thekissoflife | Inbox for empatheias

Inbox for empatheias

((Note that Fuuka doesn't yet have a bird to take written messages, so any threads here will initially be a private telepathic conversation between Fuuka and your character.))

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[She cants her head just slightly at his words. He seems pleased...

It takes her a moment to understand what reason Noctis would have for worrying. Was he looking out for him? That's so sweet...

She just smiles for a moment, though she honestly wonders... if maybe Prompto deserved to be with someone better. For some reason he thinks she is amazing and as flattered as she is, she can't understand it. She can be rather cowardly sometimes, timid and easy to push around, even if she has gotten better with it.

But who is she to tell Prompto what he should feel about her? She can only hope that she doesn't end up disappointing him...

Finally, she asks Noctis a question that she wasn't quite expecting herself:]

What is it he likes so much about me?

[And then she blinks with realization and blushes a little, embarrassed.] Oh, um... sorry, I'm not sure where that came from.

[From a place of insecurity, likely. Just like Prompto, Fuuka has her own demons, enough to make her question how good of a "catch" she really is...]

[Noct makes an amused noise and then falls silent for a little while, thinking back on all the things Prompto has said in both word and gesture. He knows Prompto well enough to see some of his best friend's insecurity and uncertainty in Fuuka. There's a similarity in some of her body language, the blushing, the evasiveness.]

Well, after you agreed to go to the festival with him, he talked about you being way more smart, kind and pretty than he deserves. I think he really likes the way you tinker with stuff too. [He gestures to the bits and pieces of things she's put together or repaired around the shop even as he thinks of photos Prompto's showed him of Fuuka intent at work. Then he rubs at his neck for a moment, trying to figure out how to say what he wants to say.]

Honestly, Prompto's ... he's excitable and kinda flighty sometimes, but... he's really good at noticing things. Not just like... surface stuff or good angles for shots and stuff but... what's inside people. What they're feeling. So... whatever that is about you that he sees, he's -- drawn to it. Being around you makes him happy.

Stooop!

[She says that, but the word's a delighted laugh in itself as she buries her face in her hands. Prompto, calling her the most amazing girl he's ever met. What flattery! And yet, she doesn't doubt his sincerity at all. She can't stop smiling giddily, feeling so light and happy and... goodness, she's excited!]

It's too much, I couldn't... possibly be... [She bites her lip, unable to keep the smile off her face. She would have been fine with Prompto just telling her that she was amazing, period. But the most amazing! She giggles again, unable to contain her joy. Prompto, what have you done to her!! She's completely lost her self control...

She finally calms down as she considers Prompto's last words, then smiles and responds to him.]

Prompto-san... you've never pushed anything on to me. You've been... so kind, so supportive, so wonderful... You're always so friendly and caring and considerate. You're...

You're amazing, too.

[The familiar sights of the spa was comforting but... well, he still felt a little uneasy about being anywhere near here. Even if it'd been weeks since Castor had lashed out, he couldn't shake off the memories. Things that tugged and clawed at him, even now, but he had enough time to think past all that to consider his next step.

Listen to those who'd pulled him aside, forced him to see reason when he found it hard to believe, and though he hated to admit it, most of them were right. Fuuka's messages were... also something he was having a hard time ignoring anymore, and there'd been a few times where he almost answered back.

Yet didn't, for fear of what he might say. It was the same fear that was making him pace back and forth in front of the entrance to the spa, late at night. Because at the very least she would probably be asleep, so if he didn't want to go through with it this time, he could easily just walk away.

Pick a better day, maybe. Go back to the forest and spend a few more days with Kija and his companions. Try to set his thoughts in order, consider more on what he'd even tell her, because it was just a garbled mess of words and apologies that didn't convey his emotions well enough. Wasn't sincere enough, just... none of it.

So stupid.]

Edited (because I'm a big dumb idiot. >>) 2017-05-28 06:07 (UTC)

[Fuuka hasn't been sleeping well lately, often wondering where her senpai had went off to. She appreciated the presence of another Persona user, but with Shinjiro gone, somehow she felt even more bereft and removed from home than he had before he'd arrived. Or maybe it was simply... something else. Maybe it was just the fact they'd somehow grown so close, and now Shinji was trying to reestablish the distance they once had, if not even put more between them.

The things Shinjiro had said had troubled Fuuka deeply. This talk of things being better if he died, that he had no place here to begin with... people didn't just say those kinds of things, did they? Even others who had come here after death. But Fuuka couldn't know for sure. Wasn't one of those herself and honestly didn't have any idea if any of the people she knew had been one of them. If they had, they hadn't said as such to her.

It makes her think about when she first explained to her senpai about her guilt for not being able to help him when he died. Fuuka still honestly wasn't sure if his dying was simply inconsequential to Shinjiro, or whether it was actually preferred, maybe on some level even planned. That was a truly chilling thought... and indeed, every time she thought of it, little bits of frost would spread out from whatever surface she was contacting, and the air would drop in temperature around her.

He mattered. His life mattered. Whether he lived or died mattered, and it was deeply upsetting to hear him say such things as him preferring that over her getting hurt. Even Fuuka would feel bad, feel ill at ease to say such a thing herself. What she would really prefer is that no one be hurt at all. Not a... trade. One person's suffering wasn't less than another's, and Shinjiro's suffering certainly wasn't less than Fuuka's.

So when she feels his presence, she thinks she might be close to falling asleep and her brain is tricking her into thinking he's here. But the presence feels more definite, more pervasive. After a few moments and feeling its consistency, she sits up, looking over. Finally, she gets up and moves towards the door; a soft, startled noise comes from the little hatchling in the corner.]

Shhhh. It's okay. Go back to sleep.

[The tiny dragon blinks at her, then finally settles back down. She smiles gently, putting on some slippers and closing the door behind her, dressed in a night gown as she makes her way down the stairs. She's not overly excited because somehow she doesn't actually expect for him to be there—

But then, there he is. She freezes on the steps, stunned, like the sight of him almost seems unbelievable. After a few more seconds, she finally resumes walking down, not taking her eyes off of Shinjiro. The surprise lingers in her eyes.]

Senpai...

[She draws up to him slowly. She isn't afraid, although perhaps she ought to be. Perhaps she should be more aware of the fact that Castor still lives within Shinjiro, ready to strike, but no. Fuuka isn't afraid. She's wary of Castor now, perhaps, but she could never truly be afraid of Shinjiro.]

You're here.

[He'd still been pacing, tiny flurries of snow trailing after him - not heavy, but light enough to show that inner turmoil twisting and turning inside him while he was trying to come to some sort of decision. Irritated at the fact that he couldn't just do it, because he's never had a problem speaking his mind before - but this was different.

This was... even with Ken, he never knew how to apologize to him. Couldn't, because what does one say to a child who's mother was taken from them? That if given the chance, he would have traded places with her in a god damn second if the boy could have the childhood he deserved. Fuuka hadn't died, sure, but she could have. It was damn near close, and he couldn't help but compare the two incidents because he was facing that same stupid fucking problem.

And even then, he still ran. Just like last time - said some dumb apology and turned her back on her. Let her sit there and fret and worry. Probably still would have, if it wasn't for others being so persistent and stubborn about telling him their feelings and opinions on this whole situat-

Fuuka's voice causes him to freeze in his steps immediately. A sudden rush of apprehension hits him like a wave, because he'd been too focused on his thoughts to hear anything else around him. Ice curling around his boots, as he turned to glance towards her - looking very much like a deer in headlights.

Unsure of what to really do or say, and for a long moment he just stands there until finally - slowly - he'll lower his head to stare down at the ground in front of him. Speaking, but in a hushed whisper.]

... Yeah. Guess so.

[He's here.

He's here.

Her breath wavers for a moment, and before she can think of anything else, she suddenly flings herself forward and wraps her arms around Shinjiro.

