Deceptive and cruel is more like it. Whatever their dad wants her to be at any given moment. Like a puppet on a string, dancing to do his bidding for a little praise. Something he couldn't continue to do anymore and refused to in the end. Hopefully he can maintain the distance he's put between them for a while longer whenever they get home.
At least while he continues to try searching for a way to help fix Hiyori's body. He still hasn't given up, even if all his leads seem to have hit dead ends. Surely there must be a method to secure her soul back inside her body permanently. They just... need to find it. Even if it means going to others for help. He'll take it if it leads to tangible results.
As for the people here... He's still bitter about his advertisement, okay. Yes, still. If he had a tail still, it'd be twitching too at how she's gone and done it while they're talking about it. Sheesh... Some people's humans...]
Heh. Of course~ [He does have a thousand years experience, after all!] Can't hurt to ask! [Don't sit on your sleeping body, Hiyori.....]
...Hiyori, we've dealt with candy corn monsters, dangerous mirrors, affectionate flying sea slugs, and hell of a lot more. If anybody thinks you're crazy, they need to get outside more. It'll be fine.
and yet, hiyori is starting to think it's not completely nora's fault she is the way she is. the same way it was with yato. beneath all that peacocking and self-absorption, he was so lonely. he was seeking purpose. someone who wanted him to stay, his dream. someone to remember.
which makes it all the more important that she must.
... and to guide him through things like an advertisement that fell flat and he feels bitter about. hmm.
she hasn't learned she's dropped it yet. when she sits down, her body just... phases through like always. he makes a good point, too, and she looks abashed at being reminded. reassured, though, too. she smiles. ]
Yeah. Yeah, it probably will. You're right. It's just, it's weird where we come from and I think it's harder to shake that feeling. But you're right. We've dealt with a lot of insane circumstances since being here. Weird is normal.
[ what's next? ]
Speaking of new and strange things! Did you get those pretty orbs, too? And I got another pendant...
No, they're both products of their upbringing, although Nora has always been strange, a lot of her maliciousness was learned or at least instilled by their father. He doesn't blame her entirely, and if at all possible he wants to save her when eventually he...
Well, that's for a later time, when he gets back home. No need to dwell on it now. There's nothing he can do about it, anyways.
At the moment he's better off focusing on Hiyori and what he can do to help her here, both about her body and in other ways.]
Happens when you're in a dream world. And while your condition is rare, it's not entirely strange. So... don't feel too self-conscious about it, okay?
[He tries to sound reassuring and offer her a smile, but it's kind of lopsided as she phases through her body. He opens his mouth to point it out when she continues, startling him into silence for a moment.]
Yeah, sure did. I think they're-- Wait, what? Who from? Is it some guy?!
[He doesn't know how to take this bit of information. Why is she telling him...? So he'll get jealous? She isn't showing it off, so... Is it prettier than his? More elaborate? Why?? LET HIM AT THIS GUY!!]
when push comes to shove, she believes yato will do the right thing when it comes to nora. because if anybody knows how she feels, it's him. ]
I'll try. [ hiyori replies softly, feeling strangely bubbly inside with all of yato's effort at comforting her. he may not have been able to cure her so far, but he's doing a good job in having her believe it'll be alright.
aaaaand just as quickly, he's doing yato things. she fights a sigh. why is he like this. does he or does he NOT want her to--
to what? date? actually date someone? here? ]
No, I don't know who it's from. And why do you always assume it's a guy!? It could be a from a girl. And, even if it was, it wouldn't mean anything! [ OUCH, HIYORI. ]
... I can't tell what you want. Your answer earlier was even more confusing.
[ it is not prettier than his at all. she told him because she got three pendants, THREE, within a week after not having jewelry. it was funny, but it's not so funny anymore. ] I told you I would tell you if anybody interested me. Plus, you cut all my potential soulmates at the Divine Council before saying you would pick my soulmate for me. [ and then kofuku did before he could. ] You have some fixation with my love life and... I know it's because you care and because you think I'm some perfect potential w-wife that deserves the best, but I just--! [ AM NOT
INTERESTED IN
ANYBODY BUT ]
I want to be a doctor before I ever think of being a wife. So, will you please stop assuming I'm meeting all these guys and I'm getting gifts from them? You've been covering that already and I'd rather keep it this way.
[ SHOVES A LARGE BITE OF EGG IN HER MOUTH. take that as you will, yato. ]
Depending on when she asks that question, the answer could vary wildly. He may have said he wants her to find a husband and get married, which he does! And yet there's no getting around the fact he wants that man to be...]
Because jewelry is a gift guys give when they-- [Like someone.] W-Well, girls too, but... [Her reassurance that it wouldn't have any meaning curbs some of his ire, turning it into embarrassment from her confusion.]
...like I said, I want you to be happy, end of story. But that doesn't mean I want you hooking up with just any old guy! H-He's got to be perfect for you! Nothing less will do...!
