[As quickly as the tension had manifested, it's gone again, like it'd never been there apart from the slight furrow in Yato's brow. That much he can't seem to shake without concentrated effort. Which is hard to do when you don't realize it's happening.
His fingers latch onto her hand, not tightly, but firmly. Warmly. Part of him wants nothing more than to lean across the table and place his lips upon hers, but he quickly shakes that thought away. They don't have that kind of relationship.
Not now, possibly not ever. That somber fact dampens his mood somewhat, and he ducks his head in something between shame and embarrassment. She did indeed say that. He should've remembered and trusted in her to keep her word on that as well. It seems like he never can when it comes to her, though. Even at his very first Divine Council he lost it when her plaque kept ending up tied to unsuitable men.]
Y...Yeah. You did. Sorry. [Peering up at their hands from between his shaggy bangs, he nods. It won't do to dwell on the bad or sad aspects of life. The parts he can't change. Better to be grateful for what's right here in front of him so he can treasure that for as long as possible.]
...you're doing a good job as my temporary guidepost. That's something that makes me happy, too. I... didn't ruin breakfast for you, did I?
[Finally dragging his head all the way up, he gazes at her with raised brows and a sheepish half-smile.] You can hit me if I did.
[ as much as it pains her, this isn't the first time he's struggled to believe her words. from telling him she won't forget him, to saying she wants to be with him longer at capyperland (though that's her own damn fault for being so stubborn about not watching the parade but she had her reasons), to calling him her god of happiness and fortune. she just sends him a slightly wan smile. ]
You don't need to apologize. I'll just keep reminding you.
[ one that drops and for her cheeks to color for his praise. she is...? gosh, but it feels like she's struggling a lot of the time. yukine is better at it. maybe it's the connection that gods and shinki have. she was never the leader type until recently. ]
N... no, you didn't ruin it. [ she's quick to reassure and then fights a scoff for permission to hit him. all she does is give his wrist a light smack. right after, she gives him a softer pat. for saying she can hit him at all. that's awful. wrestling moves when he's being Too Much is one thing. hitting him because he was trying to express himself is another. besides, when was the last time she put him in some submission hold or any kind of wrestling move? oh. when she threw him off the zombie ride for laying in her lap, wasn't it? she couldn't help herself and she felt terrible afterward. ]
After we clean up and I get ready for the day, I'm going to hand out all the Capyper O-inari-san we made just like we planned. You should think about visiting the friends you've made here too, Yato. Do you want some inari to give to them?
[Trust with him has always been hard to earn, even more so for a human, as they can't help being of the Near Shore and fallible. It's just part of their nature, and he's come to accept that.
Except for Hiyori. Her words hold real weight and meaning. He can hold them close to his heart where he's most vulnerable, let them seep into his soul and trust in them. A struggle every step of the way to be sure, but he's doing it. He believes her. He wouldn't listen to her otherwise.]
Mmm. 'kay. I appreciate it.
[Because he does need the reminder. He knows that much is true. Together they both might not be the perfect pair of god and temporary guidepost, but they still make for a good team.
Her reassurance that the day isn't spoiled sends a wave of clear relief through him, washing away the last traces of the near-argument. He even laughs lightly upon getting a literal slap on the wrist and a comforting pat to go with it. Both make him feel heard. All is as right with the world as can be here.]
Ah, yeah, of course! I'm sure they'll love them! And I'll be sure to mention that since you made them, they're from you as well. Can't have anyone think I'm taking all the credit myself, heh.
[He skewers his tower of pancake bites and shoves them into his beaming face, nodding. He'll definitely have to pick up a few extra gifts for Hiyori while he's out and about, too. To make up for Santa's mistake and as a way of saying 'thank you' for all her hard work on the inari.]
[ it always means a lot when her words are taken to heart. but why he needs the reminder -- she has some idea. speaking it aloud? acknowledging it? that's another thing.
that's for some other time. after coming to a tenuous understanding, she doesn't want to break it. yato seems pleased, anyway. she nearly goes back on her word at yato suggesting he can say the inari gift will be from her, too. she didn't think of it as yato taking all the credit.
although... she could see him doing that before. not now. that bottomless stomach hasn't changed like the rest of him has. she can't help herself but to smile at him.
inari gifts from both the yatogami, god of happiness, and his faithful... follower. yeah. ]
But I'm not trying so hard to be a God of Fortune, you are. I made them so that people could believe in you. As a sign of good ties between you and others. [ except... like one. that's a teeny tiny cookieper for a cookie person. BUT ALL THE OTHERS ARE NORMAL CAPYPER INARI. ] I don't really need credit. [ she pauses. ] But if you want to say they're from me too, you can. I don't mind.
[That would definitely be treading a little too close to vulnerable territory so soon after their near miss of a thing that was them butting heads. He doesn't want to spoil today with dwelling on matters that can wait for another time.
Today's the day to play Santa, after all! For them to get all dressed up in their new winter gear and go visit friends and neighbors to spread cheer and Yatoism! Then maybe come home all covered in snow to warm cookies and milk, and a roaring fire. Play some games, have a nice dinner... N-Nothing romantic, just... normal roommate things!]
Of course! They may represent the blessing of Yatogami, but they're made with love and care by you - nothing I say will change that.
