lowestclass | IC INBOX

There is no difference in the woman she is now to the woman she was then. She would burn the entire city down if it got in the way of her and her goal.

[ he got the sense from what little interaction he had with her before they transferred him to florida but after hearing about theo... he knows for certain. ]

I know you can take care of yourself, you and Lapis both. But I need you to be careful. There is a chance she may still be capable of forming a pact with Seraphim, if she is and is strong enough to force it upon me...

[ he trails off and looks to seigfried sitting upon the nearby table. ]

[ Lapis sees the ways the shadow shift around her, though her focus is still on Jinwoo; concern radiating off her in return. She's... never seen him this angry. Even how his fingers drag through her hair isn't enough to stop her concern, brows furrowing at the whisper into her ear.

...

Ah.

Her breath catches, and her previous anxiety is forgotten. Rage replaces that instead, and for a moment, there's the tempting thought to summon Louis - to let him devour the vile woman before she can even think of bringing harm to anyone here. Her fingers curl into the fabric of his cloak, an attempt to cling onto something lest she act on these thoughts

She hates this, she hates this- ]

She'll die first before she even tries to hurt anyone here. [ Is the promise she breathes out in return. ]

We... [ Deep breaths, Lapis, deep breaths. ] We have to keep an eye on her.

[Ayato expects this to feel awkward at best, and downright terrifying at worst. He was one who the higher-ups kept close, after all, and so his reputation was one that was always a warning. To speak now to Jinwoo without a previous prompt beforehand? He can understand why there would be concern or even fear at this sudden request.

Sometimes he wishes this were easier for him.]

Anywhere that you're comfortable talking about something important or personal works for me, and I am fine with it being after sundown. There's much that I'd like to speak with you about. [A beat, and his voice is calm, but also at ease.] This is a discussion I should have had with you and others in the team months ago, in all honesty. No one is in trouble or has an issue, it's simply something I feel I need to do.

[Hopefully that explains it better. He just doesn't want to dump everything over the phone, especially when it's so personal to him.]

Edited 2024-01-28 06:32 (UTC)

I'll be careful. I promise. I don't want to talk about it over the network at length, but the Order doesn't really scare me anymore. [ not now that he knows Zhongli found a way out--and offered him a way out, too. ] I've gotten a lot stronger too--maybe not physically strong, but.

I'm not the useless weakling you remember from back in Florida. [ he's gotten better with his shadows, he can summon two creatures to act as tank for him in battle...

and that's not even mentioning the fact that he can't die anymore. Not that he's even aware of it. ]

I want you to be careful too. if she can take control of you. Honestly.
I'm more worried about you, suddenly, Eizen-ssi.

[ he continues to let his fingers brush through her hair, trying to keep the bile of rage from spilling out into his throat. he's here to comfort Lapis, not anything else, for now.

Part of him wants to figure out how to escape the order now, right now, zhongli was only a call away... but.
Zodiac. The app would make her still know them. And then know they left within the same week she showed up.

No, they need to settle things in the order with Jusis first, then they can leave.

No loose threads like Theresa. ]

I'm not sure if she can see through my stealth.

But.

I'll try to subtly find out, soon.

If she can't. I'll be keeping an eye on her, soon.

[ he's definitely feeling weird about this, but. Ayato had never been anything but cordial with him, so why worry? He'll shake it off for now, and save the uneasy feeling for when they actually meet and it turns out to be something worth worrying about. ]

There's a cafe I really like that's pretty quiet in the evenings. They have good tea and cake.
We can meet there.

[ he'll send the address along. ]

Sundown is around 6pm, so I'll meet you sometime around then, if that's fair to you.

[ The feeling of his fingers through her hair does soothe her, amongst the rage buzzing under her skin. It mixes with the anxiety already churning in her chest, and she doesn't know what she wants to do; cry, scream?

She'll just... hold onto Jinwoo for now. Take deep breaths and try to think.

... Dimly, she realizes now the shadows at her feet have extended, threatening to engulf the forge; tendrils creeping and curling around every available surface. It takes a little more effort to draw them back in - especially at the sudden spike of anxiety at Jinwoo's words. ]

But if she can see through it, it could be dangerous. [ Hopefully she won't care. Lapis has seen how she's brushed people aside on the network and in person, so there's that desperate hope.

