takumato | 🌙🌊

[ The days since the attack have been... taxing, to say the least.

Little by little, the physical chest pain where his wound is has been fading, but something about the soul area is off. Unfortunately, Eito hasn't had a chance to discern why, exactly, that is. It's a strange, aching feeling, a palpable emptiness that didn't exist before. There's what he can only describe as a yearning, even, for something to fill that hole.

On top of that, Eito has been spending too much time dwelling on the memories that flashed before his eyes when the soul was struck, which has put him in a more sour mood than usual. It shows. Takumi has been more patient with him than usual, which does not go unnoticed.

Eito doesn't really know what to do with that. ]

Hm.

[ He doesn't meet Takumi's eyes, fixating his gaze on the apple, instead. Takumi is deft with the knife, which dredges back the memory of him on the battlefield days ago. Eito has never seen Takumi spiral into such a rage over any other member of the SDU's wounds before, and the emotions stemming from that are complicated, if not irritating. Eito would have been perfectly fine dying and being revived. It would have been by no means a positive outcome, but it would have been preferable to being fussed over like this. ]

Why, I have no idea what you're talking about.

[ Eito doesn't even pretend to be honest. Honestly, he's just being difficult on purpose. ]

[ he should've expected a response like that. when has eito ever not given takumi a hard time? ]

Can you at least try to sound believable?

[ unamused, takumi huffs to himself and then scoots his chair a little closer to eito's bed. until then, he'd been sitting an appropriate distance away, idly cutting bunny-shaped apples for eito to nibble on. and, yes, before anyone asks, takumi put on transparent kitchen gloves before getting to work peeling them.

he decides to try again. be a bit more specific. ]

I can tell when you've got something on your mind.

[ takumi may be oblivious sometimes, but even this would be impossible for him not to notice. he's been staring at eito for days now. ]

Oh?

[ Eito clicks his tongue before his eyes crinkle into one of his familiar, fake smiles. ]

So not only is our dear Team Leader a time traveler, he's also a mind reader? How impressive! A man of many talents, I see.

[ Eito knows Takumi has been staring, those brilliant blue eyes near-constantly boring into him. All it serves to do is make the hole where his soul rests ache even more, that yearning, almost hungry feeling multiplying.

It doesn't make sense. As a distraction, Eito reaches out to pluck one of the bunny-shaped slices off the plate, then brings it to his mouth and bites the ears off. The fact that he would so readily eat something another person prepared, regardless of kitchen gloves... Takumi is the only one who could get away with it. ]

Look, you've got your jokes, but I'm being serious here.

[ takumi petulantly tugs off the gloves and tosses them into eito's trash bin without getting up. he absolutely knows it'll grate on the other's nerves—it's messy and unsanitary—but that's what eito gets for being annoying. ]

Whatever happened to you is weird. I can't imagine you'd just accept that.

[ continuing on without wondering why his body reacted the way it did—eito is too intelligent to ignore it. that's what takumi thinks. ]

[ He narrows his eyes before huffing out a resigned sigh. Ugh. Fine. You win, Takumi. ]

How astute of you to notice. Since you've been taking the time to watch over me, I suppose I can humor you for a little while.

[ Eito swallows the remainder of the apple slice before responding, keeping his tone careful and measured. At this point in their peculiar friendship, he trusts Takumi—he does. But this is a vulnerable topic, one that's far from easy to broach. ]

From the moment I was struck in the chest, something has felt... off. Wrong.

[ A pause as he weighs over his words. When he continues, he's staring at his lap. ]

All of a sudden, it's as though the soul area has a mind of its own. There's this craving there that cannot be satisfied. Or if it can be satiated, then I have no idea how to go about it.

Along with that, I experienced what I can only describe as flashbacks. Memories of the past I haven't thought about in years came flooding back to me, all at once. It was overwhelming, and deeply unpleasant, and—and since then, there's been this damn chasm in my chest that I can't begin to imagine how to address.

[ Tone becoming somewhat manic, Eito gnaws at his lower lip, his gloved hands flexing, grasping at nothing. There's more he has to say, but he'd rather not overload Takumi's brain with too much information at once. ]

[ craving—like it's alive? ...no, obviously it is, takumi corrects himself. the thing that glows in their chest cavities is certainly the manifestation of their souls; that much is evident. the way it appears delicate and spirit-like, burning directly where he'd assume a soul would be. nebulous, it quivers, as well. ]

The thing that's there... It's 'us', isn't it? Our consciousness or something. That's what I'd assume souls are. [ as usual, only eito articulated himself well. ] Wouldn't that mean it's craving what you want? Deep down, I guess.

