Messenger Bird, Letter, Telepathy and the occasional action thread can all go here! Please label your header so I know which method of contact you're using.
[What is he supposed to say to those cookies?! Thanks?? Uai was both flustered and ashamed to receive something so thoughtful. The fact that Azura thinks she even needs to apologize, however, does not set well with him.
So within a few minutes, he's sending her a private video call. Totally not munching on those cookies: That would be weird.]
Um... Hello? Please pick up. This is embarrassing.
[He slowly lowers the cookie he was munching, embarrassed to be called out.]
Y, yeah. Sorry. [Wait, why is he apologizing? Even Uai doesn't quite know. It's a very 'Shi' thing for him to do.] I mean-- You. You didn't have to apologize for me screwing up.
He can't stop himself from smiling at that. It's as she says... and he doesn't necessarily dislike that. Uai isn't exactly known for watching his mouth either.]
Like I said, you don't need to apologize. It was on me. [Admitting to being wrong isn't always difficult, so long as it's a learning experience.
He breaths in to steady himself, considering his words... He doesn't like telling the truth to people that he cares about. Uai thinks that knowing too much will scare people away. At least when people don't know, they have room to imagine nice things about him.
The decision to suddenly be honest isn't a kind one. He's gathered that Azura is far too kind and he's still afraid of her. Again, he flips a coin: He wants her to stay, but he realizes he should scare her off for her own good.]
You startled me a bit, but I never gave you a opportunity to learn why. So it's really not your fault. I was being unfair by not giving you a chance. [... oh right. the chance:] Touching me is quite dangerous. Sorry for not telling you.
[LOOK THE POINT IS SHE'S TRYING. She listens however, to what Uai has to say next. There's silence on her part as she considers his words.]
I had no idea, Uai. I hadn't experienced pain the previous time we'd touched. [She considers for a moment, eyes glancing downwards.] Surely there is a way to make it so that's not the case?
[It must be terrible, to avoid touch out of fear of hurting someone else]
[She's not entirely certain how to respond to that. It's like a page out of her own book. There is, however, a decided small and sad frown leaking into her expression.]
Aaand! With that in mind. I understand if you don't want me to come near you anymore.
[Though he has a feeling she's going to insist otherwise, Uai wants to put that out there.]
Or if you do, maybe we should all sign waivers. Not that I'm going to try to hurt anymore! My soul seems to be repaired to the point that I won't actively hurt people. I think?
[Ack, he's been called out! Uai tenses when she hits the nail so squarely. It's true: Being told straight up to leave is so much easier than investing in a relationship he can't keep.
Though, he doesn't explain this pessimistic view.]
I'm dangerous. Isn't it natural to be wary of those who can hurt you?
Because the one tearing me apart is me. If I wanted to stay whole, I only needed to play by the rules.
[And accept death, which is just not an option. The thought alone is enough to cause his broken state to surface: A dark shimmer rushes over his form, threatening to turn him back to his true form, as he gives an eerie hum.]
There's no one to blame for me, and that's fine with me. It shouldn't be, but it is. I know I cause pain, and I know how to stop that, but I choose not to. That's why I'm dangerous.
[Does he? He's not sure. He can feel himself slipping into a dangerous state, but at the same time... Why fight it? Why does he keep all of these secrets? Because he knows they'll scare people away? If he was truly kind, wouldn't he want for her and everyone else to leave? A kind person who prioritize their happiness and safety over his loneliness.
Why can't he be kind? Is he really about to drag someone who is truly kind-- Azura-- down with him?
Uai smiles. Despite everything, he smiles. Smiling was his instinct as Shi, and it remains as Uai. Even if he's sad or scared, he's still smiling.]
I'm dead, Azura. For the good of the universe, I'm supposed to die. But I didn't, and I won't. I have too much to live for. Even if it means dragging everyone else into hell with me, apparently. Charming, right~? Forgivable, isn't it~?
