[ Fuuka assumes that Makoto would come inside unprompted, so when she answers the door and sees him sitting on the front steps, she looks confused. Peering out, she blinks a few times, tilting her head slightly. ]
Makoto-kun? What are you..?
[ Oh, right... Hm. ]
You can come in. [ She steps aside to let him pass. ]
[ No, it's not that he needed to be invited inside - that annoyance hasn't kicked in yet - but he'd gladly use it as a cover in case she wanted to talk outside instead of inside. So he stands up, regards her for a moment with aloof, tired eyes, and steps into the house.
Once he's scanned the room for anyone who might be in earshot, he turns around. ]
It's good to see you again. Sorry it took me so long to come back. To be honest, I was scared to. [ sigh, glances away. ] I'm better now, though.
[ She's... not going to think about how he got better, but the fact that he's back in one piece—and apologizing. Fuuka understands why, but it would be awkward for her to accept when he's so clearly bothered by what he's becoming.
But it would be more awkward if she didn't acknowledge his feelings. So she shakes her head briefly. ]
It's okay. [ Really. She means that. ] You can always come back here, no matter what happens. I'm... glad you did.
[ She would be lying if she said she wasn't worried that he would disappear again, but he needed his space. That's just him. He refuses to "burden" anyone with his problems. ]
Where did you go? [ A beat, and an uncertain smile. ] You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.
[ Seeing him smile immediately begins to set him at ease. If she's mad at him, it seems she's willing to forgive him. That isn't enough to let him forgive himself but it's a start. ]
I explored the city. I went back to the Haven's dormitories for sleep. [ So, don't worry - he wasn't homeless or something while he was gone, although he did spend most nights out by himself, wandering the streets. ]
Were you alright during the full moon? I'm sorry that I wasn't here for you. Were your changes just the scales, or...?
[ Of course he went back to the dorms, because even if they're much different than the ones back home, it's still something familiar. Thank goodness he wasn't sleeping out on the streets...
Fuuka shakes her head again in response to his question, long, slightly pointed nails fussing idly at the scales on the back of her other hand. ]
It's okay, it wasn't as bad for me as it was for you. [ Fuuka, you still had a rough time. ] I think the scales were most of it... Oh, but I've had to keep filing my nails down, so I don't accidentally scratch or ruin anything.
[ Makoto's eyes dart to her hands curiously. Fuuka never struck him as the kind of girl who'd fuss over her nails, so it feels a bit ironic for her to be talking about them. After a moment of hesitation, he steps forward and holds out his hands, wordlessly asking to see her nails. ]
[ Fuuka pauses, blinking down at Makoto hands before slowly placing hers in his. Her nails are longer than she would normally keep them, very clearly filed down to something less sharp and menacing. ]
[ They... look pretty gnarly, if he's honest. She clearly filed them down, but they look tough and thick and decidedly not human. Using his thumbs, he spreads her fingers out on top of his palms, looking at each nail. Makoto thought he might be able to guess his friends' monster fates after this full moon, but maybe not. Since the only scaled monster that Makoto has had a close encounter with so far is dragon, he feels slightly inclined to guess dragon. But scales and claws could be any number of things. ]
Looks like you'll really be able to mess people up if you need to. [ Makoto looks back at her with a smirky smile, delivering one of his deadpan jokes. It might be the best sign so far that he's relaxing again, being around her. ]
Your scales look beautiful. Still beautiful, I should say. I meant it when I said that back then, you know.
[ Fuuka follows his gaze as he spreads her fingers before her eyes draw up to watch his reactions. It's weird how curious she is about what his take will be, rather than feeling mildly uncomfortable with the attention. She's changing, and it should be unnerving, but there's a part of her, a little voice in the back of her head, that almost likes the attention.
But okay maybe she doesn't want to accidentally claw someone, Makoto??? But hearing him joke around is nice, even if it pulls a more sheepish smile out of her. ]
I hope I don't need to do that... [ That might have been useful with shadows, but it probably wouldn't be useful here.
