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]

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.

[time5kip]

It's easier to be patient with you guys than it is with myself.

But I will make an attempt.

[temperedinpride]

[He rubs his back, fingers gentle and firm as they start working.]

Simply... try to exist. And let yourself be. Do not try to think that you should or have to be over or past anything. Just accept where you are. And let us hold and comfort you as you need.

[time5kip]

[ he understands but his first thought is still that he needs to make certain vergil will be fine. But then again. This is why they're in this together isn't it. He can rely on them to take care of not just himself but each other as well - that's what they just said earlier ]

Well. Admittedly where I am right now is very warm and comfortable.

[temperedinpride]

Good. That is the point. Try to enjoy it for now. And talk to me if you like, to air what concerns you.

[time5kip]

There's nothing else to add. Just a vague sense of dread really.

... But so long as I'm with you I do feel like it's passed.

[temperedinpride]

I am glad to help make it lighter. Then relax for now. Let my heartbeat put your worries to rest as well.

How did things go for you otherwise?

[time5kip]

Well, I think. Aside from dying. It could have been worse - and besides. I did get the chance to talk to a reflection of Vergil's mother.

That was emotional.

[temperedinpride]

Tell me of it.

[time5kip]

... I told her how proud we are of Vergil. How much we love him, and that we will take care of him.

She was kind.

[temperedinpride]

A bit different from Grace?

[time5kip]

I think so. At least she wasn't programmed to take care of him, I guess.

[temperedinpride]

Hm. How did it feel meeting her?

[time5kip]

She's important to Vergil, so I appreciated having the chance to meet her.

Or are you asking about my issues with parents?

[temperedinpride]

Both I suppose? You said it was emotional.

[time5kip]

It was. But I'm not going to be able to really describe it.

Part of it was the significance of it for Vergil, part of it was because it was the first time I could see and feel parental love. Well. Aside from my interactions with Kaguya when she was talking about her daughter, but those haven't always been positive.

[temperedinpride]

I see.

[He strokes Five's hair, thoughtful.]

I suppose it is something I can only imagine. A good memory to have made, perhaps.

[time5kip]

[ he nods ]

And it was nice working with you as well. Despite the deaths, well. Being with you did leave me thinking we can do anything together.

[temperedinpride]

It did feel quite reassuring having you and Hades there. That I could leave things up to you with not a second thought.

[time5kip]

We're unsurprisingly very efficient. Even without saying anything.

[temperedinpride]

A little taste of working together properly. We can yet refine it, better protect you, but I'm most pleased.

[time5kip]

I'd say I knew I was going to die that second time but I don't imagine that would make you feel better about not being there.