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

[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.

[temperedinpride]

I will manage my attention between all of you. But very well.

[He will pull Five close when he's dry, draping the bath towel around him and tying it for him, then taking his hand.]

You can confirm my heartbeat for yourself.

[time5kip]

[ He's not surprised that he's so transparent Lahabrea was able to tell he needs to have undisputable evidence that he's alive. But he squeezes his hand and nods ]

Let's head back to bed then.

[temperedinpride]

[He just nods, leading Five by the hand and sitting in bed to pull Five in with him, flopping sideways and opening and arm to invite Five to cuddle however.]

[time5kip]

[ he'll take the invitation immediately, arms going around him as he pulls him close ]

You've gotten too good at reading me.

[temperedinpride]

[He'll wrap his arm around Five as well, squeezing gently. Voice soft and fond]

Now it would be rather shameful for me not to have some idea what you need by this point.

Do whatever you need to confirm the reality of both our lives. I will stay in your arms until you inevitably let go before you're ready.

[time5kip]

Normally I'd complain but admittedly it does make things easier for me.

[ he's going to hold him a little tighter than necessary, letting himself rest against Lahabrea's chest to actually hear his heartbeat ]

Is it weird? That my mind goes back to the apocalypse even though I was the only one who died.

[temperedinpride]

Not at all strange. I believe that is how trauma works.

[He will reach blindly for the bedside table, snagging one of the floral perfumes Emet keeps and dabbing a drop behind Five's ear and his own. Then close it and dropping it on the bed, keeping tight hold of Five in turn.]

It isn't about logic or reality. But the deep scars left in your heart and mind. The wounds that ache when new hurts pull on them.

[time5kip]

[ The perfume help - as it always does, and he's quiet for a few moments as Lahabrea speaks. Eventually though he just lets his eyes fall shut as he listens to him ]

I still hate it. That it's so easy for my mind to go back there.

[temperedinpride]

It will take time, Five. And even time will not mend it wholly. Be patient with yourself. What you have endured is much for any.