It's been over two weeks, but it's felt like ages. She can't begin to describe how worried she was about him, how much she felt the loss of his presence, how sorry she is for what had happened, but...

She doesn't want to upset him. So she says something else.]

I'm so glad you're here...

[--!!

Having her run at him so quickly, caused a small bit of panic to bubble up as he moved to take a step back. Eyes wide, alert - unsure of what to really expect because usually when people charged at him it was never a good thing and though it was Fuuka he couldn't quite stop the way he tensed up in response.

But when he felt arms wrap around him, it was only then that he understood what she was doing. Something so normal, and yet here he was unsure of how to react to it. Hell, he couldn't even remember the last time someone even made the attempt to hug him, and the fact it felt so... out of place and foreign bothered him just the tiniest bit.

The worst part about it, though, was how easily she broke that pathetic excuse of a barrier he'd been trying to maintain this entire time he'd been making his way up here - with only a few simple words.]

You idiot. [Shinji's arms moved on their own then, pulling her close enough to try and hide the tears welling up in the corner of his eyes. Not wanting her to see, because if she did he might not be able to keep his voice steady anymore.] How can you just - after what Castor did to you - why, Yamagishi?

[She clings to him for a moment, just... honestly happy he's here. There might even be little flowers sprouting from the cracks between the tiles. She hears him call her an idiot and smiles, and when he reciprocates the hug, the temperature around her warms instantly and noticeably, chasing away Shinjiro's cold and snow.

She hears her senpai talking to her, speaking in broken questions in confusion and disbelief. And she just smiles gently, pulling her forehead away to lay the side of her head against Shinjiro's chest. She never got to experience it before, as she's never hugged him, but hugging her senpai was... awfully nice. His big arms felt so protective and secure and at the same time, so gentle around her.]

Because... you're my friend, Shinjiro.

[Fuuka stares intently at Noctis, hanging on to his every word. Her eyes widen a little and the blush on her cheeks intesifies as Noctis tells her just what Prompto likes so much about her.

When he finishes, she doesn't even realize she'd unconsciously brought her hands up to her cheeks, and...

... did a little heart just float out of her head?]

I-I see... [She smiles, and nods.] Thank you, Noctis-san.

[He froze, unsure if he wanted to laugh or cry. Her words were so sincere, so honest, that it was almost heartbreaking for him to listen to. She never failed to surprise him with how much kindness she was capable of. How genuine she could be whenever it involved her feelings for those she cared about.

The fact that she believed he was one of them, as conflicted as he felt about the idea of anyone wanting to be friends with him after such a horrible incident, made it where he was afraid to say anything at all. That feeling of warmth such a stark contrast to these past few weeks while he was trying to deal with the turmoil that was his stupid emotions, that for a time he couldn't help but quietly stand there. Gently holding Fuuka like he was worried he might accidentally break her, until finally, ever so softly:]

I never meant for you to get hurt.

[She could feel him tense, but stays relaxed all the same. Shinjiro's always been a bit awkward when it came to affection or showing he cared, always felt somehow like he was undeserving, but Fuuka didn't mind. It was just the way he was.

She's perfectly content to stay right here, soaking up his presence. It'd been weeks, but it had felt like so much longer. Shinjiro suddenly not being around was downright jarring. It was almost like he'd actually been sent home, and it shook Fuuka up a lot.

At his soft words, a small breath comes out of her, a smile on her face.]

I know that.

[She says it so easily, because there was never a question. The tone is light, almost playful, and you could almost imagine her adding "Silly" to the end of it. If that was an apology, Fuuka didn't need it, because she never blamed or felt betrayed by Shinjiro for one moment.]

