Akira think more about the fact that maybe not all humans are the same. ]
Fufufu—
It wasn’t easy becoming like this. There was a chance that I could have died when it possessed me.
But I vanquished it.
I’m the conqueror of this vessel now, and it’s mine.
[ A slight jab to that solid chest of his with his thumb. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-04-07 10:53 pm (UTC)He, instead, gets on his tippy toes and... Taps one of said horns twice with his finger, then bringing his hand back to his own chin, rubbing those 6 sparse chinhairs thoughtfully.]
Hmmm, not exactly ideal for marshmallow roasting... Looks like we've got the wrong length.
[S I M O N!!!!!]
All the wingy-thingies are pretty cool though! Hats off to the, uh, Devil or whatever, 'cause your color scheme's like... Totally neatsicles. Very easy on the eyes.
[neatsicles. easy on the eyes? he is a DEMON]
And, hey, did your chest get bigger?
[I guess Simon's more of a boob man than a butt man. Sounds about right though, those are the guys with mommy issues.]
no subject
Date: 2021-04-08 01:08 am (UTC)You bet! Everything did!
[ oh... ]
Amon was the name of the demon that merged with me. He used to be the God of War in Hell and feared by all of the demons, but he was no match for me.
[ Akira cannot really describe the sensation of being possessed but able to still be Akira. It's a phenomenon that even Ryo didn't know much about, but he sacrificed everything so he could be this way. ]
I became like this so I could save the human race, but..
They're not really worth my time anymore. Not after what they've done.
no subject
Date: 2021-04-08 05:13 am (UTC)Everything?
[Simon looks away, definitely pausing to consider what things could have become ahem enlarged-]
Soooo... You got taller?
[asdlfkjasd
If Akira is telling the truth, which, by all accounts it really does appear that he is, as he has the fancy superpowers and demon form to prove it, that means that he's... Like, amazing. And, as it seems, practically indestructible, at least physically. Feelings-wise he's a total mess, that's as clear as day, but hey, Simon isn't going to judge that too harshly.]
Sounds like that whole situation did a real number on ya, buddy.
[It occurs to Simon that he is at a major disadvantage here. He's been thrust into a world of not just nulls and human passengers, but magicians, demons, and possibly aliens? He may have tactical skills, survival knowledge, and training in hand to hand combat, but clearly that isn't enough.
He will have to be careful while assembling his team; building an army from the ground up won't be a walk in the park, no siree.
He'll have to start here.]
It must've been so hard.
[It's questionable whether he actually means what he says, but Simon is a master at appearing sincere. Akira won't be able to detect a hint of deceit in the little heathen's voice.]
I can't say I know exactly what you're goin' through, buuut~!
I'm gonna do my very best not to letcha down. After all, we're in this together, am I right? Same color, same team.
no subject
Date: 2021-04-10 01:49 am (UTC)Right?
Akira snorts a bit of smoke from his nostrils. ]
I don't.. team with people, alright? We're not a team.. we're just..
[ just ... ]
People who agree and understand one another. That.. maybe have similar goals in mind.
[ so a team ]
no subject
Date: 2021-04-10 02:01 am (UTC)Sure!
[Is hitting him now. Harshly and all at once.
He can hear it again, the muffled screams of rage, boring at the insides of his skull. He hates this place and the fear it instills in him, but mostly he is angry as he liked what he had.
He worked so hard to build it. He was happy and accomplished-]
So, allies, then? What would you prefer. The ball's in your court, bucko!
I just wanna know what I should call ya. I need to know where we're at so I'm not misunderstandin' the terms here! By the looks of it, you could crush little old me with just by making one of those demon wings go flippy-flap.
Ain't that right? I'm just tryin' to get outta this alive, same as you! Or, well, I guess I shouldn't be makin' any assumptions.
What were you tryin' to do, again?
1/2
Date: 2021-04-10 02:05 am (UTC)[ a clawed hand reaches up to his chin.... um.. thinky thoughts here... ]
Useful travel intimate. UTI... no.. wait..
[ this is such like a gintama-esque joke and ooc but i had to do it ]
Yeah, I guess ally is fine.
no subject
Date: 2021-04-10 02:07 am (UTC)[ UM ]
But I also have no interest in returning home. Mankind can extinct each other. There's nothing left for me to protect.
[ he's just irritated that someone else thinks he needs redemption.. hmph.. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-04-10 02:16 am (UTC)That toothy grin of his, however...]
Now there's an idea.
[Oh, boo hoo, so he's some loser that doesn't know what to do with himself.
Aka, the perfect travel candidate. Loyalty will be difficult to win from this one, but once he does, Simon's sure Akira's trust will be invaluable.]
Not sure what I can do about the second part, but I can at least keep ya company. I know I'm not the biggest fan of traveling alone myself.
It's always more fun when you have a buddy, or haha, sorry-
[His smile widens. Something about it seems... Tight.]
An ally. Wanna go take a look inside? Maybe it'll take your mind off of things for a minute or twenty.
I may not be onboard for this whole phony hero's journey, but I'm diggin' the whole medieval thing.
no subject
Date: 2021-04-11 02:05 am (UTC)He's also alone. So incredibly alone. It hurts to do anything for literally anyone and then have them take everything from you. ]
I'll never have my mind off of things. I'll never be at peace.
