all the cookie wrappers and the empty cups of tea

[ Hajime hadn't meant to leave his room that night. his quarters are far enough away from the ballroom that he doesn't overhear the bustle of activity caused by the arrival and subsequent festivities of the other vampires as the party stretches on, but that doesn't mean he's unaware of it, the unfamiliar carriages parked in the front courtyard easily visible from his windows.

it was frightening to know that he was so close to such a large number of vampires— Subaru could already be scary enough on his own. he thought he'd have no reason to go anywhere else in the manor, after the cook brought his dinner up to him and he had made sure to take a tall stack of books from the library earlier to keep himself occupied, staying safe and sequestered away from the visitors. it's only when he realizes that he left had something in the library as well that his plans for the night change.

he'd been repairing his little sister's stuffed rabbit with the maid's sewing kit, the only thing he still had with him from the farm. she had made him take it with him the day the curator picked Hajime out from the crowd, tears in her eyes as he was was snatched away from his family— the realization that he'd left it outside of his room creates a panic that overtakes him, and leads him to retrace his steps from earlier in the day.

but what's supposed to be a quick trip doesn't go as planned.

the pheromones hit him before he even sees the vampire, a tall man who wearing an unkind smile. there's no terror as he's looked up and down, examined like a piece of meat on display in a window, and he doesn't resist when an arm slides around his waist and leads him into one of the smaller parlors. his thoughts are all dulled, sluggish, and he there's nothing for him to do as he's laid down on a divan, the man's hands wandering over his body in an intimate way that makes his stomach churn.

such a beauty, he says, undoing the top few buttons of Hajime's blouse, pushing the fabric aside to reveal the pale expanse of his neck. he can't scream or cry, even when man's mouth falls open to reveal his fangs. his body doesn't allow him to do anything but lie there passively, a mute doll, letting the stranger lean in over him and sink his teeth into his skin, remaining a silent and obedient meal as his blood begins to flow out. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Subaru, really, didn't even want to host this party. He dislikes blood lord politics immensely, so having to deal with and navigate through quite a few people he'd rather not even talk to is kind of exhausting. But there's no other way--Eichi wants someone troublesome taken care of, and so Subaru has to take care of it.

He's in the middle of finishing up, having rinsed the evidence away and changed anything that had gotten blood on it while one of Eichi's men discreetly deals with the unfortunate corpse, when the guard he'd set up to make sure no one wandered towards Hajime's room reports to him that his Art has gone missing. Wonderful.

No one had gone inside and there was no evidence of an external break-in, which meant Hajime himself must have wandered out. Why he would do so while the manor is filled with vampires is a mystery, but for now, Subaru sets off to find out where Hajime had gone.

It doesn't take long--the idiot vampire who brought him away from the library leaves a trail of pheromones anyone could follow. They're weak enough to be all but burned up by Subaru's own when he enters the room and realizes what's going on, that someone dared to touch something of his. That poor Hajime, who, when he first got to the manor would flinch every time Subaru opened his mouth wide enough his fangs were visible, would be subjected to this.]

Get off of him.

[The inflection of Subaru's voice is even, a dangerous kind of calm the other vampire must recognize because when he obeys, and turns around to see Subaru standing at the doorway, he's shaking finely with fear.]

[ it takes a moment for Hajime to realize what's happened when the vampire's fangs suddenly retract from his neck. the heavy weight of the pheromones that have been trapping him are swept away, replaced with fear and adrenaline that had been suppressed before. he scrambles back to the far side of the divan, eyes wide and terrified as one hand flies up to press against the wound.

he can't do anything more than cower there and watch as the vampire falls to his knees in front of Subaru, who looks different than Hajime's ever seen him before. the man's started in with a stream of apologies and excuses, practically groveling in front of Subaru. Hajime doesn't know what to do or say— should he be apologizing? would Subaru be mad at him for getting fed on? fear becomes amplified by by panic, and Hajimes finds himself paralyzed again. ]

Shut up.

[The vampire closes his mouth, unable to resist the order under the unrelenting force of Subaru's pheromones.]

This is your own fault. You had a dozen chances to realize that a human so pretty and dressed like that maybe wasn't someone you should be snacking on.

[Subaru steps around him, unconcerned with the pleading look that vampire is giving him and instead moves towards Hajime, only close enough so that when he reaches into his inner lapel pocket and pulls out a handkerchief, it's just within reach of the other.]

Here. [His voice gentles, a warm concern entering his tone the moment he addresses Hajime.] This'll be better than just your hand.

[ Subaru addressing Hajime directly is enough to rouse him from his stupor, at least for long enough to accept the handkerchief that he's presented with. his movements are stiff and mechanical, the gentleness of Subaru's voice making the situation all the more jarring.

as he replaces his bare hand with the piece of cloth, Hajime's anxiety pushes him to say something, anything to explain himself. surely Subaru would be expecting some sort of reasoning behind his foolish actions that lead him to be caught out by another vampire. ]

Master, I— I'm sorry, I meant to go straight back to my room after— I mean, I didn't mean to leave at all in the first place, but ...

[Subaru stands straight and takes a small step back again once Hajime has taken the handkerchief. Partly to give the other space and partly because there's the scent of blood in the air, sweet and warm and coming from his Art, and Subaru is trying to resist that. It pisses him off even more that the vampire still kneeling frozen on the floor got to taste something of Subaru's before Subaru himself got to, but the smile he gives Hajime--closed-mouthed--does nothing to betray those thoughts.]

It's okay. You had a reason for it, if you were willing to come out during the party.

[Hajime is afraid and uncertain around vampires, so it must have been something important to override that fear. And even if Hajime's only reason was curiosity, Subaru wouldn't be angry.]

It's not your fault, so you don't need to apologize. Some people just don't have common sense.

[ Subaru isn't mad? but this was definitely his fault, at least in part. Hajime's at a loss of what to say for a moment, blinking in surprise. his eyes wander back to the other vampire, still kneeling and looking at his master with a sort of fear Hajime doesn't understand. he's the same as Subaru, so he shouldn't have anything to fear from him, should he? all the same, Hajime doesn't want to be in the man's presence a second longer. ]

I should go back now, ah ...

[ oh, but he still hadn't retrieved what he came down here for in the first place. the ache in his neck and racing heart tell him to leave it for now— any visiting lord that might find would probably just mistake the doll for scrap fabric, and if they directed the maids to it, they'd recognize it as Hajime's.

he bows his head to Subaru again, apologetic once again, despite what the other had just said. ]

S-sorry, for the trouble.

Edited 2020-06-12 07:15 (UTC)

Wait, wait.

[Subaru's first instinct is to take Hajime's arm or shoulder to prevent him from leaving, but thankfully he stamps down that reflex before he really terrifies his Art.]

Don't go back to your rooms alone, or without patching up that injury...or not saying what it is you wanted so badly you came out here?

[Whatever it is, Subaru would get it for Hajime in an instant.]

I can get someone to help you with the first two things, if you give me a second.

[Subaru would do it all himself, but...Hajime seems wary and tense around him still and besides, he has to take care of that vampire cowering near his feet.]

That's, I mean, whatever Master Akehoshi thinks is best ... ?

[ Hajime blinks in quiet surprise again, staying seated as Subaru requested. he's right, of course, it's dangerous to go out in a house full of vampires with an open wound, a loud symbol of his availability for being fed on. Hajime knows this, but his natural instinct to run and hide somewhere far away from the place of his attack overrides his rational thought. ]

I left something of mine from— [ 'home' is what he almost says, catching himself just in time. that would be unspeakably rude to say in front of his master. ] —from my old farm in the library, near the fireplace. I didn't want to leave it there while you had guests in the house.

[Ah. No wonder he was willing to venture out into the manor full of other vampire guests.]

Okay. I'll go find that for you. For now...

[Subaru goes back over to the doorway, leaning out of it enough to see into the hall while keeping half of his attention on Hajime and the other vampire. It's not long before he can flag down another servant and ask for them to bring over a first aid kit and to also take Hajime back to his room.

He waits until that servant returns so there's no point in time Hajime will be alone.]

I'll come see how you're doing when the party's over. There'll be someone just outside your door if you need anything else. And you--

[Subaru looks to the other vampire now, and gestures sharply.]

Come with me.

All right, I'll ... I'll see you then.

[ Hajime gives a short, seated little bow to Subaru before he leaves the room, going quiet again as one of Subaru's servants begins to clean and treat the wound.

'you need to bathe and change your clothes', he's told as he's escorted back to his rooms after they've finished cleaning him up in the study. Hajime nods, eager to play the role of the obedient Art again after his foolish little foray downstairs. he lets the lesser vampire draw the bath for him and set out a pair of clean pajamas, assuring her with a smile that he'll let her know if he needs anything else.

after he's scrubbed his skin clean (while avoiding the wound the best he can), the scented oils in the water sinking into his skin and making it fragrant and soft, he dresses, dries his hair, and goes straight to bed. curling up beneath the thick blankets is a small comfort, the plush mattress and pillows surrounding him in softness that helps to ease his still troubled mind.

if Subaru hadn't found him when he had ... well, he likely wouldn't be safely tucked away in bed. Hajime had always heard that most vampires were prone to casually sharing and trading Arts, allowing friends or allies to use them as they liked. Subaru had been so angry, though, and not even at Hajime— did he intend to keep his Art to himself? that seemed better than the alternative, at the very least. ]

[Subaru meets up with Eichi's representative to ask him for a favor in dealing with the problem that just came up. If he explained the situation, he's sure that Eichi would understand.

In fact, the whole reason Eichi acted as a go-between for the curator who had Hajime and Subaru is likely because Subaru's not the type to share Arts. Treasures are meant to be admired and possessed--other people getting their fingerprints all over the sparkling things Subaru has just isn't something he can tolerate much of. Which meant an Art with such an obvious fear of vampires like Hajime wouldn't be purposefully put into situations that would further harm him, and Eichi knew it.

A lot of good that did when Subaru couldn't prevent this but--it's taken care of now. And Hajime won't even have to be afraid of seeing the same vampire at parties anymore, should he decide to go out, ever.

Once Subaru is finished, cleaned up again, and dealt with winding the party down and sending all the stragglers home, he ventures into the library to retrieve whatever it is Hajime lost. He recognizes what it is immediately, and carefully picks it up before heading through the halls to Hajime's room.

The servants tell Subaru his Art might be sleeping, so he enters the room quietly. If Hajime is, he'll simply leave the stuffed rabbit somewhere the other will see it first thing when he wakes and take his leave.]

[ Hajime isn't quite asleep, his bedside lamp still turned on and casting long shadows across his room as he lies in bed. after the events of the night, sleep doesn't come easy, and his senses are in high alert. no matter how quiet and unobtrusive Subaru might try to be, Hajime will hear the door open. he sits up, eyes going wide as he tries to see who it is— and doesn't quite relax when he sees that it's Subaru who emerges from the darkness. ]

Master Akehoshi? What are you ...

[ his question trails off as he notices what's in the vampire's hands. the well-worn patchwork doll looks hopelessly out of place next to Subaru's finery, and the sight of the little bunny is what finally releases some tension from Hajime's shoulders. he'd nearly forgotten about his request, and for a moment, his mind had strayed to panicking over what other reasons might bring a Blood Lord to their Art's chambers so late at night. ]

Oh, you didn't have to return that yourself! I mean, I'm very grateful, but I shouldn't have asked you to do something silly like that for me.

[Subaru, didn't quite realize the implications of what he was doing. Hajime really had every reason to assume the worst when Subaru didn't announce himself, but Subaru still feels...strange, a little awkward, to see that Hajime remains so unsettled around him.]

You didn't really ask me. I said I'd get it for you. Here.

[Subaru holds out the stuffed rabbit so Hajime could reach it without Subaru having to step closer to the bed.]

Are you feeling all right after...what happened? If not and you'd rather go back to sleep, I can wait until morning, but I have a couple questions for you.

Oh ... thank you, still.

[ Hajime reaches out, taking the rabbit from Subaru's hands and setting it on his lap. the details of their conversation were all a bit blurry in his mind, truth be told, but Subaru offering to do something unnecessary for Hajime does ring some bells. ]

I wasn't sleeping in the first place, I don't think I've calmed down from what happened all the way ... so, um, if you want to ask me something, Master, it's fine to do it now.

[ he musters a tiny smile, as if to assure to the both of them that having one of Hajime's worst fears realized wasn't all that upsetting for him. ]

[It's a little...frustrating, to be unable to comfort Hajime the way Subaru really knows how. Any closeness or soothing touches will do the exact opposite of Subaru's intent, which he knows from experience.]

Well, I'll be spending nearly all day downtown tomorrow, and I was wondering if you wanted anything while I was there. A new book, or clothes, or...you liked that scented candle from before, didn't you? There's a whole shop of them that just opened up, if you want more.

[He'd invite Hajime along with him, no question, but, the last time he asked, the other looked so anxious at the mere idea, Subaru hadn't offered since.]

I don't need anything new. You're already generous enough as it is, Master.

[ the amount of gifts both Eichi and Subaru had lavished on him since he was 'seized' from his unsavory curator after the Tenshouin family's raid on his compound made Hajime a little nervous, if he was being entirely honest. as much as he knows this is normal treatment for an art, Hajime isn't a purebred, and he's relatively old for a 'find' from a farm— the luxury blood lords experience every day is nothing short of overwhelming for him.

but, then ... it might be just as rude to refuse. it's not as if Subaru's ever asked for anything in return, never tried to hold any of the elegant clothes or trinkets he's given Hajime over him. it's almost like Subaru doesn't know what else to do to try and show Hajime that he means no ill intentions toward him, that he doesn't plan to force him into anything like the other vampire did—

oh, but now he's let the silence go on too long, lost in his own faults. ]

B-but, um maybe— if you find something like ... cards, or a game, that we could do together— when you're not too busy, of course, that would be good?

[Subaru is first and foremost a tactile individual, and most humans who he's worked with before at least relaxed a little when they realized Subaru's proximity and casual touch wasn't a threat, and that he didn't use pheromones without care. So when Hajime still hadn't, Subaru became a little bit at a loss. All the other blood lords he knew had Arts showered them in gifts, but...Hajime didn't seem to like that, either.

At the prospect of Hajime asking to spend time with him, though, Subaru visibly brightens, forgetting himself for a moment and smiling with teeth, even.]

Yeah, I can do that. Do you like games like chess, or not? And--oh, one more thing...

[He came in here for an equally important reason than getting something to cheer Hajime up.]

Do you prefer gold or silver?

[ it's always strange to see Subaru look so bright and bubbly, flashing big, genuine smiles Hajime's way, and then have that creeping feeling of warmth inside of him instantly cooled by wicked curve of Subaru's fangs. Hajime does his best to swallow the unease down, concentrating on the questions Subaru's asking instead. ]

I'm not very familiar with chess, so I can't say. I saw Lord Tenshouin's set when I was staying with him, but that's all ...

[ it was very expensive looking, and Hajime had been terrified to touch it. he'd done much better with playing cards with Tori and his body guard. having Subaru ask him so casually about his taste in expensive items is something Hajime has a hard time imagining that he'll ever get used to. ]

I like them both? I mean, I like anything you get me, Master, so it doesn't matter all that much?

Oh, his is pretty...elaborate. He's the one who taught me how to play, though!

[Subaru is, admittedly, not the best at it. He understands the rules but he's the type too thrilled with a big capture that he can easily be led into traps with the proper bait. He's sure he can teach the basics to others, though, so...maybe something more understated for Hajime would be a good addition along with the cards.]

And I can't accept that answer this time~ It's for something pretty important so I want to know your preference. You don't have to think about the metal itself, even, just which color you like better.

Ah ... gold, then?

[ Hajime shifts a little in bed, like he's nervous to state his preference even after Subaru's insisted that he wants to hear it. ]

Is it all right if I ask what it's for?

Ah, I kind~ of wanted it to be a surprise, but...it's for a necklace. Something with my seal and initials on it so problems like what happened tonight won't happen again.

[The issue had been, of course, that nobody knew the human wandering around was Subaru's own Art, and even if any vampire with two braincells to rub together should have figured that out anyway, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Subaru would have done so sooner, but Hajime never wanted to leave the estate or mingle among the party guests, and anyone he did see already knew who he belonged to, so Subaru didn't think it was a pressing errand anymore.]

[ in a sense, that's still another gift, but this one does have a more practical purpose. ]

Does this mean you'll be having more guests over soon, Master?

[ his fingers clutch at the sheets, betraying his nervousness at the idea of more vampires being invited back to the manor. it's possible this is just Subaru taking precautions in case something unforeseeable happens in the future, but Hajime can't help but worry. if there's going to be more strange vampires around the Akehoshi household, he wants to prepare, maybe devise some better hiding spaces in his rooms, or learn how to climb out of his window—

maybe that last one was overdoing it. ]

No, no, definitely not--or not anytime soon, at least.

[Eichi probably still had some more, ah, errands for him in the near future but none that would require Subaru to set up a party as bait again. Subaru's smile turns a little wry, though, at Hajime's obvious nervousness at the prospect. He really messed up this time, didn't he?]

It's just to make sure I won't forget again. I should have given you something like this first thing.

Oh, all right.

[ the sigh of relief Hajime breathes is probably a little too obvious to be polite, but he can't help himself. knowing that he'll be relatively safe for a while longer puts his mind at ease, allowing him to lean back into his pillows as some of the tension drains from his body. he won't need to worry about being preyed upon by a vampire, or ... well. any vampire besides Subaru.

he lifts his gaze back up to his master, noting the unhappy twist to his smile. Subaru had only been concerned for his well being when he found him earlier, making sure he was taken care of with no regard for the vampire who had fed on him. it goes against what Hajime knows of vampire kind, but maybe it was all right to trust Subaru a little more. he'd saved him, like Eichi had saved him from the curator. Hajime could stand to be a little more open with him. ]

Will I see you after you get back from town? If you find a game that looks fun, we could try to play a round or two.

[He doesn't even need to worry about it from Subaru--not that Hajime would believe that at all, and Subaru doesn't expect him to, but if all he wanted was a warm body to drink from, he wouldn't have agreed to take Hajime from Eichi in the first place.]

If you want to. I'll probably be back before it gets too late.

[He had to deal with other blood lords in his errands, and sometimes turning down their invitations to things Subaru didn't want to bother with took some time and repetition.

Now that he's returned the lost item and Hajime seems more relaxed, though, Subaru takes a short step back.]

I should let you get some sleep.

[ after everything, Hajime doesn't think there's much chance he'll be sleeping well. even being back in his rooms, which he knows are the safest place for him to be, wariness still grips his nerves, making him question every shadow and creaking floorboard.

but it's not something he can trouble Subaru with. Arts exist to bring pleasure to their owners, and listening to Hajime prattle on about his illogical anxieties can't be something that's enjoyable to Subaru. so he smiles, or tries to, at least, doing his best not to squeeze his sheets too hard. ]

Ah, all right. Good night, Master Akehoshi.

...are you sure you're all right?

[Subaru had thought Hajime looked calm enough that any further conversation would just mean he's cutting into the other's time to sleep, but now he's not so certain.]

If there's anything you need, you can tell me. I won't get angry, or anything.

[Arts do exist to bring pleasure to their masters, but, right now, Subaru isn't going to be happy unless he can find out a way to let Hajime feel at least a little better.]

I don't need anything! I mean, it's silly for me to be still be scared after all the guests have left— n-not that I am scared!

[ Hajime's face flushes once the realization that he's said more than he meant to settles over him, making him train his eyes away from Subaru and down at the blankets. as much as his master might encourage him to be open about his needs, it's too difficult for Hajime to shake his fear that the other shoe is just waiting to drop, that the trouble he caused tonight will somehow snowball into Subaru resenting him.

the curator who had salvaged him initially had been perfectly clear about what most vampires expected of their Arts, and what became of those that could only stay charming for a season. Hajime knows he's nothing like the other Arts he met, not even Tori, who's both so unafraid of all vampires and wholly trusting in Eichi to provide for him. Hajime's sure Subaru would prefer a human like that. ]

You're still afraid from earlier, huh.

[That's not surprising to hear, really. And it's not that Subaru would grow to resent Hajime, or that his disquiet is from wishing he had a different kind of Art--if he wanted one of those, he would have gotten one. There'd been no shortage of curators over the years trying to ply him with their Arts. He knew, somewhat, about what he was signing up for when he agreed to take Hajime from Eichi, but the problem is, Subaru can't shake the worry that for all his good intentions, he might be doing Hajime more harm in the end.

None of that can be dealt with tonight, although Subaru is having a bit of trouble coming up with something that will help. He doesn't know what to do when part of the problem is that Hajime is afraid of Subaru too.]

I could...stay outside your door for you? [The puzzled furrow to Subaru's brow smooths a little into an expression that's more self-depreciating than anything.] Sorry. Being a guard dog is all I'm really good for. But nothing would get past me, if that makes you feel better.

[ shame bubbles up in Hajime at Subaru's offer, because it would make him feel better, as silly as it sounds. but asking a vampire lord to stand watch in a hall of his own home is too ridiculous to say out loud, not to mention ... Subaru saved him, just a few hours ago. it would rude to act as thought he was still so untrustworthy, after he'd been so kind and understanding of Hajime's early situation. ]

If ... Master Akehoshi could stay, that might make me feel better. I don't want to make you stand out there, though— you ... you could sit with me, instead?

[ he glances over to a chair set up for reading by the fireplace, easily in view from where he's situated in bed. ]

Really? That wouldn't--

[Make you more afraid is what finishes that, probably, since the whole reason Subaru offered to stand watch outside the door is so Hajime wouldn't have a vampire in his room. As far as Subaru can tell, just him entering earlier put the other a little on edge.]

Well. I don't mind at all, but are you sure?

It would be, um, stranger to make you wait somewhere I couldn't see you, I think.

[ a person that's lurking just out of sight, even if it's for his protection— that would make Hajime way more nervous than Subaru sitting up with him until he falls asleep. ]

That would be more comfortable for you too, master, and you could do something else while you waited, like read or— I could read to you.

[ which wasn't exactly in line with getting Hajime to relax, but he offers all the same, falling back to safety of playing a more servile role. ]

You don't need to do that...or at least not tonight. I'd like it if you read to me later.

[Listening to Hajime's voice softly rise and fall along with the dialogue and prose of a book sounded like a wonderful way to unwind, so long as the other was willing.

For now, the goal is to get Hajime some rest, though, but that gives Subaru a thought.]

Did you want to do the opposite? I could read to you.

—eh? Is that all right ... ?

[ he blinks at Subaru, somehow surprised by the suggestion, despite it being totally in character for his master. Subaru's gone through a lot of trouble, more than any common Art is worth, to make Hajime comfortable since he arrived in his home. but if he's offering, it's not as though Hajime can turn down something so thoughtful. ]

I-If your sure. You have a nice voice, Master Akehoshi, so if it's not an imposition ...

I offered, so it's definitely not.

[Mostly he's just happy Hajime finally, finally told him something he'd like and would make him a little more comfortable. Subaru's already moving over towards the chair, pausing to shrug out of his outer jacket and toe off his shoes once he gets within sitting distance. He moves on to yanking out of the elaborate knot of his tie and rolling up his sleeves as he peers over at the stack of books Hajime had been working through while the party had been in full swing.]

Which of these were you reading before?

It's the one at the top, with the bookmark.

[ it's an compilation of fairy tales that Hajime's already made some good progress in, by the look of it. the book itself is old and bound with leather, a selection from the Akehoshi library that's likely rarer and more valuable than Hajime's been told, in order to keep him comfortable with handling it.

while Subaru finds the book and tosses several pieces of clothing off carelessly, Hajime can't help but avert his eyes, burrowing down deeper into his blankets. it's not as tho he hasn't seen Subaru be ... liberal with his state of dress before, but he still hasn't quite gotten use to it. ]

[Subaru really doesn't care for staying in stiff, uncomfortable outfits for too much time. Paradoxically, he does like dressing up, but there's a limit to how long he feels the need to remain in fancy clothing, and after the day he's had, he's completely done with it.

He stretches his legs out with a relieved sigh once he's sitting in the chair, and takes the book Hajime indicated from the pile, opening it up to where the bookmark had been placed.]

Oh, I know this one! About the bear who's really a prince. My dad read this to me when I was a kid.

He did ... ? Some of the stories are kind of frightening, but maybe it's not as scary to vampires ...

[ Hajime blinks, the weight of his tiredness finally settling over him now that he's let himself relax in bed. he doesn't even stop to think if his comment could be taken as rude, half-lidded eyes fixed on Subaru as he finishes settling in. ]

Some were scary, but my dad was so strong I never really felt afraid if he was there.

[Of course, those were the feelings of a child--Subaru, as an adult, knows very well that his father isn't invincible. If he was, he'd be here, instead of dead and gone.

Subaru doesn't say anything further than that, though, and instead drops his gaze down to the open book in front of him to start reading aloud. He tries to do it the same way he remembered hearing as a child, his father changing the timbre and pitch of the different voices, but not the soft, easy volume at which he read.]

[ despite the horrific situation Hajime found himself in a few hours ago, the adrenaline that's been coursing through his veins is finally starting to thin, and adding in the gentle cadence of Subaru's voice as he reads the book begins to pull him under into the waiting arms of sleep. ]

Oh ... that's nice. [ he half mumbles, eyes already most of the way closed. ]

[Subaru doesn't respond, and keeps reading, occasionally glancing up to judge how much Hajime is paying attention. It's not until he could get through two pages and see Hajime as still and breathing deeply as the two before that he finally stops, and places a bookmark where he finished.

Quietly, he goes to compose a short note--Did you sleep well? I'll see you later this evening--borrowing some of the paper and ink Hajime has in his room's desk, before plucking the stuffed rabbit from off the bed. He sets it in the chair he'd just gotten up from, and places the folded note between its little stuffed arms. Hajime would see it first thing when he wakes.

He pauses, briefly, when he goes to turn down the lamp, wanting to reach out and touch Hajime in some way, but--if he wakes up, he'd be startled by it and all of Subaru's work would be undone. With a quiet sigh, he plunges the room into the comfortable darkness of night and silently lets himself out.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

all the cookie wrappers and the empty cups of tea

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