[ but as for the flashbacks— ]

I wonder if you saw those memories because it's your consciousness, too. Maybe being touched directly caused them to come to the surface.

[ he doesn't quite get it, but... ]

Edited 2026-01-18 20:03 (UTC)

[ So eloquent, Takumi-kun! is what Eito could say in that teasing tone of his, but the atmosphere isn't appropriate. On the contrary, Takumi's words actually give him a lot to think about. ]

What I want?

[ Eito repeats the words aloud, testing them out. His thin brows are knit in confusion. What has he ever wanted, really, besides the total eradication of humanity? The (perhaps contradictory) goal of protecting his friends has joined that goal, but... besides that, does he even have anything he wants? Anything that could be attainable?

And then another memory surfaces, unbidden: his consciousness fading as he reaches out, extending his hand toward Takumi. Takumi, who saved him, who killed him and then killed for him. ]

... My turn to ask you a question, Takumi-kun. Why did you go that far to come to my rescue? Surely you could have let me die. The Revive-O-Matic is there for a reason.

[ almost nonplussed, takumi replies in an even tone, like eito asked a question with a clear answer already. ]

Because I knew something was different.

[ he doesn't elaborate immediately and settles more comfortably in his chair, tilting his head just a smidgen to the right as he gazes into eito's eyes. the gesture might remind someone of an inquisitive cat. ]

We've all been injured before—died before. [ the amendment causes his nose to briefly wrinkle in displeasure. ] But when that enemy injured you, I knew you were in real danger. It touched somewhere it shouldn't have.

[ takumi pauses. his nonchalance melts into slight bewilderment, but he continues speaking. ]

...I don't know why I knew, but... I couldn't let you go that way.

I see.

[ It is not the answer Eito expected. Far from it. Eito thought he'd be more annoyed, and the genuine gratitude that creeps up on him is surprising. In spite of everything, he's relieved to be alive. ]

That's unusually perceptive of you. This is the part where I should thank you for using that single brain cell rattling around in there—[ Eito points to Takumi's forehead with one slender finger. ]—to save my life, then. Correct?

[ A beat passes before Eito says what would have been unimaginable, once upon a time: ]

Thank you, Takumi-kun. Against all odds, I do mean that.

[ Despite his discomfort, he meets Takumi's gaze head-on, a tiny smile curving his lips. There's much more that could be said, but heartfelt sentiments such as this are not Eito's forte. It's somewhat ironic, given that emotional, mushy speeches and cheesy lines about friendship were how he once masked his utter disdain for the others in the group, with Takumi at the front and center.

When it comes to the real article, something as simple as a thank-you is still foreign on his tongue. But for Takumi, he can manage bearing that discomfort. ]

Um...

[ suddenly self-conscious and aware of what he's said, takumi instinctively flushes.

eito's heartfelt speeches may have been artificial, but they were very fluid. he didn't hesitate when he expressed them, uniting the friends he found repulsive with ease and lifting the mood. takumi, meanwhile, can only be affectionate like that in the heat of the moment. it is natural so long as he is distracted. otherwise...

...it really is embarrassing. ]

You're welcome.

[ said as lamely as possible. ]

[ The fact that Takumi goes a shade redder does not escape Eito's notice, but he refrains from commenting. ]

Now that that's over with... I have a somewhat selfish request. Will you hear me out?

[ The gears in his brain are turning, the vague shape of an idea beginning to form. ]

[ there had been a missing component to that conversation, a truth that takumi himself has not addressed or is aware of just yet. why, exactly, he had gotten so, so enraged. takumi had given an explanation for having saved eito's life, but he did not justify why he fled his position or brutalized the body of the alien that ultimately killed eito. this lack of understanding of his feelings could be a blessing or a curse; after all, it is eito that suffers from it the most.

blurred lines and ambiguous feelings... they'd need a miracle for a timely resolution. ]

Sure. What is it?