[It's like this place is conspiring to make Hiyori into the target of somebody's affections, and he's not going to allow that to happen! Nobody gets to play matchmaker for her except for him! Although as she continues he gets the feeling that even that is starting to grate on her nerves.
He listens to her without protest, remaining quiet for a time once she's finished. He does kind of have a thing about her having a family - eventually - and part of his reasoning is selfish, yet he's not lying about just wanting her to be content with her life.]
It's not that I think you're falling for a bunch of guys. It's more I worry about them falling for you and trying something. [He gets that out, then, several moments after, registers the rest of what she's said. K-Keep it that way... WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?? He can make assumptions and it leads to an interesting conclusion. One that has him turning a lovely shade of red as his fork goes limp in his hand.]
[ will hiyori ever put what he JUST SAID together with the fact he gave her jewelry? when they what?? what!!
when they what...?
she doesn't know what he cut himself off from saying but that yato thinks she's just going to HOOK UP WITH ANYONE is almost laughable. for whatever reason, her plaque kept getting tied to losers. but that's not her taste!! it's not!! BELIEVE HER.
if they weren't interrupted by kofuku taking her plaque, how long would yato have sat there going through every guy? looking for the perfect partner for her. she colors in her cheeks, red and rosey, not having anything to say to that other than what she's already pointed out. doctor first.
and she is happy.
hiyori isn't oblivious to yato wanting her to have a family either. to pass on the lifeline of memories so he's never forgotten and never disappears. did he really place his faith in her to do that? she doesn't want to think about it.
and guys falling her for HER? yeah, right.
hiyori falls more than they ever would. literally. her poor body. ]
............. Heh? [ she looks behind her, watching her happily snoozing face smile and drool and tip to the side to fall onto the floor. her arms stretch out to catch herself instinctively, ]
[Probably about when he realizes all the things she's been saying add up to one conclusion. aka next to never. Idiots.
Even now her plaque is tied to a loser, some might say. Deadbeat hobo god with few prospects for a prosperous future. He's not worried so much about Hiyori's choices anymore as he is someone unsuitable pursuing her. Who knows what sorts might have ended up in this crazy dream world. Some psychos, no doubt...
Although some might wonder who's the psycho, with his obsessing over her, her relationships, and future romantic status. Really, if he wasn't a god, he'd probably be labeled a creep. If he isn't already. Though of all the aspects of Hiyori he frets over, one would think his desire to have a continued lifeline the most understandable, given his only other option.
Of course, they have to make sure Hiyori's body makes it that far. Which it won't do if she drops the damn thing at times like breakfast, for goodness sake. He shakes his head with a sigh, getting up from the table to come around so he can pick up her sleeping form.]
Think you got a little excited there. Here. I'll put you back in bed for now, until you can get back in. Okay?
hiyori would say that yato is a dummy, surely, but he's not as much of a deadbeat hobo anymore. his future is prosperous because he's aiming to be a god of fortune. he is one. he and yukine have been working hard together and he has his little plot of land in takamagahara. ]
Okay.
[ wringing her hands, she watches and follows behind as he carries her back to her bedroom. her drool-covered cheek rests against his chest and she's so embarrassed for getting it on his clothes but ponders if she were in her body, would she hear his heartbeat? before forcing herself NOT to ponder on such a thing.
she hovers in the doorway, watching him set her down on the mattress, with her tail flicking behind her. after saying she had a better handle on her soul, too. sigh. figures.
she's just going to observe what he does. silently reaching for her tail and bringing it around to her front to hold. don't mind her. ]
[It's true he's finally making progress towards his goal - his new goal - however slow it might seem. Its certainly is more than he's made in the last thousand years on his own, that's for sure. And he has two people to thank for that... One of which is resting comfortably in his arms as he carries her down the hallway.
Once in Hiyori's bedroom, he makes sure to draw the sheets and blanket back enough to properly cover her, making sure her feat in particular are snug underneath. He then carefully lifts her head, smoothing out her hair before adjusting the pillow. There. That should make sure she wakes up well rested.
He can't help smiling down at her sleeping body, looking ever so peaceful. Forgetting that Hiyori herself is still behind him, he starts to lean in-- then abruptly catches himself and turns pink. Instead he switches to simply petting her hair, hesitating a moment before turning around.]
T-There you go. All set. Shall we finish cleaning up breakfast? I'll fix you something else later once your body's awake.
