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

[homicidalrage]

It's not rational. But dying did bring a degree of fear of losing you as well.

[ He'll rest against him once they're on the couch, taking a moment to enjoy the place - the smell as well as the peaceful sight. ]

...This is rather nice.

[firstworldproblem]

You've lost so much. Fear of losing more is, well, more than understandable.

I do adore our pier, but I wanted to make you a place in Amaurot that has just as many good memories.

[He leans against his shoulder propped up on an elbows. He runs his fingers barely above his eyes.]

Close your eyes and relax.

[homicidalrage]

[ there's a small smile at that - at the words and the gesture, at the thought that Emet is as considerate as always. ]

Whether I get to relax or not is going to be up to you, my moon and stars. But I can certainly close my eyes.

[ and he does just that ]

[firstworldproblem]

I do believe that simply means I need to try harder. I do enjoy a challenge from time to time.

[He kisses his forehead, resting his cheek against his temple before slipping a hand into his chest past bone and muscle and all these 'physical' barriers to stroke and soothe his soul.]

[homicidalrage]

[ He should have expected it and yet he didn't. But the surprise is welcomed - the touch feels as pleasant as always and though he's not completely at peace, it's easy to feel something close to it when it's Emet's handling his soul. Enough so that he lets out a low, pleased sigh ]

... I wonder if I'll ever get used to this.

[firstworldproblem]

[He slips a leg between his in a less sensual more keeping close move before dipping his other hand in and cupping his soul between his palms carefully, but firmly.]

You did ask if you recall.

[And he'll control the dream so that parts of it come into focus. The fell of him holding him, the sound of the waves, the smell of the foliage while everything else does get pushed back into background noise.]

[homicidalrage]

[ He did ask, and just like last time, he doesn't think he's ever been able to feel more comfortable in his own skin. And he does wonder if it's simply a matter of the anomaly of his body, or if it's the thought he's safe in Emet's hands, that makes this feel so peaceful.

There is a certain charm in being protected, all the more so when it's from a man he considers his equal - and who sees him the same way. ]

Ah. You are doing just fine at making me relax.

[firstworldproblem]

If I knew you mind wouldn't eventually bore, I would keep you like this.

[He tugs at his soul separating his senses from his physical body so only the sound and smells remain. But they, too, fall into oblivion as he removes it completely.

Unlike last time he won't merge, but simply surround him. A protective outer core around him. And it is true, he doesn't believe Five needs to be saved. He's doing well enough of his own, but he does definitely deserve to be.]

[homicidalrage]

[ He's right, his mind would probably get bored of this eventually. But for now it's exactly what he needs. There is a little spike of fear, something inherently unsettling at losing his senses - or at least the ones he's used to rely on. But it's gone as his soul focuses on the aether around him.

It's odd how being separated from his body doesn't make him feel like dying again, but instead simply fills him with warmth as Emet's aether surrounds him. And though he can't verbally express his approval, he does try to let his feelings of love and adoration flow to him ]

[firstworldproblem]

[A wordless pleasant hum is his response. He holds him there in a mindless white noise, soothing and petting the edges of his soul similar as to one would remove creases from a shirt --- trying to dull the spikes on anxiety.

He might be successful. He might not be. However, he does pay close attention to Five's 'feelings' ensuring he doesn't feel trapped or restricted or wishing to go back into his physical form.]

[homicidalrage]

[ He doesn't. For a while, at least, Emet's work on his soul serves to truly soothe him, push away not just the unpleasantness of dying but the fears that came along with it, the memories of his siblings death and loss that always rise to the surface whenever something bad happens.

Time is iffy in dreams, and for all he knows this could be anywhere between minutes and centuries, and for that entire time the feelings he projects on him are overwhelmingly positive. It's a little like if they were truly just napping against one another, relaxing and resting and simply enjoying the other's presence.

But eventually he'll start feeling like he needs to go back, like he can't stay like this more - before he forgets what he needs to do. ]

[firstworldproblem]

[There is always that possessive urge to simply keep him, but it is a fancy. Fleeting. He gently lets the physical attach back to his soul. The sounds, the smells, the touch all come sharply into focus one at a time as he's petting his hair and watching him closely.]

Your soul is beautiful as always.

[homicidalrage]

[ His cheeks go red at the compliment - it's not new for Emet to say it, and yet, it still makes him blush. But he doesn't answer, not yet - now that his normal senses are back he brings his hand to his clothes, pulling him in for a kiss ]

[firstworldproblem]

[He kisses him back softly as he continues to pet his hair.]

If that makes you blush, you know I'm going to use it against you.

[homicidalrage]

How else am I supposed to react to you calling my soul beautiful?

[firstworldproblem]

Smug and arrogant. Like you know it is the truth.

[homicidalrage]

Then compliment my brain and intelligence if that's what you want to see. Or my general usefulness. Or, you know. The fact I'm always right.

[firstworldproblem]

Yet my comment was on par with all those examples.

[He snuggles up to him warm and content. Five’s own personal cat!]

It is beautiful truthfully. And I will not tire of seeing its hue.

[homicidalrage]

[ well that is nice, and despite his protests he smiles - his arm going around him and his hand stroking his back ]

... Well. Then I can't wait for you to see it properly, outside of this place.

Thank you. For always being here for me.

[firstworldproblem]

[That gets him to curl up more.]

I was tempted to bask in it. Were it not Vergil we needed to look after I probably would have.

You are doing the same for me, and if I were in a worse spot I know you’d be soothing me. What lengths would we not go for the ones we love?

[homicidalrage]

[ He moves so he can kiss the top of his head, and then just keeps his eyes on him, with pure love and adoration ]

Fair enough. But I do appreciate it. To be honest between you guys I'm starting to feel like I don't need to be on the defensive too much. I dislike being vulnerable but it's acceptable from time to time, when I'm with you.

[firstworldproblem]

[He hums contently.]

You were taught to be defensive your entire life. It will take time to feel comfortable otherwise. Time I do not mind waiting for.

Just simply allow me to worry. I fear at times I drown Lahabrea in it, so I have to shift a little to you and Vergil.

[homicidalrage]

Oh, if it's for Lahabrea's sake then I guess I will allow it.

[ just for that not because he loves being pampered by him ]

It's beautiful, you know. This place. You'll have to create it for me when we're in Amaurot.

[firstworldproblem]

I knew you would see it my way.

[He looks up at him.]

I do enjoy the challenge of surprising you pleasantly. Observing. Taking notes. To be able to create a place you can relax. Do critique on what you would like changed.

[homicidalrage]

[ He is actually giving it some thought. And then he seems to reach his conclusion ]

I'd like it if we could see the stars from here, too.