intro log: august

[faileas]

Intro Log: August

I. ARRIVAL Out of nowhere, a glint of light catches your eye; your heart thunders in your ears as your body moves on its own, your mind consumed with inspecting the source. Your reflection stares back at you, just as curious from the surface - a mirror, a pool of water, your most trusted sword, something fleeting that your mind can barely remember - then ripples at your touch. A moment later, you feel a tug, and you find yourself stumbling into a dark, musty room. Behind you, a mirror stands ornately decorated with reminders of home wrought in brass and wood: the faces of people you know, and symbols important to you; all things that send a pang through your chest with the desire to return to them. Touching the mirror's surface does nothing but leave the stain of your fingerprints. When you turn to survey the room, you find there are hundreds of other mirrors. None of them are as decorated as yours - they're plain and dusty, speckled with age. Then you realize a second thing: You're not alone. Distantly, the ringing bell of a clocktower can be heard. But no matter its distance, the time is clear to make out: it chimes three times, stark, resonating like a pulse of something in this mirrored hall that you and many others have found yourselves in. For those familiar with magic, they might feel the power of the witching hour upon them, though it will feel different from what they're used to - in fact, everything does. You're certainly not the only ones here, however. On the first floor, with the doors wide open behind them in the foyer, is a small group headed by two individuals. As people begin to arrive, to come from the higher floor, they're waiting - and they're waiting for you, and your questions. Explore the rest of the mirrored halls you've now found yourselves in, or proceed to the foyer? Leaving the Looking-Glass House makes it obvious that the clock striking three was for 3 AM - the night sky is faintly cloudy, but the stars are brighter with the absence of the sister moons in the sky - it's the new moon, after all. The Looking-Glass House is rather nondescript two-story cottage made of grey brick, sitting at the edge of The Coven's courtyard; stones which glow as you step on them mark the path to and from the two buildings. While fairly small and plain on the outside, the inside has been enchanted to be the size of a large library, with hundreds upon hundreds of mirrors hanging, standing, and resting inside its walls. Some are broken, some are cracked, and some seem completely uninjured - but all of them are just as plain as the cottage itself, showing age in the silver beneath their glass and in the greening of their metals... Well, all except a character's personal mirror; to characters, one mirror - the one they came through - will be decorated lavishly with metal-and-wood-wrought reminders of home, and the surface will be as clear as a brand-new mirror.

II. THE WELCOME PARTY Whether you've decided to find a way out of the building you've arrived in, or decided to explore the rest of the Looking-Glass House - and perhaps finding a few familiar faces among the crowd - you feel a pull towards the foyer of the first floor. It's like a firm suggestion, as if to take you by the hand and draw you to where it begins, and the source of it becomes quite apparent upon finding one's way to the front room: a tall, comfortably-dressed older woman and her even taller wolfish companion. "There's always a right lot of you coming in, aren't there." The woman sets her hands on her hips, with her Bonded casting a glance at those looking confused - newly arrived - and those who may have followed them in to talk to the newest addition of their mirrorbound bunch. "About time for introductions though- this here's Mhairi Ainsley, ambassador to the Parliament and my Bonded, and I'm Nerissa Bell, Head Witch of the Coven - but you can just call me Miss Nessie, you can," she adds, winking. "The lot of you must be as tired and confused as the last batch - hullo to those who've joined us, too! - so just a moment, dearests, I'll set all you right up—" With nothing more than a wave of her hand, rows of insanely colorful seats are summoned; half of them are wooden (sturdy and comfortable besides that), with the rest being misshapen and bag-like. Regardless, the seats fill the foyer and spread out a ways into the lawn behind them, making room for all of the new arrivals as well as the previous batch, should they have come to check on things. The Witches and Monsters that accompanied Nessie and Mhairi move to make room, and some disperse into the building itself to see if there's anyone who needs tending to. Mhairi steps forward as the chairs materialize. "Please, those who are able, join us for a moment. There are many questions that I'm sure you have - we will do our utmost best to answer them, and you may take any that we can't as a promise to find some sort of solution or answer." NOTE: If you wish to interact with Nessie and Mhairi, please comment here. You have the option of handwaving the IC interaction to OOCly ask what questions your character might have for them, for us to summarize an answer for, or you can request an IC thread. Simply specify in your comment's subject and we'll respond accordingly. Additionally, those with notable injuries or sickness will be attended to ASAP by Coven-based witches, and should anyone be curious about what they are - if they have magic potential, or if they swing a different way - then this can be done during this and the general hour or so the new arrivals are within the Coven's grounds. There are ongoing classes on magic, monsters, and Bonding as well, though they take place more during the day than at night - feel free to have your characters attend them at any time!

