dreamcrystals | 2nd Wish

[True, true. Though Yukine does have his moments, too. He is only human.

Feeling guilty about pointing it out, he hesitates a few more second before gently placing a hand on her upper arm, trying desperately to be reassuring without overstepping any boundaries.]

I know you know, I just-- [Don't know what else to say that isn't empty niceties without real meaning. Although even if they're trite and cliched, he does mean every word he says.]

Of course... I wake up sometimes, expecting to see Yukine only to realize that he's not here, and that I can't get to him in case he's having a nightmare. [There has to be a way, given that he's heard of people leaving. It's just... nobody seems to know how to trigger it.

He watches Hiyori work to compose herself, hesitating again before doing something brazen: wrapping his arms around hers in a tight hug. It's brief, it's gentle, but it's heartfelt.]

You're also allowed to miss them, too. You can complain about it hurting. I'll listen to any troubles you have, okay?

[ some old moments come to mind. being a thief, for one. that's behind him now though.

the hand on her upper arm makes her tense before she relaxes at it. she finds some of her nerve to glance up because he's doing his best to be comforting to her. for her. again. she tightens her grip around the towel, a thick tension in her throat. he's not having nightmares though, right? time isn't moving on earth. grandmother's clock isn't ticking without her, either.

his hug is brief, it's gentle, it's heartfelt, and it's what she actually needed in this moment. just over his shoulder, her eyes well up again. she's embarrassed but moved at the same time, so she reaches around to clutch the back of his jersey tightly and buries her nod against his shoulder. ]

I'm just... my grandmother worries me most of all. What if she, while I'm here. I'd feel so awful. But she won't, right?

[He almost doesn't try to go any further when a simple hand upon her causes that kind of reaction, but thankfully the moment of tension passes and she seem more comfortable with the contact. Last thing he wants to do is make things worse for her, after all. He can't say for certain what the relationship between this world and earth is, if one keeps moving without the other, or if they're in sync down to the second. He may be a god, but he's not omnipotent. Regrettably.

When Hiyori ends up clinging to him, his heart aches for her, clenching tight. Time is much more precious to humans, limited as it is. He understands and respects that. Trying to be comforting, her moves one handle to gently cradle the back of her head, the other rubbing her back in small circles. When he speaks, his voice is quiet. Calm. More confident than he really feels.]

She won't. I'm sure of it. She's just as strong as you are, Hiyori. She'll hang in there until you can see her again, I'll make certain of it. I'll keep searching for a way to get you back, even if only temporarily.

[ even if these are niceties, they're appreciated. it eases the ache in her heart for her grandmother. the dread that's been steadily creeping in on it. when, in yato's words, she was told it's her time. against him, with his soothing, she sags and calms. his smell is in her nose and he envelops her and it's so safe.

another silent nod against his shoulder. she believes him. when it matters, he's been honest with her. he hasn't been wrong. ]

I get my strength from her.

[ the thick tension in her throat, emotion, makes her croak out the words. she hasn't let him go but her grip has loosened slightly and isn't so desperate and helpless. for a while, she takes the comfort he offers her. ]

You have to get back, too. For Yukine-kun. I don't want him to suffer nightmares on his own, either.

[ the god's greatest secret.

mirrors being the worst of their problems compared to what's going on on earth doesn't seem all that bad. compared to what they had to leave behind. still, they bothered yato enough. she didn't mean to have things end up this way. crying on him.

hugging him for consolation. ]

Yato. Thank you. I needed that. You're always there when it's important...

[ and when it's not. her god of fortune. ]

[Until he learns more about Songerein and waking up, this is the best he can do for Hiyori. If he can provide even some small measure of comfort when things get tough for her, then he'll feel that he's done his job as her God of Fortune. Making the best of a bad situation, turning a negative into a positive, providing a safe haven... All are things he ought to be able to do for her.

He hugs her just a smidge tighter at her nod, smiling softly to himself. She's strong. She can handle this.]

That you do. Although some of it is your own. Don't forget that.

[When her hold on him loosens, so does his, in case she wishes to slip free. It's never his intention to hold her in place, to keep her for himself, however much he may long to do so. She's her own person, capable of standing on her own two feet. But he's also there in case she stumbles and needs a hand.]

Yeah. We'll find a way home, together. To that room where we belong, all three of us. Otherwise we'll get one hell of a scolding!

[Yukine won't let them hear the end of it, that's for sure. Leaving him to do all the work around the shop, studying on his own, and having to watch over his sleeping form. Provided he hasn't rolled off the roof yet. The kid would probably let him as punishment for being an idiot dozing off up there in the first place.