[ takumi's face is still pleasantly pink, and he has to resist the urge to avert his gaze. still, he tries his best to not look as though eito's earnest gratitude had shaken him up. ]

...As long as it isn't unreasonable.

[ he tacks that on as a precaution. ]

[ That noted missing component isn't something Eito has neglected to consider, but he has a feeling that it would be a fruitless endeavor to try to nudge the truth out of Takumi at this moment. It's something to be revisited and dissected, for sure.

And on some level... Eito might be avoiding the truth, himself. The fact that there is meaning behind most of Takumi's actions as their leader is undeniable, and this is no exception. That streak of violent rage was not just a random whim of his.

He'll drag the answers out of Takumi at some point, though, and sooner than later. That's for certain. ]

There's something I want to check, and it involves activating our Hemoanima.

[ Given how Eito is still recovering from his injury, Takumi might not be on board with that idea, but the straight line Eito's mouth makes demonstrates how serious he is about this. ]

Can we?

Here?

[ as in, in eito's bedroom? ]

Uh... you are bedridden and know that, right?

[ that's technically not true. eito's been able to meander around his room at least, meticulously throwing away or cleaning up miscellaneous trash and items takumi accidentally leaves behind at the end of the day. ]

If this will be dangerous...

[ takumi trails off, but the disapproving note in his voice lingers. ]

Obviously not here.

[ Not that Eito made that at all clear. Sorry, Takumi. ]

We've done this dozens of times by now, haven't we? It should be perfectly safe. With that being said, I didn't have an exact location in mind... Maybe somewhere private?

[ He hums, tossing the suggestion out there like it's the most normal and casual thing in the world. ]

...That'd work.

[ his agreement is reluctant. ]

Sirei didn't tell me what was wrong with you, but I don't want there to be another causality.

[ and thus takumi admits to having hounded sirei earlier regarding eito's condition. the little things always slip out when he isn't paying attention. ]

Is it fine if it's the infirmary? Can you make it there?

Of course I can. You don't need to treat me like I'm a fragile maiden in need of protection, you know.

[ Somehow, it's both annoying and endearing, much like the countless other complicated emotions Takumi tends to spark within him. ]

So. [ Eito drawls, slanting a knowing look at Takumi. ] You bothered Sirei about this, did you? I'm not surprised he was avoidant, given that he's scarcely told me anything, either.

[ I know that, he thinks. You still look like one, though.

(oh, woe is me, forbidden and random gay thought.)

it also takes a hot second for takumi to comprehend why eito knows what he's been up to. once realization hits, he curses his lack of filter. ]

Yeah, so? I said I knew something was different this time. Of course I'd investigate.

[ takumi ignores the prickle in his cheeks. ]

The only thing he told me was that you were gonna need more recovery time.

Right, right. No need to get defensive on me.

[ Oh, Takumi......... ]

I can't dispute Sirei's words, but I'll still be able to make it to the infirmary just fine. Speaking of which, why the infirmary, anyway? Not that I'm objecting.

[ eito's question instantly has takumi sobering up. ]

Just in case.

[ it comes out quieter, somewhere between a murmur and seemingly dismissive remark. takumi then gets to his feet and shoves the apple knife into his pocket. he leaves eito's bedside to wander around the length of his mattress, only pausing upon reaching the entryway of the hallway leading out of the room.

he glances back and gives eito a lingering look. there's something indiscernible in his expression. ]

I'll come by tomorrow morning. Try not to overwork yourself.

[ takumi's features subtly soften, and he smiles. ]

See you, Aotsuki.

[ Despite Eito's occasional trouble with making out expressions, the shifts in Takumi's have always been easier for him to discern. He's an expressive person.

The smile is returned, gentle and so sincere it surprises even him. ]

Goodnight, Takumi-kun. See you soon.

[ Just in case, huh. Takumi's visit today has given him a lot to chew on, to put it lightly.

Eito sleeps surprisingly well that night—better than usual, at least. Perhaps his subconscious knows he could use the strength, given that he'll be using his infuser for the first time since the Incident.

He doesn't expect to see Takumi until later in the morning, given how heavy a sleeper he is when no one wakes him... but much to Eito's surprise, there's a knock on his door bright and early. By then, he's already dressed and ready, so he has no issue greeting Takumi at the door, his infuser tucked away. ]

Ready to go?

Edited 2026-01-18 23:06 (UTC)

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