[She can just see the little pieces of Uai falling apart here, shattering as he reveals quite possibly the most vulnerable part of himself. It makes her heart ache for him. To be doomed to die but not be ready for it, to fight to live despite what it would cause.
It's unfair. There's little she can do about Uai's fate where he's from, but perhaps here she can make it a little easier for him. At first, the only sound he hears from her in reaction to his words is a soft gasp. Visually, there are tears threatening to brim in her eyes. But the next is the soft tone of her voice picking up into what should now be a familiar song as her fingertips touch the screen that they're talking through. It's the least she can do, to give him at least a little peace in this moment that's undoubtedly painful.]
[His voice had picked up a crazed hum of its own, which sounds off-putting with no context. He knows music can fix him, so when he feels himself crumbling he quickly begins singing. The result is this creepy tune and these contradicting smiles.
And tears for days, once it sinks in that he's losing himself. He's still smiling at her as he waits for a response. The last thing Uai expected was singing: He was waiting to finally be told he's repulsive inside and outside...
... on the note of 'outside,' the lines between his human facade and true form were beginning to blur. There was a dark shadow of his dragon form and it was threatening to engulf his human self. As her song starts, Uai suddenly snaps back into one person.]
Ah... Azu-- rah, w-wai... [The effect is quick when he's this vulnerable. He wants to tell her not to sing, since he knows it hurts her. Part of him wants to laugh at how he's accidentally hurting her again, and she's proving his point.
Instead, his pink eyes glaze over and he begins to chill out. Perhaps a bit too much: Uai looks quite tired and mellow, as if she shot him with a tranquilizer. He's even humming along out of habit. Hana used to use humming to ground him too, and dammit. He misses that so much.]
[Oh. Was that too much? She hadn't meant to put him to sleep! The glow from her necklace dims as Azura stands up from her seated position.]
Goodness, Uai! [but he's... asleep? Or close to it. She hums a little as she moves, concern evident on her face. She remembers where he lives, but she can only hope that she's actually able to gain access without doing something unethical like... climbing in through a window.
But, despite this, the look on his face is much more relaxed than it had been before. Her fingers touch the screen again as she steps out the door of her home. At least for now, the amulet still glows dimly as she continues to hum along with him.]
[The confused magician continues his humming. His thoughts are growing more and more abstract as he sits down on the edge of his bed. Oh drat. All of this time spent pretending he's invincible, and now Uai is tired. He knows it'll come on quick. Since arriving in Genessia, he's only slept a handful of times.]
Azu... raa. Don't... singing is dangerous--
[His hums fade out and he sways, briefly fighting his soul's exhaustion, before he falls over on the bed. Another win for Azura.]
[she doesn't bother retorting, in fact the song only completely fades once he's asleep. Luckily for her and likely much to his relief later, she's put a lot less power into the song this time. She won't suffer any real significant blowbacks for now.
She's quick to arrive to his place, and tries the door. Much to both her relief and exasperation, the door is unlocked and she's able to walk right inside. She chirps out a quiet]
Hello...?
[and then strides through the home as though she knows exactly where she's going. Once she find's Uai in his room she gasps a little, stepping over to settle a hand against his cheek.]
[At first, she gets no reaction. Uai is curled up on the bed as if to protect himself, with his braid held protectively in his hand. As he sleeps, his magic occasionally causes his form to 'glitch' visually. At least there are no signs of his dragon self: Uai's soul is repairing while he sleeps.
A moment after being touched, his eyes do flicker open. His briefly looks up at her, then closes them.]
... singing is cheating. [Now that he has a dream toying with his soul, it's tempting to go back to sleep. This is precisely why he's forcing himself to look up at her again and engage in a conversation: Uai has a track record of not waking up. He'd rather sleep forever and pretend to be home.]
Just rest, for now. Please. [Her voice is soft, pleading. She's so worried. Her brows knit upwards, a hand reaching out to take one of Uai's in her own. She flinches a little, the barest of expressions as she leans down to lower her face closer to his.]