His complimenting her scales elicits an entirely different response. Her reaction is similar but much more pronounced than during the full moon, her cheeks flushing as her gaze flits from him to the space between them. It made her just as happy as it had then, too; clearly it wasn't his overwhelming presence that pulled this out of her. He thinks they're beautiful—does that mean he thinks she is too? ]
I... I'm getting used to them. I wasn't sure what to think at first, but...
[ But she still doesn't feel right making this all about her. He's the one that had a hard time, and even if the attention is oddly nice, she doesn't like it being all one-sided. ]
Not really. Not physically, at least. Vampires look mostly like regular humans, after all, so it makes sense. [ Makoto, still smiling, lowers their hands but doesn't let go. Fuuka is so cute when she's embarrassed. It can be hard not to say things that he knows will flatter her, just to see that flush on her face. He'd compliment her longer hair, too, but he knows that would just make her more embarrassed. ]
It's more like... mental stuff. I catch myself acting weird, or feeling weird. I'm a lot more cranky lately. More like how I was when I first transferred to Gekkoukan, before we met. But, it's a lot easier for me to catch myself now.
[ This is nice. Looking down briefly at their hands pulls a peaceful smile out of her. She didn't realize how much she missed him, how much of that was feeding off everyone else's energy rather than her own feelings. It would probably be embarrassing for Shinjiro-senpai to find them holding hands near the entryway, but Fuuka isn't sure she would mind as much as she normally does.
Giving him her full attention, she tilts her head inquisitively, a warm smile still on her face. ]
[ Her hand is so warm. Makoto doesn't yet suspect that this, the chilling of his body temperature, is a new symptom of becoming a vampire, so his mind is filled with pleasant, fluffy, daringly romantic thoughts instead.
He squeezes her hand gently and looks down thoughtfully. She must mean, is he still scared of hurting her and Shinjiro? The answer is yes, unfortunately, if only because he doesn't know what's going to happen next and whether he'll be able to stop himself. But, at the same time, no. He'd got a lot of practice while he was gone, and he felt it was safe enough to come back, after all.
It's a difficult question to answer, so maybe, he can answer by channeling his maxed out courage stat. Glancing back up at her, he pulls her in close to him with one hand and raises the other up in the air, as if they were about to start swing dancing. ]
Not too scared to do this. [ Grinning, he nuzzles in close, almost touching his forehead to hers. Oh, this is going to turn her face red for sure, but it feels right, and it's been so long since they've been close like this. ]
[ Even without his vampiric strength, Makoto doesn't have a hard time drawing her toward him. Her reaction is instantaneous; a tiny surprised noise escapes her and her heart skips, her face turning bright red as he nuzzles his head near hers. It's spontaneous and sweet, and it makes her realize how much she missed him. Her chest aches at the thought.
But what if Shinjiro saw them like this? Holding hands was one thing, but she would probably be a little mortified if he found them standing here like this.
...She could probably live with a little embarrassment. ]
...I'm glad. [ She pauses, before slowly leaning in toward him, her eyes lowered as she delicately rests her forehead against his. There's a lot she wants to say, things that have been on her mind even before he fled during the full moon. Seeing a tiny glimmer of his former self, she wonders if now might be the time to say what she's wanted to for so long. ]
You won't leave again, will you?
[ He doesn't have to face any of this alone. She doesn't want him to feel like he has to. ]
[ Makoto's fingers weave between hers. When she rests her forehead against his, he hugs her slightly tighter, his other hand on the small of her back. This feels good. His body feels warm for the first time today. There's no desire to bite her, not even the temptation - he's too happy and relieved for that to be on his mind, even after his first full moon.
Her question does cause his mind to pause, even if it can't ruin the mood. Makoto knows she means it literally, as in, leaving the house again if another incident happens. But since this is their first embrace after being reunited, it's... it's more than that. He gets it. He'd left her to wonder what happened and where he'd gone - just like he did to everyone on graduation day. ]
Not on purpose.
[ Makoto won't make promises he's unsure he can keep. Akihiko had left them all fairly quickly, after all. And, ultimately, he can't and won't promise that he won't leave again, anyway. Death delivers everyone to the same end. ]
And if I have to again for some reason... I'll try to tell you. I can promise that.
