lifeaftr | you and me in the moonlight

Entry tags:

you and me in the moonlight

Who: You!
What: A year end party MINGLELOG to help everyone recover from the Shit we’ve been through.
When: Forwarddated to Nov 24
Where: Enso E4, close to the ST Temple
Warnings: Mark as necessary, but none expected.

As the end of November draws near…… it’s time for that player plot the mods hinted at in their latest announcement.

~~Laurent’s Witch Labyrinth!~~ -no, actually, it’s just a party.

[preparation]

All day on the 24th people are hard at work setting up on the golden beaches of Enso. The Storyteller’s Temple can be seen from the site and vice versa; it’s just a short walk away. There’s quite a bit to be done, so every extra pair of hands are welcome!

[the party]

As evening falls, a series of torches light up the party site for the lost; most prominent are the three large campfires spaced out across the beach, offering a variety of gathering spots for those who don’t like the loud partying going on at the other one.

There’s more than enough food to go around. An entire Cariborn is being dug up from the sandy soil way up the beach, having been roasted in the ground. There’s a wide variety spread out on tables… of handwaved origin… maybe they’re the ones left around from 4/20?? It’s probably fine. Herb- baked vegetables, fresh fruits, meat of various types, pizza!! and yes, Muffet’s Magic Blackberry Alcohol abound.

We’ve also got party favors. Amongst them, it seems like..... owo are these sparklers?

Come hang out! It’s a well-deserved break.

[activities]

The children (and adults so-inclined) have some cute party games to have fun with. There’s a simple little ringtoss area set up, with rings that aren’t even proper circles (listen, Laurent tried) and wooden stakes in the ground to be ringed.

Across the wide stretch of sand there's a lot that can be done- want to build some sandcastles? Pick some shells? Fight some crabs? The beach is dotted with doodles in the sand, inviting you to join in.

The biggest attraction is perhaps the petting zoo- well, it’s a cluster of animals just hanging out, but you get the idea. Located far up on the beach and away from the danger of the waves, the petting zoo has three whole Chocobos, two whole Tigerlilies (one of which is clearly guarding the Chocobos), and one whole horse. Sometimes two horses, but the grey wandering one is wearing a plaque that says “I BITE. PET ME CAREFULLY.”

[storyteller?]

Yes, ST-chan is invited! I’m leaving it to them to top-level or tag out at their leisure. Keep an eye out for the bunny god, they’re Coming.

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[It's like a feedback loop. Every time Shiro's face warms his does too. What the hell. He's not had a drop of alcohol. It has to be the heat and close proximity making it this hard to hide it.]

Y-yeah, of course, I am. [He grins and picks his drink back up but, doesn't take his hand from under Shiro's. He'll allow himself this much.]

It's nice to have a moment to relax. We don't get that many moments here and...really didn't back home, either. Did we?

I never really appreciated that until so much happened all at once. [He glances towards the remains of the Caliborn that has been wolfed down by mostly everyone.] And I learned more about cooking. It's a good night. What about you?

Edited 2018-11-27 03:29 (UTC)

[ It would be easy to lean over and press his lips to Keith's. Really, it would. In Shiro's mind, right now, the loudest voice is the one saying that it would be fine. But a smaller voice, one that speaks for the rational, still sober part of his mind, tells him he shouldn't. That it would be the dumbest thing he could do.

That it would ruin everything between them. And Keith... Keith deserves better than for Shiro to push something like that onto him.

He tells himself no, tells himself to rein it in. ]

Hah... no, we definitely didn't. [ But he keeps his hand over Keith's. It's comfortable this way, and it doesn't seem to hint at too much else. ] Honestly, it's been kind of hard to adjust to this kind of life after having to go for so long.

[ He exhales, slowly. ]

After the shades, and the trouble with the temple, though... it's good to have a nice night like this.

[ It's funny how much more exhausting it was than any fight he's ever faced. ]

[Keith turns his gaze to the flames. Shiro's right the life of a Paladin has been one long stretch of battles. It hadn't been any different than the life he'd been living before the Garrison. The difference is in war, fighting meant more than another mark on your record.

Here...]

...sometimes it feels like we're fighting ourselves. It feels so much more personal here. Umui...helping other people meant bargaining by confessing stuff we didn't want to share.

Zizyphus...our own dreams were the enemy. Monsun, it was ourselves. We were something to beware. [He looks up at him, then away.]

It's good not to worry about what else could be turned against us. For just one night.

[ Shiro's eyes, meanwhile, never leave Keith. He's been through so much. Too much, maybe. Keith is strong, but even the strongest can buckle under too much pressure. Too much weight on their heart.

He squeezes Keith's hand, once more. ]

Whatever happens, Keith, I'll be right there next to you. I'm not sure what else this place will throw at us, but I will always have your back.

Nothing will change that, ever.

We'll have each other's backs. [He smiles at him and squeezes Shiro's shoulder in turn.] Just like always.