[As much as he wants to argue, he is in no position to say 'no.' He's a Glitch and incredibly dangerous, and sleep is the safest option. It's hard to be destructive when you aren't conscious and sleeping will repair his dangerous soul. She probably won't leave until he's better, so it's best if he sleeps. He's less likely to hurt her that way.
Her touch makes him flinch as well. Uai's gaze darts upward to meet hers, startled that she's close. And embarrassed, enough to swiftly turn his head to the side and avert his gaze.]
... fine. I'll rest. [He doesn't want her offer to be a selling point. That seems criminal. Wanting people to be near someone like him is so cruel and selfish. His mind scrambles for a reason to justify not pushing her away:] Since you came all this way. M-Make yourself comfortable.
[She sits up again, and pats a spot on his bed that's further in, much more comfortable for sleeping.]
Thank you for indulging me, Uai. Would you like to listen to my song until you sleep again? [She plans on staying as long as needed, so. ... At least he doesn't ask how she got in.]
[He doesn't realize he's followed her unspoken suggestion and moved until it's done. Damn. Gotta keep an eye on her. Whether accidental or intentional, she's gotten him to be quite obedient.
Though still embarrassed, he does look her in the face when addressing a concern.]
No, I'd just worry. [If her song caused her pain, and over something as selfishly indulgent as him sleeping for once, Uai would wake up grouchy. He's aware that she probably doesn't consider it a burden, but that's because she's kind. Hana would be the same. Hana was the same. That's why he had to leave her, so she would stop hurting over him.
He doesn't want to leave Azura anytime soon. It's not like he could run from her anyway.] I care about you too.
[She hadn't expected something so plainly honest. Color washes over her cheeks despite herself, and she busies herself pulling blankets up over Uai in order to hide it.
To her, suffering the blowback from singing would be worth it, but she wants to respect ]
I understand. But please... just sleep. I'll be here when you awaken. I can sleep with you, if you'd like
[When he wakes up, his embarrassment with be ten times worse.
For the moment, he's actually tired. It's almost frightening how quickly exhaustion can overtake him once he admits to it. Whatever guilt remained slips away, overtaken by being sincerely tired and now very confused. Sleeping with him? As in, sharing the bed? Even that seems like more than she should offer to someone she barely knows. Someone who hurts to touch, at that...
But he's learned some lessons about fighting Azura. She's going to win, and she's never been wrong either.]
If it makes you comfortable. I won't move. [And accidentally touch her, he means. His eyes feel so heavy. He can't keep them open.] Don't get hurt.
[She shakes her head. She'll be fine. For now, however, she's just going to brush fingers through his hair, an effort to soothe him the rest of the way to sleep. She's awfully tired herself, but she'll stay awake as long as she can.]
Sweet dreams, Uai. [At least, she hopes so, for him.]
[Eventually, she'll fall asleep too, sitting up and leaning against the headboard, head tipped to one side. Perhaps it's because she knows Uai is safe that she felt comfortable enough to drift herself.]
[Since the masquerade, Uai has been in a notably better mood. He's generally been good at seeming cheerful, as he kept himself too busy to ever stop and sulk, but nowadays his mood is much more genuine.
Except when he has time to think about things back home. It's taken him a while to come to grips with it, but Uai does feel his guilt eating at him. He knows he can't ignore it forever.
Which is how he ends up at the door to Azura's room, carrying a tray of tea and some stress-- er, fresh-- baked pastries.]
Yes, Uai. Come in. [When he does open the door, He'll find her perched at her desk, pouring over papers and other items likely related to the auction she's planning. It's early stages yet, but Azura is one to keep busy.]
Is everything alright? [She stands up from her seat, hands stacking papers together as she fixes her visitor with a bright smile she likely reserves just for him.]
[He stands in the doorway, briefly caught up in admiration. The way that Azura is always working hard for others is among the many reasons he's so smitten with her. Taking her away from work almost feels wrong, but he wants to be someone who works as hard for her as she works for others.
