Who: Fie, Shinjiro, Louis, and/or Minato (Animal House) When: July Where: The Animal House (or whatever) What: ... things Warnings: N/A (will update as needed)
[She talks, and it sounds reasonable enough, but... He can't slot it in place in his mind. Sure, he's seen it. When Akihiko had lost his sister, for sure. But at least he had focused his efforts onward. Into improving himself, top prevent it from happening again. (No matter how many times Shinjiro told him 'we were just kids, what could you even have done?'
Sure, people felt responsible for things they didn't have to. But--]
Wondering about that kinda thing is one thing. Coming up and asking to be forgiven for it's another. [He shakes his head, clearly disagreeing with the whole logic of it.]
The last thing I wanna do is be responsible for someone else getting over my death. They can work through that on their own.
[And... it's a very personal thing, isn't it? His death is his own. It's a personal, private thing. He chose it, he accepted it, he took responsability for it. Others could mourn, sure. They could have their greviences. But being told that it shouldn't have happened-- it really had bitten at him.]
Anyway, she got pissed and told me not to lecture her on death, and that's it, alright? Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner.
Don't apologize for something you're not sorry for, especially when you're just being snippy about it.
[While Shinjiro's voice is short and clipped, Fie's is still calm and surprisingly patient, something that only comes about when she's addressing something she considers important. She's not scolding him, just low key asserting that she deserves better from him. At least this time.
Fie exhales through her nose, a little resigned at this point, but still not leaving his side. It'd take more than being sniped at to get her to go away, regardless if that's what he's trying or not.]
You're right on some of it. It was kinda selfish of her, but it coulda been the shock of seeing you there. Maybe not. [These are just her own thoughts now, void of any point to be made.] People handle things differently, and this was just the wrong way.
[For both of them by the sound of it.]
But I got concerned, too. [Now it's her feelings on him.] You haven't clammed up like that in a long time. I was worried. And if you tell me not to be, that's not gonna happen. You know that by now.
[He'll huff, but he won't argue the first point. Because he'll give her that. She doesn't need to be snapped at, just because he doesn't feel like examining the motivations of someone he just had a run-in with. Hell, there hadn't even been that much of an argument. It had just been a clash, really.
His fingers curl around the remains of the cup from the shaved ice, crumpling it in his hand, and he'll just... tuck it into his pocket. He'll toss it out when they get home.]
Does it even matter why it happened? [He rolls a shoulder as he walks- though can't help that frown deepening at her voicing her worry. Be it from guilt or from just being exhausted at being responsible for someone's feelings again, it's hard to be sure.]
And it's not like I was hurt or anything. [It's still a bit on the defensive side, though not consciously so. At the very least he isn't trying to be obstinate, for once. He'll accept that she was worried-- those sudden shifts in emotion through the bond are prominant, and seeing a huge change is always a concern. So he gets that part.]
I get it. You were worried. But I don't see why you gotta be now, since you know what it was about. I just didn't want to talk to her anymore, so I didn't.
Because I know from experience with you that if left alone after something, you'll just brood and wallow in your own self inflicted misery. And that gets tiring to deal with on my end.
[From being both his bonded and girlfriend. She's only sort of serious, though, as they both know (or should) that she'd deal with a lot more if she had to. That goes for any of her bonds, really.
Fie looks over at his withdrawn form again and gently nudges him in the side. If he won't open up a little, she'll get him there. Literally this time.
He can likely hear her muttering:] Can't believe I'm saying this.
We're kind of a team, you know. [She refuses to use the word partners thanks to Yosuke.] Please don't make me give some sort of speech now. Rean might've rubbed off on me more than I want.
[Again, he can't claim she's wrong. Because she's exactly right-- his plan had been mnostly to go home and shove his face into the couch and just let himself be aggravated over the whole thing. Work it out in his mind, try and figure out even how to feel about it, let alone what to do.
He can't help but frown at her words, though.]
So what am I supposed to do? I can't just not feel something about it. [This time, at least, it's not snippy. But tired. Resigned, almost. Because sure, she's right. And yeah, his feelings probably are exhausting to deal with. But he doesn't know what else to do. He can't help having them. And yeah, he's irritated by it all, and irritated that his irritation is apparently an immediate problem for bondmates that has to be addressed before he can even get home and process it all himself.
It's one of the few times he's frustrated about the idea of being bonded. Of being even more of a fuckup and not able to keep his emotions to himself, and the fact that others are unwilling witnesses to it.
She likens them to a team, but it's hard to feel as though he's equally contributing to any sort of balance.]
Please don't give a speech. [He pulls a face when he says that. Because man, he could absolutely do without a 'we're in a relationship and something something partnership' speech right now.] Just-- gimme some time to even figure out what the hell it's all about.
