post-hearts

[idolpro]

Who: Sleepyheads
Where: Honmachi Sakura Park
When: Day 326

[ After a long, long, long night, you wake in the dead zone, having slept more deeply than you've ever slept before.

Perhaps more restfully than you've ever slept before, even—do you remember your dreams? Is it all coming back to you, now?

For certain dreamers, the flower markings have disappeared, though if you wake early enough you can catch them glowing bright before burning away painlessly. With that, it feels as though maybe a weight's been lifted off your shoulders—maybe you really needed that sleep.

For certain dreamers, you may find yourself waking up with something new—was that always in your hands? Where did you get that from? Do you remember?

And, for a certain few unlucky dreamers, you may find yourself waking with pain, wounds or scars that remind you that what happened last night was not entirely a dream.

But then, who could ever believe it was a dream anyway?

The sun shines bright; Heaven's chain shines brighter. In the distance, white clouds roll toward the city, threatening rain.

-

Please note: Characters may not fully remember their romps in other characters' hearts immediately. This is so that if you're still backthreading hearts, you can have your character not remember what happened or otherwise not be affected by the changes in the run until later.

Heart Game channels will be up until mid-February, although they may close sooner/later at runner request. If you're finished with your run and don't want any more pings, just remove the role and it'll be gone from your sidebar ✨ ]

Comments

[time5kip]

That's easier said than done.

[temperedinpride]

[He kisses the top of his head and sheds his robe, sliding into the water and holding a hand out for Five.]

My mind is in many places at once Five. Do forgive me if I was indelicate about your kindness.

[time5kip]

[ he joins him shortly after, taking his hand and then bringing it to his lip, kissing it before he leans in to kiss Lahabrea's cheek instead ]

Oh, so you are the one in shock after all.

You weren't indelicate. And I do mean it when I say the action soothes me, so. It's as much for me as it is for you.

But I'm here to offer a listening ear as well.

[temperedinpride]

[He smile at the actions and lifts a hand to ruffle Five's hair wetly.]

Not shock. But it was a lot to process. After all. I did pry quite deeply.

And there is the matter of worrying over everyone. It is unfortunate but I've grown fond of many of you. I shall have to check in on a few people. At least I can leave Hades and Vergil in your care in an emergency.

[time5kip]

You can.

And you can leave me in their care as well, so don't worry too much over myself.

[ he's going to reach for hair product to start with that, pouring it on his hand first and then reaching for Lahabrea's head ]

Close your eyes, just in case.

[temperedinpride]

Yes dear.

[He tilts his head back for Five, eyes closing.]

That I can leave you with them is a given.

I worry mainly for Hythlodaeus. But I will see to him myself. Hades I doubt has encountered anything he cannot handle. And Vergil we will keep an eye on.

Now that leaves you. Will you speak to me?

[time5kip]

[ He's glad he asked him to close his eyes because of course the pet name makes him blush, though it's as effective as it always is ]

These games tend to be a lot even for people who are more emotionally prepared for them so I can see why you're concerned.

[ he'll leave it at that for a few moments, not addressing that last question and focusing on washing Lahabrea's hair - though it's more because he's trying to gather the right words ]

Aside from what I've already told you ... I suppose I'm worried as well. Vergil is my primary concern, of course. But like I said. These games tend to be a lot.

I do wonder if Luther and Klaus ended up in any of those.

[temperedinpride]

[He hums in pleasure at the attention, listening without interruption until Five seems to have said what he wanted.]

I have no doubt your concerns are genuine, and we will check in on them. But I mainly meant to ask about yourself.

[time5kip]

[ there's just a sigh at that ]

Well. I'm trying to come to terms with dying horribly twice. Needless to say I'm not keeping those flowers.

[temperedinpride]

[He laughs.]

Yes, not the sort you want to keep.

[But he does turn and catch Five's wrist, pulling him close to stroke his back.]

I am sorry you died Five. And that I was not there to help. Perhaps I should have stuck with you.

[time5kip]

[ he rests his forehead against him, taking a few moments to just enjoy his presence. It really is hitting him now that he doesn't have an objective to focus on ]

It's hardly your fault, and you know that.

[temperedinpride]

It is not self-recrimination. Simply a thought. Next time it would be better to keep to your side, in such an instance.

For now, simply breathe a moment.

[He wraps his arms around Five, rubbing his back gently.]

Feel my presence and your own existence.

[time5kip]

No, that would have been inefficient.

[ but he nods, and he focuses on Lahabrea's touch, on his presence against him ]

How many times did it take you to get used to it? Dying.

[temperedinpride]

Many. And even when I thought I was accustomed, now and then some new horrible way would catch me off-guard.

People are not meant to grow used to death. Even if Hades and I are numb to it, you should not expect it of yourself. Nor desire it.

[time5kip]

No, I suppose not. My desire for survival is one of my biggest strength after all. Though admittedly I'm willing to take a couple more deaths to reach my objective, provided they're tmporary.

[temperedinpride]

Indeed. Your will to live is one of your better qualities. Do keep it.

[He will reach for soap and a cloth. Not moving Five but starting to wash him where he is. Letting his touch be gentle and grounding.]

[time5kip]

[ there's a small smile at that ]

Thought I was going to take care of you today.

[temperedinpride]

I am not denying you! But it can be mutual, hmm?

[He won't stop until he's satisfied anyway. Movements slow and unhurried. Not trying to be sensual but with more careful attention than strictly necessary. Being fussy his own way before offering Five the cloth and soap.]

[time5kip]

[ There's a soft smile at that, and he enjoys the attention and care - tension finally starting to leave him bit by bit. When Lahabrea offers him the cloth and soap he'll again lean in to kiss his cheek before he starts washing him, just as gentle and careful, taking his time with it ]

Thanks.

[temperedinpride]

[He closes his eyes, his own shoulders relaxing with the washing.]

The feeling is mutual. But you are welcome.

How do you feel?

[time5kip]

Like shit if I have to be honest.

But being with you does make it better.

[temperedinpride]

I do prefer the honesty.

[He cups Five's face to kiss his forehead.]

Let us get dry and warm. Will it help if I hold you for a while?

[time5kip]

... I'll allow it for a little while.

[temperedinpride]

Only a little while?

[He'll stand, offering Five a hand up and fetching them both warm fluffy towels.]

Or would you rather hold me? What would make you feel more secure?

[time5kip]

[ taking the hand and then the towel to dry himself with ]

Vergil needs attention as well - arguably more than I do. So yes, just a little while. For tonight at least.

... I think I'd prefer to hold you instead.