III. THE HAVEN After an hour or two of general chaos, questions that the natives attempt to help with, and injuries tended to for those who arrive in poor condition, it's time to make a trek through a bit of leftover ice and snow to where you'll be staying while Nessie and Mhairi continue to search for a solution to the situation. As you're leaving with a few Bonded for guides, peculiar-looking devices - watches, the native Witches explain, compliments of Parliament - are passed around to all the new arrivals; they're given a quick rundown on their functions and bid to test them out when they can. They can even do it as they make their way out of the Coven's courtyard and to the Haven. Formerly part of the Aristocratic District, The Haven is just as well-kept and brightly-lit as the district it hails from. The houses err on the tall and ornamental-side, large enough to fit several families (or, according to the upper class, their one family, several dozen servants, and guests), especially closest to the Aristocratic District. They become a little more modest and smaller as one gets away from the realm of high society and nearer to the Residential District proper. Newcomers are shuffled here and invited to find somewhere to live - the Coven is currently handling expenses for the houses themselves in a program implemented by the Parliament, though if your character wishes to have anything extra - like maids, chefs, and so on - they'll have to pay for them themselves with their own earned money. Much of the landscape and fixtures are the same as in the Aristocratic Districts, though it lacks formal emergency services due to its roots as part of a district that already did. Much of the housing already has furnishing due to the speed at which homeowners were relocated; they were given enough time to collect their valuables, but standard furniture such as kitchenware, couches, beds, etc. were left behind for those moving in. Other houses appear the same, but the dust on the floors suggest these houses were left before the new arrivals even showed up - a reminder that the Cwyld can strike just about anyone, regardless of standing. Another portion of this district has been opened up to the new arrivals: the barracks, the row of buildings pressed against the very edge of the Bright Wall. As the city's military force no longer has the same presence it previously did, the barracks have gone into disuse, and a cleanup effort has been in place since before the new arrivals came through the Looking-Glass House. For those who desire something a little less opulent, the barracks might just be the answer. The barracks can also be used for business, for a welcome center, a communal space, for anything that the residents of the Haven see fit to use it for - so long as the legality isn't questionable, on the surface. To help with filling up the larger houses - and even some of the smaller ones, and the shared rooms in the barracks - the Witches put together a little roommate finding service, on a smaller scale from the grand opening of the Haven. For those who aren't entirely sure who they want to shack up with, they have a small survey for them to fill out and post on the board they've magicked up in the center of The Haven. The board also very helpfully reads aloud each form for everyone to hear in a cheerful, monotone voice. It isn't able to be shut up, nor is it easy to ignore, being imbued with a kind of amplification magic. It reads simply the information you've offered up yourself, or that someone might have written up for you, should that be their idea of fun.