I never said that. [Fie exhales through her nose, a little frustrated and regretting her word choices.] Just don't brood on your own. Louis and I are here for you, too. That's all I meant. Sorry.
[The apology feels necessary now, because of her phrasing. It's obviously a little too soon for jokes like they usually slip into their conversation. The part has her kicking herself.
She reaches over and tugs at his sleeve, a quiet request for him to look over at her.]
You can and should feel whatever you want. The tiring part is watching you sometimes try to deal with it on your own when you don't have to anymore. It's fine if you want to, but you have a habit of forgetting that's not your only option. I didn't want you going down that road again without the reminder that we're still around.
[Fie lets her hand drop, the blinks to herself. Whoops.]
That was sort of a speech, wasn't it? I'll make it up to you later or something.
[Her explanation might have felt unnecessary, but... really, he hadn't even known what she meant. And so he does look over at that tug on the sleeve, brows still furrowed, but at least trying to get what she means.
It's exhausting to deal with, but she and Louis want to help deal with it. (Well. Fie, at least. He's not sure Louis would view 'support' in the same way, but that's neither here nor there.) And so he slows to a stop in the walk, attention fully given over as she expands on it. And that really does lay it out a lot better, doesn't it.
It's the exact same thing he'd get yelled at (and punched for) over a year ago, back home. Taking it all on himself, refusing to let others in. But he already had, here, hadn't he? Fie and Louis had already been let past all those defenses, were already emotionally tethered to him. And on top of that, they actually cared. In different ways, sure, but that wasn't up for debate.
And so he just... slumps slightly with a sigh. Some of that tension being given up, as he brings a hand up to gently rub at one of those soft, round ears. Reinitiating that contact, and the comfort of the bond it brings. Sure, two monsters don't have the same feeling, he's noticed. Less of a draw and more of an exchange. But that's comforting in its own way.]
Nah. You stopped short of it being a speech.
[One side of his mouth twitches for a moment, as though he tries for a smile that never quite forms. But at least the effort existed for a moment.]
But... That explains it better. So... thanks. [He's not sure what else to say, really. He's still troubled by it all, by whatever it means, by knowing that he can't just drop this alternate-universe Minato. He'll have to follow up and see it through. But Fie has a hell of a point. He doesn't have to do it alone. ]
I can fill you in when we get home, I guess. Not a whole lot to tell, though.
[Dammit, Shinjiro. Going for the ear is a cheap shot.
Upon contact, Fie tilts her head against his hand, enjoying the sensation. The low rumble of a purr begins before she can stop it, though it never fully escapes. Won't stop him from hearing it, though. She might try to scowl, but it's difficult. So she settles for simply enjoying it.]
No need. You've probably told all there is already. [Reluctantly, she pulls away from his hand and tilts her head towards the direction they were head, which was back to the house. And it really is starting to feel more like a home.]
You're welcome, by the way.
[Then there's a smile from her to make up for the one he can't quite create.]
Did you wanna grab something on the way back? I know you weren't out to just have an emotional crisis-- it's too hot for those.
[He nods. And really, he feels that he had told basically all there was to tell. The encounter had been incredibly short, and he hadn't given Minako more than a chance or two before shutting off and leaving.
And... sure, he'd been a tiny bit scolded here... but in a productive way, really.]
...Yeah, we can grab something if you want. Indoors, probably.
[It is muggy and gross outside, now that summer is swinging around into full force-- and he brings up a hand to lift the thick hair from the back of his neck as he speaks, give it a moment to breathe.]
You, me, an' Louis should go out to the Wilde sometime to cool off. I bet it's cold as hell around there now.
I was thinking of grabbing some stuff and heading home. Some for Louis and Minato, too. Might be better for us to just hang out away from everything.
[Easier for Shinjiro and her as well. Home-- or the closest thing to one here-- is where they feel the most at ease, especially with all of them around each other. Their bonds only help to magnify that sense of contentment, though sometimes Fie likes to think they'd still be well enough together if they weren't bonded. Just in case something changes their current status, a fallback feeling of security would be nice.
She does notice him futz with his hair, agreeing with the unspoken sentiment of ugh at the heat. So clearly that means it's time for her to initiate contact! Fie lets herself drop behind his step and place a hand on his shoulder from behind. That's all the warning he needs before she easily hoists herself on to his back for a piggyback.
Once he's got hold of her (as she knows he will), Fie reaches into a belt pouch and pulls out a hair tie. Given a few moments, she'll have his mane of shaggy brown hair put up in a messy bun and off his neck. The sweat doesn't bother her in the least. All she does is lean forward and kiss him on the cheek. Her arms go around his neck in a brief hug.]
That actually sounds like a good idea. Hanging out there for a few days could be fun.
[He nods-- though her mentioning Louis and Minato means that he's going to have to tell them that she exists. He almost wonders if Minato already knows, since she was aware of him. Either they'd already found one another here, or it was a secret from back home he'd never knew. Either way, that's yet another thing to add onto the list of things to do.