[ maybe she should have hung around in the kitchen instead, so she wasn't witness to this. her hands squeeze around her tail as yato tucks her in, being gentle and mindful. going above and beyond by making sure she doesn't sleep on her hair.
she stops breathing as he leans in, sucking in a breath sharply and suddenly. when he turns around, she is bright red and wide-eyed. she saw that. she saw that. what was that? WHAT WAS THAT?? does she ask? has he done that before? her mouth doesn't work. she says nothing, only nods at the suggestion of cleaning up, while trailing behind him again back to the kitchen. they almost make it too before hiyori snatches the hem of his shirt, curling her fingers and bringing him to a stop.
whatever it was she was planning to say? gone. her mouth just opens and closes a few times. ignore it. pretend it didn't happen and move on. he could have just been looking closer at the drool on her mouth because that's a thing.
he wouldn't do that other thing. while she's sleeping.
his clothes are released and she bundles her hands up close to her neck, near her gemstone pendant, nails digging into the back of her palm and her eyes cast down. ]
Thanks for...! That. [ carrying her to her room? tucking her in? making sure her feet don't get cold? almost doing that THING he didn't do and pet her hair instead? all of the above? ]
It'll be nice to wake up in bed for once instead of on the ground. I saw you... made sure I was comfortable. It was thoughtful.
[ that's not what she wanted to say but that is what she is saying now. ]
[Praying to the high heavens that Hiyori didn't catch on to what he was about to do (NOT kiss her on the lips, he has more sense than that!) he gently slides past her through the doorway, his heart pounding loud in his ears. Stupid, stupid, stupid. She was right! There! What the hell came over him, he doesn't know. No. Actually, he does. That feeling he refuses to put a name to, to acknowledge wholly.
L... Lucky is not his name today, it would seem. As he no sooner gets part of the way down the hallway when he feels a tug at his shirt, preventing him from moving forward. He turns slowly to face her, not all the way, but enough to show that she has his attention. Please don't notice the color in his face...
Watching her with both a keen interest and something resembling fear, he keeps his eyes on her hands instead of higher up. It's the best he can do under the circumstances.]
Uh... Y-You're welcome. I just... wanted you to be comfortable. [She must be talking about how he handled her head, right? Right?? Not for not... getting closer. She would've decked him if she thought he was trying anything like that! Yeah. Of course.]
That's how you should be waking up. [He wants to apologize for not being able to make that happen, but her next words stop him cold. It.. doesn't sound like what she intended to say.] You... saw? Oh-- Um, right. I try to be! Hehe...
[Wondering if he can make his escape now, he gradually starts backing up, raising a hand in both a wave and to brush aside her thanks.]
[ he doesn't get far before she's reaching for his shirt again, stepping forward as he backs up. praying to the heavens does nothing. she saw him almost do something. ]
Wait, don't run off!!
[ it's a plea. but what happens after this? when they're both bright red, so hot in the cheeks she's surprised that they haven't started to steam up the entire house. this is what she gets for sidestepping and ignoring yato, isn't it? that when she wants to talk about the something, he's trying to brush it off and move on. this just feels so different! and he must realize that too or else he wouldn't be running off. he would be playing it up more. ]
It's not nothing, i-is it?
[ what is she asking? it's not like she wants to know what he was doing but her heart has taken hold of her tongue. ]
It felt different! I wasn't creeped out or anything like I usually am when you take things too far! [ hiyori. ] It was like those other things I enjoy! [ holding hands. new: hugging. hanging out on the couch together. being together. ] But I had to watch it... s-so that was a little off-putting...
[When Hiyori grabs his shirt for a second time, it's like she's got a hold of his throat. Caught like a gazelle by a lion. He can't bring himself to flee even if he easily could. Not only would that hurt her, but it'd be all but admitting his guilt.]
I'm not...!
[He totally was. But he stops anyway, as does his breath. Briefly for that, at least. Though his face only continues to redden as they face one another properly, this time he finds himself looking directly into her eyes instead of elsewhere. It's like she has some kind of spell over him, one he fears almost as much as his dad.
What if... this is what drives her away? What causes her to leave him finally, for good? Without noticing, his hands begin to shake, leading him to clenching them into fists to try stilling them.]
M...Maybe.
[Where to go from here, though? Should he come clean and explain what he was trying to do? No. No way. That would give everything away, expose his heart to her... He couldn't bear it. Thankfully Hiyori continues, surprising him until his eyes are wide with shock at how brazen she's being - at how much she didn't mind what he'd done. That she... actually... like it?]
O-Oh... T-Then, I won't do... that anymore, unless you're in your body. 'kay? [That should make things right, right?]
[ she doesn't want him to be afraid, not that she can read his thoughts but his expression says enough. those shaking hands say it. enough to get her to let go of him and take a step back herself, mouth pursing nervously and guiltily.
"maybe"...
despite her guilt, she doesn't look away as their eyes meet and yato stumbles over a response. her stomach flips around itself, and her hands clutch to her pajama bottoms in a white-knuckled grip. ]
O, okay. [ she murmurs with a tiny nod. what thing is he making right? nothing was... wrong, per se. if anything, watching as a spectator might have been the sort of separation she needed to see she would be fine with it. that she wants--
whatever IT was.
only hiyori and yato would have this very specific problem of him IT'ING her unconscious form for her spirit form to watch. ]
Okay. [ she says in a tone of more finality, nods more firmly, and thence continues down the hall and back to the kitchen. heart somewhere up in her throat. beating so hard it hurts. yes, it hurts. ]
[Both of them are practically a mirror of one another: locked eyes and clenched hands and beating hearts. Well, Yato has to assume that hers is pounding away like his own based on her own posture and having seen what she did.
It's truly a wonder that she didn't smack him, demand to know what the hell he thought he was trying, and and-- he wants to know, too. Get a grip, Yatogami...! At least pay attention to your surroundings if you're gonna try to plant one on your follower! Geez... He's such an idiot.
But wait, does that mean that she actually wouldn't mind if he... Or did she just mean the whole putting her to bed bit? Which in itself is one hell of a leap in the relationship department, he feels, but what he'd intended to do was decidedly non-platonic. But does she know that? He can't imagine that she does.]
Y..Yeah. [This is definitely a Them problem, for sure. So ridiculous.] Alright.
[His own heart continues to pound as Hiyori heads back, leaving him standing dumbly in the hall alone. Then he's burying his face in his hands as he lets out a shaky, nervous laugh. He's still got to face her during clean up.]
...shit.
[His feet feel heavy as he slowly drags himself to the dining table, mind elsewhere as he picks up their plates and heads for the kitchen, nerves shot.]
[ part of her, that remembers creeper stalker yato who wears her uniform when he wants, is demanding to know what the heck he thought he was trying and why she hasn't laid him out. most of her, however, the hiyori that's been living with yato and has witnessed him change-- also wants to know what he was trying but without all the indignance and fury. with more curiosity than anything.
yato takes the empty plates and she works on cleaning the table, wiping it down.
it's silent as they work. typically, hiyori makes small talk about this or that because she's interested to hear yato's opinion on things. she doesn't catch his curse at any point as she's lost in her thoughts, too. doing her best not to look at him in the kitchen as the water runs and she can hear him scrubbing away at plates.
what's going on? living in this dream world is changing her. at least, it's certainly changing what she can and can't tolerate from yato. it's making her nervous to talk to yato and not in the way she was when she was unsure if he was a scary guy or not. is this because they live together? is this why yato and yukine are so close? daikoku and kofu-- she can't think of them. she can't compare them.
while he's finished the second plate, hiyori appears with the pan and utensil he used at the stove and hands it over. ]
[Knowing what a close call that was for both of them, Yato's thanking his lucky stars that Hiyori hasn't cornered him bodily and forced him to talk regarding what just happened. He wouldn't put it past her, no way. But since she hasn't and her words were that of approval to a degree, he can only assume she doesn't want his guts for garters. Or to bend any other part of him into uncomfortable shapes.
Also stuck in his own head, he doesn't realize how odd the silence is for them, not when his mind is loud enough for two. Part of him is screaming at himself for being such a damn fool for trying to place a kiss on her forehead, and the other for being such a damn fool for not trying it on Hiyori, herself. In the end he comes to the conclusion that yes, he is indeed an idiot.
He mutters as much under his breath while he washes the dishes, face still heated from the incident. This is... definitely a dangerous situation. Maybe one of them should move out...? It would have to be him - he couldn't ask her to leave. But... he likes living with Hiyori, no matter how tempting it may be. Maybe she does, too...? She said she didn't mind, so--
He visibly jumps when the subject of his thoughts makes an appearance, offering him the pan and spatula. Swallowing hard, he nods and takes them from her, struggling to get his voice to work normally.]
T..Thanks. I'll be done in just a minute. So you don't have to worry about helping with the rest.
[ the reason she doesn't is because of that exact thing; it was already a close call. as much as she wants to know, it might be better if she just doesn't. what if things get awkward? ... more awkward. deep down, they both know what just happened anyway. a line was almost crossed. what line was it?
not the guts for garters line, fortunately. or pretzel yato. that's already been crossed before.
all this because of a forehead kiss he couldn't go through with when hiyori has already kissed the back of his hand. wh-what would a kiss on the forehead be! hah!!
(a lot.)
it was never dangerous before. they only have to go back to that "before" again. she wouldn't let yato leave unless he had a place to stay, anyway. going out there and sleeping outside in the trees or something isn't going to happen. she wouldn't be able to live with herself. it's hard enough knowing brc is doing the same dang thing. ]
I want to help. [ as ever, but she can take the hint. it looks as though she wants to say something, but just bites at her lip. suddenly she reaches up, cups his hot cheeks in her hands, and gives him a probing look.
]
Alright. I'm going to my room. Thank you for breakfast.
[ just as quickly, she drops her hands. hiyori bows her head in gratitude toward him and then walks out of the kitchen to leave him be.
once in her room she sits down at her desk, opens up her new diary, and writes:
January 6th. Today was the last day of Yato's advent calendar. My final gift was a life-size reindeer named Rainy. She's in the corner right now. It was too much, but I have to admit it was fun getting presents every day.
