lowestclass | IC INBOX

[ But he really called her a friend. Shock melts into joy as it finally sinks in, and for a moment she almost misses the last part - ]

[ - No wait shit, hold on!! ]

Wait! Wait, wait, wait, wait! [ This is probably the most frazzled Lapis has sounded in a while, but she needs to say something first! ]

First, you need to tell me that nickname sometime - [ Priorities. ] - and second!

I'm glad to have a new friend too.

[ that is ABSOLUTELY the most frazzled he's ever heard her talk--his eyebrows go up as she goes from looking as Lapis always looks--her normal quiet, cool expression to something very animated.

Did he say something weird?
No, of course he said something weird. Who says something as lame as "im glad to have a new friend?" it was so highschool--

He almost wants to die of embarrassment on the spot--but.
In a moment after, she returns the sentence.
And all that foolishness melts away as he tries his best not to break into a small fit of soft chuckles as she asks, with great priority--for his nickname. ]

Did I catch you off guard? [ he's ... amused, but. It's a happy feeling. he hasn't had this in a while. ] I can tell you now, it's not a big deal. Ask anyone from Florida's team and they'd tell you.

It was Black Cat.
People used to tell newcomers to the Order in Florida not to cross my path. [ else they'll deal with misfortune. ]

[ . . .

U g h. Maybe she should ask one of the hounds to drag her down to hell the next time she summons them - ]

Ah... A little. I just didn't expect you to say that and I didn't want you to hang up before I could say it back...

[ Uggggggghhh. While Lapis tended to be quiet but firm enough to be heard, now her voice trails off to a whisper - she is really bad at handling embarrassment.

But. Anyway. Nickname! ]

Black Cat... Well, since you dress in all black it fits. But I think it sounds more cute than anything else.

[ maybe your hounds would be happy youre making friends huh ever think of that

...jinwoo can't keep the grin off his face, though, as the other hushedly speaks out, her words dying in her throat as she does her best--and fails--to hide how she's feeling.

Ah, hahaha.... ]

It's just a habit, I think. Dressing in black, I mean. To avoid the sun's rays. Since I've had an issue with sunlight even before the... vampirism.
I wouldn't mind the name 'Black Cat' so much if it was used in an endearing way like that.
Instead of it being a way to tell people to just not bother with me.
The Order members here aren't half as cautionary.

[ The thing that makes her even more Upset is that they absolutely would be, their little weird medium friend is growing up-!!

Though... at least he seems to be enjoying her trip-up. As embarrassing as it was, but with a quick clearing of her throat she's (almost) back to her usual self. ]

Well, between being related to Eizen and dealing with demons, random misfortune doesn't bother me that much. I imagine the others are the same too, there's no reason to be cautious. [ And honestly Jinwoo is like... the cinnamon roll of the group. Who could ever be cautious of him. ]

Oppa and Black Cat... That's two nicknames I have for you now. I promise to use them endearingly, though.

I really hope that holds up, haha. I'd ... like to be able to have a better time here in kaisou, than I had in Florida.

It's already starting to look up. [ he says, a week before statuegate. ]

So long as you don't mind a bit of misfortune here and there...

Then we'll get along just fine.
Eizen's already accepted it to be a bit intense when we're in each other's company, so...

[ It's been a very, very exhausting few days but things have slowly calmed down now. There's still issues with sleeping and worrying about waking up back in that place - but she's with Jinwoo, they're mid-way through one of the movies he picked out and for now she doesn't have to think or worry.

Though... why does this suddenly popcorn taste iron-y? Also why is there suddenly a lot of pain, did she get a kernal or something -

- Nope, somethings wrong and she jerks away from where she was leaning against Jinwoo, hand over her mouth. There's way too much blood right now, and she's not risking it dripping everywhere. While she trusts him completely, she doesn't want to get blood on his stuff. ]

S-sorry, give me minute...

[ Or some sort of muffled, garbled variation of that.

She's making a beeline for the bathroom now, managing to remember to use her ability to heal up... whatever the fuck just happened. She bit her tongue, but surely it shouldn't have been so -

- Oh. Hmm.

Checking in the mirror sure does reveal she has fangs now. That explains it. ]

[ when you focus most of your life around acting, you spend a whole lot of time studying acting--even if it meant watching other people act. therefore the easiest way Jinwoo could think of passing the time after the... frankly horrid time they had in that strange cabin in the woods was something as easy as watching TV.

Maybe he was indulging a little by purposefully choosing some of his favorites to show Lapis--Seven Samurai currently playing on the screen, a black and white old but good-y.

His eyes are very easily torn away from the screen as he smells blood, though--one of the first things he'd gotten back when he and the other survivors were dumped back inside the city: that sharp sense of smell that could detect even the smallest sprinkling of blood.

Glowing purple eyes dilate a little as he tips his head to try to look at Lapis--the source of the scent--and before he could say anything, her hand was over her mouth and she's getting up.

Huh, wh, what?

He blinks kind of dumbly, not even bothering to pause the film as a pair of samurai strip bamboo to use them as practice swords...

Running after her to see what was going on, concern and ... honestly, interest in his eyes. ]

--Was there something sharp in the popcorn?? [ that was his first thought--was a kernel at an angle, did it catch the inside of her mouth, or-- ]

I'm sure I cleaned the machine out pretty carefully the last time I...

[ Oh. ]

[ Her first thought was maybe she got the same vampire curse as Jinwoo, but... No, her heartbeat is normal - if fast at the moment - and she isn't cold at all. And she doesn't look or feel any different either. Was this...

- Oh, Jinwoo is right there. She jerks to attention, wincing as she wipes some of the lingering blood from her mouth. ]

I think... It may be what I talked about, after we got out of the library.

[ The whole 'eldritch bloodline thing' - she knows that fangs had been a trait her grandmother had, so it only makes sense it's passed to her. At least they aren't overly sharp or long, but it's going to take some time to get used to this.

All she can do is curse the timing, guilt mixing in with everything else as she gives him an apologetic look. ]

It's... Sorry, I think it's just cosmetic, but... Do I look any different, to you? Besides the teeth.

[ he'd be a liar if the worry didn't pop up the moment he notices Lapis has Fangs. He'd bitten her more than once, at this point, but he'd always avoided taking too much, or letting the marks linger so they might turn her. He had gotten used to the curse--but it still isn't anything he'd willingly give to someone else.

But her heartbeat was still strong, despite the fact that she had sharp teeth, now.]

...Ah. The... otherworldly creature roots? [ something old, possibly nameless--of course, having slightly inhumane appearances would go hand-in-hand... ]

You don't look any different-- [ Well, wait. No. ] I mean, it does look different, but you're still you. Pretty as ever, honestly.

[ maybe even moreso with --uhm. anyway. ]

Do they hurt?

[ There's an affirmative hum as she nods, turning back to the sink for a moment so she can wipe off some of the blood from her hands. She'll need to be a little more careful with inhaling food in the future, now that she has these things to deal with.

And despite herself, she does feel her cheeks heat up when he calls her "pretty". Aaaaaah, this isn't the time to embarrass herself! ]

Good, I was worried you would think otherwise. [ Gone is the usual teasing tone though, her response actually... serious. But she doesn't allow much dwelling on that, as she reaches to press a finger to one of her new fangs - no pain, but is some sharpness there. ]

No, they don't hurt... I mean, besides the part where I bit my tongue. [ Now that hurt! ]

... Sorry about that, by the way. The last thing we needed right now was another surprise.