...

There has to be something she can do, anything. She doesn't want to just sit by and watch anymore. ]

Teresa said they're... keeping an eye on my growth, maybe I can use that. We've worked together before so she's unlikely to suspect anything.

That sounds fine. I'll see you after sundown.

[It doesn't take long for him to find the cafe that Jinwoo sends the address of, and Ayato makes a note to return at the appointed time. Until then, he busies himself with errands and paperwork, eyes on the clock every so often. It's... an odd feeling, to be certain- that he has a need to explain himself and to be transparent, but this is necessary. There's a sneaking suspicion that things are about to get a lot worse, and he needs to be someone the team can actually trust, just beyond a name and a face.

Soon enough, 6 PM arrives, and Ayato makes his way to the cafe. He's prompt, but not incredibly early- he knows this whole thing he's asked to do is questionable, so he tries not to make things seem imposing or worse. He finds a seat towards the back, out of earshot but still visible to make it look like people are just having a normal conversation.

Now he just needs to keep an eye out for Jinwoo and wait.]

If she sees through it, I'll just chalk it up to my 'inexperience' and leave it at that. I'll only ever test it when we're in a place where she won't suspect me of any foul play.

[ like during a meeting, or something like that. See how close he can get to her while cloaking himself... see if she shows any signs of noticing... ]

I don't like that they're keeping an eye on your 'growth'. It sounds predatory.
I always wondered why they were invested in the growth of their members--people like me, with useless powers, as well. And I think I've figured it out.

They want pawns they can use. And the stronger, the better.
That's how they see you. A very powerful pawn.

[ and it makes his anger roil, his eyes glow softly under the shadows of his hair. ]

While she's here...

Let's act just like co-workers where she can see it.

It'll be better she knows as little as possible.

Mm, that's a good idea... Even if she does notice, we can always see if having her attention elsewhere could work.

[ It would be good to see how much or how little he can get away with. If he is able to go unnoticed, that could be a big advantage for them.

And hearing Jinwoo put her fear into words, that she's a pawn to be used by the Order, makes her wince. Months and months ago, she wouldn't have cared - that's how it was meant to be. She was a weapon, a tool to be used.

There's a moment where she has to take a few deep breaths, forcing herself to calm down. ]

You're right. I don't want her to have anything she can use against us... [ She'll just have to make the most of the times when they're alone. ]

And if she still thinks I'm like how I was before, maybe she might not be as.. on guard around me. As far as she's concerned, I've always been just a weapon.

Edited 2024-02-13 01:40 (UTC)

[ it'll be good to know that jinwoo isnt the only person worrying that things are changing--moving too fast, too soon. He'll listen to what Ayato has to say, and maybe--just maybe--he'll have another person in the order he might feel he can trust.

There's so few of those, these days. And the 'fixer' of the Order always made him nervous.

He arrives second to the cafe, looking around for a quiet moment. Not a single person looks up as he enters, but he does take note of Ayato in the back--quickly making his way over to slide into the booth with him. Pulling his hood down, pulling the turtleneck cover down off of his face, letting it settle around his neck. He'll give Ayato a (mostly) easy smile. ]

Hope you were not waiting too long.

It'd be a good test. [ a good test... of. What. Haha. This is starting to feel more and more like they were planning to ambush her. There's something weird in putting those thoughts together--and he suddenly feels like that'd actually be. Fine, really. Honestly.

He'd never had a problem killing people in the past. He did what he had to do for the order--and he's sure Lapis is the same. It was drilled into them during their early days of working for the order. Sometimes a target needs to die. Blood on their hands just became a part of the job. Terrible as it was.

In this case--having blood on their hands already made some things. Easier. ]

I've stopped reporting my power updates to Jusis, after we talked to him about our worries. It's for the best that the order doesn't know what I--what we're capable of. Not if we're planning on leaving soon, anyway.

Our aces in the hole.

[ he puts his hands on both of Lapis' shoulders. Putting his forehead against hers, to make sure he has her attention. ]

You're more than a weapon.

You weren't born to be a tool.

You are Lapis de Fiore, one of the strongest people I know. And you're worth so much more than the power you've managed to come into.

[ It is starting to feel more and more like they're planning something. How well could he sneak up on her, could Lapis lower her guard or distract her...

...