Something happened today with Yato, too. I'm not sure what. ???????????????????????????? ]
[...yeah, there's no need for them to spell it out. Hiyori isn't stupid. He might be, but she isn't. Surely she has an idea of what he was about to try. He just has to hope that she didn't get the wrong idea. He wasn't trying to play Sleeping Beauty with her unconscious body!!
For Yato, there's no going back once he acknowledges his feelings. Which is why he's doing his level best not to. To ignore that ache that seems to grow stronger with each passing week. Leads him to doing stupid shit stuff like what he just tried. In her presence, no less!!
What makes it worse is when Hiyori suddenly lays her hands on him, giving her both a good feel of how hot he is and how hard he's breathing. His eyes go wide as they gaze at each other, although he's not sure what he's seeing in her expression, it's so unreadable.
And then just like that she releases him, giving a proper-ish bow before leaving him all alone. For the longest time he merely stares after her, breathing hard as he leans against the counter to catch his breath. He needs to go cool off somewhere.
He finishes up the remaining dishes in a rush, throwing the towel over the sink edge when he's done. Taking up a pad of paper and pen, he scribbles down a note that simply says, "Gone out. Back later." and leaves it for her on the dining table. Then he hurries to his room to change and teleports away to the restaurant part of town. Even at this early hour, he needs a drink.]
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no subject
Deceptive and cruel is more like it. Whatever their dad wants her to be at any given moment. Like a puppet on a string, dancing to do his bidding for a little praise. Something he couldn't continue to do anymore and refused to in the end. Hopefully he can maintain the distance he's put between them for a while longer whenever they get home.
At least while he continues to try searching for a way to help fix Hiyori's body. He still hasn't given up, even if all his leads seem to have hit dead ends. Surely there must be a method to secure her soul back inside her body permanently. They just... need to find it. Even if it means going to others for help. He'll take it if it leads to tangible results.
As for the people here... He's still bitter about his advertisement, okay. Yes, still. If he had a tail still, it'd be twitching too at how she's gone and done it while they're talking about it. Sheesh... Some people's humans...]
Heh. Of course~ [He does have a thousand years experience, after all!] Can't hurt to ask! [Don't sit on your sleeping body, Hiyori.....]
...Hiyori, we've dealt with candy corn monsters, dangerous mirrors, affectionate flying sea slugs, and hell of a lot more. If anybody thinks you're crazy, they need to get outside more. It'll be fine.
no subject
and yet, hiyori is starting to think it's not completely nora's fault she is the way she is. the same way it was with yato. beneath all that peacocking and self-absorption, he was so lonely. he was seeking purpose. someone who wanted him to stay, his dream. someone to remember.
which makes it all the more important that she must.
... and to guide him through things like an advertisement that fell flat and he feels bitter about. hmm.
she hasn't learned she's dropped it yet. when she sits down, her body just... phases through like always. he makes a good point, too, and she looks abashed at being reminded. reassured, though, too. she smiles. ]
Yeah. Yeah, it probably will. You're right. It's just, it's weird where we come from and I think it's harder to shake that feeling. But you're right. We've dealt with a lot of insane circumstances since being here. Weird is normal.
[ what's next? ]
Speaking of new and strange things! Did you get those pretty orbs, too? And I got another pendant...
[ she's just wearing yato's today, though. ]
no subject
so do munsNo, they're both products of their upbringing, although Nora has always been strange, a lot of her maliciousness was learned or at least instilled by their father. He doesn't blame her entirely, and if at all possible he wants to save her when eventually he...
Well, that's for a later time, when he gets back home. No need to dwell on it now. There's nothing he can do about it, anyways.
At the moment he's better off focusing on Hiyori and what he can do to help her here, both about her body and in other ways.]
Happens when you're in a dream world. And while your condition is rare, it's not entirely strange. So... don't feel too self-conscious about it, okay?
[He tries to sound reassuring and offer her a smile, but it's kind of lopsided as she phases through her body. He opens his mouth to point it out when she continues, startling him into silence for a moment.]
Yeah, sure did. I think they're-- Wait, what? Who from? Is it some guy?!
[He doesn't know how to take this bit of information. Why is she telling him...? So he'll get jealous? She isn't showing it off, so... Is it prettier than his? More elaborate? Why?? LET HIM AT THIS GUY!!]
no subject
muns are the most mysteriouswhen push comes to shove, she believes yato will do the right thing when it comes to nora. because if anybody knows how she feels, it's him. ]
I'll try. [ hiyori replies softly, feeling strangely bubbly inside with all of yato's effort at comforting her. he may not have been able to cure her so far, but he's doing a good job in having her believe it'll be alright.
aaaaand just as quickly, he's doing yato things. she fights a sigh. why is he like this. does he or does he NOT want her to--
to what? date? actually date someone? here? ]
No, I don't know who it's from. And why do you always assume it's a guy!? It could be a from a girl. And, even if it was, it wouldn't mean anything! [ OUCH, HIYORI. ]
... I can't tell what you want. Your answer earlier was even more confusing.