Her smile shakes him from an adoring daze, and he steps into the room.]
Mm, everything is fine. Shigure is even behaving. [He smiles back, like the proud dog father that he is.] I wanted to talk... Is it a bad time?
No, it's a fine time. I was just considering a break, My head had started to hurt a little. [She steps over to help him with what he's carrying, one hand reaching out to push some of his bangs out of his face first.]
I'm glad that Shigure is doing well. [Every time he says that name, she has to remind herself THAT'S not who he means.] What did you want to talk about?
[The brief contact almost shakes him. Uai has to consciously steady his expression to avoid a shy smile, as Azura has almost broken his facade with flutters. It's a small gesture, but it reminds him of why his decision is important. He wants to be with her, and devoted to only her.
and shigure.]
Let's sit down? It's nothing bad, but your health takes priority, hm?
[He almost accepts her help. Then remembers that while his powers are useless in a fight, they're great for mundane tasks. Like making a tray levitate with magic, then taking her hand to kiss. As long as she's offering it, he won't leave her hanging.]
Almost forgot that I'm not human. [Which, he doesn't elaborate, is because Azura has him so grounded.] It's fine. I like spoiling you.
[Sometimes, Uai does things that just strike Azura as absolutely clever. Now is one of those times. Her lips curl up into a smile as the tray begins to levitate, and then wider at the kiss.
Always a gentleman.]
No matter what you are Uai, you're still you. [She offers him a small wink, but..] Now, what is it you wanted to tell me? [since he still has her hand, she's going to use that to lead him to sit with her, tray now floating.]
[Uai is easily led away, again forgetting that he shouldn’t have touched her to begin with. At first, he had worried this might be a downer conversation: Explaining that he was going away sounded sad in his head and he had dreaded it at first. But now, he’s excited. Once this is over with, he can focus on Azura properly.
But he’s an idiot, and finds a clumsy way to express this.]
Have you heard of the Dream Docks? [He sounds too excited.] I’m thinking of using them to go home to Hana and the girls!
[she'd looked so eager, so intrigued. Even Azura isn't able to prevent the way her expression falls when those words tumble out of Uai's mouth. He was what? Azura's grip on his hand lightens, then she draws her hand back before she can stop herself.]
O-oh! I see. [She smiles, a strained one, but one she's practiced time and time again. It just looks a little tired. He sounds so... happy about it. It wouldn't be right to... to rain on that.] ....I'm glad for you, Uai.
[With how often he's been on the receiving end of this kind of news, you would think Uai might watch his words more carefully. He usually does guard every word and every feeling it expresses. Maybe that's the problem: He usually does, but not in her company. Unfortunately for Azura, she gets his unfiltered personality.
Still, he notices her strained expression. Uai's excitement crawls to a halt, with all of that energy instead spent on turning the gears in his head. What did he say? Was he being too forward? Is he being weird? Does he look gross?
His free hand moves to his face, tracing down his own cheek just to make sure his human form is still there.]
Sorry. I meant it phrase it as a question. [Face is fine. He looks up at her again.] I want to stay together, but it's not fair to you when I have Hana and the girls waiting for me. So I think I need to go back to them, and tell them I...
[His voice trails off there. Uai has come to terms with the fact Hana and him weren't an item. He's spent so long missing her that it hurts to acknowledge, even when he's found happiness with Azura. It's hard to tell someone he loved so much and devoted so much time to that he's moved on.
But he can't bring himself to ever say he would be happier without his daughters. Or even suggest leaving them. So the words dry up, leaving Uai to hang his head in shame.]
[Oh.... OH. Azura's immediately taking Uai's hands in hers and squeezing them.]
Uai you aren't obligated to do anything of the sort for me... Especially if it's too hard. [She considers for a moment, her gaze dropping to their hands, golden colored eyes half lidded and then closed in thought. It's greedy to force this upon Uai, it had been greedy over all to admit...]