And for dragging Hiyori into this mess, whether it's his fault or not. Which he still feels it must be. That's one reason he has to do right by her.]

You're welcome, Hiyori. That's what a god is for, right? To answer your prayers, no matter how big or small. I'll always be there to hear them.

[ his best is enough. it's a comfort. he would be her god of fortune regardless, but he's done his job. in so many ways.

in reminding her that some is her own. she won't forget.

mention of getting a scolding has her laughing, just a bit wetly because her nose was running. like he gets when he's all weepy over shrines. she picks up the towel again and wipes her face. ]

Hehe. I'll just be happy to hear his voice.

[ although, something else has been bothering her. she doesn't know how to approach it. she doesn't want to believe it, either.

she's distracted by his comment that that's what a god is for. yes, it is. but strangely, even if it's true, a little ache is back. ]

Yeah. I'll keep making my prayers to the Yatogami. [ she pulls back and smiles at him but it's just slightly more reluctant to meet her eyes like her other smiles. it feels more polite. ]

I'd like to make a prayer now, if you'll hear it.

[He really is making it as a God of Fortune, in some small way, at least. It's a good start, being able to make one person happy. Especially when that person is Hiyori. She will always be his number one priority - he made a promise as such.

So hearing her laughter brings a smile back to his face, brighter and more assured than before. All is well between them, mirrors or no, being stuck here or not. It's what he craves, to be someone she can rely on and have faith in. Worthy of her devotion.

Releasing her, his brows raise in sympathy over the runny nose and he has to hold in a chuckle. Not easy getting emotional, huh?]

You and me both. I'll even take a slippering for being absent so long.

[That she'll keep praying to him sends a rush of color to his cheeks, but instead of getting all flustered, he embraces it with a brighter beaming that turns eager as she asserts there's more to her request. He has to resist the urge to take up her hand in his own, and instead nods emphatically. As if he could say no!]

O-Of course! I'll always hear them for you, any time, any place. What is it?

[ in a big way, to her. without him, what would she have done? he's saving her again. there's a reason she places so much faith in him.

NO. GETTING EMOTIONAL SUCKS UGHHHH ]

Pff, haha!

[ a sl-slippering. she smothers more laughter into her towel. ]

[ ... before she gets a bit more serious, anyway. ah. yes. her prayer. here it is: ]

Yatogami. [ VERY SERIOUS. so serious she is going through the whole bowing. clapping twice. bowing again. ]

I pray that, when I come home later tonight, no mirrors will be missing from the walls.

[Sometimes it's the smaller rescues that matter the most, huh. The little daily things that keep trying to drag you down, making life that much more challenging. But that's what he's here for, to make those times easier.

Her laughter gives him mighty fierce mixed signals, but it's all good. Better that she be laughing and enjoying herself rather than crying. He can't stand it when she cries. It makes his heart ache helplessly.

Once she grows somber, he straightens up, ready to fulfill his role as god. Whatever her wish, he'll see it through until the end...!

...

E-Even if it's actually not that serious after all. His brows disappear beneath his bangs when she makes such a silly request so seriously. N-Not that he can blame her. He has been ridiculous after all. After the stun wears off, he breaks out into a beaming smile, reaching out to take one of her hands by the fingers.]

Your wish has been heard loud and clear. The mirrors can stay. Because you prayed for it. That'll be five yen, please~ ♥

[He's so gonna get smacked, but it's worth it to enjoy this fun banter with her.]

[ matters held closest to the heart, when you're at your most vulnerable, make the most impact. it's the second time yato has come to her rescue when it comes to her grandmother. family is so important to her. friends are important, too. gods and shinki.

hiyori didn't realize just how much it was dragging her down in the background until she was made to confront it here in front of yato. she's so, so grateful he's here...

what mixed signals, though?? slippering is a funny word is all!

just like now. he might think he's going to get smacked, but a grin tugs her lips as well. fufufu, just as keikaku!! without a word, hiyori reaches into her pocket and pulls out... a five yen coin?! no, it can't be. it sure looks a lot like one, though. just not as bright or shiny.

or it's a homemade one. made of clay. using his grip on her fingers, she turns his hand so it's palm facing up so that she can place the clay five yen into it. ]

I'm ready this time!

[And to him, all he's done is be there and be as honest as possible with her, trying to gently break the news without crushing all of Hiyori's hope or her heart. Hardly anything worth mentioning, really, but he supposes that's what gods (and friends) are for. To help people through the tough times, whatever they may be.