[ it is not prettier than his at all. she told him because she got three pendants, THREE, within a week after not having jewelry. it was funny, but it's not so funny anymore. ] I told you I would tell you if anybody interested me. Plus, you cut all my potential soulmates at the Divine Council before saying you would pick my soulmate for me. [ and then kofuku did before he could. ] You have some fixation with my love life and... I know it's because you care and because you think I'm some perfect potential w-wife that deserves the best, but I just--! [ AM NOT
INTERESTED IN
ANYBODY BUT ]
I want to be a doctor before I ever think of being a wife. So, will you please stop assuming I'm meeting all these guys and I'm getting gifts from them? You've been covering that already and I'd rather keep it this way.
[ SHOVES A LARGE BITE OF EGG IN HER MOUTH. take that as you will, yato. ]
no subject
no method to their madnessDepending on when she asks that question, the answer could vary wildly. He may have said he wants her to find a husband and get married, which he does! And yet there's no getting around the fact he wants that man to be...]
Because jewelry is a gift guys give when they-- [Like someone.] W-Well, girls too, but... [Her reassurance that it wouldn't have any meaning curbs some of his ire, turning it into embarrassment from her confusion.]
...like I said, I want you to be happy, end of story. But that doesn't mean I want you hooking up with just any old guy! H-He's got to be perfect for you! Nothing less will do...!
[It's like this place is conspiring to make Hiyori into the target of somebody's affections, and he's not going to allow that to happen! Nobody gets to play matchmaker for her except for him! Although as she continues he gets the feeling that even that is starting to grate on her nerves.
He listens to her without protest, remaining quiet for a time once she's finished. He does kind of have a thing about her having a family - eventually - and part of his reasoning is selfish, yet he's not lying about just wanting her to be content with her life.]
It's not that I think you're falling for a bunch of guys. It's more I worry about them falling for you and trying something. [He gets that out, then, several moments after, registers the rest of what she's said. K-Keep it that way... WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?? He can make assumptions and it leads to an interesting conclusion. One that has him turning a lovely shade of red as his fork goes limp in his hand.]
......you dropped your body again.
no subject
when they what...?
she doesn't know what he cut himself off from saying but that yato thinks she's just going to HOOK UP WITH ANYONE is almost laughable. for whatever reason, her plaque kept getting tied to losers. but that's not her taste!! it's not!! BELIEVE HER.
if they weren't interrupted by kofuku taking her plaque, how long would yato have sat there going through every guy? looking for the perfect partner for her. she colors in her cheeks, red and rosey, not having anything to say to that other than what she's already pointed out. doctor first.
and she is happy.
hiyori isn't oblivious to yato wanting her to have a family either. to pass on the lifeline of memories so he's never forgotten and never disappears. did he really place his faith in her to do that? she doesn't want to think about it.
and guys falling her for HER? yeah, right.
hiyori falls more than they ever would. literally. her poor body. ]
............. Heh? [ she looks behind her, watching her happily snoozing face smile and drool and tip to the side to fall onto the floor. her arms stretch out to catch herself instinctively, ]
No, no, no--!!
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Even now her plaque is tied to a loser, some might say. Deadbeat hobo god with few prospects for a prosperous future. He's not worried so much about Hiyori's choices anymore as he is someone unsuitable pursuing her. Who knows what sorts might have ended up in this crazy dream world. Some psychos, no doubt...
Although some might wonder who's the psycho, with his obsessing over her, her relationships, and future romantic status. Really, if he wasn't a god, he'd probably be labeled a creep.
If he isn't already.Though of all the aspects of Hiyori he frets over, one would think his desire to have a continued lifeline the most understandable, given his only other option.Of course, they have to make sure Hiyori's body makes it that far. Which it won't do if she drops the damn thing at times like breakfast, for goodness sake. He shakes his head with a sigh, getting up from the table to come around so he can pick up her sleeping form.]
Think you got a little excited there. Here. I'll put you back in bed for now, until you can get back in. Okay?
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hiyori would say that yato is a dummy, surely, but he's not as much of a deadbeat hobo anymore. his future is prosperous because he's aiming to be a god of fortune. he is one. he and yukine have been working hard together and he has his little plot of land in takamagahara. ]
Okay.
[ wringing her hands, she watches and follows behind as he carries her back to her bedroom. her drool-covered cheek rests against his chest and she's so embarrassed for getting it on his clothes but ponders if she were in her body, would she hear his heartbeat? before forcing herself NOT to ponder on such a thing.
she hovers in the doorway, watching him set her down on the mattress, with her tail flicking behind her. after saying she had a better handle on her soul, too. sigh. figures.
she's just going to observe what he does. silently reaching for her tail and bringing it around to her front to hold. don't mind her. ]
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Once in Hiyori's bedroom, he makes sure to draw the sheets and blanket back enough to properly cover her, making sure her feat in particular are snug underneath. He then carefully lifts her head, smoothing out her hair before adjusting the pillow. There. That should make sure she wakes up well rested.