IV. LÙNASA Just like three months ago, those new to Aefenglom have found themselves brought to the city in the middle of a celebration. From dusk of Aguril 1st to the dusk of Aguril 3rd, Aefenglom celebrates something fairly special: Lùnasa. Traditionally, Lùnasa celebrates all kinds of traditional marriages sanctioned by Parliament, generally of the arranged kind, and handfastings, a ceremony based more on love and how long it lasts. The Coven's Bonds err on this side of things, though some Witches do have official spouses - Miss Nessie and Mhairi are an example of this, though not everyone marries their Bonded, either. Many of them are made during this festival, prompting the city to dress for the occasion just in case they find themselves in the middle of a ceremony, and just as many of them are formally renewed. Like during Litha, shops offer lovemaking potions, but only to those renewing vows or taking them; smaller fireworks, like sparklers and fountains, are also a common sight. Lùnasa is also home to the city's largest fashion show, showcasing fun and upcoming trends in the city. No experience is required to sign up to show off designs or to model them, and hundreds of tailors and needlework experts come together to quickly make dreams into reality for the end of the festival, when the show happens in genuine. The clothing is often wild and sorted into three categories: children, where those 14 and younger can submit their designs and model them as well; popular, where those 15 and older can do the same to try and vie for the judges' vote on what's in and what's out; and bonding, where all ages aspire to modify and make personal the traditional garbs of marriage and handfasting. While circumstances might be a little weird - and the month is a little cold coming in, given the snowstorm that happened at the end of last month - there's plenty to do, plenty to see, and plenty to take your mind off of just what a weird experience this all might be. Though those who have been in Aefenglom for a while now might notice something different over the course of the festival: they're a little more powerful than before, almost similar to the free-feeling that Boaltinn encouraged. Spells can still go awry, but the results will be much bigger - but it's frowned upon to use magic during festivals. Then again, characters will feel as if they're about to burn up if they don't use it a little... Well, just one spell beneath the shadow of the new moons wouldn't hurt, would it? a. JUST IN CASE While the city is dressed up on the off chance they might be roped into an impromptu wedding ceremony - it's likely that those who aren't native to Aefenglom don't have such luck. Thankfully, the tailors of city are offering free clothes on the caveat they advertise for them by wearing them around the festivities - they're long yet breathable garments, with colors that are fairly muted oranges and reds, not unlike the coming fall. It'd seem the fear of red skies from Litha has started to fade as nothing else too terrible has happened to the city at large, at least on the surface. And as it turns out, those offers might be better timed than they think: characters will be pulled into ceremonies at random to act as witnesses, to serve as dance partners for lonely folk, or just because they really needed someone to even out the numbers. b. ON THE CATWALK An annual occasion, the Aefenglom Fashion Show is always a bustling, bright time for those young and old to strut their stuff and try their best to either follow the latest trends, or spark them into being. Unfortunately, they're running a little low on models this year - many of their other ones decided to try their hand at sewing themselves - and so they're accepting volunteers! Willing or not; many of the more aggressive youths aren't above dragging those they deem perfect enough to wear their clothing to the back of the stage set up in the center of the Shopping District and pushing them out onto the catwalk dressed to the nines in all sorts of ridiculous-looking styles. c. EYE-CATCHING A few of the newest fashionistas in town have tried their hand at some rather... peculiar-looking clothing - but none so peculiar as those found in Precogstitchin' or Arwel's Tailory, in two completely different ways. While those who try on a piece or two of Precogstichin's wares will find themselves the center of attention due to their rather avant-garde shape, color, and pattern choices - not to mention accessories and rumor of being made of arachne silk! - those who try on Arwel's wares will find themselves being stopped quite frequently in the street despite the rather plain and dull colors and formless shapes the tailory provides as free samples. d. NEW MOON RITES While native Witches bemoan their weakened magics - some even expressing relief the new moon happens to land on a festival this year so they don't have to notice just how weak they are, mirrorbound Witches will find themselves feeling just the opposite: they're stronger. For those that chance a little magic despite the unspoken rules of the festivals in Aefenglom, they'll find the expelling of energy to be very relieving, as if a weight lifts off their shoulders. For those that refuse the siren's song of release, however, sparks of magical energy will fly from them, with a myriad of results - enchanting inanimate objects, transforming animals from one thing to another, starting small fires, creating illusions of the person or creature they fear the most... and so on.

Welcome to the intro log! While mingling on the log itself is highly encouraged, feel free to make your own logs; take the prompts offered and go wild, go crazy, go stupid, have fun. The network system is free to use once characters have their watches as well; information on that can be found at the bottom of the Setting page, while any extra questions about it can be found in the FAQ index. Quests can be picked up now as well! While new characters will have to get settled in, you can go ahead and put your name on some by replying to the August's Quest Pickup thread on the Quest Board. Finally, if your character is getting into any Shenanigans, let the mods know, and if you have any questions about the log, ask them here!

Comments

[notawriter]

...The sooner the better, eh?

[Oda allows Dazai to take his hand and drag him back to the house of mirrors. As they power through the streets, Oda remembers how Dazai had tried to reason with him, to give him a reason to live, to stop him from going to Mimic and Gide and his own demise. Given the clarity of mind Oda has now, it must've been painful when he'd left Dazai anyway.

Maybe that's why Dazai's so determined to do this bonding thing right now. Oda still doesn't regret choosing to avenge, kill, and die; however, he once again regrets not properly saying good-bye even though his friend still came for him and listened to him completely until his very last breath.

So Oda will go along with it. He owes Dazai that much, possibly even more.]

—Just asking. I have no complaints.

[proficience]

[Even if pressed, even if completely inebriated and without any sort of filter, Dazai would still avoid stating how he feels about this entire situation -- specifically, how he feels about Oda's return. He misses him; honestly, his death, and the moments prior to it, were a turning point in Dazai's life. He hasn't been quite as brutal since then, at least not outright.

