[Aside from the obvious, what is wrong with him? Strength hemorrhages from Akira's body and he's left to the mercy of Solomon's arms, that dreadful cold licking at his limbs and creeping up his spine. It's hard to remember the last time he felt this pathetic, this weak. It was probably when he'd gotten arrested, left to sit alone in a holding cell with nothing but his own racing thoughts.
At least now he has someone to lean on, but he feels guilty putting this much of a burden on Solomon. A bit reluctantly, Akira answers.]
...Yeah. Go ahead.
[Sorry, Solomon. He'll make this up to you somehow.]
[Ah, the fight really had drained out of him, hadn't it? He doesn't comment on it, but seeing Akira snuffed out of his usual spark doesn't give him much to feel at ease about.
With careful hands, Solomon adjusts Akira's limbs, propping him up against one of his forearms while the other hooks under his knees.]
Just stay relaxed against me... up we go.
[It's a good thing Akira's such a string bean. Solomon isn't a physical man, and not one who would be able to do this sort of work for a long period of time. But to princess carry an unwell soul to the comfort of their bed? That wouldn't be a problem in the slightest.
Akira is held tightly against him as he steps his way through the mess on the floor. There is probably still commotion from the gunshot but, eh, he's got other things to do.]
If you need to sleep, then sleep. Save your strength.
[He squeezes Akira's shoulder to emphasize it. God, but he's still so cold...]
[Asking him to stay limp in his arms is not a big ask by any means. Akira's cheek finds Solomon's chest, and body heat that would normally be negligible through layers of clothing is pleasantly warm now. Maybe he lost too much blood. Too much iron. Maybe there's another issue entirely, but regardless of the cause, Akira doesn't feel that he's in any immediate danger. A warm bed and a long nap will fix him right up, surely.
Surely.
His eyelids hang heavy and his fingers angle into Solomon's shirt. At the suggestion that Solomon go wake the Sage, Akira fervently shakes his head.]
I'm fine... really. Just tired and a little cold.
[Akira troubles his lip. There are other reasons why he doesn't want Solomon to leave, the fear of being alone among them. He's already asked him for too much, but—]
Can you stay for a while...? I want to be sure whatever that thing was doesn't come back.
[It's not a request he was expecting - Akira seems like such a headstrong sort. But he can't deny that sticking by Akira would settle his own heart, even if nothing did end up happening.
He lowers himself first onto the mess that is Akira's Bed Probably, letting Akira slide onto his lap, and then onto the mattress. Solomon lifts a hand to brush the remains of cold sweat from Akira's temples, a gentle rustling of his dark bangs as he placed the back of his hand to Akira's forehead. Just as cold as the rest of him, even at the mark...]
[Believe him, he doesn't want to ask for this either. But he feels vulnerable, volatile, and the last thing he wants to do in his current condition is risk losing control in a space where no one is around to subdue him. He meant it when he asked Solomon to kill him. Should he ever spiral out of control, he is the one person Akira can count on to put the good of the many over the life of one. Harsh as it is, cruel as it is, Solomon can handle it.
Akira's bed, at least, was left unaffected by Hurricane Kurusu. Sinking down onto the mattress, Akira curls up loosely on his side and closes his eyes.]
You can take them. That dagger is my focus, but I won't be doing any magic for a while.
[Not until he's certain that he's recovered. Solomon might also find the ring he'd given to Akira settled beside his dagger. The metal now glows a vibrant and ethereal blue, warm to the touch. He's been taking Solomon's challenge seriously.]
I remember. You showed this to me when we first met. Something about it being better than a crusty old wand?
[He won't lord that little foot-in-mouth over Akira for very long, but if Akira is too weary for the banter, then Solomon will have to take up the mantle.
The gun is first priority, Solomon carefully scooping it up from the floor and checking the barrel first to make sure it's empty. Then, to the desk, for the dagger and--
-- oh.
Well, would you look at that.
He doesn't fiddle with the ring just yet - that is Akira's project, after all, and he's not about to interrupt it if it's still in progress - but he does turn to look at the younger man over his shoulder, a whisper of an actual good impression in how deep he seems to be charmed by the initiative.]
Ah... Right. Crusty. I'd still wrap my hand around it.