He can't help smiling down at her sleeping body, looking ever so peaceful. Forgetting that Hiyori herself is still behind him, he starts to lean in-- then abruptly catches himself and turns pink. Instead he switches to simply petting her hair, hesitating a moment before turning around.]
T-There you go. All set. Shall we finish cleaning up breakfast? I'll fix you something else later once your body's awake.
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she stops breathing as he leans in, sucking in a breath sharply and suddenly. when he turns around, she is bright red and wide-eyed. she saw that. she saw that. what was that? WHAT WAS THAT?? does she ask? has he done that before? her mouth doesn't work. she says nothing, only nods at the suggestion of cleaning up, while trailing behind him again back to the kitchen. they almost make it too before hiyori snatches the hem of his shirt, curling her fingers and bringing him to a stop.
whatever it was she was planning to say? gone. her mouth just opens and closes a few times. ignore it. pretend it didn't happen and move on. he could have just been looking closer at the drool on her mouth because that's a thing.
he wouldn't do that other thing. while she's sleeping.
his clothes are released and she bundles her hands up close to her neck, near her gemstone pendant, nails digging into the back of her palm and her eyes cast down. ]
Thanks for...! That. [ carrying her to her room? tucking her in? making sure her feet don't get cold? almost doing that THING he didn't do and pet her hair instead? all of the above? ]
It'll be nice to wake up in bed for once instead of on the ground. I saw you... made sure I was comfortable. It was thoughtful.
[ that's not what she wanted to say but that is what she is saying now. ]
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L... Lucky is not his name today, it would seem. As he no sooner gets part of the way down the hallway when he feels a tug at his shirt, preventing him from moving forward. He turns slowly to face her, not all the way, but enough to show that she has his attention. Please don't notice the color in his face...
Watching her with both a keen interest and something resembling fear, he keeps his eyes on her hands instead of higher up. It's the best he can do under the circumstances.]
Uh... Y-You're welcome. I just... wanted you to be comfortable. [She must be talking about how he handled her head, right? Right?? Not for not... getting closer. She would've decked him if she thought he was trying anything like that! Yeah. Of course.]
That's how you should be waking up. [He wants to apologize for not being able to make that happen, but her next words stop him cold. It.. doesn't sound like what she intended to say.] You... saw? Oh-- Um, right. I try to be! Hehe...
[Wondering if he can make his escape now, he gradually starts backing up, raising a hand in both a wave and to brush aside her thanks.]
I-It was nothing! Really!
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Wait, don't run off!!
[ it's a plea. but what happens after this? when they're both bright red, so hot in the cheeks she's surprised that they haven't started to steam up the entire house. this is what she gets for sidestepping and ignoring yato, isn't it? that when she wants to talk about the something, he's trying to brush it off and move on. this just feels so different! and he must realize that too or else he wouldn't be running off. he would be playing it up more. ]
It's not nothing, i-is it?
[ what is she asking? it's not like she wants to know what he was doing but her heart has taken hold of her tongue. ]
It felt different! I wasn't creeped out or anything like I usually am when you take things too far! [ hiyori. ] It was like those other things I enjoy! [ holding hands. new: hugging. hanging out on the couch together. being together. ] But I had to watch it... s-so that was a little off-putting...
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I'm not...!
[He totally was. But he stops anyway, as does his breath. Briefly for that, at least. Though his face only continues to redden as they face one another properly, this time he finds himself looking directly into her eyes instead of elsewhere. It's like she has some kind of spell over him, one he fears almost as much as his dad.
What if... this is what drives her away? What causes her to leave him finally, for good? Without noticing, his hands begin to shake, leading him to clenching them into fists to try stilling them.]
M...Maybe.
[Where to go from here, though? Should he come clean and explain what he was trying to do? No. No way. That would give everything away, expose his heart to her... He couldn't bear it. Thankfully Hiyori continues, surprising him until his eyes are wide with shock at how brazen she's being - at how much she didn't mind what he'd done. That she... actually... like it?]
O-Oh... T-Then, I won't do... that anymore, unless you're in your body. 'kay? [That should make things right, right?]
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"maybe"...
despite her guilt, she doesn't look away as their eyes meet and yato stumbles over a response. her stomach flips around itself, and her hands clutch to her pajama bottoms in a white-knuckled grip. ]
O, okay. [ she murmurs with a tiny nod. what thing is he making right? nothing was... wrong, per se. if anything, watching as a spectator might have been the sort of separation she needed to see she would be fine with it. that she wants--
whatever IT was.
only hiyori and yato would have this very specific problem of him IT'ING her unconscious form for her spirit form to watch. ]
Okay. [ she says in a tone of more finality, nods more firmly, and thence continues down the hall and back to the kitchen. heart somewhere up in her throat. beating so hard it hurts. yes, it hurts. ]
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It's truly a wonder that she didn't smack him, demand to know what the hell he thought he was trying, and and-- he wants to know, too. Get a grip, Yatogami...! At least pay attention to your surroundings if you're gonna try to plant one on your follower! Geez... He's such an idiot.