I do not want for you to abandon your life because of me, Uai. You don't have to jump into anything you're not ready for. I'll wait, if you want me to.
[She pauses, squeezing his hands again.] And I can give you space, if you need that as well.
[Her concern for him shouldn't be surprising anymore, but it is. He's still unsure of how to react to people caring about him, especially to the degree that she cares. He moves his face closer, only shaking his head slightly.]
No, I don't need space. I don't want any more space.
[That's as close as he'll get to admitting to being lonely. There's a floodgate of emotion that he doesn't feel ready to deal with. He's not ready to admit how much pain he's been in.]
I want to give you the love that you deserve. So I thought I'd go back... Just to make sure the girls are okay without me. I might be gone for a few days.
I'll wait there for you then. So that when you come back, you aren't there alone. Is that all right with you Uai?
[she desperately doesn't want to sit around Lakendell waiting helplessly. At least in this way she can be there to support him when he returns, should he need it.]
I won't let you be lonely anymore. [she knows how that can feel, though perhaps not at the same level as he. There's still much she doesn't know, but since the day she met him she could tell that there was a sense of distance, loneliness and self hate that she wanted to work on slowly easing out of him.]
[Surprised again, Uai stares silently after her offer. She's once again thrown him for quite the loop: He wasn't expecting for her to catch on to how lonely he is. Likely because he isn't aware of just how obvious his emotions are, and how bad he is at hiding them.
His nod comes silently. It'll be easier to come back if she's there. He's certain that nothing could happen in the 'dreams' that Azura can't bring him back from. Without words to describe how he's feeling ("Thank you," would have been a logical start,) Uai can only think to kiss her cheek as a sign of gratitude.]
[The kiss on the cheek gets a smile from her as she leans back, lifting a hand to brush her fingers through his bangs again, hand lightly touching the side of his face. The gratitude in the gesture he'd just given her was clear.
Which is why she leans in and presses her lips against his. There's no need to thank her for something she wants to do, for being exactly where she wants to be.]
[They've been dating for nearly six months now. During that time, Uai likes to think that he's learned a lot about Azura. He tries not to overstep any boundaries, keeping his treatment of her respectful when possible... But after nearly six months, he's started to notice things that do worry him.
Enough for him to approach her about them. He waits until she seems to be done with work for the day, and knocks politely on her bedroom door. Then neglects the reason for knocking them he opens it anyway. Never said six months made him any smarter.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
private video
So within a few minutes, he's sending her a private video call. Totally not munching on those cookies: That would be weird.]
Um... Hello? Please pick up. This is embarrassing.
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Uai! [Her voice chirps from the other end of the line, her expression immediately warming up.] I see you received the cookies. I hope they're alright.
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Y, yeah. Sorry. [Wait, why is he apologizing? Even Uai doesn't quite know. It's a very 'Shi' thing for him to do.] I mean-- You. You didn't have to apologize for me screwing up.
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Pardon...? [wait, oh!] No, I believe I do. Sometimes I can speak out of turn and not realize my words come across a lot more bluntly than I mean them.
I care about you Uai, truly. I hope you do remember that.
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> be blunt immediately afterward.
He can't stop himself from smiling at that. It's as she says... and he doesn't necessarily dislike that. Uai isn't exactly known for watching his mouth either.]
Like I said, you don't need to apologize. It was on me. [Admitting to being wrong isn't always difficult, so long as it's a learning experience.
He breaths in to steady himself, considering his words... He doesn't like telling the truth to people that he cares about. Uai thinks that knowing too much will scare people away. At least when people don't know, they have room to imagine nice things about him.
The decision to suddenly be honest isn't a kind one. He's gathered that Azura is far too kind and he's still afraid of her. Again, he flips a coin: He wants her to stay, but he realizes he should scare her off for her own good.]
You startled me a bit, but I never gave you a opportunity to learn why. So it's really not your fault. I was being unfair by not giving you a chance. [... oh right. the chance:] Touching me is quite dangerous. Sorry for not telling you.