But even to Oda himself, Dazai would have issues admitting to such a thing. So, forming this bond, he hopes, is enough. Enough to show that he's happy to have reunited with him again, even if the circumstances are quite strange.]

Better us forming one than having to get along with a stranger! [He jests; if he had to, he'd put on an air and get along with most strangers.

Once the two of them have made it back into the house of mirrors, Dazai releases Oda's hand and whips his head back and forth in a futile effort of looking for a Witch.]

Hm.

[notawriter]

[It's hard to tell whether or not Dazai's comment on getting along with strangers is a joke, but Oda knows Dazai well enough to think he probably could get on just fine with anyone else if he chooses to do so because Dazai is a cunning and intelligent young man who'd always been a little too smart for his own good.

Eventually they find a witch who provides further details and insight on the bonding ceremony. There's apparently a part of it where they'll have to repeat written vows aloud while joining hands in a magic circle. Oda takes some time considering his individual vows but eventually writes about Dazai being his only friend, which while simple still understates and overstates their relationship. It's a perfect descriptor.

...

The ceremony itself is completed without incident, and Oda and Dazai are successfully bonded.]

Have you looked around at the residences yet? There's some free ones... [Which are perfectly fine with Oda, but perhaps may not be so suitable for Dazai.] —that are available to us now, but we can look into getting something else, too. That is, if you wanted to stick together, I mean.

[proficience]

[It was mainly a joke. There are some colleagues he isn't on the best of terms with, mainly due to his insistence on pulling pranks and lazing about when the task at hand isn't the most interesting, but overall -- he can get along with pretty much anyone, if need be. Or, at the very least, pretend to.

The ceremony goes without issue, to no surprise on Dazai's part. He's close enough to Oda to know that when professionalism is needed, he's fine. And obviously, he knows himself well enough to make it through a ceremony without a problem.

If given a choice, he would have still picked Oda to bond with, no questions asked. He means an incredible deal to him, even if he has yet to state so outright.]

I figured bonded pairs would be expected to live together. But -- [He pauses.] I'm not going to lie and say that the free residences are that appealing to me. What kind of place would you be interested in? Something small?

[The ceremony did give out the important bit of information that one can bond with three others, in total. So, a larger residence may make more sense in the long term. Ever the planner, Dazai decides to add:]

Actually, larger may be better. If others from home arrive and we choose to form further bonds, then having a larger living space would benefit us all.

[notawriter]

[Once upon a time, Oda wanted to be a writer living in a cottage by the sea. Now, he's unexpectedly alive in someplace other than hell without much say in the matter. Gide isn't here for him to hunt down, but the orphans aren't either. Could Oda really return to having that same dream again? It doesn't feel right. Should he start over and work toward a new dream? Maybe, but he isn't entirely certain.

There's a lot he's uncertain of at the moment, even if no one could tell by looking at him.]

Hmm... I wouldn't mind a small place, but I get what you're saying. [Oda doubts he'll make any other bonds, but he's staying open-minded. There was no telling they'd wind up in a place like this—discounting that one dream from before losing everything that mattered, that is.] Even if we check them out, we'd probably have to find work to afford anything larger anyway.

So, what do you wanna do now?

[proficience]

[Ideally, Dazai would love to come up with a long-term plan and goal for his time here, however long that will be. But there are too many uncertainties for even him to figure out tomorrow, save for one thing -- he's sure that he'd made the right decision to form a bond with his closest friend.

Though, when the notion of having to find work is brought up, he stops his mind from wandering further and chuckles, waving a hand quickly.]

Of course! I don't know what job I'll be taking on, with my previous experiences, but -- I'm sure I'll find something.

[For now, though, he'd like to just relax.]

How about going to a bar? Getting a few drinks, just like old times? [Minus one, but that can't be helped.]

[notawriter]

['With my previous experiences'... Come to think of it, Oda hasn't bothered asking about what happened after his death. But Dazai's not wearing his Port Mafia executive outfit, and he's taller than before. So much of him seems the same and yet so different. That said, Dazai's invitation is a welcome one that brings a very small and subtle smile to Oda's face.]

I think I'd like that.

[Maybe they'll catch up; maybe they won't. But Oda hopes the atmosphere's the same as their favorite place so that maybe he'll be able to loosen up a bit more and speak a little more freely about what he wants to.]

I may have seen some along the way before running into you. Come on, let's go.

[proficience]

[There's a lot that Dazai wants to tell Oda, a lot he wants to admit and explain, but he can't do any of that out here. A bar is, in a sense, a place of comfort for him, and a place where he can feel more at ease. Especially with his closest friend.