[Just saying. He's sorry if you're embarrassed over your crusty old wand, Solomon. Someone out there will love it and treat it well, he's sure, because some people are into old wands. Akira would know!
Akira's gun is empty and has always been empty. It's an airsoft gun upon closer inspection, perfectly incapable of killing anyone unless loaded with magic bullets, which... well, Solomon just saw for himself what Akira's magic bullets are capable of. Better keep a sharp eye on this twink as his magic develops.
Akira sits himself up just enough to peek at Solomon over his shoulder.]
Mhmm. That's the one. That's what I meant to show you earlier.
[He already tested the thing on Kurapika and no one's fingers blew up. Solomon better be proud of him.]
Now now, that was your description. I take very good care of my wand, thank you. It's important to know what you own that's precious enough to handle with care.
[Don't hit him with that entendre, buddy, he shoots the shit with the Avatar of Lust and you will not survive.
He crosses to the window momentarily, summoning his broom as he unlatches the panes.]
I take it you're finished with it, then. Would you like me to take a closer look when I get back?
[Would the Avatar of Lust happen to be single? Pass his number along to him if you would, Solomon. Be a bro.
Ah, but... wait. Solomon's leaving the room? A cold chill shoots up Akira's spine, apprehension making the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end, but... it's fine. He's fine. Who is he, some coward who can't stand to be alone for five minutes? This isn't like him at all and it fucking sucks.
Akira manages a nod.]
It's ready. Give it a try when you come back.
[Please come back. He's cold and possessed and ain't too proud to beg.]
[Sorry dude, Asmo is just married to himself at this point, you have no shot.
It might look strange, Solomon hopping on his broom without the starry coat billowing behind him - he looks slightly more modern than magical this way, turtleneck and slacks and well-polished dress shoes. But he crosses his ankles, leaning down just enough to judge his clearance.]
Just two floors up, two windows over. I'll be right back.
[Akira still has Solomon's coat wrapped around him, after all... and, with some rummaging, may even find his wand (actual)(stop that) still tucked into the dark inner panelling.]
[Tucked under Solomon's coat, Akira manages a thin smile. Just two floors up and two windows over. That's not far at all. He can manage the wait, pulling Solomon's coat tight to his frame and giving a nod.]
Alright. Don't move too fast and bust a hip.
[See? He's bantering. That means he's fine, just fine. While he waits for Solomon's return, Akira doesn't dare close his eyes. His eyelids threaten to sink like lead, but he refuses to succumb and leave himself vulnerable in his current state. It won't take long. I can trust Solomon. And Akira does, unsurprisingly, find Solomon's wand, finding comfort in simply folding his fingers around it. No unnecessary fondling of the other man's wand.]
[With the windows left open, Akira will be able to notice the sounds - Solomon is able to open his windows two stories up from the outside, the clack of his dress shoes subtle on the far windowsill before he disappears. Are those windows always unlocked, perhaps?
It's only a couple minutes, enough to find a decent enough hiding spot for the weapons and place a charm over it. The windows above close, and Solomon is at Akira's windowsill, broom dissipating before his feet even touch the ground. He's getting the hang of this thing.
He casts a glance to Akira as he re-latches the window and draws the curtains.]
Are you still with me, or should I start looking for another coat?
[Relief sweeps over him when Solomon reenters the room. He wasn't gone long at all, but this restless feeling within him won't cease. It's allayed only by Solomon's presence, by knowing he won't be left alone with this creeping, uneasy feeling swirling in his heart.
Akira peeks up from the collar of the coat, face hidden in its warmth from the cheeks down.]
[He chuckles again at that, kicking his shoes off to pad against the floor a little quieter. No making any more noise in here than is necessary with all the commotion.]
That sounds more like the Akira I remember. Unfortunately, I cannot carry you quite that long. I think my arms might give out.
[It crosses his mind briefly, just briefly, that Tatara should probably be woken up about this. But to leave him alone...
...
Well. Maybe it wouldn't need to come to that right now.
He crosses to the desk to grab the ring, looking it over closely as he rejoins Akira on the bed, sitting carefully against the mattress.]
Would you like to explain it, or shall I see for myself?
[He has a perfectly good bed right here. Maybe he can convince Solomon to let him borrow his lap? Akira's not feeling as bold and brash as usual, but the idea lingers in his mind. Maybe, maybe.
In either case, he's going to be a pest about it until Solomon gives him what he wants or meets him in the middle at the very least, sliding his hands up the back of his top and stealing his body heat. That necessitates untucking his turtleneck so he can get at Solomon's skin, but it's totally worth it.]
Go ahead and put it on. You'll see exactly what it does when you do.
[Sliding the ring on will reveal to Solomon his true Arcana and display it within his mind's eye— not The Fool, as Akira had bequeathed him, but the one most suited to him.]
[Attention fully on the ring, Solomon jumps slightly at the hands to his waist, untucking his clothes, and he lifts an arm to pivot and look behind him as that cold touch hits the skin of his back--]
[It's not his place to pry. A brief, if honest sometimes is enough of an answer for Akira. His understanding of Solomon would support what his Arcana reveals, besides.
Akira sighs, thin and quiet, looping his arms around to loosely hug Solomon's front.]
The strength of my bonds is the strength of my Personas. They each belong to a Major Arcana, and if I share a close bond with someone who holds that Arcana, those Personas are that much more powerful.
[Thanks for that, Solomon. Even if Akira is the only one benefitting, even if he's being entirely selfish and doing nothing for Solomon, he can excuse it away by his need for gentle heat. He can be greedy, if only with a valid excuse. It's fine if Solomon is doing nothing more than putting up with a needy child until it's time to leave.]
No, not really. I don't look at my relationships with anyone as transactional. Besides... if my feelings were disingenuous, I wouldn't have gotten this far.
[Yeah, he missed the joke entirely, but now Solomon has opened himself up to a little frank honesty.]
I care about you. That's why it bugs me that you keep yourself isolated and treat yourself like a spectator in your own life. It's not fair.
He would make some statement of how Akira seems best suited out of many to handle what their new magic demands of them. Feelings are the most powerful things, after all, no matter one's race or age.
But Akira continues, and Solomon's tongue is stilled.
...
It's nothing new, from Akira. He'd spoken this way about Solomon previously, under starry skies and a song heard only between only the two of them. But there's less distance. Akira has him tight by the lapel of his jacket in the circle of his heart, and it's harder to push him away than before.]
...
You don't need to do that. [To care.] But... thank you.
My own life is well accounted for. I only wish for you to thrive in your own.
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[Aside from the obvious, what is wrong with him? Strength hemorrhages from Akira's body and he's left to the mercy of Solomon's arms, that dreadful cold licking at his limbs and creeping up his spine. It's hard to remember the last time he felt this pathetic, this weak. It was probably when he'd gotten arrested, left to sit alone in a holding cell with nothing but his own racing thoughts.
At least now he has someone to lean on, but he feels guilty putting this much of a burden on Solomon. A bit reluctantly, Akira answers.]
...Yeah. Go ahead.
[Sorry, Solomon. He'll make this up to you somehow.]
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With careful hands, Solomon adjusts Akira's limbs, propping him up against one of his forearms while the other hooks under his knees.]
Just stay relaxed against me... up we go.
[It's a good thing Akira's such a string bean. Solomon isn't a physical man, and not one who would be able to do this sort of work for a long period of time. But to princess carry an unwell soul to the comfort of their bed? That wouldn't be a problem in the slightest.
Akira is held tightly against him as he steps his way through the mess on the floor. There is probably still commotion from the gunshot but, eh, he's got other things to do.]
If you need to sleep, then sleep. Save your strength.
[He squeezes Akira's shoulder to emphasize it. God, but he's still so cold...]
You're sure you're okay? I can go wake the Sage.
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Surely.
His eyelids hang heavy and his fingers angle into Solomon's shirt. At the suggestion that Solomon go wake the Sage, Akira fervently shakes his head.]
I'm fine... really. Just tired and a little cold.
[Akira troubles his lip. There are other reasons why he doesn't want Solomon to leave, the fear of being alone among them. He's already asked him for too much, but—]
Can you stay for a while...? I want to be sure whatever that thing was doesn't come back.
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Of course I can.
[It's not a request he was expecting - Akira seems like such a headstrong sort. But he can't deny that sticking by Akira would settle his own heart, even if nothing did end up happening.
He lowers himself first onto the mess that is Akira's Bed Probably, letting Akira slide onto his lap, and then onto the mattress. Solomon lifts a hand to brush the remains of cold sweat from Akira's temples, a gentle rustling of his dark bangs as he placed the back of his hand to Akira's forehead. Just as cold as the rest of him, even at the mark...]
Give me a moment to relocate your weapons. Okay?
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Akira's bed, at least, was left unaffected by Hurricane Kurusu. Sinking down onto the mattress, Akira curls up loosely on his side and closes his eyes.]
You can take them. That dagger is my focus, but I won't be doing any magic for a while.
[Not until he's certain that he's recovered. Solomon might also find the ring he'd given to Akira settled beside his dagger. The metal now glows a vibrant and ethereal blue, warm to the touch. He's been taking Solomon's challenge seriously.]
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[He won't lord that little foot-in-mouth over Akira for very long, but if Akira is too weary for the banter, then Solomon will have to take up the mantle.
The gun is first priority, Solomon carefully scooping it up from the floor and checking the barrel first to make sure it's empty. Then, to the desk, for the dagger and--
-- oh.
Well, would you look at that.
He doesn't fiddle with the ring just yet - that is Akira's project, after all, and he's not about to interrupt it if it's still in progress - but he does turn to look at the younger man over his shoulder, a whisper of an actual good impression in how deep he seems to be charmed by the initiative.]
Is this the one I gave you?
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[Just saying. He's sorry if you're embarrassed over your crusty old wand, Solomon. Someone out there will love it and treat it well, he's sure, because some people are into old wands. Akira would know!
Akira's gun is empty and has always been empty. It's an airsoft gun upon closer inspection, perfectly incapable of killing anyone unless loaded with magic bullets, which... well, Solomon just saw for himself what Akira's magic bullets are capable of. Better keep a sharp eye on this twink as his magic develops.
Akira sits himself up just enough to peek at Solomon over his shoulder.]
Mhmm. That's the one. That's what I meant to show you earlier.
[He already tested the thing on Kurapika and no one's fingers blew up. Solomon better be proud of him.]
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Now now, that was your description. I take very good care of my wand, thank you. It's important to know what you own that's precious enough to handle with care.
[Don't hit him with that entendre, buddy, he shoots the shit with the Avatar of Lust and you will not survive.
He crosses to the window momentarily, summoning his broom as he unlatches the panes.]
I take it you're finished with it, then. Would you like me to take a closer look when I get back?
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Ah, but... wait. Solomon's leaving the room? A cold chill shoots up Akira's spine, apprehension making the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end, but... it's fine. He's fine. Who is he, some coward who can't stand to be alone for five minutes? This isn't like him at all and it fucking sucks.
Akira manages a nod.]
It's ready. Give it a try when you come back.
[Please come back. He's cold and possessed and ain't too proud to beg.]
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It might look strange, Solomon hopping on his broom without the starry coat billowing behind him - he looks slightly more modern than magical this way, turtleneck and slacks and well-polished dress shoes. But he crosses his ankles, leaning down just enough to judge his clearance.]
Just two floors up, two windows over. I'll be right back.
[Akira still has Solomon's coat wrapped around him, after all... and, with some rummaging, may even find his wand (actual)(stop that) still tucked into the dark inner panelling.]
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Alright. Don't move too fast and bust a hip.
[See? He's bantering. That means he's fine, just fine. While he waits for Solomon's return, Akira doesn't dare close his eyes. His eyelids threaten to sink like lead, but he refuses to succumb and leave himself vulnerable in his current state. It won't take long. I can trust Solomon. And Akira does, unsurprisingly, find Solomon's wand, finding comfort in simply folding his fingers around it. No unnecessary fondling of the other man's wand.]
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It's only a couple minutes, enough to find a decent enough hiding spot for the weapons and place a charm over it. The windows above close, and Solomon is at Akira's windowsill, broom dissipating before his feet even touch the ground. He's getting the hang of this thing.
He casts a glance to Akira as he re-latches the window and draws the curtains.]
Are you still with me, or should I start looking for another coat?
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Akira peeks up from the collar of the coat, face hidden in its warmth from the cheeks down.]
You know... You're a lot warmer than your coat.
[Just saying.]
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That sounds more like the Akira I remember. Unfortunately, I cannot carry you quite that long. I think my arms might give out.
[It crosses his mind briefly, just briefly, that Tatara should probably be woken up about this. But to leave him alone...
...
Well. Maybe it wouldn't need to come to that right now.
He crosses to the desk to grab the ring, looking it over closely as he rejoins Akira on the bed, sitting carefully against the mattress.]
Would you like to explain it, or shall I see for myself?
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[He has a perfectly good bed right here. Maybe he can convince Solomon to let him borrow his lap? Akira's not feeling as bold and brash as usual, but the idea lingers in his mind. Maybe, maybe.
In either case, he's going to be a pest about it until Solomon gives him what he wants or meets him in the middle at the very least, sliding his hands up the back of his top and stealing his body heat. That necessitates untucking his turtleneck so he can get at Solomon's skin, but it's totally worth it.]
Go ahead and put it on. You'll see exactly what it does when you do.
[Sliding the ring on will reveal to Solomon his true Arcana and display it within his mind's eye— not The Fool, as Akira had bequeathed him, but the one most suited to him.]
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Perhaps we should have a talk on consent, hm? [He just reaches over to pat him on the shoulder anyway, his voice quiet.] Just ask for what you need.
[He'll leave Akira to warming his hands against the skin of his back as he slips the ring on one of his fingers...
...
Ah. Another tarot, perhaps? It's different than the ones he's used to, but...
...]
Is it supposed to be upside down, Akira?
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[There. Take your consent lecture and shove it!! Anyway...]
Upside down? Uh oh.
[Akira wriggles upright and props his chin on Solomon's shoulder, looking at the tarot. Uh. Uhh.]
...Do you hate me or something? I thought we were getting along pretty well. Solomon, you no good lying liar.
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[He'll even pat at his lap, though Akira opts for the shoulder instead. Fine, fine, you squirmy little cat. This'll do for the moment.]
No, I don't hate you.
This is the Hermit. Correct?
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[What a warm, comfy shoulder... It takes concerted effort not to doze off while slumped against Solomon, his weight entrusted to that warm back.]
That's the Hermit alright, but why is it reversed? Usually that means I've done something to screw up our bond.
[But the whims of fate work differently in this world. Contemplating it, Akira arrives at a more straightforward conclusion.]
But I think this says more about you than it does about us. Solomon... Are you really that lonely?
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[He doesn't answer at first, simply removing the ring from his hand to give it another look.]
...
Sometimes.
[Sometimes he feels better - with the ever-changing guard of the Sorcerer's Society, with those he's pacted with, with his apprentices.
Only one of those ever followed him beyond a century. Only one of those would ever follow him. And if hell froze over...
...]
This is in relation to your own skills, isn't it? You mentioned bonds. Of this supposed to be representing us.
What connection does this have?
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Akira sighs, thin and quiet, looping his arms around to loosely hug Solomon's front.]
The strength of my bonds is the strength of my Personas. They each belong to a Major Arcana, and if I share a close bond with someone who holds that Arcana, those Personas are that much more powerful.
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Solomon tenses under the embrace. But he doesn't move to stop Akira. It's fine. Let him have what he wants for now.]
Should I consider your attempts at whittling me away an investment in your future, then? [The humor falls a little flat.]
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No, not really. I don't look at my relationships with anyone as transactional. Besides... if my feelings were disingenuous, I wouldn't have gotten this far.
[Yeah, he missed the joke entirely, but now Solomon has opened himself up to a little frank honesty.]
I care about you. That's why it bugs me that you keep yourself isolated and treat yourself like a spectator in your own life. It's not fair.
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He would make some statement of how Akira seems best suited out of many to handle what their new magic demands of them. Feelings are the most powerful things, after all, no matter one's race or age.
But Akira continues, and Solomon's tongue is stilled.
...
It's nothing new, from Akira. He'd spoken this way about Solomon previously, under starry skies and a song heard only between only the two of them. But there's less distance. Akira has him tight by the lapel of his jacket in the circle of his heart, and it's harder to push him away than before.]
...
You don't need to do that. [To care.] But... thank you.
My own life is well accounted for. I only wish for you to thrive in your own.
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