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I had no idea, Uai. I hadn't experienced pain the previous time we'd touched. [She considers for a moment, eyes glancing downwards.] Surely there is a way to make it so that's not the case?
[It must be terrible, to avoid touch out of fear of hurting someone else]
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I'm sorry that I ever risked your safety before, Azura. It won't happen again.
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Hm... I see.
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[Though he has a feeling she's going to insist otherwise, Uai wants to put that out there.]
Or if you do, maybe we should all sign waivers. Not that I'm going to try to hurt anymore! My soul seems to be repaired to the point that I won't actively hurt people. I think?
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[she dismisses the rest for now, choosing to focus on this.]
...It's almost as if that's what you want to hear from me.
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Though, he doesn't explain this pessimistic view.]
I'm dangerous. Isn't it natural to be wary of those who can hurt you?
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[she straightens her back, looking at Uai rather seriously.]
But I'm not certain you're capable of that. Intentional harm.
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[When his soul is torn apart, Uai knows that he is very capable of hurting others.]
It's reassuring to know you would reconsider. With the way I am, the worst harm I cause is the accidental.
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[she just doesn't understand.]
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[And accept death, which is just not an option. The thought alone is enough to cause his broken state to surface: A dark shimmer rushes over his form, threatening to turn him back to his true form, as he gives an eerie hum.]
There's no one to blame for me, and that's fine with me. It shouldn't be, but it is. I know I cause pain, and I know how to stop that, but I choose not to. That's why I'm dangerous.
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[that just gives her question upon question that she wants to ask.]
Do you want to tell me about it, Uai? Why it is you make these choices? I know you're lonely, perhaps it would be easier to share your burden.
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Why can't he be kind? Is he really about to drag someone who is truly kind-- Azura-- down with him?
Uai smiles. Despite everything, he smiles. Smiling was his instinct as Shi, and it remains as Uai. Even if he's sad or scared, he's still smiling.]
I'm dead, Azura. For the good of the universe, I'm supposed to die. But I didn't, and I won't. I have too much to live for. Even if it means dragging everyone else into hell with me, apparently. Charming, right~? Forgivable, isn't it~?
[brb azura, uai is mentally falling apart.]
my one crying icon
It's unfair. There's little she can do about Uai's fate where he's from, but perhaps here she can make it a little easier for him. At first, the only sound he hears from her in reaction to his words is a soft gasp. Visually, there are tears threatening to brim in her eyes. But the next is the soft tone of her voice picking up into what should now be a familiar song as her fingertips touch the screen that they're talking through. It's the least she can do, to give him at least a little peace in this moment that's undoubtedly painful.]
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And tears for days, once it sinks in that he's losing himself. He's still smiling at her as he waits for a response. The last thing Uai expected was singing: He was waiting to finally be told he's repulsive inside and outside...
... on the note of 'outside,' the lines between his human facade and true form were beginning to blur. There was a dark shadow of his dragon form and it was threatening to engulf his human self. As her song starts, Uai suddenly snaps back into one person.]
Ah... Azu-- rah, w-wai... [The effect is quick when he's this vulnerable. He wants to tell her not to sing, since he knows it hurts her. Part of him wants to laugh at how he's accidentally hurting her again, and she's proving his point.
Instead, his pink eyes glaze over and he begins to chill out. Perhaps a bit too much: Uai looks quite tired and mellow, as if she shot him with a tranquilizer. He's even humming along out of habit. Hana used to use humming to ground him too, and dammit. He misses that so much.]
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Goodness, Uai! [but he's... asleep? Or close to it. She hums a little as she moves, concern evident on her face. She remembers where he lives, but she can only hope that she's actually able to gain access without doing something unethical like... climbing in through a window.
But, despite this, the look on his face is much more relaxed than it had been before. Her fingers touch the screen again as she steps out the door of her home. At least for now, the amulet still glows dimly as she continues to hum along with him.]