He nods when he's told that Oda had passed some bars earlier.]

Great! I haven't had much of a chance to pay attention to what's around, so I'm glad you have. [If anything, he's happy to know that there are bars in the vicinity. This whole 'turning into a vampire' thing is more than enough to drive a man to drink, honestly.

Which brings the point of researching vampires into Dazai's head. Doing that when he has the opportunity would be a good idea.]

Lead the way.

[notawriter]

[Another one of those ways in which Dazai seems the same and yet so different is his paleness. It's something Oda remembers from that faraway dream he'd once had before everything went completely pear-shaped. Was that dream real? Was it a premonition of what was yet to come? Here and now, were they in the world of the dream? Is Dazai a vampire?

Slowly and softly, Oda reaches for Dazai's wrist or hand to carefully take it and casually lead him through the streets. He's in no rush, and there's easily a bar or two closer to where they'd been right after bonding. But Oda's doubling back to a specific one just because he has a feeling it'll be similar to Bar Lupin. Time and again, he checks on Dazai—he just wants to be certain his friend is all right, after all.

...

Carefully making their way downstairs from the entrance, he's not disappointed. This place has the same kind of cozy but dimly-lit mood and looked like the place was somehow frozen in time. A tabby cat leaps down from one of the barstools as if to give up its seat.

Stopping at the foot of the stairs,] So, what do you think?

[proficience]

[There's a part of Dazai, deep down, that still doesn't quite believe that any of this is real; specifically, that his late friend is here and alive. The being a vampire thing is also questionable, but it's second on his list of curiosities. Curiosities that he's not sure he'll actually ever find the answer to, but even without knowing the truth, as long as he can spend time here with Oda, he'll be happy. Though, hopefully being a vampire won't be an issue in the long term. Goodbye, sun.

When his hand is taken, Dazai senses a brief flashback to the dream, and his breaths quicken just a little. He'd taken Oda's hand after he'd fed from him for the first time; he remembers that, and it was an interesting experience. Does the other man remember it, as well?

He could ask, but before he realizes it, they're at the bar; when that cat jumps off of the barstool, he can't help but beam.]

I think it's a splitting image of our bar. Even down to this guy. [He'll kneel and reach to pet that cat, adding:] Sensei, I should say.

[notawriter]

[It's as much an exact likeness of their favorite meeting place as any bar in a completely different world would be, right down to having a stray cat that Dazai immediately has dubbed as 'Sensei'. Oda moves, taking a seat at the bar and ordering a bottle of their least expensive non-house wine for himself and—]

Come to think of it, are you... are you old enough to drink?

[Dazai had only been eighteen when Oda went revenging off the mortal coil, so this is his first somewhat open acknowledgment of time passing since dying. Dazai may only have been able to drink at that time because he was a Port Mafia executive. Oda isn't sure that sort of thing will just fly in this world...

Again, Dazai seems the same and yet so different. It's a struggle.

In any case, Oda's still going to order a bottle. Just one. They're new here and don't exactly have much to spend, but he's not getting house wine. That much he's sure of.]

[proficience]

[That stray cat simply sends so many nostalgic, pleasant feelings throughout Dazai's mind, that he can't help but affectionately rub the top of its head and behind its ears for a few more moments, before finally straightening up again.

The cat is clearly not Natsume, but it seems aware of things -- aware enough to give up its seat, after all!

At that question, Dazai sits on the empty stool next to his friend and chuckles, gesturing in front of his face. It's a simple gesture, no real meaning behind the action at all.]

It's been four years. Which means that I'm twenty-two, if I have my math right. [So, yes, he's above the legal age to drink.

He doesn't comment when Oda orders that bottle of non-house wine, but he does mull over whether he wants to spend the money to order a second. He doesn't have much, since he has yet to even look at job opportunities here, but --

It's not every day that he can reunite with someone he'd thought he'd lost forever. Enthusiastically, he orders a second bottle of the exact same wine, nodding and grinning when the cork is popped and he's able to pour some into a glass. He'll pour some in a second for Oda as well, and then hold his own glass up, at head level.]

Toast -- to the stray dogs.

[notawriter]

[There's no reason to doubt Dazai's math, but to think that four years have passed since then from Dazai's point of view. Oda's last words are still quite fresh in his own mind. He may even recall Dazai's face from then too, but it's possible Oda's mind filled in the cracks where his vision blurred as he lay dying in Dazai's arms.