[ don't mind if he comes over to help her clean up a little--and maybe getting a little closer on purpose so he can look at the sharp new fangs that have settled in her mouth, a thoughtful hum escaping him. ]

I mean, they aren't something that'd change my mind so drastically. I have them too, after all. If nothing else, I had worried that maybe I'd accidentally infected you. [ he's going to pull back his lips to bare his own--they're shorter when he's not hungry--they tend to grow the longer he goes without feeding properly. Weird. ]

They don't sit uncomfortably, or anything? I know mine took some getting used to. I'd bite--

[ he reaches a hand up to touch the inside of his lip, gesturing. ] Here, constantly, when eating. So I'll warn you about that.

[ ...and a chuckle. ]

After everything we've been through. This was definitely oddly timed. But it's okay.

[ She doesn't mind at all, gold eyes peering up at him now as she cants her head. Well, he has a point - he's had fangs for almost as long as she's known him, and she knows they've certainly never been an issue for her. ]

No accidental turning, luckily. And it's good to know me being able to bite back isn't an issue.

[ Lapis.

But she'll bare her fangs too, so he can have a better look - slightly longer than his, but not as long as when he goes without feeding. Unlike his, she doubts they'll actually change size. It feels more like... it's just a part of who, or what, she is. ]

It definitely feels... strange. Like something is stuck. [ She'll absently trace the same spot he indicated on her lip with her fingertip, brows furrowing as she does a few test bites. Yeah, that might be a problem. ]

Hmm. If I bite too hard, I'll try not to bleed everywhere again. [ But he says it's okay, despite all the stress that's clung to them since they escaped, and she lets out a quiet sigh. He... really has been so patient with her. ]

... Between this and you letting me stay with you, I feel like saying "thank you" isn't enough.

[ he almost chokes when she mentions biting back--a laugh that's nearly a cough, and he takes a moment to compose himself. A little huffing sound escaping him as he shakes his head. ]

I am, fortunately, a little hardier than I look. I can't throw a punch but I can take one. [ he aint afraid of no bite from -- ... anyway. ]

It'll take some getting used to, but. Hopefully, you'll adjust to it. ...I don't really mind the scent of blood though, it just makes me a little hungry sometimes. [ a tease of his own... before he's putting a hand on his chin. Looking down at the floor as she says... that. Considering her words, tossing them around in his head before he gives it a shake. Letting the easiest feelings come out first. ]

There's nothing to thank about any of this, Lapis. I'm letting you stay here because I want you to be here. Being alone after all that we saw isn't a good idea, for either of us.
...That aside. I said it before, didn't I.

That I like having you around.
You're a comfort, to me. [ his heartbeat--which is often so very quiet, feels rapid in his ears. He considers melting away into shadow for a moment-- but steels himself. ]

You're not a burden.
I want you here. ...Spending time with you has become my favorite part of waking up in the evenings.

[ The reaction gets a pleased little giggle from her, her usual soft smile a little more accented now that the fangs are there. It almost makes her tempted to hide her smile behind her hand, but... Well, he's already seen them, so there's nothing to hide. ]

Well, you already know I'm not too bothered when it comes to donating. [ A tease for a tease, before she blinks - watching as he seems to consider her words. She didn't say something strange, did she?

But as he speaks, Lapis finds herself strangely... blanking for a moment. This wasn't the response she was expecting, and she finds herself flustered once more. This is happening more and more around him, isn't it? She resists the urge to bite on her lip, lest she make herself bleed again, and absently rubs a hand against a burning cheek. ]

That's... [ She takes a deep breath, trying to ignore how red she must be right now. A hand rubs at her arm, an oddly nervous gesture, but she forces herself to keep her eyes on him. ]

It's the same for me as well. I like being with you, spending time with you makes me... happier than it does with anyone else. And you're always soothing to be around, it feels like my worries are so far away. [ She pauses, letting out something almost like a sheepish chuckle. ]

I guess I was worried about being a burden because I, ah... [ Aha. Ahahah. She's going to explode. ] I want to keep staying by your side.