Whatever happens, Shiro. I'll be here with you. [For as long as they're both around. He's starting to believe with the faintest flicker of a hope, that they'll all stay. But Ann had been right. Life's too short to constantly worry about everyone disappearing. He meets Shiro's eyes and leans into him just a little bit.]

So, for now, how long has it been since we got to kick back and not be responsible?

Of course we will.

[ They always have.

... but. Ah. Keith is warm. A solid weight. And he's leaning against Shiro just a bit. Honestly, the buzz is starting to turn into a little more, making him feel relaxed and at ease. More willing to listen to what his heart's telling him to do, even if his brain is telling him to pull back.

Instead, Shiro pulls him close. Rests his cheek on Keith's head. Slides an arm around his shoulders and all but holds him.

Quiznak, he wants to kiss him so badly. ]

I can't even remember. Before Kerberos? Something like that.

[He tenses. Shiro pulls him close and settles against him in a way that really can't be what he thinks it is. He relaxes into it. Last time back when it was the Jormun throwing the party, he'd jerked back and made him feel awkward. Not this time.

He drops his gaze to the fire in front of them. His hand that had been on Shiro's shoulder settles against his back.]

Right, even when we went to that Mall you were working with our Lion. [He could have said Black or your, but he and Black are a pair now too. He won't forsake that connection even with their time differences.]

A night like this was way overdue for you.

[ Keith's not pulling away. That's a good sign, Shiro thinks. His hand slides up and rests at the back of Keith's head, and he idly plays with his hair. Here, in front of the fire, surrounded by good feelings and with Keith's warmth against him...

It's perfect. He couldn't imagine a better night.

Keith's comment gives him pause. Our Lion. Even with his mind a bit hazy, he doesn't miss that. ]

For you, too. [ He falls quiet for a moment. ] You're piloting Black?

[ He doesn't sound upset or angry. Just... curious. ]

[He stills for a moment as the hand slides up. His senses wake up as if they'd been asleep until Shiro touched him. Keith makes a small noise of approval and leans into the touch for a moment before he stops himself.

It's a good thing he did. He hadn't realized Shiro would either not be told that by someone else or catch that in his state. Keith slowly looks up and meets his best friend's grey eyes.

In his mind's eye all that led up to Allura saving him from within the Lion plays out.] Yeah.

[Screw it. He turns to face him, his hand on Shiro's back sliding up brush against the back of his neck.] Shiro, you're okay. I made sure of it. Just like you promised me once, I will never give up on you. As many times as it takes...I'll be there.

[ Ah. Keith's touch draws a shiver from Shiro; it's subtle, and not from the chill in the air. His eyes lock onto the violet of Keith's, and he lets out a breath. ]

Why wouldn't I be okay, Keith?

[ It's the quietest question. But... he wants to know. ]

You told me you wanted me to pilot Black and lead if you didn't make it. [He can easily remember how pale Shiro had looked and the tone of his voice when he'd said it. He'd known as far back as when he overheard why they didn't want Shiro going to Kerberos that inevitability would come for his best friend.

He'd thought they'd had a reprieve when Shiro came back. Hell no. It was only the prolonging a series of events that lead to exactly what he feared. Yet...it turned out alright. Keith leans up to subtly invade Shiro's space as he lowers his voice.]

That's not what happened. [That's exactly what happened. The grief had torn a hole in his heart and everything had fallen out of it. He'd lashed out at anything that breathed and refused Black. He'd committed so many mistakes. He refuses to do that now.]

You just need to recover for a little bit.

[ He can remember that, too. It had been when they'd been stranded on that planet. When he'd sustained a serious injury from Zarkon's witch. He remembers how upset Keith had been... but, really, Shiro's just lucky to be alive and as strong as he is. He shouldn't be.

But he is. And he's here, with Keith, looking him in the eyes and listening to him. There's something more. Something.... he's not telling Shiro. But with his head less clear than he'd like right now, he can't quite grasp it. ]

Recover... from the fight with Zarkon?

[That's not...inaccurate. But the way Shiro is not quite his usual level of wits tells him he shouldn't be having this discussion with him right now. He idly brushes his fingers against the back of Shiro's neck.]

Yeah but, we really shouldn't have this conversation right now. You've had a bit to drink. I promise we can talk about this tomorrow.

[After some sobering up is had and maybe a hangover is weathered.] I'll tell you what you want to know then.

[ Keith's touch is more than a little distracting, and Shiro rests his cheek back on the top of his head. ]

Yeah. Fair enough. [ He chuckles lightly, despite the heaviness weighing on his heart. He plays with Keith's hair. ] When did you become the responsible one?

[That's a tricky question to answer. He tucks himself up against him as he laughs quietly. Shiro enfolding him like this is so peaceful he could fall asleep like this. He hear him breathing and that says Shiro is alive. Safe. All he could ask for.]

It's a bit of a hard question to answer. I was eighteen here. I came back with two more years. It's like it all mixed together? [He idly moves his hand a little higher and toys with Shiro's hair. He knows Pidge and Lance are also safe. This is a good night.]