Before Oda could offer to share his bottle, Dazai bought one of his own and poured drinks for both of them. Oda looks on with some degree of fascination until Dazai raises his glass for a toast. Following suit,]

To the stray dogs.

[After which he takes a long sip, noting the wine's taste. It's nothing like their usual, but it's a decent inexpensive wine and something of a callback to more pleasant times. He commits every possible detail of this moment to memory; maybe Dazai's doing the same.

After enough mulling about in silence,] So, what have you been up to since that time? Four years, was it?

[proficience]

[A lot can happen in four years, and a lot has for Dazai. Enough to where, when he's done toasting with Oda, he takes the time to gulp down his glass of wine without any modicum of hesitation whatsoever, as he's aware he'll need the buzz from the alcohol to even begin to talk about what he's been through.

And even with that buzz, he's not completely sure he wants to say everything. He's a bit of a mess, emotionally, which is understandable considering how he's now sitting next to his closest friend who, by all means, shouldn't be alive.

It's still a shock. Setting that empty glass down on the counter, Dazai sighs, but makes a point to smile warmly before responding.]

A lot of things have happened the past four years. But I will say that your words to me had made an impact. I believe I saved someone. [He reaches for his bottle and pours a little more into his glass, taking another drink. This one's lighter than the last, nothing like a gulp at all, but he does keep that glass in his hand as he mulls over what else to say. Eventually, he'll shift and swirl the wine around a bit as he turns to face Oda completely. Emotions are hitting him a little harder than they normally would, what with being in a new world and reuniting with someone he'd thought he'd lost forever, so he blinks a few slow, heavy blinks before reaching forward and resting his free hand on Oda's thigh.]

That someone isn't here, but I think he'll be fine back home. I realize this will sound selfish of me, but I'm not sure I want to go back, myself. [The ADA needs him, he's aware of that fact, but he's here with his closest friend, and a very big part of him doesn't want to lose that.]

[notawriter]

[There's a sort of peaceful relief that gradually washes over Oda's features as Dazai answers. In the end, he was able to point his friend in the direction of being a good person. It's assuring enough that Oda finally lets out a long breath he'd been holding in potential anticipation.

When Dazai moves, Oda turns to face and study him as he continues. There's a kind of weight to what Dazai's saying, but there may perhaps be even more in what he hasn't yet said if his expression and movement are anything to go by. Oda readies himself and, if necessary, moves to steady Dazai.

At first, he's quiet and allows things to settle with a short and comfortable silence. Then, he gives Dazai an assuring pat on the head, holds his hand there briefly, and then ruffles the other man's hair.]

You did good, Dazai. You're a good person. [That's strange. Someone's voice sounds a little choked up, and Dazai's features appear slightly blurred. It's only when Oda swallows the dry lump in his throat and traces his thumb along the bottom of his eye that he notices—it was his own voice cracking slightly, and those are his own tears welling up.

He doesn't know if Dazai's specifically talking about one person who's perhaps both weak as well as an orphan; nor does he know about the millions of people Dazai is discounting after having saved Yokohama from destruction. But it's clear that there's so much more resting on his Dazai's small shoulders while he only wishes one thing be granted now.

On the other hand, how should Oda respond about going back? If he does, he returns to nothing. As for here and now...]

—Whether there or here, you're a good person. Even if you're not sure where you want to be between the two, you can do good.

[Oda's proud of him.]

[proficience]

[The tears welling in the corners of the other man's eyes would probably have gone unnoticed by Dazai, if Oda hadn't brushed a finger directly underneath one of them. Then, and only then, does Dazai start to feel a somewhat choked feeling build up in the bottom of his throat, and he instinctively sucks in a relatively sharp breath in an effort to counteract his own tears from forming. He doesn't necessarily want to cry; he's not a crier -- he'd gotten incredibly close to doing so when his friend lay dying in his arms, but past that -- he'd never been known to express his emotions in that way.

Right now, however, he's close to doing so. He's thinking of home, their world, and how there's a chance he'll be sent back there at some point. Either that, or Oda will leave, but his fate is far worse than Dazai's. There's nothing for him; if he returns home, he'll be gone once again.