[ But he's gonna try. That's something he would say if he felt like it. Anyway, it's beginning to sprinkle some rain and Akira grumbles as he starts trek towards the castle. ]
... Why medieval things? What's so great about that?
no subject
Date: 2021-04-11 02:31 am (UTC)[Clearly, Akira is sad and a little lonely. That much is relatable to Simon. When he's not sucked into a vortex of his own misery, he can actually be a real sweetheart.
Would it have killed him to lean into that a little bit more?]
Don't knock it 'til you try it.
[Simon slides over and bumps his shoulder against Akira's playfully.]
Here, c'mon. It's raining and I'm pretty sure nobody likes a wet demon.
You ever read fantasy novels...?
no subject
Date: 2021-04-11 02:40 am (UTC)Yeah.
[ Mutter mutter. ]
I love reading.
[ hearing I love reading from a monster is just.. too funny. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-04-11 02:49 am (UTC)[It is wildly endearing, honestly.]
These days I've mostly been writing my own, though.
I'm callin' it the Esmoroth Trilogy. I'm only part of the ways through Book One so far, but boy oh boy, is it fun.
no subject
Date: 2021-04-11 03:03 am (UTC)[ Quite the conversationalist right now, isn’t he? Though, something is refreshing about seeing a human so excited and joyous over something to simple. There was passion there. Not just fear and hysteria. It was a selfish gesture to indulge in something too much, but that didn’t mean he was a bad person, right? Akira doesn’t know what to do about him.
The rain picks up, starting to drench them both. His fur is starting to soak and he’s probably beginning to smell like a wet dog. He hesitates, though, and reluctantly stretches a wing out over Simon, at least keeping some of the rain off of him. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-04-11 04:14 am (UTC)Oh Akira, you have no idea just how selfish Simon can be.
The rain gets Simon to quicken his pace at a maddeningly alarming rate. The gesture with the wing, however hesitant, does strike a chord within him. Something visceral and old, like a feeling he had when he was small.
He does not make much of verbal stir about it, but his eyes dart over his shoulder and back at the thing, as if he's considering something silently.]
Okay, Mr. Wet 'n Stinky.
[Jokingly, he pops out from under the wing and walks into the castle doorway.]
Time to dry off. You may be part demon and have fancy-schmancy superpowers, but I'm pretty sure you can still get hypothermia.
C'mon. I'll help you.
Seems like some places on ya might be hard to reach.
[He means... Like... The back. Right between the wings.]
no subject
Date: 2021-04-11 01:56 pm (UTC)They enter the castle and Akira falls on all fours, wings folding up against him as he shakes himself off, starting from the shoulders and all the way down to the tip of his tail. ]
I'll be fine.
[ Simon, though. He can't generate controlled heat with his hands and he doesn't have a pelt to keep him warm. ]
You might get sick though.
no subject
Date: 2021-04-11 05:22 pm (UTC)But in some ways, though the horrors and atrocities he has committed up to this point, albeit unknowingly... Perhaps they can be atoned for. Maybe the future will be brighter. Simon has only had one friend his whole life, after all, and maybe that is why-]
I'll live.
[Losing her had felt like the world was ending. Or would, hm.]
Y'know, for someone who seems to keep puttin' it out there that they really don't care...
[He could think of worse people to spend his time with. Samantha, for one.]
You're pretty thoughtful.
Thanks.
no subject
Date: 2021-04-12 12:37 am (UTC)He's hurt. He's so so badly that he just expects to be hurt again.
Akira doesn't say anything to that but reaches a hand out, pushing warmth in Simon's direction. It'll feel like standing near a campfire. ]
You look like a drowned rat.
[ i had to say this ]
no subject
Date: 2021-04-12 01:41 am (UTC)[Simon sputters. He knows that he looks tiny, and it's true, he's quite thin. The Apex has managed to gather enough to survive, but it's certainly not an excess.]
Well, you're smelly.
[Simon, you already said that.
He huffs and puffs and folds his arms around himself, though the warmth is. Soothing.]
Ugh. But, I guess, no matter what... We're stuck with each other.
A deal's a deal.
[He looks mad but he... Is scooching very noticeably closer ALSKDFJ]
No backsies.
no subject
Date: 2021-04-12 01:48 am (UTC)[ Akira holds out his other hand, giving Simon more warmth. ]
... Or unless I fuck up.
[ He's keenly aware of his mistakes and Simon having difficulty with trust, so he's willing to at least humble himself and admit it. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-04-12 02:08 am (UTC)He has never been the best at monitoring his emotions, constantly storming off to fill his time with routine habits, like making toys or training the others, or writing. Grace knows exactly what to say and how to calm him down, and he knows every in and out of her thought process, or so he thinks. He knows her favorite color and what day her birthday is, and that she loves pomp and circumstance and hates to smell bad. She's quick on her feet and is great with people, but can be careless with the little details, sometimes, and that's where Simon comes in.
But it's never occurred to him in any capacity, especially because for so many years it was just her and him, all by themselves-]
Sounds fair.
[That he actually does like company.
And that in this very instant Simon Laurent desperately would like to make a new friend.]
You just... Let me know.
[Strange, how someone so angry and even terrifying, spouting such cruel words...
Seems to so obviously have such a kind heart. Simon doesn't understand it.
And yet he is learning that he would like to.]