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Azu... raa. Don't... singing is dangerous--
[His hums fade out and he sways, briefly fighting his soul's exhaustion, before he falls over on the bed. Another win for Azura.]
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She's quick to arrive to his place, and tries the door. Much to both her relief and exasperation, the door is unlocked and she's able to walk right inside. She chirps out a quiet]
Hello...?
[and then strides through the home as though she knows exactly where she's going. Once she find's Uai in his room she gasps a little, stepping over to settle a hand against his cheek.]
Sound asleep....
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A moment after being touched, his eyes do flicker open. His briefly looks up at her, then closes them.]
... singing is cheating. [Now that he has a dream toying with his soul, it's tempting to go back to sleep. This is precisely why he's forcing himself to look up at her again and engage in a conversation: Uai has a track record of not waking up. He'd rather sleep forever and pretend to be home.]
Sorry.
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[She settles down next to him, seated.]
Just rest, for now. Please. [Her voice is soft, pleading. She's so worried. Her brows knit upwards, a hand reaching out to take one of Uai's in her own. She flinches a little, the barest of expressions as she leans down to lower her face closer to his.]
I'll watch over you.
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Her touch makes him flinch as well. Uai's gaze darts upward to meet hers, startled that she's close. And embarrassed, enough to swiftly turn his head to the side and avert his gaze.]
... fine. I'll rest. [He doesn't want her offer to be a selling point. That seems criminal. Wanting people to be near someone like him is so cruel and selfish. His mind scrambles for a reason to justify not pushing her away:] Since you came all this way. M-Make yourself comfortable.
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Thank you for indulging me, Uai. Would you like to listen to my song until you sleep again? [She plans on staying as long as needed, so. ... At least he doesn't ask how she got in.]
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Though still embarrassed, he does look her in the face when addressing a concern.]
No, I'd just worry. [If her song caused her pain, and over something as selfishly indulgent as him sleeping for once, Uai would wake up grouchy. He's aware that she probably doesn't consider it a burden, but that's because she's kind. Hana would be the same. Hana was the same. That's why he had to leave her, so she would stop hurting over him.
He doesn't want to leave Azura anytime soon. It's not like he could run from her anyway.] I care about you too.
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To her, suffering the blowback from singing would be worth it, but she wants to respect ]
I understand. But please... just sleep. I'll be here when you awaken. I can sleep with you, if you'd like
[she means sleep, zzzz don't be dirty.]
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For the moment, he's actually tired. It's almost frightening how quickly exhaustion can overtake him once he admits to it. Whatever guilt remained slips away, overtaken by being sincerely tired and now very confused. Sleeping with him? As in, sharing the bed? Even that seems like more than she should offer to someone she barely knows. Someone who hurts to touch, at that...
But he's learned some lessons about fighting Azura. She's going to win, and she's never been wrong either.]
If it makes you comfortable. I won't move. [And accidentally touch her, he means. His eyes feel so heavy. He can't keep them open.] Don't get hurt.
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Sweet dreams, Uai. [At least, she hopes so, for him.]
[Eventually, she'll fall asleep too, sitting up and leaning against the headboard, head tipped to one side. Perhaps it's because she knows Uai is safe that she felt comfortable enough to drift herself.]
action . lakendell
Except when he has time to think about things back home. It's taken him a while to come to grips with it, but Uai does feel his guilt eating at him. He knows he can't ignore it forever.
Which is how he ends up at the door to Azura's room, carrying a tray of tea and some stress-- er, fresh-- baked pastries.]
Azura? Are you in?
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Is everything alright? [She stands up from her seat, hands stacking papers together as she fixes her visitor with a bright smile she likely reserves just for him.]
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Her smile shakes him from an adoring daze, and he steps into the room.]
Mm, everything is fine. Shigure is even behaving. [He smiles back, like the proud dog father that he is.] I wanted to talk... Is it a bad time?
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I'm glad that Shigure is doing well. [Every time he says that name, she has to remind herself THAT'S not who he means.] What did you want to talk about?