So, it's more like I got a lot of experiences that demanded it of me and...they needed me to be that person. So I got over myself and did it.

So you're twenty now. On your way to becoming an old timer, just like me.

[ He closes his eyes, leaning into the touch. Almost like a cat. It feels nice, and Shiro too could fall asleep like this. But he wants to keep talking to Keith, wants to keep holding him like this.

If he falls asleep now, it'll break the spell. And Shiro wants this to go on as long as he can. ]

I never doubted you could. I'm proud of you, Keith.

Twenty-two. Forgot a few steps in my math. We can talk about that later.

[He rests his other hand on Shiro's arm as he watches his face. He almost looks at peace. He's never seen him like this before. It could be the alcohol in his system letting him release a few of his burdens. But the way Shiro's been leaning into his touch and touching back.

...no. Better to think about that tomorrow. When they're both sober and he can gauge how much Shiro remembers of the night before.]

I know you are and that you never doubted me. That means a lot, more than I can put into words.

I'll hold you to me. [ Wait. Fuck. ] ... Hold you to it.

[ Okay, maybe he's more out of it than he thought. But with Keith's hand in his hair, his arm... it's pretty distracting. He finds himself searching Keith's face, lingering on that mysterious scar and his eyes.

He quickly looks up from Keith's lips, even as he plays with Keith's hair. It's relaxing, and Keith's hair is soft.

At least he doesn't touch his forehead to Keith's. That, he can't explain away. ]

That's what we do. We believe in each other, no matter what.

Yeah, that...sums up how we are. [He shuts his eyes and leans into Shiro's hand in his hair. It's comfortable. All of the tension is draining right out of him. A relaxed calm steals over him and he meets his friend's eyes with a small smile on his face.

There's enough distance between them that he can explain this away as just taking it easy. Touch is part of how they communicate. But he does raise his eyebrow just a hair. He'd noticed the slip but what that means...again. Better not to think about it right now.]

...anything else you want to talk about right now? I'll try not to be too dodgy. Just some of it should be when I'm sure you'll remember in the morning.

Yeah. I thought so, too.

[ He falls quiet, thinking. There are a lot of things he wants to know, but that he shouldn't ask about. So... he needs to choose a topic carefully. It's harder than it should be. ]

So... your mom, huh? I never asked what she was like.

[He opens his eyes to search Shiro's face. The quiet is as comfortable as their talk had been. It's easy to open up to him and be in his space. He pauses then his smile returns.]

She's incredible. She and Kolivan trained most of the Blades in active duty. And living with just her for two years was...we had a lot of talks. She's really steady and reasonable.

We're both stubborn too but...

[But he loves his mother. He shuts his eyes again.]

Part of the way I am now is because of her. She helped me settle things.

[ Shiro's smile mirrors Keith's, and he stops playing with his hair. But he doesn't remove his hand from it. He just holds it there, content to touch Keith. ]

She sounds amazing. [ Keith sounds so happy when he talks about her, and that makes Shiro happy. ] How'd she end up on Earth, anyway?

Well, [That's a long story. He sits up a bit and that puts him a little closer to Shiro than he probably should be. He glances away from him to take a breath.]

Okay, so, Ulaz knew the Blue Lion is on Earth because of mom. The empire was sending out teams to search with a special program and equipment that could detect them. The Blades inserted their members into each team.

To thwart them. They weren't successful with Red. But for Blue she took out the team but...crashed herself. Dad rescued her. [He sets his hand on Shiro's chest and looks up at him again. This part is going to be difficult. He still doesn't like talking about it.]

She tried to stay to protect the Blue Lion. But the Empire kept sending patrols. Dad got hurt and she made the decision to protect both of us. She went back to being a spy in the empire and shifted their focus away from Earth.

[ Shiro listens, and he does a pretty good job of paying attention... considering how he's had a bit to drink, and how Keith's hand is warm on his chest.

He wonders if Keith can feel how hard and fast his heart is beating. He hesitates, then places his hand over Keith's, because that seems like a good idea right now. Gently, he squeezes. ]

So... that's where you got the knife? She left it with you before she had to go. [ His thumb rubs little circles on Keith's hand. ] She sounds so strong. Having to leave the man she loved and you...

[ ... he can relate, sort of. He'd left everything behind when he went to Kerberos. He'd left Keith behind. ]

She gave up everything to protect both of you.

Yeah, she did. [He never understood it. He had no frame of reference for it and his father was busy raising him. He must have told him at some point because why else would his father say it in the trial of Marmora?]

She protected the people she loves. [He pauses and studies Shiro's face. His best friend's heart is beating so fast completely at odds with their conversation. His hand is trapped under Shiro's but touching for touch's sake is not underheard of between them. Yet usually, they're both pretty calm even under the surface.]

...Shiro, your heart is going really fast. Are you okay? [He barely resists leaning closer as his hand slips from Shiro's hair to rest on his shoulder.]

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