Lapis never enjoyed taking a life, but years and years of being the one sent to kill more... troublesome targets has helped her cope with it. Hell, some of them deserved it - better to have their blood on her hands, before they hurt anyone else.

And if it's to protect those dear to her, she won't hesitate to bloody her hands again. ]

Mm, I've done the same. And if... she's still unaware of what we could do...

[ They have an advantage. That's something, at least; they'll just need to be careful of what they show around her too.

But she's snapped out of her thoughts when his hands rest on her shoulders, a soft sound escaping her as his forehead presses against hers.

And for a moment, she just blinks owlishly, processing what he just said. Then her vision blurs, and it takes her a split second too long to notice the tears falling from her eyes. ]

I... Sorry, I just... [ Lapis reaches up to rub at her eyes, desperately trying not to cry even more. ]

That means... a lot to me, to hear...

[ he reaches a hand up, a thumb brushing under one of her eyes. catching a teardrop at the end of it as he reaches inside his pocket to pull out a small handkerchief, made of a dark purple, almost black material, to dry her tears with. ]

Don't apologise.

...Is it something that you've not heard a lot, before? If I need to keep reminding you of it, I will.

Because you're not. Your life is so much more than what others try to make of it.
Perhaps if this Order had recruited you under fairer terms, under a contract that isn't entirely in bad faith, lending them your power wouldn't be a bad thing.

We both know some of these people we deal with deserve what they have coming.

But the order making people like you into living weapons...

That's wrong.

And I'll fight them for your freedom.

[ There's a soft sound as his thumb brushes under her eyes, blinking once more as he brings out the handkerchief to dry her tears. While there's a shake of her head and a mumble of "I don't want to ruin it", she doesn't protest much beyond that. She really didn't want to cry in front of him like this, especially since there's other things to worry about...

... And he just. Keeps speaking, every word bringing a new wave of tears. Her mentor would reassure her when she was young, but as she got older, she tried to suppress it - hide the issue where she couldn't think about. She hadn't realised how badly she needed to hear something like this.

Then he says he'll fight for her freedom, and she can't hold back the sob, gritting her teeth as she desperately tries to get some kind of composure. ]

Jinwoo, you... [ How can she be anything but head over heels for him, at this point? But she forces herself to take a deep breath, blinking back any tears that threaten to spill over. ]

You really are one of the best things that's happened to me. [ It doesn't matter if sometimes things go wrong around him, that he isn't the strongest. He's an incredible person who improved her life in so many ways. ]

And I won't be free until you are too. I'll fight for your freedom too, no matter what. [ Which means - ]

But first, something has to be done about Teresa.

[ With how things have been so tense in the city it's a relief that they can just get away from it all, even if it's for a couple of days. Especially since Jinwoo managed to get vouchers for a spa day, which Lapis deeply appreciated and feels like is sorely needed at this point. This can just be a day where they focus on themselves, before they go back to facing whatever is looming on the horizon. Things will only get more difficult in the future.

But god, Lapis did not expect to be so nervous about Valentines Day. Anxiety buzzes under her skin as she debates even how to give her gifts to him; should she wait, should she not, is there any unwritten rules about this...

... Okay, no, she'll be worrying about this all day if she doesn't do this now. They still have time before needing to actually go anywhere, so she retrieves the gift from where she had hidden it within the hotel room before approaching him. Right. Here we go. ]

Ah, before we go anywhere... [ She's getting flustered already and she hasn't even handed it over yet. But she holds out the gift box, with two gifts tucked inside.

The first gift is a selection of coffee truffles tucked carefully in one corner and the second is another, smaller box. Inside is a pedant, handmade with thick wire twisting and twining around an amethyst stone in an intricate pattern. Some fidgeting reveals that the edge of it can be pulled to the side, revealing a hidden blade - not a full dagger, but still a usable blade all the same. While she wants to make a proper dagger for him one day, she's still working her way up. ]

Um, happy Valentines Day...

[ Why is this is so embarrassing, why is it for all her powers have evolved she still can't just sink into the shadows and hide - ]

[ they're the best thing that's happened in one another's life--Jinwoo can say that without even a shadow (haha) of a doubt. The Black Order has been a good experience for neither of them, but at the very least.

They've found the best in it.

And they've become one another's best support during a terrible experience. Soon--soon they'd see the end of all this and put it behind them like some terrible memory.

