Cough.....

cough.....

        Eyes widened, a hand flying to her open mouth, reeling back slightly as she puts on an exaggerated act of being shocked at the results. She's not of course. It's him, after all. Riku !  It'd truly be a bigger surprise if he somehow didn't clear most of the card  ( and what did this say about her ? ).

        A breezy laugh broke the facade and a few easy steps brought her to his side. She clasped his shoulder, firmly shaking it a bit.  ❝ Stop lying Riku, I know what you are. And I know that you can be goofy. ❞

         Hands lightly pressed together, ghost of smile peeking out from behind gloved fingers. Although subdued ( a blank canvas, white and pristine and empty, for heavenly words must shine pure through mortal coloration ), budding excitement leaked through the cracks of the vessel's impeccable poise.  ❝ Wonderful ! ❞  The lavish yet modest accommodations granted by the town for their momentary repose was nice, but she yearned to peer into remnants of times bygone. For but a fleeting, almost even restless moment, silence draped its limpid cloak on her. Imagining what lay before them weaved an entrancing work of art, mind swept under the tide of anticipation beckoning her to search for what had been long forgotten. Perhaps it's unbecoming to devote so much of her attention beyond sacred duty, conveyance of the holy grace of the gods, but as she rose from her chair, sleeves undulating with the brief motion, steps ached to carry her forth to the mysteries of the unknown all the same. Fortune smiled upon Aera, for her to be blessed by the stars with a sister who humoured her fanciful interests.  ❝ Adventure is what you shall receive then. I seek to walk along the paths laid out within the ancient ruins of the forest to the east. There will be much to see ! Once word of it reached me, I knew I had to go. ❞

𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐔𝐍𝐁𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃.    t’was between sisters where angels fell on deaf ears, where their choirs ceased so abruptly it rendered time breathless, drowned out by humming bird songs.  as seemingly humble nothings meant everything amid cosmic malediction, what else could she do than accept sweet offers, which may, one day, stand still at a moment’s notice ? “ how could i say no ?  i am in the mood for a little adventure today, and this book can certainly wait.  to what wondrous place will you guide me, i wonder ? ”

“ Don't laugh. ” [ for kairi! ]

►  ❪  MIXED BAG  ❫

         The wrong choice of words to make use of in this scenario  ( of all scenarios !! ), serving to achieve the opposite effect he desired. Manifesting as a wrench to work against him, they're taken to the trembling bolts barring delighted giggles behind raised brows and pinched grin, undoing the wobbling seal already straining to hold back more than the occasional giggle, allowing peals of ungraceful laughter to tumble forth. A sudden crescendo of glee, a rising wave of joy crashing against the sea's shore, stealing away air from lungs and reducing the shaking girl to heaving breaths.

         ❝ H-How do you —- ❞  Wheezes fought to find a place to be heard among the fit of amusement.  ❝ — ex-pect me n-not to ??  I can't — ❞  

         It's too much, a struggle to seek enough air to manage getting that much of a response. tapering off into few seconds of silence. It's still too much. It couldn't be contained within the hollows of her chest, stifled snickers bouncing around with fervour, steam compressed tighter and tighter, soon forcing its way up and the exhale of air pitched into another round of laughs. Tears began to seep in and blur vision. An arm rose to swipe at her eyes and clear them. She missed the mark entirely, motion almost sending her careening to the floor. Rather than meet the ground and kick up debris, Kairi stumbled into her friend, shoulder resting against arm as body slumped into his side, relying on his sturdy frame to keep her propped upright.

         Stars above, she hadn't laughed so hard or so freely in ages. The tense, acrid fog settled within her chest lifted, dispelled if even for this bright, shining moment. Maybe Riku knew in his own unique way, about the myriad of doubts / familiar frustrations / old wrenching aches plaguing her mind. Maybe this was a reminder that he was still here — not gone too far ahead yet / with her by her side / present and alive. Maybe this was all wishful thinking, spun up as a cooling balm to ease the burns left behind. Intentional or not, appreciation for the other sat warm in her heart all the same.

         It had slipped away under the cover of the fog  ( the feeling forgotten and abandoned )  but as she looked at Riku, Kairi remembered how it felt to be home.

         A hand brushed aside lingering tears while the other shifted between them, reaching for his. Only when she secured hold of it, when they're hand in hand, did she straighten up. ❝ It's not bad. I swear it's not. ❞  Head shaking, she squeezed his hand, smile a little lighter, easy and affectionate.  ❝ I know I'm laughing, but I mean it ! ❞

STYLE [ from kairi! ]

     ۵ ◜𝄞◞ ۵ ┊ “Kairi what’s this all about?” She asks, a soft laugh in her tone. 

     For a while now Kairi had been leading her around the Destiny Islands; showing her the sights and taking in the scenery. Not that they hadn’t done this all before, but Gemiya never tired of the scenery here. It was calming for her, relaxing and a small reprieve in times where she felt as if she constantly had to keep her guard up.