After a few moments of silence, he smiles; it's an awkward smile, since he was nearly about to cry, but it's still genuine and he does feel a bit better because of it. There's no reason to dwell on what might happen or when it'll happen. Oda is here, he's clearly alive, and Dazai should make the best of it. He'll reach up and gently place his hand atop Oda's, giving it a light squeeze before placing it back onto the counter, fumbling back toward his glass. He sighs, taking another sip of the wine, mulling over what to say next. There's admittedly a lot for him to admit; he could begin with stating that he's been out of the Mafia for four years, now, but he's not sure if now is the best time. A part of him wants to move on past the intense topic of discussion and talk about something else, but the only other topic that comes to mind is --]

Odasaku.

[He shifts again, turning to face the other man. The glass has been placed back atop the counter, so his hands are free, and he makes a point to affectionately rest one atop Oda's shoulder as he continues to speak. His voice is low, but warm, and he smiles again.]

The vows you made during the ceremony just now -- you'd said I was your only friend.

[Dazai's vows were admittedly less personal than Oda's, if only because he didn't know what to say, specifically. But now that he's settled in at this cozy bar, and has had a little bit more wine than he normally would in such a short span of time, something is dawning on him. Something that he's not sure is the smartest thing to admit, but --]

I apologize that mine weren't that meaningful. But you've made quite an impact on me. I think about you often, and [He'll lean forward again, instinctively studying Oda's face and his eyes.] I've missed you terribly. [His own bottom lip trembles as those last words slip out, and now he's sensing that tears are finally beginning to form.]

[notawriter]

[It's not as if Oda's exactly known for emotional expressiveness himself, but Dazai has never been one to easily lose his composure and control, especially as a mafia executive. Yet here he is, looking up at Oda with trembling lips and tear-filled eyes.

Without really thinking, Oda moves a hand to cup Dazai's face.]

Because you are. [Ango may not have wanted to betray them but had done so all the same, and so Oda can no longer count him among the few that he considers his friends.] You're the only friend I had in the end, and you're the only friend I have now.

[And as Dazai should know, Oda's not in the habit of using that word, that title lightly.]

You don't need to apologize for that, Dazai. [Still cupping Dazai's face, Oda uses his thumb to brush aside some of his friend's tears.] Nor for anything else.

[There's a lot they've always understood about each other without ever putting them into words, and Oda accepts that as a part of who they are, not only as individuals but also as friends.]

[proficience]

[Dazai is certainly not used to showing his emotions, not in such an intense way, but when Oda moves to thumb away some of his tears, he can't help but to lean into the touch, closing his eyes soon after. For a few moments, he says nothing. Honestly, he doesn't think there's much that needs to be said right now, but --

Eventually, he opens his eyes again and makes a point to reach for Oda's hand for the second time. However, instead of letting it go in a timely manner, as he had before, he finds himself interlocking their fingers, as if he's willing his friend to not leave.]

Mm. [He knows that Oda doesn't use the term 'friend' lightly; that's always been the case, so he's genuinely honored to be the only one here with such a title. So much so, that his slightly alcohol-riddled brain blurts out the words:]

We should look for a house as soon as we're done here. I think that they're actually free to move into, which should raise some concerns -- but just being here raises concerns. Right now, I'm not worried. I just want to spend time with you. [Squeezing Oda's hand, he sighs.] I believe that here, we are freer men. [Still, he has yet to mention that he'd left the Mafia. Another time, perhaps.]

[notawriter]

[Normally it's difficult to decipher Dazai's true feelings from the mask he wears, making Dazai one of the most difficult people to read. It may be unusual for Dazai to reveal his true emotions, but Oda's always had an understanding of Dazai that he'd once put into words when fighting with Gide. Come to think of it, that may have been the only time he'd done so.

Yet here and now, Dazai leans into Oda's touch and allows him to wipe away the tears starting to build up. An unexpected sort of peace and contentment washes over them in their silence. When Dazai moves to lace their fingers, Oda is quick to respond, moving so they could hold hands more quickly and easily. Even as Dazai continues and clasps Oda's hand more tightly and almost wistfully, Oda does the same in reassurance because he doesn't plan on going anywhere. He wouldn't even if he'd actually had somewhere to go.]

'Freer men'... [It's true; they aren't bound to the rules of the Port Mafia any longer. But what to do with this freedom? Oda should be pursuing Gide in hell if not outright dead. Instead, they're in this world that no one asked to come to... Is this really a second chance? Can he... Should he... try again to pursue that dream he'd lost along with the orphans?] Hn... You're probably right about that.

[Having wiped away quite a few but not all of Dazai's tears, Oda carefully releases Dazai's face and reaches for his drink.]