[For a tiny moment, Shinjiro's hold on her tightened, an action that was very subtle. Clinging onto that warmth just a little longer, and thankful that she was still here to be such a familiarity to the world he no longer had any part of. That she'd even be able to greet him so warmly and act like he wasn't someone to be feared, even if she should - it was too much for him, really. His emotions still conflicting with him even now, but he had a lot of time to think. Lot of conversations and chatter with those who all had different opinions that he finally gave in, but... if he was going to stay, then he wanted to make a few things clear. Needed to make sure this wasn't going to happen again, because if it did, no one would be able to convince him that staying away wasn't the right thing to do anymore.

So he'll let his arms drop, stepping away completely and putting some distance between them - provided she'd even let him. Only so he could kneel down and rest his hands on either side of her shoulders, his expression serious and for all intents and purposes unwavering when he finally spoke.]

Then you know I'm not safe to be around anymore. There's nothing stopping Castor from acting out again, and what's worst is he's more unpredictable than before. [He can't stop the bitterness that seeps into his tone, but it's something he couldn't really help. His chats with Eikichi all but making it harder for him to not dislike his persona, especially after everything it's put him through.]

I don't want to see you getting hurt again, so you need to promise me that you're not going to interfere. No matter what happens.

[He smiles back - especially seeing that heart. And he kind of wishes he had a camera on hand to take a picture of Fuuka with her hands up like that. Yeah, whatever worries he might have had about Fuuka and Prompto are pretty firmly assuaged.]

You should see him when he goes through his photographs at the end of the day. [Noct holds his hands out to mime Prompto flicking through the photos on his camera.] Normally he's watching whoever he's showing the photos to to see what they think of them - but when they're pictures of you, he's got eyes only for them.

[Still, he's a bit curious...]

What about you? What do you like about Prompto?

Edited 2017-06-03 06:32 (UTC)

[She does let go, knowing that Shinjiro isn't used to the physical affection and might be pulling away for his own comfort. Whatever the reason, Fuuka isn't about to keep him trapped in her embrace— silly is it is to think a small lady like her could do as such to her foot-taller senpai. Except she easily could, because she doesn't think Shinjiro would have the heart to pull her away.

She blinks as Shinjiro kneels down and takes her shoulders and begins to speak to her earnestly. The smile falls away from her face and she listens to her senpai. At the end she frowns, and she understands why he's trying to get her to promise this. So she calmly raises her hands and mimics the gesture of putting her hands on Shinjiro's shoulders.]

I can't do that. [Her gaze is apologetic. She knows that Shinjiro doesn't want her hurt. She doesn't want to be hurt either. But she also doesn't want Shinjiro to be hurt. She could never just stand there while her friends are in pain, in danger, if she could do something about it.]

I'm sorry. But I can't. [She shakes her head.] However, I don't want what happened to happen again, either. I don't want to be a martyr. I want the both of us to come out as unscathed as possible.

[She looks into Shinjiro's eyes.] So, I'm having people teach me how to protect myself. Prompto is going to teach me how to use a gun, and Jade-san is going to help me with Dunamis. And I got books from the library already, actually, about the inner workings of guns. So... that hopefully I can eventually make a gun that's right for me. Something that can protect me, but is non-lethal.

[It's strange, talking about guns, about using guns. But she's gotten acclimated to the idea, because it's necessary. Because it will protect her, it will protect Shinjiro and all of her friends. Hopefully, she would never have to use it.

She looks at Shinjiro, fierce determination in her eyes.]

Next time something happens, I'll be ready.

[His laughter heightens at her bashful reaction, so thrilled by the fact that he can make her happy like this. It's enough to completely overshadow the reaction he'd normally have as she lists off the traits that she finds amazing in him - self-doubt (you really think I'm doing okay?) for once not bogging him down.

His heart thumps against his chest with a feeling he's experienced on occasion, but never has it felt so genuine. He's determined, now more than ever before, to give Fuuka the best date she'll ever have.]

I guess that means we're gonna be the most amazing duo at the festival.