But wait, does that mean that she actually wouldn't mind if he... Or did she just mean the whole putting her to bed bit? Which in itself is one hell of a leap in the relationship department, he feels, but what he'd intended to do was decidedly non-platonic. But does she know that? He can't imagine that she does.]
Y..Yeah. [This is definitely a Them problem, for sure. So ridiculous.] Alright.
[His own heart continues to pound as Hiyori heads back, leaving him standing dumbly in the hall alone. Then he's burying his face in his hands as he lets out a shaky, nervous laugh. He's still got to face her during clean up.]
...shit.
[His feet feel heavy as he slowly drags himself to the dining table, mind elsewhere as he picks up their plates and heads for the kitchen, nerves shot.]
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yato takes the empty plates and she works on cleaning the table, wiping it down.
it's silent as they work. typically, hiyori makes small talk about this or that because she's interested to hear yato's opinion on things. she doesn't catch his curse at any point as she's lost in her thoughts, too. doing her best not to look at him in the kitchen as the water runs and she can hear him scrubbing away at plates.
what's going on? living in this dream world is changing her. at least, it's certainly changing what she can and can't tolerate from yato. it's making her nervous to talk to yato and not in the way she was when she was unsure if he was a scary guy or not. is this because they live together? is this why yato and yukine are so close? daikoku and kofu-- she can't think of them. she can't compare them.
while he's finished the second plate, hiyori appears with the pan and utensil he used at the stove and hands it over. ]
Here. I brought you these, too.
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Also stuck in his own head, he doesn't realize how odd the silence is for them, not when his mind is loud enough for two. Part of him is screaming at himself for being such a damn fool for trying to place a kiss on her forehead, and the other for being such a damn fool for not trying it on Hiyori, herself. In the end he comes to the conclusion that yes, he is indeed an idiot.
He mutters as much under his breath while he washes the dishes, face still heated from the incident. This is... definitely a dangerous situation. Maybe one of them should move out...? It would have to be him - he couldn't ask her to leave. But... he likes living with Hiyori, no matter how tempting it may be. Maybe she does, too...? She said she didn't mind, so--
He visibly jumps when the subject of his thoughts makes an appearance, offering him the pan and spatula. Swallowing hard, he nods and takes them from her, struggling to get his voice to work normally.]
T..Thanks. I'll be done in just a minute. So you don't have to worry about helping with the rest.
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not the guts for garters line, fortunately. or pretzel yato. that's already been crossed before.
all this because of a forehead kiss he couldn't go through with when hiyori has already kissed the back of his hand. wh-what would a kiss on the forehead be! hah!!
(a lot.)
it was never dangerous before. they only have to go back to that "before" again. she wouldn't let yato leave unless he had a place to stay, anyway. going out there and sleeping outside in the trees or something isn't going to happen. she wouldn't be able to live with herself. it's hard enough knowing brc is doing the same dang thing. ]
I want to help. [ as ever, but she can take the hint. it looks as though she wants to say something, but just bites at her lip. suddenly she reaches up, cups his hot cheeks in her hands, and gives him a probing look.
]
Alright. I'm going to my room. Thank you for breakfast.
[ just as quickly, she drops her hands. hiyori bows her head in gratitude toward him and then walks out of the kitchen to leave him be.
once in her room she sits down at her desk, opens up her new diary, and writes:
January 6th.
Today was the last day of Yato's advent calendar. My final gift was a life-size reindeer named Rainy. She's in the corner right now. It was too much, but I have to admit it was fun getting presents every day.
Something happened today with Yato, too. I'm not sure what.
???????????????????????????? ]
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For Yato, there's no going back once he acknowledges his feelings. Which is why he's doing his level best not to. To ignore that ache that seems to grow stronger with each passing week. Leads him to doing stupid shit stuff like what he just tried. In her presence, no less!!
What makes it worse is when Hiyori suddenly lays her hands on him, giving her both a good feel of how hot he is and how hard he's breathing. His eyes go wide as they gaze at each other, although he's not sure what he's seeing in her expression, it's so unreadable.
And then just like that she releases him, giving a proper-ish bow before leaving him all alone. For the longest time he merely stares after her, breathing hard as he leans against the counter to catch his breath. He needs to go cool off somewhere.
He finishes up the remaining dishes in a rush, throwing the towel over the sink edge when he's done. Taking up a pad of paper and pen, he scribbles down a note that simply says, "Gone out. Back later." and leaves it for her on the dining table. Then he hurries to his room to change and teleports away to the restaurant part of town. Even at this early hour, he needs a drink.]