You're no longer a mafia executive. And I'm no longer the lowest-ranking member of the mafia. So let's do as you said—let's look for a house where we can move in together. If they're actually free, and you're all right with that, then naturally I'm fine with them as well. Though...

...what sorts of concerns do you have about it? [As in, concerns about free housing and about simply being here.]

[proficience]

[This is a peace that Dazai hadn't felt for a long time, honestly, since pretty much every day back home was a tumultuous experience. Some days were better than others, but the more recent ones were a bit of a mess, thanks to the current events and happenings with the ADA, among other things.

He's happy now, however, but a lingering concern still hangs behind. He makes a point to keep his hand clasped with Oda's as the other man reaches for his drink, not moving much at all, otherwise. He'd already had a decent bit of wine from his own bottle, and a part of him is considering saving the rest for later, perhaps when they find that house, as a means to celebrate.]

I'm concerned that there's a catch with the free housing, but then again -- I'm concerned that being summoned here at all has a catch. There has to be a reason why we were picked, and it's not because of our abilities, since they're nullified here. [He looks away as he thinks on this a little more, but then --]

I'm also concerned that you're not here. Somehow. [To that, he'll wait for Oda to finish with his drink before he leans forward, resting his head on the shoulder closest to him.] That you're an illusion to me, and illusion that I can at least say goodbye to. [A sigh, and then he shifts a little, really resting next to Oda's neck. It's warm, which means that he is alive. So if this is still a dream, it's a very convincing one.

Murmuring:]

Odasaku ... I want to -- do something, but I'm concerned about the repercussions of what I'm thinking. I don't want to change anything, or to break any bond that we have.

[notawriter]

[Oda silently lifts the glass to his lips, drinks, and then carefully places his glass back on the counter as Dazai answers. When Dazai leans against him, Oda adjusts so that Dazai can lean on him more comfortably. Oda's now-free hand moves to secure Dazai into place against him.

So, Dazai wants a reason for their being brought here. He wants to do something, but with his talk of changing things or breaking bonds, what exactly does he have in mind?

After a contemplative lull, Oda takes a deep breath.]

"Man fears death and yet, at the same time, man is drawn to death. It is a singular event in one's life that none may reverse." I remember you saying that, however long ago... [He lets out a long sigh.] I don't expect you to change your mind, but what do you think now? Can dead men see the same illusions as the living?

[proficience]

[His heart is actually racing a little after he'd begun to state his intention of a future plan of sorts, something unlike him -- he's a planner, sure, but he's not one to worry about those plans.

This place feels as if it's messing with his head, in a way. But there's one thing, one person he can rely on remaining the same, even with the change in setting.]

None may reverse -- yes, I recall that. Which is part of the reason why I'm concerned. You're here, but are you going to remain? [He pauses, thinking.] You see me, you feel me. I'm clearly alive. So I suppose I should ask you the same question, then. If you can see the same illusions.

[He finally straightens up, just enough to where he can actually look at Oda's face. He sucks in a breath, and then:]

What I was thinking may jeopardize our friendship. [He pauses, looking away a moment, regaining some composure. This is difficult, moreso than most previous experiences he'd went through in his past.] So, tell me first. Be honest -- how do you feel about our relationship? Would you ever consider taking it further?

[notawriter]

[Is Dazai an illusion? Oda doesn't really think so. Everything here is as real for him as death is his reality in the world they came from. But before he can answer Dazai turning the same question back at him, his friend straightens up to address something a little more seriously.

As he listens, he fixes Dazai with an intense look and studies him. What are Oda's feelings on their relationship? What exactly is further than that? Is it truly possible to jeopardize their friendship from Oda's perspective?

He'd just said, too, that Dazai was no longer a mafia executive. And Oda himself is no longer the lowest-ranking member of the mafia. While aware of their boundaries, Oda had always followed and supported Dazai not because he was an executive but rather because of their friendship.]

Dazai. You're the only person I know and fully trust, both here and in the world I'd left behind. [For a moment, he drops his gaze because he knows that choosing to go after Gide meant abandoning Dazai.] I know I wronged you; that's a debt I'll never be able to repay. But you still came for me in the end, and you listened to what I said. You've even become a good person...

[He clears his throat since he's getting a little choked up again.]

If I could've left the mafia before that, I wouldn't have left without you. That freedom—that freedom would've meant nothing without you. But as you had put it, we are freer men here. So if you want to go further— [And here, Oda genuinely isn't 100% fully certain what further entails...] —then I'm with you all the way.

[proficience]

[moved here!]