[Having the tables get turned around on him, from Fuuka no less, all but caused him to go speechless for a split second. He'd been so determined to get this off his chest, because it was the only feasible compromise that he'd be able to live with if it meant she wouldn't get dragged into danger again. If things ended up going south, if he so much as had an impression that he was losing control of Castor again, knowing he didn't have to worry about her pulling a stunt like before would have made things easier.

And yet... he knew what her answer would be before she even opened her mouth.

There's a crease in the center of his forehead as his eyebrows knitted together, hidden under that mess of unkempt hair. He knew, but expecting it and hearing it were two different things and he couldn't stop that tiny bit of annoyance that was reflected back at her.]

Fuuka -- [Shinjiro cuts himself off, when realizing she wasn't done, but the tone he took made it obvious he wasn't about to back down, in fact it had been on the verge of nearly pleading with her. The last thing he wanted was to go through any of that again, wasn't even sure if he should be here now - but he conceded that keeping away wasn't about to solve this problem either.

However, he wasn't confident that her learning how to protect herself was a viable solution. It was necessary, yes, but gunfire - nonlethal gunfire, would not do much against a persona like his own. Knowing she was this determined, though, made it where he couldn't help but feel a small sense of pride that mingled with the conflicting feeling of knowing that he'd been the cause of it to start with.

If it hadn't been for him, she wouldn't have needed to - but would that have been better in a place like this? It wasn't like the dangers here were very predictable to start with, without his persona throwing itself into the mix, but they never had a reason to let her fight before. It's why they always kept her safely away from enemies because she was an important member to their team. The one that kept all of them together when they got separated, and though he understood she wasn't planning on throwing herself actively into battle, the idea of her being close to it was somewhat unnerving.

Finally, once he was certain she had nothing left to say, he'll make a point to drop his hands down to his sides. His mouth pressed together in a tight frown as he tilted his head forwards to stare at the spa's pathway.]

And what if you're not, huh? What if it happens tomorrow? Or the day after? Or next fuckin' week? You gonna be ready then?

[She drops her own hands as well with a soft sigh. She's thought about that, too. About what would happen if another incident happened so quickly.]

I doubt that it will, however... [She puffs gently as she looks away.] Shinjiro, I can't just... stand there and watch. Think about it. If you were in my position, would you really be able to do the same?

[She knows he wouldn't. Even if he were utterly helpless, even if all he could do was be a distraction, that was better than standing there, helpless, while his friend was hurt, or killed.

She takes a deep breath, reaches out and gently tugs on his sleeve before she walks over and takes a seat at one of the tables of the cafe, folding her arms upon the surface.]

If either of us get worried, we can call on Eikichi-kun. And if Castor is summoned again before he's able to come... [It's a hard question. But Fuuka can't do nothing, no matter how much Shinji wants her to.] ... I don't know that there would be much either of us could do. I suppose all we could do is run.

[She then looks at Shinjiro.] I think it would be better to focus on being preventative though, instead of coming up with a worst-case scenario plan. After all, it's only happened once in the three months that you've been here. So, the question is, what triggered his summoning? Something must have changed a few weeks ago. So what was it?

[Oh my gosh??? Oh my gosh... Prompto... Her eyes are so wide when Noctis says that, and yeah, that sure was another couple of hearts. She's so hopelessly infatuated...

Sheer embarrassment keeps her from saying anything more, so she's glad for her turn to speak and turn the attention away from her.]

Prompto is... He's vibrant. [She smiles an open-mouthed smile.] So full of energy and smiles. And he's so... so compassionate and considerate. So supportive. He's just such a good person.

[She looks off towards the wall as she thinks fondly of him.] Somehow, Prompto fell for me exactly the way I am, and that's... It means a lot to me. But even if he hadn't, I still would cherish my every moment with him. Because it's never a dull moment with him, and I really feel like... I can completely be myself around him.

[Has she gushed over Prompto enough yet?? She blushes a bit more and ducks her head in self-consciousness.] Goodness, I sound so sappy... [But she's still smiling.]

Maybe a little. [He's smirking, though, to show it's a tease. Honestly, Noctis really doesn't mind listening to her gush about Prompto, especially because everything she says is true!]