[ Fuuka doesn't expect sweeping promises or guarantees that everything will be okay. He's the type to keep his fears and trepidations to himself, and that won't change. She knows that.
His answer comes as a bit of a surprise. He'll try to tell her. It's small, but that quiet promise releases some of the residual unease she had been holding onto. The tension bleeds out of her shoulders, as she finally relaxes in his embrace. She hooks her free arm under his arm, her hand resting near his shoulder. Fuuka nods against him, her eyes closing.
That's enough.
Standing there with him, enjoying the nearness of him, a small smile creeps up to the surface. ]
You're not tired, are you? If you need to rest, you can.
[ She's concerned about Vampire Things, but he can't have slept well at the Coven. Although this is Makoto, he could probably sleep curled up on a bench like a cat and still be fine. She doesn't want this feeling to go away, but she needs to consider him as well. ]
[ He accepts her wholeheartedly, closing his arms around her to return the hug. It feels like they've put what happened behind them. The last of his guilt fizzles away. Her hair smells good. He'd have gladly stayed in this spot with her for as long as she wanted... although they are still standing here in the middle of the living room.
He withdraws enough to look down at her comfortably. ]
Yeah, I'm tired. I could use a glass of water, too. And I need to wash my clothes. [ He raises a hand to brush her growing bangs to the side affectionately. ] ...You wanna tuck me in?
[ Fuuka's smile turns shy as her brushes her hair aside. Even after everything that's happened—here and back home—bring able to share quiet moments like this feels like a dream. It's nice...
She looks up at him through light-colored lashes, her expression warming. ]
I can, if you want.
[ She already knows what his answer will probably be, but she has to give him the choice. Given the option to spend more time with him, she would take it gladly. She would like that a lot, actually. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
five days after the august full moon // un: tatsuya
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did you want to meet up somewhere first?
[ If he absolutely feels like he has to apologize... ]
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but only if you're ok with that
I can meet you somewhere else if that would be easier
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i'll meet you at the house. see u soon.
[ A short while later, there's a polite knock at the front door. Makoto takes a seat on the front steps and waits for someone to answer. ]
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Makoto-kun? What are you..?
[ Oh, right... Hm. ]
You can come in. [ She steps aside to let him pass. ]
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Once he's scanned the room for anyone who might be in earshot, he turns around. ]
It's good to see you again. Sorry it took me so long to come back. To be honest, I was scared to. [ sigh, glances away. ] I'm better now, though.
Dusts off this thread, oof
But it would be more awkward if she didn't acknowledge his feelings. So she shakes her head briefly. ]
It's okay. [ Really. She means that. ] You can always come back here, no matter what happens. I'm... glad you did.
[ She would be lying if she said she wasn't worried that he would disappear again, but he needed his space. That's just him. He refuses to "burden" anyone with his problems. ]
Where did you go? [ A beat, and an uncertain smile. ] You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.
np!
I explored the city. I went back to the Haven's dormitories for sleep. [ So, don't worry - he wasn't homeless or something while he was gone, although he did spend most nights out by himself, wandering the streets. ]
Were you alright during the full moon? I'm sorry that I wasn't here for you. Were your changes just the scales, or...?
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Fuuka shakes her head again in response to his question, long, slightly pointed nails fussing idly at the scales on the back of her other hand. ]
It's okay, it wasn't as bad for me as it was for you. [ Fuuka, you still had a rough time. ] I think the scales were most of it... Oh, but I've had to keep filing my nails down, so I don't accidentally scratch or ruin anything.
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[ Makoto's eyes dart to her hands curiously. Fuuka never struck him as the kind of girl who'd fuss over her nails, so it feels a bit ironic for her to be talking about them. After a moment of hesitation, he steps forward and holds out his hands, wordlessly asking to see her nails. ]
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Looks like you'll really be able to mess people up if you need to. [ Makoto looks back at her with a smirky smile, delivering one of his deadpan jokes. It might be the best sign so far that he's relaxing again, being around her. ]
Your scales look beautiful. Still beautiful, I should say. I meant it when I said that back then, you know.
