lunaecalamitas | this day should be for me

[ hmm, he can buy that but- ]

What about when Akira is whole again? I imagine the original wizards won't be hostile, but I'm thinking more magical fallout from however that's going to resolve.

[ Tatara smiles, strangely. ]

If anything happens, we'll have twice the allies, then. I think the original wizards are strong and knowledgeable enough to help us if something goes wrong.

[ ...Because in true Tatara fashion, he's not really that worried. Something to think about only after it happens. ]

[ it might be strange but to khun it's still endearing even if he can't comprehend. but it doesn't stop his thoughts, just mitigate them a bit. ]

Alright. I just think there's got to be something else, things are rarely ever straightforward.

You might be right.

[ Tatara reaches to put a hand on Khun's arm, his expression serene. ]

But you might not be. We can think about it now, but don't get too caught up thinking in circles. I know we'll be prepared to face whatever hiccups that might come up.

[ He squeezes, and smiles. ]

It'll work out.

[ wow, how he is supposed to get lost in his head if tatara touches him like that and smiles at him? ]

...okay. [ he manages a small smile back, brushing the ring on tatara's finger with his other hand. ]

We can stay here for a while, but we should probably keep moving eventually.

[ Tatara is a firm believer in the power of Things Working Out Anyway, so he'll absorb the awkward edges of Khun's worry like a gentle, cushioning breeze. That's easy for him.

That, though, he agrees with. ]

Yeah. We can go check in on the old sage at some point, and we should probably make sure everyone fighting is doing okay.

[ Which they'll end up skipping straight to doing in a few minutes here, when that missile connects with the old sage's room. ]

I'm surprised it's taking them so long, honestly. [ he doesn't say this in a bad way, but more like "yeah they usually polish off an entire pizza by themselves, weird that they're still at it" way. ]

Hmm, yeah. Maybe the opponent's tougher than we think.

[ Very possible, considering how quickly the manor went down...

But in a half genuine, half teasing question: ] Are you worried?

[ he shakes his head. worried isn't the right word even if he is on alert right now. ]

I'll always protect you no matter what. Something like this doesn't even begin to compare to my father or the other rankers in my family.

[ perhaps the most frank conversation he had to have with himself is the reality of bringing tatara to a world that was more dangerous than the one they met in. it won't be easy, but he's committed. ]

[ Ah... He's both touched, which shows in the way his expression softens, but also that makes him realize he should probably warn Aguero about something in particular first. ]

I should tell you. [ He reaches to poke at his arm. It's probably obvious, considering his demise, but it's worth bringing up again at this point. ] They called me Homra's weakest exec for a reason. When people wanted to get at King or Kusanagi-san, they'd go for me.

People might do the same to you. I know how to keep myself safe, but I don't want it to stress you out too much.

[ He'll be fine... Probably? ]

Tatara. [ see this is where he would kiss him usually, but since they're working he has to settle for a poke back on the cheek. ]

I know, I'm expecting it. Even if you were the strongest man in the world, there are people in the Tower who have more power than a God.

Back when we spoke in your room that night, that's one of the things I was worried about the most. But I decided to wear you, remember? Showing something off always has risk, that's why I could never do it before.

But I want you by my side. So I'll just need to be even better than I am now. [ his smile is just the tiniest bit nervous, but he means everything he's said even if he's never been one to just believe things will work out. funny how things have changed in a few months. ]

And I've always been extra motivated for beautiful prizes.

[ The poke brings a smile out of him, at least.

He sees all of that in him, his ever-planning nature, his decisiveness, his careful picking and choosing, the care he puts into the things he, well, cares about. He's so different from Tatara, but isn't that what brought them here in the first place? ]

Good. So long as you know, and you're ready for it. [ It never came from a place of doubt or worry, but wanting to make sure Khun knows what he's getting into by being a relatively powerful person with Tatara at his side. Because Tatara would always choose to be by his side, whether he wants that or not.

He chuckles, mischief in his smile as he pokes him again. ]

How am I a prize when it feels like I'm the winner here? I think I would've chosen to stick with you, anyway.

[ is there a fight going on outside? looks away... ]

Well I am a catch. I said as much right before I kissed you the first time. So you can be a winner too.

[ he has to poke him back, those are the rules! the lines of his mouth are playful, what fight outside they're doing fine probably (avrae rolling 1's relentlessly). ]

So if I tried to slip away for a night, you'd catch me? [ teasing, but this is actually something he had a real bad habit of doing before he came here. ]

[ Tatara giggles when he's poked. You know what? He likes that. He likes that they can both be winners, because there's something about the way they dance together that makes it seem like they're even on all levels.

So he'll settle with that. ]

Of course I would. [ There's a tease in his tone, but he's completely serious. ] No matter where you'd go when I wasn't looking, I'd follow you to the ends of the earth.

[ He grins, and pokes Aguero back. ]

I thought you knew that already.

I thought you were going to tell me that you're an expert at keeping me in bed now.

[ wink. his expressions softens after, though. ]

I do, but I needed to hear it. [ dumb things that he can admit now that he didn't even understand before. ]

Not that I'd do that anymore, now that I have you.

[ A flush bursts across Tatara's face as his grin widens, and he chuckles a little louder. Mostly because it's true. In many senses.

He'll nod, because his trust and attachment to Aguero is so encompassing that he doesn't even consider the thought of him leaving on purpose. He'll say it as many times as he needs to, because quite frankly, he's obsessed.

He reaches to grasp Aguero's hand, not in a romantic gesture, but in a reassuring one. Still affectionate, though. He's just conscious of where they are. ]

If you plan on leaving, you'll tell me, right? I'll go with you.

Yeah, I will. You're part of me now. [ that's how he rationalizes to himself how he feels, because any other explanation doesn't quite fit the level of attachment or need he has for tatara, contrary to the rest of him. he'll have to figure out how to appease the part of him that worries, because there will definitely be times where it would make more sense to leave tatara in a safe space while he goes off to be up to No Good, but that's frankly not an option anymore. ]

[ speaking of safe spaces, that sure is the sound of a missile hitting the manor. it's not close enough to them to cause any damage, but right, they're kind of in the middle of something. (see this is why he's no good at waiting because he will always fill his time with something and that something is just a someone nowadays.)

aguero sighs, almost annoyed. the squeeze of their hands is gentle in contrast even if it's just a placeholder for what he really wants to do in the moment. ]

They need help, so let's go. That hit Akira's room but the barrier held.

[ The deep impact and rumble of the missile causes Tatara to visibly jump in surprise, and instinctively lean into Aguero for protection. As bold and reckless he can be, he'll never turn down protection when he can get it (also, because he's still selfish, and now very spoiled).

When the lab doesn't move, his mind calms, both knowing he has Aguero with him, and that whatever that impact was, it didn't hit them.

He pulls back and looks at Khun, and nods; his hand slips from the hold as he stands and begins making his way towards the fight.

Off they go...! ]

this day should be for me

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/3

nm /2

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