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[The brief contact almost shakes him. Uai has to consciously steady his expression to avoid a shy smile, as Azura has almost broken his facade with flutters. It's a small gesture, but it reminds him of why his decision is important. He wants to be with her, and devoted to only her.
and shigure.]
Let's sit down? It's nothing bad, but your health takes priority, hm?
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Of course. Let me help you with those? [she holds her hands out to take something, whatever Uai offers for her to help with.]
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Almost forgot that I'm not human. [Which, he doesn't elaborate, is because Azura has him so grounded.] It's fine. I like spoiling you.
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Always a gentleman.]
No matter what you are Uai, you're still you. [She offers him a small wink, but..] Now, what is it you wanted to tell me? [since he still has her hand, she's going to use that to lead him to sit with her, tray now floating.]
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But he’s an idiot, and finds a clumsy way to express this.]
Have you heard of the Dream Docks? [He sounds too excited.] I’m thinking of using them to go home to Hana and the girls!
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O-oh! I see. [She smiles, a strained one, but one she's practiced time and time again. It just looks a little tired. He sounds so... happy about it. It wouldn't be right to... to rain on that.] ....I'm glad for you, Uai.
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Still, he notices her strained expression. Uai's excitement crawls to a halt, with all of that energy instead spent on turning the gears in his head. What did he say? Was he being too forward? Is he being weird? Does he look gross?
His free hand moves to his face, tracing down his own cheek just to make sure his human form is still there.]
Sorry. I meant it phrase it as a question. [Face is fine. He looks up at her again.] I want to stay together, but it's not fair to you when I have Hana and the girls waiting for me. So I think I need to go back to them, and tell them I...
[His voice trails off there. Uai has come to terms with the fact Hana and him weren't an item. He's spent so long missing her that it hurts to acknowledge, even when he's found happiness with Azura. It's hard to tell someone he loved so much and devoted so much time to that he's moved on.
But he can't bring himself to ever say he would be happier without his daughters. Or even suggest leaving them. So the words dry up, leaving Uai to hang his head in shame.]
... I don't really know what I'm doing.
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Uai you aren't obligated to do anything of the sort for me... Especially if it's too hard. [She considers for a moment, her gaze dropping to their hands, golden colored eyes half lidded and then closed in thought. It's greedy to force this upon Uai, it had been greedy over all to admit...]
I do not want for you to abandon your life because of me, Uai. You don't have to jump into anything you're not ready for. I'll wait, if you want me to.
[She pauses, squeezing his hands again.] And I can give you space, if you need that as well.
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No, I don't need space. I don't want any more space.
[That's as close as he'll get to admitting to being lonely. There's a floodgate of emotion that he doesn't feel ready to deal with. He's not ready to admit how much pain he's been in.]
I want to give you the love that you deserve. So I thought I'd go back... Just to make sure the girls are okay without me. I might be gone for a few days.
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[she desperately doesn't want to sit around Lakendell waiting helplessly. At least in this way she can be there to support him when he returns, should he need it.]
I won't let you be lonely anymore. [she knows how that can feel, though perhaps not at the same level as he. There's still much she doesn't know, but since the day she met him she could tell that there was a sense of distance, loneliness and self hate that she wanted to work on slowly easing out of him.]
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His nod comes silently. It'll be easier to come back if she's there. He's certain that nothing could happen in the 'dreams' that Azura can't bring him back from. Without words to describe how he's feeling ("Thank you," would have been a logical start,) Uai can only think to kiss her cheek as a sign of gratitude.]
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Which is why she leans in and presses her lips against his. There's no need to thank her for something she wants to do, for being exactly where she wants to be.]
action . lakendell
Enough for him to approach her about them. He waits until she seems to be done with work for the day, and knocks politely on her bedroom door. Then neglects the reason for knocking them he opens it anyway. Never said six months made him any smarter.]
Azura? Do you have a few minutes?