I get it, though. ... I feel the same way about him. -- uh, minus the romance bit. We've never been -- like that. [Don't mind him being awkward and kinda rubbing his neck. Even if he and Prompto have definitely joked about it before, Noct definitely doesn't want Fuuka to get the wrong impression or anything.] But uh - I mean, he's one of the best people I know, and -- yeah. He just... has that way of letting you be you, no strings attached.

[It's part of why Noctis likes him so much. Part of how they became best friends so quickly once Prompto finally worked himself up to say hey. Of course, mutual interests in things like video games and chocobos had certainly helped but how Prompto has always seen past the surface and been supportive and always treated Noctis like a person rather than like a prince... Noct can relax around Prompto in a way that's hard to do around anyone else from home. So when Fuuka says she can completely be herself around Prompto, Noctis knows exactly what she means.]

[Fuuka gives a little noise of amusement at Noctis stumbling over his words. It's fine, she understands what you mean!! Don't worry so much, nerdo... But she nods in agreement, looking around the shop.]

I was much more reserved about my hobby when I first came here. I really enjoy mechanics and tinkering around with things, but... [Her gaze drops, wondering for a moment if she should share this. But Noctis seems like a nice person, and she's been gradually coming to terms with this herself.]

I was embarrassed. Because it didn't seem very feminine to me. It still... doesn't, not really. But I don't mind so much anymore. Because when I told Prompto... [She smiles warmly, the air around her warming in turn.] All he cared about was my passion. He was so interested in how things worked, in my knowledge of my craft. He was just excited as I was and it was so... freeing.

[Her voice is laden with gratitude.] He really helped me... come out of my shell.

I'm glad. [he chuckles a bit.] Prompto's always been a technophile, but -- I'm glad you're less embarrassed, if it's something you love.

[Noct looks at her thoughtfully for a moment.]

Kinda tangential, but uh... Have you met Cindy Aurum at all? She's someone else here from our world. She tinkers a lot too - but uh... more with vehicles and bigger stuff than what you have here.

[Because meeting another woman into tech stuff seems like a good thing to him, if Fuuka is still even the smallest bit worried about femininity. Not that Cindy is the delicate dainty sort of feminine, but her confidence in herself is admirable, and the two of them'd probably find a lot to talk about in adapting technology to this world, he imagines.]

[Fuuka laughs again. She can't seem to stop... She feels so light and airy. Prompto likes her, Promtpo likes her. She's so ridiculously happy she can barely contain herself. Her happiness, too, keeps her from somehow protesting or otherwise dismissing the fact that her presence is somehow contributing to being "the most amazing duo at the festival".]

I guess it does.

[She's so excited. She has to get a dress! Maybe get her hair cut? Should she wear make-up? Oh, but this is just a festival, right? It's not like a dinner date or anything, they'll be spending more time participating in the attractions than looking at each other, right?]

So... [She gives a small hum, quiet but filled with joyful energy. Tomorrow. Tomorrow!! How is she going to get any sleep?] I'll see you tomorrow, then.

[Prompto's just as giddy, but it's manifesting in a more subdued way. He's... actually a little stunned, more than anything. It's just now dawning on him that he needs to prepare, pick an outfit out and get a little advice from his best bud.

He's been on dates before, but they've never gone well; his self-consciousness too heavy to shake, his lack of confidence too overpowering. With Fuuka though? He feels none of those things, only a light flutter in his chest. Tomorrow... he can hardly wait.]

Yeah, I'll see you then!

Cindy Aurum? The name doesn't ring a bell.

[But another female Otherworlder mechanic?? She's definitely interested.]

Does she have a business here?

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Inbox for empatheias

whispers unintentional fish pun

glub glub

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Action, 5/29th.

don't listen to her she is good & pure

WOW how dare you

u wanna go

always come at me nerd

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holy shit i'm so sorry you can totally drop this if you want

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no worries!

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