[Meaning her contribution shouldn't be taken for granted or trivialized just to feed his ego or reputation. After all, he still has the hand-woven omamori charms to go with them!]
I mean, what better way to prove I'm a good God of Fortune than by having such a wonderful and dedicated loyal follower, right? You're like free advertising! [H-He means that lovingly.....]
[ near miss -- that's for damn sure. she's just glad that she came to her senses and was able to settle yato down, too, before something happened. the air was so thick with suspense. she felt it weighing down on her body like it was a tangible thing. this is much better. yato smiling and making jokes at her expense...
..........
it's christmas, she reminds herself and knows yato doesn't mean it in a demeaning way. probably. some people are likely already questioning him from his previous advertisement. which while it wasn't bad, it was still -- he can do better.
and she is also DOING her BEST. wonderful and dedicated and loyal. it's nice that yato notices it. too bad calling her free advertising kills it. ] Putting in a good word never hurts, but I think you, yourself, proving you're a God of Fortune means more. Actions say more than words. Even mine.
[ TOUNO-SAMA TAUGHT HER THAT.
hiyori gives his hand another pat and then stands to get... one more pancake. she needs fuel for all the work she's going to do today!! ]
Mm~ I might ashk you to teach me to make theesh, too... otherwhysh I'll jusht beg you to make them all the time...
[It's good that one of them had some senses to come to, as Yato's aramitama was starting to rear its ugly head in a 'jealous lover' sort of way that was wholly inappropriate for the setting. Besides, everything is much better when they're both happy and content.
Though of course he doesn't mean it in a demeaning way! How could you think such a thing of this smiling angel?? Everybody else is just mean to think him suspicious after that perfectly honest, 100% accurate advertisement.
Maybe they should compare notes and see whose methods work better for luring in customers and believers. That way they could cover twice as much ground! Maybe he'll bring it up later when they get back.]
Yeah, but it helps to have a way of proving myself first, without butting in where I'm not wanted, yeah?
[He grins after her getting another pancake, slinging an arm over the back of his chair.]
Hehe, that can probably be arranged. Though maybe I'd like to hear you begging~
[ the same way when yato talks about "pest control" and comes flying in with a bat at one of the baseball guys that talks to her when she was filling in as manager.
she prefers this happy and comfortable atmosphere by a landslide, too. yato can be scary, at times, but she's fairly sure he doesn't realize it. or he's only just starting to. that guilty expression on his face was impossible to miss.
hiyori mulls and chews. that's why he wanted people to call him first. to be wanted or needed. hmm. ] I think you can tell when and where you should help others. Have more faith in yourself.
[ something she always tells him.
as for BEGGING. she's tempted to throw her fork at him. he WOULD like to hear that, wouldn't he? yato and his prayers. ]
[Considering the strange ideas those guys got just because Hiyori was offering to help them out, he feels perfectly justified in warding them off with their own sports equipment.
Thankfully nobody's tried to pull that kind of crap here (to his knowledge.) Otherwise he might get just a bit more scary than she saw just now. No one's allowed to mess with his believer/temp guidepost...! NOT ALLOWED.
To her comment, he pouts a little bit, twisting around more in his chair until he's kneeling in it.] Yeah, but...
[She's completely right about him wanting to be wanted. Needed. That's the trouble of trying to force himself into people's lives. Without knowing them he can't tell when he should step in. Like now, with how Hiyori offers to pay him for his services. He immediately perks up, one foot coming down to rest on the ground.]
You'll make it a proper wish??
[He's out of his chair in an instant, glomming onto her with both arms and his cheek pressed to the side of her head.]
[ ah, well... yeah... there's that, the team having very STRANGE ideas, but that was because of YOU. YATO.
clemency to the poor soul that ever tries to hit on hiyori (nor to her knowledge) with the yatogami protecting her like a hound.
she fights the amusement to no avail at how quickly yato's lured in by the gleam of a coin. she'll make it a proper wish, she doesn't get to say before he's grabbing onto her and his face is so damn CLOSE. ]
Gyah! Yato!! C-Careful!
[ her chair tips sideways with yato's exuberance and she clings to his shirt in order not to topple sideways with it, her balance upset. once she realizes she's safe and won't end up on a heap on the floor, her body sags and she pats his back. ]
[T-There may be some truth in that he had a hand in coloring their impression of her, but they jumped to their own conclusions! It's not his fault they're horny teenagers who think with their equipment--!
And hey, if he's willing to curse her future husband to smell like musty laundry, there's no way anyone actually making a pass at her will get off lightly. Divine protection guaranteed!!
If there's any consolation, it's that he misses her amusement at his antics and doesn't receive any positive reinforcement to his doofy behavior. Though there's also the way they both almost go overboard , even if thankfully it doesn't come to pass due to him having one foot firmly planted on the floor.]
Hehe~ It's fiiiine!
[His cheeks flush warmly at how she clings to him, certainly not missing this opportunity to enjoy their closeness, however brief it may be. Still, he backs off after a minute, allowing her chair to settle back on all four legs.]
I gotcha. I still appreciate it, though. I haven't gotten any requests since my advertisement. There doesn't seem to be much call for a Delivery God when they have the likes of a message board.
[Yes, he sounds a little put out about that. Being beaten by a community board of all things...]
[ HE BASICALLY USED HER BODY TO ADVERTISE AS A CALL GIRL!?! THE CONCLUSIONS WERE DRAWN.
she has no idea he did it all to put her in a Pathetic State. all so that he could try and be Prince Charming. it all backfired, anyway, and now he has to answer odd, heavy-breathing, perverted calls now and then. she would have to say that Divine Protection is a step up from trying to make her miserable and lonely.
it does end up being fine when he lowers them back on all four chair legs. the way her fingers knotted in his shirt loosen and she releases him to go back to her pancake. ]
Really? [ hiyori blinks at him. but... they can SEE him. see his advertisement. they've come to that deduction. yato isn't as invisible here as he is on earth. though he does sound pretty sulky about the community board. ]
Have you thought of advertising there on the board? You could make a flier and interested people could take one of those cut-off pieces at the bottom with your number on it or some other way to contact you since... there aren't any phones.
[ do not
share their address. PLEASE. she doesn't want to answer the door to some creeper. that's a recipe for disaster. ]
[HEY, HE HAD "DELIVERY GOD" PRINTED RIGHT THERE ON THE CARDS! NOT HIS FAULT THEY COULDN'T UNDERSTAND TWO WORDS STRUNG TOGETHER...
...though in hindsight, Operation Prince Charming may have been ill-advised and slightly cruel, so perhaps it's for the best that it didn't work out the way he'd planned. He's learned that it's a lot easier to get into Hiyori's good graces when she's already in a pleasant mood as opposed to a down one.
Releasing her completely, he then parks it on the table beside her, crossing one leg over the other and putting his chin in a hand. Wearing a full-on pout, he stares out past her to the window.]
Well, it's like you said. Some people think I'm suspicious. Others seem to look down on me for my skill set, and the rest just... aren't interested.
[He lets out a long, heavy sigh, slowly glancing back to her.]
That's an idea... Maybe something like that would work. Though I think that it being a dream world without a monetary-based economy means that the call for my services is kind of limited. It'd suck if I had to find something else to do besides being a god. [Which... he technically is already doing, but nobody tell him that.
And if she doesn't want their address known, she better speak up now or forever hold her peace. It's a small enough place, so in a way they're all kind of neighbors anyway.]
[ WITH THE WAY HE WAS ACTING, THEY THOUGHT IT WAS A SPECIFIC!!! TYPE OF DELIVERY!! NOT THAT SHE KNOWS ANYTHING ABOUT THAT--
things might've gone very differently if it did work. by some stroke of luck, it didn't and yato experiences hiyori without relying on ill-advised and slightly cruel schemes to get her to rely on him. because... she already did, in a way.
they look down on him for his skill set? that's a first. the suspicious thing is, unfortunately, not too surprising. hiyori is now the one staring at her plate in thought, a piece of pancake on her fork but not raising to her mouth. ]
Trade is important here. It could be worth it to find a skill that's in demand? I don't know what that could be, though. I've been helping now and then as a volunteer at the pottery shop since I've been there so often, but that's just because I like it.
[ ... he could always be hired as some kind of swordsman. like a knight. god knight. god bodyguard? bodygod? no, that's weird. yukine advised yato to use his skill of cutting things up to destroy calamity. is there something similar here? ]
A god listens to the people's prayers, right? Maybe Reverein has some problem we don't know about and... you can help them fix it. Like the Ayakashi. People could start praying for your help, then. Actually, I remember something of a problem. What was it...?
[Okay, so he should've at least had some idea that might've happened... He's been around long enough to know about those sorts of deliveries.
For one thing, she might not have forgiven him for dislocating her shoulder. And sending her reputation through the roof in every possible way. But, all's well that ends well and all that!!
For a god, his skills are a touch too mundane and everyday to really impress anybody here, it seems. And without Yukine to draw his borderline, he struggles with the more delicate work like cutting ties. It's lucky he didn't cut more than a few strands of Joshua's hair when he tried it with a dreamotion sword.]
Prayers, huh... Are you talking about the noctaere? Joshua mentioned them - shadow monsters composed of nightmare energy that tend to inhabit dreams and the Wastelands. There's not much else known about them, I think.
[ EXACTLY!!! ALL OF THAT. there's a lot she forgave him for, in the end. tenjin told her to stay away. to go back to her human life but even then...
she looks up quickly at the word "noctaere". that sounds exactly like the sort of thing he SHOULD be fighting to help people! ]
That, yeah!
[ at the same time, she worries. yato is plenty capable on his own, but he was unstoppable with yukine. his dreamotion swords pale in comparison. she's sure yato knows that even better than she does.
all the same, this seems to follow yukine's guidance. ]
Shadow monsters made of nightmare energy... [ she says to herself. if this is a place of dreams, then couldn't that nightmare energy affect the world? nahida called this place a hypostasis - structured and stable - but now she's wondering if that's true again. this place could be manipulated by that nightmare energy as much as it is by dreamotion. ]
Doesn't that sound like Ayakashi? They were nightmares that fed off bad emotions, too. I haven't heard much about them bothering people but we should fight them, right? Before they do something.
[She's forgiven him for a ton over the course of the year they've known one another. More than she should have, probably. But that's why he lo-- likes her! Because she's such a kind, generous person! Haha~
He's in full agreement that it sounds like the dream equivalent of ayakashi, although he's also aware that she must know that there's some hurdles to tackling them like one another. The lack of Yukine is number one. The unknown factor is number two. The third...]
It does. Like they're counterparts or two halves of the same beings. My worry is that if I couldn't even handle a candy monster, will I be able to take down something fully formed from nightmare energy...? [Yeah, he's having a bit of a crisis of confidence here. And some mild fear to go with it.]
And there's no "we" anything. You-- [He jabs a finger at her nose.] --are going to stay put here if I do decide to go after them. I'm not risking you getting hurt. Or worse. Got it? We don't know what happens if someone is 'killed' here and I'm not about to let you find out.
candy monster did do a number on yato. despite that, ] Things are different now. You know how to use your dreamotion much more compared to then. And maybe you don't have Yukine-kun, but you were a God of War before you were a God of Happiness, right? I've seen you fight. You can do it when you put your mind to it.
[ all that and she gets a FINGER at her nose and told 'NO WE'. there is some logic to it but also? this is not fair. does he think she wants him to find out what it means when someone is 'killed' here? not a chance. she takes his wrist and stands out of her seat. ]
And I'm not letting you go alone, Yato. [ after trying so hard not to fight over romance hypotheticals, this is where they end up. this won't be another yomi incident. everyone else said it's normal for yato to disappear. it won't be normal here. not if she has anything to say about it. ]
[It's just a shame he's done so much to require her forgiveness.
He wishes he had her optimism when it comes to this, but little things like people disparaging his skills and his continued failures against the monsters here have taken its toll on his nigh unshakable confidence.]
O-Of course I was! I know that...! [It's just...] It's a change from what I've known for a thousand years. It takes some adjusting to get used to it. It's not like when I acquire a new shinki - I don't move naturally on my own. I'm not working in tandem with someone.
[In other words, he can't just breeze through things like he has been. He has to be mindful and work at it. He's not surprised when Hiyori takes him by the wrist and rises, eyes following hers with a determined fierceness.]
.....only if you maintain your distance if we encounter anything. No fighting. Someone needs to be able to run for help if I get in over my head. Alright? [Because he won't be allowing another round like with Kugaha, where Hiyori was the main target. He wouldn't be able to stand it if some nightmare monster made her its primary prey instead of him.]
[ it's not a shame to her. without those things, she might not be friends with everyone. she might've gone back to her very normal, very human life.
if he won't have nigh unshakable confidence in himself, then she will. bottom line.
this is new, too. acquiring a new shinki makes him move instinctually? he's not working in tandem with someone, but he can. she's not a sword or anything but her martial arts aren't anything to sneeze at, she thought. ]
If you get in over your head, I'm helping you. I'm not running away to leave you to--
[ fend for himself. suffer alone. die. any of those. ]
I know... I know I'm not as skilled as a fighter as you, and I'm not a shinki who can make borderlines and recite incantations, but I'm not helpless. I'll keep my distance, but I'm fighting if you're in danger. I will not abandon you if you're in trouble.
[Always so full of positivity. Even now, he can't be a hundred percent certain that her remaining with a foot on this side of the shore to be a good thing. He hasn't stopped considering that her being here is a result of that, too.
Yet there's no denying that for him at least, his life is that might better and brighter for her continued presence. That much will never be in contention. Just like how she's maintaining her unwavering faith in him.
Twisting his wrist around, he catches her by the hand, gently. Put all together, it almost feels like he can do anything when she's supporting him like this. Or at least that he can face everything that might come their way. He glances down at their hands, voice quiet.]
Hiyori... You know you don't have to.
[If he can't forcefully convince her, maybe he can at least get her to consider things from his point of view.]
It's not your fighting skills that I'm worried about. It's just... you. Even here, you're still a human facing off against inhuman opponents. We don't know what they might be capable of doing to you. [He reaches up with his other hand, taking hers in both his, mirroring their earlier pose.] I just want you to be safe.
[ there's the smallest waver in her expression when he takes her hand, reminded of fireworks and parade lights. she holds her breath but yato merely looks down at their hands instead of drawing them up between them again.
after that, she can keep thinking clearly.
no, it's not that she isn't considering his point of view. she's considering it very thoroughly in this moment. she's not worried about his fighting skills. she's worried about him, too. who's to say they can't affect gods as much as they can humans? he was brought here, too. they've kept him from summoning sekki.
she clutches his hands back and tells him sincerely, more softly but no less firm, ]
There's no place that I feel more safe than when I'm with you.
[Thankfully either he fails to notice her apprehension or is already adjusting his behavior to account for it, as there's no awkward gesture like at the parade.
The irony is that his feelings are getting more and more muddled by the moment. He wants to keep Hiyori safe, but at the same time he respects her strength and he himself feels better when she's near. But her safety should be his utmost priority, nothing else.
Sighing, he lets all the air out of his lungs, shoulders sagging. A small smile works its way onto his face and he nods, giving her hands a tight squeeze.]
Even if I told you to stay put, you'd still come after me anyway, wouldn't you? Stubborn little... [With a laugh he swings their clasped hands side to side.]
...well, I guess if I do end up going to my doom, at least we'll have a romantically tragic end together?
[ if he expects an answer, she doesn't give one. it sounds like he knows it anyway. what's the point in telling him "yes, I would come after you because I didn't when I should have the first time."
when his dad forced him to stay.
a... romantic... ]
Yato. [ she doesn't blush at the idea of it. she's too busy catching her breath. she keeps their hands motionless and grabs hold of him, searching his face with concern. while she's aware he's joking (?), she can't laugh. or is he? ]
You're not... we, we'll be fine! If things are too dangerous, we'll just leave! Right? You can teleport, and my soul will come back to my body! Nobody is going to--
[ meet their doom. or have a romantic, tragic end.
kofuku tying their plaques.
no. no, no. it's christmas, for goodness sake!! ]
Nothing bad is going to happen, okay? [ dropping his hands for a moment, she darts over to the pile of presents and carries the turtle plush back over and pushes it gently against his chest. ] You're my God of Fortune, so we'll be fine. Don't... say that. You won't go to your doom.
[He knows all too well she would tried to follow him then, too, which thankfully she didn't. It may have been the only thing that kept her out of his dad's wrathful vengeance for as long as she did.
As their hands still, he glances up at her with a wistful smile on his face. It's the kind of closed expression that doesn't belie whether or not his words were intended as a joke or not. Because it was kind of both.]
So you'll come in your spirit form, then? [That seems to relieve him somewhat, until he recalls that'd mean leaving her cord exposed. He shakes his head, frowning.] No, not unless you know how to control it perfectly. I don't want to risk anything happening to you.
[A shuddering sigh escapes from him as he closes his eyes, head shaking. There's no way he's going to allow her to put herself in that kind of danger. Not in the waking world, and certainly not here.]
Hiyori, you... ["Can't possibly know that" is what he wants to say, but she's already gone, returning with Turtle-chan who gets pressed into his arms. He takes her gratefully, hugging the plush to his chest. It feels so warm and full of emotion. Love, he might say, even if it's platonic.] ...yeah. We can always run away. I won't lead either of us to an unfortunate end. What kind of god would I be if I let that happen, huh?
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no subject
His fingers latch onto her hand, not tightly, but firmly. Warmly. Part of him wants nothing more than to lean across the table and place his lips upon hers, but he quickly shakes that thought away. They don't have that kind of relationship.
Not now, possibly not ever. That somber fact dampens his mood somewhat, and he ducks his head in something between shame and embarrassment. She did indeed say that. He should've remembered and trusted in her to keep her word on that as well. It seems like he never can when it comes to her, though. Even at his very first Divine Council he lost it when her plaque kept ending up tied to unsuitable men.]
Y...Yeah. You did. Sorry. [Peering up at their hands from between his shaggy bangs, he nods. It won't do to dwell on the bad or sad aspects of life. The parts he can't change. Better to be grateful for what's right here in front of him so he can treasure that for as long as possible.]
...you're doing a good job as my temporary guidepost. That's something that makes me happy, too. I... didn't ruin breakfast for you, did I?
[Finally dragging his head all the way up, he gazes at her with raised brows and a sheepish half-smile.] You can hit me if I did.
no subject
You don't need to apologize. I'll just keep reminding you.
[ one that drops and for her cheeks to color for his praise. she is...? gosh, but it feels like she's struggling a lot of the time. yukine is better at it. maybe it's the connection that gods and shinki have. she was never the leader type until recently. ]
N... no, you didn't ruin it. [ she's quick to reassure and then fights a scoff for permission to hit him. all she does is give his wrist a light smack. right after, she gives him a softer pat. for saying she can hit him at all. that's awful. wrestling moves when he's being Too Much is one thing. hitting him because he was trying to express himself is another. besides, when was the last time she put him in some submission hold or any kind of wrestling move? oh. when she threw him off the zombie ride for laying in her lap, wasn't it? she couldn't help herself and she felt terrible afterward. ]
After we clean up and I get ready for the day, I'm going to hand out all the Capyper O-inari-san we made just like we planned. You should think about visiting the friends you've made here too, Yato. Do you want some inari to give to them?
no subject
Except for Hiyori. Her words hold real weight and meaning. He can hold them close to his heart where he's most vulnerable, let them seep into his soul and trust in them. A struggle every step of the way to be sure, but he's doing it. He believes her. He wouldn't listen to her otherwise.]
Mmm. 'kay. I appreciate it.
[Because he does need the reminder. He knows that much is true. Together they both might not be the perfect pair of god and temporary guidepost, but they still make for a good team.
Her reassurance that the day isn't spoiled sends a wave of clear relief through him, washing away the last traces of the near-argument. He even laughs lightly upon getting a literal slap on the wrist and a comforting pat to go with it. Both make him feel heard. All is as right with the world as can be here.]
Ah, yeah, of course! I'm sure they'll love them! And I'll be sure to mention that since you made them, they're from you as well. Can't have anyone think I'm taking all the credit myself, heh.
[He skewers his tower of pancake bites and shoves them into his beaming face, nodding. He'll definitely have to pick up a few extra gifts for Hiyori while he's out and about, too. To make up for Santa's mistake and as a way of saying 'thank you' for all her hard work on the inari.]
no subject
that's for some other time. after coming to a tenuous understanding, she doesn't want to break it. yato seems pleased, anyway. she nearly goes back on her word at yato suggesting he can say the inari gift will be from her, too. she didn't think of it as yato taking all the credit.
although... she could see him doing that before. not now. that bottomless stomach hasn't changed like the rest of him has. she can't help herself but to smile at him.
inari gifts from both the yatogami, god of happiness, and his faithful... follower. yeah. ]
But I'm not trying so hard to be a God of Fortune, you are. I made them so that people could believe in you. As a sign of good ties between you and others. [ except... like one. that's a teeny tiny cookieper for a cookie person. BUT ALL THE OTHERS ARE NORMAL CAPYPER INARI. ] I don't really need credit. [ she pauses. ] But if you want to say they're from me too, you can. I don't mind.
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Today's the day to play Santa, after all! For them to get all dressed up in their new winter gear and go visit friends and neighbors to spread cheer and Yatoism! Then maybe come home all covered in snow to warm cookies and milk, and a roaring fire. Play some games, have a nice dinner... N-Nothing romantic, just... normal roommate things!]
Of course! They may represent the blessing of Yatogami, but they're made with love and care by you - nothing I say will change that.
[Meaning her contribution shouldn't be taken for granted or trivialized just to feed his ego or reputation. After all, he still has the hand-woven omamori charms to go with them!]
I mean, what better way to prove I'm a good God of Fortune than by having such a wonderful and dedicated loyal follower, right? You're like free advertising! [H-He means that lovingly.....]
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..........
it's christmas, she reminds herself and knows yato doesn't mean it in a demeaning way. probably. some people are likely already questioning him from his previous advertisement. which while it wasn't bad, it was still -- he can do better.
and she is also DOING her BEST. wonderful and dedicated and loyal. it's nice that yato notices it. too bad calling her free advertising kills it. ] Putting in a good word never hurts, but I think you, yourself, proving you're a God of Fortune means more. Actions say more than words. Even mine.
[
TOUNO-SAMA TAUGHT HER THAT.hiyori gives his hand another pat and then stands to get... one more pancake. she needs fuel for all the work she's going to do today!! ]
Mm~ I might ashk you to teach me to make theesh, too... otherwhysh I'll jusht beg you to make them all the time...
[ HOMFHOMFHOMF ]
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Though of course he doesn't mean it in a demeaning way! How could you think such a thing of this smiling angel?? Everybody else is just mean to think him suspicious after that perfectly honest, 100% accurate advertisement.
Maybe they should compare notes and see whose methods work better for luring in customers and believers. That way they could cover twice as much ground! Maybe he'll bring it up later when they get back.]
Yeah, but it helps to have a way of proving myself first, without butting in where I'm not wanted, yeah?
[He grins after her getting another pancake, slinging an arm over the back of his chair.]
Hehe, that can probably be arranged. Though maybe I'd like to hear you begging~
[N-Not like that...!]
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she prefers this happy and comfortable atmosphere by a landslide, too. yato can be scary, at times, but she's fairly sure he doesn't realize it. or he's only just starting to. that guilty expression on his face was impossible to miss.
hiyori mulls and chews. that's why he wanted people to call him first. to be wanted or needed. hmm. ] I think you can tell when and where you should help others. Have more faith in yourself.
[ something she always tells him.
as for BEGGING. she's tempted to throw her fork at him. he WOULD like to hear that, wouldn't he? yato and his prayers. ]
I'll pay you five yen.
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Thankfully nobody's tried to pull that kind of crap here (to his knowledge.) Otherwise he might get just a bit more scary than she saw just now. No one's allowed to mess with his believer/temp guidepost...! NOT ALLOWED.
To her comment, he pouts a little bit, twisting around more in his chair until he's kneeling in it.] Yeah, but...
[She's completely right about him wanting to be wanted. Needed. That's the trouble of trying to force himself into people's lives. Without knowing them he can't tell when he should step in. Like now, with how Hiyori offers to pay him for his services. He immediately perks up, one foot coming down to rest on the ground.]
You'll make it a proper wish??
[He's out of his chair in an instant, glomming onto her with both arms and his cheek pressed to the side of her head.]
Yeaaaaah~ You're the best, Hiyori!
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clemency to the poor soul that ever tries to hit on hiyori (nor to her knowledge) with the yatogami protecting her like a hound.
she fights the amusement to no avail at how quickly yato's lured in by the gleam of a coin. she'll make it a proper wish, she doesn't get to say before he's grabbing onto her and his face is so damn CLOSE. ]
Gyah! Yato!! C-Careful!
[ her chair tips sideways with yato's exuberance and she clings to his shirt in order not to topple sideways with it, her balance upset. once she realizes she's safe and won't end up on a heap on the floor, her body sags and she pats his back. ]
I-I just don't want to beg you--
[ may our fates continue to intertwine... ]
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And hey, if he's willing to curse her future husband to smell like musty laundry, there's no way anyone actually making a pass at her will get off lightly. Divine protection guaranteed!!
If there's any consolation, it's that he misses her amusement at his antics and doesn't receive any positive reinforcement to his doofy behavior. Though there's also the way they both almost go overboard , even if thankfully it doesn't come to pass due to him having one foot firmly planted on the floor.]
Hehe~ It's fiiiine!
[His cheeks flush warmly at how she clings to him, certainly not missing this opportunity to enjoy their closeness, however brief it may be. Still, he backs off after a minute, allowing her chair to settle back on all four legs.]
I gotcha. I still appreciate it, though. I haven't gotten any requests since my advertisement. There doesn't seem to be much call for a Delivery God when they have the likes of a message board.
[Yes, he sounds a little put out about that. Being beaten by a community board of all things...]
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she has no idea he did it all to put her in a Pathetic State. all so that he could try and be Prince Charming. it all backfired, anyway, and now he has to answer odd, heavy-breathing, perverted calls now and then. she would have to say that Divine Protection is a step up from trying to make her miserable and lonely.
it does end up being fine when he lowers them back on all four chair legs. the way her fingers knotted in his shirt loosen and she releases him to go back to her pancake. ]
Really? [ hiyori blinks at him. but... they can SEE him. see his advertisement. they've come to that deduction. yato isn't as invisible here as he is on earth. though he does sound pretty sulky about the community board. ]
Have you thought of advertising there on the board? You could make a flier and interested people could take one of those cut-off pieces at the bottom with your number on it or some other way to contact you since... there aren't any phones.
[ do not
share their address. PLEASE. she doesn't want to answer the door to some creeper. that's a recipe for disaster. ]
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...though in hindsight, Operation Prince Charming may have been ill-advised and slightly cruel, so perhaps it's for the best that it didn't work out the way he'd planned. He's learned that it's a lot easier to get into Hiyori's good graces when she's already in a pleasant mood as opposed to a down one.
Releasing her completely, he then parks it on the table beside her, crossing one leg over the other and putting his chin in a hand. Wearing a full-on pout, he stares out past her to the window.]
Well, it's like you said. Some people think I'm suspicious. Others seem to look down on me for my skill set, and the rest just... aren't interested.
[He lets out a long, heavy sigh, slowly glancing back to her.]
That's an idea... Maybe something like that would work. Though I think that it being a dream world without a monetary-based economy means that the call for my services is kind of limited. It'd suck if I had to find something else to do besides being a god. [Which... he technically is already doing, but nobody tell him that.
And if she doesn't want their address known, she better speak up now or forever hold her peace. It's a small enough place, so in a way they're all kind of neighbors anyway.]
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things might've gone very differently if it did work. by some stroke of luck, it didn't and yato experiences hiyori without relying on ill-advised and slightly cruel schemes to get her to rely on him. because... she already did, in a way.
they look down on him for his skill set? that's a first. the suspicious thing is, unfortunately, not too surprising. hiyori is now the one staring at her plate in thought, a piece of pancake on her fork but not raising to her mouth. ]
Trade is important here. It could be worth it to find a skill that's in demand? I don't know what that could be, though. I've been helping now and then as a volunteer at the pottery shop since I've been there so often, but that's just because I like it.
[ ... he could always be hired as some kind of swordsman. like a knight. god knight. god bodyguard? bodygod? no, that's weird. yukine advised yato to use his skill of cutting things up to destroy calamity. is there something similar here? ]
A god listens to the people's prayers, right? Maybe Reverein has some problem we don't know about and... you can help them fix it. Like the Ayakashi. People could start praying for your help, then. Actually, I remember something of a problem. What was it...?
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For one thing, she might not have forgiven him for dislocating her shoulder. And sending her reputation through the roof in every possible way. But, all's well that ends well and all that!!
For a god, his skills are a touch too mundane and everyday to really impress anybody here, it seems. And without Yukine to draw his borderline, he struggles with the more delicate work like cutting ties. It's lucky he didn't cut more than a few strands of Joshua's hair when he tried it with a dreamotion sword.]
Prayers, huh... Are you talking about the noctaere? Joshua mentioned them - shadow monsters composed of nightmare energy that tend to inhabit dreams and the Wastelands. There's not much else known about them, I think.
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she looks up quickly at the word "noctaere". that sounds exactly like the sort of thing he SHOULD be fighting to help people! ]
That, yeah!
[ at the same time, she worries. yato is plenty capable on his own, but he was unstoppable with yukine. his dreamotion swords pale in comparison. she's sure yato knows that even better than she does.
all the same, this seems to follow yukine's guidance. ]
Shadow monsters made of nightmare energy... [ she says to herself. if this is a place of dreams, then couldn't that nightmare energy affect the world? nahida called this place a hypostasis - structured and stable - but now she's wondering if that's true again. this place could be manipulated by that nightmare energy as much as it is by dreamotion. ]
Doesn't that sound like Ayakashi? They were nightmares that fed off bad emotions, too. I haven't heard much about them bothering people but we should fight them, right? Before they do something.
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He's in full agreement that it sounds like the dream equivalent of ayakashi, although he's also aware that she must know that there's some hurdles to tackling them like one another. The lack of Yukine is number one. The unknown factor is number two. The third...]
It does. Like they're counterparts or two halves of the same beings. My worry is that if I couldn't even handle a candy monster, will I be able to take down something fully formed from nightmare energy...? [Yeah, he's having a bit of a crisis of confidence here. And some mild fear to go with it.]
And there's no "we" anything. You-- [He jabs a finger at her nose.] --are going to stay put here if I do decide to go after them. I'm not risking you getting hurt. Or worse. Got it? We don't know what happens if someone is 'killed' here and I'm not about to let you find out.
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candy monster did do a number on yato. despite that, ] Things are different now. You know how to use your dreamotion much more compared to then. And maybe you don't have Yukine-kun, but you were a God of War before you were a God of Happiness, right? I've seen you fight. You can do it when you put your mind to it.
[ all that and she gets a FINGER at her nose and told 'NO WE'. there is some logic to it but also? this is not fair. does he think she wants him to find out what it means when someone is 'killed' here? not a chance. she takes his wrist and stands out of her seat. ]
And I'm not letting you go alone, Yato. [ after trying so hard not to fight over romance hypotheticals, this is where they end up. this won't be another yomi incident. everyone else said it's normal for yato to disappear. it won't be normal here. not if she has anything to say about it. ]
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He wishes he had her optimism when it comes to this, but little things like people disparaging his skills and his continued failures against the monsters here have taken its toll on his nigh unshakable confidence.]
O-Of course I was! I know that...! [It's just...] It's a change from what I've known for a thousand years. It takes some adjusting to get used to it. It's not like when I acquire a new shinki - I don't move naturally on my own. I'm not working in tandem with someone.
[In other words, he can't just breeze through things like he has been. He has to be mindful and work at it. He's not surprised when Hiyori takes him by the wrist and rises, eyes following hers with a determined fierceness.]
.....only if you maintain your distance if we encounter anything. No fighting. Someone needs to be able to run for help if I get in over my head. Alright? [Because he won't be allowing another round like with Kugaha, where Hiyori was the main target. He wouldn't be able to stand it if some nightmare monster made her its primary prey instead of him.]
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if he won't have nigh unshakable confidence in himself, then she will. bottom line.
this is new, too. acquiring a new shinki makes him move instinctually? he's not working in tandem with someone, but he can. she's not a sword or anything but her martial arts aren't anything to sneeze at, she thought. ]
If you get in over your head, I'm helping you. I'm not running away to leave you to--
[ fend for himself. suffer alone. die. any of those. ]
I know... I know I'm not as skilled as a fighter as you, and I'm not a shinki who can make borderlines and recite incantations, but I'm not helpless. I'll keep my distance, but I'm fighting if you're in danger. I will not abandon you if you're in trouble.
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Yet there's no denying that for him at least, his life is that might better and brighter for her continued presence. That much will never be in contention. Just like how she's maintaining her unwavering faith in him.
Twisting his wrist around, he catches her by the hand, gently. Put all together, it almost feels like he can do anything when she's supporting him like this. Or at least that he can face everything that might come their way. He glances down at their hands, voice quiet.]
Hiyori... You know you don't have to.
[If he can't forcefully convince her, maybe he can at least get her to consider things from his point of view.]
It's not your fighting skills that I'm worried about. It's just... you. Even here, you're still a human facing off against inhuman opponents. We don't know what they might be capable of doing to you. [He reaches up with his other hand, taking hers in both his, mirroring their earlier pose.] I just want you to be safe.
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after that, she can keep thinking clearly.
no, it's not that she isn't considering his point of view. she's considering it very thoroughly in this moment. she's not worried about his fighting skills. she's worried about him, too. who's to say they can't affect gods as much as they can humans? he was brought here, too. they've kept him from summoning sekki.
she clutches his hands back and tells him sincerely, more softly but no less firm, ]
There's no place that I feel more safe than when I'm with you.
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The irony is that his feelings are getting more and more muddled by the moment. He wants to keep Hiyori safe, but at the same time he respects her strength and he himself feels better when she's near. But her safety should be his utmost priority, nothing else.
Sighing, he lets all the air out of his lungs, shoulders sagging. A small smile works its way onto his face and he nods, giving her hands a tight squeeze.]
Even if I told you to stay put, you'd still come after me anyway, wouldn't you? Stubborn little... [With a laugh he swings their clasped hands side to side.]
...well, I guess if I do end up going to my doom, at least we'll have a romantically tragic end together?
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when his dad forced him to stay.
a... romantic... ]
Yato. [ she doesn't blush at the idea of it. she's too busy catching her breath. she keeps their hands motionless and grabs hold of him, searching his face with concern. while she's aware he's joking (?), she can't laugh. or is he? ]
You're not... we, we'll be fine! If things are too dangerous, we'll just leave! Right? You can teleport, and my soul will come back to my body! Nobody is going to--
[ meet their doom. or have a romantic, tragic end.
kofuku tying their plaques.
no. no, no. it's christmas, for goodness sake!! ]
Nothing bad is going to happen, okay? [ dropping his hands for a moment, she darts over to the pile of presents and carries the turtle plush back over and pushes it gently against his chest. ] You're my God of Fortune, so we'll be fine. Don't... say that. You won't go to your doom.
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As their hands still, he glances up at her with a wistful smile on his face. It's the kind of closed expression that doesn't belie whether or not his words were intended as a joke or not. Because it was kind of both.]
So you'll come in your spirit form, then? [That seems to relieve him somewhat, until he recalls that'd mean leaving her cord exposed. He shakes his head, frowning.] No, not unless you know how to control it perfectly. I don't want to risk anything happening to you.
[A shuddering sigh escapes from him as he closes his eyes, head shaking. There's no way he's going to allow her to put herself in that kind of danger. Not in the waking world, and certainly not here.]
Hiyori, you... ["Can't possibly know that" is what he wants to say, but she's already gone, returning with Turtle-chan who gets pressed into his arms. He takes her gratefully, hugging the plush to his chest. It feels so warm and full of emotion. Love, he might say, even if it's platonic.] ...yeah. We can always run away. I won't lead either of us to an unfortunate end. What kind of god would I be if I let that happen, huh?
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