[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.
[At the end of the day, Akira is Akira. He's going to do what he pleases and care about whomever he wants. By now, Solomon surely knows it.
A little squeeze of the arms wound around Solomon's middle before Akira withdraws, flopping back onto the mattress to claim the lap he'd been so kindly permitted to use as a pillow. This is better anyway. Like this, he can look up and see Solomon's face.]
You're lucky I'm feeling too crummy to get mad at you. The Arcana never lie.
[He slips one ankle behind the other as Akira drops that curly head of hair into his lap.]
Mad at me? I can't imagine why.
[What did he do? What did Akira consider such a sin? He really can't bother to keep track anymore, so he doesn't try to guess. It's not like this is Diavolo or Barbatos or Lucifer, where he could likely come up with a few reasons for their anger within the last week alone.
They weren't people. They were not Ibuki. They were not Akira.]
[A little laugh, a thin smile, managing to find comfort and happiness even in a situation like this. So long as he has people like Solomon in his corner, there's little in life that can truly put a dent in Akira's spirit.]
But, benevolent man that I am, I find it in my heart to forgive you time and time again. Even when you're aloof. Even when you're vague.
[That smile, thin on his pale face, spreads just a little wider. Akira reaches up and taps the ring.]
[Ah. Was that it, then? Akira frustrated at not being given all the information he wanted?
There's nothing to be done about his anger, then. Perhaps he would come to terms, or perhaps he would grow too frustrated and drift away. But his information is not to be shared lightly.
So he does not respond. He simply smiles, that same distant smile that he wears so easily, eyes that only deepen with that flicker of hesitation at Akira's eager, palid request.
Does he? Does he risk this? After what's happened tonight, after everything, can he bear to...?
[He's accepted that whatever Solomon deems fit to tell him is something he'll appreciate. Sure, Akira can't promise he won't try to work Solomon open like a locked door and see what lies beyond, but he's not going to ignore the man's comfort in order to do so.
He's recognized that Solomon is, in fact, very much human. A lonely heart always yearns for companionship, and so long as that's the case, Akira will make his way to his heart inch by inch. What happens from here is up to them.
But that distant smile still gets under his skin. It's in the way Akira's eyes take on a sharpened edge, but he doesn't complain, simply holding out his hand for Solomon to take. Gonna zap him when he's already hard a rough day? Too cruel, Solomon. Too cruel.]
Hahah... it's not going far. Just hold still for a moment.
[Look, he'll even let Akira watch.
That free hand is lifted, turned palm side up to face Akira. Solomon's fingers rest against his pulse point, letting the warmth of his own body try to pass on what little it could to the struggling body underneath.
Akira will then feel a pinprick of energy underneath Solomon's fingers.
It's frustrating, that it takes so much effort for something that was so simple back home. Solomon is having to concentrate intensively after his exorcism attempts, his hand trembling against Akira's.
When he finally withdraws his hand, Akira will have the pale shape of a star where Solomon's fingers had been. Solomon's magical signature can be felt with just a touch, though it's very faint.]
[This sensation... Akira easily identifies it as Solomon's magic. It dips beneath his skin like the thin nose of a needle, and when Solomon withdraws his hand, Akira marvels at the mark left behind.]
Is this...?
[He hesitates to ask. It could be so many things — a pact, a symbol of protection, a ward, a charm — and he doesn't want to guess incorrectly. His eyes, a little wider now, seek out Solomon's for the answer.]
Three staves for three magi. Seven stars for seven virtues. So is the crest of the sorcerer.
[His smile is so tired. So incredibly tired. But there's a glint of pride in it.]
I'm afraid this is all I can do right now - a good-luck charm, if you will. Were I to give you an actual seal, without paperwork or trials, the Society would have even less a reason to forgive me than they already do. But...
[His hand brushes Akira's bangs away, to see his face more clearly, to see and challenge the rivalling mark so clear on his forehead.]
The first star is always given by the master.
Your character shows promise, Your dedication to that which matters to you, even in the throws of something unknown, unwavering and unapologetic, has been noted as a strength.
Solomon the Wise commends you for the virtue of diligence.
[Just— give him a moment to let that sink in. The crest of a sorcerer, a commendation for a job well done. To be honest, Akira didn't expect Solomon to go this far. Urging him in a creative way to experiment with his magic was its own sort of reward, but this is... really special, isn't it?
Akira stares and stares at his newfound crest. Akira's lips part, but nothing comes out. Shocking him silent is no mean feat.
In the end, Akira says nothing at all. He wobbles upright, throws his arms around Solomon's neck, and hugs him tightly. Don't get mad if they both go tipping onto the mattress after this.]
[Uh, whoops? Guess Akira doesn't know his own strength. He'd normally move and issue an apology, but there's a reason why he does Solomon no such favor this time.]