He's sure of it. ]

...haha. I could say the same about you, you know.

We've got each other, here. And already with a way out. Remember, Zhongli won't forsake us. We just have a little more work to do before we can cut and run.

I would have left the day he offered it to me. But.

You're right. Something needs to be done about that witch. And I'm not leaving the Order while she's here and can find out we can do it.
Nor am I leaving Jusis in the lurch.

So we need to plan carefully. Figure out what to do about this.

Once it's figured out, we can cleanly cut.

....

I'd like to cleanly cut her, too. [ he mumbles that last part. ]

[ he's seen way too many rom-coms in the past, where the lead male was stupid and left off making plans for valentines day until the last possible second. Miss Sung Jinwoo with that shit--he made sure to keep an eye out early, and figured this was the best thing he could get.

He very much enjoyed the Spa back in Denmark, and they'd mostly gone to wipe their minds free of the grime of the high seas. This time, why not for actual enjoyment? He'd gotten the tickets nearly a month in advance--at a great price--and has already set up the gift for Lapis in advance in the room they have for relaxing and eating dinner between spa treatments and hot tubs.

He's nervous about it--he's never done this before outside of playing a part--but it's easy to avoid feeling that anxiousness when you're recieving a present from the most important person in your life. ]

--Ah? [ the most GRACEFUL of responses to getting a gift. He stares at it, a flush moving over his cheeks. He holds it carefully in his hands, admiring the beautiful black box. ]

I had no idea valentine boxes came in this color. I'll have to repurpose this into something I use to hold makeup brushes, maybe...

[ he wants to sneak a taste of the coffee truffles so bad--he can taste them, on smell alone. Strong coffee. He looks delighted.

But he's picking up that pendant, putting the box aside for just a moment as he turns it over in his hands, examining it--noticing the hidden blade, and a slow grin moves up his features.

He's leaning in, immediately stealing a kiss from Lapis without speaking, first.

After pulling away, he holds the thing to his chest, a little. ]

...It's beautiful. It's really beautiful.

Thank you, Lapis. I'm going to be hard pressed to take this off, once it's on.

[ Honesty, she has been excited for this since the moment Jinwoo told her about the plans - while the spas in Denmark were great, she also spent too much time wondering how long she's going to smell of the ocean. At least now they can properly enjoy it, and she can enjoy it with him. Though first, she has to get past this nerve wrecking part.

While, logically, she knows he would like her gifts there's still that undercurrent of worry - of wanting to do and make things that will make him happy. Combine that with a perfectionist streak, and it leaves her trying very hard not to overthink every little thing.

At least the box has been a success, and she manages a sheepish giggle in response. ]

It did take some searching, I'll admit. But using it for makeup brushes is a cute idea... Since it's that shape, maybe some pallets could fit in there too.

[ Her mind drifts for a moment, mentally going over their makeup inventory, before snapping back to attention when he actually opens the box. It's impossible to miss the delight on his face; she did make sure to splurge on nicer ingredients for this, so she's glad the initial impressions have been a success.

Then he picks up the pendant, and she twists her fingers into the fabric of her skirt lest she starts fidgeting. And her worries immediately melt away at the kiss, letting herself lean into it before he pulls away. Relief is quick to replace her anxiety, even though she finds herself flushing all over again - shoulders hunching as she scrambles for something to say. ]

Oh. [ Truly another graceful response from the most eloquent couple. But she quickly clears her throat, desperately trying to look like she's not completely flustered. ]

Ah, I mean, I'm... really happy you like it. [ The thought of him wearing it all the time... She can't help but smile softly, warmth filling her chest. ] And you won't see me complaining about that.

[ There's a pause, as a thought comes to mind, something she's been dwelling on for a while. ]

Though... one day I'll make you an actual dagger, something on par with Venom Fang. It just might take some time.

[ Lapis takes another moment to calm herself down, rubbing at her eyes as the tears finally slow, falling silent once more as she listens. And he's right, they've got a way out and someone who will help them; but they need to deal with this first.

It's unlikely to stop with Teresa as well. And Lapis is loathe to leave the team now, when Jusis will need as many people on his side as he can. But once this is all over, then they can finally be free. Then they can move forward on their own terms, without anything looming over their heads or duties to pull them back.