That's why if he can help ease her burden even a little bit, he'll consider that to be a success. Just as she's glad he's here, so is he that she is too; she gives him strength and a sense of purpose. Truly a fine substitute guidepost. And best friend.

W-Well, she went from laughing to being all serious on him...! What was he supposed to think??

As he certainly does expect to get a thwack over the head, or at least a headlock for his little joke between them. What he doesn't think will happen is her being absolutely prepared for this inevitability and presenting him with a... handmade coin?

He blinks as she presents it to him and manipulates his hand in order to pay him with it. Color slowly rises to his cheeks once again, his fingers clutching protectively at the little charm. He holds it to his chest while glancing away, a smile still playing at his lips.]

Y-You aren't kidding. Thank you for your payment.

[M...Maybe they ought to move out of the bathroom before Kazuma gets any weird ideas about what they might be doing in here...]

[ as a friend (her best, and as a god), hopefully, he's learned that sometimes all people need is someone to listen. someone to show comfort and care with a simple hug or a thoughtful word. yato did it naturally with her, even through his doubt. he's always had compassion. since he was little, it was just... lost for a little while.

looking extremely proud of herself, she beams as brightly as he did. as bright as his beloved coins.

don't mind that she's ESSENTIALLY counterfeiting money. it doesn't count in dreamland. the coin isn't a perfect replica by any means. she's done her best, but it might say 'YA TO GA MI' on the back. for funsies. who else is she going to give them to? ]

I've been trying to think of a way to surprise you with one. This works out!

[ they're having TOTALLY NORMAL CONVERSATIONS in the bathroom, remember!! if kazuma thinks anything else, he's the weird one! as hiyori sees nothing wrong with this. at all. nope. ]

You keep asking for five yen, so I wanted to make sure I could pay you when I made a wish here. N-not that it's actually worth anything, haha...

[It's a fact that he's slowly learning, or rather relearning, that oftentimes it isn't help so much as support that is necessary to help someone overcome difficult times. That opposed to doing stuff for somebody, giving them the strength they need to do it themselves is better.

Because for sure Hiyori is strong enough to stand on her own two feet. If she stumbles, he'll be there to catch her, but she doesn't need someone to carry her all the way.

The coin may be handmade and hold no monetary value to society as a whole, but to him it's the most precious change he's ever received. It has meaning. He'll never forget where it came from, or what happened to earn it. It's a special piece of their memories now, counterfeit or not. It's real to his heart. And it's going right on the collection box of his new shrine, to make him smile even more every morning.]

I-It does! I appreciate it. It's more than I tend to get for any other wishes here, monetarily speaking.

[Absolutely normal conversation where they're squeezed into the room with the loo, yup. Nobody would think them strange! Or if they do, they're the ones with dirty minds. Sheesh.]

You really do know me too well... [Which is a good thing in his mind.] N-No! It's worth plenty! To me, at least... Thank you, Hiyori.

[He opens his palms to glance down at the coin, a soft expression coming over him. Like it's Christmas all over again.]

[ that's an important thing to remember and will take him far. has already brought him a long way. he's become a source of support and comfort for hiyori. ever since the hospital attack.

maybe even before that.

this is just another small token of her support for him. his dreams -- helping him build his shrine here in reverein. whatever else he wants to do, too. besides, you know, get rid of mirrors.

currency doesn't exist here. when yato put up his advertisement, asking for five yen, she imagines most people probably commented on it. still, she knows how much the gesture itself means to him. five yen is the standard offering to a god. he SHOULD up his prices, but if this makes him happy...?

what else does he like? she'd like to know him better. why? couldn't tell you. ]

You're welcome, Yato. [ she smiles, feeling light on her toes that it's worth something to him as just a clay mimic of their country's coin, and folds her hands behind her back. there are no splinters or bandages for her to hide away, this time. ]

[ ... their surroundings, the fact that she's with yato in the BATHROOM (NORMALLY), settles in. so belatedly. ] U-um, so! I'll go start thinking of a design and leave you b-EEE?! [ she nearly runs into the door as she turns, banging into the bottom of it with her toe. stubbing her poor toe. ] Owowowowowwwww...!

[ CRUMPLES INTO A BALL, IN TEARS. PAIN TEARS. ]

[Really, they've both come so far from that fateful day where their eyes locked onto to one another and the following weeks when they got on each other's nerves all the time. It's almost difficult to imagine that's how this all started when now they provide support to each other and a shoulder to lean on in tough times.

Like when Hiyori turns on a dime and promptly smacks her foot into the door. He instantly winces in sympathy and drops down to grip her by the shoulders, in fretting mode.]

H-Hiyori...! You okay? D'you need an ice pack? Pain killer? Here-- let me...!

[Without waiting for an answer, he scoops her up in both arms, pushing the rude door further open with his own foot so they can get out into the hallway and head down towards her room.]

Shit, I'm sorry... Let me have a look at it, okay?

[Once in her room, he sets her carefully upon the bed and crouches down to pull the sock off her injured foot. Taking it in his hand, he checks for any blood or busted nails. Fretfretfret~!]

[ it's even more difficult to imagine now that they've spent months (MULTIPLE) living together under one roof, too. yato still gets on her nerves, but not nearly as often.

there are some... other feelings involved, too.

like this, yes. how she sometimes is made to deal with overprotective, fretting, overdramatic yato. despite the tears in her eyes, ] W, wait. I'm fine, don't--!

[ before she can finish, he's already picked her up and she yelps in surprise. what is he doing?! it's just a stubbed toe. sure, it hurts a LOT and throbs something awful but she's not going to die from it!! just put some ice on it to bring down the swelling and call it a day. yato all but rushes them from point a (bathroom) to point b (hiyori's bedroom). TO HER BEDROOM. she jolts at the door shutting behind them, and being put on the mattress, and at her sock being pulled off. what?

WHAT?? ]

Wh, whuh-eh? Eh??? [ I mean, her toe is a little red from hitting it too hard but no blood or busted nails. she's trying to catch up mentally with what's going on. why is he apologizing? why are they in her room? why is he TAKING OFF HER SOCK. WHY IS SHE BLUSHING!!! ]

Y-You're s, sorry? W... why are you...?

[They're true blue housemates now...! It's certainly a strange development from where their relationship was back home, but there's no way Yato can say he hates it. In fact, he's grown to quite like the closeness, even if it comes complete with Complicated Feelings in the package.

Ones he's still learning to navigate appropriately. Obviously. His dumb lizard brain still instantly thinks Injured Hiyori = Panic Mode, no matter how minor the infraction against her well-being. Point in case: stubbed toe.

It should've been a simple task, but he has to go and over-complicate things. Like a simple accident. Here he is, getting all teared up himself for reasons currently only known to him as he physically checks each of her toes to make sure they're not busted. (Over dramatic, much, Yatogami?)

When he finally glances up at her face, he looks utterly downcast. Like he accidentally kicked her cat or something.]

It's my fault. If I hadn't been messing with the mirror in there, you never would've been in the position to hurt yourself. ...sorry.

[At least there's some ~~questionable~~ logic at play here and not just him feeling the need to take responsibility for anything that befalls her?]

[ not a development that would have happened (anytime soon) on earth, that's for sure.

hiyori can't say she hates it either. perhaps at first, she felt some trepidation about sharing space with yato but with no other choice she went along with it. he was probably lonely, too. yukine told her some horror stories about living with yato. leaving candy in his pockets and ruining his clothes. all the capyper merch. how lazy he could be. how he had to do everything. it hasn't been like that. not completely. not as awful as was made out to be.

besides the Complications. they're both doing their best to navigate that. around that. she isn't quite sure how to--

... IS HE CRYING!? YATO. ] D-don't cry!! [ IT'S JUST A STUBBED TOE HE IS SO

blaming himself? ] Your...?

[ all of the bluster and embarrassment and nervousness bleeds out of her instantly. questionable logic, indeed. but she knew his logic wasn't ever sound. such as: trying to get rid of mirrors to deal with his issues with them. ]

Don't be so silly. [ she says softly, not unkindly. ] It was just an accident. That's not anybody's fault. [ hers. if anything. for being clumsy. ]

That's like saying being around you means I'm always in a position to hurt myself and that's not true.

Edited 2024-01-08 05:46 (UTC)

[She may not have noticed the way he'd been a lazy bum those first few weeks after their arrival, but as they settled in and it became apparent that he'd have to start pulling his own weight, he gradually began doing just that. He couldn't leave it all to Hiyori, after all. She's still human; her time alive is precious and he doesn't want to waste it, be it on trivial things or him. In fact, he's found himself wanting to take care of her, rather than being pampered by his shinki. It's certainly a change from his usual self. But then, surroundings do affect people greatly.

Like he suddenly seems to register they're now alone in her room and a blush colors his face even as he tears up a bit, cradling her foot in his hands.]

But-- [He clams up quickly, though, determined not to talk over her. And he has to admit it's nice hearing from her that it's not his fault. However difficult it is for him to believe that. Still... He wants to try to. Nodding slowly, he hazards a shy glance up at her.] I guess you're right. That's more likely to happen if you hang around Kofuku.

[He can't help a small smile at that, rubbing over her toes with care to help work the pain out.]

Though there is some truth to how we could end up tripping over each other in close quarters like that.

[ oh, no, SHE NOTICED. she also noticed when he took it upon himself to change, too. the first time she came into the kitchen and yato was washing dishes or cleaning up after himself. when he took it upon himself to get food and other essentials. after that, it truly felt like they were cohabitating rather than yato bumming off someone. again.

like kofuku and daikoku, yes. which reminds her of THAT conversation they had. she curls her fingers into her bed cover, clutching at it and watching yato massage her feet gently, working out the pain. it's working. it's leaving her foot and racing up to her chest. to her heart. is it pounding there where it's supposed to be or is it in her ears? either way it nearly drowns out his words. ]

W-well, that was... my fault, then. If you want to blame someone. I barged in on you, but it was to stop you. It's not like we're going to start hanging out in the bathroom together a-anytime soon or... any close quarters or...

[ or she should STOP. TALKING. ]

No, um... future tripping over each other.

[ only her own tongue. yep. ]

[If there's one chore he enjoys above all else, it's grocery shopping for them. He gets to check out all the latest additions to the shops and sometimes poke his nose into places where he doesn't necessarily need anything, but might want to pick up a little gift for Hiyori (or himself.) Thankfully he has kept the random good luck trinkets to a minimum and on the smaller side. No huge jars this time!

Instead it's been Woo Hiyori Time with the Twelve Days of Christmas, and reminders of that are everywhere, from her beanbag to the books on her desk. As he's rubbing her foot, it occurs to him that maybe he should get - or make - some extra fluffy socks for her. To keep her warm and pad her feet from any further injuries. He'll have to look into that. Gradually, his hands slow to a stop until he's just cupping her foot, thumb running over her big toe.]

N-No way...! It wasn't your fault. Everything was fine until the end there when you were getting ready to leave. ...I'm just glad you didn't hit your head instead, heh. [His laughter tapers off as her words finally sink in, deepening the flush on his cheeks.] Of course not--! There's no call for us to be squeezed into such a tight spot like that again!

[Abruptly, he releases his hold on her and stands up, eyes avoiding her face.]

Only in the kitchen, maybe. B-But we can work around that.

[Like by him giving her warning about moving to stand behind her.]

[ while she may also get the urge to pick something up for someone when it reminds her of them, she's still surprised when yato comes back with these little gifts that range from weird to sweet.

foot rubbing sits somewhere in the middle of that scope. strangely enough, the pain is gone. she's not sure if that's a result of his massaging or her pain tolerance. nor is she sure if she should pull her foot away when yato continues...

he does it for her. her eyes drop to her lap and she wriggles her bare toes against the floor. she can't bear to look at yato's blushing face without feeling incredibly embarrassed herself. more embarrassed. there is no call to be close to yato.

neither is there for her to sit by him so closely on the couch that their sides touch as she tends to his sickness or they open christmas gifts.

no call at all. ]

Can we...? [ even with warnings. it's not a BIG kitchen. ] I've bumped into you more than once in there. And remember that one time you snuck up behind me while I was making food and you scared me?

[ more like he flustered the hell out of her by standing right at her back and put his hands over hers. she almost lost it. ]

[At least their place is already feeling homier with all the personal items they've accumulated by now? That's his hope, anyway. To provide some comfort to Hiyori.

Which is why he hesitates on letting go of her foot even once he's fairly sure the pain has subsided. She hasn't hit him or complained, so.... maybe she likes the gesture? He's so uncertain now that he puts some thought into it; he had been going off of instinct this whole time, and now that he puts actual consideration into what he's doing, the doubts come creeping in.

As she wiggles her toes, though, he gradually removes his hands, his eyes seeking out hers to try assessing the situation better. T-Things aren't weird between them, right...?

No. It's totally weird, but in a semi-good way? That's what his fluttering heart says, anyway. He only hopes the same holds true for her, too, and that he's not making her uncomfortable.]

O-Of course! [He's determined to make it work, somehow.] But I didn't sneak up on you that time! I was just... quiet.

[He hadn't intended to startle her then or ever, that's for sure. Especially not when she's doing something that could be potentially dangerous like working at the stove. He's done some growing up since he possessed her body; he puts more careful thought into how he behaves around her now.]

Sorry about that, though.

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