He's pulled from his thoughts, though, as soon as that hand hits his shoulder- and by now he's familiar with that sudden weight of her pulling herself up, and tucks an arm down to catch her opposite leg as it swings over his hip, tilting his head forward slightly just to make sure his horns aren't in the way of her suddenly riding on his back. (They're really no where near her, but figuring out exactly where they lay and orient is taking a while to get used to. At least he's not hitting himself on doorjams anymore, though.]
You that tired already? [An easy tease. He knows that she's likely nowhere near. Fie could push herself through total exhaustion, if she had to. But that doesn't mean she won't help herself to the opportunity of grabbing a ride, even if it is paid for with thin fingers working through his hair as she ties it up for him.]
Alright. We can run by the market, then home. Maybe ask Louis if he wants a winter retreat later on. [He shifts his arms under his legs, hiking her up a little on his back, before continuing to walk.] Give us all a break from the place.
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no subject
Sure, people felt responsible for things they didn't have to. But--]
Wondering about that kinda thing is one thing. Coming up and asking to be forgiven for it's another. [He shakes his head, clearly disagreeing with the whole logic of it.]
The last thing I wanna do is be responsible for someone else getting over my death. They can work through that on their own.
[And... it's a very personal thing, isn't it? His death is his own. It's a personal, private thing. He chose it, he accepted it, he took responsability for it. Others could mourn, sure. They could have their greviences. But being told that it shouldn't have happened-- it really had bitten at him.]
Anyway, she got pissed and told me not to lecture her on death, and that's it, alright? Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner.
no subject
[While Shinjiro's voice is short and clipped, Fie's is still calm and surprisingly patient, something that only comes about when she's addressing something she considers important. She's not scolding him, just low key asserting that she deserves better from him. At least this time.
Fie exhales through her nose, a little resigned at this point, but still not leaving his side. It'd take more than being sniped at to get her to go away, regardless if that's what he's trying or not.]
You're right on some of it. It was kinda selfish of her, but it coulda been the shock of seeing you there. Maybe not. [These are just her own thoughts now, void of any point to be made.] People handle things differently, and this was just the wrong way.
[For both of them by the sound of it.]
But I got concerned, too. [Now it's her feelings on him.] You haven't clammed up like that in a long time. I was worried. And if you tell me not to be, that's not gonna happen. You know that by now.
no subject
His fingers curl around the remains of the cup from the shaved ice, crumpling it in his hand, and he'll just... tuck it into his pocket. He'll toss it out when they get home.]
Does it even matter why it happened? [He rolls a shoulder as he walks- though can't help that frown deepening at her voicing her worry. Be it from guilt or from just being exhausted at being responsible for someone's feelings again, it's hard to be sure.]
And it's not like I was hurt or anything. [It's still a bit on the defensive side, though not consciously so. At the very least he isn't trying to be obstinate, for once. He'll accept that she was worried-- those sudden shifts in emotion through the bond are prominant, and seeing a huge change is always a concern. So he gets that part.]
I get it. You were worried. But I don't see why you gotta be now, since you know what it was about. I just didn't want to talk to her anymore, so I didn't.
no subject
[From being both his bonded and girlfriend. She's only sort of serious, though, as they both know (or should) that she'd deal with a lot more if she had to. That goes for any of her bonds, really.
Fie looks over at his withdrawn form again and gently nudges him in the side. If he won't open up a little, she'll get him there. Literally this time.
He can likely hear her muttering:] Can't believe I'm saying this.
We're kind of a team, you know. [She refuses to use the word partners thanks to Yosuke.] Please don't make me give some sort of speech now. Rean might've rubbed off on me more than I want.
no subject
He can't help but frown at her words, though.]
So what am I supposed to do? I can't just not feel something about it. [This time, at least, it's not snippy. But tired. Resigned, almost. Because sure, she's right. And yeah, his feelings probably are exhausting to deal with. But he doesn't know what else to do. He can't help having them. And yeah, he's irritated by it all, and irritated that his irritation is apparently an immediate problem for bondmates that has to be addressed before he can even get home and process it all himself.
It's one of the few times he's frustrated about the idea of being bonded. Of being even more of a fuckup and not able to keep his emotions to himself, and the fact that others are unwilling witnesses to it.
She likens them to a team, but it's hard to feel as though he's equally contributing to any sort of balance.]
Please don't give a speech. [He pulls a face when he says that. Because man, he could absolutely do without a 'we're in a relationship and something something partnership' speech right now.] Just-- gimme some time to even figure out what the hell it's all about.
no subject
[The apology feels necessary now, because of her phrasing. It's obviously a little too soon for jokes like they usually slip into their conversation. The part has her kicking herself.