[ she didn't say anything strange. Not that jinwoo thinks. He's just thinking a lot these past few days--and he'd had a lot on his mind back in that terrible dimension, too. funny how being faced with death just... made you think about the things you regretted, or didn't get to do.

Eizen and the others he'd watched die are alive again, sure, but it put that thought into his head: the life they led was dangerous. Both in the order, and the idea of escaping it--they had no idea what sort of things they might see in the future, what might come, what opportunities could be missed...

he lets out a sigh, touching the back of his neck with a hand. ]

...Then. If that's how you feel. There's no reason to feel like a burden, or anything like that.
I'm completely fine with it. [ fine with ... of course, it'll take a little more to get his point across.
He's going to move in, just a step more. Lift a hand, to touch his thumb against her cheek. Sliding it under one of her eyes, letting a sort of sheepish smile move across his face. ]

Because I feel the same way. The shadows are more comfortable with you being the one sharing them with me.

So.

Keep staying by my side. If you'd like. I'll continue making your heart light as you've made mine.

[ It's a thought process Lapis understands; there's been... a lot of mulling over the last few days. Regrets and what ifs that could've been left unsaid, if Eizen and Blade really did pass away. It's not something she wants to repeat. She's so... tired of squashing feelings away, as if they don't exist, no matter how terrifying or nerve-wrecking they may be.

She wants to be a person again, not something the Order used to spill blood. And after their conversation before, when they came back from the library, she has a chance at that. A chance he's helped open up for her.

So she deals with how brightly she's blushing, how it only burns all the more as he speaks and brushes his thumb against her cheek. She simply lets out a shaky breath and smiles, actually smiles, up at him. ]

Of course I'd like to. There's nothing else I want more.

[ But... Actions over words have always been her forte, and there's a certain spark in her eyes now as she reaches up - tugging gently on the collar of his shirt so he'll lean down. ]

[ she's definitely not the only one with colour in her cheeks. Being a vampire with low blood pressure, he cannot get as bright as her--but it's a noticable flush of colour around his normally very pale features. His fingers linger against her face as she reaches up to make him lean down, and he gives a little more: taking a step forward, moving so he can slide an arm around her waist.

Maybe it's a bit forward, but he's not thinking about that right now. His thoughts are on lapis, and the way his heart is beating in his ribcage. How holding her feels right; that he'd be lying to himself if he kept shying away from ...this. ]

Stay with me, then.
Regardless of what happens from this moment furthur.

We'll take care of one another. [ a quiet mumble, as his forehead presses against Lapis'. A small smile on his face. ] I'm usually used to ignoring my heart, you know.

[ Lapis desperately tries to ignore how her own heart speeds up as his arm wraps around her waist, her arms looping around his shoulders now as he leans down. This is almost... terrifying, in a way, being so open like this. But it's nice too, makes her feel giddy - makes it impossible to suppress her smile; warm and fond as she looks up at him. ]

Mmhm, we will. [ A soft sound escapes her, as his forehead presses to hers. Her voice softens as well, gentler than usual as she leans in just enough that her nose just brushes against his. ]

Then we're the same there. [ For so long she shut all her feelings down, but no. Not anymore. ] But I'm glad I was able to convince you otherwise. In case I didn't make it obvious, I really do like you a lot.

[ it's certainly a raw sort of 'being open', but. Honestly, after all they've been through in the last week--in the last few months, truth be told, compounded by the traumatizing experience that reminded both of them that life may be shorter than they realise--

It's easy to be open. Lapis makes it easy, he's thought to himself, more than once. Her playful but firm nature--the way she can be sweet but turn around and be the greatest pillar of strength he'd ever seen--

He's grown attached. Blindingly so. And for a man who's lived a third of his life in the dark, he'd be a fool to continue lying to himself that maybe he wants a little bit of that light in his life.
...Even if, funnily enough, that light draws the shadows around him more comfortably than should be natural. ]

Ha, I cannot tell if you're teasing me again, or saying you've made some sort of fool of me. [ he hums with a pleased sound at the back of his throat. A smile moving over his face. ]

But then again.
One does say that, when smitten, it is easy to be a fool, yeah?

[ Aaah, even seeing that smile is enough to make her heart skip a beat - his words pulling a soft huff from her, too gentle to be an actual chuckle. It's far too late now to deny just how much she likes him, and now that she's... admitting it, it's easier to embrace all the burning blushes and skipped heartbeats.

This shy, quiet man hounded by bad luck... Who is so much more than he thinks he is, a source of safety and comfort. Who gave her the push to finally look beyond what the Order laid out for her. How can she not be so enamored with him? ]

Hmm... Maybe a little bit of both. But that's true, so that would make us both smitten fools. [ She feels like one, all uncertain and filled with a giddy, nervous energy - ]

And if you don't tell me otherwise, this fool is probably going to kiss you soon. [ - But that still won't stop her blunt forwardness. ]

[ for all his world of bad luck and misfortune--it's this moment that strangely feels bereft of it. That shadow that clings to him somehow lying dormant to let him have this moment--to free him from some dumb happenstance that might have him tripping up his words or waiting for the ceiling to fall down above him.

He isn't subtle about his he brings his arm up to touch the side of her face, curling his thumb along the front of her earlobe; the other settled against her cheek. ]

I don't really see a reason to tell you 'otherwise'.
And...
Maybe I don't mind the idea of being kissed by a fool.

[ His tone is playful--because he's trying to cover up exactly how pink that blunt, very forward statement was making him. Even for someone like Jinwoo--a vampire, cool-skinned and pale--it's more than obvious.

He'll at least meet her halfway though--their foreheads already touching, it doesn't take more than a little shift to close the gap; letting his lips brush along hers with a very soft intake of breath. ]

[ Part of Lapis does wonder if his bad luck would strike; if something would fall or there would be a misstep somewhere. But maybe misfortune has turned a blind eye for once, giving them this moment after everything else they've been through - there can be dumb mishaps later.

For now, her attention is solely on Jinwoo; how pink he's turning despite being so pale, how cool his hand feels against her own burning skin. There's an unconscious lean into his hand, as it rests against her cheek; she's so used to how naturally cold he is that it's more soothing than anything else. ]

Oh? This fool is very glad to hear that.

[ Even though she's the one being forward, she can feel how the blush burns to the tips of her ears as he meets her halfway. There's a hitch of breath as his lips brush against hers, her heart feeling like it's skipped a beat or two, but all that does is push her to close the gap completely. Despite the giddy, nervous energy the press of her lips to his is firm and sure - the arms around his shoulders tightening that little bit more, as her fingers curl into the fabric of his shirt.

In this moment, she can forget what happened before and ignore what may come after. She just wants to focus on this, on him. ]

[ he's called her a fool, but. It's honestly him that's a fool. He'd always commented that being moved to Kaisou was the World's Worst Promotion, but yet, if he hadn't--he'd not have met Lapis. He'd not have gotten the chance to meet someone who's become more comfortable to have near him than shadow itself--someone who didn't fear his misfortune, and even embraced the shadows that seemed to cling to him.

Kaisou would never be a nightmarish assignment so long as he could count on Lapis being at his side.

With the gap closed, her own desire to meet him with a kiss; Jinwoo settles against her with a comfortable sound in his chest. Letting his eyes flutter closed as it goes from a chaste, unsure touch--to a full, certain press. Sealing her lips against his own as he lets it linger, for just a moment. Maybe two. ...three, into four.

He doesn't need to breathe, and yet he pulls away after the fifth--was it sixth moment?

He can't remember. Because the moment he pulls away from it, he repeats the action. ]

IC INBOX

3/4

and done

oh no LAPIS...

she's..... fine.

is she tho

absolutely not

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