     At first it seems like a regular hangout, complete with a small bit of shopping on the residential island. Gemiya was quite happy about the freshly made crepe in her hand, happily biting down on it and careful not to waste a single drop of cream or chocolate. While munching away at the treat, she followed Kairi around and she seemed- intent on buying particular items. Gemiya knew Kairi had a penchant for collecting hair accessories ( the adorable minnie ears coming to mind ) so she figured this was part of it. Looked like there was a new stock of hair clips and bows that had come in and of course, Kairi couldn’t resist. 

     Gemiya didn’t think much of it, but with the sun setting it was probably time for them to head in for the night and the two made their way to Kairi’s place. The brunette merely followed Kairi’s lead but as soon as the both of them step into her room, Gemiya had frozen in place.

     “Oh.” Of course. Now she knows what this is about. Gemiya’s complexion fades into a pale state, only now just realizing what had been going on up until this moment.

The day had all been an elaborate trap in order to get Gemiya to drop her guard and agree to what Kairi had very obviously prepared. The vanity is lined with different leave-in conditioners, clean hairbrushes, a hair curler and straigthener and hair accessories. Everything is tip-top and ready and practically sparkling as Kairi had made it look all too inviting. Dark Honey eyes scan the rest of the vanity, looking for-- ah. There it is. The dreaded tool. Scissors. They’re not in place with the rest of the hair styling items but the fact they were there! No.... no. Gemiya is about to turn around, but of course Kairi is at the doorway blocking her exit.

     “I’m... not getting out of this am I?” Gemiya could see it in the other’s eyes. 

     Kairi why? Kairi knows Gemiya is particular about her hair and is even fussier about who handles it. Yet... she can’t back out now since Kairi had treated her to the crepe and a couple of other treats earlier. She knew it was too good to be true. Kairi had always wanted to style her hair... and Gemiya honestly couldn’t blame her. What with the length and soft curl to it? It is rather inviting.

     “Fine. Okay fine. No scissors though!” 

     It doesn’t take long but Gemiya admits defeat and agrees to let Kairi have her fun. Part of her wants to curse how easily she gave in but... how could she regret it when she could see the sparkle in the eyes of one of her closest friends upon agreeing.

     As if worried that Gemiya might take it back, Kairi is happily quick to get to work on her dark chocolate tresses. At the very least, Gemiya could see her friend’s elated expression through the vanity mirror ( as well as make sure she doesn’t reach for those scissors ).

     After about an hour’s worth of work, Kairi proclaims that she is done. From what Gemiya could see, there was a lot of braiding done but judging by the grin on her friend’s face there seems to be more to it. Kairi proudly hands over a small handmirror over to Gemiya so that she could better see the handiwork. 

     Sure enough, as Gemiya turns around and sees the back of her head by using the vanity’s mirror and handmirror in tandem; there’s a lovely rose formed out of the braids and adorned with hairclips containing fabric flowers and leaves. 

     “Oh wow. I didn’t expect this level of style from you.” Goodness. Not to mention this level of patience! 

     “I’ll have to figure out how to return the favor one day. How do you feel about growing your hair long again so I can style it sometime? I could probably find a hair growth spell or potion somewhere if I look hard enough.~”

@asteriskheart /  𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐒.

“ you’ve been so quiet. what’s on your mind? ” ( For Bennett!! )

►  ❪ QUESTIONS  ❫

         The flame of optimism to go unnoticed was thoroughly extinguished by Mondstadt's cavalry captain astute observation. Energy dimmed, a peculiar quiet where enthusiasm would once be found, perhaps Bennett shouldn't have been as surprised as he was upon receiving the remark. Yeah, he  [ usually ]  received a wide berth, space sought to be put between the wary and him / his terrible luck, but others who knew him even a little beyond that might note the unexplained shift in normal behaviour as enough of a clue something was off.

         A strangely pitched grunt rumbled from the base of his throat, lips moving to shape consonants and vowels, but efforts bore no fruit. Words failed to materialize and pierce his silence. A thumb jutted at opened mouth — a hint, an indication of the consumption of an item — before he shook his head. A gesture's made towards his throat, straightened hand sweeping back and forth, a slicing motion.

         The ability to speak was stripped from him. Any other time he'd jump at the chance to speak with Kaeya but Bennett's left with naught but his thoughts, unable to communicate beyond the scope of body language.

         Sheepish grin crept onto his features, a touch guilty, eyes flicking about before returning to the man. The ensuing shrug and heavy sigh's clear:  ❛ what can ya do, right ? ❜  In reality, he brought this on himself. The adventurer ate something out in the wild he  ( in retrospect )  shouldn't have yesterday and karma came to collect, blessing him with an ailment, afflicting him since rising with the morning sun. He's been at it all day, trying out all kinds of natural remedies. None stuck.

         He'd bounce back in no time, as sure as the wind was free !  This incident ought to have used up a lot of bad luck so what awaited him would be a better tomorrow. Hopefully, Kaeya would still be willing and able to talk when that tomorrow did roll around.

new main tags 3/?