And throughout all of this, they'll have each other. ]

Teresa... She can't stay here. People are already in hiding because of her, so she has to leave in one way or another. Especially before she tries to hurt anyone.

[ Especially after some of those conversations on that post.

Though that mumble... That sounds a little more personal. Her brows furrow, as she peeks up at him. ]

... Did she say anything else to you?

[The cafe itself is small but comfy, and he understands why Jinwoo chose it. It's out of the way of prying eyes, and most of the time, no one would give it a second thought as being a meeting place for something important.

When the other arrives, the slight tension in his shoulders eases out.]

Not at all. I'm grateful that you came, in all honesty.

[A hand waves off the apology, and Ayato offers a smile. In truth, he's incredibly thankful Jinwoo even came- there's much to talk about, and there's no easy way to simply just... let everything out at once.

So, then, how exactly does he start this? It's a question he'd been mulling over while waiting, and he thinks he may have an idea.]

Jinwoo- you're aware of how Order members remember their past lives before becoming members, yes? [A beat, and he crosses his arms, leaning back against the seat.] But did you know that it's still possible to receive memories you've been missing years later?

[Well, that probably isn't what Jinwoo was expecting to be asked.]

Edited 2024-02-19 00:14 (UTC)

I don't think she'll stay here for long. Either she's going to get run out of town, or someone's going to 'run into' her.

[ he really does his best not to make a stabbing motion, but. He doesn't make it at all subtle, what with how he makes the small hand motion of pulling out a hidden dagger and giving it a twist, poking his thumb in against Lapis' side. It should get the message across. ]

If they sent a higher-up here who was actually looking out to see what was going on within the city--it'd be one thing. But sending someone who is actively aggro-ing the people on the app and making an enemy of them? What were they thinking...

[ he sort of trails off as she asks if she said something else. He WANTS to tell her not to worry, that it's nothing, that it's just the usual, but. ]

She told me to not to be a disappointment again.

[ it tumbles out. Before he can stop it. ]

We can share it, if you'd like. It's deep enough to hold a few of them, if we move the velvet lining out.

[ because of course he's going to consider each and every part of her gift, from the box to the beautiful hidden dagger, that's now settled around his neck as he carefully gets it put on, placed in a way that's comfortable against his clavicle. ]

As forward as I'm looking to what amazing things you're going to make in the future, I think this one will always be special to me. It's the first one you've made, after all.

[ he's gonna wink, moving to slide one hand into Lapis'. ]

Thank you. For putting in such an effort for me.

Now. Should we get going? I visited the Spa beforehand, so we don't need to catch a ride.
I scouted out a place we can teleport just outside...

Only if there's room. It is yours, after all.

[ But she's glad he seems to like every part of her gift, down to the box. Now she feels a little silly for worrying so much, and her smile brightens that little bit more when she puts on the pendant. It always makes her feel giddy when he wears something she makes, but this feels a little more special.

Especially when he says that, and winks along with it. There's an embarrassed huff as she reaches to fidget with a strand of hair, a futile attempt to hide how she's getting flustered again. But she lets her fingers lace through his, as she flashes him a bashful smile. ]

You... don't have to thank me for that. You're worth it, more than worth it.

[ And he gets his answer in the form of a quick nod, as she shifts closer to him. ]

Then lets get going. It'll be nice to enjoy a spa without worrying if we still smell like sea salt.

I'm gonna' thank you anyway, so you might as well get used to it. [ sorry, Lapis. Denied, completely. He laces his fingers with Lapis', pulling her hand in to press his lips against her knuckles--maybe to also wind his second arm around her middle. ]

I swear, sometimes I still smell like sea salt. It creeps up on me and I have flashbacks...

[ ...and then there comes that feeling of endless cold crawling up and along Lapis' ankles. Sinking into a puddle of shadow--it's like diving feetfirst into an icy cold lake--a moment where you can't breathe--and then they're lifting up out of it, in an alleyway between the Spa and --whatever shop it was on the other side of it.

It's chilly out, but warmer than the shadows, at least. ]

Come on, let's get inside. Our room should be ready. What would you like to start with? A massage, or maybe the mani/pedi?

[ he smirks. ]

Or maybe a soak in the bath. They're supposed to have amazing hot tubs...

IC INBOX

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

action!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject