[Spending time with fox courtesans had been pleasant, and Atsushi had been quite content to sit and chat and eat for a while, even if he had no intention of doing anything more intimate. Standing up to go was less pleasant, mostly because Atsushi quickly discovered that his feet were not the shape he expected them to be and fell flat on his face.
After the initial embarrassment of that wore off, and Atsushi had a minute to figure out whose body this was supposed to be...]
Some of the fox Prismals at the festival seem to enjoy playing pranks and changing one Moonblessed's physical appearance to another's. In this case, mine to yours.
If it isn't too much trouble, I could use some advice on walking?
[ Wait, never mind, typing takes too long and he doesn't have the patience for that now. Switching over to a voice message.
Avicebron's tone of voice is still largely calm, though if Atsushi is especially observant, he might detect a slight edge of urgent tension to his words. ]
There are mechanisms within the legs to aid in balance. They work best if you relax. Keep your back straight and don't hunch forward. [ Talking about his own legs like this feels incredibly weird. ] Where are you.
[ He doesn't even bother responding to that, promptly cutting the connection and taking his spiritual form so he can zip right through walls and obstacles. It takes him a few minutes to get there and find Atsushi, whereupon he appears out of thin air with a shimmer of light; it probably startles some passersby, but he can't bring himself to care. ]
...
[ He doesn't even like looking at mirrors. So seeing himself in the flesh like this, in person, is ... uniquely unpleasant. Revolting, in a way. Sorry Atsushi.
Avicebron just stares silently for a moment before finally holding a hand out to help him, if it's still needed. It's subtle, but his head's angled slightly away, like he can't bear to look. ]
Focus your balance here. [ Tapping at his own body, just below the ribcage. ] Don't focus on your legs. They'll balance themselves accordingly.
[Given that Atsushi wasn't wearing a mask before the transformation, he isn't wearing one now. He assumes Avicebron is looking away because looking at yourself is weird? Why else would he be looking away?
The hands is taken with a mumured 'thank you', and Atsushi gets to his feet. For a moment more he's unsteady, but after a second he's confident enough of his balance to let go of Avicebron's hand.]
Your body is certainly impressive, but it works much better when I expect my feet to be that shape. ...Thank you for coming to help.
[He would've gotten the hang of it eventually, if Avicebron didn't take time out of his schedule to help him.]
[ Yeah, this is bad. Even worse than he'd feared. He'd held onto some hope that his mask would have also been part of the transformation, but evidently not.
Avicebron helps Atsushi to his feet, then promptly tugs him along. ]
This way.
[ He knows he's being brusque, but he'll deal with the aftermath of that later. For now, he has higher priorities.
He leads Atsushi into the shade of a little cluster of trees, quiet and away from the crowd. Then he pulls his mask off and presses it into Atsushi's hands; he hates showing his face, but it's fine, Atsushi's already seen it in a fashion. ]
[ He's gotten too used to the mask, and he briefly forgets to control his expression. At Atsushi's words, Avicebron squints, looking ... insulted, mostly. ]
You've nothing to gain from lying to me.
[ 'Don't mind your face.' As if.
But he regrets it the moment those words leave his mouth, and he exhales hoarsely. Closes his eyes, shakes his head. Takes another deep breath to calm himself. ]
... I apologize. I spoke too harshly. But I keep myself covered for a reason. I'll be making myself a replacement, so I ask that you wear that mask until the transformation wears off.
[ ... if it wears off. He dearly, dearly hopes it does. And soon. ]
[Atsushi's face being covered does nothing to hide his flinch at those words. It's not a lie, and more than any thoughts of when it wears off or what other side effects may occur, he has to make sure Avicebron knows-]
I was sick my entire life. [It's a non sequitur, coming out in a rush, but Avicebron has to know.] I was frail and constantly in and out of hospitals, unable to travel like I wanted to because the climate exacerbated my weakness. I died young.
Neither of us chose our illnesses. You couldn't do anything about yours any more than I could choose mine. But what you've done with your body, the things that were under your control - I think that's beautiful.
It's not a lie. I wouldn't lie to you like that.
Edited (missing some words...) 2019-07-25 17:48 (UTC)
[ That earns a few moments of eye contact -- given sideways, brows still knitted -- before he looks away once more. He still can't bring himself to look at Atsushi for long, mask or not, but at least he's lost some of the hard edge to his voice. ]
A pity you weren't given the form of someone healthy. Retreading old ground must be tiresome.
[ Avicebron turns away and starts examining the nearest tree. It should serve as acceptable material for making a replacement mask. ]
... it's hardly 'beautiful,' but I'm proud of my craftsmanship. At least, the limbs shouldn't cause you any discomfort once you've grown used to them. And as a spirit, I no longer suffer from the worst of my past illnesses. The situation isn't ideal, but you won't be suffering.
[ Damn straight he can't prove that wrong, which is just a little grating. Avicebron gives a quiet sigh but doesn't bother trying to fight it. ]
You've nothing to apologize for.
[ Because on a rational level, he understands this is his own problem, not anyone else's. It's a little unfair of him to impose his demands on Atsushi like this. ]
You're the one being inconvenienced. So I'm grateful for your cooperation.
[Atsushi knows he has nothing to apologize for, really, because he never intended any of this. He didn't even do anything, as far as he knows, besides have some probably overpriced food with some foxes. But he still feels some measure of responsibility and the need to make it up to Avicebron, and while he can't fix the actual problem...]
Whenever you finish your mask [since his assumption is that this is priority number one] I could lend you my book. I can't go very far from it, but it isn't all that long a read.
[ He glances briefly over his shoulders, squinting, before turning his attention back to the tree. At least his voice is softer, if a little wearier, when he responds. ]
You're kind to offer me a distraction. But I feel it would be doing you an injustice. I wouldn't wish to read your work when I'm unable to focus on it.
[ But also, they're spirits, so he sort of gets the importance of that book. He's not about to treat it lightly. ]
[The book is him, more than the human-shaped body is. It's his legacy and his only weapon against Taints. It's important, and even Atsushi, who barely considers himself a writer worthy to stand with other writers, knows that.
But.]
I wouldn't wish to leave you in distress without at least trying to do something to relieve it. Even if I weren't involved at all, I still wouldn't be able to.
[Because he doesn't want Avicebron to be in distress. It's simple.]
[ Atsushi is genuinely kind person, isn't he. Which is all the more reason he shouldn't be stuck in that wretched form, wearing his face. Avicebron tries to shove away the disgust bubbling up at the back of his mind.
Still, it takes him a moment to think of a proper response. ]
You're under no obligation to help me. But ... [ His shoulders rise and fall in a faint sigh. ] ... creating something with no preparation consumes more energy that I'd like. I can recover some of it by eating.
[ And they're surrounded by food stalls. How convenient. ]
[No, bad, that is the opposite of how Atsushi wanted to make Avicebron feel??]
I can buy you something! Or cook, if you want to wait a bit longer.
[Yes, there are food stalls, and Atsushi would be happy to purchase their wares, but the option is there. He's not an expert chef or anything like that, but he is an adult who has fed himself and his family on multiple occassions.]
[ The thought of making Atsushi go through the trouble of cooking isn't great. But also, he's not sure if he could handle watching himself cooking, Atsushi's physical mannerisms and all.
Avicebron gestures vaguely with his hand, with the communication device at his wrist. ]
I can repay you in demichroma. But ... if you could find something easy to eat without fully removing my mask, I'd be grateful.
[Without waiting to hear any argument, Atsushi heads towards the food stalls. There are all kinds of foods here, but what he returns with in a couple minutes is: a fruit smoothie. Straw included, of course.]
[ Atsushi returns just as Avicebron finishes his preparations and presses his hands to the trunk of the tree; if he listens really carefully, he might hear the tail end of a quiet incantation.
The end result is that a wooden mask practically pops out of the tree's surface, and Avicebron sighs as he takes it up. ]
Thank you. [ A brief glance over and a small nod. ] That will do.
[ And then he puts on the mask. Unfortunately, this one's nowhere near as polished as the metal one -- it has small slits for eyeholes, the edges still a little rough. ]
[Without thinking, Atsushi reaches out to steady him, but his hand stops an inch before making actual contact.
Right. His touch won't be appreciated right now. He lowers his hand.]
At least you can recover from normal food. [If he starts talking maybe Avicebron won't notice anything happened!] Usually all that heals me is ink... which tastes about as bad as you'd expect.
[ He notices the hesitation and appreciates it deeply, even if he doesn't mention it. But he does give a low exhale, almost a laugh, and his voice is just a touch softer around the edges. ]
... ink. I see. I suppose it makes sense for a spirit possessing a book. Is eating paper also a viable option?
[ Actually a serious question.
In the meantime, he scoots his mask up just enough that he can get to the straw for the smoothie. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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After the initial embarrassment of that wore off, and Atsushi had a minute to figure out whose body this was supposed to be...]
Some of the fox Prismals at the festival seem to enjoy playing pranks and changing one Moonblessed's physical appearance to another's. In this case, mine to yours.
If it isn't too much trouble, I could use some advice on walking?
[Knife feet...]
1/2
HOW
WHY.
Of all the people to turn into, why him.
Avicebron needs a second or two to process a myriad of emotions (none of them very good) before he can bring himself to respond. ]
There are mechani
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Avicebron's tone of voice is still largely calm, though if Atsushi is especially observant, he might detect a slight edge of urgent tension to his words. ]
There are mechanisms within the legs to aid in balance. They work best if you relax. Keep your back straight and don't hunch forward. [ Talking about his own legs like this feels incredibly weird. ] Where are you.
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One of the food tents in Caihong. Ah, but - you don't need to come down here if you're busy! I would hate to trouble you...
[The sound of Avicebron's feet scraping across the ground, much like someone who was trying to get up from being prone and only sort of succeeding.]
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...
[ He doesn't even like looking at mirrors. So seeing himself in the flesh like this, in person, is ... uniquely unpleasant. Revolting, in a way. Sorry Atsushi.
Avicebron just stares silently for a moment before finally holding a hand out to help him, if it's still needed. It's subtle, but his head's angled slightly away, like he can't bear to look. ]
Focus your balance here. [ Tapping at his own body, just below the ribcage. ] Don't focus on your legs. They'll balance themselves accordingly.
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The hands is taken with a mumured 'thank you', and Atsushi gets to his feet. For a moment more he's unsteady, but after a second he's confident enough of his balance to let go of Avicebron's hand.]
Your body is certainly impressive, but it works much better when I expect my feet to be that shape. ...Thank you for coming to help.
[He would've gotten the hang of it eventually, if Avicebron didn't take time out of his schedule to help him.]
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Avicebron helps Atsushi to his feet, then promptly tugs him along. ]
This way.
[ He knows he's being brusque, but he'll deal with the aftermath of that later. For now, he has higher priorities.
He leads Atsushi into the shade of a little cluster of trees, quiet and away from the crowd. Then he pulls his mask off and presses it into Atsushi's hands; he hates showing his face, but it's fine, Atsushi's already seen it in a fashion. ]
You must wear this.
[ It's not a gentle suggestion. Must. ]
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This goes beyond not wanting to see his own face. Not wanting anyone else to see it either.]
...I don't mind your face at all. But I understand if you don't want me to show it to other people.
[It's not his face to make that call on.]
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You've nothing to gain from lying to me.
[ 'Don't mind your face.' As if.
But he regrets it the moment those words leave his mouth, and he exhales hoarsely. Closes his eyes, shakes his head. Takes another deep breath to calm himself. ]
... I apologize. I spoke too harshly. But I keep myself covered for a reason. I'll be making myself a replacement, so I ask that you wear that mask until the transformation wears off.
[ ... if it wears off. He dearly, dearly hopes it does. And soon. ]
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I was sick my entire life. [It's a non sequitur, coming out in a rush, but Avicebron has to know.] I was frail and constantly in and out of hospitals, unable to travel like I wanted to because the climate exacerbated my weakness. I died young.
Neither of us chose our illnesses. You couldn't do anything about yours any more than I could choose mine. But what you've done with your body, the things that were under your control - I think that's beautiful.
It's not a lie. I wouldn't lie to you like that.
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A pity you weren't given the form of someone healthy. Retreading old ground must be tiresome.
[ Avicebron turns away and starts examining the nearest tree. It should serve as acceptable material for making a replacement mask. ]
... it's hardly 'beautiful,' but I'm proud of my craftsmanship. At least, the limbs shouldn't cause you any discomfort once you've grown used to them. And as a spirit, I no longer suffer from the worst of my past illnesses. The situation isn't ideal, but you won't be suffering.
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[And the nature of beauty is that even if Avicebron doesn’t agree, he can’t prove him wrong, either.]
You’re suffering more than I am, it seems. I’m sorry.
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You've nothing to apologize for.
[ Because on a rational level, he understands this is his own problem, not anyone else's. It's a little unfair of him to impose his demands on Atsushi like this. ]
You're the one being inconvenienced. So I'm grateful for your cooperation.
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Whenever you finish your mask [since his assumption is that this is priority number one] I could lend you my book. I can't go very far from it, but it isn't all that long a read.
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You're kind to offer me a distraction. But I feel it would be doing you an injustice. I wouldn't wish to read your work when I'm unable to focus on it.
[ But also, they're spirits, so he sort of gets the importance of that book. He's not about to treat it lightly. ]
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But.]
I wouldn't wish to leave you in distress without at least trying to do something to relieve it. Even if I weren't involved at all, I still wouldn't be able to.
[Because he doesn't want Avicebron to be in distress. It's simple.]
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Still, it takes him a moment to think of a proper response. ]
You're under no obligation to help me. But ... [ His shoulders rise and fall in a faint sigh. ] ... creating something with no preparation consumes more energy that I'd like. I can recover some of it by eating.
[ And they're surrounded by food stalls. How convenient. ]
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I can buy you something! Or cook, if you want to wait a bit longer.
[Yes, there are food stalls, and Atsushi would be happy to purchase their wares, but the option is there. He's not an expert chef or anything like that, but he is an adult who has fed himself and his family on multiple occassions.]
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[ The thought of making Atsushi go through the trouble of cooking isn't great. But also, he's not sure if he could handle watching himself cooking, Atsushi's physical mannerisms and all.
Avicebron gestures vaguely with his hand, with the communication device at his wrist. ]
I can repay you in demichroma. But ... if you could find something easy to eat without fully removing my mask, I'd be grateful.
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No, I'll pay.
[Without waiting to hear any argument, Atsushi heads towards the food stalls. There are all kinds of foods here, but what he returns with in a couple minutes is: a fruit smoothie. Straw included, of course.]
It doesn't get much easier than this, I think.
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The end result is that a wooden mask practically pops out of the tree's surface, and Avicebron sighs as he takes it up. ]
Thank you. [ A brief glance over and a small nod. ] That will do.
[ And then he puts on the mask. Unfortunately, this one's nowhere near as polished as the metal one -- it has small slits for eyeholes, the edges still a little rough. ]
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He hands Avicebron the smoothie.]
You work quickly.
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[ Case in point, he's a little wobbly as he steps away from the tree. Avicebron accepts the smoothie wearily. ]
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Right. His touch won't be appreciated right now. He lowers his hand.]
At least you can recover from normal food. [If he starts talking maybe Avicebron won't notice anything happened!] Usually all that heals me is ink... which tastes about as bad as you'd expect.
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... ink. I see. I suppose it makes sense for a spirit possessing a book. Is eating paper also a viable option?
[ Actually a serious question.
In the meantime, he scoots his mask up just enough that he can get to the straw for the smoothie. ]
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