You look like you're about to pass out. Are you going to stay put if I get off of you?
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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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[At the end of the day, Akira is Akira. He's going to do what he pleases and care about whomever he wants. By now, Solomon surely knows it.
A little squeeze of the arms wound around Solomon's middle before Akira withdraws, flopping back onto the mattress to claim the lap he'd been so kindly permitted to use as a pillow. This is better anyway. Like this, he can look up and see Solomon's face.]
You're lucky I'm feeling too crummy to get mad at you. The Arcana never lie.
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Mad at me? I can't imagine why.
[What did he do? What did Akira consider such a sin? He really can't bother to keep track anymore, so he doesn't try to guess. It's not like this is Diavolo or Barbatos or Lucifer, where he could likely come up with a few reasons for their anger within the last week alone.
They weren't people. They were not Ibuki. They were not Akira.]
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[A little laugh, a thin smile, managing to find comfort and happiness even in a situation like this. So long as he has people like Solomon in his corner, there's little in life that can truly put a dent in Akira's spirit.]
But, benevolent man that I am, I find it in my heart to forgive you time and time again. Even when you're aloof. Even when you're vague.
[That smile, thin on his pale face, spreads just a little wider. Akira reaches up and taps the ring.]
So? Did I pass the test?
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There's nothing to be done about his anger, then. Perhaps he would come to terms, or perhaps he would grow too frustrated and drift away. But his information is not to be shared lightly.
So he does not respond. He simply smiles, that same distant smile that he wears so easily, eyes that only deepen with that flicker of hesitation at Akira's eager, palid request.
Does he? Does he risk this? After what's happened tonight, after everything, can he bear to...?
...]
Give me your hand for a moment.
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He's recognized that Solomon is, in fact, very much human. A lonely heart always yearns for companionship, and so long as that's the case, Akira will make his way to his heart inch by inch. What happens from here is up to them.
But that distant smile still gets under his skin. It's in the way Akira's eyes take on a sharpened edge, but he doesn't complain, simply holding out his hand for Solomon to take. Gonna zap him when he's already hard a rough day? Too cruel, Solomon. Too cruel.]
Take good care of it.
[Of what, he doesn't say.]
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[Look, he'll even let Akira watch.
That free hand is lifted, turned palm side up to face Akira. Solomon's fingers rest against his pulse point, letting the warmth of his own body try to pass on what little it could to the struggling body underneath.
Akira will then feel a pinprick of energy underneath Solomon's fingers.
It's frustrating, that it takes so much effort for something that was so simple back home. Solomon is having to concentrate intensively after his exorcism attempts, his hand trembling against Akira's.
When he finally withdraws his hand, Akira will have the pale shape of a star where Solomon's fingers had been. Solomon's magical signature can be felt with just a touch, though it's very faint.]
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Is this...?
[He hesitates to ask. It could be so many things — a pact, a symbol of protection, a ward, a charm — and he doesn't want to guess incorrectly. His eyes, a little wider now, seek out Solomon's for the answer.]
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[His smile is so tired. So incredibly tired. But there's a glint of pride in it.]
I'm afraid this is all I can do right now - a good-luck charm, if you will. Were I to give you an actual seal, without paperwork or trials, the Society would have even less a reason to forgive me than they already do. But...
[His hand brushes Akira's bangs away, to see his face more clearly, to see and challenge the rivalling mark so clear on his forehead.]
The first star is always given by the master.
Your character shows promise, Your dedication to that which matters to you, even in the throws of something unknown, unwavering and unapologetic, has been noted as a strength.
Solomon the Wise commends you for the virtue of diligence.
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[Just— give him a moment to let that sink in. The crest of a sorcerer, a commendation for a job well done. To be honest, Akira didn't expect Solomon to go this far. Urging him in a creative way to experiment with his magic was its own sort of reward, but this is... really special, isn't it?
Akira stares and stares at his newfound crest. Akira's lips part, but nothing comes out. Shocking him silent is no mean feat.
In the end, Akira says nothing at all. He wobbles upright, throws his arms around Solomon's neck, and hugs him tightly. Don't get mad if they both go tipping onto the mattress after this.]
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so i rolled a 1 on this so
yeah they are 100% just crashing straight back down into the mattress with all the dignity and embarrassment of a startled cat.]
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You look like you're about to pass out. Are you going to stay put if I get off of you?
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I...
[...
His hands carefully put a barrier between them, a gentle push to encourage Akira to get off of him anyway. This isn't...
...
He can't do this.]
Shouldn't I be asking you that? [A weak deflection, trying to cut the awkwardness of the moment before it has too much time to settle.]
I told you I'd stay. But it's... it's my job to watch over you right now.
I'll be fine.
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