She reaches over and tugs at his sleeve, a quiet request for him to look over at her.]
You can and should feel whatever you want. The tiring part is watching you sometimes try to deal with it on your own when you don't have to anymore. It's fine if you want to, but you have a habit of forgetting that's not your only option. I didn't want you going down that road again without the reminder that we're still around.
[Fie lets her hand drop, the blinks to herself. Whoops.]
That was sort of a speech, wasn't it? I'll make it up to you later or something.
no subject
It's exhausting to deal with, but she and Louis want to help deal with it. (Well. Fie, at least. He's not sure Louis would view 'support' in the same way, but that's neither here nor there.) And so he slows to a stop in the walk, attention fully given over as she expands on it. And that really does lay it out a lot better, doesn't it.
It's the exact same thing he'd get yelled at (and punched for) over a year ago, back home. Taking it all on himself, refusing to let others in. But he already had, here, hadn't he? Fie and Louis had already been let past all those defenses, were already emotionally tethered to him. And on top of that, they actually cared. In different ways, sure, but that wasn't up for debate.
And so he just... slumps slightly with a sigh. Some of that tension being given up, as he brings a hand up to gently rub at one of those soft, round ears. Reinitiating that contact, and the comfort of the bond it brings. Sure, two monsters don't have the same feeling, he's noticed. Less of a draw and more of an exchange. But that's comforting in its own way.]
Nah. You stopped short of it being a speech.
[One side of his mouth twitches for a moment, as though he tries for a smile that never quite forms. But at least the effort existed for a moment.]
But... That explains it better. So... thanks. [He's not sure what else to say, really. He's still troubled by it all, by whatever it means, by knowing that he can't just drop this alternate-universe Minato. He'll have to follow up and see it through. But Fie has a hell of a point. He doesn't have to do it alone. ]
I can fill you in when we get home, I guess. Not a whole lot to tell, though.
no subject
Upon contact, Fie tilts her head against his hand, enjoying the sensation. The low rumble of a purr begins before she can stop it, though it never fully escapes. Won't stop him from hearing it, though. She might try to scowl, but it's difficult. So she settles for simply enjoying it.]
No need. You've probably told all there is already. [Reluctantly, she pulls away from his hand and tilts her head towards the direction they were head, which was back to the house. And it really is starting to feel more like a home.]
You're welcome, by the way.
[Then there's a smile from her to make up for the one he can't quite create.]
Did you wanna grab something on the way back? I know you weren't out to just have an emotional crisis-- it's too hot for those.
no subject
And... sure, he'd been a tiny bit scolded here... but in a productive way, really.]
...Yeah, we can grab something if you want. Indoors, probably.
[It is muggy and gross outside, now that summer is swinging around into full force-- and he brings up a hand to lift the thick hair from the back of his neck as he speaks, give it a moment to breathe.]
You, me, an' Louis should go out to the Wilde sometime to cool off. I bet it's cold as hell around there now.
no subject
[Easier for Shinjiro and her as well. Home-- or the closest thing to one here-- is where they feel the most at ease, especially with all of them around each other. Their bonds only help to magnify that sense of contentment, though sometimes Fie likes to think they'd still be well enough together if they weren't bonded. Just in case something changes their current status, a fallback feeling of security would be nice.
She does notice him futz with his hair, agreeing with the unspoken sentiment of ugh at the heat. So clearly that means it's time for her to initiate contact! Fie lets herself drop behind his step and place a hand on his shoulder from behind. That's all the warning he needs before she easily hoists herself on to his back for a piggyback.
Once he's got hold of her (as she knows he will), Fie reaches into a belt pouch and pulls out a hair tie. Given a few moments, she'll have his mane of shaggy brown hair put up in a messy bun and off his neck. The sweat doesn't bother her in the least. All she does is lean forward and kiss him on the cheek. Her arms go around his neck in a brief hug.]
That actually sounds like a good idea. Hanging out there for a few days could be fun.
no subject
He's pulled from his thoughts, though, as soon as that hand hits his shoulder- and by now he's familiar with that sudden weight of her pulling herself up, and tucks an arm down to catch her opposite leg as it swings over his hip, tilting his head forward slightly just to make sure his horns aren't in the way of her suddenly riding on his back. (They're really no where near her, but figuring out exactly where they lay and orient is taking a while to get used to. At least he's not hitting himself on doorjams anymore, though.]
You that tired already? [An easy tease. He knows that she's likely nowhere near. Fie could push herself through total exhaustion, if she had to. But that doesn't mean she won't help herself to the opportunity of grabbing a ride, even if it is paid for with thin fingers working through his hair as she ties it up for him.]
Alright. We can run by the market, then home. Maybe ask Louis if he wants a winter retreat later on. [He shifts his arms under his legs, hiking her up a little on his back, before continuing to walk.] Give us all a break from the place.