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But okay maybe she doesn't want to accidentally claw someone, Makoto??? But hearing him joke around is nice, even if it pulls a more sheepish smile out of her. ]
I hope I don't need to do that... [ That might have been useful with shadows, but it probably wouldn't be useful here.
His complimenting her scales elicits an entirely different response. Her reaction is similar but much more pronounced than during the full moon, her cheeks flushing as her gaze flits from him to the space between them. It made her just as happy as it had then, too; clearly it wasn't his overwhelming presence that pulled this out of her. He thinks they're beautiful—does that mean he thinks she is too? ]
I... I'm getting used to them. I wasn't sure what to think at first, but...
[ But she still doesn't feel right making this all about her. He's the one that had a hard time, and even if the attention is oddly nice, she doesn't like it being all one-sided. ]
Have you gone through any other changes?
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It's more like... mental stuff. I catch myself acting weird, or feeling weird. I'm a lot more cranky lately. More like how I was when I first transferred to Gekkoukan, before we met. But, it's a lot easier for me to catch myself now.
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Giving him her full attention, she tilts her head inquisitively, a warm smile still on her face. ]
Are you still scared?
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He squeezes her hand gently and looks down thoughtfully. She must mean, is he still scared of hurting her and Shinjiro? The answer is yes, unfortunately, if only because he doesn't know what's going to happen next and whether he'll be able to stop himself. But, at the same time, no. He'd got a lot of practice while he was gone, and he felt it was safe enough to come back, after all.
It's a difficult question to answer, so maybe, he can answer by channeling his maxed out courage stat. Glancing back up at her, he pulls her in close to him with one hand and raises the other up in the air, as if they were about to start swing dancing. ]
Not too scared to do this. [ Grinning, he nuzzles in close, almost touching his forehead to hers. Oh, this is going to turn her face red for sure, but it feels right, and it's been so long since they've been close like this. ]
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But what if Shinjiro saw them like this? Holding hands was one thing, but she would probably be a little mortified if he found them standing here like this.
...She could probably live with a little embarrassment. ]
...I'm glad. [ She pauses, before slowly leaning in toward him, her eyes lowered as she delicately rests her forehead against his. There's a lot she wants to say, things that have been on her mind even before he fled during the full moon. Seeing a tiny glimmer of his former self, she wonders if now might be the time to say what she's wanted to for so long. ]
You won't leave again, will you?
[ He doesn't have to face any of this alone. She doesn't want him to feel like he has to. ]
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Her question does cause his mind to pause, even if it can't ruin the mood. Makoto knows she means it literally, as in, leaving the house again if another incident happens. But since this is their first embrace after being reunited, it's... it's more than that. He gets it. He'd left her to wonder what happened and where he'd gone - just like he did to everyone on graduation day. ]
Not on purpose.
[ Makoto won't make promises he's unsure he can keep. Akihiko had left them all fairly quickly, after all. And, ultimately, he can't and won't promise that he won't leave again, anyway. Death delivers everyone to the same end. ]
And if I have to again for some reason... I'll try to tell you. I can promise that.
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His answer comes as a bit of a surprise. He'll try to tell her. It's small, but that quiet promise releases some of the residual unease she had been holding onto. The tension bleeds out of her shoulders, as she finally relaxes in his embrace. She hooks her free arm under his arm, her hand resting near his shoulder. Fuuka nods against him, her eyes closing.
That's enough.
Standing there with him, enjoying the nearness of him, a small smile creeps up to the surface. ]
You're not tired, are you? If you need to rest, you can.
[ She's concerned about Vampire Things, but he can't have slept well at the Coven. Although this is Makoto, he could probably sleep curled up on a bench like a cat and still be fine. She doesn't want this feeling to go away, but she needs to consider him as well. ]
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He withdraws enough to look down at her comfortably. ]
Yeah, I'm tired. I could use a glass of water, too. And I need to wash my clothes. [ He raises a hand to brush her growing bangs to the side affectionately. ] ...You wanna tuck me in?
Why is he like this
She looks up at him through light-colored lashes, her expression warming. ]
I can, if you want.
[ She already knows what his answer will probably be, but she has to give him the choice. Given the option to spend more time with him, she would take it gladly. She would like that a lot, actually. ]